Part 32

I would, secondly, add a few words, to you who are fond of these expressions. And permit me to ask, Do not I allow enough? What can any reasonable man desire more? I allow the whole _sense_ which you contend for: that we have every blessing _through the righteousness of God our Saviour_. I allow _you_ to use whatever expressions you chuse, and that a thousand times over: only guarding them against that dreadful abuse, which you are as deeply concerned to prevent as I am. I myself frequently use the expression in question, _imputed righteousness_: and often put this and the like expressions into the mouth of a whole congregation. But allow me liberty of conscience herein: allow me the right of private judgment. Allow me to use it just as often as I judge it preferable to any other expression. And be not angry with me, if I cannot judge it proper, to use any one expression every two minutes. _You_ may if you please: but do not condemn me, because I do not. Do not, for this, represent me as a Papist, or “an enemy to the righteousness of Christ.” Bear with _me_, as I do with _you_: else how shall we _fulfil the law of Christ_? Do not make tragical outcries, as though I was “subverting the very foundations of Christianity.” Whoever does this, does me much wrong: the Lord lay it not to his charge! I lay, and have done for many years, the very same foundation with you. And indeed _other foundation can no man lay, than that which is laid, even Jesus Christ_. I build inward and outward holiness thereon, as you do, even by faith. Do not therefore suffer any distaste or unkindness, no, nor any shyness or coldness in your heart. If there were _a difference of opinion_, where is our religion, if we cannot _think and let think_? What hinders, but you may forgive _me_, as easily as I may forgive _you_? How much more, when there is only _a difference of expression_? Nay, hardly so much as that? All the dispute being only, whether a particular mode of expression, shall be used _more or less frequently_? Surely we must earnestly desire to contend with one another, before we can make this a bone of contention! O let us not any more, for such very trifles as these, give our common enemies room to blaspheme! Rather let us at length cut off occasion from them that seek occasion! Let us at length (O why was it not done before?) join hearts and hands in the service of our great Master. As we have _one Lord, one faith, one hope of our calling_, let us all strengthen each others hands in God, and with one heart and one mouth declare to all mankind, _The Lord our righteousness_.