The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

15. Nor can it be said that the Law hath received a new Interpretation, whereby it is declared, that it doth not oblige, nor shall be construed for the future to oblige any unto sinless and perfect Obedience, but may be complied with on far easier terms. For the Law being given unto us when we were sinless, and on purpose to continue and preserve us in that condition, it is absurd to say that it did not oblige us unto sinless Obedience; and not an Interpretation, but a plain Depravation of its sense and meaning. Nor is any such thing once intimated in the Gospel. Yea the Discourses of our Saviour ⟨p. 352⟩upon the Law, are absolutely destructive of any such Imagination. For whereas the Scribes and Pharisees had attempted by their false Glosses and Interpretations to accommodate the Law unto the Inclinations and Lusts of men, (a course since pursued both notionally and practically, as all who design to burden the Consciences of men with their own commands, do endeavour constantly to recompense them, by an Indulgence with respect unto the commands of God) He on the contrary rejects all such pretended Epikeia's and Interpretations, restoring the Law unto its pristine Crown, as the Jews Tradition is, that the Messiah shall do.

15. Nor can it be said that the Law hath received a new Interpretation, whereby it is declared, that it doth not oblige, nor shall be construed for the future to oblige any unto sinless and perfect Obedience, but may be complied with on far easier terms. For the Law being given unto us when we were sinless, and on purpose to continue and preserve us in that condition, it is absurd to say that it did not oblige us unto sinless Obedience; and not an Interpretation, but a plain Depravation of its sense and meaning. Nor is any such thing once intimated in the Gospel. Yea the Discourses of our Saviour ⟨p. 352⟩upon the Law, are absolutely destructive of any such Imagination. For whereas the Scribes and Pharisees had attempted by their false Glosses and Interpretations to accommodate the Law unto the Inclinations and Lusts of men, (a course since pursued both notionally and practically, as all who design to burden the Consciences of men with their own commands, do endeavour constantly to recompence them, by an Indulgence with respect unto the commands of God) He on the contrary rejects all such pretended Epikeia's and Interpretations, restoring the Law unto its pristine Crown, as the Jews Tradition is, that the Messiah shall do.