How Faith alone may be said to justifie. [ 971]
JUdith cut off Holofernes's head alone,* 1.1 the commandeth all her attendants, as well great as little, to stand without her Tent, and to go forth of her presence; but when once the deed is done, when the Serpent's head is broken, and trodd under foot, her whole troop runs to her, and stands about her. Thus, albeit Faith, apprehending Gods sure mercy, for the full and free pardon of sins, is in our justification sola, yet in our conversation it is not solitaria, but ever accompanied with cleannesse of hands, which is ready to do that which is right; and with a graciousnesse of tongue,* 1.2 which is ready to speak that which is true, neither de∣ceiving our neighbour, nor blaspheming God, by lifting up his soul unto vanity; i. e. taking his Name in vain, as some Divines expound it.