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

SECT. 1.

THere are other opinions also, which are attributed to them under the notion of Antinomians, which I hope are but aspersions cast upon the Profes∣sors of Christ; but however, I shall propound the charge which they are accused with, and re∣turne an answer to it.

Obj. 1. The first is, that God doth not, will not, nor cannot see

any sin in his justified ones, which they gather from the text, Num. 23. 21. 2. Though the children of God sin never so grievously, yet God is not so much as angry with them for it, much lesse doth he chastise them for it. As also, that the Morall Law is of no use at all to a Releever, nor rule for him to walke or examine his life by, and that Christians are free from the mandatory power of it, and that it is as impossible for a childe of God to sin, as for Christ him∣selfe; and that to aske pardon for sin is no lesse then blasphemy.

Ans. As I have made appeare that the Morall Law is yet in force, so also in the other, that God doth not, will not, n••r cannot see any sin in his justified children; I answer by thi••▪ de∣mand, viz. Whether David was one of Gods elect sanctified ones* 1.1 or no, if he was, why then did the Lord reprove him for his Adultery, and Murder, by the Prophet Nathan; and what was the cause of his writing the 51. Psalm, with 2 Sam. 14. 15. I wil be, &c. if he commit iniquity, I wil chastise him with the rod of men.

2. As to that they say it is as impossible for a childe of God to sin, as it is for Christ himselfe; I advise them to take notice of what is affirmed by them, viz. that they may sin grievously, as before mentioned; now that it is possible to sin grievously, and yet to be as free from sin, as Christ (to me) is a paradox; like to which is the other, (That the children of God need not to aske pardon for their sins, and that it is no lesse then blasphemie so* 1.2 to doe) for thus they make the Apostle Peter a blasphemer, in weeping and repenting for his inconstancy, Mat. 26. 75. now to acknowledge, that a man may commit grosse and grievous sins, and yet terme him a blasphemer, if he repent of them, is mani∣festly to declare themselves reprobates; for the Scripture saith, that he only that confesseth his sins shall finde mercy; and there∣fore the Prophet David saith, I said I will confesse my sins unto the Lord, and so thou forgavest the wickednesse of my sin: In which wards there is both sin confessed, and repented of, with a pardon annexed, as the fruit of his confession and repentance. The same Prophet also saith, If I regard sin in my heart, the Lord will not heare my prayer. Which words doth also declare the detestation which the Lord hath of sin, even in his very elect. As also, Rev. 2. 16. where the Lord speaking to his Church, saith, Repent, or

else I will come unto thee quickly, &c. the Apostle Paul also* 1.3 saith, that godly sorrow worketh repentance, never to be repented of, a Cor. 7. 10. the Apostle Peter also exciteth Converts to re∣pentance, Act. 2. 38. I hope these Tenents are but aspersions cast upon the people of God (undeservedly) by the enemies of God, but if there he any such, I desire them in the name and feare of God, to renounce such blasphemous Heresies, and that they will* 1.4 be no more a scandall to the true professors of Jesus Christ, and not hence forth to give occasion to the enemies of God to blas∣pheme; A word (saith Salomon) to the wise is enough, and be∣ing spoken in due season is like apples of gold, in pictures of silver, Prov. 25. 11.

Notes

• * 1.1

  David did re∣pent of his sin.
• * 1.2

  Peter and o∣thers repented of their fay∣lings.
• * 1.3

  The Lord re∣quireth repen∣tance under the Gospel.
• * 1.4

  An admo••••∣tion.