Scripture Proofs. Galatians v. 6. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Ephesians ii. 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Titus ii. 14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. James ii. 26. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Matthew vii. 17. Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit. 6 Our Church considers good works as essential to the character of a true Christian, and as the necessary consequence of a true faith in Christ; but not as the meritorious conditions of salvation. "There is somewhat in the nature of man apt to swell and raise itself out of measure,' says Bishop Burnet, and to that, no indulgence ought to be given ; the word merit' has a sound so daring, that on many accounts it ought not to be made use of.' We may preach morality long enough,' says Bishop Wilson, as the heathen philosophers did, without any great effect, if we do not preach Jesus Christ, who alone can give us grace to fulfil the law; without faith in Him we can do nothing profitable to salvation; faith being the source of prayer, prayer of grace, and grace enabling us to keep the law. The knowledge of the moral law can only make us sensible of our inability, but cannot help us. It is not only forgiveness of sins, that Jesus Christ hath merited for us by his death, but grace to do good. God forbid, that we should glory in any thing save in the cross of our Redeemer.' XIII. OF WORKS BEFORE JUSTIFICATION Works done before the grace of Christ, and the inspiration of his Spirit, are not pleasant to God, forasmuch as they spring not of faith in Jesus Christ; neither do they make men meet to receive grace, or (as the school authors say) deserve grace of congruity: yea, rather for that they are not done as God hath willed and commanded them to be done, we doubt not but they have the nature of sin. Q. What works are not pleasant to God? A. Works done before the grace of Christ, and the inspiration of his Spirit. Q. For what reason? A. Forasmuch as they spring not of faith in Jesus Christ; neither do they make men meet to receive grace. Q. How do the school authors express it? A. To "deserve grace of congruity.” Q. Why do we doubt not, but they have the nature of sin? A. Because they are not done as God willed and commanded them to be done. Scripture Proofs. Titus iii. 4, 5. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Ephesians ii. 4, 5. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.) Romans xiv. 23. thew vii. 18. Whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Mat Bishop Beveridge expresses the same truths, in the following most striking words: ""Tis a matter of admiration to me, how any one that pretends to the use of reason can imagine that he should be accepted before God for what comes from himself! for how is it possible that I should be justified by good works, when I can do no good works at all, before I be first justified? my works cannot be accepted as good, 'till my person be so, nor can my person be accepted by God, 'till first engrafted into Christ; before which engrafting into the true Vine, it is impossible I should bring forth good fruit." The expression "works that deserve grace of congruity," means such works as men do by mere natural strength, which the Papists vainly suppose |