A40370:253
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.
You may say, to what purpose are these things? That by these examples you may understand, that effects depend on causes, and causes are not governed by effects. An honest Matron, carries with that subjection to her Husband that becomes her, and he on the other side ⟨p. 145⟩performs his duty in cherishing his Wife. These things follow the Conjugal bond, but they do not make it; just so it is in the Spiritual descent, which, like another nature, regenerates us to Christ, and transforms us as new Creatures into the Sons of God. Of which thing, if the cause be enquired, not Works, not Hope. not Charity, but only Faith in Christ: Not any Imitation, but Baptism being the Sacrament of 1Faith performs it. Concerning which, let us hear Paul testifying in very evident Words. All of you, saith he, are the Sons of God through Faith in Christ Jesus. Whosoever of you are Baptized in Christ, have put on Christ. He that walks being Clothed with Christ, What can be wanting to him, unto all Glory and Beauty of Righteousness? What can any Man desire more for the security of Eternal Life? What is more boundless than Sublimity? What is more Sublime than Nobility of Birth? What is more excellent than the dignity of high degree? Than to be received not only for Servants, or Dependents of the 2Mighty God, who comprehends all things by his Power; but also as Sons. yea, and Heirs? But if you design to be taught how these so many, and so great good things come to us, Paul makes Answer: By Faith, saith he, ye are all Sons: If Sons then Heirs according to promise. And if ⟨p. 146⟩you ask when that comes to pass, whether after the merits of Works, or before Works; the same Paul will teach you: As soon as you are Baptized, saith he, you have put on Christ.
You may say, to what purpose are these things? That by these examples you may understand, that effects depend on causes, and causes are not governed by effects. An honest Matron, carries with that subjection to her Husband that becomes her, and he on the otherside ⟨p. 145⟩