A commentary of M. John Calvin upon the Epistle to the PhilippiansA commentarie of M. Iohn Caluine vppon the Epistle to the Philippians

If any would object that the remembrance of our life past, is available to stir us up, as well because the graces already bestowed upon us do encourage us to hope well, as also because we are admonished by our sins, that our life is to be amended for better: I answer, that such cogitations do not turn our eyes backward, but rather help the sharpness of our sight, that more clearly we may behold the mark. But Paul here condemneth those respects, which do either break off, or diminish our cheerfulness, even as if any man, being persuaded that he hath gone forward enough, because he seemeth to himself to have done his duty, will wax slothful, and will deliver his lamp unto others: or if any man be moved with the desire of the condition which he have left, he can not apply his whole study unto that which he doth. Such were the cogitations from the which it was necessary that Paul his mind should be withdrawn, if he would earnestly follow the vocation of Christ. But because mention ⟨p. 74⟩was here made of endeavour, of study, of running, and of perseverance, least any should think that salvation is placed in them, or should ascribe unto the diligence of men that which proceedeth from another. Willing to note out the cause of all, he added in Christ Jesus. 15. Let us therefore as many as be perfect. Least any should take this to be spoken of the common sort of men, as though he prescribed rudiments unto them that are children in Christ: he testifieth, that it is a rule which all they that are perfect should observe. And this rule is, that we must renounce confidence in all things, that we may rejoice in the only righteousness of Christ, and neglecting all things, may attain unto the fellowship of his passions, which may lead us unto a blessed resurrection. Where now shall be the state of perfection which the Monks feign? where shall be their confused fardel of so many inventions? to conclude, where shall all Papistry become, which is nothing else but an imagined perfection, and which agreeth not with this rule of Paul? truly, whosoever shall understand this one word, shall clearly perceive that those things are filthy dung whatsoever the Papists teach touching righteousness and obtaining of salvation. If ye be otherwise minded. He humbleth their works and them, and lifteth them up unto a good hope.

If any woulde obiect that the remembrance of our life past, is auaileable to stirre vs vp, as well because the graces alreadie bestowed vpon vs doo encourage vs to hope well, as also because we are admonished by our sinnes, that our life is to be amended for better: I answere, that such cogitations do not turne our eies backward, but rather helpe the sharpenes of our sight, that more cléerely we may behold the marke. But Paule héere condemneth those respects, which doo either breake off, or diminish our chéerefulnes, euen as if any man, being persuaded that he hath gone forward inough, because he séemeth to himselfe to haue done his dutie, will wax slothfull, and will deliuer his lampe vnto others: or if any man be moued with the desire of the condition which he haue left, he can not apply his whole studie vnto that which he doth. Such were the cogitations from the which it was necessarie that Paule his mind should be withdrawne, if he would earnestly follow the vocation of Christ. But because mention