ceived, have grieved the Holy Spirit,[1] and have not feared to defile the temple of God.[2] Concerning which penitence it is written: Remember from whence thou art fallen; do penance, and do the first works.[3] And again: The sorrow that is according to God worketh penance steadfast unto salvation.[4] And again: Do penance, and bring forth fruits worthy of penance.[5]
CHAPTER XV.
That, by every Mortal Sin, Grace is lost, but not Faith.
In opposition also to the cunning wits of certain men, who, by good works and fair speeches, deceive the hearts of the innocent,[6] it is to be maintained, that the received grace of justification is lost, not only by infidelity, in which even faith itself is lost, but also by any other mortal sin soever, though faith be not lost; thereby defending the doctrine of the divine law, which excludes from the kingdom of God not only the unbelieving, but also the faithful who are fornicators, adulterers, effeminate, abusers of themselves with mankind, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, extortioners,[7] and all others who commit deadly sins; from which, with the help of divine grace, they are able to refrain, and on account of which they are separated from the grace of Christ.
CHAPTER XVI.
On the Fruit of Justification, that is, on the Merit of Good Works and on the Manner of that same Merit.
Unto men, therefore, who have been justified after this manner, whether they have preserved uninterruptedly the grace received, or have recovered it when lost, are to be set the words of the Apostle: Abound in every good work, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord;[8] for God is not unrighteous to forget your work, and the love which ye have showed in his name;[9] and, cast not away your confidence,
