The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

2. He considers the Jews who enjoyed the written Law, and the Privileges wherewith it was accompanied, especially that of Circumcision, which was the outward Seal of Gods Covenant. And on many Considerations, with many Arguments, he excludes them also from any possibility of attaining Justification before God by any of the Privileges they enjoyed, or their own compliance therewithal, chap. 2. And both sorts he excludes distinctly from this privilege of Righteousness before God, with this one Argument, That both of them sinned openly against that which they took for the Rule of their Righteousness, namely, the Gentiles against the Light of Nature, and the Jews against the Law, whence it inevitably follows, that none of them could attain unto the Righteousness of their own Rule. But he proceeds farther unto that which is common to them all. And,

2. He considers the Jews who enjoyed the written Law, and the Priviledges wherewith it was accompanied, especially that of Circumcision, which was the outward Seal of Gods Covenant. And on many Considerations, with many Arguments, he excludes them also from any possibility of attaining Justification before God by any of the Priviledges they enjoyed, or their own compliance therewithall, chap. 2. And both sorts he excludes distinctly from this priviledge of Righteousness before God, with this one Argument, That both of them sinned openly against that which they took for the Rule of their Righteousness, namely, the Gentiles against the Light of Nature, and the Jews against the Law, whence it inevitably follows, that none of them could attain unto the Righteousness of their own Rule. But he proceeds farther unto that which is common to them all. And,

3. He proves the same against all sorts of Persons whether Jews or Gentiles, from the consideration of the universal depravation of nature in them all, and the horrible effects that necessarily ensue thereon in the Hearts and Lives of men, chap. 3. So evidencing, That as they all were, so it could not fall out but that all must be shut up under sin, and come short of Righteousness. So from Persons he proceeds to Things or Means of Righteousness. And,