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DIAL. VIII.
Verse 17.For by it the righteousnesse of God, is reuealed from Faith to Faith.
VVHat Coherence and dependance hath this Verse with the next before? How are they knit together?
It containeth a proofe, or rendereth a reason of that which he had saide touching the Gospell, by the proper effect whereof (to wit; that by Faith we should be Iustified;) he now confirmeth the Gospel, to be [The power of God to Saluation:] for wee are certainly saucd by that whereby we are Iustified. This Text then, dooth well and fitly serue to a double purpose and end. First, it is brought in, as a reason of the definition of the Gos∣pell, set down in verse 16. For, if by the Doctrine of the Gospell be plainly and effectually shewed and taught, the onely right way of attaining righteousnesse before God, (which neither Law, nor Philosophy, nor anie o∣ther learning can teach) then is the Gospell the mighty Instrument vsed of God, to saue beleeuers. Secondly, it briefly putteth forth the whole state and proposition of the disputation, following to the end of the 11. Chap∣ter, to wit; That by Faith alone (without Woorkes) elect sinners be Iustified, before the iudgement of God. Which is proued by a testimony of Habakuk.
What is the sum of this Scripture?
That the Gospell doth open the way howe to come vnto perfect righteousnesse, such as shall make an Elect sinner, stand vnblameable at the tribunal of God.
What is the drift?
To proue that saluation is had by the Faith of the Gospell, because perfect Iustice and saluation can∣not bee diuided: therefore from whence Iustice dooth