Augustine writes to Anastasius through Lupicinus and Concordialis, apologising for the delay caused by his burdens and assuring his friend of his concern for his well-being. He warns that worldly pleasures can distract the soul from eternal realities more subtly than hardships, and insists that Christ alone frees the will from their bondage.

The law acts as a schoolmaster by exposing human weakness and directing people toward the Savior, faith, and the Holy Spirit. Righteousness does not consist in avoiding sin merely from fear of punishment: genuine holiness loves goodness and fears sin itself. This love of righteousness, poured into the heart by the Spirit, unites Christians to Christ and remains firm even amid suffering or death. Since human willpower cannot produce it, believers must seek grace through persistent prayer, attributing their endurance, transformation, and hope entirely to God.