Paul to the Galathi doth write,
Love, joy, peace, long suffering, and faithfulness,
Meekness, goodness, temperance, and gentleness.
GOOD COUNSEL.
By[62] these words, which unto you he doth express,
He teacheth that you ought to have a steadfast faith;
Without the which[63] it is impossible doubtless
To please God, as Saint Paul saith:
Where faith is not, godly living decayeth;
For whatsoever is not of faith, saith St. Paul, is sin,
But where a perfect faith is, there is good working.
JUVENTUS.
It seemeth to me, that this is[64] your meaning,
That, when I observe God's commandments and the works of charity,
They shall prevail unto me nothing,
Except I believe to be saved thereby.
KNOWLEDGE.
No, no, you are deceived very blindly;
For faith in Christ's merits doth only justify,
And make us righteous in God's sight.
JUVENTUS.
Why should I then in good[65] works delight,
Seeing I shall not be saved by them?
GOOD COUNSEL.
Because they are required of all Christian men,
As the necessary fruits of true repentance.
KNOWLEDGE.
But the reward of the heavenly inheritance
Is given us through faith, for Christ's deservings;
As St. Paul declareth in the fourth chapter to the Romans,
Therefore we ought not to work as hirelings:
Seeing Christ hath purged us once from all our wicked living,
Let us no more wallow therein,
But persever, like good branches, bearing fruit in Him.
JUVENTUS.
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