III. For convincing a man of judgment by the law, conrl

sider 2 Thess. i. 7.
TH£ Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, Ver. 8. In faming fre, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Ver. 9. l^Vhn shall be punished with ever- lasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the
glori/
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f^lory of his potver ; Ver. 10. When he shall come to be glori- ficd in his saints, and to he admired in all them that urb'ece.
Wherein we are taught, that our Lord Jesu . uho now offers to l)e Mediator for them who believe in luin, shall, at the last day, come armed with flaming fire, to judge, con- demn, and destroy all them who have not believed God, have not received the offer of grace made in the gospel, nor obeyed the doctrine thereof; but remain in their natural state, under the law or covenant of works.
Hence let every man reason thus i * What the righteous Judge hath forewarned me shall e done at the last day, I am sure is just judgment : •' I3ut the righteous Judge hath forewarned me, that if i^^I do not believe God in time, and obey not the doctrine ^^h>f the gospel, I shall be secluded from his presence and ^^Biis glory at the last day, and be tormented in soul and ^^B>ody for ever :
^^V' Therefore I am convinced that this is a just judgment: IB^* And I have reason to thank God heartily, who hath *' ft)rewarned me to llee from the -vrath which is to come." Thus every man may be, by the law or covenant of works, convinced of judgment, if he shall continue under the covenant of works, or shall not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
I\'. For convincing a man of sin, righteousness, and judg- ment, by the gospel.
As for convincing a man of sin, and righteousness, and judg- ment, by the gospel, or covenant of grace, he must under- stand three things: L That not believing in Jesus Christ, or refusing of the covenant of grace otlered in him, is a greater and more dangerous sin than all other sins against the law; because the hearers of the gospel, not believing in Christ, do reject Goifs mercy in Christ, the only way of free- dom from sin and wrath, and will not yield to be reconciled to God. 2. Next, He must understand, that perfect remission of sin, and true righteousness, is to be had only by faith in Jesus; because Crod requirethno other conditions but faith; and testifies from heaven, that he is well pleased to justify sin- j
ners '
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ners upon this condition. 3. He must understand, that upon righteousness received by faith, judg^nent shall follow, on the one hand, to the destroying of the works of the devil in the believer, and to the perfecting of the work of sanctification in him, with power: and that, upon refusing to take righte- ousness by faith in Jesus Christ, judgment shall follow, on the other hand, to the condemnation of the misbeliever, and destroying of him with Satan and his servants for ever.
For this end, let these passages of scripture, among many others, serve to make the greatness of the sin of not be- lieving in Christ appear ; or, to make the greatness of the sin of refusing of the covenant of grace offered to us, in the offering of Christ unto us, let the fair offer of grace be look- ed upon as it is made, Isa. Iv. 3. Incline your ear^ and come unto me, (saith the Lord:) hear^ and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you^ even the sure mercies of David. That is. If ye will believe me, and be re- conciled to me, I will, by covenant, give unto you Christ, and all saving graces in him : repeated Acts xiii. 54'.
Again, consider, that this general offer in substance is equi- valent to a special offer made to every one in particular; as nppeareth by the apostle's making use of it. Acts xvi. 51. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. The reason of which offer is given, John iii. 16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Seeing then this great salvation is offered in the Lord Jesus, whosoever believeth not in him, but looks for happiness some other way, what doth he else but observe lying vanities, and for sake his own mercy, which he might have had in Christ? Jonah ii. 8, 9. What doth he else but blas- pheme God in his heart? as it is said, 1 John v. 10, 11. He that believeth not God, hath made him a liar, because he believeth 7iot the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life: and this life is in his Son. And that no sin against the law is like unto this sin, Christ testifies, John xv. !22. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. This may convince a man of the greatness of this sin of not believing in Christ.
For
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For convincing a man of rifi^hteousness to be had only by laith in Jesus Christ, consider how, Rom. x. 3, 4.
It is said, that the Jews, being ignorant of God's righ- tconsftess, and going about to establish their oivn righteousness y have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God, (and so they perished.) For Christ is the end of the lata for righteousness to every one that believeth. And Acts xiii. 39. By Christ Jesus all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye coiild not be justifed by the law of Moses. And 1 John i. 7. The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
For con^^ncing a man of judgment, if a man embrace this righteousness, consider 1 John iii. 8. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the woi'ks of the devil. And Ileb. ix. 14. Now much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the liviiig God?
But if a man embrace not this righteousness, his doom is pronounced, John iii. 18, 19. He that believeth not is con- donned already^ because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten SonofGod. Andthis is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light.
Hence let the penitent, desiring to believe, reason thus :
• What doth suffice to convince all the elect in the world *• of the greatness of the sin of not believing in Christ, or '* refusing to flee to him for relief from sins done against " the law, and from wrath due thereto ; and what sufliceth " to convince them that righteousness and eternal lite is to *' be had by faith in Jesus Christ, or by consenting to the " covenant of grace in him ; and what sufficeth to convince ** them of judgment to be exercised by Christ, for destroying " the works of thedevil in a man, and sanctifying and saving '' all that believe in him, may suffice to convince me also : " But what the Spirit hath said, ia these or other like " scriptures, sufficeth to convince the elect world of the " foresaid sin, and righteousness, and judgment :
* " Therefore what the Spirit hath said, in these and other " like scriptmes, serveth to convince me thereof also.""
Whereupon
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Whereupon let tJie penitent desiring to believe take with him words, and say heartily to the Lord, seeing thou sayest, Seek yc my face ; my soul answereth unto thee, T hi/ face, Lord, will I seek. I have hearkened unto the offer of an everlasting covenant of all saving mercies to be had in Christ, and I do heartily embrace thy offer. Lord, let it be a bargain ; Lord, I believe ; help my unbelief: Behold, I give myself to thee, to serve thee in all things for ever; and I hope thy right hand shall save me : the I-.ord will perfect that which concerneth me : thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever ; forsake not the works of thine own hands.
Thus may a man be made an unfeigned believer in Christ.
For strengthening the man's faith who hath agreed unto the covenant of grace.
Because nxanytrue believ^ers are weak, and do much doubt if ever they shall be sure of the soundness of their own faith and effectual calling, or made certain of their justifi- cation and salvation, when they see that many, who profess faith, are found to deceive themselves ; let us see how every believer may be made strong in the faith, and sure of his own election and salvation upon solid grounds, by sure warrants, and true evidences of faith. To this end, among many other scriptures, take these following.
1. For laying solid grounds of faith, consider 2 Pet. i. 10. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make -your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things yc shall never fall.
In which words, the apostle teacheth us these four things, for help and direction how to be made strong in the faith.
1. That such as believe in Christ Jesus, and are fled to him for relief from sin and wrath, albeit they be weak in the faith, yet they are indeed children of the same Father with the apostles^, fur so he accounteth of them, while he calleth them brethren.
2. Tiiat albeit we be not sure, for the time, of our effec- tual calling and election, yet we mny bemade sure of both, if we use diligence ; for this he prehupposeth, saying, " Give ^^ diligence to make vour calliiiff and election sure/**
5. That
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3. That we must not be discouraged, wlieii we »e^ many seeming believers prove rotten bi anches, and make defection ; but we must the rather take the better heed to ourselves : " Wherefore the rather, brethren, (saith *' he,) give all diligence.""
4. That the way to be sure both of our effectual calUj ing and election, is to make sure work of our faith, by laying the grounds of it solidly, and bringing forth the fruits of our faith in new obedience constantly : " For if *' ye do these things, (saith he,) ye shall never fall ;'"* Tinderslanding by these things, what he had said of sound faith, Ver. 1, 2, 5, 4. and what lie had said of the bring- ing out of the fruits of faith, \'er. 5, (i, 7, 8, 9.
To this same purpose, consider Horn. viii. 1. There is therefore note no condcmvation to them uhich are in Christ Jesusy who walk not after the fleshy but (fter the Spirit. Ver. 2. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Ver. 3. For what th ' could not do^ in that it was weak through the fleshy God sendi)ig his own Son in the likeness of sinful Jlesh, and for sin condemned Mn in the flesh ; Ver. 4. That the righteousness of the law might he fulfilled in us, who walk not a per thejlesh^ but ojter the Spirit, Wherein the apostle teacheth us tliese four things, for laying of the ground of faith solidly :
1. That every one is a true believer, who, in the sense of his sin, and fear of God's wrath, doth flee for full relief from both unto Jesus Christ alone, as the only Mediator and all- sufficient Kcdeenier of men ; and, being lied to Christ, doth strive against his own flesh, orcorru})t inclination of nature, and studieth to follow the rule of God's Spirit, set down in his word : for the man, whom the apostle doth here bless as a true believer, is a man in Christ Jesus, " who doth not " walk after the flesh, but after the Spirit.""
2. That all such persons as are fled to Christ, and da strive against sin, howsoever they may be jwssibly exercised under the sense of wrath, and fear of condenmation, yet they are in no danger ; for " there is no condemnation *^ (saith he) to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk. '* not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.'"*
3. That albeit the apostle himself, (brought in here for
U • example's
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example\s cause,) and all other true believers in Christ, be by nature under the law of sin and death, or under the cove- nant of works, (called the law of sin and death, because it bindeth sin and death upon us, till Christ set us free;) yet the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, or the cove- nant of grace, (so called, because it doth enable and quick- en a man to a spiritual life through Christ,) doth set the apostle, and all true believers, free from the covenant of works, or the law of sin and death ; so that every man may say with liim, " The law of the Spirit of life,"' or the covenant of grace, "hath made me free from the lawof *' sin and death,"" or covenant of works.
4. That the fountain and first ground, from whence our freedom from the cm'se of the law doth flow^ is the cove- nant of redemption, passed betwixt God and God the Son as incarnate, wherein Christ takes the curse of the law upon Kim for sin, that the believer, who could not otherwise be ^delivered from the covenant of works, may be delivered from it. And this doctrine the apostle heldeth forth in these four branches: (1.) That it was utterly impossible for the law, or the covenant of works, to bring righteousness and life to a sinner, because it was weak. (2.) That this weakness and inability of the law, or covenant of works, is not the fault of the law, but the fauit of sinfuHlesh^ which is neither able to pay tliF^naTty of sin, hoFTo give perfect obedience to the law, (presuppose bygone sins wer^ forgiven :) " The law " was weak (saith he) through the flesh." (3.) That the righteousness and salvation of sinners, which was impossible to be brought about by the law, is brought to pass by send- ing God's own Son, Jesus Christ, in the flesh, in whose flesh »in is condemned and punished, for making satisfaction in the behalf of the elect, that they might be set free. (4.) That by his means the law loseth nothing, because the righteousness of the law is best fulfilled this way ; first, by Christ^s giving perfect active obedience in our name unto it in all things ; next, by his paying in our name the penalty due to our sins in his death ; and, lastly, by his worsing of ^nctification in us, who are true believers, who strive to give new obedience unto the law, and " walk not after the *^ flesh, but after the Spirit/'
WARRANTS
A'l^f'fe'
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f WARRANTS TO BELIli^^,.
OR building our confidence upon this Stolid ^ound^ these four Warrants and special Motives t^ believe ift Cluist may serve, ---«^
The first w!iereof is GoiTs heartj/ invitation^ liojden forth, Isa, Iv. 1 , 2, 5, 4, 5,
HOy ev^rj/ one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters^ and he that hath no money ; comeye^ buy and eat ; yea^ come, buy wine and milk without money ^ and uitfiout price. Ver. 2. Where- fore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your '^ Labour for that which satisjicth not? Hearken diligently unto me^ and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself iu Jatness. Ver. 5. Incline your car, and come unto me : hear, and your soul sJiall lice ; aivd I will make an everlasting covenant icith you, even the sure mercies of David. Ver. 4. Behold, I lave given him for a witness to the people, a leader and coin^ snander to the people, &c.
Here (after setting down the precious ransom of oup redemption by the sufferings of Christ, and the rich bless- ings purchased to us thereby, iu the two former chapters) tjie Lord, in this cliapter,
1 . Maketh open ofl'er of Chriit and his grace, by procla- mation of a free and gracious market of righteousness and salvation, to be hwl tnrough Christ to every soul, without exception, that truly desires to be saved from sin and wrath : '' Ho, every one that thirsteth,** saith he.
2. lie inviteth all sinners, that for any reason stand «t a distance with God, to come and take from him riches of grace, running in Christ ^s a river, to wash away sin, and ito slocken wrath ; '* Come ye to the waters/' saith he.
3. Lest any should stand aback, in the sense of his own fiinfulness or unworthiness, and inability to do any good, the Lord calleth upon sucli persons in special, saying, " Hie 4* that hath no money, come.''
4. He craveth no more of his merchant, but that he be pleased with the wares offered, which are grace, and more trace , aiid that he heortilv consent unto, and embrace tliis
460 The Practical Use of Saving Knowledge.
offer of grace, that so he may close a bargain, and a formal covenant with God; " Come, buy without money,(saith he,) ^' come, eat :" that is, consent to have, and take unto you all saving graces ; make the wares your own, possess them, and make use of all blessings in Christ ; whatsoever maketli for your spiritual life and comfort, use and enjoy it freely, without paying any thing for it : " Come, buy wine and ^' milk without money, and without price," saith he.
5. Because the Lord knoweth how much we are inclined to seek righteousness and life by our own performances and satisfiiction, to have righteousness and life as it w^ere by the way of works, and how loath we are to embrace Christ Jesus, and to take life by way of free grace through Jesus Christ, upon the terms whereupon it is offered to us ; therefore the Xiord lovingly calls us ofF this our crooked and unhappy way with a gentle and timeous admonition, giving us to under- stand, that we shall but lose our labour in this our way : *' Wherefore do ye spend your money (saith he) for that *' which is not bread ? and yom* labour for that which *' satisfieth not ?''
6. The Lord promiseth to us solid satisfaction in the way of betaking ourselves unto the grace of Christ, even true contentment, and fulness of spiritual pleasure, saying, *^ Heai'ken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is *' good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.""
7. Because faith cometh by hearing, he calleth for audi- ence unto the explication of the offer, and calleth for be- lieving of, and listening unto the truth, which is able to beget the application of saving faith, and to draw the soul to trust in God : " Incline your ear, and come unto me," saith he. To which end, the Lord promises, that this offer being received, shall quicken the dead sinner; and that, upon the welcoming of this offer, he will close the covenant of grace with the man that shall consent unto it, even an in-i dissolvable covenant of perpetual reconciliation and peace: *' Hearken, and your soul shall live : and I will make air ** everlasting covenant with you."' Which covenant, he d^clareth, shall be in substance the assignation, and the making over, of all the saving graces which David (whp is Jesus Christ, Acts xiii. 34.) hath bought for us in the
covenant
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covenant of redemption : " I will make a covenant with " you, (saith he,) even the sure mercies of David/' By sure mercies, he means saving graces, such as are righteous- 'iiess, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, adoption, sanctiti- cation,and gloritication, and whatsoever belongs to godliness and life eternal.
8. To confirm and assure us of the real grant of these sa- ving mercies, and to persuade us of the reality of the cove nant betwixt God and the believer of this word, the Father hath made a fouifold gift of his eternal and only begotten Son :
First, To be incarnate and bom for our sake, of the seed of David his type; for which cause he is called here, and Acts xiii. 54. David, the true and everlasting Kingof Israel. Thia. \ is the great gift of God to man, John iv. 10. And here, / have given him to be David, or born of David, to the people.
Secondli/, He hath made a gift of Clu*ist to be a witness to the people, both of the sure and saving mercies granted to the redeemed in the covenant of redemption ; and also of the Father's willingness and purix)se to apply them, and to make them fast in the covenant of reconciliation made with such as embrace the ofler : '* I have given him (saith the *' Lord here) to be a witness to the j^eople.'' And truly he is a sufficient witness in this matter in many respects: \st. Because he is one of the blessed Trinity, and party -contractor for us, in the covenant of redemption, before the world was. 2rf/y, He is by office, as Mediator, the Messenger of the co- venant, and hath gotten commission to reveal it. odh/. He began actually to reveal it in paradise, where he promised, that the seed of the wofnan should bruise the head of tl»e serpent. 4/////y, He set forth his own death and sufferings, and the great benetits that should come thereby to us, in the types and figures of sacrifices and ceremonies before his co- ming, olhly. He gave more and more light about tliis cove- nant, speaking by his Spirit, from age to age, in the holy prophets, (i/flfy. He came himself, in the fulness of time, and did bear witness of all things belonging to this covenant, and of God's willing mind to take believers into it; partly, by uniting our nature in one person with the divine natuie;
rtly, by preaching the gooii tidings of the covenant with is own moutli ; partly, by paying the price of redemption }^ 3 on;
452 The Practical tJse of Saving Knowktlge,
•11 the cross ; and partly, by dealing still with the people, from the beginning to this day, to draw in, and to hold in the redeemed in this covenant.
Thirdly^ God hath made a gift of Christ, as a leader to the people, to bring us through all difficulties, all afflictions and temptations, unto life, by this covenant : and he it is, and no other, who doth indeed lead his own unto the cove- Tfiant ; and, in- the covenant, all the way on unto salvation : 1. By the direction of his word and Spirit. 2. By the ex- jiraple of his own life, in faith and obedience, even to the ^eath of the cross. 3. By his powerful working, bearing^ his redeemed ones in his arms, and causing them to lean on him, while they go up through the wilderness.
FourtMi/^ God hath made a gift of Christ unto his people, as a commander : which office he faithfully exerciseth, l^ giving to his kirk and people laws and ordinances, pastors and governors, and all necessary officers; by keeping courts and assemblies among them, to see that his laws be obeyed; subduing, by his word, Spirit, and discipline, his people's corruptions ; and, by his wisdom and power, guai'ding tliem against all their enemies whatsoever.
Hence he who hath closed bargain with God raaj strengthen his faith, by reasoning after this manner :
" Whosoever doth heartily receive the offi^r of free grace, ** made here to sinners, thirsting for righteousness and sal- ^' vation ; unto him, by an everlasting covenant, belongeth " Christ, the true David, with all his sure and saving mercies i
" But I (may the weak believer say) do heartily receive ** righteousness and salvation :
''Therefore unto me, by an everlasting covenant^ belong- ** eth Christ Jesus, with all his sure and saving mercies.'""
The second Warrant and special Motive to embrace Christ, and believe in him, is the earnest request that God maketh to us to be reconciled to Itim m Clu:ist ; holden forth, 2 Cor. V. 19, 20, 21.
God was in Christ, reconciling ike world ttnto himself y not imputing their ti^espasses unto them ; and hath committed unto 2is the word of reconciliation, Ver. 20. Now then we are am-
bassadors
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ssadors fur Chn'at, as though God did beseech you hj/ us : we 'aij tjou in Christ's stead, he ye reconciled to God. Ver. 21. 'or he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew 7io sin ; that e might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Wherein the apostle teacheth us these nine doctrines :
1. That the elect world, or world of redeemed souls, are y nature in the estate of enmity against God : this is pre- -.pposcd in the word rtcom/?a/ioM,- for reconciliation, or
• newing of friendship, cannot be, except betwixt those that iiave been at enmity.
2. That in all the time bypast, since the fall of Adam, Christ Jesus, the eternal Son of God, as Mediator, and the Father in him, hath been about the making friendship (l)y his word and Spirit) betwixt himself and the elect workl : " God (saith he) was in Christ reconciling the world to *' himself.''
3. That the way of reconciliation was in all ages one and the same in substance, viz. by forgiving the sins of thent who do acknowledge their sins and their enmity against God^ and do seek reconciliation and remission of sins in Christ ; *' For God (saith he) was in Christ reconciling the world ** unto himself," by way of " not imputing their trespasse* *' unto them."
4. That the end and scope of the gospel, and whole word of God, is threefold : (1.) It serveth to make people sensible of their sins, and of their enmity against God, and of their danger, if they should stand out, and not fear God's displea- sure. (2.) The word of God serveth to make men acquainted with the course which God hatli prepared for making friend- ship with them through Christ, viz. That if men shall ac- knowledge the enmity, and shall be content to enter into a covenant of friendship with God through Christ, tJien God will be content to be reconciled with them freely. (5.) The word of God serveth to teach men how to carrv themselves towards God, as friends, after they are reconciled to him, viz. to be loath to sin against him, and to strive heartily to obey his commandments : and therefore the word of God here is called the word of reconciliation, because it teacheth us what need we have of reconciliation, and how to make it,
U 4 and
464 The Practical Use of Saving Knowledge,
and Low to keep the reconciliation of friendship, being made with God through Christ.
5. Tiiat alb^nt the hearing, believing, and obeying of this word, doth belong to all those to whom this gospel doth come ; yet the office of preaching of it with authority be- longeth to none, but to such only as God doth call to his ministry, and sendeth out with commission for this work. This the apostle holdeth forth, Ver. 19. in these words, ** He hath committed to us the word of reconciliation.^'
6. That the ministers of the gospel should behave them- selves as Christ's messengers, and should closely follow their commission set down in thi word, Mat. xxviii. 19, 20.; and when they do so, they should be received by the people as ambassadors from God ; for here tlie apostle, in all their names, saith, " We are ambassadors for Christ, as though '* God did beseech you by us."
7. That ministers, in all earnestness of affections, should deal with people to acknowledge their sins, and their natu- ral enmity against God, more and more seriously ; and to consent to the covenant of grace and embassage of Christ more and more heartily ; and to evidence more and more clearly their reconciliation, by a holy carriage before God. This he holdeth forth, when he sayeth, " We pray you, be '• ye reconciled to God."
8. That in the ministers' affectionate dealing with the people, the people should consider that they have to do with God and Christ, requesting them, by the ministers, to be reconciled. Now, there cannot be a greater inducement to break a sinner's hard heart, than God's making a request to him for friendship ; for when it became us, who have done so many wrongs to God, to seek friendship of God, he pre- venteth us : and (O wonder of Avonders !) he requesteth us to be content to be reconciled to him ; and therefore most fearful wrath must abide them who do set light by this request, and do not yield when they hear ministers with commission, saying, " We are ambassadors for Christ, as •^ though God did beseech you by us : we pray you in ^ Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God,"
9. To make it appear how it cometh to pass that the covenant of reconciliation should be so easily made up be- twixt
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tnixt God and a humble sinner fleeing to Christ, tlie apostle leads us unto the cause of it, holden forth in the covenant of redemption, the sum whereof is this : " It is *' agreed betwixt God and the Mediator Jesus Christ the ** Son of God, surety for the redeemed, as parties-con- *' tractors, that the sins of the redeemed should be imputed " to innocent Christ, and he both condemned and put to. " death for tliem, upon this very condition, that whosoever " heartily consents unto the covenant of reconciliation *' offered through Christ, shall, by the imputation of his *' obedience unto them, be justified ami holden righteous *' before God ; for God hath made Christ, who knew no *' hin, to be sin for w.v, saith the apostle, that we might he ** made the righteousness of God in JiinC
Hence may a weak believer strengthen his faith, by reasoning from this gromid after this manner :
" He that, upon the loving request of God and Christy *' made to him by the mouth of ministers, (having com- " mission to that effect,) hath embraced tin offer of per- ** petual reconciliation through Christ, and doth purpose,, *' by God's grace, as a reconciled person, to strive against *' sin, and to serve God to his power constantly, may be ** as sure to have righteousness and eternal life given to " him, for the obedience of Clu'ist imputed to him, as it '' is sure tliat Christ was condeimied and put to death for " the sins of the redeemed imputed to him :
" But I (may the weak believer say) upon the loving " request of God and Christ, made to me by the mouth *' of his ministers, have embraced the offer of perpetual " reconciliation through Christ, and do purpose, by God's " grace, as a reconciled person, to strive against sin, and *' to serve Go
" Therefore I may be as sure to have righteousness " and eternal life given to me, for the obedience of Christ '• imputed to me, as it is sure that Christ was condLiniied " and put to death for the sins of the redeemed imputed ** to him;'
U4 TUi&
466 Hie Practical Uii€ of Saving Knowledge.
The thud Warrant and special Motive to believe in Christ, is the strait and awful coininand of God, charging all the hearei's of the gospel to approach to Christ in the order set down by him, and to believe in Iiim ; holden forth, 1 John iii. 25.
This is his commandment. That ice should believe on the 7tame of his Son Jesus Christ, and lx>ie one another, as h.. gave us commandment.
Wherein the apostle giveth ns to understand these five doctrines :
1. That if any man shall not be taken with the sweet in- vitation of God, nor with the Immble and loving request oC God, made to him to be reconciled, he shall find he hath to do with the so\~ereign authority of the highest Majesty ; for *' this is his commandment, that we believe in him/' saitli ha
2. That if any man look upon this commandment as he hath looked heretofore upon the neglected commandments of the law, he must consider that this is a command of the . gospel, posterior to the law, given for making use of the remedy of all sins : which, if it be disobeyed, there is na' other command to follow bui: this, '• Go, ye cursed, intor *' the everlasting fire of hell ^ for " this is his command- *' ment ; ■' the obedience of which is most pleasant in his sight, Wer. 22. and without which it is impossible to please- him, Heb. xi. 6.
3. That every one who heareth the gospel, must make- conscience of the duty of lively faith in Christ ; the weak believer must not think it presumption to do what is com- manded; the person incKned to desperation must take up himself, and think upon obedience unto this sweet and sa- ving command ; the strong believer must dip yet more in the sense of his need he hath of Jesus Christ, and more and more grow in the obedience of this command; yea, the most impenitent, profane,, and wicked person must not tlirust out himself, or be thrust out by otliers, from orderl^r aiming at this duty, how desperate soever his condition seenr to be ; for he that commands all men to believe in Christ, doth thereby coimnaud all men to believe that they are
damned^
The Practical Use of Saving JCnowlalge. 407
damned and lost without Christ : he thereby commands all men to acknowledge their sins, and their need of Christy and in effect comnmnds all men to re{>ent, that they may believe in him. And whosoever do refuse to repent of their bygone sins, are guilty of disol>edience to this com- mand given to all hearers, but especially to those that are within the visible church : for " this is his commandment, " that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus " CUirist," saith he.
4. That he who ol>eyeth this commandment hath built his salvation on a solid ground : for, 1st, He hath found the promised Messiah, completely furnished with all perfections unto the perfect execution of the offices of Prophet, Priest, and King ; for he is tliat Christ in whom the man doth be- lieve. 2^, He hath embraced a Saviour, wlio is able to save to the uttermost, yea, and who doth effectually save every- one that Cometh to God through him ; for he is Jesus, the true Saviour of his people from their sins. 5d, He tliat\ obeyeth this command hath built his salvation on the Rock,,- that is, on the Son of God, to whom it is no robbery to be * called equal to the Father, and wlio is worthy to be the objeti of saving faith, and of spiritual worship : *' for this '* is his command, (saith he,) that we beHeve in the name '* of his Son Jesus Christ."^
5. That he who hath behered on Jesus Chtist, tliough ' he be freed from the curse of the law, is not freed from the • connnand and obedience of the law, but tied thereunto bv
a i]ow obligation, and a new command fnmi Chiist ; which new connnand from Christ importeth help to obev the com- mand : unto which command from Christ, the Father addeth his authority and command also ; for " this is his command- - "ment, (saith John.) that we believe on the name of his **^ Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he hath com- •^ mandod us.*' The tirst part of which command, enjoin- ing belief in him, necessarily implieth lo^•e to God, and so obedience to the first table ; for beUeving in God, and loving God, are inseparable ; and the second part of the command enjoineth love to our neighbour, (especially tOrf the household of faith,) and so obedience to the second tabic of the law. .
XJ ^ ' Hence^
468 The Practical Use of Saving Knowledge,
V
Hence may a weak believer strengthen himself, by rea- soning from this ground after this manner :
" Whosoever, in the sense of his own sinfulness, and •* fear of God's wrath, at the command of God, is fled to " Jesus Christ, the only remedy of sin and misery, and *' hath engaged his heart to the obedience of the law of *' love, his faitli is not presumptuous or dead, but true *' and saving faith :
'' But I (may the weak believer say,) in the sense of my *' own sinfulness, and fear of God's Avrath, am fled to Jesus '' Christ, the only remedy of sin and misery, and have en- '* gaged my heart to the obedience of the law of love :
*' Therefore my faitli is not a presumptuous and dead ** faith, but true and saving faith."
The fourth Warrant and special Motive to believe in Christ, is nmch assurance of life given, in case men shall obey the command of believing ; and a fearful certification of destruction, in case they obey not ; holden forth, John iii. 35.
The Father lovcth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. Ver. 56. He that helieveth on the Son hath ever- lasting life : and he that helieveth not the Son shall not sec life ; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Wherein are holden forth to us these five following doctrines :
1 . That the Father is well satisfied with the undertakings of the Son, entered lledeemer and Surety, to pay the ran- som of believers, and to perfect them in holiness and salva- tion ; " the Father loveth the Son,-'' saith he; viz, as he standeth Mediator in our name, undertaking to perfect our redemption in ail points : The Father loveth him, that is, doth heartily accept his offer to do the work, and is well pleased with Iiim : his soul delighteth in him, and resteth ^ipon him, and maketh him, in this his office, the " recep- *•' tacle of love, and grace, and good will," to be conveyed by him to believers in him.
2. That, for fulfilling of the covenant of redemption, the 1' alher hath given to the Son (as he standeth in the capacity
of
The Practical Uae of Saving KiutiefeJge, 469
«)f the Mediator, or as he is God incarnate, the Word made ilesh) all authority m heaven and earth, all furniture of the riches of grace, and of spirit and life, with all power and ability, which the union of the divine nature with the human, or which the fulness of the Godhead dwellin stantially in his human nature, or which the indivisible all- sufficiency and omnipotency of the inseparal)le, every wliere present Trinity doth import, or the work of redemption can require : *' The Father (saith he) hath given all things into *' the Sony's hand," to wit, for accomplishing his work.
3. Great assurance of life is holden forth to all who shall heai'tily receive Christ, and the offer of the covenant of grace and reconciliation through him : " He that believeth ** on the Son (saith he) hath everlasting life ;" for it is made fast unto him, 1st, In God's purpose and irrevocable decree, as the believer is a man elected to life. 2d, By effectual calling of him unto life by God, who, as he is faithful, so will he do it. 3d, By promise and everlasting covenant, sworn by God, to give the believer strong conso- lation in life and death, upon immutable grounds. 4///, By a pawn and infeftment under the great seal of the sacrament of the Lord's supper, so oft as the believer shall come to receive the symbols and pledges of life. 6th, In Christ the fountain and head of life, who is entered in possession, as attorney for believers ; in whom our life is so laid up, that it cannot be taken away. 6///, By begun possession of spiritual life and regeneration, and a kingdom consisting in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, erected withm the believer, as earnest of the full possession of ever- lasting life.
4, A fearful certification is given, if a man receive not the doctrine concerning righteousness and eternal life to be had by Jesus Christ : " He that believeth not the Son, " shall not see life,'"* that is, not so much as understand what it meaneth.
5. He further certifieth, that if a man receive not the doctrine of the Son of God, he shall be burdened twice with the wrath of God ; once, as a born rebel by natiu-e, he shall bear the curse of tlie law, or the covenant of works ; and next, he shall endure a greater condejnnatioi>,
in
470 The Practical Use of Saving Knowledge,
in respect that light being come into the world, an?J offered to him, he hath rejected it, and loveth darkness rather than liglit : and tliis double wrath shall be fastened and fixed immovably upon him, so long as he remaineth in the condition of misbelief : " The wrath of God abideth *' on him," saith he.
Hence may the weak believer strengthen his faith, by reasoning from this ground after this manner :
" Whosoever believeth the doctrine delivered by the '' Son of God, and findeth himself partly drawn power- " fully to believe in him, by the sight of life in hini, " and partly driven, by the fear of God's wrath, to adhere * *-' through him :
'^ But sinful and unwoiihy I (may the weak believer ^' say) do believe the docta'ine delivered by the Son of God, *' and do feel myself partly drawn powerfully to believe in " him, by the sight of life in liim, and partly driven, by *^* the fear of God's wrath, to adhere unto him :
" Therefore I may be svire of my right and Interest uiii- *' to eternal life throusli^ Mm,"
THE EVIDENCES OF TRUE FAITH.
SO much for the laying the grounds of faith, and waiv rants to believe. Now, for evidencing of true faith by fruits, these four things are requisite: 1. That the believer be soundly convinced, in his judgment, of his obligation io> keep the whole moral law, all the days of his life; and that not the less, but so mudi the more, as he is delivered by Christ from the covenant of works, and curse of the lawf. 2. That he endeavour to grow in the exercise and daily practice of godliness and righteousness. 5. That the coursQ of his new obedience run in the right channel, that is, through faith in Christ, and through a good conscience, to all the duties of love towards God and man. 4. That he keep strait communion with the fountain Christ Jesus, from whom grace must run, along^ for f uniishuig of good fruits,,
Foe
For the
Tilt Practical Use of Saving JCnoivIcdgc. 471
le first, viz. To convince the believer, in liis judgment, of his obligation to keep the moral law, among many passages, take Mat. v. 16.
Let your light so shine hefure men, that they may see your good icorLs, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. \er. 17. Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets : I am not come to destroy, but to fuljil. Ver. 18. For verily I say unto you. Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fnl/illcd. Ver. 19. Whosoever therefore shaH break one of these least command' ments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven : but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom (f heaven. Ver. 20. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall tn no case enter into the Icingdom of heaven^
AV herein om' Lonf,
1. Giveth commandment to believers, justified by faith, to give evidence of the grace of God in them before men, by doing good works : " Let your light so shine before men, " (saith he,) that they may see your good works.""
2. He induceth them so to do, by shewing, that albeit they be not justified by works, yet spectators of their good vorks may be converted or edified ; and so glory may re- dound to God by their good works, when the witnesses thereof "shall glorify your Father which is in heaveu.*"
5. He gives them no other rale for their new obedience than the moral law, set down and explicated by ]\Ioses and the prophets : *' Think not (saith he) that I am come to /* destroy the law or the })rophets."''
4. He gives them to understand, that the doctrine of grace, and freedom from the curse of the law by faith in him, is readily mistaken by men's corrupt judgments^ as if it did loose or slaken the obligation of believers to obey the commands, and to be subject to tire authority of the law ; and that this error is indeed a destroying of the law and of the prophets, which he will iii no case ever endure in any of Lis disciples, it is so contrary to the end of his
11 coming
47^ T//e Practical Use of Saving Knowledge^
coming, which is first to sanctify, and then to save be- lievers : " Think not (saith he) that I am come to destroy " the law or the prophets.''
5. He teacheth, .that the end of the gospel and cove- nant of grace is to procm^e men's obedience unto the moral law : " I am come (saith he) to fulfil the law and the pro-
G. That the obligation of the moral law, in all points, unto all holy duties, is perpetual, and shall stand to the w^orid's end, that is, " till heaven and earth pass away."
7. That as God hath had a care of the scriptures from the beginning, so shall he have a cai^e of them still to the i-vorld's end, that there shall not one jot or one tittle of the substance thereof be taken away ; so saith the iei^ty Ver. 18.
8. That as the breaking of the moral law, and defend- ing the transgressions thereof to be no sin, doth exclude men both from heaven, and justly also from the fellow- ship of the true kirk; so the obedience of the law, and teaching others to do the same, by example, counsel, and doctrine, according to every man's calling, proveth a man to be a true believer, and in great estimation with God, and worthy to be much esteemed of by the true church, Ver. 19.
9. That the righteousness of every true Christian Ji\nst be more than the righteousness of the scribes and Phari- sees ; for the scribes and Pharisees, albeit they took great pains to discharge sundry duties of the law, yet they cutted sliort the exposition tliereof, that it might the less con- demn their practice ; they studied the outward paj t of the duty, but neglected the inward and spiritual part ; tiie}; discharged some meaner duties carefully, but neglected judgment, mercy, and the love of God : in a word, lliey went about to establish their own righteousness, and yK jecled the righteousness of God by faith in Jesus. But a true Christian must have more than all this ; he must acknowledge the full extent of the spiritual meaning of the law, and have a respect to all the commandments, and labour io cleanse himself from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, and " not lay weight upon what service he hath
10 "done.
r
The Practical Use of Saving Knouhcfge. 473
** done, or shall do,*" but clothe himself with the imputed rigi teousness of Christ, which only can hide his nakedness, or t Ise he cannot be saved ; so saith the text, " Except ** your righteousness,"" S^c,
The second thing requisite to evidence true faith is, that the believer endeavour to put the rules of godliness and righteousness in practice, and to grow in the daily exer- cise thereof ; holden forth, 2 Pet. i. 5.
And besides this, tcivivg all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to cirtue, knoiilcdge ; \er. 6. And to knowledge, temperance ; and to temperance, patience ; and to patience, god^ lini'ss ; Ver. 7. And to godliness, hrolherly-kindness ; and to hrotherlj/'kindness, charity. Ver. 8. For rf these things he in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wherein, 1. The apostle teacheth believers, for eviden- cing of precious faith m themselves, to endeavour to add to their faith seven other sister graces. The first is Virtue, or the active exercise and practice of all moral duties, that so faith may not be idle, but put forth itself in work. The second is Knowledge, which serves to furnish faith with information of the truth to be believed, and to furnish virtue with direc» fcion what duties are to be done, and how to go about them prudently. The third is Temperance, which serveth to moderate the use of all pleasant things, that a man be not clogged therewith, nor made unfit for any duty whereto he is called. The fourth is Patience, which serveth to mode- rate a man's affections, when he meeteth with any difficulty or unpleasant thing ; that he neither weary for pains re- quired in well-doing, nor faint when the tord chastiseth him, nor murmur when he crosseth hira. The fifth is Godliness, which may keep him up in all the exercises of religion, inward and outward; whei'cby he may be furnished from God for all other duties which he hath to do. The sixth is Brotherly-kindness, which keepeth estimation of, and affection to, all the household of faith, and to the image of God in every one wheresoever it is seen. The seventh is Love, which keepeth the heart in readiness to do
eood
474 The Practical Use of Saving Knowledge*
good to all men, whatsoever they be, upon all occasio'fty which God shall offer.
2. Albeit it be true, that there is much corruption and infirmity in the godly ; yet the apostle will have men up- rightly endeavouring, and doing their best, as they are able, to join all these graces one to another, and to grow in the measure of exercising them : " Giving all diligence, (saith *
3. He assureth all professed believers, that as they shall profit in the obedience of this direction, so they shall pro- fitably prove the soundness of their own faith ; and, if they want these graces, that they shall be found blind deceivers of themselves, Ver. 9,
The third thing requisite to evidence true faith is, thai obedience to the law run in the right channel, that is^ through faith in Christ, 4 c. holden forth, 1 Titn. i. 5.
Now the end of the commandment is love, out of a piire hearty and of a good conscienccy a7id of faith unfeigned.
Wherein the apostle teacheth these seven doctrines :
1. That the obedience of the law must flow from love^ and love from a pure heart, and a pure heart from a good conscience, and a good conscience from faith unfeigned : this he makes the only right channel of good works : " The end of the law is love,'' ^^g.
2. That the end of the law. is not, that men maybe justified by their obedience of it, as the Jewish doctors did falsely teach ; for it is impossible that sinners can be justi- fied by the law, who, for every transgression, are con- demned by the law: " For the end of the law is (not " such as the Jewish doctors taught, but) love, out of 3 *' pure heart," c5t»
3. That the true end of the law, preached unto th^ people, is, that they, by the law, being made to see their deserved condemnation, shoidd flee to Christ unfeignedly, to be justified by faith in him ; so saith the text, while it maketh love to flow through faith in Christ.
4. That no man can set himself in love to obey the law, excepting as far as his conscience is quieted by faith, or is
seeking
The Prueiicd Use of Slaving Knowledge. 475
feeeking to be quieted in Christ ; for " the- end of the law is " love, out of a gooti conscience, and faith unfeigned."
5. That feigned faith goeth to Christ without reckoning with the law, and so wants an errand ; but unfeigned faith reckoneth with the law, and is forced to flee for refuge unto Christ, as the end of tlie law for righteousness, so often as it finds itself guilty for breaking of the law: *' For the end *' of the law is faith unfeigned.''
6. That the fruits of love may come forth in act par- ticularly, it is necessary that the Iieart be brought to the hatred of all sin and unclean»cs5, and to a stedfast purpose to follow all holiness universally : '' For the end of the law *' is love, out of a pure heart."*'
7. That unfeigned faith is able to make the conscience good, and the heart pure, and the man lovingly ol>edient to the law ; for when Clu:ist's blood is seen by faith to quiet justice, then the conscience becometh quiet also, and will not suffer the heart to entertain the love of sin, but sets the man on work to fear God for his mercy, and to obey all his commandments, out of love to God, for his free gift of justification, by grace bestowed on him : " For this is ** the end of the law indeed," whereby it obtaineth of a man more obedience tlian any other way.
The fourth thing requisite to evidence true faith is, the keeping strait covimunion with Chrid^ the fountain of all graces, and of all good works ; holden forth, John xv. 5.
/ AM the vine, ye are the branches : he tfiat ahichth in me^ and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit : for aith- Qut me 1/c can do nothing.
Wherein Christ, in a similitude from a vine-tree, teach- eth us,
1. That by nature we are wild ban-en briers, till we be changed by coming unto Christ ; and that Christ is that noble vine-tree, liaving all life and sap of grace in himself, and able to change the nature of every one that cometh to him, and to connnunicat§ spirit and life to as many as shall believe in him : " I am the viiie, (saith he,) and ye are the *' branches."
g. That
476 71ie Practical Use of Saving Knowledge,
2. That Christ loveth to have believers so united unto him, as that they be not separated at any time by unbelief: and that there may be a mutual inhabitation of them in him, by faith and love ; and of him in them, by his word and Spirit ; for he joineth these together, " If ye abide in me, *' and I in you,"" as things inseparable.
5. That except a man be ingrafted into Christ, and united to him by faith, he cannot do any the least good works of his own strength ; yea, except in as far as a man doth draw spirit and life from Christ by faith, the work which he doth is naughty and null in point of goodness in God's estimation : " Fcfr without me (saith he) ye can do ** nothing."
4. That this mutual inhabitation is the fountain and in- fallible cause of constant continuing and abounding in well- doing : For " he that abideth in me, and I in him, (saith *' he,) the same beareth much fruit." Now, as our abiding in Christ presupposeth three things ; 1st, That we have heard the joyful sound of the gospel, making offer of Christ to us, who are lost sinners by the law ; 2d, That we have heartily embraced the gracious offer of Chiist ; 3d, That by receiving of him we are become the sons of God, John i. 1^* and are incorporated into liis mystical body, that he may dwell in us, as his temple, and we dwell in him, as in the residence of righteousness and life : so our abiding in Christ importeth other three things, (1.) An employing of Christ in all our addresses to God, and in all our undertakings of whatsoever piece of service to him. (2.) A contentedness with his sufxiciency, without going out from him to seek righteousness, or life, or furniture in any case, in our own or any of the creature's worthiness. (5.) A fixedness in our believing in him, a fixedness in our employing and making use of him, and a fixedness in our contentment in liim, and adhering to him, so that no allurement, no temp- tation of Satan or the world, no terror nor trourile, may be able to drive our spirits from firm adherence to him, or from the constant avowing of his truth, and obeying his com- mands, wha hath loved us, and given himself for us ; and in whom not only our life is laid up, but also the ful- ness of the Godhead dweileth bodily, by reason of the
substantial j
The Practical Use of Saving Knowledge. 47T
uibstantial and |>ersonal union of the divine and human nature in him.
Hence let every watchful believer, for strengthening himself in faith and obedience, reason after this manner :
" Whosoever doth daily employ Christ Jesus for clean- " sin^ his conscience and affections from the guiltiness and '' filthiness of sins against the law, and for enabling him \ *' give obedience to the law in love, he hath the evidence *' of true faith in himself:
^' But I (may every watchful believer say) do daily em- ** ploy Jesus Christ for cleansing my conscience and affec- ** tions from the guiltiness and lilthiness of sins against the' ** law, and for enabling of me to give obedience to the law " in love :
" Therefore I have the evidence of true faith in myself/'
And hence also let the sleepy and sluggish believer reason, for his own upstirring, thus :
" Whatsoever is necessary for giving evidence of true *' faith, I study to do it, except I would deceive myself *' and perish :
" But to employ Christ Jesus daily for cleansing of my ** conscience and afliections from the guiltiness and filthi- •' ness of sins against the law, and for enabling me to give *' obedience to the law in love, is necessary for evidencing *' of true faith in me :
" Therefore this I must study to do, except 1 would
deceive myself and perish.""
And, lastly. Seeing Christ himself hath pointed this forth, as an undoubted evidence of a man elected of God unto life, and given to Jesus Christ to be redeemed, " if he come '' unto him,"*' that is, close covenant, and keep communion with him, as he teacheth us, John vi. 57. saying, " All that *' the Father hath given me shall come to me ; and him *' that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out ;*" let every person, who doth not in earnest make use of Christ for re- mission of sin, and amendment of life, reason hence, and from the whole premises, after this manner, that his con- science may be awakened :
*' Whosoever is neither by the law, nor by the gospel, so
" convinced
473 The Practical Use of Saving Knowledge. |
^ convinced of sin, rigliteousness, and judgment, as to make *' him come to Christ, and employ him daily for remission " of sin, and amendment of life ; he wanteth not only all *' evidence of saving faith, but also all appearance of his *• election, so long as he remaineth in this condition :
'* But I (may every impenitent person say) am neither *' by the law nor gospel so convinced of sin, righteousness, *' and judgment, as to make me come to Christ, and em- •' ploy him daily for remission of sin, and amendment of « life :
" Therefore I want not only all evidence of saving faith, ** but also all appearance of my election, so long as I x^€ '* main in this condition."
FINIS,
THE
CONFESSION OF FAITH
OF THE
KIHK OF SCOTLAND:
OR, THE
NATIONAL COVENANT.
WITH
A Deaijjnation of such Acts of Parliament as are expedient for justifying the Union after mentioned.
loSH. xxlv. 25. Se Joshua made a cwtncnt vt'tth the Jieo/tle that day^ cnJ t(i them a ttjtute and an ordinance in SheiheiHt
S Kings xL 17. yind Jehoiada made a covenant hetiL.'tn the Lord and the king and the ^eojih^ that they ihou'.d be the Lord^t fitople ; beliaecn the king also and thepiople.
I«A. xliv. 5. One shall say ^ I am the Lord's ; and another shall call himself. ^ the name of Jacob ; and another shiill subscribe viith his hand unt4 the L*rd^ and surnam: himself by ihe name of Israel.
( 481 )
Assembly at EDINBURGH^ August 50. 1639. Sess. 25.
jlCT ordaining, hy Ecdcsiasfical Authority^ the Subscription of the Confession of Faith and Co tenant, with the jisSEMBLT's Declaration.
THE General Assembly considering the great liappiMgc which may flow from a full and perfect union of this kirk and kingdom, by joining of &11 in one and the same covenam with God, with the King's Majesty, zxid amongst ourselves; having, hy our great oath, declared the uprightness and loyalty of our intentions in all our proceedings ; and having withal suppli- cated his Majesty's high Commissioner, and the Lords of his Majesty** honourable privy council, to enjoin, by act of council, all the lieges in time coming to subscribe the Confession of Faith and Covenant ; which, as a testi- mony of our fidelity to God, and loyalty to our King, we have subscribed: And seeing his Majesty's high Commissioner, and the Lords of his Majesty's honour- able privy council, have granted the desire of our supplication, ordaining, hy civil authority, all his Majesty's lieges, in time coming, to subscribe the foresaid Covenant : that our union may be the more full and perfect, we, by our act and constitution ecclesiastical, do approve the foresaid Covenant in all the heads and clauses thereof; and ordain of new, under all ecclesiastical censure. That all the masters of universities, colleges, and schools, all scholars at the passing of their degrees, all persons suspected of Papistry, or any other error 5 and finally, all the members of this kirk and kingdom, subscribe the same, with these words prefixed to their subscription, " The Article of this Cove^ rant, which was at the first subscription referred to the determination of the General Assembly, being determined ; and thereby the five articles of Perth^ the government of the kirk by bishops, the civil places and power of kirk- men, upon the reasons and grounds contained in the acts of the General Assembly, declared to be unlawful within this kirk ; We subscribe according to the determination foresaid." And ordain the Covenant, with this decla- ration, to be insert in the registers of the Assemblies of this kirk, general* provincial, and presbyterial, ad perfictuam ret memorium. And in all humility supplicate his Majesty's high Conmiissioner, and the honourable Estates of "Parliament, by their authority, to ratify and enjoin the same, under all civil pains; which will tend to the glory of God, preservation of religion, the King's Majesty's honour, and perfect peace of this kirk aad kingdom.
%
I 483 J
Chaiiles I. Pari. 2. Act 5.
wfcr anefit the Ratification of the CorJlNANT, mnl of the Asscmh{ys S upplkation. Act of Council^ and Act ofAasanhli/ "-concerning the Covenant.
M Edinburgh, June 11. 1640,
'fT^HE Estates of Parliament, presently convened by his -*■ Majesty's special authority, considering the supplication of the General Assembly at Edinburgh, the 12th of August 1639, to his Majesty''s high Commissioner, and the Lords of his Majesty's honourable privy council; and the act of coun- cil of the 30th of August 1639, containing the answer of the said supplication; and the act of the said General Assembly, ordaining, by their ecclesiastical constitution, the subscription of the Confession of Faith and Covenant mentioned in their supplication: and withal, having supplicated his Majesty to ratify and enjoin the same by his royal authority, under all civil pains, as tending to the glory of God, the preservation of religion, the King's Majesty's honour, and the perfect peace of this kirk and kingdom ; do ratify and approve the «aid supplication, act of Council, and act of Assembly ; and, conform thereto, ordain and command the said Confession and Covenant to be subscribed by all his Majesty's subjects, of what rank and quality soever, under all civil pains ; and erdain the said supplication, act of Council, and act of the Assembly, with the whole Confession and Covenant itself, to be insert and registrate in the acts and books of par- Tiament ; and also ordain the samen to be presented at the entry of every parliament, and, before they proceed to any ether act, that the same be publickly read, and sworn by ttie whole members of parliament claiming voice therein ; otherwise the refusers to subscribe and swear the same sliall kave no place nor voice in parliament: And sicklike, ordain oH judges, magistrates, or other officers, of whatsoever place, ]rank, or quality, and ministers at their entry, to swear and »*^8cribe the eamen Covenant, whereof the tenor follows.
The
THE
NATIONAL COVENANTj
OR, THE
CONFESSION OF FAITH :
Suhfcribcd at first hy the Kt'vgs Afajestj/, and hts Household^ in the year 1560; thcrcafttr by persojis of all raJiks in the year 1581, by &rdinance of the Ijords of secret council^ and acts of the General Assemhly : subscribed again by all sorts of persons in the year 1590, by a new ordinance of council^ at the desire of the General AssenMy ; with a general bond for the maintainvig of the true Christian religion, and the A''iiig''s person ; and, together with a resolution and proinisCy for the causes after expressed, to maintain the true religion^ and the King^^ Majesty, according to the foresaid Confes- sion and acts of Parliament, subscribed bt/ Barons, Nohles^ Gentlemen, Burgesses, Ministers, and Commons, in the year 1G58: approven by the Ge?ieral Assembly 1658 and 1639; ajid subsa'ibcd again by persons of all ranks and (qualities in the year 1639, by an ordinance of council, uprm the sup" plication of the General Assanbly, and act of the General Assembly, ratified by an act of Parliament 1040; and sub' scribed by King Charles II. at Spey, June 25. 1650, and Scoon, January 1. 1651.
TTTE all and every one of us under-writtpn, protest, That, ^^ after long and due cxamii^ion of our own consciences , in matters of true and false religion, w« are now throughly resolved in the truth by the word and Spirit of God : and therefore we believe with our hearts, confess with our mouths, subscribe with our haiids, and constantly affimi, before God and the whole world, tliat this only is the true Christian faith and religion, pleasing God, and bringing sal- ration to man, which now is, by the mercy of God, reveal* cd to tire world by the preacldng of the blessed evangel ; and is received, believed, and defended by many And sundry notable kirks and realms, but chiefly by the kirk of Scotlano, the King's Majesty, and the three estates of tliis realm, ^ X2 QtKi't
484 The Confession of Faith;
Clrod^s eternal truth, and only ground of our salvation ; as .tnore particularly is expressed in the Confession of our Faith, •^.established and publickiy confirmed by siHidry acts of Par- •liaments, and now of a long time hath been opeidy professed by the King''s Majesty, and whole body of this realm both in burgh and knd. To the which Confession and Form of lleligion we willingly agree in our conscience in all points, as unto God's undoubted truth and verity, grounded only ^ upon his written word. And therefore we abhor and de- test all contrary religion and doctrine; but chiefly all kind ^ of Papistry in general and particular heads, even as they are 'iiow damned and confuted by the word of God and Kirk of Scotland. But, in special, we detest and refuse the usurped authority of that Roman Antichrist upon the scrip- fturesof God, upon the kirk, tlrc civil magistrate, and con- r sciences of men ; all his tyrannous laws made upon indiffe- rent things against our Christian liberty; his erroneous doc- fection wjf the law, the office of Christ, and his blessed •evangel ;iiis corrupted doctrine concerning original sin, our natural inability and rebellion to God's law, our justifica- ;tion by faith only, our imperfect sauctification and obedi- -ence to the law; the nature, number, and use of the holy sacraments ; his five bastard sacraments, with all his rites, 'Ceremonies, and false doctrine, added to the ministration of the true sacraments without the word of God ; his cruel judgment against infants departing without the sacrament; his absolute necessity of baptism ; his blasphemous opinion of transubstantiation, or real presence of Christ's body in the elements, and receiving of the same by the wicked, or bodies of men ; his dispensations with solemn oaths, perjuries, and degrees of marriage forbidden in the word; his cruelty against the innocent divorced ; his devilish mass ; his blas- phemous priesthood ; his profane sacrifice for sins of the -dead and the quick; his canonization of men; calling upon angels or saints departed, worshipping of imagery, relicks, and crosses; dedicating of kirks, altars, days; vows to crea- tures ; his purgatory, prayers for the dead ; praying or -speaking in a strange language, with his processions and blnsphenwus litany, and multitude of advocates or media-
jtors;
Oy*, J^ational CovenanC ASS^
tors; his manifold orders, auricular confession; his despe- rate and uncertain repentance ; his general and doubtsome faitli; his satisfactions of men for their sins; his justifica- tion by works, opus operatum, works of supererogation,, merits, pardons, peregrinations, and stations ; his holy water, hiiptizing of bells, conjuring of spirits, crossing, sayuing, auointing, ccnJAU'ing, hallowing of God's good creatures, with the superstitious opinion joined therewith ; his worldly monarchy, and wicked hierarchy ; his three solemn vows, with all his shavellings of sundry sorts ; his erroneous and bloody decrees made at Trent, with all the subscribers or a|)provers of that cruel and bloody band, con- jured against the kirk of God. And finally, we detest all his vain allegories, rites,, signs, and traditions brought in the kirk, without or against the word of God, and doctrine of this true reformed kirk ; to the vdiich we join ourselves willingly, in doctrine, faith, religion, discipline, and use of the holy sacraments,, as lively members of the same in Christ our head^ promising and swearing, by the great name of the LORD our GOD, that we shall continue in the obedience of the doctrine and discipline of this kirk*, and shall defend the same, according to our vocation and i^owcr,. all the days of our lives ; under the pains contained in the law, and danger both of body and soul in the day of God's fearful judgment.
And seeing that many are stirred up by Satan, and that Roman Antichrist, to promise, swear, subscribe, and for a. time use the holy sacraments in the kirk deceitfully, against; their own conscience ; minding hereby, first, under the ex- ternal cloak of religion, to corrupt and subv^ert secretly God's true religion \A'ithin the kirk ; and afterward, when time may sei've, to become open enemies and persecutors of the same, under vain hope of tlie Pope's dispensation, de- vised against the word of God, to his greater confusion, and their double condemnation in the day of the Lord Jesus: we therefore, willing to take away all suspicion of hypo- X 3 crisy,
* The Confession which was subscrihed at Halyrud- house, the 25th of February 1587-8, by the King, Lennox, Huntly, the Chanctllor, and about ninety-five other persons, hath here added, " agreeing to the word." Sir. John Alaxwell cf Pollock hath the original p.-;rchmt:nt.
•^ The Confession of Faith ;
crisy, and of such double dealing with God and his kirk, protest, and call the Searcher of all hearts for witness, that ©ur minds and hearts do fully agree with this our Con- fession, promise, oath, and subscription : so that we are not moved with any worldly respect, but are persuaded only in our conscience, through the knowledge and love of God's true religion imprinted in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, as we shall answer to him in the day when the secrets of all liearts shall be disclosed.
And because we perceive, that the quietness and stability ^'f our religion and kirk doth depend upon the safety and good behaviour of the King's Majesty, as upon a comfort- able instrument of God's mercy granted to this country, for the maintaining of his kirk, and ministration of justice amongst us ; we protest and promise with our hearts, under the same oath, hand-writ, and pains, that we shall defend his person and authority with our goods, bodies, and lives, in the defence of Christ his evangel, liberties of our country, ministration of justice, and punishment of iniquity, against all enemies within this realm or without, ^s we desire our God to be a strong and merciful defender to us in the day of our death, and coming of our Lord Je- sus Christ; to whom, with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory eternally. Amen.
LIKEAS many Acts of Parliament, not only in general do abrogate, annul, and rescind all laws, statutes, acts, constitutions, canons civil or municipal, with all other ordi- nances, and practique penalties whatsoever, made in preju- dice of the true religion, and professors thereof ; or of the true kirk, discipline, jurisdiction, and freedom thereof; or in favours of idolatry and superstition, or of the Papistical kirk: As Act 3. Act 51. Pari. 1. Act 23. Park 11. Act 114. Pari. \2. of King James VI. That Papistry and super- stition may be utterly suppressed, according to the intention ef the Acts of Parliament, repeated in the 3th Act, Pari. 20. King James VI. And to that end they ordain all Papists and Priests to be punished with manifold civil and ecclesiastical pains, as adversaries to God's true religion, preached, and by law established, within this realm, Act 24. . Pari.
Or^ National Covenant.} 48T
Pari. tl. King James VI. ; as common enemies to air Christian government, Act 18. Pari. 10. King James VI. ;- as rebellers and gainstanders of om* sovereign Lord's autho- rity, Act 47. Tarl. 3. King James VL ; and as idokters. Act 101. Purl. 7. King James VI. But also, in particular, by and attour the Confession of Faith, do abolish and con- demn the Pope's authority and jurisdiction out of this land, and ordains the maintainers thereof to be punished, Act 2. l*arl. 1. Act 51. Pari. 3. Act 106. Pari. 7. Act 114. Pari. 12. King James VI. do condemn the Pope's errone- ous doctrine, or any other erroneous doctrine repugnant to any of the articles of the true and Christian religion, pub- hckly preached, and by law established in this realm ; and ordains the spreaders and makers of books or libels, or lettei-s or writs of that nature to be punished. Act 40. Pari. 3. Act 100. Pari. 7. Act 24. Pari. 11. King James