Köln, Erzbischöfliche Diözesan- und Dombibliothek 129, fol. 103r |
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But the private law is what is written in the heart by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, just as the Apostle says of certain people: "Who have the law of God written in their hearts"; and, "They are a law to themselves" [cf. Romans 2:15-14]. If any of these people, holding his own property in his church under his bishop and living in the world, inspired by the Holy Spirit wishes to seek his salvation in some monastery, because he is led by private law no reason requires that he be constrained by public law. For private law is more worthy than public law. Indeed, the law is the Spirit of God, and those who are motivated by the Spirit of God are led by the law of God [cf. Romans 8:14]. And who is there who is able properly to resist the Holy Spirit? [cf. Acts 7:51]. Whoever, therefore, is led by this Spirit should go freely by our authority, even against the will of his bishop. For the law is not made for the just [cf. 1 Timothy 1:9], and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom [cf. 2 Corinthians 3:17], and if you are led by the Spirit of God you are not under the law [cf. Galatians 5:18].
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