Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series • VOLUME 5
Gregory of Nyssa — Dogmatic Treatises
SECTION 161
That nothing happens without God we know from many sources; and, reversely, that God's dispensations have no element of chance and confusion
That nothing happens without God we know from many sources; and, reversely, that God's dispensations have no element of chance and confusion in them every one will allow, who realizes that God is Reason, and Wisdom, and Perfect Goodness, and Truth, and could not admit of that which is not good and not consistent with His Truth […
2,209 wordsSECTION 162[1561] pathe.
[1561] pathe. [1562] Read with L. Sifanus, me katallelo trophe. [1563] eis plethoriken aedian ekpipton. [1564] theorema. [1565] Reading en to atelei tes helikias. [1566] Reading sumptomaton (for sumpomaton. Morell). [1567] tuphou (tou stuphou, Paris Edit. i.e. "of their astringency") [1568] dia tes aischras apotiseos ton …
2,895 wordsSECTION 163On the Making of Man.
On the Making of Man. ------------------------ Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, to his brother Peter, the servant of God. If we had to honour with rewards of money those who excel in virtue, the whole world of money, as Solomon says [1587] , would seem but small to be made equal to your virtue in the balance. Since, however, the deb…
2,284 wordsSECTION 1645. Now all things were already arrived at their own end: "the heaven and the earth [1593] ," as Moses says, "were finished," and all things
5. Now all things were already arrived at their own end: "the heaven and the earth [1593] ," as Moses says, "were finished," and all things that lie between them, and the particular things were adorned with their appropriate beauty; the heaven with the rays of the stars, the sea and air with the living creatures that swim and fl…
2,287 wordsSECTION 1652. If in men, then, even though the organs formed by nature for purposes of perception may be different, that which operates and moves by me
2. If in men, then, even though the organs formed by nature for purposes of perception may be different, that which operates and moves by means of all, and uses each appropriately for the object before it, is one and the same, not changing its nature by the differences of operations, how could any one suspect multiplicity of ess…
2,230 wordsSECTION 1666. Hence also the apostle recognizes three divisions of dispositions, calling one "carnal," which is busied with the belly and the pleasures
6. Hence also the apostle recognizes three divisions of dispositions, calling one "carnal," which is busied with the belly and the pleasures connected with it, another "natural [1614] ," which holds a middle position with regard to virtue and vice, rising above the one, but without pure participation in the other; and another "s…
2,273 wordsSECTION 167[1621] Here the Latin version begins chapter x. The title in the Bodleian ms. is:--"Of the five bodily senses."
[1621] Here the Latin version begins chapter x. The title in the Bodleian ms. is:--"Of the five bodily senses." [1622] That is, of the mind, in connection with reason. [1623] Cf. Eccles. i. 8. The quotation is not from the LXX.: it is perhaps not intended to be verbal. XI. That the nature of mind is invisible. [1624] 1. What…
2,372 wordsSECTION 16810. Thus so long as one keeps in touch with the other, the communication of the true beauty extends proportionally through the whole series,
10. Thus so long as one keeps in touch with the other, the communication of the true beauty extends proportionally through the whole series, beautifying by the superior nature that which comes next to it; but when there is any interruption of this beneficent connection, or when, on the contrary, the superior comes to follow the …
2,202 wordsSECTION 1697. With these, then, the man is beguiled, not led to acquaintance with the things that present themselves by any train of thought, but wande
7. With these, then, the man is beguiled, not led to acquaintance with the things that present themselves by any train of thought, but wandering among confused and inconsequent delusions. But just as in his bodily operations, while each of the parts individually acts in some way according to the power which naturally resides in …
2,213 wordsSECTION 170XV. That the soul proper, in fact and name, is the rational soul, while the others are called so equivocally; wherein also is this statement
XV. That the soul proper, in fact and name, is the rational soul, while the others are called so equivocally; wherein also is this statement, that the power of the mind extends throughout the whole body in fitting contact with every part [1643] . 1. Now, if some things in creation possess the nutritive faculty, and others again…
2,214 wordsSECTION 17111. Thus there is in us the principle of all excellence, all virtue and wisdom, and every higher thing that we conceive: but pre-eminent amo
11. Thus there is in us the principle of all excellence, all virtue and wisdom, and every higher thing that we conceive: but pre-eminent among all is the fact that we are free from necessity, and not in bondage to any natural power, but have decision in our own power as we please; for virtue is a voluntary thing, subject to no d…
2,204 wordsSECTION 172[1661] Otherwise Chap. xviii. The Bodleian ms. of the Latin version has the title:--"Against those who say that sin was a useful introductio
[1661] Otherwise Chap. xviii. The Bodleian ms. of the Latin version has the title:--"Against those who say that sin was a useful introduction for the propagation of the human race; and that by sin it deserved animal generation." [1662] S. Luke xx. 35, 36. [1663] Ps. viii. 6. [1664] Ps. xlix. 13 (LXX.) XVIII. That our irratio…
2,207 wordsSECTION 1732. The tree, then, from which comes this fruit of mixed knowledge, is among those things which are forbidden; and that fruit is combined of
2. The tree, then, from which comes this fruit of mixed knowledge, is among those things which are forbidden; and that fruit is combined of opposite qualities, which has the serpent to commend it, it may be for this reason, that the evil is not exposed in its nakedness, itself appearing in its own proper nature--for wickedness w…
2,240 wordsSECTION 1746. And this it seems to me the Divine apostle considered when he declared in his epistle to the Corinthians the sudden stoppage of time, and
6. And this it seems to me the Divine apostle considered when he declared in his epistle to the Corinthians the sudden stoppage of time, and the change of the things that are now moving on back to the opposite end where he says, "Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in t…
2,389 wordsSECTION 1753. Let this discussion, however, be by way of digression: we must direct our discourse once more to the faith by which we accept the stateme
3. Let this discussion, however, be by way of digression: we must direct our discourse once more to the faith by which we accept the statement that the universe took being from nothing, and do not doubt, when we are taught by Scripture, that it will again be transformed into some other state. [1709] Otherwise Chap. xxv. The Bod…
2,320 wordsSECTION 17612. Are these things too small to produce faith in the resurrection of the dead? or dost thou seek that thy judgment on this point should be
12. Are these things too small to produce faith in the resurrection of the dead? or dost thou seek that thy judgment on this point should be confirmed by yet other proofs? In truth the Lord seems to me not to have spoken in vain to them of Capernaum, when He said to Himself, as in the person of men, "Ye will surely say unto me t…
2,217 wordsSECTION 177[1726] Otherwise Chap. xxviii. The title in the Bodleian ms. of the Latin version is:--"That although bodies rise together they will yet rec
[1726] Otherwise Chap. xxviii. The title in the Bodleian ms. of the Latin version is:--"That although bodies rise together they will yet receive their own souls." [1727] Cf. S. Luke xvi. 24-31. [1728] The word, that is of the Prophet, or of the Saviour, as in the cases cited. [1729] The "form" seems to be regarded as a seal, …
2,212 wordsSECTION 1785. For since it is not from a dead body that the potentiality for conception is secreted, but from one which is animate and alive, we hence
5. For since it is not from a dead body that the potentiality for conception is secreted, but from one which is animate and alive, we hence affirm that it is reasonable that we should not suppose that what is sent forth from a living body to be the occasion of life is itself dead and inanimate; for in the flesh that which is ina…
2,318 wordsSECTION 17910. We consider, then, that we need not spend more time in inquiring in which of the vital members such a thing resides, when the energy of
10. We consider, then, that we need not spend more time in inquiring in which of the vital members such a thing resides, when the energy of motion is shown to be here. But that the brain contributes to life in a special degree is shown clearly by the result of the opposite conditions: for if the tissue surrounding it receives an…
2,501 wordsSECTION 18028. Our argument, however, has wandered far from its purpose, going deep into the works of nature, and endeavouring to describe how and from
28. Our argument, however, has wandered far from its purpose, going deep into the works of nature, and endeavouring to describe how and from what materials our particular organs are formed, those, I mean, intended for life and for good life, and any other class which we included with these in our first division. 29. For our pur…
2,229 wordsSECTION 181Before answering objections to the Scriptural doctrine of the Resurrection, the passages that contain it are mentioned: especially Psalm cxv
Before answering objections to the Scriptural doctrine of the Resurrection, the passages that contain it are mentioned: especially Psalm cxviii. 27 (LXX.). The various objections to it, to the Purgatory to follow, and to the Judgment, are then stated; especially that A man is not the same being (physically) two days together. …
2,233 wordsSECTION 182That is the very point, I said, upon which our adversaries cannot fail to have doubts; viz. that all things depend on God and are encompasse
That is the very point, I said, upon which our adversaries cannot fail to have doubts; viz. that all things depend on God and are encompassed by Him, or, that there is any divinity at all transcending the physical world. It would be more fitting, she cried, to be silent about such doubts, and not to deign to make any answer to …
2,200 wordsSECTION 183Because, you see, so to understand, manipulate, and dispose the soulless matter, that the art which is stored away in such mechanisms become
Because, you see, so to understand, manipulate, and dispose the soulless matter, that the art which is stored away in such mechanisms becomes almost like a soul to this material, in all the various ways in which it mocks movement, and figure, and voice, and so on, may be turned into a proof of there being something in man whereb…
2,272 wordsSECTION 184But the intelligent and undimensional, she replied, is neither contracted nor diffused [1780] (contraction and diffusion being a property of
But the intelligent and undimensional, she replied, is neither contracted nor diffused [1780] (contraction and diffusion being a property of body only); but by virtue of a nature which is formless and bodiless it is present with the body equally in the contraction and in the diffusion of its atoms, and is no more narrowed by the…
2,319 wordsSECTION 185And yet, I rejoined to the virgin, we see no slight help afforded for improvement to the virtuous from all these conditions. Daniel's desire
And yet, I rejoined to the virgin, we see no slight help afforded for improvement to the virtuous from all these conditions. Daniel's desire was his glory; and Phineas' anger pleased the Deity. We have been told, too, that fear is the beginning of wisdom, and learnt from Paul that salvation is the goal of the "sorrow after a god…
2,264 wordsSECTION 186And how, then, I asked, is it that some think that by the underworld [1809] is meant an actual place, and that it harbours within itself [18
And how, then, I asked, is it that some think that by the underworld [1809] is meant an actual place, and that it harbours within itself [1810] the souls that have at last flitted away from human life, drawing them towards itself as the right receptacle for such natures? Well, replied the Teacher, our doctrine will be in no way…
2,253 wordsSECTION 187The following illustration also, the Teacher went on, might be very properly added to those already brought forward, to show that the soul h
The following illustration also, the Teacher went on, might be very properly added to those already brought forward, to show that the soul has not need of much teaching in order to distinguish its own from the alien amongst the atoms. Imagine a potter with a supply of clay; and let the supply be a large one; and let part of it h…
2,347 wordsSECTION 188Then, after a moment's reflection on the meaning of these latter words, I said: I think that a contradiction now arises between what you hav
Then, after a moment's reflection on the meaning of these latter words, I said: I think that a contradiction now arises between what you have said and the result of our former examination of the passions. For if, on the one hand, the activity of such movements within us is to be held as arising from our kinship with the brutes, …
2,312 wordsSECTION 189Then it seems, I said, that it is not punishment chiefly and principally that the Deity, as Judge, afflicts sinners with; but He operates, a
Then it seems, I said, that it is not punishment chiefly and principally that the Deity, as Judge, afflicts sinners with; but He operates, as your argument has shown, only to get the good separated from the evil and to attract it into the communion of blessedness. That, said the Teacher, is my meaning; and also that the agony w…
1,574 wordsSECTION 190As for the thinkers, the Teacher went on, outside our own system of thought, they have, with all their diverse ways of looking at things, on
As for the thinkers, the Teacher went on, outside our own system of thought, they have, with all their diverse ways of looking at things, one in one point, another in another, approached and touched the doctrine of the Resurrection: while they none of them exactly coincide with us, they have in no case wholly abandoned such an e…
2,634 wordsSECTION 191Nay, even the forecasting by our calculations will be quite useless; virtue will lose its value; and to turn from evil will not be worth the
Nay, even the forecasting by our calculations will be quite useless; virtue will lose its value; and to turn from evil will not be worth the while. Everything will be entirely under the control of the driver, Chance; and our lives will differ not at all from vessels devoid of ballast, and will drift on waves of unaccountable cir…
2,266 wordsSECTION 192Whenever, then, humanity shall have reached the plenitude that belongs to it, this on-streaming movement of production will altogether cease
Whenever, then, humanity shall have reached the plenitude that belongs to it, this on-streaming movement of production will altogether cease; it will have touched its destined bourn, and a new order of things quite distinct from the present precession of births and deaths will carry on the life of humanity. If there is no birth,…
2,035 wordsSECTION 193But that, said I, was not the point in question. Most of your hearers will assent to the fact that there will some day be a Resurrection, an
But that, said I, was not the point in question. Most of your hearers will assent to the fact that there will some day be a Resurrection, and that man will be brought before the incorruptible tribunal [1906] ; on account both of the Scripture proofs, and also of our previous examination of the question. But still the question re…
2,850 wordsSECTION 194As to the how and the when of his dissolution, what do they matter to the Resurrection? Consideration of such points belongs to another line
As to the how and the when of his dissolution, what do they matter to the Resurrection? Consideration of such points belongs to another line of inquiry altogether. For instance, a man may have lived in bodily comfort, or in affliction, virtuously or viciously, renowned or disgraced; he may have passed his days miserably, or happ…
2,547 wordsSECTION 195[1747] Gregory himself tells us, in his life of S. Macrina, that he went to see her after the Council of Antioch. (This and Basil's death oc
[1747] Gregory himself tells us, in his life of S. Macrina, that he went to see her after the Council of Antioch. (This and Basil's death occurred in the year 379: so that this Dialogue was probably composed in 380.) "The interval during which the circumstances of our times of trials prevented any visits had been long." He goes …
2,237 wordsSECTION 196[1781] katakermatizetai
[1781] katakermatizetai [1782] endedeichthai. Gregory constantly uses endeiknusthai (middle) transitively, e.g. 202 C, 203 A, C, 208 B, and above, 189 A, so that it is possible that we have here, in the passive form, a deponent (transitive) perfect; moreover the sense seems to require it. Gregory objects that in what has been s…
2,342 wordsSECTION 197[1820] graphikes technes.
[1820] graphikes technes. [1821] amiges tou sungenous palin apokrithenai. Krabinger's and Oehler's reading. But Krabinger, more correctly than Oehler, opposes en tode to en to kath' holou (quod est hic calidum, si fuerit in universo): though neither he, nor Oehler, nor Schmidt himself appears to have any suspicion that tode may…
2,251 wordsSECTION 198[1861] Macrina may be here alluding to Gregory's brotherly affection for her.
[1861] Macrina may be here alluding to Gregory's brotherly affection for her. [1862] But on high A record lives of thine identity! Thou shalt not lose one charm of lip or eye; The hues and liquid lights shall wait for thee, And the fair tissues, whereso'er they be! Daughter of heaven! our grieving hearts repose On the dear thou…
2,337 wordsSECTION 199[1907] phesin should probably be struck out (as the insertion of a copyist encouraged by eipon below): five of Krabinger's Codd. omit it.
[1907] phesin should probably be struck out (as the insertion of a copyist encouraged by eipon below): five of Krabinger's Codd. omit it. [1908] eipon. Cf. 243 C: kai hama legein epecheiroun hosa pros anatropen tes anastaseos para ton eristikon epheurisketai. So that this is not the first occasion on which objections to the Res…
2,387 wordsSECTION 200Chapter III.--From the Jewish doctrine, then, the unity of the Divine nature has been retained: from Hellenism the distinction into hypostases.
Chapter II.--By the analogy of human breath, which is nothing but inhaled and exhaled fire, i.e. an object foreign to us, is demonstrated the community of the Divine Spirit with the essence of God, and yet the independence of Its existence. Chapter III.--From the Jewish doctrine, then, the unity of the Divine nature has been re…
1,562 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.