from religion believes that there is a God, a heaven, a hell, and a life
after death; but he who does not think of these things from religion
does not, I affirm, believe them. (A.E., n. 902.)

II. Goods of Charity

What is meant by goods of charity or good works is at this day unknown
to most in the Christian world, because of the prevalence of the
religion of faith alone, which is a faith separated from goods of
charity. For if only faith contributes to salvation, and goods of
charity contribute nothing, the idea that these goods may be left undone
has place in the mind. But some who believe that good works should be
done do not know what is meant by good works, thinking that good works
are merely giving to the poor and doing good to the needy and to widows
and orphans, since such things are mentioned and seemingly commanded in
the Word. Some think that if good works must be done for the sake of
eternal life they must give to the poor all they possess, as was done in
the primitive church, and as the Lord commanded the rich man to sell all
that he had and give to the poor, and take up the cross and follow Him
(Matt. xix. 21). (A.E., n. 932.)

It has just been said that at this day it is scarcely known what is
meant by charity, and thus by good works, unless it be giving to the
poor, enriching the needy, doing good to widows and orphans, and
contributing to the building of churches and hospitals and lodging
houses; and yet whether such works are done by man and for the sake of
reward is not known; for if they are done by man they are not good, and
if for the sake of reward they are not meritorious; and such works do
not open heaven, and thus are not acknowledged as goods in heaven. In
heaven no works are regarded as good except such as are done by the Lord