The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

6. It is confessed that many things for the Declaration of the Truth and the order of the Dispensation of Gods Grace ⟨p. 5⟩herein, are necessarily to be insisted on; such are the nature of Justifying Faith, the place and use of it in Justification, the Causes of the new Covenant, the true notion of the Mediation and Suretyship of Christ, and the like, which shall all of them be enquired into. But beyond what tends directly unto the Guidance of the Minds, and satisfaction of the Souls of Men, who seek after a stable and abiding foundation of Acceptance with God, we are not easily to be drawn, unless we are free to lose the Benefit and Comfort of this most important Evangelical Truth, in needless and unprofitable contentions. And amongst many other miscarriages which men are subject unto whilst they are conversant about these things, this in an especial manner is to be avoided.

6. It is confessed that many things for the Declaration of the Truth and the order of the Dispensation of Gods Grace ⟨p. 5⟩herein, are necessarily to be insisted on; such are the nature of Justifying Faith, the place and use of it in Justification, the Causes of the new Covenant, the true notion of the Mediation and Suretiship of Christ, and the like, which shall all of them be enquired into. But beyond what tends directly unto the Guidance of the Minds, and satisfaction of the Souls of Men, who seek after a stable and abiding foundation of Acceptance with God, we are not easily to be drawn, unless we are free to lose the Benefit and Comfort of this most important Evangelical Truth, in needless and unprofitable contentions. And amongst many other miscarriages which men are subject unto whilst they are conversant about these things, this in an especial manner is to be avoided.

1. For the Doctrine of Justification is directive of Christian Practice, and in no other Evangelical Truth is the whole of our Obedience more concerned; For the Foundation, Reasons and Motives of all our Duty towards God are contained therein: Wherefore in order unto the due improvement of them, ought it to be taught and not otherwise. That which alone we aim (or ought so to do) to learn in it and by it, is how we may get and maintain peace with God, and so to live unto him, as to be accepted with him in what we do. To satisfy the Minds and Consciences of men in these things, is this Doctrine to be taught. Wherefore to carry it out of the understandings of ordinary Christians by speculative notions and distinctions is disserviceable unto the Faith of the Church. Yea the mixing of Evangelical Revelations with Philosophical Notions hath been in sundry Ages the Poison of Religion. Pretence of accuracy and artificial skill in Teaching, is that which giveth countenance unto such a way of handling sacred things. But the Spiritual Amplitude of Divine Truths is restrained hereby, whilst low mean Philosophical senses are imposed on them. And not only so, but endless Divisions and Contentions are occasioned and perpetuated.