The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

The Latin Derivation and Composition of the word Justificatio would seem to denote an internal change from inherent Unrighteousness, unto Righteousness likewise inherent; by a Physical motion, and Transmutation, as the Schoolmen speak. For such is the signification of words of the same Composition. So Sanctification, Mortification, Vivification, and the like do all denote a real internal Work on the Subject spoken of. Hereon in the whole Roman School, Justification is taken for Justification, or the making of a man to be inherently Righteous by the infusion of a principle or habit of Grace, who was before inherently and habitually unjust and unrighteous. Whilst this is taken to be the proper signification of the word; we neither do, nor can speak ad idem in our Disputations with them about the cause and nature of that Justification, which the Scripture teacheth.

The Latine Derivation and Composition of the word Justificatio would seem to denote an internal change from inherent Unrighteousness, unto Righteousness likewise inherent; by a Physical motion, and Transmutation, as the Schoolmen speak. For such is the signification of words of the same Composition. So Sanctification, Mortification, Vivification, and the like do all denote a real internal Work on the Subject spoken of. Hereon in the whole Roman School, Justification is taken for Justifaction, or the making of a man to be inherently Righteous by the infusion of a principle or habit of Grace, who was before inherently and habitually unjust and unrighteous. Whilst this is taken to be the proper signification of the word; we neither do, nor can speak ad idem in our Disputations with them about the cause and nature of that Justification, which the Scripture teacheth.

And this appearing sense of the Word possibly deceived some of the Ancients, as Austin in particular, to declare the Doctrine of free gratuitous sanctification, without respect unto any Works of our own, under the name of Justification. For neither he nor any of them, ever thought of a Justification before God, consisting in the pardon of our sins and the Acceptation of our Persons as Righteous, by virtue of any inherent habit of Grace infused into us, or acted by us. Wherefore the subject matter must be determined by the Scriptural use and signification of these words, before we can speak properly or intelligibly concerning it. For if to Justify men in the Scripture, signify to make them subjectively