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

SECT. 3.

THe difference betwixt the time of the Law and the Gospel* 1.1 must be considered, then they received the spirit of bondage to feare, but now the spirit of adoption, Rom. 8. 15. Then they which came neare the Mount (where the Morall Law was gi∣ven) were stoned, or strucken through with a Dart, whether man or beast, Heb. 12. 20. but it is not so now, then the blood of Abel called for vengeance, but the blood of Christ now cal∣leth for mercy, and so speaketh better things then that of Abel, ver. 24. therefore to mittigate the severity of Moses Law in some cases, (yet not leaving sin unpunished, nor by connivance cherished) it is more sutable to the profession of the Gospel, of peace, and mercy.

4. The continuall practice of the Church sheweth as much,* 1.2 that the rigour of Moses Judicials is mittigated, the Apostle on∣ly willing the infectious man to be excommunicated, 1 Cor. 5. 5. by which it seemeth there was no Law in force to put such to death; neither therefore was the Law cruell then, neither now doth the Gospel seeme to be desolate but in them both, the be∣nignity of God appeared yet by a divers dispensation. Then by

the death of the body, the people was rather parged from their sins, then cond••mned, but unto us, sin is not purged by corporall punishment, but by repentance. The death of the body then ser∣ved a•• an expiation of their sins, prefiguring the death of Christ, Gal. 3. 13. but now the expiation of sins, is by repentance, and remission of sins in Christ. Now a greater punishment abideth the contemners of the Gospel, even eternall in the next world; and therefore corporall death is not so much inflicted now.

As to the continuance of the Morall Law, it is yet in force,* 1.3 and is not abrogated in respect of obedience (which thereunto is still required under the Gospel) but in respect of the curse and ••alidictio•• which Christ hath taken away; so that it is most true which our Saviour saith. He came not to dissolve the Law, but to fulfill it, Mat. 5. 17. he hath fulfilled it in his owne person in keeping it. ••. In paying the punishment which was due by the Law, to the transgressors thereof. 3. By inabling us by his grace to walk in obedience to the Law.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The diffe∣rence of time to be consi∣dered.
• * 1.2

  The practice of succeeding Churches de∣cline th••m to b•• mitigated.
• * 1.3

  The Morall Law yet in force.