anf07. fathers of the third and fourth centuries ... · centuries: lactantius, venantius, asterius,...

ANF07. Fathers of the Third and FourthCenturies: Lactantius, Venantius, Asterius,Victorinus, Dionysius, Apostolic Teachingand Constitutions, Homily, and Liturgies

by

Philip Schaff

Christian Classics Ethereal Library

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About ANF07. Fathers of the Third and Fourth Centuries: Lactantius, Venantius,Asterius, Victorinus, Dionysius, Apostolic Teaching and Constitutions, Homily,

and Liturgies by Philip Schaff

ANF07. Fathers of the Third and Fourth Centuries: Lactantius,Venantius, Asterius, Victorinus, Dionysius, Apostolic Teaching andConstitutions, Homily, and Liturgies

Title:

http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf07.htmlURL:Schaff, PhilipAuthor(s):Grand Rapids,MI: Christian Classics Ethereal LibraryPublisher:Originally printed in 1885, the ten-volume set, Ante-Nicene Fathers,brings together the work of early Christian thinkers. In particular, it

Description:

brings together the writings of the early Church fathers prior to thefourth century Nicene Creed. These volumes are noteworthy for theirinclusion of entire texts, and not simply fragments or excerpts fromthese great writings. The translations are fairly literal, providing bothreaders and scholars with a good approximation of the originals. Thisvolume has Church fathers from both the third and fourth century.These writings were heavily influential on the early Church, and forgood reason, as they are inspirational and encouraging. Thesevolumes also come with many useful notes, providing the reader withnew levels of understanding. Overall, Ante-Nicene Fathers, or anypart of it, is a welcome addition to one's reading list.Tim PerrineCCEL Staff WriterCopyright Christian Classics Ethereal LibraryRights:2004-07-04Date Created:Carefully proofed except for extended Latin sections on pp. 189-190,293-294 of the print edition.

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All;EarlyChurch; Symbols; ProofedCCEL Subjects:BR65LC Call no:

ChristianityLC Subjects:Early Christian Literature. Fathers of the Church, etc.

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Table of Contents

p. iiAbout This Book. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 1Title Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 3Introductory Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 5Lactantius. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 5Introductory Notice to Lactantius.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 10The Divine Institutes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 10Book I. Of the False Worship of the Gods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 10Preface.—Of what great value the knowledge of the truth is and alwayshas been. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 11Chap. I.—Of religion and wisdom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 13Chap. II.—That there is a providence in the affairs of men. . . . . . . .

p. 13Chap. III.—Whether the universe is governed by the power of one Godor of many. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 15Chap. IV.—That the one God was foretold even by the prophets. . . .p. 16Chap. V.—Of the testimonies of poets and philosophers. . . . . . . . .

p. 19Chap. VI.—Of divine testimonies, and of the Sibyls and theirpredictions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 21Chap. VII.—Concerning the testimonies of Apollo and the gods. . . . .

p. 23Chap. VIII.—That God is without a body, nor does he need differenceof sex for procreation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 24Chap. IX.—Of Hercules and his life and death. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 25Chap. X.—Of the life and actions of Æsculapius, Apollo, Neptune, Mars,Castor and Pollux, Mercury and Bacchus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 26Chap. XI.—Of the origin, life, reign, name and death of Jupiter, and ofSaturn and Uranus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 32Chap. XII.—That the stoics transfer the figments of the poets to aphilosophical system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 33

Chap. XIII.—How vain and trifling are the interpretations of the stoicsrespecting the gods, and in them concerning the origin of Jupiter,concerning Saturn and Ops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 35Chap. XIV.—What the sacred history of Euhemerus and Ennius teachesconcerning the gods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 36Chap. XV.—How they who were men obtained the name of gods. . . .

p. 39Chap. XVI.—By what argument it is proved that those who aredistinguished by a difference of sex cannot be gods. . . . . . . . . . . .

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Philip SchaffANF07. Fathers of the Third and Fourth Centuries: Lactantius,Venantius, Asterius, Victorinus, Dionysius, Apostolic Teachingand Constitutions, Homily, and Liturgies

p. 40Chap. XVII.—Concerning the same opinion of the stoics, and concerningthe hardships and disgraceful conduct of the gods. . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 42Chap. XVIII.—On the consecration of gods, on account of the benefitswhich they conferred upon men. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 44Chap. XIX.—That it is impossible for any one to worship the true Godtogether with false deities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 44Chap. XX.—Of the gods peculiar to the Romans, and their sacredrites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 47Chap. XXI.—Of certain deities peculiar to barbarians, and their sacredrites; and in like manner concerning the Romans. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 52Chap. XXII.—Who was the author of the vanities before described inItaly among the Romans, and who among other nations. . . . . . . . .

p. 54Chap. XXIII.—Of the ages of vain superstitions, and the times at whichthey commenced. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 55Book II. Of the Origin of Error. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 55Chap. I.—That forgetfulness of reason makes men ignorant of the trueGod, whom they worship in adversity and despise in prosperity. . . . .

p. 57Chap. II.—What was the first cause of making images; of the truelikeness of God, and the true worship of him. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 60Chap. III.—That Cicero and other men of learning erred in not turningaway the people from error. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 62Chap. IV.—Of images, and the ornaments of temples, and the contemptin which they are held even by the heathens themselves. . . . . . . . .

p. 66

Chap. V.—That God only, the creator of all things, is to be worshipped,and not the elements or heavenly bodies; and the opinion of the stoicsis refuted, who think that the stars and planets are gods. . . . . . . . .

p. 69Chap. VI.—That neither the whole universe nor the elements are God,nor are they possessed of life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 70Chap. VII.—Of God, and the religious rites of the foolish; of avarice,and the authority of ancestors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 72Chap. VIII.—Of the use of reason in religion; and of dreams, auguries,oracles, and similar portents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 75Chap. IX.—Of the devil, the world, God, providence, man, and hiswisdom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 81Chap. X.—Of the world, and its parts, the elements and seasons. . . .

p. 84Chap. XI.—Of living creatures, of man; Prometheus, Deucalion, theParcæ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 86

Chap. XII.—That animals were not produced spontaneously, but by adivine arrangement, of which God would have given us the knowledge,if it were advantageous for us to know It. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 88Chap. XIII.—Why man is of two sexes; what is his first death, and whatthe second and of the fault and punishment of our first parents. . . . .

p. 91Chap. XIV.—Of Noah the inventor of wine, who first had knowledge ofthe stars, and of the origin of false religions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 93Chap. XV.—Of the corruption of angels, and the two kinds ofdemons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 94Chap. XVI.—That demons have no power over those who areestablished in the faith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 95Chap. XVII.—That astrology, soothsaying, and similar arts are theinvention of demons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 98Chap. XVIII.—Of the patience and vengeance of God, the worship ofdemons, and false religions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 99Chap. XIX.—Of the worship of images and earthly objects. . . . . . .p. 100Chap. XX.—Of philosophy and the truth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 100Book III. Of the False Wisdom of the Philosophers. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 101

Chap. I.—A comparison of the truth with eloquence: why thephilosophers did not attain to it. Of the simple style of thescriptures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 102Chap. II.—Of philosophy, and how vain was its occupation in settingforth the truth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 103Chap. III.—Of what subjects philosophy consists, and who was the chieffounder of the academic sect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 105Chap. IV.—That knowledge is taken away by Socrates, and conjectureby Zeno. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 106Chap. V.—That the knowledge of many things is necessary. . . . . .

p. 106Chap. VI.—Of wisdom, and the academics, and naturalphilosophy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 108Chap. VII.—Of moral philosophy, and the chief good. . . . . . . . . . .

p. 109Chap. VIII.—Of the chief good, and the pleasures of the soul and body,and of virtue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 112Chap. IX.—Of the chief good, and the worship of the true God, and arefutation of Anaxagoras. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 113Chap. X.—It is the peculiar property of man to know and worshipGod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 114Chap. XI.—Of religion, wisdom, and the chief good. . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 115Chap. XII.—Of the twofold conflict of body and soul; and of desiringvirtue on account of eternal life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 118Chap. XIII.—Of the immortality of the soul, and of wisdom, philosophy,and eloquence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 120Chap. XIV.—That Lucretius and others have erred, and Cicero himself,in fixing the origin of wisdom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 121Chap. XV.—The error of Seneca in philosophy, and how the speech ofphilosophers is at variance with their life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 123

Chap. XVI.—That the philosophers who give good instructions livebadly, by the testimony of Cicero; therefore we should not so muchdevote ourselves to the study of philosophy as to wisdom. . . . . . . .

p. 125

Chap. XVII.—He passes from philosophy to the philosophers, beginningwith Epicurus; and how he regarded Leucippus and Democritus asauthors of error. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 129Chap. XVIII.—The Pythagoreans and Stoics, while they hold theimmortality of the soul, foolishly persuade a voluntary death. . . . . .

p. 131

Chap. XIX.—Cicero and others of the wisest men teach the immortalityof the soul, but in an unbelieving manner; and that a good or an evildeath must be weighed from the previous life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 133Chap. XX.—Socrates had more knowledge in philosophy than othermen, although in many things he acted foolishly. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 135Chap. XXI.—Of the system of Plato, which would lead to the overthrowof states. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 136Chap. XXII.—Of the precepts of Plato, and censures of the same. . . .

p. 136Chap. XXIII.—Of the errors of certain philosophers, and of the sun andmoon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 138Chap. XXIV.—Of the antipodes, the heaven, and the stars. . . . . . .

p. 139Chap. XXV.—Of learning philosophy, and what great qualifications arenecessary for its pursuit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 140Chap. XXVI.—It is divine instruction only which bestows wisdom; andof what efficacy the law of God is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 141Chap. XXVII.—How little the precepts of philosophers contribute to truewisdom, which you will find in religion only. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 143Chap. XXVIII.—Of true religion and of nature. whether fortune is agoddess, and of philosophy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 144Chap. XXIX.—Of fortune again, and virtue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 146

Chap. XXX.—The conclusion of the things before spoken; and by whatmeans we must pass from the vanity of the philosophers to true wisdom,and the knowledge of the true god, in which alone are virtue andhappiness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 147Book IV. Of True Wisdom and Religion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 147Chap. I.—Of the former religion of men, and how error was spread overevery age, and of the seven wise men of Greece. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 149Chap. II.—Where wisdom is to be found; why Pythagoras and Plato didnot approach the Jews. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 150Chap. III.—Wisdom and religion cannot be separated: the Lord of naturemust necessarily be the Father of every one. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 152Chapter IV.—Of wisdom likewise, and religion, and of the right of fatherand lord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 153Chap. V.—The oracles of the prophets must be looked into; and of theirtimes, and the times of the judges and kings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 154Chap. VI.—Almighty God begat his Son; and the testimonies of theSibyls and of Trismegistus concerning Him. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 155Chap. VII.—Of the name of Son, and whence he is called Jesus andChrist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 156Chap. VIII.—Of the birth of Jesus in the spirit and in the flesh: of spiritsand the testimonies of prophets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 158Chap. IX.—Of the Word of God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 159Chap. X.—Of the advent of Jesus; Of the fortunes of the Jews, andtheir government, until the passion of the Lord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 161Chap. XI.—Of the cause of the incarnation of Christ. . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 163

Chap. XII.—Of the birth of Jesus from the Virgin; of his life, death, andresurrection, and the testimonies of the prophets respecting thesethings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 166Chap. XIII.—Of Jesus, God and man; and the testimonies of theprophets concerning him. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 168Chap. XIV.—Of the priesthood of Jesus foretold by the prophets. . . .

p. 171Chap. XV.—Of the life and miracles of Jesus, and testimoniesconcerning them. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 174Chap. XVI.—Of the passion of Jesus Christ; that it was foretold. . . . .

p. 176Chap. XVII.—Of the superstitions of the Jews, and their hatred againstJesus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 179Chap. XVIII.—Of the Lord’s passion, and that it was foretold. . . . . .

p. 183Chap. XIX.—Of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus; and thepredictions of these events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 185Chap. XX.—Of the departure of Jesus into Galilee after his resurrection;and of the two testaments, the old and the new. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 186Chap. XXI.—Of the ascension of Jesus, and the foretelling of it; and ofthe preaching and actions of the disciples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 187Chap. XXII.—Arguments of unbelievers against the incarnation ofJesus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 188Chap. XXIII.—Of giving precepts, and acting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 189Chap. XXIV.—The overthrowing of the arguments above urged by wayof objection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 191Chap. XXV.—Of the advent of Jesus in the flesh and spirit, that Hemight be mediator between God and man. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 192Chap. XXVI.—Of the cross, and other tortures of Jesus, and of thefigure of the lamb under the law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 196Chap. XXVII.—Of the wonders effected by the power of the cross, andof demons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 199Chap. XXVIII.—Of hope and true religion, and of superstition. . . . . .

p. 201Chap. XXIX.—Of the Christian religion, and of the union of Jesus withthe Father. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 202Chap. XXX.—Of avoiding heresies and superstitions, and what is theonly true Catholic Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 204Book V. Of Justice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 205

Chap. I.—Of the non-condemnation of accused persons without ahearing of their cause; from what cause philosophers despised thesacred writings; of the first advocates of the Christian religion. . . . .

p. 207Chap. II.—To what an extent the Christian truth has been assailed byrash men. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 209Chap. III.—Of the truth of the Christian doctrine, and the vanity of itsadversaries; and that Christ was not a magician. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 212Chap. IV.—Why this work was published, and again of Tertullian andCyprian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 213Chap. V.—there was true justice under Saturnus, but it was banishedby Jupiter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 215Chap. VI.—After the banishment of justice, lust, unjust laws, daring,avarice, ambition, pride, impiety, and other vices reigned. . . . . . . .

p. 216Chap. VII.—Of the coming of Jesus, and its fruit; and of the virtues andvices of that age. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 217Chap. VIII.—Of justice known to all, but not embraced; of the true templeof God, and of His worship, that all vices may be subdued. . . . . . . .

p. 219Chap. IX.—Of the crimes of the wicked, and the torture inflicted on theChristians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 221Chap. X.—Of false piety, and of false and true religion. . . . . . . . . .p. 223Chap XI.—Of the cruelty of the heathens against the Christians. . . . .

p. 225Chap. XII.—Of true virtue; and of the estimation of a good or badcitizen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 226Chapter XIII.—Of the increase and the punishment of the Christians.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 228Chap. XIV.—Of the fortitude of the Christians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 228Chap. XV.—Of folly, wisdom, piety, equity, and justice. . . . . . . . . .

p. 230Chap. XVI.—Of the duties of the just man, and the equity ofChristians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 231Chap. XVII.—Of the equity, wisdom, and foolishness of Christians. . .p. 232Chap. XVIII.—Of justice, wisdom, and folly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 235Chap. XIX.—Of virtue and the tortures of Christians, and of the right ofa father and master. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 237Chap. XX.—Of the vanity and crimes, impious superstitions, and of thetortures of the Christians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 240Chap. XXI.—Of the worship of other gods and the true God, and of theanimals which the Egyptians worshipped. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 241Chap. XXII.—Of the rage of the demons against Christians, and theerror of unbelievers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 243Chap. XXIII.—Of the justice and patience of the Christians. . . . . . .

p. 245Chap. XXIV.—Of the divine vengeance inflicted on the torturers of theChristians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 245Book VI. Of True Worship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 246Chap. I.—Of the worship of the true God, and of innocency, and of theworship of false Gods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 247Chap. II.—Of the worship of false gods and the true God. . . . . . . .

p. 249Chap. III.—Of the ways, and of vices and virtues; and of the rewardsof heaven and the punishments of hell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 250Chap. IV.—Of the ways of life, of pleasures, also of the hardships ofChristians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 253Chap. V.—Of false and true virtue; and of knowledge. . . . . . . . . . .

p. 255Chap. VI.—Of the chief good and virtue, and or knowledge andrighteousness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 258Chap. VII.—Of the Way of Error and of Truth: that It is Single, Narrow,and Steep, and Has God for Its Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 259Chap. VIII.—Of the errors of philosophers, and the variableness oflaw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 260Chap. IX.—Of the law and precept of god; of mercy, and the error ofthe philosophers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 262Chap. X.—Of religion towards God, and mercy towards men; and ofthe beginning of the world. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 264Chap. XI.—Of the persons upon whom a benefit is to beconferred. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 267Chap. XII.—Of the kinds of beneficence, and works of mercy. . . . . .p. 271Chap. XIII.—Of repentance, of mercy, and the forgiveness of sins. . .

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p. 272Chap. XIV.—Of the affections, and the opinion of the Stoics respectingthem; and of virtue, the vices, and mercy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 273Chap. XV.—Of the affections, and the opinion of the Peripateticsrespecting them. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 274

Chap. XVI.—Of the affections, and the refutation of the opinion of thePeripatetics concerning them; what is the proper use of the affections,and what is a bad use of them. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 275Chap. XVII.—Of the affections and their use; of patience, and the chiefgood of Christians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 278Chap. XVIII.—Of some commands of God, and of patience. . . . . . .

p. 281Chap. XIX.—Of the affections and their use; and of the threefuries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 282Chap. XX.—Of the senses, and their pleasures in the brutes and inman; and of pleasures of the eyes, and spectacles. . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 286Chap. XXI.—Of the pleasures of the ears, and of sacred literature. . .p. 286Chap. XXII.—Of the pleasures of taste and smell. . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 287Chap. XXIII.—De tactus voluptate et libidine, atque de matrimonio etcontinentiâ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 289Chap. XXIV.—Of repentance, of pardon, and the commands ofGod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 292Chap. XXV.—Of sacrifice, and of an offering worthy of God, and of theform of praising God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 294Book VII. Of a Happy Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 294Chap. I.—Of the world, and those who are about to believe, and thosewho are not; and in this the censure of the faithless. . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 297Chap. II.—Of the error of the philosophers, and of the divine wisdom,and of the golden age. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 298Chap. III.—Of nature, and of the world; and a censure of the Stoics andEpicureans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 301

Chap. IV.—That all things were created for some use, even those thingswhich appear evil; on what account man enjoys reason in so frail abody. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 302Chap. V.—Of the creation of man, and of the arrangement of the world,and of the chief good. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 308Chap. VI.—Why the world and man were created. How unprofitable isthe worship of false gods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 309Chap. VII.—Of the variety of philosophers, and their truth. . . . . . . .p. 311Chap. VIII.—Of the immortality of the soul. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 312Chap. IX.—Of the immortality of the soul, and of virtue. . . . . . . . . .p. 314Chap. X.—Of vices and virtues, and of life and death. . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 315Chap. XI.—Of the last times, and of the soul and body. . . . . . . . . .

p. 316Chap. XII.—Of the soul and the body, and of their union and separationand return. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 319Chap. XIII.—Of the soul, and the testimonies concerning itseternity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 320Chap. XIV.—Of the first and last times of the world. . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 322Chap. XV.—Of the devastation of the world and change of theempires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 324Chap. XVI.—Of the devastation of the world, and its propheticomens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 325Chap. XVII.—Of the false prophet, and the hardships of the righteous,and his destruction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 326Chap. XVIII.—Of the fortunes of the world at the last time, and of thethings foretold by the soothsayers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 327Chap. XIX.—Of the advent of Christ to judgment, and of the overcomingof the false prophet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 328Chap. XX.—Of the judgment of Christ, of Christians, and of thesoul. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 329Chap. XXI.—Of the torments and punishments of souls. . . . . . . . .

p. 331Chap. XXII.—Of the error of the poets, and the return of the soul fromthe lower regions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 332Chap. XXIII.—Of the resurrection of the soul, and the proofs of thisf a c t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 333Chap. XXIV.—Of the renewed world. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 335Chap. XXV.—Of the last times, and of the city of Rome. . . . . . . . .

p. 336Chap. XXVI.—Of the loosing of the devil, and of the second and greatestjudgment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 338Chap. XXVII.—An encouragement and confirmation of the pious. . . .p. 340The Epitome of the Divine Institutes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 340The Preface.—The plan and purport of the whole Epitome, and of theInstitutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 341Chap. I.—Of the divine providence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 341Chap. II.—That there is but one God, and that there cannot bem o r e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 342Chap. III.—The testimonies of the poets concerning the one God. . . .

p. 342Chap. IV.—The testimonies of the philosophers to the unity ofGod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 343Chap. V.—That the prophetic women—that is, the Sibyls—declare thatthere is but one God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 344Chap. VI.—Since God is eternal and immortal, he does not stand inneed of sex and succession. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 344Chap. VII.—Of the wicked life and death of Hercules. . . . . . . . . . .

p. 345Chap. VIII.—Of Æsculapius, Apollo, Mars, Castor and Pollux, and ofMercurius and Bacchus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 345Chap. IX.—Of the disgraceful deeds of the gods. . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 346Chap. X.—Of Jupiter, and his licentious life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 346Chap. XI.—The various emblems under which the poets veiled theturpitude of Jupiter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 346Chap. XII.—The poets do not invent all those things which relate to thegods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 347Chap. XIII.—The actions of Jupiter are related from the historianEuhemerus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 347Chap. XIV.—The actions of Saturnus and Uranus taken from thehistorians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 348Chap. XX.—Of the gods peculiar to the Romans. . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 348Chap. XXI.—Of the sacred rites of the Roman gods. . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 349Chap. XXII.—Of the sacred rites Introduced by Faunus andNuma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 349Chap. XXIII.—Of the Gods and sacred rites of the barbarians. . . . .p. 350Chap. XXIV.—Of the origin of sacred rites and superstitions. . . . . .

p. 351Chap. XXV.—Of the golden age, of images, and Prometheus, who firstfashioned man. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 352Chap. XXVI.—Of the worship of the elements and stars. . . . . . . . .

p. 352Chap. XXVII.—Of the creation, sin, and punishment of man; and ofangels, both good and bad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 353Chap. XXVIII.—Of the demons, and their evil practices. . . . . . . . . .p. 354Chap. XXIX.—Of the patience and providence of God. . . . . . . . . .p. 355Chap. XXX.—Of false wisdom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 356Chap. XXXI.—Of knowledge and supposition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 356Chap. XXXII.—Of the sects of philosophers, and theirdisagreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 357Chap. XXXIII.—What is the chief good to be sought in life. . . . . . . .p. 358Chap. XXXIV.—That men are born to justice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 359Chap. XXXV.—That immortality is the chief good. . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 359Chap. XXXVI.—Of the philosophers,—namely, Epicurus andPythagoras. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 360Chap. XXXVII.—Of Socrates and his contradiction. . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 361Chap. XXXVIII.—Of Plato, whose doctrine approaches more nearly tothe truth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 362Chap. XXXIX.—Of various philosophers, and of the antipodes. . . . .p. 363Chap. XL.—Of the foolishness of the philosophers. . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 363Chap. XLI.—Of true religion and wisdom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 364Chap. XLII.—Of religious wisdom: the name of Christ known to none,except himself and his father. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 364Chap. XLIII.—Of the name of Jesus Christ, and his twofoldnativity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 365Chap. XLIV.—The twofold nativity of Christ is proved from theprophets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 366Chap. XLV.—The power and works of Christ are proved from thescriptures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 367Chap. XLVI.—It is proved from the prophets that the passion and deathof Christ had been foretold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 368Chap. XLVII.—Of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the sending of theapostles, and the ascension of the saviour into heaven. . . . . . . . . .

p. 369Chap. XLVIII.—Of the disinheriting of the Jews, and the adoption of theGentiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 370Chap. XLIX.—That God is one only. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 371Chap. L.—Why God assumed a mortal body, and suffered death. . . .p. 371Chap. LI.—Of the death of Christ on the cross. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 372

Chap. LII.—The hope of the salvation of men consists in the knowledgeof the true God, and of the hatred of the heathens against theChristians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 373Chap. LIII.—The reasons of the hatred against the Christians areexamined and refuted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 373Chap. LIV.—Of the freedom of religion in the worship of God. . . . . .

p. 374Chap. LV.—The heathens charge justice with impiety in followingGod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 375Chap. LVI.—Of justice, which is the worship of the true God. . . . . .p. 376Chap. LVII.—Of wisdom and foolishness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 377Chap. LVIII.—Of the true worship of God, and sacrifice. . . . . . . . . .p. 377Chap. LIX.—Of the ways of life, and the first times of the world. . . . .p. 378Chap. LX.—Of the duties of justice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 379Chap. LXI.—Of the passions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 380Chap. LXII.—Of restraining the pleasures of the senses. . . . . . . . .p. 380Chap. LXIII.—That shows are most powerful to corrupt the minds. . . .

p. 381Chap. LXIV.—The passions are to be subdued, and we must abstainfrom forbidden things. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 382Chap. LXV.—Precepts about those things which are commanded, andof pity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 383Chap. LXVI.—Of faith in religion, and of fortitude. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 384Chap. LXVII.—Of repentance, the immortality of the soul, and ofprovidence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 385Chap. LXVIII.—Of the world, man, and the providence of God. . . . .

p. 386Chap. LXIX.—That the world was made on account of man, and manon account of God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 386Chap. LXX.—The immortality of the soul is confirmed. . . . . . . . . . .p. 388Chap. LXXI.—Of the last times. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 389Chap. LXXII.—Of Christ descending from heaven to the generaljudgment, and of the millenarian reign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 390Chap. LXXIII.—The hope of safety is in the religion and worship ofGod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 390Elucidations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 394A Treatise on the Anger of God Addressed to Donatus. . . . . . . . . . . .p. 395Chap. I.—Of divine and human wisdom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 395Chap. II.—Of the truth and its steps, and of God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 397Chap. III.—Of the good and evil things in human affairs, and of theirauthor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 397Chap. IV.—Of God and his affections, and the censure of Epicurus. . . .

p. 398Chap. V.—The opinion of the Stoics concerning God; of His anger andkindness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 400Chap. VI.—That God is angry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 400Chap. VII.—Of man, and the brute animals, and religion. . . . . . . . . .p. 402Chap. VIII.—Of Religion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 403Chap. IX.—Of the providence of God, and of opinions opposed to it. . .

p. 404Chap. X.—Of the origin of the world, and the nature of affairs, and theprovidence of God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 409Chap. XI.—Of God, and that the one God, and by whose providence theworld is governed and exists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 411Chap. XII.—Of religion and the fear of God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 412Chap. XIII.—Of the advantage and use of the world and of theseasons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 414Chap. XIV.—Why God made man. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 415Chap. XV.—Whence sins extended to man. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 416Chap. XVI.—Of God, and his anger and affections. . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 417Chap. XVII.—Of God, His care and anger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 420Chap. XVIII.—Of the punishment of faults, that it cannot take place withoutanger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 421Chap. XIX.—Of the soul and body, and of providence. . . . . . . . . . . .p. 422Chap. XX.—Of offences, and the mercy of God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 423Chap. XXI.—Of the anger of God and man. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 424Chap. XXII.—Of sins, and the verses of the Sibyls respecting themrecited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 425

Chap. XXIII.—Of the anger of God and the punishment of sins, and arecital of the verses of the Sibyls respecting it; and, moreover, a reproofand exhortation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 428On the Workmanship of God, or the Formation of Man. . . . . . . . . . . .p. 429Chap. I.—The introduction, and exhortation to Demetrianus. . . . . . . .p. 430Chap. II.—Of the production of the beasts and of man. . . . . . . . . . .p. 432Chap. III.—Of the condition of the beasts and man. . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 434Chap. IV.—Of the weakness of man. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 436Chap. V.—Of the figures and limbs of animals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 437Chap. VI.—Of the error of Epicurus, and of the limbs and their use. . . .p. 439Chap. VII.—Of all the parts of the body. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 440Chap. VIII.—Of the parts of man: the eyes and ears. . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 442Chap. IX.—Of the senses and their power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 443Chap. X.—Of the outer limbs of man, and their use. . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 446Chap. XI.—Of the intestines in man, and their use. . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 448Chap. XII.—De utero, et conceptione atque sexibus. . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 450Chap. XIII.—Of the lower members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 450Chap. XIV.—Of the unknown purpose of some of the intestines. . . . .p. 451Chap. XV.—Of the voice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 452Chap. XVI.—Of the mind and its seat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 454Chap. XVII.—Of the soul, and the opinion of philosophers concerningi t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 455Chap. XVIII.—Of the soul and the mind, and their affections. . . . . . .p. 456Chap. XIX.—Of the soul, and it given by God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 457Chap. XX.—Of himself and the truth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 458General Note by the American Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 459Of the Manner in Which the Persecutors Died. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 459Chap. I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 460Chap. II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 461Chap. III. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 462Chap. IV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 462Chap. V. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 463Chap. VI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 463Chap. VII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 464Chap. VIII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 464Chap. IX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 465Chap. X. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 466Chap. XI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 467Chap. XII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 467Chap. XIII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 467Chap. XIV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 468Chap. XV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 469Chap. XVI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 469Chap. XVII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 470Chap. XVIII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 472Chap. XIX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 472Chap. XX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 473Chap. XXI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 473Chap. XXII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 474Chap. XXIII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 475Chap. XXIV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 475Chap. XXV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 476Chap. XXVI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 477Chap. XXVII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 477Chap. XXVIII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 478Chap. XXIX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 479Chap. XXX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 479Chap. XXXI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 480Chap. XXXII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 480Chap. XXXIII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 481Chap. XXXIV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 482Chap. XXXV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 482Chap. XXXVI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 483Chap. XXXVII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 483Chap. XXXVIII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 484Chap. XXXIX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 485Chap. XL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 485Chap. XLI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 486Chap. XLII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 486Chap. XLIII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 486Chap. XLIV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 487Chap. XLV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 488Chap. XLVI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 489Chap. XLVII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 489Chap. XLVIII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 491Chap. XLIX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 491Chap. L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 492Chap. LI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 492Chap. LII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 492Elucidation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 493Fragments of Lactantius. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 494The Phœnix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 499A Poem on the Passion of the Lord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 501General Note. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 502Venantius . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 502On Easter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 506Asterius Urbanus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 506Introductory Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 506The Extant Writings of Asterius Urbanus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 511Elucidation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 513Victorinus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 513On the Creation of the World. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 517Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John. . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 517From the first chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 520From the second chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 522From the third chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 523From the fourth chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 526From the fifth chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 527From the sixth chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 529From the seventh chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 530From the eighth chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 530From the ninth chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 531From the tenth chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 532From the eleventh chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 534From the twelfth chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 536From the thirteenth chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 537From the fourteenth chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 538From the fifteenth chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 538From the seventeenth chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 539From the nineteenth chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 540From the twentieth chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 541From the twenty-first and twenty-second chapters. . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 542General Notes by the American Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 546Dionysius. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 546Introductory Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 547Against the Sabellians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 549Elucidations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 552The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 552Introductory Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 553Introductory Notice by Professor M. B. Riddle, D.D.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 553Section 1.—The discovery of the codex, and its contents. . . . . . . . . .p. 554Section 2.—Publication of the discovered works: the effect. . . . . . . .p. 554Section 3.—Contents of teaching, and relation to other works. . . . . .p. 555Section 4.—Authenticity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 556Section 5.—Time and place of composition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 558The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 558Chapter I.—The Two Ways; The First Commandment. . . . . . . . . . .p. 560Chapter II.—The Second Commandment: Gross Sin Forbidden. . . . .p. 561Chapter III.—Other Sins Forbidden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 561Chapter IV.—Various Precepts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 562Chapter V.—The Way of Death. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 563Chapter VI.—Against False Teachers, and Food Offered to Idols. . . . .p. 564Chapter VII.—Concerning Baptism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 564Chapter VIII.—Concerning Fasting and Prayer (the Lord’s Prayer). . . .p. 565Chapter IX.—The Thanksgiving (Eucharist). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 566Chapter X.—Prayer After Communion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 566Chapter XI.—Concerning Teachers, Apostles, and Prophets. . . . . . .p. 568Chapter XII.—Reception of Christians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 568Chapter XIII.—Support of Prophets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 569Chapter XIV.—Christian Assembly on the Lord’s Day. . . . . . . . . . . .p. 569Chapter XV.—Bishops and Deacons; Christian Reproof. . . . . . . . . .p. 570Chapter XVI.—Watchfulness; The Coming of the Lord. . . . . . . . . . .p. 571Elucidations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 573Constitutions of the Holy Apostles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 573Introductory Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 577Book I. Concerning the Laity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 577Sec. I.—General Commandments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 579Sec. II.—Commandments to Men. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 582Sec. III.—Commandments to Women. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 584Book II. Of Bishops, Presbyters, and Deacons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 585Sec. I.—On Examining Candidates for the Episcopal Office. . . . . . . .p. 586Sec. II.—On the Character and Teaching of the Bishop. . . . . . . . . . .

p. 589Sec. III.—How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and thePenitent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 604Sec. IV.—On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Supportof the Clergy, and the Relief of the Poor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 612Sec. V.—On Accusations, and the Treatment of Accusers. . . . . . . . .

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p. 617Sec. VI.—The Disputes of the Faithful to Be Settled by the Decisions ofthe Bishop, and the Faithful to Be Reconciled. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 624Sec. VII.—On Assembling in the Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 629Sec. VIII.—On the Duty of Working for a Livelihood. . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 630Elucidation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 631Book III. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 631Sec. I.—Concerning Widows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 639Sec. II.—On Deacons and Deaconesses, the Rest of the Clergy, and onBaptism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 641Book IV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 642Sec. I.—On Helping the Poor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 646Sec. II.—On Domestic and Social Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 647Book V. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 648Sec. I.—Concerning the Martyrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 657Sec. II.—All Association with Idols is to Be Avoided. . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 658Sec. III.—On Feast Days and Fast Days. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 668Book VI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 668Sec. I.—On Heresies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 671Sec. II.—History and Doctrines of Heresies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 675Sec. III.—The Heresies Attacked by the Apostles. . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 682Sec. IV.—Of the Law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 688

Sec. V.—The Teaching of the Apostles in Opposition to Jewish andGentile Superstitions, Especially in Regard to Marriage andFunerals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 691Sec. VI.—Conclusion of the Work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 692Book VII. Concerning the Christian Life, and the Eucharist, and the Initiationinto Christ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 693Sec. I.—On the Two Ways,—The Way of Life and the Way ofDeath. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 700Sec. II.—On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and on Givingof Thanks to God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 711Sec. III.—On the Instruction of Catechumens, and Their Initiation intoBaptism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 714Sec. IV.—Enumeration Ordained by Apostles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 715Sec. V.—Daily Prayers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 716Book VIII. Concerning Gifts, and Ordinations, and the EcclesiasticalCanons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 716Sec. I.—On the Diversity of Spiritual Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 720Sec. II.—Election and Ordination of Bishops: Form of Service onSundays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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p. 736Sec. III.—Ordination and Duties of the Clergy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 740Sec. IV.—Certain Prayers and Laws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 748Sec. V.—All the Apostles Urge the Observance of the Order of theChurch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 751The Ecclesiastical Canons of the Same Holy Apostles. . . . . . . . . . .p. 760Elucidations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 764The Second Epistle of Clement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 764Introductory Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 764Introductory Notice by Professor M. B. Riddle, D.D.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 769The Homily . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 783The Nicene Creed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 785Early Liturgies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 785Introductory Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 796The Divine Liturgy of James the Holy Apostle and Brother of the Lord. . .

p. 823The Divine Liturgy of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, The Discipleof the Holy Peter.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

p. 844The Liturgy of the Blessed Apostles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 859Elucidations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 865Indexes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 865Index of Scripture References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 871Index of Scripture Commentary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 871Index of Citations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 879Index of Names. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 906Greek Words and Phrases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 911Latin Words and Phrases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 945Index of Pages of the Print Edition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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i

THE

ANTE-NICENE FATHERS

translations of

The Writings of the Fathers down to A.D. 325

The Rev. Alexander Roberts, D.D., and

James Donaldson, LL.D., EDITORS

AMERICAN REPRINT OF THE EDINBURGH EDITION

revised and chronologically arranged, with brief prefaces and occasional notes

by

A. Cleveland Coxe, D.D.

T&T CLARK Edinburgh

Wm. B. Eerdmans publishing company Grand Rapids, Michigan

iii

VOLUME VII

FATHERS OF THE THIRD AND FOURTH CENTURIES:

LACTANTIUS, VENANTIUS, ASTERIUS, VICTORINUS, DIONYSIUS, APOSTOLIC TEACHING AND CONSTITUTIONS,HOMILY, AND LITURGIES.

——————————

Philip SchaffANF07. Fathers of the Third and Fourth Centuries.

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AMERICAN EDITION

Τὰ ἀρχαι̑α ἔθη κρατείτω THE NICENE COUNCIL

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INTRODUCTORY NOTICE

THE genius of Lactantius suffers a sad transformation when unclothed of vernacular and strippedof the idiomatic graces of his style. But the intelligent reader will be sure to compare this translationwith the Latinity of the original, and to recur to it often for the enjoyment of its charming rhetoric,and of the high sentiment it so nobly enforces and adorns. This volume will be the favourite of theseries with many. The writings of the Christian Tully alone make up more than half of its contents;and it is supremely refreshing to reach, at last, an author who chronicles the triumph of the Gospel1

over “Herod and Pontius Pilate;” over the heathen in their “rage,” and the people in their “vainimaginings;” over “the kings of the earth who stood up, and the rulers who were gathered togetheragainst the Lord and against His Christ.”

I love the writings of Lactantius, and two of his sayings are always uppermost when I recallhis name. They touch me like plaintive but inspiring music. Let me quote them entire:2—

1. “Si vita est optanda sapienti profecto nullam aliam ob causam vivere optaverim, quam utaliquid efficiam quod vita dignum sit.”

2. “Satis me vixisse arbitrabor, et officium hominis implesse, si labor meus aliquos hominesab erroribus liberatos, ad iter cœleste direxerit.”

The Minor Writers to be found in this volume are not unworthy of their place. They are chieflyvaluable as an appendix to preceding volumes,3 and illustrative of their contents.

But this series is enriched beyond its original by the Bryennios Manuscript and the completedform of the pseudo-Clementine Epistle, edited by Professor Riddle. The same hand has annotatedthe Apostolic Constitutions, so called; and the student has in his brief but learned notes all the lightwhich has been shed by modern scholarship on these invaluable relics of antiquity, since the daysof the truly illustrious Bishop Beveridge. These, and the liturgical pseudepigraphic treasures ofearly Christianity I have gathered here, to distinguish them from the mere Apocrypha, which willlargely make up the one remaining volume of the series.

Of the Liturgies, I have said what seemed necessary as an introduction, in the proper place.4

They are debased by mediæval alloy. In their English dress, and in the nudity of their appearance,without adequate notes and elucidations, they are therefore far from attractive specimens of liturgicalliterature. But it would have been beyond my province to say much where the original editors havesaid nothing, and I have contented myself with such comments only as seemed requisite to remindthe student how to “take forth the precious from the vile.”

A.C.C. June, 1886.

1 Compare Merivale, Conversion of the Roman Empire, p. 8, ed. New York, 1866.

2 De Opificio Dei, cap. xxi. p. 395, ed. Basil, 1521.

3 Thus the Apocalyptic comments of Victorinus must be compared with those of Commodian and Hippolytus, Dionysius

with his namesake of Alexandria, Asterius with Caius, etc.

4 Compare Canon Wescott, The Historic Faith, Short Lectures, etc., pp. 185-202, 237 (and same author’s Risen Lord, etc.,

p. 28), London,1883.

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LACTANTIUS.

[TRANSLATED BY THE REV. WILLIAM FLETCHER, D.D.]

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INTRODUCTORY NOTICE

TO

LACTANTIUS.

[A.D. 260—330.] Reaching, at last, the epoch of Constantine, perhaps the reader will share myown feelings, as those of—

“One who long, in thickets and in brakesEntangled, winds now this way, and now that,His devious course uncertain, seeking home,But finds at last a greensward smooth and large,Courageous, and refreshed for future toil.”How strange it seems, after three centuries since John the Baptist suffered, to gain a moment

when kings are not actually persecuting Christ in His servants! How marvelous the change must have been in the experience of the primitive faithful; the

Roman Emperor not ashamed of Jesus, and setting up the cross on the standards of his legions!Tertullian, De Fuga, and the troubles of Cyprian about The Lapsed, are matters of the past. As ina moment, God has changed the world for His people, and their perils become as suddenly reversed.The world’s favor begins to be the trial of faith, as its hatred before. The mild contemplative attitudeof the Church at this period is something surprising. It accepts with little exultation this miracle ofthe Master; but so long has it been habituated to persecution, that it finds much of its discipline,and not less of its prevailing spirit, neutralized by its very triumph. No more the martyr’s heroictestimony and his crown beyond this life; no such call for the celibate as had been enforced beforein tomes of the Christian literature; and what need now of Antony’s invitation to the desert and thecell? But, on the other hand, these ascetic forms of heroic faith were all that were now left to ministerto the martyr-spirit, and to perpetuate the habits enforced upon the early believers. The hermitageand the monastery assumed a new attractiveness, and became dear to sentiment, as to principlebefore. We must not be surprised, then, at the tendencies of the age now rapidly developed; but letus rejoice for a moment in the times of refreshing from the Lord now at last vouchsafed to that“little flock” to which He had promised the kingdom.

The “conversion of Constantine,” as it is called, introduced the most marvelous revolution inhuman empire, in practical thought, and in the laws and manners of mankind, ever known in thehistory of the world. It is amazing how little the men of the epoch itself glorified their ownintroduction to “marvelous light,” and how very little the Church has left us, to tell the story of its

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emotions when first it found itself at rest from fiery persecutions, or when came forth from theEmperor the Edict of Milan for the legal observance of “the Day of the Sun.”5 What a day thatEaster was, when, emerging from the catacombs and other dens and caves of the earth, the Church

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herself seemed as one risen from the dead! We may be sure there were tears of joy and warm embraces among kindred long torn asunder

by their common exposures to fire and sword. We cannot imagine, indeed, all, that was in the heartsof those Christian families that now kept holyday together in the face of the world, and sangfearlessly in holy places their anthem, “Christ is risen from the dead.” But a moment’s thought weought to give, as we pass into a stage of history entirely fresh and new, to the power of God thusmanifested. The miracle thus wrought by the ascended Christ needs no aid from the supposed“vision of Constantine” to make it a supernatural exhibition of His glory who is “King of kingsand Lord of lords.”

Arnobius wrote to the minds of perplexed Pilates asking “What is truth” in a new spirit, andnot indisposed to wash their own hands of the blood of Jesus, though not prepared to believe andbe baptized. His pupil finds a better sort of Pilate in the Emperor and in his period. Constantine isa pagan still at heart, but he is convinced of the truth that Christ has a kingdom “not of this world;”and he must have this credit, above the Antonines, that he recognized in the Chris tians not onlyhis best and most loyal subjects, but men of a character altogether superior6 to that of the heathen,who had so long been the councillors of the empire. He was one, also, who accepted “the logic ofevents,” and who came to terms with the inevitable in time to turn it to his own advantage.

I think Constantine had read the Apologies addressed to the Antonines7 by Justin Martyr, andwas at first disposed only to accept the plea for Christians so far forth as Justin had urged it. Goingso far, he was led beyond his positive convictions to measures of policy which identified him withthe Church. That the Church was distrustful of him, and doubted how long the Imperial favor mightbe relied upon, is also apparent. This doubt accounts, in some degree, for the great moderation ofthe Church in accepting benefits from him, and in withholding notes of triumph. She instinctivelyforesaw Julians in the way, and expected reactionary periods. She forbore to baptize the Emperor,and encouraged his disposition to postpone. It was as when “the wolf of Benjamin” was introducedto the disciples: “they were afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.”

Lactantius, moved, perhaps, by Hosius or Eusebius, undertakes the instruction of the Emperor,while seeming only to copy the example of Justin writing to Antoninus Pius. The Institutes, it istrue, had been begun at an earlier date; but he economizes, for a new purpose, the material, inwhich, perhaps, he had only purposed to follow up the work of his teacher, in language better fittedto the polite, for refuting heathenism. I cannot doubt that he aimed, in pure Latinity, to win theEmperor and his court to a deeper and purer conviction of divine truth: to more than a feeble andpossibly superstitious idea that it was useless to contend with it, and that the gods of the empirewere impotent to protect themselves against Christian progress and its masterly exposures of theirshame and nothingness.

In language which has given him the title of the Christian Cicero, Lactantius employs Cicerohimself as a defender of the truth; correcting him, indeed, and overruling his mistakes, rebuking

5 He borrows from Justin, vol. i. note 1, p. 186.

6 e.g., Thomas, vol. vi. p. 158.

7 While Lactantius was tutor to his son.

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his pusillanimity, and justly censuring him, (1) in philosophy, for declaring it no rule of action,however ennobling its precepts; and (2) in religion, for not venturing to profess conclusions towhich his reasonings necessarily tend. All this is admirably adapted to carry on the work of ChristianFathers and Apologists under the change of times. He and Arnobius furnish but a supplement tothe real teachers of the Church, and are not to be always depended on in statements of doctrine.They write like earnest converts, but not like theologians; yet, although their loose expressions areoften inconsistent one with another, it is manifest that their design is to support orthodoxy as it hadbeen defined by abler expounders. I think the large respect which Lactantius pays to the testimonyof the Sibyls was addressed to the class with which he had to deal. Constantine was greatly influenced

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by such testimonies, if we may judge from his own liberal quotations8 and his comments on thePollio of Virgil, to which, as a Christian oracle, our author may have introduced him. In short, theday had come in which it could no longer be said with strict propriety of phrase, “Not many mighty,not many noble, are called;” and Lactantius accepted, as his mission, the enforcement, before sucha class, of despised truths which the great had persecuted in vain for centuries. He drew them thusto the conclusion that God had indeed “chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise,and the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of theworld, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring tonaught things that are.” Such was the prophecy of St. Paul, and the Labarum uplifted by Cæsar’slegions proclaimed the fulfillment.

I have little doubt that Lactantius was of heathen parentage, and was converted late in life. Tohis eternal honor he was not a “fair-weather Christian,” but boldly confessed the faith amid thefires of the last and most terrible of the great persecutions. Its probable date suggests that his treatiseon the persecutors may have been a far-reaching effort to dissuade the Cæsars of a later age fromtrying to restore “the gods to Latium.” I confess my own partiality to our author, and the interestwith which his writings continue to impress me, even now. In youth (Consule Planco) I broughtto his pages an enthusiastic appreciation of the genius which had adorned the very dawn of Christiancivilization by works of literary merit not inferior to those of the Augustan age. The crabbed Latinityof Tertullian has charms, indeed, of its own sort: it was the shaggy raiment of the ascetic and theconfessor, “always bearing about in his own body the dying of the Lord Jesus.” It befitted the ageand the man, and those awful realities with which Christians had then to deal. Not words, but things,were their one concern. It is pleasant to find, however, that Christianity is not incapable of meetingall sorts and conditions of men; and Lactantius’ was doubtless the instrument of Providence inbearing the testimony of Jesus, “even before kings,” in language which promised to Roman lettersthe new and commanding development imparted to its language by Christianity, which has madeit imperishable, and more truly “eternal” than Rome itself.

The following is the INTRODUCTORY NOTICE of the reverend translator:9— LACTANTIUS has always held a very high place among the Christian Fathers, not only on account

of the subject-matter of his writings, but also on account of the varied erudition, the sweetness ofexpression, and the grace and elegance of style, by which they are characterized. It appears, therefore,more remarkable that so little is known with certainty respecting his personal history. We are unable

8 See his Address to the Assembly of the Saints, preserved by Eusebius.

9 William Fletcher, D.D. head master of Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wimborne, Dorset.

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to fix with precision either the place or time of his birth, and even his name has been the subjectof much discussion. It is known that he was a pupil of Arnobius, who gave lectures in rhetoric atSicca in Africa. Hence it has been supposed that Lactantius was a native of Africa, while othershave maintained that he was born in Italy, and that his birthplace probably was Firmium, on theAdriatic. He was probably born about the middle of the third century, since he is spoken of as faradvanced in life about A.D. 315. He is usually denominated “Lucius Cælius Firmianus Lactantius;”but the name Cæcilius is sometimes substituted for Cælius, and it is uncertain whether Firmianusis a family name or a local10 designation. Some have even supposed that be received the name ofLactantius from the milky softness of his style.

He attained to great eminence as a teacher of rhetoric, and his fame far outstripped the reputationof his master Arnobius. Such, indeed, was his celebrity, that he was invited by the Emperor Diocletianto settle at Nicomedia, and there practise his art. He appears, however to have met with so littlesuccess in that city, as to have been reduced to extreme indigence. Abandoning his profession as

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a pleader, he devoted himself to literary composition. It was probably at this period that he embracedthe Christian faith, and we may perhaps be justified in supposing some connection between hispoverty and his change of religion.11 He was afterwards called to settle in Gaul, probably about A.D.315, and the Emperor Constantine entrusted to him the education of his son Crispus. He is believedto have died at Trèves about A.D. 325.

His principal work is The Christian Institutions, or an Introduction to True Religion, in sevenbooks, designed to supersede12 the less complete treatises of Minucius Felix, Tertullian, and Cyprian.In these books, each of which has a distinct title, and constitutes a separate essay, he demonstratesthe falsehood of the pagan religion, shows the vanity of the heathen philosophy, and undertakesthe defense of the Christian religion against its adversaries. He also sets forth the nature ofrighteousness, gives instructions concerning the true worship of God, and treats of the punishmentof the wicked, and the reward of the righteous in everlasting happiness.

To the Institutions is appended an epitome dedicated to Pentadius. The authorship of thisabridgment has been questioned in modem times; but it is expressly assigned to Lactantius byHieronymus. The greater part of the work was wanting in the earlier editions, and it was not untilthe beginning of the eighteenth century that it was discovered nearly entire.13

The treatise on The Anger of God is directed mainly against the tenets of the Epicureans andStoics, who maintained that the deeds of men could produce no emotions of pleasure or anger inthe Deity. Lactantius holds that the love of the good necessarily implies the hatred of evil; and thatthe tenets of these philosophers, as tending to overthrow the doctrine of future rewards andpunishments, are subversive of the principles of true religion.

In the treatise on The Workmanship of God, or The Formation of Man, the author dwells uponthe wonderful construction of the human frame, and the adaptation of means to ends thereindisplayed, as proofs of the wisdom and goodness of God. The latter part of the book containsspeculations concerning the nature and origin of the soul.

10 i.e. of Firmium.

11 [I see no force in this suggestion. Quite the reverse. He could not then anticipate anything but worse sufferings.]

12 [To supplement, rather.]

13 In an ancient MS. at Turin.

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In the treatise14 on the Deaths of Persecutors, an argument for the truth of the Christian religionis derived from the fact, that those emperors who had been most distinguished as persecutors ofthe Christians, were special objects of divine vengeance.

To these treatises are usually appended some poetical works which have been attributed toLactantius, but it is very questionable whether any of them were really written by him.

The poem on the Phœnix appears to be of a comparatively modern date. That on Easter15 is believed to have been composed by Venantius Honorianus Clementianus

Fortunatus in the sixth century. The poem on the Passion of the Lord, though much admired both in its language and style of

thought, bears the impress of a later age.16 There is also a collection of A Hundred Enigmas,17 which has been attributed to Lactantius; but

there is good reason to suppose that they are not the production of his pen. Heumann endeavoredto prove that Symposium is the title of the work, and that no such person as Symposius18 ever existed.But this opinion is untenable. It is true that Hieronymus speaks of Lactantius as the author of aSymposium, but there are no grounds for supposing that the work was of a light and trifling character:it was probably a serious dialogue.

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The style of Lactantius has been deservedly praised for the dignity, elegance, and clearness ofexpression by which it is characterized, and which have gained for him the appellation of theChristian Cicero. His writings everywhere give evidence of his varied and extensive erudition, andcontain much valuable information respecting the systems of the ancient philosophers. But hisclaims as a theologian are open to question; for he holds peculiar opinions on many points, and heappears more successful as an opponent of error than as a maintainer of the truth. Lactantius hasbeen charged with a leaning to Manicheism,19 but the charge appears to be unfounded.

The translation has been made from Migne’s edition, from which most of the notes have beentaken. The quotations from Virgil have been given in the words of Conington’s translation,20 and

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those from Lucretius in the words of Munro.

14 Lord Hailes’ translation has been adopted in the present edition.

15 De Paschâ.

16 It has an allusion to the adoration of the Cross. [Hence must be referred to a period subsequent to the pseudo-council called

Deutero-Nicene. Comp. vol. iv. note 6, p. 191; and see Smith’s History of the Christian Church in the First Ten Centuries, vol.

i. p. 451, ed. Harpers, New York.]

17 The Enigmas have not been included in the present translation, for the reason mentioned.

18 The title prefixed to them in the MSS. is Firmianus Symposius (written also Symphosius) Cælius. See Dr. Smith’s Dictionary

of Biography, under the names Firmianus and Lactantius.

19 This question is fully discussed by Dr. Lardner in his Credibility of the Gospel History, Works, vol. iii. [p. 516. The whole

chapter (lxv.) on Lactantius deserves study].

20 [Which reduces many of Virgil’s finest and most Homeric passages to mere song and ballad, and sacrifices all their epic

dignity.]

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THE DIVINE INSTITUTES

BOOK I.

OF THE FALSE WORSHIP OF THE GODS.

PREFACE.—OF WHAT GREAT VALUE THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH IS AND ALWAYS HASBEEN.

MEN of great and distinguished talent, when they had entirely devoted themselves to learning,holding in contempt all actions both private and public, applied to the pursuit of investigating thetruth whatever labour could be bestowed upon it; thinking it much more excellent to investigateand know the method of human and divine things, than to be entirely occupied with the heapingup of riches or the accumulation of honours. For no one can be made better or more just by thesethings, since they are frail and earthly, and pertain to the adorning of the body only. Those menwere indeed most deserving of the knowledge of the truth, which they so greatly desired to know,that they even preferred it to all things. For it is plain that some gave up their property, and altogetherabandoned the pursuit of pleasures, that, being disengaged and without impediment, they mightfollow the simple truth, and it alone. And so greatly did the name and authority of the truth prevailwith them,

anf07. fathers of the third and fourth centuries ... · centuries: lactantius, venantius, asterius,...

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