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§. 62. Of Gods righteousness as it implies faithfulness.
BY the argument of the Apostle, as righteousness is put for faithfulness, it is ma∣nifest that Gods righteousness is a prop to mans faith and hope. Man may and* 1.1 must believe and expect a reward of every good thing from the righteousness of God: even because he is righteous, and will not faile to do what he hath promised▪ Herewith the Apostle supporteth his own faith and hope, 2 Tim. 4. 8. And herew•…•… he labours to support the faith and hope of those to whom he wrote, 2 Thes. 1. 5, 7. On this ground saith the Psalmist, Iudge me, O Lord, my God, according to t•…•…y •…•…∣teousness, Psa. 35. 24.
This righteousness of God assureth us of the continuance of his favour, and mer∣cy. What grace moved him to begin, righteousness will move him to con•…•…, and finish.
Of appealing to Gods righteousness, see the Saints Sacrifice on Psal. 116. 5. §. 28.
- 1. This informs us in the wonderfull great condescention of God to man: 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.2 so low, as to binde himself to man, and that so far, as if he failed in what •…•…e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 promised, he is willing to be accounted unrighteous. What is man O Lord, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shouldst be thus mindfull of him? Gods grace, pitty, mercy, truth, power, wisd•…•…, and righteousness are all props to our faith. The Psalmist might well say, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 praise the Lord according to his righteousness, Psal. 7. 17.
- 2. This doth much aggravate the sin of infidelity; which is not onely aga•…•…* 1.3 the grace, and mercy of God; but also against his truth and righteousness. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that believeth not God, hath made him a lyer, 1 Joh. 5. 10. Infidelity doth, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as in man lyeth, make him that is not unrighteous, to be unrighteous, and unfaith∣full. Great dishonour is done unto God hereby, and great wrong to the unde∣liever himself.
- 3. This teacheth us how to trust to Gods mercy: even so as God may be 〈◊〉〈◊〉,* 1.4 and righteous in shewing mercy. Gods righteousness is manifested by perfo•…•… his word, as he hath declared it. Gods promise of rewarding men, is made to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as are upright, and faithfull, as fear, and obey him, as turn from sin, and per•…•… in grace. These are meanes, in reference to Gods righteousness, of sharpning o•…•… prayers, and strengthning our faith: in which respect Saints have pleaded them be∣fore God: as he that said, Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is g•…•… i•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sight. Isa. 38. 3. On this ground the Psalmist thus prayeth to God, In t•…•… •…•…∣fulness answer me, and in thy righteousness, Psal. 143. 1.