The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

The second principal Controversy is about the formal cause of Justification, as it is expressed and stated by those of the Roman Church. And under these terms some Protestant Divines have consented to debate the matter in difference. I shall not interpose into a strife of words. So the Romanists will call, that which we enquire after. Some of ours say the Righteousness of Christ imputed; some, the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ, is the formal cause of our Justification; some, that there is no formal cause of Justification, but this is that which supplies the place and use of a formal cause, which is the Righteousness of Christ. In none of ⟨p. 292⟩these things will I concern my self, though I judge what was mentioned in the last place, to be most proper and significant.

The second principal Controversie is about the formal cause of Justification, as it is expressed and stated by those of the Roman Church. And under these terms some Protestant Divines have consented to debate the matter in difference. I shall not interpose into a strife of words. So the Romanists will call, that which we enquire after. Some of ours say the Righteousness of Christ imputed; some, the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ, is the formal cause of our Justification; some, that there is no formal cause of Justification, but this is that which supplies the place and use of a formal cause, which is the Righteousness of Christ. In none of ⟨p. 292⟩these things will I concern my self, though I judge what was mentioned in the last place, to be most proper and significant.

The substance of the enquiry wherein alone we are concerned is; what is that Righteousness whereby, and wherewith, a Believing sinner, is justified before God; or whereon he is accepted with God, hath his sins pardoned, is received into Grace and Favour, and hath a Title given him unto the Heavenly Inheritance. I shall no otherwise propose this enquiry, as knowing that it contains the substance of what convinced sinners do look after in and by the Gospel.