Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series • VOLUME 3
Augustine — Trinity, Doctrinal & Moral Treatises
SECTION 241
[2063] cf. de Bon. Conj. 10.
[2063] cf. de Bon. Conj. 10. [2064] 1 Cor. vii. 32, 33, 34 [2065] 1 Cor. xv. 19 23. Lastly, let us hear the Lord Himself delivering most plain judgment on this matter. For, upon His speaking after a divine and fearful manner concerning husband and wife not separating, save on account of fornication, His disciples said to Him,…
2,352 wordsSECTION 242[2081] Matt. v. 3-10
[2081] Matt. v. 3-10 [2082] 2 Cor. viii. 9 [2083] Matt. xi. 29 [2084] Luke xix. 41 [2085] John iv. 34 [2086] Luke x. 30-35 [2087] 1 Peter ii. 22 [2088] Luke xxiii. 34 [2089] 1 Peter ii. 21 [2090] Forma 29. But, lo, That Lamb goeth by a Virgin road, how shall they go after Him, who have lost what there is no way for the…
2,628 wordsSECTION 243[2117] 1 Tim. v. 11, 12, 13. [See R.V.]
[2117] 1 Tim. v. 11, 12, 13. [See R.V.] [2118] 1 Tim. v. 6 [2119] James iv. 6 35. Certainly we are to contemplate in Christ Himself, the chief instruction and pattern of virginal purity. What further precept then concerning humility shall I give to the continent, than what He saith to all, "Learn of Me, in that I am meek and …
2,253 wordsSECTION 244[2142] Is. xxvi. 18. See LXX.
[2142] Is. xxvi. 18. See LXX. [2143] 1 John iv. 18. [See R.V.] [2144] Rom. xi. 20 [2145] Ps. xix. 9 [2146] 1 Cor. vii. 32 [2147] Rom. viii. 15 [2148] Ps. cxxxix. 7 [2149] Ps. xxvii. 4 [2150] Ps. xxvii. 9 [2151] Ps. lxxxiv. 2 [2152] Rom. xi. 20 [2153] Rom. viii. 15 [2154] 1 Cor. ii. 3 [2155] Phil. ii. 12, 13. [See R.…
2,266 wordsSECTION 24546. But this is so great, that certain understand it to be the fruit an hundred-fold. [2190] For the authority of the Church bears a very co
46. But this is so great, that certain understand it to be the fruit an hundred-fold. [2190] For the authority of the Church bears a very conspicuous witness, in which it is known to the faithful in what place the Martyrs, in what place the holy nuns deceased, are rehearsed at the Sacraments of the Altar. [2191] But what the mea…
2,421 wordsSECTION 246[2211] 1 John iv. 8
[2211] 1 John iv. 8 [2212] Is. lxvi. 2 [2213] Matt. viii. 19, 20 53. Wherefore this do ye, virgins of God, this do ye: follow ye the Lamb, whithersoever He shall have gone. But first come unto Him, Whom ye are to follow, and learn, in that He is meek and lowly of heart. Come ye in lowly wise unto the Lowly, if ye love: and de…
2,439 wordsSECTION 247[2226] 1 Cor. vi. 15
[2226] 1 Cor. vi. 15 [2227] Rom. xii. 4-6 5. Wherefore also when he was advising married persons not to defraud one another of the due of carnal intercourse; lest, by this means, the one of them, (the due of marriage being denied to him,) being through his own incontinence tempted of Satan, should fall away into fornication, h…
2,827 wordsSECTION 248[2244] Eccl. iii. 5
[2244] Eccl. iii. 5 [2245] 1 Cor. vii. 29. [See R.V.] [2246] 1 Cor. vii. 8, 9 [2247] 1 Tim. v. 14, 15 [2248] 1 Tim. v. 11, 12. [See R.V.] 12. But since, as the Lord saith, "Not all receive this word;" [2249] therefore let her who can receive it, receive it; and let her, who containeth not, marry; let her, who hath not begun…
2,284 wordsSECTION 24918. No one indeed of these six widows could come up to your standard. For you, in case that you shall have maintained this vow even unto old
18. No one indeed of these six widows could come up to your standard. For you, in case that you shall have maintained this vow even unto old age, mayest have all the three things wherein the desert of Anna excelled. For both thou hast had one husband, and he lived not long with thee in the flesh; and, by this means, in case that…
2,237 wordsSECTION 250[2268] Matt. xxvi. 41
[2268] Matt. xxvi. 41 [2269] Matt. vi. 13 [2270] 1 Cor. x. 13 [2271] Or "be sound." [2272] Wisd. viii. 21 [2273] "Integritas." [2274] James i. 5 22. Now it has been my wish on this account to say something on this subject, by reason of certain of our brethren most friendly and dear to us, and without willful guilt indeed …
2,552 wordsSECTION 251[2288] James i. 17
[2288] James i. 17 [2289] 1 Tim. v. 6 [2290] Intentione [2291] Cupa et sacculus 27. Indeed in all spiritual delights, which unmarried women enjoy, their holy conversation ought also to be with caution; lest haply, though their life be not evil through haughtiness, their report be evil through negligence. Nor are they to be l…
2,563 wordsSECTION 2524. But it may be a very nice question whether in the absence of all will to deceive, lying is altogether absent. Thus, put the case that a p
4. But it may be a very nice question whether in the absence of all will to deceive, lying is altogether absent. Thus, put the case that a person shall speak a false thing, which he esteems to be false, on the ground that he thinks he is not believed, to the intent, that in that way falsifying his faith he may deter the person t…
2,355 wordsSECTION 2538. For this reason, from the books of the New Testament, except the figurative pre-significations used by our Lord, if thou consider the lif
8. For this reason, from the books of the New Testament, except the figurative pre-significations used by our Lord, if thou consider the life and manners of the Saints, their actions and sayings, nothing of the kind can be produced which should provoke to imitation of lying. For the simulation of Peter and Barnabas is not only r…
2,559 wordsSECTION 254[2327] Gen. xix. 8
[2327] Gen. xix. 8 [2328] "Ut mereretur." 11. But if any man supposes that the reason why it is right for a person to tell a lie for another is, that he may live the while, or not be offended in those things which he much loveth, to the end he may attain unto eternal truth by being taught: that man doth not understand, in the …
2,257 wordsSECTION 25516. Or, are some lies, also, to be excepted, so that it were better to suffer this than to commit those? If so, then not every thing that is
16. Or, are some lies, also, to be excepted, so that it were better to suffer this than to commit those? If so, then not every thing that is done in order to the avoiding of that defilement ceases to be sin; seeing there are some lies to commit which is worse than to suffer that foul violence. For, suppose quest be making after …
2,657 wordsSECTION 25623. This did a former Bishop of the Church of Thagasta, Firmus by name, and even more firm in will. For, when he was asked by command of the
23. This did a former Bishop of the Church of Thagasta, Firmus by name, and even more firm in will. For, when he was asked by command of the emperor, through officers sent by him, for a man who was taking refuge with him, and whom he kept in hiding with all possible care, he made answer to their questions, that he could neither …
2,264 wordsSECTION 257[2342] Rom. ix. 1; Phil. i. 8; Gal. i. 20
[2342] Rom. ix. 1; Phil. i. 8; Gal. i. 20 [2343] Matt. v. 34, 37 29. As that, "Take no thought for the morrow," and, "Take therefore no thought what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, or what ye shall put on." [2344] Now when we see that the Lord Himself had a bag in which was put what was given, [2345] that it might be kep…
2,238 wordsSECTION 258[2358] Ecclus. vii. 13 me thele pseudesthai pan Pseudos, noli velle mentiri omne mendacium. "Use not to make any manner of lie," E.V. "Every
[2358] Ecclus. vii. 13 me thele pseudesthai pan Pseudos, noli velle mentiri omne mendacium. "Use not to make any manner of lie," E.V. "Every" is used for "any." [2359] Abutendum 35. Moreover what is written "Thou wilt destroy all that speak leasing:" [2360] one saith that no lie is here excepted, but all condemned. Another sai…
2,490 wordsSECTION 259[2371] Animæ
[2371] Animæ [2372] Animi [2373] Animæ [2374] Mentis [2375] Animi [2376] Signaculis 41. There resulteth then from all these this sentence, that a lie which doth not violate the doctrine of piety, nor piety itself, nor innocence, nor benevolence, may on behalf of pudicity of body be admitted. And yet if any man should propo…
2,249 wordsSECTION 260[2384] Rom. iii. 7, 8
[2384] Rom. iii. 7, 8 [2385] Psalm v. 6, 7. [See R.V.] "Thou wilt destroy them that speak a lie," Heb. pantas tous lalountas to pseudos, LXX. 2. Perceivest thou not how much this reasoning aideth the very persons whom as great game we make ado to catch by our lies? For, as thyself hast shown, this is the sentiment of the Prisc…
2,369 wordsSECTION 2617. And, what is more miserable, even they, already made as it were our own, cannot find how they may believe us. For if they suspect that ev
7. And, what is more miserable, even they, already made as it were our own, cannot find how they may believe us. For if they suspect that even in the catholic doctrines themselves we speak lyingly, that we may conceal I know not what other thing which we think true; of course to one suspecting the like thou shalt say, I did this…
2,349 wordsSECTION 262[2400] Ps. xv. 2
[2400] Ps. xv. 2 [2401] Ps. xv. 2 >15. And as for that saying of the Apostle, "Putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another," [2402] far be it that we should so understand it, as though he had permitted to speak a lie with those who are not yet with us members of the body of…
2,640 wordsSECTION 263[2408] Gen. xix. 8
[2408] Gen. xix. 8 [2409] Ezek. xviii. 4 21. If then to sin, that others may not commit a worse sin, either against us or against any, without doubt we ought not; it is to be considered in that which Lot did, whether it be an example which we ought to imitate, or rather one which we ought to avoid. For it seems meet to be more…
2,722 wordsSECTION 264[2417] "Gemmare."
[2417] "Gemmare." [2418] 1 Cor. x. 4; Ezek. xxxvi. 26; Rev. v. 5; 1 Pet. v. 8 [2419] Job ii. 5, benedixerit: as LXX. eulogesei: E.V. "curse." [2420] 1 Kings xxi. 10, 13. LXX. eulogekas: E.V. "didst blaspheme." [2421] Gen. xlii [2422] 1 Sam. xxi. 13 [2423] Gen. xxvii. 16-19 [2424] Luke xiii. 28-30 [2425] Enucleate cuncta …
2,420 wordsSECTION 265[2435] Luke xxiv. 28--"Finxit."
[2435] Luke xxiv. 28--"Finxit." [2436] Luke xv. 11-32 [2437] Serm. ii. 6; Epist. i. 7. [2438] Judg. ix. 8-15 29. Because, therefore, lying heretics find not in the books of the New Testament any precedents of lying which are meet to be imitated, they esteem themselves to be most copious in their disputation wherein they opin…
2,682 wordsSECTION 266[2454] mss. and edd. "An posset;" but Ben. ed. propose "an non posset," "Could she not?"
[2454] mss. and edd. "An posset;" but Ben. ed. propose "an non posset," "Could she not?" [2455] John i. 47 [2456] Ps. cxvi. 15 [2457] Gen. xix. 5-11 35. Since these things are so, because it were too long to treat thoroughly of all that in that "Pound" [2458] of Dictinius are set down as precedents of lying, meet to be imita…
2,777 wordsSECTION 267[2466] Opponitur.
[2466] Opponitur. [2467] Proponitur. [2468] Prov. xxix. 27. Lat. [2469] Ps. cxvi. 11. [See R.V.] [2470] Rom. iii. 7 [2471] 1 John i. 8 [2472] 1 John iii. 9 [2473] 2 Cor. iv. 16 [2474] 1 Cor. xv. 53-56. [See R.V.] 41. Either then we are to eschew lies by right doing, or to confess them by repenting: but not, while they u…
2,668 wordsSECTION 268[2481] "Circumstantia."
[2481] "Circumstantia." [2482] "Acceperunt." [2483] 2 Thess. iii. 6-12 [2484] 1 Cor. ix. 1-7 [2485] Gratuitum 5. I would, however, proceed to a more searching [2486] and diligent consideration and handling of these words, had I not other places of his Epistles much more manifest, by comparing which, both these are made more…
2,464 wordsSECTION 269[2498] 1 Cor. ix. 12
[2498] 1 Cor. ix. 12 [2499] 2 Thess. iii. 8, 9 10. And he comes back again, and in all ways, over and over again, enforceth what he hath the right to do, yet doeth not. "Do ye not know," saith he, "that they which work in the temple, eat of the things which are in the temple? they which serve the altar, have their share with t…
2,585 wordsSECTION 270[2510] "Parvuli." 1 Thess. ii. 5-7. [See R.V.]
[2510] "Parvuli." 1 Thess. ii. 5-7. [See R.V.] [2511] Rom. xvi. 18 [2512] 2 Cor. xi. 7-12. [See R.V.] [2513] 1 Thess. ii. 7-9 [2514] Acts xx. 33-35 14. Here peradventure some man may say, "If it was bodily work that the Apostle wrought, whereby to sustain this life, what was that same work, and when did he find time for it,…
2,357 wordsSECTION 271[2531] Gal. vi. 6
[2531] Gal. vi. 6 [2532] Acts ii. 44: iv. 32 [2533] Rom. xv. 25-27 [2534] 1 Cor. ix. 11 [2535] 2 Cor. viii. 1-21 [2536] Read perhaps "quantam;" "how great the Apostle willed to be the care." [2537] Plebium 18. And a little after he saith, "For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to…
2,213 wordsSECTION 272[2549] Acts xviii. 1-3
[2549] Acts xviii. 1-3 [2550] 1 Cor. ix. 6-12 [2551] 1 Thess. ii. 6 [2552] 2 Thess. iii. 8 [2553] 1 Cor. ix. 14, 15 23. Hence arises another question; for peradventure one may say, "What then? did the other Apostles, and the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas, sin, in that they did not work? Or did they occasion an hindrance …
2,406 wordsSECTION 273[2569] Matt. vi. 34
[2569] Matt. vi. 34 30. Wherefore, that I may briefly embrace the whole matter, let these persons, who from perverse understanding of the Gospel labor to pervert apostolical precepts, either take no thought for the morrow, even as the birds of the air; or let them obey the Apostle, as dear children: yea rather, let them do both…
2,204 wordsSECTION 274[2584] Matt. x. 40-42
[2584] Matt. x. 40-42 [2585] Correpto oculo [2586] Matt. vi. 24, 25, 34 35. And that which follows concerning birds of the air and lilies of the field, He saith to this end, that no man may think that God careth not for the needs of His servants; when His most wise Providence reacheth unto these in creating and governing thos…
2,223 wordsSECTION 275[2603] 2 Thess. iii. 13
[2603] 2 Thess. iii. 13 39. For there is less sin, if people do not praise the sinner in the desires of his soul, and speak good of him who practiseth iniquities. [2604] Now what is more an iniquity than to wish to be obeyed by inferiors, and to refuse to obey superiors? The Apostle, I mean, not us: insomuch that they even let …
2,271 wordsSECTION 2761. That virtue of the mind which is called Patience, is so great a gift of God, that even in Him who bestoweth the same upon us, that, where
1. That virtue of the mind which is called Patience, is so great a gift of God, that even in Him who bestoweth the same upon us, that, whereby He waiteth for evil men that they may amend, is set forth by the name of Patience, [or long-suffering.] So, although in God there can be no suffering, [2627] and "patience" hath its name …
2,230 wordsSECTION 277[2638] 2 Sam. xvi. 5-12
[2638] 2 Sam. xvi. 5-12 [2639] Matt. xiii. 30 [2640] John xii. 6; xiii. 29 [2641] Matt. xxvi. 49 [2642] Matt. v. 10 9. It is indeed a greater fight of patience, when it is not a visible enemy that by persecution and rage would urge us into crime which enemy may openly and in broad day be by not consenting overcome; but the …
2,536 wordsSECTION 278[2661] Rom. v. 5
[2661] Rom. v. 5 [2662] 1 Cor. xiii. 4, 7 [2663] Magnanima [2664] Ambitio sæculi [2665] 1 John ii. 15, 16 [2666] Deifica 15. For, as the Divine utterances testify, "God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God dwelleth in him." [2667] Whoso therefore contends that love of God may be had without aid of…
2,421 wordsSECTION 279[2687] Ps. xxxvi. 9
[2687] Ps. xxxvi. 9 [2688] Phil. ii. 13 [2689] John xxi. 15 [2690] Phil. ii. 12 [2691] Rom. xii. 12 [2692] Rom. ix. 2 [2693] 1 Cor. xiii. 7 [2694] Rom. v. 5 [2695] Ps. lxxi. 5; and lxii. 5 [2696] Is. xi. 2 [2697] Phil. i. 29 23. But if moreover any not having charity, which pertaineth to the unity of spirit and the bo…
2,220 wordsSECTION 280"To none is giv'n to pass the hideous banks
"To none is giv'n to pass the hideous banks And waters hoarse, ere in their meet abode The bones have sunk to rest." [2714] Who can incline a Christian heart to these poetical and fabulous figments, when the Lord Jesus, to the intent that under the hands of their enemies, who should have their bodies in their power, Christian…
2,574 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.