Truth and innocence vindicated in a survey of a discourse concerning ecclesiastical polity, and…

Thirdly, The most important duties of Christian Religion are here not only omitted, but excluded. Where shall we find any place here to introduce Repentance; and as belonging thereunto Conviction of Sin, Humiliation, Godly Sorrow, Conversion it self to God? For my part I will ⟨p. 206⟩never be of that Religion where these duties towards God have no place. Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, with all that is necessary to it, preparatory for it, included in it, and consequential on it, are in like manner cast out of the verge of Religious duties here schematized. An endeavour to fly from the wrath to come, to receive Jesus Christ, to accept of the atonement, to seek after the forgiveness of sins by him (that we may cant a little) and to give up our souls in universal Obedience to all his commands, belong also to the duties of that Religion towards God which the Scripture prescribeth unto us; but here they appear not in the least intimation of them. No more do the duties which though generally included in the Law of loving God above all, yet are prescribed and determined in the Gospel alone. Such are self-denial, readiness to take up the Cross, and the like. Besides all the duties wherein our Christian conflict against our Spiritual Adversaries doth consist, and in especial the whole of our duty towards God in the mortification of sin, can be of no consideration there, where no supposition of sin is made or allowed. But there would be no end if all exceptions of this nature, that readily offer themselves, might here ⟨p. 207⟩have admittance. If this be the Religion of our Adversaries in these things, if this be a perfect Scheme of its Duties towards God, and induction of all its particulars; let our Author insult over, and reproach them whilst he pleaseth, who blame it as insufficient without Grace and Godliness: I would not be in the condition of them who trust their eternal concernments to mere Observance of it; as knowing that there is no name under Heaven given unto men whereby they may be saved, but only the name of Jesus Christ. It will be in vain pretended, that it is not a description of Christian Religion, but of Religion, as Religion in general, that is here attempted. For besides that, it is Christian Religion, and that as used and practised by Christians, which is alone under consideration;

Thirdly, The most important duties of Christian Religion are here not only omitted, but excluded. Where shall we find any place here to introduce Repentance; and as belonging thereunto Conviction of Sin, Humiliation, Godly Sorrow, Conversion it self to God? For my part I will