The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

Some make a weak attempt from hence, to prove that Justification consists wholly in the remission of sin, because on the prayer of the Publican, for Mercy and Pardon, he is said to be justified; but there is no force in this Argument. For (1.) The whole nature of Justification is not here declared, but only what is required on our part thereunto. The respect of it unto the Mediation of Christ, was not yet expressly to be brought to light, as was showed before. (2.) Although the Publican makes his address unto God, under a deep sense of the guilt of sin, yet he prays not for the bare pardon of sin, but for all that sovereign Mercy or Grace, God provided for sinners. (3.) The term of Justification must have the same sense, when applied unto the Pharisee, as when applied unto the Publican: And if the meaning of it, with respect unto the Publican, be, That he was pardoned, then hath it the same sense, with respect unto the Pharisee, he was not pardoned; but he came on no such errand: He came to be justified, not pardoned; nor doth he make the least mention of his sin, or any sense of it. Wherefore although the pardon of sin be included in Justification, yet to justify, in this place hath respect unto a Righteousness, whereon a Man is declared just and righteous, wrapped up on the part of the Publican in the sovereign producing cause, The Mercy of God.

Some make a weak attempt from hence, to prove that Justification consists wholly in the remission of sin, because on the prayer of the Publican, for Mercy and Pardon, he is said to be justified; but there is no force in this Argument. For (1.) The whole nature of Justification is not here declared, but only what is required on our part thereunto. The respect of it unto the Mediation of Christ, was not yet expresly to be brought to light, as was shewed before. (2.) Although the Publican makes his address unto God, under a deep sense of the guilt of sin, yet he prays not for the bare pardon of sin, but for all that sovereign Mercy or Grace, God provided for sinners. (3.) The term of Justification must have the same sense, when applied unto the Pharisee, as when applied unto the Publican: And if the meaning of it, with respect unto the Publican, be, That he was pardoned, then hath it the same sense, with respect unto the Pharisee, he was not pardoned; but he came on no such errand: He came to be justified, not pardoned; nor doth he make the least mention of his sin, or any sense of it. Wherefore although the pardon of sin be included in Justification, yet to justifie, in this place hath respect unto a Righteousness, whereon a Man is declared just and righteous, wrapt up on the part of the Publican in the sovereign producing cause, The Mercy of God.