§. 16. Of the blessing of the Gospel.
THis phrase [The Gospel was preached,] is the interpretation of one Greek word, which may be thus translated, a 1.1 Gospellized, or Evangellized: the persons being added thereto, thus, b 1.2 We are Evangellized. This is a Grecism used again, v. 6. & Mat. 11. 5.
Our English hath fully and fitly interpreted the meaning of the Grecisme thus, Unto us was the Gospel preached.
The Verb is a compound. The c 1.3 simple Verb signifieth to declare: as to bring a message, tidings, or news. The d 1.4 Adverb with which it is compounded signifi∣eth well, in composition good, as to e 1.5 declare a good message, to bring good ti∣dings. Of the notation and sense of this word, See, The whole Armour of God, on Ephes. 6. 15. Treat. 2. Part. 5. §. 4. See also Chap. 6. §. 35. & Chap. 13. v. 9. §. 117.
This relative US (unto us) hath reference to the Church, in, and since Christs time. For we are here set down in opposition to them that lived under the Law.
The compound Verb intendeth two things:
- 1. That the Gospel is the ground of faith. It was for this end made known to* 1.6 the Israelites and Christians. Of the Gospel working faith, See The whole Armour of God on Eph. 6. 16. Of Faith, Treat. 2. Part. 6. §. 19, 21.
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2. That preaching the Gospel is the most usual and powerfull means to work faith. See Chap. 2. v. 3. §. 23.
The force of the foresaid reason intends a third point.
- 3. That where the Gospel is preached, Faith, Obedience and Perseverance in our Christian course. This is it which the Apostle presseth to restrain us from the sinnes whereinto the Israelites fell, and to keep them from backsliding: and by con∣sequence to make them faithfull in their holy profession.
This motive did the fore-runner of Christ, and Christ himself use for that end, in these words, Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand, Mat. 3. 2. & 4. 17. So did Christs Apostles after him, Act. 2. 38, 39. & 17. 30.
By preaching the Gospel offer is made of remission of sins, of reconciliation with God, and of eternal salvation.
Good reason therefore that Repentance, Faith, and new Obedience are to be yielded. To refuse to yield to the Gospel, is to reject the counsel of God against ones self, Luk. 7. 30.
Just cause have we well to observe what by the Gospel is required and expected. In what age of the world, in what Nation, in what City and place hath the Gospel been more plentifully, perspiculously and powerfully preached then among us?