Faith must have a foundation on which it may rest, which is God's holy name in baptism ; and Christ is the tried and precious corner-stone, the sure foundation–Isaiah, 28, 16. Now since faith rests on this foundation, it cannot be a virtue in us that is meritorious. Although there is much said concerning faith, yet how frequently is it not represented as some good meritorious work. If this is not the case, why then may not our faith rest on the sure foundation, which are God's holy name and promises in baptism, which is altogether his own institution ? Why seek to be saved in some other way ? It is in vain to teach that we are saved by grace, and not by works, Rom. 11, 6, when faith itself is made some good meritorious work, to be performed independent of the written word and baptism. St. Paul says, ' But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident ; for the just shall live by faith ; and the law is not of faith,' Gal. 3, 11, 12. By this the Apostle plainly distinguishes faith from all works. But how the tempter strives to revive the doctrine that man is justified by works, in order to dethrone Christ as a Saviour ! He even converts faith itself into a meritorious work. This he does when he separates faith from the written word and God's name, especially in baptism. He will have faith to stand as a work, without the word and baptism. But it is impossible to believe without a testimony.

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