The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

I shall be brief in the answer that here shall be returned unto this Objection, for indeed it is sufficiently answered or obviated in what hath been before discoursed concerning the nature of that Faith whereby we are justified, and the continuation ⟨p. 545⟩of the moral Law in its force, as a rule of Obedience unto all believers. An unprejudiced consideration of what hath been proposed on these heads will evidently manifest the Iniquity of this charge, and how not the least countenance is given unto it by the Doctrine pleaded for. Besides, I must acquaint the Reader that some while since I have published an entire Discourse concerning the nature and necessity of Gospel Holiness, with the Grounds and Reasons thereof in compliance with the Doctrine of Justification that hath now been declared. Nor do I see it necessary to add any thing thereunto, nor do I doubt, but that the perusal of it will abundantly detect the vanity of this charge (Dispensat. of the Holy Spirit, Book 5.) Some few things may be spoken on the present occasion.

1. It is not pleaded that all who do profess or have in former ages professed this Doctrine, have exemplified it in an holy and fruitful conversation. Many it is to be feared have been found amongst them who have lived and dyed in sin. Neither do I know but that some have abused this Doctrine to countenance themselves in their sins, and neglect of duty. The best of holy things or truths cannot be secured from abuse, so long as the Sophistry of the old Serpent hath an influence on the lusts and depraved minds of men. So was it with them of old who turned the grace of God into lasciviousness; or from the Doctrine of it countenanced themselves in their ungodly deeds. Even from the beginning the whole Doctrine of the Gospel with the grace of God declared therein, was so abused. Neither were all that made profession of it, immediately rendered Holy and Righteous thereby. Many from the first, so walked as to make it evident that their Belly was their God, and their end destruction. It is one thing to have only the conviction of truth in our minds, another to have the power of it in our hearts. The former will produce an outward profession, the later only effect an inward