The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

Pardon of sin is in God, with respect unto the sinner, a free gratuitous Act; Forgiveness of sin through the riches of his Grace. But with respect unto the satisfaction of Christ, it is an Act in Judgment. For on the consideration thereof as imputed unto him, doth God absolve and acquit the sinner upon his trial. But pardon on a juridical trial, on what consideration soever it be granted, gives no right nor title unto any favour, benefit, or privilege, but only mere deliverance. It is one thing to be acquitted before the Throne of a King of Crimes, laid unto the charge of any Man, which may be done by clemency, or on other considerations; another to be made his Son by Adoption, and Heir unto his Kingdom.

Pardon of sin is in God, with respect unto the sinner, a free gratuitous Act; Forgiveness of sin through the riches of his Grace. But with respect unto the satisfaction of Christ, it is an Act in Judgment. For on the consideration thereof as imputed unto him, doth God absolve and acquit the sinner upon his tryal. But pardon on a juridical tryal, on what consideration soever it be granted, gives no right nor title unto any favor, benefit, or priviledge, but only meer deliverance. It is one thing to be acquitted before the Throne of a King of Crimes, laid unto the charge of any Man, which may be done by clemency, or on other considerations; another to be made his Son by Adoption, and Heir unto his Kingdom.

And these things are represented unto us in the Scripture, as distinct and depending on distinct causes. So are they in the Vision concerning Joshua the High Priest. Zech. 3.4 5 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him: And unto him he said, ⟨p. 386⟩Behold I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee; and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair Mitre upon his Head; so they set a fair Mitre on his Head, and clothed him with garments. It hath been generally granted, That we have here a Representation of the Justification of a sinner before God. And the taking away of filthy garments, is expounded by the passing away of iniquity. When a Mans filthy garments are taken away, he is no more defiled with them; but he is not thereby clothed. This is an additional grace and favour thereunto, namely to be clothed with change of garments. And what this raiment is, is declared