The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

1. That he assigns the whole of this work absolutely unto Grace, Love, and Mercy, and that with an exclusion of the consideration of any thing on our part, as we shall see immediately, Ver. 5, 8.

2. He magnifies this Grace in a marvellous manner. For (1.) He expresseth it by all names and titles whereby it is signified as [Greek or Hebrew], Mercy, Love, Grace, and Kindness. For he would have us to look only unto Grace herein. (2.) He ascribes such Adjuncts, and gives such Epithets, unto that Divine Mercy and Grace which is the sole cause of our deliverance in and by Jesus Christ, as render it singular, and herein solely to be adored, [Greek or Hebrew]. Rich in Mercy. Great Love wherewith he loved us. The exceeding riches of his grace, in his kindness, Ver. 4, 5, 6, 7. It cannot reasonably be denied, but that the Apostle doth design deeply to affect the Mind and Heart of Believers with a sense of the Grace and Love of God in Christ, as the only cause of their Justification before God. I think no words can express those conceptions of the Mind, which this Representation of Grace doth suggest. Whether they think it any part of their duty to be like minded, and comply with the Apostle in this design, who scarce ever mention the Grace of God, unless it be in a way of diminution from its efficacy, and unto whom such Ascriptions unto it as are here made by him, are a matter of contempt, is not hard to judge.

2. He magnifies this Grace in a marvellous manner. For (1.) He expresseth it by all names and titles whereby it is signified as 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, Mercy, Love, Grace, and Kindness. For he would have us to look only unto Grace herein. (2.) He ascribes such Adjuncts, and gives such Epithets, unto that Divine Mercy and Grace which is the sole cause of our deliverance in and by Jesus Christ, as render it singular, and herein solely to be adored, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Rich in Mercy. Great Love wherewith he loved us. The exceeding riches of his grace, in his kindness, Ver. 4, 5, 6, 7. It cannot reasonably be denied, but that the Apostle doth design deeply to affect the Mind and Heart of Believers with a sense of the Grace and Love of God in Christ, as the only cause of their Justification before God. I think no words can express those conceptions of the Mind, which this Representation of Grace doth suggest. Whether they think it any part of their duty to be like minded, and comply with the Apostle in this design, who scarce ever mention the Grace of God, unless it be in a way of diminution from its efficacy, and unto whom such Ascriptions unto it as are here made by him, are a matter of contempt, is not hard to judge.