Semi-Pelagianism Defined by the Oxford English Dictionary

One ought not to have to provide such caveats, but this is a reminder that dictionary definitions are descriptive more than they are prescriptive.  In the case of this particular dictionary, the definitions are built on usage over the centuries (but particularly in the period from about 1600 to 1900).  Likewise, this is a reminder that this particular dictionary is not a dictionary that specializes in theological terms.  

The Oxford English Dictionary, vol. 9, p. 444 (1913 edition, 1978 reprinting) defines Semi-Pelagian and Semi-Pelagianism as follows:

The definition is quite broad: "a doctrine intermediate between Augustinianism and Pelagianism, taught by Cassian of Marseilles in the 5th century."

Distilling the elements of this particular dictionary, one will note several uses:

1) As a theology associated with John Cassian of Marseilles.

2) As a polemical term.

3) As an alternative to sublapsarianism and supralapsarianism.

4) As promoting "Liberty of Free Will"

5) As teaching an ineffectual grace prior to faith.

6) As acknowledging original corruption, but limiting it.

7) As saying that, although assisting Grace is necessary, the first turn of the will toward God is the result of a man's own choice.

8) As holding that man (comes to faith?) "Not disposed by preventing grace, without use of subsequent grace, by Antecedent and anticipant, without concomitant and auxiliant grace"

9) As teaching that Jesus Christ died, or shed his Blood, for all Men in general.

10) As teaching that in regeneration the divine and human wills are co-operating (i.e. synergistic) coefficient factors.

UPDATE August 6, 2023.

I tracked down the context to the usage quoted from Donne's sermon in 1640.  It is thus (link):

First then, God proposes to himselfe, (in his Rewards and Retributions) Persons;* Persons disposed and qualified. Not disposed by nature, without use of grace; that is flat and full Pelagianisme; Not disposed by preventing grace, without use of subsequent grace, by Antecedent and anticipant, without concomitant and auxiliant grace; that is Semi-pelagianisme.  But persons obsequious to his grace, when it comes, and persons industrious and ambitious of more and more grace, and husbanding his grace well all the way, such persons God proposes to himselfe. 

The marginal note at Persons is this: "*. 1 Part. Personae qualificatae."