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SECT. X.
5. IN the Definition,* 1.1 I call a Christians Happiness, the end of [his Course] thereby meaning, as Paul, 2 Tim. 4.7. the whole scope of his life. For as Salvation may and must be our end, so not onely the end of our faith (though that principally) but of all our actions; for as whatsoever we do, must be done to the glory of God, whether eating, drinking, &c. so must they all be done to our Salvation. That we may beleeve for Salvation, some will grant, who yet deny that we may do, or obey for it. * 1.2 I would it were well understood, for the clearing of many controversies, what the Scripture usually means by Faith. Doubtless the Gospel takes it not so strictly as Philosophers do; but, in a larger sence, for our obedience to all Gospel precepts. To beleeve in his name, and to receive him, are all one:* 1.3 but we must receive him as King, as well as Saviour: therefore beleeving doth not produce subjection as a fruit,* 1.4 but con∣tain it as an essential part, except we say that Faith receives Christ as a Saviour first, and so justifies before it take him for King (as some think,) which is a maimed, unsound, and no Scripture faith. I doubt not, but the Soul more sensibly looks at Salvation from Christ, then Government by him, in the first work; yet (what∣ever precedaneous act there may be) it never conceives of Christ to Justification, nor knows him with the knowledg which is eternal life, till it conceive of him, and know him for Lord and King. There∣fore there is not such a difference between Faith and Gospel-obedi∣ence, or Works, as some judg: Obedience to the Gospel is put for Faith, and Disobedience put for Unbelief usually in the New Testament.
6. Lastly, I make Happiness to consist in this end [obtained]: for it is not the meer promise of it that immediately makes perfect∣ly happy; nor Christs meer purchase, nor our meer seeking: but the Apprehending and obtaining, which sets the Crown on the Saints head; when we can say of our work, as Christ of the price payd, It is finished; and as Paul, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course; henceforth is layd up for me a crown of Salvation. 2 Tim. 4.7, 8.