9. And what more can _you_ desire, who have hitherto opposed _justification by faith alone_, merely upon a principle of conscience; because you was zealous for holiness and good works? Do I not effectually secure these from contempt, at the same time that I defend the doctrines of the church? I not only allow, but vehemently contend, that none shall ever enter into glory, who is not holy on earth, as well in heart, as _in all manner of conversation_. I cry aloud, _Let all that have believed, be careful to maintain good works_: and, _Let every one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from all iniquity_. I exhort even those who are conscious they do not believe, _Cease to do evil, learn to do well: the kingdom of heaven is at hand_; therefore _repent, and bring forth fruits meet for repentance_. Are not these directions the very same in substance, which you yourself would give to persons so circumstanced? What means then this endless _strife of words_? Or, _what doth your arguing prove?_ 10. Many of those who are perhaps as zealous of good works, as you, think I have allowed you too much.――Nay, my brethren, but how can we help allowing it, if we allow the scriptures to be from God? For is it not written, and do not you yourselves believe, _Without holiness no man shall see the Lord_? And how then, without fighting about words, can we deny, that holiness is a condition of final acceptance? And, as to the first acceptance or pardon, does not all experience as well as scripture prove, that no man ever yet truly _believed the gospel_, who did not first _repent_? That none was ever yet truly _convinced of righteousness_, who was not first _convinced of sin_? Repentance therefore in _this_ sense, we cannot deny to be necessarily previous to faith. Is it not equally undeniable, that the running back into known, wilful sin, (suppose it were drunkenness or uncleanness) stifles that repentance or conviction? And can that repentance come to any good issue in his soul, who resolves not to forgive his brother? Or who obstinately refrains from what God convinces him is right, whether it be prayer or hearing his word? Would you scruple yourself to tell one of these, “Why, if you _will_ thus drink away all conviction, how should you ever truly know your want of Christ? Or consequently, believe in him?――If you _will_ not forgive your brother _his_ trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you _your_ trespasses――If you will not ask, how can you expect to receive?――If you _will_ not hear, how can _faith come by hearing_? It is plain, you _grieve the Spirit of God_; you _will not_ have him to reign over you. Take care that he does not utterly depart from you. For _unto him that hath, shall be given: but from him that hath not_, i. e. uses it not, _shall be taken away, even that which he hath_.” Would you scruple, on a proper occasion to say this? You could not scruple it, if you believe the bible.