Sect. 1. — Differences about the Law.
Sect. 1. — Differences about the Law.
Nom. The truth is, sir, he and I differ in very many things; but more especially about the law: for I say, the law should be a rule of life to a believer; and he says, it should not.
Neo. And surely, sir, the great difference between him and me, is this: he would persuade me to believe in Christ; and bids me rejoice in the Lord, and live merrily, though I feel ever so many corruptions in my heart, yes, though I am ever so sinful in my life; this I cannot do, nor do I think I ought to do it; but rather I ought to fear, and sorrow, and lament my sins.
Ant. The truth is, sir, the great difference between my friend Nomista and me, is about the law; and therefore that is the great matter we come to you about.
Evan. I remember the Apostle Paul would have Titus “avoid contentions and strivings about the law, because they are unprofitable and vain,” Tit. 3.9; as I fear yours have been.
Nom. Sir, for my own part, I hold it very fitting that every true Christian should be very zealous for the holy law of God; especially now when a company of these Antinomians set themselves against it, and do what they can to completely abolish it and utterly root it out of the church. Surely, sir, I think it is not fitting that they should live in a Christian commonwealth.
Evan. I beg you, neighbour Nomista, do not be so hot, nor let us have such unchristian-like expressions among us; rather, let us reason together in love, and with the spirit of meekness, 1Cor. 4.21, as Christians ought to do. I confess with the apostle, “It is good to always be zealously affected in a good thing,” Gal. 4.18. Yet, as the same apostle said of the Jews, so I fear I may say of some Christians, that “they are zealous of the law,” Acts 21.20; indeed, some would be doctors of the law, and yet they neither understand “what they say, nor what they affirm,” 1Tim. 1.7.
Nom. Sir, I have no doubt that I know both what I say, and what I affirm, when I say and affirm that the holy law of God ought to be a rule of life to a believer; for I would dare to pawn my soul on the truth of it.
Evan. But what law do you mean?
Nom. Why, sir, what law do you think I mean? Are there any more laws than one?