The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

But the Roman Church cannot so part with Merit. Wherefore they are to find out a sort of Works to be excluded only, which they are content to part withal as not meritorious. Such are those before described, wrought as they say before believing, and without the aids of Grace; and such they say, are all the Works of the Law. And this they do with some more Modesty and Sobriety, than those amongst us, who would have only external Works and Observances to be intended. For they grant that sundry internal Works, as those of Attrition, sorrow for Sin, and the like, are of this Nature. But the Works of the Law it is they say that are excluded. But this whole Plea, and all the Sophisms wherewith it is countenanced, hath been so discussed and defeated by Protestant Writers of all sorts against Bellarmine and others, as that it is needless to repeat the same things, or to add any thing unto them. And it will be sufficiently evinced of falsehood, in what we shall immediately prove concerning the Law and Works intended by the Apostle. However the Heads of the Demonstration of the Truth to the contrary may be touched on. And (1.) The Apostle excludeth all Works without distinction or exception. And we are not to distinguish where the Law doth not distinguish before us. (2.) All the Works of the Law are excluded, therefore all Works wrought after believing by the aids of Grace, are excluded. ⟨p. 409⟩For they are all required by the Law. See Psal. 119.35. Rom. 7.22. Works not required by the Law, are no less an Abomination to God, than Sins against the Law. (3.) The Works of Believers after Conversion, performed by the Aids of Grace, are expressly excluded by the Apostle. So are those of Abraham after he had been a Believer many years, and abounded in them unto the Praise of God. So he excludeth his own Works after his Conversion, Gal. 2.16. 1 Cor. 4.4. Phil. 3.9. And so he excludeth the Works of all other Believers; Ephes. 2.9, 10