Rome ruin'd by VVhite Hall, or, The papall crown demolisht

SECT. 3. Against satisfaction for sins by a temporall punishment.

Obj. THe Papists are of opinion, that satisfaction may be given for sin by temporall punishments, for proofe hereof they in∣stance in that passage of the Levites, in slaying of their Brethren at the command of Moses, Exod. 32. 28. from which punishment in∣flicted by the Levites upon the Idolaters, the Lord (say they) was well pleased.

Ans. We must not think that Gods wrath was thereby satis∣fied, for God was appeased before by the prayer of Moses, ver. 19. neither was it likely, that the punishment of a few, could satisfie for the sins of the whole Hoast, that the death of three thousand, should make amens for the sins of sixty thousand; and besides, one mans punishment cannot satisfie for the sins of another, no more then one mans faith can save another. But the Prophet saith, the just shall live by his faith, viz. his owne faith, not ano∣ther mans faith; ergo As also in that the Scriptures doth posi∣tively set downe and declare, that the soule that sinneth shall dye. Again, that which God forgiveth he perfectly pardoneth, Jer. 31. 34. I will forgive their sins, and remember their iniquities no more, with Ezek. 18. 22. His transgressions shall be mentioned no more unto him. But if the punishment of sin should be reserved, the fall being pardoned; sin shall be remembred after forgive∣nesse,

which is contrary to those Scriptures I have named.

Obi Adam and Eve had their sins forgiven them upon the pro∣mise of the Messiah, yet they both received punishment, Numb. 14. 20. God at Moses request forgave the sins of the murmurers, yet all their carcasses fell in the wildernesse.

Ans. That punishment inflicted upon them was not a satisfa∣ction for their sins past, which was already upon their repentance remitted unto them, wherefore those chastisements which fol∣fowed* 1.1 after remission of sins, (as in the other example given in instance) were rather correction for their owne emendations, or examples of others, then punishments for sin; for if sin should be directly punished, it should never have temporall but eternall pu∣nishment. Therefore when the sin is pardoned, it is not the pu∣nishment of sin, but a certaine admonition, for the Lord thinkes good to chastise those which have offended (though their sins be forgiven) for these causes.

1. That they may be throughly humbled, and take heed that they commit not the like againe. And therefore David saith, It was good for me that I was afflicted. 2. For the example of o∣thers, that they likewise may be warned that they offend not in the like. As the correction of Simeon and Levi was for the admo∣nition of their brethren, and posterity. 3. That men feeling the Justice of God in their due correction, may fly unto Gods mercy, and the promises of God in Christ. As Adam when he received the sentence of death for his transgression, had also the promise of the Messiah given him.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Corrections many times rather for the examples of others then for the punish∣ment of sin.