第8章 7

Here Adam interposd. O sent from Heavn, [ 270 ] Enlightner of my darkness, gracious things Thou hast reveald, those chiefly which concerne Just Abraham and his Seed: now first I finde Mine eyes true opning, and my heart much easd, Erwhile perplext with thoughts what would becom [ 275 ] Of mee and all Mankind; but now I see

His day, in whom all Nations shall be blest, Favour unmerited by me, who sought Forbiddn knowledge by forbiddn means. This yet I apprehend not, why to those [ 280 ] Among whom God will deigne to dwell on Earth So many and so various Laws are givn; So many Laws argue so many sins Among them; how can God with such reside?

To whom thus Michael. Doubt not but that sin [ 285 ] Will reign among them, as of thee begot; And therefore was Law given them to evince Thir natural pravitie, by stirring up Sin against Law to fight; that when they see Law can discover sin, but not remove, [ 290 ] Save by those shadowie expiations weak,

The bloud of Bulls and Goats, they may conclude Some bloud more precious must be paid for Man, Just for unjust, that in such righteousness To them by Faith imputed, they may finde [ 295 ] Justification towards God, and peace Of Conscience, which the Law by Ceremonies Cannot appease, nor Man the moral part

Perform, and not performing cannot live. So Law appears imperfet, and but givn [ 300 ] With purpose to resign them in full time Up to a better Covnant, disciplind From shadowie Types to Truth, from Flesh to Spirit, From imposition of strict Laws, to free Acceptance of large Grace, from servil fear [ 305 ]

To filial, works of Law to works of Faith.