to the Explanation of the Voc` r ne, &c. 2 5 tiaras, whereunto that alto of the Hebrews maybe added. But in that unto the Romans it is molt eminently declared. For therein is it handled by the Apofrle ex profefo, at large, and that both . Doltrinally, and in the way of controvert e with them by whom the Truth was oppofed. And it is worth our confederation what procefs he makes towards the Decla- ration of it, and what principles he proceeds upon therein. r. He lays it down as the fundamental maxime which he would proceed upon, or as a general Thefis including the fub- ftance of what he defigned to explain and prove, that, in the Gofpe! the Righteoufnefs of God is revealed f om Faith to Faith, as it is written the.7nfl fhalllive by Faith, chap. I. 17. All forts of men who had any knowledge of God and them - felves were then, as they muft be always,. enquiring, and in one Degree or other labouring after Righteoufnef.. For this they looked on, and that juftly, as the only means of an Advantagious Relation between God and themfelves. Nei - ther had the Generality of men any other thoughts, but that this Righteoufnef? mutt be their own, inherent in them, and performed by them, as Rom. lo. 3. For as this is the Lan- guage of a natural Confcience, and of the Law, and fuited unto all Philofophical notions concerning the nature of Righ- teoufnefs ; fò whatever Teftimony was given of another kind in the Law and the Prophets, (as fuch a Teftimony is given unto a Righteoufnefs of God without the Law, chap, 3. 2 r.) there was a Veil upon it as to the underfianding of all forts of men. As therefore Righteoufnefs is that which all men Peek after, and cannot but leek after who defign or delire Acceptance with God, fo it is in vain to enquire of the Law, of a natural Confcience, of Philofòphical Reafon, after any. Righteoufnefs but what confìfts in inherent Habits and As of our own.. Neither Law, nor natural Confcience, nor Reafon, do know any other. But, in oppofition unto this Righteoufnefs of our own, and the neceffity thereof, tefri- l - fled
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=