-02 Chapter 2. Of the Distribution or parts of Divinity
1-02 Chapter 2. Of the Distribution or parts of Divinity
1. There are two parts of Divinity: Faith and Observance. 2 Timothy 1:13, Hold the express form of wholesome words which you have heard from me with faith and love. 1 Timothy 1:19, Having faith and a good conscience. Acts 24:14-16, I believe all things that are written, and have hope in God. I exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence; These were the same parts of Abraham’s divinity. Genesis 15:6, Abraham believed Jehovah; Genesis 17:1, walk before me continually and be perfect. Christ requires the same thing of his disciples, when besides faith he requires that they observe all things that he has commanded, Matthew 28:20. Paul handles the same thing in the Epistle to the Romans 14:1-23 in which it is manifest what the sum of Divinity contains. Finally, he would have the same things taught in the Churches. Titus 3:8, these things I want you to affirm, that those who have believed God, might be careful to go before others in doing good.
2. A property of this distribution (which is required in a genuine distribution of every art) is that it flows from the nature of the object. For seeing that the beginning and first act of spiritual life (which is the proper object of Divinity) is faith, and the second act or operation flowing from that principle is observance, it necessarily follows that those two are the genuine parts of Divinity, nor is there any other to be sought.
3. In the Old Testament (fitting for that legal and servile estate) Divinity sometimes seems to be divided into the fear of God, and observing his Commandments, as in Ecclesiastes 2:13 : The sum of all is this: fear God, and keep his Commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. But by a metonym, faith is included in the former part, as it appears from Proverbs 3:5; Proverbs 3:7 : Trust in the Lord with all your heart: fear the Lord and depart from evil.
4. These two parts in use, deed, and exercise, are always joined together; yet they are then distinguished in their nature and precepts.
5. They are also so distinguished in their order of nature, that Faith holds the first place, and spiritual Obedience holds the latter; for there can be no vital actions brought forth unless a principle of life is first begotten within.15