The Library
1577 works catalogued century by century, from the literature the Bible was written among to the present — each with a note on what it is, why it lasted, and where to read it.
401–500
5 works
c. 405; survives in fragments
Latin
De Natura
Pelagius · c. 354–c. 420
An argument that God would not command what cannot be done, so human beings must be able to keep the commandments — known chiefly from Augustine's line-by-line rebuttal.
c. 405–410
Latin
Pelagius · c. 354–c. 420
A brisk, practical commentary emphasising moral effort and the example of Christ, which circulated widely under other names after its author was condemned.
412
Latin
De Spiritu et Littera
Augustine of Hippo · 354–430
The first sustained answer to Pelagius: the law shows what to do but cannot supply the will to do it, which only grace poured into the heart provides.
415
Latin
Augustine of Hippo · 354–430
A line-by-line answer to Pelagius's On Nature, conceding that human nature was created good and insisting that it is now wounded and cannot heal itself.
c. 410–430; authorship disputed
Latin
Attributed to Fastidius
A demanding call to moral seriousness addressed to a widow, insisting that a Christian who lives like everyone else is a Christian in name only.
5 of 1577 works