Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series • VOLUME 3
Theodoret, Jerome, Gennadius & Rufinus — Historical Writings
SECTION 241
[2823] Bp. of Aquileia at the time of this Apology and maintaining friendly relations with both Jerome and Rufinus. (Ruf. Pref. to Eusebius
[2823] Bp. of Aquileia at the time of this Apology and maintaining friendly relations with both Jerome and Rufinus. (Ruf. Pref. to Eusebius in this Volume. Jer. Ep. vii, lx. 19, Pref. to Bks. of Solomon &c. &c.) [2824] See Jerome Ep. vii. It is not known of what church he was Bp. [2825] Brother of Chromatius. See an allusion t…
2,472 wordsSECTION 242[2837] Rom. xiv. 4
[2837] Rom. xiv. 4 [2838] That is, Origen. Rufinus insinuates that Jerome owed and cared more for Origen than he chose to avow. 11. Some time ago, Macarius, a man of distinction from his faith, his learning, his noble birth and his personal life, had in hand a work against fatalism or, as it is called, Mathesis, [2839] and was…
2,256 wordsSECTION 243I grant that, when he has expressed a thing obscurely, as a man does when he is writing for those who have technical knowledge of the subjec
I grant that, when he has expressed a thing obscurely, as a man does when he is writing for those who have technical knowledge of the subject and wishes to go over it rapidly, I have made the sentence plainer by adding the fuller expression which he had given of the same thing in some of his other works which I had read. I did t…
2,344 wordsSECTION 24419. But what did they actually do? Consider what it was and ask yourself whether the crime is not unexampled? Recall the passage which says:
19. But what did they actually do? Consider what it was and ask yourself whether the crime is not unexampled? Recall the passage which says: "But perhaps you will ask me my opinion as to the Only-begotten himself. Well, if I should say that even to him the nature of God is invisible, since it is its very nature to be invisible, …
2,489 wordsSECTION 24522 (a). But, "Surely," he says, "this judgment is done away with since I have repented." Not so fast! We all err, it is true, and especially
22 (a). But, "Surely," he says, "this judgment is done away with since I have repented." Not so fast! We all err, it is true, and especially in word; and we all may repent of our errors. But can a man do penance, and accuse others, and judge and condemn them, all in the same moment? That would be as if a harlot who had abstained…
2,369 wordsSECTION 246This relates, they say to the souls' condition before they were cast down into the world. The reader of this will be apt to say, Master, you
This relates, they say to the souls' condition before they were cast down into the world. The reader of this will be apt to say, Master, you seem to tell us, yet do not really tell us, who these men are who say this, that the souls of men existed before they were cast down into the world. Then he will reply, "Was I not right in …
2,322 wordsSECTION 247[2874] Eph. i. 12
[2874] Eph. i. 12 [2875] Reading sorte' as in the Comm. itself. 31. But let this pass, for what follows is of more importance. I thank God that he has relieved me from a very serious burden of suspicion. Perhaps I seemed to some people to be acting contentiously and calumniously when I insinuated that, according to a figure of…
2,346 wordsSECTION 248[2879] Regulas confusionis fidei. Another reading is Confessionis. But probably Rufinus meant to give point to his expression by substitutin
[2879] Regulas confusionis fidei. Another reading is Confessionis. But probably Rufinus meant to give point to his expression by substituting for the well known words "Rule of faith" "Rule of confusion of faith." 34. It is indeed a thing so unheard of to believe that a man can pronounce condemnation on the fabric which he himse…
2,205 wordsSECTION 249[2897] With us Ps. cxix. 73
[2897] With us Ps. cxix. 73 [2898] Eph. ii. 17 [2899] That is, the old Latin Version, then commonly used, or Vulgata. It was superseded by Jerome's Version, which in its turn became the Vulgate. [2900] Col. i. 20, slightly altered. 39. You observe how much difference he makes between the souls of men and the angels. Merely t…
2,684 wordsSECTION 250[2912] Eph. iv. 16
[2912] Eph. iv. 16 [2913] Eph. iv. 13. The Greek word means either age or stature. [2914] John i. 16 [2915] Zech. vi. 12. The Branch, Eng. Ver. [2916] John i. 30 [2917] Ante me factus est. [2918] Or stature, see above. [2919] Formerly Hippolytus. See the story in Ovid, Met. xv, 544. [2920] Or, "according to another heres…
1,392 wordsSECTION 251Book II.
Book II. 1. Jerome says that the defenders of Origen are united in a federation of perjury. 2. Jerome's commentaries on Ephesians follow Origen's interpretation of the texts about a secret federation to whom higher truths are to be told. 3. But I follow Christ in condemning all falsehood. 4. Jerome has not only allowed perju…
2,218 wordsSECTION 252He then goes on to hurl his reproaches against our priests and ministers, specifying their faults, or rather their crimes; and to represent
He then goes on to hurl his reproaches against our priests and ministers, specifying their faults, or rather their crimes; and to represent the access allowed them to married ladies not only in a disgraceful light, but so as to seem positively execrable: and after having cut to pieces with his satirical defamation the whole race…
2,273 wordsSECTION 253[2952] John xiv. 6
[2952] John xiv. 6 [2953] Rom. ii. 17-24 8 (2). We will pass on to clear up another of the charges, if only he will confess under the stress of his own consciousness of wrong that he has been convicted both of perjury and of making a false defence. Otherwise, if he attempts to deny what I say, I can produce as witnesses any nu…
2,391 wordsSECTION 254"It is a great thing which you ask of me, my friend, that I should translate Origen into Latin, and present to the ears of Romans a man of w
"It is a great thing which you ask of me, my friend, that I should translate Origen into Latin, and present to the ears of Romans a man of whom we may say in the words of Didymus the seer, that he was a teacher of the churches second only to the Apostles." And a little way on he adds: "I will briefly state for your information…
2,326 wordsSECTION 255I really can no longer wonder or complain of his unfriendly dealings with me since he has not spared such men, such great men.' For another
I really can no longer wonder or complain of his unfriendly dealings with me since he has not spared such men, such great men.' For another man whom he tears to pieces is Ambrose that Bishop of sacred memory. In what manner, and with what disparagement he attacks him, I will show in a similar way from one of his Prefaces, in whi…
2,254 wordsSECTION 256It has been necessary for me to bring together the large number of passages which I have adduced from his works, so as to put to the test th
It has been necessary for me to bring together the large number of passages which I have adduced from his works, so as to put to the test the truth of his statement, [2982] that it is only in two short prefaces that he has made mention of Origen with praise, and that not because of his faith but his talent; that he has praised i…
2,870 wordsSECTION 25731. But I must come to that head of his inculpation of me which is most injurious and full of ill-will; nay, not of ill-will only but of mal
31. But I must come to that head of his inculpation of me which is most injurious and full of ill-will; nay, not of ill-will only but of malice. He says: Which of all the wise and holy men before us has dared to attempt the translation of these books which you have translated? I myself, he adds, though asked by many to do it, ha…
2,727 wordsSECTION 258[2990] The asterisks denoted that the words to which they were attached were added, and the obeli () that something had been subtracted. See
[2990] The asterisks denoted that the words to which they were attached were added, and the obeli () that something had been subtracted. See Jerome's Preface to the Books of Kings in this Series. [2991] Stars and spits. 37. This action is yours, my brother, yours alone. It is clear that no one in the church has been your compa…
2,384 wordsSECTION 25943. Moreover, I pointed out clearly that it is habitual to him to disparage all good men, and that, if he can find something to blame in one
43. Moreover, I pointed out clearly that it is habitual to him to disparage all good men, and that, if he can find something to blame in one man after another of those who are highly esteemed and have gained a name in literature, he thinks that he has added to his own reputation. I shewed also how shamefully some of Christ's [29…
2,036 wordsSECTION 260Book I.
Book I. The documents which Jerome had before him when he wrote his Apology were (1) Rufinus' Translation of Pamphilus' Apology with the Preface prefixed to it and the book on the Falsification of the Books of Origen, (2) the Translation of the Peri 'Archon and Rufinus' Preface, (3) The Apology of Rufinus addressed to Anastasiu…
2,454 wordsSECTION 261[3006] Jerome Letter lxxxiii Pammachius to Jerome: "Refute your accuser; else, if you do not speak out, you will appear to consent."
[3006] Jerome Letter lxxxiii Pammachius to Jerome: "Refute your accuser; else, if you do not speak out, you will appear to consent." 4. These words are his own, he cannot deny them. The very elegance of the style and the laboured mode of speech, and, surpassing all these, the Christian simplicity' which here appears, reveal the…
2,494 wordsSECTION 262[3014] Sungrapheus
[3014] Sungrapheus [3015] Suntagma. No work of Eusebius appears to have borne this title. The work alluded to is either the Life of Pamphilus or the Book On the Martyrs of Palestine. [3016] "The existence of a work which consisted mainly of extracts from Origen with Comments, and of which he was only the joint author, is quite…
2,370 wordsSECTION 263[3025] Nazianzen, to whose instructions Jerome attached himself at Constantinople in 381.
[3025] Nazianzen, to whose instructions Jerome attached himself at Constantinople in 381. [3026] Is. xxix. 1, "Where David encamped." Rev. Ver. [3027] Ps. xc 14. It is said that on a recent occasion where the letters of Theophilus exposing the errors of Origen were read, our friend stopped his ears, and along with all present…
2,599 wordsSECTION 264[3036] p. 389.
[3036] p. 389. [3037] Condimentum, or seasoning. [3038] Eph. iv. 25 [3039] Pro Dispensatione. The word Economy is used in modern discussions on this subject in the sense of dispensing truth partially to those not wholly fit for its full disclosure. 19. I am told that he also carps at me for the translation I have given of a …
2,252 wordsSECTION 265But, if he thinks that I became a follower of Origen because I mentioned in my exposition these advancements and honours, these ascents and
But, if he thinks that I became a follower of Origen because I mentioned in my exposition these advancements and honours, these ascents and descents, increasings and diminishings; I must point out that to say, as Origen does, that Angels and Cherubim and Seraphim are turned into demons and men, is a very different thing from say…
2,361 wordsSECTION 266"Let us men then cherish our wives, and let our souls cherish our bodies, in such a way as that wives may be turned into men and bodies into
"Let us men then cherish our wives, and let our souls cherish our bodies, in such a way as that wives may be turned into men and bodies into spirits, and that there may be no difference of sex, but that, as among the angels there is neither male nor female, so we, who are to be like the angels, may begin to be on earth what it i…
2,467 wordsSECTION 267Book II.
[3069] 1 Cor. vi. 9 [3070] Revilers. Rev. Ver. [3071] Gal. v. 15 [3072] Ps. cxli. 3, 4 [3073] Ps. xxxix. 1, 2 [3074] Ps. xxxviii. 14 [3075] Deut. xxxii. 35 [3076] Ps. l. 20 32. I am told, to take another point, that one of his followers, Chrysogonus, finds fault with me for having said that in baptism all sins are put aw…
2,489 wordsSECTION 268[3087] Ex traduce, that is, from a layer like that of the vine. This embodies the view that the soul is derived, with the body, from the par
[3087] Ex traduce, that is, from a layer like that of the vine. This embodies the view that the soul is derived, with the body, from the parent. There is no English word for the process; and since the word Traducianism is used to express the theory, Traduction' is used here to express the process. 5. None of these answers will …
2,396 wordsSECTION 269[3104] The words are translated literally here, so as to shew how they lend themselves to Jerome's strictures.
[3104] The words are translated literally here, so as to shew how they lend themselves to Jerome's strictures. 10. Unhappy souls! stricken through with all these barbarisms as with so many lances! I doubt whether they had so much trouble when, according to the erroneous theory of Origen, they tell from heaven to earth, and were…
2,605 wordsSECTION 270[3111] As above, the word for word rendering is given.
[3111] As above, the word for word rendering is given. [3112] See Rufinus' position vindicated in his treatise on the corruption of Origen's writings, translated in this volume. [3113] Quin immo etiam, the first words of the literally, "Yes, moreover also." [3114] Ps. l. 18 12. We must consider the fact, which comes first, a…
2,211 wordsSECTION 271"Clement," he says, "who was the disciple of the Apostles, and who succeeded the apostles both in the episcopate and in martyrdom, wrote the
"Clement," he says, "who was the disciple of the Apostles, and who succeeded the apostles both in the episcopate and in martyrdom, wrote the books which go by the name of Anagnorismus, that is, Recognitions. In these, though, speaking generally, the doctrine which is set forth in the name of the Apostle Peter is genuinely aposto…
2,274 wordsSECTION 272It is not enough for him to calumniate the Greeks and the men of old time, about whom the distance either of time or space gives him the pow
It is not enough for him to calumniate the Greeks and the men of old time, about whom the distance either of time or space gives him the power to tell any falsehood he pleases. He comes to the Latins, and first takes the case of Hilary the Confessor, whose book, he states, was falsified by the heretics after the Council of Arimi…
2,889 wordsSECTION 273[3131] Deut. xvii. 6
[3131] Deut. xvii. 6 [3132] This translation has been almost wholly lost. The parts which remain are the Book of Job, the Psalms, and the Preface to the Books of Chronicles. [3133] Matt. xiii. 25 [3134] Ps. lxxx. 13 [3135] Jer. xv. 10(LXX). [3136] Or examined. The Vulgate agrees with A.V., A man of contention.' 25. All my …
2,353 wordsSECTION 274Book III.
[3145] John vii. 38, supposed to be taken from Prov. xviii. 4, or Is. lviii. 11 35. By all this it is made clear, first that the version of the Seventy translators which has gained an established position by having been so long in use, was profitable to the churches, because that by its means the Gentiles heard of the coming of…
2,314 wordsSECTION 275You say that you sent your accusation against me not to the many but only to those who had been offended by what I had said; for one ought t
You say that you sent your accusation against me not to the many but only to those who had been offended by what I had said; for one ought to speak to Christians not for display but for edification.' Whence then, I beg you to consider, did the report of your having written these books reach me? Who was it that sowed them broadca…
2,487 wordsSECTION 276[3168] Five tongued.
[3168] Five tongued. [3169] Amasium, sweetheart; namely, Origen. [3170] Jas. iii. 2 7. If it is true that you write a letter to me so as to admonish me, and, because you wish that I should be reformed, and that you do not wish that men should have a stumbling block put in their way, and that some may be driven mad and others …
2,808 wordsSECTION 277[3173] non ridiculosa ut tu scribis sed ridicula. Jerome seems to object to ridiculosus as bad Latin.
[3173] non ridiculosa ut tu scribis sed ridicula. Jerome seems to object to ridiculosus as bad Latin. 13. Moreover, you make a charge against yourself which has been brought by no one against you, and make excuses where no one has accused you. You say that you have read these and in my letter: "I want to know who has given you …
2,723 wordsSECTION 278[3178] Theophilus himself.
[3178] Theophilus himself. [3179] Is. v. 20 19. You allude to Vigilantius. What dream this is that you have dreamed about him I do not know. Where have I said that he was defiled by communion with heretics at Alexandria? Tell me the book, produce the letter: but you will find absolutely no such statement. Yet with your wonted …
2,559 wordsSECTION 279Then again, you have no right to speak evil of that saintly man, as you do when you say "that it may be seen that he gave me peace with his
Then again, you have no right to speak evil of that saintly man, as you do when you say "that it may be seen that he gave me peace with his words and his kiss, but kept evil and deceit in his heart"--for this is your reasoning, and it is thus that you defend yourself. That this is the letter of Epiphanius and that it is hostile …
2,458 wordsSECTION 280[3186] Virgil Georg, ii, 473, Æn. i. 746.
[3186] Virgil Georg, ii, 473, Æn. i. 746. [3187] A Latin rhetorician of the time of Hadrian and Antoninus Pius. Some of his exercises are still extant. 29. You press me to give my opinions about the nature of things. If there were room, I could repeat to you the views of Lucretius who follows Epicurus, or those of Aristotle as…
2,246 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.