The Institution of Christian Religion

If we bear fruit none otherwise than a branch buddeth being plucked out of the ground and without moisture: we need no more to seek what is the aptness of our nature to goodness. And this is a plain conclusion: Without me ye can do nothing. He doeth not say that we are to weak to be sufficient for our selves: but in bringing us to nothing, he excludeth all opinion of power be it never so little. If we being grafted in Christ, bear fruit like a Vine, which taketh her efficacy of liveliness both from the moisture of the earth, and from the dew of heaven, and from the cherishing of the sun: I see nothing remain for us in doing a good work, if we keep whole for God that which is his. That fond subtle devise is alleged in vain, that there is a juice already enclosed ⟨p. 22⟩within the branch,¹ and a certain power to bring forth fruit, and that therefore it taketh not all from the earth or from the first root, because it bringeth somewhat of her own. For Christ doeth mean nothing else, but that we are a dry stick and nothing worth, when we be severed from him, because by our selves being separate, we have no power to do well: as also in an other place he sayeth. Every tree that my father hath not planted,² shall be rooted up. Wherefore the Apostle ascribeth all the whole unto him in the place already alleged. It is God (saith he) that worketh in us both to will and to perform. The first part of a good work is will: the second is a strong endeavour in doing it: the author of both is God. Therefore we steal it from God, if we take to our selves any thing, either in will or in effectual working. If it were said that God doth help our weak will, then somewhat were left for us. But when it is said that he maketh will, now all the good that is in it, is set out of us. And because the good will is yet still oppressed with weight of our flesh that it can not rise up. He said further, that to overcome the hardness of that battle, there is ministered unto us steadfastness of endeavour, even to the effect. For otherwise it could not stand together which he teacheth in an other place,³ that it is God alone that bringeth to effect all things in all, wherein we have before taught that the whole course of spiritual life is comprehended.