A26974:401
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
Whether Works are a Condition of Justification? And so whether we a… › Part
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.
Treat. Neither then could we say, that we are justified by Christ given to us, but by the proposition laid down in the Scripture, whereas all say that the objectum quod of our faith is ens incomplexum, not the promise of Christ, but Christ himself promised.
Answ. Its no impossible thing to be justified both by Christ, and by the Promise. There is no ground to suppose co-ordinates to be contraries. Why may not Christ given us▪ justify us as the meritorious cause, and a principal efficient; and his Gospel-grant, as his Instrument? And accordingly each of them may be the object of faith. The principal object is an ens incomplexum, Christ himself: but a subordinate Object is both the Doctrine Revealing what he is and hath done, and the promise which offereth him to us, and telleth us what he will do. If a Princes Son redeem a woman from Captivity, or the Gallows, and cause an Instrument under his own hand (and the Kings) to be sent to her, assuring her of pardon, and liberty, ⟨p. 89⟩and honours with himself, if she will take him for her husband, and trust him for the accomplishment? Is it not possible for this woman to be pardoned and delivered by the King, by the Princes ransom, by the Prince espoused, and by her marriage with him and by the Instrument of pardon or conveyance? You may be enriched by a Deed of Gift and yet it may be an ens incomplexum that is bestowed on you by that Deed, and enricheth you too. Your Money and your Lease, both may give you title to your house. The promise is Gods Deed of Gift, bestowing on us Christ and pardon, or Justification with him.
Answ. Its no impossible thing to be justified both by Christ, and by the Promise. There is no ground to suppose co-ordinates to be contraries. Why may not Christ given us▪ justifie us as the meritorious cause, and a principal efficient; and his Gospel-grant, as his Instrument? And accordingly each of them may be the object of faith. The principal object is an ens incomplexum, Christ himself: but a subordinat Object is both the Doctrine Revealing what he is and hath done, and the promise which offereth him to us, and telleth us what he will do. If a Princes Son redeem a woman from Captivity, or the Gallows, and cause an Instrument under his own hand (and the Kings) to be sent to her, assuring her of pardon, and liberty,