The Publisher's Preface to Dabney's Discussions notes that "[m]uch of Dabney's most valuable and influential literary work first appeared in the form of separate articles, reviews and sermons printed in various journals."

This article certainly fits the above bill, first appearing in The Southern Review of April, 1873; being, in part, a review of the Journal and Works of the Rev. John Wesley.

Luther once said that "if the article of justification is lost, all Christian doctrine is lost at the same time." Thus, one can hardly think of a subject of greater practical importance. Errors regarding justification have led whole nations into the darkness and superstition of Popery, and untold millions of souls into eternal perdition.

Dabney here deals with the false charge of antinomianism sometimes brought against this doctrine by Romanists and legalists, in their hope of destroying the foundation of true Christianity. He cites some practical errors by Luther, concerning Luther's views on sanctification and the law of God, and concludes by proving "that this doctrine is the best, yea, the only adequate enforcement of true holiness."