The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

But it will be said these are good words indeed, but they are only general; there is nothing of Argument in all this adoring of the Grace of God in the work of our Salvation. ⟨p. 519⟩It may be so it seems to many. But yet to speak plainly, there is to me more Argument in this one consideration, namely, of the Ascription made in this cause unto the Grace of God in this place, then in an hundred Sophisms, suited neither unto the expressions of the Scripture, nor the experience of them that do believe. He that is possessed with a due apprehension of the Grace of God, as here represented, and under a sense that it was therein, the design of the Holy Ghost, to render it glorious, and alone to be trusted unto, will not easily be induced to concern himself in those additional supplies unto it from our own works and obedience, which some would suggest unto him. But we may yet look further into the words.

The case which the Apostle states, the inquiry which he hath in hand, whereon he determineth as to the Truth, wherein he instructs the Ephesians, and in them the whole Church of God, is, How a lost condemned sinner may come to be accepted with God, and thereon saved. And this is the sole inquiry wherein we are, or intend in this controversy to be concerned. Further we will not proceed, either upon the invitation or provocation of any. Concerning this, his position and determination is, That we are saved by Grace.

The case which the Apostle states, the inquiry which he hath in hand, whereon he determineth as to the Truth, wherein he instructs the Ephesians, and in them the whole Church of God, is, How a lost condemned sinner may come to be accepted with God, and thereon saved. And this is the sole inquiry wherein we are, or intend in this controversie to be concerned. Further we will not proceed, either upon the invitation or provocation of any. Concerning this, his position and determination is, That we are saved by Grace.