The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

2. It is imperfect with respect unto every Act and Duty of it, whether internal or external. There is Iniquity cleaving unto our holy things, and all our Righteousnesses are as filthy rags, Isa. 64.6. It hath been often and well observed, that if a man, the best of men, were left to choose the best of his works that ever he performed, and thereon to enter into Judgment with God, if only under this notion, that he hath answered and fulfilled the Condition required of him, as unto his Acceptation with God, it would be his wisest course, (at least it would be so in the Judgment of Bellarmin) to renounce it, and betake himself unto Grace and Mercy alone.

2. It is imperfect with respect unto every Act and Duty of it, whether internal or external. There is Iniquity cleaving unto our holy things, and all our Righteousnesses are as filthy raggs, Isa. 64.6. It hath been often and well observed, that if a man, the best of men, were left to choose the best of his works that ever he performed, and thereon to enter into Judgment with God, if only under this notion, that he hath answered and fulfilled the Condition required of him, as unto his Acceptation with God, it would be his wisest course, (at least it would be so in the Judgment of Bellarmin) to renounce it, and betake himself unto Grace and Mercy alone.

3. It is imperfect by reason of the Incursion of actual sins. Hence our Saviour hath taught us continually to pray for the forgiveness of our sins; and if we say, that we have no sin we deceive our selves; for in many things we offend all. And what confidence can be placed in this Righteousness, which those who plead for it in this cause, acknowledge to be weak, maimed, and imperfect.