What is here interposed, — that we cannot do any good for
the time to come, — must be interpreted of ourselves, without the aid or
assistance of the grace of God. And the things here reported by this
author, are so expressed and represented, to expose them to reproach and
scorn, to have them esteemed not only false, but ridiculous. But whether
he be in his wits or no, or what he intends, so to traduce and scoff at the
fundamental doctrines of the gospel, I profess I know not. What is it he
would deny? what is it he would assert? Are we able to make an atonement
for our sins? Can we be forgiven without an atonement? Can we of
ourselves do any good without the aid and assistance of grace? Can any
thing we do be a full satisfaction for our sins, or deliver us from the
wrath of God; that is, the punishment due to our sins? Doth
not the death of Christ expiate former iniquities, and remove the whole
guilt of sin? Is the contrary to these things the doctrine of the church
of England? Is this the religion which is authorized to be preached? and
are these the opinions that are licensed to be published unto all the
world? But, as I observed before, these things are other men’s concernment
more than mine, and with them I leave them. But I have said, as he quotes
the place, “that we are reconciled to God by the death of Christ, and saved
by his life, that actual obedience which he yielded to the whole law of
God.” As the former part of these words are expressly the apostle’s,
Rom. v. 10, and so produced by me; so
the next words I add are these of the same apostle, “If so be we are found
in him, not having on our own righteousness which is of the law, but the
righteousness which is of God by faith;” which he may do well to consider,
and answer when he can.