{"collection":"chr","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/chr/ecf/105/1050472.htm","path":"chr/ecf/105/1050472.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/chr/ecf/105/1050472.htm","text":"Chapter 17 [XVI.]\u2014Does Pelagius Designedly Refrain from Openly Saying that All Good Action is from God?\n\u201cThat we are able to speak,\u201d says he, \u201cis of God; but that we make a good or a bad use of speech is of ourselves.\u201d He, however, who has made the most excellent use of speech does not teach us so. \u201cFor,\u201d says He, \u201cit is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you.\u201d 1824 \u201cSo, again,\u201d adds Pelagius, \u201cthat I may, by applying a general case in illustration, embrace all,\u2014that we are able to do, say, think, any good thing, comes from Him who has endowed us with this ability, and who also assists it.\u201d Observe how even here he repeats his former meaning \u2014that of these three, capacity, volition, action, it is only the capacity which receives help. Then, by way of completely stating what he intends to say, he adds: \u201cBut that we really do a good thing, or speak a good word, or think a good thought, proceeds from our own selves.\u201d He forgot what he had before 1825 said by way of correcting, as it were, his own words; for after saying, \u201cMan is to be praised therefore for his willing and doing a good work,\u201d he at once goes on to modify his statement thus: \u201cOr rather, this praise belongs both to man, and to God who has given him the capacity of this very will and work.\u201d Now what is the reason why he did not remember this admission when giving his examples, so as to say this much at least after quoting them: \u201cThat we are able to do, say, think any good thing, comes from Him who has given us this ability, and who also assists it. That, however, we really do a good thing, or speak a good word, or think a good thought, proceeds both from ourselves and from Him!\u201d This, however, he has not said. But, if I am not mistaken, I think I see why he was afraid to do so.","title":"Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Vol. V: A Treatise on the...","type":"page"}