[A methodical preface prefixed before the epistle to the Romans ...] Made[A methodicall preface prefixed before the epistle to the Romanes ...] Made

Seeing therefore in the three former Chapters, he hath taught, that all men are sinners: & also showeth that only faith in Christ, is the way unto righteousness, and means to justification,¹ by and by in this fourth Chap. he answereth to certain objections and cavils. As for the most part, when Christ or faith is taught (that is, that our works are nothing, that we are only justified by faith) straight ways certain Justiciaries object: If faith alone doth justify, then we must cease altogether to do good works, then good works are ⟨image 23⟩to be omitted and left undone. The Apostle answereth, proposing the example of Abraham: What shall we say then, that Abraham our Father hath hath found concerning the flesh? Did he merit nothing at all by his works? He concludeth, that Abraham was justified only by faith without any works, insomuch that the Scripture saith, that Abraham (before he was circumcised) believed GOD, and it was counted and reputed unto him for righteousness. Gen. 15.6. If therefore the work of circumcision which GOD commanded (which was a precious work of obedience) profited Abraham nothing to justification, then it is most sure & certain, that there is none other work ⟨image 23⟩which is available to justification.² But as circumcision being an outward sign, was unto Abraham a seal of his righteousness by faith: so good works are only an external sign, which doth not justify, but which doth signify unto men, that a man is inwardly justified before God, and they do testify and approve as certain signs and fruits, that lively faith, which worketh in the heart. By this, as by the most grave, weighty, and authentic example, the Apostle doth con firm, & build out of the Scriptures his doctrine of faith delivered out, and taught in the third Chapter. Furthermore, the Apostle allegeth the testimony of David in the 32. Psal. to prove this matter. Also in ⟨image 24⟩most plain words he affirmeth that a man is justified by the imputation of righteousness, without works: although (as I have said before) works do follow those that are justified by Faith.