"And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering." Herein are
the true footsteps of grace discovered; the person must be the first
in favor with God---the person first, the performance afterwards:
for though it be true among men that the gift makes way for the
acceptance of the person, yet in the order of grace it is after
another manner; for if the person be not first accepted, the
offering must be abominable; for it is not a good work that makes a
good man, but a good man makes a good work. The fruit does not make
a good tree, but a good tree bringeth forth good fruit.
Abel then presented his person and offering, as shrouding both by
faith under the righteousness of Christ, which lay wrapped up in the
promise; but Cain stands upon his own legs, and so presents his
offering. Abel therefore is accepted, both his person and offering,
while Cain remains accursed. This then makes the difference hetwixt
Abel and his brother; Abel had faith, but Cain had none. Abel's
faith covered him with Jesus Christ; therefore he stood righteous in
his person before God.
There is a man proceeded against for life by the law and the
sentence of death is in conclusion most justly and righteously
passed upon him by the judge. Suppose now, that after this, this man
lives and is exalted to honor, enjoys great things, and is put into
place of trust and power, and this by him that he has offended, even
by him that did pass the sentence upon him.
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