The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

For the Faith of it, is included in that general Assent which they give unto the truth of the Gospel, and such an Adherence unto Christ may ensue thereon, as that their mistake of the way whereby they are saved by him, shall not defraud them of a real Interest therein. And for my part, I must say, that notwithstanding all the disputes that I see and read about Justification (some whereof are full of offence and scandal) I do not believe but that the Authors of them, (if they be not Socinians throughout, denying the whole merit and satisfaction of Christ) do really trust unto the mediation of Christ for the pardon of their Sins, and Acceptance with God, and not unto their own Works or Obedience. Nor will I believe the contrary, until they expressly declare it. Of the Objection on the other hand, concerning the danger of the Doctrine of the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ, in reference unto the necessity of Holiness, and works of Righteousness, we must treat afterwards.

For the Faith of it, is included in that general Assent which they give unto the truth of the Gospel, and such an Adherence unto Christ may ensue thereon, as that their mistake of the way whereby they are saved by him, shall not defraud them of a real Interest therein. And for my part, I must say, that notwithstanding all the disputes that I see and read about Justification (some whereof are full of offence and scandal) I do not believe but that the Authors of them, (if they be not Socinians throughout, denying the whole merit and satisfaction of Christ) do really trust unto the mediation of Christ for the pardon of their Sins, and Acceptance with God, and not unto their own Works or Obedience. Nor will I believe the contrary, until they expresly declare it. Of the Objection on the other hand, concerning the danger of the Doctrine of the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ, in reference unto the necessity of Holiness, and works of Righteousness, we must treat afterwards.

The Judgment of the Reformed Churches herein is known unto all, and must be confessed, unless we intend by vain cavils to increase and perpetuate contentions. Especially the Church of England is in her Doctrine express as unto the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ, both active and passive as it is usually distinguished. This hath been of late so fully manifested out of her Authentic Writings, that is, the Articles of Religion, and Books of Homilies, and other Writings publicly authorized, that it is altogether needless to give any farther Demonstration of it. Those who pretend themselves to be otherwise minded, are such as I will not contend withal. For to what purpose is it to dispute with men who will deny the Sun to shine, when they cannot bear the heat of its beams. Wherefore in what I have to offer on this subject, I shall not in the least depart from the ancient Doctrine