TheBenefitofChristCrucified

DonBenedetto(d.1544)

The following treatise was arguably the most popular book of the shortlivedItalianReformation.It isestimatedthat40,000-80,000copieswereprintedbetween1541-1548,ofwhichveryfewremaintodayduetothefactthatmostwere burned once the titlewas placed on the list of prohibitedbooks during the Inquisition. The treatise was originally publishedanonymously under the title Trattato Ultilissimo Del Beneficio Di GeisuChristoCrocifisso,andwasfora fewhundredyearsmistakenlyattributedtoAonioPaleario(1503-1570),amartyrfortheReformationcauseinItaly.Butmostscholarsnowagree,basedonrecordsfromtheInquisitionitself,thatthe"Trattato"waswrittenbyDonBenedetto,astudentoftheSpanishReformerJuandeValdes(1498?-1541)andfriendofPeterMartyrVermigli(1499-1562). This online edition makes use of a translation from theoriginalItalianintoEnglishbyEdwardCourtenay(1548),latereditedandmodernizedin1855byRev.R.W.Johnson(Cambridge:Deighton,Bell,&Co.,1855).

TableofContents

CHAPTERI.—Oforiginalsin,andofthemiseryofman.

CHAPTERII.—ThatthelawwasgivenofGodtotheintentthatwemightfirstknow our sin; and then that distrusting to be justified by our ownworks, wemightrununtothemercyofGod,andtherighteousnessoffaith.

CHAPTERIII.—Thattheforgivenessofoursins,ourjustification,andalloursalvationdependethonChrist.

CHAPTERIV.—Oftheeffectsofthelivelyfaith,andoftheunityoragreementofthesoulwithChrist.

CHAPTER V.—How the Christian man apparelleth or clotheth himself withChrist.

CHAPTERVI.—Certainremediesagainstincredulityorunbelief.

©eBook—LanceGeorgeMarshall,2011.

CHAPTERI.Oforiginalsin,andofthemiseryofman.

THE Holy Scripture saith that God created man to his own similitude andlikeness (Gen. 1), making him as concerning the body impassible, and astouching the soul, righteous, true, godly,merciful, and holy: but after that he,beingovercomewithdesireofknowledgeofgoodandevil,dideatoftheapplethatGodhadforbiddenhim,helostthatimageandlikenessofGod,andbecamelike unto beasts and the devil that had deceived him; and therefore, asconcerning the soulhebecameunrighteous, a liar, andcruel,ungodly, and theenemyofGod;andasconcerningthebodybebecamepassible,andsubjectuntoathousandevilsandinfirmities,beingnotonlylikebutalsoinferiortothemostbrutebeasts.And,asifourfirstparentshadobeyedGod,theyhadleftus,asofinheritance, their righteousness and holiness, so now, in that they weredisobedient unto him, they have left us of inheritance their unrighteousness,ungodliness, andhatred towardsGod, in suchsort that it is impossible thatbyourownstrengthwecanloveGodandconformourselvesuntohiswill.Wearesobecomeveryenemiesuntohim,astohimthat(insomuchasheisarighteousJudge)willpunishourfaults,neithercanweanymoretrustuntohismercy.Andtobeshort,thisournaturebythesinofAdamiswhollycorrupt,whichnature,being before superior to all creatures, is now become subject to all, yea thebondservantofthedevil,sin,anddeath,andiscondemnedtothepainsofhell,havinglosttherightjudgmentordiscerningofallthings,andbeginnethtocallgood evil and evil good, counting false things true and true things false.Whereupontheprophetconsideringthis,saiththateverymanisaliar,andthatthere is not one that doth good (Ps. 14), insomuch that the devil reignethpeaceablyasonestronglyarmedinhisownpalace,whichisthisworld,whereofheisbecomeprinceandgovernor.

There is no tongue that can express the thousandth part of our miseries,forsomuchthatafterweweremadeofGodaswithhisownhands,wehavelostthat image of God, and are become like unto the devil, and are made alsonaturallyoneself[same]thingwithhim,bothwillingallthathewillethandalsorefusingallthatdispleasethhim.Andforsomuchaswebethusgivento[a]preytosowickedaspirit,thereisnosinsogreatthateveryoneofusisnotreadytodo, when we are not let by the grace of God. This privation or want ofrighteousness, and this inclination and readiness to all unrighteousness and

ungodliness,iscalledoriginalsin;thewhichwebringwithusfromourmother'swomb, being born the children of wrath, and yet took beginning of our firstparents, and is the occasion andwell-head of all the sins and iniquity thatwecommit, from the which if we will be delivered, and return to this firstinnocency,recoveringthelikenessofGod,itisnecessarythatweknowfirstourmiseries. And for this cause, even as no man at any time seeketh after aphysicianifheknownothimself tobesick,neitherknoweththeexcellencyofthe physician, nor the boundengoodwill that he ought to bear towards him inthatbehalf,norifheknownothissicknesstobeverydangerous,andthreateningdeath,evensonomanknowethChrist theonlyhealerofoursouls ifheknownothissoultobesick,norcanknowtheexcellencyofChrist,northeboundengoodwillthatheoughttobeartohim,ifhedonotgodownintotheknowledgeof his most grievous sins, and of the most dangerous sickness that we havecaughtbytheinfectionofourfirstparents.

CHAPTERII.ThatthelawwasgivenofGodtotheintentthatwemightfirstknowoursin;

andthenthatdistrustingtobejustifiedbyourownworks,wemightrununtothemercyofGod,andtherighteousnessoffaith.

AndTherefore,minding of his infinite goodness andmercy to send his only-begottenSontodeliverthemiserablechildrenofAdam,andknowingthatitwasneedfulfirsttomakethemknowtheirownmisery,God(Isay)choseAbraham,inwhose seed he did promise to bless all the generations of the earth, and toaccept forhispeculiarandchosenpeopleall thatdescendedofhim, towhom,aftertheyweregoneoutofEgyptanddeliveredfromthebondageofPharaoh,hegave by Moses the law, the which forbade concupiscences or lusts, andcommanded thatweshould loveGodwithallourheart,withallour soul,andwithallourpower;insuchwisethatallourhopeshouldbeputinGod,andthatweshouldbeready todepart fromourownlives for thesameourgoodGod'ssake,tosufferalltormentsinallpartsofourbodies,todepriveourselvesofallourgoods,dignities,andhonours,tohonourthesameourGodwithall,choosingrather to die than to commit a thing never so little that should not please thesame our good God. And to do all those things with all joyfulness andpromptnessofheart.Thelawcommandethfartherthatweloveourneighbourasourself,understandingbyourneighhourallstatesofmen,aswellourenemiesasfriends,commandingthatwebereadytodo[to]allmenthatwhichweshouldbedonetous,andtoloveallthingsthatappertaintoothersasthatthatpertainethproperlytoourselves.Amanthenlooking(asinabrightglass)inthisholylawknoweth forthwith his own likeness and his unableness to obey unto thecommandmentofGod,andtogiveduehonourandloveagainuntohisMaker.Then the first office that the law doth is this, it maketh sin to be known, asaffirmethSaintPaul. Iknewnot(saithhe)whatsinmeantbutby the law.Thesecondofficeofthelawisthatitmakethsintoincrease;forwebeingseparatefromtheobedienceofGod,andmadeservantsofthedevil,andfullofviciousaffectionsandappetites,cannotsuffer thatGoddoforbidusconcupiscencesorlusts, the which the more they be forbidden the more they do increase.WhereuponSaintPaulsaith,thatabovemeasurehebecameasinner;sin(ashehimselfsaith)wasdead,but the lawoncecomingit thenroseuponandgrew.The third office is that it openly declareth the wrath and justice of God, thewhichthreatenethdeathandpaineverlastingtothemthatdothnotfullykeephis

law. And therefore the Holy Scripture saith, Accursed is he that keepeth notthoroughlyallthingsthatarewritteninthebookofthelaw.ThereforeSaintPaulsaith,thatthelawistheadministrationofdeath,andthatitworkethire.Thenthelaw having discovered and shewed sin and increased the same, having alsoshewed the wrath and fury of God, that threateneth death, it doth the fourthoffice,thatistosay,itfeareththeman,whothenbecomethdesperate,andwouldsatisfythelaw,buthesaithplainlythathecannot;andforsomuchashecannothe is angry with God, and would that there were no God at all, because hefeareth to be sharply chastened and punished of him: as Saint Paul saith, ThewisdomofthefleshistheenemyofGod.WhereforeitisnotsubjecttothelawofGod,norcanbe.Thefifthofficeofthelaw,andhisproperandmostexcellentand necessary end and effect, is that it causeth aman even of necessity to gountoChrist;astheHebrews,beingafraid,werenecessarilyconstrainedtodesireMoses, saying,LetnotGod talkwithus lestwedie; speak thou tous,andwewill obey thee, and do anything. The Lord answered, They have spoken verywell; and for none other thing were they praised,' but only because theydemanded a mediator between them and God, the which was Moses, whosignifiedJesusChrist,whoshouldbetheAdvocateandMediatorbetweenthemandGod.AndthereforeGodsaiduntoMoses,Iwillraisetothemaprophetfromthemidstoftheirownbrethrenliketothee,andwillputmywordinhismouth,andheshall speakunto themall that Iwillcommand;and Iwillpunisheveryonethatwillnotobeymyword,thewhichheshallspeakinmyname.

CHAPTERIII.Thattheforgivenessofoursins,ourjustification,andalloursalvation

dependethonChrist.

FORSOMUCHnowasourLordGodhaththussentthatgreatprophetwhomHepromised,whichisHisonly-begottenSon,totheintentthatheshoulddeliverusfromthemaledictionorcurseofthelaw,andshouldreconcileusuntoGod,andmakeableourwill todogoodworks,healingour freewill, and restoring tousthat likeness of God which we had lost by the sin of our first parents; andforsomuch as we know that under heaven there is given none other name tomankind whereby we may be saved besides the name of Jesus Christ, let usthereforerunwiththepacesorstepsofourlivelyfaithinhim,intohisarmsthatcallethuscrying,Cometome,allyethatlabourandareladen,andIwilleaseyou.Whatconsolation,whatjoyfulnessofheartinthislife,maybecomparedto[his]joyandcomfortthathavingfelthimselffirstoppressedwiththeintolerableweightofhissins,hearethafterwardsosweetandpleasantasayingoftheSonofGod,whopromisedhimsomercifullythoroughlytoeaseandtodeliverhimofso great a burden? But all consisteth in this, that we know fromwhence oursicknessandmiserycometh: fornoman tastethor trulydiscerneth that that isgood,unlessfirstliehavefeltthatthatisevil;andthereforesaithChrist,Ifanymanthirst lethimcometomeanddrink;ashemightsay,exceptamanknowhimselfasinner,andthirstforrighteousness,becannottastehowsweetthisourJesusChristis,norbowpleasantitistothinkandspeakofHim,andtofollowhismostholylifeandconversation.Ifthenweknowoursicknessbytheofficeof the law,behold thenSaint JohnBaptist shewethwithhis fingeruntousourmercifulhealerandSaviour,saying,BeholdtheLambofGodthattakethawaythesinsoftheworld.Thewhich(Isay)deliveredusfromthegrievousyokeofthelaw,abrogatingandmakingofnoneeffectthemaledictionsorcursings,andsharpthreateningsthereof;healingalloursicknesses,reformingourfreewill,andrestoring us unto our first innocency, and bringing to us again the likeness ofGod.Andtherefore,asSaintPaulsaith,AsbyAdamwearealldead,evensobyChristweallarerevived.ThenletnotusbelievethatthesinofAdam,whichwehaveinherited,isofgreaterefficacythantherighteousnessofChrist,whichwehaveinlikemannerbyfaithinherited.

Itmighthaveseemedthatamanmighthavebeensorrythatwithouthisoccasionhe should be born and conceived in sin, through the iniquity of his parents,

whereby death reigned over all men; but now is taken away all lamentation,forasmuchasintheselfsamemanner,withoutouroccasion,therighteousnessofChrist,andlifeeverlastingbyChrist,iscomeuntous,deathbeingbyhimslain;WhereuponSaintPaulmakethaverygoodlydiscourse,whichIwillhereunderwrite:Asbyonemansinenteredintotheworld,anddeathbythemeansofsin,andsodeathwentoverallmen,insomuchthatallmensinned;forevenuntothetimeofthelawwassinintheworld,butsinwasnotregardedaslongastherewasnolaw:neverthelessdeathreignedfromAdamtoMoses,evenoverthemallthatsinnednotwith like transgressionasAdamdid,which is thesimilitudeofhimthatistocome.Butthegiftisnotlikeasthesin.Forifthroughthesinofonemanybedead,muchmoreplenteousuponmanywasthegraceofGodandgiftbygrace,whichgracewasgivenbyoneman,JesusChrist:andthegiftisnotoveronesin,asdeathcame throughonesinofone thatsinned; fordamnationcameofonesinuntocondemnation,butthegiftcametojustifyfrommanysins.Forifbythesinofonedeathreignedbythemeansofone,muchmoreshalltheythatreceiveabundanceofgrace,andofthegiftofrighteousness,reigninlifebymeans of one, that is to say, JesusChrist. Likewise then as by the sin of onecondemnation came on all men, even so by the justifying of one cometh therighteousnessthatbringethlifeuponallmen.Forasbyoneman'sdisobediencemanybecamesinners,sobytheobedienceofoneshallmanybemaderighteous.Butthelawinthemeantimeenteredin,thatsinshouldincrease;nevertheless,whereabundanceofsinwas,therewasmoreplenteousnessofgrace,thatassinhad reigned unto death, even somight grace reign through righteousness untoeternallife,bythehelpofJesusChrist.

BythesewordsofSaintPaulweknowthatisabovesaid,thatistosay,thatthelawwasgiventotheintentthatsinmightbeknown,andthattherebywemightknowthatitisnotofgreaterefficacythanistherighteousnessofChrist,bythewhichwe are justifiedbeforeGod.Therefore asChrist is ofmorepower thanAdam, even so the righteousness ofChrist is ofmore efficacy than the sin ofAdam. And if the sin of Adam were sufficient to make us sinners, and thechildren of wrath, without any sin actually done of us, much more shall besufficient therighteousnessofChrist tomakeus righteous,and thechildrenofgrace, without any of our good works. Neither can they be good except thatbeforewedothemweourownselvesbemadegoodandrighteousbyfaith,asaffirmedinlikemannerSaintAugustine.Herebyamanmayknowinhowmucherrortheybewhichforanysin,beitneversogreat,dodespairofthemercyof

God,anddothinkthatheisnotabletoforgive,takeawayandpardoneverysin,be it never so grievous, when he hath in his only- begotten Son alreadychastenedallour faultsand iniquities,and thereforeconsequentlyhathgivenageneralpardontoallmankind,whereofeveryonehathbenefitandfruitionthatbelieveththegospel,thatistosay,themosthappynewswhichtheapostleshavepublishedthroughouttheworld,saying,WeeveninChrist'ssteadprayyouthatyebereconcileduntoGod;forhehathmadehimwhichknewnosintobesinforus,thatwebyhismeansmightbethatrighteousnessthatbeforeGodisallowed.AndEsay,whoevidentlysettethforthsowellthepassionofJesusChristandthecause of it, that in the writing of the apostles there is not found a betterdescriptionoraplainersettingforth;he(Isay),foreseeingthisgreatbenefitofthemercyofGod,writeththismostgodlysentence,WhogivethcredenceuntoIourpreaching,ortowhomisthearmoftheLordknown?heshallgrowbeforetheLord likeasabranch,andasa root inadryground:heshallhaveneitherbeautynorfavour:whenwelookonhimthereshallbenofairness,weshallhavenolustuntohim;heshallbethemostsimpleanddespisedofall:whichyethathgoodexperienceofsorrowsandinfirmities;weshallreckonhimsosimpleandsovile,thatweshallhideourfacesfromhim.Howbeit(ofatruth)hetakethonlyawayour infirmity,andbearethourpain,yetweshall judgehimas thoughhewere plagued and cast down of God; whereas he (notwithstanding) shall bewounded for our offences and smitten for ourwickedness; for the pain of ourpunishmentshallbelaidonhim,andwithhisstripesshallwebehealed.Asforus,wegoallastraylikesheep,everyoneturnethhisownway;butthroughhimtheLordpardonethalloursins.Heshallbepainedand troubled,andshallnotopenhismouth;heshallbeledasasheeptobeslain,yetshallhebestillasalamb before the shearer, and not open his mouth. O great ingratitude andabominablethingitisifwe,professingourselvestobeChristians,andknowingthat the Son ofGod hath taken upon him all our sins, and has also cancelledthemwithhisownmostpreciousblood,havingsufferedhimselftobechastenedforusonthecross,ifwe(Isay)neverthelessgoabouttojustifyourselves,andtoobtain theforgivenessofoursinsbyourownworks,as though themerits, therighteousness,andthebloodofChristwerenotsufficienttodoitunlessweputthereuntoourfoolishrighteousness,spottedwiththeloveofourselvesandwiththe respect to rewards, andwith a thousand vanities; for thewhichwe oughtrather to ask of God pardon than reward: and we remember not Saint Paul'sthreatening of the Galatians, who being beguiled by false preachers, notbelievingthatjustificationbyfaithwasofitselfsufficient,didpretendthatthey

would be justified still by the law, to whom Saint Paul said, Christ nothinghelpethyouthatwilljustifyyourselvesbythelaw;yearefallenfromgrace;wethereforelookforandhopeintheSpirit,tobejustifiedthroughfaith.

And now if the seeking of righteousness and forgiveness of sins be by thekeepingofthelaw,thattheLordwithsogreatgloryandopenmiraclesgaveinthehillofSinai,bealosingofChristandhisgrace,whatshallwesaythenofthemthatpretendandendeavourtojustifythemselvesbeforeGodwiththeirownlaw and observations?Let those personsmake the comparison, and after givetheirjudgment.InsomuchasGodwillnotgivethathonourandglorytohisownlaw,willtheythenthathegiveittotheirlawsandconstitutions?

This honour he giveth alonely to his only-begotten Son: lie only with thesacrificeofhispassionhathmadesatisfactionforalloursins,past,present,andtocome,asSaintPaulsaithtotheHebrews,7,9,10chapters,andSaintJohninhisfirstepistle,1,2chapters.Throughwhich--asoftaswe--applybyfaiththissatisfaction ofChrist to our souls,we obtain undoubtedly forgiveness of sins,and by his righteousness we become good and righteous before God. AndthereforeSaintPaulsaithinthethird[chapterofhis]epistletothePhilippians,after thathehadsaid thatas touchingtherighteousnesswhichis in the lawhewas unrebukeable, he joineth, But the things that were vantage unto me Icounted loss forChrist's sake:yea, I thinkall thingsbut loss for thatexcellentknowledge sake ofChrist JesusmyLord, forwhom I have counted all thingsloss,anddojudgethembutdung,thatImightwinChrist,andmightbefoundinhim, not having mine own righteousness which is of the law, but that whichspringethof thefaithwhich is inJesusChrist; Imean therighteousnesswhichcomethofGodthroughfaithinknowinghim.Owordsmostnotable,thewhicheveryChristianmanshouldengrave inhisheart,beseechingGod tomakehimtastethesameperfectly!BeholdhowSaintPaulshewethclearlythatwhosoeverknowethChristtrulyjudgeththeworksofthelawloss,insomuchastheydrawamanfromtrustinginChrist(inwhomweoughttosettleourhealth),andcausethhimtotrustinhimself;andaggravatingthissentencehejoineththerewith,thathe judged all thin," dung, that be might win Christ, and might be foundincorporateinhim,shewingthatwhosoevertrustethinworks,andgoethabouttobejustifiedbythem,hewinnethriotChrist,neitherisbyanymeansincorporateinhim,andthereforeinthistruthconsisteththewholemysteryoffaith;andtotheintentthattheyshouldthebetterunderstandthatliesaid,hejoinethtoitand

affirmeth boldly that he refused all outward justification, all righteousnessfounded in tile observing of the law, trusting only and assuredly unto therighteousness that God giveth by faith to them that believe that he hathchastenedinChrist[alloursins,who](assaiththesameSaintPaul)wasmadeofhimourwisdom,righteousness,holiness,andredemption,orforgivenessofsins;andtherefore(asitiswritten)liethatrejoicethlethimrejoiceintheLord,andnotinhisownworks.

Truth it is that there are found some authorities of theHoly Scripture, whichbeing evil-understanded seem to gainsay this holy doctrine of Saint Paul, andthat theyshouldattribute the justificationandforgivenessofsins toworksandcharity; but those authorities are declaredwondrouswell by some otherswhohave evidently proved that they that understand them in that sense understandthem not. Let us then (most dearly beloved brethren) follow not the foolishopinionofthebewitchedGalatians,buttheveritythatSaintPaulteacheth,andletusgiveallthepraiseofourjustificationtothemercyofGod,andthemeritsofhisSon,whowithhisbloodbathdeliveredusfromthedominionordangerofthelaw,fromthetyrannyofsin,andfromdeath,andbathconductedusintothekingdomofGod,bygivingtouseternalfelicity.Isayliehathdeliveredusfromthedominionofthelaw,forhehathgivenuntoushisSpiritthatshewethusalltruth,andbebathmade'perfectsatisfactionforustothelaw,andhathgiventhesamesatisfactiontoallhismembers,thatistosay,toalltrueChristians,sothattheymay safely come to tile judgment-seat ofGod, being apparelledwith therighteousnessofChrist,anddeliveredbyhimfromthecurseofthelaw[which]cannotanymoreaccuseorcondemnus,noranymorestirupouraffectionsandappetites,noraugmentsininus.AndthereforesaithSaintPaul,Thehandwritingthat was against us was cancelled by Christ, and disannulled in the woodencross,ourChristhavingdeliveredusfromthedominionofthelaw;consequentlybehathdeliveredusfromthetyrannyofsinandofdeath,thewhichcannotholdusanymoreoppressed,beingovercomefirstofChristbyhisresurrection,andthenconsequentlyofusthatbehismembers,onsuchwise,thatwemaysaywithStPaul[andwith]Hoseatheprophet,Deathisovercomeanddestroyed.Odeath,whereisthysting?Ohell,whereisthyvictory?Thestingofdeathissin,andthestrengthofsinisthelaw;butthanksbegiventoGod,whobathgivenusvictorythroughourLordJesusChrist.Thisisthatmosthappyseedwhichhathtroddendown the head of the most venomous serpent, that is to say the devil; andthereforeallthosethatbelieveinChrist,puttingalltheirhopeandconfidencein

hismercy,doovercomewithChrist sin,death, thedevil, andhell.This is thatblessedseedofAbraham,inthewhichGoddidpromisetoblessallnations.

Everymanought to have troddendown severally that horrible serpent, and tohavedeliveredhimselffromthemaledictionorcurse;butthatenterprisewassogreat that the force or power of the whole world gathered together was notsufficient to bear it.OurGod then being the Father of allmercy,movedwithcompassionofourmiseries,gaveushisonly-begottenSon,whohathdeliveredusfromthevenomoftheserpent,andismadeourblessingandjustification.Letusembrace,mostdearlybelovedbrethren,therighteousnessofJesusChrist,letusmakeitoursthroughfaith,letushaveasureconfidencetoberighteous,notby our own works, but by the merits of Christ, and let us live with quietconsciencetowardsGod,andwithassuredtrustthattherighteousnessofChristdothannihilateallourunrighteousness,andmakethusrighteousandholyinthesightofGod,whoforsomuchasheseethusmadebyfaithonebodyinhisSon,dothnotnowanymoretakeusasthechildrenofAdam,butashischildren,andmakethusheirswithhisownlegitimateSonofallhisriches.

CHAPTERIV.Oftheeffectsofthelivelyfaith,andoftheunityoragreementofthesoulwith

Christ.

THIS holy and lively faith worketh so much, that it bringeth to pass thatwhosoeverbelieveththatChristhathtakenuponhimhissinsbecomethlikeuntoChrist,andovercomethsin,death,thedevil,andhell;andthisisthecausethattheChurch(thatistosayeveryfaithfulsoul,)isthewifeofChrist,andChristisherhusband.Weknowthatthecustomofmarriageisthatoftwotherebecomeoneself[same]thing,theybeingtwoinoneflesh,andthegoodsofbothbecomecommontoeitherofthem,sothatthehusbandsaiththedowryofthewifeishis,andinlikemannerthewifesaiththatthehouseandalltherichesofthehusbandarehers;andsotrulytheybe,otherwisetheyshouldnotbeoneflesh,astheHolyScripturesaith.Evenintheself-samemannerGodhathmarriedhismostdearly-belovedSonwiththefaithfulsoul,whohavingnothingofherownbutalonelysin, the Son of God nevertheless hath not disdained to take her for his well-beloved spouse with her own dowry which is sin. And by the uniting andknitting togetherwhich iswrought in thismostholymatrimony, the thing thatappertainethtotheoneisalsotheother's,sothatChristsaiththen,thedowryofthesoul,mydearly-belovedspouse,thatistosay,hersins,thetransgressionofthe law, thewrath ofGod against her, [the]malapertness and boldness of thedevil against her, the prison of hell and all her other evils, are come intomypower,andare inmineownordering,anduntomeitpertaineth todowith thesamedowryevenasitpleasethme,andthereforeIwillcastituponthealtarofmycross,andmakeitofnoneeffect.

GodthenseeinghisSonallbefilledwiththesinofhisspouse,scourgedhim,andkilledhimuponawoodencross;butyetbecausehewashismostdearly-belovedandobedientSon,heraisedhimagainfromdeathtolife,andgaveuntohimallpowerinheavenandinearth,andhathsethimonhisrighthand.Thespouseinlikemanner saithwithmost hearty rejoicing, The realms and emperies ofmywell-belovedhusbandaremine. I amqueen and empressofheavenand earth,my husband's riches, (that is to say) his holiness, his innocency, hisrighteousness, hisGodhead,with all his virtue and power, aremy riches; andthereforeIamholy,innocent,righteous,andgodly;thereisnospotinme;Iamfair andwell-favoured,becausemydearly-belovedhusband isnot spotted,butfairandwell-favoured;andhebeingaltogethermine,consequentlyallthatishis

is mine; and because he is holy and pure, I also am become holy and pure.Beginningthenwithhismostinnocentnativity,hehathwiththesamesanctifiedthe filthynativityofhis spouse, conceived in sin.The innocent childhoodandyouthofthehusbandhathjustifiedthelifeofthechildhood,theyouth,andtheimperfectworkingofhisbelovedwife;andthereforetheloveandunionthatthesoul of a trueChristianman hathwith her husbandChrist is so great that theworkofbotharecommontoboth;sothatwhenitissaidChristdidfast,Christdidpray, andwasheardbyhisFather, did raise thedead, deliveredmen fromevil spirits, healed the sick, died, rose again, and ascended to heaven; even inlike manner it is said, that the Christian man hath done the selfsame work,because theworksofChristare theworkof theChristianman,andbyhimhehathdonethemall.TrulyitmaybesaidthattheChristianmanwasfastenedtothecross,buried,raisedagain,ascendedtoheaven,andwasmadepartakerofthenatureofGod.Ontheotherside,alltheworksthataChristianmandotharetheworks ofChrist, because he accepteth them as his own, and because they areunperfect and he perfect, and that hewilleth not to have any imperfect thing,thereforewith his virtue hemaketh them perfect, to the intent that [the]wifeshouldbealwaysmerryandcontent,andnotbeafeard;andthereforehowmuchsoeverherworksbeimperfect,yetaretheyacceptablebeforeGodforhisSon'ssake,whomcontinuallyhebeholdeth.OmostgreatbountifulnessofGod,howmuchistheChristianmanboundtoGod!Thereisnohumanlovethatmaybecompared to the love ofGod, the dearly-beloved Spouse of the soul of everyChristianman.WhereforeSaintPaulsaith,thatChristlovedhischurch,(thatistosayeverysoul)hisbelovedspouse,andofferedhimselfforhertothedeathofthecross,tosanctifyherandpurifyherwiththefountainofwater,throughtheword;tomakeittohimselfagloriouscongregation,withoutspot,orwrinkle,oranysuchthing,butthatitshouldbewhollywithoutblame,(thatistosay)likeuntohimselfinholinessandinnocency,andthetrueandlawfuldaughterofGod,wholovedsotheworld(asJohnsaith)thathegavehisonlySon,totheendthatevery one that believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.WhereforeGodsenthisSonintotheworldnottojudgeit,butbecausetheworldshouldbesavedbyhim,sothathethattrustethinhimisnotcondemned.

A man might say to me, in what manner is made the union of this godlymatrimony?howismadethiscopulationofthesoulthewifewithherhusbandChrist?whatcertaintymayIhavethatmysoul isunitedwithChristandmadehiswife?howmayIassuredlygloryofhisrichesasabovethewifebathdoneof

herhusband'sriches?Itiseasytometobelievethatothersreceivethishonourandglory;butthatIamoneofthemtowhomGodbathgivensogreatgrace,Icannotpersuademyself;Iknowmineownmiseryandimperfection.Mostdearlybeloved brother, I answer thee, that thy certainty consisteth in true and livelyfaith, with the which, as Saint Peter saith, God purifieth the heart. This faithconsisteth ingivingcredence to theGospel, (that is to say) to thehappynewsthat is publishedonGod's behalf throughout all theworld,which is, thatGodhathusedtherigourofhisrighteousnessagainstChrist,chasteninginhimalloursins.Whosoeverreceiveththisgoodnewsandbelievethitcertainlyhaththetruefaith,andbrokeththeremissionofhissins,andisreconciledwithGod,andof[a]childofwrathbecomeththechildofgrace,andrecovereththeimageofGod,enterethintothekingdomofGod,andmakethhimselfthetempleofGod;whomarrieththesoulwithhisonly-begottenSonthroughthisfaith,thewhichistheworkandgiftofGod(asSaintPauloftentimessaith),andGodgivethittothemthatcallethforthesametojustifythemselvesandtogivethemlifeeverlasting,asChrist testified,saying,This is thewillofhimthatsentme, thateverymanthat seeth theSonandbelievethonhim,haveeverlasting life; and Iwill raisehimupat the lastday. In likemannerhesaith,AsMoses liftupon[high] theserpentinthewilderness,evensomusttheSonofManbeliftup,thatnonethatbelieveth in him perish, but have eternal life.And toMartha he said,He thatbelieveth on me, yea though be were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoeverlivethandbelievethonmeshallneverdie.Andhesaid to themultitudeof theJews,Iamcomealight intotheworld, thatwhosoeverbelievethinmeshouldnotbideindarkness.AndSaint[John]inhisEpistlesaith,InthisappearedtheloveofGod tous-ward,because thatGodsenthisonly-begottenSon into thisworld,thatwe+mightlivethroughhim.Hereinislove,notthatwelovedGod,but thathe lovedus,andsenthisSon tomakeagreement foroursins.And tothatendhemadehimpartakerofourfleshandblood,asStPaulsaith,becausethatbydeathlieshoulddestroyhimthathadlordshipoverdeath,thatistosay,thedevil:and thathemightdeliver themwhich throughfearofdeathwerealltheir lifetime in danger of bondage. Having then the testimony of the holyscriptureuponthesepromiseswhichareaboverecited,anduponmanyotherthatareindiversplacesthereofspreadabroad,weinnowisemaydoubtthatthesamepromisesshouldnotbetrue.Andinsomuchasthescripturespeakethgenerally,nomanoughttodoubtthatthatwhichitspeakethshouldnotappertainuntohim;whichthing,becauseitmaythebetterbeunderstanded,andthewholemysteryoffaithconsistethinit, letusput thecasethatagoodandholykingcausetha

proclamationtobemadethatallsuchashaveatanytimerebelledagainsthimshouldreturnsafelyintohisrealm,becausethathebythedesertormeritsofoneof theirkinhathpardoned themall,verilynoneof these rebelsought todoubtthathehathnotassuredlyobtainedpardonandforgivenessforhisrebellion,butoughtratherwithasuretrustreturntohishouse,andtoliveundertheshadowanddefenceofthatholyking;andifhereturnnot,heshouldbearthepains,andbecauseofhisincredulitydieabanishedman,andinthedispleasureofhisking.ThisholykingistheLordofheavenandearth,thewhichthroughtheobedienceandmerits of Christ our kinsman hath pardoned all our rebellion, and (aswehavesaidabove)hathcaused tobemadeaproclamation throughout thewholeworld that safelywemay return to his kingdom.Whosoever then trusteth thispromisereturnethtothekingdomofGod.(fromthewhichwewerecastforthbytheoffenceofour first parents), and isgovernedmosthappilyof theSpirit ofGod. He that trusteth not to this proclamation, broketh or enjoyeth not thisgeneralpardon,butthroughhismistrustremainethstillinexileandbanishmentunder the tyranny of the devil, and liveth and dieth in extrememisery; for heliveth and dieth in the displeasure of the King of heaven and earth; and thatworthily; for we cannot greatlier offend God than to make him a liar and adeceiver;andthatdowewhenwetrustnottohispromise.

Ohowgrievousisthissinofincredulity,thewhich(asmuchasinitlieth)dothdepriveandspoilGodofhisgloryandofhisperfection,besidesthatitbringethtoitselfthehurtofeverlastingdamnation,andcontinualvexationofmindthatinthis life the miserable conscience doth feel ; but to the contrary, he thatapproacheth to God with an unfeigned heart and strong faith, trusting to hispromises,withoutanymannerofdoubting,believingassuredlythatallthatGodpromisethheshallobtain,thatman(Isay)givethgloryuntoGod,thatmanlivethin continual peace and joyfulness of conscience, alwayspraising and thankingGod,whobathchosenhimto thegloryofeverlasting life,havingagagemostsure and certain, that is to say, the Son of the sameGod for hismost dearly-belovedspouse,whosebloodhathmadehisheartasitwereghostlydrunkenandmerry.Andthismostholyfaithengenderethalivelyhopeandanassuredtrustorbelief in themercy ofGod towards us;which faith liveth andworketh in theheart, and by the samewe altogether put ourwhole trust inGod, committinguntohimwhollythecareandchargeofus,andthatinsuchsortandmannerthatbeingsureof thebenevolenceandmercyofGodtowardsus,wearenotafraidneitherofthedevil,neitherofhisministers,neitherofdeathitself.Andthisso

stedfastandcomfortableabeliefinthemercyofGodoncebroughtintotheheartsticketh itup,andwithcertainmost sweetaffectionsdirecteth it towardsGod,andfillethitwithmostardentcharityorlove.WhereforeSaintPaulexhortethusthatwe gowith faith to the throne of grace, and he comforteth us not to castawayourfaithandconfidencewhichhathgreatreward.ThisholyfaithandtrustisgenderedinourheartsbytheHolyGhost,whichisgivenusthroughfaith,thatneverisvoidoftheloveofGod;andhereofitcomeththatbythislivelyefficacyorstrengthwearestirredtodogoodworks;andwegetsogreatanabilityandinclinationorreadinessthereto,thatweareveryreadytodoandsufferallthings,be they never so intolerable, for the love and glory of God our most benignFather,whobyChristhathmadeussorichofhissoabundantgraceorfavourandgoodmind,andhathmadeusofenemiesmostdearchildren.

ThistruefaithisnotsosoongiventomanbyGodbutthatheisforthwithstirredwith amost strong zeal and desire to do goodworks, and to bring forthmostpleasantfruitstotheLord,andtohisneighbour,asaverygoodtree;evenasitisimpossiblebutthatafagotoffirebeingkindledmustgiveforthlight.ThisisthefaithwithoutthewhichitisimpossiblethatanymancanpleaseGod,andbythewhichallthesaints,bothoftheOldandNewTestament,besaved,asSaintPaultestifiedofAbraham,ofwhomtheScripturesaith,AbrahambelievedGod,anditwascountedtohimforrighteousness;andthereforehesaithalittlebefore,Letusbelievethenthatmanisjustifiedbyfaith,withouttheworksofthelaw.Andinanotherplacehesaith,Evensoatthistimethereisaremnantleftthroughtheelectionofgrace;ifitbeofgrace,thenitisnotofworks:forthenweregracenomoregrace.AndtotheGalatianshesaith,thatitisamanifestthingthatnomanisjustifiedbythelawinthesightofGod;forthejustshalllivebyfaith.Thelawisnotoffaith,butthemanthatfulfilleththethingscontainedinthelawshalllivebythem.Andalittleabovehesaith,Amanisnotjustifiedbythedeedsofthelaw,butbythefaithofJesusChrist:andalittleaftersaith,thatifrighteousnesscomebythelaw,Christthendiedinvain,orfornought.And[to]theRomans,comparing the righteousness of the Gospel, he saith, that that consisteth inworkingand this inbelieving; for if thoushaltknowledgewith thymouth thatJesusistheLord,andshaltbelievewiththineheartthatGodraisedhimupfromdeath, thou shalt be safe ; for to believe with the heart justifieth, and toknowledge with the mouth maketh a man safe. See how plainly Saint Paulsheweththatfaithwithoutanyhelpofworksmakethamanrighteous.

And not only Saint Paul, but also the holy doctors that came after him havelikewiseconfirmedandapprovedthismostholyverityofjustificationbyfaith,amongstthewhichisprincipalSaintAugustine,inhisBookofFaithandWorks,andOf[the]SpiritandtheLetter,andoftheEighty-threeQuestions,andinthathewritethtotheBishopofRome,Bonifacius,andinhisTractonthethirtyfirstPsalm, and inmany other places he defendeth this opinion; thewhichOrigenalso defendeth in, his FourthBook upon theEpistle to theRomans, affirmingthatSaint Paulwould have that faith only be sufficient to justify theworld insuch manner, that he saith the man only by believing becometh righteous,althoughhehavedonenoworks:likeasthethiefwasjustifiedwithouttheworksof the law; for the Lord did not seek that which he before had wrought, nortarried that he should work anything after that he had believed; but havingjustified him by his confession only, took him for his companion when heentered into Paradise. And in like manner that woman so celebrated in theGospelofSaintLuke,atthefeetofJesusChristheardadduntoher,Thysinsareforgiventhee;andalittleafter:

Thyfaithhathsavedthee,goinpeace.AndafterthatOrigenadjoineth:Inmanyplaces of the Scripture it is seen that the Lord spake in suchmanner that heshewed that faith is the occasion of the health and salvation of him thatbelieveth.Thenthemanisjustifiedbyfaith,tothewhichtheworksofthelawhelpnothing;andonthecontrarypart,wherethefaithisnotwhichjustifiedhimthat believeth, although a man have the works that the law commandeth,neverthelessbecausetheybenotbuildeduponthefoundationoffaith,althoughin outward appearance they appear never so good, they nevertheless cannotjustifyhimthatdoththem,hewantingfaith,whichisthemarkofthemthatarejustifiedofGod.Andwhoishethatmaygloryinhisownrighteousness,hearingGodsaybytheprophetthatallourrighteousnessisliketheclothesstainedwiththeflowersofawoman.ThentogloryinthefaithofthecrossofJesusChrististhe trueglorying.SaintBasil, inhishomilyOfhumility,expresslywilleth thattheChristianmanaccounthimselfrighteousonlybyfaithinChrist;hiswordsbethese:Theapostlesaith,hethatglorieth,lethim[glory]intheLord,sayingthatChrist was made by God to us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, andredemption;andthereforeas it iswritten,Hethatglorieth, lethimgloryin theLord.Thereforetheperfectandentire'gloryingisinGod,whenamandothnotenhancehimselfbyhisownrighteousness,butknoweththathelackeththetruerighteousness, and that by the only faith in Christ he is justified. Paul also

gloriethinnotesteeminghisownrighteousness,andinseekingbyfaithinChristtherighteousnessthatcomethfromGod.SaintHilarius,uponSaintIMatthewintheninth canon, saith thesewords:The scribeswere troubledbecause that sinshouldberemittedofman,fortheyesteemedJesusChristonlyasman,andthathe had remitted that which the law could not remit, and therefore faith onlyjustified. Saint Ambrose, expounding these words of Saint Paul (To him thatworkethnot,butbelievethonhimthatjustifieththeungodly,isfaithcountedforrighteousness;evenasDaviddescribeththeblessedfulnessofthemantowhomGodascribeth righteousnesswithoutdeeds)SaintAmbrose (I say)writeth thisuponthesewords:SaintPaulsaith,thattohimthatbelievethinChrist,thatistosay, to the Gentile, is his faith imputed for righteousness, even as it was toAbraham?InwhatmannerthendidtheJewsthinktobejustifiedbytheworksofthe lawafter the justificationofAbraham,whenAbrahamwasnot justifiedbytheworksofthelaw,butonlybyfaith?Thenthelawisnotnecessary,sincethewickedmanonlybyfaithisjustifiedbeforeGod,accordingtothepurposeofthemercyofGod.SohesaiththatitisdeterminedofGod,that,notmeddlingwiththelaw,theunrighteousforhishealthandsalvationshouldseekonlythefaithofthemercyofGod,asDavidalsosaith.Theapostleverifieth that thathespakeafter theexampleof theprophet,Theblessedfulnessof theman towhomGodimputethrighteousnesswithoutworks.Davidunderstandeththattheyareblessedof whom God hath determined, that without weariness and without anyobservationsbyfaithonly theybemaderighteousbeforeGod.Thenhesettethforth the blessedness of the time inwhich Christ was born, even as saith thesameLord,Manyrighteousmenandprophetshavedesiredtoseethethingsthatyou [see, and tohear the things that you]hear, andhavenot heard them.Thesame Ambrose, expounding the first chapter of the first Epistle to theCorinthians, saith very plainly, that whosoever believeth in Christ is justifiedwithout works and without any of his merits, receiving by faith only theremission of sins. He also affirmeth the same in an epistle to Inrenaeus withthesewords,Letnomangloryorboastofhisworks,fornomanisjustifiedbyhisownworks;buthethatisrighteoushathhisrighteousnessbygift;forheisjustifiedbyChrist.ThenfaithisthethingthatdeliverethusthroughthebloodofChrist; forbe isblessed towhomsin is remittedandpardongiven.AndSaintBernard,uponCanticaSalomonis,intheseventyseventhsermon,confirmeththesame, affirming that our merits have no part in our justification; the whichshouldallwhollybeattributeduntomercy,whichmakethusjustfreely,andinthis manner delivereth us from the servitude or bondage of sin. And further,

SaintBernard saith,ThatChrist espouseth the soul anduniteth itwithhimbyfaith,notminglingtherewithanymeritsofourworks.Butnottobetoolong,Iwillmake an end of allegations as soon as I have told a very good saying ofSaintAmbrose, in the book that is entitled,Of Jacob, and of the blessed life.Thisholymansaith,thatasJacob,nothavingmeritedthroughhimselfthebeingfirstborn,hidhimunderthehabitofhisbrother,andapparelledhimselfwithhisgarments,thewhichcastoutamostsweetsmell,andinthatmannerpresented'himself to his father, to receive to his own behoof the blessing under thesimilitudeorlikeness-ofanother.Soit[is]necessarythatweapparelourselveswiththerighteousnessofChristbyfaith,andthatwehideusunderthepreciouspurityofour eldestbrother, ifwewill be-receivedas righteous in the sightofGod.-Andsurelythisistrue.InsomuchthatifwecomeintothepresenceofGodnot apparelledwith the righteousness ofChrist,without doubtwe shall be alljudgedunrighteous,andworthyofallpunishment;but,ontheotherside,ifGodseeusapparelledwith the righteousnessofChrist,no failbewill acceptusasjust,holy,andworthyeternallife.

And, verily, great is the foolish rashness of them that pretend to come torighteousness by the observation of the commandments ofGod,which are allcomprehendedinlovingGodwithallthyheart,withallthysoul,andwithallthystrength, and thy neighbour as thyself. Who shall be then so arrogant, orpresumptuous and mad, that dare believe to keep truly these twocommandments,andseethnotthatthelawofGodinrequiringofmanaperfectlovecondemnethallimperfectness?Leteverymanconsiderthenhisownworkswhich partly appeareth good to him, and he shall find that his works rathershouldbecalledatransgressingoftheholylaw,forsomuchastheyareuncleanandimperfectworks.WhereuponconcludedthewordsofDavid,Enternotintojudgment with thy servant; for in thy sight shall no man be justified. AndSolomonsaith,Whomaysaymyheartisclean?AndJobcriethout,Howcanhebecleanthatisbornofawoman?behold,thatamongsthissaintsthereisnonestedfast, nor the heavens are clear in his sight. How much more is he thenabominable,thewhichdrinkethiniquityaswater!AndSaintJohnsaith,Thatifwewillsaythatwe.arewithoutsin,wedeceiveourselves.AndtheLordtaughtthatweshouldsayalwayswhenwepray,Forgiveusourdebts.Bythismaybegathered the foolishness of them that make merchandise of their works,presumingwiththoseworkstobeofpowertosavenotonlythemselves,butalsoothers, as though the Lord had not said,When ye have done all those things

whichyearecommanded,say,Weareunprofitableservantsall,andthatwehavebutdone thatwasourduty todo.Behold, that althoughwekeepperfectly thelawofGod,wemayjudgeandcallourselvesunprofitableservants.Nowallmenbeingveryfarofffromthisperfectfulfillingofthelaw,dareanymanglorythathehathputtogethersogreataheapofmeritstothejustmeasure,thathehathtogivetoothers?

But now return to our purpose. Let the arrogant sinner -consider, the which(doing some works in the sight of the world laudable) pretendeth to justifyhimselfinthesightofGod,lethim(Isay)considerthatalltheworksthatcomefrom a corrupt and unclean heart are themselves in like manner corrupt andunclean,andconsequentlycannotbeacceptabletoGod,norofeffectorpowertojustify. It isneedful then, first, topurify theheart, ifwewould thatourworkspleaseGod;andthatpurifyingconsistethinfaith,asaffirmeththeHolyGhostbythemouth of Saint Peter.Wemay not then say that the unrighteousman andsinnerbyhisworksbecometh just,good, andacceptable toGod;butwemustsay that faith purifieth our hearts from all sin, maketh us good, just, andacceptable toGod, andconsequentlycauseth thatourworks (although theybeneverso imperfectandweak)doneverthelesspleasehismajesty.Forwhenbyfaithwe are become the children ofGod, he then considereth ourworks as afathermostmerciful, and not as a strait judge: for he hath compassion of ourfrailty, and considereth us as a member of his first-begotten Son, whoserighteousness and perfection supplieth our uncleanness and imperfection, thewhichbeingcoveredunder thepurityand innocencyofChrist,benot imputeduntous,norcome[under]thejudgmentofGod.

Whereof it cometh that the works proceeding from true faith (be they ofthemselvesneversoimpureandimperfect),yetshalltheybegreatlypraisedandcommendedofChristintheuniversaljudgment,forasmuchastheyshallbethefruitandtestimonyofourfaith,bythewhichwearesaved.ForinsomuchaswehavelovedthebrethrenofChristweshallshewplainlythatweagainbemadefaithful, and the brethren of Christ, and by faithwe shall be brought into theperfect possession of the everlasting kingdom, the which God our heavenlyFather prepared for us from the beginning of the world: not because of ourmerits,butthroughhismercy,bythewhichhehathchosenandcalledustothegraceof theGospel,andhath justifiedus, thatwemaygloryforeverwithhisonly-begottenSonJesusChristourLord,ourjustificationandrighteousness;but

notforthemthatwillnotconfessandknowledgethatthesamehismercyisofitself sufficient to make a man just and acceptable to God, who through hisfatherly kindness offereth and giveth unto us Christ with his righteousness,without any merits of our works. And what thing may man work that mightdeservesogreatarewardandtreasureasChrist is?Thistreasureisgivenonlyby the grace, favour, and mercy of God, and faith only is the thing whichreceivethsuchagift,andmakethushavefruitionoftheforgivenessofoursins;and therefore when Saint Paul and the doctors say that faith only justifiethwithout theworks, theyunderstand that it onlymakethushave fruitionof thegeneralpardonandmakethusreceiveChrist;who(SaintPaulsaith)dwellethinour hearts by faith; who hath overcome the terror of our conscience, madesatisfactiontothejusticeofGodforoursins,appeasedandquenchedthewrathofGodagainstus,andthefireofhell,intothewhichournaturalcorruptiondidthrowusheadlong,andhathvanquishedanddestroyedthedevilwithhispowerandtyranny.Thewhichthingsalltheworksthatallmentogethermightdocouldnotattainuntonorbringtopass.

ThisgloryandthispowerisreservedonlytotheSonofGod,thatistosay,untoblessedChrist,whoismostmightyaboveallthepowersofheavenandearthandhell, and giveth himself with all his merits to those, that despairing ofthemselves,putalltheirhopeofsalvationinhimandhismerits.Andthereforeletnomanbeguilehimselfwhenhehearethsay, thatonly faithwithoutworksjustifieth, (believingasdoth the falseChristians,whichdrawethall things toafleshlyliving)thatthetruefaithconsistethinbelievingthestoryofJesusChrist,in likemanneras they thatbelieve thehistoriesofCaesarandAlexander.Thismannerofbelievingisanhistoricalfaith,foundedontheveryreportofman,andofwriting,andisprintedslightlyinthemindbyacertainuseorcustom;andislike to the faith of the Turks,who by the selfsame occasions believeth in thefables of Alcoran. This faith (so made) is an imagination of man, whichrenewethnothingtheheartofman,norheatethhimwithgodlylove,neitherdoththere follow itanyworksof faith,nornew life;and therefore theysay falsely,bothagainsttheholyScriptureandalsotheholydoctorsofthetrueChurch,thatonly faith justifiethnot,but that theworksareneedful; to thewhich Ianswer,that thishistoricalandveryvain faith,with theworks that follow it,notalonenotjustifieth,butalsocastethamandownheadlongintohell,asthosethathavenooilintheirlamps,thatistosay,notruefaithintheirhearts.

The faith that justifieth is a work of God in us by the which our oldman iscrucified, and we being altogether transformed into Christ do become a newcreature,anddearly-belovedsonsofGod:thisgodlyfaithissuchthatitgraffethusinthedeathandresurrectionofChrist,andconsequentlymortifieththefleshwithheraffectionsandconcupiseences;forweknowourselvesbytheefficacyoffaithtobedeadwithChrist,anddothereforedeterminewithourselvesandwiththeworld,andalsodounderstand,thatitappertainethtothosethataredeadwithChrist, tomortify theirworldlymembers, that is tosay, thesinfulaffectionsofthemind,and theappetitesor lustsof the flesh;andknowingourselves raisedwithChrist,we diligently endeavour to lead a spiritual and holy life, and likethatwhichwe shall live inheaven after our resurrection.Thismost holy faithcausethustobrokeorenjoythegeneralpardonthattheGospelpublisheth,yea,itleadethusintothekingdomofGod,andmakethpeaceinourconscience,andmaintainethinitaperpetualandholyjoyfulnessandmirth.ThissameselffaithunitethuswithGod,andcauseth thatGoddwelleth inourhearts,andclothethour soul with himself; and consequently his Holy Spirit moveth us to thosethings to thewhich itmovedChrist,whenhewas conversant amongstmen: Isay, to humility, meekness and obedience of God, charity, and to otherperfections,bythewhichwerecovertheimageofGod.

Then worthily Christ doth attribute blessedfulness to this inspired faith, thewhichblessednesscannotstandwithoutgoodworksandholiness;andhowmayit be true that the Christian man is not holy if by faith Christ is become hissanctification? Then by faith we become just and holy, and therefore almostalwaysSaintPaulcalleththosesaintswhichwecallChristianmen,whoiftheyhavenottheSpiritofChristarenotChristianmen;andiftheyhavetheSpiritofChristwhich ruleth and governeth them,we should not doubt that those, howwellsoevertheyknowthemselvesjustifiedbyfaithonly,shouldbecomeslothfulto do goodworks; for the Spirit ofChrist is the spirit of charity or love, andcharitycannotbeidlenoreasyfromdoinggoodworks;andsoifwewillsaythetruth,amancanneverdogoodworks if firsthedonotknowhimself justifiedthrough the merits and righteousness of Christ, which he maketh his throughfaith.[Thenandnotbeforehe]workethonlyfortheloveandgloryofGodandofChrist,andnotforthelovehebearethtohimself,noryetforthathewouldbetherebyjustified;whereuponitcomeththatthetrueChristianman(thatistosay)hethatcountethhimselfrighteousthroughtherighteousnessofChrist,askethnotwhethergoodworksbecommandedornot,butbeingmovedandstirredthrough

thestrengthofGod'slovetowardshim,heagainofferethhimselfmostreadytoholyChristianworks,andneverceasethtoworkwell.

Andhethatbyhisfaithfeelethnotthemarvellouseffectsthatwehavespokenof,whichtheinspiredfaithdothinaChristianman, lethimknowthathehathnotyetthetrueChristianfaith,andlethimmakeinstantprayertoGod,togiveithim,saying,Lord,helpmy incredulityorunbelief ;andhearingsay, that faithonlyjustifieth,lethimnotdeceivehimself,saying,WhatneedethitthatIwearymyselfindoinggoodworks?FaithsufficethtosendmetoParadise;butlethimmarkthat thedevilsbelievethalsoandtrembleth.Nowwilt thougowith themintoParadise through this false conclusionor reasoning?Brother, thoumayestknowhowgreat an error thou art in thou thinkest that thouhast the faith thatjustifieth,andhastitnot;thousayest,Iamrich,andhaveneedofnothing,andknowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, poor, blind, and naked. IpersuadetheetobuyofGodgoldfinedinthefire,thatistosay,truefaithfinedthroughgoodworks,totheintentthoumayestbecomerichandapparelledwithwhiteclothes, that is tosay,withtheinnocencyofChrist, to theintent that theshamefulnessofthynakednessappearnot,thatistosaythefilthinessofthysins.

Thenthefaiththatjustifiethislikeaflameoffire,whichcannotbutshine;andasitistruethattheflameonlyburneththewoodwith.outthehelpofthelight,soitistruethatfaithonlyputtethoutandburneththesinewithouthelpofworks;andneverthelessthisfaithcannotbewithoutgoodworks;foraswhenweseeaflameof fire that shinethnot,weknow that it ispaintedandvain, so likewisewhenweseenotinanymanthelightofgoodworks,itisasignthatsuchaonehathnotthetrueinspiredfaiththewhichGodgivethtohiselects,tojustifyandglorify them.And I think assuredly that Saint James understanded this by hiswordswhenhesaid,Shewmethyfaithbythydeeds,andIwillshewtheemyfaithbymydeeds;meaningthathewhoattendethtotheambitionandpleasuresoftheworld,howmuchsoeverhesaithhebelieveth,hebelievethnot;sinceheshewethnot inhim theeffectsof faith.Wemayyet liken ,thismostholy faiththat justifieth, to the divinity orGodhead thatwas in JesusChrist,who beingveryman (butwithout sin)wrought thingswonderful, healing the sick, givingsight to the blind, going upon the waters, and raising the dead. But thesemiraculous works were not the cause that Christ was God; for afore that hewroughtanyoftheseworkshewasGod,andthelawfulandonly-begottenSonofGod; and it was not to him needful towork suchmiracles that thereby he

might become God, but contrariwise, because he was God he wrought them:wherefore these miracles were not the cause that Christ was God, but theyshewedthathewasveryGod.SothetruelivingfaithisadivinityinthesoulofaChristianman,whichworkethmarvellously,and isneverwearyofdoinggoodworks;buttheseworksarenotthecausethattheChristianmanisaChristian,(thatistosay)just,good,holy,andveryacceptableuntoGod;andtohimitwasnotneedfultodosuchworksthattherebyhemightbecomesuchanone;butlie,becauseheisaChristianmanbyfaith(asChristbeingamanbyhisdivinitywasGod)dothallthoseworks.SothatthesegoodworksdonotmaketheChristianmanrighteousandgood,butdothshewthatheisgoodandrighteous.Thenevenas the divinity or Godhead of Christ was the cause of his miracles, so faithworkingbyloveisthecauseofthegoodworksoftheChristianman.Andevenas they said of Christ, he hath done this and thatmiracle; and suchmiracles,besidesthattheyglorifiedandgavehonouruntoGod,werealsoverygreatlytoChrist's honour as man; who being obedient even to the death, was of Godrewarded in the resurrection,andhadgiven tohimallpower inheavenand inearth, thewhich before, asman, he then had not; and this he deserved by theagreementandunitythattheWordofGodbadwiththemanhoodofChrist:evensodoth faith in theChristianman.Forby theagreementandunity that ithathwiththesoulitattributeththatwhichappertainethtotheoneuntotheother;sothatmanytimestheholyScripturespromisethtoaChristianmanlifeeverlastingfor his good works, because that good works are fruits and testimony of theliving faith, and proceedeth from it its the light from the flame of fire, aswehavealreadyabovesaid;andthismostholyfaithembracethChrist,andunitethhim[with]thesoul;andall three,(thatistosayfaith,Christ,andthesoul),dobecome one self- [same]thing, on such manner that the thing which Christmeriteth thesoul in likemannermeriteth.AndthereforeSaintAugustinesaith,thatGodcrownethinushisgifts.

OfthisunionofthesoulwithChristbyfaith,givethtestimonyChristhimselfinSaintJohn,makingprayertotheFatherforhisApostlesandforthemthatshouldbelieveinhimbytheirpreaching,thattheyallmaybeone,asthou,Father,artinme,andIinthee,thattheymaybealsooneinus:thattheworldmaybelievethatthouhast sentme.And thatglory that thougavestme Ihavegiven them; thattheymaybeone,asweareone.ThenwhenwebelievethewordsoftheApostleswhopreachedChrist tohavedied foroursins,and tohave risenagain forourjustification,and tomakeus righteous,webecomeone thingwithChrist,who

beingoneonlythingwithGod,wealsobyChristbeoneonlythingwithGod.Oglory to be marvelled at of a Christian man, to whom by faith is granted topossess these thingswhich are not able to be expressed, which the angels dodesiretosee.

Bytheseargumentsmayplainlybeknownthedifferencethatisbetweenusandthem that doth defend the justification of faith andworks together: in thisweagree, thatwe.alsoestablishworks,andweaffirm that the faith that justifiethcannotbewithoutgoodworks,andwesaythatthejustifiedbyfaithbethosethatdotheworksthattrulymaybecalledgood;butinthiswedifferandvary,thatwe say that faithwithout the help of theworks justifieth, and the reason is athand,forwebyfaithclotheourselveswithChrist,makinghisrighteousnessandholinessours;andinsomuchasitistruethatbyfaiththerighteousnessofChristisgivenuntous,wecannotbesounthankful,blind,andwicked,tobelievethatthesamerighteousnessofChristwithoutourworksisnotsufficienttomakeusacceptableandrighteousinthesightofGod.AndwesaywiththeApostle,Ifthebloodof oxen andof goats, and the ashesof anheiferwhen itwas sprinkled,purifiedtheunclean,astouchingthepurifyingoftheflesh,howmuchmoreshallthebloodofChrist,whichthroughtheeternalSpiritofferedhimselfwithoutspottoGod,purgeourconsciencefromdeadworkstoservethelivingGod?NowletagoodChristianmanjudgewhichofthesetwoopinionsismoretrue,moreholy,andmoreworthy to be preached or taught, either ours that doth illustrate thebenefit ofChrist, and abateth theprideof theman thatwould exalt hisworksagainst thegloryofChrist,or theother,whichsaying, that faithonly justifiethnot,dothdarkenthegloryandbenefitofChrist,andstirrethuptheprideofman,whocannotsuffernorabide tobe justifiedandmaderighteousfreelybyJesusChristourLord.Somewillsay,itisagreatinstigationtodogoodworkswhenwesaythatamanbythemismaderighteousbeforeGod.Ianswer,thatwealsoknowledgethatgoodworksareacceptable toGod,andthatherewardeththemthrough his mere liberality in Paradise; but we say that those only are goodworks (as Saint Augustine saith) which are done by those that are justifiedthroughfaith;forifthetreebenotgooditcannotbeargoodfruits.

Moreover,suchasarejustifiedbyfaith,knowingthemselvesrighteousthroughtherighteousnessofGodexecutedinChrist,makenotmerchandisewithGodoftheir good works, pretending with them to buy of him their justification; butbeing inflamedwith the loveofGod, anddesirous toglorifyChrist,whohath

justifiedthemandgiventothemallhismeritsandriches,theygiveheedwithalltheir hearts to do the will of God, and fight manfully against the love ofthemselves, theworld,and thedevil.Andwhentheyfall throughthefrailtyoftheflesh, theyriseagainandbesomuchthemoredesirous todogoodworks,and themoreenamouredandin lovewithGod;considering thatTheirsinsarenotimputeduntothembyhim,forsomuchastheyareincorporateandmadeonebodywithChrist,whohathmadesatisfactionforallhismembersonawoodencross,andcontinuallymaketh intercession tohiseternalFather for them;who,for the love of his only Son, beholdeth them always with a most pleasantcountenance,andgovernethanddefendeththemashismostdearlybelovedsons,andintheendwillgivethemtheinheritanceeverlasting,makingthemliketothegloriousimageofChrist.

Theseamorous instigationsandkindprovocationsare those thatmove the trueChristianstodogoodworks,whoconsideringthattheyarebecomethroughfaiththechildrenofGod,andpartakersofthenatureofGod,bestirredupthroughtheHolyGhostthatdwellethinthemtoliveasappertainethtothechildrenofonesogreatalord,andtheyareashamednottokeeptheworthinessoftheirheavenlynobility, and therefore they wholly apply their minds to follow their eldestbrotherJesusChrist,livinginmostgreathumilityandmeekness,seekinginallthingsthegloryofGod,givingtheirlifefortheirbrethren,doinggoodtotheirenemies, rejoicing [in] slanders and in the crossofourLord JesusChrist; andtheysaywithZacharias,Wearedeliveredfromthehandsofourenemies,totheintent that we may without fear serve God in holiness and in righteousnessbeforehimallthedaysofourlife.TheysaywithSaintPaul,ThegraceofGodthat bringeth salvation to allmen, hath appeared, and bath taught us, that weshould deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and that we should live soberly,righteously,andgodlyin,thispresentworld;lookingforthatblessedhope.andappearingofthegloryofthegreatGodandofourSaviourJesusChrist.Theseandothersuchlikethoughts,desires,andaffectious,workeththeinspiredfaithintheminds of all such as are thereby justified; and he that doth not feel in hisheart eitheraltogetherorelseat the leastwaypartly thesegodlyaffectionsandeffects,butisgiventothefleshandtotheworld,lethimbewellassuredthathehathnotyetthefaiththatjustifieth,norisanymemberofChrist,forhehathnottheSpiritofhim,andconsequentlyisnotofChrist;andhethatisnotofChristisnot a Christian. Then at the last let man's wisdom cease to speak against therighteousnessofholyfaith,andletusgiveallthegloryofourjustificationtothe

meritsofChrist,withwhomweapparelourselvesthroughfaith.

CHAPTERV.HowtheChristianmanapparellethorclothethhimselfwithChrist.

ANDalthoughbythethingsabovesaiditmayclearlyenoughbeunderstandedhow the Christian man apparelleth himself with Christ, nevertheless we willspeaksomewhatmore,knowingthattotalkofChristandofhisgiftstoagoodChristianitcanneverseemtediousnorpainful,althoughathingwererepeatedathousandtimes.Isay,thattheChristianknowethChristtobehisbyfaith,withallhisrighteousness,holiness,andinnocency.Andasamanapparellethhimselfwith a very fair and precious garment when he will present himself to thepresence of a great lord, so the Christian, apparelled and covered with theinnocencyofChristandwithallhisperfections,presentethhimselfbeforeGod[the]Lordofall,puttinghistrustinthemeritsofChristnoneotherwisethanifhe hadmerited and obtained [them all]; faith (without doubt) causeth thatwepossessChristandallthatishis,aseveryoneofuspossessethhisowngarment.AndthereforetoapparelourselfwithChrist isnoneotherthingthantobelieveassuredlythatChristisours(astrueitisifwebelieveit),andtobelievethatbythisheavenlygarmentwebedearlybelovedandacceptable in thepresenceofGod;becauseitismostcertainthatheisamostkindFather,hathgivenuntoushisSon,andwilleththatallhisrighteousnessandallthatheis,thathemayandthathehathwrought, be inour jurisdiction and rule, in suchmanner that it islawfulforustogloryasthoughwebyourownpowerhadgottenandwroughtthem. Whosoever then believeth this shall without fail find that which hebelieveth to be very true, as we have above shewed. Then the Christianmanoughttohaveafirmfaithandtrustthatallthegoods,allthegrace,andalltherichesofChristbehis; forGodhavinggivenusChrist,howmay itbe thathegivethnotusallthingswithhim?

Ifthisbetrue(asindeeditis)theChristianmanmaysaytruly,IamthesonofGod,Christismybrother,Iamlordofheavenandearth,ofhell,ofdeath,andofthe law; and therefore the law cannot accuse nor say evil ofme, beingmademinetherighteousnessofmyChrist.ThisfaithisthatonlywhichmakethamantobecalledaChristian,anditapparellethhimwithChrist,aswehavesaid.Andthismayproperlybecalledagreatmystery,underwhicharecontainedthethingsofAlmightyGodbothmarvellousandunheard,thewhichcannotenterintotheheart ofman, ifGod do notmollify itwith his grace, as he promiseth by themouthofEzekiel,saying,AnewheartwillIgiveyou,andanewspiritwillIput

intoyou:asfor thatstonyheartIwill takeitoutofyourbody,andgiveyouafleshlyheart.Hethenwhichdothnotbelieveinthismanner,thatistosay,thatChristishiswithallhisgoodsthathepossesseth,he(Isay)cannotcallhimselfatrueChristian,nornevercanhaveamerryandaquietconscience,noragoodandaferventmindtoworkwell,andshallfallverysoonfromgoodworks,orratherhecanneverdoanythatmaybetrulycalledgoodworks.ThisonlyfaithandtrustthatwehaveinthemeritsofChristmakethmentrueChristians,strong,rejoicing,merry, in lovewithGod, ready to dogoodworks, possessors of thekingdomofGod,andhisdearlybelovedchildren, inwhomtrulyandcertainlytheHolyGhostdwelleth.

Whatmindissoabject,orlewd,vile,andcold,thatconsideringtheinestimablegreatnessof thegiftwhichGodhathgivenuntous,givingushismostdearly-belovedSonwithallhisperfections,isnotinflamedwithmostardentdesiretobelikeuntohimingoodworks,forsomuchasheisalsogiventousoftheFatherforanexample,whomweoughtalwaystobehold,formingonsuchmannerourlifeandconversation that it shouldbea representationof following the lifeofChrist; for, asSaintPeter saith,Christ suffered forus, leavingusanexsamplethat we should follow his steps. By considering of this springeth the othermannerof apparellinguswithChrist, thewhichwemaycall example; for theChristianoughttoruleallhislifebytheexampleofChrist,conforminghimselflikeuntohiminallhisthoughts,words,andworks,leavinghisilllifepast,andapparelling himself [with] a new life, that is to say, with the life of Christ.WhereuponSaintPaulsaith,Letuscastawaytheworksofdarkness,and[let]usapparel ourselveswith the armour of light: let uswalk honestly as it were indaylight, not in banqueting [and] drunkenness, neither in chambering andwantonness,neitherinstrifeandenvying;butletusputuponusourLordJesusChrist, and let us not make provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts of it.WhereforethetrueChristianmanbeingenamouredonChrist,saiththuswithinhimself, SinceChrist having no need ofme, hath recoveredmewith his ownblood,andbecamepoor tomakemerich, Iwill in likemanneragaingivemygoodsandmy life for the loveandhealthofmyneighbour; andevenas I amapparelledwithChrist throughthelovethathehathbornetome,sowillI thatmy neighbour in Christ for the love that I bare unto him for Christ's sake beapparelledwithmeandmygoods.Andifamandonotinthismanner,thenisbenotyeta trueChristianman,and therefore letnotanymanbragorsay, I loveChrist,ifhelovenotthemembersandthebre.threnofChrist;forifwelovenot

our neighbour for whose sake Christ hath shed his own precious blood, wecannotsaytrulythatwedoloveChrist,whobeingequalwithGod,wasobedienttotheFather,eventothedeathof thecross,andhath- lovedandredeemedus,givinguntoushimselfwithallhisworksandwithallthathepossesseth.Inthissameselfmanner,forsomuchaswebeabundantlyrichwiththegoodsofChrist,weoughttobeobedienttoGodagain,andtoofferandgiveourworks,andallthat is ours and ourselves, likewise to our neighbours and brethren in Christ,servingtheminalltheirneeds,andbeingtothem,asamanmightsay,anotherChrist.AndevenasChristwashumble,meek,andmostfarofffromcontentionandstrife,sooughtwetogiveoursolvesaltogethertohumblenessandmeekness,fleeing all strife and contention, no less those that consist in words anddisputations, than those that consist in deeds. Even as Christ suffered all thepersecutionsandshamesoftheworldforthegloryofGod,sooughtwejoyfullyto sustain the shamesandpersecutions that the falseChristiansdo toall thosewhowilllivegodlyinChrist.Christdidgivehislifeforhisenemiesandprayedfor themon thecross,andsoweoughtever toprayforourenemies,andgiveourlifegladlyfortheirhealth.AndthisistofollowChrist'sfootsteps,asSaintPetersaith.ForwhenweknowChristwithallhisrichestobeourown,whichistoclotheuswithChrist,andtobecomecleanandpureofallspots,thereresteththennoneother thing forus todobut toglorifyGod through the followingofChrist,andtodotheselfsamethingtoourbrethrenthatChristhathdonetous;and that, through his own word, we bear in mind without ceasing, thatwhatsoever good or benefit we do to his brethren and ours he accepteth asbenefitdonetohim.Andwithoutdoubt,forsomuchasthetrueChristiansarethemembersofChrist,wecandoneithergoodnorevilunto

the true Christian man, but we do evil or good to Christ, forasmuch as herejoicethandsufferethinhismembers.ThenasChristisourapparel,byfaith,sooughtwethroughlovetobetheapparelofourbrethren,andtheselfsamecareandregardthatwehaveofourownbodyweoughttohaveoftheirswhoaretruemembersofourbody,ofthewhichChrististhehead.Thisisthatgodlyloveandcharitywhichspringethupoutof theunfeigned faithwherewithGod inspirethhiselects,ofthewhichSaintPaulsaiththatitworkeththroughlove.

Butforasmuchasthelife.ofChrist,withtheimitationorfollowingofwhichweoughttoapparelourselves,wasaperpetualcross,fulloftribulation,shame,andpersecutions; ifwewill conformourselves andbecome like unto his life, it is

needfulthatwedobearcontinuallythecross,ashehimselfsaith,Ifanymanwillfollowmelethimdenyhimself,andtakeuphiscrossdaily,andfollowme.ThechiefcauseofthiscrossisthatourLordGodwiththisexercisewillmortifyinustheaffectionsof themindand theappetitesand lustsof theflesh, to the intentthat we may comprehend in ourselves that perfection in the which we arecomprehendedofChrist,throughtheincorporationandbeingmadeonebodyinhim,andwillthatourfaith,finedasgoldinthefurnaceofadversity,shinetohispraise.Andmoreover,hewill thatbyour infirmitiesweshall illustrateandsetforth his mighty power, the which the world (in despite of itself) seeth in uswhenourfrailnessthroughtribulationsandpersecutionsbecomestrong,andthemoreitisbeatendownandoppressed,somuchthemoreitbecomethstrongandstable or stedfast.Whereupon St. Paul saith,We have this treasure in earthenvessels,thattheexcellency[ofthe]powermightbeofGod,andnotours.Wearetroubledoneveryside,yetarewenotutterlywithoutshift;weareinpoverty,butnotutterlywithoutsomewhat;wesufferpersecution,butarenotforsakentherein;wearecastdown,neverthelessweperishnot;andalwayswebearaboutinourbody the dying of our Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus might appear in ourbodies.

Then seeing Christ and his dear disciples have glorified God with theirtribulations, let us also embrace them joyfully, saying with Saint Paul, Godforbid that Ishouldglorybut in thecrossofourLordJesusChrist.Andletuswork and behave ourselves in such sort that theworld (to his own hurt)mayknowandseewithhiseyesthemarvellouseffectsthatGodworkethinthemthatsincerelyembracethegraceoftheGospel;letthemanoftheworld(Isay)seewithhowmuchtranquillityandquietnessofmindthetrueChristianssustainthelossofgoods, thedeathof theirchildren,slanders, infirmitiesof thebody,andthepersecutionsofthefalseChristians;let themseehowtheseonlydohonourGod in the spirit and truth, thankfully taking at the hand of him all thathappenethtothem,countingforgood,just,andholy,allthathedoeth;andinallprosperityandadversitypraisingandthankinghimasamostgoodandmercifulFather,andknowledgingitforagreatgiftofGodtosuffer,andspeciallyforthegospel and following of Christ before all things, knowing that tribulationbringeth patience, patience bringeth experience, experience bringeth hope, andhope makes not ashamed. I say that patience worketh experience; for Godhaving promised to help in tribulations them that trust in him,we know it byexperiencewhilstwestandstrongandconstantandbeholdenupbythehandof

God,whichthingwecannotdobyourownstrength.Thenthroughpatiencewehave experience, that the Lord bringeth the help that he hath promised in ourneed,throughwhichourhopeisestablished;thereforeitshouldbetohimmuchingratitudeandunthankfulnessnottoabideandlookforthathelpandfavourathishandwhichwehadbeforebyexperiencefoundsocertainandconstant.Butwhatneedethsomanywords?itoughttobesufficientandenoughtoknowthatthe trueChristianmen through tribulations apparel themselveswith the imageandlikenessofChristcrucified,whichifweshallbeerwillinglyweshallapparelourselvesafterwardwiththeimageofChristglorified;forevenastheafflictionsof Christ now abound in us, even so through Christ shall also abound ourconsolationandcomfort;andifwesufferwithhimweshallreigntogetherwithhim.

CHAPTERVI.Certainremediesagainstincredulityorunbelief.

BUTbecause thedevilandman'swisdomevermoregoethabout tospoilusofthis most holy faith, by which we believe that in Christ all our sins arechastened,andthatthroughhismostpreciousbloodwearereconciledandmadeatonewithGod,itisneedfulthattheChristianhavealwayshisarmourreadytodefendhimselffromthismosteviltemptation,whichgoethabouttodeprivethesoulofherlife.Amongstthesearmourswejudgeprayers,oftenuseofthemostholycommunion,theremembranceofbaptismandofpredestination,tobemostmighty. Inourprayers let us saywith the fatherof the lunatic,Lord, helpourunbelief;andletussaywiththeApostle,Lord,increaseourfaith;andifwewillthat there shall reign in us a continual desire to increase in faith, hope, andcharity, forthwith let us pray as Saint Paul ordained, for prayer is none otherthingthanaferventdesirefoundedandfixedinGod.WiththeremembranceofbaptismweshallassureourselvestobeinpeacewithGod;forSaintPetersaith,that the ark of Noah was a figure of baptism; then as Noah, believing thepromisesofGod,savedhimselfinthearkfromtheflood,evensowe,throughfaith, save ourselves in baptism from the wrath of God; the which faith isfounded in and upon the word of Christ, who said, He that believeth and isbaptisedshallbesaved,(andwithgoodreason),for inbaptismweapparelandclotheour.selveswithChrist,asSaintPaulaffirmeth,andconsequentlywearemade partaken of his righte. ousness and all his goods. And under this mostpreciousgarmentthesinsthatourfrailnaturedothcommitarecovered,andarenot imputed to us ofGod; and, as Saint Paul saith, the blessing of the psalmappertaineth to us which with, Blessed are they whose unrighteousnesses areforgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lordimputeth not sin. But let [the]Christianman beware that he take not throughthesewordslicensetosinforthisdoctrineappertainethnottothemwho,whentheyarehonouredwith thenameofaChristian,dowithwordsconfessChrist,and with works deny him; but it pertaineth to the true Christians which,although. they fightmanfullywith the flesh, theworld,and thedevil,yet theyfalleveryday,andareconstrained tosaycontinually,Forgiveusourdebts.Tothose we speak to comfort and hold them up, to the intent they fall not intodesperationasthoughthebloodofChristdidnotcleansethemfromallsin,andas [though] he were not the Advocate and propitiation or sacrifice for all his

members.Thenwhenweshallbemovedtodoubtoftheremissionofsins,andourconscienceshallbegiventobetroubled,letus,beingapparelledwithfaith,runstraightwaytothepreciousbloodofJesusChristwhichwasshedforusonthealtarofthecross,andtothefaithfuldistributedinthelastsupper,underthecover of themost holy sacrament;whichwas byChrist instituted becauseweshouldcelebrate theremembranceofhisdeath,andwiththisvisiblesacramentshouldmakeourafflictedconsciencecertainofourreconciliationandatonementwithGod.

BlessedChristmadehistestamentwhenhesaid,Thisismybodywhichisgivenforyou:and,Thisismybloodofthenewtestament,thatshallbeshedformanyfor the remission of sins. We know that the testament (as saith Saint Paul),though itbebutaman's testament,yetnomandespiseth itoraddethanythingtheretowhenitisonceallowed;andnoman'stestamentisvailabletbeforehisdeath,butafterhisdeathitismostvailable.ThenthetestamentofChristinthewhichhepromiseththeremissionofsins,grace,thebenevolenceofhimandhisFather,andpromisethmercyandeternallife,--thistestament(Imy),totheintentit should be vailable, he hath confirmedwith his precious blood and his owndeath.WhereofSaintPaulsaith,thatChristforthiscauseistheMediatorofthenew testament, that through deathwhich chanced for the redemption of thosetransgressions that were in the first testament, they which were called mightreceivethepromiseofeternal inheritance;forwheresoever isa testament theremustalsobe[the]deathofhimthatmaketh[it:seeingthatatestamentisthenonlyof]authoritywhenmenandead;foritisofnovalueaslongashethatmadeit is alive. Then by the death of Christ we am sure andmost certain that thetestament isvailable inwhichare remittedallour iniquities, andwearemadeinheritorsofeternallife;andintokenandwitnesshereofhehathleftinplaceofasealthismostgodlysacrament,thewhichnotonlygivethanassuredbelieftoour souls of eternal life, but alsomaketh us certain of the immortality of ourflesh;forinthesamehourourfleshisvivificateandmadealivebythatimmortalflesh,andinacertainmannerbecomethpartakerofimmortalitybyit.

Hethatispartakerofthisdivinefleshthroughthisfaithshallnotperishforever,buthethatispartakerwithoutthisfaith[it]turnethtohimasdeadlypoison;forevenasthecorporalmeat,whenitfindeththestomachfilledwithevilhumoursdoth also corrupt and hurt, so likewise this spiritual meat, if it find a soulcorrupted with malice and infidelity, then thrusteth it that soul into greater

dangerandperil;notthroughthefaultofitself,butbecausetotheuncleanandunfaithfulnothingisclean,althoughitbesanctifiedbytheblessingoftheLord.For,asSaintPaulsaith,Whosoevershalleatof thisbread,ordrinkof thecupunworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of theLord, and eateth anddrinketh his own damnation, because he maketh no difference of the Lord'sbody,thewhichwithoutfaithandcharityusurpeththesupperoftheLord;and,becausehebelievethnotthatthatbodyishislifeandthecleansingofallhissins,therefore hemakethChrist a liar, treadeth under his feet theSon ofGod, andcounteth the blood of the testament as a profane thing, by the which he issanctified, and doth injury to the Spirit ofGrace, and shall he punishedmostsharplyofGodfor this infidelityandhypocriticalwickedness,becausehehathnot trusted tobe justifiedby thepassionofChrist,and,nevertheless, receivingthismostholysacrament,hemakethprofessionnottoputhistrustinanyotherthing.Whereforeheaccusethhimself,andiswitnessofhisownwickedness,andcondemneth himself to eternal death, and refuseth eternal life, thewhichGodpromisethhiminthismostholysacrament.

Then,whentheChristianperceiveththathisenemieswouldoverthrowhim,thatis to say,whenhedoubteth lest hehavenotobtained remissionofhis sinsbyChrist,and lesthebenotable towithstand thedevilwithhis temptations,andwhen the accusationof his doubtful conscienceprevaileth against him in suchmanner that hebeginneth to fear that hell should swallowhim, and that death(through thewrath ofGod) should overcome and slay him eternally: when (Isay)hefeeleththesevexationsofmind,lethimthengowithagoodcourageandsuretrustandbelieftothismostholysacrament,andlethimreceiveitdevoutly,sayinginhisheart,andansweringtohisenemies,IconfessthatIhavedeservedathousandhellsandeverlastingdeathformysins,butthismostgodlysacramentwhichpresentlyIreceive,makethmeassuredandcer.tainoftheremissionofallmy sins, and of my reconciliation and atonement with God. If I look to myworks, there is no doubt I shall findmyself a sinner and condemned, andmyconscienceshallbeneverquietedifIshallbelievethatthroughtheworkswhichIdomysinsareforgivenme;butifIlooktothepromisesandcovenantofGodwhopromisethbythebloodofChristtheremissionofmysins,IamascertainlyassuredthatIhaveobtainedandgottenhisgrace,asIammostsureandcertainthathethatpromisedandmadethiscovenantcannotlienorbeguile:andbythisconstant faith I become righteous, and this is the righteousness of Christ bywhichIamsaved,andmyconscienceismadequiet.Hathnothegivenhismost

innocentbodyintothehandsofsinnersformysins?Hathnotheshedhisbloodtocleanseallmineiniquities?Thenwhyartthousoheavy,Omysoul,andwhyartthousodisquietedwithinme?PutthytrustintheLord,whobearethsogreatlovetowardthee,thattodelivertheefrometernaldeath,hebathwilledthathisonly-begottenSonshoulddie,whohathtakentohimselfourpovertytogiveushis riches, he hath taken upon him our infirmity to strengthen us with hisstrongness, and became mortal to make us immortal, and descended into theearththatweshouldascendintoheaven,andbecamesonofmantogetherwithus to make us with him the children of God.Who shall lay anything to thechargeofGod'schosen?itisGodthatjustifieth.WhoShallthencondemn?itisChristwhichisdead,yea,ratherwhichisrisenagain,whichisalsoontherightMud ofGod, andmaketh intercession for us. Let alone then (Omy soul) thymourning and sighing. Praise the Lord, Omy soul, and all that is withinmepraisehisholyname.PraisetheLord,Omysoul,andforgetnotallhisbenefits,which forgivethall thysins,andhealethall thine infirmities;whichsaveth thylife fromdestruction, and crowneth theewithmercy and loving-kindness.TheLordisfullofcompassionandmercy,long-sufferIng,andofgreatgoodness:hewillnotalwaysbechiding,neitherwillhekeephisangerforever:hehathnotdealtwithusafterour sins,nor rewardedusaccording toourwickedness.Forlook,howhigh theheaven is incomparisonof theearth,sogreat ishismercyalsotowardthemthatfearhim.Lookhowwidetheeastisfromthewest,sofarhathhesetoursinsfromus.Yea,likeasafatherpitiethhisownchildren,evensotheLordhathbeenmercifultous,givingushisonlybegottenSon.Withthisfaith,with these thanks,with these and suchlike thoughts andmeditations,weoughttoreceivethesacramentofthebodyandbloodofJesusChristourLord.Inthismanneritcastethawaythefearofthesoul,augmentethcharity,confirmethfaith, maketh clear the conscience, and the tongue is never found weary inpraisingGod,andrenderinguntohiminfinitethanksforsogreatabenefit.Thisisthevirtue,theefficacy,andtheonlytrustofoursoul:thisisthestoneuponthewhichtheconsciencebuildedfearethnotanytempest,neitherthegatesofhen,neither[the]wrathofGod,neitherthelaw,neithersin,neitherdeath,neitherthedevil,noranyotherthing.Andbecauseallthesubstanceofthismatterconsistethinthismostdivinesacrament,when:theChristianmanistherepresentheoughttoholdalwaystheeyesofhismindfixedonthepassionofthisourmostbenignLord,beholdingontheonesidehimonthecrossladenwithalloursins,andontheothersideGodthatchastenedhim,punishing,insteadofus,hismostdearly-belovedSon.Ohappyishethatshuttethhiseyesfromallothersight,andwill

seeandunderstandnoother thing thanJesusChrist crucified, inwhomall thegraceandallthetreasuresofwisdomandknowledgearelaidup!Happy(Isay)ishethatalwaysfeedethhismindwithsodivineameat,andwithsosweetandhealthsomeliquormakethhissouldrunkaswiththeloveofGod!

ButbeforeImakeanendofthismatter,IwilladvertisetheChristianthatSaintAugustineaccustomethtocallthismostdivinesacramentabondofcharity,andamysteryofunity,andwith,Ilethatreceiveththemysteryofunity,andkeepethnotthebondofpeace,dothnotreceivethatmysteryforhissoul'shealth,butawitness against himself. Then we ought to know that the Lord ordained thissacrament,notonlytoascertainusoftheforgivenessofSins,butalsotoinflameus to peace, to agreement, and to brotherly love.Wherefore the Lord, in thissacrament,makethus in such sort partakersofhisbody thathebecomethoneselfthingwithusandwewithhim.Thenhehavingnomorethanonebody,ofthewhichhemakethusallpartakers,itisnecessarythatalsoallwebysuchlikeparticipation become one body; the which unity the bread of the sacramentrepresenteth,whichevenas it ismadeofmanygrainsbeingmingled together,andsoconfusedthattheonecannotbediscernedfromtheother,sooughtwetobejoinedtogetherandunitedwithsomuchconcordofmind, that therecannotcomeamongus anynever so littledivision.That shewethSaintPaulwhenhesaith,Isnotthecupofblessing,whichwebless,partakingofthebloodofChristIIsnotthebread,whichwebreak,partakingofthebodyofChrist?becausethatwe(thoughwebemany)yetanonebreadandonebody,inasmuchasweareallpartakers of one bread. Then, receiving of the holy communion we ought toconsider,thatallwebeincorporateandmadeonebodyinChrist,andthatallwebemembersofoneselfbody,members(Isay)ofChrist,insuchmannerthatwecannot offend, slander, nor despise any of our brethren; but also in him weoffend, slander, and despise Jesus Christ. We cannot have discord with ourbrethren,butinlikecamwehavethesamewithChrist;wecannotloveChrist,butthatwelovehiminourbrethren.Lookhowmuchcareandregardwehavetoour own body, and so much we ought to have to our brethren which be themembersofourbody.Likeasnopartofourbodyfeelethanypain, thewhichdothnotpassforthintoalltheotherparts,evensoweoughtnottosufferthatourbrethrenshouldfeelanyevilthatshouldnotmoveusalsotocompassion.Withthese thoughts we ought to prepare ourselves to so great a sacrament,establishinginourmindanardentlovetowardourneighbour,forwhatprickcanmorestirustomutuallovethantoseethatChrist,givinghimselftous,notonly

commandethus to giveourselves one to another, but (insomuch as hemakethhimselfcommontoallus)hecausethalsothatallweinhimbeoneselfthing.Wherefore,weoughttodesireanddiligentlyendeavourthatinallusmaybeoneonlymind,oneonlyheart,andoneonlytongue,beingconcordantandunitedinourthoughts,inourwords,andinourworks.

And let everyChristianmanmark, that as often aswe receive thismost holysacrament,webindourselvestoalltheofficesofcharityinsuchmannerthatwemaynotoffendourbrethreninanything,norleavetodoanythingwherebywemayhelpandsuccourthemintheirnecessity.AndifanycometothiscelestialtableoftheLord,beingdividedandalienated,orstrangefromtheirbrethren,letthoseaccountforcertain that theyeat itunworthily,andareguiltyof thebodyandbloodof theLord,eatinganddrinking theirowndamnation, since it is sothattherelackethnowillinthemtodivideandrendthebodyofChrist,solongastheyhedividedthroughhatredfromtheirbrethren,thatistosay,themembersofChrist. Such, albeit they have no part inChrist, nevertheless, receiving themost holy sacrament they make semblance to believe that their whole healthconsistethintheparticipationandunionthattheyhavewithChrist.Letusthengotoreceivethisheavenlybread,tocelebratetheremembranceofthepassionoftheLord,andtoholdupandstrengthenwiththisremembrancethefaithandthecertaintyoftheforgivenessofoursins,andtostirupourmindsandtonguestopraise and publish the infinite bountifulness of our Lord God and finally tonourish themutual charity, and to testify the sameone toanother, through themoststraitbondandunitingtogetherthatallwehaveinthebodyofChristJesusourLord.

Besides prayer, the remembrance of baptism, and the often using of themostholycommunion, there is averygood remedyagainst incredulityandbondorservile fear, which is not [a] friend to Christian charity: that remedy is, theremembrance of our predestination and election to eternal life, founded andgrounded in God's word, the which is the word of the Holy Ghost, with thewhichwemayslayourenemies.Rejoice (saith theLord)becauseyournamesarewritteninheaven.Thereisnogreaterjoyfulnessofheartinthispresentlife,andthatcomfortethmoretheChristianmanafflicted,tempted,orfallenintoanysin, than to remember that he is predestinate, and to be sure that he is one ofthosewhosenamesarewritteninthebookoflife,andthattheywereelectedofGod,tobemadeliketotheimageorlikenessofChrist.Oineffable,andunable

tobespokenof,istheconsolationofhimthathaththisfaith,andthatrevolvethcontinuallyinhisheartthismostpleasantpredestination,bythewhichitcomethto pan that how much soever he bath fallen, yet God his Father who hathpredestinate him to eternal life, always holdeth him up by the hand; thismansaithalwaysinhisheart,IfGodhathchosenandpredestinatemetothegloryofhissons,whocanIetmefromit?IfGodbeonourside(asSaintPaulsaith)whocanbeagainstus?Andtotheintentthatourpredestinationmightbefulfilledinusbehath senthismostdearlybelovedSon,who isamost suregage thatwe(who have received the grace of the gospel) are even now the sons of Godchosen to eternal life. This holy predestination keepeth the trueChristian in acontinualmirth and joyfulness of spirit, increaseth in hima desire to dogoodworks, inflamethhimwith love towardsGod, andmakethhim [the] enemyoftheworldandofsin.Whoevershallbesomadandhardhearted,thatknowingGodthroughhismercytohavemadehimfromthebeginninghisson,willnotburnwhollyinloveagaintowardsGod?Whoshallbesovileandweak-spirited,thatwillnotjudgeallthepleasuresandallthehonoursandrichesoftheworldtobeasaveryvilemire,knowinghimselfnowtobebecomebyGodacitizenofheaven ? these are those that prayeth in spirit and verity, receiving all thingsprosperous, and adverse, from the hands ofGod their Father; always praisingandthankinghimasameek,just,andholyFather,inallhisdoings.Thesebeingenamoured and in love with God, and armed of the knowledge of theirpredestination, feareth not death, sin, the devil, nor bell; they know not whatthingthewrathofGodis,forinGodtheywenoneotherthingbutlove,andthatveryfatherlylovetowardsthem.AndiftheyhavetribulationstheyreceivethemasfavoursandgoodgiftsofGod,andcry(withSaintPaul),Whoshallseparateus from the love of God, shall tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, eitherhunger,eithernakedness,eitherperil, either sword?as iswritten,For thysakearewekilledalldaylong,andarecountedassheeptobeslain;nevertheless,inallthesethings,weovercomestrongly,throughhishelpthatlovedus.Then,notwithout cause saithSaint John, that the trueChristiansknow themselves tobesaved and glorious, and that by faith they become holy asChrist is holy; andwhenSaintPaulexhortethhisdisciplestoagodlyandholylifeorconversation,heuseth toput them in remembranceof their electionandpredestination,asamosteffectual thing tostirup themindsof trueChristians to the loveofGod,and to desire of good works. And blessed Christ for the same causes spakeopenlyof thisholypredestination; forheknewhowmuch theknowledgeof itwastotheedifyingoftheelect.

Butperadventurethouwiltsaytome,Iknowthatthosewhosenamesarewritteninheaven,hathcause to live inperpetualmirthand joyfulnessofmind,and toglorifyGodwiththeirword,#anddeeds,butIknownotifIbeinthisnumber,wherefore I live inperpetual dread, especiallyknowingmyself veryweak andfrailuntosin,fromwhoseviolenceIcannotdefendmesomuch,butthateveryday I amovercome.And to this is to be added, that oftentimes seeingmyselfafflictedandvexedwithdiversetribulations,Isee,almostaswithmineeyes,thewrathofGodthatscourgethme.Answeringtothesedoubts(mostdearlybelovedbrother),Isaythatthoumayestreckonassuredlythatthesearethetemptationsofthedevil,who,byallmannerofways, seeketh tospoil toof faith,andof thatsuretrustwhichspringethoffaith,andmakethussureofthefavourofAlmightyGodtowardsus.Ofthispreciousgarmentthedevilgoethabouttospoilthesoulof theChristianman,becauseheknoweth thatnomandoth trulybelieve ifhebelievenotthewordofGod,whopromisethremissionofallsins,andhispeacetoallthosethatreceivehisgraceandfavour,[and]offereththeminthegospel:Isay, that whosoever by these promises of God doth not persuade himselfassuredlythatGodishismostmercifulandaboveallothermostlovingFather,atwhosehandshewitha firmfaith looketh for the inheritanceof thecelestialkingdom,thatmandothnotrightlybelieve,butmakethhimselfutterlyunworthyofthegraceofGod.WhereforeSaintPaulsaith,thatwearethehouseofGod,ifweholdfasttheconfidenceandrejoicingofthathopeuntotheend:andanothertime exhortethusnot to cast awayour confidencewhichhathgreat rewardofrecompense.Then,mostdearlybelovedbrother,letusearnestlyapplyourselves,andendeavourtodothewillofGodasgoodchildren,andletusbewareofsinasmuchaswecanpossibly;andifbychancewesinthroughourfrailty,yetletusnotbelievethereforethatwebevesselsofwrath,orthatwebeutterlyforsakenof theHolyGhost; forwehavestillouradvocatebeforeGodtheFather,JesusChrist,whoisrighteousness,whoisthesacrificeforoursins.Letusremember,brother, this sentence ofSaintAugustine,who saith, that no holy or righteousmaniswithoutsin,yetnotwithstandingheceasethnot toremainrighteousandholy still, so that he have a mind and desire to be holy and righteous. Andthereforeifwebeafflictedandtroubled,letusnotbelievethatGodsendethustribulationsbecauseheisourenemy,butratherbecauseheisourmostmercifulFather;forwhomtheLordloveth,himhechasteneth,andscourgetheverychildthathereceiveth.

Forsomuch,then,aswehavereceivedthegraceoftheGospel,bythewhichman

isacceptedandtakenofGodashisson,weoughtnottodoubtofthegraceandgood-willofAlmightyGodtowardsus,andknowingthatthewordofGod,andthe imitating and following ofChrist's life and conversation delighteth us,weoughttothinkandbelieveassuredlythatwearethesonsofGod,andtempleoftheHolyGhost;because these thingscannotbedoneby theworkingofman'swisdom,but theyare thegiftsof theHolyGhost,whobyfaithdwelleth inus,andisasealthatassurethus,andsealethinourheartsthosegodlypromises,thecertaintyofwhichhehathbeforegravenorprintedinourhearts,andtostablishandconfirmthesameheisgiventousofGodinthesteadofanearnestpenny.AsSaintPaulsaith,Afterwardthatyeheardthewordoftruth,Imeanthegospelof our salvationwherein ye believed, [ye]were sealedwith the holy spirit ofpromise,whichistheearnestofourinheritance.BeholdhowhesheweththattheheartsofthefaithfularegravenorprintedwiththeHolyGhostaswithaseal,sothathecalleththeHolyGhostthespiritofpromise,becauseheassurethusofthepromise of the gospel; the which, as we have often said, is happy newspromisingremissionofsinsandeternallifetothosethatbelieveththatinChristalltheirsinswerechastened.AllthatbelieveinChristJesusarethesonsofGod,assaithSaintPaul,andbecausewearesons,GodhathsenttheSpiritofhisSonintoourhearts,whichcriethAbba,Father.AndtotheRomanshesaith,AsmanyasareledbytheSpiritofGodtheyarethesonsofGod;foryehavenotreceivedthe spirit of bondage to fear any more, but ye have received the spirit ofadoption,wherebywecry,Abba,Father.ThesameSpiritcertifiethourspiritthatweare the sonsofGod, [and] ifwebe sonswearealsoheirs.And it is tobenoted, that in these twoplacesSaintPaulmostclearlyspeakethofnospiritualrevelation,butofthewitnessthattheHolyGhostbearethtoallthosethatreceivethegraceoftheGospel; thenif theHolyGhostmakethussurethatwearethesonsandtheinheritorsofGod,whyshouldwedoubtofourpredestination?ThesamePaul saith in the same epistle,Thosewhich [he] appointed before, themalso he called: and which he called, them also he justified: [and] which [he]justified,themhealsoglorified.Whatshallwesaythentothesethings?IfGodbe on our sidewho can be against us ? If then I know clearly thatGod hathcalledme, givingme faith and the effects of faith, that is to say, quietness ofconscience, mortification, and killing of the flesh, and the vivification andquickeningofthespirit,eitheraltogetherorelsepartly,whereforeshouldIdoubtnottobepredestinate?MoreoverwesaywithSaintPaul,thatalltrueChristians(thatistosaythosethatbelieveththeGospel)havenotreceivedthespiritoftheworld;buttheSpiritwhichcomethofGod,bywhoseinspirationtheyknowthe

things thataregiven to themofGod.Whatmarvel is it, then, ifweknowthatGodfromthebeginninghathgivenuseternallife?

Butsomesaythatnomanoughttobesoarrogant, togloryandrejoicethathehaththeSpiritofChristSuchmenspeakasthoughaChristianmanmightgloryto have gotten by his own merits the Spirit of God, and not by God's meremercy;andasthoughtoconfessthatamanisaChristianmanwerearrogancy,andthatamanmightbeaChristianmanwerearrogancy,andthatamanmightbeaChristianmanthoughhehavenottheSpiritofChrist,andthatwithoutveryhypocrisywemight callChrist ourLord, orGod our Father, though theHolyGhostdonotmoveourheartandtonguetospeaksosweetwords.AndyetforallthatthosethatcountusarrogantbecausethatwesaythatGodwithfaithgivethus the Holy Spirit, not only do not forbid us to say daily the Lord's Prayer,commonlycalled thePaterNoster,but theycommandus tosay it.But tellmehowisitpossibletoseparatefaithfromtheHolyGhost,thesamefaithbeingtheproperwork of theHolySpirit, if it be arrogancy to believe that theSpirit ofChristbe inus?WhereforecommandethSaintPaul theCorinthians toprove iftheyhavefaith,affirmingthattheyarereprobateorcastawayiftheyknownotthatChristisinthem?ButtrulyitisgreatblindnesstoblameofarrogancysuchChristiansasdarerejoiceandgloryofthepresenceoftheHolyGhost,withoutthewhichrejoicingthereisnotrueChristianityatall;butChristcannotlie,whosaith that hisSpirit is unknown to theworld, and is onlyknown to themwithwhomheabideth.

LetthosebecomethentrueChristians,letthemputawaytheirJewishhearts,letthemembrace(astheyareboundtodo)thegraceandmercyofGodoffereduntothemintheGospel,andtheyshallknowthattheChristianshavetheHolyGhostandareassured thereof.But somemanperchancemight say that theChristianmanwithout a special revelationcannotknow thathe is in the favourofGod,and consequently cannot know that he is predestinate, and might allegeprincipallythesewordsofSolomon,Manknowethnotifhebeworthyofhatredor love; and thesewords of Saint Paul to theCorinthians, I know notmyselfculpableinanything,yetamInottherebyjustified.ItappearethtomethatIhaveshewedaboveplainly, by sundryplacesofHolyScripture, that that opinion isfalse.Now therefore remaineth only briefly to shew that these two authorities(uponthewhichprincipally it isfounded)oughtnot tobeunderstandedto thatsense.AstouchingthesentenceofSolomon,althoughitbenottrulytranslatedin

thecommontranslation;neverthelessthereisnomansofoolish,thatreadingallthediscourseofSolomonseethnotplainlythathemeaneththus:Ifanyman,bysuchoutwardthingsashappenuntoamaninthispresentfife,wouldjudgethatheislovedorhatedofGod,hetravailethinvain,sinceitissothattheselfsamethings happen oftentimes both to the righteous and to the unrighteous, to himthatsacrificethandtohimthatdothnotsacrifice,tothegoodandtothesinner.Whereuponitmaybeeasilygathered,thatGodshewethnotalwayshislovetothem to whom he giveth outward or worldly prosperity, nor sheweth alwayshatredtowardsthemwhomheafflicteth.Appearethittotheethen,(mostdearlybelovedbrother), that itought tobeconcludedthatamancannotbecertainofthegraceofGod,because this certaintymaynotbeperceivedby such sundrychancesashappen in things transitoryand temporal?The selfsameSolomonalittlebeforesaith, that itcannotbediscernedwhereinthesoulofmandifferethfromthesoulofabeast,forthemanisseendieandthebeastinoneselfmanner.Will we then by this thing that happeneth outwardly conclude, that thepersuasionwhichwehaveconceivedoftheimmortalityofsoulsisfoundedonlyuponaconjecture?Butit issuperfluousinathingsoclearandwellknowntoeveryman.

And as touching the words of Saint Paul, I say that he, speaking of theadministrationoftheGospel,saiththatheknowethnotthathehathatanytimeerred in it, but that through that he is not certain that he hath done his dutyamongst them, nor that thereby he hath obtained before God the praise ofrighteousness as a person that hath done all that which is righteous, and thatappertainethtoafaithfulsteward;inlikemannerasajustanddiscreetstewardofanhousehold, speakingof his office anddutydarethnot justify himself, [nor]affirmthathebathtrulyinallthingsandatalltimesdonehisdutyandthewillofhislord,butreferreththattohisjudgment.ThatthisisthesenseofthewordsofSaintPaul,nomanwilldoubtthatreadethandconsiderethwithanyjudgmentthe words going before and coming after. I know that some, expounding thewordsofSaintPaul,say,thatalthoughheknewnotinhimselfanysin,yetforallthat he thought not himself righteous before God, forsomuch as no man (asaffirmethDavid)mayknowperfectlyhissins.But thosemenconsidernot thatSaintPaulcountethnotrighteousnesstocomebyworksbutbyfaith,andthatherefusethallhisownrighteousness,stickingonlyuntotherighteousnessthatGodgiveth forChrist's sake;neither consider they thathewasmost certain thathewasjustifiedinthathekepttheentireandpureChristianfaith,andknewthatin

heavenwaspreparedforhimacrownofrighteousness,andwascertainthatnocreature,celestial,terrestrial,norinfernal,wasabletoseparatehimfromtheloveofGod;andwasverydesiroustodie,knowingassuredlythatheshouldbewithChrist, which thing should all be false, if he had not been sure that he wasrighteous (I say) by faith and not by works. Let us cease then (most dearlybeloved brethren) to say that Saint Paul saith thatwhich he never thought, orrather that which he always oppugned, and spake against, most sharplyreproving those thatmeasured righteousnessbyworks, andnotby faith inourLordJesusChrist.

But besides these two authorities ofSolomon andSaintPaul, theymay allegesomeotherplacesoftheHolyScripturewhichexhortmentofear,whichplacesappear tobecontrary toourcertaintyofourpredestination; if Ishoulddeclareparticularlyallthoseplaces,Ishouldbetootedioustoyou,butIsayingeneralthatsuchfearasdreadethpunishmentbelongethproperlytotheOldTestament,and childly love properly belongeth to the New Testament, as Saint Paultestifieth, when he saith to the Romans, Ye have not received the spirit ofbondagetofearanymore;butyehavereceivedthespiritofadoption,wherebyyecry,Abba,Father.AndtoTimothyhesaith,ThatGod2hathnotgivenusthespiritoffear,butthespiritofpowerandoflove:who,accordingtothepromisemadebythemouthofhisprophets,hathgivenusChrist,andhathbroughttopusthatwewithoutfear(deliveredfromthehandsofourenemies)doservehiminholinessandrighteousness,eveninhispresence,all[the]daysofourlife.

OfthisandofmanyotherlikeplacesofHolyScriptureisgatheredplainly,thatthepenalandservile fear,orsuchfearas risethofdoubt,eitherofbondageorpain,pertainethnottoaChristianman;andthiswealsodoconfirm,becausethatthis fear iscontrary tospiritual rejoicingor rejoicing in theSpirit,which thingproperly appertaineth to aChristianman, as Saint Paul sheweth plainly to theRomans, saying, The kingdomofGod is righteousness, peace, and joy, in theHolyGhost.That is to say,whosoeverentereth into thekingdomof thegrace,favour,andmercy,thatisofferedtomanintheGospel,heisjustifiedbyfaith,and consequently hath fruition of the quietness of his conscience, the whichproducethaperfect,spiritual,andholyjoyfulnessandrejoicing;sothatthesaidSaintPaulmanytimesexhortethChristianstolivealwaysmerrilyandjoyfully.And Saint Peter saith thatwhoso believe in Christ, although they be afflictedwith divers temptations, yet they rejoice with a glorious and inenarrable

joyfulness.Then,whentheHolyScripturethreatenethandfeareththeChristians,theyoughttounderstandthatitspeakethtosuchChristiansaslivesensually;thewhich, not keeping the worthiness that is required to be in the sons of God,oughttobeentreatedandorderedasservants,andholdeninawetill theytastehowsweettheLordis,andtillfaithworkinthemhereffects,andthattheyhaveso much childly love that it be sufficient to keep them in the worthiness orbeautifulnessofChristiangodliness,andintheimitationandfollowingofChrist.When the sameScripture exhorteth trueChristians to fear, understandnot thatthey ought to fear the judgment andwrath of God, as though they should becondemnedthereby;foraswehavealreadysaid,bythetestimonyorwitnessthattheHolyGhost beareth unto their spirit, they know that God hath called andelected them, yea, and that through his mere mercy, and not for their merits'sake.Whereforeletnotthemdoubtaughtbutthatbythe-samemercyheisabletomaintaintheminthesamefelicity,whereinhehathplacedthem.SothattheScriptureexhortethnotthosetoabondorservilefear,buttoachildlyfear;thatis to say, that as good children we should beware lest we lose Christiangodliness,andcommitanythingunseemlytobedoneofthesonsofGod,andsotogrievetheHolyGhostthatabidethinus,andthatknowingthecorruptionandwickednessof thisournature,we should standalwaysattentiveandwatching,andthatweshouldnevertrustinourselves,becausethatinourfleshandinourmindstheredodwellappetitesandaffections, thewhich(asmortalenemiesofthespirit)usealwaysdeceits,anddevisetomakeusproud,ambitious,covetous,and sensual; this is the fear to the which the Scripture exhorteth the trueChristians,whohavealreadytastedhowsweettheLordis,andgivetheirwholestudy and diligence to follow the steps of Christ's life and conversation. Andthroughthisholyfeartheygoandspoilthemselves,evensomuchastheyspoilthemselvesof theoldman;but the trueChristiansshouldnotspoil themselveswhollyofthischildlyfear,thewhichgreatlynourishethChristiancharity,(evenastheservilefearis[an]enemy,)andcannotstandwithoutit.

By the things before spoken of may clearly be understanded that a goodChristianought innowise todoubtof the remissionofsins,norof the favourandgraceofGod towardshim.Notwithstanding for themoresatisfyingof thereader, Iwillwrite beneath some authorities of holydoctorswho confirm thisverity.SaintHilary,uponSaintMatthewinthefifthcanon,saith,thatGodwillthat without any doubt of unconstant will, we do believe; for otherwisejustification through faith is not obtained if the selfsame faith be doubtful.

Behold,that(afterSaintHilary)amanobtainethnotremissionofhissins'ifhebelievenotundoubtedly toobtain the same:andworthily, forhe thatdoubteth(asSaintJamessaith)islikethewavesofthesea,whicharedrivenandmovedbythewinds.WhereforeletnotthatmanthinktoreceiveanythingofGod.

LetusgiveearthentoSaintAugustine,who,inhisManual,teachethustocastawaythefoolishopinionthatwoulddepriveusofthisholyandgodlycertaintyand assurance. Murmur (saith he) as much as thou wilt then, [thou] foolishcogitationorthought,saying,'Whatartthou?andhowgreatisthisthygloryandrejoicing?Withwhatmerits hopest thou to obtain it?' I answer thee boldly, 'Iknow in whom I have believed. I know that he (through his great love) hathmademe his son. I know that he is true in his promise, able to give that hepromiseth,andcandowhathewill.ThemultitudeofmysinscannotmakemefearifIthinkonthedeathoftheLord.Allmyhopeisinhisdeath.Hisdeathismymerits,myrefuge,myhealth,life,andresurrection.MymeritisthemercyoftheLord.IamnotpoorinmeritswhilestheLordlackethnotmercy.AndifthemeritsoftheLordbemany,Iamabundantlyrichinmerits.Howmuchthemorehe is able to save, somuch themore am I sure to be saved.' The same SaintAugustine,inanotherplace,speakingwithGod,saiththathemightindeedhavedespairedforhisgreatsinsandforhisinfinitenegligences,iftheWordhadnotbecome incarnate. And after addeth these words, All my hope and all thecertaintyofmybeliefisputinhispreciousblood,whichwasshedforusandforoursalvation.InhimIrest,inhimbelievingIdesiretocometothee,OFather;not havingmine own righteousness, but thatwhich cometh by thy SonChristJesus. Saint Augustine, in these two places, sheweth clearly that a Christianoughtnottofear,buttobeassuredofhisjustification,groundingitnotuponhisownworks,butonthepreciousbloodofChrist,thewhichcleansethusofalloursins,andmakethourpeacewithGod.

SaintBernard,inhisfirstsermonoftheAnnunciationoftheLord,shewethmostplainlythat itsufficethnot tobelievethat thoucanstnothaveremissionof thysinsbutbythemercyofGod:neithersufficethit tobelievethatthoucanstnothaveanygooddesirenoranygoodworks,ifhegivetheenotthesame:neithersufficethittobelievethatthoucanstnotmeritordeserveeternallifewithoutthygoodworks,ifthesamebenotgiventheebymeregift.But,besidesthesethings,(saithSaintBernard,)whicharerathertobejudgedanuncertainbeginningandfoundationoffaith,itisnecessarythatthoubelievethatbyhimalsothysinsbe

forgiven thee. Behold, how this holy man confesseth, that it sufficeth not tobelieve in the general remission of sins, but it is needful that thou believeparticularlythattotheeareforgiventhineiniquitiesbyChrist.Andthecauseorreason is apparent; for God promising justification by Christ's merits, if thoubelieve not that thou art righteous by them thou makest God a liar, andconsequentlymakestthyselfmostunworthyofhisgraceandliberality.Thouwiltsaytome,Ibelievewellthatthereisremissionofsins,andIknowthatGodistrue,but.Idoubt lestIbenotworthyofsogreatagift. Ianswerthee, that theremissionofsinsshouldnotbeagiftandgrace,orfavour,butareward,ifGodhathgiven it thee through theworthinessof thyworks;but I reply to theeandaffirm, that God accepteth thee as righteous and imputeth not to thee thy sinthroughthemeritsofChrist,thewhicharegiventheeandbecomethinethroughfaith. Then, following the holy counsel of SaintBernard, believe not only thegeneralremissionofsins,butapplybelieftothyself,believingundoubtedlythatthroughChristallthineiniquitiesareforgiven,andinthismannerthoushaltgiveglorytoGod,confessinghimmercifulandtrue,andshaltbecomerighteousandholyinthesightofGod,beingpartaker,throughthisfaithandconfession,oftherighteousnessandholinessofJesusChrist.

Now, returning to reason somewhat of predestination, I say that by the thingsabove said, a man may clearly understand and see that the certainty ofpredestinationhurtethnotthetrueChristians,buthelpeththemverygreatly;andIcannot see that it canhurt the reprobateand falseChristians ; forhowmuchsoeverthosemenwhichbereprobatedoforcethemselvestobelievethattheybein thenumberof them that arepredestinate, yet they cannever persuade theirconsciencethereunto,whichalwayswillreplyandtestifythecontrary.

But itappearethat thefirstshowthat thedoctrineofpredestinationmighthurtthem, because they use to say thus: If I be of the number of those that bereprobatesandcastaways,thenwhathelpethmygoodworks?andagain,IfIbeofthenumberofthemthatarepredestinateIshallbesavedwithoutwearyingofmyself in doinggoodworks. Iwill in fewwords answer thee, thatwith thosetheirdevilishargumentstheyprocureandincreaseagainstthemselvesthewrathofGod,whohathopenedtoChristians theknow)edgeofpredestination, to theintent'tomakethemferventandnotcoldintheloveofGod,readyandnotslowin good works. Whereupon the true Christian, on the one side, believethundoubtedlythatheispredestinateuntoeternallife,andtobesaved,notbyhis

ownmerits,butbytheelectionofGod,who,notthroughourworks,buttoshewhismercy,hathpredestinateus; andagain,on theother side,hewhollygivethhimselftodogoodworksandtofollowChrist,evenasthoughhissalvationdiddependandconsist inhisown industryanddiligence.Buthewho through thedoctrine or teaching of predestination ceaseth or abstaineth from doing goodworks, saying, If I bepredestinate I shall be savedwithout takingpains to dogoodworks;he,Isay,shewethplainlythat[he]wroughtnotforthelovehebaretoGod,butforthelovehebaretohimself.Wherefore,peradventure,inthesightofmanhisworksweregoodandholy,butinthesightofGod(whoconsiderethchiefly for what intent they were done) they were nought and abominable.Whereupon it may be easily gathered that the doctrine or teaching ofpredestination rather helpeth than hurteth even the false Christians, for itdiscovereth theirhypocrisy, thewhichcannotbehealedso longas it ishiddenunderthecloakofoutwardworks.

But I would that those which say, I will do no good works, for if I bepredestinate,thoughIwearynotmyselfIshallbesaved,Iwould(Isay)thattheysaid tomewhen theyare sick, Iwillhaveneitherphysiciannormedicine, forthat which God hath determined of me cannot fail. Wherefore eat they?whereforedrinkthey?Whereforetilltheytheearth,plantthevines,anddowithso great diligence the things convenient for the sustentation of the body?Wherefore say theynot,All ourpains anddiligence are superfluous ; becausethatwhichGodhathaforeseenanddetermined,touchingourlifeanddeath,itisnotpossiblebuttocometopass?Then,if theprovidenceofGodmakeththemnot negligent nor idle in the things that pertaineth to the body,why should itmakethemslothfuloridleinthosethingsthatpertaintotheChristianperfection,thewhich,withoutcomparison ismorenoble than thebody.But, insomuchaswe see that neither Jesus Christ nor Saint Paul do let for the slander of thereprobatetopreachtheveritywhichisneedfulandconvenienttoedifytheelectwithal, forwhose sakes the natural Son ofGod becameman and died on thecross,welikewiseoughtnottoleaveofffortheslanderofthefalseChristianstopreachpredestinationtothetrueChristians,sinceweseethatitdothsogreatlyedify.

Wearenowcometotheendofourreasoning,inthewhichourprincipalintentwastomagnifyandpraise(tooursmallpower)themarvelloushighbenefitthataChristianreceivethbythedeathofJesusChrist,andtoshewthatfaithbyitself

justifieth:thatistosay,thatGodacceptethandtakethforrighteousallthosethattrulybelieve thatChrist Jesushathmadesatisfaction for their sins;yet, likeaslightcannotbeseparatedfromtheflamewhichbyitselfburneth,andsodothnotthe light: even so good works cannot be separate from faith which by itselfjustifieth, and so do not goodworks. Thismost holy doctrine,which exaltethChrist Jesus andmaketh low the pride ofman, hath been and always shall beoppugned of those Christians who have Jewish minds; but happy is be who,followingSaintPaul,spoilethhimselfofallhisownrighteousness[other] thanthat which cometh by Jesus Christ, with the which he being apparelled orclothed,hemayappearmostsafelyinthesightofGodtheFather,andreceiveofhim theblessingand the inheritanceofheavenandearthwithhisonlynaturalSonChristJesusourLord,towhombegloryforever.Amen.