in theology, what a man does beyond his duty, or more than he is commanded to do. The Romanists stand up strenuously for works of supererogation, and maintain that the observance of evangelical councils is such. By means hereof, a flock of merit is laid up, which the church has the disposal of, and which the distributes in indulgences to such as need.

This absurd doctrine was first invented towards the close of the 12th century, and modified and embellished by St Thomas in the 13th: according to which, it was pretended that there actually existed an immense treasure of merit, composed of the pious deeds and virtuous actions which the saints had performed beyond what was necessary for their own salvation, and which were therefore applicable to the benefit of others; that the guardian and dispenser of this precious treasure was the Roman pontiff; and that of consequence he was empowered to assign to such as he thought proper a portion of this inexhaustible source of merit, suitable to their respective guilt, and sufficient to deliver them from the punishment due to their crimes.

The reformed church do not allow of any work of supererogation; but hold with the apostles, that when we have done our best, we are but unprofitable servants.