Homily on the True and Lively Faith

HOMILY ON THE TRUE AND LIVELY FAITH

from Short-Title Catalogue 13675.
Renaissance Electronic Texts 1.2.
© 1994, 1997 Ian Lancashire
University of Toronto

A SHORT DECLARATION
of the true, liuely, and Christian Faith.

[I.4.1-1] THE first comming vnto GOD (good

[margin]
Faith.
[margin]

[I.4.1-2] Christian people) is through Faith,
[I.4.1-3] whereby (as it is declared in the last
[I.4.1-4] Sermon) we be iustified before GOD.
[I.4.1-5] And lest any man should be deceiued, for
[I.4.1-6] lacke of right vnderstanding thereof, it
[I.4.1-7] is diligently to bee noted, that Faith is
[I.4.1-8] taken in the Scripture two manner of
[I.4.1-9] wayes. There is one fayth, which in

[margin]
A dead
Faith.
[margin]

[I.4.1-10] Scripture is called a dead fayth, which
[I.4.1-11] bringeth foorth no good workes, but is
[I.4.1-12] idle, barren, and vnfruitfull. And this
[I.4.1-13] faith, by the holy Apostle Saint Iames,
[I.4.1-14] is compared to the fayth of Diuels, which beleeue GOD to bee true

[margin]
Iames 2.
[margin]

[I.4.1-15] and iust, and tremble for feare, yet they doe nothing well, but all euill.
[I.4.1-16] And such a manner of fayth haue the wicked and naughty Christian
[I.4.1-17] people, which confesse GOD, (as S. Paul sayth) in their mouth, but de

[margin]
Titus 6. 6.
[margin]

[I.4.1-18] nie him in their deeds, being abominable, and without the right fayth,
[I.4.1-19] and to all good workes reproouable. And this faith is a perswasion and
[I.4.1-20] beleefe in mans heart, whereby hee knoweth that there is a GOD, and
[I.4.1-21] agreeth vnto all trueth of GODS most holy word, conteyned in the
[I.4.1-22] holy Scripture. So that it consisteth onely in beleeuing in the word of
[I.4.1-23] GOD, that it is true. And this is not properly called faith. But as hee
[I.4.1-24] that readeth Cæsars Commentaries, beleeuing the same to bee true, hath
[I.4.1-25] thereby a knowledge of Cæsars life, and notable acts, because hee belee
[I.4.1-26] ueth the history of Cæsar: yet it is not properly sayd that hee beleeueth in
[I.4.1-27] Cæsar, of whom he looketh for no helpe nor benefit. Euen so, he that be
[I.4.1-28] leeueth that all that is spoken of GOD in the Bible is true, and yet li
[I.4.1-29] ueth so vngodly, that he cannot looke to enioy the promises and benefits
[I.4.1-30] of GOD: although it may be sayd, that such a man hath a fayth and
[I.4.1-31] beleefe to the words of GOD, yet it is not properly sayd that hee belee
[I.4.1-32] ueth in GOD, or hath such a fayth and trust in GOD, whereby hee
[I.4.1-33] may surely looke for grace, mercy, and euerlasting life at GODS hand,
[I.4.1-34] but rather for indignation and punishment, according to the merits of
[I.4.1-35] his wicked life. For as it is written in a booke, intituled to be of Didymus
[I.4.1-36] Alexandrinus, Forasmuch as faith without workes is dead, it is not now
[I.4.1-37] faith, as a dead man, is not a man. This dead faith therefore is not the
[I.4.1-38] sure and substantiall faith, which saueth sinners. Another faith there
[I.4.1-39] is in Scripture, which is not (as the foresaid faith) idle, vnfruitfull, and
[I.4.1-40] dead, but worketh by charity (as S. Paul declareth, ) Which as the
[I.4.1-41] other vaine faith is called a dead faith, so may this be called a quick or

[margin]
A liuely
faith.
[margin]

[I.4.1-42] liuely faith. And this is not onely the common beleefe of the Articles of
[I.4.1-43] our faith, but it is also a true trust and confidence of the mercy of GOD
[I.4.1-44] through or Lord Iesus Christ, and a stedfast hope of all good things to
[I.4.1-45] be receiued at GODS hand: and that although wee, through infirmi
[I.4.1-46] tie or temptation of our ghostly enimie, doe fall from him by sin, yet if we
[I.4.1-47] returne againe vnto him by true repentance, that he will forgiue, and
[I.4.1-48] forget our offences for his Sonnes sake our Sauiour Iesus Christ, and
[I.4.1-49] will make vs inheritours with him of his euerlasting Kingdome, and
[I.4.1-50] that in the meane time vntill that kingdome come, he will be our protec
[I.4.1-51] tour and defendour in all perils and dangers, whatsoeuer do chance: and
[I.4.1-52] that though sometime he doeth send vs sharp aduersitie, yet that euermore
[I.4.1-53] hee will be a louing Father vnto vs, correcting vs for our sinne, but not
[I.4.1-54] withdrawing his mercie finally from vs, if we trust in him, and commit
[I.4.1-55] our selues wholy vnto him, hang onely vpon him, and call vpon him,
[I.4.1-56] ready to obey and serue him. This is the true, liuely, and vnfeigned
[I.4.1-57] Christian faith, and is not in the mouth and outward profession onely:
[I.4.1-58] but it liueth, and stirreth inwardly, in the heart. And this faith is not
[I.4.1-59] without hope and trust in GOD, nor without the loue of GOD and
[I.4.1-60] of our neighbours, nor without the feare of GOD, nor without the de
[I.4.1-61] sire to heare GODS word, and to follow the same in eschewing euill,
[I.4.1-62] and doing gladly all good workes.

[margin]
Hebr. 12.
[margin]

[I.4.1-63] This faith (as Saint Paul describeth it) is the sure ground and foun
[I.4.1-64] dation of the benefites which wee ought to looke for, and trust to receiue
[I.4.1-65] of GOD, a certificate and sure looking for them, although they yet sen
[I.4.1-66] sibly appeare not vnto vs. And after hee saith, Hee that commeth to
[I.4.1-67] GOD, must beleeue, both that he is, and that he is a mercifull rewarder
[I.4.1-68] of well doers. And nothing commendeth good men vnto GOD, so much
[I.4.1-69] as this assured faith and trust in him. Of this faith, three things are
[I.4.1-70] specially to be noted.

[margin]
Three things
are to be no
ted of faith.
[margin]

[I.4.1-71] First, that this faith doth not lie dead in the heart, but is liuely and
[I.4.1-72] fruitefull in bringing forth good workes. Second, that without it, can
[I.4.1-73] no good workes be done, that shall be acceptable and pleasant to GOD.
[I.4.1-74] Third, what maner of good workes they be, that this faith doth bring
[I.4.1-75] forth.

[margin]
Faith is full
of good
workes.
[margin]

[I.4.1-76] For the first, that the light can not be hid, but will shew forth it selfe
[I.4.1-77] at one place or other: So a true faith can not be kept secret, but when oc
[I.4.1-78] casion is offered, it will breake out, and shew it selfe by good workes. And
[I.4.1-79] as the liuing bodie of a man euer exerciseth such things as belong to
[I.4.1-80] a naturall and liuing bodie, for nourishment and preseruation of the
[I.4.1-81] same, as it hath need, opportunity, and occasion: euen so the soule that
[I.4.1-82] hath a liuely fayth in it, will bee doing alway some good worke, which
[I.4.1-83] shall declare that it is liuing, and will not be vnoccupied. Therfore when
[I.4.1-84] men heare in the Scriptures so high commendations of fayth, that it
[I.4.1-85] maketh vs to please GOD, to liue with GOD, and to be the children
[I.4.1-86] of GOD: if then they phantasie that they bee set at liberty from doing
[I.4.1-87] all good workes, and may liue as they lust, they trifle with GOD and
[I.4.1-88] deceiue themselues. And it is a manifest token; that they bee farre from
[I.4.1-89] hauing the true and liuely fayth, and also farre from knowledge, what
[I.4.1-90] true fayth meaneth. For the very sure and liuely Christian fayth is, not
[I.4.1-91] onely to beleeue all things of GOD, which are contayned in holy
[I.4.1-92] Scripture, but also is an earnest trust, and confidence in GOD, that he
[I.4.1-93] doeth regard vs, and that he is carefull ouer vs, as the father is ouer the
[I.4.1-94] Childe whom hee doth loue, and that hee will bee mercifull vnto vs for
[I.4.1-95] his onely sonnes sake, and that wee haue our Sauiour Christ our per
[I.4.1-96] petuall aduocate, and Priest, in whose onely merits, oblation, and
[I.4.1-97] suffering, wee doe trust that our offences bee continually washed and pur
[I.4.1-98] ged, whensoeuer wee (repenting truely) doe returne to him, with our
[I.4.1-99] whole heart, stedfastly determining with our selues, through his grace,
[I.4.1-100] to obey and serue him in keeping his commandements, and neuer to
[I.4.1-101] turne backe againe to sinne. Such is the true faith, that the Scrip
[I.4.1-102] ture doeth so much commend, the which when it seeth and considereth
[I.4.1-103] what GOD hath done for vs, is also mooued through continuall assi
[I.4.1-104] stance of the Spirit of GOD, to serue and please him, to keepe his fa
[I.4.1-105] uour, to feare his displeasure, to continue his obedient children, shewing
[I.4.1-106] thankefulnesse againe by obseruing or keeping his commandements, and
[I.4.1-107] that freely, for true loue chiefly, and not for dread of punishment, or loue
[I.4.1-108] of temporall reward, considering how cleerely, without deseruings wee
[I.4.1-109] haue receiued his mercy and pardon freely.

[I.4.1-110] This true faith will shew foorth it selfe, and cannot long bee idle: For

[margin]
Abac. 2.
[margin]

[I.4.1-111] as it is written, The iust man doeth liue by his faith. Hee neuer sleepeth
[I.4.1-112] nor is idle, when hee would wake, and be well occupied. And GOD
[I.4.1-113] by his Prophet Ieremie saith, that hee is a happy and blessed man, which

[margin]
Iere 17.
[margin]

[I.4.1-114] hath faith and confidence in GOD. For he is like a tree set by the water
[I.4.1-115] side, and spreadeth his roots abroad toward the moysture, and feareth not
[I.4.1-116] heate when it commeth, his leafe will bee greene, and will not cease to
[I.4.1-117] bring foorth his fruit: euen so, faithfull men (putting away all feare of
[I.4.1-118] aduersitie) will shew foorth the fruit of their good workes, as occasion
[I.4.1-119] is offered to doe them.

¶ The second part of the Sermon
of Faith.

[I.4.2-120] YE haue heard in the first part of this Sermon, that there
[I.4.2-121] be two kindes of fayth, a dead and an vnfruitfull fayth,
[I.4.2-122] and a fayth liuely that worketh by charity. The first to
[I.4.2-123] be vnprofitable, the second, necessary for the obtayning of
[I.4.2-124] our saluation: the which faith hath charity alwaies ioy
[I.4.2-125] ned vnto it, and is fruitfull, and bringeth foorth all good
[I.4.2-126] workes. Now as concerning the same matter, you shall
[I.4.2-127] heare what followeth. The wise man sayth, He that beleeueth in GOD,

[margin]
Eccl. 31.
[margin]

[I.4.2-128] will hearken vnto his commandements. For if wee doe not shew our
[I.4.2-129] selues faythfull in our conuersation, the fayth which we pretend to haue,
[I.4.2-130] is but a fayned faith: because the true Christian faith is manifestly shew
[I.4.2-131] ed by good liuing, and not by words onely, as S. Augustine saith, Good li
[I.4.2-132] uing cannot be separated from true faith, which worketh by loue. And

[margin]
Heb. 11.
Gen. 4.
Gen. 6.
Eccle. 44.
Gen. 11.
[margin]

[I.4.2-133] S. Chrysostome sayth, Faith of it selfe is full of good works: as soone as
[I.4.2-134] a man doth beleeue, he shall be garnished with them. How plentifull this
[I.4.2-135] fayth is of good workes, and how it maketh the worke of one man more
[I.4.2-136] acceptable to GOD, then of another, S. Paul teacheth at large in the xi.
[I.4.2-137] Chapter to the Heb. saying, That fayth made the oblation of Abel, better
[I.4.2-138] then the oblation of Cain. This made Noah to build the Arke. This made
[I.4.2-139] Abraham to forsake his Country, and all his friends, and to goe into a far
[I.4.2-140] Country, there to dwell among strangers. So did also Isaac and Iacob,
[I.4.2-141] depending or hanging onely of the helpe and trust that they had in GOD.
[I.4.2-142] And when they came to the country which GOD promised them, they
[I.4.2-143] would build no Cities, Townes, nor Houses, but liued like strangers in
[I.4.2-144] Tents, that might euery day be remooued. Their trust was so much in
[I.4.2-145] GOD, that they set but little by any worldly thing, for that GOD had
[I.4.2-146] prepared for them better dwelling places in heauen of his owne founda

[margin]
Gen. 22.
[margin]

[I.4.2-147] tion and building. This faith made Abraham ready at GODS com

[margin]
Eccle. 13.
[margin]

[I.4.2-148] mandement, to offer his owne sonne and heire Isaac, whom hee loued so
[I.4.2-149] well, and by whom he was promised to haue innumerable issue, among
[I.4.2-150] the which, one should bee borne, in whom all nations should bee blessed,
[I.4.2-151] trusting so much in GOD, that though he were slaine, yet that GOD
[I.4.2-152] was able by his omnipotent power to rayse him from death, and per
[I.4.2-153] forme his promise. He mistrusted not the promise of GOD, although vn
[I.4.2-154] to his reason euery thing seemed contrary. He beleeued verily that GOD
[I.4.2-155] would not forsake him in death and famine that was in the country. And
[I.4.2-156] in all other dangers that hee was brought vnto, hee trusted euer that
[I.4.2-157] GOD should be his GOD, and his protectour and defender, what
[I.4.2-158] soeuer he saw to the contrary. This faith wrought so in the heart of Mo

[margin]
Exod. 2.
[margin]

[I.4.2-159] ses, that he refused to be taken for King Pharao his daughters sonne, and
[I.4.2-160] to haue great inheritance in Egypt, thinking it better with the people
[I.4.2-161] of God to haue affliction and sorrow, then with naughty men, in sinne to
[I.4.2-162] liue pleasantly for a time. By faith hee cared not for the threatning of
[I.4.2-163] king Pharao: for his trust was so in GOD, that hee passed not of the
[I.4.2-164] felicitie of this world, but looked for the reward to come in heauen, set
[I.4.2-165] ting his heart vpon the inuisible GOD, as if he had seene him euer pre
[I.4.2-166] sent before his eyes. By faith, the children of Israel passed through the

[margin]
Exod. 14.
[margin]

[I.4.2-167] red sea. By faith, the walles of Hierico fell downe without stroke, and

[margin]
Iosu. 6.
[margin]

[I.4.2-168] many other wonderfull miracles haue beene wrought. In all good men
[I.4.2-169] that heretofore haue beene, faith hath brought forth their good workes,
[I.4.2-170] and obteined the promises of GOD. Faith hath stopped the Lions

[margin]
Dani. 6.
[margin]

[I.4.2-171] mouthes: faith hath quenched the force of fire: faith hath escaped the

[margin]
Dani. 3.
[margin]

[I.4.2-172] swords edges: faith hath giuen weake men strength, victorie in battaile,
[I.4.2-173] ouerthrowen the armies of Infidels, raysed the dead to life: faith hath

[margin]
Heb. 11.
[margin]

[I.4.2-174] made good men to take aduersitie in good part, some haue beene mocked
[I.4.2-175] and whipped, bound, and cast in prison, some haue lost all their goods, and
[I.4.2-176] liued in great pouertie, some haue wandered in mountaines, hilles, and
[I.4.2-177] wildernesse, some haue bene racked, some slaine, some stoned, some sawen,
[I.4.2-178] some rent in pieces, some beheaded, some brent without mercy, and would
[I.4.2-179] not be deliuered, because they looked to rise againe to a better state.

[I.4.2-180] All these Fathers, Martyrs, and other holy men, (whom Saint Paul
[I.4.2-181] spake of) had their faith surely fixed on GOD, when all the world was
[I.4.2-182] against them. They did not onely know GOD to bee the Lord, maker,
[I.4.2-183] and gouernour of all men in the world: but also they had a speciall con
[I.4.2-184] fidence and trust, that he was and would bee their GOD, their comfor
[I.4.2-185] ter, ayder, helper, maintainer, and defender. This is the Christian faith
[I.4.2-186] which these holy men had, and wee also ought to haue. And although
[I.4.2-187] they were not named Christian men, yet was it a Christian faith that
[I.4.2-188] they had, for they looked for all benefites of GOD the Father, through
[I.4.2-189] the merites of his Sonne Iesu Christ, as wee now doe. This difference
[I.4.2-190] is betweene them and vs, that they looked when Christ should come, and
[I.4.2-191] we bee in the time when hee is come. Therefore faith S. Augustine, The

[margin]
In Iohn,
tract. 45.
[margin]

[I.4.2-192] time is altered and changed, but not the faith. For wee haue both one
[I.4.2-193] faith in one Christ. The same holy ghost also that wee haue, had they,
[I.4.2-194] faith S. Paul. For as the holy Ghost doeth teach vs to trust in GOD,

[margin]
1. Cor. 4.
[margin]

[I.4.2-195] and to call vpon him as our Father: so did he teach them to say, as it is
[I.4.2-196] written, Thou Lord art our Father and Redeemer, and they Name is

[margin]
Esai. 43.
[margin]

[I.4.2-197] without beginning and euerlasting. GOD gaue them then grace to
[I.4.2-198] bee his children, as hee doth vs now. But now by the comming of our
[I.4.2-199] Sauiour Christ, we haue receiued more aboundantly the spirit of GOD
[I.4.2-200] in our hearts, whereby we may conceiue a greater faith, and a surer trust
[I.4.2-201] then many of them had. But in effect they and we be all one: we haue
[I.4.2-202] the same faith that they had in GOD, and they the same that wee haue
[I.4.2-203] And Saint Paul so much extolleth their faith, because we should no lesse,
[I.4.2-204] but rather more, giue our selues wholy vnto Christ, both in profession
[I.4.2-205] and liuing, now when Christ is come, then the olde fathers did before his
[I.4.2-206] comming. And by all the declaration of S. Paul, it is euident, that the
[I.4.2-207] true, liuely, and Christian faith, is no dead, vaine, or vnfruitfull thing,
[I.4.2-208] but a thing of perfect vertue, of wonderfull operation or working, and
[I.4.2-209] strength, bringing foorth all good motions, and good workes.

[I.4.2-210] All holy Scripture agreeably beareth witnesse, that a true liuely faith
[I.4.2-211] in Christ, doeth bring foorth good workes: and therefore euery man must
[I.4.2-212] examine and trye himselfe diligently, to know whether hee haue the
[I.4.2-213] same true liuely faith in his heart vnfeignedly, or not, which hee shall
[I.4.2-214] know by the fruits thereof. Many that professed the faith of Christ, were
[I.4.2-215] in this errour, that they thought they knew GOD, and beleeued in
[I.4.2-216] him, when in their life they declared the contrary: Which errour Saint

[margin]
1. Iohn 2.
[margin]

[I.4.2-217] Iohn in his first Epistle confuting, writeth in this wise, Hereby wee are
[I.4.2-218] certified that we know GOD, if we obserue his commandements. He
[I.4.2-219] that sayth, he knoweth GOD, and obserueth not his commandements,
[I.4.2-220] is a lyar, and the trueth is not in him. And againe hee sayth, Whoso

[margin]
1. Iohn 3.
[margin]

[I.4.2-221] euer sinneth, doeth not see GOD, nor know him: let no man deceiue

[margin]
1. Iohn 3.
[margin]

[I.4.2-222] you, welbeloued children. And moreouer hee sayeth, Hereby we know
[I.4.2-223] that we be of the trueth, and so we shall perswade our hearts, before him.

[margin]
1. Iohn 3.
[margin]

[I.4.2-224] For if our owne hearts reproue vs, GOD is aboue our hearts, & know
[I.4.2-225] eth all things. Welbeloued, if our hearts reproue vs not, then haue wee
[I.4.2-226] confidence in GOD, and shall haue of him whatsoeuer we aske, because
[I.4.2-227] wee keepe his Commandements, and doe those things that please him.

[margin]
1. Iohn 5.
[margin]

[I.4.2-228] And yet further hee sayeth, Euery man that beleeueth that Iesus is
[I.4.2-229] Christ, is borne of GOD, and wee know that whosoeuer is borne of
[I.4.2-230] GOD, doeth not sinne: but hee that is begotten of God, purgeth him
[I.4.2-231] selfe, and the deuill doeth not touch him. And finally he concludeth, and

[margin]
1. Iohn 5.
[margin]

[I.4.2-232] sheweth the cause why he wrote this Epistle, saying, For this cause haue
[I.4.2-233] I thus written vnto you, that you may know that you haue euerlasting
[I.4.2-234] life, which doe beleeue in the Sonne of GOD. And in his iii. Epistle he
[I.4.2-235] confirmeth the whole matter of faith and workes, in few wordes, saying,

[margin]
3. Iohn.
[margin]

[I.4.2-236] Hee that doeth well, is of GOD, and hee that doeth euill, knoweth not
[I.4.2-237] God. And as S. Iohn saith, That as the liuely knowledge and faith of
[I.4.2-238] GOD bringeth foorth good workes: so sayth he likewise of hope and cha
[I.4.2-239] ritie, that they cannot stand with euill liuing. Of hope he writeth thus,

[margin]
1. Iohn 3.
[margin]

[I.4.2-240] We know that when GOD shall appeare, we shall be like vnto him, for
[I.4.2-241] we shall see him, euen as hee is: and whosoeuer hath this hope in him,
[I.4.2-242] doeth purifie himselfe, like as GOD is pure. And of charitie hee sayth
[I.4.2-243] these wordes, Hee that doeth keepe Gods word and commandement, in

[margin]
1. Iohn 2.
1 Iohn 5.
[margin]

[I.4.2-244] him is truely the perfect loue of GOD. And againe hee sayth, This is
[I.4.2-245] the loue of GOD, that wee should keepe his Commandements. And
[I.4.2-246] S. Iohn wrote not this, as a subtill saying, deuised of his owne fantasie,
[I.4.2-247] but as a most certaine and necessary trueth, taught vnto him by Christ
[I.4.2-248] himselfe, the eternall and infallible veritie, who in many places doth most
[I.4.2-249] clearely affirme, that faith, hope and charitie, can not consist or stand
[I.4.2-250] without good and godly workes. Of faith, he saith, He that beleeueth

[margin]
1. Iohn 5.
[margin]

[I.4.2-251] in the Sonne, hath euerlasting life: but hee that beleeueth not in the

[margin]
Iohn 3.
[margin]

[I.4.2-252] Sonne, shall not see that life, but the wrath of GOD remaineth vpon
[I.4.2-253] him. And the same hee confirmeth with a double othe, saying, Verily,

[margin]
Iohn 6.
[margin]

[I.4.2-254] verily I say vnto you, Hee that beleeueth in mee, hath euerlasting life.
[I.4.2-255] Now forasmuch as he that beleeueth in Christ, hath euerlasting life: it
[I.4.2-256] must needes consequently follow, that he that hath this faith, must haue
[I.4.2-257] also good workes, and be studious to obserue Gods commandements obe
[I.4.2-258] diently. For to them that haue euill workes, and leade their life in diso
[I.4.2-259] bedience, and transgression or breaking of Gods commandements, with
[I.4.2-260] out repentance, perteineth not euerlasting life but euerlasting death, as
[I.4.2-261] Christ himselfe saith, They that doe well, shall goe into life eternall, but

[margin]
Matth. 25.
[margin]

[I.4.2-262] they that doe euill, shall goe into euerlasting fire. And againe he sayth,
[I.4.2-263] I am the first letter, and the last, the beginning and the ending: to him

[margin]
Apoc. 21.
[margin]

[I.4.2-264] that is athirst, I will giue of the well of the water of life freely: he that
[I.4.2-265] hath the victorie, shall haue all things, and I will be his GOD, and he
[I.4.2-266] shall be my sonne: but they that be fearefull, mistrusting GOD, and
[I.4.2-267] lacking faith, they that be cursed people, and murtherers, and fornica
[I.4.2-268] tors and sorcerers, and all lyers, shall haue their portion in the lake that
[I.4.2-269] burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. And as
[I.4.2-270] Christ vndoubtedly affirmeth, that true faith bringeth forth good works,
[I.4.2-271] so doeth hee say likewise of Charitie. Whosoeuer hath my commande

[margin]
Charitie
bringeth
foorth good
workes.
Iohn 14.
Ecclus. I.
Ecclus. 15.
[margin]

[I.4.2-272] ments and keepeth them, that is he that loueth me. And after he sayth,
[I.4.2-273] He that loueth me, will keepe my word, and hee that loueth me not, kee
[I.4.2-274] peth not my wordes. And as the loue of GOD is tryed by good workes,
[I.4.2-275] so is the feare of GOD also, as the wise man saith, The dread of GOD
[I.4.2-276] putteth away sinne. And also he saith, Hee that feareth GOD, will
[I.4.2-277] doe good workes.

&leaf; The third part of the Sermon
of Faith.

[I.4.3-278] YOu haue heard in the second part of this Sermon, that
[I.4.3-279] no man should thinke that hee hath that liuely faith
[I.4.3-280] which Scripture commandeth, when he liueth not obe
[I.4.3-281] diently to Gods lawes, for all good workes spring out of
[I.4.3-282] that faith: And also it hath beene declared vnto you by
[I.4.3-283] examples, that faith maketh men stedfast, quiet, and pati
[I.4.3-284] ent in all affliction. Now as concerning the same mat
[I.4.3-285] ter, you shall heare what followeth. A man may soone deceiue himselfe,
[I.4.3-286] and thinke in his owne phantasie that he by faith knoweth GOD, loueth
[I.4.3-287] him, feareth him, and belongeth to him, when in very deede he doeth no
[I.4.3-288] thing lesse. For the triall of all these things is a very godly and Christian
[I.4.3-289] life. He that feeleth his heart set to seeke Gods honour, and studieth to
[I.4.3-290] know the will & commandements of GOD, and to frame himselfe there
[I.4.3-291] unto, and leadeth not his life after the desire of his owne flesh, to serue the
[I.4.3-292] deuill by sinne, but setteth his mind to serue GOD for his owne sake, and
[I.4.3-293] for his sake also to loue all his neighbours, whether they be friends or ad
[I.4.3-294] uersaries, doing good to euery man (as opportunitie serueth) and wil
[I.4.3-295] lingly hurting no man: such a man may well reioice in GOD, perceiuing
[I.4.3-296] by the trade of his life, that hee vnfeignedly hath the right knowledge of
[I.4.3-297] GOD, a liuely faith, a stedfast hope, a true and vnfeigned loue, and feare
[I.4.3-298] of GOD. But he that casteth away the yoke of GODS commande
[I.4.3-299] ments from his necke, and giueth himselfe to liue without true repen
[I.4.3-300] tance, after his owne sensuall minde and pleasure, not regarding to know
[I.4.3-301] GODS word, and much lesse to liue according thereunto: such a man
[I.4.3-302] clearely deceiueth himselfe, and seeth not his owne heart, if hee thinketh
[I.4.3-303] that hee either knoweth GOD, loueth him, feareth him, or trusteth in
[I.4.3-304] him. Some peraduenture fantasie in themselues, that they belong to
[I.4.3-305] GOD, although they liue in sinne, and so they come to the Church, and
[I.4.3-306] shew themselues as GODS deare children. But S. Iohn saith plaine

[margin]
1.Iohn 1.
[margin]

[I.4.3-307] ly, If wee say that wee haue any company with GOD, and walke in
[I.4.3-308] darkenesse, we doe lie. Other doe vainely thinke that they know and loue
[I.4.3-309] GOD, although they passe not of the commandements. But S. Iohn

[margin]
1.Iohn 2.
[margin]

[I.4.3-310] saith clearely, Hee that saith I know GOD, and keepeth not his com
[I.4.3-311] mandements, he is a lyer. Some falsely perswade themselues, that they
[I.4.3-312] loue GOD, when they hate their neighbours. But S. Iohn saith ma

[margin]
1.Iohn 4.
[margin]

[I.4.3-313] nifestly, If any man say I loue GOD, and yet hateth his brother, he is

[margin]
1.Iohn 2.
[margin]

[I.4.3-314] a lyer. He that sayth that he is in the light, and hateth his brother, he is
[I.4.3-315] still in darkenesse. He that loueth his brother, dwelleth in the light, but
[I.4.3-316] he that hateth his brother, is in darknesse, and walketh in darkenesse, and
[I.4.3-317] knoweth not whither hee goeth: For darkenesse hat blinded his eyes.
[I.4.3-318] And moreouer hee sayeth, Hereby wee manifestly know the children of

[margin]
1.Iohn 3.
[margin]

[I.4.3-319] GOD from the children of the deuill. Hee that doeth not righteously,
[I.4.3-320] is not the childe of GOD, nor he that hateth his brother. Deceiue not
[I.4.3-321] your selues therefore, thinking that you haue faith in GOD, or that you
[I.4.3-322] loue GOD, or doe trust in him, or doe feare him, when you liue in sinne:
[I.4.3-323] for then your vngodly and sinfull life declareth the contrary, whatsoeuer
[I.4.3-324] you say or thinke. It perteineth to a Christian man to haue this true
[I.4.3-325] Christian faith, and to trie himselfe whether he hath it or no, and to know
[I.4.3-326] what belongeth to it, and how it doth worke in him. It is not the world
[I.4.3-327] that wee can trust to, the world and all that is therein, is but vanitie.
[I.4.3-328] It is GOD that must bee our defence, and protection against all temp
[I.4.3-329] tation of wickednesse and sinne, errours, superstition, idolatrie, and all
[I.4.3-330] euill. If all the world were on our side, and GOD against vs, what
[I.4.3-331] could the world auaile vs? Therefore let vs set our whole faith and trust
[I.4.3-332] in GOD, and neither the world, the deuill, nor all the power of them
[I.4.3-333] shall preuaile against vs. Let vs therefore (good Christian people) trie
[I.4.3-334] and examine our faith, what it is: let vs not flatter our selues, but looke
[I.4.3-335] vpon our works, and so iudge of our faith what it is. Christ himselfe spea
[I.4.3-336] keth of this matter, and saith, The tree is knowen by the fruit. Therefore

[margin]
Luke 6.
[margin]

[I.4.3-337] let vs doe good workes, and thereby declare our faith to bee the liuely
[I.4.3-338] Christian faith. Let vs by such vertues as ought to spring out of faith,
[I.4.3-339] shew our election to bee sure and stable, as S. Peter teacheth, Endeuour

[margin]
2.Peter 1.
[margin]

[I.4.3-340] your selues to make your calling & election certaine by good works. And
[I.4.3-341] also hee saith, Minister or declare in your faith vertue, in vertue know
[I.4.3-342] ledge, in knowledge temperance, in temperance patience, in patience godlines,
[I.4.3-343] in godlinesse brotherly charity, in brotherly charity loue: so shall we shew
[I.4.3-344] in deed that we haue the very liuely Christian fayth, and may so both cer
[I.4.3-345] tifie our conscience the better that we be in the right fayth, and also by
[I.4.3-346] these meanes confirme other men. If these fruites doe not follow, we do
[I.4.3-347] but mocke with GOD, deceiue our selues, and also other men. Well
[I.4.3-348] may wee beare the name of Christian men, but wee doe lacke the true
[I.4.3-349] fayth that doeth belong thereunto: for true fayth doeth euer bring foorth
[I.4.3-350] good workes, as S. Iames sayth: Shew me thy fayth by thy deeds. Thy

[margin]
Iames 2.
[margin]

[I.4.3-351] deeds and workes must be an open testimoniall of thy fayth: otherwise
[I.4.3-352] thy fayth (being without good works) is but the Diuels fayth, the faith
[I.4.3-353] of the wicked, a fantasie of fayth, and not a true Christian fayth. And
[I.4.3-354] like as the Diuels and euill people bee nothing the better for their coun
[I.4.3-355] terfait fayth, but it is vnto them the more cause of damnation: so they
[I.4.3-356] that be Christians and haue receiued knowledge of GOD and of Christs
[I.4.3-357] merits, and yet of a set purpose doe liue idlely, without good workes,
[I.4.3-358] thinking the name of a naked fayth to bee either sufficient for them, or
[I.4.3-359] else setting their mindes vpon vaine pleasures of this world, doe liue in
[I.4.3-360] sinne without repentance, not vttering the fruites that doe belong to
[I.4.3-361] such an high profession, vpon such presumptuous persons, and wilfull
[I.4.3-362] sinners, must needs remayne the great vengeance of GOD, and eter
[I.4.3-363] nall punishment in hell, prepared for the vniust and wicked liuers. Ther
[I.4.3-364] fore as you professe the name of Christ (good Christian people) let no such
[I.4.3-365] phantasie and imagination of fayth at any time beguile you: but be sure
[I.4.3-366] of your fayth, trie it by your liuing, looke vpon the fruites that commeth
[I.4.3-367] of it, marke the increase of loue and charity by it towards GOD and
[I.4.3-368] your neighbour, and so shall you perceiue it to bee a true liuely fayth. If
[I.4.3-369] you feele and perceiue such a fayth in you, reioyce in it: and be diligent to
[I.4.3-370] maintaine it, and keepe it still in you, let it be dayly increasing, and more
[I.4.3-371] and more by well working, and so shall you bee sure that you shall please
[I.4.3-372] GOD by this fayth, and at the length (as other faithfull men haue
[I.4.3-373] done before) so shall you (when his will is) come to him, and receiue the
[I.4.3-374] end and finall reward of your fayth (as S. Peter nameth it) the sal

[margin]
1.Pet.1.
[margin]

[I.4.3-375] uation of your soules: the which GOD grant vs, that
[I.4.3-376] hath promised the same vnto his faithfull, to whom
[I.4.3-377] be all honour and glory, world without
[I.4.3-378] end. Amen.