Dialogue Against the Pelagians

1. Atticus. I hear, Critobulus, that you have written that man can be without sin, if he chooses; and that the commandments of God are easy. Tell me, is it true? Critobulus.

§1–4 (¶1)

5. C. As in the case of other creatures, the conditions of elicit creation are observed; so, when once the power of free will was granted, everything was left to our own choice. A.

§5–8 (¶2)

9. A. Art is one thing, that which is5147above art is another. Medical skill, craftsmanship, and so on, are found in many persons; but to be always without sin is a characteristic of the Divine power only.

§9–12 (¶3)

13. C. But what answer will you give to the famous declaration of John the Evangelist:5164“We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but the begetting of God keepeth him, and the evil one toucheth him not.

§13–16 (¶4)

17. Need we be surprised that, when saints are compared, some are better, some worse, since the same holds good in the comparison of sins?

§17–20 (¶5)

21. C. The commands which God has given are either possible or impossible. If possible, it is in our power to do them, if we choose. If impossible, we cannot be held guilty for omitting duties which it is not given us…

§21–24 (¶6)

25. Let us proceed to other matters. And here I must speak uninterruptedly, so far, at least, as is consistent with giving you an opportunity of refuting me, or asking any question you think fit. C.

§25–28 (¶7)

30. Let us hear the rest. “We must love our enemies as we do our neighbours”; and immediately, falling into a deep slumber, you lay down this proposition: “We must never believe an enemy.” Not a word is needed from me…

§30–33 (¶8)

17. Who will boast that he is clean? Eccl. vii. 16. The heart of a man is full of wickedness.

§17 (¶9)

14. “There be righteous men unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked;” that is, God sees evil where we do not. 17. “However much a man may labor, yet he shall not find it;” and ix. 2, 3.

§14–7 (¶1)

8. The Apostle confesses his need of this grace for his work. 7, 8. That ye come behind in no gift—that no flesh may glory in His sight. 18, 19. If any man thinketh himself to be wise, let him become a fool. iv. 4.

§8–9 (¶2)

24. The law our teacher to bring us to Christ. v. 4. Ye are severed from Christ, ye that would be justified by the law. 10. Phil. ii. 13. It is God that worketh in you. 1 Pet. iv. 8. Luke vii. 47. Tit. iii. 4–7.

§24–27 (¶3)

46. Pray that ye enter not into temptation. 17. John v. 30. Even Christ says, “I cannot do anything by myself”; and vii. 10. Was irresolute about going up to the Feast of Tabernacles. 19. None of you doeth the law.

§46–8 (¶4)

39. The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord. xxxviii. 7. There is no soundness in my flesh. Rom. vii. 18. In my flesh dwelleth no good thing. Ps. xxxviii. 8. Vulgate. My loins are filled with deceits. xxxix. 5.

§39–22 (¶5)

23. The prophets also are weak and sinful. Lam. iv. 20. Jeremiah lamented his fall. Numb. xx. 10, 12. Moses is punished for his sin at Meribah. This is the meaning of Ps. cxli. 6. Vulgate.

§23–24 (¶6)

1. Critob. I am charmed with the exuberance of your eloquence, but at the same time I would remind you that, “In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression.” And how does it bear upon the question before us?

§1–4 (¶1)

5. C. I have been longing to say something, but have checked the words as they were bursting from my lips. You compel me to say it. A. Who hinders you from saying what you think?

§5–9 (¶2)

10. Now, how can a man who cannot by his own strength and labour come to Jesus, at the same time avoid all sins? and avoid them perpetually, and claim for himself a name which belongs to the might of God?

§10–13 (¶3)

14. From this swelling pride springs the audacity in prayer which marks the directions in your letter to a5339certain widow as to how the saints ought to pray.

§14–17 (¶4)

18. C. Tell me, pray, and rid me of all doubts, why little children are baptized. A. That their sins may be forgiven them in baptism. C. What sin are they guilty of? How can any one be set free who is not bound? A.

§18–19 (¶5)