Cap. X Ultimum ratio: after these premises, Augustine’s Pauline absolute election is proved by a triple cord of three Orthodox axioms outside doubt
Having considered these premises, we come to our argument: from what catholic consent l show that Augustine’s sentence—also rightly called Pauline—on absolute election and preterition can be proved most firmly and openly. Our reason will be like a triple cord twisted from three Orthodox sentences, all beyond the cast of doubt; granted them, election and non-election or reprobation will be shown to have flowed from God’s absolute good pleasure, not from men’s prior, foreseen, opposite acts. If I am a little long in unfolding this, pardon—it is of highest moment for judging the controversy.
Latin
Hisce jam praelibatis ad argumentum nostrum veniemus: In quo ex iis quae communi Catholicorum consensu fuerunt stabilita, ostendemus Augustini sententiam, quam et Paulinam vocare licet, de absoluta electione et praeteritione, posse firmissime et apertissime demonstrari. Ratio autem haec nostra erit instar triplicis funiculi ex tribus constituta et complicata Orthodoxorum sententiis, quae omnes extra dubitationis aleam positae sunt, quibusque concessis, electio et non-electio sive reprobatio ex Dei absoluto beneplacito, non ex hominum praecedaneis, praevisis atque oppositis actibus, fluxisse evincetur. Si paulo prolixior fuero in hisce edisserendis, ignoscite. Sunt maximi momenti ad controversiae hujus dijudicationem.