The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

Wherefore in the Confirmation of the present Argument, I shall more particularly enquire into what it is, that the Apostle intends by the Law and Works whereof he treats. For as unto our Justification whatever they are, they are absolutely and universally opposed unto Grace, Faith, the Righteousness of God, and the Blood of Christ, as those which are altogether inconsistent with them. Neither can this be denied or questioned by any, seeing it is the plain design of the Apostle to evince that inconsistency.

1. Wherefore in general, it is evident that the Apostle by the Law and the Works thereof intended, what the Jews with whom he had to do, did understand by the Law and their own whole Obedience thereunto. I suppose this cannot be denied. For without a Concession of it, there is nothing proved against them, nor are they in any thing instructed by him. Suppose those Terms equivocal and to be taken in one sense by him, and by them in another, and nothing can be rightly concluded from what is spoken of them. Wherefore the meaning of these Terms the Law and Works, the Apostle takes for granted as very well known, and agreed on between himself and those with whom he had to do.

1. Wherefore in general, it is evident that the Apostle by the Law and the Works thereof intended, what the Jews with whom he had to do, did understand by the Law and their own whole Obedience thereunto. I suppose this cannot be denied. For without a Concession of it, there is nothing proved against them, nor are they in any thing instructed by him. Suppose those Terms aequivocal and to be taken in one sense by him, and by them in another, and nothing can be rightly concluded from what is spoken of them. Wherefore the meaning of these Terms the Law and Works, the Apostle takes for granted as very well known, and agreed on between himself and those with whom he had to do.