manifold “hast Thou hidden to them that fear Thee.” If thou hidest it to them that fear Thee,
to whom dost Thou open it? “Thou hast wrought it for them that hope in Thee.” A twofold
question has arisen, but either is solved by the other. If any one inquires after the other,
what is this, “Thou hast hidden it to them that fear Thee; wrought it for them that hope in
Thee”? Are they that fear, and they that hope, different? Do not the very same who fear God,
hope in God? Who hopeth on Him who doth not fear Him? Who in a godly sort feareth
Him, and hath not hope in Him? Let this then first be solved. Somewhat would I say con-
cerning those who hope and those who fear.
3. The Law hath fear, Grace hope. But what difference is there between the Law and
Grace, since the Giver both of the Law and Grace is One? The Law alarmeth him who relieth
on himself, Grace assisteth him who trusteth in God. The Law, I say, alarmeth; do not make
light of this because it is brief; weigh it well, and it is considerable. Look well at what I have
said, take what we minister, prove wherefrom we take it. The Law alarmeth him who relieth
on himself, Grace assisteth him who trusteth in God. What saith the Law? Many things: and
who can enumerate them? I bring forward one small and short precept from it which the
Apostle hath brought forward, a very small one; let us see who is sufficient4284 for it. “Thou
shalt not lust.”4285 What is this, Brethren? We have heard the Law; if there be no grace, thou
hast heard thy punishment. Why dost thou boast to me whosoever thou art that hearing
this dost rely upon thyself, why dost thou boast to me of innocence? Why dost thou flatter
thyself thereupon? Thou canst say, “I have not plundered the goods of others;” I hear, I be-
lieve, perhaps I even see it, thou dost not plunder the goods of others. Thou hast heard,
“Thou shalt not lust.” “I do not go in to another man’s wife;” this again I hear, believe, see.
Thou hast heard, “Thou shalt not lust.” Why dost thou inspect thyself all round without,
541
and dost not inspect within? Look in, and thou wilt see another law in thy members. Look
in, why dost thou pass over thyself? Descend into thine own self. Thou wilt “see another
law in thy members resisting the law of thy mind, and bringing thee into captivity in the
law of sin which is in thy members.” 4286 With good reason then is the sweetness of God
hidden to thee. The law placed in thy members, resisting the law of thy mind, bringeth thee
into captivity. Of that sweetness which to thee is hidden, the holy Angels drink; thou canst
not drink and taste that sweetness, captive as thou art. “Thou hadst not known concupiscence,
unless the Law had said, Thou shalt not lust.” Thou heardest, fearedst, didst try to fight,
couldest not overcome. For “sin taking occasion by the commandment wrought death.”
Surely ye recognise them, they are the Apostle’s words. “Sin taking occasion by the com-
mandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence.”4287 Why didst thou vaunt thyself
4284 Supportat.
4285 Rom. vii. 7.
4286 Rom. vii. 23.
4287 Rom. vii. 8, 13.
1117
On the words of the Gospel, John xvi. 24, ‘Hitherto have ye asked nothing…