A40370:296
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.
Verily, say you, if any man consider 1his own strength, in so great a frailty of humane strength, it will be most difficult to attain unto a divine state of righteousness; but if you consider in your mind the divine riches, which, if you will, will always be present with you, nothing is more easy. Hence, as Moses says, this Commandment, which I command thee this day, is not above thee, nor far off, nor placed in Heaven, that thou shouldest say, who of us can ascend into Heaven? Neither is it placed beyond the Sea, that thou shouldest say, who will pass over the Sea. Neither do you bear it now engraven on stones, but engraven upon the heart by Faith. For if we believe the Promises of God, we presently obtain the help of God, that we may very easily perform all things that are commanded us, and so be saved.
Verily, say you, if any man consider 1his own strength, in so great a frailty of humane strength, it will be most difficult to attain unto a divine state of righteousness; but if you consider in your mind the divine riches, which, if you will, will always be present with you, nothing is more easie. Hence, as Moses says, this Commandment, which I command thee this day, is not above thee, nor far off, nor placed in Heaven, that thou shouldest say, who of us can ascend into Heaven? Neither is it placed beyond the Sea, that thou shouldest say, who will pass over the Sea. Neither do you bear it now engraven on stones, but engraven upon the heart by Faith. For if we believe the Promises of God, we presently obtain the help of God, that we may very easily perform all things that are commanded us, and so be saved.
- 1Osor. de Just. lib. 9. p. 131, 132.Osor. de Iust. lib. 9. p. 131, 132.
Must we be thus saved, O Osorius, in keeping God's Commands? is this your harangue, and think you this so easy to be performed? Why not, say you, when the Spirit of God helps? How little does this Saying differ from that Ancient one of the Pelagians, which Augustine rehearses in a certain place, writing against Julian the Pelagian, for thus they said. By an easy endeavour after holiness, which God helps, a Man may be without