For what the law could not do in as much as it was weak because of the flesh: that performed God, and sent his son in the similitude of sinful flesh, and by sin damned sin in the flesh:
¶ Brethren I will speak after the manner of men. Though it be but a man's testament, yet no man despiseth it, or addeth any thing thereto when it is once allowed.
This I say that the law which began afterward, beyond iiij. C. and xxx. years, doth not disannul the testament, that was confirmed of God unto Christward, to make the promise of none effect.
Is the law then against the promise of God? God forbid. If there had been a law given which could have given life: then no doubt righteousness should have come by the law:
But now seeing ye know God (yee rather are known of God) how is it that ye turn again unto the weak and beggarly ceremonies, whereunto again ye desire afresh to be in bondage?
For bodily exercise profiteth little: But godliness is good unto all things, as a thing which hath promises of the life that is now, and of the life to come.
Be not carried thither with divers and strange learning. For it is a good thing that the heart be stablished with grace, and not with meats, which have not profited them that have had their pastime in them.