6. Therefore, if it do not appear in our conversation, the faith we pretend to have is but feigned: because true faith is manifestly shewn by good living, and not by words only: as St. Augustin saith, Good living cannot be separated from true faith, which worketh by love: and St. Chrysostom, Faith is full of good works; and as soon as a man believeth, he shall be adorned with them. How plentiful it is in good works, St. Paul teacheth at large in the 11th chapter to the Hebrews; evidently declaring, that true faith is no unfruitful thing, but a thing of perfect virtue, of wonderful operation and strength, bringing forth all good motions and good works.
7. Every man therefore must diligently examine himself, whether he hath this faith in his heart or not. He that feeleth his heart set to seek God’s honour and leadeth not his life after his own desire, but setteth his mind to serve God, and for his sake to love all his neighbours, whether they be friends or adversaries, doing good to every man, (as opportunity serveth) and willingly hurting no man; such a man may well rejoice in God, perceiving by his life, that he hath a living faith. But he that doth not live according to God’s words, deceiveth himself if he think he believeth in him.
8. Let us then by our works declare our faith to be the living Christian faith: and by such virtues as ought to spring out of faith. Let us add to, or in our faith, virtue; in our virtue, knowledge; in our knowledge, temperance; in our temperance, patience; in our patience, godliness; in our godliness, brotherly-kindness; and in brotherly-kindness, charity. So shall we both certify our conscience, that we are in the right faith, and also confirm other men. If you feel and perceive such a faith in you, rejoice in it, and be diligent to maintain it. Let it be daily encreasing more and more by good works; so shall you be sure that you shall please God, and when his will is, receive the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
9. The second thing that was noted of true faith was, that without it can no good works be done: for as the branch cannot bear the fruit itself, saith Christ, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine; ye are the branches: he that abideth in me and I in him, he bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. And St. Paul proveth that Enoch had faith, because he pleased God: for without faith, saith he, it is impossible to please him.
10. Faith giveth life to the soul: and they are as much dead to God who want faith, as they are to the world, whose bodies want souls. Without faith all we do is but dead before God, be it ever so glorious before man. Even as a picture is but a dead representation of the thing itself; so are the works of those who have not faith before God. They are but shadows of good and living things, and not good and living things indeed: For without faith no work is good before God. We must set no good works before faith. “Let no man, saith St. Augustin, reckon upon his good works before his faith; for where faith was not, good works were not. There is one work in which are all good works, that is, faith which worketh by love. If thou hast this, thou hast the ground of all good works: without this, thou hast only the shadows of them.”
11. To the same purpose, saith St. Chrysostom, “Many who have not the true faith, yet flourish in works of mercy; but the chief work is lacking, to believe in him whom God hath sent. So soon as a man hath faith, he shall flourish in good works. For faith is full of good works, and nothing is good without faith. They that shine in good works without faith, are like dead men who have goodly and precious tombs. Faith cannot be but naked without good works, for then it is no true faith; and when it is joined to works, yet it is above the works. For as men first have life, and after are nourished; so must our faith in Christ go before, and after be nourished with good works. And life may be without nourishment, but nourishment can’t be without life. A man must needs be nourished by good works, but first he must have faith. He that doth good works, yet without faith, he hath no life. I can shew a man that by faith without works lived and came to heaven: but without faith never man had life. The thief that was hanged when Christ suffered, did believe only; and the most merciful God justified him. Faith by itself saved him; but works by themselves never justified any man.”
12. The third thing to be noted of true faith is, what good works it doth bring forth. And this Christ himself hath plainly declared, If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. So that we are taught by Christ’s own mouth, that the works of the commandments of God are the true works of faith, the very way that doth lead to everlasting life.
13. Wherefore as ye have any regard for everlasting life, apply yourselves above all things to read and hear God’s word; mark diligently what his commandments are, and with all your endeavour follow the same. First, you must have an assured faith in God, and give yourselves wholly unto him; love him in prosperity and adversity, and dread to offend him evermore. Then for his sake, love all men, friends and foes, because they are his creatures and image, and redeemed by Christ as ye are. Cast in your mind how you may do good unto all men, unto your power, and hurt none. Obey all your superiors and governors; serve your masters faithfully and diligently; disobey not your fathers and mothers, but honour, help, and please them to your power. Oppress not, kill not, beat not, neither slander nor hate any man: but love all men, speak well of all men, help and succour every man as you may, yea, even your enemies that hate you, that speak evil of you, and hurt you. Take no man’s goods, nor covet your neighbour’s goods; but be content with your own, and bestow them charitably, as need requireth. Flee all idolatry, witchcraft, perjury; commit no manner of adultery, fornication, or other unchastity in will or deed. And labouring continually in thus keeping the commandments, which, wrought in faith, God hath ordained to be the path-way unto heaven, you shall not fail to come to that everlasting life, where you shall live in glory with God for ever.