Ante-Nicene Fathers • VOLUME 8
The Twelve Patriarchs, Apocrypha, Clementine Homilies & More
SECTION 281
Chapter XII.--The Difficulty Solved.
Chapter XII.--The Difficulty Solved. And Peter said: "Let not wickedness have dominion over us, finding a pretext in Providence and your affection for your mother; but rather abide this day in your fast, and I shall join you in it, and tomorrow she will be baptized. And, besides, this hour of the day is not suitable for baptism…
906 wordsSECTION 282Chapter XVII.--Peter's Speech Continued.
Chapter XVII.--Peter's Speech Continued. "Foolish, therefore, is every husband who separates his wife from the fear of God; for she who does not fear God is not afraid of her husband. If she fear not God, who sees what is invisible, how will she be chaste in her unseen choice? [1183] And how will she be chaste, who does not com…
998 wordsSECTION 283Chapter XXI.--The Same Subject Continued.
Chapter XXI.--The Same Subject Continued. "Much better is it, then, that your first circumstances should be distressing. For when this is the case, they do not so deeply grieve you, because you hope that they will pass away, and they yield joy though the expectation of better circumstances. But, above all, I wish you to know ho…
885 wordsSECTION 284Chapter III.--The Old Man Does Not Believe in God or Providence.
Chapter III.--The Old Man Does Not Believe in God or Providence. "The old man began to speak as follows: When I saw you after you had bathed in the sea retire into the secret place, I went up and secretly watched what might be your object in entering into a secret place, and when I saw you pray, I retired; [1195] but taking pit…
1,052 wordsSECTION 285Chapter VI.--The Old Man Opposes His Personal Experience to the Argument of Peter.
Chapter VI.--The Old Man Opposes His Personal Experience to the Argument of Peter. "And the old man answered: [1205] You have spoken truly, [1206] and yet, notwithstanding all your incomparable demonstration, I am prevented from yielding assent by my own personal knowledge. For I was an astrologer, and dwelt first at Rome; and …
877 wordsSECTION 286Chapter IX.--Faustus Himself Appears.
Chapter IX.--Faustus Himself Appears. When Peter said this, our mother could no longer endure it, but cried out, "Alas! my husband! loving us, you died by your own decision, [1210] while we are still alive, see the light, and have just partaken of food." This one scream had not yet ceased, when, lo! the old man came in, and at …
859 wordsSECTION 287Chapter XII.--Clement Undertakes the Discussion.
Chapter XII.--Clement Undertakes the Discussion. When both were silent, I said: "Since I know accurately the science, but our lord and our father are not in this condition, I should like if Annubion himself were here, to have a discussion with him in the presence of my father. For thus would the matter be able to become public,…
791 wordsSECTION 288Chapter IV.--Providence Seen in the Events of the Life of Faustus and His Family.
Chapter IV.--Providence Seen in the Events of the Life of Faustus and His Family. "But I maintain, from what has happened to you, [1224] that all things are managed by the providence of God, and that your separation from your family for so many years was providential; [1225] for since, if they had been with you, they perhaps wo…
1,020 wordsSECTION 289Chapter VII.--The Explanation of a Parable; The Present and the Future Life.
Chapter VII.--The Explanation of a Parable; The Present and the Future Life. And Peter [1235] said: "Are not those, then, who you said received injustice, themselves transgressors, inasmuch as they are in the kingdom of the other, and is it not by overreaching that they have obtained all they possess? while those who are though…
749 wordsSECTION 290Chapter IX.--Possessions are Transgressions.
Chapter IX.--Possessions are Transgressions. "Will you be so good as to explain this matter also? I remember Clement saying to me, that we suffer injuries and afflictions for the forgiveness of our sins." Peter said: "This is quite correct. For we, who have chosen the future things, in so far as we possess more goods than these…
932 wordsSECTION 291Chapter II.--The Same Subject Continued.
Chapter II.--The Same Subject Continued. "I heard that you promised yesterday to Faustus to prove this day, giving out your arguments in regular order, and beginning with Him who is Lord of the universe, that we ought to say that He alone is God, and that we ought neither to say nor to think that there are other gods, because h…
1,005 wordsSECTION 292Chapter V.--Peter Commences the Discussion.
Chapter V.--Peter Commences the Discussion. Peter then said: "I am ready to do as the umpire of our discussion has said; and straight-way without any delay I shall set forth my opinion in regard to God. I then assert that there is one God who made the heavens and the earth, and all things that are in them. And it is not right t…
977 wordsSECTION 293Chapter VIII.--Simon and Peter Continue the Discussion.
Chapter VIII.--Simon and Peter Continue the Discussion. And Simon said: "My original stipulation with you was that I should prove from the Scriptures that you were wrong in maintaining that we ought not to speak of many gods." Accordingly I adduced many written passages to show that the divine Scriptures themselves speak of man…
952 wordsSECTION 294Chapter XI.--Gen. I. 26 Appealed to by Simon.
Chapter XI.--Gen. I. 26 Appealed to by Simon. And Simon said: "Since I see that you frequently speak of the God who created you, learn from me how you are impious even to him. For there are evidently two who created, as the Scripture says: [1289] And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.' Now let us make,'…
885 wordsSECTION 295Chapter XV.--Christ Not God, But the Son of God.
Chapter XV.--Christ Not God, But the Son of God. When Simon heard this, he said: "Since you say that we ought not to believe even the prophet that gives signs and wonders if he say that there is another god, and that you know that he even incurs the penalty of death, therefore your teacher also was with reason cut off for havin…
815 wordsSECTION 296Chapter XIX.--The Shape of God in Man.
Chapter XIX.--The Shape of God in Man. And Simon said: "I should like to know, Peter, if you really believe that the shape of man has been moulded after the shape of God." [1306] And Peter said: "I am really quite certain, Simon, that this is the case." And Simon said: "How can death dissolve the body, impressed as it has thus …
990 wordsSECTION 297Homily XVII.
Homily XVII. Chapter I.--Simon Comes to Peter. The next day, therefore, as Peter was to hold a discussion with Simon, he rose earlier than usual and prayed. On ceasing to pray, Zacchæus came in, and said: "Simon is seated without, discoursing with about thirty of his own special followers." And Peter said: "Let him talk until …
714 wordsSECTION 298Chapter IV.--It is Asserted that Christ's Teaching is Different from Peter's.
Chapter IV.--It is Asserted that Christ's Teaching is Different from Peter's. "And that he does not really believe even the doctrines proclaimed by his teacher is evident, for he proclaims doctrines opposite to his. [1318] For he said to some one, as I learn, [1319] "Call me not good, for the good is one." Now in speaking of th…
968 wordsSECTION 299Chapter VII.--Man in the Shape of God.
Chapter VII.--Man in the Shape of God. "Knowing therefore that we knew all that was spoken by Him, and that we could supply the proofs, He sent us to the ignorant Gentiles to baptize them for remission of sins, and commanded us to teach them first. [1329] Of His commandments this is the first and great one, to fear the Lord God…
866 wordsSECTION 300Chapter IX.--God the Centre or Heart of the Universe.
Chapter IX.--God the Centre or Heart of the Universe. "One, then, is the God who truly exists, who presides in a superior shape, being the heart of that which is above and that which is below twice, [1333] which sends forth from Him as from a centre the life-giving and incorporeal power; the whole universe with the stars and re…
978 wordsSECTION 301Chapter XII.--The Fear and Love of God.
Chapter XII.--The Fear and Love of God. "Thus, then, grateful service to Him who is truly Lord, renders us free from service to all other masters. [1345] If, then, it is possible for any one to be free from sin without fearing God, let him not fear; for under the influence of love to Him one cannot do what is displeasing to Him…
1,012 wordsSECTION 302Chapter XV.--The Evidence from Dreams Discussed.
Chapter XV.--The Evidence from Dreams Discussed. And Simon said: "If you maintain that apparitions do not always reveal the truth, yet for all that, visions and dreams, being God-sent, do not speak falsely in regard to those matters which they wish to tell." And Peter said: "You were right in saying that, being God-sent, they d…
964 wordsSECTION 303Chapter XVIII.--The Nature of Revelation.
Chapter XVIII.--The Nature of Revelation. "Thus to me also was the Son revealed by the Father. Wherefore I know what is the meaning of revelation, having learned it in my own case. For at the very time when the Lord said, Who do they say that I am?' [1360] and when I heard one saying one thing of Him, and another another, it ca…
767 wordsSECTION 304Chapter XX.--Another Subject for Discussion Proposed.
Chapter XX.--Another Subject for Discussion Proposed. When Simon heard this, he said: "Far be it from me to become his or your disciple. For I am not ignorant of what I ought to know; but the inquiries which I made as a learner were made that I may see if you can prove that actual sight is more distinct than apparition. [1368] …
800 wordsSECTION 305Chapter III.--God Both Good and Just.
Chapter III.--God Both Good and Just. And Simon said: "I said once for all, Every lawgiver, looking to justice, is just.'" And Peter said: "If it is the part of him who is good not to lay down a law, but of him who is just to lay down a law, in this way the Framer of the world is both good and just. He is good, inasmuch as it i…
710 wordsSECTION 306Chapter V.--Peter Doubts Simon's Honesty.
Chapter V.--Peter Doubts Simon's Honesty. When Simon had made these statements, Peter said to him: "Can you call to witness that these are your beliefs that being Himself,--I do not mean Him whom you speak of now as being unrevealed, but Him in whom you believe, though you do not confess Him? For you are talking nonsense when y…
902 wordsSECTION 307Chapter VIII.--The Work of Revelation Belongs to the Son Alone.
Chapter VIII.--The Work of Revelation Belongs to the Son Alone. And Peter said: "Since, at least in appearance, you have confessed that you do not understand it, reply to the question I put to you, and you will learn the meaning of the statement. Tell me, do you maintain that the Son, whoever he be, is just, or that he is not j…
713 wordsSECTION 308Chapter XI.--Simon Professes to Utter His Real Sentiments.
Chapter XI.--Simon Professes to Utter His Real Sentiments. And Simon said: It contributes much to victory, if the man who wars uses his own weapons; for what one loves he can in real earnest defend, and that which is defended with genuine earnestness has no ordinary power in it. Wherefore in future I shall lay before you my rea…
829 wordsSECTION 309Chapter XIV.--Simon Refuted.
Chapter XIV.--Simon Refuted. "But if, as you say, it will be possible to know Him, because He is now revealed to all through Jesus, [1384] are you not stating what is most unjust, when you say that these men did not know Him, who were the seven pillars of the world, and who were able to please the most just God, and that so man…
767 wordsSECTION 310Chapter XVII.--The Way to the Kingdom Not Concealed from the Israelites.
Chapter XVII.--The Way to the Kingdom Not Concealed from the Israelites. "But if one shall say nothing was concealed from the sons of Israel, because it is written, [1392] Nothing escaped thy notice, O Israel (for do not say, O Jacob, The way is hid from me),' he ought to understand that the things that belong to the kingdom ha…
742 wordsSECTION 311Chapter XXI.--Simon's Astonishment at Peter's Treatment of the Scriptures.
Chapter XXI.--Simon's Astonishment at Peter's Treatment of the Scriptures. When Peter said this, Simon pretended to be utterly astonished at what was said in regard to the Scriptures; and as if in great agitation, he said: "Far be it from me, and those who love me, to listen to your discourses. And, indeed, as long as I did not…
797 wordsSECTION 312Homily XIX.
Homily XIX. Chapter I.--Simon Undertakes to Prove that the Creator of the World is Not Blameless. The next day Peter came forth earlier than usual; and seeing Simon with many others waiting for him, he saluted the multitude, and began to discourse. But no sooner did he begin than Simon interrupted him, and said: "Pass by these…
1,041 wordsSECTION 313Chapter IV.--Suppositions in Regard to the Devil's Origin.
Chapter IV.--Suppositions in Regard to the Devil's Origin. And Peter said: "It must be so." And Simon: "Therefore, if he is originated, he has been made by that very God who made all things, being either born as an animal, or sent forth substantially, and resulting from an external mixture of elements. For either [1416] the mat…
851 wordsSECTION 314Chapter VII.--Peter Suspects Simon of Not Believing Even in a God.
Chapter VII.--Peter Suspects Simon of Not Believing Even in a God. And Peter said: "You are not so blessed as to praise Him, nor indeed can you do such a good deed as this; for then you would be full of Him. For thus said our Teacher, who always spoke the truth: Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.' [1421] When…
936 wordsSECTION 315Chapter X.--The Absolute God Entirely Incomprehensible by Man.
Chapter X.--The Absolute God Entirely Incomprehensible by Man. "For instance, then, what did you say in the beginning? If the wicked one has been begotten of God, being of the same substance as He, then God is wicked. But when I showed you, from the example which you yourself adduced, that wicked beings come from good, and good…
874 wordsSECTION 316Chapter XIII.--God the Maker of the Devil.
Chapter XIII.--God the Maker of the Devil. And Peter said: "Now indeed our object is to show how and by whom the evil one came into being, since he did come into being; but we shall show if he came into being blamelessly, when we have finished the subject now in hand. Then I shall show how and on account of what he came into be…
837 wordsSECTION 317Chapter XVI.--Why the Wicked One is Entrusted with Power.
Chapter XVI.--Why the Wicked One is Entrusted with Power. And Simon said to this: "I have one thing more to say in regard to the wicked one. Assuredly, since God made him out of nothing, he is in this respect wicked, [1441] especially since he was able to make him good, by giving him at his creation a nature in no way capable o…
1,040 wordsSECTION 318Chapter XIX.--Some Actions Really Wicked.
Chapter XIX.--Some Actions Really Wicked. And Peter said: "A man ought to punish himself through self-restraint, [1450] when his lust wishes to hurry on to the injury of another, knowing that [1451] the wicked one can destroy the wicked, for he has received power over them from the beginning. And not yet is this an evil to thos…
950 wordsSECTION 319Chapter XXI.--The Uses of Lust, Anger, Grief.
Chapter XXI.--The Uses of Lust, Anger, Grief. And Simon said: [1463] "You were right in saying this; but in the present world does not man seem to you to be capable of every kind of affection,--as, for instance, of lust, anger, grief, and the like?" And Peter said: "Yes, these belong to the things that are accidental, not to th…
797 wordsSECTION 320Chapter XXIII.--The Inequalities of Lot in Human Life.
Chapter XXIII.--The Inequalities of Lot in Human Life. And Simon said: "Let me grant that this is the case: does not the inequality of lot amongst men seem to you most unjust? For one is in penury, another is rich; one is sick, another is in good health: and there are innumerable differences of a like character in human life." …
759 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.