A26974:1123
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.
The fifth Argument which you mention is grounded on the common Maxim, Non est distinguendum ubi Lex non distinguit, and runs thus: If the Scripture in propounding to man the adequate Object of justifying Faith, (Christ) do not divide Christ, and say, [In believing him to be a Priest, your faith is justifying, but not in believing him to be King, or Prophet, or Head,] but propoundeth Christ undivided as this Object; then must not we distinguish or divide, but take Christ entirely for the object of justifying Faith. But the Scripture doth not divide or distinguish in this case; therefore we must not. It is Christ that must be Received, and believed in: but a Saviour and not a King, is not Christ. It is Christ as Christ. His very Name signifieth as directly his Kingly office at least, as his Priestly. And if you confess that the same act of Faith at the same instant Receives Christ both as Priest and King, then I shall stay my assent to your opinion till you bring me the Scripture that saith, it is faith in this notion; and not in that which justifies. God speaks plainly that whosoever believeth shall be justified from all things, &c. And you confess this Believing is the Receiving Christ for King and Priest; and that it justifies as a condition; and doth not your (unproved) distinction overthrow this again?
The fifth Argument which you mention is grounded on the common Maxim, Non est distinguendum ubi Lex non distinguit, and runs thus: If the Scripture in propounding to man the adaequate Object of justifying Faith, (Christ) do not divide Christ, and say, [In believing him to be a Priest, your faith is justifying, but not in believing him to be King, or Prophet, or Head,] but propoundeth Christ undivided as this Object; then must not we distinguish or divide, but take Christ entirely for the object of justifying Faith. But the Scripture doth not divide or distinguish in this case; therefore we must not. It is Christ that must be Received, and believed in: but a Saviour and not a King, is not Christ. It is Christ as Christ. His very Name signifieth as directly his Kingly office at least, as his Priestly. And if you confess that the same act of Faith at the same instant Receives Christ both as Priest and King, then I shall stay my assent to your opinion till you bring me the Scripture that saith, it is faith in this notion; and not in that which justifies. God speaks plainly that whosoever believeth shall be justified from all things, &c. And you confess this Believing is the Receiving Christ for King and Priest; and that it justifies as a condition; and doth not your (unproved) distinction overthrow this again?