Commentary on Romans

Prosper of Aquitaine

It is well known how Greek schools and Roman eloquence and the search of the whole world in the quest of the supreme good, with the most penetrating study and outstanding ability, accomplished nothing by their labor except to become "futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened."

Grace is the glory of God, not the merit of him who has been freed.

He who serves the devil is free from God, but he who being freed serves God is free from the devil. As a result it is apparent that a false liberty could have been had from a defect of the human will but that a true liberty could not have been received without the help of the liberator.

Although Paul has received the knowledge of right willing, he cannot find in himself the power to do what he wills. It is not until he receives a good will as a gift that he finds the power for the virtues which he seeks.

Since the Lord prepares the will, he also touches the hearts of his children with fatherly inspirations so that they might do good.… Consequently, we do not think that our free will is lacking, nor do we doubt that, in each and every movement of man's free will, his help is the stronger force.

See also

• More works by Prosper of Aquitaine

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