Of free justification

And how will the Tridentine Decrees agree with that which Paul says: Faith is accounted for Righteousness not to him, that Works, but to him, that believes in him who justifies the ungodly? And where be those remarkable exceptive and exclusive Particles, whereby our Salvation is wholly cut off from Works, and ascribed unto Imputation? Moreover where are all those sweet Promises, if those ¹Men rob us of the Assurance of Salvation and God's Imputation?

1. 1Testimonies out of the Prophets.

Let us now proceed to the Prophets, that if any are less moved with the Authority and writings of the Apostles, if they have any thing to say for themselves, they may either Answer the evident Testimonies of the Prophets, or yield unto them. And first, that I may begin at this, I ask of them, that deny that it is sufficient to assurance of Justification, that Christ hath fulfilled all Righteousness for us, unless thereunto be added also a Righteousness implanted and inherent in us, being formed in us of his free Bounty, which makes us formally Righteous, satisfies the Law, and merits Life. Which if it be so, I ask of them, Whether any Man will be assured that he is in a state of Salvation in this Life. If they deny it, where then is that Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost, whereof there is so frequent mention in the writings of the Prophets and Apostles? Where is that frequent singing of Praise in the Books of the Prophets? Where is that Everlasting Joy and Gladness, ⟨p. 509⟩which Isaiah the Prophet foretells shall be upon the head of those who being redeemed by the Lord, shall come into Zion with Praise? Where is that way so straight, that Fools cannot err therein? Where is that Voice of the Prophet preaching Peace, and proclaiming Glad tidings, and comforting his own People, which taking away all Fear, Grief and Sighing, confirms fearful and affrighted Consciences, strengthens weak Knees, and feeble Hands, yea provokes the very Beasts of the Field, and the Ostriches to the Exercise of glorifying God.