A26974:1069
Of justification four disputations clearing and amicably defending the truth against the unnecessary oppositions…
Of justification four disputations clearing and amicably defending the truth against the unnecessary oppositions of divers learned and reverend brethren / by Richard Baxter ...
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1658
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
In a word, As there is a two fold Law, so there is a two fold Accusation and Justification: when we are accused as breakers of the Law of works, that is, as sinners in common sort, and so as liable to the penalty thereof, then we plead only Christs satisfaction as our Righteousness, and no work of our own: But when we are Accused of final non-performance of the conditions of the New Law, that is of being Rejectors of Christ the Mediator, we are justified by producing our faith and sincere obedience to him. The former Paul speaks of; and James of the latter. You may see Divines of great Name saying as I in this, as Mead, Deodate on James the 2. but most fully Placaus in Thes. Salmuriens. Thes. de Justific. &c.
In a word, As there is a two fold Law, so there is a two fold Accusation and Justification: when we are accused as breakers of the Law of works, that is, as sinners in common sort, and so as lyable to the penalty thereof, then we plead only Christs satisfaction as our Righteousnes, and no work of our own: But when we are Accused of final non-performance of the conditions of the New Law, that is of being Rejectors of Christ the Mediator, we are justified by producing our faith and sincere obedience to him. The former Paul speaks of; and James of the latter. You may see Divines of great Name saying as I in this, as Mead, Deodate on James the 2. but most fully Placaus in Thes. Salmuriens. Thes. de Justific. &c.
To your third Objection, That Faith, Repentance, Hope and Love (as before explained) are distinguished, I easily yield you. But where you say (Faith and Love have different Objects, therefore one is no essential part of the other) I answer, That faith in Christ, and Love to the Saints (which your Texts mention) have different Objects, I soon confess. But faith in Christ (as it is the first Act of the Will) and love to Christ, have one and the same Object, beyond all doubt.