The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

2. I have written nothing but what I believe to be true, and useful unto the promotion of Gospel Obedience. The Reader may not here expect an extraction of other mens notions, or a collection and improvement of their Arguments, either by artificial Reasonings, or ornament of Style and Language, but a naked enquiry into the nature of the things treated on, as revealed in the Scripture, and as evidencing themselves in their power and efficacy on the minds of them that do believe. It is the practical direction of the Consciences of men in their application unto God by Jesus Christ for deliverance from the Curse due unto the Apostate state, and Peace with him, with the influence of the way thereof into universal Gospel Obedience, that is alone to be designed in the handling of this Doctrine. And therefore unto him that would treat of it in a due manner, it is required that he weigh every thing he asserts in his own mind and experience, and not dare to propose that unto others which he doth not abide by himself, in the most intimate recesses of his mind, under his nearest approaches unto God, in his surprisals with Dangers, in deep Afflictions, in his preparations for death, and most humble Contemplations of the infinite distance between God and him. Other Notions and Disputations about the Doctrine of Justification not seasoned with these ingredients, however condited unto the palate of some by skill and language, are insipid and useless, immediately degenerating into an unprofitable strife of words.

2. I have written nothing but what I believe to be true, and useful unto the promotion of Gospel Obedience. The Reader may not here expect an extraction of other mens notions, or a collection and improvement of their Arguments, either by artificial Reasonings, or ornament of Style and Language, but a naked enquiry into the nature of the things treated on, as revealed in the Scripture, and as evidencing themselves in their power and efficacy on the minds of them that do believe. It is the practical direction of the Consciences of men in their application unto God by Jesus Christ for deliverance from the Curse due unto the Apostate state, and Peace with him, with the influence of the way thereof into universal Gospel Obedience, that is alone to be designed in the handling of this Doctrine. And therefore unto him that would treat of it in a due manner, it is required that he weigh every thing he asserts in his own mind and experience, and not dare to propose that unto others which he doth not abide by himself, in the most intimate recesses of his mind, under his nearest approaches unto God, in his suprisals with Dangers, in deep Afflictions, in his preparations for death, and most humble Contemplations of the infinite distance between God and him. Other Notions and Disputations about the Doctrine of Justification not seasoned with these ingredients, however condited unto the palate of some by skill and language, are insipid and useless, immediately degenerating into an unprofitable strife of words.