Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series • VOLUME 6
Augustine — Sermon on the Mount & Gospel Harmony
SECTION 161
18. Now ye may know, Dearly Beloved, that these unite their murmurings with Heretics and with Jews. Heretics, Jews, and Heathens have made a
18. Now ye may know, Dearly Beloved, that these unite their murmurings with Heretics and with Jews. Heretics, Jews, and Heathens have made a unity against Unity. Because it has happened, that in some places the Jews have received chastisement because of their wickednesses; they charge and suspect us, or pretend, that we are alwa…
2,400 wordsSECTION 1624. Now what need is there to commend to you in many words the simplicity of the dove? For the serpent's poison had need to be guarded agains
4. Now what need is there to commend to you in many words the simplicity of the dove? For the serpent's poison had need to be guarded against: there, there was a danger in imitation; there, there was something to be feared; but the dove may you imitate securely. Mark how the doves rejoice in society; everywhere do they fly and f…
2,569 wordsSECTION 1637. After this brief examination then, know and hold for certain that the body is dead without the soul, and that the soul is dead without Go
7. After this brief examination then, know and hold for certain that the body is dead without the soul, and that the soul is dead without God. Every man without God hath a dead soul. Thou dost bewail the dead: bewail the sinner rather, bewail rather the ungodly man, bewail the unbeliever. It is written, "The mourning for the dea…
2,210 wordsSECTION 1641. When the Holy Gospel was being read, we heard that the Lord Jesus exulted in Spirit, and said, "I confess to Thee, O Father, Lord of heav
1. When the Holy Gospel was being read, we heard that the Lord Jesus exulted in Spirit, and said, "I confess to Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." [2252] Thus much to begin [2253] with, we find before we pass on further, if …
2,489 wordsSECTION 1659. So John also, the friend of the Bridegroom, was thought to be the Christ, was thought to be the Light. "He was not that Light, but that h
9. So John also, the friend of the Bridegroom, was thought to be the Christ, was thought to be the Light. "He was not that Light, but that he might bear witness of the Light." [2284] But what was the Light? It was the true Light. What is the true Light? "That which lighteneth every man." If that be the true Light which lightenet…
2,409 wordsSECTION 166[2288] Matt. xi. 25.
[2288] Matt. xi. 25. [2289] 1 Cor. i. 20. [2290] Sublimiter eminet. [2291] Wisd. xiii. 9. [2292] Itinera. [2293] Vid. Conf. v. 3 (4). [2294] Numeros. [2295] Rom. i. 18. [2296] Rom. i. 19. [2297] Rom. i. 20. [2298] Faucibus. [2299] Ructuaverunt. [2300] Vid. Conf. vii. 9 (13-15). [2301] Acts xvii. 28. [2302] Humilius…
2,445 wordsSECTION 1673. Now in all these instances, they who do not love these things feel them as great severities; whereas they who love them endure the same,
3. Now in all these instances, they who do not love these things feel them as great severities; whereas they who love them endure the same, it is true, but they do not seem to feel them severe. For love makes all, the hardest and most distressing things, altogether easy, and almost nothing. How much more surely then and easily w…
2,378 wordsSECTION 1686. It is plain then that the Holy Ghost is blasphemed both by Pagans, and by Jews, and by heretics. Are they then to be left, and accounted
6. It is plain then that the Holy Ghost is blasphemed both by Pagans, and by Jews, and by heretics. Are they then to be left, and accounted without all hope, since the sentence is fixed, "Whosoever speaketh a word against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come"? and are t…
2,568 wordsSECTION 16914. But one may say, See I have admitted and understood that where the word "blasphemy" is used, and neither all, nor some certain blasphemy
14. But one may say, See I have admitted and understood that where the word "blasphemy" is used, and neither all, nor some certain blasphemy expressed, it may be understood either of all, or of some certain blasphemy, but not necessarily of all; but again if it be not understood of some, that that which is said would be untrue: …
2,387 wordsSECTION 17021. But this impenitence or impenitent heart may not be pronounced [2412] upon, as long as a man lives in the flesh. For we are not to despa
21. But this impenitence or impenitent heart may not be pronounced [2412] upon, as long as a man lives in the flesh. For we are not to despair of any so long as "the patience of God leadeth the ungodly to repentance," and doth not hurry him out of this life; "God, who willeth not the death of a sinner, but that he should return …
2,292 wordsSECTION 17127. [2439] And yet it is not without cause, but with reason and with truth said, that the Father, and not the Son and the Holy Spirit, said,
27. [2439] And yet it is not without cause, but with reason and with truth said, that the Father, and not the Son and the Holy Spirit, said, "Thou art My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." [2440] Nevertheless, we do not deny that the Son and the Holy Spirit co-operated in working this miracle of the voice sounding from hea…
2,414 wordsSECTION 17234. Whosoever therefore shall be guilty of impenitence against the Spirit, in whom the unity and fellowship of the communion of the Church i
34. Whosoever therefore shall be guilty of impenitence against the Spirit, in whom the unity and fellowship of the communion of the Church is gathered together, shall never have forgiveness; because he has stopped the source of forgiveness against himself, and deservedly shall he be condemned with the spirit, which is divided ag…
2,213 wordsSECTION 173[2384] Conf. lib. vii. x. (16).
[2384] Conf. lib. vii. x. (16). [2385] Insinuatur. [2386] Auctoritas; St. Augustin, C. Maxim. iii. 14, guards the word against any idea of inequality; see Pet. De Trin. v. and 5. 11-13, who observes that the Greeks have no word exactly corresponding, although arche, aition, are equivalent. [2387] Commune. [2388] Rom. v. 5. …
2,201 wordsSECTION 1747. With good reason is this world severely scourged; for the world hath known now its Master's words. "And the servant," He saith, "that kne
7. With good reason is this world severely scourged; for the world hath known now its Master's words. "And the servant," He saith, "that knew not his Master's will, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes." [2505] Why? That he may seek after his Master's will. The servant then who knew not His w…
2,271 wordsSECTION 1753. Peradventure some of you may say, "And how can a bad man speak what is good, when it is written, in the words of the Lord Himself, A good
3. Peradventure some of you may say, "And how can a bad man speak what is good, when it is written, in the words of the Lord Himself, A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth evil things. Ye hypocrites, how can ye being evil …
2,400 wordsSECTION 1766. What cause of fear is there, lest the ship be diverted from her course, and take a backward direction; which happens when, abandoning the
6. What cause of fear is there, lest the ship be diverted from her course, and take a backward direction; which happens when, abandoning the hope of heavenly rewards, desire turneth the helm, and a man is turned to those things which are seen and pass away! For whosoever is disturbed by the temptations of lusts, and nevertheless…
2,274 wordsSECTION 1773. This same Peter therefore who had been by the Rock pronounced "blessed," bearing the figure of the Church, holding the chief place in the
3. This same Peter therefore who had been by the Rock pronounced "blessed," bearing the figure of the Church, holding the chief place in the Apostleship, [2571] a very little while after that he had heard that he was "blessed," a very little while after that he had heard that he was "Peter," a very little while after that he had…
2,203 wordsSECTION 178[2586] Meruisti.
[2586] Meruisti. [2587] 2 Cor. xii. 7, 8. [2588] 2 Cor. xii. 9. [2589] Præsumsit de Domino. [2590] Ps. xciv. 18. [2591] Ecclus. ii. 10, Sept. [2592] Joel ii. 32. Sermon XXVII. [LXXVII. Ben.] On the words of the Gospel, Matt. xv. 21,"Jesus went out thence, and withdrew into the parts of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Cana…
2,205 wordsSECTION 1798. That daughter of the ruler of the synagogue was a figure of the people of the Jews, for whose sake Christ had come, who said, "I am not s
8. That daughter of the ruler of the synagogue was a figure of the people of the Jews, for whose sake Christ had come, who said, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But the woman who suffered from the issue of blood, figured the Church from among the Gentiles, to which Christ was not sent in His bodil…
2,411 wordsSECTION 180[2593] Matt. xv. 21 etc.
[2593] Matt. xv. 21 etc. [2594] Dissimulabatur ab ea. [2595] Matt. xv. 23, 24. [2596] Dispensatio. [2597] Dignitas. [2598] 1 Sam. xviii. 29. [2599] 1 Cor. i. 1. [2600] Acts ix. 1, etc. [2601] Deut. xxxii. 39. [2602] Impius. [2603] Commendans. [2604] 1 Cor. xv. 9. [2605] 1 Cor. xv. 6. [2606] Acts ii. 38. [2607] Plan…
2,436 wordsSECTION 181[2666] Matt. xvii. 2.
[2666] Matt. xvii. 2. [2667] Isa. i. 18. [2668] Matt. xvii. 5. Sermon XXX. [LXXX. Ben.] On the words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 19, "Why could not we cast it out"? etc., and on prayer. 1. Our Lord Jesus Christ reproved unbelief even in His own disciples, as we heard just now when the Gospel was being read. For when they ha…
2,423 wordsSECTION 1826. Therefore, to finish this discourse with that with which we began it, let us pray, and let us rely on God; let us live as He enjoineth; a
6. Therefore, to finish this discourse with that with which we began it, let us pray, and let us rely on God; let us live as He enjoineth; and when we totter in this life, let us call upon Him as the disciples called, saying, "Lord, increase our faith." [2689] Peter both put his trust in Him, and tottered; but notwithstanding he…
2,226 wordsSECTION 1833. We have heard by an example who the meek are: let us, if we can, define them in words. The meek are they, to whom in all their good deeds
3. We have heard by an example who the meek are: let us, if we can, define them in words. The meek are they, to whom in all their good deeds, in all the things they do well, nothing is pleasing but God; to whom in all the evils they suffer, God is not displeasing. Now, Brethren, attend to this rule, to this pattern; let us stret…
2,393 wordsSECTION 1848. For wherefore art thou disturbed? Thine heart is disturbed by the pressing troubles of the world, as that ship was, in which Christ was a
8. For wherefore art thou disturbed? Thine heart is disturbed by the pressing troubles of the world, as that ship was, in which Christ was asleep. Lo! what is the cause, stout-hearted man, that thy heart is disturbed? That ship in which Christ is asleep, [2721] is the heart in which faith is asleep. For what new thing, what new …
2,307 wordsSECTION 1854. Therefore ought we to rebuke in love; not with any eager desire to injure, but with an earnest care to amend. If we be so minded, most ex
4. Therefore ought we to rebuke in love; not with any eager desire to injure, but with an earnest care to amend. If we be so minded, most excellently do we practise that which we have been recommended to-day; "If thy brother shall sin against thee, rebuke him between thee and him alone." [2735] Why dost thou rebuke him? Because …
2,329 wordsSECTION 18611. So let us act; and so must we act not only when the sin is committed against ourselves, but when the sin is so committed by any one as t
11. So let us act; and so must we act not only when the sin is committed against ourselves, but when the sin is so committed by any one as that it is unknown by the other. In secret ought we to rebuke, in secret to reprove him; lest if we would reprove him publicly, we should betray the man. We wish to rebuke and reform him; but…
2,655 wordsSECTION 1872. It is then for our instruction that He put forth this parable, and by this warning He would save us from perishing. "So," said He, "shall
2. It is then for our instruction that He put forth this parable, and by this warning He would save us from perishing. "So," said He, "shall My heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." [2771] Lo, Brethren, the thing is plain, useful is the admonition, and a who…
2,408 wordsSECTION 188[2764] Matt. xviii. 15-17.
[2764] Matt. xviii. 15-17. [2765] Matt. xviii. 22. [2766] Matt. xviii. 23-26. [2767] Meruit. [2768] Matt. xviii. 28. [2769] Contortum. [2770] Matt. xviii. 31-33. [2771] Matt. xviii. 35. [2772] Luke vi. 37, 38. [2773] John vi. 51. [2774] Matt. xviii. 21, 22. [2775] Vid. Serm. lxiv. (cxiv. Ben.) 1. [2776] Col. iii. 13;…
2,465 wordsSECTION 1896. I have admonished the rich; now hear, ye poor. Ye rich, lay out your money; ye poor, refrain from plundering. Ye rich, distribute your me
6. I have admonished the rich; now hear, ye poor. Ye rich, lay out your money; ye poor, refrain from plundering. Ye rich, distribute your means; ye poor, bridle your desires. Hear, ye poor, this same Apostle; "Godliness with sufficiency is a great getting." [2810] Getting is the acquiring of gain. The world is yours in common wi…
2,321 wordsSECTION 1906. Yes, sometimes two opposing mistresses have possession of a man, avarice and luxuriousness. Avarice says, "Keep;" luxuriousness, says, "S
6. Yes, sometimes two opposing mistresses have possession of a man, avarice and luxuriousness. Avarice says, "Keep;" luxuriousness, says, "Spend." Under two mistresses bidding and exacting diverse things what canst thou do? They have both their mode of address. And when thou dost begin to be unwilling to obey them, and to take a…
2,226 wordsSECTION 19114. What great demand is this, my Brethren? I give you counsel only; do I use violence? [2836] As saith the Apostle, "This I speak for your
14. What great demand is this, my Brethren? I give you counsel only; do I use violence? [2836] As saith the Apostle, "This I speak for your own profit, not that I may cast a snare upon you." [2837] I imagine, Brethren, that it is a light and easy thought for a father of children to suppose that he has one child more, and thereby…
2,220 wordsSECTION 1925. How is it that he began to pay at the last? Are not all, as we read, to receive together? For we read in another place of the Gospel, tha
5. How is it that he began to pay at the last? Are not all, as we read, to receive together? For we read in another place of the Gospel, that He will say to those whom He shall set on the right hand, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world." [2849] If all then are to r…
2,204 wordsSECTION 19311. But these must fear, lest they fall into another gulf, and they die through a perverse hope, who could not die through despair. For they
11. But these must fear, lest they fall into another gulf, and they die through a perverse hope, who could not die through despair. For they change their thoughts, which are far different indeed from what they were before, but not less pernicious, and begin again to say in their hearts, "If in whatever day I turn from my most ev…
2,356 wordsSECTION 1942. Let no one then, Brethren, say that our Lord Jesus Christ doeth not those things now, and on this account prefer the former to the presen
2. Let no one then, Brethren, say that our Lord Jesus Christ doeth not those things now, and on this account prefer the former to the present ages of the Church. In a certain place indeed the same Lord prefers those who "do not see, and yet believe," [2872] to them who see and therefore believe. For even at that time so irresolu…
2,570 wordsSECTION 1958. But because He designed to honour His faithful ones at the end of the world, He hath first honoured the cross in this world; in such wise
8. But because He designed to honour His faithful ones at the end of the world, He hath first honoured the cross in this world; in such wise that the princes of the earth who believe in Him have prohibited any criminal from being crucified; and that cross which the Jewish persecutors with great mockery prepared for the Lord, eve…
2,227 wordsSECTION 19614. For how are our eyes made whole? That as by faith we perceive Christ "passing by" in the temporal economy, [2911] so we may attain to th
14. For how are our eyes made whole? That as by faith we perceive Christ "passing by" in the temporal economy, [2911] so we may attain to the knowledge of Him as "standing still" in His unchangeable Eternity. For then is the eye made whole when the knowledge of Christ's Divinity is attained. Let your love apprehend this; attend …
2,669 wordsSECTION 19722. Here they say; "It is true both kinds did once grow throughout the world, but the good wheat is diminished, and confined to this our cou
22. Here they say; "It is true both kinds did once grow throughout the world, but the good wheat is diminished, and confined to this our country, and our small communion." [2929] But the Lord doth not allow thee to interpret as thou wilt. He who explaineth this parable Himself, shutteth thy mouth, thy sacrilegious, profane, and …
2,228 wordsSECTION 1981. The lesson of the Holy Gospel which has just been read, has given us an alarming warning, lest we have leaves only, and have no fruit. Th
1. The lesson of the Holy Gospel which has just been read, has given us an alarming warning, lest we have leaves only, and have no fruit. That is, in few words, lest words be present and deeds be wanting. Very terrible! Who does not fear when in this lesson he sees with the eyes of the heart the withered tree, withered at that w…
2,504 wordsSECTION 1995. Ye have heard instances of a literal expression, and a literal action, and of a figurative expression; ye are waiting for an instance of
5. Ye have heard instances of a literal expression, and a literal action, and of a figurative expression; ye are waiting for an instance of a figurative action. There are many such, but meanwhile, as is suggested by this mention of the corner-stone, when Jacob anointed the stone which he had placed at his head as he slept, and i…
2,202 wordsSECTION 2004. But one will say, What of one man? what strange, what great matter is it, if one among the crowd "not having a wedding garment" crept in
4. But one will say, What of one man? what strange, what great matter is it, if one among the crowd "not having a wedding garment" crept in unperceived to the servants of the Householder? Could it be said because of that one, "they invited good and bad"? Attend therefore, my Brethren, and understand. That one man represented one…
2,340 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.