A40370:914
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 3 › An Explication of the Parable of the Wedding Garment. › Answer.
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.
Now as for this, neither Paul, nor any other man doubts of it. For what man is there but will confess that Charity and good Works must of necessity be joined unto Faith, which unless they be seen by men, in those that make a profession of Faith, it is very evident, that such a Faith as they profess, is in reality no Faith at all, but an empty name and shadow thereof. But what does all this make against Justification by Faith? That Faith appears not to be lively in the Eyes of men, out of which, as out of a living ⟨p. 453⟩Root the blossoms and flowers of godly works do not grow. But does not Faith therefore justify in the sight of God without works, because it is not evidenced by the Testimony of good deeds joined therewith?
Now as for this, neither Paul, nor any other man doubts of it. For what man is there but will confess that Charity and good Works must of necessity be joyned unto Faith, which unless they be seen by men, in those that make a profession of Faith, it is very evident, that such a Faith as they profess, is in reality no Faith at all, but an empty name and shadow thereof. But what does all this make against Iustification by Faith? That Faith appears not to be lively in the Eyes of men, out of which, as out of a living ⟨p. 453⟩Root the blossoms and flowers of godly works do not grow. But does not Faith therefore justifie in the sight of God without works, because it is not evidenced by the Testimony of good deeds joyned therewith?
But suppose that good works are joined with Faith, which give evidence to men that it is a lively Faith: Will Faith justify thee? you will say, Why not? and I acknowledge the same my self. But I ask, wherefore doth Faith justify before God? because of the works that appear unto men? or are the works rather acceptable because of Faith? But how many works seem to be excellent in the sight of men, to which human Reason gives applause, and men, because of them, are accounted holy and just, when yet the matter is far otherways? And this is that Human