Original Douay–Rheims AnnotationsGenesis 15

Believed God.

S. Hilary (li. 9. de Trin.) and S. Ambrose (li. 1. de Abraham. c. 3.) by this example teach us, what manner of faith is reputed to justice, to wit, ^[1] such a faith as without tergiversation, or requiring of proof or reason, doth simply believe that which God once saith, because he is omnipotent, how far soever the thing that is said surmounteth our understanding. For so heroical was the act of Abraham's faith, promptly believing God's word in a matter most hard to his former conceit, that for the same he received singular praise; and for the like afterwards was called The father of many Nations (c. 17. v. 5.) and by S. Paul The father of all that believe. (Ro. 4. v. 11.) where the Apostle teacheth that Abraham had no justice, nor estimation of justice before God, until he believed in Christ (v. 18. 19, 20.) because all works before that faith are insufficient ^[2]. Neither was this a sole faith, but had other necessary virtues of hope, and charity, humility, reverence, obedience, and the like joined with it. Wherefore S. James testifieth that Abraham was justified by works (that is by works following faith, not going before faith.) ^[3] For Faith (saith he) if it have not works, is dead in it-self, (c. 2. v. 17.) And by works Abraham's faith was consummate v. 22. And concludeth thus: Do ye see, that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. v. 24.

• 1 To believe God's word without staggering is an act of justice.
• 2 Not works before faith but joined with faith are meritorious.
• 3 Only faith doth not justify.