theology, marking the succession of stages into which he divides the normal course of a Christian life—all being considered not from the side of human choice and volition, but from the side of Divine care and ordering. This is summed up at the outset in the phrase κατὰ πρόθεσιν, the comprehensive plan or design in accordance with which God directs the destinies of men. There can be no question that St. Paul fully recognizes the freedom of the human will. The large part which exhortation plays in
Page 216