The Institution of Christian Religion

Let us therefore,¹ after the example of the Apostle, forgetting those things that are behind us, and hasting forward to those things that are before us, run in our race, endeavouring to the price of the high calling. &c.

Let vs therfore,¹ after the exāple of ye Apostle, forgettīg those things that ar behind vs, and hasting forward to those thinges that are before vs, run in our race, endeuouring to the price of the highe calling. &c.

1. 1Phil. iij.xiii.

But how doth the boasting of the works of supererogation agree with that rule which is taught us, that when we have done all things that are commanded us, we should say that we are unprofitable servants, & that we have done no more then we ought?¹ To say before God, is not to fain or to lye, but to determine with thy self, that which thou art assured of. The lord therefore commandeth us unfeignedly to think & consider with our selves, that we do not any free beneficial doings to him, but to render due service. And worthily. For we are servants indebted in so many services, as we are no able to discharge, although all our thoughts & all our members, were turned into dutiful deeds of the law. And therefore that which he saith, When ye have done all things that are commanded you &c. is as much in effect, as if the righteousness of one man were more than all the righteousness of men. How therefore may we (of whom there is none that is not most far distant from this mark) be so bold as to boast that we have added a heap to the full measure? Neither is there any cause why any man may take exception & say, that nothing withstandeth but that his endeavour may proceed beyond necessary duties, which in some behalf ceaseth those that be from necessary. For this we must altogether hold, that we can imagine nothing that availeth either to the worship or the love of God, which is not comprehended under the law of God. If it be a part of the law, let us not boast of voluntary liberality, where we are bound to necessity.