The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

Some late Writers indeed among the Protestants have endeavoured to reduce the controversy about Justification with the Papists, unto an Appearance of a far less real Difference, then is usually judged to be in it. And a good work it is no doubt to pare off all unnecessary occasions of Debate and Differences in Religion, provided we go not so near the Quick, as to let out any of its vital Spirits. The way taken herein is to proceed upon some Concessions of the most sober among the Papists, in their Ascriptions unto Grace and the Merit of Christ on the one side; and the express judgment of the Protestants variously delivered, of the necessity of good works to them that are justified. Besides it appears that in different expressions which either party adhere unto, as it were by Tradition, the same things are indeed intended. Among them who have laboured in this kind Ludovicus le Blanc, for his perspicuity and plainness, his moderation and freedom from a contentious frame of Spirit, is pene solus legi dignus. He is like the Ghost of Tiresias in this matter. But I must needs say that I have not seen the effect that might be desired of any such undertaking. For when each party comes unto the Interpretation of their own Concessions which is ex communi jure, to be allowed unto them, and which they will be sure to do in compliance with their Judgment in the substance of the Doctrine wherein the main stress of the Difference lies, the distance and breach continue as Wide as ever they were. Nor is there the least ground towards peace obtained by any of our condescensions or compliances herein. For unless we can come up entirely unto the Decrees and Canons of the ⟨p. 88⟩Council of Trent, wherein the Doctrine of the Old and New Testament is anathematized, they will make no other use of any mens compliances, but only to increase the clamour of Differences among our selves. I mention nothing of this nature to hinder any man from granting whatever he can or please unto them, without the prejudice of the substance of Truths professed in the Protestant Churches; but only to intimate the uselessness of such concessions in order unto Peace and Agreement with them, whilst they have a Procrustes Bed to lay us upon; and from whose size they will not recede.

Some late Writers indeed among the Protestants have endeavoured to reduce the controversie about Justification with the Papists, unto an Appearance of a far less real Difference, then is usually judged to be in it. And a good work it is no doubt to pare off all unnecessary occasions of Debate and Differences in Religion, provided we go not so near the Quick, as to let out any of its vital Spirits. The way taken herein is to proceed upon some Concessions of the most sober among the Papists, in their Ascriptions unto Grace and the Merit of Christ on the one side; and the express judgment of the Protestants variously delivered, of the necessity of good works to them that are justified. Besides it appears that in different expressions which either party adhere unto, as it were by Tradition, the same things are indeed intended. Among them who have laboured in this kind Ludovicus le Blanc, for his perspicuity and plainness, his moderation and freedom from a contentious frame of Spirit, is pene solus legi dignus. He is like the Ghost of Tiresias in this matter. But I must needs say that I have not seen the effect that might be desired of any such undertaking. For when each party comes unto the Interpretation of their own Concessions which is ex communi jure, to be allowed unto them, and which they will be sure to do in compliance with their Judgment in the substance of the Doctrine wherein the main stress of the Difference lies, the distance and breach continue as Wide as ever they were. Nor is there the least ground towards peace obtained by any of our condescensions or compliances herein. For unless we can come up entirely unto the Decrees and Canons of the