Saints by Calling, Dialogue · Part 8 · Section 4
Of good workes, the fruites of Repentance.
Apollos.
NOw friend Aquila, we thought that we had spent much time in our last conference, and so as we needed not to looke back to our worke: but I hauehave thought of something since our parting, which will enforce vsus to doe as Trauellers, who hauing lost, or let something fall, are wont to goe backe againe, and take it vp, and carry it along with them. Thus must we be faine to do; for we hauehave left something behind vsus worthy the looking backe for, and the taking vp, that we may carry it along with vsus. And if you would know what it is, I meane it of one peculiar note and marke, whereby to distinguish that true Repentance, which floweth from Sanctification, and is proper to the regenerate child of God, from that which many vnregenerate persons may by a common restraining grace attaine vntounto.
Aquila.
What may that be? I pray you certifie me of it in particular. There be very many who will be glad with me to vnderstand it.
Apollos.
This it is. That as the Elect in their SanctificationTrue Repentance is a turning from eueryevery sinne, to do eueryevery good worke. hauehave, thogh not a perfect, yet a generall change and reformation in mind and reason, will and affection, body and actions; in all these they are somewhat, and that truly altered by grace of new birth, though vnperfectly: So in the practise of this grace, the regenerate man repenteth him not for one, two, or a few; but of his whole corruption, and of all euill fruits of his naturall corruption. Albeit he cannot vtterly be without sinne in this life, no more then he can be without a soule and body; yet he doth not willingly nor wittingly foster nor harbour any sinne whatsoeuer, but is equally an enemy to all and eueryevery sinne, though with vnequall successe; labouring daily and nightly the forsaking and shaking off of all their sinnes, in a true loathing of them: for the godly repentant persons hauehave learned of Saint Iames, Iames 2. 10.that to be guilty of one, maketh a man guilty of all; it being the same God that commanded all, who commanded one: so that his authority is … in one, as in all. And from the wise man they hauehave receiued, that as one dead flie marreth a whole boxe of Oyntment; so a Eccles. 10. 1.little follie him who is in estimation for wisedome: Ecclesiastes 10. 1. Also in the example of that godly man, King Dauid, they see this duty as in a glasse: for he witnesseth of himselfe, that he hateth whatsoeuer, his owne wickednesse; Psalme 18. 22. And surely it cannot be that any man should truly repent of other sins, though he leaue the practise of them, if he doe louelove and keepe any one knowne sinne; neither he that hateth any sinne, can be thought other, but that he hath repented of all: for hee hauing power in his Sanctification against all, doth therefore bend himselfe against all; and hating one sinne, in as much as therein is the displeasure and offence of his heauenly Father, vponupon this ground will hate and greeue for eueryevery sinne, with endeuour against it: but whosoeuer retaineth a liking in his heart to any sinne, with a purpose (though he know of it to be a sin; and his conscience checke him for it) to continue in it, can indeed hate no sinne at all; though he leane the outward act of many sinnes, as Herod, as Simon Magus, as Iudas did for worldly fame, or feare of hell punishment denounced by the Word. True it is, that euen regenerate ones, who hauehave shaken off their sinnes, hauehave haply some sinne or sinnes hanging about them, as burres orSimile. lime, which yet they would not hauehave so; and they beare them not onelyonly with checke of conscience, and mislike in iudgement (for so the wicked ones may doe) but with vnfeined sorrow of heart, greeued according to God, that they should be so yoked and entangled with the remnants of their corruption; and they striue vnderunder hope, more and more to ouercome those lingering vices; as they hauehave conquered their fellowes and expericuce hath taught, that there is not any of Gods Children, but as they hauehave corruption left in them, euen after new birth for such purposes (as God would) to humble them, to exercise and stirre vp the gift of prayer, to make them watchfull, to declare his owne grace in forgiuing, and might in vpholding, and for other such like ends: so in the whole host and army of their remaining sinnes, there is some more rebellious and mutinous then the rest, a predominant corruption, wherewith they are faine to wrestle hard, mightily, and long, ere they can put it downe. EueryEvery man hath oneSimile. or other outward enemy more tedious then the rest sent to vexe him, and to humble him; likewise there is some one inward sinful affection, that doth longer and more greeuously trouble them then all the rest doe: But a regenerate man will be at no league, nor take anySimile. truce with it; he stands at defiance, euen as I srael did with the Amalekites, whom they were to prosecute, toExod. 17. 14. the rooting of them out, and did so. Right so doth eueryevery repentant person prosecute all his vicious lusts (especially his most dangerous lusts) vntounto the rooting them out: for he wel knoweth, that it were in a manner as good to keepe all sinnes, as to hold one vnrepented of; one being sufficient for Sathan to ensnare vsus by it. Yet one will not be one, and alone; but as one theeseSimile. within the house, makes way for all the rest to follow after: so one sinne cherished, will open a window for others to come in. To conclude, if the heart be false in one sinne, it wil be false in more, as occasion is offered, and as temptations doe prouoke; and when the heart is framed to vprightnesse and truth by the Spirit of Sanctification, though it do not alike preuaile against eueryevery sinne, yet it doth vnfeinedly detest and resist one sinne, as well as another. Againe, the like is to be saide for the doing of good, that the regenerate, though he cannot absolutely keep the Law, to fulfil it in the strictnesse thereof, by doing all that good that is commanded there, and that vntounto the end, and in all perfection of louelove; nay, there be sundry good duties and workes, which our regenerate man through ignorance cannot so much as attaine to the knowledge of, (so large and broade be the Commandements, and so narrow and dull is our capacity): yet as he is sanctified throughout, hauing all his powers of spirit, soule and body, well and aptly disposed by grace to doe good; so he endeauoureth to know better eueryevery day what his worke is which is prescribed him to doe, and also to performe it in eueryevery part, so farre as it is knowne, with such perfection as he can; doing his worke in truth and vprightnesse, though with wants and weaknesse: so as he balkes no duties. He will not play the Pope, to giuegive himselfe dispensation for any good worke which he is bound to doe, doe it neuer so much goe against his stomacke, and contrary his corrupt iudgement and affection, his profit or delight: yet his heart standeth with the Law; Rom. 7. 16. and with that hee will take part euen against his owne lusts, repenting him earnestly of his failings in duty, whether it come of ignorance or infirmity, being still more desirous to come neerer and neerer to God in true righteousnesse. Hence it is, that the godly are saide in Scripture, to walke in all the wayes of God, as …, 2 Kings 22. 2. to hauehave kept the Statutes and Testimonies of God; as Dauid, Psal. 119. to hauehave walked in all the Commandements of God without reproofe; as Zachariah and Elizabeth, Luke 1. 5, 6, 7. to hauehave pleased God in all things; as the …, …. 1. 9. to hauehave walked perfectly, as Ezekiah; because howsoeuer they could notEs. …. 3. for measure and manner doe all in an absolute fulnesse:Perfection is here set agaiust hypocrisie. so as there should be no fault, yet for desire, care and endeauour, they stroue to doe all which they couldA double perfection. 1. Of measure. 2. Of parts. know, and their heart was vpright in one duty as well as in another, and so performed a perfection of parts (as the Schoolemen speake.) It being quite otherwise with the vnregenerate man, who as he still will cherish some sinne, so he doth omit some duty & good work knowne to be his duty, and as necessary as any which he doth; either because it thwarteth his carnall liking and fancy, or pincheth him in his gaine, or some other thing which is deare to him. Herod will doe many things at Iohns Mar. 6. 20.preaching, and Iehu is zealous in many things for the2 King. 10. 31. Lord; Simon Magus will conforme himselfe to the wordActs 8. 13. in sundry duties, but their practise hated; it is a maimed practise. There were some good workes which they would not be brought to doe, as there were some sinfull affections which they could not be made to put off: for their heart was not right before God; Acts 8 21. they were not seasoned with his true feare: therefore their repentance was counterfeit, in action rather then in affection, in shew, not in verity.
Aquila.
Sir, this was well remembred. It is indeede a maine matter, and it is also a certaine truth, that the childe of God being in the worke of his Sanctification nenewed, though not perfectly, yet throughout in eueryevery faculty of his soule; bearing now the Image of God his Father, not in part, but in whole carrying his resemblance, in righteousnesse and holinesse, and his heart framed vntounto sincerity: therefore he is renewed not to an halfe obedience, but to all obedience; that is, in all duties which pertaine to him: so as his will and purpose of heart, is (so farre as measure of grace will allow and enable him) with readinesse to doe whatsoeuer the Lord shall say vntounto him, either for leauing euill vndone, or for doing that which is good. That which was Dauids resolution and care, to hauehave respect to all the Commandements of God; Psal. 119. 6: it is (though not in such degree of grace) the care and affection of eueryevery repentant person, to keepe couenant with no sinne, but to disclaime and depart from all; to omit willingly no good worke, but to honour God by an vniuersall subiection to the Law, so farre as concernes them in eueryevery good worke; submitting themselues to the mercy of God in Christ, for forgiuenesse of that wherein they slip, caking afterward better heede to their wayes. But now Sir, may it please you (this being recouered which wee had in a manner lost) that we proceed in our purpose: and tell me, is it of necessity that true Repentance be accompanied with good workes of all sorts?
Apollos.
After the doctrine of Repentance, ye doe in very good time moue me for the doctrine of good workes, which follow Repentance, as the shadow dothSimile. the body, and flow from it as a Riuer from the Fountaine, or as fruite springeth from the tree. Repentance lying hid in the heart as the iuyce or sappe in the roote of the tree, vttereth it selfe by good workes, as by meet and conuenient fruites. This is it which we may marke in the Scripture, how the holy Ghost hath matched repentance and good works together; shewing that they should repent, and doe workes worthy of Repentance; Acts 26. 20. Againe, Repent, and doe the first workes; Reuel. 2. 5. Also, Bring therefore fruits worthy of Repentance; Mathew 3. 8. Where it is to be noted, that a good worke, is called a fruite; not onelyonly to shew how God accepteth them, euen as a pleasant fruite is acceptedSimile. of him that dresseth a Vineyard, or an Orchard; but in respect as they come from Repentance, as a fruite from a Tree. And whereas he calleth it a fruite worthy of Repentance, he meaneth such workes as be meet forWorthinesse put for meeknesse, and vnworthily, for vnmeetely; such persons to doe, as hauehave repented. Consider also, that it cannot be, that a man inwardly should louelove that which is righteous, and hate iniquity in his soule; but hee must needs outwardly expresse it, as occasion and1 Cor. 11. 27. meanes be offered: so as that Repentance may be worthilyHeb. 6. 7. suspected to be false, where good workes doe not follow; there is no true change in the heart, where there is none seene in the life. If we search the Scriptures, we cannot find any who hauehave repented in truth; but they hauehave beene afterwards carefull to doe good workes. To omit other examples, whereof Scripture affoords vsus store, take one or two in stead of all. Zacheus repented, and his repentance was fruitfull, witnessing it selfe by good workes, both by retribution ofLuke 19. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. goods euilly gotten, and by distributing of well gotten goods; also, by a cheerefull entertainment of Christ. The conuerted theefe, as little space as he had after his conuersion, yet how many wayes did his repentance declare it selfe? namely, by the reproofe and admonition of his fellow, by admirable patience, by godly prayer, by iustifying and defending Christ his innocency, when he was condemned of all the Iewes, and doing it before them euen to their faces; also by confessing his glory in their hearing, and his owne sinneLuke 23. and shame against himselfe. And as it is in the first Repentance, when a sinner is newly conuerted; so also it fareth with renewed repentance, which vttereth it selfe by the fruite of good workes; as is manifest in the repentance of Dauid after his fall with Bathsheba, which brought forth diuers good workes; as instruction of the Church, praise of God, both priuate and publike; confession of his sinnes, euen to the cracking and weakning of his priuate estimation and royall dignity. So in Peters repentance, the like is to be seen, as his teares, his confirmation of others, and infinite good deedes more, testifying the truth of his repentance.
Aquila.
This certainely is so; therefore by good workes or amendment of life, we are to iudge of Repentance (as of a tree by the fruit:) the Repentance is dead which is without amendment, euen as faith is dead which is without good workes. But now I wouldIames 2. 26. hauehave you tell me, which workes wee shall call good workes, and what things are necessarily required to a worke, that it may be reckoned a good worke?
Apollos.
For your first question, what a good workeWhat a good worke is? is; I say, it is eueryevery duty which concerneth God or men, others or our selues; whether it bee performed in thought, word, or deed; either in our generall calling, as we are Christians, or particularly in our vocations which wee hauehave in Family, Common-wealth, or Church. Thus the worke of the Ministery in teaching, reprouing, conuincing, instructing, though it be done in words; yet it is called a good worke: 2 Tim. 3. 17. Being made perfect to all good workes. The … of the oyntment on Christs head; Mat. 26. is there called a good worke: Shee hath done a good worke vponupon me. Abrahams offering of Isaac; is of Iames called, A good worke; Iames 2. 21. And not to be long in this plaine matter, the Scripture saying; that we must be iudged by our workes; Rom. 2. 6. And in Eccles. 12. Salomon doth affirme, that eueryevery secret thing shall come to iudgement. And Christ saith, that an account shall be giuen of eueryevery idle word; Mat. 12. 36. It is by this apparent, that as secret thoughts and words, if they be euill, are to be numbred amongst bad workes; so thoughts and words being good, are to be esteemed for good workes; especially the Scripture in so many places so largely vsing this phrase of good workes for all fruites of Repentance, as we hauehave seene before: therefore they doe erre which thinke workes of mercy to be the onelyonly good workes required at our hands.
Now to your second question; what is required toHow many things required to a good worke. a worke, that it may be held for a good worke? There must goe these three things. First, the matter and substance. Secondly, the person must be good. Thirdly, the end; all these must be good. A good worke for the stuffe, substance, and matter, must be commanded in the Word of God: for besides that, wee are willed to1. Good matter. doe that onelyonly which God commanded, and not toDeut. 12. verse last. turne therefrom to the right hand or to the left. And wee reade also in the Word, that of all things done without warrant of his Word (as thereby to please and serue him) he will say; Who required these things at your hands? Sound reason may tell vsus, that nothing is to be held for a good worke, saue that which God willeth to be done; because his will onelyonly is the rule of all righteousnesse: so as a worke is then righteous and good, when it is agreeable to his reuealed will; and when it swarueth therefrom it is euill. The will of God being (I say) as the leuell, lime, or rule, to direct our actions, which are straight or crooked, as they come neerer or goe farther from that line. Moreouer, the seruice of God standing in this, that we doe such good workes, by which he is serued and worshipped of vsus; and he liking of no seruice saue that which is done according to his owne will: therefore they cannot be esteemed for good workes, which hee willeth not to be done in his Word. In vatne doe they serue and worship me (saith the Lord by his Prophet) teaching my feare by the Precepts of men; Esay 29. 13. Which reproueth, first of all some ignorant Christians, who hearing of good workes to be done, cannot stretch their thoughts beyond workes of mercy, commonly called, Almes deeds, as if these onelyonly were meant by good workes; or not beyond externall Acts, which incurre into our senses. Moreouer, they offend, which imagine that all they doe vponupon a good intent and meaning, should straight way hauehave allowance before God for a good worke; whereas in truth no intent is worthy to be held for a good intent, (whatsoeuer seemeth to vsus) saue that which is according to Gods will. Not what we deeme to be good, is therefore by and by good, for that it appeares so to vsus; but what God will approue for good, that indeed must stand for good: not ours, but his will, being the metyard of goodnesse. How many might we call to mind, who hauehave thought to doe some good thing, and yet hauehave beene refused of God, because they consulted not with his word, to square their meaning thereafter? Consider of Vzza putting his hand to stay the Arke, of Peter counselling Christ not to goe to Ierusalem to suffer; and2 Kings 26. from verse 16. till verse 21. going with Iohn his fellow Apostle into the high Priests house: all being done of good intention, & yet we know how ill it was taken of God, & might hauehave proued their eternall ruine.
Finally, the … are also to be taxed, who hauehave deuised a number of workes wherein they busie themselues; which we may call will workes, or done out of the election of their owne will, and not by prescript of Gods Word: the greatest part of their workes being such, whereby yet they think not onelyonly highly to please God, but to merit somewhat at his hands. They faile in this first part of a good worke, they doe not bring the stuffe and substance whereof a good worke is made: which must be (as we hauehave saide) something commanded of God in his Law, not deuised of men in their owne braine; for whatsoeuer man deuiseth therewith to please God, it is abominable in deed, be it neuer so goodly in shew; Luke 16, 15.
Aquila.
What be the second and third conditions of a good worke?
Apollos.
As it is required that the thing to be done, or matter of the worke be good, being approued of God; so the next thing is, that the man be good which2. Perso good, that the manner may be good. doth the worke, the goodnesse of the worker: and the third thing is, that the end be good for which it is done. First (saith our Sauiour) make the tree good, and then the fruite will be good: for a good tree cannot bring forth euill fruite; Mat. 12. 33. It is not the good worke that makes the person good, as the fruite makes not theSimile. that makes the person good, as the fruite makes not the tree good; nor the Riuer makes not the Fountaine sweete: but the person being first good, that which he doth according to Gods will, becomes good. And as it is amongst men, that we cannot like a gift, when weeSimile. brooke not the giuer; so it is with God: hee neuer accepts any thing that is done, how good soeuer in the nature of the thing done, except the doer be first accepted. Now that which maketh the doer good, it is his faith in Christ, whereby hee is purged from all his iniquities, and hath the righteousnesse of Christ accounted to him, to make him righteous in the sight of God. Hence it is, that no worke of ours can please God, vnlesse it come from faith. Hence also it is, that the works which wee doe, borrow all their commendations euen from hence; that they are the children of faith, begotten and brought forth by it: See Hebrewes 11. throughout. From hence it was, that Caine and Abel offering each sacrifice vntounto God, Caines sacrifice was reiected, and Abels receiued and pronounced to be better then Caines, because it was offered in faith. Abraham offering his sonne (though the work were strange & exceeding wondrous) yet it had had no grace nor respect with God, except it had come from faith. What shall I say more? a poore Kitchen-maid, an Hostler, a Chimney-sweeper, or any other, how base soeuer their trade be, being a lawfull vocation; if he doe his worke out of a true faith in God through Christ, and out of obedience of Gods will, his worke is more glorious and pleasing in Gods sight, then the best and most goodly worke of a King, or of a Preacher, being not faithfully and obediently performed. Whereof it is written, that many things which are great & glorious amongst men, are abominable before God: for if faith … vsus not a worke to doe our workes, let them be how bright or glittering soeuer for shew and appearance to men, yea, and very profitable for fruite toward men; yet they are no better then beautifull sinnes. So the holy Ghost teacheth, that what is done without faith, it is sinne; Rom. 14. 23. And that without faith, it is impossible to please God; Heb. 11. 6. Now wee are here to consider, that faith in eueryevery good worke, dothA threefold act of Faith in eueryevery good worke. set it selfe a worke three manner of wayes. Or thus (if ye will) the act of faith in a good worke, it is threefold. The first is to enable vsus to know, that the thing which we doe, it is such as God alloweth of, being commanded of him. The perswasion hereof, it is called Faith; Rom. 14. 22, 23. He that doubteth, sinneth if he eate, because he eateth not of faith: that is, out of a perswasion and certainty that he doth well. The second act of faith it is to assure the minde, that this worke which wee are resolued of, to be in it selfe lawfull to be done; it is such as God will accept through Christ, pardoning the spots and imperfections of it freely for his merit: for all out workes hauing their staines and defects (as wee hauehave touched in our Treatise of vnperfect Sanctification, and shall hereafter declare) it is of necessity that there be an application of Christs merits to our workes, for the cleansing of them; that so they may please God. This is done by faith, whereby the heart is assured, that God, who hath graciously loued vsus in his beloued, will1 Pet. 2. 5. also vouchsafe for his sake, to be pleased with that wee doe after his will.
Thirdly and lastly, there is another worke of faith, and that is it which Saint Paul speaketh of; Galat. 5. 6. Faith worketh by louelove: for it quickeneth and stirreth the heart to the louelove of God and man, in our good workes which we doe, to be led not by selfe-louelove and carnal respects, but by this charity and louing affection of our…. 3. 14. good God, and of our Neighbour; which is a thing very necessary in eueryevery good thing which we doe, that all be done in louelove. This being the end of the Commandement, euen louelove out of a pure heart, and faith vnfeined; 1 Tim. 1. 5. Now whosoeuer truly beleeueth in Christ Iesus, that through him hee is reconciled vntounto God, and hath his offences forgiuen him: this faith will moue him to louelove that God againe sincerely, and his Neighbour for Gods sake, who commanded it to be so, and hath put his Image in him, and vponupon him; that all our workes comming out of this sound louelove to God and our brethren, wee may abandon all by … pleasing or profiting our selues, or of our owne praise, or of shame, or feare, or whatsoeuer it is that preuaileth with hypocrites; and end eauour to referre all wee doe to Gods glory, and the welfare of our Neighbour. This3. Good end. is a third maine condition in eueryevery good worke, that the end and marke whereat the doer aimeth, be good and right: the badnesse of the end marres the goodnesseActions are measured by their ends. of the action. He that takes a good thing in hand, and propounds a wrong scope, he is like to one who hathSimile. a good bow and arrowes to shoote withall, but looketh from the marke when he shooteth, such an one shall neuer shoote well. Here is the priuiledge of faithfull persons, that by the Spirit of God they are carried in their willes and affections to desire and seeke in all that they doe, Gods glory, and the edification of their brethren, euen in truth and singlenesse of heart, and not in profession onelyonly, as hypocrites who will talke much of glorifying God, when their eye is neuer bent to this marke, but rather is cast-vponupon their owne glory; which (as the hearbe Colloquintida) marreth eueryevery worke that is spiced with it: but the Child of God hauing learned, that all his workes must come from God, as the Authour, and looke vntounto God as their end (like as the Riuers which come originally out of the Sea, and returne thither again.) Therefore as he desireth to please his neighbour in that which is good for his edifying, minding this still in all such things as doe concerne his brethren, how hee may better and helpe them either to Godward, or some other wise: so he desireth that by his obedience & good workes which he doth euen in the least of them, in his eating and drinking, and in his honest recreations, and not onelyonly in the serious businesse of his calling and seruice of God; but in eueryevery thing which he doth, he may doe them to Gods glory; that others vppon sight and knowledge of his carriage in his duties, may be occasioned, if they be conuerted, to acknowledge Gods worke in him, to the glory of God: if not, that then by his example they may be won & drawne to godlinesse, and so to glorifie God in the day of their visitation. Finally, in the doing of a good worke, besides all the former conditions, it is needfull that the meanes be good, when meanes are needfull. Men may4. Good meanes. not imagine, that if the thing be good they doe, then it is lawfull and free to vse what meanes they list good or bad, without choyse. Good things must be compassedGood things must hauehave good meanes. by good meanes. Good hath no neede of euill to helpe it. And the Apostles rule is sound, that euill is not to be done, that good may come of it; Rom. 3. 8: no, not the least euill, to procure the greatest good. It was … Gen. 27. Shee sinnes by impatiency.sinne, that shee would draw the promised blessing vppon Iacob, by a deceit. And Dauids sinne, that he would counterfeit himselfe an Idcot, or franticke man, against1 Sam. 21. 13. the dignity of his person, to deliuer himselfe from thePsal. 34. 1. Philistines. Also, it was Lots infirmity, to seeke to deliuer the men which came vntounto him, by prostituting his Daughters to the Sodomites lust. A good action is spoyled by wicked meanes, as well as by a bad ende. Howsoeuer, God at his pleasure may so order the successe of such actions, as it shall proue good; yet the party must be more humbled for the sinne, doing amisse, then lifted vp with the happy issue of the deede. Moreouer, it would not be forgotten, that in doing good duties, a great care is to be had of circumstances, as time,5. Circumstances. place, persons, and such like. Wherein great wisedome is required, to be able to discerne of these, how to doe good things meetely and fitly according to time, and other circumstances: for the missing or failing but in a circumstance, through lacke of discretion and good insight, or fore-sight rather, hath caused many good workes to miscarry, and hauehave full heauy successe. Of all this it followeth, that no euill man can do a good work; If the tree be euill, the fruite will be euill; Mal. 12. And that good men neede wonderfull care and circumspection, as also feruent prayer for great aide from God, to be enabled to doe such things, as shall be good when they are done: but here withall let it be obserued, that when they hauehave done all, and brought with them all the conditions of a good worke, yet their worke will still hauehave both wants and blemishes. As cleere water that passeth thorow a muddy chanell, or pure liquour put into a musty caske, takes corruption from them: so our workes as they passe through our vnderstanding, and will, which are not renewed but in part, and are partly flesh; therefore draw filth and vncleannesse from our inbred corruption, to the defiling of them; yea, and iustly deseruing that they should be refused, and we also the doers: as certainly they would be, if with the eye of rigorous and exact iustice God should behold them. Whence it is, that no godly man can be iustified by his workes: for the workes of the Law doe make vsus righteous before God, when they are fully performed without any the least default; for then euen by the compact of Gods owne mouth, saying, Doe this, and liue; Gal. 3. there belongs vntounto them (as a debt) eternall life. But sithence none euer kept the Law thus since mans fall, saue Christ; therefore Righteousnes is not to be sought by the Law: which rather reuealeth our vnrighteousnesse, and Gods wrath against the same. And as it is impossible the Law should iustifie vsus, because of the infirmity which is in vsus, whereby we are hindered from answering the strictnesse of it: so we neede not fetch Righteousnesse from the Law, because we hauehave it by grace, imputing freely to the beleeuers the doings and sufferings of Christ for our perfect iustice with God; besides, our good workes following our Iustification, as fruites & effects, they cannot goe before as causes of it. Wherfore all Christians are to be admonished, to lay aside all opinion of their owne Righteousnesse, as not thinking euer to obtaine life from God by their good doings, be they neuer so many or worthy, when as one sinne alone spoyles all the righteousnesse of our workes; euen as one droppe of Inke doth spoyle a whole goblet of Wine. And hauing vtterly renounced all affiance in our works, to put no manner of confidence in them for saluation; let them striue to catch fast hold vponupon that Righteousnesse of Christ, which alone hath power to merit eternall glory, to eueryevery one that beleeueth in the name of Christ, that abandoning the righteousnesse which is by the Law; wee may be found in Christ, hauing …. 3.bis Righteousnesse, which is by faith; Rom. 10. 2.
Aquila.
But Sir, if it be so, that such … doe sticke to out best workes, as you say, that they cannot … vsus, and merite ought at Gods hand, vnlesse it … eternall death: how commeth it that God is so much pleased with them, as to liken them to a fruite, and to an odour of sweet smell, and to sacrifice and sweet …? and many other such comparisons there bee in holy Scripture, which declare the workes of godly Christians to be highly pleasing to God. And withall seeing we cannot (if we had a world of good workes) by them all obtain & purchase forgiuenes of one sin, or the possession of heauenly ioy, no not so long as for one hour; to what purpose then are we so to labour in the doing of them, as we are often commanded to doe, with very great charge of great care to be shewed & vsed in the working of them, and there to come no good of them towards our saluation, it should seeme it is labour lost?
Apollos.
Though there be in the most perfect workeGood workes please God, and why? Woe be to the most cōmendable life of any man, if it be iudged without mercy, saith Augustine. of any Child of God here vponupon earth, so much fault, both through the want that is in it, and the blot that sticketh to it, (selfe louelove, pride, hypocrisie, and other corruptions being blended and mixt with it) as that God might worthily cast the doer into hell, if mercy set apart, he should iudge it extremely; and therefore iust cause of being deeply humbled, is ministred to eueryevery godly man for his choysest actions, euen for them to entreate the Lord not to enter into iudgement with him, marking narrowly that which is amisse: yet the good workes of the faithful, euen the very least of them are very pleasing and acceptable to God, as the Word eueryevery where beareth good witnesse; both in particular of some of his childrens workes, as that of …; … 4. 4. God had respect to Abel and to his offering; and Noahs sacrifice, that God smelt a sauour of rest; Gen. 8. 21. Of Abrahams offering his sonne, ye see likewise what testimony there is of it; Gen. 22. verse 12. 16. And also in generall of all good workes done, by which of his Children soeuer, that they are sacrifices accepted of him through Christ; 1 Pet. 2. 5. And such sacrifices as God is well pleased withall; Heb. 13. 16. And certaine it is, that God would not command the doing of them, not make such liberall promises to them being done, were it not that hee hath a pleasure in them, and liked well of them; and sundry are the respects for which he is so delighted euen with the vnperfect and stained workes of his Children. First, because they are his owne worke in them, as it is written; Ye are the workemanship of God, created to good workes, &c. Ephe. 2. 10. His owne Spirit framing them to doe good, inspiring them with the motions and will, and enabling them with the power to doe them. As it is written; The will Philip. 2. 13.and the deede are both of God; Phil. 2. 13. Hence are good workes called, Fruites of the Spirit; Galat. 5. 22. Thereby to teach vsus, that good workes being wrought in the regenerate, by the operation of the Spirit, therefore they are accepted and pleasing to God; euen as fruite is pleasant to the taste. Secondly, he liketh them as parts of his owne Image, which he loueth wheresoeuer he findeth, euen as a father doth louelove a sonne that is like himselfe. Beside, as they are done of his faithfull children, in whom he is pleased, and be testimonies of their faith, and tend to the setting foorth of his owne glory, so they are gratefull to him. And to the end that he may take delight in them, he purgeth away all the spots, which through our corruption doe sticke vntounto them, wiping them away by the effectuall application of the bloud and death of Christ, which hath the force of intercession in Heauen, comming between the iustice of his Father and mans …, which still abideth in his members. So as being cleansed by the imputation of Christ his sacrifice and perfect obedience, to the working beleeuer; hereof it commeth to passe, that God beholdeth in their workes nothing saue that which is his owne, being all forgiuen and couered; the rest being his, he is maruellously delighted in it, yea, so farre as to crowne it with an euerlasting reward. First,Deus in nobis coronat sua dona. hee giues the power to doe good, then crownes his owne gift. The places of Scripture are well knowne to eueryevery one exercised therein, where the Lord promiseth reward, yea, great reward, not alone to the greatest workes of Christianity, as suffering reproaches, scornes, losses, death for Christ: but euen to the meanest and lowest, as to the feasting of the poore; Luke 14. 12. to the giuing of a … of cold … to a Disciple or Prophet for Christ his sake; Mat. 10. 42. And at the last day, the feeding of the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the imprisoned Christians, shall hauehave the Crowne of immortall glory and blessing; Mat. 25. awarded to them, no lesse then to the feeding and guiding the Church, which is the weightiest and worthiest worke of godlinesse; 1 Pet. 5. 5. Whereby it is …, … well God liketh of the voperfect good deede of his Children, when for a few workes, done in a moment, and of no great value, he is content to render glory, euen an immortall weight of it.
Aquila.
This it is that moueth many to thinks, that there is in good workes a power to merit, because a reward is promised to them; but what may be the reason, that seeing there is no merite in any mans worke, yet workes should be rewarded?
Apollos.
Besides the consideration of imperfectionsGood workes merit not, and why? & spiritual pollutions, which be in our best workes (as we hauehave heard) which hath caused the godly, that they would not trust to their owne godlinesse, but hauehave euer appealed to the mercy seate of Christ Iesus; furthermore,Debitum non est meritum. Merita nostra, Domini misericordia, meritum meum, mors … Christe. Bernard. our workes are not our own, but come from his free Spirit, and are a due debt which wee owe to God our Creator and Redeemer; so as we hauehave done but what we ought, when wee hauehave done all; Luke 17. There being also no equality betweene the infinitenesse of heauenly blisse, and our finite labours in well doing; therefore there can be no merite in them: neither is there any cause to looke for any merite from them; there is sufficiency enough of merit in the works and passions of our Lord, to deserue for vsus eternall glory. Howbeit, it pleaseth God to make vntounto ourA reward due vntounto good workes, and Why? workes a gracious promise of reward in his Word, which speaking according to our capacity, who giuegive rewards to men in the end of the day, after all their labour and worke is finished; as in them who wrought in the Vineyard; Mathew 20. Thence it is, that eternall life being bestowed on the faithfull, after all their labours and trauaile taken in the seruice of their most good God, in the end and euening of their life, is called a reward; and a reward it is, not a merite. A reward freely giuen for his goodnesse & promise sake, to themA reward of fauour, not of debt. that beleeue in his Sonne (there being not any temporall benefit, no not a peece of bread, which otherwiseRom. 4. 4. commeth to their hand then by free mercy) and not a reward of debt and desert; as if either the worthinesseGod is not obnoxious … his creature. of the worke simply considered, or as it is dipped and died in the blood of Christ, could binde God to vsus, & Heb. 1, 3.make him a debter; it being that which Christ hath done in himselfe, and not that which he hath wrought in vsus that hath merited our saluation in heauen, and all things which belong thereunto. Yet such is the bounty of our heauenly Father, that as naturall Parents bySimile. promised gifts and rewards stirre vp their children to do what otherwise is their duty; so hee prouokes and quickens the slow dulnesse of his children, and by rewards (as spurres in their sides) egges and excites thē to the doing of that, which otherwise by duty they are manifoldly and strongly bound to doe. And these rewards, they are neither meane nor few, but both worthy and many, yea sundry and of diuers kinds; first, bodily or worldly, for godlinesse hath euen the promises of this life; secondly spirituall, to wit, encrease of spirituall graces, as it is written, To him that hath more shal be giuen, and he shall hauehave abundance: Lastly, eternall, euen the Crowne of life, the Paradise of God, rest from labour, the tree of life, which are promised to such as ouercome, Reuel. 2, 7. and 3, 5. and 14, 13.
Now the intention of God in offering such great & manifold recompence being this, to quicken his owne vntounto all manner of louelove and obedience towards him: it is therefore very meete and lawfull, yea necessarie, that Gods children should by such encouragements hearten themselues in their course. For howsoeuer it be fit and requisite, that the will of our heauenly Father and his glory be first lookt vntounto; that our louelove to his word and to the praise of his name, do set vsus on worke to do our duties, as we may hauehave this testimony, that in our seruice of God, and in all the good workes which wee do, we seeke not our selues, but the pleasing and praise of God, by doing that which he commandeth: yet afterward, and (as it were) in the second place, we may turne our eyes vntounto the reward promised vsus, thereby to helpe our slacknesse and slownesse to good, considering, that our labour in the Lord shall not bee in vaine, but bring foorth a great haruest of comfort and blisse in the end; wee reaping eternall ioyes of those things which heere we did sow to the spirit. As Moses encouraged himself to care and constancie in his good course, by the remembrance of the great recompence to come, Heb. 11, 26. so did Christ animate his Disciples, Mat. 5, 11, 12. by the example of the Prophets, & promise of reward. Also Paul thus quickned the Corinthians to constancie, 2 Cor. 4. verse last: The things (saith he) which wee see not, are eteruall, therefore faint not. And 2 Tim. 2, 12. If we suffer with him, we shal reign with him, therefore be resolued to sticke to Christ in life & death. Doe we not see by common experience, how men of all Trades, Husbandmen, Soldiers, Merchants, are made hardie and bold to attempt and do great and dangerous things vponupon hope of receiuing good things in the end, as either victorie, or spoile, or commodity, or such earthly perishing things? How much more may true Christians, by the hope of neuer-withering treasures, prouoke themselues to enter into, & endure the trauailes and … of that way, which bringeth to heauen in the end? They hauehave many things within them, and from without them; from satan, euill men, and themselues, to make them faint and languish; therfore it will be needfull to take all helpes and meanes of courage & heart vntounto themselues, seeing God allowes them so to do, and godly men in al ages hauehave done so. By which it appeareth how the Papists in the Rhemish Testament wrong vsus, in saying; That wee teach not our hearers either to do good, or abstaine from euill, for hope of heauen, or feare of hell.
Aquila.
This is indeede a speciall good that comes to our selues of good workes, which though they deserue nothing, yet he that doth them, and aboundeth in them, is not sentaway empty handed, but rather hath entrance made aboundantly into the blessed kingdom of glory. Which beeing giuen as a free reward, as it more sets foorth the merciemercy of God, to reward that2. Pet. I, II. which he might condemne; so it moueth his childrenOur merite is misery. It is sufficient for our merite, to know we do not merite. the more heartily to louelove him, who not only without, but against all merit on their part, doth vouchsafe so richly to requite their poore endeuours in dooing his will. But be there not other good vses wherunto good workes do serue, and for which the godly do cheerfully take them in hand?
Apollos.
Yea, verie many and excellent: euerie oneVse of good workes. seruing as a strong motiue to procure all care of dooing them. For that God that hath not made nor ordained ought in vaine, no not the least of his creatures, nor the meanest of his ordinances; much lesse is it to be thought, that good works were ordained to no vse, or to small vse. But if any thing in the world be rich & plentifull for happy & most gracious vses, good works may hauehave the first place and ranke, as being fruitfull on euerie side. For, if we looke vntounto God himselfe, then duplicate page duplicate page the good workes and good life of his children expresseth1. Vse of good workes, in respect of God. their great thankefulnesse towards him, for the great benefite of their redemption. Also it cheareth him, and reioyceth his heart (as I may so speake) euen as our euill workes do greeue him, and are to him as gall or sowre grapes to our teeth, Deut. 32, 32. so the righteous workes of all the godly, bee as an odour or sweet sauour, as precious spices, as pleasant fruits: himselfe so testifying, that his soule is delighted with them.See M. Iohn Shaw his trea tise of Maries blessednesse. Fol. 89, & 90. And lastly, God is both pleased, and obeyed, and honoured by good workes, which are fruits of righteousnesse by Christ, to the praise of God, Phil. 1, 11. Therfore, wee should let our good workes breake foorth, that men seeing them, may glorifie our heauenly Father, Mat. 5, 16. For, as the euill and loose behauiour of such as professe God to be their Father, doth discredite him amongst men, as himselfe complains, My name is blasphemed amongst the Gentiles through you, Rom. 2, 24. so it is much to the glory & aduancement of Gods name, when the professors of godlinesse, line as becomes the Gospell.
Now, if wee looke to the Gospell of God, that is2. In respect of the Gospell. beautified and adorned by the good works of such as know and professe it, as it is written, Let seruants shew all good faithfulnesse, that they may adorne the doctrine of God in all things, Titus 2, 9. If the good life of a seruant be an ornament and renowne to the Gospell, when he deals vprightly and faithfully toward his master, what countenance do we thinke shall be gained to the holie doctrine of the word, when men of greater degrees & places be full of good workes? Surely, as it turnes to the reproach of the word, if any who liue vnderunder it liue otherwise then well: so on the contrary part, their godly and honest conuersation, turnes to the credit and honour of the Word. Which is a thing that Gods children ought earnestly to thinke vponupon, that God is contented, that himselfe and his Word should hauehave no more respect and estimation amongst men, then our good actions and liues shall winne and purchase vntounto it.
Now if we turne our eyes home to our selues, besides3. In respect of our selues. that which was touched before, our good workes are profitable eueryevery way. First, to purchase vsus a good report, which is better then siluer; to hauehave such as feare God, to speake well of vsus, is more worth then all riches; Prouerbs 22. 1. This fruite Abraham got by his workes, Iames 2. 24. For hee was iustified, viz. approued and commended for a iust person by his workes. Also, the faithfull mentioned, Hebrewes 11 were well reported of, through their faith and fruites thereof. Thus Timethy got himselfe a good testimony: but yet further, our good workes they be testimonies of our faith, to shew it to be no dead, but a liuely faith; which being an inuisible grace, is yet after a sort made visible by well liuing; as it is written: Shew me thy faith by thy workes, Iames 2. 18. Euen as health is knowne to be good and sound,Simile. by good disposition of all outward parts of the body; so our faith, our calling, our election, be manifested and confirmed vntounto vsus by our study, and practise of good workes; 2 Peter, Chap. 1. verse 5, 6, 7, 8. Make your calling and election sure, by good workes. Finally, a man is not more knowne to liue a naturall life, by speaking, seeing, mouing, then a Christian is knowne to liue the life of faith, by his godly and righteous workes. What should I say, that it is more then likely, that as our workes shall hauehave a reward of free fauour, so the measure of our workes (as they exceede in number and excellency) shall hauehave a proportionable measure of glory? Certainly much will be required of them who hauehave receiued much, and why may we not thinke, that much will be rendred to them who hauehave done much? For to eueryevery one shall be giuen, according as his workes shall be; 4. In respect of other men.1 Cor. 3. To proceede, if we regard other men, the exercise of good workes, is fruitfull to all sorts and kindsVnconuerted. of men: for they which belong vntounto God, and be yet1. Elect. vnconuerted, by our good workes which they shall see, may be moued more readily to hearken to that truth, that worketh so mightily in vsus. Therefore Peter counselleth faithfull wiues, by their good workes to winne their vnbeleeuing husbands; 1 Peter 3. 1. Also, 1 Cor. 7. 16. For how knowest thou O woman, whether thou shalt saue thy [vnbeleeuing] Husband? But if any be vnconuerted, and belong not to God; these by our good2. Not Elect. workes shal hauehave their mouthes stopped, that they cannot speake euill of vsus, or of our Religion. For so is the will of God, that with well doing, we may stop the ignorance of foolish men; 1 Peter 2. 15. Towards such as…. be already conuerted, and become faithfull, our good1. Weake. workes hauehave their proper vse either to confirme and strengthen them, if they be weake in the faith, as Christ saith to Peter, Confirme thy brethren; Luke 22. 32. Or2. Strong. else to comfort and reioyce such as be strong; as Iohn reioyceth, because the elect Lady and her children walked in the truth; 2 Iohn 2. And Paul is greatly comforted by the faith and godlinesse of the Philippians, Philip. 3. 5. Insomuch as that which is spoken of the Vine and the fruite thereof; Iudg. 9. 13. agreeth better to good workes, the fruites of our faith; that by them God and men are cheered. Which should exceedingly worke & preuaile with all good men to doe them, and to doe them yet more cheerefully and plentifully, not onelyonly because (as we vse to say of things we buy) there is the more to put into the Inuentory; so the more good workes we hauehave, the more there is to further our reckoning: but that our name may shine as the Sun in brightnesse, our faith and saluation be sealed, our God glorified, our Religion beautified, our Neighbour edified in his soule by godly admonition, refreshed in his body and bowels by the fruits of our mercy and louelove; finally, Sathan and our aduersaries confounded. And for the better furthering of our selues in the practise of them, let vsus further remember these few things, that our life is short, oportunity will be taken away from vsus; therefore while we hauehave time, let vsus doe all the good we can, considering that we hauehave lost much time already, and heretofore hauehave done many things to the displeasure and discredite of so gracious a God. Moreouer, we hauehave receiued many fauours from God, namely, remission of all our sinnes, and adoption by Christ; sanctification by his Spirit, with infinite other benefits for soule or body. Let these mercies encrease & constraine our louelove to well doing and set vsus on fire with zeale of good workes; seeing Christ purgeth vsus from our iniquitie, to the end that we should be a peculiar people, feruently giuen to doe good; Titus 2. 14, 15. And as we like to see other things fruitfull, our Kine, and Sheepe, our Orchards, our Fields: so let it be our care and louelove to see our selues fruitfull, (as it were our shame and reproach to be barren) that wee may be like vntounto Iesus Christ our head, of whom it is written in the Gospell; That he went about dooing good; &c. and that hee did all things well: that we treading now in the steps of his faith, and louelove, obedience, and patience, wee may at length reigne with him in glory. For such as follow him now in the pathes of godlinesse, shall hereafter sit with him at his Table in his Fathers Kingdome; whither Christ Iesus safely and speedily bring vsus, for his name sake,
Amen.