1. THE first coming unto God is through faith, whereby we are justified before God; but lest any man should be deceived, for want of a right understanding thereof, it is diligently to be noted, that faith is taken in scripture two ways: there is one faith, which the scripture calleth a dead faith. And this, by St. _James_, is compared to the faith of devils, who _believe and tremble_, and yet do nothing well: and such a faith as this have wicked Christians, who _profess they know God, but in works deny him_.
2. _This faith is, a persuasion that there is a God, and a belief of all the truths contained in his word. So that it consisteth only in believing that the word of God is true. And this is not properly called faith._ But as he that readeth _Cæsar_’s commentary, tho’ he believeth it to be true, yet he is not properly said, to believe in _Cæsar_, even so he that believeth all the bible to be true, and yet liveth ungodly, is not properly said to believe in God. For inasmuch as faith without works is dead, it is not faith, as a dead man is not a man.
3. Another faith there is in scripture, which is not idle or unfruitful, but (as St. _Paul_ declares) _working by love_. And as that is called a dead faith, so this may be called a quick or living faith. _This is not only a belief of the articles of our faith; but also a true trust and confidence of the mercy of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and a stedfast hope of all good things at God’s hand_:¹ a confidence, that tho’ we should fall from him by sin, yet if we return to him by true repentance, he will forgive our offences for his Son’s sake; and make us inheritors of his everlasting kingdom: that in the mean time he will be our protector and defender, and not withdraw his mercy finally from us, if we commit ourselves wholly unto him, hang only upon him, and call upon him, ready to obey and serve him. This is the true, living Christian faith; which is not in the mouth, and outward profession only, but it liveth and stirreth inwardly in the heart: and this faith is not without hope and trust in God, nor without the love of God, and of our neighbour nor without the fear of God, nor without the desire to hear God’s word, and to follow the same, in avoiding evil, and gladly doing all good works.
¹ It is the doctrine of the church of England, to which every minister of our church hath subscribed, in subscribing the 35th article, That, “without, or before this, can no good work be done.”
4. Of this faith, three things are specially to be noted; first, that it is fruitful in bringing forth good works; secondly, that without it can no good works be done: thirdly, what good works this faith doth bring forth.
5. For the _first_, as light cannot be hid, but will shew itself at one place or other; so true faith cannot be hid, but will break out, and shew itself by good works. And as the living body of a man ever exerciseth such things as belong to a living body, for nourishment and preservation of the same; even so the soul that hath a living faith, will be always doing some good work, which shall declare that it is living. Therefore, if any man fancy he is set at liberty from doing good works, it is a manifest token he hath no true faith; yea he knoweth not what true faith meaneth. For true Christian faith is not only a belief of all the things of God which are contained in holy scripture; but also an earnest trust and confidence in God that he is careful over us, as the father is over the child whom he loveth, and that he will be merciful to us for his son’s sake. And this true faith, when we consider what God hath done for us, is also moved thro’ continual assistance of the Spirit of God, to serve and please him, to keep his favour, to fear his displeasure, to continue his obedient children; shewing thankfulness by observing his commandments; considering how clearly, without our deservings, we have freely received his mercy and pardon.
6. Therefore, if it do not appear in our conversation, the faith we pretend to have is but feigned: because true faith is manifestly shewn by good living, and not by words only: as St. _Augustin_ saith, _Good living cannot be separated from true faith, which worketh by love_: and St. _Chrysostom_, _Faith is full of good works; and as soon as a man believeth, he shall be adorned with them_. How plentiful it is in good works, St. _Paul_ teacheth at large in the 11th chapter to the _Hebrews_; evidently declaring, that true faith is no unfruitful thing, but a thing of perfect virtue, of wonderful operation and strength, bringing forth all good motions and good works.