Of the benefite that Christians receiue by Iesus Christ crucified . The first Chapter . Of Originall sinne , and of mans wretchednesse .

THe holie scripture sayeth , The state of man before and after that he had sinned . that God created man after his owne Image & likenes , making him , as in respect of his body , impassible : and as touching his soule , righteous , true , good , merciful and holy . But after that he being ouer com with desire of knowledge , had eaten of the Apple that God had forbidd●● him , he lost the saide image and likenes of God , & became like the brute beasts , & like the diuel who had abused him . For as touching his soule , hee became vnrighteous , vntrue , cruell , p●●●●lesse , and the enimy of God and as touching his body , he became passible and subiect to a thousand inconueniences and diseases : and not onely like , but also inferiour to brute beasts . And euen as if our forefathers had obeyed God , they shoulde haue left vs theyr righteousnesse and holynesse as an heritage : euen so by being disobedient vnto God , they haue left vs the inheritance of vnrighteousnes , wickednesse , and Gods displeasure , in such sort as it is vnpossible for vs ( through our own strength ) to loue GOD , or to frame ourselues vnto his holy will . May wee bee enimies vnto him , as to o●e that must punish our sinnes , because hee is a iust iudge , and therefore can wee not any more trust wholy to his holy mercy . To be short , our whole nature was corrupted by Adams sinne . And like as erst it had superiorite aboue all creatures : so became it an vnderling to all , the bondslaue of Satan , sinne , & death , & condemned to the miseries of hell . 〈◊〉 he lost his iudgement altogeather , and began to say that good was euill , and euill g●d ; estéeming false things to be true , and true things to be false . Which thing the Prophet considering , Psalm. 114 Psalm . 14. saith● that all men are lyers 〈◊〉 that there is not one that doeth good ▪ because the Deuill like a stout man of armes ruleth his owne pallace ▪ that is too 〈◊〉 ▪ the world , wherof he became a prince and Lord . Ther● is no tongue that can expresse the thousandth part of our mise rie , in that wee beeing created by Gods owne hand , haue lost the saide image of God , and are become like the Deuill , and too like to him in nature and condition , willing whatsoeuer he willeth , and likewise refusing what soeuer he misliketh . By reason wher of being giuen vp for a pray to that wicked spirite , there is no sinne so greevous , which euery one of vs would not be ready to doe , if the grace of God stay vs not . Originall sinne . And this our depriuation of righteousnesse , and this forward inclination to all vnrighteousnes and naughtinesse , is called original sinne : the which wée bring with vs from out of our mothers wombe , so as we be borne the children of wrath : and it hath had his first spring from our first fathers , and is the cause and fountaine of al the vices and iniquities that we commit : wherfrom if we wil be deliuered , & return again to our first innocency to recouer the image of god : first of all it standeth vs on hand so knowe our own wretchednes . A very good comparison For like as no man will euer séeke to the phisition , except he know himselfe to be diseased , or acknowledge the excellency of the Phisition , and how much hée is bound● vnto him , except hée knowe his own disease to be pestilent and deadly : euen so no man acknowledgeth Iesus Christ the onely Phisition of our soules , except he first know his owne soule to bee diseased : neither can he perceiue the excellency of him nor how much he is bound vnto him , except hee first enter intoo the knowledge of his owne outrageous sinnes , and of the incurable infirmity , which wee haue receyued through the infection of our first fathers .

The second Chapter . Howe the Law was geuen by God , to the end that we knowing our sinne , and not hauing any hope of ability to make our selues righteous by our own works , should haue recourse to Gods mercy , and vnto the righteousnes of faith .

OUR God therfore minding of his infinite goodnesse and mercy to send his onely Sonne to set free the wretched children of Adam : & knowing that first of all it behoued him to make them vnderstand their owne misery , chose Abraham , ( in whose seede he promised to blesse al nations , ) and accepted his ofspring for his peculiar people , vnto whom , ( after their departure out of Aegypt , & deliuerance from the bondage of Pharao , ) hee by the meanes of Moyses , gaue the Lawe , which forbiddeth all lusting , and commandeth vs to loue GOD with al our heart , with al our soule , and with all our strength , in suche wise as our whole trust be reposed in him , and we ready to leaue our life for his sake , to suffer al tormentes in our members , and to be berefte of all our goodes , dignities , and honours for the loue of our God , choosing too die , rather then to doe any thing that may mislike him , bee it neuer so little : and doyng all thinges in that behalfe with a mery heart , and with all forwardnesse and cheerefulnesse . Moreouer the Lawe commandeth vs to loue our neighbour as our selfe , meaning by the Neighbor , Who is our neighbour . all maner of men , as well friends as foes and it willeth us to doe to euery man as we woulde be done vnto , & to loue other mens cases as our owne . And so by looking in this holy Law , as in a cléere lookingglasse , man doeth out of hand espy his owne great imperfection and vnablenesse too obey Gods commandementes , and to render him the honour and loue which he ought to yeelde to his maker . The first office of the Law then , The first office or duety of the Law . is to make sinne knowen , as Saint Paule affirmeth . And in another place hée sayth , Rom. 3. & 7. The second office of the law . I had not known what sinne is , but by the lawe . The second office of the law , is to make sinne increase , for asmuche as we being quite gone from the obeying of God , and become bondslaues to the Deuil , being full of wicked works and inordinate affections , cannot abide that God shoulde forbid vs to lust , which increaseth so much the more , as it is the more prohibited : by reason whereof S. Paule saith , that sinne was dead , but the law came and raysed it vp againe , and so it became out of measure great . The thirde office of the law . The thirde office of the Lawe , is to shewe the wrath and iudgemente of God , who threatneth death and euerlasting punishment , to suche as kéepe not the Lawe throughout in al points . For the holy scripture saith , Deut. 27. Curfed is hée that perfourmeth not throughly al the things that are written in the booke of the law . And therefore S. Paul saith , 2. Cor. 3. that the Law is a ministerie , and that it bringeth foorth wrath . The lawe then hauing discouered sinne and increased it , and shewed foorth the wrath and in●ig●ation of GOD who threatneth death , The fourth office of the lawe . executeth his fourthe office , which is too put a man in feare , who there vppon falleth ●●too sorrowefulnesse , and would faine satisfie the law : but forasmuch as he séeth clearely , that he is not able : he waxeth angry against God , and would with all his heart that there were no God , because he feareth too bée sore chastized & punished by him , according as S. Paul saith , Rom. 4. That the wisdome of the flesh is the enimie of God , because it neither is nor can be subiect to the law of God . The fifth office of the law . The fifth office of the law ( which is the principall end and the most excellent and necessary office of it ) is to constraine a man too goe vnto Iesus Christ , in like wise as the Hebrewes , being dismaied , were constrayned to appeale vnto Moses , saying : Exod. 2●● Let not the Lord speake vnto vs , least we dye , but speake thou vnto vs , and we wil obey thée in all thinges . And the Lorde answered : v●rily they haue spoke excéeding well . Yea they were not praysed for any other thing , than for theyr desiring of a Mediator betwixt God and them , which was Moyses , who represented Iesus Christ , that should be the Aduocate and Mediator betwéene God and man : in respect whereof God said vnto Moyses , I will rayse vp a Prophet among their brethren like vnto thée , and I will put my worde in his mouth , and hée shall speake vnto them all the things that I shall commande him , and I will punish all those that wil not obey my word , which he shall speake in my name .

The third Chapter . How the forgiuenesse of our sinnes , our iustification and our saluation depend vpon Iesus Christe .

WHen as our God then had sent the said great Prophet which he had promised vs , ( who is his only sonne ) to the end that he should set vs frée from the curse of the law , Collo. 3. and reconcile vs vnto our God : that he should make our will fitte for good workes , healing our fréewil , and repayring in vs the foresaid Image of God which we had lost through the fault of our first parentes : Actes . 4. for asmuch as we know that vnder heauen there is none other name giuen vnto men whereby we may be saued , but the name of Iesus Christ : Let vs run vnto him with the feete of liuely faith , & east our selues betwéene his armes : Matth. 11. sith hée allureth vs so graciously ▪ crying : Come vnto me all you that labour and are heauy load , and I wil refresh you : What comfort or what ioy in this life can bee comparable to this his saying there , when as a man f●eling himselfe oppressed with the intollerable waight of his sinnes , vnderstandeth so swéete and amiable wordes of the sonne of God , who promiseth so graciously to refreshe and ryd him of his great paynes ? But all the matter lieth in acknowledging our owne weakenesse & miserie in good earnest . For he shall neuer know what is swéete , who hath not tasted of the sowre . And therefore Iesus Christe sayth : If any man thirst , Iohn . ● let him come to me and drinke : as if hee had ment to say , if a man know not himself to be a sinner , nor thirst after righteousnesse , hée cannot tast of the swéetnesse of Iesus Christe , how swéete it is to talke of him , to thinke of him , and to follow his most holy life . But when we once throughly knowe our owne infirmity by meanes of the law , let vs hearken too S. Iohn Baptist , who poynteth vs too the soueraigne Phisition with his Finger , Iohn . ● . saying : Beholde the Lambe of GOD which taketh away the sinnes of the worlde . For hée it is that deliuereth vs from the heauie yoke of the Lawe , 〈…〉 abrogating and disanulling the curses and sharpe threatninges of the same : healing all our infirmities : reformyng our free will , returning vs too our ancient innocency , Iohn . 8. and repairing in vs the image of our God : insomuch that ( according to S. Paules saying ) like as by Adam we bée all dead : 1. Cor. 15. so by Iesus Christ we are al quickened . And it is not to beléeued that the sinne of Adam , which we haue by inheritance from him , shoulde be of more force than the righteousnesse of Christe , that which we also inherite by faith . It séemeth that man hath great cause to complayne , that ( without any reason why ) hée is conceaued and borne in sinne , Psalm. 50. and in the wickednes of his parents , by meanes of whom , death reigneth ouer all men . But nowe is all our sorow taken away , in as muche as by a like meane ( without any occasion geuen on our behalfe ) righteousnes and euerlasting life are come by Iesus Christe , and by him death is s●aine , whereof Saint Paul maketh a very godly discourse , which I purpose too set downe héere following . Wherfore ( faith he ) like as by one man , Rom 3● sin entred into the world , & death by sinne : euen so death went ouer al men , forasmuch as al men haue sinned . For vntil the law , sinne was in the worlde : but sinne was not regarded as long as there was no law . Neuer the latter death reigned from Adam vnto Moyses , euen ouer them also that sinned not after the like manner of the transgression of Adam , who was a figure of him that was to come . But yet the gift is not so as is the offence : for if through the offence of one , many be dead : much more the grace of God , and the gift by grace which is by one man Iesus Christe , hath abounded vnto many . Neither is the gift so as that which entred in by one that sinned . For the fault came of one offence vnto condemnation , but the gift is of many offences to iustification . For if by the offence of one , death reigned through one : much more shall they which receiue the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousnesse , reigne in life through one , that is , Iesus Christ . Likewise then , as by the offence of one , that fault came on al men to condemnation , so by the righteousnesse of one , the benefite abounded toward all men to the iustification of life . For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners : so by the obedience of one shal many also bée made righteous . Moreouer the lawe entred thereupon , that the offence should abound : neuerthelesse where sinne abounded , there grace abounded muche more , that as sin hath reigned vnto death , so might grace also reigne by righteousnesse vntoo eternall life through Iesus Christe our Lord . By these wordes of S. Paul , wée manifestly perceiue the thing to be true , which we haue said héeretofore : that is to wit , that the law was geuen too make sinne knowne : which sinne wée doe also knowe , not to be of greater force than Christes righteousnesse , wherethrough we be iustified before God . For euen as Iesus Christ is stronger than Adam was : so is his righteonsnesse more mightie than the sinne of Adam . And if the sinne of Adam was sufficient enough to make al men sinners and children of wrath without any misdéedes of our owne : muche more shall Christes righteousnesse be of greater force to make vs all righteous and the children of grace , without any of our owne good workes : which cannot be good , vnlesse that before we doe them , we our selues be made good , The greatnes of sinne ought not ●o cause despayre . as Augustine also affirmeth . Hereby a man may know in what errour they bée who by reason of some great offence , despaire of Gods good wil , imagining that he is not willing to forgeue , couer , and pardon al sinne , hauing already punished and chastized all our ●●●es and iniquities in his owne onely begotten and dearly beloued sonne , and consequently graunted a generall pardon to all mankinde , which euery body enioyeth that beléeueth the gospel , that is to say , which beléeueth the happy tidings of the Apostles haue published through the whole world , saying : ●or. 5. We beséeche you for Iesus Christes sake , bée yée reconciled vnto GOD : for he that neuer knew sinne , was made a sacrifice for our sinne , that we might become righteous in him . The prophet Esay for seeing this great goodnesse of God , writeth these heauenly wordes , which doe so well paint out the passion of our Lorde Iesus Christ , and the cause thereof , as it is not to be founde better described , even in the writings of the Apostles . Who ( saith he ) wil beléeue our report , and to whom is the arme of the Lord reuealed ? But hée shall growe vpp before him as a branch , and as a roote out of a dry grounde , hée hath neither forme nor beautie : when wée shall sée him , there shal be no fourme that wée should desire hym : Hée is despised a●d reiected of men , he is a man full of sorrowes , and hath experience of infirmitie , wee hidde as it were our faces from him : hée was despised and wee estéemed him not . Surely hée hath borne our infirmities and carried our sorrowes , yet we did iudge him as plagued and smitten of God , & humbled : but he was wounded for our transgressions : he was broken for our iniquities . The chastisement of our peace was vpon him , and with his stripes we are healed . All we like shéepe haue gone astray : wee haue turned euery one to his owne way , and the Lorde hath laide vpon him the iniquitie of vs all : he was oppressed and he was afflicted , yet did he not open his mouth . He is brought as a shéepe to the slaughter , & as a shéepe before the shearer is dumme , so he openeth not his mouth . O great vnkindnesse ! O thing abhominable ! that we , which professe our selues Christians , and heare that the sonne of God hath taken all our sinnes vpon him , and washed them out with his precious blood , suffering himselfe to bee fastened too the Crosse for our sakes ; shoulde neuerthelesse make as though we woulde iustifie our selues , and purchase forgeuenesse of our sinnes by our owne woorkes : as who woulde say , that the desertes , righteousnesse and bloodshed of Iesus Christe were not enough too doe it , vnlesse we came to put too our workes and righteousnesse which are altogether de●iled and spotted with selfe loue , selfcliking , selfprofite , and a thousande other vanities , for which wee haue neede to craue pardon at Gods hand , rather then reward . Neither doe we thinke of the threatnings , which S. Paule vseth to the Galathians , Galat. 5. who hauing béene deceiued by false Preachers , beleeued not that the Iustification by fayth was sufficient of it selfe , but went about stil to be made righteous by thelaw . Unto whom S. Paule saith : Iesus Christ shall nothing profite you that iustifie your selues by the law : for you bee falne from grace , because that we through the spirit of sayth wayt for the hope of righteousnesse . Now if the seeking of righteousnesse & forgiuenesse of An excellent comparison of the vnability of our own works . sinnes by the keeping of the law which GOD gaue vpon mount Sinai with so greate glorie and maiestie , bée the denying of Christe and of his Grace : what shall wée say to those that will néeds iustifie themselues afore God , by theyr owne lawes and obseruances ? I woulde wishe that suche folkes shoulde a little compare the one with the other , and afterwarde geue Iudgement themselues . God myndeth not too doe that honour , nor to geue that glory to his owne lawe , & yet they will haue him too geue it too mens lawes and ordinances . But that honour is geuen onely to his onely begotten sonne , who alone by the sacrifice of his death and passion , hath made full amendes for al our sinnes past , present , and to come , as Saint Paule and Saint Iohn declare . Wherfore as often as we apply this satisfaction of Iesus ●eb . 7. Iohn , 12. Christs , vnto our soules by fayth : out of all doubt we obteine forgeuenesse of our sinnes , and become good and righteous before God , through his righteousnesse . And therfore after that Saint Paule hath said , Phil. 3. that as touching the righteousnesse of the law , he had liued vnblameable : he addeth , and yet whatsoeuer I haue gained by it , I haue accompted in all respectes too bée but losse , for the loue of Christe . And specially I esteeme all thinges to bée losse , for the excellent knowledge of Iesus Christe my Lord , for whom I haue compted all things too bée losse , and déeme them but as doung , so may I winne Christ , and be founde in him , not hauing mine owne righteousnes which is of the lawe , but the righteousnes which is by the fayth of Iesus Christe , with righteousnes is giuen by God , I meane the righteousnes of faith that I may come to the knowledge of Iesus Christ . O most notable words , which al Christians ought to haue engrauen in their hearts , praying God to make them to fast it perfectly ! L●e howe Saint Paule sheweth plainely , that whosoeuer knoweth Christe aright , estéemeth al the woorks of the lawe to be hurtfull , for somuch as they make vs too swarue from our trust in Iesus Christ , too whom euery man ought to impute his saluation , and too trust onely vnto him alone . And to inforce this sentence the more , he addeth further , that he estéemeth all things but as doung , so he may gayne Christ & he found incorporated in him : declaring therby , that whosoeuer trusteth in his owne workes , & pretendeth not iustifie himselfe by them , getteth not Iesus Christ , nother is engraffed into him . And forasmuch as the whole mystery of our faith consisteth in the truth hereof : to the end we might the better vnderstand what he meant to say : he addeth and repeteth oftentunes , that he had nothing to do with all the outward iustification & all the righteousnes that is grounded vpon the keping of the law , but that he would cloth himself with the righteousnes which God geueth by sayth to all them that beléeue that all our sinnes are fully chastised and punished in Iesu Christ : and that Iesus Christ ( as Saint Paule saith ) is made our wisedom , 1. Cor. 1. righteousnesse , holinesse , and redemption to the end ( as it is written ) that he which wil glory , should glory in the Lord , and not in his owne woorks . Uery true it is , that in the holy Scriptures there are some textes to be found , which beyng misvnderstood , séeme to gainesay this holy doctrine of Saint Paules , & to attribute iustification & remission of sinnes vnto works , and to charity . But those authorities haue already byn well expounded by some who haue shewed plainly that such as haue vnderstood them in the sense aforesaid , vnderstood them not aright . Wherefore my déere beloued brethren , let vs not folow the fond opinions of the bewitched Galathians , but rather let vs followe the trueth which S. Paule teacheth vs , and let vs geue the whole glory of our iustification vnto Gods mercie , and to the merites of his Sonne , who by his owne bloodshed hath set vs frée from the soueraintie of the law , and from 〈…〉 geue vs life and endlesse felicitie . I say yet further , that he hath deliuered vs from the dominion of the lawe insomuch as he hath geuen vs his holy spirit , who teacheth vs al truth , & that he hath satisfied the law to the ful , & giuen the same satisfaction vnto al his members , ( that is to wit , to al true Christians ) so as they may safely appeare at Gods throne , because they be clothed with the righteousnes of his Christ , & by him deliuered from the curse of the lawe . How man is deliuered & set free from the curse of the law . Galat. 3. Rom. 8. Colos. 2. Then can not the law any more accuse vs or cōndenm vs , nor moue our affections or appetites , nor increase sinne in vs . And therefore S. Paule saith , that the obligation which was against vs is cancelled by Iesus Christ , & discharged vpon the trée of the crosse , insomuch as he hath set vs frée from the subiection of the law , & consequently from the tyranny of sinne and death , which can no more holde vs oppressed , because it is ouercome by Iesus Christ in his resurrection , & so consequently by vs which are his members , in such maner , that we may say with Saynte Paule , 1. Cor. 15. and with the Prophet Osée ▪ Death is quite vanquished and destroied : O death where is thy sting ? O Hel , where is thy 〈…〉 strength of sinne is the law . But God bée praised , who hath granted vs victory by our Lorde Iesus Christ . He is the blessed séede that hath crushed the head of the venomous Serpent , that is to wit , of the Diuel , insomuche that al those which beleue in Iesus Christe , reposing their whole trust in his grace , doe ouercome sinne , death , the diuel , & hel , as Christ hath done . He is that blessed séed of Abraham , in the which God hath promised blessednesse to al nations , It behooueth euery particular person too fighte with the sayd horrible serpent , & to deliuer himselfe from that curse . But that enterprise was so great , that all the force of the whole world knit together , was not able too goe through with it . Wherfore our God the father of mercy , being moued with compassion of our miseries , hath geuen vs his onely begotten sonne , who hath deliuered vs from the venim of the serpent , and is himself become our blessednesse and righteousnesse , condicionally that we accept the same , renouncing all our owne outwarde iustifications . Then my déere brethren let vs imbrace the righteousnesse of our Lord Iesus Christ , and let vs make it ours by meanes of fayth : let vs assure our selues , that we be righteous , not for our own work● , but through the merites of Iesus Christe , and let vs liue merily and assured , that the righteousnes of Iesus Christ hath vtterly done away all our vnrighteousnes , & made vs good , righteous , & holy before God , who beholding vs ingrafted into his sonne by fayth , estéemeth vs not nowe any more as the children of Adam , but as his own children , and hath made vs heyres of all his riches , with his owne begotten sonne .

The fourth Chapter . Of the effectes of liuely faith , and of the vnion of mans soule with Iesus Christ .

THis holy faith woorketh after suche a sorte in vs , How we receiue the likenesse of God . that hée which beléeueth that Iesus Christ hath taken all his sinnes vppon him , becommeth like vnto Christ , and ouercommeth sinne , the diuel , death & hell . And the reason thereof is this : namely that the Churche ( that is to witte euery faithfull soule ) is Christes wyfe , A very good similitude expressing the manner how our sinnes are taken away by Christ . & Christ is her husband . For we know how the law of marriage is , that of two , they become one selfsame thing , being two in one flesh , & that the goods and substance of eyther of them become common too them both : by meanes wherof the husband saith , that th● dowry of the wife is his , and likewise the wife sayeth that her husbands house and al his riches are hers : & of a truth so they are : for other wise they should not be one flesh , as the Scripture saith . After the same maner hath God married his onely begotten & déere beloued sonne to the faithfull soule , which hath not any other thing peculiar of her owne , saue onely sinne , & yet the sonne of God hath not disdayned to take her for his wel beloued spouse together with her peculiar dowry , which is sinne . And nowe by reason of the vnion which is in this holy mariage , look what the one hath , is also the others , Iesus Christ therfore saith thus : the dowry of mans soule my déere wife , ( that is to wit , her sinnes & transgressings of the law , Gods wrath agaynst her , the boldnes of the diuel ouer her , the prison of hell , and al other her euils ) are become mine , & are in my power to do what I list with them . Wherfore it is at my choyce to deale with them at my pleasure , & therfore I will put out the hand writing which is agaynst the soule my wife , I wil take it out of the way , I will fasten it to my crosse in mine owne body , & in the same will I spoyle principalities and powers , & make a shew of them openly & triumph ouer them , and consum● them vtterly vnto nothing .

Now when God sawe his sonne , who knew no sinne , neither had any sinne in him , thus willingly taking on him , the foulenesse of our iniquity , he made him to be sinne for vs , euen the very sacrifice for our sinne : & did sharply punish our sinne in him , putting him to death , euen the death of the Crosse. Math. 28● Philip. 2. Howebeit for asmuche as hee was his welbeloued & obedient Sonne , he woulde not leaue him in death , nor suffer his holy one to sée corruption : but raised him vp from death to life , geuing him all power in heauen and earth , and set him at his right hande in glory . Nowe then the wise likewise with excéeding great ioy doth say : the Realmes and Kingdomes of my most déere husband & sauiour are mine , by him I am an heyre of heauen , my husbands riches ( that is to wit , his holines , his innocencie , his righteousnes and his godhead , together with al his vertue & might ) are mine and for me : & therfore in him I am holy , innocent , righteous , & godly , and there is not any spotte in me , I am wel●auoured & faire , inasmuch as my lawful husband hath not any blemish in him , but is altogether goodly & fayre . And sith that he is wholy mine , & so consequently al that he hath is mine , & all that he hath is pure and holy : it follow●th that I also am pure and holy . Therfore to begin at his most innocent birth , he hath thereby sanctified the birth of his spouse con●●●ued in sin . The godly childhood & youth of the bridegrom , hath iustified the childish and youthfull life of his déerely beloued bride . For the loue & vnion that is betwixt the soule of a true Christian and the Bridesgrome Iesus Christ , maketh all the works of either of them , to be common to them both . By reason wherof , when a man saith , Iesus Christ hath fasted , Iesus Christ hath prayed , Iesus Christ was heard of the father , raised the dead , draue diuels out of men , healed the sicke , dyed , rose again , and ascended into heauen : Like wise a man may say , that a christen man hath done all the selfsame works , forsomuch as the works of Christ are the works of the Christian , bicause he hath done them for him . Uerily a man may say that the Christian hath béene nailed to the crosse , buried , raised again , is gone vp into heauen , become the childe of God , & mad● partaker of the godhead . On the other side ▪ all the works that a Christian man doeth , are Christes works , because it is his will to take them for his . And forasmuch as they be vnperfect , & he throughly perfect , and canot away with any vnperfect thing : he hath made them perfect with his vertues , to the end that his wife should be alwayes ioyfull & well contented and not be afraide of any thing , assuring herself , that although there be yet still some defalte in her works , yet notwithstanding they be acceptable to God in respect of his sonne , vpon whom he hath his eyes alwayes fastened . O that vnmeasurable goodnes of God● how greately is the christian bound vnto God ? there is no loue of man , be it neuer so great , that may be compared with the loue that God beareth too the soule of euery faithfull Christian , whereof Christ is the bridegrome . Ephe. ● Where vpon S. Paul saith , that Iesus Christ hath so loued his wife the church , which is builded of liuing stones ( that is of the soules of the beléeuing Christians ) that for to sanctifie her , he hath offered himselfe to the death of the crosse , cleansing her with the washing of water , by his word , to ioyne her to himself a glorious church without spot or wrincle or other like thing : but that the shoulde be holy and vnblameable ( that is to wit , like vnto him in holinesse and innocency ) and also be the true & lawful daughter of God , who hath loued the world so well , that as Iesus Christ himselfe saith ) he hath geuen his onely begotten sonne , Iohn . 3. to the ende that euery one which beléeued in him should not perish , but haue life euerlasting . For God sent not his sonne into the worlde too condemne the world : but too the ende that the world might be saued by him , insomuche that he which beléeueth in him shal not be damned . Some man might demand after what maner the vnion of this holy mariage is made , Howe the ●aithfull mans soule is assured of 〈◊〉 being ma●●ed vn●o Christe . & how the soule , which is the bride , and her bridegrome Iesus Christ , are knit together . What assurance can I haue , that my Soule is vnited vntoo Iesus Christ , and become his spouse ? Howe can I assuredly glory that I am Quéene and Mistres of his great riches , as a wife may ? I can easily beléeue that other folkes shall receiue this honour and glory : but I cannot perswade my selfe that I am one of those same too whome God hath geuen so greate grace : For I knowe mine owne wretchednesse & imperfection . My déerebe loued brother , I answeare thée , that thyne assurance consisteth in true and liuely faith , wherewith ( as S. Peter saith ) God cleanseth mens hearts : Acts. 5. and this faith is grounded in the beléeuing of the gospel , that is to say , in the beléeuing of the gladde tidinges which haue béene published on Gods béehalfe through the whole world : which conteineth in effect , that God hath vsed the rigorousnes of his iustice agaynst Iesus Christ chastizing and punishing all our sinnes in him . Mat. 3. And whosoeuer receiueth this good tidings , and beléeues it stedfastly , hath the true faith and doth enioy the forgiuenes of his sinnes , and is also reconciled vnto God : and of the child of wrath , is becom the child of grace : and recouering the image of God , entreth into the kingdome of God , 2. Cor. 3. and is made the temple of God , who marieth mans soule to his onely Sonne , by the meane of this sayth , which faith is a worke of God , and the gift of God , as S. Paule saieth oftentimes . And God geueth it vntoo those whom he calleth to him , of purpose to iustifie them and to glorify them , and to geue them euerlasting life , according as our Lord Iesus Christ witnesseth saying : Iohn . 6. This is the will of him that sent mée , euen that euery one which séeth the sonne and beléeueth in him should haue euerlasting life , and I will rayse him vp agayne at the latter day . Iohn . 3. And like as Moyses lifted vp the serpent in the wildernesse : so must the sonne of man bée lifted vp , to the ende that euery one which beleueth in him might not perish , but haue life euerlasting . Also he saith too Martha : He that beleueth in me shal liue , Iohn . 11. although he were dead , & euery one that liueth & beleueth in me , shall not die for euer . And to a company of the Iewes he saith : I. Iohn . 12. I am come a light into the world , to the end that euery man which beléeueth in me , shoulde not abide in darknesse . And S. Iohn in his Epistle saith : Heere in appeared the loue of God towards vs , 1. Iohn . 4. for that God is loue , and sent his onely begotten Sonne intoo this worlde , that we might liue through him . And herein is loue known , not in that wée loued God , but in that he loued vs , and sent his Sonne too make attonement for our sins . And moreouer he sent him to destroy our enimies . For the bringing whereof too passe , he made him partaker of our fleshe , & of our bloode , as sayeth Sainte Paule : too the end that by his death , 〈◊〉 . 2. he might destroy him that had the dominion of death , that is to wit , the diuel , and set all such at liberty , as were subiect to bondage all their-lyfe long , for feare of death , Seeing then that we haue recordes of the holy scripture , concerning the promises , wherof we haue spoken héertofore , and concerning many other promises that are dispersed in diuers places of the same , we cannot doubt of it . And forsomuch as the holy scripture speaketh to al in general , none of vs ought to distrust in himselfe , that the selfsame thing which the scripture saith , should not belong particularly to himselfe . And too the end that this poynt wherin lieth and consisteth the whole mystery of our holy fayth , A very goodly similitude and fitte for the expressing of the free forgiuenes of 〈◊〉 for Iesus Christes ●ake . may bee vnderstood the better : let vs put the cace that som good and holy King , cause the proclamation to be made through his whole Realm● by the sounde of a Trumpet , that al rebels and banished men shal safely return home to their houses , because that at the suite & deserte of some déere friende of theirs , it hath pleased him to pardon them : certeinly none of those rebels ought too doubt of the obtayning of true pardon of his rebellion , but rather ought assuredly too returne home too his house , to liue vnder the shadowe of that holie King . And if he wyll not returne , by shal beare the pen●lty of it because that through his owne vnbelief he dieth in exile and in the displeasure of his Prince . But this good king is the Lorde of heauen and earth , who for the obedience & desert of our good brother Iesus Christe , hath pardoned as all our sinnes , and ( as wee haue sayd a●ore ) hath made open proclamation through the whole world , that al of vs may safely returne into his kingdom . Wherefore hee that beléeueth this proclamation , doth straight wayes returne into Gods kingdome , ( whereout we were driuen by the offence of our first Parentes , ) and blessedly gouerned by gods holy spirit . And he that geueth no credite to the sayde proclamation , shal neuer enioy the said generall pardon : but for his vnbeleefes sake shal abide in banishment vnder the tyranny of the diuel , and liue and die in extréeme misery , liuing and dying in the displeasure of the King of heauen and earth , and that iustly . For me cannot commit a greater offence against this good God , then to accompte him as a lyer and deceiuer : which verily we doe , in not giuing credite too his promises . O howe passing heauy is this deadly sinne of vnbeleefe ! which so farre foorth as is possible ( ●ereueth God of his glory & perfection : besides the great harme that it doeth to a mans selfe , which is his owne damnation & the endlesse torment of his soule , which the miserable 〈◊〉 féeleth euen in this life . But on the contrary , he that commeth vnto God with assurednesse of this faith , beléeuing him without any mistrust or doubt of his promises , and warranting himselfe for a certaintie , that God will performe all that euer hee hath promised him ; geueth all the glory vnto God , and liueth continually in rest & endlesse ioy , euermore praysing and thanking the Lord God , for choozing him to the glory of the eternall life . 〈…〉 And héere of they haue an assured earnest penny and gage , that is to wit , the sonne of God , whom they take for their most louing Bridegrome , the blood of whom , hath made their heartes so drunken , that through this passing holy beliefe , there is in the christian heart engendred so liuely a hope & so certaine a trust of Gods mercy towardes vs , and such an operation is wrought in vs , as wée reste our selues wholy vpon God , leauing the whole care of vs vnto him in suche wise , that béeing throughly assured of Gods good will , wée are not afraid , neither of the Deuil , nor of his ministers , nor of death . Which holy & stedfast trust of Gods mercy , inlargeth our hearte , chéereth it vp , & with certaine merueilous swéete affections directeth it vntoo GOD , filling it , and setting it on Fyre with an excéeding feruent loue . ●eb . 4. And therefore Paul incourageth vs too goe with all boldnesse to the throne of Grace : and hée counselleth vs that we should not shake it off , nor make light of our trust , which hath great recompence and rewarde . But this so holy and diuine affiance is gendred in our heartes by the working of the holy Ghost , who is communicated vnto vs by faith , ●eb . I0 . which neuer goeth without the loue of God . And héere of it commeth , that w●e are prouoked too doe good workes with a certaine liuelinesse and effectual chéerefulnesse : whereby wée gather such a strength & inclination to do them , as we be throughly ready and forwarde , to doe and to suffer all intollerable thinges for the loue and glory of our most gracious and mercifull father , who hath inriched vs with so abundant grace through Iesus Christe , & of his enimies made vs his most déere children . This true faith is no sooner giuen a man , but he is by and by indued and imprinted with a certain violent loue of good works , to yeelde right sweete and amiable fruites both vnto God , & likewise vnto his neighbour , as a very good and fruitfull trée . And it is no more possible that he should bée otherwise , than it is possible that a Faggot should be set on fire , and not cast light immediately . This is the holy Faith , Heb. 8. without the which it is vnpossible that any man shuld please God , and whereby all the holy men ( as well of the olde Testament as of the new ) haue byn saued , according as S. Paul witnesseth of Abraham : Rom. 4. concerning whom , the Scripture saieth , Gen. 15. that Abraham beléeued God , and it was reckoned to hym for righteousnes . And therefore he saith a litle before : We beléeue that a man is iustified by faith without the déedes of the law . And in an other place he saith : Rom. 2. So then in that time shall the remnant be saued , according to the election of grace : and if they be saued by grace , Galat. 3. then is it not by workes , for then were grace no grace . Abac. 2. And to the Galathians hée sayth , it is a manyfest matter , that no man becommeth righteous before GOD by the Lawe , because the righteous lyueth by Faith . And the Lawe consisteth not in beliefe , but hée that perfourmeth the things that the law commandeth , shal liue by that performance . And further be saith , that a man cannot become righteous by the déedes of the law , but only by beléeuing in Iesus Christe . Galat 3. Againe , a litle after he saith that if a man can become righteous by the law , Iesus Christe dyed in vaine : Moreouer to the Romans , Rom. 10. making comparison betwéene the righteousnesse of the law , & the righteousnes of the Gospel , hee saith , that the one consisteth in the doing of workes , and the other in beléeuing . For if thou confesse , our Lord Iesus Christ wn● thy mouth , and beléue in thy hart that God hath raysed him vp from death , thou shalt be saued . For the beliefe of the heart maketh a man righteous , & the confession of the mouth maketh him safe . Loe how this good Teacher S. Paul sheweth euidently that faith maketh a man righteous without any works . And not only S. Paul , but also ● holy doctors that came after him , haue confirmed and allowed this most holy truth of Iustification by faith : S. Augustin among whom S. Augustin is the chiefe , who in his booke of faith and workes , and in his booke of the Spirit and the Letter , and in his booke of fourescore & thrée questions , and in his booke which hée did write to Bouiface , and in his treatise vpon the xxxi . Psalme , and in many other places , defendeth this article , shewing that we become righteous by faith without any helpe of good workes : Howebeit that good workes are the effectes of righteousnesse , & not the cause of it . And he sheweth that the wordes of S. Iames being soundly vnderstoode , are nothing contrary to this article . Which thing Origen doth also affirme in his 4. Origen . booke vpon the Epistle to the Romans saying that S. Paules meaning is , that faith only is sufficient to make men righteous in somuche that a man becommeth righteous , only by beléeuing , although hée haue not doone any good worke at all . For so it is , that the Théef became righteous with out the works of the law , forasmuch as the Lord sought not what good workes he had doone in times past , nor waited vntil he had done any after he had beléeued , but hauing accepted him for righteous vpon his onely confession , tooke him for his companion , euen he shoulde enter into Paradise . Likewise , that so renowmed * * Mary Magdal● . Luke . 6. woman in the Gospell of S. Luke , while shée was at the féete of Iesus Christ , heard it said vnto her , thy sinnes are forgi●en thée . And a litle after he saith vnto her , thy faith hath saued thée , goe thy way in peace . Afterward Origen saith , In many places of the Gospell a man may sée how our Lorde Iesus Christe hath spoken in suche wise , as hee sheweth that faith is the cause of the saluation of the beteeuers . Then is a man ma●e righteous by faith , & the works of the law further him nothing at al. On the contrary , where Faith is not , ( which Faith maketh the beléeuer righteous ) although a man do the workes which the Law commandeth : yet notwithstanding forasmuch as they be not builded vpon the foundation of faith , albe ▪ it that to outward appearance they séeme good , yet can they not iustifie him that doth them , because he wanteth faith , which is the marke of them that are become righteous before God . Faith is the marke of those that are iustified And who is he that can boast himself to be righteous , when he heareth God say by his Prophet Esay , Esay 64. that all our righteousnesse is as a defiled cloath of a menstruous woman ? Then can wée not iustly glory in our selues , but in the onely faith of the crosse of Iesus Christ . S. Basil. S. Bas●l in his Homilie of humilitie , sayth that the Christian ought to holde him selfe for righteous through beléefe in Iesus Christ : and his wordes are these . The Apostle sayth , that he which gloryeth , should glory in the Lord , in that God hath made Iesus Christ to be our wisdome , righteousnesse , holynes and redemption , to the end , that hée which would glory , should glory in the Lord , because that ●he per●ite and sounde gloriyng , is to glory in the Lorde . For in so doing , a man presumeth not vpon his owne righteousnesse , but acknowledgeth his want or ●he true righteousnesse , & that he is made righteous , only by beléeuing in Iesus Christe . And S. Paul glorieth of the despiting of his owne righteousnesse , and of his séeking of Christes righteousnesse , by faith , which commeth of God . S. Hyllary in his nienth Canon vppon the exposition of S. Matthewe sayth these woordes : S. ●i●●●lary . The Scribes considering Iesus Christe but only as man , were troubled that a man shoulde forgeue sinnes , and pardon that thing which the Lawe coulde not doe , becauss that only faith iustifieth . Saint Ambrose , S. Ambrose Rom. 4. in expounding these word●s of S. Paul [ Vnto hym that beleeueth in him which iustifieth the vngodly . his faith is accounted for righteousnesse , according to the purpose of Gods grace . ] ( Like as Dauid also saith , that the man is ble●●ed whom Gond accompteth righteous without good workes ) writeth thus . S. Paul sayth , that vnto him which beléeueth in Iesus Christ ( that is to wit , to the Gentile ) his faith is imputed for righteousnesse , as it was vnto Abraham . In what wise them thinke the Iewes to become righteous by the workes of the law : and yet to be righteous as Abraham was , séeing that Abraham became not righteous by the déedes of the Lawe , but onely by faith ? Then is not the Law needful , forasmuche as the sinner becommeth righteous before God through only faith , according to gods gracious purpose , as Dauid sayth . The Apostle confirmeth that which he hath said , by the Prophets example , saying : Psalm. 31. Blessed is the man whom God accepteth for righteous without workes : Whereby Dauid meaneth that those men are very happy , whom God hath determined to accept for righteous before him , by only faith , without any paines taking or obseruation of the Law on theyr behalfe . Thus sheweth hée the blessednesse of the time wherein Christ was borne , insomuch as the Lord himselfe saith : Many righteous men & Prophetes haue coueted to sée the things that you sée , and too heare the things that you heare , & haue not heard them . The selfsame thing saith S. Ambrose in expounding the first cap. of the I. Epistle to yn Corinthians , affirming openly that whosoeuer beléeueth in Iesus Christ , is become righteous Without workes & without any desert , & receiueth forgiuenesse of his sinnes by faith alone . Also he affirmeth the same thing in an Epistle which he writeth to Irenaeus , saying : let no man boast of his own workes , for no man becommeth righteous by his owne workes : but he that hath righteousnesse , hath it of frée gift , forsomuch as he is made righteous by Iesus Christ . Then is 〈◊〉 faith that deliuereth by Christs blood : for happy is hée whose sinne is forgeuen & pardoned . S. Bernard And S. Bernard in his thréescore and seuentéene Sermon vppon the Ballet of Ballets , confirmeth the same , saying that our owne merites beare no sway at all , in making vs righteous , which thing must be attributed wholy vnto grace , with maketh vs righteous fréely , & likewise dischargeth vs from the bondage of sinne . And he addeth , that Iesus Christ marrieth the soule and ●oupleth it vnto himselfe by faith , without that any desert of our works ought or can come betwéen . But bicause I wil not be too long , I wyll make an end of mine allegations , when I haue vttered one very notable and good saiyng of Saint Ambrose in his booke intituled of Iacob concerning the blessed life . G●n. 17. The saide holy mansaith , that like as Iacob hauing not on his owne behalfe deserued the birthright , A very good comparison how we bee clothed with the righteousnes of Iesus Christe . shrowded himselfe vnder the apparrell of his brother and cloathed him selfe with his garment , which yéelded a very swéete sente , and in that wise presented him selfe to his father , to receiue the blessing vnder another mans person too his owne behoofe : euen so is it requisite for vs to cloath our selues with the righteousnes of Iesus Christ by faith , and to shrowd our selues vnder the diuine purenesse of our eldest brother , if wée wyll be receiued for righteous afore God . And certainely this is true . For if wée appeare before God vnclothed of the righteousnesse of Iesus Christe , out of all doubt we shal bée iudged worthie of euerlasting damnation . But contrariwise , yf GOD sée vs apparelled with the righteousnesse of his sonne Christ : them wil he surely take vs for righteous , and holy , and worthy of eternal life . And verily it is a great rashnesse in such as pretende to attaine vnto righteousnes by the kéeping of Gods commandements , which are alcomprehēded in * louing God , with all our heart , with all our soule , and with all our strength , and our neighbour as our selfe . No man can boast of the perfourmance of Gods lawe . But who is so arrogant or so madde as to presume that he is able to perfourme those commandements to the full ? Or who séeth not that Gods law requireth perfect loue , and condemneth all vnperfectnesse . Let euery man consider well his owne workes , which partly shall séeme good vnto him , and hée shall finde that they ought rather to be called transgressions of that most holy law , according also as they be altogeather vncleane and vnperfect , so that he must bee faine to vtter this saying of Dauids , Enter not into iudgemente with thy seruant O Lorde , Psalm. 102 for no man liuing shall bée found righteous in thy sight And Solomon saith , Prou. 20. Iob. 15. who is hée that may say , my hearte is cleane : And Iob cryeth out , What man is he that can be vndefiled , and what man borne of woman can shewe him selfe righteous ? Beholde hee found no stedfastnesse among his Saints , yea the heauens are not cleane in his sight . Nowe muche more abhominable and filthie is man , who drinketh iniquitie as it were water ? And S. Iohn saith , If we say wée bée without sinne , ● . Ihon. 2. wée deceiue our selues . And specially our Sauiour Iesus Christe teacheth vs to say , as often as wee pray , Forgeue vs all our trespasses , as we forgiue them that trespasse against vs . Matth 6. And herby may wel be gathered the folly of those that make merchandise of their workes , presuming to saue by them , not onely them selues , but also their neighbors : as though our Lord Iesus Christe had not sayd vnto them , When yée haue doone all that euer is commanded you , Luke . 17. say yée , we be vnprofitable seruantes , wee have doone but as wee ought to doe . Ye sée that although wee had perfourmed Gods lawe too the full , yet neuerthelesse we shoulde esteeme and cal our selues vnprofitable seruants . Nowe then séeing that men are so farre of from this ful perfourmance : who is he that dareth be so bolde as to glorifie him selfe that hee hath added so great an ouerplus of deseruinges aboue the full measure , as he may haue to deale abroade vnto others ? But to returne to our purpose , I woulde that the proude sinner which beareth him selfe in hande that hée maketh himselfe righteous before God by doeing some workes which are allowable to the world , would consider that all the works which procéed out of an vncleane and foule hearte , are also vncleane and filthie , and consequently cannot be acceptable vnto God , nor haue any power to make the partie righteous . Therefore wée must first of all cleanse the hearte , if wee minde that our workes should please God . The cleansing of the hearte proceedeth of faith , as the holy Ghost affirmeth by the mouth of S. Peter . Acts. 15. Then must wee not say that the vnrighteous person and the sinner becommeth righteous , good , and acceptable vnto God by his owne workes : But wée must of necessitie conclude , that faith cleanseth our har●es , and maketh vs good , righteous and acceptable before God , and furthermore causeth our woorkes too please him , notwithstanding that they bée altogether vnprofitable and vnperfect . For in as much as wée be become the children of God through faith : hee considereth our workes not as a seuere & rigorous iudge , but as a most mercifull father , hauing pitty of our frailenesse , and regarding vs as the members of his eldest sonne , whose per●ection and righteousnesse doeth supply all our vncleannesse and imperfection , which arenot layde to our charge , forsomuche as they be couered vnder the purenes and innocencie of Iesus Christe , and come not to iudgement before God . And héereupon it co●neth too passe , How the woorkes of the faithful , though they be vnperfit , please God . that all our woorkes which proceede of a true faith , ( notwithstanding that they be wholy sinful and corrupt of themselues ) shall neuerthelesse bée praysed and allowed by Iesus Christe in the generall iudgement , because they bee the fruites and Testimonies of our faith whereby wee bée saued . For insomuche as we haue loued the brethren of Iesus Christ , wée shall shew euidently , that wée haue also béene faithfull , and brethren of Christe , and therefore by faith , wée shall bee put in full possession of the euerlasting kingdome which our soueraigne Lord God hath prepared for vs before the creating of the world : Matth. 25. not for our merites sakes , but through his mercy whereby he hath chosen vs , and called vs to the grace of his Gospel , and made vs righteous , to the intent to glorifie vs euerlastingly with his only begotten sonne Iesus Christe , who is the holinesse and righteousnesse of vs , but not of them which wyll not confesse that faith is sufficient of it selfe too make a man righteous and acceptable to the Lord GOD , who through his fatherly goodnes and louing kindnes , offereth and giueth vs Iesus Christe with his righteousnesse , without any desert of our owne works . What thing can work or cause a man too deserue so great a gyfte and Ireasure as Iesus Christe is ? This treasure is geuen only through the grace , fauour , and mercyfulnesse of GOD : In what maner faith iustifiet . and only faith is the thing that receiueth suche a gift , as too make vs inioy the forgiuenesse of our sinnes .

And therfore when S. Paul & other Doctors say , that only faith maketh men righteous without workes : they meane , that it maketh vs so inioy the general forgeuenesse of our sinnes , and to receiue Iesus Christ , who ( as saith S. Paul ) dwelleth in our heartes by faith , ●phe . 3. and ouercomming and pacifiyng the troubles of our consci●nces , satisfieth Gods iustice for our sinnes . Furthermore it appeaseth Gods wrath iustly mooued against vs , quenetheth the fyre of Hell , whereinto our naturall corruption did throw vs headlong , and chéerefully destroyeth and ouerthroweth the Deuil togeather with al his power and tyranny : Which things , all the works that al y● men in the worlde can lay together , are not able to deserue nor to bring to passe . That glory and that prerogatiue is reserued alonly to the sonne of God , that is to wit , too the blessed Iesus Christe , who hath power aboue all the the powers that are in heauen , in earth , and in Hell , and giueth himselfe and his merites , to al such as distrusting in themselues doe set their whole hope of being saued , in him and in his merites . And therefore let no man beguile him selfe when hée heareth it saide , that onely fayth iustifieth without workes : and think , as false christians doe ( who drawe all thinges to liue fleshly ) that the true faith consisteth in beléeuing the bare s●rory of Iesus Christ , after the same manner as men beléeue the story of Caesar , or Alexander . Suche manner of beliefe is but an historicall belief , grounded méerely vpon the report of men , & vpon their writinges , & lightly imprinted in our conceite by a certaine custome , and is like to the faith of the Turkes , who for the like reasons beléeue the fables of their Alcaron . And such a faith is but an imagination of man , which neuer renueth the har● of man , nor warmeth it with the loue of God , neyther doe any good woorkes insue , or any change of life which faith shoulde bring foorth . And therfore they falsty hold opinion , against the holy scripture and agaynst the holy Doctors of the church , that only faith maketh not māe righteous , but that they must also haue works , vnto whom I answere that this historical and fond beléefe , and all the workes that insue therof , are not only vnable to make a man righteous : but also doo cast the parties headlong to the bottome of hel , Mat. 12. like vnto those that haue no oyle in their larpes , that is to say , no liecly ●aith in their harts . The fayth that maketh men righteous , is a work of God in vs , wherby out old man is crucified , & wee being transformed in Iesus Christe , become newe creatures , & the déere beloued children of God . Rom. 6. This heauenly faith is it that graffeth vs into the death and resurrection of Iesus Christ , & consequently mortifieth our flesh with the affects & lustes therof . For when we by the operation of fayth do knowe our selues to be dead with Iesus Christe : wee are at a full point with our selues & with the world , & are throughly resolued , how it is méete that they which are dead with Iesus Christe , shoulde mortifie their earthly members , that is to wit , the sinfull affections of they mind , and the lusts of the flesh & forasmuch as we know we bee raysed againe in Christ , we bend our selues to the leading of a spirituall & holy life , like vnto that which we shal liue in heauen , after the last resurrection . This holy fayth making vs to inioy the general pard●n that is published by the Gospel , bringeth vs into the kingdome of our good God , and pacifieth our consciences , mainteining vs in continual ioy , & holy & spiritual sweetnes . This self-same faith knitteth vs vnto God , & maketh him to dwell in our heartes , & clotheth our soule with himself , so as thenceforth the holy Ghost moueth vs to doe the same things wherunto he moued Iesus Christ while he was in the world , & was conuersant among men , that is to wit , vnto lo wlines , meekenes , obedientnes vnto God , louingnes , & other perfections , wherthrough we recouer the image of God . For these selfsame causes , Iesus Christ did rightly attribute blessednes vnto this inspired faith : which blessednes cannot be without good works & holines of life . And how can it bée that a Christian should not beocme holy , seeing that Iesus Christ is become his holines through ●aith : Therfore by faith we be iustified & saued : S. Paule calleth them saints whom we call Christians . and therfore S. Paul doth in a maner alwaies call those Saints , whom we call nowe Christians : who , if they haue not Christs spirit are none of Christes , & consequently no Christians at al. But if they have the spirit of Iesus Christe to rule and gouerne them , we must not doubte , but that although they knowe well that they bee made righteous through faith onely : He that beleeueth cannot be with out good workes . yet for al that , they will become neuer the more slouthfull to do good workes . For Christes spirite is the spirit of loue , and loue cannot bee idle , nor cease from the doing of good works . But if we will say the truth , a man can do no good works , except he first know himselfe to be become righteous by faith : for before he knoweth that , his dooing of good woorkes is rather too make himselfe righteous , than for the loue and glory of God : and so he defileth all his works with selfeloue , for the loue of himselfe and for his own profit . But he that knoweth himselfe to be become righteous by the merits and righteousnesse of Christe , ( which hee maketh his owne by fayth ) laboureth happily , & doeth good woorkes , alonely for the loue and glory of Christ , and not for love of himselfe , nor to make himselfe righteous , And thervpon it commeth , that the true Christian , ( that is to wit , he that accounteth him self righteous by reason of Christes righteousnes ) asketh not whether good works be commanded or not : but being wholly moued & prouoked with a certaine violence of godly loue , he offereth himselfe willingly to doal the works that are holy & Christianlike , and neuer ceaseth to doe well . He therefore which féeleth not the meruailous effects by his faith , which we haue heretofore declared , that the inspired faith worketh in the heart of the christian : Let him assure himselfe , that he hath not the christian faith , & let him pray earnestly vnto God to giue it him , saying : Lorde , helpe mine vnbeleefe . And when he heareth it said , Mark . 2. that only faith maketh men righteous , let him not deceiue himself , & say What néede I to weary my selfe in doing good workes ? faith is inough to send me to Paradise . To such an one I answeare , that onely fayth sendeth vs to Paradise : but yet let him take good héed : for the diuels doe also beléeue and tremble , Iames 2. as saith S. Iames : O miserable man , wilte thou goe with them too Paradise ? By this false conclusion thou maist know ( my brother ) in what an error thou art : for thou wéenest to haue the faith that maketh men righteous , and thou hast it not . Apoc. 3. Thou sayest thou art rich , and hast no néede of any thing , and thou seest not howe thou art poore , wretched , blind , and naked . I councel thée to buy golde of God , that is throughly fixed with fire , ( that is to say , true faith set on fire with good works ) to the intent thou maist become riche : and to cloth thy self with white raiment ( that is to wit with Christes innocencie ) to the ende that the shame of thy nakednesse ( which is the great filthinesse of thy sinnes ) be not séene to the whole world . Then is the iustifying faith as it were a flame of fire , which cannot but cast foorth brightnesse . And like as the flame burneth the wood without the helpe of the light , A liuely comparison . and yet the flame cannot bee without the light : so is it assuredly true , that fayth alone consumeth and burneth away sinne without the helpe of woorkes , and yet that the same fayth cannot be with out good woorkes . Wherefore , like as if we see a flame of fire that giueth no light , we knowe by and by that it is but vayne and painted : euen so when wee see not some light of good woorkes in a man , it is a token that he hath not the true inspired faith , Ihat S. Iames meant concerning works . Iames. 2. which God giueth to his chosen , too iustifie and glorify them withall . And hold it for certayne , that S. Iames meant so , when he sayde , shewe mee thy faith by thy works , & I wil shewe thée my faith by my works . For his meaning was , that he s ● is plunged in ambitiousnes , and worldly pleasurs , beleueth not ( though he say he beleue ) forasmuch as he sheweth not in himself the effects of faith . Also we may liken this holy faith too the Godhead which is in Iesus Christ : A heanenly comparison who being very man ( but without sin ) did wonderful thinges , healing the sicke , giuing sight to the blind , walking vpon the water , and raysing vp the dead vnto life again : & yet these merueilous works were not the cause that he was God . For before he did any of those things , he was God and the lawful and only begotten sonne of God , and he néed not to worke those miracles to make himself God by them , but forasmuch as he was God , therfore he did them . And so , the miracles that Christ wrought , made him not to be God , but shewed openly that he was God . In likewise , true fayth is as it were a Godhead in the Soule of a Christian , which doeth wonderous works , & is neuer weary of well doyng , and yet those works are not the cause that a Christian is a christian , that is to wit , that he is righteous , good , holy , and acceptable vntoo God , neither néedeth he to woorke all those good workes to become such a one . But forasmuch as he is a christian by fayth , lyke as Iesus Christ being a man was also God by his Godhead ; hee dooth all those good woorkes , which make not the christian too be righteous and good , but shewe him to be good , righteous and holy . So then , like as Christes Godhead was the cause that hée wrought miracles : euen so faith working through loue , is the cause of the good works that a christen man doeth . And like as a man may say of Iesus Christ , that hee hath done this miracle or that , & that those miracles , besids that they glorified God , were also a great honor vnto Iesus Christ as he was man , who for his obedience euen vnto death , was recompenced at Gods hand in his resurrection , & had geuen vnto him al power both in heauen & earth , which he had not afore as in respect of his manhood , but deserued it by the vnion with is betwixt the worde of God and the manhood of Christ : So doeth faith in a Christian , which faith by reason of the vnion that it hath with the soule , attributeth that thing too the one in is proper to the other : whervpon it commeth , that the holy scripture promiseth the christian euerlasting life for his good woorks , because good works are the fruites and testimonies of liuely faith , and procéed of it as light procéedeth from a flame of fire , accōrding as I haue said hertofore . And by this holy faith which imbraceth Iesu Christ , it commeth to passe that our soule is ioyned with Christ , and is so vnited and knit to him , that whatsoeuer Christ hath merited & deserued , the same is imputed vnto the soule , as though it had merited and deserued it . And therefore S. Augustine saith , that God crowneth his owne giftes in vs . Of this vnion of the soule with Iesus Christ , Christ himselfe beareth good recorde , where hee prayeth so his father for his Apostles and for such as should beléeue in him by their preaching : Iohn . 17. I pray not ( saith he ) for them onely , but also for al those that shal beléeue in me through theyr word , to the end they may be all one thing , that like as thou my father art in me , and I in thee , so they also may b●e one in vs , and that the world may beléeue that thou hast sent me , and that I haue geuen them the glory which thou hast geuen me , so as they should be one selfsame thing like as thou and I are one . Whereby it appeareth euidently , that if we beléeue the word of the Apostles ( who preached that Iesus Christ died for our sinnes , Rom. 4. and rose againe for our iustification ) we become al one thing with him : and forasmuch as he is all one with God , we also become al one with god , by the meane of Iesus Christ . 2. Cor. 6. D wonderful glory of the Christian , to whom it is graunted through faith , to possesse the vnspeakeable benefits which the Angels long to behold ! By this present discourse a man may plainly perceiue the difference that is betwixt vs & them that defend the iustification by faith & woorkes together . Herein we agrée with them , that we stablish workes , affirming that the ●aith which iustifieth cannot be without good works , & that those which are become righteous are they that doe the good woorks that may rightly be called good works . But we differ from them in this , that we say , 1. Pet-2 . that faith maketh men righteous without the help of woorkēs . And the reason is ready : namely , because that by faith we put on Christe , and make his holinesse and righteousnesse to be ours . And séeing the case so standeth , that Christes righteousnesse is geuen vs by fayeth : ● Galat. 3. We cannot be so thanklesse , blind , and vnhappy , as not to beléeue that he is of sufficient ability , to make vs acceptable and right before God . Let vs say with the Apostle , 〈◊〉 . 9. If the blood of Oxen and Goates and the Ashes of a Cow sprinckled , cleanseth the vncleane , as touching the cleansing of the flesh : how much more shal that blood of Iesus Christ , who by the euerlasting spirite offered himselfe vndefiled vnto God , to cleanse our consciences from dead workes to serue the liuing God ? I pray thée now , thou good and deuout christian , consider wel which of these two opinions is the truest , holiest , and worthiest to be preached : Ours , which aduanceth the benefit of Iesus Christ , & pulleth downe the pride of man which would exalt his owne woorkes against Christes glory , or the other , which by affirming that faith of it selfe iustifieth not , defaceth the glory and benefite of Iesus Christe , and puffeth vp the pride of man , who cannot abide to bée iustified fréely by our Lord Iesus Christ without some merit of his owne . But ( say they ) it is a greate quickening vp to good woorkes to say that a man maketh himself righteous before God by meanes of them . I answeare , that we also confesse that good workes are acceptable to God , & that he of his méere grace and frée liberalitie recompenceth them in paradise . But we say more ouer , that no woorkes are good , sauing those that ( S. Augustine saith ) are done by those that are become righteous through faith , because , that if the tree be not good , it cannot yeelde good fruit . And ●urthermore we say , that such as are become righteous through fayth , forasmuch as they knowe themselues to be righteous through Gods righteousnesse purchased by Christ , make no bargayning with God for their works , as though they woulde buy their maner of iustification such as it is with them : but béeing inflamed with the loue of God , and desirous to glorifie Iesus Christ who hath made them righteous by geuing them his merites and riches , they bestow all theyr whole studie and labour to doe Gods will , fighting manfully agaynst the loue of themselues , and agaynst the world and the Diuel . And when they fal through frailty of the flesh , they recouer themselues by and by , & are so much the more desirous to do good , & so much the more in loue with their God , considering that he layeth not their sins to their charge , bicause they be ingrafted into Iesus Christ , who hath made ful amendes for all his members , vppon the trée of his trosse , and maketh continuall intercession for them to the eternall father , who for the loue of his onely begotten sonne beholdeth them alwaies with a gentle countenance , gouerning and defending them as his most deare children , and in the end geuing them the heritage of the world , making thé like fashioned to the glorious image of Christ . These louing motions are the spurres that pricke forward the true Christians to doe good woorks : who considering that they are become the children of God through faith , & made partakers of his diuine nature , are stirred vp by the holy Ghoste dwelling in them , to liue as it becommeth the children of so great a Lord , & are greately ashamed that they mainteine not the beauty of their heauenly noblenes : and therfore they imploy their whole indeuour to the following of their firstborue brother Iesus Christ lyuing in great lowlines and m●eekenes , in al thinges séeking the glory of God , geuing their liues for their brethren , doing good to their enimies , gloriyng in the sufferance of reproches , & in the crosse of our Lord Iesus Christ , Galat. 6. ●●ke . 2. & saying with Zachary , We be deliuered out of hande of our enimies , to serue God without feare , in holines and righteousnes all the daies of our life . They say with S. Paul , The grace of the Lord is appeared , 〈◊〉 2. to abolish al wickednes and al worldly desires in vs , to the end we should liue a sober , holy , and honest life in this worlde , wayting for the blessed hope , and for the glorious appearing of the great God and sauiour . These and such other like thoughts , desires , and affections , are wrought by inspired faith in the soules of them that are become righteous . And as for him that eyther wholly or partly feleth not these godly affections and operations in his heart , but is geuen ouer to the flesh and the world ; let him assur● himselfe , that hee hath not yet the iustifying faith , nor is the member of Christ , because he hath not Christes spirit , and consequently is none of his , and he that is none of Christes , is no Christian. Then let mans wisedom cease henceforth to fight Rom. 8. agaynst the righteousnesse of the most holy faith , and let vs geue al the glory of our iustification , Gala. 3. to the merits of Iesus Christ with whom we be clothed through faith .