The proper work of the law is to slay the soul, and leave it dead,
in a helpless state.
The law has laid all men for dead as they come into the world; but
all men do not see themselves dead, until they see the law that
struck them dead striking in their souls and having struck them that
fatal blow. As a man that is fast asleep in a house, and that on
fire about his ears, and he not knowing it because he is asleep;
even so because poor souls are asleep in sin, though the wrath of
God, the curse of his law, and the flames of hell have beset them
round about, yet they do not believe it because they are asleep in
sin. Now, as he that is awakened and sees this, sees that through
this he is a dead man, even so they that see their state by nature,
being such a sad condition, do also see themselves by that law to be
dead men naturally.
Take heed of fleshly wisdom. Reasoning suiteth much with the law: "I
thought verily that I ought to do many things against the name of
Jesus," and so to have sought for life by the law. For thus reason
will say, Here is a righteous law, the rule of life and death;
besides, what can be better than to love God, and my neighbor as
myself? Again, God has thus commanded, and his commands are just and
good; therefore, doubtless, life must come by the law.
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