A40370:402
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
Book 1 › Concerning the Grace of God, how it is defined by Osorius, with a c… › Argument.
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.
For that is due to Christ only by Faith; neither is it convenient to attribute it to any other Creatures whatsoever: According to that of St. Paul; Being justified therefore by Faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Though in the 1mean while I am not ignorant, what they answer here; that they treat not ⟨p. 212⟩of those Works, which the Heathen perform by the strength of Nature; nor those Works, which are done by the Jews without Faith by the guidance of the Law only, but those Works which are of the Faith of Christ. What then, say they, are not such excellent performances of Works pleasing to God? Is not that very pleasing and acceptable to God, whatsoever is right, whatsoever is joined with virtue and honesty, whatsoever being undertaken with Faith is rightly performed 2according to Duty and Piety? That I may answer this, three things by the by must be observed, First, What manner of Works these are, which are discoursed of, whether perfect or not? And then, how they please, of themselves, or upon the account of Faith? Thirdly, How much they please, whether so much as to deserve Eternal Life, and obtain the pardon of violated Righteousness; and being set against the wrath of God, to turn away all vengeance, and be effectual to satisfy Justice without any remission of sins? For all these must be regarded with necessary attention. First, Because God the great Creator of the World, is perfectly holy in his own Nature, and the Perfection of all Goodness; it is evident that nothing is of it self acceptable to him, and wellpleasing, which being defiled with any spot of imperfection, doth not 3agree in all respects to the most exact Purity.
For that is due to Christ only by Faith; neither is it convenient to attribute it to any other Creatures whatsoever: According to that of St. Paul; Being justified therefore by Faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Iesus Christ. Though in the 1mean while I am not ignorant, what they answer here; that they treat not ⟨p. 212⟩