learned bishops speak none other things than what Christ and his apostles spoke and taught before them. My design in insisting on some particular truths is not to exclude others, such as Christ's incarnation, satisfaction, resurrection, &c. &c. which are generally necessary to be known in order to our obtaining eternal life. But the profound ignorance of some, and the virulent opposition of others against these gospel-truths, makes it needful to vindicate and establish them at this time. Indeed I wish this work had been done by some abler hand. But I say, as Peter in another case, Such as I have, give I thee. And how ungrateful soever this undertaking may be to some pharisaical christians, and heterodox preachers, yet I am willing to hope it will find a favourable reception with all those who have a hearty concern for the honour of Christ, and an inward experience of the gospel-salvation. THE CONTENTS. CHAP. I. of Original Sin. 1. THE Imputation of Adam's sin to all his posterity, II. All men derive an inward pollution and depravation of nature from Adam. This proved from the Homilies, Ninth Article, and Liturgies. The same proved from Gen. v. 3. Psal. li. 5.-lviii. 3. Rom. iii. 10, 11, 12.— vii. 8. 18. James, i. 14. The importance of this doctrine briefly asserted. The evidences of it clear and copious. Inferences, First, Acknowledge it. Secondly, The vanity of glorying in our pedigree. Thirdly, Trace back your actual sins to your original corruption. Bishop Wilkins quoted. Fourthly, All are equally corrupted by nature. III. All men are justly liable to the torments of hell for ever, as the consequence of Original Sin. Some think men will not be condemned at the day of judgment for Original Sin. Some divines suppose we only lost our immortality in Adam. Our third proposition proved from the Homily on the Misery of Mankind, that on the Passion, and that on the Nativity of Jesus Christ. The same evinced from Rom. v. 18. 21. St. Augustine quoted. Rom. viii. 7. Eph. ii. 3. explained and largely vindicated. The experience of St. Paul, Rom. vii. 21. of Solomon, Prov. xxx. 2. The testimonies of Archbishop Usher, and Bishop Wilkins. Some men cannot bear this doctrine. Hence we learn, 1. To disclaim all pretension to merit. 2. What a parallel CHAP. II. Of Justification by Faith. I. MEN can do no good works acceptable to God before Faith and Justification, proved from the Homily on Good II. Justifying faith is the gift of God, Heb. xi. 1. briefly explained. Faith described by coming, leaning, resting, staying, rolling, and receiving Christ. The best way to know what faith is, is to believe. Faith is the gift of God, proved from the Homily on Prayer, that on the Misery of Man, &c. and Liturgies. The same proved from Matt. xvi. 17. John, vi. 44. 1 Cor. xii. 9. John, iii. 27. Phil. i. 29. Eph. ii. 8. An appeal to experience. Query, Have you received this gift of faith? If you have, 1. Givə God all the glory. 2. Evidence it by your good works. 3. Look to God for the increase of faith. 4. Faith will soon |