Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series • VOLUME 4
Athanasius — Select Works and Letters
SECTION 121
Introduction to Vita S. Antoni.
Introduction to Vita S. Antoni. ------------------------ (Written between 356 and 362) The Life of St. Antony is included in the present collection partly on account of the important influence it has exercised upon the development of the ascetic life in the Church, partly and more especially on the ground of its strong claim …
2,371 wordsSECTION 122b. Historical misstatements. i. It is better to include under this head rather than under the last the title ad peregrinos fratres. Who were
b. Historical misstatements. i. It is better to include under this head rather than under the last the title ad peregrinos fratres. Who were the foreign monks' (tous en te xene monachous)? The introduction of monasticism into the West seems to belong to the time of S. Ambrose (Aug. Conf. viii. 6, cf. Sozom. III. 14, the European…
2,472 wordsSECTION 123[979] See the note in Vol. I. of this Series, p. 117, D.C.B. iv. 368, Theod. Ltzg. xiii. 493-499.
[979] See the note in Vol. I. of this Series, p. 117, D.C.B. iv. 368, Theod. Ltzg. xiii. 493-499. [980] The silence of Ep. Fest. X. (338) is made much of by Weingarten, but there is nothing there to lead up to a reference to desert monasticism. [981] It is fortified by the silence of Eusebius' (1) as to monks in general (but y…
2,322 wordsSECTION 1244. Thus conducting himself, Antony was beloved by all. He subjected himself in sincerity to the good men whom he visited, and learned thorou
4. Thus conducting himself, Antony was beloved by all. He subjected himself in sincerity to the good men whom he visited, and learned thoroughly where each surpassed him in zeal and discipline. He observed the graciousness of one; the unceasing prayer of another; he took knowledge of another's freedom from anger and another's lo…
2,435 wordsSECTION 12510. Nor was the Lord then forgetful of Antony's wrestling, but was at hand to help him. So looking up he saw the roof as it were opened, and
10. Nor was the Lord then forgetful of Antony's wrestling, but was at hand to help him. So looking up he saw the roof as it were opened, and a ray of light descending to him. The demons suddenly vanished, the pain of his body straightway ceased, and the building was again whole. But Antony feeling the help, and getting his breat…
2,412 wordsSECTION 12620. Wherefore having already begun and set out in the way of virtue, let us strive the more that we may attain those things that are before.
20. Wherefore having already begun and set out in the way of virtue, let us strive the more that we may attain those things that are before. And let no one turn to the things behind, like Lot's wife, all the more so that the Lord hath said, "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and turning back, is fit for the kingdom of h…
2,657 wordsSECTION 12729. But if any one having in mind the history of Job [1052] should say, Why then hath the devil gone forth and accomplished all things again
29. But if any one having in mind the history of Job [1052] should say, Why then hath the devil gone forth and accomplished all things against him; and stripped him of all his possessions, and slew his children, and smote him with evil ulcers? let such a one, on the other hand, recognise that the devil was not the strong man, bu…
2,229 wordsSECTION 12839. I should have liked to speak no further and to say nothing from my own promptings, satisfied with what I have said: but lest you should
39. I should have liked to speak no further and to say nothing from my own promptings, satisfied with what I have said: but lest you should think that I speak at random and believe that I detail these things without experience or truth; for this cause even though I should become as a fool, yet the Lord who heareth knoweth the cl…
2,425 wordsSECTION 129[1087] Matt. vi. 31; Luke xii. 29.
[1087] Matt. vi. 31; Luke xii. 29. 46. After this the Church was seized by the persecution which then [1088] took place under Maximinus, and when the holy martyrs were led to Alexandria, Antony also followed, leaving his cell, and saying, Let us go too, that if called, we may contend or behold them that are contending. And he l…
2,214 wordsSECTION 13055. So after certain days he went in again to the mountain. And henceforth many resorted to him, and others who were suffering ventured to g
55. So after certain days he went in again to the mountain. And henceforth many resorted to him, and others who were suffering ventured to go in. To all the monks therefore who came to him, he continually gave this precept: Believe on the Lord and love Him; keep yourselves from filthy thoughts and fleshly pleasures, and as it is…
2,212 wordsSECTION 13164. And another, a person of rank, came to him, possessed by a demon; and the demon was so terrible that the man possessed did not know that
64. And another, a person of rank, came to him, possessed by a demon; and the demon was so terrible that the man possessed did not know that he was coming to Antony. But he even ate the excreta from his body. So those who brought him besought Antony to pray for him. And Antony pitying the young man prayed and kept watch with him…
2,215 wordsSECTION 13273. And again others such as these met him in the outer mountain and thought to mock [1120] him because he had not learned letters. And Anto
73. And again others such as these met him in the outer mountain and thought to mock [1120] him because he had not learned letters. And Antony said to them, What say ye? which is first, mind or letters? And which is the cause of which--mind of letters or letters of mind?' And when they answered mind is first and the inventor of …
2,302 wordsSECTION 133[1130] Heb. i. 2.
[1130] Heb. i. 2. 82. Being known to be so great a man, therefore, and having thus given answers to those who visited him, he returned again to the inner mountain, and maintained his wonted discipline. And often when people came to him, as he was sitting or walking, as it is written in Daniel [1131] , he became dumb, and after …
2,317 wordsSECTION 13489. It is worth while that I should relate, and that you, as you wish it, should hear what his death was like. For this end of his is worthy
89. It is worth while that I should relate, and that you, as you wish it, should hear what his death was like. For this end of his is worthy of imitation. According to his custom he visited the monks in the outer mountain, and having learned from Providence that his own end was at hand, he said to the brethren, This is my last v…
1,731 wordsSECTION 135Introduction to Ad Episcopos Ægypti Et Libyæ Epistola Encyclica.
Introduction to Ad Episcopos Ægypti Et Libyæ Epistola Encyclica. ------------------------ Written A.D. 356. This letter was addressed by St. Athanasius to the bishops of his Province after his expulsion by Syrianus (Feb. 8, 356), and when the nomination of George the contractor to the Alexandrian See was already known (§7). B…
2,671 wordsSECTION 1365. Attempt of Arians to substitute a Creed for the Nicene.
5. Attempt of Arians to substitute a Creed for the Nicene. I heard during my sojourn in these parts [1180] (and they were true and orthodox brethren that informed me), that certain professors of Arian opinions had met together, and drawn a confession of faith to their own liking, and that they intend to send word to you, that y…
2,239 wordsSECTION 13710. They ought first to condemn Arius, if they are to be heard.
10. They ought first to condemn Arius, if they are to be heard. Consider, whether this be not so. If, when there is no reason for their doing so, they write confessions of faith, it is a superfluous, and perhaps also a mischievous proceeding, because, when there is no enquiry, they offer occasion for controversy of words, and u…
1,299 wordsSECTION 138Chapter II.
Chapter II. 12. Arian statements. Now the Bishop Alexander of blessed memory cast Arius out of the Church for holding and maintaining the following opinions: God was not always a Father: The Son was not always: But whereas all things were made out of nothing, the Son of God also was made out of nothing: And since all things ar…
2,673 wordsSECTION 13917. Arguments from Scripture against Arian statements.
17. Arguments from Scripture against Arian statements. But it is written [1241] , say they, The Lord created me in the beginning of His ways for His works.' O untaught and insensate that ye are! He is called also in the Scriptures, servant [1242] ,' and son of a handmaid,' and lamb,' and sheep,' and it is said that He suffered …
2,387 wordsSECTION 14022. Coalition of sordid Meletians with insane Arians.
22. Coalition of sordid Meletians with insane Arians. For you perceive how, though they were formerly at variance with one another, they have now, like Herod and Pontius, agreed together in order to blaspheme our Lord Jesus Christ. And for this they truly deserve the hatred of every man, because they were at enmity with one ano…
1,446 wordsSECTION 141Introduction to Apologia Ad Constantium.
Introduction to Apologia Ad Constantium. ------------------------ This address to the Emperor in defence against certain serious charges (see below) was completed about the time of the intrusion of George, who arrived at Alexandria on Feb. 24, 357. The main, or apologetic, part of the letter was probably composed before George…
2,387 wordsSECTION 142[1290] 2 Cor. i. 23.
[1290] 2 Cor. i. 23. [1291] 1 Sam. xii. 5. [1292] Hist. Arian. 22. vid. Apol. Ar. 51. [Pitybion' is Patavia, now Padua.] [1293] Eccles. x. 20. [1294] All these names of Bishops occur among the subscriptions at Sardica. supr. Ap. Ar. 50. [See also D.C.B. s. vv.] Leis is Lauda, or Laus Pompeia, hodie Lodi Vecchio; Ughelli, Ita…
2,297 wordsSECTION 143[1313] Sarbatius, or Servatius, and Maximus occur in the lists of Gallic subscriptions [supr. p. 127]. The former is supposed to be S. Serva
[1313] Sarbatius, or Servatius, and Maximus occur in the lists of Gallic subscriptions [supr. p. 127]. The former is supposed to be S. Servatius or Servatio of Tungri, concerning whom at Ariminum, vid. Sulp. Sev. Hist. ii. 59. vid. also Greg. Turon. Hist. Franc ii. 5. where however the Bened. Ed. prefers to read Aravatius, a Bis…
2,354 wordsSECTION 144[1332] S. Epiphanius mentions nine Churches in Alexandria. Hær. 69. 2. Athan. mentions in addition that of Quirinus. Hist. Arian. §10. [See
[1332] S. Epiphanius mentions nine Churches in Alexandria. Hær. 69. 2. Athan. mentions in addition that of Quirinus. Hist. Arian. §10. [See the plan of Larsow, appended to his Fest-briefe.] The Church mentioned in the text was built at the Emperor's expense; and apparently upon the Emperor's ground, as on the site was or had bee…
2,314 wordsSECTION 145[1345] 1 Sam. xxii. 9.
[1345] 1 Sam. xxii. 9. [1346] 1 Kings xxi. 10. [1347] Ps. ci. 5. [1348] Ex. xxiii. 1. [1349] Prov. xxx. 8. 21. Forasmuch then as the letter owed its origin to a false story, and contained no order that I should come to you, I concluded that it was not the wish of your Piety that I should come. For in that you gave me no abs…
2,515 wordsSECTION 146[1360] Prov. xvi. 13. quoted otherwise, supr. §12.
[1360] Prov. xvi. 13. quoted otherwise, supr. §12. [1361] [Probably the Libyan desert, as Const. was now in Italy.] [1362] In this chapter he breaks off his Oratorical form, and ends his Apology much more in the form of a letter, vid. however ton logon kairon, infr. §§34, 35 init. prosphoneso, §35. [1363] Council of Milan 355…
2,689 wordsSECTION 147[1375] Supr. §29.
[1375] Supr. §29. [1376] Egypt was divided into three Provinces till Hadrian's time, Egypt, Libya, and Pentapolis; Hadrian made them four; Epiphanius speaks of them as seven. Hær. 68. i. By the time of Arcadius they had become eight. vid. Orlendini Orbis Sacer et Prof. vol. i. p. 118. vid. supr. Encyc. §3, n. 2, Apol. Ar. §83. …
1,257 wordsSECTION 148Introduction to Apologia de Fuga.
Introduction to Apologia de Fuga. ------------------------ The date of this Defence of his Flight must be placed early enough to fall within the lifetime, or very close to the death (§1. n. 1), of Leontius of Antioch, and late enough to satisfy the references (§6) to the events at the end of May 357 (see notes there), and to t…
2,203 wordsSECTION 149[1404] Of Treveri.
[1404] Of Treveri. [1405] Of Milan. [1406] Of Cagliari. [1407] Of Vercellæ. [1408] [Council of Milan, 355.] 5. In praise of Hosius. Of the great Hosius [1409] , who answers to his name, that confessor of a happy old age, it is superfluous for me to speak, for I suppose it is known unto all men that they caused him also to …
2,206 wordsSECTION 15011. Examples of Scripture Saints in defence of flight.
11. Examples of Scripture Saints in defence of flight. Perhaps they have not read these histories; as being out of date; yet have they no recollection of what is written in the Gospel? For the disciples also withdrew and hid themselves for fear of the Jews; and Paul, when he was sought after by the governor at Damascus, was let…
2,552 wordsSECTION 151[1467] 1 Kings xxi. 18.
[1467] 1 Kings xxi. 18. [1468] i.e. Jeroboam, 1 Kings xiii. 2. [1469] Matt. xix. 6. [1470] Prov. xiii. 3, LXX. 18. The Saints who fled were no cowards. Of a truth no one can possibly doubt that they were well furnished with the virtue of fortitude. For the Patriarch Jacob who had before fled from Esau, feared not death when…
2,579 wordsSECTION 152[1500] Apol. Const. 25.
[1500] Apol. Const. 25. [1501] Ps. cxxxvi. 1 [on psalmody at Alexandria, cf. Aug. Conf. x. 33.] 25. Athanasius's wonderful escape. Now when Providence had delivered us in such an extraordinary manner, who can justly lay any blame upon me, because we did not give ourselves up into the hands of them that sought after us, nor re…
1,012 wordsSECTION 153Introduction to Historia Arianorum.
Introduction to Historia Arianorum. ------------------------ (Written 358.) This History takes up the narrative from the admission of Arius to communion at the dedication' synod of Jerusalem (adjourned Council of Tyre) in 335, as described in Apol. c. Ar. 84. It has been commonly assumed from its abrupt beginning (the tauta, …
2,204 wordsSECTION 154§§56, 57. Sack of the great church: divine judgments.
§§56, 57. Sack of the great church: divine judgments. §58. Scenes of persecution. §§59, 60. Savagery of Duke Sebastian. Martyrdom of Eutychius (356). §§61-63. Cruel treatment of the poor, and of the clergy. Part VIII. Further details of the Persecution in Egypt (357). §64. The Arian persecution more cruel than that of Maxim…
2,258 wordsSECTION 155A copy of the Letter of Constantine Cæsar to the people of the Catholic Church in the city of the Alexandrians.
A copy of the Letter of Constantine Cæsar to the people of the Catholic Church in the city of the Alexandrians. I suppose that it has not escaped the knowledge of your pious minds [1536] , &c. This is his letter; and what more credible witness of their conspiracy could there be than he, who knowing these circumstances has thus…
2,573 wordsSECTION 15616. Secession of the Easterns at Sardica.
16. Secession of the Easterns at Sardica. Thus then they reasoned with themselves and Hosius and all the other Bishops repeatedly signified to them the alacrity of Athanasius and his fellows, saying, They are ready with their defence, and pledge themselves to prove you false accusers.' They said also, If you fear the trial, why…
2,205 wordsSECTION 157Constantius Augustus, the Conqueror, to Athanasius.
Constantius Augustus, the Conqueror, to Athanasius. It is not unknown to your Prudence, that it was my constant prayer, that prosperity might attend my late brother Constans in all his undertakings; and your wisdom may therefore imagine how greatly I was afflicted when I learnt that he had been taken off by most unhallowed hand…
2,241 wordsSECTION 15831. Constantius begins to persecute.
31. Constantius begins to persecute. He compelled then the people in every city to change their party; and on arriving at Arles and Milan [1605] , he proceeded to act entirely in accordance with the designs and suggestions of the heretics; or rather they acted themselves, and receiving authority from him, furiously attacked eve…
2,513 wordsSECTION 15937. Liberius refuses the Emperor's offering.
37. Liberius refuses the Emperor's offering. These were the words of the Bishop Liberius. And the eunuch, who was vexed, not so much because he would not subscribe, as because he found him an enemy to the heresy, forgetting that he was in the presence of a Bishop, after threatening him severely, went away with the offerings; an…
2,459 wordsSECTION 16044. Hosius to Constantius the Emperor sends health in the Lord.'
44. Hosius to Constantius the Emperor sends health in the Lord.' I was a Confessor at the first, when a persecution arose in the time of your grandfather Maximian; and if you shall persecute me, I am ready now, too, to endure anything rather than to shed innocent blood and to betray the truth. But I cannot approve of your condu…
2,313 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.