An exposition vvith notes on the whole fourth chapter to the the Romanes wherein the grand question of justification by faith alone, without works, is controverted, stated, cleared, and fully resolved ... / by William Sclater, Doctor in Divinity, sometimes minister of Gods word at Pitminster, in Summerset ; now published by his son, William Sclater, Batchelar in Divinity, minister at Collompton in Devon.

To all Christian, and judicious Readers; but with more specialty of respect to all those of my loving, and constant Hearers, of the Town, and Parish of Collompton, in the County of Devon, grace, mercy, and peace.

I Have nothing to acquaint the Rea∣der with, concerning the Author of this Book, (my reverend Father,) or the book it self save onely that it was prepared as it is, by him, before his de∣cease, and intended for publick peru∣sal, in an addition to the three first chapters long since, (as the earnest of his future labours,) published by himself: I must needs use the now quo∣tidian, and general excuse, the badness of the times, that it came forth no sooner; I hope the present profit by it to Gods Church and people, will compensate this long de∣lay; this rest assured of, that (saving the errata of the press) it is printed from a true originall, unadulterated coppy; and if thou beest one, who hast come with any ap∣petite, to the reading of any of his other writings, this particular will no whit abate, rather encrease it; such as it is, the Lord bless it to thy soul.

AND now, for you (my dear Brethren, and Hea∣rers) I cannot but take up that of S^t. Paul for his Israel; Romanes, Chapter the tenth, verse the first: Brethren, my hearts desire, and prayer to God for you all is, that you may be saved; and I do assure you, as S^t. John did his well-beloved Gajus; a Belo ved, I wish above all things, that you and your souls may prosper; nor can there be any greater joy, then to see or hear that you all love, and walk in the truth: I chose more specially, a recommendation of this Book unto you, because you may be my witnesses of the harmony of my own judgment with my Fathers, in my late Doctrines delivered to you, concerning faith, and good life; they are mistaken who surmise me, diffe∣ring from him in any solid truth, and practice: If the Lord have, or may make me an instrument, to b build you up farther in your most holy faith; I shall bless the day wherein I first entred, (by Gods speciall providence) on this pastorall charge, c feeding the flock of God which is among you, and taking the over-sight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready minde; promising moreover (whiles God shall continue me with you, and with me my Talent) as the d Apostle did his Corinthians, I will very gladly spend, and be spent for you, in the service of your faith; only, Let me not experiment the following imitation, namely, the more abundantly I love you, the less I be lo∣ved of you; yea, I promise my self of you e better things, and such as do accompany salvation; f hoping also that whilest I thus watch for your souls, and g labour in the Word and Doctrine, you will not deny me the dou∣ble

honour prescribed of h maintenance, and i reve∣rence: The admonition I shall add is this, That you continue (as upon your souls) to prize, and waite upon the holy, and k publick ordinances of God, keep close to the l Rule of Gods written word, his m revealed Will; Shun spirituall pride, inordinate opinion of private gifts, it opens the gap to n delusions, and the spirit of giddiness: Remember who said, there are o depths of Satan, who more mischiefeth well-meaning souls, un∣der the vizar of an p Angell of light, then he doth un∣der the shape of an open Dragon; q stand fast in the set∣led received truth of Christ; slight not the universall approved practice of Gods true Church; be not r led away with the errour s of the wicked; have regard to the precepts, as well as to the promises of the Gospel, and a chiefe respect to the peace of the Church. It is good t that the heart be established with grace: And now, the very God of peace sanctifie you wholly, and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blame∣less, unto the comming of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom I am,

Your affectionate Pastor to serve you. William Sclater.

Collompton. April 3. 1650.

Notes

• a

  Third Epist. Ioh. 1.2, 3.
• b

  Iud. vers. 20.
• c

  1 Pet. 5.2.
• d

  2 Cor. 12.15.
• e

  Heb. 6.9.
• f

  Heb. 13.17.
• g

  1 Tim. 5.17. 2 Tim. 4.2.
• h

  Gal. 6.6.
• i

  1 Thess. 5.12, 13.
• k

  Heb. 10.25.
• l

  Gal. 6.16.
• m

  Rom. 12.2. Iob. 17.17.
• n

  2 Thess. 2.11. Isai. 29.9, 10.
• o

  Rev. 2.24.
• p

  2 Cor. 11.14.
• q

  1 Cor. 16.13.
• r

  2 Pet. 3.17, 18.
• s

  Heb. 13.9.
• t

  1 Thess. 5.23.