A26974:451
Of justification four disputations clearing and amicably defending the truth against the unnecessary oppositions…
Of justification four disputations clearing and amicably defending the truth against the unnecessary oppositions of divers learned and reverend brethren / by Richard Baxter ...
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1658
Whether Works are a Condition of Justification? And so whether we a… › Part
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.
Answ. 1. I distinguish between works in Pauls sense, and works in James his sense. And because you say so much against distinguishing of works, (before) as deceitful; I will first prove the necessity of distinguishing. 1. Works in Pauls sense are such as make the Reward to be not of Grace, but of Debt. Works in James his sense are not such: therefore they are not the same. Works in Pauls sense, are actions as valuable offered to God, and justifying by their value. But works in James his sense, are none such. Proved. The works that James speaks of must necessarily be done: Works in Pauls sense, we may not so much as imagine that we can do; viz. such as make the Reward of Debt, and not of Grace. Though the matter of such works may be done, which Justiciaries thus conceive of, yet under such a notion, no man may once imagine that he hath them.
Answ. 1. I distinguish between works in Pauls sense, and works in Iames his sense. And because you say so much against distinguishing of works, (before) as deceitful; I will first prove the necessity of distinguishing. 1. Works in Pauls sense are such as make the Reward to be not of Grace, but of Debt. Works in Iames his sense are not such: therefore they are not the same. Works in Pauls sense, are actions as valuable offered to God, and justifying by their value. But works in Iames his sense, are none such. Proved. The works that James speaks of must necessarily be done: Works in Pauls sense, we may not so much as imagine that we can do; viz. such as make the Reward of Debt, and not of Grace. Though the matter of such works may be done, which Justiciaries thus conceive of, yet under such a notion, no man may once imagine that he hath them.
2. Works in Pauls sense are such as stand in competition with Christ, or at least, would be co-partners with him in a co-ordination. But works in James his sense are none such, but such as stand in a due subordination to Christ; such undoubtedly there are: And such James speaks of.