The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

But I forbear, and proceed to the consideration of the special answers, that are given unto this testimony, especially those of Bellarmine, whereunto I have as yet, seen nothing added with any pretence of Reason in it.

1. Some say, that by his own Righteousness which the Apostle rejects, he intends only his Righteousness [Greek or Hebrew], or by the Works of the Law. But this was only an outward external Righteousness, consisting in the observation of Rites and Ceremonies, without respect unto the inward frame or obedience of the heart. But this is an impious imagination. The Righteousness which is by the Law, is the Righteousness which the Law requires, and those works of it, which if a Man do, he shall live in them; for the doers of the Law shall be justified, Rom. 2.16. Neither did God ever give any Law of Obedience unto Man, but what obliged him to love the Lord his God with all his heart, and all his soul. And it is so far from being true, That God by the Law required an external Righteousness only, that he frequently condemns it as an abomination to him, where it is alone.

1. Some say, that by his own Righteousness which the Apostle rejects, he intends only his Righteousness 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, or by the Works of the Law. But this was only an outward external Righteousness, consisting in the observation of Rites and Ceremonies, without respect unto the inward frame or obedience of the heart. But this is an impious imagination. The Righteousness which is by the Law, is the Righteousness which the Law requires, and those works of it, which if a Man do, he shall live in them; for the doers of the Law shall be justified, Rom. 2.16. Neither did God ever give any Law of Obedience unto Man, but what obliged him to love the Lord his God with all his heart, and all his soul. And it is so far from being true, That God by the Law required an external Righteousness only, that he frequently condemns it as an abomination to him, where it is alone.