Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series • VOLUME 7
Augustine — Homilies on John & First John
SECTION 201
Chapter XXI. 19-25.
[1950] Chap. vi. 41. [1951] Chap. xiii. 37. [1952] Matt. xvi. 21, 22. [1953] Phil. ii. 21. [1954] Coecati. [1955] 2 Tim. iii. 1-5. [1956] 1 Tim. i. 7. [1957] Phil. i. 23. [1958] 2 Cor. v. 4. [1959] Matt. xxvi. 39. [1960] Chap. x. 18, 11. Tractate CXXIV. Chapter XXI. 19-25. 1. It is no unimportant question why the Lo…
2,002 wordsSECTION 202Chapter XXI. 19-25.
5. I shall therefore, in the manifested mercy of Him whose justice is hidden, set about the discussion, in order to the solution of a question of such importance, in accordance with the strength which He may graciously bestow: for hitherto it has only been proposed, not expounded. Let this, then, be the commencement of its expos…
2,275 wordsSECTION 2037. Let no one, however, separate these distinguished apostles. In that which was signified by Peter, they were both alike; and in that which
7. Let no one, however, separate these distinguished apostles. In that which was signified by Peter, they were both alike; and in that which was signified by John, they will both be alike hereafter. In their representative character, the one was following, the other tarrying; but in their personal faith they were both of them en…
931 wordsSECTION 204St. AUGUSTIN:
St. AUGUSTIN: ten homilies on the first epistle of John. translated by rev. H. Browne, m.a., canon of waltham and principal of the chichester diocesan college. revised, with additional notes, by rev. joseph h. myers, d.d. Introduction. This first Epistle of John, probably written at Ephesus near the close of the first…
1,915 wordsSECTION 205Homily I.
Homily I. 1 John I. 1-II. 11 "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, and which we have seen with our eyes, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life: and the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us…
2,977 wordsSECTION 2066. For see what He saith; "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." [2021] Consequently, if thou ha
6. For see what He saith; "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." [2021] Consequently, if thou hast confessed thyself a sinner, the truth is in thee: for the Truth itself is light. Thy life hath not yet shone in perfect brightness, because there are sins in thee; but yet thou hast alrea…
2,528 wordsSECTION 20712. "He that loveth his brother abideth (manet) in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him." [2051] --I beseech you by Chr
12. "He that loveth his brother abideth (manet) in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him." [2051] --I beseech you by Christ: God is feeding us, we are about to refresh our bodies in the name of Christ; they both are in some good measure refreshed, and are to be refreshed: let the mind be fed. Not that I am go…
2,210 wordsSECTION 208[2010] Ps. xxxiv. 5.
[2010] Ps. xxxiv. 5. [2011] 1 John i. 6. [2012] 2 Cor. vi. 14. [2013] Eph. vi. 12. [2014] [Fellowship.--The primary object of the apostle's communication in this epistle (1 John i. 3), is that his readers may have fellowship with the apostolic body, and, in connection with them, fellowship with the Father and with His Son, J…
857 wordsSECTION 209Homily II.
Homily II. 1 John II. 12-17 "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven through His name. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, children, because ye have known the Father. I …
2,266 wordsSECTION 2104. "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you through His name." [2084] Therefore, "little children," [2085] bec
4. "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you through His name." [2084] Therefore, "little children," [2085] because in forgiveness of sins ye have your birth. But through whose name are sins forgiven? Through Augustin's? No, therefore neither through the name of Donatus. Be it thy concern to see who …
2,492 wordsSECTION 21112. For "the world" is the appellation given not only to this fabric which God made heaven and earth, the sea, things visible and invisible:
12. For "the world" is the appellation given not only to this fabric which God made heaven and earth, the sea, things visible and invisible: but the inhabitants of the world are called the world, just as we call a "house" both the walls and them that inhabit therein. And sometimes we praise a house, and find fault with the inhab…
2,029 wordsSECTION 212Homily III.
Homily III. 1 John II. 18-27 "Children, it is the last hour: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us: if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that…
2,331 wordsSECTION 2137. For hear and see. Certainly all who go out from the Church, and are cut off from the unity of the Church, are antichrists; let no man dou
7. For hear and see. Certainly all who go out from the Church, and are cut off from the unity of the Church, are antichrists; let no man doubt it: for the apostle himself hath marked them, "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us." Therefore, whoso co…
2,260 wordsSECTION 21413. "And ye have no need that any man teach you, because His [2179] unction teacheth you concerning all things." [2180] Then to what purpose
13. "And ye have no need that any man teach you, because His [2179] unction teacheth you concerning all things." [2180] Then to what purpose is it that "we," my brethren, teach you? If "His unction teacheth you concerning all things," it seems we labor without a cause. And what mean we, to cry out as we do? Let us leave you to H…
1,705 wordsSECTION 215Homily IV.
Homily IV. 1 John II. 27-III. 8 "And it is true, and lieth not. Even as it hath taught you, abide in it. And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be put to shame by Him at His coming. If ye know that He is righteous, know ye that every one that doeth righteousness is b…
2,605 wordsSECTION 2166. What then shall "we" be, when we shall see this? What is promised to us? "We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." The tongu
6. What then shall "we" be, when we shall see this? What is promised to us? "We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." The tongue hath done what it could, hath sounded the words: let the rest be thought by the heart. For what hath even John himself said in comparison of That which Is, or what can be said by us men, w…
2,226 wordsSECTION 217Homily V.
[2185] Eph. v. 27. [2186] John xii. 31. [2187] Mendax. Gr. pseudos. Vulg. Mendacium. In the following clause et om. as kai in Cod. Alex. In ipsa, Gr. en auto, taken as referred to chrisma, "in the unction" (Lat. two mss. in ipso.) Vulg. in eo, "in Christ." [2188] 1 John iii. 27, 28. [2189] Mark xvi. 15. Universæ, creaturæ. …
2,693 wordsSECTION 2185. And that ye may know that it is this perfect charity which that man violates not, and against which that man sins not, who is born of God
5. And that ye may know that it is this perfect charity which that man violates not, and against which that man sins not, who is born of God; this is what the Lord saith to Peter; "Peter lovest thou me?" And he answers, "I love." He saith not, If thou love me, shew kindness to me. For when the Lord was in mortal flesh, He hunger…
2,297 wordsSECTION 21912. Whence beginneth charity, brethren? Attend a little: to what it is perfected, ye have heard; the very end of it, and the very measure of
12. Whence beginneth charity, brethren? Attend a little: to what it is perfected, ye have heard; the very end of it, and the very measure of it is what the Lord hath put before us in the Gospel: "Greater love hath no man," saith He, "than that one lay down his life for his friends." [2277] Its perfection, therefore, He hath put …
1,510 wordsSECTION 220Homily VI.
Homily VI. 1 John III. 19-4. 3 "And herein we know that we are of the truth, and assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart think ill of us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart think not ill of us, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we shall receive of Him, b…
2,526 wordsSECTION 2216. Well now: I have already told you, my, beloved brethren, let no man turn toward us. For what are we? or what are ye? What, but the Church
6. Well now: I have already told you, my, beloved brethren, let no man turn toward us. For what are we? or what are ye? What, but the Church of God which is known to all? And, if it please Him, in that Church are we; and those of us who by love abide in it, there let us persevere, if we would show the love we have. But then the …
2,340 wordsSECTION 22211. "Beloved, believe not every spirit." [2330] Because he had said, "In this we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath giv
11. "Beloved, believe not every spirit." [2330] Because he had said, "In this we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us." But how this same Spirit is known, mark this: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits whether they be from God." And who is he that proves the spirits? A hard matte…
2,263 wordsSECTION 223[2285] 1 John iii. 18-20.
[2285] 1 John iii. 18-20. [2286] [Better, "judge ill," i.e., condemn.--J.H.M.] [2287] Male senserit. [2288] John xv. 13. [2289] 1 John iii. 16. [2290] 1 John iii. 17. [2291] 2 Cor. xii. 15. [2292] 1 Cor. iv. 3. [2293] 1 Cor. xiii. 3. [2294] 2 Cor. i. 12. [2295] Gal. vi. 4. [2296] Persuademus. [2297] 1 John iii. 19. …
1,037 wordsSECTION 224Homily VII.
Homily VII. 1 John IV. 4-12 "Now are ye of God, little children, and have overcome him: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in this world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. …
2,786 wordsSECTION 2258. This we have said in the case where the things done are similar. In the case where they are diverse, we find a man by charity made fierce
8. This we have said in the case where the things done are similar. In the case where they are diverse, we find a man by charity made fierce; [2376] and by iniquity made winningly gentle. A father beats a boy, and a boy-stealer caresses. If thou name the two things, blows and caresses, who would not choose the caresses, and decl…
1,829 wordsSECTION 226Homily VIII.
Homily VIII. 1 John IV. 12-16 "If we love one another, God abideth [2390] in us, and His love will be perfected in us. In this know we that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and are witnesses that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour ofthe world. Whosoever shall confes…
2,221 wordsSECTION 2276. For in this the proud soul has passed bounds, and, in a manner, become avaricious. For, "The root of all evils is avarice;" [2407] and ag
6. For in this the proud soul has passed bounds, and, in a manner, become avaricious. For, "The root of all evils is avarice;" [2407] and again it is said, "The beginning of all sin is pride." [2408] And we ask, it may be, how these two sentences agree: "The root of all evils is avarice;" and, "The beginning of all sin is pride.…
2,558 wordsSECTION 22811. These things have I said, brethren, and somewhat at length: yet because charity was to be more earnestly commended to you, beloved, in t
11. These things have I said, brethren, and somewhat at length: yet because charity was to be more earnestly commended to you, beloved, in this way was it to be commended. For if there be no charity in you, we have said nothing. But if it be in you, we have as it were cast oil upon the flames. And in whom it was not, perchance b…
2,299 wordsSECTION 229Homily IX.
[2418] 1 Cor. xv. 44-49. [2419] 1 Cor. vii. 7. [2420] 1 Cor. xiii. 3. [2421] Sævit. [2422] Matt. v. 6. [2423] Matt. ix. 12. [2424] Odis. [2425] Luke xxiii. 34. [2426] Heb. xii. 6. [2427] Ferramentum. [2428] 1 John. iv. 12. [2429] 1 John iv. 13. [2430] Rom. v. 5. [2431] 1 John iv. 14. [2432] 1 John viii. 24. [2433]…
2,284 wordsSECTION 2304. Now therefore concerning this same boldness, let us see what he says. Whence do we understand that charity is perfect? "There is no fear
4. Now therefore concerning this same boldness, let us see what he says. Whence do we understand that charity is perfect? "There is no fear in charity." [2451] Then what say we of him that has begun to fear the day of judgment? If charity in him were perfect, he would not fear. For perfect charity would make perfect righteousnes…
2,380 wordsSECTION 2319. "Let us love, [2470] because He first loved us." [2471] For how should we love, except He had first loved us? By loving we became friends
9. "Let us love, [2470] because He first loved us." [2471] For how should we love, except He had first loved us? By loving we became friends: but He loved us as enemies, that we might be made friends. He first loved us, and gave us the gift of loving Him. We did not yet love Him: by loving we are made beautiful. If a man deforme…
2,045 wordsSECTION 232Homily X.
Homily X. 1 John V. 1-3 "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth Him that begat Him, loveth Him also that is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, because we love God, and do His commandments. For this is the love of God that we keep His commandments."…
2,243 wordsSECTION 2335. Ye have heard in the Psalm, "I have seen the end of all perfection." [2503] He hath said, I have seen the end of all perfection: what had
5. Ye have heard in the Psalm, "I have seen the end of all perfection." [2503] He hath said, I have seen the end of all perfection: what had he seen? Think we, had he ascended to the peak of some very high and pointed mountain, and looked out thence and seen the compass of the earth, and the circles of the round world, and there…
2,408 wordsSECTION 2349. Our Lord Jesus Christ, then, ascending into heaven on the fortieth day, did for this reason commend to us His Body where it would continu
9. Our Lord Jesus Christ, then, ascending into heaven on the fortieth day, did for this reason commend to us His Body where it would continue to lie, because He saw that many would honor Him for that He is ascended into heaven: and saw that their honoring Him is useless if they trample upon His members here on earth. And lest an…
2,281 wordsSECTION 235[2541] The clause of "the Three Heavenly Witnesses," v. 7, appears to be wholly unknown to St. Augustin: a circumstance left unexplained by
[2541] The clause of "the Three Heavenly Witnesses," v. 7, appears to be wholly unknown to St. Augustin: a circumstance left unexplained by Mill, who asserts that copies which had the clause "abounded in Africa" in the interval between St. Cyprian and the close of the fifth century. [2542] Sacramenta. [2543] John xix. 30, 34. …
2,262 wordsSECTION 236St. AUGUSTIN:
[2563] Serm. cxl. 3 "Seek in the Epistle of this same John what he hath said of Christ. Believe' (credamus) saith he, on His true Son Jesus Christ, He is the True God and Eternal Life!' What meaneth, True God and Eternal Life?' The True Son' of God is the True God and Eternal Life.' Why has he said, On His True Son?' Because God…
710 wordsSECTION 237Preface to Soliloquies.
Preface to Soliloquies. The two books of the Soliloquia were, by the statement of the author himself (Lib. I. 17), written in his thirty-third year. They were therefore written immediately after his baptism, evidently in the rural retreat of Cassiacum, in Upper Italy, belonging to his friend Verecundus, to which we know that he…
2,266 wordsSECTION 2387. A. Behold I have prayed to God. R. What then wouldst thou know? A. All these things which I have prayed for. R. Sum them up in brief. A.
7. A. Behold I have prayed to God. R. What then wouldst thou know? A. All these things which I have prayed for. R. Sum them up in brief. A. God and the soul, that is what I desire to know. R. Nothing more? A. Nothing whatever. R. Therefore begin to inquire. But first explain how, if God should be set forth to thee, thou wouldst …
2,478 wordsSECTION 23913. When therefore the mind has come to have sound eyes, what next? A. That she look. R. The mind's act of looking is Reason; but because it
13. When therefore the mind has come to have sound eyes, what next? A. That she look. R. The mind's act of looking is Reason; but because it does not follow that every one who looks sees, a right and perfect act of looking, that is, one followed by vision, is called Virtue; for Virtue is either right or perfect Reason. But even …
2,205 wordsSECTION 24019. R. You speak as if I were now inquiring what you hope. I am not inquiring what, denied, delights not, but what delights, obtained. For a
19. R. You speak as if I were now inquiring what you hope. I am not inquiring what, denied, delights not, but what delights, obtained. For an extinguished plague is one thing, a dormant plague another. And, as some wise men say, all pools are so unsound, that they always smell of every foul thing, although you do not always perc…
2,244 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.