your health, my most excellent daughter and district of Hippo, whom the guardians of public noble lady, deservedly illustrious.

TO VOLUSIANUS, MY NOBLE LORD AND MOST JUSTLY digging out the eye and cutting off the finger of

I am

not by stretching them on the rack, not by fur- distinguished lord and much-loved son. rowing their flesh with iron claws,' not by scorch-aware that the principal charge of law cases coning them with flames, but by beating them with nected with the affairs of the Church has been rods, a mode of correction used by school- devolved on your Excellency, but as I believe masters, and by parents themselves in chastising that this particular case belongs to the very illuschildren, and often also by bishops in the sen- trious and honourable proconsul, I have written tences awarded by them. Do not, therefore, a letter to him also, which I beg you not to now punish with extreme severity the crimes refuse to give to him, or, if necessary, recomwhich you searched out with lenity. The neces- mend to his attention; and I entreat you both sity for harshness is greater in the investigation not to resent our intercession, or counsel, or than in the infliction of punishment; for even anxiety, as officious. And let not the sufferings the gentlest men use diligence and stringency of Catholic servants of God, which ought to be in searching out a hidden crime, that they may find to whom they may show mercy. Wherefore it is generally necessary to use more rigour in making inquisition, so that when the crime has been brought to light, there may be scope for displaying clemency. For all good works love to be set in the light, not in order to obtain glory from men, but, as the Lord saith, "that they seeing your good works may glorify your Father who is in heaven.". And, for the same reason, the apostle was not satisfied with merely exhorting us to practise moderation, but also commands us to make it known: "Let your moderation," he says, "be known unto all men ;"4

useful in the spiritual upbuilding of the weak, be sullied by the retaliation of injuries on those who did them wrong, but rather, tempering the rigour of justice, let it be your care as sons of the Church to commend both your own faith and your Mother's clemency.

May almighty God enrich your Excellency with all good things, my noble and justly distinguished lord and dearly beloved son!

LETTER CXXXV.

(A.D. 412.)

FATHER JUSTLY REVERED, VOLUSIANUS SENDS
GREETING.

and in another place, "Showing all meekness TO BISHOP AUGUSTIN, MY LORD TRULY HOLY, AND unto all men." 5 Hence, also, that most signal forbearance of the holy David, when he mercifully spared his enemy when delivered into his hand, would not have been so conspicuous had

not his power to act otherwise been manifest. Therefore let not the power of executing vengeance inspire you with harshness, seeing that the necessity of examining the criminals did not make you lay aside your clemency. Do not call for the executioner now when the crime has been found out, after having forborne from calling in the tormentor when you were finding it out.

With

uprightness, you ask me to apply to you for in1. O man who art a pattern of goodness and struction in regard to some of the obscure passages which occur in my reading. I accept at your command the favour of this kindness, and willingly offer myself to be taught by you, acknowledging the authority of the ancient proverb, "We are never too old to learn." good reason the author of this proverb has not 3. In fine, you have been sent hither for the wisdom; for truth, secluded in its original prinrestricted by any limits or end our pursuit of benefit of the Church. I solemnly declare that ciples, is never so disclosed to those who apwhat I recommend is expedient in the interests proach it as to be wholly revealed to their of the Catholic Church, or, that I may not seem knowledge. It seems to me, therefore, my lord to pass beyond the boundaries of my own charge, truly holy, and father justly revered, worth while I protest that it is for the good of the Church to communicate to you the substance of a conbelonging to the diocese of Hippo. If you do versation which recently took place among us. not hearken to me asking this favour as a friend, I was present at a gathering of friends, and a hearken to me offering this counsel as a bishop; great many opinions were brought forward there, although, indeed, it would not be presumption such as the disposition and studies of each sugfor me to say - since I am addressing a Chrisgested. Our discourse was chiefly, however, on tian, and especially in such a case as this the department of rhetoric which treats of proper arrangement." I speak to one familiar with the subject, for you were not long ago a teacher of these things. Upon this followed a discussion

that

it becomes you to hearkem to me as a bishop commanding with authority, my noble and justly

1 Compare "ungulis sulcantibus latera." Codex Justin, ix. 18. 2. Magistris artium liberalium; doubtless the name of Master of Arts was originally connected with the office and work of teaching, instead of being a mere honorary title.

3 Matt. v. 16.

4 Phil. iv. 5.

5 Titus iii. 2.

61 Sam. xxiv. 7.

I

did the proofs of so great majesty shine forth with adequate fulness of evidence; for the casting out of devils, the curing of the sick, and the restoration of the dead to life are, if you consider others who have wrought these wonders, but small works for God to do." We prevent him from continuing such questions, and the meeting having broken up, we referred the matter to the valuable decision of experience beyond our own, lest, by too rashly intruding into hidden things, the error, innocent thus far, should become blameworthy.

regarding "invention" in rhetoric, its nature, what boldness it requires, how great the labour involved in methodical arrangement, what is the charm of metaphors, and the beauty of illustrations, and the power of applying epithets suitable to the character and nature of the subject in hand. Others extolled with partiality the poet's art. This part also of eloquence is not left unnoticed or unhonoured by you. We may appropriately apply to you that line of the poet: "The ivy is intertwined with the laurels which reward your victory." We spoke, accordingly, of the embellishments which skilful arrangement You have heard, O man worthy of all honour, adds to a poem, of the beauty of metaphors, and the confession of our ignorance; you perceive of the sublimity of well-chosen comparisons; what is requested at your hands. Your reputathen we spoke of smooth and flowing versifica- tion is interested in our obtaining an answer to tion, and, if I may use the expression, the har- these questions. Ignorance may, without harm monious variation of the pauses in the lines. to religion, be tolerated in other priests; but The conversation turned next to a subject with when we come to Bishop Augustin, whatever we which you are very familiar, namely, that philos- find unknown to him is no part of the Chrisophy which you were wont yourself to cherish, tian system. May the Supreme God protect after the manner of Aristotle and Isocrates. We your venerable Grace, my lord truly holy and asked what had been achieved by the philoso- justly revered!

pher of the Lyceum, by the varied and incessant doubtings of the Academy, by the debater of the Porch, by the discoveries of natural philosophers, by the self-indulgence of the Epicureans; and what had been the result of their boundless zeal in disputation with each other, and how truth was more than ever unknown by them after they assumed that its knowledge was attainable.

LETTER CXXXVI.

(A.D. 412.)

MOST VENERABLE, AND
TO AUGUSTIN, MY LORD
FATHER SINGULARLY WORTHY OF ALL POSSIBLE
SERVICE FROM ME, I, MARCELLINUS, SEND GREET-
ING.

2. While our conversation continues on these 1. The noble Volusianus read to me the letter topics, one of the large company says: "Who of your Holiness, and, at my urgent solicitation, among us is so thoroughly acquainted with the he read to many more the sentences which had wisdom taught by Christianity as to be able to won my admiration, for, like everything else resolve the doubts by which I am entangled, and coming from your pen, they were worthy of to give firmness to my hesitating acceptance of admiration. Breathing as it did a humble spirit, its teaching by arguments in which truth or and rich in the grace of divine eloquence, it probability may claim my belief?" We are all succeeded easily in pleasing the reader. What dumb with amazement. Then, of his own ac- especially pleased me was your strenuous effort cord, he breaks forth in these words: "I wonder to establish and hold up the steps of one who whether the Lord and Ruler of the world did is somewhat hesitating, by counselling him to indeed fill the womb of a virgin; - did His form a good resolution. For I have every day mother endure the protracted fatigues of ten some discussion with the same man, so far as months, and, being yet a virgin, in due season my abilities, or rather my lack of talent, may bring forth her child, and continue even after enable me. Moved by the earnest entreaties of that with her virginity intact?" To this he adds his pious mother, I am at pains to visit him freother statements: "Within the small body of a quently, and he is so good as to return my visits crying infant He is concealed whom the universe from time to time. But on receiving this letter scarcely can contain; He bears the years of from your venerable Eminence, though he is childhood, He grows up, He is established in kept back from firm faith in the true God by the vigour of manhood; this Governor is so the influence of a class of persons who abound long an exile from His own dwelling-place, and in this city, he was so moved, that, as he himthe care of the whole world is transferred to one body of insignificant dimensions. Moreover, He falls asleep, takes food to support Him, is subject to all the sensations of mortal men. Nor

Virgil, Bucol. Ecl. 8, line 13.

2 Cæsurarum modulata variatio.

self tells me, he was prevented only by the fear of undue prolixity in his letter from unfolding to you every possible difficulty in regard to the Christian faith. Some things, however, he has very earnestly asked you to explain, expressing himself in a polished and accurate style, and

with the perspicuity and brilliancy of Roman that all these difficulties may be added to the eloquence, such as you will yourself deem worthy question formerly stated, especially because it of approbation. The question which he has is manifest (though he is silent on this point) submitted to you is indeed worn threadbare in that very great calamities have befallen the comcontroversy, and the craftiness which, from the monwealth under the government of emperors same quarter, assails with reproaches the Lord's observing, for the most part, the Christian reincarnation is well known. But as I am con- ligion.3 fident that whatever you write in reply will be of use to a very large number, I would approach you with the request, that even in this question you would condescend to give a thoroughly guarded answer to their false statement that in His works the Lord performed nothing beyond into many hands); especially because, while this what other men have been able to do. They are accustomed to bring forward their Apollonius and Apuleius, and other men who professed magical arts, whose miracles they maintained to have been greater than the Lord's.

2. The noble Volusianus aforesaid declared also in the presence of a number, that there were many other things which might not unreasonably be added to the question which he has sent, were it not that, as I have already stated, brevity had been specially studied by him in his letter. Although, however, he forbore from writing them, he did not pass them over in silence. For he is wont to say that, even if a reasonable account of the Lord's incarnation were now given to him, it would still be very

3. Wherefore, as your Grace condescends along with me to acknowledge, it is important that all these difficulties be met by a full, thorough, and luminous reply (since the welcome answer of your Holiness will doubtless be put

discussion was going on, a distinguished lord and proprietor in the region of Hippo was present, who ironically said some flattering things concerning your Holiness, and affirmed that he had been by no means satisfied when he inquired into these matters himself.

I, therefore, not unmindful of your promise, but insisting on its fulfilment, beseech you to write, on the questions submitted, treatises which will be of incredible service to the Church, especially at the present time.

LETTER CXXXVII.
(A.D. 412.)

difficult to give a satisfactory reason why this TO MY MOST EXCELLENT SON, THE NOBLE AND

JUSTLY DISTINGUISHED LORD VOLUSIANUS, AU-
GUSTIN SENDS GREETING IN THE LORD.

God, who is affirmed to be the God also of the Old Testament, is pleased with new sacrifices after having rejected the ancient sacrifices. For CHAP. I. -1. I have read your letter, containing he alleges that nothing could be corrected but an abstract of a notable conversation given with that which is proved to have been previously praiseworthy conciseness. I feel bound to reply not rightly done; or that what has once been to it, and to forbear from alleging any excuse done rightly ought not to be altered in the very for delay; for it happens opportunely that I least. That which has been rightly done, he have a short time of leisure from occupation said, cannot be changed without wrong, espe- with the affairs of other persons. I have also cially because the variation might bring upon put off in the meantime dictating to my amanuthe Deity the reproach of inconstancy. Another ensis certain things to which I had purposed to objection which he stated was, that the Christian devote this leisure, for I think it would be a doctrine and preaching were in no way consistent grievous injustice to delay answering questions with the duties and rights of citizens; because, which I had myself exhorted the questioner to to quote an instance frequently alleged, among propound. For which of us who are adminisits precepts we find, "Recompense to no man tering, as we are able, the grace of Christ would evil for evil,"・ and, "Whosoever shall smite wish to see you instructed in Christian doctrine thee on one cheek, turn to him the other also; only so far as might suffice to secure to yourself and if any man take away thy coat, let him have salvation not salvation in this present life, thy cloak also; and whosoever shall compel thee which, as the word of God is careful to remind to go a mile, go with him twain; "2. - all which us, is but a vapor appearing for a little while he affirms to be contrary to the duties and rights and then vanishing away, but that salvation in of citizens. For who would submit to have any- order to the obtaining and eternal possession thing taken from him by an enemy, or forbear of which we are Christians? It seems to us too from retaliating the evils of war upon an invader little that you should receive only so much inwho ravaged a Roman province? The other struction as suffices to your own deliverance. precepts, as your Eminence understands, are For your gifted mind, and your singularly able open to similar objections. Volusianus thinks and lucid power of speaking, ought to be of

1 Rom. xii. 17.

2 Matt. v. 39-41.

3 See Gibbon, chap. xv. vol. II. p. 326.

service to all others around you, against whom, whether slowness or perversity be the cause, it is necessary to defend in a competent way the dispensation of such abounding grace, which small minds in their arrogance despise, boasting that they can do very great things, while in fact they can do nothing to cure or even to curb their own vices.

tempting to study them and nothing else from early boyhood to decrepit old age, with the utmost leisure, the most unwearied zeal, and talents greater than I have, I would be still daily making progress in discovering their treasures; not that there is so great difficulty in coming through them to know the things necessary to salvation, but when any one has accepted 2. You ask: "Whether the Lord and Ruler these truths with the faith that is indispensable of the world did indeed fill the womb of a vir- as the foundation of a life of piety and uprightgin? did His mother endure the protracted fa- ness, so many things which are veiled under tigues of ten months, and, being yet a virgin, manifold shadows of mystery remain to be inin due season bring forth her child, and con- quired into by those who are advancing in the tinue even after that with her virginity intact? study, and so great is the depth of wisdom not Was He whom the universe is supposed to be only in the words in which these have been exscarcely able to contain concealed within the pressed, but also in the things themselves, that small body of a crying infant? did He bear the the experience of the oldest, the ablest, and the years of childhood, and grow up and become most zealous students of Scripture illustrates established in the vigour of manhood? Was what Scripture itself has said: "When a man this Governor so long an exile from His own hath done, then he beginneth." dwelling-place, and was the care of the whole CHAP. II.4. But why say more as to this? world transferred to a body of such insignificant I must rather address myself to the question dimensions? Did He sleep, did He take food which you propose. In the first place, I wish as nourishment, and was He subject to all the sensations of mortal men?" You go on to say that "the proofs of His great majesty do not shine forth with any adequate fulness of evidence; for the casting out of devils, the curing of the sick, and the restoration of the dead are, if we consider others who have performed these wonders, but small works for God to do." This question, you say, was introduced in a certain meeting of friends by one of the company, but that the rest of you prevented him from bringing forward any further questions, and, breaking up the meeting, deferred the consideration of the matter till you should have the benefit of experience beyond your own, lest, by too rashly intruding into hidden things, the error, innocent thus far, should become blameworthy.

you to understand that the Christian doctrine does not hold that the Godhead was so blended with the human nature in which He was born of the virgin that He either relinquished or lost the administration of the universe, or transferred it to that body as a small and limited material substance. Such an opinion is held only by men who are incapable of conceiving of anything but material substances whether more dense, like water and earth, or more subtle, like air and light; but all alike distinguished by this condition, that none of them can be in its entirety everywhere, because, by reason of its many parts, it cannot but have one part here, another there, and however great or small the body may be, it must occupy some place, and so fill it that in its entirety it is in no one part of the space occupied. And hence it is the 3. Thereupon you appeal to me, and request distinctive property of material bodies that they me to observe what is desired from me after can be condensed and rarefied, contracted and this confession of your ignorance. You add, dilated, crushed into small fragments and enthat my reputation is concerned in your obtain- larged to great masses. The nature of the soul ing an answer to these questions, because, though is very far different from that of the body; and ignorance is tolerated without injury to religion how much more different must be the nature of in other priests, when an inquiry is addressed God, who is the Creator of both soul and body! to me, who am a bishop, whatever is not known God is not said to fill the world in the same way to me must be no part of the Christian system. as water, air, and even light occupy space, so I begin, therefore, by requesting you to lay that with a greater or smaller part of Himself aside the opinion which you have too easily He occupies a greater or smaller part of the formed concerning me, and dismiss those senti- world. He is able to be everywhere present in ments, though they are gratifying evidences of the entirety of His being: He cannot be conyour goodwill, and believe my testimony rather fined in any place: He can come without leavthan any other's regarding myself, if you recip- ing the place where He was: He can depart rocate my affection. For such is the depth of without forsaking the place to which He had the Christian Scriptures, that even if I were at- come.