The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

Wherefore I desire it may be observed that in pleading for this Doctrine, we do it as a principal part of the Introduction of Grace into our whole Relation unto God. Hence we grant;

1. That it is unsuited, yea foolish, and as some speak Childish, unto the principles of unenlightened and unsanctified Reason, or Understandings of men. And this we conceive to be the principal cause of all the Oppositions that are made unto it, and all the Depravations of it that the Church is pestered withal. Hence are the wits of men so fertile in Sophistical Cavils against it, so ready to load it with seeming absurdities, and I know not what unsuitableness unto their wondrous rational conceptions. And no Objection can be made against it, be it never so trivial, but it is highly applauded by those who look on that Introduction of the mystery of Grace which is above their natural conceptions, as unintelligible folly.

1. That it is unsuited, yea foolish, and as some speak Childish, unto the principles of unenlightened and unsanctified Reason, or Understandings of men. And this we conceive to be the principal cause of all the Oppositions that are made unto it, and all the Depravations of it that the Church is pestered withall. Hence are the wits of men so fertile in Sophistical Cavils against it, so ready to load it with seeming absurdities, and I know not what unsuitableness unto their wonderous rational conceptions. And no Objection can be made against it, be it never so trivial, but it is highly applauded by those who look on that Introduction of the mystery of Grace which is above their natural conceptions, as unintelligible folly.

2. That the necessary Relation of these things one unto the other, namely of Justification by the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ, and the necessity of our Personal Obedience, will not be clearly understood nor duly improved, but by and in the exercise of the Wisdom of Faith. This we grant also; and let who will make what advantage they can of this concession. True Faith hath that spiritual Light in it or accompanying of it, as that it is able to receive it, and to conduct the Soul unto Obedience by it. Wherefore reserving the particular consideration hereof unto its proper place, I say in general.