Ante-Nicene Fathers • VOLUME 3
Tertullian — Latin Christianity
SECTION 281
[5948] Veritati.
[5948] Veritati. [5949] Titulum interpolare gestiit: or, "of corrupting its title." [5950] Certe tamen. [5951] For a discussion on the title of this epistle in a succinct shape, the reader is referred to Dean Alford's Gr. Test. vol. iii. Prolegomena, chap. ii. sec. 2. [5952] anakephalaiosasthai, "to sum up into a head." [59…
2,388 wordsSECTION 282[6003] Eph. iii. 8, 9.
[6003] Eph. iii. 8, 9. [6004] The passage of St. Paul, as Tertullian expresses it, "Quæ dispensatio sacramenti occulti ab ævis in Deo, qui omnia condidit." According to Marcion's alteration, the latter part runs, "Occulti ab ævis Deo, qui omnia condidit." The original is, Tis he oikonomia tou musteriou tou apokekrummenou apo to…
2,202 wordsSECTION 283[6077] Col. i. 24.
[6077] Col. i. 24. [6078] Col. i. 22. [6079] As if only in a metaphorical body, in which sense the Church is "His body." [6080] Col. ii. 8. [6081] "Dominum inferens hebetem;" with which may be compared Cicero (De Divin. ii. 50, 103): "Videsne Epicurum quem hebetem et rudem dicere solent Stoici...qui negat, quidquam deos nec …
2,207 wordsSECTION 284Man's whole nature in Christ, seems to be sanctified by the Holy Spirit's suffusion of man's spirit; this rules and governs the psychic natu
Man's whole nature in Christ, seems to be sanctified by the Holy Spirit's suffusion of man's spirit; this rules and governs the psychic nature and through it the body. II. (The entire work, cap. xxi. p. 474.) He who has followed Tertullian through the mazes in which Marcion, in spite of shifts and turnings innumerable, has be…
1,273 wordsSECTION 285Chapter II.--Hermogenes, After a Perverse Induction from Mere Heretical Assumptions, Concludes that God Created All Things Out of Pre-Existing Matter.
Chapter II.--Hermogenes, After a Perverse Induction from Mere Heretical Assumptions, Concludes that God Created All Things Out of Pre-Existing Matter. Our very bad painter has coloured this his primary shade absolutely without any light, with such arguments as these: He begins with laying down the premiss, [6143] that the Lord …
1,535 wordsSECTION 286Chapter IV.--Hermogenes Gives Divine Attributes to Matter, and So Makes Two Gods.
Chapter IV.--Hermogenes Gives Divine Attributes to Matter, and So Makes Two Gods. At this point, then, I shall begin to treat of Matter, how that, (according to Hermogenes,) [6170] God compares it with Himself as equally unborn, equally unmade, equally eternal, set forth as being without a beginning, without an end. For what ot…
971 wordsSECTION 287Chapter VI.--The Shifts to Which Hermogenes is Reduced, Who Deifies Matter, and Yet is Unwilling to Hold Him Equal with the Divine Creator.
Chapter VI.--The Shifts to Which Hermogenes is Reduced, Who Deifies Matter, and Yet is Unwilling to Hold Him Equal with the Divine Creator. He declares that God's attribute is still safe to Him, of being the only God, and the First, and the Author of all things, and the Lord of all things, and being incomparable to any--qualiti…
1,004 wordsSECTION 288Chapter VIII.--On His Own Principles, Hermogenes Makes Matter, on the Whole, Superior to God.
Chapter VIII.--On His Own Principles, Hermogenes Makes Matter, on the Whole, Superior to God. Nay more, [6199] he even prefers Matter to God, and rather subjects God to it, when he will have it that God made all things out of Matter. For if He drew His resources from it [6200] for the creation of the world, Matter is already fo…
914 wordsSECTION 289Chapter X.--To What Straits Hermogenes Absurdly Reduces the Divine Being. He Does Nothing Short of Making Him the Author of Evil.
Chapter X.--To What Straits Hermogenes Absurdly Reduces the Divine Being. He Does Nothing Short of Making Him the Author of Evil. Even if Matter had been the perfection of good, [6219] would it not have been equally indecorous in Him to have thought of the property of another, however good, (to effect His purpose by the help of…
1,223 wordsSECTION 290Chapter XII.--The Mode of Controversy Changed. The Premisses of Hermogenes Accepted, in Order to Show into What Confusion They Lead Him.
Chapter XII.--The Mode of Controversy Changed. The Premisses of Hermogenes Accepted, in Order to Show into What Confusion They Lead Him. Come now, let us suppose Matter to be evil, nay, very evil, by nature of course, just as we believe God to be good, even very good, in like manner by nature. Now nature must be regarded as sur…
815 wordsSECTION 291Chapter XIV.--Tertullian Pushes His Opponent into a Dilemma.
Chapter XIV.--Tertullian Pushes His Opponent into a Dilemma. Now, if it be also argued, that although Matter may have afforded Him the opportunity, it was still His own will which led Him to the creation of good creatures, as having detected [6264] what was good in matter--although this, too, be a discreditable supposition [626…
1,253 wordsSECTION 292Chapter XVI.--A Series of Dilemmas. They Show that Hermogenes Cannot Escape from the Orthodox Conclusion.
Chapter XVI.--A Series of Dilemmas. They Show that Hermogenes Cannot Escape from the Orthodox Conclusion. On the very threshold, [6278] then, of this doctrine, [6279] which I shall probably have to treat of elsewhere, I distinctly lay it down as my position, that both good and evil must be ascribed either to God, who made them …
962 wordsSECTION 293Chapter XVIII.--An Eulogy on the Wisdom and Word of God, by Which God Made All Things of Nothing.
Chapter XVIII.--An Eulogy on the Wisdom and Word of God, by Which God Made All Things of Nothing. If any material was necessary to God in the creation of the world, as Hermogenes supposed, God had a far nobler and more suitable one in His own wisdom [6291] --one which was not to be gauged by the writings of [6292] philosophers,…
864 wordsSECTION 294Chapter XIX.--An Appeal to the History of Creation. True Meaning of the Term Beginning, Which the Heretic Curiously Wrests to an Absurd Sense.
Chapter XIX.--An Appeal to the History of Creation. True Meaning of the Term Beginning, Which the Heretic Curiously Wrests to an Absurd Sense. But I shall appeal to the original document [6316] of Moses, by help of which they on the other side vainly endeavour to prop up their conjectures, with the view, of course, of appearing…
1,255 wordsSECTION 295Chapter XXI.--A Retort of Heresy Answered. That Scripture Should in So Many Words Tell Us that the World Was Made of Nothing is Superfluous.
Chapter XXI.--A Retort of Heresy Answered. That Scripture Should in So Many Words Tell Us that the World Was Made of Nothing is Superfluous. But, you will say to me, if you determine that all things were made of nothing, on the ground that it is not told us that anything was made out of pre-existent Matter, take care that it be…
1,087 wordsSECTION 296Chapter XXIII.--Hermogenes Pursued to Another Passage of Scripture. The Absurdity of His Interpretation Exposed.
Chapter XXIII.--Hermogenes Pursued to Another Passage of Scripture. The Absurdity of His Interpretation Exposed. But he draws an argument from the following words, where it is written: "And the earth was without form, and void." [6349] For he resolves [6350] the word earth into Matter, because that which is made out of it is th…
1,291 wordsSECTION 297Chapter XXVI.--The Method Observed in the History of the Creation, in Reply to the Perverse Interpretation of Hermogenes.
Chapter XXVI.--The Method Observed in the History of the Creation, in Reply to the Perverse Interpretation of Hermogenes. We, however, have but one God, and but one earth too, which in the beginning God made. [6366] The Scripture, which at its very outset proposes to run through the order thereof tells us as its first informati…
915 wordsSECTION 298Chapter XXVIII.--A Curious Inconsistency in Hermogenes Exposed. Certain Expressions in The History of Creation Vindicated in The True Sense.
Chapter XXVIII.--A Curious Inconsistency in Hermogenes Exposed. Certain Expressions in The History of Creation Vindicated in The True Sense. But we shall show not only that this condition [6392] agreed with this earth of ours, but that it did not agree with that other (insisted on by Hermogenes). For, inasmuch as pure Matter wa…
1,263 wordsSECTION 299Chapter XXX.--Another Passage in the Sacred History of the Creation, Released from the Mishandling of Hermogenes.
Chapter XXX.--Another Passage in the Sacred History of the Creation, Released from the Mishandling of Hermogenes. The following words will in like manner apparently corroborate the conjecture of Hermogenes, "And darkness was upon the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the water;" [6426] as if these b…
1,976 wordsSECTION 300Chapter XXXIII.--Statement of the True Doctrine Concerning Matter. Its Relation to God's Creation of the World.
Chapter XXXIII.--Statement of the True Doctrine Concerning Matter. Its Relation to God's Creation of the World. But although Hermogenes finds it amongst his own colourable pretences [6482] (for it was not in his power to discover it in the Scriptures of God), it is enough for us, both that it is certain that all things were mad…
900 wordsSECTION 301Chapter XXXV.--Contradictory Propositions Advanced by Hermogenes Respecting Matter and Its Qualities.
Chapter XXXV.--Contradictory Propositions Advanced by Hermogenes Respecting Matter and Its Qualities. As regards all other points touching Matter, although there is no necessity why we should treat of them (for our first point was the manifest proof of its existence), we must for all that pursue our discussion just as if it did…
966 wordsSECTION 302Chapter XXXVII.--Ironical Dilemmas Respecting Matter, and Sundry Moral Qualities Fancifully Attributed to It.
Chapter XXXVII.--Ironical Dilemmas Respecting Matter, and Sundry Moral Qualities Fancifully Attributed to It. I see now that you are coming back again to that reason, which has been in the habit of declaring to you nothing in the way of certainty. For just as you introduce to our notice Matter as being neither corporeal nor inc…
1,036 wordsSECTION 303Chapter XXXIX.--These Latter Speculations Shown to Be Contradictory to the First Principles Respecting Matter, Formerly Laid Down by Hermogenes.
Chapter XXXIX.--These Latter Speculations Shown to Be Contradictory to the First Principles Respecting Matter, Formerly Laid Down by Hermogenes. Well, now, since it seems to you to be the correcter thing, [6546] let Matter be circumscribed [6547] by means of changes and displacements; let it also be capable of comprehension, si…
1,224 wordsSECTION 304Chapter XLII.--Further Exposure of Inconsistencies in the Opinions of Hermogenes Respecting the Divine Qualities of Matter.
Chapter XLII.--Further Exposure of Inconsistencies in the Opinions of Hermogenes Respecting the Divine Qualities of Matter. You have thrown out all your views loosely and at random, [6575] in order that it might not be apparent, by too close a proximity, how contrary they are to one another. I, however, mean to gather them toge…
996 wordsSECTION 305Chapter XLV.--Conclusion. Contrast Between the Statements of Hermogenes and the Testimony of Holy Scripture Respecting the Creation. Creation Out of Nothing, Not Out of Matter.
Chapter XLV.--Conclusion. Contrast Between the Statements of Hermogenes and the Testimony of Holy Scripture Respecting the Creation. Creation Out of Nothing, Not Out of Matter. But it is not thus that the prophets and the apostles have told us that the world was made by God merely appearing and approaching Matter. They did not …
1,411 wordsSECTION 306Chapter II.--These Heretics Brand the Christians as Simple Persons. The Charge Accepted, and Simplicity Eulogized Out of the Scriptures.
Chapter II.--These Heretics Brand the Christians as Simple Persons. The Charge Accepted, and Simplicity Eulogized Out of the Scriptures. For this reason we are branded [6629] by them as simple, and as being merely so, without being wise also; as if indeed wisdom were compelled to be wanting in simplicity, whereas the Lord unite…
1,642 wordsSECTION 307Chapter V.--Many Eminent Christian Writers Have Carefully and Fully Refuted the Heresy. These the Author Makes His Own Guides.
Chapter V.--Many Eminent Christian Writers Have Carefully and Fully Refuted the Heresy. These the Author Makes His Own Guides. My own path, however, lies along the original tenets [6665] of their chief teachers, not with the self-appointed leaders of their promiscuous [6666] followers. Nor shall we hear it said of us from any q…
715 wordsSECTION 308Chapter VII.--The First Eight Emanations, or Æons, Called the Ogdoad, are the Fountain of All the Others. Their Names and Descent Recorded.
Chapter VII.--The First Eight Emanations, or Æons, Called the Ogdoad, are the Fountain of All the Others. Their Names and Descent Recorded. Beginning with Ennius, [6680] the Roman poet, he simply spoke of "the spacious saloons [6681] of heaven,"--either on account of their elevated site, or because in Homer he had read about Ju…
2,548 wordsSECTION 309Chapter XI.--The Profane Account Given of the Origin of Christ and the Holy Ghost Sternly Rebuked. An Absurdity Respecting the Attainment of the Knowledge of God Ably Exposed.
[6723] Exitum. [6724] Uti quæ. [6725] Comp. Aristotle, Hist. Anim. vi. 2; Pliny, H. N. x. 58, 60. [6726] Ratione. [6727] Exitus. [6728] In hæc: in relation to the case of Sophia. [6729] Above, in chap. viii. we were told that Nus, who was so much like the Father, was himself called "Father." [6730] In censu. [6731] Appen…
1,246 wordsSECTION 310Chapter XIII.--First Part of the Subject, Touching the Constitution of the Pleroma, Briefly Recapitulated. Transition to the Other Part, Which is Like a Play Outside the Curtain.
Chapter XIII.--First Part of the Subject, Touching the Constitution of the Pleroma, Briefly Recapitulated. Transition to the Other Part, Which is Like a Play Outside the Curtain. In this series, then, is contained the first emanation of Æons, who are alike born, and are married, and produce offspring: there are the most dangero…
966 wordsSECTION 311Chapter XV.--Strange Account of the Origin of Matter, from the Various Affections of Achamoth. The Waters from Her Tears; Light from Her Smile.
Chapter XV.--Strange Account of the Origin of Matter, from the Various Affections of Achamoth. The Waters from Her Tears; Light from Her Smile. Well, now, the Pythagoreans may learn, the Stoics may know, Plato himself (may discover), whence Matter, which they will have to be unborn, derived both its origin and substance for all…
897 wordsSECTION 312Chapter XVII.--Achamoth in Love with the Angels. A Protest Against the Lascivious Features of Valentinianism. Achamoth Becomes the Mother of Three Natures.
Chapter XVII.--Achamoth in Love with the Angels. A Protest Against the Lascivious Features of Valentinianism. Achamoth Becomes the Mother of Three Natures. Then Achamoth, delivered at length from all her evils, wonderful to tell [6796] goes on and bears fruit with greater results. For warmed with the joy of so great an escape f…
851 wordsSECTION 313Chapter XX--The Demiurge Works Away at Creation, as the Drudge of His Mother Achamoth, in Ignorance All the While of the Nature of His Occupation.
Chapter XX--The Demiurge Works Away at Creation, as the Drudge of His Mother Achamoth, in Ignorance All the While of the Nature of His Occupation. The Demiurge therefore, placed as he was without the limits of the Pleroma in the ignominious solitude of his eternal exile, founded a new empire--this world (of ours)--by clearing a…
776 wordsSECTION 314Chapter XXIII.--The Relative Positions of the Pleroma. The Region of Achamoth, and the Creation of the Demiurge. The Addition of Fire to the Various Elements and Bodies of Nature.
Chapter XXIII.--The Relative Positions of the Pleroma. The Region of Achamoth, and the Creation of the Demiurge. The Addition of Fire to the Various Elements and Bodies of Nature. Their most eminent powers, moreover, they confine within the following limits, as in a citadel. In the most elevated of all summits presides the tric…
1,701 wordsSECTION 315Chapter XXVIII.--The Demiurge Cured of His Ignorance by the Saviour's Advent, from Whom He Hears of the Great Future in Store for Himself.
Chapter XXVIII.--The Demiurge Cured of His Ignorance by the Saviour's Advent, from Whom He Hears of the Great Future in Store for Himself. Meanwhile the Demiurge, being still ignorant of everything, although he will actually have to make some announcement himself by the prophets, but is quite incapable of even this part of his …
1,045 wordsSECTION 316Chapter XXXI.--At the Last Day Great Changes Take Place Amongst the Æons as Well as Among Men. How Achamoth and the Demiurge are Affected Then. Irony on the Subject.
Chapter XXXI.--At the Last Day Great Changes Take Place Amongst the Æons as Well as Among Men. How Achamoth and the Demiurge are Affected Then. Irony on the Subject. It remains that we say something about the end of the world, [6893] and the dispensing of reward. As soon as Achamoth has completed the full harvest of her seed, a…
1,016 wordsSECTION 317Chapter XXXIII.--These Remaining Chapters an Appendix to the Main Work. In This Chapter Tertullian Notices a Difference Among Sundry Followers of Ptolemy, a Disciple of Valentinus.
Chapter XXXIII.--These Remaining Chapters an Appendix to the Main Work. In This Chapter Tertullian Notices a Difference Among Sundry Followers of Ptolemy, a Disciple of Valentinus. I shall now at last produce, by way of finale, [6916] after so long a story, those points which, not to interrupt the course of it, and by the inter…
716 wordsSECTION 318Chapter XXXVII.--Other Turgid and Ridiculous Theories About the Origin of the Æons and Creation, Stated and Condemned.
Chapter XXXVII.--Other Turgid and Ridiculous Theories About the Origin of the Æons and Creation, Stated and Condemned. Now listen to some other buffooneries [6924] of a master who is a great swell among them, [6925] and who has pronounced his dicta with an even priestly authority. They run thus: There comes, says he, before all…
1,280 wordsSECTION 319Chapter II.--Marcion, Who Would Blot Out the Record of Christ's Nativity, is Rebuked for So Startling a Heresy.
Chapter II.--Marcion, Who Would Blot Out the Record of Christ's Nativity, is Rebuked for So Startling a Heresy. Clearly enough is the nativity announced by Gabriel. [6947] But what has he to do with the Creator's angel? [6948] The conception in the virgin's womb is also set plainly before us. But what concern has he with the Cr…
734 wordsSECTION 320Chapter III.--Christ's Nativity Both Possible and Becoming. The Heretical Opinion of Christ's Apparent Flesh Deceptive and Dishonourable to God, Even on Marcion's Principles.
Chapter III.--Christ's Nativity Both Possible and Becoming. The Heretical Opinion of Christ's Apparent Flesh Deceptive and Dishonourable to God, Even on Marcion's Principles. Since [6970] you think that this lay within the competency of your own arbitrary choice, you must needs have supposed that being born [6971] was either im…
2,167 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.