What did Saint Augustine of hippo say about free will?

Saint Augustine of Hippo emphasized the importance of free will in his theological writings, arguing that it is a gift from God that allows humans to choose between good and evil. He believed that while divine grace is essential for salvation, free will enables individuals to accept or reject that grace. Augustine contended that the misuse of free will leads to sin, but it is also through free will that people can seek redemption and establish a relationship with God. Ultimately, he viewed free will as integral to the moral responsibility of individuals.