The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

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,

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 knowledg 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,

1. That Faith whereby we are justified, is most frequently in the New Testament expressed by receiving. This notion of Faith hath been before spoken unto, in our general Enquiry into the use of it in our Justification. It shall not therefore be here much again insisted on. Two things we may observe concerning it. (1.) That it is so expressed with respect unto the whole Object of Faith, or unto all that doth any way concur unto our Justification. For (1.) We are said to receive Christ himself. Unto as many as have received him, he gave power to become the Sons of God,