in the of S. Paul, &c. 489 Chap. zo. Vert: 3, 4. For they (the Jews who had a zeal for God, but not accord- ing to knowledg) bring ignorant of Gods Righteoufnef , and going about to eJtablifh their own Righteoufnefs , have not fub witted thenifelves unto the Righteoufnefs of God. For Chriji is the end of the Law for Righteoufnef unto every one that be- lieveth. What is here determined, the Apottle enters upon the Pro - pofition and declaration of, Chap. 9. verf. 30. And becaufe what he had to propofe was fomewhat ftrange, and unfuited unto the common apprehentions of men , he introd uceth it with that prefatory interrogation, 7, úv iggp4v; which he ufeth on the like occafions,Chap.3.g. Chap.6.i. Chap.7.7.Chap.9.14. What (hall we then fay ? that is, is therein this matter unrigh- teoufnefs with God ? as verf, 14. or what (hall we fay unto thefe things, or this is that which is to be faid herein ? That which hereon he afferts is, that the Gentiles which followed not after Righteoufnefs have attained unto Righteoufnefs, even the Righteoufnefs which is of Faith ; But Ifrael which followed after the Law of Righteoufnefs hath not attained unto the Law of Righteoufnefs, that is, unto Righteoufnefs it felf before God. Nothing feems to be more contrary unto reafon, than what is here made manifetl by the event. The Gentiles who lived in Sin and Pleafures, not once endeavouring to attain unto any Righteoufnefs before God, yet attained unto it up- on the Preaching of the Gofpel. Ifrael on the other hand, which followed after Righteoufnef, diligently in all the Works ofthe Law and Duties of Obedience unto God thereby,came thort of it, attained not unto it. All Preparations, all Difpo- ftions, all merit as unto Righteoufnefs and Jutlification are R r r excluded
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