Meaning: The quote you've provided is a reflection of the theological perspectives of two influential figures in Christian history: Augustine of Hippo and John Calvin. Augustine, also known as Saint Augustine, was a theologian and philosopher who lived in the 4th and 5th centuries, while John Calvin was a 16th-century theologian and a key figure in the Protestant Reformation.

In the quote, John Calvin acknowledges Augustine's teaching that the human reason and will have the ability to choose good with the assistance of grace, and to choose evil when grace is absent. This encapsulates the fundamental concepts of free will, grace, and the fallen nature of humanity that are central to Christian theology.

Augustine's teachings on these subjects are deeply rooted in his understanding of the human condition and the nature of sin. He famously wrote about the concept of original sin, arguing that all humans are born with a sinful nature as a result of the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. According to Augustine, this inherent sinfulness affects every aspect of human life, including the ability to make moral choices. In this view, the assistance of grace is necessary for individuals to choose and pursue the good.

Grace, in Christian theology, is understood as the unmerited favor and help that God bestows upon individuals. It is through grace that humans are believed to be empowered to choose the good and to live according to God's will. Augustine's emphasis on the role of grace in enabling the human will to choose the good aligns with his belief in the sovereignty of God and the need for divine intervention in the lives of individuals.

John Calvin, a prominent figure in the Protestant Reformation, built upon Augustine's teachings while also developing his own theological framework. Central to Calvin's theology is the concept of predestination, which asserts that God has predetermined the eternal destiny of every individual. According to this belief, those who are predestined for salvation are recipients of God's grace, which enables them to choose and pursue the good, while those who are not predestined are left in their fallen state, unable to choose the good without the assistance of grace.

Calvin's affirmation of Augustine's teaching in the quote reflects his understanding of the human will as being bound by the effects of sin, and the necessity of divine grace for any inclination towards goodness. This aligns with his broader theological system, which emphasizes the total depravity of humanity and the absolute sovereignty of God in salvation.

In conclusion, the quote you've provided encapsulates the theological perspectives of Augustine and Calvin on the human will, grace, and the ability to choose good and evil. It highlights the central role of grace in enabling individuals to make moral choices and reflects the ongoing influence of these theologians on Christian thought and doctrine. Their teachings continue to shape discussions on free will, predestination, and the nature of sin within Christian theology.