A DEFENCE OF THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST;
PROVING
THAT GOSPEL-HOLINESS FLOWS FROM THENCE.
SIR,
Having heard of your book, entitled, The Design of Christianity; and that in it was contained such principles as gave just offence to Christian ears; I was desirous of a view thereof, that from my sight of things I might be the better able to judge. But I could not obtain it till the 13th of this 11th month, which was too soon for you, Sir, a pretended minister of the word, so vilely to expose to public view the rottenness of your heart in principles diametrically opposite to the simplicity of the gospel of Christ. And had it not been for this consideration, that it is not too late to oppose open blasphemy (such as endangereth the souls of thousands) I had cast by this answer, as a thing out of season.
Two things are the design of your book.
1. To assert and justify a thing which you call inward, real righteousness and holiness.
2. To prove, That the whole, the grand, the only, and ultimate design of the gospel of Christ, is to begin and perfect this righteousness.
Into the truth, or untruth, of both these, as briefly as I may,
I shall at this time inquire.
First, Therefore, a little to examine the nature of your holiness and righteousness, as yourself hath described the same.