The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

Eighthly, To close these previous Discourses, it is worthy our consideration what weight was laid on this Doctrine of Justification at the first Reformation, and what Influence it had into the whole work thereof. However the minds of men may be changed as unto sundry Doctrines of Faith among us, yet none can justly own the name of Protestant, but he must highly value the first Reformation. And they cannot well do otherwise, whose present even temporal Advantages are resolved thereinto. However I intend none but such as own an especial presence and Guidance of God with them who were eminently and successfully employed therein. Such persons cannot but grant that their Faith in this matter, and the concurrence of their Thoughts about its Importance, are worthy consideration.

Now it is known, that the Doctrine of Justification gave the first occasion to the whole work of Reformation, and was the main hinge whereon it turned. This those mentioned declared to be Articulus stantis aut cadentis Ecclesiae, and that the vindication thereof alone, deserved all the pains that was taken in the whole endeavour of Reformation. But things are now, and that by virtue of their Doctrine herein, much changed in the World, though it be not so understood or acknowledged. In general no small Benefit redounded unto the World by the Reformation, even among them by whom it was not, nor is received, though many bluster with contrary pretensions. For all the Evils which have accidentally ensued thereon, arising most of them from the corrupt ⟨p. 84⟩Passions and Interests of them by whom it hath been opposed, are usually ascribed unto it; and all the Light, Liberty, and Benefit of the Minds of men which it hath introduced, are ascribed unto other causes. But this may be signally observed with respect unto the Doctrine of Justification, with the causes and effects of its Discovery and Vindication. For the first Reformers found their own, and the Consciences of other men, so immersed in darkness, so pressed and harassed with fears, terrors, and disquietments under the power of it, and so destitute of any steady Guidance into the ways of peace with God, as that with all diligence (like persons sensible that herein their Spiritual and Eternal Interest was concerned) they made their Enquiries after the Truth in this matter, which they knew must be the only means of their Deliverance. All men in those days, were either kept in Bondage under endless Fears and Anxieties of mind upon the convictions of sin, or sent for Relief unto Indulgences, Priestly Pardons, Penances, Pilgrimages, works satisfactory of their own, and supererogatory of others, or kept under Chains of Darkness for Purgatory unto the last day. Now he is no way able to compare things past and present, who fees not how great an Alteration is made in these things even in the Papal Church. For before the Reformation, whereby the Light of the Gospel, especially in this Doctrine of Justification, was diffused among men, and shone even into their minds who never comprehended nor received it, the whole almost of Religion among them was taken up with and confined unto these things.