Christian Classics
‹ NPNF1-05. St. Augustine: Anti-Pelagian Writings But Why Should One Be Punished More Than Another?

Philip Schaff (ed.) · 1075 of 1125

But Why Should One Be Punished More Than Another?

Chapter 18.—But Why Should One Be Punished More Than Another?

“But if,” it is said, “it was necessary that, although all were not condemned, He should still show what was due to all, and so He should commend His more freely to the vessels of mercy; why in the same case will He punish me more than another, or deliver him more than me?” I say not this. If you ask ; because I confess that I can find no answer to make. And if you further ask why is this, it is because in this matter, even as His anger is righteous and as His mercy is great, so His judgments are unsearchable.