The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

Again, Some there were at first, and such still continue to be, who rejected not this way absolutely, and in the notion of it, but comparatively, as reduced to practice, and so perished in their unbelief. They judged the way of their own Righteousness to be better, as that which might be more safely trusted unto, as more according unto the mind of God and unto his Glory. So did the Jews generally, the frame of whose minds the Apostle represents, Rom. 10.3, 4. And many of them assented unto the Doctrine of the Gospel in general as true, howbeit they liked it not in their Hearts as the best way of Justification and Salvation, but sought for them by the works of the Law.

Wherefore Unbelief in its formal nature consists in the want of a spiritual discerning, and Approbation of the way of salvation by Jesus Christ, as an Effect of the infinite Wisdom, Goodness and Love of God. For where these are, the Soul of a convinced sinner cannot but embrace it, and adhere unto it. Hence also all Acquiescence in this Way, and Trust and Confidence in committing the Soul unto it, or unto God in it, and by it, without which whatever is pretended of Believing is but a shadow of Faith, is impossible unto such persons. For they want the foundation whereon alone they can be built. And the consideration hereof doth sufficiently manifest wherein the nature of true Evangelical Faith doth consist.

Wherefore Ʋnbelief in its formal nature consists in the want of a spiritual discerning, and Approbation of the way of salvation by Jesus Christ, as an Effect of the infinite Wisdom, Goodness and Love of God. For where these are, the Soul of a convinced sinner cannot but embrace it, and adhere unto it. Hence also all Acquiescency in this Way, and Trust and Confidence in committing the Soul unto it, or unto God in it, and by it, without which whatever is pretended of Believing is but a shadow of Faith, is impossible unto such persons. For they want the foundation whereon alone they can be built. And the consideration hereof doth sufficiently manifest wherein the nature of true Evangelical Faith doth consist.