Köln, Erzbischöfliche Diözesan- und Dombibliothek 127, fol. 194v

ex vero privata est, que instinctu sancti spiritus in corde scribitur, sicut de quibusdam dicit apostolus: "Qui habent legem dei scriptam in cordibus suis" et "ipsi sibi sunt lex" [cf. Romans 2:14-15]. Si quis horum in ecclesia sua sub episcopo suo proprium [Gratian II: populum] retinet [dimittere om. Gratian II] et seculariter vivit, si afflatus spiritu sancto in aliquo monasterio uel regulari canonica se salvare voluerit, quia lege privata ducitur, nulla ratio exigit, ut a publica lege constringatur. Dignior est enim privata lex quam publica. Spiritus quidem dei lex est et qui spiritu dei aguntur, lege dei ducuntur. Et quis est, qui possit spiritui sancto digne resistere? Quisquis ergo hoc spiritu ducitur, etiam episcopo suo contradicente eat liber nostra auctoritate. Iusto enim lex non est posita [cf. 1 Timothy 1:9], et ubi spiritus domini, ibi libertas [cf. 2 Corinthians 3:17], et si spiritu dei ducimini non estis sub lege [cf. Galatians 5:18].

 

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].