A26974:854
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.
Mr. W. 8. That which concurs with another efficient, must ⟨p. 280⟩have both an aptitude and Confluence to produce the effect: but the Law, and consequently Legal righteousness hath no aptitude to give life, Gal. 3.2
Answ. This is Disputing enough to make one tremble, and loath Disputing. Is there no aptitude in Christs legal Righteousness to give us life? The Law doth not give us righteousness, but it denominateth Christ righteous for fulfilling it (and the Law-giver for satisfying) and to that it had a sufficient aptitude. The Text Gal. 3.2. saith truly that the Law giveth not life: but first it speaks of the Law as obeyed by us, and not by Christ, that fulfilled it. Secondly, And indeed its speaks of Moses Law; and not directly of that made with Adam. Thirdly, And it denies not that Christ fulfilling it may give us life, though the Law it self give us none, so that all this is besides the business.
Mr. W. 9. That Doctrine which doth most exalt the Grace of God, ought to be admitted before that which doth least exalt it: But the Doctrine of Justification by Faith alone, as our Gospel-righteousness doth most exalt his Grace, and the other less. Ergo.