The defects of preachers reproved in a sermon preached at Northampton, May 19th. 1723

4. If they give a wrong account of the nature of Justifying Faith, that is not good preaching. Justifying Faith is set forth in the Scripture by many figurative Expressions; Coming to Christ, Opening to Him, sitting under his Shadow, flying to Him for Refuge, building on Him as on a Foundation, feeding on Him, &c. These Expressions do imply not only an act of the Understanding, but also an act of the Will, accepting of Him, depending on Him. This Doctrine is despised by some, and Faith in Christ is said to be only a Persuasion of the truth of the Christian Religion. This is the way to make multitudes of Carnal men secure, and to flatter themselves as if they were in a good Condition: They say they are no Heathens, nor Turks, nor Papists, nor Jews, but they believe that Jesus Christ is the Eternal Son of God, they hope they are Believers; but multitudes of People have such a Faith that will fall short of Eternal Life: Joh. 2.23, 24 Many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles that he did; but Jesus did not commit himself unto them. Joh. 12.42, 43. Among the chief rulers many believed on him, but because of ⟨p. 16⟩the Pharisees they did not confess him. The Faith of some men is only a Persuasion from their Education: As Heathens do receive the Religion of their Fore-fathers by Tradition, so these do receive the Christian Religion from Hear-say. But Justifying Faith is wrought in men by the mighty Power of God; 2 Thess. 1.11. That he would work in you, the work of faith with power. Eph. 1.19, 20. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power; which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead? By Justifying Faith, men answer the Calls of God, relinquishing their own Righteousness, place their Dependence only on the Mediation of Christ; Heb. 6.18 They flee for refuge, to lay hold on the hope that is set before them. Justifying Faith is a living Principle that Sanctifies men;