because He hath given us our own choice.
He gave a most stedfast gift and a most stedfast law
together with that gift, to every man until his end, both to poor and rich.
This is the gift, that a man may do what he will,
and this is the law, that God recompenseth to every man according to his works,
both in this world, and in that which is to come,
whether good or evil, whichsoever he practiseth.
Now if any man should wonder why God willed
to give to evil men their own freedom,
when He knoweth beforehand, that they will do evil:
then say we, that it becometh not any rich king,
that they all should be slaves who have to serve him,
and that there should not be one free man in his dominion.
So likewise it befitted not the Almighty Lord,
that in all His kingdom there should not be any creature
who should not be strictly compelled in doing service.
Now our freedom ever needeth God's assistance,
because we can do no good thing without God's help;
may He ever guide us in this world,
and bring us through Himself to the eternal life,
even as He promised to all them that love Him.
To Him be praise and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
