Good works, according to a writer in 1650

The truth that Good Works and serving others are required for our eternal salvation is a position held throughout Christian history.

Read this from "The Breast-plate of Faith and Love," by John Preston, written in 1650, in which it appears perfectly natural that this is true.

"Good works are required, of necessity, as the way to salvation (Eph. 2:10) We are God's workmanship, created in Jesus Christ unto good works, which he hath ordained that we should walk in them." Good works are required of necessity; God judges us according to our works (Rom 2) and at the last Day, the reward is pronounced according to that which men have done; "When I was in prison you visited me, when I was naked you clothed me, etc." (Matt. 26:35-36.) And if they be required for necessity, then it is not a dead, lifeless, worthless faith, but a powerful, energetic faith, a faith that is stirring and active, a faith that is effectual, which God requires, without which we cannot be saved." (p. 170)