trine, therefore, is admirably guarded from abuse; neither leaving the honour of God. unprovided for, nor relaxing the obligation of man to holiness of life. That it amply provides for the honour of divine justice by the infinite atonement of the Son of God, through which only mercy is extended to man, hath been shown in our former discourse. And that it diminishes not the obligation or the necessity of holiness is evident from hence, that justification, though freely given to man, is not received by him but by a practical faith, which produces unreserved obedience to the commandments of God. For whatever faith, my brethren, is unproductive of these effects, falsely assumes the name; it is dead and availeth nothing. How then can it be imagined by infidelity, that that doctrine provides not for holiness which declares that there is no salvation without a faith which produces holiness? On the contrary, this doctrine rightly understood, and taken in its full extent, hath been, we are persuaded, the great principle of all the truest virtue and goodness which hath appeared among men.

The love of Christ, who gave himself for them, that they might have redemption, and be justified through faith in his death, hath in every Christian breast been the constraining motive to all virtue and godliness of living: and where, it may be asked, shall we find virtue worthy to be compared with that of true Christians? And hence we may conclude, that a religion so complete on every side; so perfect in all its parts, providing at once for the honour of God, for the peace and salvation of men, and for the interests of holiness, so amply as no other system hath been able to provide, is what it professes to be, a religion which hath come from God.

We shall conclude this discourse by considering what improvement we may derive from the subject: and as we cannot have a better guide than our own church, let us hear what practical use we are taught to make of this doctrine: " Ye have heard," saith our church,

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"that there are three things which must go together in our justification. Upon God's part,

his great mercy and grace: upon Christ's part,

the satisfaction of divine justice, or the price

of our redemption by the offering of his body, the shedding of his blood, and the fulfilling of the law and upon our part a true and lively faith in the merits of Christ, out of which must spring good works. For this doctrine, that we be justified by faith, is not so meant that nothing should afterwards be required on our part: but this saying, that we are justified by faith only, is spoken not that we should do no good works, but to take away the merit of our works as unable to deserve our justification, and thereby more plainly to express the weakness of man and the goodness of God; the imperfection of our own works and the abundant grace of our Saviour Christ; to whom the merit of our justification must ever be ascribed. Let us therefore, brethren, try and examine our faith. Let us look upon our works and so judge of our faith. Christ himself speaketh of this matter, and saith, the tree is known by the fruit.' Therefore let us declare by our works the reality of our faith. Let us, by such virtues as ought to spring from faith, show our election to be sure and steadfast; making, as St. Peter teacheth, our calling and

election sure by good works. If these fruits do not follow our faith, we but deceive ourselves and others. We may bear the name of Christian men but we are destitute of the true Christian faith; for true faith ever bringeth forth good works. 'Show me,' saith St. James, thy faith by thy works;' that is, thy works must be an open testimonial of thy faith. Deceive not yourselves, therefore, thinking that you have faith in God; that you love and trust in him when you live in sin: for whatever you may profess, whatever you may think, your sinful life declares the contrary. Therefore, as you profess the name of Christ, let no such imagination at any time beguile you, but be sure of your faith; try it by your living, look upon the fruits which it produces, whether it hath produced and maintained in your heart love to God, and charity to your neighbour; hatred to sin, and love of holiness: so shall you perceive whether you possess a true and lively faith. If, brethren, you feel and perceive such a faith in you, rejoice and be diligent to cherish and to keep it; let it be daily increasing, and be more and more pro

ductive of good works; nothing doubting but that at length, through the mercy of God and the merits of Christ, you shall receive the end and reward of your faith, even the salvation of your souls:" which God of his infinite mercy grant may be the portion of all present, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour.