CHAP. I. Of Originall sinne , and of mans wretchednesse .

THe holy Scripture saith , that God The state of man before & after that he had sinned . created man after his owne Image and likenesse , making him , as in respect of his body , impassible ; and as touching his Soule , righteous , true , good , mercifull , and holy . But after that , he being ouercome with desire of knowledge , had eaten of the Apple that God had forbidden him , he lost the said Image and likenesse of God , and became like the bruite beasts , and like the diuell who had abused him . For as touching his Soule , he became vnrighteous , vntrue , cruell , pittilesse , and the enemy 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 should haue left vs their righteousnesse and holinesse as an heritage : euen so by being disobedient vnto God , they haue left vs the Inheritance of vnrighteousnesse , wickednesse , and Gods displeasure , in such sort as it is vnpossible for vs ( through our owne strength ) to loue God , or to frame our selues vnto his holy will . Nay we be enemies vnto him , as to one that must punish our sinnes , because he is a iust Iudge , and therefore can we not any more trust wholly to his holy mercy . To be short , our whole nature was corrupted by Adams sinne . And like as erst it had superiority aboue all creatures , so became it an vnderling to all , the bondslaue of Satan , sinne , and death , and condemned to the miseries of hell . Also he lost his iudgement altogether , and began to say that good was euill , and euill good : esteeming false things to be true , and true things to be false . Which thing the Prophet considering , saith : that all men are lyers , and that there is not one that Psal. 114. doth good , because the diuell like a stout man Psal. 14. of Armes , ruleth his owne palace , that is to wit , the world , whereof he became the prince and lord . There is no tongue that can expresse the thousandth part of our misery , in that we being created by Gods owne hand , haue lost the said Image of God , and are become like the diuell , and too like to him in nature and condition , willing whatsoeuer he willeth , and likewise refusing whatsoeuer he misliketh . By reason whereof being giuen vp for a prey to that wicked spirit , there is no sinne so grieuous , which euery one of vs would not be ready to doe , if the Grace of God stay vs not . And this our depriuation of righteousnesse , and this forward Originall sinne . inclination to all vnrighteousnesse and nanghtinesse , is called originall sinne : the which we 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 all the sinnes and iniquities that we commit ; wherefrom if we will be deliuered and returne againe to our first innocency , to recouer the Image of God : first of all it standeth vs on hand to know our owne wretchednesse . For like as no man will euer A very good comparison . seeke to the Physicion , except he know himselfe to be diseased , or acknowledge the excellency of the Physicion , and how much he is bound vnto him , except he know his owne disease to be pestilent and deadly : euen so no man acknowledgeth Iesus Christ the onely Physicion of our soules , except he first know his owne soule to be diseased : neither can he perceiue the excellency of him , nor how much he is bound vnto him , except he first enter into the knowledge of his owne outragious sinnes , and of the incurable infirmity , which we haue receiued through the infection of our first fathers .

CHAP. II. How the Law was giuen by God , to the end that we knowing our sinne , and hauing not any hope of ability to make our selues righteous by our owne works , should haue recourse to Gods mercy , and vnto the righteousnesse of faith .

OVR God therefore minding of his infinite goodnesse and mercy to send his onely Sonne to set free the wretched children of Adam , and knowing that first of all it behooued him to make them vnderstand their owne misery : chose Abraham , ( in whose seede hee promised to blesse all Nations , ) and accepted his off-spring for his peculiar people , vnto whom , ( after their departure out of Egypt , and deliuerance from the bondage of Pharao , ) he by the meanes of Moyses , gaue the Law , which forbiddeth all lusting , and commandeth vs to loue GOD with all our heart , with all our soule , and with all our strength , in such wise , as our whole trust be reposed in him , and we ready to leaue our life for his sake , to suffer all torments in our members , and to be bereft of all our goods , dignities , and honours for the loue of our God , choosing to dye , rather then to doe any thing that may dislike him , be it neuer so little : and doing all things in that behalfe with a merry heart , and with all forwardnesse and cheerefulnesse . Moreouer , the Law commandeth vs Who is our neighbour . to loue our neighbour as our selfe , meaning by the Neighbour , all manner of men , as well friends as foes : and it willeth vs to doe to euery man as we would be done vnto , and to loue other mens cases as our owne . And so by looking in this holy Law as in a cleere looking glasse , man doth out of hand espy his owne great imperfection and vnablenesse to obey Gods Commandements , and to render him the honour and loue which he ought to yeeld to his Maker . The first office of the Law then , is to make sinne knowne , as The first office or duty of the Law , Rom. 3. and 7. Saint Paul affirmeth . And in another place he saith , I had not knowne what sinne is , but by the Law . The second office of the Law , is to make sinne increase , forasmuch as we being quite gone from the obeying of God , The second office of the Law . and become bond-slaues to the diuell , being full of wicked workes and inordinate affections , cannot abide that God should forbid vs to lust , which increaseth so much the more , as it is the more prohibited : by reason whereof Saint Paul saith , that sinne was dead , but the Law came and raised it vp againe , and so it became out of measure great . The third office of the Law , is to shew the The third office of the Law . wrath and iudgement of God , who threatneth death and euerlasting punishment , to such as keepe not the Law throughout in all points . For the holy Scripture saith , Cursed Deut. 27. is hee that performeth not throughly all the things that are written in the booke of the Law . And therefore Saint Paul saith , That 2 Cor. 3. the Law is a ministery , and that it bringeth forth wrath . The Law then hauing discouered sinne , and increased it , and shewed forth the wrath and indignation of God who threatneth death , executeth his fourth office , which is to put a man in feare , who thereupon The 4th . office of the Law . falleth into sorrowfulnesse , and would faine satisfie the Law : but forasmuch as hee seeth cleerely , that he is not able : he waxeth angry against God , and would with all his heart that there were no God , because he feareth to be sore chastised and punished by him , according as Saint Paul saith , That the wisedome of the flesh is the enemy of God : Because Rom. 4. it neither is , nor can be subiect to the Law of God . The fifth office of the Law ( which is the principall end , and the most excellent The fifth office of the Law . and necessary office of it ) is to constraine a man to goe vnto Iesus Christ , in like wise as the Hebrewes , being dismayed , were constrained to appeale vnto Moses , saying : Let not the Lord speake vnto vs , lest Exod. 20. we dye , but speake thou vnto vs , and we will obey thee in all things . And the Lord answered : Verily , they haue spoken exceeding well . Yea , they were not praised for any other thing , then for their desiring of a Mediator betwixt God and them , which was Moses , who represented Iesus Christ , that should be the Aduocate and Mediator betweene God and man . In respect whereof God said vnto Moses , I will raise vp a Prophet among their brethren like vnto thee , and I will put my Word in his mouth , and he shall speake vnto them all the things that I shall command him , and I will punish all those that will not obey my Word , which he shall speake in my name .

CHAP. III. How the forgiuenesse of our sinnaes , our iustification , and our saluation depend vpon Iesus Christ .

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 free from the curse Coloss. 3. of the Law , and reconcile vs vnto our God : that he should make our will fit for good workes , healing our free-will , and repairing in vs the foresaid Image of God which we had lost through the fault of our first parents : Acts 4. forasmuch 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 runne vnto him with the feet of liuely faith , and cast our selues betweene his armes , sith he allureth vs so graciously , crying : Come vnto me , all you that labour and are heauy laden , and I will refresh Matth. 11. you : What comfort or what ioy in this life can be comparable to this his saying there , when as a man feeling himselfe oppressed with the intolerable waight of his sinnes , vnderstandeth so sweet and amiable words of the Sonne of God , who promiseth so graciously to refresh and rid him of his great paines ? But all the matter lyeth in acknowledging our owne weakenesse and misery in good earnest . For he shall neuer know what is sweet , who hath not tasted of the sowre . And therefore Iesus Christ saith : If any man Iohn 7. thirst , let him come to me and drinke : as if he had meant to say , If a man know not himselfe to be a sinner , nor thirst after righteousnesse , he cannot taste of the sweetnesse of Iesus Christ , how sweet it is to talke of him , to thinke of him , and to follow his most holy life . But when we once throughly know our owne infirmitie by meanes of the Law : let vs hearken to Saint Iohn Baptist , who pointeth vs to the Soueraigne Physician with his finger , saying : Behold the Lambe of God , Iohn 8. which taketh away the sinnes of the world . For hee it is that deliuereth vs from the heauy Gal. 3. yoke of the Law , abrogating and disanulling the curses & sharpe threatnings of the same : healing all our infirmities : reforming our free-will , returning vs to our ancient innocency , and repayring in vs the Image of our God : insomuch that ( according to Saint Pauls saying ) like as by Adam wee bee all 1 Cor. 15. dead : so by Iesus Christ wee are all quickened . And it is not to be beleeued that the sin of Adam , which wee haue by inheritance from him , should be of more force then the righteousnesse of Christ , that which also we inherit by faith . It seemeth that man hath great cause to complaine , that ( without any reason why , ) he is conceiued and borne in Psal. 50. sinne , and in the wickednesse of his parents , by meanes of whom , death reigneth ouer all men . But now is all our sorrow taken away , inasmuch as by a like meane ( without any occasion giuen on our behalfe ) righteousnesse and euerlasting life are come by Iesus Christ , and by him death is slaine , whereof Saint Paul maketh a very godly discourse , which I purpose to set downe here following . Wherefore ( saith he ) like as by one Rom. 5. man sinne entred into the world , and death by sinne : euen so death went ouer all men , forasmuch as all men haue sinned . For vntill the Law , sinne was in the world : but sinne was not regarded as long as there was no Law . Neuerthelesse death reigned from Adam vnto Moses , 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 Christ , 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 all men to condemnation , so by the righteousnesse of one , the benefit 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 , shall many be also made righteous . Moreouer the Law entred thereupon , that the offence should abound : neuerthelesse where sinne abounded , there grace abounded much more , that as sinne had reigned vnto death , so might grace also reigne by righteousnesse vnto eternall life , through Iesus Christ our Lord . By these words of St. Paul , we manifestly perceiue the thing to be true , which we haue said heretofore : that is to wit , that the Law was giuen to make sinne knowne : which sin we doe also know , not to be of greater force then Christs righteousnesse , where-through we be iustified before God . For euen as Iesus Christ is stronger then Adam was : so is his righteousnesse more mightie then the sinne of Adam . And if the sinne of Adam was sufficient inough to make all men sinners and children of wrath without any misdeed of our owne : much more shall Christs righteousnesse be of greater force to make vs all righteous and the children of grace , without any of our owne good works : which cannot be good , vnlesse that before we doe them , wee our selues be made good , as Augustine also affirmeth . Hereby a man may know in what The greatnes of sinne ought not to cause despaire . errour they be , who by reason of some great offence , despaire of Gods good will , imagining that he is not willing to forgiue , couer , and pardon all sinne , hauing already punished and chastised all our sinnes and iniquities in his owne onely begotten and dearely beloued Sonne , and consequently granted a generall pardon to all mankinde , which euery body enioyeth that beleeueth the Gospell , that is to say , which beleeueth the happy tydings that the Apostles haue published through the whole world , saying : We beseech you for Iesus Christs sake , Be ye reconciled vnto God : 1 Cor. 5. for he that neuer knew sinne , was made a sacrifice for our sinne , that we might become righteous in him . The Prophet Esay foreseeing this great goodnesse of God , writeth these heauenly words , which doe so well paint out the passion of our Lord Iesus Christ , and the cause thereof , as it is not to be found better described , euen in the writings of the Apostles . Who ( saith he ) will beleeue our report , and to whom is the arme of the Lord reuealed ? But he shall grow vp before him as a branch and as a root out of a dry ground , he hath neither forme nor beautie : when we shall see him , there shall be no forme that wee should desire him : Hee is despised and reiected of men , he is a man full of sorrowes , and hath experience of infirmities , we hid as it were our faces from him : he was despised , and wee esteemed him not . Surely he hath borne our infirmities and carried our sorrowes , yet we did iudge him as plagued and smitten of God , and 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 wee like sheepe haue gone astray : we haue turned euery one to his owne way , and the Lord hath laid vpon him the iniquity of vs all : he was oppressed , and hee was afflicted , yet did hee not open his mouth . He is brought as a sheep to the slaughter , and as a sheepe before the shearer is dumme , so hee openeth not his mouth . O great vnkindnesse ! O thing abominable ! that wee which professe our selues Christians , and heare that the Sonne of God hath taken all our sins vpon him , and washed them out with his precious blood , suffering himselfe to be fastened to the Crosse for our sakes : should neuerthelesse make as though we would iustifie our selues , and purchase forgiuenesse of our sins by our owne works : as who would say , that the deserts , righteousnesse and bloodshed of Iesus Christ were not enough to doe it , vnlesse we came to put to our workes and righteousnesse which are altogether defiled and spotted with self-loue , selfe-liking , selfe-profit , and a thousand other vanities , for which we haue neede to craue pardon at Gods hand , rather than reward ! Neither doe we thinke of the threatnings , which S. Paul vseth to the Galatians , who hauing beene deceiued by false Preachers , beleeued not that the Iustification by Faith was sufficient of it selfe , but went about still to be made righteous by the Law . Vnto whom Saint Paul saith , Iesus Christ Gal. 5. shall nothing profit you that iustifie your selues by the Law : for you be falne from Grace , because that wee through the Spirit of faith , waite for the hope of righteousnesse . Now if the seeking of righteousnesse and forgiuenesse of sinnes , by the keeping An excellent comparison of the vnability of our owne workes . of the Law which God gaue vpon Mount Sinai with so great glory and maiesty , be the denying of Christ and of his Grace : what shall wee say to those that will needes iustifie themselues afore God , by their owne lawes and obseruances ? I would wish that such folkes should a little compare the one with the other , and afterward giue Iudgement themselues . God mindeth not to doe that honour , not to giue that glory to his owne Law , and yet they will haue him to giue it to mens lawes and ordinances . But that honour is giuen onely to his onely begotten Sonne , who alone by the sacrifice of Hebr. 7. Iohn 12. his death and passion , hath made full amends for all our sinnes past , present , and to come , as S. Paul and S. Iohn declare . Wherefore as often as wee apply this satisfaction of Iesus Christ , vnto our soules by faith : out of all doubt we obtaine forgiuenesse of our sinnes , and become good and righteous before God , through his righteousnesse . And therefore after that S. Paul hath said , that as touching the righteousnesse of the law , he had liued Philip. 3. vnblameable : he addeth , And yet whatsoeuer I haue gained by it , I haue accounted it in all respects to bee but losse , for the loue of Christ . And specially I esteeme all things to be losse , for the excellent knowledge of Iesus Christ my Lord , for whom I haue counted all things to be losse , and deeme them but as dung , so I may win Christ , and be found in him , not hauing mine owne righteousnesse which is of the law , but the righteousnes which is by the faith of Iesus Christ , which righteousnesse is giuen of God , I meane the righteousnesse of faith , that I may come to the knowledge of Iesus Christ . O most notable words , which all Christians ought to haue ingrauen in their hearts , praying God to make them to taste it perfectly . Loe , how S. Paul sheweth plainely , that whosoeuer knoweth Christ aright , esteemeth all the works of the law to be hurtfull , forsomuch as they make vs to swarue from our trust in Iesus Christ , to whom euery man ought to impute his saluation , and to trust only vnto him alone . And to inforce this sentence the more , he addeth further , that he esteemeth all things but as dung , so hee may gaine Christ , and be found incorporated in him : declaring thereby , that whosoeuer trusteth in his owne works , and pretendeth to iustifie himselfe by them , getteth not Iesus Christ , neither is ingrafted 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 repeateth oftentimes , that he had nothing to doe with all the outward iustification and all the righteousnesse that is grounded vpon the keeping of the law , but that he would clothe himselfe with the righteousnesse which God giueth by faith , to all them that beleeue that all our sins are fully chastised and punished in Iesus Christ : and that Iesus Christ ( as S. Paul saith ) 1 Cor. 18. is made our wisedome , righteousnesse , holinesse , and redemption , to the end ( as it is written ) that he which will glory , should glory in the Lord , and not in his own works . Very true it is , that in the holy Scriptures there are some texts to be found , which being misunderstood , seeme to gainesay this holy doctrine of S. Pauls , and to attribute iustification and remission of sinnes vnto workes , and to charity . But those authorities haue already beene well expounded by some , who haue shewed plainely , that such as haue vnderstood them in the sense aforesaid , vnderstood them not aright . Wherefore my deare-beloued brethren , let vs not follow the fond opinion of the bewitched Galatians , but rather let vs follow the truth which St. Paul teacheth vs , and let vs giue the whole glory of our iustification vnto Gods mercy , and to the merits of his Sonne , who by his owne bloodshed hath set vs free from the Soueraignty of the Law , and from the tyranny of sinne and death : and hath brought vs into the Kingdom of God , to giue vs life and endlesse felicity . I say yet further , that he hath deliuered vs from the dominion of the law , insomuch as he hath giuen vs his holy Spirit , who teacheth vs all truth , and that he hath satisfied the Law to the full , and giuen the same satisfaction vnto all his members , ( that is to wit , to all true Christians ) so as they may safely appeare at Gods Throne , because they be cloathed with the righteousnesse of his How man is deliuered and set free from the curse of the Law . Gal. 3. Rom. 8. Col. 2. Christ , and by him deliuered from the curse of the Law . Then can not the law any more accuse vs or condemne vs , nor mooue our affections or appetites , nor increase sinne in vs . And therefore S. Paul saith , that the obligation which was against vs , is cancelled by Iesus Christ , and discharged vpon the tree of the Crosse , insomuch as he hath set vs free from the subiection of the Law , and consequently from the tyranny of sinne and death , which can no more hold vs oppressed , because it is ouercome by Iesus Christ in his resurrection , and so consequently by vs which are his members , in such manner , that wee may say with Saint Paul , and with the Prophet Osee , Death is quite vanquished and destroyed . O death , where is thy sting ! O Hell where is thy victory ! The sting of Death is 1 Cor. 15. sinne , and the strength of sinne is the Law . But God be praised , who hath granted vs victory by our Lord Iesus Christ . Hee is Gen. 8. the blessed Seede that hath crushed the head of the venemous Serpent , that is to wit , of the diuell , insomuch that all those which beleeue in Iesus Christ , reposing their whole trust in his grace , doe ouercome sinne , death , the Diuell and hell , as Christ hath done . He is that blessed Seede of Abraham , in the which God hath promised blessednesse to all Nations . It behooued euery particular person to fight with the said horrible Serpent , and to deliuer himselfe from that curse . But that enterprize was so great , that all the force of the whole World knit together , was not able to goe thorow with it . Wherefore our God the Father of mercy , being mooued with compassion of our miseries , hath giuen vs his onely begotten Sonne , who hath deliuered vs from the venime of the Serpent , and is himselfe become our Blessednesse and Righteousnesse , conditionally that we accept the same , renouncing all our owne outward iustifications . Then my deare brethren , let vs imbrace the righteousnesse of our Lord Iesus Christ , and let vs make it ours by meanes of faith : let vs assure our selues that we bee righteous , not for our owne workes , but through the merits of Iesus Christ , and let vs liue merrily and assured , that the righteousnesse of Iesus Christ hath vtterly done away all our vnrighteousnesse , and made vs good , righteous , and holy before God , who beholding vs ingrafted into his Sonne by faith , esteemeth vs not now any more as the children of Adam , but as his owne children , and hath made vs heires of all his riches , with his owne begotten Sonne .

CHAP. IIII. Of the effects of liuely faith , and of the vnion of mans Soule with Iesus Christ .

THis holy faith worketh after such a How wee receiue the likenesse of God . sort in vs , that he which beleeueth that Iesus Christ hath taken all his sinnes vpon him , becommeth like vnto Christ , and ouercommeth sinne , the diuell , death and hell . And the reason thereof is this : namely , that the Church ( that is to wit euery faithfull soule ) is Christs wife , and Christ is her husband . For we know how the law of marriage is , that of two , they become one selfe-same A very good similitude , expressing the manner how our sins are taken away by Christ . thing , being two in one flesh , and that the goods & substance of either of them become common to them both : by means wherof the husband saith , that the dowry of the wife is his , and likewise the wife saith that her husbands house and all his riches are hers : and of a truth so they are : for otherwise they should not be one flesh , as the Scripture saith . After the same manner hath God married his onely begotten and deare-beloued Son to the faithfull soule , which hath not any other thing peculiar of her owne , saue onely sinne , and yet the Sonne of God hath not disdained to take her for his wel-beloued Spouse , together with her peculiar dowry , which is sinne . And now by reason of the vnion which is in this holy marriage , looke what the one hath , is also the others . Iesus Christ therefore saith thus : The dowry of mans soule my deare wife , ( that is to wit her sinnes and transgressings of the Law , Gods wrath against her , the boldnesse of the diuell ouer her , the prison of hell , and all other her euils ) are become mine , and are in my power to doe what I list with them . Wherefore it is at my choice to deale with them at my pleasure , and therefore I will put out the hand-writing which is against the soule my wife , I will take it out of the way , I will fasten it to my crosse in mine owne body , and in the same will I spoile principalities and powers , and make a shew of them openly , and triumph ouer them , and consume them vtterly vnto nothing .

Now when God saw 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 : and did sharply punish our sinne in him , putting him to death , euen the death of the Crosse . Howbeit forasmuch as he was his wel-beloued Matth. 28. Phil. 2. and obedient Sonne , he would not leaue him to death , nor suffer his holy One to see corruption : but raised him vp from death to life , giuing him all power in heauen and earth , and set him at his right hand in glory . Now then the wife likewise with exceeding great ioy , doth say : The Realmes and Kingdomes of my most deare husband and Sauiour are mine , by him I am an heire of Heauen , my husbands riches ( that is to wit , his holinesse , his innocency , his righteousnesse and his Godhead , together with all his vertue and might ) are mine and for me : and therefore in him I am holy , innocent , righteous , and godly , and there is not any spot in me . I am well-fauoured and faire , inasmuch as my lawfull husband hath not any blemish in him , but is altogether goodly & faire . And sith that he is wholly mine , and so consequently all that he hath is mine , and all that he hath is pure and holy ; it followeth that I also am pure and holy . Therefore to begin at his most innocent birth : he hath thereby sanctified the birth of his Spouse conceiued in sinne . The godly child-hood and youth of the Bridegroome , hath iustified the childish and youthfull life of his dearely beloued Bride . For the loue and vnion that is betwixt the soule of a true Christian , and the Bridegroome Iesus Christ , maketh all the workes of either of them , to be common to them both . By reason whereof , 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 againe , and ascended into Heauen : Likewise a man may say , that a Christian man hath done all the selfe-same workes , forsomuch as the workes of Christ are the workes of the Christian , because hath done them for him . Verily a man may say that the Christian hath bin nailed to the Crosse , buried , raised againe , is gone vp into heauen , become the child of God , and made partaker of the Godhead . On the other side all the works that a Christian man doth , are Christs workes , because it is his will to take them for his . And forasmuch as they be vnperfect , and he throughly perfect , and cannot away with any vnperfect thing : he hath made them perfect with his vertues , to the end that his wife should be alwayes ioyfull and well contented , and not be afraid of any thing , assuring her selfe , that although there be yet still some default in her workes , yet notwithstanding they be acceptable to God in respect of his Sonne , vpon whom he hath his eyes alwayes fastened . O that vnmeasurable goodnesse of God! How greatly 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 to the soule of euery faithfull Christian , whereof Christ is the Bridegroome . Whereupon S. Paul saith , that Iesus Christ hath so loued his wife the Church , which is builded of liuing Ephes. 5. stones ( that is , of the soules of the beleeuing 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 himselfe a glorious Church , without spot or wrinkle or other like thing : but that she should be holy and vnblameable ( that is to wit , like vnto him in holinesse and innocency ) and also bee the true and lawfull daughter of God , who hath loued the world so well , that ( as Iesus Christ Iohn 3. himselfe saith ) hee hath giuen his onely begotten Sonne , to the end that euery one which beleeued in him , should not perish , but haue life euerlasting . For God sent not his Son into the world , to condemne the world : but to the end that the World might be saued by him , insomuch that hee which beleeueth in him , shall not be damned . Some man How the faithfull mans soule is assured of his being married vnto Christ . might demand after what manner the vnion of this holy Marriage is made , and how the Soule which is the Bride , and her Bridegroome Iesus Christ , are knit together ? What assurance can I haue , that my soule is vnited vnto Iesus Christ , and become his Spouse ? How can I assuredly glory that I am Queene and Mistresse of his great riches , as a wife may ? I can easily beleeue that other folkes shall receiue this honour and glory : but I cannot perswade my selfe that I am one of those same to whom God hath giuen so great grace : For I know mine owne wretchednesse & imperfection . My deare-beloued brother , I answer thee , that thine 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 beleeuing of the Gospell , that is to say , in the beleeuing of the glad tidings which haue bin published on Gods behalfe thorow the whole world : which tidings containeth in effect , that God hath vsed the rigorousnesse of his iustice against Matth. 2. Iesus Christ , chastising and punishing all our sinnes in him . And whosoeuer receiueth this good tidings , and beleeues it stedfastly , hath the true faith , and doth enioy the forgiuenesse of his sinnes , and is also reconciled vnto God : and of the child of wrath , is become the child of Grace : and recouering the Image of God , entreth into the Kingdome of God , and is made the Temple of 2 Cor. 3. God , who marrieth mans soule to his onely Sonne , by the meane of this faith , which faith is a worke of God , and the gift of God , as S. Paul saith oftentimes . And God giueth it vnto those whom he calleth to him , of purpose to iustifie them , and to glorifie them , and to giue them euerlasting life , according as our Lord Iesus Christ witnesseth , saying : This is the will of him that sent mee , euen that euery one which seeth the Sonne and beleeueth Iohn 6. in him , should haue euerlasting life , and I will raise him vp againe at the latter day . And like as Moses lifted vp the Serpent in the Wildernesse : so must the Sonne Iohn 3. of man bee lifted vp , to the end that euery one which beleeueth in him , might not perish , but haue life euerlasting . Also he saith to Martha : He that beleeueth in me , shall liue , Iohn 11. although he were dead , and euery one that liueth and beleeueth in mee , shall not dye for euer . And to a company of the Iewes he saith : I am come a light into the world , to the end that euery man which beleeueth in me , should 1 Ioh. 12. not abide in darkenesse . And S. Iohn in his Epistle saith : Herein appeared the loue of God 1 Iohn 4. towards vs , for that God is loue , and sent his onely begotten Son into this world , that we might liue through him . And herein is loue knowne , not in that we loued God , but in that he loued vs , and sent his Son to make atonement for our sinnes . And moreouer he sent him to destroy our enemies . For the bringing whereof to passe , he made him partaker of our flesh , and of our blood , as saith Saint Paul , to the end that by his death , hee might destroy him that had the dominion of Heb. 2. death , that is to wit , the diuell , and set all such at liberty , as were subiect to bondage all their life long , for feare of death . Seeing then that we haue records of the holy Scripture , concerning the promises , whereof we haue spoken heretofore , and concerning many other promises that are dispersed in diuers places of the same : wee cannot doubt of it . And forsomuch as the holy Scripture speaketh to all in generall , none of vs ought to distrust in himselfe , that the selfe-same thing which the Scripture saith , should not belong particularly to himselfe . And to the end that this point , wherein lyeth and consisteth the whole mistery of our holy faith , may be vnderstood the better : let vs put the case that some good and holy King cause the Proclamation to be A very goodly similitude , & fit for the expressing of the free forgiuenesse of sinnes for Iesus Christs sake . made thorow his whole Realme by the sound of a Trumpet , that all Rebels and banished men shall safely returne home to their houses , because that at the suite and desert of some deare friend of theirs , it hath pleased him to pardon them : certainly none of those Rebels ought to doubt of the obtaining of true pardon of his rebellion , but rather ought assuredly to returne home to his house , to liue vnder the shadow of that holy King . And if he will not returne , he shall beare the penaltie of it , because that through his owne vnbeleefe hee dyeth in exile and in the displeasure of his Prince . But this good King is the Lord of Heauen and Earth , who for the obedience and desert of our good brother Iesus Christ , hath pardoned vs all our sins , and ( as we haue said afore ) hath made open Proclamation thorow the whold world , that all of vs may safely returne into his kingdome . Wherefore he that beleeueth this proclamation , doth straight-wayes returne into Gods kingdome ( whereout we were driuen by the offence of our first parents , ) and blessedly gouerned by Gods holy Spirit . And he that giueth no credit to the said proclamation , shall neuer inioy the said generall pardon : but for his vnbeliefes sake shall abide in banishment vnder the tyranny of the diuell , and liue and dye in extreme misery , liuing and dying in the displeasure of the King of heauen and earth : and that iustly . For we cannot commit a greater offence against this good God , then to account him as a lyer and deceiuer : which verily wee doe , in not giuing credit to his promises . O how passing heauy is this deadly sinne of vnbeliefe ? which ( so farre forth as is possible ) bereaueth God of his glory and perfection : besides the great harme that it doth to a mans selfe , which is his owne damnation and the endlesse torment of his soule , which the miserable conscience feeleth euen in this life . But on the contrary , hee that commeth vnto GOD with assurednesse of this faith , beleeuing 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 : giueth all the glory vnto God , and liueth continually in rest and endlesse ioy , euermore praising and thanking the Lord God , for choosing him to the glory of 1 Cor. 1. the eternall life . And hereof they haue an assured earnest penny and gage , that is to wit , the Sonne of God , whom they take for their most louing Bridegroome , the blood of whom , hath made their hearts so drunken , that through this passing holy beliefe , there is in the Christian heart ingendred so liuely a hope , and so certaine a trust of Gods mercy towards vs , and such an operation is wrought in vs , as we rest our selues wholly vpon God , leauing the whole care of vs vnto him in such wise , that being throughly assured of Gods good will , wee are not afraid , neither of the diuell , nor of his ministers , nor of death . Which holy and stedfast trust of Gods mercy , inlargeth our heart , cheereth it vp , and with certaine marueilous sweet affections directeth it vnto GOD , filling it and setting it on fire with an exceeding feruent loue . And therefore Paul incourageth vs to Heb. 4. go with all boldnesse to the Throne of grace : and hee counselleth vs that wee should not shake it off , nor make light of our trust , which hath great recompence & reward . But this so holy and diuine affiance is gendred in our hearts by the working of the H. Ghost , who is communicated vnto vs by faith , which Heb. 10. neuer goeth without the loue of God . And hereof it commeth , that we be prouoked to do good works with a certaine liuelinesse & effectuall cheerefulnesse : whereby we gather such a strength & inclination to do them , as we be throughly ready & forward , to do & suffer all intolerable things for the loue & glory of our most gracious & mercifull Father , who hath inriched vs with so abundant grace through Iesus Christ , and of his enemies made vs his most deare children . This true faith is no sooner giuen a man , but hee is by and by indued and imprinted with a certaine violent loue of good works , to yeeld right sweet and amiable fruits both vnto God & likewise to his neighbour , as a very good and fruitfull tree . And it is no more possible that he should be otherwise , then it is possible that a fagot should be set on fire , & not cast light immediatly . This is the holy faith , without the which it is vnpossible that any man should please Heb. 8. God , & whereby all the holy men ( as well of the old Testament as of the New ) haue bin saued , according as S. Paul witnesseth of Abraham : concerning whom , the Scripture saith , That Abraham beleeued God , and it was reckoned to him for righteousnes . And therfore Rom. 4. Gen. 15. he saith a little before : We beleeue that a Rom. 2. man is iustified by faith without the deeds of the Law . And in another place he saith : So then , in that time shall the remnant be saued , according to the election of grace : and if they be saued by grace , then is it not by workes , for then were grace no grace . And to the Galatiaus he saith , It is a manifest matter that no man becommeth righteous before Gal. 3. God by the Law , because the righteous liueth by faith . And the Law consisteth not in beliefe , Abac. 2. but he that performeth the things that the Law commandeth , shall liue by that performance . And further he saith , that a man Gal. 3. cannot become righteous by the deeds of the Law , but onely by beleeuing in Iesus Christ . Againe , a little after he saith , that if a man can become righteous by the Law , Iesus Christ dyed in vaine . Moreouer to the Romanes , making comparison betweene the righteousnesse of the Law , and the righteousnesse of Rom. 10. the Gospel , he saith , that the one consisteth in the doing of workes , and the other in beleeuing . For if thou confesse our Lord Iesus Christ with thy mouth , and beleeue in thy heart that God hath raised him vp from death , thou shalt be saued . For the beliefe of the heart maketh a man righteous , and the confession of the mouth maketh him safe . Loe how this good teacher Saint Paul sheweth euidently , that faith maketh a man righteous without any workes . And not only Saint Paul , but also the holy Doctors that came after him , haue confirmed and allowed this most holy truth of Iustification by faith : among whom Saint Augustine is the chiefe , S. Augustine . who in his booke of faith and workes , and in his booke of the Spirit and the Letter , and in his booke of fourescore and three questions , and in his booke which he did write to Boniface , and in his Treatise vpon the xxxj . Psalme , and in many other places , defendeth this article , shewing that we become righteous by faith without any helpe of good workes : howbeit that good workes are the effects of righteousnesse , and not the cause of it . And he sheweth that the words of Saint Iames being soundly vnderstood , are nothing contrary to this article . Which thing Origen doth also affirme in his fourth booke vpon Origen . the Epistle to the Romans , saying , that Saint Pauls meaning is , that faith onely is sufficient to make men righteous , insomuch that a man becommeth righteous , onely by beleeuing , although he haue not done any good worke at all . For so it is , that the thiefe became righteous without the workes of the Law , forasmuch as the Lord sought not what good workes he had done in time past , nor waited vntill he had done any after he had beleeued , but hauing accepted him for righteous , vpon his onely confession , tooke him for his companion , euen when he should enter into Paradise . Likewise , that so renowmed a * * Mary Magdalen . woman in the Gospel of S. Luke , while she was at the feete of Iesus Christ , heard it said vnto her , Thy sinnes are forgiuen thee . And a little after he saith vnto her , Thy faith hath Luke 6. saued thee , goe thy way in peace . Afterward Origen saith , In many places of the Gospel , a man may see how our Lord Iesus Christ hath spoken in such wise , as he sheweth that faith is the cause of the saluation of the beleeuers . Then is a man made righteous by faith , and the workes of the Law further him nothing at all . On the contrary , where faith is not ( which faith maketh the beleeuer righteous ) although a man doe the workes which the Law commandeth : yet notwithstanding , forasmuch as they be not builded vpon the foundation of faith , albeit that to outward appearance they seeme good , yet can they not iustifie him that doth them , because he wanteth Faith is the mark of those that are iustified . faith , which is the marke of them that are become righteous before God . And who is he that can boast himselfe to be righteous , when he heareth God say by his Prophet Esay , that all our righteousnesse is as a defiled Esay . 64. cloth of a menstruous woman ? Then can we not iustly glory in our selues , but in the onely faith of the crosse of Iesus Christ . Saint Basil in his Homily of humility , saith that the Christian S. Basil . ought to hold himselfe for righteous through beliefe in Iesus Christ : and his words are these : The Apostle saith , that he which glorieth , should glory in the Lord , in that God hath made Iesus Christ to be our wisedome , righteousnesse , holinesse , and redemption , to the end , that he which would glory , should glory in the Lord , because that the perfect and sound glorying , is to glory in the Lord . For in so doing , a man presumeth not vpon his owne righteousnesse , but acknowledgeth his want of the true righteousnes , & that he is made righteous , onely by beleeuing in Iesus Christ . And S. Paul gloryeth of the despising of his owne righteousnesse , and of his seeking of Christs righteousnesse , by faith , which commeth of God . Saint Hilary , S. Hilary . in his ninth Canon , vpon the exposition of St. Matthew saith these words : The Scribes considering Iesus Christ but onely as man , were troubled that a man should forgiue sins , and pardon that thing which the Law could not doe , because that onely faith iustifieth . Saint Ambrose in expounding these words of Saint Paul ( Vnto him that beleeueth in him S. Ambr. Rom. 4. which iustifieth the vngodly , his faith is accounted for righteousnesse , according to the purpose of Gods Grace : like as David also saith , That the man is blessed whom God accounteth righteous without workes ) writeth thus , Saint Paul saith , that vnto him which beleeueth in Iesus Christ ( that is to wit , to the Gentile ) his faith is imputed for righteousnesse , as it was vnto Abraham . In what wise then thinke the Iewes to become righteous by the workes of the Law : and yet to be righteous as Abraham was , seeing that Abraham became not righteous by the deeds of the Law , but onely by faith ? Then is not the Law needfull , forasmuch as the sinner becommeth righteous before God through only faith , according to Gods gracious purpose , as David saith . The Apostle confirmeth that which he hath said , by the Prophets example , saying : Blessed is the man whom God Psal. 31. accepteth for righteous without workes : whereby David meaneth , that those men are very happy , whom GOD hath determined to accept for righteous before him , by onely faith , without any paines-taking or obseruation of the Law on their behalfe . Thus sheweth he the blessednesse of the time wherein Christ was borne , insomuch as the Lord himselfe saith ; Many righteous men and Prophets haue coueted to see the things that you see , and to heare the things that you heare , and haue not heard them . The selfe-same thing saith St. Ambrose in expounding the first Chapter of the first Epistle to the Corinthians , affirming openly , that whosoeuer beleeueth in Iesus Christ , is become righteous without workes , and without any desert , and receiueth forgiuenasse 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 owne workes , for no man becommeth righteous by his owne workes : but he that hath righteousnesse , hath it of free gift , forsomuch as he is made righteous by Iesus Christ . Then is it faith that deliuereth by Christs blood : for happy is he whose sinne is forgiuen and pardoned . And S. Bernard in his threescore and seuenteenth Sermon vpon the Ballet of Ballets , S. Bernard . confirmeth the same , saying that our owne merits beare no sway at all , in making vs righteous , which thing must be attributed wholly vnto grace , which maketh vs righteous freely , and likewise dischargeth vs from the bondage of sinne . And he addeth , that Iesus Christ marrieth the soule , and coupleth it vnto himselfe by faith , without that , any desert of our workes ought or can come betweene . But because I will not be too long , I will make an end of mine allegations , when I haue vttered one very notable and good saying of Saint Ambrose , in his booke intituled of Iacob concerning the blessed life . The said Gen. 17. holy man saith , that like as Iacoh hauing not on his own behalfe deserued the birth-right , A very good comparison how we be clothed with the righteousnes of Iesus Christ . shrowded himselfe vnder the apparell of his brother , and clothed himselfe with his garment , which yeelded a very sweet sent , and in that wise presented himselfe to his father , to receiue the blessing vnder another mans person to his owne behoofe : euen so is it requisit for vs to clothe our selues with the righteousnesse of Iesus Christ by faith , and to shrowd ourselues vnder the diuine purenesse of our eldest brother , if we will be receiued for righteous afore God . And certainely this is true . For if we appeare before God vnclothed of the righteousnesse of Iesus Christ , out of all doubt we shall be iudged worthy of euerlasting damnation . But contrariwise , if God see vs apparelled with the righteousnesse of his Sonne Christ : then will he surely take vs for righteous , and holy , and worthy of eternall life . And verily it is a great rashnesse in such as pretend to attaine to righteousnesse by the keeping of Gods Commandements , which are all comprehended in louing God , with all our heart , with all our soule , and with all our strength , and our neighbour as our selfe . But who is so arrogant No man can boast of the performance of Gods Law . or so mad as to presume , that he is able to performe those Commandements to the full ? Or who seeth not that Gods Law requireth perfect loue , and condemneth all vnperfectnesse ? Let euery man consider well his owne workes , which partly shall seeme good vnto him , and he shall find that they ought rather to be called transgressions of that most holy Law , according also as they be altogether vncleane and vnperfit , so that he must be faine to vtter this saying of Dauids : Enter not into iudgement with thy seruant , O Psal. 143. Lord , for no man liuing shall be found righteous in thy sight . And Salomon saith , Who is he that may say , My heart is cleane ! And Iob Prou. 20. cryeth out , What man is he that can be vndefiled , Iob 15. and what man borne of woman can shew himselfe righteous ? Behold , he found no stedfastnesse among his Saints , yea the heauens are not cleane in his sight . How much more abominable and filthy is man , who drinketh iniquity as it were water ? And Saint Iohn saith , If we say we be without sinne , 1 Iohn 2. wee deceiue our selnes . And specially our Sauiour Iesus Christ teacheth vs to say , as often as we pray , Forgiue vs all our trespasses , Matth. 6. as we forgiue them that trespasse against vs . And hereby may well be gathered the folly of those that make marchandise of their workes , presuming to saue by them , not onely themselues , but also their neighbours : as though our Lord Iesus Christ had not said vnto them , When ye haue done all that euer Luke 17. is commanded you , say ye , We be vnprofitable seruants , we haue done but as we ought to doe . Ye see that although we had performed Gods Law to the full , yet neuerthelesse we should esteeme and call our selues vnprofitable seruants . Now then , seeing that men are so farre off from this full performance : who is he that dareth be so bold as to glorifie himselfe , that he hath added so great an ouerplus of deseruings aboue the full measure , as he may haue to deale abroad vnto others ? But to returne to our purpose , I would that the proud sinner which beareth himselfe in hand that he maketh himselfe righteous before God , by doing some works which are allowable to the world , would consider , that all the workes which proceed out of an vncleane and foule heart , are also vncleane and filthy , and consequently cannot be acceptable vnto God , nor haue any power to make the party righteous . Therefore we must first of all cleanse the heart , if we mind that our workes should please God . The cleansing of the heart proceedeth of faith , as the holy Ghost affirmeth by the mouth of St. Peter . Then must Acts 15. we not say that the vnrighteous person and the sinner becommeth righteous , good , and acceptable vnto God by his owne workes : but we must of necessity conclude , that faith cleanseth our hearts , and maketh vs good , righteous and acceptable before God , and furthermore causeth our workes to please him , notwithstanding that they be altogether vnprofitable and vnperfit . For inasmuch as we be become the children of God through faith : he considereth our workes , not as a seuere and rigorous Iudge , but as a most mercifull Father , hauing pitty of our frailenesse , and regarding vs as the members of his eldest sonne , whose perfection and righteousnesse doth supply all our vncleannesse and imperfection , which are not layed to our charge , forsomuch as they be couered vnder the purenesse and innocency of Iesus Christ , and come not to iudgement before God . And hereupon How the workes of the faithful , thogh they bee vnperfect , please God . it commeth to passe , that all our workes which proceed of true faith , ( notwithstanding that they be wholly sinfull and corrupt of themselues ) shall neuerthelesse be praised and allowed by Iesus Christ in the generall iudgement , because they be the fruits and testimonies of our faith whereby we be saued . For insomuch as we haue loued the brethren of Iesus Christ , we shall shew euidently , that we haue also beene faithfull , and brethren of Christ , and therefore by faith , we shall be put in full possession of the euerlasting Kingdome , which our Soueraigne Lord God hath prepared for vs before the creating of the Math. 25. world : not for our merits sake , but through his mercy , whereby he hath chosen vs , and called vs to the Grace of his Gospell , and made vs righteous , to the intent to glorifie vs euerlastingly with his onely begotten Son Iesus Christ , who is the holinesse and righteousnesse of vs , but not of them which will not confesse that faith is sufficient of it selfe to make a man righteous and acceptable to the Lord God , who through his Fatherly goodnesse and louing kindnesse , offereth and giueth vs Iesus Christ with his righteousnes , without any desert of our owne workes . What thing can worke or cause a man to deserue so great a gift and treasure as Iesus Christ is ? This treasure is giuen only through In what manner faith iustifieth . the grace , fauour , and mercifulnesse of God : and onely faith is the thing that receiueth such a gift , as to make vs inioy the forgiuenesse of our sinnes . And therefore when S. Paul and other Doctors say , that onely faith maketh men righteous , without works : they meane that it maketh vs to enioy the generall forgiuenesse of our sinnes , and to receiue Iesus Christ , who ( as saith S. Paul ) dwelleth Ephes. 3. in our hearts by faith , and ouercomming and pacifying the troubles of our consciences , satisfieth Gods iustice for our sinnes . Furthermore it appeaseth Gods wrath iustly moued against vs , quencheth the fire of hell , whereinto our naturall corruption did throw vs headlong , and cheerefully destroyeth and ouerthroweth the diuell , together with all his power and tyranny : Which things , all the workes that all the men in the world can lay together , are not able to deserue nor to bring to passe . That glory and that prerogatiue is reserued all onely to the Sonne of God , that is to wit , to the blessed Iesus Christ , who hath power aboue all the powers that are in Heauen , in Earth , and in Hell , and giueth himselfe and his merits , to all such as distrusting in themselues , doe set their whole hope of being saued , in him and in his merits . And therefore let no man beguile himselfe when he heareth it said , that onely faith iustifieth without workes : and thinke as false Christians doe ( who draw all things to liue fleshly ) that the true faith consisteth in beleeuing the bare story of Iesus Christ , after the same manner as men beleeue the story of Caesar , or Alexander . Such manner of beleefe is but an historicall beleefe , grounded meerely vpon the report of men , and vpon their writings , and lightly imprinted in our conceit by a certaine custome , and is like to the faith of the Turks , who for the like reasons beleeue the fables of their Alcoran . And such a faith is but an imagination of man , which neuer renueth the heart of man , nor warmeth it with the loue of God , neither do any good workes insue , or any change of life which faith should bring forth . And therefore they falsly hold opinion against the holy Scripture , and against the holy Doctors of the Church , that onely faith maketh not men righteous , but that they must also haue workes . Vnto whom I answer , That this historicall and fond beliefe , and all the workes that insue thereof , are not onely vnable to make a man righteous : but also doe cast the parties headlong to the bottome of hell , like vnto those that haue no oyle in their lamps , that is to say , no liuely faith in their hearts . Mat. 12. The faith that maketh men righteous , is a worke of God in vs , whereby our old man Rom. 6. is crucified , and we being transformed in Iesus Christ , become new creatures , and the deare beloued children of God . This heauenly faith is it that graffeth vs into the death and resurrection of Iesus Christ , and consequently mortifieth our flesh with the effects and lusts thereof . For when we by the operation of faith doe know our selues to be dead with Iesus Christ , wee are at a full point with our selues and with the world , and are throughly resolued , how it is meet that they which are dead with Iesus Christ , should mortifie their earthly members , that is to wit , the sinfull affections of their minde , and the lusts of the flesh : and forasmuch as wee know wee bee raised againe with Christ , we bend our selues to the leading of a spirituall and holy life , like vnto that which we shall liue in heauen , after the last resurrection . This holy faith making vs to inioy the generall pardon that is published by the Gospell , bringeth vs into the kingdome of our good God , and pacifieth our consciences , maintaining vs in continuall ioy , and holy and spirituall sweetnesse . This selfe-same faith knitteth vs vnto God , and maketh him to dwell in our hearts , and clotheth our soule with himselfe , so as thenceforth the holy Ghost mooueth vs to doe the same things whereunto hee mooued Iesus Christ while he was in the world , and was conuersant among men , that is to wit , vnto lowlinesse , meekenesse , obedientnesse vnto God , louingnesse , and other perfections , where-through wee recouer the image of God . For these selfe-same causes , Iesus Christ did rightly attribute blessednesse vnto this inspired faith : which blessednesse cannot bee without good workes and holinesse of life . And how can it be that a Christian should not become holy , seeing that Iesus Christ is become his holinesse through faith ? Therefore by faith we be iustified and saued , and therefore S. Paul doth in a manner alwaies Saint Paul calleth them Saints , whom we call Christians . call those Saints , whom we call now Christians : who , if they haue not Christs Spirit , are none of Christs , and consequently no Christians at all . But if they haue the Spirit of Iesus Christ to rule and gouerne them , we must not doubt , but that although they know well that they bee made righteous through faith onely : yet for all that , they will He that beleeueth , cannot bee without good works . become neuer the more slothfull to do good works . For Christs Spirit is the Spirit of loue : and loue cannot be idle , nor cease from the doing of good works . But if wee will say the truth , a man can doe no good works , except he first know himselfe to be become righteous by faith : for before he knoweth that , his doing of good works is rather to make himselfe righteous , then for the loue and glory of God : and so he defileth all his works with selfe-loue , for the loue of himselfe and for his owne profit . But hee that knoweth himselfe to be become righteous by the merits and righteousnesse of Christ , ( which hee maketh his owne by faith ) laboureth happily , and doth good works , all only for the loue and glory of Christ , and not for loue of himselfe , nor to make himselfe righteous . And thereupon it commeth , that the true Christian , ( that is to wit , he that accounteth himselfe righteous by reason of Christs righteousnesse ) asketh not whether good works be commanded or not : but being wholly moued and prouoked with a certaine violence of godly loue , he offereth himselfe willingly to doe all the works that are holy and Christian-like , and neuer ceaseth to doe well . Hee therefore which feeleth not the marueilous effects by his faith , which we haue heretofore declared , that the inspired faith works in the heart of the Christian : Let him assure himselfe , that he hath not the Christian faith , and let him pray earnestly vnto God to giue it him , saying : Lord helpe mine vnbeliefe . And when he heareth it said , that Marke 2. only faith maketh men righteous , let him not deceiue himselfe , and say , What need I to weary my selfe in doing good works , faith is inough to send mee to Paradise ? To such an one I answer , that only faith sendeth vs to Paradise : but yet let him take good heed : for the diuels doe also beleeue and tremble , as saith Saint Iames : O miserable man , wilt thou Iames 2. goe with them to Paradise ? By this false conclusion thou mayest know ( my brother ) in what an errour thou art : for thou weenest to haue the faith that maketh men righteous , and thou hast it not . Thou sayest thou Apoc. 3. art rich , and hast no need of any thing : and thou seest not how thou art poore , wretched , blind , and naked . I counsell to buy gold of God , that is throughly fixed with fire , ( that is to say , true faith set on fire with good works ) to the intent thou mayest become rich : and to cloath thy selfe with white rayment ( that is to wit , with Christs innocency ) to the end that the shame of thy nakednesse ( which is the great filthinesse of thy A liuely comparison . sins ) be not seene to the whole world . Then is the iustifying faith as it were a flame of fire , which cannot but cast forth brightnesse . And like as the flame burneth the wood without the helpe of the light , and yet the flame cannot be without the light : so is it assuredly true , that faith alone consumeth and burneth away sinne without the helpe of workes , and yet that the same faith cannot be without good workes . Wherefore , like as if we see a flame of fire that giueth no light , we know by and by that it is but vaine and painted : euen so , when we see not some light of good workes in a man , it is a token that he hath not the true inspired faith , which God giueth to his chosen , to iustifie and glorifie them withall . And hold it for certaine , that S. Iames meant so , when hee What S. James meant concerning workes . Iames 2. said , Shew me thy faith by thy workes , and I will shew thee my faith by my workes . For his meaning was , that he which is plunged in ambitiousnesse , and worldly pleasures , beleeueth not ( though he say he beleeue ) forasmuch as he sheweth not in himselfe the effects of faith . Also we may liken this holy faith to the Godhead which is in Iesus A heauenly comparison . Christ : who being very man ( but without sin ) did wonderfull things , healing the sicke , giuing sight to the blind , walking vpon the water , and raising vp the dead vnto life againe : and yet these marueilous workes were not the cause that he was God . For before he did any of those things , he was God , and the lawfull and onely begotten Son of God , and he need not to worke those miracles to make himselfe God by them , but forasmuch as he was God , therefore he did them . And so , the miracles that Christ wrought , made him not to be God , but shewed openly that he was God . In like wise , true faith is as it were a Godhead in the soule of a Christian , which doth wondrous workes , and is neuer weary of well-doing , and yet those workes are not the cause that a Christian is a Christian , that is to wit , that he is righteous , good , holy , and acceptable vnto God , neither needeth he to worke all those good workes to become such a one . But forasmuch as hee is a Christian by faith , like as Iesus Christ being a man , was also God by his Godhead : he doth all those good workes , which make not the Christian to be righteous and good , but shew him to bee good , righteous and holy . So then , like as Christs Godhead was the cause that he wrought miracies : euen so faith working through loue , is the cause of the good workes that a Christian man doth . And like as a man may say of Iesus Christ , that he hath done this miracle or that , and that those miracles , besides 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 , and had giuen vnto him all power both in heauen and earth , which he had not afore as in respect of his manhood , but deserued it by the vnion which is betwixt the Word of God and the manhood of Christ : So doth faith in a Christian , which faith by reason of the vnion that it hath with the soule , attributeth that thing to the one which is proper to the other : whereupon it commeth , that the holy Scripture promiseth the Christian euerlasting life for his good works , because good works are the fruits and testimonies of liuely faith , and proceed of it , as light proceedeth from a flame of fire , according as I haue said heretofore . And by this holy faith which imbraceth Iesus Christ , it comes to passe that our soule is ioyned with Christ , and is so vnited and knit to him , that whatsoeuer Christ hath merited and deserued , the same is imputed vnto the soule , as though it had merited and deserued it . And therefore S. Austin saith , that God crowneth his owne gifts in vs . Of this vnion of the soule with Iesus Christ , Christ himselfe beareth good record , where hee prayeth to his Father for his Apostles and for such as should beleeue in him by their preaching . I pray not ( saith he ) for them onely , Ioh. 17. but also for all those that shall beleeue in me through their 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 be one in vs , and that the world may beleeue that thou hast sent me , and that I haue giuen them the glory which thou hast giuen me , so as they should be one selfe-fame thing like as thou and I are one . Whereby it appeareth euidently , that if we beleeue the word of the Apostles ( who preached that Iesus Christ dyed for our sins , & rose againe for our iustification ) we become all one thing with him : Rom. 4. and forasmuch as he is all one with God , we also become all one with God , by the meane 2 Cor. 6. of Iesus Christ . O wonderfull glory of the Christian , to whom it is granted through faith , to possesse the vnspeakeable benefits which the Angels long to behold ! By this present discourse a man may plainely perceiue the difference that is betwixt vs & them that defend the iustification by faith and workes together . Herein we agree with them , that we stablish works , affirming that the faith which iustifieth , cannot be without good workes , and that those which are become righteous , are they that doe the good workes that may rightly be called good workes . But we differ from them in this , that we say , that faith 1 Pet. 2. maketh men righteous without the helpe of workes . And the reason is ready : namely , because that by faith we put on Christ , & make Gal. 3. his holinesse and righteousnesse to be ours . And seeing the case so standeth , that Christs righteousnesse is giuen vs by faith : We cannot be so thanklesse , blind , and vnhappy , as not to beleeue that he is of sufficient ability , Heb. 2. to make vs acceptable and right before God . Let vs say with the Apostle , If the bloud of Oxen and Goats , and the Ashes of a Cow sprinkled , cleanseth the vncleane , as touching the cleansing of the flesh : how much more shall that bloud of Iesus Christ , who by the euerlasting spirit offered himselfe vndefiled vnto God , to cleanse our consciences from dead workes , to serue the liuing God ? I pray thee now , thou good and deuout Christian , consider well which of these two opinions is the truest , holiest , and worthiest to be preached : Ours , which aduanceth the benefit of Iesus Christ , and pulleth downe the pride of man which would exalt his owne works against Christs glory : or the other , which by affirming that faith of it selfe iustifieth not , defaceth the glory and benefit of Iesus Christ , and puffeth vp the pride of man , who cannot abide to be iustified freely by our Lord Iesus Christ , without some merit of his owne . But ( say they ) it is a great quickning vp to good workes , to say that a man maketh himselfe righteous before God by meanes of them . I answer , that wee also confesse that good workes are acceptable to God , and that hee of his meere grace and free liberality recompenseth them in Paradise . But we say moreouer , that no workes are good , sauing those that ( S. Austin saith ) are done by those that are become righteous through faith , because , that if the tree be not good , it cannot yeeld good fruit . And furthermore we say that such as are become righteous through faith , forasmuch as they know themselues to be righteous through Gods righteousnesse purchased by Christ , make no bargaining with God for their workes , as though they would buy their manner of iustification such as it is with them : but being inflamed with the Loue of God , and desirous to glorifie Iesus Chiist who hath made them righteous , by giuing them his merits and riches , they bestow all their whole study and labour to doe Gods will , fighting manfully against the loue of themselues , and against the world and the Diuell . And when they fall through frailty of the flesh , they recouer themselues by and by , and are so much the more desirous to doe good , and so much the more in loue with their God , considering that he layeth not their sinnes to their charge , because they be ingrafted into Iesus Christ , who hath made full amends for all his members , vpon the tree of his crosse , and maketh continuall intercession for them to the eternall Father , who for the loue of his onely begotten Sonne , beholdeth them alwayes with a gentle countenance , gouerning and defending them as his most deare children , and in the end giuing them the heritage of the world , making them like fashioned to the glorious Image of Christ . These louing motions are the spurres that pricke forward the true Christians to doe good workes : who considering that they are become the children of God through faith , and made partakers of his diuine nature , are stirred vp by the holy Ghost dwelling in them , to liue as it becommeth the children of so great a Lord , and are greatly ashamed that they maintaine not the beauty of their heanenly Noblenesse : and therefore they imploy their whole indeauour to the following of their first borne brother Iesus Christ , liuing in great lowlinesse and meekenesse , in all things seeking the glory of God , giuing their liues for their brethren , doing good to their enemies , glorying in the sufferance of reproaches , and in the Crosse of our Lord Iesus Christ , and Gal. 6. Luke 2. saying with Zachary , We be deliuered out of