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,…

The opponent (it may be knoweth) that there are some, who say Christ, or the Spirit of Christ is first in us by way of a moving or preparing principle, and afterwards as a principle inhabiting and dwelling in us; That as some say, Anima fabricat sibi domicilium, the soul makes its body to lodge in; it works first efficiently, that afterwards it may formally, so they say Christ doth in us. As the silk-worm prepareth those silken lodgings for her self to rest in. So that according to the judgement of these men, Christ, or his Spirit, doth efficiently work in us the act of believing, by which act Christ is received to dwell in us. And in this way, Christ hath no union with us, till we do believe. He worketh indeed in us before, but not as united to us. Now according to this opinion, the answer were easy, That we are not in Christ, till we do believe; Though Christ be in us, as working in us, and upon us. Yea faith would first be wrought, and then Christ with his benefits of justification, &c. would be vouchsafed to us; but there are Reasons why it is not safe to go this way. And indeed that Charta magna or grand promise for regeneration, doth evidently argue, the habits or internal principles of grace, are before the actions of grace, Ezek 36.26. God takes away the heart of stone, and giveth a new heart, an heart of flesh, which is the principle of grace, and afterwards causeth them to walk in his Commandments, which is the effect of grace.

The opponent (it may be knoweth) that there are some, who say Christ, or the Spirit of Christ is first in us by way of a moving or preparing principle, and afterwards as a principle inhabiting and dwelling in us; That as some say, Anima fabricat sibi domicilium, the soul makes its body to lodge in; it works first efficiently, that afterwards it may formally, so they say Christ doth in us. As the silk-worm prepareth those silken lodgings for her self to rest in. So that according to the judgement of these men, Christ, or his Spirit, doth efficiently work in us the act of believing, by which act Christ is received to dwell in us. And in this way, Christ hath no union with us, till we do believe. He worketh indeed in us before, but not as united to us. Now according to this opinion, the answer were easie, That we are not in Christ, till we do beleeve; Though Christ be in us, as working in us, and upon us. Yea faith would first be wrought, and then Christ with his benefits of justification, &c. would be vouchsafed to us; but there are Reasons why it is not safe to go this way. And indeed that Charta magna or grand promise for regeneration, doth evidently argue, the habits or internall principles of grace, are before the actions of grace, Ezek 36.26. God takes away the heart of stone, and giveth a new heart, an heart of flesh, which is the principle of grace, and afterwards causeth them to walk in his Commandments, which is the effect of grace.