Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series • VOLUME 6
Augustine — Sermon on the Mount & Gospel Harmony
SECTION 201
8. So then, my Brethren, have charity. I have explained it to be this garment, this "wedding garment." Faith is praised, it is plain, it is
8. So then, my Brethren, have charity. I have explained it to be this garment, this "wedding garment." Faith is praised, it is plain, it is praised: but what kind of faith this is, the Apostle distinguishes. For certain who boasted of faith, and had not a good conversation, the Apostle James rebukes and says, "Thou believest the…
2,210 wordsSECTION 2021. When the Jews were asked (as we have just now heard out of the Gospel when it was being read), how our Lord Jesus Christ, whom David hims
1. When the Jews were asked (as we have just now heard out of the Gospel when it was being read), how our Lord Jesus Christ, whom David himself called his Lord was David's Son, they were not able to answer. For what they saw in the Lord, that they knew. For He appeared to them as the Son of man; but as the Son of God He was hidd…
2,624 wordsSECTION 2038. For that ye may know, that the Bridegroom and the Bride are One according to the Flesh of Christ, not according to His Divinity (for acco
8. For that ye may know, that the Bridegroom and the Bride are One according to the Flesh of Christ, not according to His Divinity (for according to His Divinity we cannot be what He is; seeing that He is the Creator, we the creature; He the Maker, we His work; He the Framer, we framed by Him; but in order that we might be one w…
2,362 wordsSECTION 2043. But if it be good to abstain from the unlawful excitements of the senses, and on that account every Christian soul has gotten the name of
3. But if it be good to abstain from the unlawful excitements of the senses, and on that account every Christian soul has gotten the name of virgin; why are five admitted and five rejected? They are both virgins, and yet are rejected. It is not enough that they are virgins; and that they have lamps. They are virgins, by reason o…
2,315 wordsSECTION 20513. "Go ye" then "to them that sell," this have ye been accustomed to do. But we will not give to you. Why? "Lest there be not enough for us
13. "Go ye" then "to them that sell," this have ye been accustomed to do. But we will not give to you. Why? "Lest there be not enough for us and you." What is, "lest there be not enough"? This was not spoken in any lack of hope, but in a sober and godly humility. For though the good man have a good conscience; how knows he, how …
2,382 wordsSECTION 2064. Ye know it, dearly Beloved; call to mind the parable of the Gospel, how that the Lord came in to inspect the guests at a certain feast of
4. Ye know it, dearly Beloved; call to mind the parable of the Gospel, how that the Lord came in to inspect the guests at a certain feast of His. The Master of the house who had invited them, as it is written, "found there a man which had not on a wedding garment." [3143] For to the marriage had that Bridegroom invited them who …
2,730 wordsSECTION 2073. And whither must the Lord be followed? Whither He is gone, we know; but a very few days since we celebrated the solemn memorial of it. Fo
3. And whither must the Lord be followed? Whither He is gone, we know; but a very few days since we celebrated the solemn memorial of it. For He has risen again, and ascended into heaven; thither must He be followed. Undoubtedly we must not despair of it, because He hath Himself promised us, not because man can do anything. Heav…
2,202 wordsSECTION 2081. The advice, Brethren, which ye have just heard Scripture give, when it tells us to watch for the last day, every one should think of as c
1. The advice, Brethren, which ye have just heard Scripture give, when it tells us to watch for the last day, every one should think of as concerning his own last day; lest haply when ye judge or think the last day of the world to be far distant, ye slumber with respect to your own last day. Ye have heard what Jesus said concern…
2,505 wordsSECTION 2094. Let us then see what He would have us learn in those three dead persons whom He raised. He raised again the dead daughter of the ruler of
4. Let us then see what He would have us learn in those three dead persons whom He raised. He raised again the dead daughter of the ruler of the synagogue, for whom when she was sick petition was made to Him, that He would deliver her from her sickness. And as He is going, it is announced that she is dead; and as though He would…
2,432 wordsSECTION 2103. For the Lord heard the thoughts of the Pharisee. Let now the Pharisee understand even by this, whether He was not able to see her sins, w
3. For the Lord heard the thoughts of the Pharisee. Let now the Pharisee understand even by this, whether He was not able to see her sins, who could hear his thoughts. So then He put forth to the man a parable concerning two men, who owed to the same creditor. For He was desirous to heal the Pharisee also, that He might not eat …
2,565 wordsSECTION 2119. They answer, "knowing not," as the Apostle says, "either what they speak, or whereof they affirm:" [3226] they answer and say, "If men do
9. They answer, "knowing not," as the Apostle says, "either what they speak, or whereof they affirm:" [3226] they answer and say, "If men do not forgive sins, then that is false which Christ saith, Whatsoever ye shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven also.'" [3227] But thou dost not know why this is said, and in what se…
2,609 wordsSECTION 2123. See now how another disciple presented himself, to whom no one said anything: he said, "Lord, I will follow Thee, but I will first go to
3. See now how another disciple presented himself, to whom no one said anything: he said, "Lord, I will follow Thee, but I will first go to bid them farewell which are at my house." [3256] I suppose this is his meaning, "Let me tell my friends, lest haply they seek me as usual." And the Lord said, "No man putting his hand on the…
2,255 wordsSECTION 2134. My place accordingly it is, whom with all my unworthiness the Lord hath appointed to be a labourer in His field, to say these things to y
4. My place accordingly it is, whom with all my unworthiness the Lord hath appointed to be a labourer in His field, to say these things to you, to sow, to plant, to water, yea to dig round about some trees, and to apply the basket of [3280] dung; belongeth it to me to do these things faithfully; to you to receive them faithfully…
2,355 wordsSECTION 214[3262] Luke x. 2.
[3262] Luke x. 2. [3263] 1 Cor. xv. 10. [3264] 1 Cor. iii. 6. [3265] 1 Cor. xv. 9. [3266] Gal. ii. 1, etc. [3267] Acts xvii. 18. spermologos. [3268] Luke x. 2. [3269] Luke x. 3. [3270] Sacramenta. [3271] John iv. 25, 26. [3272] John iv. 27. [3273] John iv. 35. [3274] John iv. 38. [3275] Rom. xv. 20. [3276] John xv.…
2,253 wordsSECTION 2154. Consider, Brethren, this "one thing," and see if even in multitude itself anything pleases, but "this oneness." See how great a number, t
4. Consider, Brethren, this "one thing," and see if even in multitude itself anything pleases, but "this oneness." See how great a number, through God's mercy, ye are: who could bear you, if ye did not mind "one thing"? Whence in this many is this quiet? Give oneness, and it is a people; take oneness away, and it is a crowd. For…
2,228 wordsSECTION 2164. Ye see then, dearly Beloved, and, as I suppose, ye understand already, that in these two women, who were both well pleasing to the Lord,
4. Ye see then, dearly Beloved, and, as I suppose, ye understand already, that in these two women, who were both well pleasing to the Lord, both objects of His love, both disciples; ye see, I say (and an important thing it is which whosoever understand, understand hereby, a thing which, even those of you who do not understand ou…
2,236 wordsSECTION 2177. There remains hope, which, as I think, is compared to an egg. For hope has not yet arrived at attainment; and an egg is something, but no
7. There remains hope, which, as I think, is compared to an egg. For hope has not yet arrived at attainment; and an egg is something, but not yet the chicken. So then quadrupeds give birth to young ones, but birds to the hope of young. Hope therefore exhorts us to this, to despise things present, to wait for things to come; "for…
2,307 wordsSECTION 21813. And that which they say is not true, that immediately on losing her gods Rome has been taken [3379] and ruined. It is not true at all; t
13. And that which they say is not true, that immediately on losing her gods Rome has been taken [3379] and ruined. It is not true at all; their images were overthrown before; and even so were the Goths with Rhadagaisus [3380] conquered. Remember, my Brethren, remember; it is no long time since, but a few years, call it to mind.…
2,500 wordsSECTION 2193. "Speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me." Just case, short case. But let us hear Him who at once gives judgment and
3. "Speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me." Just case, short case. But let us hear Him who at once gives judgment and instruction. "Man," He saith. "O man;" for seeing thou valuest this inheritance so highly, what art thou but a man? He wished to make him something more than man. What more did He wish to ma…
2,443 wordsSECTION 22010. Lo, thou art in confusion, tossed to and fro; thy heart as a ship is shaken about by tempests. Christ is asleep: awake Him, that sleepet
10. Lo, thou art in confusion, tossed to and fro; thy heart as a ship is shaken about by tempests. Christ is asleep: awake Him, that sleepeth, and thou shalt be exposed no more to the raging of the storm. Awake Him, who was pleased to have nothing here, and thou hast all, who came even to the Cross for thee, whose "Bones" as He …
2,430 wordsSECTION 2217. Great is the reward He hath set before us: in so great a reward as is set before us, let us see what He hath commanded us. For enkindled
7. Great is the reward He hath set before us: in so great a reward as is set before us, let us see what He hath commanded us. For enkindled by the reward of so great a promise, and by the love of the reward, let us make ready at once our strength, our sides, our arms, to do His bidding. Is it as if He were to command us to carry…
2,545 wordsSECTION 2222. What is that "woman who was in an infirmity eighteen years"? In six days God finished His works. Three times six are eighteen. What the "
2. What is that "woman who was in an infirmity eighteen years"? In six days God finished His works. Three times six are eighteen. What the "three years" then in "the tree" signified, that do the "eighteen years" in this woman. She was bent down, she could not look up; because in vain did she hear, "Up with your hearts." But the …
2,472 wordsSECTION 223And after the Sermon.
And after the Sermon. I suggest to you, Beloved, what ye know already. To-morrow breaks the anniversary day of the venerable [3470] lord Aurelius' ordination; he asks and admonishes you, dear Brethren, by my humble ministry, that ye would be so good [3471] as to meet together with all devotion at the basilica of Faustus. Thanks…
2,328 wordsSECTION 2247. Now these senses are denoted by the mention of the eyes only, the whole by a part, because the pre-eminence in the five senses belongs to
7. Now these senses are denoted by the mention of the eyes only, the whole by a part, because the pre-eminence in the five senses belongs to the eyes. Wherefore though sight belongs peculiarly to the eyes, we are accustomed to use the word "seeing" through all the five senses. How? In the first place, in relation to the eyes the…
2,311 wordsSECTION 2254. There is indeed another way of understanding it; and I will not withhold it too. The mammon of iniquity is all the riches of this world,
4. There is indeed another way of understanding it; and I will not withhold it too. The mammon of iniquity is all the riches of this world, from whatever source they come. For howsoever they be heaped together, they are the mammon of iniquity, that is, the riches of iniquity. What is, "they are the riches of iniquity"? It is mon…
2,427 wordsSECTION 2265. I would then that thou shouldest forgive, seeing that I find thee asking forgiveness. Thou art asked, forgive: thou art asked, and thou w
5. I would then that thou shouldest forgive, seeing that I find thee asking forgiveness. Thou art asked, forgive: thou art asked, and thou wilt ask thyself; thou art asked, forgive; thou wilt ask to be forgiven; for, lo, the time of prayer will come: I have thee fast in the words thou wilt have to speak. Thou wilt say, "Our Fath…
2,468 wordsSECTION 227[3531] Pietate.
[3531] Pietate. [3532] Luke xviii. 1. [3533] Luke xviii. 8, Vulgate. [3534] Rom. x. 13. [3535] Rom. x. 14. [3536] Luke xxii. 46. [3537] Vexare. [3538] Luke xxii. 31, 32. [3539] Luke xvii. 5. [3540] Mark ix. 24. [3541] Luke xviii. 9-11. [3542] Luke xviii. 12. [3543] Luke xviii. 13. [3544] Ps. cxxxviii. 6. [3545] Con…
2,520 wordsSECTION 228[3554] Luke xxiv. 36.
[3554] Luke xxiv. 36. [3555] Salutatio a salute. [3556] Luke xxiv. 38. [3557] Col. iii. 1, etc. [3558] 1 Cor. xv. 43. [3559] Luke xxiv. 38-40. [3560] Luke xxiv. 41. [3561] Totus hoc credidit mundus, qui non credidit remansit immundus. [3562] Luke xxiv. 44. [3563] Luke xxiv. 44. [3564] Luke xxiv. 45. [3565] Ulsaris. […
2,266 wordsSECTION 2297. And what can we do, brethren, when we are conveying lessons of spiritual things to carnal men; even if so be we ourselves too are not car
7. And what can we do, brethren, when we are conveying lessons of spiritual things to carnal men; even if so be we ourselves too are not carnal, when we intimate these spiritual truths to carnal men, to men accustomed to the idea of earthly nativities, and seeing the order of these creatures, where succession and departure separ…
2,363 wordsSECTION 23013. Here there is somewhat for you to consider, Brethren, [3584] as a protection against blasphemies. For it is constantly said, "See thou h
13. Here there is somewhat for you to consider, Brethren, [3584] as a protection against blasphemies. For it is constantly said, "See thou hast produced certain resemblances; but the brightness which is thrown out from the fire, shines less brilliantly than the fire itself, and the image of the shrub has less proper [3585] subsi…
2,668 wordsSECTION 2312. But you will say, "The Father both was,' and was before the Word." What are you looking for? "In the beginning was the Word." What you fi
2. But you will say, "The Father both was,' and was before the Word." What are you looking for? "In the beginning was the Word." What you find, understand; seek not for what you are not able to find. Nothing is before the beginning. "In the beginning was the Word." The Son is the Brightness of the Father. Of the Wisdom of the Fa…
2,342 wordsSECTION 2322. Lift up your hearts, my Brethren, lift them up as best ye can; whatsoever occurs to you from the idea of any body whatsoever, reject. If
2. Lift up your hearts, my Brethren, lift them up as best ye can; whatsoever occurs to you from the idea of any body whatsoever, reject. If the Word of God occurs to you under the idea of the light of this sun, expand, extend how you will, set no bounds in your thought to that light; it is nothing to the Word of God. Whatsoever …
2,534 wordsSECTION 233[3621] John i. 10.
[3621] John i. 10. [3622] John xiv. 30. [3623] 2 Cor v. 19. [3624] John i. 11. [3625] John viii. 58. [3626] John i. 12. [3627] Matt. xxi. 9. [3628] Luke xix. 39, 40. [3629] John i. 8. [3630] Matt. iii. 7. [3631] John viii. 39, 40. [3632] Luke iii. 7, 8. [3633] Matt. xv. 26. [3634] John i. 13. [3635] John i. 14. [3…
2,408 wordsSECTION 234[3637] Gen. iii. 7.
[3637] Gen. iii. 7. [3638] Gen. ii. 25. [3639] John i. 48. [3640] John i. 49. [3641] John i. 50. [3642] John i. 51. [3643] Gen. xxviii. 11. [3644] Ps. cxviii. 22. [3645] Matt. xxi. 44. [3646] John ix. 16. [3647] Matt. xxvii. 40. [3648] Significavit. [3649] Gen. xxv. 25, 26. [3650] Plantam. [3651] Gen. xxxii. 24. […
2,550 wordsSECTION 2354. So then by His Flesh did the Lord Jesus Christ grant hope to our flesh. For He took on Him what we knew well in this earth, what aboundet
4. So then by His Flesh did the Lord Jesus Christ grant hope to our flesh. For He took on Him what we knew well in this earth, what aboundeth here, to be born, and to die. To be born and to die, abounded here; to rise again and to live for ever, was not here. Poor earthly merchandize found He here, He brought here strange and he…
2,224 wordsSECTION 2364. The Jews then were troubled. What is this? "Why doeth He these things on the sabbath days?" And especially at those words of the Lord, "M
4. The Jews then were troubled. What is this? "Why doeth He these things on the sabbath days?" And especially at those words of the Lord, "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." [3703] Their carnal understanding of this, that God rested on the seventh day from all His works, [3704] "troubled them." For this is written in Genes…
2,412 wordsSECTION 2379. Let us then return to our subject. The perfection of righteousness is shown by the number forty. What is it to fulfil the number forty? T
9. Let us then return to our subject. The perfection of righteousness is shown by the number forty. What is it to fulfil the number forty? To restrain one's self from the love of this world. Restraint from temporal things, that they be not loved to our destruction, is, as it were, fasting from this world. Therefore the Lord fast…
2,217 wordsSECTION 2383. Faith [3742] then, as it has been elsewhere defined, is "the firm support of those who hope, [3743] the evidence of things which are not
3. Faith [3742] then, as it has been elsewhere defined, is "the firm support of those who hope, [3743] the evidence of things which are not seen." [3744] If they are not seen, how are they evidenced to be? What! Whence are these things which thou seest, but from That which thou seest not? To be sure thou dost see somewhat that t…
2,679 wordsSECTION 23910. What then sayest thou? It is the Only Son Himself That speaketh; the Only-Begotten Son speaketh in the Gospel: the Word Himself hath giv
10. What then sayest thou? It is the Only Son Himself That speaketh; the Only-Begotten Son speaketh in the Gospel: the Word Himself hath given us the words, we have heard Himself saying, "The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do." Now then the Father doeth that the Son may see what to do; and neverthele…
2,501 wordsSECTION 2402. Because men love to live on this earth, life is promised them; and because they exceedingly fear to die, eternal life is promised them. W
2. Because men love to live on this earth, life is promised them; and because they exceedingly fear to die, eternal life is promised them. What dost thou love? To live. This shalt thou have. What dost thou fear? To die. Thou shalt not suffer it. This seemed to be enough for human infirmity, that it should be said, "Thou shalt ha…
2,397 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.