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CHAP. III. Shewing how Love, Iustice, and Mercy, though comman∣ded both in Law and Gospel, are to he rejected in the Iewish sense, and yet imbraced in the Christians, as necessary unto Iustification. Shewing also in what sence Works are necessary unto Iustification.
[Sect. 1] HAving thus far shewed what Works they are which the Apostle in our Text excludes from Justification, as unnecessary there∣unto, viz. such Works as were proper to the Jews, in contra-di∣stinction to the Gentiles, which are in Scripture usually called the works of the Law; for about them did the controversie grow, as we have seen before: all that I shall now add by way of use as to this matter, shall be for caution: To take heed how we oppose Faith to Works, and that when we do so, be we sure to keep the Scripture road, which I have been now tracing out.
It is true, Faith and Love, are often in the New Testament, di∣stinguished, or mentioned as things distinct, in a strict sence, Ephes. 6.23. 1 Tim. 1.14, and 2.15. 2 Tim. 1.13. Philem. 5. &c. but I am not without much confidence, that they are never opposed, as Faith and the Works of the Law are: as if a man that hath no Love might be justified by his Faith, as he that worketh not, or which hath no Works in our Apostles sence, may. It is no where neither in words nor sence said; But he that loveth not, but beleeveth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his Faith is counted to him for righte∣ousnesse: but the contrary in substance is flatly affirmed by the A∣postle James, chap. 2. besides other Scriptures, as I shall God willing come afterwards to shew. And therefore I do think that our Prote∣stant Writers have given too much advantage to the Papists, whilst in asserting justification by Faith alone without any Works at all, they have in the mean while chiefly if not only, built this their asser∣tion upon such Scriptures as my Text, with others of like nature, which treat, not of all Works in generall, but of such as did belong unto the Jews in special; and therefore are usually called the Works of the Law; or the Deeds of the Law. Works of what Law I pray