254. Ephefiana, Chap.z. V B R.9. conftrued. They are a feed improperly, becaufe they are the manife- ftation of our Faith, after the raceof good works glory fpringeth up, as if by them it were caufed. z. When Faith is the root of good works , that which is fpoken of them , mull principally be referred to the root. 4. To the fourth, all thofe places prove no merit of works, but a meafure of glory conformable to works, That I may know as I am known. But why after workse Anf. Becaufe they areevidences ofFaith, becaufe more known, and con. vincing : to incourage them. S. For the fifth, God loth jufily giveus life to work, therefore there ohjcli. is that bindeth him, as deferving it with him. "Inf. It followeth not ; the Juftice of God is manifefted, not for thedi. gnity of the perlon, or of the work he doth ofdebt, give the crown as deferved;but becaufe he is faithfull tomake good what he hath freely promifed, God is juf, if any confeffe hisfin, r Joh. c. 9. God is jult, whenhe Both jultifie the wicked, beleeving on Chrift. Again, there is no Covenant which should make thefe things due upon working. Now by their own Do trine, withouta Covenant they cannot merit. And this may be held for a conclufion , That in all recompence of works, if the worksof the Lawcould be brought to God; there is no debt in regard of the defect of the work, but only in regard of Gods fideliry. The principali conditional) agreement is fuch, where the condition is the caufe of the thing promifed , the acceffary condition. Agree- ments are fuch, where we undertake onely upon, not for the condi- tion, to do this or that : For example, Servemeby the yeer,this I will give thee : Son,ply your Book, bea good boy,fucha houfe and lands (hall be thine. But why are thefe not afwell tobe taken for caufes as the other e Becaufe theyare made to fuch as now by Faith are in Chrift, and have by another title the things promifed ; to the perfons working, not to the work. Why fhould not the fpeech to my childe, make the condition the caufe of his inheritance a Becaufe it followeth his birth. LaRly, toworks, as evident teftimonies of the caufes, not as eau- fes deferving. It is not faid to God, Give that thou haft received; but, Give that thouhaft promifed : Nothingbut Gods free promife maketh heaven due. Now thefe things muff be received in love, or elfe all is nothing. And Motives thus toentertain them,are thefe :. a. Gods mercie,juflice, glory. 3. Man cannot be humbled. 3. The confcience cannot be eflablifhed in comfort. But the ground ofall this Popifh cavilling againfl the truth, rifeth out of Ignorance. r. Iguorance,what works can merit. 2. Igno- .
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