cannot expect that God should do more for him; for if he be not faithful in smaller things, how can he expect that God will entrust him with greater blessings.

The following sentiments of a devout and pious divine, may throw some light on the subject: "The great plea, that men do generally make, for the wickedness or carelessness of their lives, is this: that it really is not in their power to live up to such a state of holiness and virtue, as the law of God obligeth them to do. Conversion is the work of Gorl, and cannot be wrought by a man's self, and therefore till God shall please to come upon them with an irresistible power of his holy Spirit, they must be contented to live as they do, nay, they must unavoidably live so." Now, it is readily granted, that without God's grace, no man can do any thing, and we grant likewise, that it is very probable their circumstances may be such, that it is not morally possible, on a sudden, to live as they ought to do; for their bad principles are really more powerful than their good ones; but yet, in the mean time we must tell them, that they are not mere stocks and stones. How much reason soever they have to complain of the infirmity and degeneracy of their natures, yet some things they can do toward the bettering of them; for instance, though they cannot, on a sudden, conquer the inward bent and inclination of their minds, so as to hate all sin, and to delight in virtue; yet they

must confess, that they have a power over their out-ward actions-they can as well direct their feet towards the church, as to the house of gaming, or drinking, or lewdness-their eyes will serve them as well to look upon a bible, or a serious discourse about religion, as to read a scurrilous and prophane book-it is as much in their power to yield their cars to the reasonable advice of their sober friends, as to the mad harangues of the dissolute company they keep.— These things they certainly can do if they will, and they can do even more than this-they may give themselves time to consider and think of what they read, or what is said to them, or what their own experience or observation of things will suggest to their minds-and they can further add to their consideration, their prayers to Almighty God to direct them, to assist them, and to strengthen them. And though it is certain, that all this, without God's special grace, will not be effectual for their conversion, yet, if they will but do as much as this comes to, we can assure them, that in time they shall have this special grace,. which they now want. In the same proportion, that they use and employ those gifts and powers, which they at present have, God will increase and enlarge them ; for to him that hath, to him shall be given.'&c.-Duty of Man, p. 20.

ARTICLE XIX.

OF THE CAUSE OF SIN.

Of the cause of sin, we teach, that although Almighty God hath created and doth preserve all nature, yet we believe, that the perverse will, produces sin in all the wicked and despisers of God; it being also the devil's will, to turn them from God, to that which is bad, as soon as God takes off his hands from them.

ARTICLE XX.

OF FAITH AND GOOD WORKS.

We have been falsely charged, with forbidding good works; for our writings on the ten commandments and our other books prove, that we have given good and useful instruction and exhortation, as to really good works, which in former times, were seldom

taught, as they were only preaching up childish unnecessary works, as rosaries, worship of saints, pilgrimages, fastings, festivals, &c.

And whereas the doctrine of faith has not for a long time been truly taught, but all were preaching up the doctrine of works, we the refore give the following instruction: That our works cannot reconcile us to God, and obtain grace; but this is obtained only thro' faith, if we believe that for Christ's sake, our sins are forgiven, who is the only Mediator to reconcile the Father. He, therefore, who thinks to do this through works, despises Christ and seeketh his own way to God, contrary to the gospel. This doctrine of faith, is parclearly taught in the epistles of Paul, and ticularly in the epistle to the Ephesians, 2d chap. where we read, "By grace ye are saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God."

And although this doctrine

may

be despis

ed by inconsiderate men, yet it is certain, that it is very consoling and salutary to the humble and terrified conscience; for consci

ence cannot come to rest and peace through works, but only through faith, if we can assuredly conclude, that we have a merciful God for Christ's sake, as Paul saith, Rom. v. Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ."

We also give instruction, that we do not speak of such a faith, as even the devils and the ungodly have, who likewise believe the history of Christ's suffering and resurrection from the dead; but we speak of that faith, which lays hold of the promises of God, and works by love and good works. — — —

We therefore teach, that good works shall and must be done, not for the purpose of trusting in them, or of meriting grace by them, but for God's sake and to the praise of God. And it is faith which enables the heart to do works really good.

Wherefore, the doctrine of faith is not to be inveighed against, as if it forbid good works; it is much more to be esteemed, as it teaches to do good works, and offers assist

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