able; whose commandments are not grievous;[1] whose yoke is sweet and whose burden light.[2] For whosoever are the sons of God, love Christ; but they who love him, as Himself doth testify, keep his commandments;[3] which, assuredly, with the divine assistance, they can do. For, although in this mortal life, men, how holy and just soever, at times fall into at least light and daily sins, which are also called venial; yet they do not therefore cease to be just. For that cry of the just, Forgive us our trespasses,[4] is both humble and true; whence it happens, the just themselves ought to feel themselves the more obliged to walk in the way of justice, in that, being already freed from sins, but made servants unto God,[5] they are able, living soberly, righteously, and godly,[6] to proceed onwards through Jesus Christ, by whom they have had access unto that grace. For God deserts not those who have been once justified by His grace, unless he be first deserted by them. Wherefore, no one ought to flatter himself upon faith alone, deeming that by faith alone he is made an heir, and will obtain the inheritance, even though he suffer not with Christ, that so he may be also glorified together [with him].[7] For even Christ Himself, as the Apostle saith, though he was the son of God, learned obedience by the things which he suffered, and being made perfect,[8] he became the cause of eternal salvation unto all who obey him.[9] For which reason the same Apostle admonishes the justified, saying: Know ye not that they which run in the race, run all indeed, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly: so fight I, not as one that beateth the air; but I chastise my body, and bring it into subjection; lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should become a cast-away.[10] So also the prince of the apostles, Peter: The rather give diligence, that by good works ye may make sure your calling and election. For if ye do these things, you shall not sin at any time.[11] Whence it is certain, that those who are opposed to the orthodox doctrine of religion,[12] who say that the just man sins, venially at least, in every
