Augustine of Hippo

Finally, after redemption from all corruption, what remains except the crown of righteousness? Certainly, it remains, but even in it or under it, let there not be a swollen head, so that it may receive the crown. Listen, attend to the Psalm, how that crown does not want a swollen head. When it said: Who redeems your life from corruption; who crowns you, it says. And here you would have said: It crowns you, my merits confess, my virtue has done this: it is rendered as due, not given as a gift. Rather, listen to the Psalm. For you also say this: Every man is a liar. Listen to what God says: Who crowns you with compassion and mercy. He crowns you from His mercy, He crowns you from His compassion. For you were not worthy to be called, and when called to be justified, and when justified to be glorified. The remnants have been saved by the election of grace. But if by grace, it is no longer out of works: otherwise grace is no longer grace. For to him who works, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt. The Apostle speaks: Not according to grace, but according to debt. However, He crowns you in compassion and mercy: and if your merits have preceded, God says to you: Examine your merits well, and you will see that they are my gifts.