Tomline on Article XIV: Of Works of Supererogation

The precepts contained in the Gospel for the regulation of our lives, are so full and compre- hensive, that they include every good work which men are capable of performing. It is impossible to imagine any action acceptable to God, which does not fall within the precepts, ” to love God with all our hearts (a) […] to love our neigh- bour as ourselves (b);^ — and to cleanse our- selves from all filthiness both of the flesh and

spirit, (a) Matt. c« 22. v. 37. (b) Matt. c. 22. v. 39.

T4

♦f

280 Ejrposition of the [part iir,

spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (c)J And besides these general precepts, there are particular ones directed to persons in every con- dition and relation of life, and extending to every point and circumstance which can possibly pro- mote the honour of God, contribute to the hap- piness of our fellow-creatures, or tend to purify our own minds : and all these things are enjoined as duties of perfect and universal obligation ; as indispensably necessary wherever fliey are prac- ticable. Since, therefore, God requires of us the entire exertion of all our powers, and not a single good action can be specified, which is not com- manded in the New Testament, it follows, that no room is left for voluntary works, besides,

OVER AND ABOVE GOD’s COMMANDMENTS, TION; nor can such works be taught with- out ARROGANCE AND IMPIETY, since they im- ply a degree of merit, which man, in his present imperfect and corrupt state, is incapable of attain- ing, and are directly opposite to the plain and infiai- lible word of God ; or, as the article expresses it,

FOR by them men DO DECLARE, THAT THEY

DUTY

(c) 2 Cor. c. 7. V. 1;

ART. XIV.] Thirty-nine Articles. liSi

DUTY IS REQUIRED : WHEREAS CHRIST SAITH FITABLE SERVANTS (d)’^ These words, which axe recorded in St. Luke’s Gospel, are so clear and decisive, that it is unnecessary to explain or enforce them.

It is however well known, that works of super- erogation are admitted by the members ofthe Romish persuasion ; and it cannot but be matter of surprise, that such a doctrine should have pre- vailed in any church which calls itself Christian. This doctrine was first known about the twelfth or thirteenth century ; and it seems to have been founded upon what the Papists call ” Counsels of perfection,” that is, rules which do not bind under the penalty of sin, but are only \iseftil in carrying men to a greater degree of perfection than is necessary to salvation. There is not the slightest authority in Scripture for these Counsels of perfection : all the rules there prescribed for our conduct are given in the form of positive com- mands, as absolutely necessary, wherever they are applicable, to the attainment of eternal life ; and the violation of every one of these commands is declared to be sin. We are ordered to be ” per- fect, even as our Father which is in heaven is

perfect ;

(d) Luke^ c. 17. v. 10.

a8a Ejppasition of the [part rir.

perfect fe^;” — and so far from being able to exceed what is required for our salvation, the Gospel assures U8> that after our utmost care and best endeavours we shall still fall short of our whole duty; and that our deficiencies must be supplied by the abundant merits of our blessed Redeemer. We are directed to trust to the mercy of God, and to the mediation of Christ : ’^ and to work out our salvation with fear and trembling(yj/’ that is, with anxiety lest we should not fulfil the conditions upon which it is offered. Upon these grounds we may pronounce that WORKS OF SUPEREROGATION are inconsistent with the nature of man, irreconcileable with the whole tenor and general principles of our reli- gion, and contrary to the express declarations kjS Scripture.

(e) Matt. c. 5. V. 48. (f) Phil, c. 2. v. 12.

ART. XV.] Thirty-nine Articles. 283