A40370:39
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.
Inherent Righteousness unto that perfection which Osorius describes, can no where be found in this Nature.
AND I could wish that the Integrity of Nature, wherein we were of old Created, had continued unto the complete exactness 1of all righteousness: But now in this ruinated and disabled nature, why do you seek after that which we have lost? rather bring forth something, if you can, whereby we may make up the loss: What can it profit a man already dead to know the danger, whereby he perished? Verily there is more need of a medicine, if you have any, by which you may either comfort him being destroyed, or restore him to the Life that was lost: Yea, this is the thing, say you, which I endeavour in these Books disputing of righteousness. For righteousness, as you say, is the only remedy for restoring Life, and regaining Health; Yea, this is the very thing, Osorius, that I chiefly find fault with in these Books; not because you write of righteousness, for I commend the argument in which you are exercised; I commend also your praises of righteousness, which are high and copious: righteousness cannot be praised enough by any Man-But there is another thing for which all good Men should be angry with you: What that is, if you please, I will tell you freely and openly; ⟨p. 7⟩for in these Books you represent unto us a spectacle, not very much differing from that, which Origenes relates of Celsus and Antipho; who though they did write very contrary to truth, yet they recommended those very Books, that were against the 2Truth, with the title of (a true saying.) After which manner you do in a case not very unlike it, whilst you write indeed concerning righteousness, but at such a rate, that nothing can be said more maliciously against true righteousness.