The Life of Augustine of Hippo
Part Three: The Pelagian Crisis (411–430)
Edited By Frederick Van Fleteren
Article 328: De gratia et libero arbitrio; De correptione et gratia
Extract
ARTICLE 328
De gratia et libero arbitrio; De correptione et gratia
A few monks from Hadrumetum went to Hippo contrary to monastic discipline.1 They carried with them Augustine’s Letter 194 (to Sixtus) over which they had been scandalized.2 Only Cresconius and another Felix (not the companion of Florus) arrived in Hippo.3 Apparently the other Felix had left with the party to travel to Hippo since they called themselves his companions, but arrived later. With the departure of this group from Hadrumetum the other brothers remained peaceful.
These monks had no letter of commendation from Valentinus.4 However, because they were from the monastery at Hadrumetum, Augustine received them cordially—they were too straightforward to lie. They told Augustine of their brothers who were mistaken about free choice. These monks also denied human beings would be judged according to their works. Others monks recognized both grace and free choice. Florus was accused of being the author of the disturbance which divided their community. Augustine explained to them his letter to Sixtus.5 He wrote Letter 214 to Valentinus and his monastic brothers in which the difficult question of free will and grace is treated. Augustine supports grace more than free choice. He asks Valentinus to send Florus to Hippo. No doubt Florus raised objections against Augustine through misunderstanding.
Through Cresconius and Felix Augustine wished to send various pieces concerning the history of Pelagianism. However, there was no time to copy them. The monks wanted to...
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