Ante-Nicene Fathers • VOLUME 7
Lactantius, Venantius, Asterius, Victorinus & Others
SECTION 41
Book IV.
Book IV. Of True Wisdom and Religion. Chap. I.--Of the Former Religion of Men, and How Error Was Spread Over Every Age, and of the Seven Wise Men of Greece. When I reflect, O Emperor Constantine, and often revolve in my mind the original condition of men, it is accustomed to appear alike wonderful and unworthy that, by the fo…
2,375 wordsSECTION 42Chapter IV.--Of Wisdom Likewise, and Religion, and of the Right of Father and Lord.
Therefore the truth cannot be held where the same man is subject to many fathers and lords, where the mind, drawn in different directions to many objects, wanders to and fro, hither and thither. Nor can religion have any firmness, when it is without a fixed and settled dwelling-place. Therefore there can be no true worship of ma…
2,202 wordsSECTION 43[519] Literally, "sends." The passage appears to be corrupt: hupopi'ptei has been suggested instead of hupope'mpei, "falls under perception,
[519] Literally, "sends." The passage appears to be corrupt: hupopi'ptei has been suggested instead of hupope'mpei, "falls under perception," "is an object of perception." [520] Prov. viii. 22-31. Lactantius quotes from the Septuagint. [521] According to the Hebrew, "possessed me in the beginning," and so the authorized versio…
2,244 wordsSECTION 44[554] lo'gos.
[554] lo'gos. Chap. X.--Of the Advent of Jesus; Of the Fortunes of the Jews, and Their Government, Until the Passion of the Lord. In the first place, then, men ought to know that the arrangements of the Most High God have so advanced from the beginning, that it was necessary, as the end of the world [555] approached, that the …
2,305 wordsSECTION 45Therefore (as I had begun to say), when God had determined to send to men a teacher of righteousness, He commanded Him to be born again a se
Therefore (as I had begun to say), when God had determined to send to men a teacher of righteousness, He commanded Him to be born again a second time in the flesh, and to be made in the likeness of man himself, to whom he was about to be a guide, and companion, and teacher. But since God is kind and merciful [597] to His people,…
2,509 wordsSECTION 46David also, in the forty-fourth Psalm: [624] "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy king
David also, in the forty-fourth Psalm: [624] "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated wickedness; therefore God, Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness." By which word he also shows His name, since (as I have shown a…
2,547 wordsSECTION 47[641] Corporaliter.
[641] Corporaliter. [642] Ps. cx. 3, 4, quoted from the Septuagint. With reference to this priesthood, see Heb. v. [643] 1 Sam. ii. 35. [644] Fidelem, i.e.; firm and stedfast. [645] In conspectu meo. The Septuagint, eno'pion christou mou; and so the English authorized version, "before my anointed." [646] Zech. iii. 1-8. [6…
2,475 wordsSECTION 48For both David, in the beginning of his Psalms, foreseeing in spirit what a crime they were about to commit, says, [686] "Blessed is the man
For both David, in the beginning of his Psalms, foreseeing in spirit what a crime they were about to commit, says, [686] "Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the way of the ungodly; "and Solomon in the book of Wisdom used these words: [687] "Let us defraud the righteous, for he is unpleasant to us, and upbraideth us with o…
2,224 wordsSECTION 49[706] Intus inclusam. Another reading is, "Intus inclusâ malitia," with malice shut up within.
[706] Intus inclusam. Another reading is, "Intus inclusâ malitia," with malice shut up within. [707] Solveret, "He loosened or relaxed." [708] Non vacaret. [709] Operans in salutem hominum, "by healing diseases and doing good." [710] There is no mention of this in the Gospels. [711] Secesserat: "withdrawn themselves from th…
2,205 wordsSECTION 50[734] Legatus. This title was given, in the time of the Roman emperors, to the governors sent by them into the provinces. Pontius Pilate was
[734] Legatus. This title was given, in the time of the Roman emperors, to the governors sent by them into the provinces. Pontius Pilate was procurator of Judæa, which was not a separate province, but a dependency of the province of Syria, which was at this time governed by Silanus. [735] John ii. 19, 20. The forty-six years sp…
2,312 wordsSECTION 51[786] [A very feeble exposition of Luke xix. 42, 44.]
[786] [A very feeble exposition of Luke xix. 42, 44.] [787] Revelari, to be laid bare, uncovered, brought to light. [788] Abdicato et exhæredato. The two expressions are joined together, to give strength. "Abdicati" were sons deprived of a share in their father's possessions during his life; "exhæredati," disinherited, those w…
3,154 wordsSECTION 52[817] Propria.
[817] Propria. [818] Tabe corporis. [819] Thus our Lord tells us that flesh and blood cannot reveal to us mysteries. [820] Visceribus. [821] Omnium excusationum vias. [Here is the defect of Cicero's philosophy. See William Wilberforce, Practical Christianity, p. 25, ed. London, 1815.] [822] Prævius. [823] Thus St. Paul com…
2,389 wordsSECTION 53Nor ought any one to be ignorant of this, that He Himself, speaking before of His passion, also made it known that He had the power, when He
Nor ought any one to be ignorant of this, that He Himself, speaking before of His passion, also made it known that He had the power, when He willed it, of laying down His life and of taking it again. Therefore, because He had laid down His life while fastened to the cross, His executioners did not think it necessary to break His…
2,208 wordsSECTION 54[861] Prosecrârant. Others read "prosecârant," a sacrificial word, properly denoting the setting apart some of the victim for offering to th
[861] Prosecrârant. Others read "prosecârant," a sacrificial word, properly denoting the setting apart some of the victim for offering to the gods. [862] Præsentibus poenis, "on the spot." [863] i.e., the sign of the cross, with which the early Christians frequently marked themselves. [So long as Christians were mocked and des…
2,293 wordsSECTION 55[886] [i.e., the Everlasting Father implies the Everlasting Son.]
[886] [i.e., the Everlasting Father implies the Everlasting Son.] [887] Ille, i.e., the Father. [888] Hic, i.e., the Son. [889] Thus, Heb. i. 3, the Son is described as the effulgence of the Father's glory: apau'gasma tes do'xes aupsou. [890] In manu patris. Among the Romans the father had the power of life and death over hi…
1,418 wordsSECTION 56Book V.
Book V. Of Justice. Chap. I.--Of the Non-Condemnation of Accused Persons Without a Hearing of Their Cause; From What Cause Philosophers Despised the Sacred Writings; Of the First Advocates of the Christian Religion. I Entertain no doubt, O mighty Emperor Constantine, [913] --since they are impatient through excessive supersti…
2,488 wordsSECTION 57Another [933] wrote the same subject with more bitterness, who was then of the number of the judges, and who was especially the adviser of e
Another [933] wrote the same subject with more bitterness, who was then of the number of the judges, and who was especially the adviser of enacting persecution; and not contented with this crime, he also pursued with writings those whom he had persecuted. For he composed two books, not against the Christians, lest he might appea…
2,488 wordsSECTION 58For as an infant is unable, on account of the tenderness of its stomach, to receive the nourishment of solid and strong food, but is support
For as an infant is unable, on account of the tenderness of its stomach, to receive the nourishment of solid and strong food, but is supported by liquid and soft milk, until, its strength being confirmed, it can feed on stronger nourishment; so also it was befitting that this man, because he was not yet capable of receiving divi…
2,555 wordsSECTION 59How true this is, the necessity of the case itself teaches. For if it is virtue to resist with fortitude evils and vices, it is evident that
How true this is, the necessity of the case itself teaches. For if it is virtue to resist with fortitude evils and vices, it is evident that, without evil and vice, there is no perfected virtue; and that God might render this complete and perfect, He retained that which was contrary to it, with which it might contend. For, being…
2,237 wordsSECTION 60Amidst these crimes of such number and magnitude, what place is there for justice? And I have collected a few only out of many, not for the
Amidst these crimes of such number and magnitude, what place is there for justice? And I have collected a few only out of many, not for the purpose of censure, but to show their nature. Let those who shall wish to know all take in hand the books of Seneca, who was at the same time a most true describer and a most vehement accuse…
2,489 wordsSECTION 61[1006] [De Republica, iv. i. 3.]
[1006] [De Republica, iv. i. 3.] [1007] Virg., Æn., xi. 646, ii. 368. [Dan. vii. 7.] [1008] The more severe torture, as causing immediate death, may be regarded as merciful, in comparison with a slow and lingering punishment. [This by an eye-witness of Diocletian's day.] [1009] Exquisitis, "carefully studied." Chap. XII.--Of…
880 wordsSECTION 62Chapter XIII.--Of the Increase and the Punishment of the Christians. [1014]
Chapter XIII.--Of the Increase and the Punishment of the Christians. [1014] But since our number is continually increased from the worshippers of gods, but is never lessened, not even in persecution itself,--since men may commit sin, and be defiled by sacrifice, but they cannot be turned away from God, for the truth prevails by…
2,505 wordsSECTION 63[1025] [See Rep., iii. cap. 6, part iv. vol. 2, p. 300, ed. Klotz.]
[1025] [See Rep., iii. cap. 6, part iv. vol. 2, p. 300, ed. Klotz.] [1026] Notio. [1027] [De Officiis, i. 26; and see vol. ii. [88]p. 421, this series.] [1028] [A striking parallel to Cyprian's saying, vol. v. [89]note 2, p. 460, this series.] Chap. XVI.--Of the Duties of the Just Man, and the Equity of Christians. Therefor…
2,284 wordsSECTION 64In the meanwhile let us speak of justice, as we began, the power of which is so great, that when it has raised its eyes to heaven, it deserv
In the meanwhile let us speak of justice, as we began, the power of which is so great, that when it has raised its eyes to heaven, it deserves all things from God. Flaccus therefore rightly said, that the power of innocence is so great, that wherever it journeys, it needs neither arms nor strength for its protection:-- "He whos…
2,207 wordsSECTION 65[1047] Thus far he has refuted the arguments of Furius, the advocate of injustice. He now shows the reasons why Lælius, who was esteemed mos
[1047] Thus far he has refuted the arguments of Furius, the advocate of injustice. He now shows the reasons why Lælius, who was esteemed most wise, does not worthily maintain the cause of justice, i.e., because he was ignorant of heavenly wisdom. [See cap. xvii. [90]p. 152, supra.] [1048] De Republ., i. 3. [1049] Vid. ch. xii.…
2,246 wordsSECTION 66[1053] Prædonum. Some refer this to the priests; others, with greater probability, to the demons alluded to in the sentence.
[1053] Prædonum. Some refer this to the priests; others, with greater probability, to the demons alluded to in the sentence. [1054] Ludibriis. [1055] Ex mortibus. Another reading is, ex moribus. [1056] [That is, the introductions, historically recorded, of such rites; e.g., by Numa. See vol. iii. [92]p. 36, this series.] [10…
2,321 wordsSECTION 67But if any one shall wish to know more fully why God permits the wicked and the unjust to become powerful, happy, and rich, and, on the othe
But if any one shall wish to know more fully why God permits the wicked and the unjust to become powerful, happy, and rich, and, on the other hand, suffers the pious to be humble, wretched, and poor, let him take the book of Seneca which has the title, "Why many evils happen to good men, though there is a providence;" in which b…
1,266 wordsSECTION 68Book VI.
Book VI. Of True Worship. Chap. I.--Of the Worship of the True God, and of Innocency, and of the Worship of False Gods. We have completed that which was the object of our undertaking, through the teaching of the Divine Spirit, and the aid of the truth itself; the cause of asserting and explaining which was imposed upon me bot…
2,256 wordsSECTION 69But these men, because they were ignorant or in doubt that the souls of men are immortal, estimated both virtues and vices by earthly honour
But these men, because they were ignorant or in doubt that the souls of men are immortal, estimated both virtues and vices by earthly honours or punishments. Therefore all this discussion respecting the two ways [1092] has reference to frugality and luxury. For they say that the course of human life resembles the letter Y, becau…
2,326 wordsSECTION 70[1100] Virg., Æneid, vi. 542.
[1100] Virg., Æneid, vi. 542. [1101] Posita sunt omnia. There is another reading, "posuit Deus omnia." [1102] Pignoribus. [1103] It was customary in many of the ancient states to connect the year with the name of the chief magistrate who was then in office. Thus at Athens the title of the chief magistrate was Archon Eponymus,…
2,361 wordsSECTION 71It is not virtue, therefore, either to be the enemy of the bad or the defender of the good, because virtue cannot be subject to uncertain ch
It is not virtue, therefore, either to be the enemy of the bad or the defender of the good, because virtue cannot be subject to uncertain chances. "Moreover, to reckon the interests of our country as in the first place." When the agreement of men is taken away, virtue has no existence at all; for what are the interests of our …
2,205 wordsSECTION 72[1139] Abrogo is to repeal or abrogate wholly; "derogo," to abrogate in part, or modify; "obrogo," to supersede by another law.
[1139] Abrogo is to repeal or abrogate wholly; "derogo," to abrogate in part, or modify; "obrogo," to supersede by another law. [1140] Divinent. [Illustrative of the Sibyllina, and, in short, of Balaam; and not less of Rom. ii. 14, 15.] Chap. IX.--Of the Law and Precept of God; Of Mercy, and the Error of the Philosophers. The…
2,212 wordsSECTION 73O minds unworthy of men, which produced these foolish trifles! O wretched and pitiable men, who committed to writing and handed down to memo
O minds unworthy of men, which produced these foolish trifles! O wretched and pitiable men, who committed to writing and handed down to memory the record of their own folly; who, when they saw that the plan of assembling themselves together, or of mutual intercourse, or of avoiding danger, or of guarding against evil, or of prep…
2,392 wordsSECTION 74[1159] De Offic., iii. 5.
[1159] De Offic., iii. 5. [1160] Trinumm., ii. 2. 58. [1161] Pro personâ. [1162] De Offic., ii. 15. [1163] Idoneis. Lactantius uses this word as though its meaning were "the rich;" and though it seems to have passed into this sense in later times, it is plain from the very words of Cicero himself that he uses it of deserving…
2,553 wordsSECTION 75[1170] Beneficii foeneratio.
[1170] Beneficii foeneratio. [1171] The meaning appears to be this: To benefit our friends and relatives, relates to man, i.e., is a merely human work; but to benefit those who cannot make a recompense is a divine work, and its reward is to be expected from God. [1172] Rapiunt. [1173] De Offic., ii. 18. [1174] Ambire. [1175…
2,270 wordsSECTION 76For as we rejoice in good things that are present, so we are vexed and grieved with evil things. If, therefore, they gave another name to jo
For as we rejoice in good things that are present, so we are vexed and grieved with evil things. If, therefore, they gave another name to joy because they thought it vicious, so it was befitting that another name should be given to grief because they thought it also vicious. From which it appears that it was not the object itsel…
2,297 wordsSECTION 77Constancy is a virtue; not that we resist those who injure us, for we must yield to these; and why this ought to be done I will show present
Constancy is a virtue; not that we resist those who injure us, for we must yield to these; and why this ought to be done I will show presently: but that when men command us to act in opposition to the law of God, and in opposition to justice, we should be deterred by no threats or punishments from preferring the command of God t…
2,367 wordsSECTION 78[1207] [Homini amico ac familiari non est mentiri meum.]
[1207] [Homini amico ac familiari non est mentiri meum.] [1208] Matt. v. 44; Luke vi. 28; Rom. xii. 14. [1209] i.e., Jesus Christ the Son of God = the Word of God. [1210] Rom. xii. 19; Heb. x. 30. [1211] Animi sui complicitam notionem evolvere. [1212] [Nisi lacessitus injuria.] [1213] Comparem. Injustice and impatience are…
2,490 wordsSECTION 79What else does the practice of the Circensian games contain but levity, vanity, and madness? For their souls are hurried away to mad excitem
What else does the practice of the Circensian games contain but levity, vanity, and madness? For their souls are hurried away to mad excitement with as great impetuosity as that with which the chariot races are there carried on; so that they who come for the sake of beholding the spectacle now themselves exhibit more of a specta…
2,430 wordsSECTION 80Cavendum igitur, ne occasionem vitiis nostra intemperantia demus: sed assuescant invicem mores duorum, et jugum paribus animis ferant. Nos i
Cavendum igitur, ne occasionem vitiis nostra intemperantia demus: sed assuescant invicem mores duorum, et jugum paribus animis ferant. Nos ipsos in altero cogitemus. Nam fere in hoc justitiæ summa consistit, ut non facias alteri, quidquid ipse ab altero pati nolis. Hæc sunt quæ ad continentiam præ cipiuntur a Deo. Sed tamen ne q…
2,250 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.