II. 1. I come now to consider the principal objections, which have lately been made against these doctrines.
I know nothing material which has been objected, as to the nature of justification: but many persons seem to be very confused, in their thoughts, concerning it, and speak as if they had never heard of any justification, antecedent to that of the last day. To clear up this, there needs only a closer inspection of our articles and homilies; wherein justification is always taken, for the present remission of our sins.
But many are the objections which have been warmly urged, against the condition of justification, faith alone: particularly in two treatises, the former intitled, The notions of the Methodists fully disproved: the second, The notions of the Methodists farther disproved. In both of which it is vehemently affirmed, 1. That this is not a scriptural doctrine. 2. That it is not the doctrine of the church of England.
It will not be needful to name the former of these any more; seeing there is neither one text produced therein, to prove this doctrine unscriptural, nor one sentence from the articles or homilies, to prove it contrary to the doctrine of the church. But so much of the latter as relates to the merits of the cause, I will endeavour to consider calmly. As to what is personal, I leave it as it is. God be merciful to me, a sinner!
2. To prove this doctrine unscriptural, That “Faith alone is the condition of justification,” you alledge, That “Sanctification, according to scripture, must go before it:” To evince which, you quote the following texts, which I leave as I find them: Go, disciple all nations—teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded them.[¹] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.[²] Preach repentance and remission of sins.[³] Repent and be baptized every one of you, for the remission of sins.[⁴] Repent and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.[⁵] By one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.[⁶] You add, “St. Paul taught Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ[⁷]; and calls Repentance from dead works, and faith toward God, first principles.[⁸]”
[¹] Matthew xxviii. 19, 20.
[²] Mark xvi. 16.
[³] Luke xxiv. 47.
[⁴] Acts ii. 38.