Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series • VOLUME 6
Jerome — Principal Works
SECTION 41
I cannot adequately extol the mysteries of Scripture, nor sufficiently admire the spiritual meaning conveyed in its most simple words. We ar
I cannot adequately extol the mysteries of Scripture, nor sufficiently admire the spiritual meaning conveyed in its most simple words. We are told, for instance, that lamentation was made for Moses; yet when the funeral of Joshua is described [837] no mention at all is made of weeping. The reason, of course, is that under Moses-…
2,200 wordsSECTION 42Letter XL. To Marcella.
[811] 2 Cor. xii. 8, 9, 10. [812] Cf. Tertullian, Apol. 33. [813] Acts ix. 15. [814] Wisd. iv. 11, 14. [815] 2 Cor. v. 4. [816] 2 Cor. v. 6. [817] Ps. cxx. 5, 6, Vulg. [818] Joh. i. 5. [819] Eph. v. 8. [820] A famous stoic who committed suicide in extreme old age. See Diogenes Laertius (vii. 1) for an account of his dea…
1,174 wordsSECTION 43Letter XLI. To Marcella.
Letter XLI. To Marcella. An effort having been made to convert Marcella to Montanism, [873] Jerome here summarizes for her its leading doctrines, which he contrasts with those of the Church. Written at Rome in 385 a.d. 1. As regards the passages brought together from the gospel of John with which a certain votary of Montanus h…
1,210 wordsSECTION 44Letter XLII. To Marcella.
Letter XLII. To Marcella. At Marcella's request Jerome explains to her what is "the sin against the Holy Ghost" spoken of by Christ, and shows Novatian's [892] explanation of it to be untenable. Written at Rome in 385 a.d. 1. The question you send is short and the answer is clear. There is this passage in the gospel: "Whosoeve…
914 wordsSECTION 45Letter XLIII. To Marcella.
Letter XLIII. To Marcella. Jerome draws a contrast between his daily life and that of Origen, and sorrowfully admits his own shortcomings. He then suggests to Marcella the advantages which life in the country offers over life in town, and hints that he is himself disposed to make trial of it. Written at Rome in 385 a.d. 1. Amb…
903 wordsSECTION 46Letter XLIV. To Marcella.
Letter XLIV. To Marcella. Marcella had sent some small articles as a present (probably to Paula and Eustochium) and Jerome now writes in their name to thank her for them. He notices the appropriateness of the gifts, not only to the ladies, but also to himself. Written at Rome in 385 a.d. When absent in body we are wont to conv…
1,923 wordsSECTION 47Letter XLVI. Paula and Eustochium to Marcella.
Letter XLVI. Paula and Eustochium to Marcella. Jerome writes to Marcella in the name of Paula and Eustochium, describing the charms of the Holy Land, and urging her to leave Rome and to join her old companions at Bethlehem. Much of the letter is devoted to disposing of the objection that since the Passion of Christ the Holy Lan…
2,666 wordsSECTION 488. The land is accursed, you say, because it has drunk in the blood of the Lord. On what grounds, then, do men regard as blessed those spots
8. The land is accursed, you say, because it has drunk in the blood of the Lord. On what grounds, then, do men regard as blessed those spots where Peter and Paul, the leaders of the Christian host, have shed their blood for Christ? If the confession of men and servants is glorious, must there not be glory likewise in the confess…
2,202 wordsSECTION 49Letter XLVII. To Desiderius.
[996] Luke xvii. 21. [997] Virgil, E. i. 67. [998] Luke xvii. 37. [999] Cf. Matt. xix. 30. [1000] Rom. xiv. 4. [1001] Matt. vii. 1. [1002] Luke ii. 7. [1003] Otherwise called the capitol. Here stood the great temple of Jupiter, which was to the religion of Rome what the Parthenon was to that of Athens. [1004] Rev. xvii. …
939 wordsSECTION 50Letter XLVIII. To Pammachius.
Letter XLVIII. To Pammachius. An "apology" for the two books "against Jovinian" which Jerome had written a short time previously, and of which he had sent copies to Rome. These Pammachius and his other friends had withheld from publication, thinking that Jerome had unduly exalted virginity at the expense of marriage. He now wri…
2,251 wordsSECTION 516. I ask my detractors to open their ears and to realize the fact that I have allowed second and third marriages "in the Lord." If, then, I
6. I ask my detractors to open their ears and to realize the fact that I have allowed second and third marriages "in the Lord." If, then, I have not condemned second and third marriages, how can I have proscribed a first? Moreover, in the passage where I interpret the words of the apostle, "Is any man called being circumcised? L…
2,521 wordsSECTION 5212. Since, then, I have so often reminded my reader of my views; and since I have picked my way like a prudent traveller over every inch of
12. Since, then, I have so often reminded my reader of my views; and since I have picked my way like a prudent traveller over every inch of the road, stating repeatedly that, while I receive marriage as a thing in itself admissible, I yet prefer continence, widowhood, and virginity, the wise and generous reader ought to have jud…
2,642 wordsSECTION 5315. From all which considerations it is clear that I have said nothing at all new concerning virginity and marriage, but have followed in al
15. From all which considerations it is clear that I have said nothing at all new concerning virginity and marriage, but have followed in all respects the judgment of older writers--of Ambrose, that is to say, and others who have discussed the doctrines of the Church. "And I would sooner follow them in their faults than copy the…
2,363 wordsSECTION 5419. I will come now to the passage in which I am accused of saying that--at least according to the true Hebrew text--the words "God saw that
19. I will come now to the passage in which I am accused of saying that--at least according to the true Hebrew text--the words "God saw that it was good" [1173] are not inserted after the second day of the creation, as they are after the first, third, and remaining ones, and of adding immediately the following comment: [1174] "W…
2,274 wordsSECTION 55Letter XLIX. To Pammachius.
[1155] Ps. cxxxix. 11, 12. [1156] Cf. 1 Cor. xi. 28. [1157] Cf. Matt. xix. 12. [1158] Against Jov. i. 8. [1159] 1 Cor. vii. 5. [1160] 1 Cor. vii. 6, Vulg. [1161] 1 Cor. vii. 8, 9. [1162] Ag. Jov. i. 9. [1163] 1 Cor. vii. 8. [1164] Ag. Jov. i. 9. [1165] Fornication must still be subordinated to marriage. [1166] Ag. Jov…
1,304 wordsSECTION 56Letter L. To Domnio.
Letter L. To Domnio. Domnio, a Roman (called in Letter XLV. "the Lot of our time"), had written to Jerome to tell him that an ignorant monk had been traducing his books "against Jovinian." Jerome, in reply, sharply rebukes the folly of his critic and comments on the want of straightforwardness in his conduct. He concludes the l…
2,215 wordsSECTION 57Letter LI. From Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis, in Cyprus, to John, Bishop of Jerusalem.
[1212] Virg. A. iv. 298. [1213] Ps. l. 20. [1214] Matt. vii. 3-5. [1215] A philosopher of the Academy noted for his opposition to stoicism. [1216] Eight years. [1217] Jas. iii. 2. [1218] Lam. iii. 27, 28. [1219] An early Roman dramatist of whose works only a few fragments remain. He is said to have translated the Electra …
2,876 wordsSECTION 585. Of one position which he strives to maintain I hardly know whether it calls for my tears or my laughter. This wonderful doctor presumes t
5. Of one position which he strives to maintain I hardly know whether it calls for my tears or my laughter. This wonderful doctor presumes to teach that the devil will once more be what he at one time was, that he will return to his former dignity and rise again to the kingdom of heaven. Oh horror! that a man should be so franti…
2,348 wordsSECTION 598. These things being so, dearly beloved, keep watch over your own soul and cease to murmur against me. For the divine Scripture says: "Neit
8. These things being so, dearly beloved, keep watch over your own soul and cease to murmur against me. For the divine Scripture says: "Neither murmur ye [one against another [1308] ] as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of serpents." [1309] Rather give way to the truth and love me who love both you and the truth. A…
1,100 wordsSECTION 60Letter LII. To Nepotian.
Letter LII. To Nepotian. Nepotian, the nephew of Heliodorus (for whom see Letter XIV.), had, like his uncle, abandoned the military for the clerical calling, and was now a presbyter at Altinum, where Heliodorus was bishop. The letter is a systematic treatise on the duties of the clergy and on the rule of life which they ought t…
2,659 wordsSECTION 616. Shameful to say, idol-priests, play-actors, jockeys, and prostitutes can inherit property: clergymen and monks alone lie under a legal di
6. Shameful to say, idol-priests, play-actors, jockeys, and prostitutes can inherit property: clergymen and monks alone lie under a legal disability, a disability enacted not by persecutors but by Christian emperors. [1351] I do not complain of the law, but I grieve that we have deserved a statute so harsh. Cauterizing is a good…
2,201 wordsSECTION 62Let your breath never smell of wine lest the philosopher's words be said to you: "instead of offering me a kiss you are giving me a taste of
Let your breath never smell of wine lest the philosopher's words be said to you: "instead of offering me a kiss you are giving me a taste of wine." Priests given to wine are both condemned by the apostle [1378] and forbidden by the old Law. Those who serve the altar, we are told, must drink neither wine nor shechar. [1379] Now e…
2,027 wordsSECTION 63Letter LIII. To Paulinus.
Letter LIII. To Paulinus. Jerome urges Paulinus, bishop of Nola, (for whom see Letter LVIII.) to make a diligent study of the Scriptures and to this end reminds him of the zeal for learning displayed not only by the wisest of the pagans but also by the apostle Paul. Then going through the two Testaments in detail he describes t…
2,210 wordsSECTION 646. These instances have been just touched upon by me (the limits of a letter forbid a more discursive treatment of them) to convince you tha
6. These instances have been just touched upon by me (the limits of a letter forbid a more discursive treatment of them) to convince you that in the holy scriptures you can make no progress unless you have a guide to shew you the way. I say nothing of the knowledge of grammarians, rhetoricians, philosophers, geometers, logicians…
2,368 wordsSECTION 659. [In Migne, 8.] You see how, carried away by my love of the scriptures, I have exceeded the limits of a letter yet have not fully accompli
9. [In Migne, 8.] You see how, carried away by my love of the scriptures, I have exceeded the limits of a letter yet have not fully accomplished my object. We have heard only what it is that we ought to know and to desire, so that we too may be able to say with the psalmist:--"My soul breaketh out for the very fervent desire tha…
1,769 wordsSECTION 66Letter LIV. To Furia.
Letter LIV. To Furia. A letter of guidance to a widow on the best means of preserving her widowhood (according to Jerome the second of the three degrees of chastity'). Furia had at one time thought of marrying again but eventually abandoned her intention and devoted herself to the care of her young children and her aged father.…
2,404 wordsSECTION 679. In saying this, I do not of course condemn food which God created to be enjoyed with thanksgiving, [1571] but I seek to remove from youth
9. In saying this, I do not of course condemn food which God created to be enjoyed with thanksgiving, [1571] but I seek to remove from youths and girls what are incentives to sensual pleasure. Neither the fiery Etna nor the country of Vulcan, [1572] nor Vesuvius, nor Olympus, burns with such violent heat as the youthful marrow o…
2,268 wordsSECTION 68A marriage-settlement is made in your favour to-day but in a short time you will be constrained to make your will. Your husband will feign s
A marriage-settlement is made in your favour to-day but in a short time you will be constrained to make your will. Your husband will feign sickness and will do for you what he wants you to do for him. Yet he is sure to live and you are sure to die. Or if it happens that you have sons by the second husband, domestic strife is cer…
1,758 wordsSECTION 69Letter LV. To Amandus.
Letter LV. To Amandus. A very interesting letter. Amandus a presbyter of Burdigala (Bourdeaux) had written to Jerome for an explanation of three passages of scripture, viz. Matt. vi. 34, 1 Cor. vi. 18, 1 Cor. xv. 25, 26, and had in the same letter on behalf of a sister' (supposed by Thierry to have been Fabiola) put the followi…
2,230 wordsSECTION 705. Your third and last question relates to the passage in the same epistle where the apostle in discussing the resurrection, comes to the wo
5. Your third and last question relates to the passage in the same epistle where the apostle in discussing the resurrection, comes to the words: "for he must reign, till he hath put all things under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things…
795 wordsSECTION 71Letter LVI. From Augustine.
Letter LVI. From Augustine. Augustine's first letter to Jerome (printed in his correspondence in this Library as Letter XXVIII.): through a series of accidents it was not delivered until nine years after it had been written. In it Augustine comments on Jerome's new Latin version of the O.T. and advises him in his future labours…
2,390 wordsSECTION 726. In quoting my own writings my only object has been to prove that from my youth up I at least have always aimed at rendering sense not wor
6. In quoting my own writings my only object has been to prove that from my youth up I at least have always aimed at rendering sense not words, but if such authority as they supply is deemed insufficient, read and consider the short preface dealing with this matter which occurs in a book narrating the life of the blessed Antony.…
2,564 wordsSECTION 7310. Luke the evangelist and companion of apostles describes Christ's first martyr Stephen as relating what follows in a Jewish assembly. "Wi
10. Luke the evangelist and companion of apostles describes Christ's first martyr Stephen as relating what follows in a Jewish assembly. "With threescore and fifteen souls Jacob went down into Egypt, and died himself, and our fathers were carried over [1709] into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of…
2,150 wordsSECTION 74Letter LVIII. To Paulinus.
Letter LVIII. To Paulinus. In this his second letter to Paulinus of Nola Jerome dissuades him from making a pilgrimage to the Holy Places, and describes Jerusalem not as it ought to be but as it is. He then gives his friend counsels for his life similar to those which he has previously addressed to Nepotian, praises Paulinus fo…
2,247 wordsSECTION 756. Since you are not wholly independent but are bound to a wife who is your sister in the Lord, I entreat you--whether here or there--that y
6. Since you are not wholly independent but are bound to a wife who is your sister in the Lord, I entreat you--whether here or there--that you will avoid large gatherings, visits official and complimentary, and social parties, indulgences all of which tend to enchain the soul. Let your food be coarse--say cabbage and pulse--and …
2,209 wordsSECTION 76Letter LIX. To Marcella.
Letter LIX. To Marcella. An answer to five questions put to Jerome by Marcella in a letter not preserved. The questions are as follows. (1) What are the things which eye hath not seen nor ear heard (1 Cor. ii. 9)? Jerome answers that they are spiritual things which as such can only be spiritually discerned. (2) Is it not a mi…
2,214 wordsSECTION 777. We know indeed that our Nepotian is with Christ and that he has joined the choirs of the saints. What here with us he groped after on ear
7. We know indeed that our Nepotian is with Christ and that he has joined the choirs of the saints. What here with us he groped after on earth afar off and sought for to the best of his judgment, there he sees nigh at hand, so that he can say: "as we have heard so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our…
2,242 wordsSECTION 78In Quintus Fabius [1864] antiquity admired a nobleman and the author of a history of Rome, yet his paintings gained him more renown than his
In Quintus Fabius [1864] antiquity admired a nobleman and the author of a history of Rome, yet his paintings gained him more renown than his writings. Our own Bezaleel [1865] also and Hiram, the son of a Tyrian woman, [1866] are spoken of in scripture as filled with wisdom and the spirit of God because they framed, the one the f…
2,424 wordsSECTION 7918. But I have gone beyond the office of a consoler, and while forbidding you to weep for one dead man I have myself mourned the dead of the
18. But I have gone beyond the office of a consoler, and while forbidding you to weep for one dead man I have myself mourned the dead of the whole world. Xerxes the mighty king who rased mountains and filled up seas, looking from high ground upon the untold host, the countless army before him, is said [1897] to have wept at the …
1,210 wordsSECTION 80Letter LXI. To Vigilantius.
Letter LXI. To Vigilantius. Vigilantius on his return to the West after his visit to Jerusalem (whither he had gone as the bearer of letters from Paulinus of Nola--see Letter LVIII. §11.) had openly accused Jerome of a leaning to the heresy of Origen. Jerome now writes to him in the most severe tone repudiating the charge of Or…
2,187 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.