Speculum theologiæ in Christo, or, A view of some divine truths which are either…

I mention the Sun, because the Prophet tells us, That upon those that fear God's Name, The Sun of Righteousness arises with Healing in his Wings; a choice part of which Healing I take to be in the communication of his Satisfaction to us, that only heals the deadly Wound of Guilt which is upon us. In Christ's Righteousness there is a Merit to procure Faith; in Faith there is a capacity to have that Righteousness made ours; in that Righteousness there is that which covers the imperfections of Faith. Thus there is an admirable connection between these two Righteousnesses: Further touching our Justification as to the terms of the Gospel, we must first consider, what that Faith, by which we are justified, is; and then how we are justified by it.

I mention the Sun, because the Prophet tells us, That upon those that fear God's Name, The Sun of Righteousness arises with Healing in his Wings; a choice part of which Healing I take to be in the communication of his Satisfaction to us, that only heals the deadly Wound of Guilt which is upon us. In Christ's Righteousness there is a Merit to procure Faith; in Faith there is a capacity to have that Righteousness made ours; in that Righteousness there is that which covers the imperfections of Faith. Thus there is an admirable connexion between these two Righteousnesses: Further touching our Justification as to the terms of the Gospel, we must first consider, what that Faith, by which we are justified, is; and then how we are justified by it.

First, That Faith whereby we are justified, is not Reason in its own Sphere conversing about God and his Goodness, but it is totally supernatural; supernatural in its Principle; it is the Gift of God: and, as the second Aransican Council tells us, It is per inspirationem Spiritûs sancti, Can. 6. Supernatural in its object, it is fixed in a God in Covenant, and in his Grace. It hangs upon Christ and his Sweet-smelling Sacrifice. It falls in with supernatural promises of Grace and Glory: neither is this Faith a mere naked assent, which may be in wicked Men; nay, and in Devils; but it is that which receives Christ, and feeds upon him, eating his Flesh, and drinking his Blood unto Life Eternal: Vitam à Vitae Font haurimus, & in ipsum quasi totos. nos immergimus, saith Bishop Davenant;