The Institution of Christian Religion

that the law entered, that sin might abound: was it meant that the law was to be limited to our strengths, lest it should be given in vain? or rather that it was set far above us to convince our weakness? Truly by the same mans definition, the end and fulfilling of the law is Charity. Butte when he wisheth the minds of the Thessalonians to be filled with charity, he doth sufficiently confess, that the law soundeth in our ears without profit, unless God inspire the whole sum thereof in our hearts.

that the lawe entred, that synne myght abounde: was yt meante that the lawe was to bee lymyted to oure strengthes, leaste yt shoulde bee geuen in vayne? or rather that yt was sette farre aboue vs to conuince oure weakenesse? Truelye by the same mans defynition, the ende and fullfyllynge of the lawe ys Charytye. Butte when hee wysheth the myndes of the Thessalonians to bee fylled wyth charitie, hee dothe sufficientlye confesse, that the lawe soundeth in oure eares wythoute profyte, vnlesse God inspire the whole summe thereof in oure heartes.

Truly, if the Scripture did teach nothing ells, butte that the law is a rule of life where unto we ought to frame our endeavours, I would also without delay agree to their opinion: but whereas it doth diligently and plainly declare unto us the manifold use of the law: it is convenient rather to consider by that interpretation, what the law may do in man. For so much as concerneth this present cause: it teacheth that so soon as it hath appointed what we ought to do, the power to obey ⟨p. 30⟩cometh of the goodness of God, and therefore moveth us to prayer, whereby we may require to have it given us. If there were only the commandment and no promise, then were our strength to be tried whether they were sufficient to answer the commandment, but sith there are promises joined withal, which cry out, that not only our aide, but also all our whole power consisteth in the help of Gods grace, they do testify enough and more, that we are altogether unfit, much more insufficient to keep the law. Wherefore let this proportion of our strengths with the commandments of Gods law be no more enforced, as if the Lord had measured the rule of justice, which he purposed to give in his law, according to the rate of our weakness. Rather by his promises we ought to consider, how unready we are of our selves which in every behalf do so much need his grace. But who (say they) shall be persuaded that it is like to be true, that the Lord appointed his law to stocks and stones? Neither doth any man go about to persuade it. For the wicked are neither stocks nor stones, when being taught by the law that their lusts do strive against God, they are proved guilty by their own witness. Nor yet the godly, when being put in mind of their weakness, they flee unto grace. For which purpose serve these sayings of Augustine.