§. I.
Since we have placed Justification in the Revelation of Jesus Christ formed and brought forth in the Heart, there working his Works of Righteousness, and bringing forth the Fruits of the Spirit, the Question is, How far he may prevail in us while we are in this Life, or we over our Souls Enemies, in and by his Strength? Those that plead for Justification wholly without them, merely by imputative Righteousness, denying the Necessity of being clothed with real and inward Righteousness, do consequently affirm, These are the Words of the Westminster larger Catechism.“That it is impossible for a Man, even the best of Men, to be free of Sin in this Life, which, they say, no Man ever was; but on the contrary, that none can, neither of himself, nor by any Grace received in this Life (O wicked Saying against the Power of God’s Grace) keep the Commandments of God perfectly; but that every Man doth break the Commandments in Thought, Word, and Deed:” Whence they also affirm, as was a little before observed, “That the very best Actions of the Saints, their Prayers, their Worships, are impure and polluted.” Whether it is possible to keep the Commandments of God?We on the contrary, though we freely acknowledge this of the natural fallen Man, in his first State, whatever his Profession or Pretence may be, so long as he is unconverted and unregenerate, yet we do believe, that to those in whom Christ comes to be formed, and the new Man brought forth,Part I. and born of the incorruptible Seed (as that Birth, and Man in Union therewith, naturally doth the Will of God) it is possible so far to keep to it, as not to be found daily Transgressors of the Law of God. Controversy stated.And for the more clear Stating of the Controversy, let it be considered: