A treatise of faith divided into two parts. The first showing the nature, the…A treatise of faith diuided into two parts. The first shewing the nature, the…

Secondly, it is of faith that it might be steadfast and sure to all the seed: why so? because the promise is of grace. Faith and grace do sweetly consent, mutually uphold each other. Faith leaneth upon grace alone: and grace or mercy is promised freely, that we might believe, and vouchsafed to him that doth believe and accept it. Without faith therefore the promise doth fall. And if the promise of remission of sins did depend upon any worthiness in us to receive it, we should not only waver and be uncertain, but even utterly despair of ever speeding.

Secondly, it is of faith that it might be stedfast and sure to all the seed: why so? because the promise is of grace. Faith and grace doe sweetly consent, mutually vphold each other. Faith leaneth vpon grace alone: and grace or mercy is promised freely, that we might belieue, and vouchsafed to him that doth belieue and accept it. Without faith therefore the promise doth fall. And if the promise of remission of sinnes did depend vpon any worthinesse in vs to receiue it, wee should not onely wauer and bee vncertaine, but euen vtterly despaire of euer speeding.

Thirdly, that only is the true manner of Justification, which shuts forth all boasting in the dignity of our works.¹ But faith excludes all boasting in our selves, and teacheth us to glory in the Lord our righteousness. ⟨p. 219⟩Where is boasting then? it is excluded. By what Law? ²Of works? Nay, but by the Law of faith. Therefore we conclude, that a man is justified by faith, without the deeds of the Law. For if Abraham were justified by works, ³he hath whereof to glory but not before God. For what saith the Scripture, Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.