Brethren,
As I was put upon preaching on this great subject; so I am satisfied it was at a very seasonable hour, this doctrine being greatly struck at by too many persons, though of different sentiments in many points of religion. And as it was well accepted by you, who heard these sermons (and the others that followed) when preached; and having been prevailed with to publish these to the world, so I hope some may receive advantage hereby: though for the meanness of the author, and weakness of the work, they may not meet with that entertainment from some as the subject deserves; yet for your sakes whose souls are committed to my charge, and for whom I must give account to the great Shepherd of the Sheep at the last day, I readily consented to this publication; as also that all may see that we are in this, and in all other great fundamentals of religion, established in the same faith with our brethren, and all sound and orthodox Christians in the world. And cannot but look upon ourselves greatly concerned, to see how men by craft and subtlety endeavor, through Satan's temptations (though I hope some do it not wittingly) strive to subvert the gospel of Christ, and corrupt the minds of weak Christians. An error in a fundamental point, is dangerous and destructive; but should we mistake some men we have to do with, we should be glad. The Lord help you to stand fast in the truth, as it is in Jesus (in which through grace you are well established). Our days are perilous; Satan seems to be let loose upon us, and is in great rage, his time being but short. Brethren, it is a hard case that any of those who maintain the old doctrine of justification, should be branded with the black name of Antinomians. As for my part, if Doctor Crisp be not misrepresented by his opposers, I am not of his opinion in several respects; but I had rather err on their side, who strive to exalt wholly the free grace of God, than on theirs, who seek to darken it and magnify the power of the creature, though we fear the design is to wound the truth and us, through that good man's sides, who, I doubt not is gone to heaven. O when shall we see that truth, peace, and union longed for!
My brethren, the doctrine we preach does not open a door to the least licentiousness (as it is unjustly said to do by some, who are either willfully or ignorantly blind.) No, God forbid. Nothing can promote holiness, and gospel sanctification like it, only it teaches us to act from high, sublime, and right evangelical principles. It shows the only way to attain to gospel purity, flows from our union with Christ; and that no man can arrive to any degree of true holiness, or expect to meet with any success therein, without a principle of spiritual life, or saving faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. The nature of men must first be changed, and that enmity that is in their hearts against God, be removed, before they can be holy. The tree must first be made good, or the fruits will be evil. The image of God must be formed in our souls, which puts the creature into an actual bent and propensity of his heart to the practice of holiness. If a man hates not sin, be not out of love with sin, how should he be in love with God and holiness? Now because we say sanctification is not necessary, as antecedent to justification, but is the fruit or product of union with Christ; though we deny not but the habits of holiness are infused at that same instant that faith is wrought in the soul, must we be looked upon as promoters of a licentious doctrine? Must we make our own performances, or obedience a condition of justification, or be laid under infamy and reproach? It is by faith only, that we come to have actual enjoyment and possession of Christ himself, and of remission of sin; and not only so, but of eternal life; and so of holiness also, and no other ways. The good Lord help you to a right understanding of these things, and make you all a holy people, to the praise of his glory, and honor of your sacred profession.
The holy apostle having asserted justification by the righteousness of God, which is by faith in Jesus Christ, desired to know him and the power of his resurrection, etc., which he did not to be justified thereby, but as a fruit flowing therefrom, or as a further evidence thereof. The first he had attained; but there was a higher degree of sanctification in his eye, which he pressed after, as then not having attained. Whose example let us follow.
I shall say no more. You own a rule of gospel holiness; let me exhort you to labor after sincere obedience. And pray forget me not in your prayers, that God would graciously help me through all my troubles and temptations, and preserve me and you to his heavenly kingdom; who am your servant for Jesus's sake, and so shall abide till death.
Benjamin Keach.
