Глава I

Introduction. The complexity and darkness of the issue raised 1. We have already discussed a lot and, as far as God has been pleased to grant us, we have written a lot in [our] writings against those who preach and defend the free decision (liberum arbitrium) of man in such a way that they dare to deny and try to abolish that grace of God, with which He calls us to Himself and frees us from our evil merits, with the help of which we also acquire good merits, achieving through them eternal life. But since there are some who so defend the grace of God that they deny the free decision of man or believe that in defending grace the free decision is denied, then I, moved by mutual affection, took care to write something for your Love, Brother Valentin and all the others who serve God together. For I was told about you, brethren, by some who belong to your community and who came to us from your places (through whom we send this message), that there are differences among you on this matter. So, most beloved, so that the darkness of this question does not lead you into confusion, I first of all ask you to give thanks to God for what you understand; and if there is something that the desire of your mind cannot yet achieve, ask the Lord for an understanding of this, maintaining peace and love among yourself; and until He Himself leads you to what you do not yet understand, walk in what you are able to achieve. The Apostle Paul encourages this, who, having said that he is not yet perfect, says a little lower: So, whoever is perfect must think this way, that is, we are so perfect that we have not yet achieved perfection sufficient for us, and immediately adds: If you think differently about anything, then God will reveal this to you; however, as far as we have reached, we will continue to walk 1 . After all, by walking in what we have achieved, we will be able to achieve what we have not yet achieved; for God will reveal to us [what] we think differently, unless we abandon what He has already revealed to us. De gratia et libero arbitrio (CPL 352). Translation based on the publication: Patrologiae Cursus Completus. Series Latina. Accurante J.-P. Migne. Paris, 1845. T. 44, Col. 881–912. Phil 3:15–16. In the Synod, trans.: ...this is how we should think and live according to this rule.