A14227:552
An answer to a challenge madeAn ansvver to a challenge made
An answer to a challenge made by a Jesuit in Ireland Wherein the judgement of antiquity in the points questioned is truly delivered, and the novelty of the now romish doctrine plainly discovered. By James Usher Bishop of Meath.An ansvver to a challenge made by a Iesuite in Ireland Wherein the iudgement of antiquity in the points questioned is truely delivered, and the noveltie of the now romish doctrine plainly discovered. By Iames Vssher Bishop of Meath.
Dublin: printed by the Society of Stationers and Eliot's Court Press, 1624Dublin: printed by the Societie of Stationers and Eliot's Court Press, 1624
AN ANSWER TO THE FORMER CHALLENGE. › OF MERITS.AN ANSVVER TO THE FORMER CHALLENGE. › OF MERITS.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Neither do we therefore take away the reward, because we deny the merit of good works. We know, that in the keeping of Gods Commandments there is great reward; Psal. 19.11. and that unto him who soweth righteousness, there shall be a sure reward; Prov. 11.18. But the question is, whence he that soweth in this manner, must expect to reap so great and so sure a harvest? Whether from Gods justice; which he must do ⟨p. 494⟩if he stand as the Jesuits would have him do upon merit: or from his mercy; as a recompense freely bestowed out of Gods gracious bounty, and not in justice due for the worth of the work performed. Which question, we think, the Prophet Hosea hath sufficiently resolved; when he biddeth us sow to our selves in righteousness, and reap in MERCY, Hose. 10.12. Neither do we hereby any whit detract from the truth of that axiom, That God will give every man according to his works: for still the question remaineth the very same; whether God may not judge a man according to his works, when he sitteth upon the throne of grace, as well as when he sitteth upon the throne of justice? and we think here, that the Prophet David hath fully cleared the case, in that one sentence, Psal. 62.12. With thee, O Lord, is MERCY: for thou rewardest every one according to his work.
Neither doe we therefore take away the reward, because we deny the merit of good workes. Wee know, that in the keeping of Gods Commandements there is great reward; Psal. 19.11. and that unto him who soweth righteousnesse, there shall be a sure reward; Prov. 11.18. But the question is, whence he that soweth in this manner, must expect to reape so great and so sure a harvest? Whether from Gods justice; which he must doe ⟨p. 494⟩if hee stand as the Iesuites would have him doe upon merit: or from his mercie; as a recompence freely bestowed out of Gods gracious bountie, and not in justice due for the worth of the worke performed. Which question, we thinke, the Prophet Hosea hath sufficiently resolved; when he biddeth us sow to our selves in righteousnesse, and reape in MERCIE,