The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

Secondly, we may observe, that in his answer unto this objection, whether expressly mentioned or tacitly obviated, he insisteth not any where upon the common principle of moral Duties, but on those motives and reasons of Holiness, Obedience, good works alone, which are peculiar unto Believers. For the question was not, whether all mankind were obliged unto Obedience unto God and the Duties thereof ⟨p. 551⟩of by the moral Law. But whether there were an Obligation from the Gospel upon Believers unto Righteousness, Holiness and good Works, such as was suited to affect and constrain their minds unto them. Nor will we admit of any other state of the question but this only; whether upon the supposition of our gratuitous justification through the imputation of the Righteousness of Christ, there are in the Gospel grounds, reasons and motives making necessary, and efficaciously influencing the minds of Believers unto Obedience and good Works; for those who are not Believers, we have nothing to do with them in this matter, nor do plead that Evangelical grounds and motives are suited or effectual to work them unto Obedience; yea we know the contrary, and that they are apt both to despise them and abuse them. See I Cor. 1.23, 24. 2 Cor. 4.4. such persons are under the Law, and there we leave them unto the Authority of God in the moral Law. But that the Apostle doth confine his enquiry unto Believers, is evident in every place wherein he maketh mention of it, Rom. 6.2, 3. How shall we that are dead unto sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not that so many of us as were Baptized into Jesus Christ, &c. Eph. 2.10. For we are the workmanship of God created in Christ Jesus unto good Works. Wherefore we shall not at all contend what cogency unto duties of Holiness, there is in Gospel motives and reasons unto the minds of Unbelievers, whatever may be the truth in that case; But what is their power force and efficacy towards them that truly believe.

Secondly, we may observe, that in his answer unto this objection, whether expresly mentioned or tacitly obviated, he insisteth not any where upon the common principle of moral Duties, but on those motives and reasons of Holiness, Obedience, good works alone, which are peculiar unto Believers. For the question was not, whether all mankind were obliged unto Obedience unto God and the Duties thereof