[ 1006] Faith, the root of all Graces.
THe root of a tree is a ragged and a jagged thing,* 1.1 no shape, no proportion, no comlinesse in it, and therefore keeps it self in the earth, as unwilling to be seen; yet all the beauty that is in the tree, the streightnesse of the bulk and body, the spreading fairnesse of the branches, the glory of the leaves and flowers, the com∣modity of the fruits, proceed from the root, by that the whole subsisteth. So Faith seemes to be but a sorry grace, a vertue of no regard: Devotion is acceptable, for it honours God;* 1.2 Charity is noble, for it does good to men; Holinesse is the Image of Heaven, therefore beautious; Thankfulnesse is the tune of Angels, therefore me∣lodious. But, ad quid fides? what is faith good for? Yes, it is good for every good purpose, the foundation and root of all graces: All the prayers made by Devotion, all the good works done by Charity, all the actuall expressions of Holinesse, all the praises founded forth by Thankfulnesse, come from the root of Faith, that is the life of them all. Faith doth animate Works, as the body lives by the soul. Doubtlesse faith hath saved some without works, but it was never read, that works saved any without faith.