have such power the Apostle doth utterly deny, Gal. 3. 10. where he concludeth, that every one that is under the workes of the Law, is under the curse, because they cannot keep it; for by the deeds of the Law no flesh can be justified, Rom. 3. 20.
2. These places in their sence being urged, do as well conclude, that a man of himself without grace, can keep all Gods Comman∣dements; for if a man cannot performe them wholly of himself, the same question remaineth, why they are propounded to them that cannot keep them, and yet albeit it is not in mans power to keep the Commandements, yet are they not therefore in vaine, for they serve as spurs to invite and stirre us up to obedience, and to strive unto perfection, and to labour to goe forward. But the chief reason the Apostle sheweth, Gal. 3. 29. viz. That it was a School-master to bring us unto Christ, the Law therefore was gi∣ven to that proud people of the Jewes, that they seeing them∣selves to faile in their owne strength wherein they trusted, they should seeke for an helper, and deliverer to doe it for them, viz. Christ Jesus; for otherwise to what end came our Saviour to performe the Law for us, but that we in regard or the weaknesse of our flesh could not performe; so that these precepts was propoun∣ded for these two ends:
1. That mans nature should thereby be stirred up to labour for perfection.
2. That finding himself to come short of the ability, he might see his owne weaknesse, and fly for succour unto Christ, without whom we can doe nothing, Joh. 15. 5.