Objection. TOuching which the Papists affirme, that the precepts and Commandements of God to a man regenerate, justified, and in the state of grace, are not impossible to be kept.
Ans. In answer to which it is requisite, first to lay open the point touching the ex∣tent of the truth therein contained, and then to answer to their objections.
1. We are to consider a four-fold state and condition of man;* 1.1 first as he was created in a perfect state before his fall, when it was possible for man to have kept the Law, and have conformed himself in perfect obedience to the will of his Creator.
2. But man considered in his corrupt estate, before he be rege∣nerated and restored, can by no meanes keep the Law, as the Prophet saith, Can the Black-a-moore change his hew, or the Leo∣pard his spots, Jer. 13. 23. so the Apostle, Whatsoever is not of faith is sin, Rom. 14. 23. And we are not able of our selves to think any thing as of our selves, 2 Cor. 3. 5.
3. In the restored estate of man by Regeneration and new Birth the Law is partly possible to be kept, and partly impossible. It is possible two wayes; 1. By the imputation of the righteous∣nesse of Christ, who hath fulfilled the Law for us, for he needed not to have fulfilled it for himself, as he suffered not for himself, for he was perfectly holy and just even from his conception, by the communication of the Divine Justice, for the Apostle saith, Rom. 10. 4. Christ is the end of the Law, that is, the fulfilling of the Law for righteousnesse to every one that beleeveth. 2. The Law is possible to be kept of the regenerate in respect of the in∣coation, or beginning of obedience internall, and externall, as the Apostle saith, This is the love of God, that we keep his Com∣mandements, 1 Joh. 5. 3. for he which is without this being of