The truly blessed man

3. All mankind, in their natural state are ignorant of this way. Rom. 3.17. As to the first way prescribed to man in his integrity, there are some relicts of that ancient Law on the consciences of mere Heathen, which make them sometimes excuse, sometimes accuse them, Rom. 2.14, 15. Yet that knowledge labours of a double infelicity, for the understanding of it is so broken & imperfect, that the most it doth is to leave men inexcusable, Rom. 1.19, 20. But they are grossly mistaken, and misled in the greatest part of that Rule. But besides, that is no longer a way of life to fallen man, the Law is become weak, through mans sin, Rom. 8.3. So that if the man knew the length and breadth of it, it would never lead him to the enjoyment of God, and blessedness; the way of peace and reconciliation is another thing, of which he hath no natural intelligence. Among all the excellent discourses of morality, which some Ethnics have made themselves famous for, there is not the least footstep of any mention of Christ, and his Righteousness; and Salvation through him. Indeed, they never •ome to a right discovery of mans misery, neither ⟨p. 448⟩in the causes nor effects, much less of the only remedy: Hence the Preaching of Christ was to them egregious folly, 1 Cor. 1.23.

3. All mankind, in their natural state are ignorant of this way. Rom. 3.17. As to the first way prescribed to man in his integrity, there are some relicts of that ancient Law on the consciences of meer Heathen, which make them sometimes excuse, sometimes accuse them, Rom. 2.14, 15. Yet that knowledge labours of a double infelicity, for the understanding of it is so broken & imperfect, that the most it doth is to leave men inexcusable,