Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series • VOLUME 6
Jerome — Principal Works
SECTION 161
As stated shortly by yourself (at the end of your letter to the brothers at Cæsarea) your dilemma is as follows: "inasmuch as I am your son
As stated shortly by yourself (at the end of your letter to the brothers at Cæsarea) your dilemma is as follows: "inasmuch as I am your son and disciple and have but recently by God's help come to consider these mysteries, I beg you with your priestly wisdom to teach me which of two opposite views I ought to hold. Am I to mainta…
2,212 wordsSECTION 162Letter CXLV. To Exuperantius.
[3901] i.e. railing. [3902] Suo sensu abundet. Rom. xiv. 5, Vulg. [3903] i.e. Pelagianism. [3904] 2 Cor. x. 12. [3905] At this point the text is obscure. [3906] i.e. Adam, "our first-formed father." (Wisd. x. 1.) [3907] Rom. ix. 11. [3908] Wisdom x. 1. [3909] 2 Cor. xii. 4. [3910] Matt. xxiii. 10. [3911] Acts i. 7. [3…
852 wordsSECTION 163Letter CXLVI. To Evangelus.
Letter CXLVI. To Evangelus. Jerome refutes the opinion of those who make deacons equal to presbyters, but in doing so himself makes presbyters equal to bishops. The date of the letter is unknown. 1. We read in Isaiah the words, "the fool will speak folly," [3927] and I am told that some one has been mad enough to put deacons …
1,326 wordsSECTION 164Letter CXLVII. To Sabinianus.
Letter CXLVII. To Sabinianus. Jerome writes in severe but moderate language to Sabinianus, a deacon, calling on him to repent of his sins. Of these he recounts at length the two most serious, an act of adultery at Rome and an attempt to seduce a nun at Bethlehem. The date of the letter is uncertain. 1. Of old, when it had repe…
2,281 wordsSECTION 1655. Oh! crying shame! I can go no farther. For sobs anticipate my words, and indignation and grief choke me in the act of utterance. Oh! for
5. Oh! crying shame! I can go no farther. For sobs anticipate my words, and indignation and grief choke me in the act of utterance. Oh! for the sea of Tully's eloquence! Oh! for the impetuous current of the invective of Demosthenes! Yet in this case I am sure you would both be dumb; your eloquence would fail you. A deed has been…
2,256 wordsSECTION 16611. Once more the fire of unchastity seized you, this time among savage swords and in the quarters of a married barbarian of great influence
11. Once more the fire of unchastity seized you, this time among savage swords and in the quarters of a married barbarian of great influence and power. You were not afraid to commit adultery in a house where the injured husband might have punished you without calling in a judge's aid. You found yourself attracted and drawn to su…
840 wordsSECTION 167Letter CXLVIII. To the Matron Celantia.
Letter CXLVIII. To the Matron Celantia. This is an interesting letter addressed to a lady of rank, on the principles and methods of a holy life. It is not, however, the work of Jerome, of whose style it shews few traces. It has been ascribed in turn to Paulinus of Nola and Sulpicius Severus. Letter CXLIX. On the Jewish Festiva…
2,307 wordsSECTION 168"Such was his constant cry: unmoved he stood.
"Such was his constant cry: unmoved he stood. To whom the hero thus brief answer made" [4015] "Prayers like these do not mean threats; there is no trickery in tears. Are you surprised at my not welcoming you when you have come here to die?" Thus with smiles Paul gave him access, and, the door being opened, they threw themselve…
2,312 wordsSECTION 1693. At that time he heard of the famous name of Antony, which was in the mouth of all the races of Egypt. He was fired with a desire to see h
3. At that time he heard of the famous name of Antony, which was in the mouth of all the races of Egypt. He was fired with a desire to see him, and set out for the desert. He no sooner saw him than he changed his former mode of life and abode with him about two months, studying the method of his life and the gravity of his condu…
2,425 wordsSECTION 17015. Facidia is a hamlet belonging to Rhino-Corura, a city of Egypt. From this village a woman who had been blind for ten years was brought t
15. Facidia is a hamlet belonging to Rhino-Corura, a city of Egypt. From this village a woman who had been blind for ten years was brought to the blessed Hilarion, and on being presented to him by the brethren (for there were now many monks with him) affirmed that she had spent all her substance on physicians. The saint replied:…
2,353 wordsSECTION 17123. It is not enough to speak of men; brute animals were also daily brought to him in a state of madness, and among them a Bactrian camel of
23. It is not enough to speak of men; brute animals were also daily brought to him in a state of madness, and among them a Bactrian camel of enormous size amid the shouts of thirty men or more who held him tight with stout ropes. He had already injured many. His eyes were bloodshot, his mouth filled with foam, his rolling tongue…
2,218 wordsSECTION 17231. The occasion seems a fitting one, since we are on the spot itself, to describe the abode of this great man. There is a high and rocky mo
31. The occasion seems a fitting one, since we are on the spot itself, to describe the abode of this great man. There is a high and rocky mountain extending for about a mile, with gushing springs amongst its spurs, the waters of which are partly absorbed by the sand, partly flow towards the plain and gradually form a stream shad…
2,358 wordsSECTION 17341. The whole country marvelled and the fame of the great miracle was in everyone's mouth, even at Salonæ. [4037] When the old man knew this
41. The whole country marvelled and the fame of the great miracle was in everyone's mouth, even at Salonæ. [4037] When the old man knew this was the case he escaped secretly by night in a small cutter, and finding a merchant ship after two days came to Cyprus. Between [4038] Malea and [4039] Cythera, the pirates, who had left on…
2,229 wordsSECTION 1743. My son, said he, I used to farm a bit of ground at Nisibis [4046] and was an only son. My parents regarding me as the heir and the only s
3. My son, said he, I used to farm a bit of ground at Nisibis [4046] and was an only son. My parents regarding me as the heir and the only survivor of their race, wished to force me into marriage, but I said I would rather be a monk. How my father threatened and my mother coaxed me to betray my chastity requires no other proof t…
2,517 wordsSECTION 175Introduction.
One cause of fear was removed, but there was the prospect of a similar death for ourselves, though the rage of the lion was not so bad to bear as the anger of the man. Our hearts failed for fear: without venturing to stir a step we awaited the issue, having no wall of defence in the midst of so great dangers save the consciousne…
2,245 wordsSECTION 176O. And yet, if you concede me the first point, the second is mine too.
O. And yet, if you concede me the first point, the second is mine too. L. Show me how it comes to be yours. O. Don't you know that the clergy and laity have only one Christ, and that there is not one God of converts and another of bishops? Why then should not he who receives laymen receive clerics also? L. There is a differen…
2,291 wordsSECTION 1777. L. Pray tell me, have you not read [4073] in the Acts of the Apostles that those who had already been baptized by John, on their saying i
7. L. Pray tell me, have you not read [4073] in the Acts of the Apostles that those who had already been baptized by John, on their saying in reply to the Apostle's question that they had not even heard what the Holy Ghost was, afterwards obtained the Holy Ghost? Whence it is clear that it is possible to be baptized, and yet not…
2,515 wordsSECTION 17812. L. We pardon a layman because, when he was baptized, he had a sincere impression that he was joining the Church. He believed and was bap
12. L. We pardon a layman because, when he was baptized, he had a sincere impression that he was joining the Church. He believed and was baptized in accordance with his faith. O. That is something new for a man to be made a Christian by one who is not a Christian. When he joined the Arians into what faith was he baptized? Of co…
2,488 wordsSECTION 17918. As regards the term [4116] Usia, it was not rejected without a show of reason for so doing. [4117] "Because it is not found in the Scrip
18. As regards the term [4116] Usia, it was not rejected without a show of reason for so doing. [4117] "Because it is not found in the Scriptures," they said, "and its novelty is a stumbling-block to many, we have thought it best to dispense with it." The bishops were not anxious about the name, so long as that which it implied …
2,225 wordsSECTION 180O. That is just what I had in mind when I said I would point out what views we ought to hold concerning the Church at large. For many are ex
O. That is just what I had in mind when I said I would point out what views we ought to hold concerning the Church at large. For many are exercised by the misgivings you speak of. I shall perhaps be tedious in my explanation, but it is worth while if the truth gains. 22. Noah's ark was a type of the Church, as the Apostle Peter…
2,276 wordsSECTION 18128. I might spend the day in speaking to the same effect, and dry up all the streams of argument with the single Sun of the Church. But as w
28. I might spend the day in speaking to the same effect, and dry up all the streams of argument with the single Sun of the Church. But as we have already had a long discussion and the protracted controversy has wearied out the attention of our audience, I will tell you my opinion briefly and without reserve. We ought to remain …
2,315 wordsSECTION 182[4153] The Cainites regarded as saints, Cain, Korah, Dathan, the Sodomites, and even the traitor Judas.
[4153] The Cainites regarded as saints, Cain, Korah, Dathan, the Sodomites, and even the traitor Judas. [4154] The Sethites are said to have looked upon Seth as the same person as Christ. [4155] Carpocrates, another Gnostic, held that our Lord was the son of Joseph and Mary, and was distinguished from other men by nothing exce…
2,830 wordsSECTION 1835. This, however, is a point which will find its proper place further on. We must now hasten to other matters. The passage for discussion no
5. This, however, is a point which will find its proper place further on. We must now hasten to other matters. The passage for discussion now is, "And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife and knew her not till she had brought forth a son, and he called his name J…
2,921 wordsSECTION 18413. The last proposition of Helvidius was this, and it is what he wished to show when he treated of the first-born, that brethren of the Lor
13. The last proposition of Helvidius was this, and it is what he wished to show when he treated of the first-born, that brethren of the Lord are mentioned in the Gospels. For example, [4205] "Behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, seeking to speak to him." And elsewhere, [4206] "After this he went down to Capernaum,…
2,349 wordsSECTION 18517. Innumerable instances of the same kind are to be found in the sacred books. But, to be brief, I will return to the last of the four clas
17. Innumerable instances of the same kind are to be found in the sacred books. But, to be brief, I will return to the last of the four classes of brethren, those, namely, who are brethren by affection, and these again fall into two divisions, those of the spiritual and those of the general relationship. I say spiritual because …
2,258 wordsSECTION 186"But she that is married is careful for the things of the world, how she may please her husband." Do you think there is no difference betwee
"But she that is married is careful for the things of the world, how she may please her husband." Do you think there is no difference between one who spends her time in prayer and fasting, and one who must, at her husband's approach, make up her countenance, walk with mincing gait, and feign a shew of endearment? The virgin's ai…
1,714 wordsSECTION 187Book I.
Book I. Jovinianus, concerning whom we know little more than is to be found in the two following books, had published at Rome a Latin treatise containing all, or part of the opinions here controverted, viz. (1) "That a virgin is no better as such than a wife in the sight of God. (2) Abstinence is no better than a thankful parta…
2,070 wordsSECTION 188Book I.
5. First of all, he says, God declares that [4273] "therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." And lest we should say that this is a quotation from the Old Testament, he asserts that it has been [4274] confirmed by the Lord in the Gospel--"What God hath jo…
2,834 wordsSECTION 1898. The words which follow, "that ye may give yourselves unto prayer, and may be together again," might lead one to suppose that the Apostle
8. The words which follow, "that ye may give yourselves unto prayer, and may be together again," might lead one to suppose that the Apostle was expressing a wish and not making a concession because of the danger of a greater fall. He therefore at once adds, "lest Satan tempt you for your incontinency." It is a fine permission wh…
3,124 wordsSECTION 19012. Having discussed marriage and continency he at length comes to virginity and says [4316] "Now concerning virgins I have no commandment o
12. Having discussed marriage and continency he at length comes to virginity and says [4316] "Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgement, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. I think therefore that this is good by reason of the present distress, namely, that it is goo…
3,186 wordsSECTION 19114. He has ended his discussion of wedlock and virginity, and has carefully steered between the two precepts without turning to the right ha
14. He has ended his discussion of wedlock and virginity, and has carefully steered between the two precepts without turning to the right hand or to the left. He has followed the royal road and fulfilled the command [4339] not to be righteous over much. Now again he compares monogamy with digamy, and as he had subordinated marri…
2,352 wordsSECTION 19219. What shall I say of Abraham who had three wives, as Jovinianus says, and received circumcision as a sign of his faith? If we follow him
19. What shall I say of Abraham who had three wives, as Jovinianus says, and received circumcision as a sign of his faith? If we follow him in the number of his wives, let us also follow him in circumcision. We must not partly follow, partly reject him. Isaac, moreover, the husband of one wife, Rebecca, prefigures the Church of …
2,607 wordsSECTION 19324. He boasts that David bought his wife for two hundred foreskins. But he should remember that David had numerous other wives, and afterwar
24. He boasts that David bought his wife for two hundred foreskins. But he should remember that David had numerous other wives, and afterwards received Michal, Saul's daughter, whom her father had delivered to another, and when he was old got heat from the embrace of the Shunammite maiden. And I do not say this because I am bold…
2,666 wordsSECTION 19427. But we toil to no purpose. For our opponent urges against us the Apostolic sentence and says, [4431] "Adam was first formed, then Eve; a
27. But we toil to no purpose. For our opponent urges against us the Apostolic sentence and says, [4431] "Adam was first formed, then Eve; and Adam was not beguiled, but the woman being beguiled hath fallen into transgression: but she shall be saved through the child-bearing, if they continue in faith and love and sanctification…
2,953 wordsSECTION 19531. Then follows: [4473] "A garden shut up is my sister, my bride: a garden shut up, a fountain sealed." That which is shut up and sealed re
31. Then follows: [4473] "A garden shut up is my sister, my bride: a garden shut up, a fountain sealed." That which is shut up and sealed reminds us of the mother of our Lord who was a mother and a Virgin. Hence it was that no one before or after our Saviour was laid in his new tomb, hewn in the solid rock. And yet she that was …
2,495 wordsSECTION 19635. "The bishop, then, must be without reproach, so that he is the slave of no vice: "the husband of one wife," that is, in the past, not in
35. "The bishop, then, must be without reproach, so that he is the slave of no vice: "the husband of one wife," that is, in the past, not in the present; "sober," or [4497] better, as it is in the Greek, "vigilant," that is nephaleon; "chaste," for that is the [4498] meaning of sophrona; [4499] "distinguished," both by chastity …
3,114 wordsSECTION 19738. Something else I will say to my friends who marry and after long chastity and continence begin to burn and are as wanton as the brutes:
38. Something else I will say to my friends who marry and after long chastity and continence begin to burn and are as wanton as the brutes: [4533] "Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now perfected in the flesh? Did ye suffer so many things in vain?" If the Apostle in the case of some persons loosens the cords …
2,934 wordsSECTION 19841. I have given enough and more than enough illustrations from the divine writings of Christian chastity and angelic virginity. But as I un
41. I have given enough and more than enough illustrations from the divine writings of Christian chastity and angelic virginity. But as I understand that our opponent in his commentaries summons us to the tribunal of worldly wisdom, and we are told that views of this kind are never accepted in the world, and that our religion ha…
2,294 wordsSECTION 19946. I may pass on to Roman women; and the first that I shall mention is [4603] Lucretia, who would not survive her violated chastity, but bl
46. I may pass on to Roman women; and the first that I shall mention is [4603] Lucretia, who would not survive her violated chastity, but blotted out the stain upon her person with her own blood. Duilius, the first Roman who won a [4604] naval triumph, took to wife a virgin, Bilia, of such extraordinary chastity that she was an …
2,800 wordsSECTION 20049. Aristotle and Plutarch and our Seneca have written treatises on matrimony, out of which we have already made some extracts and now add a
49. Aristotle and Plutarch and our Seneca have written treatises on matrimony, out of which we have already made some extracts and now add a few more. "The love of beauty is the forgetting of reason and the near neighbour of madness; a foul blot little in keeping with a sound mind. It confuses counsel, breaks high and generous s…
2,271 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.