A discourse of the saving grace of God

(2.) By their Doctrine, Grace is give• according to Merit. This was the most leprous part of Pelagianism, which the ancient Church had in • greatest detestation ⟨p. 42⟩and for which Pelagius himself had been Anathematized, branded with the highest Censure, by a Synod in Palaestin, but that he pretended to renounce it.

Yet Merit, in the sense of that Age, was a far less thing, and much more tolerable than the Papists merit of Condignity. It was not only a good work, of such value and worth in it self, as that a Reward should be due to it in Justice; but Merit, as they understood it, was any good act which a man did of himself, upon the account of which Grace was vouchsafed. This Bellarmin himself acknowledges, however he was concerned to deny it. The Fathers (says he) understood Grace to be given according to Merit, when any thing is done by our own strength, in respect whereof¹ Grace is given, although' it be no Merit of Condignity.

Yet Merit, in the sense of that Age, was a far less thing, and much more tolerable than the Papists merit of Condignity. It was not only a good work, of such value and worth in it self, as that a Reward should be due to it in Justice; but Merit, as they understood it, was any good act which a man did of himself, upon the account of which Grace was vouchsafed. This Bellarmin himself acknowledges, however he was concerned to deny it. The Fathers (says he) understood Grace to be given according to Merit, when any thing is done by our own strength, in respect whereof¹ Grace is given, altho' it be no Merit of Condignity.

1. 1De Grat. & libr. arbit. l. 6. c. 5.