... will," "sin" and "grace," and the criteria for "justification"- are employed and understood by the differing positions will benefit one in appreciating more fully and accurately the case for either side of the debate. The motivation or reason behind the formulation of Pelagius' stance on this issue was taken from his experiences while staying at Rome as a refugee. At Rome-in a time of considerable social affluence-Pelagius was distressed by what he took to be a prevalent attitude of moral laxity among Christians in contrast to the adherence of unyielding moral standards required by God. For Pelagius it was as if these Christians were deceitfully inventing and employing convenient rationalisations-"we can't help sinning...we're only [fallen, pitiless, grace-determined] humans after all"-to excuse themselves of compromising a life of sanctification for sinful behaviour. He was furious on hearing Augustine's famous prayer cited, "Grant what Thou commandest, and command what Thou dost desire." ...

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