The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

He who hath faith, is just and good, and a good tree bringeth forth good fruit. Ergo, all that is done in faith, pleaseth God. Moreover, he that hath faith, believeth God; he that believeth God, believeth his Word; he that believeth his Word, wotteth well that he is true and faithful, and cannot lie; but knoweth well that he both may and will fulfil his Word. How can he then displease him? For thou canst do no greater honour unto God, than to count him true. Thou wilt then say, That theft, murder, adultery, and all vices please God: No verily, for they cannot be done in faith; for a good tree beareth good fruit. He that hath faith, wotteth well that he pleaseth God; for all that is done in faith,¹ pleaseth God; faith is a sureness: Faith is a sure confidence of things which are hoped for, and a certainty of things which are not seen: The same spirit certifieth our spirit, ²that we are the children of God. Moreover, he that hath the faith, wotteth well that God will fulfil his Word: Ergo, faith is a sureness. A man justified by faith. Abraham believed God, ³and it was imputed to him for righteousness; we suppose therefore that a man is justified (saith the Apostle) without the works of the Law. He that worketh not, but believeth in him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted unto him for righteousness. The just man liveth by faith, Abac. 2. Rom. 1.⁴ We know that a man that is justified, is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, and not by the deeds of the Law. Of the faith of Christ. The faith of Christ is, To believe in him, that is, To believe in his Word, and to believe that he will help thee in all thy need, and deliver thee from all evil. Thou wilt ask me, What Word? I answer, The Gospel: he that believeth in Christ,⁵ shall be saved. He that believeth the son, hath everlasting life;⁶