Ante-Nicene Fathers • VOLUME 5
Hippolytus, Cyprian, Caius & Novatian
SECTION 241
9. That, moreover, is absurd, that they do not think it is to be inquired who was the person that baptized, for the reason that he who has b
9. That, moreover, is absurd, that they do not think it is to be inquired who was the person that baptized, for the reason that he who has been baptized may have obtained grace by the invocation of the Trinity, of the names of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Then this will be the wisdom which Paul writes is in…
2,354 wordsSECTION 24218. But, says he, "the name of Christ is of great advantage to faith and the sanctification of baptism; so that whosoever is anywhere so-eve
18. But, says he, "the name of Christ is of great advantage to faith and the sanctification of baptism; so that whosoever is anywhere so-ever baptized in the name of Christ, immediately obtains the grace of Christ:" although this position may be briefly met and answered, that if baptism without in the name of Christ availed for …
2,224 wordsSECTION 243Epistle LXXV. [2967]
[2928] [Peter and Paul could not be quoted, then, as speaking by the mouth of any one bishop; certainly not by any prerogative of his See. See Guettée, The Papacy, p. 119. New York, 1866.] [2929] Literally, "in the vanity (or unreality) of a baptism." [2930] These words in italics are conjecturally interpolated, but have no au…
2,547 wordsSECTION 2447. But if any one objects, by way of saying that Novatian holds the same law which the Catholic Church holds, baptizes with the same symbol
7. But if any one objects, by way of saying that Novatian holds the same law which the Catholic Church holds, baptizes with the same symbol with which we baptize, knows the same God and Father, the same Christ the Son, the same Holy Spirit, and that for this reason he may claim the power of baptizing, namely, that he seems not t…
2,328 wordsSECTION 24515. But if any one is moved by this, that some of those who are baptized in sickness are still tempted by unclean spirits, let him know that
15. But if any one is moved by this, that some of those who are baptized in sickness are still tempted by unclean spirits, let him know that the obstinate wickedness of the devil prevails even up to the saving water, but that in baptism it loses all the poison of his wickedness. An instance of this we see in the king Pharaoh, wh…
1,085 wordsSECTION 246Epistle LXXVI. [3004]
Epistle LXXVI. [3004] Cyprian to Nemesianus and Other Martyrs in the Mines. [3005] Argument.--He Extols with Wonderful Commendations the Martyrs in the Mines, Opposing, in a Beautiful Antithesis, to the Tortures of Each, the Consolations of Each. 1. Cyprian to Nemesianus, Felix, Lucius, another Felix, Litteus, Polianus, Victo…
2,241 wordsSECTION 247Epistle LXXVII. [3020]
Epistle LXXVII. [3020] The Reply of Nemesianus, Dativus, Felix, and Victor, to Cyprian. Argument.--This Epistle and the Two Following Contain Nothing Else Than Replies to the Foregoing, Inasmuch as They Contain The Thanksgiving as Well for the Comfort Conveyed by the Letter as for the Assistance Sent Therewith. But from the Fa…
722 wordsSECTION 248Epistle LXXVIII. [3024]
Epistle LXXVIII. [3024] The Reply to the Same of Lucius and the Rest of the Martyrs. Argument.--The Argument of the Present Letter Is, in Substance, the Same as that of the Preceding; And Therefore It is Not a Letter of Lucius the Roman Bishop, But of Lucius the African Bishop and Martyr. 1. To Cyprian our brother and colleag…
869 wordsSECTION 249Epistle LXXX. [3030]
Epistle LXXX. [3030] Cyprian to Sergius, Rogatianus, and the Other Confessors in Prison. Argument.--He Consoles Rogatianus and His Colleagues, the Confessors in Prison, and Gives Them Courage by the Example of the Martyrs Rogatianus the Elder and Felicissimus. The Letter Itself Indicates that It Was Written in Exile. 1. Cypri…
1,487 wordsSECTION 250Epistle LXXXI. [3043]
Epistle LXXXI. [3043] To Successus on the Tidings Brought from Rome, Telling of the Persecution. Argument.--Cyprian Tells the Bishop Successus, that in a Severe Persecution that Had Been Decreed by the Emperor Valerian [3044] Xistus the Bishop Had Suffered at Rome on the Eighth of the Ides of August; And He Begs Him to Intimat…
2,203 wordsSECTION 251III.
III. (According to the Lord's discipline, p. 292.) Here he lays down, as a divine constitution for the Church, the principle exemplified in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts xv. 4-6, 22, 23). Compare Epistle xiv., where he speaks of some presbyters and deacons as "too little mindful of discipline," and of his instructions to the …
2,411 wordsSECTION 2522. In this epistle it would seem that Cornelius had vacillated weakly, and was in peril of acting uncanonically. Cyprian gently admonishes h
2. In this epistle it would seem that Cornelius had vacillated weakly, and was in peril of acting uncanonically. Cyprian gently admonishes him (sec. 2): "I was considerably surprised," etc.; also (sec. 6), "I speak to you as being provoked, as grieving, as constrained," etc. 3. Here Fortunatus appears on the scene, to embroil t…
2,134 wordsSECTION 253XVIII.
XVIII. (Return to our Lord and Origin, p. 389.) Here is an appeal to the archaia ethe, that explains other references to "the Root and Origin," which he here identifies with our Lord, [3090] and "the evangelical and apostolic tradition." This was the understanding at Nicæa: "ut si in aliquo nutaverit et vacillaverit veritas, a…
2,509 wordsSECTION 2544. If any one consider and examine these things, there is no need for lengthened discussion and arguments. There is easy proof for faith in
4. If any one consider and examine these things, there is no need for lengthened discussion and arguments. There is easy proof for faith in a short summary of the truth. The Lord speaks to Peter, [3106] saying, "I say unto thee, that thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not preva…
2,422 wordsSECTION 25512. Nor let any deceive themselves by a futile interpretation, in respect of the Lord having said, "Wheresoever two or three are gathered to
12. Nor let any deceive themselves by a futile interpretation, in respect of the Lord having said, "Wheresoever two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." [3133] Corrupters and false interpreters of the Gospel quote the last words, and lay aside the former ones, remembering part, and craftil…
2,259 wordsSECTION 25619. These, doubtless, they imitate and follow, who, despising God's tradition, seek after strange doctrines, and bring in teachings of human
19. These, doubtless, they imitate and follow, who, despising God's tradition, seek after strange doctrines, and bring in teachings of human appointment, whom the Lord rebukes and reproves in His Gospel, saying, "Ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition." [3151] This is a worse crime than that which …
2,302 wordsSECTION 257[3098] Describing in few words the ambition and dissimulation of Novatian in invading the episcopate of Rome, he argues at length, that neit
[3098] Describing in few words the ambition and dissimulation of Novatian in invading the episcopate of Rome, he argues at length, that neither on the one hand is the passage in Matthew xviii. of any avail to compensate for their fewness as against the Church: "Wherever two or three are gathered together in my name," etc.; nor, …
2,437 wordsSECTION 2586. Paul proclaims in a loud and lofty voice, "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the wo
6. Paul proclaims in a loud and lofty voice, "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." [3187] And yet a virgin in the Church glories concerning her fleshly appearance and the beauty of her body! Paul adds, and says, "For they th…
2,321 wordsSECTION 25915. And indeed in that very matter, for the sake of the fear which faith suggests to me, for the sake of the love which brotherhood requires
15. And indeed in that very matter, for the sake of the fear which faith suggests to me, for the sake of the love which brotherhood requires, I think that not virgins only and widows, but married women also, and all of the sex alike, should be admonished, that the work of God and His fashioning and formation ought in no manner t…
2,404 wordsSECTION 26024. Every one of which things, O good virgins, you ought to observe, to love, to fulfil, who, giving yourselves to God and Christ, are advan
24. Every one of which things, O good virgins, you ought to observe, to love, to fulfil, who, giving yourselves to God and Christ, are advancing in both the higher and better part to the Lord, to whom you have dedicated yourselves. You that are advanced in years, suggest a teaching to the younger. You that are younger, give a st…
2,493 wordsSECTION 2618. From some--ah, misery!--all these things have fallen away, and have passed from memory. They indeed did not wait to be apprehended ere th
8. From some--ah, misery!--all these things have fallen away, and have passed from memory. They indeed did not wait to be apprehended ere they ascended, or to be interrogated ere they denied. Many were conquered before the battle, prostrated before the attack. Nor did they even leave it to be said for them, that they seemed to s…
2,227 wordsSECTION 26216. All these warnings being scorned and contemned,--before their sin is expiated, before confession has been made of their crime, before th
16. All these warnings being scorned and contemned,--before their sin is expiated, before confession has been made of their crime, before their conscience has been purged by sacrifice and by the hand of the priest, [3247] before the offence of an angry and threatening Lord has been appeased, violence is done to His body and bloo…
2,528 wordsSECTION 26326. This much about an infant, which was not yet of an age to speak of the crime committed by others in respect of herself. But the woman wh
26. This much about an infant, which was not yet of an age to speak of the crime committed by others in respect of herself. But the woman who in advanced life and of more mature age secretly crept in among us when we were sacrificing, received not food, but a sword for herself; and as if taking some deadly poison [3273] into her…
2,204 wordsSECTION 26435. But you, beloved brethren, whose fear is ready towards God, and whose mind, although it is placed in the midst of lapse, is mindful of i
35. But you, beloved brethren, whose fear is ready towards God, and whose mind, although it is placed in the midst of lapse, is mindful of its misery, do you in repentance and grief look into your sins; acknowledge the very grave sin of your conscience; open the eyes of your heart to the understanding of your sin, neither despai…
2,329 wordsSECTION 2654. But let our speech and petition when we pray be under discipline, observing quietness and modesty. Let us consider that we are standing i
4. But let our speech and petition when we pray be under discipline, observing quietness and modesty. Let us consider that we are standing in God's sight. We must please the divine eyes both with the habit of body and with the measure of voice. For as it is characteristic of a shameless man to be noisy with his cries, so, on the…
2,311 wordsSECTION 26613. There follows in the prayer, Thy kingdom come. We ask that the kingdom of God may be set forth to us, even as we also ask that His name
13. There follows in the prayer, Thy kingdom come. We ask that the kingdom of God may be set forth to us, even as we also ask that His name may be sanctified in us. For when does God not reign, or when does that begin with Him which both always has been, and never ceases to be? We pray that our kingdom, which has been promised u…
2,330 wordsSECTION 26721. For daily bread cannot be wanting to the righteous man, since it is written, "The Lord will not slay the soul of the righteous by hunger
21. For daily bread cannot be wanting to the righteous man, since it is written, "The Lord will not slay the soul of the righteous by hunger;" [3354] and again "I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging their bread." [3355] And the Lord moreover promises and says, "Take no…
2,317 wordsSECTION 26831. Moreover, when we stand praying, beloved brethren, we ought to be watchful and earnest with our whole heart, intent on our prayers. Let
31. Moreover, when we stand praying, beloved brethren, we ought to be watchful and earnest with our whole heart, intent on our prayers. Let all carnal and worldly thoughts pass away, nor let the soul at that time think on anything but the object only of its prayer. For this reason also the priest, by way of preface before his pr…
2,201 wordsSECTION 269[3339] John vi. 38.
[3339] John vi. 38. [3340] 1 John ii. 15-17. [3341] Some add "earnestly." [3342] Gal. v. 17-22. [3343] [See Hooker (a beautiful passage) in Walton's Life, "on the angels in heaven;" also, E. P., book v. cap. xxxv. at close.] [3344] Some editions omit this "not." [3345] This passage is differently read as follows: "And acco…
2,390 wordsSECTION 2708. You complain that the fountains are now less plentiful to you, and the breezes less salubrious, and the frequent showers and the fertile
8. You complain that the fountains are now less plentiful to you, and the breezes less salubrious, and the frequent showers and the fertile earth afford you less ready assistance; that the elements no longer subserve your uses and your pleasures as of old. But do you serve God, by whom all things are ordained to your service; do…
2,336 wordsSECTION 27116. What, then, is that sluggishness of mind; yea, what blind and stupid madness of fools, to be unwilling to come out of darkness into ligh
16. What, then, is that sluggishness of mind; yea, what blind and stupid madness of fools, to be unwilling to come out of darkness into light, and to be unwilling, when bound in the toils of eternal death, to receive the hope of immortality, and not to fear God when He threatens and says, "He that sacrifices unto any gods, but u…
2,203 wordsSECTION 27224. What will then be the glory of faith? what the punishment of faithlessness? When the day of judgment shall come, what joy of believers,
24. What will then be the glory of faith? what the punishment of faithlessness? When the day of judgment shall come, what joy of believers, what sorrow of unbelievers; that they should have been unwilling to believe here, and now that they should be unable to return that they might believe! An ever-burning Gehenna will burn up t…
2,205 wordsSECTION 2735. Kingdoms do not rise to supremacy through merit, but are varied by chance. Empire was formerly held by both Assyrians and Medes and Persi
5. Kingdoms do not rise to supremacy through merit, but are varied by chance. Empire was formerly held by both Assyrians and Medes and Persians; and we know, too, that both Greeks and Egyptians have had dominion. Thus, in the varying vicissitudes of power, the period of empire has also come to the Romans as to the others. But if…
2,207 wordsSECTION 274[3450] Moreover, that it was manifest from their deceitful results, that nothing could be referred to auspices or auguries; nay, even those
[3450] Moreover, that it was manifest from their deceitful results, that nothing could be referred to auspices or auguries; nay, even those who acknowledged both one God and the demons, allowed that these illusions were the work of the demons, according to the testimony of the poets themselves, and Socrates, Plato, Trismegistus,…
2,244 wordsSECTION 2759. Moreover, if the Christian know and keep fast under what condition and what law he has believed, he will be aware that he must suffer mor
9. Moreover, if the Christian know and keep fast under what condition and what law he has believed, he will be aware that he must suffer more than others in the world, since he must struggle more with the attacks of the devil. Holy Scripture teaches and forewarns, saying, "My son, when thou comest to the service of God, stand in…
2,285 wordsSECTION 27618. We ought to remember that we should do not our own will, but God's, in accordance with what our Lord has bidden us daily to pray. How pr
18. We ought to remember that we should do not our own will, but God's, in accordance with what our Lord has bidden us daily to pray. How preposterous and absurd it is, that while we ask that the will of God should be done, yet when God calls and summons us from this world, we should not at once obey the command of His will! We …
2,210 wordsSECTION 277[3470] Then to the tacit objection that by this mortality they would be deprived of martyrdom, he replies that martyrdom is not in our power
[3470] Then to the tacit objection that by this mortality they would be deprived of martyrdom, he replies that martyrdom is not in our power, and that even the spirit that is ready for martyrdom is crowned by God the judge. Finally, he tells them that the dead must not be bewailed in such a matter as that we should become a stum…
2,270 wordsSECTION 2787. Therefore in the Gospel, the Lord, the Teacher of our life and Master of eternal salvation, quickening the assembly of believers, and pro
7. Therefore in the Gospel, the Lord, the Teacher of our life and Master of eternal salvation, quickening the assembly of believers, and providing for them for ever when quickened, among His divine commands and precepts of heaven, commands and prescribes nothing more frequently than that we should devote ourselves to almsgiving,…
2,339 wordsSECTION 27916. But neither let the consideration, dearest brethren, restrain and recall the Christian from good and righteous works, that any one shoul
16. But neither let the consideration, dearest brethren, restrain and recall the Christian from good and righteous works, that any one should fancy that he could be excused for the benefit of his children; since in spiritual expenditure we ought to think of Christ, who has declared that He receives them; and not prefer our fello…
2,586 wordsSECTION 28024. And therefore, dearest brethren, whose fear is inclined towards God, and who having already despised and trampled under foot the world,
24. And therefore, dearest brethren, whose fear is inclined towards God, and who having already despised and trampled under foot the world, have lifted up your mind to things heavenly and divine, let us with full faith, with devoted mind, with continual labour, give our obedience, to deserve well of the Lord. Let us give to Chri…
2,593 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.