An Apology for the True Christian Divinity / Being an explanation and vindication of the principles and doctrines of the people called Quakers

by Robert Barclay

§. IX.

Object.But if it be queried, Whether we have not said, or will not affirm, that a Man is justified by Works?

Answ.I answer; I hope none need, neither ought to take Offence, if in this Matter we use the plain Language of the holy Scripture, which faith expresly in answer hereunto, James ii. 24. That Works are necessary to Justification.Ye see then how that by Works a Man is justified, and not by Faith only. I shall not offer to prove the Truth of this Saying, since what is said in this Chapter by the Apostle is sufficient to convince any Man that will read and believe it; I shall only from this derive this one Argument.

Arg.If no Man can be justified without Faith, and no Faith be living, nor yet available to Justification without Works, then Works are necessary to Justification:

But the first is true: Therefore also the last.

For this Truth is so apparent and evident in the Scriptures, that for the Proof of it we might transcribe most of the Precepts of the Gospel. I shall instance a few, which of themselves do so clearly assert the Thing in Question, that they need no Commentary, nor farther Demonstration. And then I shall answer the Objections made against this, which indeed are the Arguments used for the contrary Opinion, Heb. xii. 14. Without Holiness no Man shall see God. Matt. vii. 21. Not the Sayers, but the Doers are blessed.Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he that doeth the Will of my Father which is in Heaven. John xiii. 7. If ye know these Things, happy are ye if ye do them. 1 Cor. vii. 19. Circumcision is nothing, and Uncircumcision is nothing, but the Keeping of the Commandments of God. Rev. xxii. 14. Blessed are they that do his Commandments, that they may have Right to the Tree of Life, and may enter in through the Gates into the City: And many more that might be instanced. From all which I thus argue:

Arg.If those only can enter into the Kingdom that do the Will of the Father; if those be accounted only the wise Builders and happy that do the Sayings of Christ; if no Observations avail, but only the Keeping of the Commandments; and if they be blessed that do the Commandments, and thereby have Right to the Tree of Life, and Entrance through the Gates into the City; then Works are absolutely necessary to Salvation and Justification:

But the first is true: And therefore also the last.

The Consequence of the Antecedent is so clear and evident, that I think no Man of sound Reason will call for a Proof of it.