Wesley Corpus

But this I say, faith by itself saved him. But works by themselves never justified any man. “Good works go not before in him which shall afterwards be justified. But good works do follow after when a man is first justified.” (Homily on Fasting. Part I.) 8. From the whole tenor then of her Liturgy, Articles, and Homilies, the doctrine of the Church of England appears to be this: (1.) That no good work, properly so called, can go before justification. (2.) That no degree of true sanctification can be previous toit. (3.) That as the meritorious cause of justification is the life and death of Christ, so the condition of it is faith, faith alone. And, (4.) That both inward and outward holiness are consequent on this faith, and are the ordinary, stated condition of final justification. 9. And what more can you desire, who have hitherto opposed justification by faith alone, merely upon a principle of conscience; because you was zealous for holiness and good works? Do I not effectually secure these from contempt at the same time that I defend the doctrines of the Church? I not only allow, but vehemently contend, that none shall ever enter into glory who is not holy on earth, as well in heart, as “in all manner of conver sation.” I cry aloud, “Let all that have believed, be careful to maintain good works; ” and, “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from all iniquity.” I exhort even those who are conscious they do not believe: “Cease to do evil, learn to do well: The kingdom of heaven is at hand; ” therefore, “repent, and bring forth fruits meet for repentance.” Are not these directions the very same in substance which you yourself would give to persons so circumstanced? What means then this endless strife of words? Or what doth your arguing prove P 10. Many of those who are perhaps as zealous of goodworks as you, think I have allowed you too much. Nay, my brethren, but how can we help allowing it, if weallow the Scriptures to be from God? For is it not written, and do not you yourselves believe, “Without holiness no man shall see the Lord?” And how then, without fighting about words, can we deny that holiness is a con dition of final acceptance?