58132321 denzinger sources of catholic dogma

8/13/2019 58132321 Denzinger Sources of Catholic Dogma

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enz inger : The Sources o f Catho l i c ogma

Most Ancient Forms of the Apostolic Creed

1 THE creed which is called Apostolic is composed essentiall of !1" a Trinitarian part# three articles

professing faith in three di$ine persons% !&" a Christological part which was added to the first section'

There are e(tant# howe$er# certain formulae composed in the manner of creeds# )ut lac*ing the

Christological part' These formulae seem to )e more ancient than the Apostolic Creed' An achristological

formula of this *ind which seems to )e the most ancient of all+e(ists in a wor* infected with ,nosticism

written )etween the ears 1-. and 1/.# Testamentum in ,alilaea D'0'' Christi !or in an almost identical

wor* ,esprache 2esu mit seinen 2ungern nach der Auferstehung" where the short Creed !reads":

34 )elie$e5 in the Father almight#++and in 2esus Christ# our Sa$ior% ++and in the Hol Spirit# the 6araclete#

in the hol Church# and in the remission of sins'3

Another achristological formula# perhaps alread used in the liturg of Egpt pro)a)l in the third centur#

is shown ) a paprus disco$ered in Der+7alzeh# written in the se$enth or eighth centur !cf' Dict'

d8Archeol' chret' et de 9it' s'$' Canon# # 1//& ff'":

3 )elie$e in ,od almight%++and in his onl+)egotten Son# our 9ord 2esus Christ%++and in the Hol Spirit

and in the resurrection of the )od in; the hol Catholic Church'3

The More Ancient


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places" 4M, B# - A /-- 7 & 75' He shows !1# 1.# 1" almost all the elements of the =oman creed as a

faith which the Church recei$ed from the apostles and their disciples !1# 1.# 1"'+ !,ree* te(t deleted"C' and

' 4Garapat Ter+Me*erttschian und Erwand Ter+Minassiantz#Des hl' renaus Schrift zum Erweise der

apostolischen er*undigung !Te(te und ?ntersuchungen# Harnac*+Schmidt III# " 9eipzig: 1.B5'

ST' H 66J9@T?S# died &-# =oman pres)ter' K 6aradosis++Heshows the )aptismal creed ) means of

>uestions from 3@ou )elie$e in 2esus Christ ' ' '3 4H' Elfers# Die Girchenordnung Hippolts $on =om#1/#

&1' E' Hauler# Didasc' apost' fragm'# eron' 1..# 11. f'# 9 1. f' ='+H' Connoll# The so called Egptian

Church Jrder and deri$ed documents# 115'

TE=T?99A0# died after &&- !pro)a)l in &."# perhaps a pres)ter in Carthage'++De praescr' haer'1#De

$irg' $el' % De carne Chr' &.% Ad$' 6ra('&4M9 &7 // 7 B/-7 /-75' He sas that the church at Carthage

recei$ed the rule of faith from the church at =ome !De praescr' haer' "and that it was common to the

apostolic churches% !l'c' &1" the form of the creed was somewhat fi(ed'

J=,E0# died &-# pres)ter at Ale(andria'++Deprincip' #praef' et -4M, 11# 11B A5' He has a rule of faith

similar to the creed'

CA0J0ES H66J9@T# of uncertain date !Some &..+&-# others a)out -.." 4Achelis# DiealtestenLuellen

des oriental Girchenrects / !Te(te und ?ntersuchungen# ,e)hardt+Harnac* " 9eipzig: 1/15'+The

contain >uestions'

Te(t

4According to the 6salter of =ufinus !The =oman form"5

& 1' )elie$e in ,od# the Father almight%

&' and in Christ 2esus# His onl+)egotten Son# our 9ord#

' who was )orn of the Hol Spirit and the irgin Mar#

' a' was crucified ) 6ontius 6ilate# and was )uried%

)'

-' the third da He arose again from the dead%

' a' He ascended into hea$en#


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)' sits at the right hand of the Father#

B' whence He is coming to udge the li$ing and the dead%

/' and in the Hol Spirit#

' a' the hol 4Church#5

)'

1.' a'

)' the forgi$eness of sins#

11' the resurrection of the )od' Amen'

4According to the 6salter of Aethelstane5

1' )elie$e in ,od the Father almight

&' and in Christ 2esus# His onl )egotten Son# our 9ord

' )orn of the Hol Spirit and Mar the $irgin

' a' was crucified ) 6ontius 6ilate and was )uried

)'

-' the third da He arose again from the dead

' a' He ascended into hea$en

)' sits at the right hand of the Father

B' whence He is coming to udge the li$ing and the dead

/' and in the Hol Spirit

' a' the hol 4Church5


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)'

1.' a'

)' the forgi$eness of sins

11' the resurrection of the )od' Amen'

1&'

7'4 The following5 show a fi(ed form of the Creed'

6SA9TE= JF AETHE9STA0E !in ,ree*"# in the third part# written in the ninth centur !at the

)eginning perhaps" 4H' sect' 1/% 9' 1.% CspL' -5'The Creed is of uncertain date# $er old# was inliturgical use'

CJDEI 9A?DA0?S # !E' Actium# lat'" 4H' sect' &.% CspL' 1&5'+The Creed is of uncertain date#

written in the se$enth centur'

CJDEI Suitania secunda 4,uenna5' + +De fide orthodo(a

contra Arianosat the end 4H' sect' -% M9 &.# 7' 39i)ellus fidei35% the )oo* is genuine !some ascri)e it to

,regorius 7aeticus# died after )ishop of lli)eri 4Eli$ira+,ranada5'

=?F0?S # died 1.# pres)ter of A>uileia++E(positio in Sm)olum !other wise Commentarius inSm)olum apostolorum"4H' sect' 1% M9 &1# '- 75' ++The form of the creed of )oth the Church at =ome

and of the Church at A>uileia is gathered from this'

0CETAS JF =JMATA0A# wrote /.+&.# =omatiana 4=emesiana5 in Dacia'++E(planatio Sm)oli

ha)ita ad competentes4H' sect' .% M9 - /- D5'


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ST' A?,?ST0E# died .# )ishop of Hippo'++Chief sources:De Fide et Sm)olo% serm' &1&+&1 in

traditione Sm)oli% serm' &1- in redditione Sm)oli4M9 .# 1/1% /# 1.-/# 1.B&% H sect' B% 9 1' Serni' &-

is genuine% man )elie$e with Caspari that the creed of Hippo is gi$en in Serm' &1-# and that the Creed of

Milan is handed down in the rest5'

ST' 6ETE= CH=@SJ9J,?S# died )efore -/# )ishop of =a$enna'++Serm' -B+&4H sect' -% 9' 1&% M9 -

-B A5'

ST' MAIM?S# middle of the fifth centur# )ishop of Turin#++ Hom' / d e e(positione Sm)oli4H' sect'

% 9' 1% M9 -B# A5'

ST' F?9,E0T?S JF =?S6E# died - !=uspe in Africa" 9i)er 1.' contra Fa)ianum Arianum 4H' sect'

% 9 1% M9 -# /&&5'

ST' MA=T0# died -/.# )ishop of 7raga 47raga in Spain# now 6ortugal5' De correctione rusticorum 4H'sect' -% ed' Caspari# Christiania 1//'+Cf' G 1-5'

T=ACTAT?S S@M7J9 in a Missal and Sacramentarium for the use of a certain Florentine church

furnishes a Florentine Creed of the se$enth centur% manuscript is of the twelfth centur' 4H' sect' % Csp

A0L &.5'

ST' 9DEFJ0SE# died # )ishop of Toledo'+9i)er de cognitione )aptismi C' - 4H' sect' --% 9 1 f'% M9

# 1&B 75'

ETHE=?S# Eighth centur )ishop of Jsmo and 7eatus !7iaco"# eighth centur# pres)ter of Astorga in

Spain'+Etherii episcopi ?(amensis et 7eati pres)teri ad$' Elpiandum archiep' Toletanum li)ri duo#written in

the ear B/- 4H' sect' - f'% 9 1 f'% M9 # . D5'

9T?=,A MJNA=A7CA: Se$enth centur 9i)er Jrdinum 4ed' Ferotin# p' 1/-% H' sect' -/% 9 1% M9 /-#

- A5'

The More =ecent


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- ST' CAESA=?S JF A=9ES# died -# 6rimate of ,aul 4Arles5'+Sermo 1. 4,' Morin# S' Caesarii Arel'

Sermones # 1# Maretioli 1B# 6' -1 ff'% M9 # &15' The elements of the Creed are possessed# an e(act

formula cannot )e wor*ed out% seems to )e the same as the two following:

SAC=AME0TA=?M ,A99CA0?M 4Ma)illon# Museum talicum # 6aris 1/B# 1 H' sect' % 9 1-5#

BO/th centur# composed in ,aul# !others# Missale esontiense 47esancon5# Missale 7o))iense 47o))io5"%

contains two formulae and a Creed in the manner of >uestions+!The first form is regarded"'

MSSA9E ,A99CA0?M ET?S# Jf the )eginning of the eighth centur 4Ma)illon#De liturgia ,allicana

# 6aris: 1/-# ' H' sect' B% 9 1-5'

ST' 6=M0?S# )orn in ,allia merid'% died B-# )ishop of the MeldP !Q"# afterwards a))ot of the

monaster of =eichenau 4=eichenau in ,erman5' uestions 9 1&' H' Sect' &%

M9 /# 1. C5'

CJDEI A?,E0SS CIC# perhaps of the eighth centur 4CspL -1&5'Creed written ) a certain

rish mon*!Q"'

J=DJ E9 7=ES EI69A0ATJ DE CATECHNA0DS =?D7?S# c' a' /-. ad -. 4H sect' B1%

CspA0L &/&5'

J=DJ =JMA0?S# ancient of the ear -. 4H' Sect' &-% Hittorp# De di$inis catholicae ecclesiae officiis#

Cologne 1-/5'+Shows the usual form'

Te(t

4According to 3the =oman Jrder35

1 a' )elie$e in ,od the Father almight

)' creator of hea$en and earth

&' and in 2esus Christ# His onl son# our 9ord

' who was concei$ed of the Hol Spirit# )orn of the irgin Mar

' a' suffered under 6ontius 6ilate# crucified# died# and was )uried


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)' descended into hell

-' on the third da he arose from the dead

' a' He ascended to hea$en

)' sits at the right hand of ,od the Father Almight

B' thence He shall come to udge the li$ing and the dead

/' )elie$e in the Hol Spirit

' a' the hol Catholic Church

)' the communion of saints

1.' the remission of sins

11' the resurrection of the )od

1&' and life e$erlasting'

The Eastern Form of the Apostolic Creed

Sources

/ ST' 2?ST0 MA=T@=' See a)o$e 4n' 5 CJ6TC A6JSTJ9C CJ0STT?TJ0S !Constitutiones

Apostolicae Copticae" orthe Constitutions of the Egptian Church in Fun*# Didasc' et Const' Apost'

!1.-" B ff'# show the Apostolic Tradition !6aradosis" of Hippoltus !on which see a)o$e n' &+" in the

Jrient also changed as a creed' Therefore# it seems to )e a witness also for the eastern form of the Apostolic

Creed'

Te(t

4of Saint Cril of 2erusalem5

1' a'


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c' and of all things $isi)le and in$isi)le

&' a' and in one 9ord 2esus Christ the onl )egotten Son of ,od

)' who was )egotten of the Father

c' true ,od

d' )efore all ages

e' ) whom all things were made

' a' !who for our sal$ation"

)' was made flesh !of the Hol Spirit and Mar the $irgin"

and was made man

' a' was crucified !under 6ontius 6ilate" and was )uried

)'

-' a' arose on the third da

)' !according to the Scriptures

' a' and ascended into hea$en

)' and sits at the right hand of the Father

B' a' and comes in glor to udge the li$ing and the dead

)' of whose *ingdom there will )e no end

/' a' and in one Hol Spirit the 6araclete

)'

c'


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d'

e' who spo*e among the prophets

' and one hol 4Catholic5 church

1.' a' and in one )aptism of repentance

)' in the dismissal of sins

11' and in the resurrection of the flesh

1&' and in life e$erlasting

1& E?SE7?S # died a)out .# )ishop of Caesarea# Ep' ad suam dioec'4Socrates# Hist' eccl' #/# /% M, B#% H' sect' 1&% 9 1/5' Euse)ius offered his creed' to the 0icene council in &-# which used it to esta)lish its

own form'

ST' C@=9# )ishop of 2erusalem+Catecheses +1/#held )efore -. !-1" 4H sect' 1&% 9' 1% M, # -- ff'5'

He gi$es out a Creed used )efore &-% its te(t is construed otherwise ) some 4Macarius of 2erusalem#

predecessorof St' Cril# seems to ha$e had the same creed# at least according to the: headings5'

ST' E66HA0?S# died in .# )ishop of Salamis in Cprus'+Ancoratus#written a)out the ear B%

contains at the end two formulae# of which the shorter !,ree* te(t deleted" is here considered% 4cf' the

longer# n' 1 9 % the Creed is )elie$ed to )e older than the Ancoratus 4H' sect' 1&-% 9 1 f'% ed' G' Holl'

11-# 1/% M, # && C5'

CJ0STT?TJ0ES A6JSTJ9J=?M 1# of the )eginning of the fifth centur 4otherwise# of middle

of fourth centur% it contains certainl more ancient materials !M, 1# 1.1 C' Fun*# Didascalia et

Constitutiones Apostolorum# 6ader)orn: 1.-# -"5' The Creed# as far as man parts are concerned#

)elongs to 9ucian Martr !died 1&"% it shows a Sro+6alestinian form'

THE C=EED JF E66HA0?S

9onger Form

!E(position of 0icene Creed proposed to certain catechumens in the Jrient"

1


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all things were made# )oth those in hea$en and those on earth# )oth $isi)le and in$isi)le# who for us melt

and for our sal$ation came down and )ecame man# that is was completel )orn of hol Mar e$er+$irgin )

the Hol Spirit# was made man# that is# assumed perfect human nature# soul and )od and mind# and all

whate$er is man e(cept sin# not from the seed of man nor ) means of man# )ut ha$ing fashioned unto

himself a )od into one hol unit% not as he li$ed in the prophets and tal*ed and wor*ed in them# )ut

)ecame man completel !3for the word was made flesh#3 he did not su)mit to an alteration# nor did he

change his own di$ine nature into human nature"% he com)ined )oth the di$ine nature and the human into

the onl hol perfection of himself% !for there is one 9ord 2esus Christ# and not two% the same ,od# the same

9ord# the same Ging"% )ut the same suffered in the flesh and arose again and ascended into hea$en with the

$er )od and sits in glor at the right hand of the Father# in that $er )od he is coming in glor to udge

the li$ing and the dead% of whose *ingdom there shall )e no end:+and we )elie$e in the Hol Spirit who

spo*e in the law# and taught ) the prophets# and descended to the 2ordan# spo*e ) the Apostles# and li$es

in the saints% thus we )elie$e in him: that he is the Hol Spirit# the Spirit of ,od# the perfect Spirit# the Spirit

6araclete# uncreated# proceeding from the Father and recei$ing of the Son# in whom we )elie$e'

1 ual and the cooperator with the Father and the Son# )ecause it is

written: 37 the word of the 9ord the hea$ens were esta)lished3 !that is# ) the Son of ,od"# 3and all the

power of them ) the spirit of his mouth3 46s' &:5# and elsewhere: 3Send forth th spirit and the shall )e

created and thou shalt renew the face of the earth3 46s' 1.:.5' And therefore we confess one ,od in the

name of the Father and of the Son and of the Hol Spirit# )ecause god is the name of power# not of

peculiarit' The proper name for the Father is Father# and the proper name for the Son is Son# and the


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proper name for the Hol Spirit is Hol Spirit' And in this Trinit we )elie$e in one ,od# )ecause what is of

one nature and of one su)stance and of one power with the Father is from one Father' The Father )egot the

Son# not ) will# nor ) necessit# )ut ) nature'

1 The Son in the fullness of time came down from the Father to sa$e us and to fulfill the Scriptures# though

he ne$er ceased to )e with the Father# and was concei$ed ) the Hol Spirit and )orn of the irgin Mar% he

too* a )od# soul# and sense# that is# he assumed perfect human nature% nor did he lose# what he was# )ut he

)egan to )e# what he was not% in such a wa# howe$er# that he is perfect in his own nature and true in our

nature'

For he who was ,od# was )orn a man# and he who was )orn a man# operates as ,od% and he who operates

as ,od# dies as a man% and he who dies as a man# arises as ,od' He ha$ing con>uered the power of death

with that )od# with which he was )orn# and suffered# and had died# arose on the third da# ascended to the

Father# and sits at his right hand in glor# which he alwas has had and alwas has' uentl the Father 1B and the Son and the Hol Spirit

are one source# one su)stance# one $irtue# and one power' ual in di$init# entirel similar in maest# united in trinit#

sharers in splendor' The are one in such a wa# that we do not dou)t that the are also three% and the are

three in such a wa that we ac*nowledge that the cannot )e disoined from one another' Therefore there is

no dou)t# that an insult to one is an affront to all# )ecause the praise of one pertains to the glor of all'

1/ 8For this is the principal point of our faith according to the ,ospel and the apostolic doctrine# that our

9ord 2esus Christ and the Son of ,od are not separated from the Father either in the ac*nowledgment of

honor# or in the power of $irtue# or in the di$ine nature of su)stance# or ) an inter$al of time'8 And

therefore if anone sas that the Son of ,od# who ust as he is trul ,od# so also is true man e(cept in sin

alone# #did not possess something )elonging to human nature or did not possess something )elonging to the

,odhead# he should )e udged wic*ed and hostile to the Catholic and apostolic Church'


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THE C=EED JF THE CJ?0C9 JF TJ9EDJ

JF THE @EA= .. 4A0D B5

4Formula# 3A little )oo* li*e a Creed35

The rule of the Catholic faith against all heresies 4!Here" )egin the rules #of the Catholic faith against all

heresies# and especiall indeed against the 6riscillianists# which the )ishops of Tarraco# Carthage# 9usitania#

and 7aetica ha$e composed and with a command of 6ope 9eo of the Cit transmitted to 7alconius# )ishop of

,allicia' '' '' '' 5'

1


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di$ine will 4created5'

&1 1' f therefore 4howe$er5 anone sas and 4or5 )elie$es# that this world and all its furnishings were not

made ) ,od almight# let him )e anathema'

&& &' f anone sas and 4or5 )elie$es# that ,od the Father is the same person as the Son or the 6araclete# let

him )e anathema'

& ' f anone sas and 4or5 )elie$es that ,od the Son 4of ,od5 is the same person as the Father or the

6araclete# let him )e anathema'

& ' f anone sas and 4or5 )elie$es that the 6araclete the Spirit is either the Father or the Son# let him )e

anathema'

&- -' f anone sa and 4or5 )elie$es that the man 2esus Christ was not assumed ) the Son of ,od 4 inplace of this:that a )od onl without a soul was assumed ) the Son of ,od5# let him )e anathema'

& ' f anone sas and 4or5 )elie$es# that the Son of ,od# as ,od# suffered 4 in place of this: that Christ

cannot )e )orn5# let him )e anathema'

&B B' f anone sas and 4or5 )elie$es that the man 2esus Christ was a man incapa)le of suffering 4in place of

this:the di$ine nature of Christ was changea)le or capa)le of suffering5# let him )e anathema'

&/ /' f anone sas and 4or5 )elie$es# that there is one ,od of the old 9aw# another of the ,ospels# let him

)e anathema'

& ' f anone sas and 4or5 )elie$es# that the world was made ) another ,od than 4and not5 ) him#

concerning whom it is written:n the )eginning ,od created hea $en and earth 4cf' ,en' # 5# let him )e

anathema'

. 1.' f anone sas and 4or5 )elie$es that the human )odies will not rise again 4do not rise5 after death# let

him )e anathema'

1 11' f anone sas and for5 )elie$es that the human soul is a part of ,od or is ,od8s su)stance# let him )eanathema'

& 1&' f anone either )elie$es that an scriptures# e(cept those which the Catholic Church has recei$ed#

ought to )e held in authorit or $enerates them 4f anone sas or )elie$es other scriptures# )esides those

which the Catholic Church recei$es# ought to )e held in authorit or ought to )e $enerated5# let him )e

anathema'


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41' f anone sas or )elie$es that there is in Christ one nature of the ,odhead of humanit# let him )e

anathema'5

41' f anone sas or )elie$es that there is anthing that can e(tend itself )eond the di$ine Trinit# let

him )e anathema'5

- 41-' f anone holds that astrolog and the interpretation of stars !sic" ought to )e )elie$ed# let him )e

anathema'5

41' f anone sas or )elie$es# that the marriages of men# which are considered licit according to di$ine

law# are accursed# let him )e anathema'5

B 41B' f anone sas or )elie$es that the flesh of )irds or of animals# which has )een gi$en for food# not

onl ought to )e a)stained from for the chastising of the )od# )ut ought to )e a)horred# let him )eanathema'5

/ 41/' f anone follows the sect of 6riscillian in these errors or pu)licl professes it" so that he ma*es a

change in the sa$ing act of )aptism contrar to the chair of Hol 6eter# let him )e anathema'5

THE C=EED 3L?C?ML?E3

4


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is from the Father alone# not made nor created# )ut )egotten' The Hol Spirit is from the Father and the

Son# not made nor created nor )egotten# )ut proceeding' There is therefore one Father# not three Fathers%

one Son# not three Sons% one Hol Spirit# not three Hol Spirits% and in this Trinit there is nothing first or

later# nothing greater or less# )ut all three persons are coeternal and coe>ual with one another# so that in

e$er respect# as has alread )een said a)o$e# )oth unit in Trinit# and Trinit in unit must )e $enerated'

Therefore let him who wishes to )e sa$ed# thin* thus concerning the Trinit'

. 7ut it is necessar for eternal sal$ation that he faithfull )elie$e also the incarnation of our 9ord 2esus

Christ' Accordingl it is the right faith# that we )elie$e and confess# that our 9ord 2esus Christ# the Son of

,od is ,od and man' He is ,od )egotten of the su)stance of the Father )efore time# and he is man )orn of

the su)stance of his mother in time: perfect ,od# perfect man# consisting of a rational soul and a human

)od# e>ual to the Father according to his ,odhead# less than the Father according to humanit' Although

he is ,od and man# et he is not two# )ut he is one Christ% one# howe$er# not ) the con$ersion of the

Di$init into a human )od# )ut ) the assumption of humanit in the ,odhead% one a)solutel not )

confusion of su)stance# )ut ) unit of person' For ust as the rational soul and )od are one man# so ,odand man are one Christ' He suffered for our sal$ation# descended into hell# on the third da arose again

from the dead# ascended to hea$en# sits at the right hand of ,od the Father almight% thence he shall come

to udge the li$ing and the dead% 'at his coming all men ha$e to arise again with their )odies and will render

an account of their own deeds: and those who ha$e done good# will go into life e$erlasting# )ut those who

ha$e done e$il# into eternal fire'+This is the Catholic faith% unless e$er one )elie$es this faithfull and firml#

he cannot )e sa$ed'

ST' 6ETE= THE A6JST9E !Q"+B!Q"

under whose name two canonical epistles are e(tant'

ST' 90?S B!Q" + B!Q" ST' !A0A" C9ET?S B!Q" + .!Q"

ST' C9EME0T .!Q"+ !Q"

The 6rimac of the =oman 6ontiff

4From the letter 3!,ree* te(t deleted"3 to the Corinthians5

1 !1" 7ECA?SE of the sudden calamities that ha$e followed one another in turn and )ecause of the ad$erse

circumstances which ha$e )efallen us# we thin*# )rethren# that we ha$e returned too late to those matters

which are )eing in>uired into among ou# )elo$ed# and to the impious and detesta)le sedition ' ' ' which a

few rash and presumptuous men ha$e aroused to such a degree of insolence that our honora)le and

illustrious name ' ' ' is $er much re$iled' ' ' ' n order to remind ou of our dut# we write' ' ' ' !-B" @ou#

therefore# who ha$e laid the foundations of this insurrection# )e su)ect in o)edience to the priests and


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recei$e correction unto repentance' ' ' ' !-" 7ut if some will not su)mit to them# let them learn what He

4Christ5 has spo*en through us# that the will in$ol$e themsel$es in great sin and danger% we# howe$er# shall

)e innocent of this transgression' ' ' ' !" ndeed ou will gi$e o and gladness to us# if ha$ing )ecome

o)edient to what we ha$e written through the Hol Spirit# ou will cut out the unlawful application of our

zeal according to the e(hortation which we ha$e made in this epistle concerning peace and union'

& Concerning the Hierarch and the Status of the 9ait

4From the same epistle to the Corinthians5

!." !For" the do not go astra who follow the commands of the 9ord' nasmuch as peculiar gifts ha$e

)een )estowed upon the chief priest# a special place has )een assigned to the priests# and particular duties are

incum)ent upon the 9e$ites' The laman is )ound ) the precepts pertaining to the lait'

!1" 9et each of us# )rethren# 3in his own order3 4 1 Cor' 1-:& 5 with a good conscience not transgressingthe prescri)ed rule of his own office gi$e than*s to ,od honora)l'

!&" The Apostles were made preachers of the ,ospel to us ) the 9ord 2esus Christ% 2esus Christ was sent

) ,od' ' ' ' Accordingl# when the had proclaimed the word through countr districts and cities and had

tested the first con$erts of these ) the spirit# the appointed )ishops and deacons of those who were to

)elie$e'

ST' EA=ST?S !" !Q"+1.B !Q" ST' 6?S 1 1. !Q"+1- !Q"

ST' A9EIA0DE= 1.B !Q"+11 !Q" ST' A0CET?S 1- !Q"+1- !Q"

ST' SIT?S 11 ! Q"+1&- !Q " ST' SJTE= 1- !Q"+1B !Q "

ST' TE9ES6HJ=?S 1&- !Q"+1 !Q" ST' E9E?THE=?S 1B ! 6 "+ / ! Q "

ST' H@,0?S 1 !Q"+1. !Q" ST' CTJ= 1/ !Q"+1/ !Q"

ST' NE6H@=0?S 1/ !Q"+&1B

resp' ST' CA99ST?S &B+&&&

The ncarnate


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&a 34Callistus5# howe$er# influenced NE6H@=0?S himself to spea* to the people openl: *now one ,od

Christ 2esus# and )esides him no other )egotten and passi)le% then indeed 4CA99ST?S5 said: The Father

did not die# )ut the Son: in such a wa as this he *ept up the perpetual dispute among the people'


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4From the epistle 3!,ree* te(t deleted"3 to Fa)ius# )ishop ofAntioch# in the ear &-15

- Therefore did not that famous defender of the ,ospel 40o$atian5 *now that there ought to )e one

)ishop in the Catholic Church 4of the cit of =ome5Q t did not lie hidden from him !for how could it )e

concealedQ" that in this there were fort+si( priests# se$en deacons# se$en su)deacons# fort+two acoltes# and

fift+two e(orcists and lectors together with porters and more than a thousand fi$e hundred widows and

4need5 eunuchs'

ST' 9?C?S &-+&-

ST' STE6HA0 &-+&-B

The 7aptism of Heretics

4Fragment of a letter to Cprian# from his letter !B" to 6ompe5

!1" ' ' ' 3f therefore an come to ou from an heres whatsoe$er# let nothing )e renewed e(cept what

has )een transmitted# so that the hand is placed upon them for repentance# since the heretics among

themsel$es properl do not )aptize those coming to them# )ut onl gi$e them communion'3

4Fragment from a letter of Stephan from a letter

!B-" of Firmilianus to Cprian5

B !1/" 37ut#3 he 4STE6HA05 sas# 3the name of Christ conduces greatl to faith and to the sanctification of

)aptism# so that whoe$er has )een )aptized anwhere in the name of Christ# at once o)tains the grace of

Christ'3

ST' I@ST?S !SIT?S" &-/

ST' DJ0@S?S &-+&/

The Trinit and the ncarnation

4Fragment from epistle !&" against the Tritheists and

Sa)ellians# a)out the ear &.5


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/ !1" 0ow assuredl it is ust to preach against those who destro the / one power which is the most

sacred teaching of the Church of ,od# di$iding and rending it into some three powers and distinct

su)stances and three deities' For ha$e heard that some who preach and e(plain the di$ine word among ou

are teachers of this )elief% et the# so to spea*# are diametricall opposed to the opinion of Sa)ellius'

For the latter )lasphemes when he sas that the Son himself is the Father and the re$erse: the former indeed

in a certain measure proclaim three gods# when the di$ide the sacred unit into three different su)stances

altogether distinct from one another' For it is necessar that the di$ine


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was 3)egotten#3 )ut nowhere 3made'3 7 reason of this the who dare to call His di$ine and ine(plica)le

)egetting a ma*ing# are clearl pro$ed to spea* falsel a)out the 9ord8s generation'

-1 !" 0either therefore ought the admira)le and di$ine unit )e separated into three godheads# nor ought

the dignit and supreme magnitude of the 9ord )e lessened ) the designation of ma*ing% )ut we must

)elie$e in ,od the Father Almight# and in Christ 2esus his Son# and in the Hol Spirit# that the


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-&e Can' BB' f an deacon ruling the people without a )ishop or priest )aptizes some# the )ishop will ha$e

to confirm these ) a )lessing% )ut if the should depart the world )eforehand# in the faith in which anone

of them has )elie$ed# that one can )e ustified'

ST' MA=CE99?S ./+. ST' E?SE7?S . !or 1."

ST' M9TADES 11+1

ST' S@9ESTE= 1+-

CJ?0C9 JF A=E9AS 1

- Can' 1-' That deacons ma not offer# see Gch B

6lenar !against the Donatists" The 7aptism of Heretics

- Can' /' Concerning the Africans# )ecause the use their own law so as to re)aptize# it has )een decided

that# if anone from a heretical sect come to the Church# he should )e as*ed his creed# and if it is percei$ed

that he has )een )aptized in the Father and the Son and the Hol Spirit# onl the hand should )e imposed

upon him# in order that he ma recei$e the Hol Spirit' 7ut if upon )eing >uestioned he does not answer

this Trinit# let him )e )aptized'

CJ?0C9 JF 0CEA &-

Ecumenical !against the Arians"'

The 0icene Creed

- 4ersion of Hilar of 6oitiers5


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The 7aptism of Heretics and the iaticum of the Ding

-- 4ersion of Dionsius E(ig'5

Can' /' Concerning those who call themsel$es Cathari 40o$atians5 that is# clean# if at an time the come to

the Catholic Church# it has )een decided ) the hol and great Council# that# pro$ided the recei$e the

imposition of hands# the remain among the clerg' Howe$er# )ecause the are accepting and following the

doctrines of the Catholic and Apostolic Church# it is fitting that the ac*nowledge this in writing )efore all%

that is# )oth that the communicate with the twice married and with those who ha$e lapsed during a

persecution'

- Can' 1' Concerning the 6aulianists who ta*e refuge with the Catholic Church# a decree has )een

pu)lished that the should )e full )aptized' f# howe$er# an of these in time past ha$e )een in the clerical

order# if indeed the ha$e appeared spotless and a)o$e reproach# after )eing )aptized# let them )e ordained) the )ishop of the Catholic Church' ' ' '

-B Can' 1' Concerning these# who approach death# e$en now the ancient and regular law will )e *ept% so

that# if anone is departing from the )od# he )e not depri$ed of the last and necessar $iaticum' 7ut if after

)eing despaired of# and recei$ing communion# and )eing made a sharer of the o)lation# he again regains his

health# let him )e among those who recei$e onl the communion of praer' ,enerall# howe$er# to e$erone

without e(ception placed at death and re>uesting that the grace of communion )e gi$en him# the )ishop

pro)a)l ought to gi$e from the o)lation'

-B Snodal letter to the Egptians concerningthe error of Arius

and the ordinationsmade) Melitius see Gch n 1. f'

ST' MA=C?S

ST' 2?9?S B+-&


4From the epistle !,ree* te(t deleted" to

the Antiochenes# in the ear 15

-Ba For if# indeed as ou assert# some sin has risen among them# a udicial in$estigation ought to ha$e )een

made according to the ecclesiastical canon# and not in this manner' E$erone should ha$e written to us# in


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order that thus what was might )e decided ) all% for the )ishops were the ones who suffered# and it was not

the ordinar churches that were harassed# )ut which the apostles themsel$es go$erned in person' @et wh

has nothing )een written to us# especiall regarding the Ale(andrian churchQ Jr do ou not *now that it is

the custom to write to us first# and that here what is ust is decidedQ Certainl if an suspicion of this nature

did fall upon the )ishop of that cit# the fact should ha$e )een written to this church'

CJ?0C9 JF SE=DCA +


-B) 4Authentic te(t5 4Can' 5 !sid' "' Caius the )ishop said: That also# that a )ishop ma not cross from

one pro$ince into another pro$ince# in which there are )ishops# unless perchance on the in$itation of his

)rothers# lest we seem to ha$e shut the door of charit' ++That too should )e pro$ided% if perchance in an

pro$ince some )ishop has a dispute with a )rother )ishop# let no one of these summon the )ishops from

another pro$ince'+7ut if an )ishop has )een udged in some case# and he thin*s he has a good case# so thata new trial ma )e gi$en# if it seems good to ou# let us honor the memor of the most hol Apostle#

6ETE=: either let those who ha$e e(amined the case or the )ishops who reside in the ne(t pro$ince write to

the =oman )ishop% and if he should udge that the udicial in$estigation ought to )e repeated# let it )e

repeated# and let him appoint udges' 7ut if he should determine that the case is such# that what has )een

finished should not )e reopened# his decree shall )e confirmed' s this agreea)le to allQ The snod replied: t

is agreea)le'

!sid' -"' ,audentius the )ishop said: To this $er hol opinion which ou ha$e offered# if it is agreea)le# we

ought to add: when an )ishop has )een deposed ) the udgment of those )ishops who a)ide in the

neigh)oring places# and when he has proclaimed that he must plead his case in the cit of =ome# another

)ishop ma not )e ordained for his place in the same office after the appeal of him who seems to ha$e )een

deposed# unless his case has )een decided ) the udgment of the )ishop of =ome'

-Bd 4Can' )5 !sid' '" Jsius the )ishop said: Howe$er it has )een agreed# that# if a )ishop has )een

accused# and the assem)led )ishops of the same pro$ince ha$e udged and depri$ed him of his office# and he

appears to ha$e appealed# and has ta*en refuge with the most )lessed )ishop of the =oman church and has

desired to )e heard# and he has thought it ust that an e(amination )e made anew# let him deign to write to

these )ishops who are in the adoining and neigh)oring pro$ince so that the themsel$es ma diligentl

ma*e all in>uiries and decide according to their pledge of truth' 7ut if anone as*s that his case )e heardagain and ) his plea mo$es the =oman )ishop to send a pres)ter from his own side# what he 4the

pres)ter5 wishes or what he determines will )e in the power of the )ishop% and if he decrees those ought to

)e sent who in person ma udge with the )ishops and who ha$e the authorit 4of him5 ) whom the ha$e

)een appointed# it 4this decree5 will )e within his decision' 7ut if he )elie$es that the )ishops suffice to put

an end to the affair# he will do that which he decides in accordance with his own $er wise deli)eration'


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Concerning the 7aptism of Heretics# see St' S=C?S

4n' //5

ST' DAMAS?S +/

CJ?0C9 JF =JME# /&

The Trinit and the ncarnation

4Tome of DAMAS?S 5

-/ 4After this Council# which was assem)led in the cit of =ome ) the Catholic )ishops# the made

additions concerning the Hol Spirit5' And )ecause afterwards this error )ecame so fi(ed that the e$en

dared to sa with sacrilegious words that the Hol Spirit was made ) the Son:

- !1" uite freel that he is not of one power and su)stance with the

Father and the Son'

. !&"


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mem)ers" and is separate from the Father# is unsu)stantial# and will ha$e an end'

B !" Those also who ha$e mo$ed from churches to churches# we hold as not )elonging to our communion

until the return to those cities in which the were first esta)lished' 7ut if one is ordained in the place of one

who is li$ing# while another is mo$ing# let him who has left his own cit )e without the dignit of the

priestl office until his successor rests in the 9ord'

/ !1." f anone does not sa that the Father does alwas e(ist# the Son does alwas e(ist# and the Hol

Spirit does alwas e(ist# he is a heretic'

!11" f anone does not sa that the Son was )egotten of the Father# that is# of the di$ine su)stance of

Him Himself# he is a heretic'

B. !1&" f anone does not sa that the Son of ,od is true ,od ust as 4His5 Father is true ,od 4and5 He is

all+powerful and omniscient and e>ual to the Father# he is a heretic'

B1 !1" f anone sas that )ecause He was esta)lished in the flesh when He was on earth# He was not in

hea$en with the Father# he is a heretic'

B& !1" f anone sas# that in the passion of the cross ,od felt pain# and not the )od with the soul which

the Son of ,od Christ had assumed+the form of a ser$ant# which He had ta*en upon himself 4cf' 6hil' &:B5#

as sas the Scripture+# he does not thin* rightl'

B !1-" f anone does not sa that He sits at the right hand of the Father# in the flesh# in which He will

come to udge the li$ing and the dead# he is a heretic'

B !1" f anone does not sa that the Hol Spirit# ust as the Son# is trul and properl of the Father# of

di$ine su)stance# and is true ,od# he is a heretic'

B- !1B" f anone does not sa that the Hol Spirit can do all things and *nows all things and is e$erwhere

ust as the Son and the Father# he is a heretic'

B !1/" f anone sas that the Hol Spirit is a creature# or was made ) the Son# he is a heretic'

BB !1" f anone does not sa that the Father made all things through the Son and His Hol Spirit# that is#

the $isi)le and the in$isi)le% he is a heretic'

B/ !&." f anone does not sa that there is one di$init of Father# and Son# and Hol Spirit# one so$ereignt#

one maest# one power# one glor# one dominion# one *ingdom# and one will and truth# he is a heretic'


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B !&1" f anone does not sa there are three true persons of Father# and of Son# and of Hol Spirit# e>ual#

immortal# containing all things $isi)le and in$isi)le# ruling all things# udging all things# $i$ifing all things#

creating all things# sa$ing all things# he is a heretic'

/. !&&" f anone does not sa that the Hol Spirit ought to )e adored ) e$er creature ust as the Son and

Father# he is a heretic'

/1 !&" f anone thin*s well of the Father and the Son# )ut does not rightl esteem the Hol Spirit# he is a

heretic# )ecause all heretics who thin* erroneousl a)out the Son 4 of ,od and the 4 Hol 5 Spirit are

found in the perfid of the 2ews and the pagans'

/& !&" 7ut if anone di$ides# saing that ,od 4Christ8s5 Father# and ,od His Son# and ,od the Hol Spirit

are gods# and does not thus sa ,od on account of the one di$init and power which we )elie$e and *now

!to )e" the Father8s# and the Son8s# and the Hol Spirit8s# )ut ta*ing awa the Son or the Hol Spirit# thus

)elie$es that the Father alone is called ,od# or in this manner )elie$es ,od one# he is a heretic in e$errespect# na rather a 2ew# )ecause the name of gods was attached and gi$en )oth to angels and to all the

saints from ,od# )ut of the Father# and of the Son# and of the Hol Spirit )ecause of their one and e>ual

di$init# not the name of gods# )ut of ,od is declared and re$ealed to us# in order that we ma )elie$e#

)ecause we are )aptized onl in the Father# and the Son# and the Hol Spirit and not in the names of

archangels or angels# as heretics# or 2ews# or e$en demented pagans'

This then is the sal$ation of Christians# that )elie$ing in the Trinit# that is# in the Father# and in the Son#

and in the Hol Spirit# 4and5 )aptized in this# we )elie$e without dou)t that there is onl one true di$init

and power# maest and su)stance of the same

The Hol Spirit

43Decree of DAMAS?S3 from the acts of the =oman Snod# in the ear /&5

/ t has )een said:


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is none of his 4=om' /:5'


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CJ?0C9 JF CJ0STA0T0J69E /1

Ecumenical !against the Macedonians# etc'"

Condemnation of the Heretics

/- The faith of the three hundred and eighteen Fathers who assem)led at 0icea in 7ithnia is not to )e

disregarded% )ut it remain authoritati$e# and all heres is to )e anathematized: and especiall that of the

Eunomians or of the Anomians# and that of the Arians# or that of the Eudo(ians# and that of the

Macedonians# that is to sa of those opposing the Spirit# and that of the Sa)ellians# of the Marcellians and

that of the 6hotinians and that of the Apollinarians'

/- Can' ' 4ersion of Dionsius E(ig'5 The faith of three hundred and eighteen Fathers# who con$ened at

0icea in 7ithnia# ought not to )e $iolated% )ut remains firm and sta)le' E$er heres ought to )e

anathematized# and especiall those of the Eunomians or Anomians# and of the Arians or Eudo(ians# and ofthe Macedonians or those who oppose the Hol Spirit# and of the Sa)ellians# and of the Marcellians# and of

the 6hotinians# and of the Apollinarians'

The 30icene+Constantinopolitan3 Creed

/


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4and will come again with glor to udge the li$ing and the dead% of whose *ingdom there shall not )e an

end' And in the Hol Spirit# the 9ord and gi$er of life# proceeding from the Father# 4who proceeds from the

Father and the Son# who5 to )e adored with the Father and the Son 4is adored together with5 and to )e

glorified together with !them" 4and is glorified together with5# who spo*e through the hol 6rophets 4) the

6rophets5' And in one hol Catholic and apostolic Church'


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//a !# -" 7ut ou ha$e in>uired concerning the marriage $eil# whether one can recei$e in matrimon a girl

)etrothed to another' 9et this not )e done'


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)e cut out with a *nife'

The Jrdinations of Mon*s

4From the same epistle to Himerius5

. !1"


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The Jrthodo( of the 6ope 97E=?S

4From the epistle 3Dat mihi plurimum3 to enerius#

7ishop of Milan# a)out the ear ..5

That which is done for the lo$e of Christ gi$es me $er much o% tal# as $ictor with that zeal and

aroused ardor for the godhead# retained that faith whole which was handed down from the Apostles and

placed in the whole world ) our ancestors' For at this time when Constantius of hol memor held the

world as $ictor# the heretical African faction was not a)le ) an deception to introduce its )aseness )ecause#

as we )elie$e# our ,od pro$ided that that hol and untarnished faith )e not contaminated through an

$icious )lasphem of slanderous men+that faith which had )een discussed and defended at the meeting of

the snod in 0icea ) the hol men and )ishops now placed in the resting+place of the saints'

For this faith those who were then esteemed as hol )ishops gladl endured e(ile# that is Dionsius# thus a

ser$ant of ,od# prepared ) di$ine instruction# or those following his e(ample of hol recollection#

97E=?S )ishop of the =oman Church# Euse)ius also of ercelli# Hilar of the ,auls# to sa nothing of

man# on whose decision the choice could rest to )e fastened to the cross rather than )laspheme ,od Christ#

which the Arian heres compelled# or call the Son of ,od# ,od Christ# a creature of the 9ord'

Council of Toledo the ea3 ..# The Minister of ?nction

and Anointing !can' &." see Gch n' B1&'

ST' 00JCE0T .1+1B

The 7aptism of Heretics

4From epistle !&" 3Etsi ti)i3 to itricius# 7ishop of =ouen# Fe)' 1-# .5

!/" That those who come from the 0o$atians or the Montanists should )e recei$ed ) the imposition of

the hand onl# )ecause although the were )aptized ) heretics# ne$ertheless the were )aptized in the name

of Christ'

=econciliation in the Moment of Death

4From the epistle 3Consulenti ti)i3 to E(uperius# 7ishop


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of Toulouse# Fe)' &.# .-5

- !&"' ' ' t has )een as*ed# what must )e o)ser$ed with regard to those who after )aptism ha$e surrendered

on e$er occasion to the pleasures of incontinence# and at the $er end of their li$es as* for penance and at

the same time the reconciliation of communion' Concerning them the former rule was harder# the latter

more fa$ora)le# )ecause merc inter$ened' For the pre$ious custom held that penance should )e granted# )ut

that communion should )e denied' For since in those times there were fre>uent persecutions# so that the

ease with which communion was granted might not recall men )ecome careless of reconciliation from their

lapse# communion was ustl denied# penance allowed# lest the whole )e entirel refused% and the sstem of

the time made remission more difficult' 7ut after our 9ord restored peac

e to his churches# when terror had now )een remo$ed# it was decided that communion )e gi$en to the

departing# and on account of the merc of ,od as a $iaticum to those a)out to set forth# and that we ma

not seem to follow the harshness and the rigor of the 0o$atian heretic who refused merc' Therefore with

penance a last communion will )e gi$en# so that such men in their e(tremities ma )e freed from eternal

ruin with the permission of our Sa$ior 4see n' 1-/5'

- =econciliation outside of the danger of death% see Gch' n' B&B'

The Canon of the Hol Scripture and the Apocrphal 7oo*s

4From the same epistle to E(uperius5

!B" A )rief addition shows what )oo*s reall are recei$ed in the canon' These are the desiderata of which

ou wished to )e informed $er)all: of Moses fi$e )oo*s# that is# of ,enesis# of E(odus# of 9e$iticus# of

0um)ers# of Deuteronom# and 2oshua# of udges one )oo*# of Gings four )oo*s# and also =uth# of the

6rophets si(teen )oo*s# of Solomon fi$e )oo*s# the 6salms' 9i*ewise of the histories# o) one )oo*# of To)ias

one )oo*# Esther one# 2udith one# of the Macha)ees two# of Esdras two# 6aralipomenon two )oo*s' 9i*ewise

of the 0ew Testament: of the ,ospels four )oo*s# of 6aul the Apostle fourteen epistles# of 2ohn three 4cf'n'

/# &5 epistles of 6eter two# an epistle of 2ude# an epistle of 2ames# the Acts of the Apostles# the Apocalpse

of 2ohn'

Jthers# howe$er# which were written ) a certain 9eucius under the name of Matthias or of 2ames the 9ess#

or under the name of 6eter and 2ohn !or which were written ) 0e(ocharis and 9eonidas the philosophers

under the name of Andrew"# or under the name of Thomas# and if there are an others# ou *now that theought not onl to )e repudiated# )ut also condemned'

The 7aptism of the 6aulianists

4From the epistle !1B" 3Magna me gratulatio3 to =ufus


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and other )ishops of Macedonia# Dec' 1# 15

B From the canon of 0icea4n' -5 indeed the 6aulianists coming to the Church ought to )e )aptized# )ut

not the 0o$atians4see n' --5: !-" ' ' ' uestion has not e$er )een raised concerning the unit of the di$ine power# that is of the Father# and of

the Son# and of the Hol Spirit'

The Minister of Confirmation

4From the epistle !&-" 3Si instituta ecclesiastica3 to

Decentius the 7ishop of ,u))io# March 1# 15

/ !" 7ut in regard to the signing of little children# it is e$ident that it ma not )e done ) an other than a

)ishop' For the pres)ters# although the are second priests# ne$ertheless do not possess the crown of the

pontificate' That this power of a )ishop# howe$er# is due to the )ishops alone# so that the either sign or gi$e

the 6araclete the Spirit# not onl ecclesiastical custom indicates# )ut also that reading in the Acts of the

Apostles which declares that 6eter and 2ohn were directed to gi$e the Hol Spirit to those alread )aptized

4 cf'Acts /:1+1B5' For to pres)ters it is permitted to anoint the )aptized with chrism whene$er the )aptize#

whether without a )ishop or in the presence of a )ishop# )ut !with chrism" that has )een consecrated ) a

)ishop% ne$ertheless !it is" not !allowed" to sign the forehead with the same oil% that is due to the )ishops

alone when the )estow the Spirit# the 6araclete' ndeed# cannot sa the words lest seem to go further

than to repl to the in>uir'

The Minister of E(treme ?nction

4From the same letter to Decentius5

!/" Trul since our lo$e has wished to ta*e counsel regarding this ust as concerning other !matters"# m

son Celestine# the deacon# has also added in his letter that what was written in the epistle of the )lessed

Apostle 2ames has )een proposed ) our lo$e: f anone among ou is sic*# let him call the priests# and let

them pra o$er him# anointing him with oil in the name of the 9ord: and the praer of faith shall sa$e thesufferer# and the 9ord shall raise him up# and if he has committed sin# he shall pardon him42as' -:1 f'5'

There is no dou)t that this anointing ought to )e interpreted or understood of the sic* faithful# who can )e

anointed with the hol oil of chrism# which prepared ) a )ishop# is permitted not onl to priests# )ut also to

all as Christians for anointing in their own necessit or in the necessit of their !people"' Moreo$er# we see

that addition to )e superfluous% that what is undou)tedl permitted the pres)ters is >uestioned regarding

)ishops' For# on this account it was said to priests# )ecause the )ishops )eing hindered ) other )usiness


36/594

cannot go to all the sic*' 7ut if a )ishop# to whom it )elongs to prepare the chrism# is a)le !to do it" or

thin*s someone is worth to )e $isited ) him# he can )oth )less and anoint with the chrism without dela'

For# that cannot )e administered to penitents# )ecause it is a *ind of sacrament' For# how is it supposed that

one species !of sacrament" can )e granted to those to whom the rest of the sacraments are deniedQ

The 6rimac and the nfalli)ilit of the =oman 6ontiff

4From the epistle !&" 3n re>uirendis3 to the African )ishops# 2an' &B# 1B5

1.. !1" n see*ing the things of ,od ' ' ' preser$ing the e(amples of ancient tradition ' ' ' ou ha$e

strengthened the $igor of our religion ' ' ' with true reason# for ou ha$e confirmed that reference must )e

made to our udgment# realizing what is due the Apostolic See# since all of us placed in this position desire to

follow the Apostle# from whom the episcopate itself and all the authorit of this name ha$e emerged'

Following him we *now how to condemn e$ils ust as !well as how" to appro$e praiseworth things' Ta*e

this as an e(ample# guarding with our sacerdotal office the practices of the fathers ou resol$e that !the"must not )e trampled upon# )ecause the made their decisions not ) human# )ut ) di$ine udgment# so

that the thought that nothing whate$er# although it concerned separated and remote pro$inces# should )e

concluded# unless it first came to the attention of this See# so that what was a ust proclamation might )e

confirmed ) the total authorit of this See# and from this source !ust as all waters proceed from their natal

fountain and through di$erse regions of the whole world remain pure li>uids of an uncorrupted source"# the

other churches might assume what 4the ought5 to teach# whom the ought to wash# those whom the water

worth of clean )odies would shun as though defiled with filth incapa)le of )eing cleansed'

1.. For another rescript of nnocent concerning the same matter# see Gch n' B&.+B&'

ST' NJSM?S 1B+/

CJ?0C9 JF M9E?M 1# A66=JED 7@ 00JCE0T A0D

CJ?0C9 JF CA=THA,E !I" 1/# A66=JED 7@ NJSM?S


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!against the 6elagians"

Jriginal Sin and ,race

1.1 Can' 1' All the )ishops esta)lished in the sacred snod of the Carthaginian Church ha$e decided that

whoe$er sas that Adam# the first man# was made mortal# so that# whether he sinned or whether he did notsin# he would die in )od# that is he would go out of the )od not )ecause of the merit of sin )ut ) reason

of the necessit of nature# let him )e anathema'

1.& Can' &' 9i*ewise it has )een decided that whoe$er sas that infants fresh from their mothers8 wom)s

ought not to )e )aptized# or sas that the are indeed )aptized unto the remission of sins# )ut that the draw

nothing of the original sin from Adam# which is e(piated in the )ath of regeneration# whence it follows that

in regard to them the form of )aptism 3unto the remission of sins3 is understood as not true# )ut as false# let

him )e anathema' Since what the Apostle sas: 3Through one man sin entered into the world !and through

sin death"# and so passed into all men# in whom all ha$e sinned3 4cf' =om' -:1&5# must not to )e understood

otherwise than as the Catholic Church spread e$erwhere has alwas understood it' For on account of this

rule of faith e$en infants# who in themsel$es thus far ha$e not )een a)le to commit an sin# are therefore

trul )aptized unto the remission of sins# so that that which the ha$e contracted from generation ma )e

cleansed in them ) regeneration'

1. Can' ' 9i*ewise it has )een decided that whoe$er sas that the grace of ,od# ) which man is ustifiedthrough 2esus Christ# our 9ord# has power onl for the remission of sins which ha$e alread )een

committed# and not also for help# that the )e not committed# let him )e anathema'

1. Can' ' n li*e manner# whoe$er sas that the same grace of ,od through 2esus Christ# our 9ord# helps


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us not to sin onl for this reason# that through it the understanding of the commands is re$ealed and opened

to us# that we ma *now what we ought to stri$e after# what we ought to a$oid# )ut that through this 4the

power5 is not also gi$en to us to lo$e and to )e a)le to do that which we *now ought to )e done# let him )e

anathema' For since the Apostle sas: 3Gnowledge puffs up# )ut charit edifies3 41 Cor' /:15# it is $er

impious for us to )elie$e that for that which puffs up# we ha$e the grace of Christ# and for that which edifies

we ha$e not# although each is a gift of ,od# )oth to *now what we ought to do and to lo$e in order that we

ma do it# so that while charit edifies# *nowledge ma not )e a)le to puff us up' Moreo$er# ust as it is

written of ,od: 3uit 41 2ohn 1:5# wherein it is

>uite clear# that this is said not onl hum)l )ut trul' For the Apostle could ha$e said: f we sa: we ha$e

not sin# we e(tol oursel$es# and humilit is not in us' 7ut when he sas:


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wisest Solomon: There is not a man who has not sinned41 Gings /:5' And in the )oo* of hol 2o):n the

hand of e$er! omnis" man he signs# so that e$er ! omnis" man ma *now his infirmit4 2o) B:B5' Hence

also hol and ust Daniel# when he spo*e in the plural in his praer: 3


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he has pre$iousl trul )een a capti$e through sin# as it is written: 3f the Son li)erates ou# ou will )e trul

free 42ohn /:5' For through Him we are re)orn spirituall# through Him we are crucified to the world' 7

His death that )ond of death introduced into all of us ) Adam and transmitted to e$er soul# that )ond

contracted ) propagation is )ro*en# in which no one of our children is held not guilt until he is freed

through )aptism'

ST' 7J0FACE 1/+&&

The 6rimac and nfalli)ilit of the =oman 6ontiff

4From the epistle !1" 3=etro maiori)us tuis3 to

=ufus# 7ishop of Thessal# March 11# &&5

11. !&" ' ' ' To the Snod 4of Corinth5' ' ' ' ' we ha$e directed such writings that all the )rethren ma

*now' ' ' ' ' that there must )e no withdrawal from our udgment' For it has ne$er )een allowed that that )ediscussed again which has once )een decided ) the Apostolic See'


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ST' CE9EST0E &&+&

=econciliation in the Moment of Death

4From the epistle !" 3Cuperemus >uidem3 to the

)ishops of the pro$inces of ienne and 0ar)o# 2ul &/5

111 !&"


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therefore the 9ord is the e(aminer of the heart# penance must not )e denied at an time to one who as*s for

!it" ' ' ' '

CJ?0C9 JF E6HES?S 1

Ecumenical !against the 0estorians"

The ncarnation

4From the epistle of St' Cril of Ale(andria to

0estorius# read and appro$ed in action 5

111a For we do not sa that the nature of the


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concurrence in unit' ' ' ' For it was no ordinar man who was first )orn of the Hol irgin and upon

whom the


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11 Can' 1' f anone does not confess that ,od is trul Emmanuel# and that on this account the Hol

irgin is the Mother of ,od !for according to the flesh she ga$e )irth to the


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Jnl+)egotten was applied as to another e(isting )eside Him# let him )e anathema'

1&. Can' /' f anone $entures to sa that the assumed man must )e worshipped and glorified along with

,od the


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Faith and the Tradition to )e ,uarded

1&- ' ' ' The hol snod decided that no one is allowed to declare or at an rate to compose or de$ise a faith

other than that defined ) the hol fathers who with the Hol Spirit came together at 0icea' ' ' '

' ' ' f an should )e disco$ered# whether )ishops or priests# or la persons# who )elie$e or teach those

things in the e(position con$eed ) Charisius the priest concerning the ncarnation of the Jnl+)egotten

Son of ,od# or at an rate the a)omina)le and distorted dogmas of 0estorius ' ' ' # let them )e su)ect to the

decision of this hol and ecumenical snod' ' ' '

Condemnation of the 6elagians

1& Can' 1'


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1&B Can' ' 7ut if some of the clerg should re)el# and dare to hold the opinions of 0estorius or Celestius

either in pri$ate or in pu)lic# it has )een udged ) the hol snod that the too are deposed'

The Authorit of St' Augustine

4From Ep' !&1" 3Apostolici er)a 6raecepti3 to the

)ishops of the ,auls# Ma 1- !Q"# 15

1&/ Chapter &'


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The Catalog or the Authoritati$e Statements of the 6ast

7ishops of the Hol See Concerning the ,race of ,od

1& 7ecause some# who glor in the name of Catholic# linger in the condemned $iew of heretics whether

through per$erseness or through ignorance# and presume to oppose the $er pious disputers# and# although

the do not hesitate to anathematize 6elagius and also Caelestius# ne$ertheless contradict our teachers# as if

the o$erstepped the necessar limit# and profess to follow and appro$e onl those 4doctrines5 which the

most sacred See of the 7lessed Apostle 6ETE= has sanctioned and taught against the enemies of the grace of

,od through the office of its leaders# it has )ecome necessar to in>uire diligentl as to what the rulers of

the =oman Church udged concerning the heres which had arisen in their times# and in opposition to the

most harmful 4heretics5 what the defenders of free will decreed should )e thought with regard to the grace of

,od' Thus# too# we ha$e added certain opinions of the African Councils# which the apostolic high+priests

ha$e assuredl made their own when the appro$ed 4them5' n order therefore that 4those5 who dou)t in

an 4matter5 ma )e the more full instructed# we are ma*ing pu)lic the definitions of the Hol Fathers in a

)rief catalogue# in which# if anone is not a little contentious# he will recognize that the organic union of all

reasonings depends upon this concise 4catalogue5 of supporting authorities# and no reason for contradiction

remains to him# if he )elie$es and spea*s with the Catholics'

1. Chapter 1' n the transgression of Adam all men lost their 3natural power3 and innocence# and no one

can rise from the depth of that ruin through free will# unless the grace of a merciful ,od raise him up#4according as5 6ope 00JCE0T of )lessed memor proclaimed and said in his letter to the Council of

Carthage: 3For he# ha$ing once )ra$ed e$er conse>uence of free choice# while he used his goods too

unad$isedl# fell and was o$erwhelmed in the depth of his transgression# and found no 4wa5 ) which he

was a)le to rise from it% and )eguiled fore$er ) his own li)ert he would ha$e lain prostrate ) the weight

of this ruin# if the coming of Christ had not afterwards lifted him up ) $irtue of His grace# who through the

purification of a new regeneration washed awa in the )ath of His )aptism e$er past sin'3


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11 Chapter &' For no one is good of himself# unless He gi$es 4him5 a participation of Himself# who alone is

good'

n the same writings the opinion of the same pontiff )ears witness to this# stating: 3Shall we after this

udge anthing to )e right in the minds of those who thin* the owe to themsel$es the fact that the are

good# and do not consider Him# whose grace the o)tain dail% who feel sure that the are a)le to secure 4it5

alone without HimQ3

1& Chapter ' 0o one e$en after ha$ing )een restored ) the grace of )aptism is capa)le of o$ercoming the

snares of the de$il and su)duing the concupiscenses of the flesh# unless he has recei$ed through the dail

help of ,od the perse$erance of the good wa of life' The doctrine of the same high+priest confirms this in

the same letter# declaring : 3For although He had redeemed man from his past sins# ne$ertheless *nowing

that he would )e a)le to sin again# He sa$ed man things for reparation to Himself# offering him dail

remedies ) which He might )e a)le to correct him e$en after those !sins"# and# if we do not struggle reling

upon these 4remedies5 and trusting in them# we shall ) no means )e a)le to con>uer human mista*es' For

it is necessar that# as we are $ictorious with His aid# we shall again )e defeated if He does not help us'3

1 Chapter ' The same teacher in the epistle to the council of Mileum proclaims that no one uses his

free will well# e(cept through Christ# asserting: 30ote finall# J per$erse doctrine of most distorted minds#

that li)ert itself so decei$ed the first man# that# while he used his )ridle too indulgentl# he fell into

transgression ) presumption' 0or would he ha$e )een a)le to )e rescued from this# had not the coming of

Christ the 9ord reesta)lished for him the state of pristine li)ert ) the pro$idence of regeneration'3

1 Chapter -' That all the zeal and all the wor*s and merits of the saints ought to )e referred to the glor

and praise of ,od% )ecause no one pleases Him with anthing e(cept with that which He Himself has gi$en'

To this $iew the regular authorit of the 6ope NJSM?S of )lessed memor directs us# when# writing to the

)ishops of the whole world# he sas: 3


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radiating with the light of sincerest truth# that the wrote thus to the same man: 3That statement indeed#

which ou made in the letter# that ou caused to )e sent to all the pro$inces# saing: 8


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power5 is not also gi$en to us to lo$e and to )e a)le to do that which we *now ought to )e done# let him )e

anathema' For since the Apostle sas:Gnowledge puffs up# )ut charit edifies 4 1 Cor' /:15% it is $er impious#

for us to )elie$e# that for that which puffs up# we ha$e the grace of Christ# and for that which edifies# we

ha$e not# although each is a gift of ,od# )oth to *now what we ought to do# and to lo$e in order that we

ma do it# so that since charit edifies# *nowledge ma not )e a)le to puff up' Moreo$er ust as it is written

of ,od:


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correction of such 4persons5 should alwas )e referred to ,od who effects these things'

1. That also# which the hol Church uniforml does in the whole world with regard to those to )e

)aptized# we do not o)ser$e with indifferent respect' Since whether children or ouths come to the

sacrament of regeneration# the do not approach the fountain of life# )efore the unclean spirit is dri$en awa

from them ) the e(orcisms and the )reathings upon them of the priests% so that then it is trul manifest

howthe prince of this world is sent forth42ohn 1&:1 5# and how the strong4man5 is first )ound 4Matt'

1&:& 5# and thereafter his $essels are plundered 4Mar* :&B 5# ha$ing )een transferred to the possession of

the $ictor# who leads capti$it capti$e 4 Eph' :/ 5 and gi$es gifts to man 46s' B:1 5'

11 Therefore# in accordance with the ecclesiastical rules and documents ta*en on di$ine authorit# we are sostrengthened ) our 9ord8s aid that we confess openl that ,od 4is5 the author of all good dispositions of

mind# and also of wor*s# and of all zeal# and of all $irtues ) which from the )eginning of faith we tend

towards ,od% and we do not dou)t that all the merits of man are preceded ) His grace# through whom it is

)rought to pass# that we )egin )oth to will and to do 4 6hil' &:15 anthing good' Assuredl free choice is

not ta*en awa ) this aid and gift of ,od# )ut it is set at li)ert# that light ma come from dar*ness# right

from wrong# health from sic*ness# and prudence from imprudence' For# so great is the goodness of ,od

towards all men that He wishes the merits# which are His own gifts# to )e ours# and in consideration of those

which He has conferred# He intends to gi$e eternal rewards' For He acts in us that we ma )oth will and

do what He wishes# nor does He allow those gifts to )e idle in us which He has gi$en to )e used and not to

)e neglected# that we also ma )e cooperators with the grace of ,od' And if we see that there is an

listlessness in us as a result of our rela(ation# let us carefull ha$e recourse to Him#who heals all our

wea*nesses and redeems our life from destruction 4 6s' 1.&: f'5# andto whom we dail sa: 9ead us not into

temptation# )ut deli$er us from e$il 4 Matt' :15'

1& Chapter 1.' 7ut although we do not dare to esteem lightl the deeper and more difficult parts of the

>uestions which the ha$e treated in more detail who ha$e resisted the heretics# et we do not consider it

necessar to add what their writings# according to the aforementioned regulation of the Apostolic See# ha$etaught us# )ecause we )elie$e that it is >uite enough to confess the grace of ,od# from whose wor* and

honor nothing should )e entirel ta*en awa# so that we do not deem that to )e at all Catholic which

appears to )e contrar to the $iews presented a)o$e'


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ST' SIT?S &+.

3Creed of the union3 of the ear # ) which peace was restored

)etween St' Cril of Ale(andria and the Antiochenes 4St' Cril#

Ep' : M, BB# 1B D f' B% see = n' &..% appro$ed

) St' Si(tus # App' n' -..& ff' 5

ST' 9EJ # THE ,=EAT .+1

The ncarnation !against Eutches"


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4From the dogmatic epistle !&/" 39ectis dilectionis tuae3

to Fla$ian# 6atriarch of Constantinople# 2une 1# 5

!&" see = n' &1/&'

1 !" The uni>ueness of each nature )eing preser$ed and com)ined in one person# humilit was assumed

) maest# wea*ness ) strength# mortalit ) eternit# and for the sa*e of paing the de)t of our creation#

an in$iola)le nature was oined to a passi)le nature% so that# )ecause it was adapted to our relief# one and the

same mediator of ,od and men# the man 2esus Christ 41 Tim' &:-5 )oth could die ) reason of the one# and

could not die on account of the other' Accordingl# in the whole and perfect nature of true man# true ,od

was )orn# complete in His own# complete in ours' ' ' '

1 !" Conse>uentl# the Son of ,od entered into these lowl conditions of the world# after descending

from His celestial throne# and though He did not withdraw from the glor of the Father# He was generated

in a new order and in a new nati$it' n a new order# )ecause in$isi)le in His own# He was made $isi)le in

ours% incomprehensi)le 4in His own5# He wished to )e comprehended% permanent )efore times# He )egan to

)e in time% the 9ord of the uni$erse assumed the form of a sla$e# concealing the immensit of His maest%

the impassi)le ,od did not disdain to )e a passi)le man and the immortal 4did not disdain5 to )e su)ect to

the laws of death' Moreo$er# He was generated in a new nati$it# )ecause in$iolate $irginit 4that5 did not*now concupiscence furnished the material of His )od' From the mother of the 9ord# nature# not guilt# was

assumed% and in the 9ord 2esus Christ )orn from the wom) of the irgin# )ecause His )irth was miraculous#

nature was not for that reason different from ours' For He who is true ,od# is li*ewise true man# and there

is no falsehood in this unit# as long as there are alternatel the lowliness of man and the e(altedness of the

Di$init' For# ust as ,od is not changed ) His compassion# so man is not destroed ) His dignit' For

each nature does what is proper to it with the mutual participation of the other% the


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what )elongs to the


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1- !&" 1 also decree that that presumption against the apostolic regulation# which recentl learned is )eing

committed ) some through unlawful usurpation# )e )anished ) all means'


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those who ha$e $iolated the gifts of regeneration# condemning themsel$es ) their own udgment# might

attain to the remission of their sins% the help of di$ine goodness ha$ing )een so ordered that the indulgence

of ,od cannot )e o)tained e(cept ) the supplications of the priests' For3the Mediator of ,od and of men#

the man Christ 2esus41 Tim' &:-5 has entrusted this power to the leaders of the Church# that the might )oth

grant the action of penance to those confessing# and admit the same 4persons5 cleansed ) salutar

satisfaction to the communion of the sacraments through the gate of reconciliation' ' ' '

1B !-" t is necessar that each and e$er Christian hold a trial of his own conscience# lest from da to da

he defer )eing con$erted to ,od# and choose the difficulties of that time when neither the confession of the

penitent nor the reconciliation of the priest can ta*e place' 7ut# as ha$e said# the need e$en of such should

)e ser$ed# so that neither the action of penance nor the grace of communion ma )e denied them# e$en if

the function of speech has )een lost# and the as* it through the signs of a sound sense' 7ut if the are so

oppressed ) some $iolent illness# that what the as*ed a little while )efore# the are not a)le to signif inthe presence of the priest# the testimonies of the faithful standing a)out ought to )e ad$antageous to them#

that the ma gain simultaneousl the )enefit of )oth penance and reconciliation# the regulation of the

canons of the Fathers# howe$er# )eing o)ser$ed regarding the persons of those who ha$e sinned against ,od

) deserting the faith'

CJ?0C9 JF CHA9CEDJ0 -1

Ecumenical !against the Monophsites"

Definition of the Two 0atures of Christ


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1/ Therefore# following the hol fathers# we all teach that with one accord we confess one and the same

Son# our 9ord 2esus Christ# the same perfect in human nature# trul ,od and the same with a rational soul

and a )od trul man# consu)stantial with the Father according to di$init# and consu)stantial with us

according to human nature# li*e unto us in all things e(cept sin# 4cf' He)' :1-5% indeed )orn of the Father

)efore the ages according to di$ine nature# )ut in the last das the same )orn of the $irgin Mar# Mother of

,od according to human nature% for us and for our deli$erance# one and the same Christ onl )egotten Son#

our 9ord# ac*nowledged in two natures#8 without mingling# without change# indi$isi)l# undi$idedl# the

distinction of the natures nowhere remo$ed on account of the union )ut rather the peculiarit of each nature

)eing *ept# and uniting in one person and su)stance# not di$ided or separated into two persons# )ut one and

the same Son onl )egotten ,od ueness of each nature )eing *ept and uniting in one person and

one su)stance# not di$ided or separated into two persons# )ut one and the same Son onl )egotten ,od


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4From the epistles of the Snod 3=epletum est gaudio3

to 9eo the 6ope# at the )eginning of 0o$em)er# -15

1 For if where two or three are gathered together in His name# there He sas He is in the midst of them#

how great an intimac did He show with regard to the fi$e hundred and twent consecrated men# who

preferred to )oth nati$e land and to la)or the *nowledge of confession for Him' J$er these ou ruled as a

head o$er the mem)ers# among those holding office# displaing our good will'

1 4The more ancient $ersion'5 For if where two or three are gathered togetherinhis name# there he sas he

is in the midst of them 4cf' Matt' 1/:&.5# how great an intimac will He show in regard to the fi$e hundred

and twent priests# who ha$e preferred to )oth nati$e land and to la)or the *nowledge of confession for

Him' J$er these ou ruled as a head o$er the mem)ers# among those holding office# displaing our good

will'


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The words of St' 9EJ himself regarding the primac of

the =oman 6ontiff# see Gch n' /1+.1

The Jrdination of the Clerg

4From 3Ancient Statutes of the Church#3 or

3Ancient Statutes of the East35

1-. Can' & !."'


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1-1 Can !1"'


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the church from the altar# saing: So act as if @ou were a)out to gi$e ,od the reason for these things which

are opened with those *es'

1-/ Can' 1. !/"' The psalmist# that is the cantor# can recei$e his office of singing without the *nowledge of

the )ishop# ) the sole order of the pres)ter# the pres)ter saing to him:See that what ou sing with our

heart# and what ou )elie$e with our heart# ou confirm with our deeds'

4 There follow the regulations for consecrating $irgins#


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The 0ecessit of ,uarding the Faith


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4From the epistle 3Cuperem >uidem3 to 7asiliscus

Augustus 2anuar 1.# B5

1. Those genuine and clear 4truths5 which flow from the $er pure fountains of the Scriptures cannot )e

distur)ed ) an arguments of mist su)tlet' For this same norm of apostolic doctrine endures in thesuccessors of him upon whom the 9ord imposed the care of the whole sheepfold 42ohn &1:1- ff'5# whom 4He

promised5 He would not fail e$en to the end of the world 4Matt' &/:&.5# against whom He promised that the

gates of hell would ne$er pre$ail# ) whose udgment He testified that what was )ound on earth could not

)e loosed in hea$en 4Matt' 1:1/ ff'5' !"' ' ' 9et whoe$er# as the Apostle proclaimed# attempts to disseminate

something other# than what we ha$e recei$ed# )e anathema4 ,al' 1:/ f'5' 9et no approach to our ears )e

thrown open to the pernicious plans of undermining# let no pledge of re$ising an of the old definitions )e

granted# )ecause# as it must )e repeated $er often# what has deser$ed to )e cut awa with the sharp edge of

the e$angelical pruninghoo* ) apostolic hands with the appro$al of the uni$ersal Church# cannot ac>uire

the strength for a re)irth nor is it a)le to return to the fruitful shoot of the master8s $ine# )ecause it is

e$ident that it has )een destined to eternal fire' Thus# finall# the machinations of all heresies laid down )

decrees of the Church are ne$er allowed to renew the struggles of their crushed attac*'

CJ?0C9 JF A=9ES B- !Q"

4From the letter of su)mission of 9ucidus# the priest5


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,race and 6redestination

1.a @our pu)lic reproof is pu)lic sal$ation# and our opinion is medicine' From this also draw the highest

remed# that ) )laming past errors e(cuse 4them5# and ) healing confession wash mself' ust so in

conse>uence of the recent statutes of the Council a)out to )e pu)lished# condemn with ou that $iew

which states that the wor* of human o)edience does not ha$e to )e united with di$ine grace% which sas thatafter the fall of the first man the free choice of the will was totall destroed% which states that Christ our

9ord and Sa$ior did not incur death for the sal$ation of all% which states that the fore*nowledge of ,od

$iolentl impels man to death# or that the who perish# perish ) the will of ,od% which affirms that

whoe$er sins after )aptism which has )een legitimatel recei$ed dies in Adam% which states that some ha$e

)een condemned to death# others ha$e )een predestined to life% which states that from Adam e$en to Christ

none of the nations has )een sa$ed unto the coming of Christ through the first grace of ,od# that is# ) the

law of nature# and that the lost free will in the first parent% which states that the patriarchs and prophets or

e$er one of the highest saints# e$en )efore the times of the redemption# entered into paradise' All these

condemn as impious and replete with sacrileges'

7ut declare that the grace of ,od is such that alwas unite the stri$ing and efforts of man with grace#

and proclaim that the li)ert of the human will was not destroed )ut enfee)led and wea*ened# and that he

who is sa$ed# was tried% and he who perished# could ha$e )een sa$ed'

1.) Also that Christ# ,od and =edeemer# as far as it pertained to the riches of His goodness# offered theprice of death for all# and )ecause He# who is the Sa$ior of all# especiall of the faithful# does not wish

anone to perish# rich unto all who call upon him 4=om' 1.:1&5 ' ' ' ' 0ow ) the authorit of the sacred

witnesses# which are found in !Treat profusion through the e(tent of the Di$ine Scriptures# in accordance

with the doctrine of our elders made clear ) reason# freel confess that Christ came also for the lost#

)ecause the perished although He did not will 4it5' For it is not right that the riches of His )oundless

goodness and His di$ine )enefits )e confined to those onl who seem to ha$e )een sa$ed' For if we sa that


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Christ e(tended assistance onl to those who ha$e )een redeemed# we shall seem to a)sol$e the unredeemed#

who# it is esta)lished# had to )e punished for ha$ing despised redemption' declare further that ) reason

and through the regular succession of the centuries some ha$e )een sa$ed ) the law of grace# others ) the

law of Moses# others ) the law of nature# which ,od has written in the hearts of all# in the e(pectation of

the coming of Christ% ne$ertheless from the )eginning of the world# the were not set free from the original

sla$er e(cept ) the intercession of the sacred )lood' ac*nowledge# too# that the eternal fires and the

infernal flames ha$e )een prepared in ad$ance for capital deeds# )ecause di$ine udgment# which the

deser$edl incur# who ha$e not )elie$ed these truths5 with their whole heart# ustl follows those who

persist in human sins' 6ra for me# hol lords and apostolic fathers'

# 9ucius the priest# ha$e signed this m letter with m own hand# and affirm the things which are asserted

in it# and condemn what has )een condemned'

FE9I !" /+&

ST' ,E9AS?S &+

Errors Jnce Condemned# not to )e Discussed Again

4From the epistle 39icet inter $arias3 to Honorius#


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7ishop of Dalmatia# 2ul &/# !Q"5

11 !1" 4For5 it has )een reported to us# that in the regions of the Dalmatians certain men had disseminated

the recurring tares of the 6elagian pest# and that their )lasphem pre$ails there to such a degree that the

are decei$ing all the simple ) the insinuation of their deadl madness' ' ' ' 47ut5 since the 9ord is superior#

the pure truth of Catholic faith drawn front the concordant opinions of all the Fathers remains present' ' ' '

!&" ' ' '


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The Canon of Sacred Scripture

4From the epistle or decretal 3de recipiendis et non

recipiendis li)ris#3 in the ear -5

1& An enumeration of the canonical )oo*s similar to that# which we ha$eplaced under DAMAS?S4 n' /5

is accustomed in certain codices to )e set )efore the special Decree of ,E9AS?S' 0e$ertheless among

others it is no longer read in this place'Jf 2ohn the Apostle one epistle# of the other 2ohn the priest two

epistles# )ut# of the Apostle 2ohn three epistles 4cf' n' /# 5'

Then follows:


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The 6rimac of the =oman 6ontiff and the 6atriarchal Sees

4From the same epistle or 3Decretal#3 in the ear -5

1 !1" After !all these" prophetic and e$angelical and apostolic writings !which we ha$e set forth a)o$e"# on

which the Catholic Church ) the grace of ,od is founded# we ha$e thought this !fact" also ought to )e

pu)lished# namel that# although the uni$ersal Catholic Church spread throughout the world has the one

marriage of Christ# ne$ertheless the hol =oman Church has not )een preferred to the other churches )

reason of snodical decrees# )ut she has held the primac ) the e$angelical $oice of the 9ord and Sa$ior

saing:Thou art 6eter# and upon this roc* will )uild m Church# and the gates of hell shall not pre$ail

against it# and will gi$e unto thee the *es of the *ingdom of hea$en# and whatsoe$er thou shalt )ind upon

earth# it shall )e )ound also in hea$en# and wh atsoe$er thou shalt loose upon earth# it shall )e loosed also in

hea$en4 Matt' 1:1/ f'5' There is added also the association of the most )lessed 6aul the Apostle# the $essel of

election# who not at a different time# as the heretics sa# )ut at the one time# on one and the same da# while

contending for the prize together with 6eter was crowned with a glorious death under Caesar 0ero in the

Cit of =ome% and e>uall ha$e the consecrated the a)o$e+mentioned Church of =ome to Christ the 9ord

and ha$e raised it a)o$e all other cities in the whole world ) their presence and their $enera)le triumph'

Accordingl the see of 6ETE= the Apostle of the Church of =ome is first#ha$ing neither spot# nor wrin*le#

nor anthing of this *ind4Eph' -:&B5' 7ut the second see at Ale(andria was consecrated in the name of)lessed 6ETE= ) Mar* his disciple and e$angelist ' ' ' )ut the third in honor is considered the see of the

most )lessed Apostle 6ETE= at Antioch' ' ' '


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The Authorit of the Councils and the Fathers

4From the same epistle or 3Decretal35

1 !&" And although no one can la a foundation other than that# which has )een laid# which is Christ

2esus 4cf' 1 Cor' :115# ne$ertheless for the purpose of instruction the hol# that is# the =oman Church# does

not for)id these writings also# that is: the Sacred Snod of 0CEA ' ' ' E6HES?S ' ' ' 4and5 CHA9CEDJ0 '

' ' to )e recei$ed after those of the Jld or 0ew Testament# which we regularl accept'

1- !" 9i*ewise the wor*s of )lessed Caecilius Cprian ' ' ' 4 and in the same wathe wor*s of ,regor

0azianzen# 7asil# Athanasius# 2ohn !Chrsostom"" Theophilus# Cril of Ale(andria# Hilar# Am)rose#

Augustine# 2erome# !and" 6rosper ma )e admitted 5 'Also the epistle of )lessed 9EJ the 6ope to Fla$ian

4dogmatic# see n' 1

58132321 denzinger sources of catholic dogma

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