of much consolation, for they cannot attain peace of conscience in any works, but in faith alone, when they entertain the confident belief that, for Christ’s sake, God is reconciled to them.  Thus Paul teaches us (Rom. v.), “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God.”  This whole doctrine must be referred to the conflict in the conscience of the alarmed sinner, nor can it be otherwise understood.  Hence the inexperienced and worldly-minded are much mistaken, who vainly imagine that the righteousness of the Christian is nothing else than what in common life and in the language of philosophy is termed morality.

Formerly, the consciences of men were harassed by the doctrine of works, nor did they hear any consolation from the gospel.  Some conscience drove into deserts, and into monasteries, hoping there to merit the divine favor by a monastic life.  Others invented different kinds of works, to merit grace, and make satisfaction for their sins.  There was therefore the utmost necessity, that this doctrine concerning faith in Christ should be inculcated anew; in order that timid minds might find consolation, and know that justification and the remission of sins are obtained by faith in the Saviour.  The people are also now instructed, that faith does not signify a mere historical belief, such as wicked men and devils have; but that, in addition to a historical belief, it includes an acquaintance with the consequences of the history, such as remission of sins, by grace through Christ, righteousness, &c., &c.

Now, he who knows that the Father is reconciled to him through Christ, possesses a true acquaintance with God, confides in his providence, and calls upon his name:  and is therefore not without God, as are the Gentiles.  For the devil and wicked men cannot believe the article concerning the remission of sins.  But they hate God as an enemy, do not call upon his name, nor expect any thing good at his hands.  Augustine, in speaking of the word faith, admonishes the reader that in Scripture this word does not signify mere knowledge, such as wicked men possess, but that confidence or trust, by which alarmed sinners are comforted and lifted up.  We, moreover, teach, that the performance of works is necessary, because it is commanded of God, and not because we expect to merit grace by them.  Pardon of sins and grace are obtained only by faith.  And because the Holy Spirit is received by faith the heart of man is renovated, and new affections produced, that he may be able to perform good works.  Accordingly, Ambrosius states, faith is the source of holy volitions and an upright life.  For the faculties of man, unaided by the Holy Spirit, are replete with sinful propensities, and too feeble to perform works that are good in the sight of God.  They are moreover under the influence of Satan, who urges men to various sins, and impious opinions, and open crimes; as may be seen in the examples of the philosophers who, though they endeavored to lead moral lives, failed to accomplish their designs, and were guilty of many notorious crimes.  Such is the imbecility of man, when he undertakes to govern himself by his own strength, without faith and the Holy Spirit.