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.

Answer.

I will tell you briefly, to wit, after the very same manner that the death of Christ hath driven 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from our necks, and yet we dye. The same comes to pass in the destroying

of sin, that being freed from Sin by Christ, yet we are not without sin, for these two things come always together, being tied to one ano∣ther by a very near connexion. That where sin is, there by necessary consequence * 1.1 death follows; wherefore if the flesh is yet held in bonds by the cruelty of death, by the same rea∣son it is proved, that the relicks of sin remain also in the flesh. But now where is then that righteousness which Christ hath pur∣chased for us? Would you know, O Osorius? where our life is, there is also our righteous∣ness. Not in this flesh which we put off, but in that body which we shall in due time put on uncorrupted. For such are all the benefits of Christ purchased for us, that the promise of them being shewed afar off, as of old the Holy Land to the Hebrews, it is apprehended by Faith, and the Spirit in this life, but the full possession belongs only peculiarly and in the whole to the other life.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Therefore fits also after the same manner is taken away by Christ.