An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches

§. 59. Some worthy men say, that Pardon is not Justification, nor to be pardoned is to be righteous; and that Righteousness is never taken in Scripture for Pardon, but many score or hundred times for our performance of our Duty according to the Law of Grace: Therefore they would have Righteousness and Pardon still distinguished.

§. 60. But I have plainly before proved, that Righteousness hath many parts, and the word many ⟨p. 255⟩senses, and though Pardon be not that Righteousness which consisteth in a Conformity to the Precept, (and so is not our universal Righteousness) yet Pardon is (passive) that Righteousness which consisteth in our right to Impunity both as to the punishment of Loss and Sense: And Pardon with Adoption or the Gift of Life, is that Righteousness which consisteth in our right to Life eternal.

§. 60. But I have plainly before proved, that Righteousness hath many parts, and the word many ⟨p. 255⟩sences, and though Pardon be not that Righteousness which consisteth in a Conformity to the Precept, (and so is not our universal Righteousness) yet Pardon is (passive) that Righteousness which consisteth in our right to Impunity both as to the punishment of Loss and Sence: And Pardon with Adoption or the Gift of Life, is that Righteousness which consisteth in our right to Life eternal.

§. 61. 1. All mens sins are pardoned potentially and conditionally in the Law of Grace. 2. No mens sins are pardoned actually (as to a right of Impunity) till they are penitent Believers, or consent to the Covenant of Grace (if at age.) 3. These penitent Believers sins are pardoned virtually before they are committed, supposing them but Sins of Infirmity, but this is properly no Pardon, nor so to be called, because it is but the position of those things which will cause Pardon hereafter. To be only virtual, is not to exist, but to be in causis.