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

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.

¹And hence lastly, we see, Why faith and no other grace doth thus justifie, 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 driness as well as gravity, but it fals downward, not because dry, but because heavy.

1. 15. And why faith and no other grace doth justify.5. And why faith and no other grace doth justifie.

¹Secondly, This receiving is not a bare receiving, but such as is with embracement: As Heb. 11.2. These embraced the promises; Even as Simeon took Christ with joy in his arms: So that there is great delight and cordial joy in laying hold on Christ: Even as the Church said after she had lost her Beloved, yet finding him at last, she would lay hold on him, and not let him go, as Ruth to Naomi, thus she cleaveth to Christ: So that as a man receiveth with dearest embracements some choice and precious friend he longed to see: Thus it is with the humbled sinner: Oh this is the beloved of many thousands, whom my soul hath long prayed for, long sought for? What have I found thee, Oh thou chiefest of many thousands? Hence it is that Christ compareth himself to a Bridegroom, and Husband, and his Church to a wife, to show what real affections are in the heart of an humbled sinner, for to lay hold on him: Hence it's called, Believing with the whole heart, and with joy unspeakable,