WITH PRIESTS OF THE REFORMED CONCERNING JUSTIFICATION.

Afterwards I spoke with those priests on the article concerning justification by faith alone. (1) They were asked what they meant by good works, whether merely such things as were enjoined by the Roman Catholics, or also the works of the second table of the Decalogue. They answered that they meant both. (2) They were asked whether the works of that table of the Decalogue contribute anything to salvation. They answered that they contribute nothing, but that they must still be done, because they are commanded. (3) They were asked whether, if a man does them, it is pleasing to God. They answered that it is, if men do not place merit in them. (4) They were asked how they understand these things in the Word: That he who does His commandments loves God and is loved by God; also, the passages about good fruits, and about the works according to which man shall be judged; besides many others. They answered, that works follow from faith. (5) They were asked how they follow from faith; thus, whether man shall do them, or whether we must believe that God does them through man. They answered that man must do them of his own strength, because they are civil works, and that God has no part in them. (6) They were asked whether these are the good works which follow faith. They answered that they are. (7) They were asked how they can follow faith, when there is nothing of God in them, but only what is of man, and when, therefore, there is no bond between faith and works. They answered that they follow faith because by the imputation of faith man's sins are remitted, and then whatever a man does is good in the eyes of God, thus also these works. (8) They were asked whether it is necessary for anyone to repent, since, by faith, all sins are remitted. They answered that one can if he wishes to, but that it contributes nothing to eternal life, but only to secular life. (9) They were asked, how then do good works follow faith? They answered, like fruits from a good tree. (10) They were asked whether faith produces good works in a similar manner as a tree produces fruit. They answered that by fruits from a good tree they mean all the works that a man does after he has received faith, because in the eyes of God they are good. (11) They were asked whether good works cohere with faith as fruit with a tree. They answered that they are not like that. (12) They were asked whether there is thus any bond between good works and faith. They answered that there is none. From these things the conclusion was reached that the phrase "Good works follow faith as fruit a tree," is only all expression, and nothing more.