To the many points of modern interest in this Gregory should be added his eschatology, which occupies a large share of his thoughts. On Infants' Early Deaths is a witness of this. In fact, when not occupied in defending, on one side or another, the Baptismal Formula, he is absorbed in eschatology. He dwells continually on the agonizing and refining processes of Purgatory. But to claim him as one who favours the doctrine of "Eternal Hope" in a universal sense is hardly possible, when we consider the passage in On the Soul and the Resurrection where he speaks of a Last Judgment as coming after the Resurrection and Purgatory.
So much has been said in a Preface, in order to show that this Volume is a step at least towards reinstating a most interesting writer, doubtless one of the most highly educated of his time, and, let it be observed as well, a canonized saint (for, more fortunate than his works, he was never branded as a heretic), in his true position.
In a first English translation of Treatises and Letters most of which (notably the books against Eunomius) have never been illustrated by a single translator's note, and by but a handful of scholia, a few passages remain, which from the obscurity of their allusion, local or historical, are unexplained. In others the finest shades of meaning in one Greek word, insisted on in some argument, but which the best English equivalent fails to represent, cause the appearance of obscurity. But, throughout, the utmost clearness possible without unduly straining the literal meaning has been aimed at; and in passages too numerous to name, most grateful acknowledgment is here made of the invaluable suggestions of the Rev. J. H. Lupton.
It is hoped that the Index of Subjects will be of use, in lieu of an analysis, where an analysis has not been provided. The Index of Texts, all of which have been strictly verified, while it will be found to prove Gregory's thorough knowledge of Scripture (notwithstanding his somewhat classical training), does not attempt to distinguish between citation and reminiscence; care, however, has been taken that the reminiscence should be undoubted.
The Index of Greek words (as also the quotations in foot-notes of striking sentences) has been provided for those interested in the study of later Greek.
W. M.
July, 1892.
[1] Christus Comprobator, p. 99, sq.
Works on Analytical Criticism, History, and Bibliography, Consulted.
Rupp (Dr. Julius), Gregors des Bischofs von Nyssa Leben und Meinungen. Leipzig, 1834.
Möller (E. W.) Gregori Nysseni doctrinam de hominis naturâ et illustravit et cum Origenianâ comparavit. Halle, 1854.
Denys (J.), De la Philosophie d'Origéne. Paris, 1884.
Dorner (Dr. J. A.), Doctrine of the Person of Christ. Clark's English translation. Edinburgh.
Heyns (S. P.), Disputatio Historico-Theologica de Gregorio Nysseno. Leyden, 1835.
Alzog (Dr. J.), Handbuch d. Patrologie. 3rd ed. 1876.
Ceillier (Rémi), Histoire Générale des Auteurs Sacrés et Ecclésiastiques. Paris, 1858 sqq.
Tillemont (Louis Sebastien Le Nain De), Mémoires pour servir â l'Histoire Ecclésiastique des six premiers Siécles, Vol. IX. Paris, 1693-1712.
Fabricius (J. A.), Bibliotheca Græca. Hamburg, 1718-28.
Prolegomena to the Paris edition of all Gregory's Works, with notes by Father Fronto Du Duc, 1638.
Cave (Dr. W.), Historia Literaria. London, 1688. (Oxford, 1740.)
Du Pin (Dr. L. E.) Library of Ecclesiastical Authors. Paris, 1686.
Fessler (Joseph), Institutiones Patrologiæ: Dr. B. Jungmann's edition. Innsbruck, 1890.
Dates of Treatises, &c., Here Translated.
(Based on Heyns and Rupp.)
331. Gregory Born.
360. Letters x. xi. xv.
361. Julian's edict. Gregory gives up rhetoric.
362. Gregory in his brother's monastery.
363. Letter vi. (probably)
368. On Virginity.
369. Gregory elected a reader.
372. Gregory elected Bishop of Nyssa early in this year.
374. Gregory is exiled under Valens.
375. On the Faith. On "Not three Gods."
376. Letters vii. xiv. On the Baptism of Christ.
377. Against Macedonius.
378. Gregory Returns to his See. Letter iii.
379. On Pilgrimages. [3]
Letter ii.
380. On the Soul and the Resurrection.
On the Making of Man.
On the Holy Trinity.
381. Gregory present at the Second Council. Oration on Meletius.
382-3. Against Eunomius, Books I-XII.
383. Present at Constantinople. Letter xxi.
384. Answer to Eunomius' Second Book.
385. The Great Catechism.
386. Letter xiii.
390. Letter iv.
393. Letter to Flavian.
394. Present for Synod at Constantinople.
395. On Infant's Early Deaths.
[3] Rupp places this after the Council of Constantinople, 381. Letters i., v., viii., ix., xvi. are also probably after 381.
The Life and Writings of Gregory of Nyssa.
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