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

2, Faith in Christ must be as acceptable as Obedience, because there is great Obedience in Faith; For although Faith in Christ doth not justify us as it's an Obediential act, for then we should be justified by a work, but as it's an Instrument receiving the Righteousness of Christ, an hand to take that enriching Treasure, yet there is very great Obedience in every act of believing, go over the several acts of it, knowledge, assent, and fiducial application, all these are therefore put forth by a believer, because God saith it; Hence it's called the Obedience of faith, Rom. 10.26. And we are said to captivate our understandings herein, 2 Cor. 10.5. For a man in believing walketh not by sense or humane reason, or principles of the world but the mere revealed will of God so that whether we regard the doctrine to be believed, or the promises to be embraced, we must conclude that faith is a spiritual Martyrdom; It's not reason but Gods Word moveth thee, as we told you in the Jews, They went about to establish their own righteousness, and would not submit themselves to the Righteousness by Christ, Rom. 10.3. You see by that expression how a man must be much humbled and captivated ere he can yield up himself to Christs Righteousness; Oh then think not that Faith is not an high degree of Obedience; It's a renouncing of all humane thoughts, apprehensions, and whatsoever seeming worth or righteousness may be in us: Oh how deeply was Paul humbled ere Phil. 3. he would come to account all things dung and dross, and to be found not having his own righteousness, but that which is by Faith in Christ; So that although Faith as it is a work doth not justify, yet it's a great work and that of pure and mere obedience; For whereas in all other moral duties, Love and Patience, there is some ingrafted notions within that convince of that; In believing there is nothing but the command of God and his promise, that inviteth to this duty.

2, Faith in Christ must be as acceptable as Obedience, because there is great Obedience in Faith; For although Faith in Christ doth not justifie us as it's an Obediential act, for then we should be justified by a work, but as it's an Instrument receiving the Righteousnesse of Christ, an hand to take that inriching Treasure, yet there is very great Obedience in every act of beleeving, go over the several acts of it, knowledge, assent, and fiduciall application, all these are therefore put forth by a beleever, because God saith it; Hence it's called the Obedience of faith, Rom. 10.26. And we are said to captivate our understandings herein,