* ft, Crutches. (410) went only ofattaining that benefit, as you fay, but for thid fling as a meritorious Caufe APO. t. Conteffion is taken for faith it felf. 2. Faith is here taken in an cbjeetive fenfe, as it fignifieth Chrift apprehendedby faith, towhat: onty merit this benefit is to be afcribed : but by the means of faith;whi;:h God rcquireth as an intermediate Condition on our part to this that any benefit from his bountiful hand may be obtained, &c. Unkis that foluti - on pleafe better,whith taking the name of faith properly, faith, that by that Speeeh is not fignified a Caufe, but a Cond.tion on. ly,becaufe all things are promifed to him that believeth ; whence it is no wonder, if when God giveth any benefit to the faithful,be is faid to give itforfaith which he necettarily requireth in the re- ceiver : Not that he deferveth it by believing, bin becaufe God bath promifed it to none but to the believer ; and that of meer grace in the Mediator :efus Chrift, in whom all the promifes are yea and Amen.] And cap, q.. V.I 2,13. p 52T. [Many things are neceffary to' us either as. Coifes,or as Conditions, or as Means, as Inftruments, as Helps, as Props,* by which we may be brought to eternal life by which either the bars and impediments may be taken away, Which block up to us the way and pattage to eternal life, or the necelfary !lairs are laidunderjor-our, alcending to the height of that fublimity ; 'or elfe-neceffary ftrength is affordedus to go that hard J ourney, and-bear that hard conflict ; or that the ftrength. and force ofour enemies may be broken and foiled. We have need ofKnowledge; COnflancy,Charity, Sanetity,Proyers, Good works, &c. But above all thefe we mutt feek faith as a certain,. Epitome and Compendium of them all. Plc 41 53, ickson in Neb. 9,5. [Chrlil having now fully paid the price ofRedemption, by that Merit and Efficacy is be- come and declared the Author,Lord,Donor,and Finifher ofeter- nal life, to all that believe in him, and deliver themfelves up to him for Pifcipline, 1,deits,
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=