Of free justification

Concl. Therefore righteousness is not grace; otherways according to St. Paul; If righteousness is of works, then grace is not grace.

Moreover the grace of God, ¹which is his free Indulgence, because it hath no place properly, but where vengeance would be just; neither is there any just vengeance, where perfect righteousness flourishes; Therefore ⟨p. 221⟩it must be false, which Osorius assumes; That it is either righteousness which makes us acceptable to God, and that ²it is grace, or it is nothing. But now that we may grant this to Osorius for the sake of disputing; that it is perhaps possible, that this observance of righteousness and glorious furniture of most holy Virtues, wherewith the divine grace adorns us, receives this name, being given to it by some Writers, so that in some respect it is called grace: But what then? what relation hath this to our Controversy? seeing that it is not the grace, which justifies us before God, but there will be need of another grace whereby that same grace may be justified: For it is not a doubtful case in this place, whether all that we have should be referred to the grace and bounty of God: For who is so ignorant as to doubt thereof? neither is it a matter of doubt, whether the pious works of Christians are pleasing to God? but whether Christians do so please God upon the account of their pious works, that they are therefore ³justified; that they escape wrath, that being dead they revive; that they put on Immortality, that they are received into heavenly glory. This your whole discourse contends for, as if there were no other way, or manner of turning away the wrath of God, and purchasing eternal life, but by the continual exercise of Charity, and pious and holy actions. And because all instruction of living well, proceeds not only from ⟨p. 222⟩