But hovv can these tvvo sayings, (vvhich are thought to bee Ieroms) be reconciled, Cursed is hee vvho saith that God commanded impossible things: and, cur∣sed is he vvho saith, the Lavv is possible?
They are to be reconciled by a distinction of times and subiects. God did not commaund impossible things, namely, to our first parents before the fall, neither also to the regenerate, vnto whom the Law is possible by grace. And this is.
1. First, by imputation of Christs satisfaction, and remission of sinnes. for Christ is the end or scope, the fulfilling or perfection of the Lavve, for righteousnesse, vnto euerie one that beleeueth. Rom. 10.4. And Ambrose saith; He hath the fulfilling of the Lavv that beleeueth in Christ.
2. Secondly, by the beginning of a renouation, which is wrought by the holy ghost vnto some degree of a good conscience, accor∣ding to which they are called perfecta 1.1, but are so by an imperfect perfectionb 1.2. In this sense, the commandements of God are not grieuousc 1.3, because they haue the forgiuenesse of sinnes ioyned to themd 1.4, and because the spirit of renouation worketh in the belee∣uers such a will, that they are delighted in the Law of God.
e 1.5But the Law is impossible, namely, to a man in this corrupt na∣ture, in his owne strength and actions, and the Scripture feareth not to say concerning the obseruation of the Law. that it is, a yoak, which neither the Apostls, nor they which beleeued, neither the pri¦mitiue Church, nor the fathers could beare. Act. 15.10. which thing surely is to be vnderstood also of the iustified & regenerate persōs.