their opinion, and we had none against them, I would be of their mind. It is a desperate thing to forsake the plain sense of God's Word, because Pa∣pists adhere to the literal sense of one Text, against the plain more obvious figurative sense, when also other Scriptures contradict them. If express Scrip∣ture be no proof, when-ever men can put a forced sense on it, or cannot reconcile it with other, what is a proof?
2. I agree to your Rule of Interpretation. But as to the Application, 1. You confess we are said to be justified by Faith; and I confess we are justified by Christ. But doth it follow, that therefore we are not justified by Faith, because we are justified by Christ? we are not fed by our hands or teeth, because we are fed by our meat? 2. But the Que∣stion was about [imputing for Righteousness.] The Scripture saith, [Faith is imputed for Righteousness,] but it no-where saith, Christ or his Righteousness is imputed to us for Righteousness. Now the Question is, Whether by [Faith,] the Scripture mean (not Faith, but) [Christ, or his Righteousness] and that only? He that will affirm this, must prove it. And do you indeed think, that when Scripture saith, [Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for Righteousness,] James 2. 23. Rom. 4. 22, 23, 24. that by [it] is meant [Christ,] or [Christ's Righte∣ousness?] Mr. Wotton, Mr. Gataker, and Jo. Goodwin, have said enough of this. Do you by [Faith] mean [Christ,] when you say, We are justified by Faith? Do not you confess that we are truly justi∣fied by Faith itself, as the Condition, as well as by Christ as the meritorious Cause? Why then do you oppose the same in me? It may you will say, Be∣cause