Patristics

“...; for those who in their own estimation are wise, consider its fabulous that the Son of God should speak by man and that God should have a Son, and especially that that Son should have suffered. Whence their preconceived idea inclines them to disbelieve.” Clement of Alexandria, Stromata, 1:18, ANF 2:320

Baier's axioms

Propensio ad malum dicitur peccatuum, non quatenus est entitas positiva et quoddam agendi principium, sed quatenus perfectione debita destituta et male agendi principium est.

The inclination to evil is called sin, not in so far as it is a positive being {entitas} and a certain principle of action, but in so far as it is a defaulting debt of perfection and a principle of evil action.

Murphysboro Centuries, 11th secular

Philip I, 1060-1108

- strong king, excommunicated and unpopular with the clergy because of an adulterous marriage

Luther quotes

“We learn from those testimonies that in the lives of God's saints it is not the outward appearance of the works, but faith that has to be heeded. God rules them by faith and wonderfully redeems them, allowing them to sin quite often and make mistakes in matters of external behavior.” Martin Luther, Judgment of Martin Luther on Monastic Vows, LW, AE, 44:268

Latin proverbs

Lupus est homo homini, non homo. (Plautus)

To his fellow man, man is a wolf, not a man.

Murphysboro Centuries, 11th secular

Henry I, 1031-1060

- his brother rebelled against him, Normandy as a region begins growing stronger and stronger, because of William of Normandy

Imitation of Christ

Esto igitur gratus in minimo, et eris dignus majora accipere. Sit tibi minimum pro maximo et contemtibile pro speciali dono. Si dignitas datoris inspicitur, nullum datum parvum aut minus vile videbitur. Non enim parvum est quod a summo Deo donatur, etiam si pœnas et verbera donaverit, gratum esse debet, quia semper pro salute nostra facit quidquid nobis advenire permittit. Qui gratiam Dei retinere desiderat, sit gratus pro gratia Dei data, patiens pro sublata, oret ut reddatur, cautus sit et humilis ne amittat. 

Be thankful, therefore, for the least benefit and you shall be worthy to receive greater. Let the least be unto you even as the greatest, and let that which is of little account be unto you as a special gift. If the majesty of the Giver be considered, nothing that is given shall seem small and of no worth, for that is not a small thing which is given by the Most High God. Yea, though He gave punishment and stripes, we ought to be thankful, because He always does for our profit whatever He allows to come upon us. He who seeks to retain the favor of God, let him be thankful for the favor which is given, and patient in respect of that which is taken away. Let him pray

that it may return; let him be wary and humble that he lose it not.

Imitation of Christ, II, 10:5

Ecclesiasticus

"For great is the wisdom of the Lord; he is mighty in power and sees everything; his eyes are on those who fear him, and he knows every deed of man. He has not commanded anyone to be ungodly, and he has not given anyone permission to sin." Ecclesiasticus 15:18-20

Murphysboro Centuries, 11th secular

France

Robert the Pious, 996-1031

- good king, active warrior - royal power begins growing

Patristics

“Finally, before partaking of sleep, it is a sacred duty to give thanks to God, having enjoyed His grace and love, and so go straight to sleep.” Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor, 2:4, ANF 2:249

Baier's axioms

Hoc peccatum haereditarium tam profunda et tetra est corruptio naturae, ut nullius hominis ratione intelligi possit, sed ex Scripturae patefactione agnoscenda et credenda sit.

This hereditary sin is so deep and the corruption of nature is [so] complete {tetra}, it is not possible to be understood by any human nature, but it may be recognized and believed from the revelation of Scripture.

Murphysboro Centuries, 11th secular

Henry IV, 1056-1102

- became king at 6, when father died - the nobles took much of the royal property, therefore was much weaker than his father - when an adult took steps to try and recover the land - big problem was “lay investiture” - bishops and archbishops not only important church officials, were also important officers of the state -  argument was over when and how the king should give them their secular offices/income

- argument finally wound up with Pope Gregory, upset with Henry’s position, deposed him (kicked him out as king) and freed all citizens from their oath of allegiance to Henry - result was chaos and rebellion against the king

- Henry hurried over Alps to stand barefoot in the snow asking for forgiveness from the pope, who forgave and reinstated him as king (seen as real important now, hardly noticed back then)

- Henry solidified his power, took fight to Italy/Rome - the Pope’s army sacked Rome so thoroughly that he had to get out of town - eventually Henry’s sons rebelled against him, trapped and imprisoned him, and forced him to give up the throne - Henry did escape and died while trying to regain his throne

Luther quotes

“Therefore, a Christian man must rise higher, letting his kindness serve even those who do not deserve it: evildoers, enemies and the ungrateful, even as his heavenly Father makes his sun to rise on good and evil alike, and his rain to fall on the grateful and the ungrateful [Matthew 5:45].” Martin Luther, Treatise on Good Works, LW, AE, 44:109

Latin proverbs

Suum cuique placet. (Pliny the Elder)

One is pleased with his own things.

Murphysboro Centuries, 11th secular

Henry III, “the Black”, 1039-1056

- devout king, a reformer, wanting to ‘clean up’ the church - because so much had been given to him, was considered the strongest of the German kings

Imitation of Christ

Nolo consolationem quæ mihi auferat compunctionem, nec affecto contemplationem, quæ ducit in elationem. Non enim omne altum sanctum, nec omne desiderium purum, nec omne dulce bonum, nec omne carum gratum Deo. Libenter accepto gratiam unde humilior, et timoratior inveniar atque ad relinquendum me paratior fiam. Doctus dono gratiæ, et eruditus subtractionis verbere non sibi audebit, quidquam boni attribuere, sed potius se pauperem, et nudum confitebitur. Da Deo quidquid Dei est, et tibi adscribe, quod tuum est. Hoc est Deo gratias pro gratia tribue, tibi autem soli culpam, et dignam pœnam pro culpa deberi sentias. 

I desire no consolation which takes away from me compunction, I love no contemplation which leads to pride. For all that is high is not holy, nor is everything that is sweet good; every desire is not pure; nor is everything that is dear to us pleasing unto God. Willingly do I accept that grace whereby I am made humbler and more wary and more ready to renounce myself. He who is made learned by the gift of grace and taught wisdom by the stroke of the withdrawal thereof, will not dare to claim any good thing for himself, but will rather confess that he is poor and needy. Give unto God the thing which is God's, and ascribe to yourself that which is yours; that is, give thanks unto God for His grace, but for yourself alone confess your fault, and that your

punishment is deserved for your fault.

Imitation of Christ, II, 10:3

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not say, 'Because of the Lord I left the right way'; for he will not do what he hates." Ecclesiastes 15:11

Murphysboro Centuries, 11th secular

Conrad II, 1024-1039
    - was able to gather power back into his hands because many of the great estates/fiefs failed to have heirs, so Conrad assigned them to his son, building up his family’s power

Patristics

“What we acquire without difficulty, and use with ease, we praise, keep easily, and communicate freely. The things which are useful are preferable, and consequently cheap things are better than dear.” Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor, 2:3, ANF 2:248

Baier's axioms

Dominus peccata peccatis punit.

The Lord punishes the sins of the sinner.

Murphysboro Centuries, 11th secular

Germany

Henry II, 1002-1024

- good king, pious, concentrated on building up Germany, but wasn’t that strong a king - “allowed” the great estates/fiefs to become hereditary, letting power pass out of his hands

Luther

“As a monk, I myself, although I am an ordinary, simple sort of man, found this harshness and blasphemy of denying love the hardest thing to bear. Nor could I ever persuade myself to believe with any peace of mind that this monastic obedience, which was against love and so offensively harsh, was what is right and proper.” Martin Luther, Judgment of Martin Luther on Monastic Vows, LW, AE, 44:329-330

Latin

Nemo liber est qui corpori servit. (Seneca)

No one is free who is a slave to his body.

Murphysboro Centuries, 11th secular

William II, “Rufus”, 1087-1100

- the first son got Normandy, as second son he got England - was “greedy ruffian” - justice was bought and sold, imposed heavy taxes, was cruel, unpopular and deeply hated - was probably assassinated while hunting

Imitation of Christ

Multum contrariatur supernæ visitationi salsa libertas animi, et magna confidentia sui. Deus benefacit consolatinis gratiam dando, sed homo male facit non statim Deo cum gratiarum actione retribuendo. Et ideo non possunt in nobis dona gratiæ fluere, quia ingrati sumus auctori, nec totum refundimus fontali origini. Semper enim debetur gratia digne gratias agenti sive referenti. Auferetur ab elato, quod dari solet humili. 

Great is the difference between a visitation from above and false liberty of spirit and great confidence in self. God does well in giving us the grace of comfort, but man does ill in not immediately giving God thanks thereof. And thus the gifts of grace are not able to flow unto us, because we are ungrateful to the Author of them, and return them not wholly to the Fountain whence they flow. For grace is always the portion of him who is grateful and that is taken away from the proud, which ought to be given to the humble.

Imitation of Christ, II, 10:2

Ecclesiasticus

"A hymn of praise is not fitting on the lips of a sinner, for it has not been sent from the Lord. For a hymn of praise should be uttered in wisdom, and the Lord will prosper it." Ecclesiasticus 15:9-10

Murphysboro Centuries, 11th secular

William I, “the Conqueror”, 1066-1077

- spent first part of his reign putting down uprisings by Saxons who were opposed to the Normans he was bringing in - imported feudalism into England (holding property as “payment” for serving as a knight)

- because he conquered, he claimed all the property in England - he let Saxons keep 1/3rd of the land that had been theirs, gave ½ of it to his own followers, and he kept 1/6th of all the land in England - set up a strong central monarchy, keeping the Saxon “shires” and appointing “shire reeves” (sheriffs) to be in charge

Patristics

“Some men, in truth live that they may eat, as the irrational creatures, 'whose life is their belly, and nothing else.' But the Instructor enjoins us to eat that we may live. For neither is food our business, nor is pleasure our aim; but both are on account of our life here, which the Word is training up to immortality. Wherefore also there is discrimination to be employed in a reference to food. And it is to be simple, truly plain, suiting precisely simple and artless children – as ministering to life, not to luxury.” Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor, 2:1, ANF 2:237

Baier

Deus quaedam vult, ut bona, quaedam permittet, ut mala.

God wills some things that are good; He permits some things that are bad.

Murphysboro Centuries, 11th secular

Harold, 1066

- Harold expected to have the power, but in 1064 had been captured by William of Normandy and “forced” to take an oath that he would help William get the English throne

- elected king after Edward died - had to hurry north to defeat his brother Tostig and the Norwegian king who were invading the north, then had to hurry south when William of Normandy invaded the south - seemed to be on the point of winning his battle (Hastings, 1066) when hit in the eye by an arrow and killed

Luther quotes

“From this commandment [4^th] we teach that there after the excellent works of the first three commandments there are no better works then to obey and serve all those who are set in authority over us. This is why disobedience is a sin worse than murder, and chastity, theft, dishonesty, and all that goes with them.” Martin Luther, Treatise on Good Works, LW, AE, 44:80-81

Latin

Tanto brevis omne quanto felicius tempus. (Pliny the Younger)

The happier a time is the shorter it seems.

Murphysboro Centuries, 11th secular

Edward the Confessor, 1042-1066

- raised in Normandy, good king, but lots of power in one of his nobles, Godwin of Wessex and his son Harold

Imitation of Christ

Quid quæris quietem, cum natus sis ad laborem, ad patientiam magis quam ad consolationem, et ad crucem portandam magis quam ad lætitiam? Quis etiam sæcularium non libenter consoltionem et lætitiam spiritualiem acciperet, si semper obtinere posset? Excedunt enim spirituales consolationes omnes mundi delicias et carnis voluptates. Nam omnes deliciæ mundanæ aut turpes, aut vanæ sunt. Spirituales vero deliciæ solæ sunt jucundæ et honestæ ex virtutibus progenitæ, et a Deo puris infusæ mentibus. Sed istis divnis consolationibus nemo semper pro suo affectu frui valet, quia tempus tentationis non diu cessat. 

Why do you seek rest when you are born to labour? Prepare yourself for patience more than for comforts, and for bearing the cross more than for joy. For who among the men of this world would not gladly receive consolation and spiritual joy if he might always have it? For spiritual comforts exceed all the delights of the world, and all the pleasures of the flesh. For all worldly delights are either empty or unclean, while spiritual delights alone are pleasant and honourable, the offspring of virtue, and poured forth by God into pure minds.But no man can always enjoy these divine comforts at his own will, because the season of temptation doesn't stop for long.

Imitation of Christ, II, 10:1

Ecclesiasticus

"Every product decays and ceases to exist, and the man who made it will pass away with it." Ecclesiasticus 14:19

Murphysboro Centuries, 11th secular

England

Sven I, 1013-1014 (Norwegian)

Canute, 1016-1035

- “emperor” over Denmark, Norway and England - insisted upon build up in English navy, founded the “housekarls”, “knights” who formed the “professional” army - famous for story that was so proud of his power that he attempted to order the incoming tide to go out

“For He says, 'Take no anxious thought for tomorrow,' meaning that the man who has devoted himself to Christ ought to be sufficient to himself, and servant to himself, and moreover lead a life which provides for each day by itself. For it is not in war, but in peace, that we are trained. War needs great preparation, and luxury craves profusion; but peace and love, simple and quiet sisters, require no arms nor excessive preparation. The Word is their sustenance.” Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor, 1:12, ANF 2:234-235

Conscientia erronea non obligat sed ligat, sufficit ad vitium non ad virtutem.

The erring conscience does not obligate but binds, it provides for vice not for virtue.

Gerbert of Aurillac,

- the tutor of Otto III, he was renowned as the most brilliant man (the “stupor mundi”, 'wonder of the world') of his time - he became more famous (or infamous) as pope Sylvester II, who tried to rebuild Rome to what it had been centuries before

Luther quotes

“It is always the case that the higher and better the works are, the less show they make.” Martin Luther, Treatise on Good Works, LW, AE, 44:41

Latin proverbs

Optimus est post malum principem dies primus. (Tacitus)

The first day after an evil leader is the best.

Murphysboro Centuries, 10th sacred

Widukind of Corvey,

- wrote a history of the Saxon nation

Imitation of Christ

Datur etiam consolatio divina, ut homo fortior sit ad sustinendum adversa. Sequitur etiam tentatio, ne se elevet de bono. Non dormit diabolus, nec caro adhuc mortua est. Ideo non cesses te præparare ad certamen, quia a dextris et a sinistris sunt hostes qui nunquam quiescunt. 
 

Divine comfort is given that a man may be stronger to bear adversities. And temptation follows, lest he be lifted up because of the benefit. The devil sleeps not; your flesh is not yet dead; therefore, cease not to make yourself ready for the battle, for enemies stand on your right hand and on your left, and they are never at rest.

Imitation of Christ, II, 9:8

Ecclesiasticus

"All living beings become old like a garment, for the decree from of old is, 'You must surely die!'" Ecclesiasticus 14:17

Murphysboro Centuries, 10th sacred

Roswitha,

- a nun at Gandersheim, she wrote poetry celebrating virginity and Otto's activities and also composed “learned Latin” plays

Patristics

“Sick, we truly stand in need of the Saviour; having wandered, of one to guide us; blind, of one to lead us to the light; thirsty, 'of the fountain of life, of which whosoever partakes, shall no longer thirst;' dead, we need life; sheep, we need a shepherd; we who are children need a tutor, while universal humanity stands in need of Jesus; so that we may not continue intractable and sinners to the end, and thus fall into condemnation, ....” Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor, I:9, ANF 2:230

Baier's axioms

Ubi ¢nom…a, ibi peccatum.

Where lawlessness is, there is sin.

Murphysboro Centuries, 10th sacred

Liutprand of Cremona,

- served as Otto's diplomatic agent on a trip to Constantinople and wrote a history of Otto's reign

Ekkekard of St. Gall's,

- composed some epic poetry

Luther quotes

“It further follows from this that a Christian man living in this faith has no need of the teacher good works, but he does whatever the occasion calls for, and all is well done.” Martin Luther, Treatise on Good Works, LW, AE, 44:26

Latin proverbs

Canis timidus vehementius latrat quam mordet. (Curtius)

The timid dog barks more than he bites.

Murphysboro Centuries, 10th secular

Ethelred the Unready, 978-1016

- a particularly inept king, under whom the Danes began raiding England again - the 'Danegeld', a 'tax' to buy off the Danish raiders began to be regularly collected, which eventually had the effect of sinking free men into servitude and making the collectors of taxes lords over the areas they controlled

Imitation of Christ

Nunquam inveni aliquem Religiosum, qui non habuerit interdum gratiæ subtractionem, aut non senserit fervoris diminutionem. Nullus Sanctus fuit tam alte raptus, vel illuminatus, qui prius vel postea non fuerit tentatus. Non enim alta Dei contemplatione dignus est, qui pro Deo non est exercitatus aliqua tribulatione. Solet enim sequentis consolationis tribulatio præcedens esse signum. Nam tentationibus probatis cælestis promittitur consolatio. Qui vicerit, inquit, dabo ei edere de ligno vitæ.

I have never found any man so religious and godly, but that he felt sometimes a withdrawal of the divine favour, and lack of fervour. No saint was ever so filled with rapture, so enlightened, but that sooner or later he was tempted. For he is not worthy of the great vision of God, who, for God's sake, has not been exercised by some temptation. For temptation is wont to go before as a sign of the comfort which shall follow, and heavenly comfort is promised to those who are proved by temptation. As it is written, To him that overcomes I will give to eat of the tree of life.

Imitation of Christ, II, 9:7

Ecclesiasticus

"Riches are good if they are free from sin, and poverty is evil in the opinion of the ungodly." Ecclesiasticus 13:24

Murphysboro Centuries, 10th secular

Britain

Ethelstan, 924-940

- under Alfred the Great, the Danes had taken the northeast part of England, under Edward (899-924), the English began 'reabsorbing' the 'Danelaw,' that part of England controlled by the Danes - Ethelstan continued the process - it was approximately during his time that 'shire-reeves' (sheriffs) began enforcing the royal law in England

Patristics

“But our Instructor is the holy God Jesus, the Word, who is the guide of all humanity. The loving God Himself is our Instructor.” Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor, I:7, ANF 2:223

Baier's axioms

Illud resurget, quod cecidit.

That revives because it had died.

Murphysboro Centuries, 10th secular

Otto I, the Great, 936-973

- spent his first years making sure everyone acknowledged him as king - in 951-952 he went to Italy and married a lady who claimed the throne of Italy - 955, the battle of Lechfeld, defeated the Magyars and recolonized what is today Austria

- filled bishops' positions with men loyal to the king - the church became one of the great supports of the German king - partially as a result of this, German kings and nobles saw monasteries and other church property as their own personal property, which raised

dissatisfaction and the beginning of a “reform movement” in the church

- on his third trip to Italy, Otto married his son to a Byzantine princess, who supposedly brought Greek (southern) Italy to Otto as her dowry, so the German king could, and did, claim all of Italy as his possession

Luther quotes

“Now everyone can notice and feel for himself when he does what is good and what is not good. If he finds his heart confident that it pleases God, then the work is good, even if it were so small thing is picking up straw. If the confidence is not there, or if he has any doubt about it, the new work is not good, even if the work were to raise all the dead and the man were to give his body to be burned.” Martin Luther, Treatise on Good Works, LW, AE, 44:25

Latin proverbs

Longius aut propius mors sua quemque manet. (Propertius)

Death waits for each one sooner or later.

Murphysboro Centuries, 10th secular

Henry I, the Fowler, 919-936

- he increased his power whenever and wherever possible - from 924-933 there was a truce with the Magyars (Hungary), and Henry fortified “burgs” in Saxony and Thuringia, the equivalent of army forts - he conquered Denmark as well

Imitation of Christ

Cum igitur spiritualis consolatio a Deo datur, cum gratiarum actione accipe eam et Dei munus intellige esse, et non tuum meritum et noli extolli. Noli nimium gaudere nec inaniter præsumere, sed esto magis humilior ex dono, cautior quoque et timoratior in cunctis actibus tuis, quoniam transibit hora illa, et sequetur tentatio. Cum ablata fuerit consolatio, non statim desperes, sed cum humilitate, et patientia exspecta cælestem visitationem, quia potens est Deus ampliorem tibi redonare gratiam et consolationem. Istud non est novum, nec alienum viam Dei expertis, quia in magnis sanctis, et in antiquis prophetis suit sæpe alternationis modus. 

When, therefore, spiritual comfort is given by God, receive it with giving of thanks, and know that it is the gift of God, not your desert. Be not lifted up, rejoice not overmuch nor foolishly presume, but rather be more humble for the gift, more wary and more careful in all your doings; for that hour will pass away, and temptation will follow. When comfort is taken from you, do not straightway despair, but wait for the heavenly visitation with humility and patience, for God is able to give you back greater favour and consolation. This is not new nor strange to those who have made trial of the way of God, for with the great saints and the ancient prophets there was often this manner of change.

  
Imitation of Christ, II, 9:4

Ecclesiasticus

"When the rich man speaks all are silent, and they extol to the clouds but he says. When the poor man speaks they say, 'Who is this fellow?' And should he stumble, they even push him down." Ecclesiasticus 13:23

Murphysboro Centuries, 10th secular

Germany

Conrad I of Franconia, 911-918

- with the death of the last of the Carolingians, Louis the Child, in 911, Conrad was elected the new king of Germany - his most significant act was to nominate his strongest foe as his successor

Patristics

“..., and understanding that the virtue of man and woman is the same. For if the God of both is one, the master of both is also one; one church, one temperance, one modesty; their food is common, marriage an equal yoke; respiration, sight, hearing, knowledge, hope, obedience, love all alike. And those whose life is common, have common graces and a common salvation; common to them our love and training.” Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor, I, 4, ANF 2:211

Baier's axioms

Mors tua, judicium postremum, gloria coeli,

Et dolor inferni sunt meditanda tibi.

      Your death, the last judgment, the glory of heaven,

      And the sorrows of hell need to be meditated on by you.

Murphysboro Centuries, 10th secular

Hugh Capet, 987-996

- founder of the “Capetian” royal family of France, which lasted until the French Revolution in 1792 - elected to be king because Charlemagne's descendants had no power at all - he had personal power, and the other great nobles “recognized” him as king, but he didn't give orders

- crowned his son soon after he became king so that his line would continue without interruption, a practice which continued for almost three centuries

Luther quotes

“The first thing to know is that there are no good works except those works God has commanded, just as there are no sins except those which God has forbidden.” Martin Luther, Treatise on Good Works, LW, AE, 44:23

Latin proverbs

Quod vult qui dicit, quod non vult saepius audit. (Werner)

He who says what he wants very often hears what he doesn't want.

Murphysboro Centuries, 10th secular

France

Charles III, 893-923

- the last descendant of Charlemagne to have much authority - was unable to drive some Viking raiders from the north coast of France, and so granted the land to Rollo, on the condition that he would “do homage” - the area became known Normandy

Imitation of Christ

Multum et diu oportet hominem in se ipso certare, antequam discat se ipsum plene superare, et totum affectum suum plene in Deum trahere. Quando homo stat super se ipsum, facile labitur ad consolationes humanas. Sed verus Christi amator, et studiosus sectator virtutum non cadit super illas consolationes, nec quærit tales sensibiles dulcedines. Sed magis fortes tentationes et exercitationes, et pro Christo duros sustinere labores. 

Mightily and long must a man strive within himself before he learns altogether to overcome himself, and to draw his whole affection towards God. When a man rests upon himself, he easily slips away to human comforts. But a true lover of Christ, and a diligent seeker after virtue, doesn't fall back upon those comforts, nor seeks such sweetness as may be tasted and handled, but desires rather hard exercises, and to undertake severe labours for Christ.

Imitation of Christ, II, 9:3

Ecclesiasticus

"If a rich man slips, his helpers are many; he speaks unseemly words, and they justify him. If a humble man slips, they even reproach him; he speaks sensibly, and receives no attention." Ecclesiasticus 13:22

Murphysboro Centuries, 10th secular

Vladimir the Saint, 980-1015

- was torn between converting to Latin Catholicism or Greek Orthodoxy - sent people to Rome and Constantinople to report, and those who went to Constantinople were overcome by the 'beauty' of the Greek Orthodox service

- Vladimir became Greek Orthodox, his twelve sons also converted, and the Russian people converted in such numbers that the priests had trouble baptizing them all - this begins the close connection between Russia and Constantinople, and marks the adoption of the customs of the Greek church by Russia (i.e., the church being a department of the government)

Baier's axioms

M¾ zhtîmen, poà œstin (sc. infernus), ¢ll¦, pîj feÚgwmen.

We do not seek where it is (namely, hell), but how we might flee it.

Murphysboro Centuries, 10th secular

Prince Oleg, 880-912

- began the Russian state by uniting the cities of Novgorod and Kiev, and basing his kingdom on them - his wife, Olga, converted to Christianity in 957

Luther quotes

“There is a great difference between faith and good works, just as vast as the difference in value between the tree and the fruit. Fruits disappear and return each year, but the tree remains always. Faith also remains always, but works disappear. In such a shameful way they have misled and deceived us that we go looking for good works and fruit when we should be looking for faith and tree.” Martin Luther, The Adoration of the Sacrament, LW, AE, 36:289

Latin proverbs

Qui majora cupit saepe minora capit. (Werner)

Who wants the larger thing often gets the smaller.

Murphysboro Centuries, 10th secular

Basil II, 976-1025

- during his reign the Byzantine empire reached the height of its political and military power

Imitation of Christ

Esto purus, et liber intus, sine alicujus creaturæ implicamento. Oportet te esse nudum, et purum cor ad Jesum gerere, si vis vacare, et videre, quam suavis est Dominus. Et revera ad hoc non pervenies, nisi gratia ejus fueris præventus, et introtractus, ut omnibus evacuatis et licentiatis, solus cum Deo uniaris. Quando enim gratia Dei venit ad hominem, tunc potens sit ad omnia. Et quando recedit, tunc pauper et infirmus erit, et quasi tantum ad flagella relictus. In his non debes dejici, nec desperare, sed ad voluntatem Dei æquanimiter stare, et cuncta supervenientia tibi ad laudem Jesu Christi perpeti. Quia post hiemem sequitur aestas, post nectem redit dies, et post tempestatem serenitas magna. 

Be pure and free within yourself, and be not entangled by any created thing. You ought to bring a bare and clean heart to God, if you desire to be ready to see how gracious the Lord is. And in truth, unless you be prevented and drawn on by His grace, you will not attain to this, that having cast out and dismissed all else, you alone are united to God. For when the grace of God comes to a man, then he becomes able to do all things, and when it departs then he will be poor and weak and given up unto troubles. In these you are not to be cast down nor to despair, but to rest with calm mind on the will of God, and to bear all things which come upon you to the praise of Jesus Christ; for after winter comes summer, after night returns the day, after the tempest a great calm.

Imitation of Christ, II, 8:5

Ecclesiasticus

"Wild asses in the wilderness are the prey of lions; likewise the poor are pastures for the rich." Ecclesiasticus 13:19

Murphysboro Centuries, 10th secular

Nicephoras Phocas, 963-969

- led the army to take back areas that had been conquered by the Muslims - Cyprus, and parts of Asia Minor (Turkey and Syria) were retaken

- helped to found the monasteries of Mount Athos, a peninsula in the Aegean Sea, where monks had been living since the 5th century - with the founding of the monasteries, this place became one of the great 'holy places' of Greek orthodoxy - females of all kinds,  including animals, were forbidden so that the monks wouldn't be distracted

Patristics

“Your ears are debauched, your eyes commit fornication, your looks commit adultery before you embrace. Oh you that have done violence to man, and have devoted to shame what is divine in this handiwork of God, you disbelieve everything that you may indulge your passions, and that you may believe in idols, because you have a craving after their licentiousness, but disbelieve God, because you cannot bear a life of self-restraint.” Clement of Alexandria, Exhortation to the Heathen, IV, ANF 2:189

Baier's axioms

Qui summum bonum non assequuntur, malum summum non effugient.

The one who does not achieve the greatest good will not escape the greatest evil.

Murphysboro Centuries, 10th secular

Romanus Lecapenus, 919-944

- was personally so devout that he wanted to be a monk - his reign marks the beginning of the height of “Caesaropapism,” (having the emperor also as the head of the church, and the church treated as a department of government - the Bulgarians and Muslim pirates were both eliminated

Luther quotes

“That is to say, faith in Christ is my only good work, life, and service, capable of reassuring my conscience; after that comes love to my neighbor.” Martin Luther, Receiving Both Kinds in the Sacrament, LW, AE, 36:241

Latin proverbs

De minimis non curat lex. (Legal)

The law doesn't concern itself with trifles.

Murphysboro Centuries, 10th secular

Leo V, the Wise, 886-912

- a 'philosopher' who was also the emperor - his reign was marked by the publication of laws issued since Justinian and by wars against the Bulgarians and Muslim pirates

Imitation of Christ

Diligantur homines propter Jesum, Jesus autem propter se ipsum. Solus Jesus Christus singulariter est amandus, qui bonus solus et fidelis invenitur præ omnibus amicis. Propter ipsum et in ipso tam amici quam inimici tibi sint chari et pro omnibus his exorandus est, ut omnes ipsum cognoscant et diligant. Nunquam cupias singulariter laudari et amari, quia hoc solius Dei est, qui similem sibi non habet. Nec velis quod aliquis in corde tuo tecum occupetur, neque tu cum alicujus occuperis amore. Sed sit Jesus in te, et in omni bono homine. 

Let all be loved for Jesus' sake, but Jesus for His own. Jesus Christ alone is to be specially loved, for He alone is found good and faithful above all friends. For His sake and in Him let both enemies and friends be dear to you, and pray for them all that they may all know and love Him. Never desire to be specially praised or loved, because this belongs to God alone, for there is no one like Him. Nor wish that any one set his heart on you, nor do you give yourself up to the love of any, but let Jesus be in you and in every good man.

Imitation of Christ, II, 8:4

Ecclesiasticus

"Every creature loves its like, and every person his neighbor; all living beings associate by species, and a man clings to one like himself." Ecclesiasticus 13:15-16

Murphysboro Centuries, 9th sacred

Ansgar of Corbie, 801-865

- began missionary work among the Danes who were raiding and pillaging England - when the Danes drove him out, he began missionary work in Sweden