The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

This Position is such as wherein the substance of that Doctrine in this important Article of Evangelical Truth which ⟨p. 294⟩we plead for, is plainly and fully expressed. And I have chosen the rather thus to express it, because it is that Thesis wherein the Learned Davenant laid down that common Doctrine of the Reformed Churches whose defence he undertook. This is the shield of Truth in the whole cause of Justification, which whilst it is preserved safe, we need not trouble our selves about the Differences that are among Learned men, about the most proper stating and declaration of some lesser concernments of it. This is the Refuge, the only Refuge of distressed Consciences, wherein they may find Rest and Peace.

For the confirmation of this Assertion, I shall do these three things. (1) Reflect on what is needful unto the Explanation of it. (2) Answer the most important general Objections against it. (3) Prove the Truth of it by Arguments and Testimonies of the holy Scripture.

As to the first of these, or what is necessary unto the Explanation of this Assertion, it hath been sufficiently spoken unto in our foregoing Discourses. The Heads of some things only shall at present be called over.