Of yuflification by Faith. 143 righteous before God, while circumcifion S E R was not yet inftituted, nor any of the legal VI. ceremonies. In this chapter he aíks, what (hall we fay then, that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flefh, bath found? for if Abraham were juflfed by works, he bath whereof to glory, but not before God ; That is, there is no fuch thing as his having any thing whereof to glory before God. For he adds, what faith the fcripture ? Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteoufnefs. Now, to him that worketh, is the reward reckoned not of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but be- lieveth on him who juflifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted to him for righteoufnefs. Thus the religion of Abraham was fufficient ; a religion without ceremonies, which after- wards were in fo high efteem, and accounted fo neceffary among the Jews ; a principle of faith, or of confidence in the goodnefs, and the promife of God, producing intire refignation to his providence, and fincere obedience to his commandments., It was fo before the giving of the law : Why not after its abolition ? Chriílianity is the religion of Abraham re- ftor'd : A plain, unceremonious form of divine fervice, animated by that faith, which fees
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