A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written

In respect of the use; faith clears our ways as we go; cheers our hearts as we §5work; perfumes the places where we rest; and refines our actions from that dross and feculency, which would else make them odious in Gods sight.^a For whatsoever is not of faith, is sin. Faith, like John the Baptist, pointeth to the^b Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. Without this, God is no hearing God, no helping God, no saving God, no loving God at all. The Spirit shall convince the world^c of sin, saith Christ; because they believe not in me. Infidelitati retinentur omnia peccata, fidei remittuntur. All sins are retained to unbelief, remitted to faith. Faith is the nest of good works, saith our Church: let our birds be never so fair, our actions never so glorious, they will be lost, except they be brought forth in faith, This is the^d nest, where the Sparrow and Swallow may lay their young, to keep them safe; even Faith, which is close by thine Altars, O Lord of hosts. Heretics and hypocrites may produce many goodly acts, and honourable deeds: but wanting this nest of faith, they have no where to lay their young. Therefore as the Lawyers speak, moritur actio cum persona; their works are damnable with their persons. A Recusant in coming to Church against his conscience; rather to satisfy the Law, than to sanctify his soul; is guilty before God, because that work was not done in faith.

In respect of the use; faith cleares our wayes as we goe; cheares our hearts as we §5worke; perfumes the places where we rest; and refines our actions from that drosse and feculencie, which would else make them odious in Gods sight.^a For whatsoever is not of faith, is sinne. Faith, like Iohn the Baptist, pointeth to the^b