_A._ So far, that no man in any state can possibly please God without it: neither indeed in any moment wherein he is not sincere. _Q._ 14. But can it be conceived that God has any regard to the sincerity of an unbeliever? _A._ Yes, so much, that if he persevere therein, God will infallibly give him faith. _Q._ 15. What regard may we conceive him to have, to the sincerity of a believer? _A._ So much, that in every sincere believer he fulfils all the great and precious promises. _Q._ 16. Whom do you term a _sincere believer_? _A._ One that walks in the light, as God is in the light. _Q._ ♦17. Is sincerity the same with a _single eye_? ♦ “18” replaced with “17” _A._ Not altogether. The latter refers to our intention: the former to our will or desires. _Q._ 18. Is it not all in all? _A._ All will follow persevering sincerity. God gives every thing with it; nothing without it. * _Q._ 19. Are not then sincerity and faith equivalent terms? _A._ By no means. It is at least as nearly related to works as it is to faith. For example; who is sincere before he believes? He that then does all he can: he that, according to the power he has received, brings forth _fruits meet for repentance_. Who is sincere after he believes: he that, from a sense of God’s love, is zealous of all good works. _Q._ 20. Is not sincerity what St. _Paul_ terms a willing mind? ἡ προθυμία? _2 Corinthians_ viii. 12. _A._ Yes: if that word be taken in a general sense. For it is a constant disposition to use all the grace given. * _Q._ 21. But do we not then set sincerity on a level with faith? _A._ No. For we allow a man may be sincere, and not be justified, as he may be penitent, and not be justified: (not as yet) but he cannot have faith, and not be justified. The very moment he believes he is justified. _Q._ 22. But do we not give up faith, and put sincerity in its place, as the condition of our acceptance with God? _A._ We believe it is one condition of our acceptance, as repentance likewise is. And we believe it a condition of our continuing in a state of acceptance. Yet we do not put it in the place of faith. It is by faith the merits of Christ are applied to my soul. But if I am not sincere, they are not applied. _Q._ 23. Is not this that _going about to establish your own righteousness_, whereof St. _Paul_ speaks, _Romans_ x. 4? _A._ St. _Paul_ there manifestly speaks of unbelievers, who sought to be accepted for the sake of their own righteousness. We do not seek to be accepted for the sake of our sincerity; but through the merits of Christ alone. Indeed, so long as any man believes, he cannot go about (in St. _Paul_’s sense) to _establish his own righteousness_. * _Q._ 24. But do you consider, that we are under the covenant of grace? And that the covenant of works is now abolished?