The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

The Truth which we plead hath two Parts. (1.) That the Righteousness of God imputed to us, unto the Justification of Life, is the Righteousness of Christ, by whose Obedience we are made Righteous. (2.) That it is Faith alone, which on our Part is required to interest us in that Righteousness, or whereby we comply with Gods Grant and Communication of it, or receive it unto our Use and Benefit. For although this Faith is in it self the radical Principle of all Obedience, and whatever is not so, which cannot, which doth not on all occasions, evidence, prove, show or manifest it self by Works, is not of the same kind with it, yet as ⟨p. 420⟩we are justified by it, its act and Duty is such, or of that nature, as that no other Grace, Duty or Work can be associated with it, or be of any Consideration. And both these are evidently confirmed in that Description which is given us in the Scripture of the Nature of Faith and believing unto the Justification of life.

THe Truth which we plead hath two Parts. (1.) That the Righteousness of God imputed to us, unto the Justification of Life, is the Righteousness of Christ, by whose Obedience we are made Righteous. (2.) That it is Faith alone, which on our Part is required to interest us in that Righteousness, or whereby we comply with Gods Grant and Communication of it, or receive it unto our Use and Benefit. For although this Faith is in it self the radical Principle of all Obedience, and whatever is not so, which cannot, which doth not on all occasions, evidence, prove, shew or manifest it self by Works, is not of the same kind with it, yet as ⟨p. 420⟩we are justified by it, its act and Duty is such, or of that nature, as that no other Grace, Duty or Work can be associated with it, or be of any Consideration. And both these are evidently confirmed in that Description which is given us in the Scripture of the Nature of Faith and believing unto the Justification of life.

I know that many Expressions used in the Declaration of the Nature and Work of Faith herein, are Metaphorical, at least are generally esteemed so to be. But they are such as the Holy Ghost in his Infinite Wisdom thought meet to make use of, for the Instruction and Edification of the Church. And I cannot but say, that those who understand not how effectually the light of knowledge is communicated unto the minds of them that believe by them, and a sense of the things intended unto their Spiritual Experience, seem not to have taken a due consideration of them. Neither whatever Skill we pretend unto, do we know always what expressions of Spiritual things are Metaphorical. Those oftentimes may seem so to be, which are most proper. However it is most safe for us to adhere unto the Expressions of the Holy Spirit, and not to embrace such senses of things as are inconsistent with them, and opposite unto them. Wherefore,