Of free justification by Christ written first in Latine by John Fox, author of the Book of martyrs, against Osorius, &c. and now translated into English, for the benefit of those who love their own souls, and would not be mistaken in so great a point.

Concerning the Promises of God, what, to whom, and how God hath promised.

BUT now, because here there is a conveni∣entoccasion of speaking concerning the Pro∣mises of God, it remains that we should hear from you, who treat of these things so sharply, what that is, which God hath promised, to whom he hath promised, how, and for what cause he doth it. Now there are both many and great Gifts of God and Ornaments partly bestowed upon us, and partly promised through the singular bounty of his Grace; yea, seeing there is nothing in this Workmanship of Na∣ture, nor in the meanest things, but what we ought to acknowledge to be his free Gift, if we would be thankful: And also amongst all these things, which being so many and so great he hath conferted upon us with so liberal a hand,

I esteem that nothing is more glorious nor more admirable, than this large honour of his Kingdom, which the Lord himself promises us in the Gospel. Fear not, saith he, little Flock, for it is the good will of your Father to give you the Kingdom. Which Paul * 1.1 also makes mention of, writing both elsewhere, and also to the Co∣lossians: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us unto the Kingdom of his dear Son, &c. Of which also Daniel, a most famous Prophet, hath given an ample Testimony; The Kingdom, saith he, and the Domi∣nion, and the largeness of the Kingdoms under the whole Heaven shall be gi∣ven to the People of the Saints of the most High, &c.

In which one benefit, seeing the whole Sum of our Felicity is comprehended; to wit, re∣conciliation with God, imputation of Righte∣ousness, remission of Sins, Peace with God, access with boldness, hope, the glo∣ry * 1.2 of God, eternal blessedness and salvation, the Inheritance of Eter∣nal Life, freedom from the accusa∣tion and condemnation of the Law: * 1.3 What can any Man either by de∣sires wish for, or by Faith conceive more glorius? For he that is pro∣moted unto the possession of a King∣dom, what more can be added to him, unto the highest splendour

of Glory, and the degree of the most honour∣able Dignity?

Therefore we have, as you see, O Osorius, the hereditary Mansions of the Eternal Kingdom promised to us, and that not of Works, but of Faith; not according to Bargain, but according to Grace, and therefore according to Grace, that the Promise may be firm and sure to all the Seed.

It is a very weighty Cause, and Authority not to be contemned: For what is more firm for all manner of security, than that which relies on the certain faithfulness of God, and a free promise? On the contrary, what is more un∣stable than that which depends on the most un∣certain condition of our Works, which are ei∣ther for the most part evil, or always uncer∣tain? Why then wilt thou cast us again out of the most firm safeguard of most sure confidence proposed to us, which rests most safely in the free bounty of God promising, as if thou dro∣vest us out of a Haven of Tranquil∣lity procured for us, to be tossed in * 1.4 the tempestuous Waters and Straits of Diffidence and Desperation? And do you make those things doubtful and uncertain, which through the bounty of God, we do as it were hold in our hands with a most assu∣red Faith, so that now there is not any thing certain which a man may satisfie his own Soul about touching Salvation? for, I pray you, what can be certain, if so be the Grace of the Promise being taken away, if Imputation of Righteousness being neglected, which is placed

in Christ for us, the whole matter is brought to the account of our actions? and you plead that we are not otherways righteous before God, than by performing the Offices of the Divine Law?

Objection. But (you will say) What, hath not God promised in Iere∣remiah * 1.5 and Ezekiel, to those that come to God by Faith, that they shall have his Law written in their mind, that they shall have the very presence of the Holy Ghost with∣in their mind, and defile their life with no sin, but govern it by the Law of God, and walk in the Pre∣cepts of God, and perform excellent and holy works, and moreover that they shall be righteous? &c.

Ans. 1. As touching the promise of the Spirit of God, it is very true, what you cite out of Ieremiah: For God in his bounty hath promi∣sed, that he will write his Law not only in Tables of Stone, as before, but in the inward Tables of their minds, and indeed accordingly he hath performed, and doth perform daily what he hath promised. And what doth your Logical reasoning gather * 1.6 thence?

Therefore, say you, seeing we have the Law of God put into our inward * 1.7 parts, it comes to pass, that giving cre∣dit to the promises of God, we do pre∣sently obtain the help of God, that we may very easily do all things that are commanded us, and so be saved, &c.

Therefore by these many things, which have been hitherto mentioned by you concerning the Law and its Office, I perceive you have two Opinions, both of which are false. First, That you affirm that we being supported by the Grace of God, and guarded by his help, can very easily perform all things, whatsoever are commanded by the Law of God. Secondly, Be∣cause you plead that all the nature of our Righ∣teousness and Salvation consists in performing God's Commands; and that there is no other way to Heaven but that which is contained in the Law of God: Both which Reasons of yours, how absurd they are, how contrary to the Grace of God and the Gospel, and how much disallowed and confuted, not only by all Authority of Divine Scripture, but also long since contradicted by the sayings of the most Antient Fathers, and how void of all support of reason and experience, there is no Man that hath so little Reason or Religion, but evidently perceives it, and clearly takes notice of it. For, though we do not deny that by the help of the grace of the Divine Spirit there are wonderful, various, and manifold effects produced, and great gifts are shed abroad in the minds of the Regenerate, for governing all parts of Life piously and holily; but whence, I pray you, will you teach that so great strength, and so great power to observe Righteousness is given by God, and committed unto mortal Man, which may be sufficient for performing all things that are prescribed in the most holy Law of God?

Notes

• * 1.1

  We are be∣holden to the grace of God for all bene∣fits and what that is which his singular favour to∣wards us is ehiefly seen. Luke 12. Daniel 7.
• * 1.2

  Romans 5. Romans 4. Titus 3. Romans 8.
• * 1.3

  On what foundation doth the free Promise of God chiefly stand.
• * 1.4

  Theassurance of confidence and persua∣sion from the free promise of God.
• * 1.5

  Osor. de just. 1. 9. pag. 234.
• * 1.6

  Ibid. p. 233.
• * 1.7

  Lib. 9. p. 232. Two Para∣doxes of Oso∣rius, both of which are false.