492 The nature of yuf1i ficat on, as declared Though this was the end of the Law namely a Righteoufnefs, before God, wherein a man might live, yet could they ne- ver attain it. 3. An account is given of the Reafon of their failing, in attaining that which they fo earneftly endeavoured after. And this was in.a double miftake that they were under ; firft, in the means of attaining it fecondly, in the righteoufnefs it Pelf, that was to be fought after. The firft is declared vet.: 32. Becaufe not by Faith, but as it were by the works of the Law. Faith and Works are the two only ways whereby Righteouf- nefs may be attained; and they are oppofite and inconfìftent 9 fo that none doth., or can Peek after Righteoufnefs by them both. They will not be mixed and made one intire means of attaining Righteoufnefs: They are oppofed as Grace and works ; what is of the one, is not of the other, Romal. 6. Every compofition of them, in this matter, is , Male farte gratia nequicquam colt & refinditur. And the . reafon is, becaufe the Righteoufnefs which Faith leeks after, or which is attainable by Faith, is that which is given to us, imputed unto us, which Faith dath only receive. It receiver the a- bundance of. Grace, and the gift of Righteoufnefs. But that which is attainable by Works, is our own, inherent in us; wrought out by us, and not imputed unto us : For it is no- thing but thofe works.themfelves, with refpea unto the Law of God. And if Righteoufnefs before God, be to be obtained'a- lone by Faith, and that in contradiftináion unto all Works , which if a Man do them according unto the Law, he (hall even live in them, then is it by Faith alone that we are juftified before God, _or nothing elfe, on our part, isrequired thereunto. And 'of'what nature this Righteoufnefs muff be, is evident. Again, if Faith andWorks are oppofed as contrary and inconlJient, when conßdered as the means of attaining Righ- teoufnefs
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=