Of free justification by Christ written first in Latine by John Fox, author of the Book of martyrs, against Osorius, &c. and now translated into English, for the benefit of those who love their own souls, and would not be mistaken in so great a point.

Answer.

I deny the Minor. For Works of Mercy, as they are considered in themselves, are not the cause of Iustification, or blessedness, but rather effects and furits of Iustification: for they are no otherways pleasing to God, but as they are performed by persons in a justified state, and it is by the Faith of Christ, that they become acceptable. For unless Faith go before, and justifie the person of him that worketh, his works are not at all regarded by God, be∣cause they do not satisfie the Law of God, be∣ing tainted with the corruption of depraved Nature, and come far * 1.1 short of that perfection, which Di∣vine Iustice requires. Wherefore if we will Reason aright about the cause of blessedness, this manner of arguing will appear to be more forcible by. an evident Testimony of Scripture.

Notes

• * 1.1

  August. we are justified by that by which we are saved.