““Since God, therefore, gave [to man] such mental power (magnanimitatem) man knew both the good of obedience and the evil of disobedience, that the eye of the mind, receiving experience of both, may with judgment make choice of the better things; and that he may never become indolent or neglectful of God’s command; and learning by experience that it is an evil thing which deprives him of life, that is, disobedience to God, may never attempt it at all, but that, knowing that what preserves his life, namely, obedience to God, is good, he may diligently keep it with all earnestness. Wherefore he has also had a twofold experience, possessing knowledge of both kinds, that with discipline he may make choice of the better things. But how, if he had no knowledge of the contrary, could he have had instruction in that which is good? For””
![“Since God, therefore, gave [to man] such mental power (magnanimitatem) man knew both the good of obedience and the evil of disobedience, that the eye of the mind, receiving experience of both, may with judgment make choice of the better things; and that he may never become indolent or neglectful…” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d84/the-church-fathers-1438_better-things_since-god-therefore-gave-to-man-such-men_1003632.jpg)
![“God made man a free [agent] from the beginning, possessing his own power, even as he does his own soul, to obey the behests (ad utendum sententia) of God voluntarily, and not by compulsion of God. For there is no coercion with God, but a good will [towards us] is present with Him continually. And…” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/637/the-church-fathers-1438_power-of-choice_god-made-man-a-free-agent-from-the-begin_1180732.jpg)
![“both the Mosaic law and the grace of the new covenant, as both fitted for the times [at which they were given], were bestowed by one and the same God for the benefit of the human race.” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2e6/the-church-fathers-1438_human-race_both-the-mosaic-law-and-the-grace-of-the_10309.jpg)
![“the precepts of an absolutely perfect life, since they are the same in each Testament, have pointed out [to us] the same God, who certainly has promulgated particular laws adapted for each; but the more prominent and the greatest [commandments], without which salvation cannot [be attained], He has…” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/415/the-church-fathers-1438_life_the-precepts-of-an-absolutely-perfect-li_33593.jpg)
![“Paul in like manner declares, “Love is the fulfilling of the law:” and [he declares] that when all other things have been destroyed, there shall remain “faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of all is love;” and that apart from the love of God, neither knowledge avails anything, nor the…” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f7d/the-church-fathers-1438_faith-hope_paul-in-like-manner-declares-love-is-the_57515.jpg)
![“Mary, having a man betrothed [to her], and being nevertheless a virgin, by yielding obedience, become the cause of salvation, both to herself and the whole human race.” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3f5/the-church-fathers-1438_human-race_mary-having-a-man-betrothed-to-her-and-b_123405.jpg)
