#44 Art. IV “Justification” of the Apology of the Augsburg Confession.In this sense Augustine also has written much, in opposition to the Pelagians, and in his work : Of the Spirit and Letter (de Spiritu et Litera) he says : “The law, with its righteousness, is set before us, in order that he, who keeps it, may live by it, and that all, when they know their infirmity, may come to God, who alone justifies, not through their own strength, nor the letter of the law, which we cannot fulfil, but through faith. No one can do a truly good work, unless he first be righteous and godly ; but righteousness is attained through faith alone.” Here he plainly says that God, who alone blesses and sanctifies us, is reconciled through faith, and that faith makes us pious and just in the sight of God.
Again, immediately afterwards : “The law works fear, but through faith we hope and trust in God. From those who fear the penalty, grace is concealed. In this fear, when a man is in anxiety, &c., through faith he must flee to the mercy of God, that He may give what he has commanded in the law, and grant his grace.” Thus he teaches, that by the law the heart is terrified, and through faith consoled again. (Henkel Translation, p. 177-178).