The doctrine of justification by faith through the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, explained, confirmed, & vindicated by John Owen ...

General Considerations previously necessary unto the Explanation of the Doctrine of Justi∣fication.

THat we may treat of the Doctrine of Justification usefully unto its proper Ends, which are the Glory of God in Christ, with the peace and furtherance of the Obedience of Believers, some things are pre∣viously to be considered, which we must have respect unto in the whole process of our Discourse. And among others that might be insisted on to the same purpose, these that ensue are not to be omitted.

1. The first Enquiry in this matter in a way of Duty, is after the proper Relief of the Conscience of a sinner, pressed and perplexed with a sense of the Guilt of sin. For Justifi∣cation is the way and means whereby such a person doth ob∣tain acceptance before God, with a Right and Title unto an heavenly Inheritance. And nothing is pleadable in this cause, but what a man would speak unto his own Conscience in that state, or unto the Conscience of another, when he is anxious under that Enquiry. Wherefore, The Person under consi∣deration, that is, who is to be Justified, is one who in him∣self is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Rom. 4.5. Ʋngodly; and thereon 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Chap. 3.19. guilty before God; that is, obnoxious, subject, liable 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Chap. 1.32; to the righteous sen∣tential Judgment of God; that he who committeth sin, who is in any way guilty of it, is worthy of Death. Hereupon such

a person finds himself 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Gal. 3.10; under the curse, and the wrath of God therein abiding on him, Joh. 3.18, 36. In this condition he is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; without plea, without excuse, by any thing in and from himself, for his own relief; His mouth is stopped, Rom. 3.19. For he is in the Judgment of God declared in the Scripture 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Gal. 3.22; every way shut up under sin and all the consequents of it. Many Evils in this condition are men subject unto, which may be reduced unto those two of our first Parents wherein they were represented. For first, they thought fool∣ishly to hide themselves from God; and then more foolishly would have charged him as the cause of their sin. And such naturally are the thoughts of men under their convictions. But whoever is the subject of the Justification enquired after, is by various means brought into his Apprehensions, who cryed, Sirs! What must I do to be saved?

2. With respect unto this state and condition of men, or men in this state and condition, the enquiry is, What that is upon the account whereof, God pardoneth all their sins, receiveth them into his favour, declareth or pronounceth them Righteous, and acquitted from all Guilt, removes the Curse, and turneth away all his wrath from them, giving them Right and Title unto a blessed Immortality or life Eternal. This is that alone where∣in the Consciences of sinners in this estate are concerned. Nor do they enquire after any thing, but what they may have to oppose unto, or answer the Justice of God in the commands and curse of the Law, and what they may betake themselves unto, for the obtaining of Acceptance with him unto life and salvation.

That the Apostle doth thus and no otherwise state this whole matter, and in an Answer unto this Enquiry, declare the nature of Justification and all the causes of it, in the third and fourth Chapters of the Epistle to the Romans, and elswhere, shall be afterwards declared and proved. And we shall also

manifest that the Apostle James in the second Chapter of his Epistle, doth not speak unto this Enquiry, nor give an An∣swer unto it; but it is of Justification in another sense, and to another purpose whereof he treateth. And whereas we cannot either safely or usefully treat of this Doctrine, but with respect unto the same Ends for which it is declared, and whereunto it is applied in the Scripture, we should not by any pretences be turned aside from attending unto this Case and its Resolution, in all our Discourses on this subject. For it is the Direction, Satisfaction and peace of the Consciences of men, and not the curiosity of Notions or subtilty of Disputations, which it is our Duty to design. And therefore I shall as much as possibly I may, avoid all those Philosophical Terms and Distinctions wherewith this Evangelical Doctrine hath been perplexed rather than illustrated. For more weight is to be put on the steady Guidance of the Mind and Con∣science of one Believer really exercised about the Foundation of his peace and acceptance with God, then on the confuta∣tion of ten wrangling Disputers.

3. Now the Enquiry on what account or for what Cause and Reason a man may be so acquitted or discharged of sin, and accepted with God as before declared, doth necessarily issue in this; Whether it be any thing in our selves, as our Faith, and Repentance, the Renovation of our Natures, inhe∣rent habits of Grace, and actual works of Righteousness which we have done, or may do; or whether it be the Obedience, Righ∣teousness, Satisfaction and Merit of the Son of God our Media∣tor and Surety of the Covenant, imputed unto us. One of these it must be, namely, something that is our own, which, what∣ever may be the Influence of the Grace of God into it, or causality of it, because wrought in and by us, is inherently our own in a proper sense; or something, which being not our own, not inherent in us, not wrought by us, is yet im∣puted unto us, for the pardon of our sins, and the Accepta∣tion

of our Persons as righteous; or the making of us Righ∣teous in the sight of God. Neither are these things capable of mixture or composition, Rom. 11.6. Which of these it is the Duty, Wisdome and safety of a convinced sinner to rely upon and trust unto in his Appearance before God, is the sum of our present Enquiry.

4. The way whereby sinners do or ought to betake them∣selves unto this Relief, on supposition that it is the Righteous∣ness of Christ, and how they come to be partakers of, or inte∣rested in that which is not inherently their own, unto as good Benefit and as much Advantage as if it were their own, is of a distinct consideration. And as this also is clearly deter∣mined in the Scripture, so it is acknowledged in the Expe∣rience of all them that do truly believe. Neither are we in this matter much to regard the senses or arguings of men, who were never throughly convinced of sin, nor have ever in their own persons fled for Refuge unto the Hope set before them.

5. These things I say are always to be attended unto, in our whole Disquisition into the nature of Evangelical Justi∣fication; For without a constant respect unto them, we shall quickly wander into curious and perplexed Questions, where∣in the Consciences of guilty Sinners are not concerned; and which therefore really belong not unto the substance or truth of this Doctrine, nor are to be immixed therewith. It is alone the Relief of those who are in themselves 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, guilty before, or obnoxious and liable to the Judgment of God, that we enquire after. That this is not any thing in or of themselves, nor can so be; that it is a Provision with∣out them, made in infinite Wisdom and Grace by the media∣tion of Christ, his Obedience and Death therein, is secured in the Scripture against all contradiction: And it is the fun∣damental Principle of the Gospel, Math. 11.28.

6. It is confessed that many things for the Declaration of the Truth and the order of the Dispensation of Gods Grace

herein, are necessarily to be insisted on; such are the nature of Justifying Faith, the place and use of it in Justification, the Causes of the new Covenant, the true notion of the Me∣diation and Suretiship of Christ, and the like, which shall all of them be enquired into. But beyond what tends di∣rectly unto the Guidance of the Minds, and satisfaction of the Souls of Men, who seek after a stable and abiding foun∣dation of Acceptance with God, we are not easily to be drawn, unless we are free to lose the Benefit and Comfort of this most important Evangelical Truth, in needless and un∣profitable contentions. And amongst many other miscarriages which men are subject unto whilst they are conversant about these things, this in an especial manner is to be avoided.

1. For the Doctrine of Justification is directive of Chri∣stian Practice, and in no other Evangelical Truth is the whole of our Obedience more concerned; For the Foundation, Reasons and Motives of all our Duty towards God are con∣tained therein: Wherefore in order unto the due improve∣ment of them, ought it to be taught and not otherwise. That which alone we aim (or ought so to do) to learn in it and by it, is how we may get and maintain peace with God, and so to live unto him, as to be accepted with him in what we do. To satisfie the Minds and Consciences of men in these things, is this Doctrine to be taught. Wherefore to carry it out of the understandings of ordinary Christians by specula∣tive notions and distinctions is disserviceable unto the Faith of the Church. Yea the mixing of Evangelical Revelations with Philosophical Notions hath been in sundry Ages the Poison of Religion. Pretence of accuracy and artificial skill in Teaching, is that which giveth countenance unto such a way of handling sacred things. But the Spiritual Amplitude of Divine Truths is restrained hereby, whilst low mean Phi∣losophical senses are imposed on them. And not only so, but endless Divisions and Contentions are occasioned and perpe∣tuated.

Hence when any Difference in Religion is, in the pursuit of Controversies about it, brought into the field of Metaphysical Respects and Philosophical terms whereof there is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, sufficient provision for the supply of the Combatants on both sides, the truth for the most part, as unto any concernment of the souls of men therein, is utterly lost, and buried in the rubbish of senseless and unprofitable words. And thus in particular, those who seem to be well enough agreed in the whole Doctrine of Justification, so far as the Scripture goeth before them, and the Experience of Believers keeps them company, when once they ingage into their Phi∣losophical Definitions and Distinctions, are at such an irrecon∣cilable variance among themselves, as if they were agreed on no one thing that doth concern it. For as men have various ap∣prehensions in coining such Definitions as may be defensible against Objections, which most men aim at therein: So no Proposition can be so plain (at least in materia probabili) but that a man ordinarily versed in Paedagogical Terms and Meta∣physical Notions, may multiply Distinctions on every word of it.

8. Hence there hath been a pretence and appearance of twenty several Opinions among Protestants about Justification, as Bellarmine and Vasquez, and others of the Papists charge it against them out of Osiander, when the Faith of them all was one and the same, Bellar. lib. 5. cap. 1. Vasq. in 1.2. Quaest. 113. disp. 202. whereof we shall speak elsewhere. When men are once advanced into that field of Disputation, which is all overgrown with thorns of subtilties, perplexed notions, and futilous terms of Art, they consider principally how they may entangle others in it, scarce at all how they may get out of it themselves. And in this posture they oftentimes utterly forget the business which they are about, especially in this matter of Justification; namely how a guilty Sinner may come to obtain Favour and Acceptance with God. And

not only so, but I doubt they oftentimes dispute themselves beyond what they can well abide by, when they return home unto a sedate meditation of the state of things between God and their own souls. And I cannot much value their notions and sentiments of this matter, who object and answer them∣selves out of a sense of their own Appearance before God, much less of theirs who evidence an open inconformity unto the Grace and truth of this Doctrine in their hearts and lives.

9. Wherefore we do but trouble the faith of Christians and the peace of the true Church of God, whilst we dispute about Expressions, Terms and Notions, when the substance of the Doctrine intended, may be declared and believed, without the knowledge, understanding, or use of any of them. Such are all those in whose subtile management the captious Art of wrangling doth principally consist. A diligent Attendance unto the Revelation made hereof in the Scripture, and an examination of our own experience thereby, is the Sum of what is required of us for the right understanding of the truth herein. And every true Believer who is taught of God, knows how to put his whole trust in Christ alone, and the Grace of God by him, for Mercy, Righteousness and Glory, and not at all concern himself with those loads of thorns and briars, which under the names of Definitions, Distinctions, accurate Notions, in a number of Exotick, Paedagogical and Philosophical terms, some pretend to accommodate them withall.

10. The Holy Ghost in expressing the most eminent Acts in our Justification, especially as unto our Believing, or the acting of that faith whereby we are justified, is pleased to make use of many Metaphorical Expressions. For any to use them now in the same way, and to the same purpose, is esteemed rude, undisciplinary, and even ridiculous, but on what Grounds? He that shall deny, that there is more spiri∣tual sense and experience conveyed by them into the hearts

and minds of Believers, (which is the life and soul of teach∣ing things practical) than in the most accurate Philosophical expressions, is himself really ignorant of the whole Truth in this matter. The Propriety of such Expressions belongs, and is confined unto natural science; but spiritual Truths are to be taught not in the words which mans wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. God is wiser then man; and the Holy Ghost knows better what are the most expedient ways for the Illu∣mination of our minds with that knowledge of Evangelical Truths, which it is our Duty to have and attain, then the wisest of us all. And other knowledge of, or skill in these things, then what is required of us in a way of Duty, is not to be valued.

It is therefore to no purpose to handle the mysteries of the Gospel, as if Holcot and Bricot, Thomas and Gabriel, with all the Sententiarists, Summists, and Quodlibetarians of the old Roman Peripatetical School, were to be raked out of their Graves to be our guides. Especially will they be of no use unto us, in this Doctrine of Justification. For where∣as they pertinaciously adhered unto the Philosophy of Ari∣stotle, who knew nothing of any Righteousness, but what is an habit inherent in our selves, and the Acts of it, they wrested the whole Doctrine of Justification unto a compliance there∣withall. So Pighius himself complained of them, Controv. 2. Dissimulare non possumus, hanc vel primam doctrinae Christianae partem (de Justificatione) obscuratam magis quam illustratam a scholasticis, spinosis pleris{que} quaestionibus, & definitionibus, se∣cundum quas nonnulli magno supercilio primam in omnibus auto∣ritatem arrogantes, &c.

Secondly, A due consideration of him with whom in this mat∣ter we have to do, and that immediately, is necessary unto a right stating of our thoughts about it. The Scripture ex∣presseth it emphatically, that it is God that justifieth, Rom. 8.

33. And he assumes it unto himself as his Prerogative, to do what belongs thereunto. I, even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins, Isa. 43.25. And it is hard in my Apprehension, to suggest unto him, any other reason or consideration of the pardon of our sins; seeing he hath taken it on him to do it for his own sake, that is, for the Lords sake, Dan. 9.17. in whom all the seed of Israel are justified, Isa. 45.25. In his sight, be∣fore his Tribunal it is, that men are justified or condemned, Psal. 143.2. Enter not into Judgement with thy servant; for in THY SIGHT shall no man living be justified. And the whole work of Justification, with all that belongeth there∣unto, is represented after the manner of a Juridical procee∣ding before Gods Tribunal, as we shall see afterwards. There∣fore saith the Apostle, by the deeds of the Law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; Rom. 3.20. However any may be ju∣stified in the sight of Men or Angels by their own Obedi∣ence or Deeds of the Law, yet in His Sight none can be so.

Necessary it is unto any man who is to come unto a Trial, in the sentence whereof he is greatly concern'd, duely to consider the Judge before whom he is to appear, and by whom his cause is finally to be determined. And if we manage our Disputes about Justification without a continual regard unto Him, by whom we must be cast or acquitted, we shall not rightly apprehend what our Plea ought to be. Wherefore the Greatness, the Majesty, the Holiness, and So∣veraign Authority of God, are always to be present with us in a due sense of them, when we enquire how we may be justified before him. Yet is it hard to discern how the minds of some men are influenced by the consideration of these things, in their fierce contests for the Interest of their own works in their Justification; precibus aut precio ut in ali∣qua parte haereant. But the Scripture doth represent unto us what thoughts of him, and of themselves, not only Sinners,

but Saints also, have had, and cannot but have upon near Discoveries and effectual Conceptions of God and his Great∣ness. Thoughts hereof ensuing on a sense of the guilt of sin, filled our first Parents with fear and shame, and put them on that foolish attempt of hiding themselves from him. Nor is the wisdom of their posterity one jot better under their Convictions, without a discovery of the Promise. That alone makes sinners wise, which tenders them relief. At present, the Generality of men are secure, and do not much question but that they shall come off well enough one way or other in the Trial they are to undergo. And as such persons are alto∣gether indifferent what Doctrine concerning Justification is taught and received; so for the most part for themselves, they encline unto that Declaration of it which best suits▪ their own Reason, as influenced with self-conceit, and cor∣rupt Affections. The sum hereof is, that what they cannot do themselves, what is wanting that they may be saved, be it more or less, shall one way or other be made up by Christ, either the use or the abuse of which perswasion is the grea∣test fountain of sin in the world, next unto the Deprava∣tion of our nature. And whatever be, or may be preten∣ded unto the contrary, Persons not convinced of sin, not humbled for it, are in all their Ratiocinations about spiri∣tual things, under the conduct of Principles so vitiated and corrupted. See Mat. 18.3, 4. But when God is pleased by any means to manifest his Glory unto sinners, all their presidences and contrivances do issue in dreadful horrour and distress. An account of their Temper is given us Isa. 33.14. The sin∣ners in Sion are afraid, fearfulness hath surprized the Hypocrites, who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with Everlasting burnings? Nor is it thus only with some peculiar sort of sinners. The same will be the Thoughts of all guilty persons at some time or another. For those who through sensuality, security, or superstition, do

hide themselves from the vexation of them in this world, will not fail to meet with them when their Terrour shall be encreased, and become remediless. Our God is a consuming fire; and men will one day find, how vain it is to set their Briars and Thorns against him in battle array. And we may see what extravagant contrivances convinced sinners will put themselves upon, under any real view of the Majesty and Holiness of God; Micah 6.6, 7. Wherewith (saith one of them) shall I come before the Lord, and bow my self before the high God? shall I come before him with Burnt-offerings, with Calves of a year old? will the Lord be pleased with thousands of Rams, or with ten thousands of Rivers of Oyl? shall I give my first born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my Soul. Neither shall I ever think them meet to be contended withall about the Doctrine of Justification, who take no notice of these things, but rather despise them.

This is the proper effect of the Conviction of sin, streng∣thened and sharpened with the consideration of the Terrour of the Lord, who is to judge concerning it. And this is that which in the Papacy meeting with an Ignorance of the Righteousness of God, hath produced innumerable superstitious Inventions for the appeasing of the Consciences of men, who by any means fall under the Disquietments of such Convi∣ctions. For they quickly see that none of the Obedience which God requireth of them, as it is performed by them, will justifie them before this high and holy God. Wherefore they seek for shelter in contrivances about things that he hath not commanded, to try if they can put a cheat upon their Consciences, and find relief in Diversions.

Nor is it thus only with profligate sinners upon their Con∣victions; but the best of men, when they have had near and efficacious Representations of the Greatness, Holiness, and Glory of God, have been cast into the deepest self-abase∣ment, and most serious Renunciations of all trust or confi∣dence

in themselves. So the Prophet Isaiah upon his vision of the Glory of the Holy One, cried out, Woe is me, I am undone, because I am a man of unclean lips, chap. 6.5. nor was he relieved but by an Evidence of the free pardon of sin, ver. 7. So Holy Job in all his contests with his Friends who charged him with Hypocrisie, and his being a sinner guilty in a peculiar manner above other men, with assured confidence and perseverance therein justified his sincerity, his Faith and Trust in God, against their whole charge and every parcel of it. And this he doth with such a full satisfaction of his own In∣tegrity, as that not only he insists at large on his vindication, but frequently appeals unto God himself, as unto the Truth of his Plea. For he directly pursues that counsel with great Assurance which the Apostle James so long after gives unto all Believers, nor is the Doctrine of that Apostle more emi∣nently exemplified in any one instance throughout the whole Scripture then in him. For he sheweth his Faith by his works, and pleads his Justification thereby. As Job Justi∣fied himself, and was Justified by his works, so we allow it the Duty of every Believer to be. His plea for Justifica∣tion by works, in the sense wherein it is so, was the most noble that ever was in the world, nor was ever any contro∣versie managed upon a greater occasion.

At length this Job is called into the immediate presence of God, to plead his own cause, not now as stated between him and his Friends, whether he were an Hypocrite or no▪ or whether his Faith or Trust in God was sincere, but as it was stated between God and him, wherein he seemed to have made some undue Assumptions on his own behalf. The Que∣stion was now reduced unto this; on what Grounds he might or could be justified in the sight of God? To prepare his mind unto a right Judgement in this case, God manifests his Glory unto him, and instructs him in the Greatness of His Majesty and Power. And this he doth by a multiplication of Instances,

because under our Temptations we are very slow in admit∣ting right conceptions of God. Here the Holy man quickly acknowledged, that the state of the case was utterly altered. All his former pleas of Faith, Hope, and Trust in God, of since∣rity in Obedience, which with so much earnestness he before in∣sisted on, are now quite laid aside. He saw well enough that they were not pleadable at the Tribunal before which he now appeared, so that God should enter into Judgment with him thereon, with respect unto his Justification. Wherefore in the deepest self-abasement and abhorrency, he betakes himself unto Soveraign Grace and Mercy. For then Job answered the Lord and said, behold I am vile, what shall I answer thee, I will lay mine hand upon my mouth; once have I spoken, but I will not answer, yea twice, but I will proceed no farther; Job 40.3, 4, 5, And again, Hear I beseech thee and I will speak, I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me; I have heard of thee by the hearing of the Ear, but now mine Eye seeth thee; wherefore I abhor my self, and repent in dust and ashes, chap. 42.4, 5, 6. Let any men place themselves in the Condition wherein now Job was, in the immediate presence of God; Let them attend unto what he really speaks unto them in his word, namely, what they will answer unto the Charge that he hath against them, and what will be their best plea before his Tribunal, that they may be Justified. I do not believe that any man living hath more encouraging Grounds to plead for an interest in his own Faith and Obedience in his Justification before God, then Job had; although I suppose he had not so much skill to manage a plea to that purpose with Scholastick notions and distin∣ctions as the Jesuits have. But however, we may be har∣nessed with subtile Arguments and Solutions, I fear it will not be safe for us to adventure farther upon God then he durst to do.

There was of old a Direction for the visitation of the Sick, composed as they say by Anselm, and published by

Casparus Vlenhergius, which expresseth a better sense of these things then some seem to be convinced of. Credisne te non posse salvari nisi per mortem Christi? Respondet infirmus, Etiam; tum dicit illi; Age Ergo dum superest in te anima, in hac sola morte fiduciam tuam constitue; in nulla alia re fiduciam habe, huic morti te totum committe, hac sola te totum contege, totum immisce te in hac morte, in hac morte totum te involve. Et si Dominus te voluerit judicare, Dic, Domine, mortem Domini nostri Jesu Christi objicio inter me & tuum Judicium aliter tecum non contendo. Et si tibi dixerit quia peccator es, dic, mortem Domini nostri Jesu Christi pono inter me & peccata mea. Si dixerit tibi quod meruisti damnationem; dic, Domine, mortem Domini nostri Jesu Christi obtendo inter te & mala merita mea, ipsius{que} merita offero pro merito quod ego debuissem habere nec ha∣beo; si dixerit quod tibi est iratus, dic Domine, mortem Do∣mini Jesu Christi oppono inter me & iram tuam. That is, Dost thou believe that thou canst not be saved but by the death of Christ? The sick man answereth, yes; then let it be said unto him; Go to then, and whilst thy Soul abideth in thee, put all thy confidence in this death alone, place thy trust in no other thing, commit thy self wholly to this Death, cover thy self wholly with this alone, cast thy self wholly on this Death, wrap thy self wholly in this Death. And if God would judge thee, say, Lord, I place the Death of our Lord Jesus Christ between me and thy judgment; and otherwise I will not contend, or en∣ter into Judgment with thee. And if he shall say unto thee, that thou art a sinner, say, I place the Death of our Lord Jesus Christ between me and my sins. If he shall say unto thee, that thou hast deserved damnation; say, Lord, I put the Death of our Lord Jesus Christ between thee and all my sins; and I offer his merits for my own which I should have, and have not. If he say that he is angry with thee, say, Lord, I place the Death of our Lord Jesus Christ between me and thy Anger. Those who gave these Directions, seem to have been sensible of what it is to

appear before the Tribunal of God; and how unsafe it will be for us there to insist on any thing in our selves. Hence are the words of the same Anselm in his Meditations. Con∣scientia mea meruit damnationem, & penitentia mea non sufficit ad satisfactionem, sed certum est quod misericordia tua superat omnem offensionem. My Conscience hath deserved damnation, and my Repentance is not sufficient for satisfaction, but most certain it is, that thy mercy aboundeth above all offence. And this seems to me a better Direction then those more lately given by some of the Roman Church. Such is the prayer suggested unto a sick man, by Johan. Polandus lib. Methodus in ad∣juvandis morientibus. Domine Jesu, conjunge, obsecro, obse∣quium meum cum omnibus quae tu egisti, & passus es ex tam perfecta Charitate & Obedientia. Et cum divitiis satisfactio∣num & meritorum Dilectionis, Patri aeterno illud offerre dig∣neris. Or that of a greater Author, Antidot. Animae, fol. 17. Tu hinc o rosea Martyrum turba offer pro me, nunc & in hora mortis meae, merita fidelitatum, constantiae & pretiosi sangui∣nis▪ cum sanguine Agni immaculati, pro omnium salute effust. Hierom long before Anselm, spake to the same purpose. Cum dies Judicij aut dormitionis advenerit, omnes manus dis∣solventur; quibus dicitur in alio loco confortamini manus dis∣solutae; dissolventur auntem manus quia nullum opus dignum Dei justitia reperiatur, & non justificabitur in conspectu ejus omnis vivens, unde Propheta dicit in Psalmo, si iniquitates attendas Do∣mine, quis sustinebit, lib. 6. in Isa. in cap. 13. v. 6, 7. When the day of Judgement, or of Death, shall come, all hands will be dissol∣ved (that is, faint or fall down) unto which it is said in another place, be strengthened ye hands that hang down. But all hands shall be melted down, (that is, all mens strength and confidence shall fail them) because no works shall be found which can answer the Righteousness of God; for no flesh shall be justified in his sight. Whence the Prophet says in the Psalm, If thou Lord shouldst mark iniquity, who should stand? And

Ambrose to the same purpose, Nemo ergo sibi arroget, nemo de meritis glorietur, nemo de potestate se jactet, omnes speremus per Dominum Jesum misericordiam invenire, quoniam omnes ante Tribunal ejus stabimus, de illo veniam, de illo indulgentiam po∣stulabo, quaenam spes alia peccatoribus, in Psal. 119. Resh. Let no man arrogate any thing unto himself, let no man glory in his own merits or good deeds, let no man boast of his power, let us all hope to find mercy by Lord Jesus, for we shall all stand be∣fore his Judgment-seat. Of him will I beg pardon, of him will I desire Indulgence, what other hope is there for sinners?

Wherefore if men will be turned off from a continual re∣gard unto the Greatness, Holiness, and Majesty of God, by their Inventions in the Heat of Disputation, if they do for∣get a Reverential Consideration of what will become them, and what they may betake themselves unto, when they stand before his Tribunal, they may ingage into such apprehensions, as they dare not abide by in their own personal Trial. For how shall man be just with God? Hence it hath been obser∣ved, that the School-men themselves in their Meditations and Devotional writings, wherein they had immediate thoughts of God with whom they had to do, did speak quite another Language as to Justification before God, then they do in their wrangling Philosophical fiery Disputes about it. And I had rather learn what some men really judge about their own Justification from their prayers, then their writings. Nor do I remember, that I did ever hear any good man in his prayers, use any expressions about Justification, pardon of sin, and Righteousness before God, wherein any plea from any thing in our selves was introduced or made use of. The Prayer of Daniel hath in this matter been the substance of their Supplications. O Lord! Righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces; we do not present our Sup∣plications before thee for our own Righteousness, but for thy great mercies, O Lord hear, O Lord forgive, for thine own sake O my

God, Dan. 9.7, 18, 19. Or that of the Psalmist, Enter not into Judgement with thy servant O Lord, for in thy sight shall no man living be justified, Psal. 143.2. Or, If thou Lord mark Iniquity, Lord who shall stand; but there is forgiveness with thee that thou maist be feared, Psal. 130. 2, 3, 4. On which words, the Exposition of Austin is remarkable, speaking of David, and applying it unto himself. Ecce clamat sub moli∣bus iniquitatum suarum. Circumspexit se, circumspexit vitam suam, vidit illam undi{que} flagitiis coopertam, quacun{que} respexit, nihil in se boni invenit: Et cum tanta & tam multa peccata undi{que} videret, tanquam expavescens, exclamavit, si iniquitates observaris Domine, quis sustinebit? vidit enim prope totam vi∣tam humanam circumlatrari peccatis; accusari omnes conscien∣tias cogitationibus suis, non inveniri Cor Castum praesumens de justitia, quod quia inveniri non potest, praesumat ergo omnium Cor de misericordia Domini Dei sui, & dicat Deo, si iniquitates ob∣servaris Domine, Domine quis sustinebit? Quae autem est spes? quoniam apud te propitiatio est. And whereas we may and ought to represent unto God in our Supplications our Faith, or what it is that we believe herein, I much question, whether some men can find in their hearts to pray over and plead be∣fore him, all the Arguments and Distinctions they make use of to prove the interest of our Works and Obedience in our Justification before him, or enter into Judgement with him upon the conclusions which they make from them. Nor will many be satisfied to make use of that Prayer which Pelagius taught the Widow, as it was objected to him in the Diaspoli∣tan Synod. Tu nosti Domine quam sanctae, quam innocentes, quam purae ab omni fraude & rapina quas ad te expando manus; quam justa, quam immaculata labia & ab omni mendacio libera, quibus tibi ut mihi miserearis preces fundo. Thou knowest, O Lord, how holy, how innocent, how pure from all deceit and rapine are the hands which I stretch forth unto thee; how just, how unspotted with evil, how free from lying are those lips wherewith I pour

forth prayers unto thee, that thou wouldst have mercy on me. And yet although he taught her so to plead her own purity, innocency and righteousness before God, yet he doth it not, as those whereon she might be absolutely justified, but only as the condition of her obtaining mercy. Nor have I obser∣ved that any publick Liturgies (the Mass-Book only excep∣ted, wherein there is a frequent recourse unto the merits and intercession of Saints) do guide men in their prayers before God to plead any thing for their acceptance with him, or as the means or condition thereof, but Grace, Mercy, the Righ∣teousness and Blood of Christ alone.

Wherefore I cannot but judge it best, (others may think of it as they please) for those who would teach or learn the Doctrine of Justification in a due manner, to place their Con∣sciences in the presence of God, and their Persons before his Tribunal, and then upon a due consideration of his Great∣ness, Power, Majesty, Righteousness, Holiness, of the ter∣rour of his Glory, and Soveraign Authority, to enquire what the Scripture, and a sense of their own Condition directs them unto as their Relief and Refuge, and what Plea it be∣comes them to make for themselves. Secret thoughts of God and our selves, retired meditations, the conduct of the spirit in humble supplications, Death-bed preparations for an im∣mediate appearance before God, Faith and Love in exercise on Christ, speak other things for the most part, then many contend for.

3. A clear apprehension and due sense of the Greatness of our Apostasie from God, of the Depravation of our Natures thereby, of the Power and Guilt of Sin, of the Holiness and Severity of the Law, are necessary unto a right apprehension of the Do∣ctrine of Justification. Therefore unto the Declaration of it doth the Apostle premise a large Discourse throughly to convince the minds of all that seek to be justified, with a sense of these things, Rom. 1.2, 3. The Rules which he hath given

us, the Method which he prescribeth, and the Ends which he designeth, are those which we shall chuse to follow. And, He layeth it down in general, That the Righteoussness of God is revealed from Faith to Faith and that the Just shall live by Faith; chap. 1.17. But he declares not in particular the causes, nature, and way of our Justification, until he hath fully evinced that all men are shut up under this state of sin, and manifested how deplorable their Condition is thereby. And in the Ignorance of these things, in the denying or pal∣liating of them, lyeth the foundation of all mis-belief about the Grace of God. Pelagianism in its first Root, and all its present Branches, is resolved thereinto. For not apprehen∣ding the dread of our Original Apostacy from God, nor the consequents of it in the universal Depravation of our Na∣ture, they disown any necessity either of the Satisfaction of Christ, or the Efficacy of Divine Grace for our Recovery or Restauration. So upon the matter the principal Ends of the Mission both of the Son of God, and of the Holy Spirit, are renounced; which issues in the denial of the Deity of the one and the Personality of the other. The Fall which we had being not great, and the Disease contracted thereby being easily curable, and there being little or no evil in these things which are now unavoidable unto our nature, it is no great matter to be freed or justified from all, by a meer act of Fa∣vour on our own Endeavours; nor is the Efficacious Grace of God any way needful unto our Sanctification and Obe∣dience, as these men suppose.

Where these or the like conceits are admitted, and the minds of men by them kept off from a due apprehension of the State and Guilt of sin, and their Consciences from being affected with the terrour of the Lord and curse of the Law thereon; Justification is a notion to be dealt withall plea∣santly or subtilly as men see occasion. And hence arise the Differences about it at present, I mean those which are really

such, and not meerly the different ways whereby Learned men express their thoughts and apprehensions concer∣ning it.

By some the Imputation of the actual Apostasie and Trans∣gression of Adam the head of our nature, whereby his sin became the sin of the world, is utterly denied. Hereby both the ground the Apostle proceedeth on, in evincing the necessity of our Justification, or our being made Righteous by the Obedience of another, and all the Arguments brought in the Confirmation of the Doctrine of it, in the fifth Chapter of his Epistle to the Romans are evaded and overthrown. Socinus de Servator. par. 4. cap. 6. confesseth that place to give great countenance unto the Doctrine of Justification by the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ. And there∣fore he sets himself to oppose with sundry Artifices the Im∣putation of the sin of Adam unto his natural posterity. For he perceived well enough that upon the Admission thereof, the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ unto his spiritual seed, would unavoidably follow according unto the Tenour of the Apostles Discourse.

Some deny the Depravation and Corruption of our Nature which ensued on our Apostasie from God, and the loss of his Image. Or if they do not absolutely deny it, yet they so ex∣tenuate it as to render it a matter of no great concern un∣to us. Some Disease and Distemper of the Soul they will ac∣knowledge, arising from the disorder of our Affections, whereby we are apt to receive in such vitious habits and cu∣stoms, as are in practice in the world. And as the Guilt here∣of is not much, so the danger of it is not great. And as for any spiritual filth or stain of our nature that is in it, it is clear washed away from all by Baptism. That Deformity of Soul which came upon us in the loss of the Image of God, wherein the Beauty and Harmony of all our faculties in all their Actings in order unto their utmost End, did con∣sist;

That Enmity unto God even in the mind which ensued thereon that Darkness which our Understandings were clou∣ded yea blinded withall; the Spiritual Death which passed on the whole Soul, and total Alienation from the life of God; that Impotency unto Good, that Inclination unto Evil, that Deceitfulness of sin, that Power and Efficacy of corrupt Lusts, which the Scripture and Experience so fully charge on the state of lost Nature, are rejected as empty Notions or Fables. No wonder if such Persons look upon Imputed Righ∣teousness as the shadow of a Dream, who esteem those things which evidence its necessity, to be but fond imaginations. And small hope is there to bring such men to value the Righ∣teousness of Christ, as imputed to them, who are so unac∣quainted with their own unrighteousness inherent in them. Until men know themselves better, they will care very little to know Christ at all.

Against such as these the Doctrine of Justification may be defended, as we are obliged to contend for the Faith once delivered unto the Saints, and as the mouths of Gainsayers are to be stopped. But to endeavour their satisfaction in it, whilst they are under the power of such apprehensions is a vain Attempt. As our Saviour said unto them unto whom he had declared the necessity of Regeneration; if I have told you Earthly things and you believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you heavenly things? so may we say, if men will not be∣lieve those things, whereof it would be marvellous, but that the Reason of it is known, that they have not an undeniable Evidence and Experience in themselves, how can they be∣lieve those Heavenly mysteries which respect a supposition of that within themselves, which they will not acknowledge.

Hence some are so far from any concernment in a perfect Righteousness to be imputed unto them, as that they boast of a perfection in themselves. So did the Pelagians of old, glory of a sinless perfection in the sight of God, even when they

were convinced of sinful miscarriages in the sight of men, as they are charged by Hierom, lib. 2. Dialog. and by Austin. lib. 2. contra Julian. cap. 8. Such persons are not Subjecta ca∣pacia auditionis Evangelicae. Whilst men have no sense in their own Hearts and Consciences of the spiritual disorder of their Souls, of the secret continual actings of sin with de∣ceit and violence, obstructing all that is good, promoting all that is evil, defiling all that is done by them through the lusting of the Flesh against the Spirit as contrary unto it, though no outward perpetration of sin nor actual omission of Duty do ensue thereon; who are not engaged in a constant watchful conflict against the first motions of sin, unto whom they are not the greatest burden and sorrow in this life, cau∣sing them to cry out for deliverance from them; who can de∣spise those who make acknowledgments in their confession unto God, of their sense of these things, with the Guilt wherewith they are accompanied, will with an assured con∣fidence reject and contemn what is offered about Justification through the Obedience and Righteousness of Christ imputed to us. For no man will be so fond as to be solicitous of a Righteousness that is not his own, who hath at home in a rea∣diness that which is his own, which will serve his turn. It is therefore the ignorance of these things alone, that can de∣lude men into an apprehension of their Justification before God by their own personal Righteousness. For if they were acquainted with them, they would quickly discern such an imperfection in the best of their Duties, such a frequency of sinful irregularities in their Minds, and disorders in their Affections, such an unsuitableness in all that they are and do, from the inward frames of their Hearts unto all their out∣ward actions, unto the Greatness and Holiness of God, as would abate their confidence in placing any Trust in their own Righteousness for their Justification.

By means of these and the like presumptuous conceptions

of unenlightened minds, the Consciences of men are kept off from being affected with a due sense of sin, and a serious con∣sideration how they may obtain acceptance before God. Nei∣ther the consideration of the Holiness or Terrour of the Lord; nor the severity of the Law as it indispensibly requireth a Righteousness in compliance with its commands; nor the pro∣mise of the Gospel declaring and tendring a Righteousness, the Righteousness of God in answer thereunto; nor the un∣certainty of their own minds upon Trials and Surprizals, as having no stable ground of Peace to Anchor on; nor the constant secret disquietment of their Consciences, if not seared or har∣dened through the deceitfulness of sin; can prevail with them whose thoughts are prepossessed with such slight conceptions of the state and guilt of sin, to fly for Refuge unto the only hope that is set before them, or really and distinctly to com∣port with the only way of Deliverance and Salvation.

Wherefore if we would either teach or learn the Doctrine of Justification in a due manner, a clear apprehension of the Greatness of our Apostasie from God, a due sense of the Guilt of sin, a deep Experience of its power, all with re∣spect unto the Holiness and Law of God, are necessary unto us. We have nothing to do in this matter with men who through the Feavor of Pride have lost the Understanding of their own miserable condition. For, Natura sic apparet vitiata ut hoc majoris vitij sit non videre, Austin. The whole need not the Physician but the sick. Those who are pricked unto the Heart for sin, and cry out what shall we do to be saved, will understand what we have to say. Against others we must defend the Truth as God shall enable. And it may be made good by all sorts of Instances, That as men rise in their notions about the extenuation of sin, so they fall in their regard unto the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. And it is no less true also on the other hand, as Unbelief worketh in men a disesteem of the Person and Righteousness of Christ,

they are cast inevitably to seek for countenance unto their own Consciences, in the extenuation of sin. So insensibly are the minds of men diverted from Christ and seduced to place their confidence in themselves. Some confused respect they have unto him, as a Relief they know not how nor wherein; but they live in that pretended height of humane Wisdom, to trust to themselves. So they are instructed to do by the best of the Philosophers. Ʋnum bonum est, quod beatae vitae causa & firmamentum est, tibi fidere. Senec. Epist. 31. Hence also is the internal sanctifying Grace of God among many equally despised with the Imputation of the Righte∣ousness of Christ. The sum of their Faith, and of their Ar∣guments in the confirmation of it, is given by the Learned Roman Oratour and Philosopher. Virtutem (saith he) ne∣mo unquam Deo acceptam retulit; nimirum recte. Propter vir∣tutem enim jure laudamur, & in virtute recte gloriamur, quod non contingeret, si donum a Deo, non a nobis haberemus. Tull. de nat. Deor.

4. The opposition that the Scripture makes between Grace and Works in general, with the Exclusion of the one and the Assertion of the other in our Justification, deserves a previous considera∣tion. The opposition intended is not made between Grace and Works or our own Obedience, as unto their Essence, Nature and Consistency in the order and method of our Sal∣vation but only with respect unto our Justification. I do not design herein to plead any particular Testimonies of Scrip∣ture, as unto their especial sense or declaration of the mind of the Holy Ghost in them, which will afterwards be with some Diligence enquired into; but only to take a view which way the Eye of the Scripture guides our Apprehensions, and what compliance there is in our own Experience with that Guidance.

The Principal seat of this Doctrine, as will be confessed by all, is in the Epistles of Paul unto the Romans and Gala∣tians,

whereunto that also of the Hebrews may be added. But in that unto the Romans it is most eminently declared. For therein is it handled by the Apostle ex professo, at large, and that both Doctrinally, and in the way of controversie with them by whom the Truth was opposed. And it is worth our consideration what process he makes towards the Decla∣ration of it, and what principles he proceeds upon therein.

1. He lays it down as the fundamental maxime which he would proceed upon, or as a general Thesis including the sub∣stance of what he designed to explain and prove, that, in the Gospel the Righteousness of God is revealed from Faith to Faith, as it is written the Just shall live by Faith, chap. 1.17. All sorts of men who had any knowledge of God and them∣selves were then, as they must be always, enquiring, and in one Degree or other labouring after Righteousness. For this they looked on, and that justly, as the only means of an Advantagious Relation between God and themselves. Nei∣ther had the Generality of men any other thoughts, but that this Righteousness must be their own, inherent in them, and performed by them, as Rom. 10.3. For as this is the Lan∣guage of a natural Conscience, and of the Law, and suited unto all Philosophical notions concerning the nature of Righ∣teousness; so whatever Testimony was given of another kind in the Law and the Prophets, (as such a Testimony is given unto a Righteousness of God without the Law, chap. 3.21.) there was a Veil upon it as to the understanding of all sorts of men. As therefore Righteousness is that which all men seek after, and cannot but seek after who design or desire Acceptance with God, so it is in vain to enquire of the Law, of a natural Conscience, of Philosophical Reason, after any Righteousness but what consists in inherent Habits and Acts of our own. Neither Law, nor natural Conscience, nor Reason, do know any other. But in opposition unto this Righteousness of our own, and the necesssity thereof, testi∣fied

unto by the Law in its Primitive constitution, by the natural Light of Conscience, and the apprehension of the nature of things by Reason, the Apostle declares, that in the Gospel there is revealed another Righteousness, which is also the Righteousness of another, the Righteousness of God, and that from Faith to Faith. For not only is the Righteousness it self revealed aliene from those other Principles, but also the manner of our Participation of it, or its Communica∣tion unto us from Faith to Faith, (the Faith of God in the Revelation, and our Faith in the Acceptation of it, being only here concerned) is an eminent Revelation. Righte∣ousness of all things should rather seem to be from Works unto Works, from the Work of Grace in us, to the Works of Obedience done by us, as the Papists affirm. No saith the Apostle, it is from Faith to Faith, whereof afterwards.

This is the general Thesis the Apostle proposeth unto Con∣firmation, and he seems therein to exclude from Justification every thing but the Righteousness of God and the Faith of Believers. And to this purpose he considers all Persons that did or might pretend unto Righteousness or seek after it, and all ways and means whereby they hoped to attain unto it, or whereby it might most probably be obtained, declaring the failing of all persons, and the insufficiency of all means as unto them, for the obtaining a Righteousness of our own before God. And as unto Persons.

1. He considers the Gentiles with all their notions of God, their Practice in Religious Worship, with their Conversation thereon. And from the whole of what might be observed amongst them, he concludes that they neither were, nor could be justified before God, but that they were all, and that most deservedly, obnoxious unto the sentence of Death. And whatever men may discourse concerning the Justification and Salvation of any, without the Revelation of the Righte∣ousness of God by the Gospel from Faith to Faith, it is ex∣presly

contradictory to his whole Discourse, chap. 1. from ver. 19. to the End.

2. He considers the Jews who enjoyed the written Law, and the Priviledges wherewith it was accompanied, especially that of Circumcision, which was the outward Seal of Gods Covenant. And on many Considerations, with many Argu∣ments, he excludes them also from any possibility of attain∣ing Justification before God by any of the Priviledges they enjoyed, or their own compliance therewithall, chap. 2. And both sorts he excludes distinctly from this priviledge of Righ∣teousness before God, with this one Argument, That both of them sinned openly against that which they took for the Rule of their Righteousness, namely, the Gentiles against the Light of Nature, and the Jews against the Law, whence it inevitably follows, that none of them could attain unto the Righteousness of their own Rule. But he proceeds farther unto that which is common to them all. And,

3. He proves the same against all sorts of Persons whether Jews or Gentiles, from the consideration of the universal de∣pravation of nature in them all, and the horrible effects that necessarily ensue thereon in the Hearts and Lives of men, chap. 3. So evidencing, That as they all were, so it could not fall out but that all must be shut up under sin, and come short of Righteousness. So from Persons he proceeds to Things or Means of Righteousness. And,

4. Because the Law was given of God immediately as the whole and only Rule of our Obedience unto him, and the works of the Law are therefore all that is required of us, these may be pleaded with some pretence as those whereby we may be justified. Wherefore in particular he considers the Nature, Use, and End of the Law, manifesting its utter insufficiency to be a means of our Justification before God, chap. 3.19, 20.

5. It may be yet objected, That the Law and its works may be thus insufficient as it is obeyed by Ʋnbelievers in the

state of Nature, without the Aids of Grace administred in the Promise, but with respect unto them who are Regene∣rate and do believe, whose Faith and Works are accepted with God, it may be otherwise. To obviate this Objection, he giveth an Instance in two of the most eminent Believers under the Old Testament, namely, Abraham and David, de∣claring that all Works whatever were excluded in and from their Justification, chap. 4.

On these Principles, and by this Gradation he perempto∣rily concludes, That all and every one of the Sons of men, as unto any thing that is in themselves or can be done by them, or be wrought in them, are guilty before God, obnoxi∣ous unto Death, shut up under sin, and have their mouths so stopped, as to be deprived of all pleas in their own excuse; that they had no Righteousness wherewith to appear before God, and that all the ways and means whence they expected it, were insufficient unto that purpose.

Hereon he proceeds with his Enquiry how men may be delivered from this condition, and come to be justified in the sight of God. And in the Resolution hereof he makes no mention of any thing in themselves, but only Faith whereby we receive the Attonement. That whereby we are justified, he saith is the Righteousness of God which is by the Faith of Christ Jesus, or that we are justified freely by Grace through the Redemption that is in him, chap. 3.22, 23, 24, 25. And not content here with this answer unto the enquiry how lost convinced sinners may come to be justified before God, namely, That it is by the Righteousness of God revealed from Faith to Faith, by Grace by the blood of Christ, as he is set forth for a Propitiation; He immediately proceeds unto a po∣sitive exclusion of every thing in and of our selves that might pretend unto an Interest herein, as that which is in∣consistent with the Righteousness of God as revealed in the Gospel, and witnessed unto by the Law and the Prophets.

How contrary their Scheme of Divinity is unto this Design of the Apostle, and his management of it, who affirm that before the Law men were justified by Obedience unto the Light of Nature, and some particular Revelations made un∣to them in things of their own especial private concernment; and that after the giving of the Law they were so by Obedi∣ence unto God according to the Directions thereof, as also that the Heathen might obtain the same benefit in compli∣ance with the Dictates of Reason, cannot be contradicted by any who have not a mind to be contentious.

Answerable unto this Declaration of the mind of the Holy Ghost herein by the Apostle, is the constant Tenour of the Scripture speaking to the same purpose. The Grace of God, the Promise of Mercy, the free pardon of Sin, the Blood of Christ, his Obedience and the Righteousness of God in him, rested in and received by Faith, are every where asserted as the causes and means of our Justification, in opposition unto any thing in our selves so expressed as it useth to express the best of our Obedience and the utmost of our personal Righteous∣ness. Wherever mention is made of the Duties, Obedience, and personal Righteousness of the best of men with respect unto their Justification, they are all renounced by them, and they betake themselves unto Soveraign Grace and Mercy alone. Some places to this purpose may be recounted.

The Foundation of the whole is laid in the first Promise wherein the Destruction of the Work of the Devil by the suffering of the seed of the woman, is proposed as the only Relief for sinners, and only means of the Recovery of the favour of God. It shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel, Gen. 3.15. Abraham believed in the Lord, and he counted it unto him for Righteousness, Gen. 15.6. And Aaron shall lay both his hands on the Head of the live Goat, and con∣fess over him all the iniquities of the Children of Israel, and all their Transgressions in all their sins, putting them on the head

of the Goat; and the Goat shall bear upon him all their Iniqui∣ties unto a Land not inhabited, Lev. 16.21, 22. I will go in the strength of the Lord God, I will make mention of thy Righteousness even of thine only, Psal. 71.16. If thou Lord shouldst mark Iniquity, O Lord who shall stand? but there is forgiveness with thee that thou maist be feared, Psal. 130.3, 4. Enter not into Judgment with thy Servant, for in thy sight shall no man living be justified, Psal. 143.2. Behold he put no trust in his Servants, and his Angels he charged with folly, how much less on them that dwell in houses of Clay whose foundation is in the dust, Job 4.18, 19. Fury is not in me; who would set the Briers and Thorns against me in battel, I would go through them, I would burn them together. Or let him take hold of my strength that he may make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me, Isa. 27.4, 5. Surely shall one say, in the Lord have I Righteousness and strength, in the Lord shall all the seed of Is∣rael be justified and Glory, Isa. 45.24, 25. All we like Sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the Iniquity of us all. By his know∣ledge shall my righteous servant justifie many, for he shall bear their Iniquities, Isa. 53.6, 11. For this is his name whereby he shall be called, the Lord our Righteousness, Jer. 23.6. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our Righteousnesses are as filthy raggs, Isa. 64.6. He shall finish the Transgression and make an End of sin, and make Reconciliation for Iniquity, and bring in Everlasting Righteousness, Dan. 9.24. Ʋnto as many as received him he gave power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe in his name, Joh. 1.12. For as Moses lifted up the Serpent in the Wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life, chap. 3.14, 15. see. ver. 16, 17, 18. Be it known therefore unto you Men and Brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of Sins, and by him all that believe are justified from all things from which ye

could not be justified by the Law of Moses, Acts 13.38, 39. That they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them that are sanctified by Faith that is in me, chap. 26.18. Being justified freely by his Grace, through the Redemption that is in Jesus Christ, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through Faith in his Blood, to declare his Righteousness for the Remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. To declare at this time his Righteousness, that he might be just, and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus. Where then is Boasting? it is excluded, by what Law? of Works; nay but by the Law of Faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is ju∣stified by Faith without the deeds of the Law, Rom. 3.24, 25, 26, 27, 28. For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to Glory, but not before God; For what saith the Scripture, Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for Righteousness; now to him that worketh is the Reward, not reckoned of Grace but of Debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his Faith is counted for Righteousness. Even as David also describeth the Blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth Righteousness without works, saying, Blessed are those whose Iniquities are for∣given, and whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord will not impute sin, Rom. 4.2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. But not as the offence, so also is the free Gift; for if through the of∣fence of one many be dead, much more the Grace of God, and the Gift by Grace, which is by one man Jesus Christ, hath aboun∣ded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the Gift; for the judgment was by one to Condemnation: but the free Gift is of many offences unto Justification. For if by one mans offence Death reigned by one, much more they which receive abun∣dance of Grace, and of the Gift of Righteousness, shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Therefore as by the offence of one judge∣ment came upon all men unto condemnation, even so by the Righ∣teousness of one, the free Gift came upon all men unto Justifica∣tion

of life. For as by one mans Disobedience many were made sinners, so by the Obedience of one shall many be made righteous, chap 5. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19. There is therefore no condemna∣tion unto them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit. For the Law of the spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, hath made me free from the Law of Sin and Death; and what the Law could not do, in that it's weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sin∣ful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. That the Righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, chap. 8. 1, 2, 3, 4. For Christ is the End of the Law for Righteousness unto every one that believeth, chap. 10.4. And if by Grace, then it is no more of Works, otherwise Grace is no more Grace; but if it be of Works, then it is no more Grace, otherwise Works is no more Works, chap. 11.6. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us Wisdom and Righteousness, and Sanctification and Redemption, 1 Cor. 1.30. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him, 2 Cor. 5.21. Knowing that a man is not justified by the Works of the Law, but by the Faith of Jesus Christ: even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the Faith of Christ, and not by the Works of the Law: for by the Works of the Law shall no flesh be justified, Gal. 2.16. But that no man is justified by the Law in the sight of God, is evident. For the just shall live by Faith, and the Law is not of Faith; but the man that doth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the Curse of the Law, being made a Curse for us, chap. 3.11, 12, 13. For by Grace ye are saved through Faith, and that not of your selves, it is the Gift of God. Not of Works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto Good Works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them, Ephes. 2.8, 9, 10. Yea doubtless, and I count all things loss for the Excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord,

for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung that I may win Christ; and be found in him, not having my own Righteousness which is of the Law, but that which is through the Faith of Christ, the Righteousness which is of God by Faith, Phil. 3. 8, 9. Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not according to our Works, but accor∣ding unto his own purpose, and Grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the World began, 2 Tim. 1.9. That being justified by his Grace, we should be made Heirs according to the hope of Eternal Life, Tit. 3.7. He hath once appeared in the End of the World to put away sin, Heb. 9.26, 28. having in himself purged our sins, chap. 1.3. For by one Offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified, chap. 10.14. For the Blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God cleanseth us from all sin, 1 Joh. 1.7. Wherefore unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us Kings and Priests unto God and his Father, to him be Glory and Do∣minion for ever and ever, Amen. Rev. 1.5, 6.

These are some of the places which at present occur to Remembrance, wherein the Scripture represents unto us the Grounds, Causes, and Reasons of our Acceptation with God. The especial import of many of them, and the Evi∣dence of Truth that is in them will be afterwards consi∣dered. Here we take only a general view of them. And everything in and of our selves under any consideration whatever, seems to be excluded from our Justification before God, Faith alone excepted whereby we receive his Grace and the Attonement. And on the other side, the whole of our Acceptation with Him seems to be assigned unto Grace, Mercy, the Obedience and Blood of Christ; in opposition unto our own Worth and Righteousness, or our own Works and Obedience. And I cannot but suppose that the Soul of a convinced sinner, if not prepossessed with prejudice, will in general not judge amiss whether of these things that are set

in opposition one to the other, he should betake himself un∣to, that he may be justified.

But it is replyed, these things are not to be understood ab∣solutely and without Limitations. Sundry Distinctions are necessary, that we may come to understand the mind of the Holy Ghost and sense of the Scripture in these Ascriptions unto Grace, and Exclusions of the Law, our own Works and Righteousness from our Justification. For (1) the Law is either the moral or the ceremonial Law; the latter indeed is excluded from any place in our Justification, but not the for∣mer. (2) Works required by the Law are either wrought before Faith, without the Aid of Grace; or after believing, by the help of the Holy Ghost. The former are excluded from our Justification, but not the latter. (3) Works of Obedience wrought after Grace received, may be considered either as sincere only, or absolutely perfect according to what was originally required in the Covenant of Works. Those of the latter sort are excluded from any place in our Justifi∣cation, but not those of the former. (4) There is a two-fold Justification before God in this life; a first and a second, and we must diligently consider with respect unto whether of these Justifications any thing is spoken in the Scripture. (5) Justification may be considered either as to its beginning, or as unto its continuation, and so it hath divers causes under these divers respects. (6) Works may be considered either as Meritorious ex condigno, so as their merit should arise from their own intrinsick worth, or ex congruo only with respect unto the Covenant and promise of God. Those of the first sort are excluded at least from the first Justification; the lat∣ter may have place both in the first and second. (7) Moral Causes may be of many sorts; preparatory, dispository, meri∣torious, conditionally efficient, or only sine quibus non. And we must diligently enquire in what sense, under the Notion of what cause or causes, our Works are excluded from our

Justification, and under what notions they are necessary thereunto. And there is no one of these Distinctions but it needs many more to explain it, which accordingly are made use of by Learned men. And so specious a Colour may be put on these things, when warily managed by the Art of Dis∣putation, that very few are able to discern the Ground of them, or what there is of substance in that which is pleaded for; and fewer yet, on whether side the Truth doth lye. But he who is really convinced of sin, and being also sensible of what it is to enter into judgement with the Holy God, enquires for himself and not for others, how he may come to be accepted with him, will be apt upon the consideration of all these Distinctions and Sub-distinctions wherewith they are attended, to say to their Authors, fecistis probe, incertior sum multo, quam dudum. My Enquiry is how I shall come before the Lord, and bow my self before the high God? how shall I escape the wrath to come? what shall I plead in judgment before God, that I may be absolved, acquitted, justified? where shall I have a Righteousness that will endure a Trial in his presence? If I should be harnessed with a thou∣sand of these distinctions, I am afraid they would prove Thorns and Briars, which he would pass through and con∣sume.

The Enquiry therefore is upon the consideration of the state of the Person to be justified before mentioned and de∣scribed, and the proposal of the Reliefs in our Justification as now expressed; whether it be the wisest and safest course for such a Person seeking to be justified before God, to be∣take himself absolutely, his whole Trust and Confidence, un∣to Soveraign Grace and the Mediation of Christ, or to have some reserve for, or to place some confidence in his own Graces, Duties, Works and Obedience? In putting this great Difference unto Ʋmpirage, that we may not be thought to fix on a partial Arbitrator, we shall refer it to one of our

greatest and most learned Adversaries in this cause. And he positively gives us in his Determination and Resolution in those known words. In this case; Propter incertitudinem propriae justitiae, & periculum inanis gloriae, Tutissimum est fi∣duciam totam in sola misericordia Dei &: benignitate reponere, Bellar. de Justificat. lib. 5. cap. 7. prop. 3. By reason of the uncertainty of our own Righteousness, and the danger of vain Glory, it is the safest course to repose our whole Trust in the mercy and kindness or Grace of God alone.

And this Determination of this important enquiry, he confirmeth with two Testimonies of Scripture, as he might have done it with many more. But those which he thought meet to mention are not impertinent. The first is Dan. 9.18. We do not present our Supplications before thee for our Righ∣teousness but for thy great mercies. And the other is that of our Saviour, Luke 17.10. When you have done all these things which are commanded you, say We are unprofitable Servants. And after he hath confirmed his Resolution with sundry Testimo∣nies of the Fathers, he closeth his Discourse with this Di∣lemma, Either a man hath true merits, or he hath not. If he hath not, he is perniciously deceived (when he trusteth in any thing but the mercy of God alone) and seduceth himself, trusting in false merits; If he hath them he looseth nothing whilst he looks not to them, but trusts in God alone. So that whether a man have any good works or no, as to his Justification be∣fore God, it is best and safest for him, not to have any re∣gard unto them, or put any trust in them. And if this be so, he might have spared all his pains he took in writing his Sophistical Books about Justification, whose principal Design is to seduce the minds of men into a contrary opinion. And so, for ought I know, they may spare their labour also without any disadvantage unto the Church of God, or their own Souls, who so earnestly contend for some kind of In∣terest or other, for our own Duties and Obedience in our

Justification before God, seeing it will be found that they place their own whole Trust and Confidence in the Grace of God by Jesus Christ alone. For to what purpose do we la∣bour and strive with Endless Disputations, Arguments and Distinctions to prefer our Duties and Obedience unto some office in our Justification before God, if when we have done all we find it the safest course in our own persons to abhor our selves with Job in the presence of God, to betake our selves unto Soveraign Grace and Mercy with the Publican, and to place all our confidence in them through the Obedience and Blood of Christ.

So died that great Emperour Charles the fifth, as Thuanus gives the account of his Novissima. So he reasoned with him∣self; Se quidem indignum esse qui propriis meritis regnum caelo∣rum obtineret; Sed Dominum Deum suum qui illud duplici jure obtineat, &: Patris haereditate, &: Passionis merito, altero con∣tentum esse, alterum sibi donare; ex cujus dono illud sibi merito vendicet, hac{que} fiducia fretus minime confundatur; ne{que} enim oleum misericordiae nisi in vase fiduciae poni; hanc hominis fidu∣ciam esse a se deficientis & innitentis domino suo, alioquin propriis meritis fidere, non fidei esse sed perfidiae; peccata deleri per Dei indulgentiam, ideo{que} credere nos debere peccata deleri non posse nisi ab eo eui soli peccavimus, & in quem peccatum non cadit, per quem solum nobis peecata condonentur; That in himself he was altogether unworthy to obtain the Kingdom of Heaven by his own Works or Merits, but that his Lord God who enjoyed it on a double Right or Title, by inheritance of the Father, and the merit of his own passion, was contented with the one himself, and freely granted unto him the other; on whose free grant he laid claim thereunto, and in confidence thereof he should not be confounded; for the Oyl of mercy is poured only into the Vessel of Faith or Trust; that this is the Trust of a man de∣spairing in himself, and resting in his Lord; otherwise to trust unto his own Works or Merits, is not Faith but Treachery;

that sins are blotted out by the mercy of God; and therefore we ought to believe that our sins can be pardoned by him alone against whom alone we have sinned; with whom there is no sin, and by whom alone sins are forgiven.

This is the Faith of men when they come to dye, and those who are exercised with Temptations whilst they live. Some are hardened in sin, and endeavour to leave this World without thoughts of another. Some are stupidly ignorant, who neither know nor consider what it is to appear in the presence of God, and to be judged by him. Some are sedu∣ced to place their confidence in merits, pardons, indulgences, and future suffrages for the dead. But such as are acquainted with God and themselves in any spiritual manner, who take a view of the time that is past, and approaching Eternity, into which they must enter by the Judgment seat of God, how∣ever they may have thought, talked and disputed about their own works and Obedience, looking on Christ and his Righ∣teousness only to make up some small defects in themselves, will come at last unto an universal Renuntiation of what they have been and are, and betake themselves unto Christ alone for Righteousness or Salvation. And in the whole ensuing Discourse I shall as little as is possible immix my self in any curious Scholastical disputes. This is the substance of what is pleaded for, that men should renounce all confidence in them∣selves, and every thing that may give countenance thereunto; betaking themselves unto the Grace of God by Christ alone, for Righteousness and Salvation. This God designeth in the Gospel, 1 Cor. 1.29, 30, 31. and herein whatever difficulties we may meet withall in the Explication of some Propositions and Terms that belong unto the Doctrine of Justification, about which men have various conceptions, I doubt not of the internal concurrent suffrage of them who know any thing as they ought of God and themselves.

Fifthly, There is in the Scripture represented unto us a

Commutation between Christ and Believers, as unto Sin and Righteousness, that is in the imputation of their sins unto him, and of his Righteousness unto them. In the Improvement and Application hereof unto our own Souls, no small part of the life and exercise of Faith doth consist.

This was taught the Church of God in offering of the Scape Goat. And Aaron shall lay his hands on the head of the live Goat, and confess over him all the Iniquities of the Chil∣dren of Israel, and all their Transgressions in all their Sins, putting them on the head of the Goat; And the Goat shall bear upon him all their Iniquities, Levit. 16.21, 22. Whether this Goat sent away with this burthen upon him did live, and so was a Type of the life of Christ in his Resurrection after his Death, or whether he perished in the Wilderness being cast down the precipice of a Rock by him that conveyed him away as the Jews suppose; it is generally acknowledged, that what was done to him and with him, was only a Representa∣tion of what was done really in the Person of Jesus Christ. And Aaron did not only confess the sins of the People over the Goat, but he also put them all on his head, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and he shall give them all to be on the head of the Goat; in answer whereunto it is said that he bare them all upon him. This he did by virtue of the divine Institution, wherein was a ratification of what was done. He did not transfuse sin from one subject into another, but transferred the Guilt of it from one to another. And to evidence this Translation of sin from the People unto the Sacrifice in his con∣fession, he put and fixed both his hands on his head. Thence the Jews say, that all Israel was made as innocent on the day of Expiation as they were in the day of Creation. From ver. 30. Wherein they came short of perfection or consummation thereby the Apostle declares, Heb. 10. But this is the lan∣guage of every Expiatory Sacrifice, quod in ejus caput sit; let the Guilt be on him. Hence the Sacrifice it self was cal∣led

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Sin and Guilt, Levit. 4.29.7.2.10.17. And therefore where there was an uncertain Murther, and none could be found that was liable to punishment thereon, that Guilt might not come upon the Land, nor the Sin be imputed unto the whole People, an Heifer was to be slain by the Elders of the City that was next unto the place where the Murder was committed, to take away the Guilt of it, Deut. 21.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. But whereas this was only a mo∣ral Representation of the punishment due to Guilt, and no Sacrifice, the Guilty person being not known; those who slew the Heifer did not put their hands on him, so to trans∣fer their own guilt to him, but washed their hands over him, to declare their personal innocency. By these means as in all other Expiatory Sacrifices, did God instruct the Church in the transferring of the Guilt of sin, unto him who was to bear all their Iniquities, with their Discharge and Justification thereby.

So God laid on Christ the Iniquities of us all, that by his Stripes we might be healed, Isa. 53.5, 6. Our Iniquity was laid on him, and he bare it, ver. 11. and through his bearing of it, we are freed from it. His Stripes are our healing, our sin was his, imputed unto him, his merit is ours, imputed unto us. He was made sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might become the Righteousness of God in him, 2 Cor. 5.21. This is that Commutation I mentioned, He was made sin for us, we are made the Righteousness of God in him; God not imputing sin unto us, ver. 19. but imputing Righteousness unto us, doth it on this Ground alone, That he was made sin for us. And if by his being made sin, only his being made a Sacrifice for sin is intended, it is to the same purpose. For the formal Rea∣son of any thing being made an Expiatory Sacrifice, was the Imputation of sin unto it by Divine Institution. The same is expressed by the same Apostle, Rom. 8.3, 4. God sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the

flesh, that the Righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us. The sin was made his, he answered for it, and the Righte∣ousness which God requireth by the Law is made ours; The Righteousness of the Law is fulfilled in us; not by our doing it, but by his. This is that blessed Change and Commutation wherein alone the Soul of a convinced sinner can find rest and peace. So he hath redeemed us from the Curse of the Law, being made a Curse for us, that the blessing of faithful Abraham might come upon us, Gal. 3.13, 14. The Curse of the Law contained all that was due to sin; this belonged unto us. But it was transferred on him; He was made a Curse, whereof his hanging on a Tree was the sign and token. Hence he is said to bear all our sins in his own Body upon the Tree, 1 Pet. 1.24. because his hanging on the Tree was the token of his bearing the Curse. For he that is hanged on the Tree is the Curse of God, Deut. 21.23. And in the blessing of Faithful Abraham all Righteousness and Acceptation with God is inclu∣ded; for Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for Righteousness.

But because some, who for Reasons best known unto them∣selves, do take all occasions to except against my Writings, have in particular raised an impertinent clamour about some∣what that I formerly delivered to this purpose, I shall declare the whole of my Judgment herein, in the words of some of those, whom they can pretend no quarrel against that I know of.

The excellent words of Justin Martyr deserve the first place. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Epist. ad Diognet. He gave his Son a Ransome for us; the

Holy for Transgressors; the Innocent for the nocent; the Just for the unjust; the Incorruptible for the corrupt; the Immortal for mortals. For what else could hide or cover our sins but his Righteousness? in whom else could we wicked and ungodly ones be justified, or esteemed Righteous, but in the Son of God alone? O SWEET PERMƲTATION; or Change! O un∣searchable Work or curious Operation! O Blessed Beneficence ex∣ceeding all Expectation! That the Iniquity of many should be hid in one Just one, and the Righteousness of One should justifie many Transgressors. And Gregory Nysson speaks to the same purpose. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Orat. 2. in Cant. He hath transferred unto himself the filth of my sins, and communicated unto me his purity, and made me partaker of his Beauty. So Augustine also. Ipse peccatum ut nos justitia, nec nostra sed Dei; nec in nobis sed in ipso, sicut ipse peccatum non suum sed nostrum, nec in se sed in nobis constitutum. Enchirid. ad Laurent. cap. 41. He was Sin that we might be Righteousness, not our own but the Righteousness of God, not in our selves but in him. As he was Sin not his own but ours; not in himself but in us. The old Latine Translation rendring those words, Psal. 22.1. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Verba delictorum meorum; He thus comments on the place. Quomodo ergo dicit delictorum meorum? nisi quia pro delictis nostris ipse precatur; & delicta nostra, delicta sua fecit, ut justitiam suam nostram justitiam faceret. How, saith he, of my Sins; because he prayeth for our Sins; He made our Sins to be his, that he might make his Righteousness to be ours. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; O sweet Commutation and Change! And Chrysostom to the same purpose; on those words of the Apostle, That we might be made the Righteousness of God in him. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. in 2 Epist. ad Corinth. cap. 5. Hom. 11. What word, what speech is this, what mind can comprehend or express it; For he saith he made him who was Righteous to be made a Sinner, that he might make sinners Righteous; nor yet doth he say so nei∣ther, but that which is far more sublime and excellent. For he speaks not of an inclination or affection, but expresseth the quality it self. For he says not, he made him a sinner, but sin, that we might be made not meerly Righteous but Righteousness, and that the Righteousness of God, when we are justified not by works, (for if we should, there must be no spot found in them) but by Grace, whereby all sin is blotted out. So Bernard also Epist. 190. ad Innocent. Homo qui debuit, homo qui solvit. Nam si unus, inquit, pro omnibus mortuus est, ergo omnes mortui sunt; ut videlicet satisfactio unius omnibus imputetur, sicut omnium peccata unus ille portavit. Nec alter jam inveniatur qui for as fecit, alter qui satisfecit; quia Caput & Corpus unus est Christus. And many more speak unto the same purpose. Hence Luther before he engaged in the Work of Reformation, in an Epi∣stle to one George Spenlein a Monk, was not afraid to write after this manner; Mi dulcis frater, disce Christum & hunc crucifixum, disce ei cantare, & de teipso desperans dicere ei; Tu Domine Jesu es justitia mea, ego autem sum peccatum tuum; tu assumpsisti meum, & dedisti mihi tuum, assumpsisti quod non eras, & dedisti mihi quod non eram. Ipse suscepit te & peccata tua fecit sua, & suam justitiam fecit tuam; maledictus qui haec non credit. Epist. An. 1516. Tom. 1.

If those who shew themselves now so quarrelsome almost about every word that is spoken concerning Christ and his Righteousness, had ever been harrassed in their Consciences about the Guilt of sin, as this man was, they would think it no strange matter to speak and write as, he did. Yea some

there are who have lived and died in the Communion of the Church of Rome it self that have given their Testimony un∣to this Truth. So speaks Taulerus; Meditat. vitae Christ. cap. 7. Christus omnia mundi peccata in se recepit, tantum{que} pro illis ultro sibi assumpsit dolorem cordis ac si ipse ea perpetrasset. Christ took upon him all the sins of the World, and willingly underwent that grief of heart for them, as if he himself had committed them. And again speaking in the person of Christ. Quandoquidem peccatum Adae multum abire non potest, obsecro te Pater Coelestis, ut ipsum in me vindices. Ego enim omnia illius peccata in me recipo. Si haec irae tempestas, propter me orta est, mitte me in mare amarissimae passionis. Whereas the great Sin of Adam cannot go away, I beseech thee Heavenly Father punish it in me. For I take all his sins upon my self. If then this Tempest of Anger be risen for me, cast me into the Sea of my most bitter passion. See in the Justification of these Expres∣sions, Heb. 10.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. The Discourse of Albertus Pighius to this purpose, though often cited and urged, shall be once again repeated, both for its Worth and Truth, as also to let some men see, how fondly they have pleased themselves in reflecting on some Expressions of mine, as though I had been singular in them. His words are, after others to the same purpose; Quoniam quidem inquit (Apostolus) Deus erat in Christo, mundum reconcilians sibi, non imputans homi∣nibus sua delicta; Et deposuit apud nos verbum reconciliationis. In illa ergo justificamur coram Deo, non in nobis; non nostra sed illius justitia, quae nobis cum illo jam communicantibus im∣putatur. Propriae justitiae inopes, extra nos, in illo docemur justitiam quaerere. Cum, inquit, qui peccatum non noverat, pro nobis peccatum fecit; hoc est, hostiam peccati expiatricem, ut nos efficeremur Justitia Dei in ipso, non nostra, sed Dei justitia justi efficimur in Christo, quo jure? Amicitiae, quae communio∣nem omnium inter amicos facit, juxta vetus & celebratissimum proverbium; Christo insertis, conglutinatis & unitis & sua

nostra facit, suas divitias nobis communicat, suam justitiam in∣ter Patris judicium & nostram injustitiam interponit, & sub ea veluti sub umbone ac clypeo a divina, quam commeruimus, ira nos abscondit, tuetur ac protegit, imo eandem nobis impertit & nostram facit, qua tecti ornati{que} audacter & secure jam divino nos sistamus Tribunali & Judicio: justi{que} non solum appareamus, sed etiam simus. Quemadmodum enim unius delicto peccatores nos etiam factos affirmat Apostolus: ita unius Christi justitiam in justificandis nobis omnibus efficacem esse; Et sicut per inobe∣dientiam unius hominis peccatores constituti sunt multi, sic per Obedientiam unius justi (inquit) constituentur multi. Haec est Christi justitia, ejus Obedientia, qua voluntatem Patris sui perfecit in omnibus; sicut contra nostra injustitia, est nostra in∣obedientia, & mandatorum Dei praevaricatio. In Christi au∣tem obedientia quod nostra collocatur justitia inde est, quod no∣bis illi incorporatis, ac si nostra esset, accepta ea fertur: ut ea ipsa etiam nos justi habeamur. Et velut ille quondam Jacob, quum nativitate primogenitus non esset, sub habitu fratris occul∣tatus, at{que} ejus veste indutus, quae odorem optimum spirabat, seip∣sum insinuavit Patri, ut sub aliena persona benedictionem primo∣geniturae acciperet: Ita & nos sub Christi primogeniti fratris nostri preciosa puritate delitescere, bono ejus odore fragrare, ejus perfectione vitia nostra sepeliri & obtegi, at{que} ita nos piissimo Patri ingerere, ut justitiae benedictionem ab eodem assequamur▪ necesse est. And afterwards. Justificat ergo nos Deus Pater bonitate sua gratuita, quo nos in Christo complectitur, dum eidem insertos innocentia & justitia Christi nos induit; quae una ut vera & perfecta est, quae Dei sustinere conspectum potest, ita unum pro nobis sisti oportet Tribunali divini judicii & veluti causae nostrae intercessorem eidem repraesentari: qua subnixi etiam hic obtineremus remissionem peccatorum nostrorum assiduam: cujus puritate velatae non imputantur nobis sordes nostrae, imperfectio∣num immunditiae, sed veluti sepultae conteguntur, ne in judicium Dei veniant: donec confecto in nobis, & plane extincto veteri

homine, divina bonitas nos in beatam pacem cum novo Adam recipiat. God was in Christ saith the Apostle, reconciling the world unto himself; not imputing-unto men their sins. In him therefore we are justified before God, not in our selves, not by our own, but by his Righteousness, which is imputed unto us now communicating with him. Wanting Righteousness of our own, we are taught to seek for Righteousness without our selves in him. So he saith, him who knew not sin, he made to be sin for us, that is, an expiatory Sacrifice for sin, that we might be made the Righ∣teousness of God in him; we are made Righteous in Christ not with our own but with the Righteousness of God. By what Right? the Right of friendship, which makes all common among friends, according unto the ancient celebrated proverb. Being ingrafted into Christ, fastened, united unto him, he makes his things ours, communicates his Riches unto us, interposeth his Righteousness between the Judgment of God and our unrighteousness, and under that as under a shield and buckler, he hides us from that divine wrath which we have deserved; he defends and protects us therewith, yea he communicates it unto us and makes it ours, so as that being covered and adorned therewith, we may boldly and securely place our selves before the divine Tribunal and Judg∣ment, so as not only to appear Righteous, but so to be. For even as the Apostle affirmeth that by one mans fault we were all made sinners, so is the Righteousness of Christ alone, efficacious in the Justification of us all; and as by the disobedience of one man many were made sinners, so by the Obedience of one man (saith he) many are made Righteous. This is the Righteousness of Christ, even his Obedience, whereby in all things he fulfilled the Will of his Father. As on the other hand our unrighteousness, is our disobedience, and our transgression of the Commands of God. But that our Righteousness is placed in the Obedience of Christ, it is from hence, that we being incorporated into him, it is accounted unto us as if it were ours; so as that therewith we are esteemed Righteous. And as Jacob of old, whereas he was

not the first born, being hid under the habit of his Brother, and cloathed with his Garment which breathed a sweet savour, pre∣sented himself unto his Father, that in the person of another, he might receive the Blessing of the Primogeniture; so is it neces∣sary that we should lye hid under the precious purity of the first born our eldest Brother, be fragrant with his sweet savour, and have our sin buried and covered with his perfection, that we may present our selves before our most Holy Father, to obtain from him the Blessing of Righteousness. And again; God therefore doth justifie us by his free Grace or Goodness wherewith he em∣braceth us in Christ Jesus, when he cloatheth us with his Inno∣cency and Righteousness as we are ingrafted into him; for as that alone is true and perfect which only can endure in the sight of God, so that alone ought to be presented and pleaded for us before the divine Tribunal, as the advocate of, or plea in our cause; resting hereon, we here obtain the daily pardon of sin; with whose purity being covered, our filth and the uncleanness of our imperfections are not imputed unto us, but are covered as if they were buried, that they may not come into the Jugdment of God; until the old man being destroyed and slain in us, di∣vine Goodness receives us into peace with the second Adam. So far he; expressing the power which the influence of di∣vine truth had on his mind, contrary to the Interest of the cause wherein he was ingaged, and the loss of his Reputa∣tion with them, for whom in all other things, he was one of the fiercest Champions. And some among the Roman Church, who cannot bear this Assertion of the Commutation of Sin and Righteousness by Imputation between Christ and Belie∣vers, no more then some among our selves, do yet affirm the same concerning the Righteousness of other men. Mercatu∣ram quandam docere nos Paulus videtur. Abundatis, inquit, vos pecunia, & estis inopes justitiae, contra illi abundant justi∣tia, & sunt inopes pecuniae, fiat quaedam commutatio; date vos piis egentibus pecuniam quae vobis affluit, & illis deficit; sic fu∣turum

est ut illi vicissim justitiam suam qua abundant, & qua vos estis destituti, vobis communicent. Hosius; de expresso Dei verbo, Tom. 2. pag. 21. But I have mentioned these Testi∣monies principally to be a Relief unto some mens Ignorance, who are ready to speak evil of what they understand not.

This blessed Permutation as unto Sin and Righteousness, is represented unto us in the Scripture as a principal object of our Faith; as that whereon our Peace with God is founded. And although both these, the Imputation of Sin unto Christ, and the Imputation of Righteousness unto us, be the Acts of God and not ours, yet are we by Faith to exemplifie them in our own Souls, and really to perform what on our part is requi∣red unto their Application unto us, whereby we receive the Attonement, Rom. 5.11. Christ calls unto him all those that are weary and heavy laden, Mat. 11.28. The weight that is upon the Consciences of men wherewith they are laden, is the burden of sin. So the Psalmist complains that his sins were a burden too heavy for him, Psal. 38.4. Such was Cains appre∣hension of his Guilt, Gen. 4.13. This Burden Christ bare when it was laid on him by divine Estimation. For so it is said 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Isa. 53.11. He shall bear their sins on him as a burden. And this he did when God made to meet upon him the Iniquity of us all, ver. 6. In the Application of this unto our own Souls, as it is required that we be sensible of the weight and burden of our sins, and how it is heavier then we can bear, so the Lord Christ calls us unto him with it, that we may be eased. This he doth in the preaching of the Gospel, wherein he is evidently Crucified before our Eyes, Gal. 3.1. In the view which Faith hath of Christ crucified, (for Faith is a looking unto him, Isa. 45.22. chap. 65.1. answering their looking unto the Brazen Serpent who were stung with fiery Serpents, Joh. 3.14, 15.) and under a sense of his In∣vitation, (for Faith is our coming unto him upon his call and invitation) to come unto him with our Burdens, a Believer

considereth that God hath laid all our Iniquities upon him, yea that he hath done so, is an especial object whereon Faith is to act it self, which is Faith in his Blood. Hereon doth the Soul approve of, and embrace the Righteousness and Grace of God, with the infinite condescension and love of Christ himself. It gives its consent that what is thus done, is what becomes the infinite Wisdom and Grace of God, and therein it rests. Such a Person seeks no more to establish his own Righ∣teousness, but submits to the Righteousness of God. Herein by Faith doth he leave that Burden on Christ, which he called him to bring with him, and complies with the Wisdom and Righteousness of God in laying it upon him. And here∣withall doth he receive the everlasting Righteousness, which the Lord Christ brought in when he made an end of sin, and Reconciliation for Transgressors.

The Reader may be pleased to observe, that I am not de∣bating these things argumentatively in such propriety of Ex∣pressions as are required in a Scholastical Disputation, which shall be done afterwards so far as I judge it necessary. But I am doing that which indeed is better and of more Impor∣tance; namely, declaring the Experience of Faith in the Expressions of the Scripture, or such as are analogous unto them. And I had rather be instrumental in the communica∣tion of light and knowledge unto the meanest Believer, then to have the clearest success against prejudiced Disputers. Wherefore by Faith thus acting are we justified and have peace with God. Other Foundation in this matter can no man lay that will endure the Trial.

Nor are we to be moved that men who are unacquainted with these things in their Reality and Power, do reject the whole work of Faith herein, as an easie effort of Fancy or Imagination. For the preaching of the Cross is foolishness unto the best of the natural wisdom of men. Neither can any understand them but by the spirit of God. Those who

know the Terrour of the Lord, who have been really con∣vinced and made sensible of the Guilt of their Apostasie from God, and of their actual sins in that state, and what a fear∣ful thing it is to fall into the hands of the living God, seek∣ing thereon after a real solid Foundation whereon they may be accepted with him, have other thoughts of these things, and do find Believing a thing to be quite of another na∣ture then such men suppose. It is not a work of Fancy or Imagination unto men to deny and abhor themselves, to subscribe unto the Righteousness of God in denouncing Death as due to their sins, to renounce all hopes and expecta∣tions of Relief from any Righteousness of their own, to mix the Word and Promise of God concerning Christ and Righteousness by him with Faith, so as to receive the At∣tonement, and therewithall to give up themselves unto an universal Obedience unto God. And as for them unto whom through Pride and Self-conceit on the one hand, or Ignorance on the other it is so; we have in this matter no concern∣ment with them. For unto whom these things are only the work of Fancy, the Gospel is a Fable.

Something unto this purpose I had written long since in a practical Discourse concerning Communion with God. And whereas some men of an inferiour condition, have found it useful for the strengthening themselves in their dependencies on some of their superiours, or in compliance with their own Inclinationt, to cavil at my Writings and revile their Author; that Book hath been principally singled out to ex∣ercise their faculty and Good intentions upon. This course is steered of late by one Mr. Hotchkisse, in a Book about Justi∣fication, wherein in particular he falls very severely on that Doctrine which for the substance of it, is here again propo∣sed, pag. 81. And were it not that I hope it may be some∣what useful unto him to be a little warned of his Immorali∣ties in that Discourse, I should not in the least have taken

notice of his other Impertinencies. The Good man I per∣ceive can be angry with Persons whom he never saw, and about things which he cannot or will not understand, so far as to revile them with most opprobious Language. For my part although I have never written any thing designedly on this subject, or the Doctrine of Justification before now; yet he could not but discern by what was occasionally delivered in that Discourse, that I maintain no other Doctrine herein, but what is the common Faith of the most Learned men in all Protestant Churches. And the Reasons why I am singled out for the object of his petulancy and spleen, are too manifest to need Repetition. But I shall yet inform him of what per∣haps he is ignorant; namely, That I esteem it no small ho∣nour that the Reproaches wherewith the Doctrine opposed by him is reproached do fall upon me. And the same I say concerning all the reviling and contemptuous Expressions that his ensuing pages are filled withall. But as to the pre∣sent occasion I beg his excuse if I believe him not, that the reading of the passages which he mentions out of my Book, filled him with Horrour and Indignation, as he pretends. For whereas he acknowledgeth that my words may have a sense which he approves of (and which therefore must of neces∣sity be good and sound) what honest and sober person would not rather take them in that sense, then wrest them unto another, so to cast himself under the disquietment of a fit of horrible Indignation, In this fit I suppose it was, if such a fit indeed did befall him (as one Evil begets another) that he thought he might insinuate something of my denial of the necessity of our own personal Repentance and Obedience. For no man who had read that Book only of all my Writings, could with the least regard to Conscience or Honesty give counte∣nance unto such a surmise, unless his mind was much discom∣posed by the unexpected invasion of a fit of Horrour. But such is his dealing with me from first to last, nor do I know

where to fix on any one instance of his Exceptions against me, wherein I can suppose he had escaped his pretended fit, and was returned unto himself, that is unto honest and ingenuous thoughts, wherewith I hope he is mostly conversant. But though I cannot miss in the Justification of this charge by con∣sidering any Instance of his Reflections, yet I shall at present take that which he insists longest upon, and filleth his Dis∣course about it with most scurrility of Expressions. And this is in the 164th page of his Book and those that follow. For there he disputeth fiercely against me for making this to be an undue End of our serving God, namely, that we may flee from the wrath to come. And who would not take this for an inexpiable crime in any, especially in him who hath written so much of the nature and use of Threatnings under the Gospel, and the Fear that ought to be ingenerated by them in the hearts of men, as I have done. Wherefore so great a Crime being the object of them, all his Revilings seem not only to be Excused but Hallowed. But what if all this should prove a wilful prevarication, not becoming a Good man, much less a Minister of the Gospel? my words as reported and transcribed by himself are these; Some there are that do the Service of the House of God as the drudgery of their Lives; the principle they yield Obedience upon is Spirit of Bondage unto fear; the Rule they do it by is the Law in its dread and rigour; exacting it of them to the utmost without mercy or mi∣tigation; the End they do it for is to fly from the Wrath to come, to pacifie Conscience, and to seek for Righteousness as it were by the works of the Law. What follow unto the same purpose he omits, and what he adds as my words are not so, but his own, ubi pudor, ubi sides? That which I affirmed to be a part of an evil End when and as it makes up one entire End by being mixed with sundry other things expresly mentioned, is singled out, as if I had denied that in any sense it might be a part of a good End in our Obedience, which I never

thought, I never said, I have spoken and written much to the contrary. And yet to countenance himself in this disingenuous procedure, besides many other untrue Reflections he adds that I insinuate, that those whom I describe are Christians that seek Righteousness by Faith in Christ, pag. 167. I must needs tell my Author that my Faith in this matter is, That such works as these will have no influence in his Justification; And that the principal Reason why I suppose I shall not in my progress in this Discourse take any particular notice of his exceptions either against the Truth or me, next unto this consideration, that they are all trite and obsolete, and as to what seemeth to be of any force in them will occur unto me in other Authors from whom they are derived, is that I may not have a continual occasion to declare how forgetful he hath been of all the Rules of ingenuity, yea and of common honesty in his dealing with me. For that which gave the oc∣casion unto this present unpleasing digression, it being no more as to the substance of it, but that our sins were imputed unto Christ, and that his Righteousness is imputed unto us, it is that in the Faith whereof I am assured I shall live and dye, though he should write twenty as learned Books against it, as those which he hath already published; and in what sense I do believe these things shall be afterwards declared. And although I judge no man upon the Expressions that fall from him in Polemical Writings, wherein on many occasions they do affront their own experience and contradict their own prayers, yet as to those who understand not that blessed Com∣mutation of Sins and Righteousness as to the substance of it, which I have pleaded for, and the actings of our Faith with respect thereunto, I shall be bold to say, That if the Gospel be hid it is hid to them that perish.

Sixthly, We can never state our Thoughts aright in this matter unless we have a clear Apprehension of, and satis∣faction in, the Introduction of Grace by Jesus Christ into the

whole of our Relation unto God, with its respect unto all parts of our Obedience. There was no such thing, nothing of that nature or kind, in the first constitution of that Relation and Obedience by the Law of our Creation. We were made in a state of immediate Relation unto God in our own persons, as our Creator, Preserver and Rewarder. There was no my∣stery of Grace in the Covenant of Works. No more was required unto the consummation of that state, but what was given us in our Creation, enabling us unto rewardable Obe∣dience. Do this and live, was sole Rule of our Relation unto God. There was nothing in Religion originally of that which the Gospel celebrates under the name of the Grace, Kindness and Love of God, whence all our favourable Re∣lation unto God doth now proceed, and whereinto it is re∣solved; nothing of the Interposition of a Mediator with re∣spect unto our Righteousness before God and Acceptance with him, which is at present the Life and Soul of Religion, the Substance of the Gospel, and the Centre of all the Truths revealed in it. The Introduction of these things is that which makes our Religion a mystery, yea a great mystery, if the Apostle may be believed, 1 Tim. 3.16. All Religion at first was suited and commensurable unto Reason; but being now become a mystery, men for the most part are very unwilling to receive it. But so it must be; and unless we are restored unto our primitive Rectitude, a Religion suited unto the princi∣ples of our Reason, which it hath none but what answer that first state, will not serve our Turns.

Wherefore of this Introduction of Christ and Grace in him, into our Relation unto God, there are no notions in the na∣tural conceptions of our minds, nor are they discoverable by Reason in the best and utmost of its exercise, 1. Cor. 2.14. For before our understandings were darkened, and our Rea∣son debased by the Fall, there were no such things revealed or proposed unto us; yea the supposition of them is incon∣sistent

with, and contradictory unto, that whole state and condition wherein we were to live to God; seeing they all suppose the Entrance of sin. And it is not likely that our Reason as now corrupted, should be willing to embrace that which it knew nothing of in its best condition, and which was inconsistent with that way of attaining happiness which was absolutely suited unto it. For it hath no Faculty or Power but what it hath derived from that state. And to suppose it is now of it self suited and ready to embrace such heavenly mysteries of Truth and Grace, as it had no notions of, nor could have in the state of Innocency, is to suppose that by the Fall our Eyes were opened to know Good and Evil, in the sense that the Serpent deceived our first Parents with an Expectation of. Whereas therefore our Reason was given us for our only Guide in the first constitution of our Na∣tures, it is naturally unready to receive what is above it, and as corrupted hath an Enmity thereunto.

Hence in the first open proposal of this mystery, namely, of the Love and Grace of God in Christ, of the Introduction of a Mediator and his Righteousness into our Relation unto God, in that way which God in infinite Wisdom had de∣signed; the whole of it was looked on as meer folly by the Generality of the wise and rational men of the World, as the Apostle declares at large, 1 Cor. ch. 1. Neither was the Faith of them ever really received in the World, without an Act of the Holy Ghost upon the mind in its Renovation. And those who judge that there is nothing more needful to enable the mind of man to receive the mysteries of the Gospel in a due manner, but the outward proposal of the Doctrine thereof, do not only deny the Depravation of our Nature by the Fall, but by just consequence, wholly renounce that Grace whereby we are to be recovered. Wherefore Reason (as hath been elsewhere proved) acting on and by its own innate Principles and Abilities, conveyed unto it from its

original state, and as now corrupted, is repugnant unto the whole Intoduction of Grace by Christ into our Relation un∣to God, Rom. 8.7. An Endeavour therefore to reduce the Doctrine of the Gospel, or what is declared therein, con∣cerning the hidden mystery of the Grace of God in Christ, unto the principles and inclinations of the minds of men, or Reason as it remains in us after the Entrance of sin, under the power at least of those notions and conceptions of things Religious, which it retains from its first state and condition, is to debase and corrupt them, (as we shall see in sundry In∣stances) and so make way for their Rejection.

Hence very difficult it is to keep up doctrinally and practi∣cally the minds of men unto the Reality and Spiritual height of this mystery. For men naturally do neither understand it, nor like it. And therefore every attempt to accommo∣date it unto the principles and inbred notions of corrupt Reason is very acceptable unto many, yea unto the most. For the things which such men speak and declare, are without more ado, without any exercise of Faith or Prayer, without any supernatural Illumination, easily intelligible, and exposed to the common sense of mankind. But whereas a Declara∣tion of the mysteries of the Gospel can obtain no Admission into the minds of men but by the effectual working of the Spirit of God, Ephes. 1.17, 18, 19. it is generally looked on as difficult, perplexed, unintelligible; and even the minds of many who find they cannot contradict it, are yet not at all delighted with it. And here lyeth the Advantage of all them who in these days do attempt to corrupt the Doctrine of the Gospel in the whole or any part of it, for the accom∣modation of it unto the common notions of corrupted Rea∣son, is the whole of what they design. And in the confidence of the suffrage hereof, they not only oppose the things them∣selves, but despise the Declarations of them as Enthusiastical canting. And by nothing do they more prevail themselves,

then by a pretence of reducing all things to Reason, and a contempt of what they oppose as unintelligible Fanaticism. But I am not more satisfied in any thing of the most un∣controulable Evidence, then that the Understandings of these men is no just measure or standard of Spiritual Truth. Where∣fore notwithstanding all this fierceness and scorn, with the pretended Advantages which some think they have made by traducing Expressions in the writings of some men, it may be improper, it may be only not suited unto their own genius and capacity in these things, we are not to be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, which is the power of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth.

Of this Repugnancy unto the mystery of the Wisdom and Grace of God in Christ, and the Foundation of its whole Oeconomy in the distinct operations of the Persons of the Holy Trinity therein, there are two parts or branches.

1. That which would reduce the whole of it unto the pri∣vate Reason of men, and their own weak imperfect man∣nagement thereof. This is the entire design of the Socinians. Hence,

1. The Doctrine of the Trinity it self is denied, impugned, yea derided by them, and that solely on this Account. They plead that it is incomprehensible by Reason; for there is in that Doctrine, a Declaration of things absolutely infinite and eternal, which cannot be exemplified in, nor accommodated unto things finite and temporal. This is the substance of all their pleas against the Doctrine of the Holy Trinity, that which gives a seeming life and sprightly vigour to their Objections against it; wherein yet under the pretence of the use and exercise of Reason, they fall and resolve all their reasonings into the most absurd and irrational principles that ever the minds of men were besotted withall. For unless you will grant them that what is above their Reason is therefore con∣tradictory unto true Reason; that what is infinite and eternal

is perfectly comprehensible and in all its concerns and respects to be accounted for; that what cannot be in things finite and of a separate existence, cannot be in things infinite whose being and existence can be but one, with other such irratio∣nal yea bruitish Imaginations, all the Arguments of these pretended men of Reason against the Trinity, become like Chaff that every Breath of Wind will blow away. Hereon they must as they do, deny the distinct Operations of any Per∣sons in the Godhead in the Dispensation of the mystery of Grace. For if there are no such distinct Persons there can be no such distinct Operations. Now as upon a denial of these things no one Article of Faith can be rightly understood, nor any one Duty of Obedience be performed unto God in an ac∣ceptable manner, so in particular, we grant that the Doctrine of Justification by the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ, cannot stand.

2. On the same Ground the Incarnation of the Son of God is rejected as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the most absurb conception that ever befell the minds of men. Now it is to no purpose to dispute with men so perswaded about Justification. Yea we will freely acknowledge that all things we believe about it are 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, no better then old Wives Tales, if the In∣carnation of the Son of God be so also. For I can as well understand how he who is a meer man, however exalted, dignified, and glorified, can exercise a Spiritual Rule in and over the Hearts, Consciences and Thoughts of all the men in the World, being intimately knowing of and present unto them all equally at all times, (which is another of their fop∣peries) as how the Righteousness and Obedience of One should be esteemed the Righteousness of all that Believe, if that One be no more then a man, if he be not acknowledged to be the Son of God incarnate.

Whilst the minds of men are prepossessed with such preju∣dices, nay unless they firmly assent unto the Truth in these

foundations of it, it is impossible to convince them of the Truth and Necessity of that Justification of a sinner which is revealed in the Gospel. Allow the Lord Christ to be no other Person but what they believe him to be, and I will grant there can be no other way of Justification then what they de∣clare; though I cannot believe that ever any sinner will be justified thereby. These are the issues of an obstinate Refu∣sal to give way unto the Introduction of the mystery of God and his Grace, into the way of Salvation and our Relation unto him.

And he who would desire an Instance of the fertility of mens Inventions in forging and coyning Objections against heavenly mysteries in the Justification of the Soveraignty of their own Reason as unto what belongs to our Relation unto God, need go no farther then the Writings of these men against the Trinity and Incarnation of the Eternal Word. For this is their fundamental Rule in things divine and Do∣ctrines of Religion, that not what the Scripture saith is there∣fore to be accounted true, although it seems repugnant unto any Reasonings of ours, or is above what we can comprehend, but what seems repugnant unto our Reason, let the words of the Scripture be what they will, that we must conclude that the Scrip∣ture doth not say so, though it seem never so expresly so to do. Ita{que} non quia utrum{que} Scriptura dicat propterea haec inter se non pugnare concludendum est; sed potius quia haec inter se pug∣nant ideo alterutrum a Scriptura non dici statuendum est, saith Schlicting. ad Meisn. def. Socin. pag. 102. Wherefore because the Scripture affirms both these (that is the Efficacy of Gods Grace and the Freedom of our Wills) we cannot conclude from thence, that they are not repugnant; but because these things are repugnant unto one another, we must determine, that one of them is not spoken in the Scripture; no, it seems, let it say what it will. This is the hansomest way they can take in advancing their own Reason above the Scripture,

which yet savours of intolerable Presumption. So Socinus himself speaking of the satisfaction of Christ saith in plain Terms; Ego quidem etiamsi non semel sed saepius id in sacris monumentis scriptum extaret, non idcirco tamen ita prorsus rem se habere crederem, ut vos opinamini; cum enim id omnino fieri non possit, non secus at{que} in multis aliis Scripturae Testimoniis, una cum caeteris omnibus facio; aliqua quae minus incommoda videretur, interpretatione adhibita, eum sensum ex ejusmodi ver∣bis elicerem qui sibi constaret; For my part if this (Doctrine) were extant and written in the Holy Scripture, not once but often, yet would I not therefore believe it to be so as you do; For where∣as it can by no means be so (whatever the Scripture saith) I would as I do with others in other places, make use of some less incommodious Interpretation, whereby I would draw a sense out of the words that should be consistent with it self. And how he would do this he declares a little before; Sacra verba in alium sensum quam verba sonant per inusitatos etiam Tropos quando{que} explicantur; He would explain the words into ano∣ther sense then what they sound or propose by unusual Tropes. And indeed such uncouth Tropes doth he apply as so many En∣gines and Machines to pervert all the Divine Testimonies con∣cerning our Redemption, Reconciliation, and Justification by the Blood of Christ.

Having therefore fixed this as their Rule, constantly to prefer their own Reason above the express words of the Scripture, which must therefore by one means or other be so perverted or wrested to be made compliant therewith, it is Endless to trace them in their multiplied Objections against the holy mysteries, all resolved into this one principle, that their Reason cannot comprehend them, nor doth approve of them. And if any man would have an especial Instance of the serpentine Wits of men winding themselves from under the power of Conviction by the spiritual Light of Truth, or at least endeavouring so to do, let him read the Comments of

the Jewish Rabbins on Isaiah chap. 53. and of the Socinians on the Beginning of the Gospel of John.

Secondly, The second Branch of this Repugnancy springeth from the want of a due comprehension of that Harmony which is in the mystery of Grace, and between all the parts of it. This comprehension is the principal effect of that Wisdom which Believers are taught by the Holy Ghost. For our understanding of the Wisdom of God in a mystery is neither an Art nor a Science whether purely speculative or more practical, but a spiritual Wisdom. And this spiritual Wisdom is such as understands and apprehends things, not so much, or not only in the notion of them, as in their Power, Reality, and Efficacy towards their proper Ends. And there∣fore although it may be very few, unless they be learned, judicious, and diligent in the use of means of all sorts, do attain unto it clearly and distinctly in the Doctrinal notions of it; yet are all true Believers, yea the meanest of them directed and enabled by the Holy Spirit as unto their own practice and duty, to act suitably unto a comprehension of this Harmony, according to the Promise that they shall be all taught of God. Hence those things which appear unto others contradictory and inconsistent one with another, so as that they are forced to offer violence unto the Scripture and their own Experience in the Rejection of the one or other of them, are reconciled in their minds, and made mutually use∣ful or helpful unto one another, in the whole course of their Obedience. But these things must be farther spoken unto.

Such an Harmony as that intended there is in the whole mystery of God. For it is the most curious effect and pro∣duct of divine Wisdom; And it is no impeachment of the Truth of it, that it is not discernable by humane Reason. A full comprehension of it no creature can in this world arise unto. Only in the contemplation of Faith, we may ar∣rive

unto such an understanding Admiration of it, as shall enable us to give Glory unto God, and to make use of all the parts of it in practice as we have occasion. Concerning it the Holy man mentioned before cryed out, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; O unsearchable contrivance and operation! And so is it expressed by the Apostle, as that which hath an unfa∣thomable depth of Wisdom in it, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. O the Depth of the Riches both of the Wisdom and Knowledge of God; how unsearchable are his ways and his Judgments past finding out, Rom. 11.33, 34, 35, 36. see to the same purpose, Eph. 3.8, 9, 10.

There is an Harmony, a suitableness of one thing unto ano∣ther in all the works of Creation. Yet we see that it is not perfectly nor absolutely discoverable unto the wisest and most diligent of men. How far are they from an Agreement about the order and motions of the Heavenly Bodies, of the Sym∣pathies and Qualities of sundry things here below, in the Relation of Causality and Efficiency between one thing and another. The new discoveries made concerning any of them, do only evidence how far men are from a just and perfect comprehension of them. Yet such an universal Harmony there is in all the parts of nature and its operations, that nothing in its proper station and operation is destructively contradi∣ctory either to the whole, or any part of it, but every thing contributes unto the preservation and use of the Universe. But although this Harmony be not absolutely comprehensible by any, yet do all living Creatures who follow the conduct or instinct of Nature make use of it, and live upon it, and without it neither their Being could be preserved, nor their Operations continued.

But in the mystery of God and his Grace the Harmony and suitableness of one thing unto another, with their tendency unto the same End, is incomparably more excellent and glo∣rious then that which is seen in nature or the works of it.

For whereas God made all things at first in Wisdom, yet is the new Creation of all things by Jesus Christ, ascribed peculiar∣ly unto the Riches, Stores, and Treasures of that infinite wisdom. Neither can any discern it unless they are taught of God, for it is only spiritually discerned. But yet is it by the most despised. Some seem to think that there is no great wisdom in it, and some that no great wisdom is required unto the comprehension of it; Few think it worth the while to spend half that time in prayer, in meditation, in the exer∣cise of self denial, Mortification and Holy Obedience, doing the will of Christ that they may know of his word to the at∣taining of a due comprehension of the mystery of Godliness, as some do of diligence, study, and trial of Experiments, who design to excell in natural or mathematical Sciences. Wherefore there are three things evident herein.

1. That such an Harmony there is in all the parts of the mystery of God, wherein all the blessed properties of the di∣vine nature are glorified, our Duty in all Instances is directed and engaged, our Salvation in the way of Obedience secured, and Christ as the End of all exalted. Wherefore we are not only to consider and know the several parts of the Doctrine of spiritual Truth, but their Relation also one unto another, their consistency one with another in practice, and their mu∣tual furtherance of one another unto their common End. And a disorder in our Apprehensions about any part of that, whose Beauty and Use ariseth from its Harmony gives some confusion of mind with respect unto the whole.

2. That unto a comprehension of this Harmony in a due measure, it is necessary that we be taught of God, without which we can never be wise in the knowledge of the mystery of his Grace. And herein ought we to place the principal part of our diligence in our Enquiries into the Truths of the Gospel.

3. All those who are taught of God to know his Will,

unless it be when their minds are disordered by prejudices, false opinions or temptations, have an experience in them∣selves and their own practical Obedience, of the consistency of all parts of the mystery of Gods Grace and Truth in Christ among themselves, of their spiritual Harmony and cogent tendency unto the same End. The Introduction of the Grace of Christ into our Relation unto God, makes no confusion or disorder in their minds, by the conflict of the principles of natural Reason, with respect unto our first Relation unto God, and those of Grace with respect unto that whereunto we are renewed.

From the want of a due comprehension of this divine Harmony it is, that the minds of men are filled with Imagi∣nations of an Inconsistency between the most important parts of the mystery of the Gospel, from whence the confusions that are at this day in Christian Religion do proceed.

Thus the Socinians can see no consistency between the Grace or Love of God, and the satisfaction of Christ, but imagine if the one of them be admitted, the other must be excluded out of our Religion. Wherefore they principally oppose the latter under a pretence of asserting and vindicating the former. And where these things are expresly conjoined in the same proposition of Faith; as where it is said that we are justified freely by the Grace of God, through the Redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God hath set forth to be a propi∣tiation through Faith in his Blood, as Rom. 3.24, 25. they will offer violence unto common sense and Reason, rather then not disturb that Harmony which they cannot understand. For although it be plainly affirmed to be a Redemption by his Blood, as he is a propitiation, as his Blood was a Ransome or price of Redemption, yet they will contend, there it is only metaphorical, a meer deliverance by power, like that of the Israelites by Moses. But these things are clearly stated in the Gospel, and therefore not only consistent, but such as

that the one cannot subsist without the other. Nor is there any mention of any especial Love or Grace of God unto sinners, but with respect unto the satisfaction of Christ as the means of the communication of all their effects unto them. See Joh. 3.16. Rom. 3.23, 24, 25. chap. 8.30, 31, 32, 33. 2 Cor. 5.19, 20, 21. Ephes. 1.7. &c.

In like manner they can see no consistency between the satisfaction of Christ, and the necessity of Holiness or Obedi∣ence in them that do believe. Hence they continually cla∣mour, that by our Doctrine of the Mediation of Christ, we overthrow all Obligations unto an Holy Life. And by their Sophistical Reasonings unto this purpose, they prevail with many to embrace their delusions, who have not a spiritual experience to confront their Sophistry withall. But as the Testimony of the Scripture lyeth expresly against them, so those who truly believe, and have real experience of the influence of that Truth into the life of God, and how im∣possible it is to yield any acceptable Obedience herein with∣out respect thereunto, are secured from their snares.

These and the like Imaginations arise from the unwilling∣ness of men to admit of the Introduction of the mystery of Grace, into our Relation unto God. For suppose us to stand before God on the old constitution of the Covenant of Creation, which alone natural Reason likes and is com∣prehensive of, and we do acknowledge these things to be in∣consistent. But the mystery of the Wisdom and Grace of God in Christ, cannot stand without them both.

So likewise Gods Efficacious Grace in the conversion of sinners, and the exercise of the Faculties of their Minds in a way of Duty are asserted as contradictory and inconsistent. And al∣though they seem both to be positively and frequently de∣clared in the Scripture, yet say these men, their Consistency being repugnant to their Reason, let the Scripture say what it will, yet is it to be said by us, that the Scripture doth

not assert one of them. And this is from the same cause; men cannot in their Wisdom see it possible that the mystery of Gods Grace should be introduced into our Relation and Obedience unto God. Hence have many Ages of the Church, especially the last of them, been filled with Endless Disputes, in Opposition to the Grace of God, or to accommodate the conceptions of it, unto the Interests of corrupted Reason.

But there is no Instance more pregnant unto this purpose then that under our present consideration. Free Justification through the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ, is cried out against as inconsistent with a necessity of personal Holiness and Obedience; and because the Socinians insist principally on this pretence, it shall be fully and diligently considered apart, and that Holiness which without it they and others deriving from them do pretend unto, shall be tried by the unerring Rule.

Wherefore I desire it may be observed that in pleading for this Doctrine, we do it as a principal part of the Introdu∣ction of Grace into our whole Relation unto God. Hence we grant;

1. That it is unsuited, yea foolish, and as some speak Childish, unto the principles of unenlightened and unsancti∣fied Reason, or Understandings of men. And this we con∣ceive to be the principal cause of all the Oppositions that are made unto it, and all the Depravations of it that the Church is pestered withall. Hence are the wits of men so fertile in Sophistical Cavils against it, so ready to load it with seeming absurdities, and I know not what unsuitableness unto their wonderous rational conceptions. And no Objection can be made against it, be it never so trivial, but it is highly applauded by those who look on that Introduction of the mystery of Grace which is above their natural conceptions, as unintelligible folly.

2. That the necessary Relation of these things one unto the other, namely of Justification by the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ, and the necessity of our Personal Obedience, will not be clearly understood nor duely im∣proved, but by and in the exercise of the Wisdom of Faith. This we grant also; and let who will make what advantage they can of this concession. True Faith hath that spiritual Light in it or accompanying of it, as that it is able to re∣ceive it, and to conduct the Soul unto Obedience by it. Wherefore reserving the particular consideration hereof un∣to its proper place, I say in general.

1. That this Relation is evident unto that spiritual Wisdom whereby we are enabled doctrinally and practically to com∣prehend the Harmony of the mystery of God, and the con∣sistency of all the parts of it one with another.

2. That it is made evident by the Scripture, wherein both these things, Justification through the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ, and the Necessity of our Personal Obedience are plainly asserted and declared. And we defie that Rule of the Socinians, that seeing these things are incon∣sistent in their apprehension or unto their Reason, therefore we must say that one of them is not taught in the Scripture; For whatever it may appear unto their Reason, it doth not so to ours; and we have at least as Good Reason to trust unto our own Reason, as unto theirs. Yet we absolutely acquiesce in neither, but in the Authority of God in the Scripture; rejoycing only in this, that we can set our seal unto his Revelations by our own Experience. For

3. It is fully evident in the gracious conduct which the minds of them that believe are under, even that of the Spirit of Truth and Grace, and the Inclinations of that new Princi∣ple of the Divine Life whereby they are acted. For although from the Remainders of Sin and Darkness that are in them, Temptations may arise unto a continuation in sin because Grace

hath abounded, yet are their minds so formed and framed by the Doctrine of this Grace, and the Grace of this Doctrine, that the abounding of Grace herein, is the principal mo∣tive unto their abounding in Holiness, as we shall see af∣terwards.

And this we aver to be the spring of all those Objections which the Adversaries of this Doctrine do continually endea∣vour to entangle it withall. As (1) If the Passive Righ∣teousness (as it is commonly called) that is his Death and Suffering be imputed unto us, there is no need nor can it be, that his Active Righteousness or the Obedience of his Life, should be imputed unto us; and so on the contrary, for both together are inconsistent. (2) That if all sin be par∣doned, there is no need of the Righteousness; and so on the contrary, if the Righteousness of Christ be imputed unto us, there is no room for or need of the pardon of sin. (3) If we believe the pardon of our sins, then are our sins pardoned before we believe, or we are bound to believe that which is not so. (4) If the Righteousness of Christ be imputed unto us, then are we esteemed to have done and suffered, what indeed we never did nor suffered; and it is true, that if we are esteemed our selves to have done it, Imputation is over∣thrown. (5) If Christs Righteousness be imputed unto us, then are we as Righteous as was Christ himself. (6) If our sins were imputed unto Christ, then was he thought to have sinned, and was a sinner subjectively. (7) If Good Works be excluded from any interest in our Justification before God, then are they of no use unto our Salvation. (8) That it is ridiculous to think, that where there is no sin, there is not all the Righteousness that can be required. (9) That Righteousness imputed is only a putative or imaginary Righ∣teousness, &c.

Now although all these and the like Objections however subtilly managed, (as Socinus boasts that he had used more

then ordinary subtilty in this cause, in quo si subtilius ali∣quanto quanto opus esse videretur, quaedam a nobis disputata sunt; De servat. par. 4. cap. 4.) are capable of plain and clear so∣lutions, and we shall avoid the examination of none of them; yet at present I shall only say, that all the shades which they cast on the minds of men, do vanish and disappear before the Light of express Scripture Testimonies, and the Experience of them that do believe, where there is a due comprehension of the mystery of Grace in any tolerable measure.

Seventhly, There are some common prejudices that are usually pleaded against the Doctrine of the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ, which because they will not orderly fall under a particular consideration in our progress, may be briefly examined in these general previous considerations.

1. It is usually urged against it, that this Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ is no where mentioned expresly in the Scripture. This is the first Objection of Bellarmine against it. Hactenus, saith he, nullum omnino locum invenire potuerunt ubi legeretur Christi Justitiam nobis imputari ad justitiam; vel nos justos esse per Christi Justitiam nobis imputatam. De Justificat. lib. 2. cap. 7. An Objection doubtless unreasonably and im∣modestly urged by men of his perswasion▪ For not only do they make profession of their whole Faith, or their belief of all things in matters of Religion, in Terms and Expressions no where used in the Scripture, but believe many things also, as they say, with Faith divine, not at all revealed or con∣tained in the Scripture, but drained by them out of the Tra∣ditions of the Church. I do not therefore understand how such persons can modestly manage this as an Objection against any Doctrine, that the Terms wherein some do express it, are not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 found in the Scripture, just in that order of one word after another as by them they are used. For this Rule may be much enlarged, and yet be kept strait enough to exclude the principal concerns of their Church out of the confines of

Christianity; nor can I apprehend much more Equity in others who reflect with severity on this expression of the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ as unscriptural, as if those who make use thereof were criminal in no small degree: when themselves immediately in the Declaration of their own judg∣ment, make use of such Terms, Distinctions and Expressions, as are so far from being in the Scripture, as that it is odds they had never been in the world, had they escaped Aristotles Mint, or that of the Schools deriving from him.

And thus although a sufficient Answer hath frequently enough, if any thing can be so, been returned unto this Objection in Bellarmine, yet hath one of late amongst our selves made the Translation of it into English, to be the sub∣stance of the first Chapter of a Book about Justification; though he needed not to have given such an early intimation unto whom he is beholding for the greatest part of his en∣suing Discourse, unless it be what is taken up in despightful reviling of other men. For take from him what is not his own on the one hand, and impertinent cavils at the words and expression of other men, with forged imputations on some of them, on the other, and his whole Book will dis∣appear. But yet although he affirms that none of the Prote∣stant Writers who speak of the Imputation of the Righteous∣ness of Christ unto us, (which were all of them without ex∣ception until of late) have precisely kept to the form of whole∣some Words, but have rather swerved and varied from the Lan∣guage of the Scripture, yet he will excuse them from open Er∣rour, if they intend no more thereby, but that we are made partakers of the benefits of the Righteousness of Christ. But if they intend that the Righteousness of Christ it self is imputed unto us, (that is▪ so as to be our Righteousness before God whereon we are pardoned and accepted with him, or do re∣ceive the forgiveness of sins, and a right to the Heavenly Inheritance) then are they guilty of that Errour which makes

us to be esteemed to do our selves what Christ did; and so on the other side, Christ to have done what we do and did, chap. 2, 3. But these things are not so. For if we are esteemed to have done any thing in our own persons, it cannot be imputed unto us as done for us by another; as it will ap∣pear when we shall treat of these things afterwards. But the great and Holy Persons intended, are as little concerned in the Accusations or Apologies of some Writers, as those Writers seem to be acquainted with that Learning, Wisdom, and Judgment, wherein they did excell, and the Characters whereof are so eminently conspicuous in all their Writings.

But the Judgement of most Protestants is not only candidly expressed, but approved of also by Bellarmine himself in ano∣ther place. Non esset (saith he) absurdum si quis diceret nobis imputari Christi justitiam & merita; cum nobis donentur & applicentur; ac si nos ipsi Deo satisfecissemus. De Justif. lib. 2. cap. 10. It were not absurd if any one should say that the Righteousness and Merits of Christ are imputed unto us, when they are given and applied unto us, as if we our selves had satis∣fied God. And this he confirms with that saying of Bernard and Innocent, Epist. 190. Nam si unus pro omnibus mortuus est, ergo omnes mortui sunt, ut videlicet satisfactio unius omnibus imputetur, sicut omnium peccata unus ille portavit. And those who will acknowledge no more in this matter, but only a Participation Quovis modo, one way or other, of the Bene∣fits of the Obedience and Righteousness of Christ, wherein we have the concurrence of the Socinians also, might do well as I suppose, plainly to deny all Imputation of his Righte∣ousness unto us in any sense as they do, seeing the Benefits of his Righteousness cannot be said to be imputed unto us, what way soever we are made Partakers of them. For to say, that the Righteousness of Christ is imputed unto us with respect unto the Benefits of it, when neither the Righteousness it self is imputed unto us, nor can the Benefits of it be imputed

unto us, as we shall see afterwards, doth minister great oc∣casion of much needless variance and contests. Neither do I know any Reason why men should seek countenance unto this Doctrine under such an Expression as themselves reflect upon as unscriptural, if they be contented that their minds and sense should be clearly understood and apprehended. For Truth needs no subterfuges.

The Socinians do now principally make use of this Obje∣ction. For finding the whole Church of God in the use of sundry Expressions, in the Declaration of the most impor∣tant Truths of the Gospel that are not literally contained in the Scripture, they hoped from an Advantage from thence in their opposition unto the things themselves. Such are the Terms of the Trinity, the Incarnation, Satisfaction and Me∣rit of Christ, as this also of the Imputation of his Righte∣ousness. How little they have prevailed in the other Instan∣ces hath been sufficiently manifested by them with whom they have had to do. But as unto that part of this Objection which concerns the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ unto Believers, those by whom it is asserted do say;

1. That it is the Thing alone intended which they plead for. If that be not contained in the Scripture, if it be not plainly taught and confirmed therein, they will speedily re∣linquish it. But if they can prove that the Doctrine which they intend in this expression, and which is thereby plainly declared unto the understandings of men, is a divine Truth sufficiently witnessed unto in the Scripture, then is this ex∣pression of it reductively scriptural, and the Truth it self so expressed a Divine Verity. To deny this, is to take away all use of the Interpretation of the Scripture; and to over∣throw the Ministry of the Church. This therefore is to be alone enquired into.

2. They say, the same thing is taught and expressed in the Scripture in Phrases aequipollent. For it affirms that by the

Obedience of One (that is Christ) many are made Righteous, Rom. 5.18. And that we are made Righteous by the Impu∣tation of Righteousness unto us. Blessed is the man unto whom God imputeth Righteousness without works, chap. 4.6. And if we are made Righteous by the Imputation of Righteousness unto us, that Obedience or Righteousness whereby we are made Righteous, is imputed unto us. And they will be con∣tent with this Expression of this Doctrine, That the Obedi∣ence of Christ whereby we are made Righteous, is the Righ∣teousness that God imputeth unto us. Wherefore this Ob∣jection is of no force to disadvantage the Truth pleaded for.

2. Socinus objects in particular against this Doctrine of Justification by the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ, and of his satisfaction, that there is nothing said of it in the Evangelists, nor in the Report of the Sermons of Christ unto the people, no nor yet in those of his private Discourses with his Disciples. And he urgeth it vehemently and at large, against the whole of the Expiation of sin by his Death; De Serva∣tor. par. 4. cap. 9. And as it is easie, malis inventis pejora ad∣dere, this notion of his is not only made use of and pressed at large by one among our selves, but improved also by a dangerous comparison between the Writings of the Evange∣lists and the other Writings of the New Testament. For to enforce this Argument, that the Histories of the Gospel where∣in the Sermons of Christ are recorded, do make no mention of the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ, as in his judgement they do not, nor of his Satisfaction, or Merit or Expiation of sin, or of Redemption by his Death, as they do not in the judgment of Socinus, it is added by him, that for his part he is apt to admire our Saviours Sermons, who was the Author of our Religion, before the Writings of the Apo∣stles, though inspired men. Whereunto many dangerous insi∣nuations and reflections on the Writings of St. Paul, contrary

to the Faith and Sense of the Church in all Ages are subjoined. S. pag. 240, 241.

But this Boldness is not only unwarrantable but to be ab∣horred. What place of Scripture, what Ecclesiastical Tra∣dition, what single president of any one sober Christian Wri∣ter, what Theological Reason will countenance a man in ma∣king the comparison mentioned, and so determining there∣on? such juvenile boldness, such want of a due apprehension and understanding of the Nature of divine Inspirations, with the order and design of the writing of the New Testament, which are the springs of this precipitate censure, ought to be reflected on. At present to remove this pretence out of our way, it may be observed.

1. That what the Lord Christ taught his Disciples in his Personal Ministry on the Earth, was suited unto that Oeconomy of the Church which was antecedent unto his Death and Re∣surrection. Nothing did he with-hold from them, that was needful to their Faith, Obedience, and Consolation in that state. Many things he instructed them in out of the Scrip∣ture, many new Revelations he made unto them, and many times did he occasionally instruct and rectifie their judgements. Howbeit he made no clear distinct Revelation of those sacred mysteries unto them, which are peculiar unto the Faith of the New Testament, nor were to be distinctly apprehended be∣fore his Death and Resurrection.

2. What the Lord Christ revealed afterwards by his Spirit unto the Apostles, was no less immediately from himself, then was the Truth which he spoke unto them with his own mouth in the days of his flesh. An Apprehension to the contrary is destructive of Christian Religion. The Epistles of the Apo∣stles are no less Christs Sermons, then that which he delivered on the Mount. Wherefore,

3. Neither in the things themselves, nor in the way of their Delivery or Revelation, is there any Advantage of the

one sort of Writings above the other. The things written in the Epistles proceed from the same Wisdom, the same Grace, the same Love, with the things which he spoke with his own mouth in the days of his flesh, and are of the same divine veracity, Authority and Efficacy. The Revelation which he made by his Spirit, is no less divine, and immediate from himself, then what he spoke unto his Disciples on the Earth, To distinguish between these things on any of these accounts, is intolerable folly.

4. The Writings of the Evangelists do not contain the whole of all the Instructions which the Lord Christ gave un∣to his Disciples personally on the Earth. For he was seen of them after his Resurrection forty days, and spoke with them of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God, Act. 1.3. And yet nothing hereof is recorded in their writings, but only some few occasional speeches. Nor had he given before unto them a clear and distinct understanding of those things which were delivered concerning his Death and Resurrection in the Old Testament, as is plainly declared, Luke 24.25, 26, 27. For it was not necessary for them in that state wherein they were. Wherefore,

5. As to the extent of Divine Revelations objectively, those which he granted by his Spirit unto his Apostles after his As∣cension, were beyond those which he Personally taught them, so far as they are recorded in the Writings of the Evangelists. For he told them plainly not long before his death, that he had many things to say unto them which then they could not bear, Joh. 16.12. And for the knowledge of those things he refers them to the coming of the Spirit to make Revelation of them from himself, in the next words; Howbeit when he the Spirit of Truth is come, he will guide you into all Truth; for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear that shall he speak, and he will shew you things to come; He shall glorifie me, for he shall receive of mine and shew it unto you,

ver. 13, 14. And on this account he had told them before, that it was expedient for them that he should go away, that the Holy Spirit might come unto them, whom he would send from the Father, ver. 7. Hereunto he referred the full and clear manifestation of the mysteries of the Gospel. So false as well as dangerous and scandalous are those insinuations of Socinus and his followers.

Secondly, The Writings of the Evangelists are full unto their proper Ends and Purposes. These were to record the Ge∣nealogy, Conception, Birth, Acts, Miracles and Teachings of our Saviour, so far as to evince him to be the true only pro∣mised Messias. So he testifieth who wrote the last of them. Many other signs truly did Jesus which are not written in this Book; But these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, Joh. 20.30, 31. Unto this End every thing is recorded by them that is needful unto the in∣generating and establishment of Faith. Upon this confirma∣tion, all things declared in the Old Testament concerning him, all that was taught in Types and Sacrifices became the object of Faith in that sense wherein they were interpreted in the Accomplishment: And that in them this Doctrine was before revealed, shall be proved afterwards. It is therefore no won∣der if some things, and those of the highest importance, should be declared more fully in other Writings of the New Testament, then they are in those of the Evangelists.

Thirdly, The Pretence it self is wholly false. For there are as many pregnant Testimonies given unto this Truth in one alone of the Evangelists, as in any other Book of the New Testament; namely in the Book of John. I shall refer to some of them which will be pleaded in their proper place, chap. 1.12, 17, 19. chap. 3.14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 36. chap. 5.24.

But we may pass this by, as one of those Inventions con∣cerning which Socinus boasts in his Epistle to Michael Vajo∣ditus,

that his Writings were esteemed by many for the singula∣rity of the things asserted in them.

Fourthly, The Difference that hath been among Protestant Writers about this Doctrine is pleaded in the prejudice of it. Osiander in the entrance of the Reformation fell into a vain imagination, that we were Justified or made Righteous with the Essential Righteousness of God, communicated unto us by Jesus Christ. And whereas he was opposed herein with some severity by the most learned persons of those days, to coun∣tenance himself in his singularity he pretended that there were twenty different Opinions amongst the Protestants them∣selves about the formal cause of our Justification before God. This was quickly laid hold on by them of the Roman Church, and is urged as a prejudice against the whole Doctrine, by Bellarmine, Vasquez, and others. But the vanity of this pre∣tence of his hath been sufficiently discovered; and Bellarmine himself could fancy but four Opinions among them, that seemed to be different from one another, reckoning that of Osiander for one: De Justificat. lib. 2. cap. 1. But whereas he knew that the Imagination of Osiander was exploded by them all, the other three that he mentions are indeed but distinct parts of the same entire Doctrine. Wherefore until of late it might be truly said, that the Faith and Doctrine of all Pro∣testants was in this Article entirely the same. For however they differed in the way, manner, and methods of its De∣claration, and too many private men were addicted unto De∣finitions and Descriptions of their own, under pretence of Lo∣gical accuracy in Teaching, which gave an appearance of some contradiction among them, yet in this they generally agreed, that it is the Righteousness of Christ and not our own, on the account whereof we receive the pardon of sin, acceptance with God, are declared Righteous by the Gospel, and have a Right and Title unto the Heavenly Inheritance. Hereon, I say they were generally agreed, first against the

Papists, and afterwards against the Socinians; and where this is granted, I will not contend with any man about his way of declaring the Doctrine of it.

And that I may add it by the way, we have herein the con∣currence of the Fathers of the Primitive Church. For al∣though by Justification following the Etymology of the Latine word, they understood the making us Righteous with inter∣nal personal Righteousness, at least some of them did so, as Austin in particular, yet that we are pardoned and accepted with God on any other account, but that of the Righteous∣ness of Christ, they believed not. And whereas, especially in their Controversie with the Pelagians after the rising of that Heresie, they plead vehemently that we are made Righ∣teous by the Grace of God, changing our Hearts and Natures, and creating in us a principle of spiritual Life and Holiness, and not by the endeavours of our own free will, or works performed in the strength thereof, their words and expressi∣ons have been abused contrary to their Intention and De∣sign.

For we wholly concur with them, and subscribe unto all that they dispute about the making of us personally Righteous and holy, by the effectual Grace of God, against all merit of works and operations of our own free Will, (our Sanctifi∣cation being every way as much of Grace, as our Justification properly so called) and that in opposition unto the common Doctrine of the Roman Church about the same matter; only they call this our being made inherently and personally Righte∣ous by Grace, sometimes by the name of Justification which we do not. And this is laid hold on as an Advantage by those of the Roman Church who do not concur with them in the way and manner whereby we are so made Righteous. But whereas by our Justification before God, we intend only that Righteousness whereon our sins are pardoned, wherewith we are made Righteous in his sight, or for which we are accepted as Righ∣teous

before him, it will be hard to find any of them assign∣ing of it unto any other causes then the Protestants do. So it is fallen out, that what they design to prove, we entirely comply with them in; but the way and manner whereby they prove it, is made use of by the Papists unto another End, which they intended not.

But as to the way and manner of the Declaration of this Doctrine among Protestants themselves, there ever was some variety and Difference in Expressions. Nor will it otherwise be whilst the Abilities and Capacities of men, whether in the conceiving of things of this nature, or in the expression of their conceptions are so various as they are. And it is ac∣knowledged that these Differences of late have had by some as much weight laid upon them, as the substance of the Do∣ctrine generally agreed in. Hence some have composed entire Books consisting almost of nothing, but impertinent Cavils at other Mens Words and Expressions. But these things pro∣ceed from the weakness of some men, and other vitious ha∣bits of their minds, and do not belong unto the cause it self. And such Persons, as for me, shall write as they do, and fight on until they are weary. Neither hath the multiplication of Questions and the curious discussion of them in the handling of this Doctrine, wherein nothing ought to be diligently insisted on, but what is directive of our practice, been of much use unto the Truth it self, though it hath not been directly opposed in them.

That which is of real Difference among Persons who agree in the substance of the Doctrine may be reduced unto a very few Heads. As (1) There is something of this kind about the nature of Faith whereby we are justified, with its proper Object in Justifying, and its Use in Justification. And an In∣stance we have herein, not only of the weakness of our In∣tellects in the Apprehension of spiritual things, but also of the remainders of confusion and disorder in our minds, at

least how true it is that we know only in part, and prophesie only in part, whilst we are in this life. For whereas this Faith is an Act of our minds, put forth in the way of Duty to God, yet many by whom it is sincerely exercised, and that conti∣nually, are not agreed either in the nature or proper object of it. Yet is there no doubt but that some of them who differ amongst themselves about these things, have delivered their minds free from the prepossession of prejudices and no∣tions derived from other artificial Reasonings imposed on them, and do really express their own conceptions as to the best and utmost of their Experience. And notwithstanding this Difference they do yet all of them please God in the ex∣ercise of Faith as it is their Duty, and have that respect unto its proper Object, as secures both their Justification and Sal∣vation. And if we cannot on this consideration bear with, and forbear one another in our different conceptions, and expressions of those conceptions about these things, it is a sign we have a great mind to be contentious, and that our con∣fidences are built on very weak foundations. For my part I had much rather my Lot should be found among them who do really believe with the heart unto Righteousness, though they are not able to give a tolerable Definition of Faith unto others, then among them who can endlesly dispute about it with seeming Accuracy and Skill, but are negligent in the exercise of it as their own Duty. Wherefore some things shall be briefly spoken of in this matter, to declare my own ap∣prehensions concerning the things mentioned, without the least design to contradict or oppose the conceptions of others.

2. There hath been a Controversie more directly stated among some Learned Divines of the reformed Churches, (for the Lutherans are unanimous on the one side) about the Righ∣teousness of Christ that is said to be imputed unto us. For some would have this to be only his suffering of Death, and

the satisfaction which he made for sin thereby, and others in∣clude therein the Obedience of his life also. The occasion, original, and progress of this controversie, the persons by whom it hath been managed, with the writings wherein it is so, and the various ways that have been endeavoured for its Reconciliation, are sufficiently known unto all, who have en∣quired into these things. Neither shall I immix my self herein, in the way of controversie or in opposition unto others, though I shall freely declare my own Judgement in it, so far as the consideration of the Righteousness of Christ under this di∣stinction is inseparable from the substance of the Truth it self which I plead for.

3. Some Difference there hath been also, whether the Righteousness of Christ imputed unto us, or the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ, may be said to be the formal cause of our Justification before God, wherein there appears some variety of Expression among Learned men, who have han∣dled this subject in the way of controversie with the Papists. The true Occasion of the Differences about this Expression hath been this and no other. Those of the Roman Church do constantly assert, that the Righteousness whereby we are Righteous before God, is the formal cause of our Justifica∣tion. And this Righteousness they say, is our own inherent Personal Righteousness, and not the Righteousness of Christ imputed unto us. Wherefore they treat of this whole con∣troversie, namely, what is the Righteousness on the account whereof we are accepted with God, or justified under the name of the formal cause of Justification, which is the sub∣ject of the second Book of Bellarmine concerning Justification. In opposition unto them, some Protestants contending that the Righteousness wherewith we are esteemed Righteous be∣fore God, and accepted with him, is the Righteousness of Christ imputed unto us, and not our own inherent, imperfect Personal Righteousness, they have done it under this enquiry, namely,

what is the formal cause of our Justification; which some have said to be the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ, some the Righteousness of Christ imputed. But what they de∣signed herein was not to resolve this Controversie into a Phi∣losophical enquiry about the nature of a formal cause, but only to prove that, that truly belonged unto the Righteousness of Christ in our Justification, which the Papists ascribed unto our own, under that name. That there is an habitual infused habit of Grace which is the formal cause of our personal inherent Righteousness they grant. But they all deny that God par∣dons our sins, and justifies our persons with respect unto this Righteousness as the formal cause thereof. Nay they deny that in the Justification of a sinner there either is, or can be any inherent formal cause of it. And what they mean by a formal cause in our Justification is only that which gives the denomination unto the subject, as the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ doth to a person that he is justi∣fied.

Wherefore notwithstanding the differences that have been among some in the various expression of their conceptions, the substance of the Doctrine of the Reformed Churches, is by them agreed upon and retained entire. For they all agree that God justifieth no sinner, absolveth him not from Guilt, nor declareth him Righteous, so as to have a Title unto the Heavenly Inheritance, but with respect unto a true and per∣fect Righteousness, as also that this Righteousness is truly the Righteousness of him that is so justified. That this Righte∣ousness becometh ours by Gods free Grace and Donation, the way on our part whereby we come to be really and effectu∣ally interested therein, being Faith alone. And that this is the perfect Obedience or Righteousness of Christ imputed unto us; In these things, as they shall be afterwards distinctly explained, is contained the whole of that Truth, whose Ex∣planation and Confirmation is the Design of the ensuing Dis∣course.

And because those by whom this Doctrine in the substance of it, is of late impugned, derive more from the Socinians then the Papists, and make a nearer approach unto their principles, I shall chiefly insist on the examination of those Original Authors, by whom their notions were first coined, and whose weapons they make use of in their de∣fence.

Eighthly, To close these previous Discourses, it is worthy our consideration what weight was laid on this Doctrine of Justification at the first Reformation, and what Influence it had into the whole work thereof. However the minds of men may be changed as unto sundry Doctrines of Faith among us, yet none can justly own the name of Protestant, but he must highly value the first Reformation. And they cannot well do otherwise, whose present even temporal Ad∣vantages are resolved thereinto. However I intend none but such as own an especial presence and Guidance of God with them who were eminently and successfully employed therein. Such persons cannot but grant that their Faith in this matter, and the concurrence of their Thoughts about its Importance, are worthy consideration.

Now it is known, that the Doctrine of Justification gave the first occasion to the whole work of Reformation, and was the main hinge whereon it turned. This those mentioned declared to be Articulus stantis aut cadentis Ecclesiae, and that the vindication thereof alone, deserved all the pains that was taken in the whole endeavour of Reformation. But things are now, and that by virtue of their Doctrine herein, much changed in the World, though it be not so understood or acknowledged. In general no small Benefit redounded unto the World by the Reformation, even among them by whom it was not, nor is received, though many bluster with contrary pretensions. For all the Evils which have acciden∣tally ensued thereon, arising most of them from the corrupt

Passions and Interests of them by whom it hath been opposed, are usually ascribed unto it; and all the Light, Liberty, and Benefit of the Minds of men which it hath introduced, are ascribed unto other causes. But this may be signally obser∣ved with respect unto the Doctrine of Justification, with the causes and effects of its Discovery and Vindication. For the first Reformers found their own, and the Consciences of other men, so immersed in darkness, so pressed and harrassed with fears, terrours, and disquietments under the power of it, and so destitute of any steady Guidance into the ways of peace with God, as that with all diligence (like persons sen∣sible that herein their Spiritual and Eternal Interest was con∣cerned) they made their Enquiries after the Truth in this matter, which they knew must be the only means of their Deliverance. All men in those days, were either kept in Bondage under endless Fears and Anxieties of mind upon the convictions of sin, or sent for Relief unto Indulgences, Priest∣ly Pardons, Pennances, Pilgrimages, works satisfactory of their own, and supererogatory of others, or kept under Chains of Darkness for Purgatory unto the last day. Now he is no way able to compare things past and present, who fees not how great an Alteration is made in these things even in the Papal Church. For before the Reformation, whereby the Light of the Gospel, especially in this Doctrine of Justifi∣cation, was diffused among men, and shone even into their minds who never comprehended nor received it, the whole almost of Religion among them was taken up with and con∣fined unto these things. And to instigate men unto an aboun∣ding sedulity in the observation of them, their minds were stuffed with Traditions and Stories of Visions, Apparitions, frightful Spirits, and other Imaginations that poor mortals are apt to be amazed withall, and which their restless disqui∣etments gave countenance unto.

Somnia, terrores Magici, miracula, sagae Nocturni Lemures, portenta{que} Thessala—

Were the principal objects of their Creed, and matter of their Religious Conversation. That very Church it self is com∣paratively at ease from these things unto what it was before the Reformation; though so much of them is still retained, as to blind the Eyes of men from discerning the Necessity as well as the Truth of the Evangelical Doctrine of Justifi∣cation.

It is fallen out herein not much otherwise then it did at the first Entrance of Christianity into the world. For there was an Emanation of Light and Truth from the Gospel which affected the minds of men, by whom yet the whole of it in its general Design, was opposed and persecuted. For from thence the very vulgar sort of men became to have better ap∣prehensions and notions of God and his properties, or the Original and Rule of the Universe, then they had arrived unto in the midnight of their Paganism. And a sort of learned speculative men there were, who by virtue of that Light of Truth which sprung from the Gospel, and was now diffused into the minds of men, reformed and improved the old Philosophy, discarding many of those falshoods and im∣pertinencies wherewith it had been encumbred. But when this was done, they still maintained their cause on the old prin∣ciples of the Philosophers, and indeed their opposition unto the Gospel was far more plausible and pleadable than it was before. For after they had discarded the gross conceptions of the common sort about the divine Nature and Rule, and had blended the Light of Truth which brake forth in Chri∣stian Religion with their own Philosophical notions, they made a vigorous Attempt for the reinforcement of Heathenism against the main Design of the Gospel. And things have not as I said, fallen out much otherwise in the Reformation. For

as by the Light of Truth which therein brake forth, the Con∣sciences of even the vulgar sort are in some measure freed from those Childish Affrightments which they were before in Bondage unto; so those who are Learned have been enabled to reduce the Opinions and Practices of their Church, into a more defensible posture, and make their Opposition unto the Truths of the Gospel more plausible than they formerly were. Yea that Doctrine which in the way of its Teaching and Practice among them, as also in its effects on the Consciences of men, was so horrid as to drive innumerable persons from their Communion in that and other things also, is now in the new Representation of it, with the artificial covering pro∣vided for its former effects in practice, thought an Argument meet to be pleaded for a return unto its entire Com∣munion.

But to root out the Superstitions mentioned out of the minds of men, to communicate unto them the knowledge of the Righteousness of God which is revealed from Faith to Faith, and thereby to deliver them from their bondage, fears and distress, directing convinced sinners unto the only way of solid peace with God, did the first Reformers labour so di∣ligently in the Declaration and Vindication of the Evangeli∣cal Doctrine of Justification; and God was with them. And it is worth our consideration, whether we should on every cavil and sophism of men not so taught, not so employed, not so tryed, not so owned of God as they were, and in whose Writings there are not appearing such Characters of Wisdom, sound Judgment, and deep Experience as in theirs, easily part with that Doctrine of Truth, wherein alone they found peace unto their own Souls, and whereby they were instru∣mental to give liberty and peace with God unto the Souls and Consciences of others innumerable, accompanied with the vi∣sible effects of Holiness of Life, and fruitfulness in the works of Righteousness, unto the praise of God by Jesus Christ.

In my judgment Luther spake the truth when he said; amisso Articulo Justificationis, simul amissa est tota Doctrina Christiana. And I wish he had not been a true Prophet, when he foretold that in the following Ages the Doctrine hereof would be again obscured; the Causes whereof I have else∣where enquired into.

Some late Writers indeed among the Protestants have en∣deavoured to reduce the controversie about Justification with the Papists, unto an Appearance of a far less real Difference, then is usually judged to be in it. And a good work it is no doubt to pare off all unnecessary occasions of Debate and Differences in Religion, provided we go not so near the Quick, as to let out any of its vital Spirits. The way taken herein is to proceed upon some Concessions of the most sober among the Papists, in their Ascriptions unto Grace and the Merit of Christ on the one side; and the express judgment of the Protestants variously delivered, of the necessity of good works to them that are justified. Besides it appears that in different expressions which either party adhere unto, as it were by Tradition, the same things are indeed intended. Among them who have laboured in this kind Ludovicus le Blanc, for his perspicuity and plainness, his moderation and freedom from a contentious frame of Spirit, is pene solus legi dignus. He is like the Ghost of Tiresias in this matter. But I must needs say that I have not seen the effect that might be desired of any such undertaking. For when each party comes unto the Interpretation of their own Concessions which is ex com∣muni jure, to be allowed unto them, and which they will be sure to do in compliance with their Judgment in the substance of the Doctrine wherein the main stress of the Difference lies, the distance and breach continue as Wide as ever they were. Nor is there the least ground towards peace obtained by any of our condescensions or compliances herein. For unless we can come up entirely unto the Decrees and Canons of the

Council of Trent, wherein the Doctrine of the Old and New Testament is anathematized, they will make no other use of any mens compliances, but only to encrease the clamour of Differences among our selves. I mention nothing of this na∣ture to hinder any man from granting whatever he can or please unto them, without the prejudice of the substance of Truths professed in the Protestant Churches; but only to in∣timate the uselessness of such concessions in order unto Peace and Agreement with them, whilst they have a Procrustes Bed to lay us upon; and from whose size they will not recede.

Here and there one, (not above three or four in all may be named within this hundred and thirty years) in the Roman Communion, have owned our Doctrine of Justification for the substance of it. So did Albertus Pighius and the Antidagma Coloniense, as Bellarmin acknowledges. And what he says of Pighius is true, as we shall see afterwards; the other I have not seen. Cardinal Contarenus in a Treatise of Justification, written before, and published about the Beginning of the Trent Council, delivereth himself in the favour of it. But upon the observation of what he had done, some say he was shortly af∣ter poisoned, though I must confess I know not where they had the Report.

But do what we can for the sake of Peace, as too much cannot be done for it, with the safety of Truth; it cannot be denied but that the Doctrine of Justification as it works effe∣ctually in the Church of Rome, is the Foundation of many Enormities among them both in Judgment and Practice. They do not continue I acknowledge, in that visible predominancy and rage as formerly; nor are the Generality of the people in so much slavish Bondage unto them as they were. But the streams of them do still issue from this corrupt Fountain, unto the dangerous Infection of the Souls of men. For Missatical Expiatory Sacrifices for the living and the dead, the necessity

of Auricular Confession with Authoritative Absolution, Penances, Pilgrimages, Sacramentals, Indulgences, Commutations, Works Satisfactory and Supererogatory, the Merit and Intercession of Saints departed, with especial Devotions and Applications to this or that particular Saint or Angel, Purgatory, yea on the matter the whole of Monastick Devotion, do depend there∣on. They are all nothing but ways invented to pacifie the Consciences of men, or divert them from attending to the Charge which is given in against them by the Law of God; sorry supplies they are of a Righteousness of their own, for them who know not how to submit themselves to the Righ∣teousness of God. And if the Doctrine of free Justificati∣on by the Blood of Christ were once again exploded, or corrupted and made unintelligible; unto these things as ab∣surd and foolish as now unto some they seem to be, or what is not one jot better, men must and will again betake them∣selves. For if once they are diverted from putting their Trust in the Righteousness of Christ and Grace of God alone, and do practically thereon follow after, take up with, or rest in that which is their own, the first impressions of a sense of sin which shall befall their Consciences, will drive them from their present hold, to seek for shelter in any thing that tenders unto them the least Appearance of Relief. Men may talk and dispute what they please whilst they are at peace in their own minds without a real sense either of sin or Righ∣teousness; yea and scoff at them who are not under the power of the same security. But when they shall be awa∣kened with other Apprehensions of things then yet they are aware of, they will be put on new Resolutions. And it is in vain to dispute with any about Justification, who have not been duly convinced of a state of sin, and of its Guilt; for such men neither understand what they say, nor that whereof they dogmatize.

We have therefore the same Reasons that the first Refor∣mers

had to be careful about the preservation of this Doctrine of the Gospel pure and entire; though we may not expect the like success with them in our Endeavours unto that End. For the minds of the Generality of men are in another po∣sture then they were, when they dealt with them. Under the power of Ignorance and Superstition they were, but yet multi∣tudes of them affected with a sense of the Guilt of sin. With us for the most part things are quite otherwise. Notional Light, accompanied with a senselessness of sin, leads men unto a contempt of this Doctrine, indeed of the whole mystery of the Gospel. We have had Experience of the fruits of the Faith which we now plead for in this Nation for many years, yea now for some Ages. And it cannot well be denied but that those who have been most severely tenacious of the Doctrine of Justification by the Imputation of the Righte∣ousness of Christ, have been the most exemplary in an Holy Life; I speak of former days. And if this Doctrine be yet further corrupted, debased, or unlearned among us, we shall quickly fall into one of the Extreams wherewith we are at present urged on either side. For although the Reliefs pro∣vided in the Church of Rome, for the satisfaction of the con∣sciences of men are at present by the most disliked, yea de∣spised; yet if they are once brought to a loss how to place their whole trust and confidence in the Righteousness of Christ and Grace of God in him, they will not always live at such an uncertainty of mind, as the best of their own Personal Obedience will hang them on the Briars of; but betake them∣selves unto somewhat that tenders them certain peace and se∣curity, though at present it may seem foolish unto them. And I doubt not but that some out of a meer Ignorance of the Righteousness of God, which either they have not been taught, or had no mind to learn, have with some Integrity in the Exercise of their Consciences, betaken themselves unto that pretended Rest which the Church of Rome offers unto them.

For being troubled about their sins, they think it better to betake themselves unto that great variety of means for the ease and discharge of their Consciences which the Roman Church affords, then to abide where they are, without the least pretence of Relief, as men will find in due time, there is no such thing to be found or obtained in themselves. They may go on for a time with good satisfaction unto their own minds; but if once they are brought unto a loss through the Conviction of sin, they must look beyond themselves for peace and satisfaction, or sit down without them to Eternity. Nor are the principles and ways which others take up withall in another Extream upon the Rejection of this Doctrine, al∣though more plausible, yet at all more really useful unto the Souls of men, then those of the Roman Church which they reject as obsolete, and unsuited unto the Genius of the pre∣sent Age. For they all of them arise from, or lead unto the want of a due sence of the Nature and Guilt of sin, as also of the Holiness and Righteousness of God with respect there∣unto. And when such principles as these do once grow pre∣valent in the minds of men, they quickly grow careless, neg∣ligent, secure in sinning, and End for the most part in Atheism, or a great Indifferency as unto all Religion, and all the Duties thereof.