The Scripture Gospel defended, and Christ, grace, and free justification vindicated against the libertines…

Ans. That is, not as an Act or good Act in genere, but as this Act in specie; viz. Believing on Christs Righteousness: But that is the [Greek or Hebrew] credere; that is, As this Act: But it is not so, unless you add [As it is this congruous Act, or Acts authorized by Gods Covenant to this Office.] So we will grant, that no Act justifieth as an Act, or as a good Act; but as a congruous good Act appointed thereto.

Ans. That is, not as an Act or good Act in genere, but as this Act in specie; viz. Believing on Christs Righteousness: But that is the 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 credere; that is, As this Act: But it is not so, unless you add [As it is this congruous Act, or Acts authorized by Gods Covenant to this Office.] So we will grant, that no Act justifieth as an Act, or as a good Act; but as a congruous good Act appointed thereto.

As is said before, To believe in God, and in Christ as Christ, and in the Promise of Salvation, and to believe the evil of sin, and the need of a Saviour, and to desire him, and be thankful for him, and pray for pardon, are not the works that Paul speaketh against, but some belong to the Essence, and some to the Integrity and Accidents of that Faith by which we are justified. Yet a foolish person may contradict himself, and hold his own Faith, as well as his Love, or Desire, or Prayer, to be meritorious, as making the reward not of grace: Such mad contradiction may suppose Faith to be the works which it denieth.

Cont. 21. Are any works of man meritorious?