CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

¹Therefore fourthly, In that believing is expressed by receiving of Christ, is implied, That faith it self is excluded as it's a work: So that not only all other graces, but faith, if considered as it's a work, doth not justify us. The eye in looking on the brazen Serpent did not heal as it was a work, but from the virtue of the Serpent exalted by Gods appointment; When the woman touched Christs hem of his garment, and healing was thereby conveyed. It was not the touching, as it was a labour and work, but the virtue of Christ. Thus it is in this case.

¹Therefore fourthly, In that believing is expressed by receiving of Christ, is implyed, That faith it self is excluded as it's a work: So that not onely all other graces, but faith, if considered as it's a work, doth not justifie us. The eye in looking on the brazen Serpent did not heal as it was a work, but from the vertue of the Serpent exalted by Gods appointment; When the woman touched Christs hem of his garment, and healing was thereby conveyed. It was not the touching, as it was a labour and work, but the vertue of Christ. Thus it is in this case.

1. 14. Faith is excluded as it is a work.

¹And hence lastly, we see, Why faith and no other grace doth thus justify, because this alone doth receive. Other graces are active, this is receptive: Not that faith is separated from other graces, they are existent together, though they retain their distinct properties, He that believeth on Christ is cleansed and sanctified, he loveth God, and is patient in tribulation, but yet not by this is he justified: As the Sun-beams have heat as well as light, but it shineth by the light only, not the heat, so the earth hath dryness as well as gravity, but it falls downward, not because dry, but because heavy.