imputation, and the Nature o f it® 2 27 Dangerou' nppolition made unto it. For this matter of Ju- ftification, the Do &rive of it, and what neceflàrily belongs thereunto, was that whereon the Jemifb Church broke off from God, refuted Chrift and the Gofpel, perifhing in their fins; as is exprefly declared, Rom. 9. 31, I o. 3, 4. And in like manner a diflike of it, an Oppofition unto it, ever was and ever will be a principle and caufe of the Apoftafie of any profefling Church, from Chrift and the Gofpel, that falls under the power and deceit of them ; as it fell out after- wards in the Churches of the Galatians. But in this Elate the Do &rine of Juftification was fully declared, stated, and vindicated by theApo.le Paul in a peculiar manner. And he doth it efpecially by affirming and proving, that we have the Righteoufnefs whereby and wherewith we are juftified by Imputation ; or that our juftification confifls in the non- Imputation of fin, and the Imputation of Righteoufnefs. But yet, although the frfl Recorded inflance of Juftificati- on, and which was fo recorded, that it might be an example and reprefent the Juftification of all that Ihould be juftified unto the end of the World, is expreffed by Imputation, and Righteoufnef imputed, and the Do &rine of it in that great cafe, wherein the eternal welfare of the Church of the yews, or their ruine was concerned, is fo expreffed by the Apoi`lle ; yet is it fo fallen out in our days that nothing in Religion is more maligned, more reproached, more defpifed, then the Imputation of Righteoufnefs unto us, or an Imputed Righte- oufnefs. Aputative Righteoufnefs, the fiadero of a dream, a fancy, a mummery, an imagination , fay force among us. An Opinion, foeda, execranda, pernitiofa, deteflanc'a, faith Socinis. And oppofition arifeth unto it every day from great variety of principles. For thofe by whom it is oppofed and reje &ed can by no means agree what to fèt up in the place' of it. However, the weight and importance of this Doctrine is on all hands acknowledged,whether it be true or pie. It is G g 2 not
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