Augustine handled well many necessary controversies:1 he refuted the Arians, Manichees, Donatists, and Pelagians. For now in his time, there had crept into the Church philosophical opinions which Pelagius confirmed, transforming the Gospel into philosophy: For he contended that original sin was a matter of nothing,2 that men might by the law of God make satisfaction, and that by reason of that external obedience they might deserve forgiveness of sins, that they were just, and that they could merit or deserve by their works everlasting life. But, he said nothing Touching faith in Christ, Nothing touching help of The holy Ghost. This doctrine of Pelagius, 3was not of the Gospel, but of Philosophy, as for the most part the opinion of all learned school men, bended the self same way. But that these do annex here unto some monastical superstitions. And now again in our time many do slide away into Pelagian opinions, because they are plausible to humane reason. Therefore, Augustine in his time restored afresh and again lightened the doctrine of the gospel touching ⟨p. 36⟩Grace,4 & faith in Christ, when as it was almost extinguished. For this benefit, the Church is much bound unto him. Touching Original sin, he speaketh with much more perspicuity, than all others. Also he speaketh more distinctly and more rightly as touching Free will. That by force of free will, man may do the external works of the law and other honest civil works: But he sayeth without the holy Ghost,5 men can not have spiritual motions, true fear of God, true faith, and true patience, (that is) newness of life which ought too appear in those that are to be saved.
Augustine handled well many necessary controuersies:1 he refuted the Arians, Manachies, Donatistes, and Pelagians. For nowe in his tyme, there had crepte intoo the Churche philoso phicall opinions which Pelagius confirmed, transforming the Gospel intoo philos•phie: For he contended that originall sinne was a matter of nothing,2 that men might by the lawe of God make satisfaction, and that by reason of that externall obedience they might deserue forgiuenes of sinnes, that they were iust, and that they coulde merite or deserue by theyr woorkes euerlasting life. But, hee sayed nothing Touching fayth in Christ, Nothing touching helpe of The holye Ghost. This doctrine of Pelagius, 3was not of the Gospel, but of Philosophy, as for the most parte the opinion of al learned schoole men, bended the selfe same way. But that these doe annexe heere vnto some monastical superstitions. And now agayne in our time many doe slide away into Pelagian opinions, because they are plausible to humane reason. Therefore, Augustine in his tyme restored afreshe and agayne lightened the doctrine of the gospel touching ⟨p. 36⟩Grace,4 & faith in Christe, when as it was almost extinguished. For this benefite, the Church is much bounde vnto him. Touching Originall sinne, he speaketh with much more perspicuity, than all others. Also hee speaketh more distinctly and more rightely as touching Free will. That by force of free will, man may doe the externall woorkes of the lawe and other honest ciuil woorkes: But hee sayeth without the holy Ghoste,5 men can not haue spiritual motions, true feare of God, true fayth, and true patience, (that is) newnesse of life which ought too appeare in those that are to be saued.
- 1Aurelius Augustinus Bishop of Hippona and Disciple of Hierom lived in Anno. 395.Aurelius Augustinus Bishop of Hippona and Disciple of Hierom liued in Anno. 395.
- 2In Augustines time there had crept in Philosophical opinions confirmed by Pelagius.In Augustines time there had crept in Philosophicall opinions confirmed by Pelagius.
- 3His error by confirming of Merits by works.His error by confirming of Merits by woorkes.
- 4Augustine in his time restored a fresh the Gospel touching grace and faith in Christ.Augustine in his time restored a fresh the Gospel touching grace and fayth in Christ.
- 5His good Opinion touching the enjoying o• spiritual motions.His good Opinion touching the enioying o• spirituall moti•ons.