Ver.i7. the Epiftle to the Romanes: 2 5 is the Gofpell the mighty Inftrument tiled ofGod, to fave beleevers. Second ly, it briefly putteth forth the whole ffate and propor 'Th'The dilputation following to the end 3t the 11. Chap- ter; to wit,That by Faith alone(-with- out Workes ) cleft (inners be ju(lified, before the judgment. of God. Which is proved by a tetiimony. ofHa6ukkg4 TI'M. What is the fumme of this Scripture? S I L. That the .Gofpell Both open the way how to come unto perte& righ- teoufneffe, fuch as (hall make an Ele& finner,ftand unblameable at the Tribu- nail of God. TIM, What ú the drift? S c L. To prove that falvation is had by the Faith of the Gofpell, becaufe per- feet jullice and falvation cannot be di- vided : therefore from whence Juffice doth come to us, from thence alto eta- nail life in heaven doth proceed and flow. TI M. What is here meant by righte- oufneffe ? S I L. The integrity of humane Na- ture, beeing conformed wholly to the will and image ofGod : this integrity is only to be found in Chrift inherently, and fuch as he will impute it unto of fa- vour and mercy. By the righteoufneffe of God in this place,we may neither un- derhand his effentiall righteoufneffe, whereby he is juft and righteous in him - fdfe; loving innocency,hating iniquity, Pfal. 11.7. St 45.7. nor yet his Diftri- butiveJudiciary,righteoufieffe, where- by he rewards the Good,and in feverity of judgment is revenged on the Wicked, Rom. I.23.2TbefJ: i.S. for there are not, or can bee communicated to men by Faith : neither yet by Righteoufne(fe is meant, that habit of Jullicc and Cha- rity, infufed of God into our minds, whereby we are made apt to do good workes. For this is manifefled by the Law, and (lands in working, not in be- leeving,Rom. 3.20.21. But whether we underhand the perfeft Jullice of Ch rill in his Nature, a &ions, and fúflerings, fatisfying fully Gods wrath for tiune, with the communicating and applica- Lion thereof, to ele& (inners by Faith or the Mercy, Grace, and Clemency of God, declaring it Idle in freely pardo- ning (inners, luftif'ing them alto, re- newing their hearts withal!, that they may love the Law, and abhorre vice. Laftly, giving them pure and fincere a &ions and manners, which bee the ne- ceffary fruits and companions of for - giveneffe of finnes and imputed ju(lice, itskilleth nottnueh.For,in many places, the word [ Eigbteoufnef,] fignifieth the goodneffeand mercy of G O D, remit- ting finnes, and delivering from the pu' nifhment thetfof, for the merit of Chrift,as Pfal.3 í.2.aud 25.4. and I Sam. 12.7. and oftenelfewhere; and mayfo bee taken here. Howbeit, the bell inter- pretation, is to expound it of the full obedience of Chrift to death,. imputed to faithful! perlons for remîffion- of finnes, and perte& juftice before God: which is therefore called [Tse Rigbtcouf- nejjè of God] becaufe it is his meere gift, and commeth not by workes,orany hu- mane ftrength,Rom.9.3o.Secondly,it a- lone fatisficth the molt rigorous exalt jufliceof God; and makes (inners juts, not before men, but in the fight ofGod. Ti M'. Why is this ri bteoxjneffe called [Itighteoufnefe of God ?]fbew this more dif#intily S I L. Fir(i, becaufe it is his gift. Se= condly, becaufe he giveth it to thew himfelfe righteous and true of his word. Thirdly, it is that righteoufneffe alone, which hee in his moil atria and exa d' Juftice approveth, and will crown. Laftly, becaufe his right eoúlneffe is op- pofite unto the righteoufneffe of Workes, Rom 10.31 Ti M. How or in what manner and re- f eEl it this revealed by the Gofpell ? S I.L. Firft, it is there contained, taught, and read of. Secondly, it is un- knowns to the Gentiles. Thirdly, the prophetiies of the prophets, do but òb- fcurely fhadow it, and not plainefy teach it as the Gofpell Both. Fourthly, theGot-pell (as an Instrument) both o- peneth ir, and giveth it to us which be- leeve. From whence wee may learne, that the Gofptlhoúght to be moli precis D ous
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