DIAL. IX.
Verse. 17.As it is written, The iust shall liue by Faith.
WHat is the drift of these words?
To proue by authority of Scripture, that whosoeuer belieueth the Gospell, shalbe* 1.1 accounted righteous, and so be saued. This sentence of Habakuk, is also an illustration, as if Paul should say; This Doctrine, by Faith to be iustified, agreeth with the Pro∣phets, and is neyther new or absurd.
What may we note in this Text.
Two things: First, the manner how this autho∣rity is brought in [As it is written.] Secondly, the autho∣rity it selfe [The iust shall liue by Faith.]
What was obserued in the manner of alleadging this authority?
These few things: First, that Saint Paul citeth not so much the verse, as the Booke of Scripture wherein it is written. Secondly, that he contenteth himselfe, to proue Doctrine by authority of Scripture. Thirdly, that he ci∣teth but one Testimony. Fourthly, that the Doctrine of free pardon and imputed righteousnesse, is hard to bee perswaded vnto men, yet hath witnesse from the Prophets. It hath euer seemed to humane reason very repugnant, and a thing vnlikely to be true; that a wicked liuer, a periured