The life of faith in three parts, the first is a sermon on Heb.…

And further let it be well noted, that the nature of this executive Pardon or Justification (of which read Mr. Hotchkis at large) is far better known to us, than the nature of Gods sentential Pardon and Justification: and therefore there is less controversy about it. For what it is to forbear or take off a punishment, is easily understood: But though most Protestants say, that Justification is a sentence of God, they are not agreed what that sentence is. Some think (truly) that our first Justification by Faith is but a virtual sentence of the Law of Grace, by which we must be judged. Others say that by a sentence is meant Gods secret mental estimation: Others say, that as Angels are his executioners; so it is before them (where joy is said to be for a sinners conversion) Luke 15. that doth declare and sentence us pardoned and just. Others think that there is no sentence but Gods notification of pardon to our consciences, or giving us the sense or knowledge of it. Others think that there is no sentence till death, or public Judgment. Others say that God doth sentence us just, though we know not where, nor how. And Mr. Lawson noteth, that (as all confess that God hath no voice, but a created voice; and therefore useth not words as we; unless what Christ as man may do in that we know not; so) his sentence is nothing but his declaration that he esteemeth us pardoned and just in title, which is principally, if not only, by his execution, and taking off all ⟨p. 329⟩penalties of sense and loss, and using us as pardoned in title: and so that the giving of his Spirit, is his very sentence of Justification in this life, as it is his declaration as aforesaid.

And further let it be well noted, that the nature of this executive Pardon or Justification (of which read Mr. Hotchkis at large) is far better known to us, than the nature of Gods sentential Pardon and Justification: and therefore there is less controversie about it. For what it is to forbear or take off a punishment, is easily understood: But though most Protestants say, that Justification is a sentence of God, they are not agreed what that sentence is. Some think (truly) that our first Justification by Faith is but a virtual sentence of the Law of Grace, by which we must be judged. Others say that by a sentence is meant Gods secret mental estimation: Others say, that as Angels are his executioners; so it is before them (where joy is said to be for a sinners conversion)