A40370:1034
Of free justification
Of free justification by Christ written first in Latin by John Fox, author of the Book of martyrs, against Osorius, &c. and now translated into English, for the benefit of those who love their own souls, and would not be mistaken in so great a point.Of free justification by Christ written first in Latine by John Fox, author of the Book of martyrs, against Osorius, &c. and now translated into English, for the benefit of those who love their own souls, and would not be mistaken in so great a point.
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1694
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.
If yet we waver in doubtful and uncertain fears, and have no firm hope of Salvation, but in that Righteousness, which is inherent in our selves according to the Pseudocatholick Opinion of the Church of Rome, where then is that fiducial reliance; where is that Holy Courage, concerning which Jeremiah the Prophet foretold: In those days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely. And again to the same purpose Ezekiel foretelling of the future Peace of the Church: And 1I will make with them a Covenant of Peace. And they that dwell in the Wilderness, shall sleep safely in the woods, and shall be in their own Land without fear: And presently he subjoins: But they shall dwell safely without any fear. Hereunto belongs the encouragement, that Isaiah gives the People of the Messiah, commanding them not to be afraid. Fear not, saith he, 2for I am with thee. And again, Fear not for I have redeemed thee. And again, Fear not, my Servant ⟨p. 510⟩Jacob, &c. Hereunto also agree 3the Words of Zephaniah Prophesying by the same Spirit: Be glad, O Daughter of Zion, and be joyful, O Israel, and rejoice with all thy Heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem. The Lord hath taken away thy Judgment, he hath turned away thy Enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord is in the midst of thee, thou shalt not be afraid of evil any more, &c. How then doth this so great Peace and Tranquility of Conscience, so often repeated in the Prophets, consist with that trembling fear and doubtfulness, which the Papists plead for? For what encouragement is there for Hope, when the Mind is restless through fear, and all thingsly at an uncertainty? For how can Hope avoid being uncertain, if Salvation must be hoped for by Works, and not by free Donation?
If yet we waver in doubtful and uncertain fears, and have no firm hope of Salvation, but in that Righteousness, which is inherent in our selves according to the Pseudocatholick Opinion of the Church of Rome, where then is that fiducial reliance; where is that Holy Courage, concerning which Ieremiah the Prophet foretold: In those days Iudah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely. And again to the same purpose Ezekiel foretelling of the future Peace of the Church: And