A brief discourse of justification. Wherein this doctrine is plainly laid down according to the Scriptures. : As it was delivered in several sermons on this subject. / By Samuel Willard, teacher of a church in Boston. ; [Ten lines of quotations]

A Brief DISCOURSE OF JUSTIFICATION.

Wherein This Doctrine is Plainly laid down according to the SCRIPTURES.

As it was Delivered in several SERMONS on this SUBJECT.

BY Samuel Willard, Teacher of a Church in Boston.

Phil. 3:9

And be found in him, not having mine own Righteousness which is of the Law, but that which is through the Faith of Christ, the Righteousness which is of God by Faith.

1686. Boston, Printed by S: G. for Samuel Phillips at the West end of the Town house. 1686.

It may be thought a thing superfluous and altogether needless to trouble the age with any thing of this nature, after so many excellent treatises have been exhibited on this subject: nor am I so much a stranger to my self, as to think that any thing of mine can make an addition of light thereunto.

I have only this to say, that the doctrine it self is of such moment to be known by all Christians, that it must needs be the duty of such ministers as would approve themselves to be faithful, to be much in asserting and evidencing it to their auditories, and labouring to establish them in the knowledge and belief of it: which I having accordingly endeavoured in the following Sermons, it found that acceptance in the preaching, that I was desired to let it come abroad: and considering that the smallness of the book might invite some to read it, that would not allow themselves time to peruse larger tracts on the subject; or to be at the expense to purchase them: as also that the divers ways of handling the same doctrine is found to be of profit, by reason of the various inclinations of men to entertain things, I was the rather willing to it, because I knew not but this also might possibly be of some service; especially, since in it I made it my endeavour to avoid all controversy or dispute, and laboured with all plainness to suite expressions to common capacities. I hoped it might on that account yield some advantage to more unlearned Christians, to whose perusal I do more especially recommend it. This I am fully persuaded of, that a right conception of the doctrine of justification, is of as great necessity to the making one a sound and stable Christian as any one thing in religion: and if this small piece may any way be serviceable to the faith of any, I shall not think my labor in vain; which that it may, I commend it to his grace on whom all good success depends.

Who am the most unworthy to be called a minister of the Gospel. Saint Willard. Boston 1686.