The connection of this commonplace with the preceding commonplace, § 1.
The connection with the preceding commonplace.
§ 1. According to the definition of St. John, “sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). Just as one recognizes the lack of something [privatio] from the possession of it [ex habitu], so also “through the Law comes knowledge of sin” (Rom. 3:20). One only recognizes what is twisted and askew by the application of a straight ruler. In the same way, we can only recognize sin, which is a sort of crookedness of the soul, by comparing it with the rule of righteousness which is set forth in the doctrine of the Law. Furthermore, there is no more obvious proof to refute that vain and false view of human powers in spiritual matters than to set forth and accurately explain from the doctrine of the Law that the Law requires of us no mere external obedience but a spiritual, internal, and perfect obedience. Therefore it is good order for the commonplace on the Law to follow the doctrine of sin and free will, and for its explication as well as its exercise to precede [our treatment of] the Gospel.