If grace is lacking, the law is there simply to make culprits and to slay. For this reason, the apostle said, "the latter kills, the former gives life" (2 Cor 3, 6).
The desire for God's help in doing good is itself the beginning of grace.
It must be admitted that we have a will free to do both evil and good. However, in doing evil, one is free of justice and the slave of sin, and in doing good, no one is free unless he is freed by the Lord. Therefore one must say with the psalmist, "be my helper, do not forsake me" (Ps 26), for without him we can do nothing (Jn 15, 5).
From Admonition and Grace by St. Augustine
Posted by Carlos J. Medina, Novice
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