The true doctrine of justification asserted and vindicated, from the errors of Papists, Arminians,…The true doctrine of justification asserted and vindicated, from the errours of Papists, Arminians,…

First, It is of great consequence to have this Doctrine kept pure. ¹Luther called it Articulus stantis aut cadentis Ecclesiae, as if this were the soul and pillar of Christianity. Pighius, though a Papist, calleth this the chief par• of Christian Doctrine, confessing that it had been obscured rather then cleared by their own Writers: yea, this Doctrine about Justification is that which discerneth the Orthodox from Pagans, Papists, Socinians and Arminians. Now there are divers reasons why we should keep the Philistines from throwing in earth to stop up this pleasant spring:² As 1. because herein is the grace and good favour of God especially revealed. Therefore the Gospel is called glorious, because God did not so much exalt, and manifest his excellency in creating the world, as he did in providing of a Saviour, and pardon for a poor sinner: Hence its called the riches of his grace, rather then of power or righteousness. We are therefore solicitous (whatsoever the Antinomians say to the contrary) that the doctrine of Gods grace in Justification may be fully improved to the uttermost, and that every broken heart may be put into a ravishment and admiration of it. We bewail those times of Popery, when the name and efficacy of Christ and his Grace, were obscured by the works and pretended righteousness of men.

First, It is of great consequence to have this Doctrine kept pure. ¹Luther called it Articulus stantis aut cadentis Ecclesiae, as if this were the soul and pillar of Christianity. Pighius, though a Papist, calleth this the chief par• of Christian Doctrine, confessing that it had been obscured rather then cleared by their own Writers: yea, this Doctrine about Justification is that which discerneth the Orthodox from Pagans, Papists, Socinians and Arminians. Now there are divers reasons why we should keep the Philistims from throwing in earth to stop up this pleasant spring:² As 1. because herein is the grace and good favour of God especially revealed. Therefore the Gospel is called glorious, because God did not so much exalt, and manifest his excellency in creating the world, as he did in providing of a Saviour, and pardon for a poor sinner: Hence its called the riches of his grace, rather then of power or righteousness. We are therefore sollicitous (whatsoever the Antinomians say to the contrary) that the doctrine of Gods grace in Justification may be fully improved to the uttermost, and that every broken heart may be put into a ravishment and admiration of it. We bewail those times of Popery, when the name and efficacy of Christ and his Grace, were obscured by the works and pretended righteousnesse of men.