Patristics

“But He who said, 'I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy,' loved Jacob of His undeserved grace, and hated Esau of His deserved judgment.” Augustine, Enchiridion, XCVIII, NPNF1, 3:268

Baier's Axioms

Facilius, quid non sit, quam quid sit Deus, explicatur.

It is easier to explain what God is not than to explain what He is.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular

Constantine II, 337-340

- declared Caesar in 317 while still an infant - one of the three sons of Constantine who inherited the empire (after killing their cousins) - one of the first acts was to have Constantine declared a god by the Roman senate - tried to take over Italy (where his brother Constans ruled), was ambushed and killed

Luther quotes

“But this at least all married people should know, they can do no better work and do nothing more valuable either for God, for Christendom, for all the world, for themselves, and for their children then to bring up their children well.” Martin Luther, A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage, LW, AE, 44:12

Latin proverbs

Ibi semper est victoria ubi concordia est. (Pub. Syrus)

Where there is co-operation there is always victory.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular

Maximinus Daia, 310-313

- was Diocletian's choice for Augustus in the east - continued Diocletian's persecution with greater severity - everyone, including infants, had to attend public sacrifice, eat some of the sacrificial animal, and be sprinkled with the blood - tried to turn paganism into something like the church

- fought against Licinus, outnumbered him 2-1 yet still lost - escaped and “punished” the pagan priest who had predicted his victory by rescinding the laws against the church and restoring the church's property

Imitation of Christ

Cum mane fuerit, puta te ad vesperum non perventurum. Vespere autem facto, mane non audeas tibi polliceri. Semper ergo paratus esto, et taliter vive, ut nunquam imparatum te mors inveniant. Multi subito improvisi moriuntur. Nam hora, qua non putatur, Filius hominis veniet. Quando hora illa extrema venerit, multum aliter sentire incipies de tota vita tua præterita et valde dolebis, quia tam negligens, et remissus fuisti.

When it is morning reflect that it may be that you will not see the evening, and at eventide dare not to boast of the morrow. Always be prepared, and so live that death may never find you unprepared. Many die suddenly and unexpectedly. For at such an hour as you do not plan, the Son of Man comes. When that last hour shall come, you wilt begin to think very differently of your whole life past, and will mourn bitterly that you hast been so negligent and slothful.

Imitation of Christ, I, 23:3

Ecclesiasticus

"A work will be praised for the skill of the craftsman; so a people's leader is proved wise by his words. A babbler is feared in his city, and the man who is  reckless in speech will be hated." Ecclesiasticus 9:17-18

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular

Licinus, 308-324

- Augustus in 308, allied with Constantine in 313 - when he fought against Constantine, he had more troops, but was defeated - captured and imprisoned, later executed for continuing to plot against Constantine

Patristics

“For it seems unjust that, in the absence of any merit or demerit, from good over evil works, God should love the one and hate the other. Now, if the apostle had wished us to understand that there were future good works of the one, and evil works of the other, which of course God foreknew, he would never have said, 'not of works,' but, 'of future works,' and in this way would have solved the difficulty, or rather there would then have been no difficulty to solve.” Augustine, Enchiridion, XCVIII, NPNF1, 3:268

Baier's Axioms

Attributa divina de se mutuo possunt praedicari in abstracto, quatenus sunt in Deo, non autem quatenus sunt in nostris conceptibus.

Divine attributes are not able to be predicated reciprocally in abstraction, insofar as they are in God, however not insofar as they are in our conception.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular

Constantine the Great, 306-337

- son of Constantius Chlorus and Helena (an innkeeper's daughter) - acclaimed as Augutus by his troops - when Galerius died, it was open war between him and Maxentius

- Battle of Milvian Bridge, 312 - outnumbered 4-1, Constantine defeated Maxentius and his troops and Maxentius died in the retreat - Constantine claimed to have seen a vision from the Christian God, a cross and In hoc signo vinces (“In this sign you will conquer”)

- this victory made Constantine the sole Augustus in the west - in 323 there was war between him and Licinus to see who would be sole ruler (Constantine won in 324)

- continued the reorganization of the army with more German troops in the army, higher taxes, more bureaucracy and more strict laws to pay for the army - set up a new capital city, Constantinople (Constantine's city - closer to the Danube and the Persian frontier)

- 311, Edict of Serdica, freedom of religion granted to Christians - Constantine began moving the state toward being a “Christian” empire - “chaired” the council of Arelate (314) and Niceae (325) - apparently saw Christianity as a unifying force in the empire

- 326, suspicious of treason, ordered the death of his wife and oldest son - baptized on his death

Luther quotes

“Those who want to enter the estate of marriage should learn from this that they should earnestly pray to God for a spouse.” Martin Luther, A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage, LW, AE, 44:8

Latin proverbs

Litterae non dant panem. (Medieval)

Litterature earns no bread.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular

Maxentius, 306-312

- son of Maximinus, Diocletian's partner - supported by the old praetorian guard - Galerius tried to remove him, but the soldiers wouldn't fight - was declared a “public enemy” in 308, but was able to sustain himself in power until he died in battle against Constantine in 312

Imitation of Christ

Quid prodest diu vivere, quando parum emendamur? Ha, longa vita non semper emendat, sed sæpe culpam magis auget. Utinam per unam diem bene essemus conversati in hoc mundo. Multi annos computant conversionis, sed sæpe parvus est fructus emendationis. Si formidolosum est mori, forsitan periculosius erit vivere diu. Beatus qui horam mortis suæ semper ante oculos habet, et ad moriendum quotidie se disponit. Si vidisti aliquem mori, cogita quia tu per eandem viam transibis. 

What does it profit to live long, when we amend so little? Ah! long life does not always amend, but often the more increases guilt. Oh that we might spend a single day in this world as it ought to be spent! Many there are who reckon the years since they were converted, and yet oftentimes how little is the fruit thereof. If it is a fearful thing to die, it may be perchance a yet more fearful thing to live long. Happy is the man who has the hour of his death always before his eyes, and daily prepares himself to die. If you have ever seen one die, consider that you also will pass away by the same road.

Imitation of Christ, I, 23:2

Ecclesiasticus

"Let righteous men be your dinner companions, and let your glorying be in the fear of the Lord." Ecclesiasticus 9:16

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular

Galerius, 305-311

- was “junior” Caesar, then junior Augustus, but more powerful (the east was wealthier) - fought on the Danube and Persian frontier - he strongly influenced Diocletiain, especially in terms of persecution of the church (Diocletian had been tolerant, but Galerius' mother was a fanatical pagan)

- his fourth edict against the church insisted that every Christian had to offer pagan sacrifice

- in 311 became sick and on his death bed revoked the persecution and asked the church to pray for him

Patristics

“Then let us also love the prophets, because they too have proclaim the gospel, and place their hope in Him, and waited for Him; in whom also be leaving, they were saved, through union to Jesus Christ, being holy man, worthy of love and administration, having had witness borne to them by Jesus Christ, and being reckoned along with [us] in the Gospel of the common hope.” Ignatius, Philadelphians, V, ANF 1:82

Baier's Axioms

Condescendit nobis Deus, ut nos consurgamus.

God descends to us, so that we might rise.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular

Constantius I Chlorus, 305-306

- had been the “senior” Caesar in Diocletian's setup, in charge of Gaul(France) and Britain - when Diocletian abdicated he became the senior Augustus, but died soon after that

Luther quotes

“As to divorce, it is still a question for debate whether it is allowable. For my part I so greatly detest divorce that I should prefer bigamy to it; but whether it is allowable, I do not venture to decide.” Martin Luther, Babylonian Captivity, LW, AE, 40:105

Latin proverbs

Homines, dum docent, discunt. (Seneca)

While men teach they learn.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd sacred

Gregory the Wonder-worker, d. c. 275

- first bishop of Pontus (northern Turkey) and was responsible for converting most of the province - many stories are told about the miracles he supposedly performed

Imitation of Christ

Valde cito erit tecum hoc factum: vide aliter quomodo te habeas. Hodie homo est, et cras non comparet. Cum autem sublatus fuerit ab oculis, etiam cito transit a mente. O hebetudo, et duritia cordis humani, quod solum præsentia meditatur, et futura non magis prævidet. Sic te in omni facto et cogitatu deberes tenere, quasi statim esses moriturus. Si bonam conscientiam haberes, non multum mortem timeres. Melius esset peccata cavere quam mortem fugure. Si hodie non es paratus, quomodo cras eris? Cras est dies incerta, et quid scis si crastinum habebis?

Very quickly will there be an end of you here; take heed therefore how it will be with you in another world. Today man is, and tomorrow he will be seen no more. And being removed out of sight, quickly also he is out of mind. O the dulness and hardness of man's heart, which thinks only of the present, and looks not forward to the future. You ought in every deed and thought so to order yourself, as if you were to die this day. If you had a good conscience you would not greatly fear death. It were better for you to watch against sin, than to fly from death. If today you are not ready, how will you be ready tomorrow? Tomorrow is an uncertain day; and how do you know that you will have a tomorrow?

Imitation of Christ, I, 23:1

Ecclesiasticus

"As much as you can, aim to know your neighbors, and consult with the wise. Let your conversation be with men of understanding, and let all your discussion be about the law of the Most High." Ecclesiasticus 9:14-15

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd sacred

Dionysius the Great, bishop from 248-265

- one of the first “great” bishops of Alexandria, very powerful over a large area - wrote a tremendous amount, but not much survived the persecutions

Patristics

“All these, therefore, were highly honored, and made great, not for their own sake, or for their own works, or for the righteousness which they wrought, but through the operation of His will. And we, too, being called by His will in Christ Jesus, are not justified by ourselves, nor by our own wisdom, or understanding, or godliness, or works which we have wrought in holiness of heart; but I have faith through which, from the beginning, Almighty God has justified all men; to whom be glory for ever and ever.” 1 Clement, XXXII, ANF 1:13

Baier's Axioms

Nihil est in Deo, quod non sit ipse Deus.

Nothing is in God, which is not God Himself.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd sacred

Cyprian, c. 200-258

- bishop of Carthage, Africa - best known for insisting on the baptism of infants at an early time ( 'eight days too long to wait'), and for insisting on the unity of the church

- there was only one church and there was no salvation outside the church - if you were not part of the church, you were not a Christian - the unity of the church was based on the unity of the bishops

Luther quotes

“Nor would I agree to that impediment which they call 'disparity of religion,' which forbid someone to marry an unbaptized person, either simply, or on condition that she be converted to the faith. Who made this prohibition? God or man? Who gave to man the power to prohibit such a marriage.” Martin Luther, Babylonian Captivity, LW, AE, 40:100

Latin proverbs

Mulier, cum sola cogitat, male cogitat. (Pub. Syrus)

When a woman plans by herself, she does a poor job of it.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd sacred

Hippolytus of Rome, d. 235

- claimed to be a student of Irenaeus, was first “anti-pope” - wrote a lot, but best known for his work about what worship was like at that time in Rome - died in the mines

Imitation of Christ

Dicunt multi imbecilles et infirmi, Ecce quam bonam vitam ille homo habet, quam dives et quam magnus, quam potens et excelsus. Sed attende ad cælestia bona, et videbis quod omnia ista temporalia nulla sunt, sed magis incerta, et valde gravantia, quia nunquam sine solicitudine, et timore possidentur. Non est hominis felicitas habere temporalia ad abundantiam, et sufficit ei mediocritas. Vere miseria est vivere super terram. Quanto homo voluerit esse spiritualior, tanto præfens vita sit ei amarior, quia sentit melius, videt clarius humanæ corruptionis affectus. Nam comedere, bibere, vigilare, dormire, quiescere laborare et cæteris necessitatibus naturæ subjacere vere magna miseria est, et afflictio homini devoto, qui libenter esset absolutus et liber ab omni peccato. 

 

There are many foolish and unstable men who say, "See what a prosperous life that man has, how rich and how great he is, how powerful, how exalted." But lift up your eyes to the good things of heaven, and you will see that all these worldly things are nothing, they are utterly uncertain, yes, they are wearisome, because they are never possessed without care and fear. The happiness of man lies not in the abundance of temporal things but a moderate portion suffices him. Our life upon the earth is verily wretchedness. The more a man desires to be spiritual, the more bitter does the present life become to him; because he understands and sees better the defects of human corruption. For to eat, to drink, to watch, to sleep, to rest, to labor, and to be subject to the other necessities of nature, is truly a great wretchedness and affliction to a devout man, who would rather be released and free from all sin.

Imitation of Christ, I, 22:2

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not envy the honors of a sinner, for you do not know what his end will be. Do not delight in what pleases the ungodly; remember that they will not be held guiltless as long as they live." Ecclesiasticus  9:11-12

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd sacred

Origen, c. 185-254

- philosopher and educator in Alexandria, Egypt - regarded by some as the first great systematic theologian - best known for his enthusiasm for allegory which held that every part of Scripture has at least three meanings (flesh, soul, spirit meanings) - spiritual meanings may have absolutely nothing to do with the 'flesh' or literal meaning - was seen as a “great writer” because a wealthy patron paid to have his works copied and distributed

Patristics

“Let us then, men and brethren, with all energy act the part of soldiers, in accordance with His holy commandments. Let us consider those who serve under our generals, with what order, obedience, and submissiveness they perform the things which are commanded them.” 1 Clement, XXXVII, ANF 1:15

Baier's Axioms

In Deum non cadit accidens. – In Deo nihil est mutabile vel amissibile.

In God accidents don't happen. – In God nothing is changeable or lose-able.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd sacred

Tertullian, c. 155-212

- writer in Rome and Africa - had been a lawyer and became a Christian c. 190-195 - began writing in 197 - was the first to write using Latin - in Africa, persecution under Septimus Severus led him to sympathize with Montanists - finally started his own little church

- saw Christianity through the eyes of Greek philosophy (Stoicism) - saw Christianity as knowledge about God, a new law - taught original sin, but not clearly - sin is forgiven by God's grace and baptism wipes out sin, but if one sins after baptism, you have to pay for that sin - punishing yourself will pay for that sin and God will punish you less

Luther quotes

“The papists and Anabaptists teach: If you wish to know Christ, try to be alone, don't associate with men, become a separatist. This is plainly diabolical advice which is in conflict with the first and second table [of the Decalogue]. The first table requires faith and fear [of God]. According to the second commandment, this is to be preached and publicly praised before men and is to be discussed among men. One must not flee into a corner. So the {141} second table teaches that one must do good to one's neighbor. We ought not to isolate ourselves but enter into companionship with our neighbor.” ML, Tabletalk, Schlaginhaufen #1329, between 1/8 and 3/23, 1532, LW, AE, 54:140

Latin proverbs

Homo semper aliud, Fortuna aliud cogitat. (Pub. Syrus)

Man always plans one thing and Fortune another.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Maximian, 268-305, 307-308 AD

- co-Augustus with Diocletian with his main responsibility in the West - forced to retire by Diocletian, but didn't like it and tried to come back, but Diocletian came out of retirement long enough to force Maximian to retire again

Stromata

Watching all the news about the debt crises in the US and Europe, it struck me (with my very basic understanding of economics), that there was a simple answer to it all - simple, but unlikely to ever be adopted. 

The problem seems to be one of unsecured debt - all these nations spending more than they take in, and no "collateral" that could be seized in case of default.


But isn't there a possible source of  "collateral" in state museums? How much collateral for otherwise unsecured debts and bonds could be provided by the Mona Lisa (Louvre), the bust of Nefertiti (Egyptian Museum of Berlin), or the Mask of Agamemnon (National Archaeology Museum of Athens)?


It would seem to me that using such items as "collateral" would remove a lot of uncertainty from world markets, but I can't see national governments agreeing to such a thing.

Imitation of Christ

O quanta fragilitas humana, quæ semper prona est ad vitia. Hodie confiteris peccata tua, et cras iterum perpetras confessa. Nunc proponis cavere, et post horam ita agis, quasi nihil proposuisses. Merito ergo nosmetipsos humiliare possumus, nec unquam aliquid magni de nobis sentire, quia tam fragiles et instabiles sumus. Cito etiam potest perdi per negligentiam, quod multo labore vix tandem acquisitum est per gratiam. 

 

O how great is the frailty of man, which is ever prone to evil! Today you confess your sins, and tomorrow you again commit the sins you confessed. Now you resolve to avoid a fault, and within an hour you behave yourself as if you had never resolved at all. Good cause have we therefore to humble ourselves, and never to think highly of ourselves, seeing that we are so frail and unstable. And quickly may that be lost by our negligence, which by much labour was hardly attained through grace.

Imitation of Christ, I, 22:6

Ecclesiasticus

"Forsake not an old friend, for a new one does not compare with him. A new friend is like new wine; when it has aged you will drink it with pleasure." Ecclesiastes 9:10

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Diocletian, 284-305 AD

- set up the “Tetrarchy”, 2 Augusti, 2 Caesars, with responsibilities evenly spread out to all four - they would rise to power by ability - he was the most impressive organizer since Augustus

- doubled the number of provinces (so they would be too small for the governors to make a successful revolt), grouped them in larger “dioceses” - vastly increased the army and made big changes with static forces on the borders and a mobile reserve

- because of this, there was a huge rise in taxes and inflation went wild - he issued a degree trying to regulate prices and wages but it was a spectacular failure

- in 303, even though his wife was a Christian, tried to stamp out Christianity - (1) no assemblies of Christians, (2) churches and Bibles were to be burned, and (3) clergy  (later also laypeople) were arrested, imprisoned and tortured/executed if they wouldn't make a pagan sacrifice

- abdicated peacefully in 305, died in 316 (the only emperor to “retire” from that job)

Patristics

“For though I am alive while I write to you, yet I am eager to die. My love has been crucified, and there is no fire in me desiring to be fed; but there is within me a water that liveth and speaketh, saying to me inwardly, Come to the Father.” Ignatius, Romans, VII, ANF 1:76-77

Baier's Axioms

Est essentia Dei tÕ p©n kaˆ oÙdšn.

The essence of God is the everything and the nothing.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Carinus, 283-285 AD

- son of Carus, co-emperor with his brother Numerian - claimed victories over the Germans and Britons

Numerian, 283-284 AD

- in charge in the East, but not much of a general and didn't want to fight - he started for home and was killed by his second-in-command

Luther quote

“For to suffer wrong destroys no man's soul, in fact it improves the soul, though it does inflict hurt to our body and possessions. But to do wrong destroys the soul, even though all the world's wealth be gained.” Martin Luther, Treatise on Good Works, LW, AE, 44:92

Latin proverb

Astra regunt homines, sed regit astra Deus. (Anon.)

The stars rule men, but God rules the stars.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Probus, 276-282 AD

- defeated most of the German invaders, but the soldiers though they were worked too hard and were unappreciated, so they deserted him and he was killed

Carus, 282-283 AD

- defeated the Germans on the Danube, and defeated the Persians, but was found dead in his tent one night

Imitation of Christ

Miser es ubicumque fueris, et quocumque te verteris, nisi ad Deum te convertas. Quid turbaris quia non succedit tibi sicut vis et desideras? Quis est qui habeat omnia secundum suam voluntatem? Nec ego, nec tu, nec aliquis hominum super terram. Nemo est in mundo sine aliqua tribulatione, vel angustia, quivis Rex, vel Papa. Quis est, qui melius habet? Utique qui pro Deo aliquid pati valet.
 

You are miserable wheresoever you are, and wherever you turn, unless you turn to God. Why are you disquieted because things don't happen to you according to your wishes and desires? Who is he that has everything according to his will? Neither I, nor you, nor any man upon the earth. There is no man in the world free from trouble or anguish, though he were King or Pope. Who is he who has the happiest lot? Even he who is strong to suffer somewhat for God.

Imitation of Christ, I, 22:1

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not consult with a fool, for he will not be able to keep a secret." Ecclesiasticus 8:17

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Tacitus, 275-276 AD

- fought against the Goths, died after about 8 months from fever

Florian, 276 AD

- declared himself emperor (without waiting for the soldiers or the Senate to proclaim him), killed by his own soldiers

Patristics

“True knowledge is [that which consists in] the doctrine of the apostles, and the ancient constitution of the Church throughout all the world, and the distinctive manifestation of the body of Christ according to the successions of the bishops, by which they have handed down that Church which exists in every place, and has come even unto us, being guarded and preserved, without any forging of Scriptures, by a very complete system of doctrine, and neither receiving edition nor [suffering] curtailment [in the truths which she believes]; and [it consists in] reading [the word of God] without falsification, and a lawful and diligent exposition in harmony with the Scriptures, both without danger and without blasphemy; and [above all, it consists in] the pre-eminent gift of love, which is more precious than knowledge, more glorious than prophecy, and which excels all the other gifts [of God].” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, IV, 33:8, ANF, 1:508

Baier's Axioms

Praesentem monstrat quaelibet herba Deum.

The green plants everywhere demonstrate the [ever-]present God.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Aurelian, 270-275AD

- continued fights with invaders, in 271 had a wall built around Rome (12 feet thick and 20 feet high) to keep out sudden attacks - conquered the smaller “states” inside the empire that had been created under Gallienus

- established the worship of the sun (Sol Invictus) as an official religion of the state, with he birthday of the god being on December 25^th, the day the Romans accepted as the winter solstice (this day had been popularized by Christians as the birthday of Jesus some fifty years earlier, no later than 221 AD)

- in 275, he threatened to punish his private secretary for lying - the secretary went out and lied to senior officers that Aurelian was going to kill them, and they had the emperor assassinated

Luther quotes

“In the former case, the temporal authority punishes too much; in the latter case, it punishes too little. To err in this [105] direction, however, and punished too little is more tolerable, for it is always better to let a scoundrel live then to put a godly man to death. The world has plenty of scoundrels anyway and must continue to have them, but godly men are scarce.” Martin Luther, Temporal Authority: To what Extent Should It Be Obeyed, LW, AE, 45:104-5

Latin proverbs

Virtus nobilitat homines, sapientia ditat. (Werner)

Virtue enobles people and wisdom makes them rich.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Claudius II Gothicus, 268-270 AD

- army had liked Gallienus, thought Claudius had a hand in his death - won victories over the Goths, but new invaders (including the Vandals) appeared - on his way to the battle, an outbreak of the continuing plague struck the army and Claudius died from it

Quintillus, 270 AD

- brother of Claudius, but he wasted too much time, was deserted by the soldiers and killed himself

Imitation of Christ

Si frequentius de morte tua, quam de longitudine vitæ tua cogitares, non dubium, quin ferventius te emendares. Si etiam futuras Inferni, sivi Pergatorii, poenas cordialiter perpenderes, credo quod libenter dolorem et laborem sustineres, et nihil rigoris formidares. Sed quia ista ad cor non transeunt, et blandimenta adhuc amamus, ideo frigidi et valde pigri remanemus.

If you thought upon your death more often than how long your life should be, you would doubtless strive more earnestly to improve. And if you seriously considered the future pains of hell, I believe you would willingly endure toil or pain and fear not discipline. But because these things don't reach the heart, and we still love pleasant things, therefore we remain cold and miserably indifferent.

 Imitation of Christ, I, 21:5

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not travel on the  road with a foolhardy fellow, lest he be burdensome to you; for he will act as he pleases, and through his folly you will perish with him."  Ecclesiasticus 8:15

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Gallienus, 253-268 AD

- joint emperor with father, then sole emperor (he made no attempt to rescue his father) - many German tribes attacking along the Rhine, the Franks (first time they're heard of) into Gaul and Spain, the Alamani into Italy, the Goths and Herules into Greece and Asia Minor

- following the lead of the Persians, created armored calvary (became the knights of the Middle Ages, and the tanks of today)

- “Age of 30 Tyrants” - too many many rebellions and pretenders to count (rebels had people rebelling against them), control over significant parts of the empire was lost

LC-MS

“All of us who are spiritual priests through faith should not boast of this privileges if we were arrogant enthusiasts. Instead, let us consider what high and holy duty this privilege lays on us.” CFW Walther, on Romans 12:3-6, quoted in God Grant It (CPH, 2006) for Saturday 1 Epiphany, p. 129

Patristics

“Add to this, that sins, however great and detestable they may be, are looked upon as trivial, or as not sins at all, when men get accustomed to them; and so far does this go, that such sins are not only not concealed, but are boasted of, and published far and wide;....” Augustine, Enchiridion, LXXX, NPNF1, 3:263

Baier's Axioms

Saf¾j tÁj ¢pist…aj ™legcÒj ™sti, tÕ pîj perˆ Qeoà zhte‹n.

Clearly the certainty of unbelief is [about] how to seek God.

Luther quotes

“A Christian should be so disposed that he will suffer every evil and injustice without avenging himself; neither will he seek legal redress in the courts that have no need of temporal authority and law for his own sake. On behalf of others, however, he may and should seek vengeance, justice, attraction, and help, and do as much as he can to achieve it.” ML, Temporal Authority: To what Extent Should It Be Obeyed, LW, AE, 45:101

Latin proverbs

Homo locum ornat, non hominem locus. (Medieval)

The man decorates the position, not the position the man.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Valerian, 253-260 AD

- lots of military problems - Germans were over the Rhine, Goths and Burgundians were over the Danube, Persians in the east - divided the responsibilities of the empire up with his son Gallienus who was in charge in the West, Valerian took the East

- because the plague had weakened the army, when the Persians invaded in 260, Valerian tried to negotiate and was captured by Shapur

- continued the persecution of Christians - bishops and pastors killed, the rich had all their property confiscated, the poor were sent to the mines

Latin proverbs

Fortes creantur fortibus et bonis. (Horace)

Brave men are created by brave and good deeds.

Imitation of Christ

Non attrahas tibi res aliorum, nec te implices causis majorum. Habeas semper oculum super te primum, et admoneas te ipsum specialiter, præ omnibus tibi dilectis. Si non habes favorem hominum noli exinde tristari, sed hoc tibi sit grave quia non habes te satis bene et circumspecte, sicut deceret servum Dei et devotum Religiosum conversari. Utilius est sæpe et securius, quod homo non habeat multas consolationes in hac vita secudum carnem, præcipue tamen, quod divinas non habemus, aut rarius sentimus nos devotos; in culpa sumus, quia compunctionem non quærimus cordis, ac vanas et extrinsecas non abjicimus.
 

Busy not yourself with the affairs of others, nor entangle yourself with the business of great men.  Keep always your eye upon yourself first of all, and give advice to yourself specially before all your dearest friends. If you have not the favour of men, be not thereby cast down, but let your concern be that you hold not yourself so well and circumspectly, as becomes a servant of God and a devout monk. It is often better and safer for a man not to have many comforts in this life, especially those which concern the flesh. But that we lack divine comforts or feel them rarely is to our own blame, because we seek not compunction of heart, nor utterly cast away those comforts which are vain and worldly.

Imitation of Christ, I, 21:3

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not lend to a man who is stronger than you; but if you do lend anything, be as one  who has lost it."  Ecclesiasticus 8:12

Luther quotes

“Just as one can serve God in the estate of marriage or in farming or a trade, for the benefit of others – and must so serve if his neighbor needs it – so one can serve God in government, and should there serve if the needs of his neighbor demand it. For those who punish evil and protect the good are God's servants and workmen.” ML, Temporal Authority: To what Extent Should It Be Obeyed, LW, AE, 45:100

Patristics

“And further, should anyone be inclined to boast, not indeed of his works, but of the freedom of his will, as if the first merit belonged to him, this very liberty of good action being given to him as the reward he had earned, let him listen to this same preacher of grace, when he says: 'For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of His own good pleasure;....” Augustine, Enchiridion, XXXII, NPNF1, 3:248

Baier's Axioms

Si non potes invenire, quid sit Deus, tamen caveas de eo sentire, quod non est.

If you are not able to discover what God is, beware of thinking about Him what He is not.

Luther quotes

“In what concerns you and yours, you govern yourself by the gospel and suffer injustice toward yourself as a true Christian; in what concerns the person or property of others, you govern yourself according to love and tolerate no injustice toward your neighbor.” ML, Temporal Authority: To what Extent Should It Be Obeyed, LW, AE, 45:96

Latin proverbs

Juppiter in caelis, Caesar regit omnia terris. (Anon.)

Jupiter rules in heaven, Caesar rules everything on earth.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Aemilian, 253 AD

- another general proclaimed emperor, then was killed by his own troops

Latin proverbs

Numquam aliud natura, aliud sapientia dicit. (Juvenal)

Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.

Patristics

“And he is freely in bondage who does with pleasure the will of his master. Accordingly, he who is the servant of sin is free to sin. And hence he will not be free to do right, until, being freed from sin, he shall begin to be the servant of righteousness.” Augustine, Enchiridion, XXX, NPNF1, 3:247

Baier's Axioms

Fecisti nos, Domine, ad te, et inquietum est cor nostrum, donec requiescat in te.

Lord, You have made us for Yourself, and our heart is restless until it finds rest in You.

Luther quotes

“This you will never accomplish; for the world and the masses are and always will be un-Christian, even if they are all baptized and Christian in name. Christians are few and far between (as the saying is). Therefore, it is out of the question that there should be a common Christian government over the whole world, or indeed over single country or any considerable body of people, for the wicked always outnumber the good.” ML, Temporal Authority: To what Extent Should It Be Obeyed, LW, AE, 45:91

Latin proverbs

Parva leves capiunt animas. (Ovid)

Small things capture light minds.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Trebonius Gallus, 251-253 AD

- his short reign was one continuous disaster - (1) a plague, which raged for 15 years, crippled the empire and the armies (2) the Persians made gains in the East taking over a Roman province (3) the Goths came over the Danube and pillaged as far as Asia Minor (Turkey)

- continued the persecution of the Christians - killed by his own troops

Luther quotes

“Hence, no insurrection is ever right, no matter how right the cause it seeks to promote. It always results in more damage than improvement and verifies the saying, 'Things go from bad to worse.'” ML, Sincere Admonition to All Christians, LW, AE, 45:63

Imitation of Christ

Propter levitatem cordis et negligentiam defectuum nosrorum non senstimus animæ nostræ dolores, sed sæpe vane reddimus verba, quandomerito flere deberemus. Non est vera libertas, nec bona conscientia, nisi in timore Dei. Felix qui abjicere potest omne impedimentum distractionis, et ad unionem se redigere sanctæ compunctionis. Felix qui a se abdicat quidquid suam conscientiam maculare potest, vel gravare. Certa viriliter. Consuetudo consuetudine vincitur. Si tu scis homies dimittere, ipsi bene dimittent te, tua facta facere. 
 

Through lightness of heart and neglect of our shortcomings we feel not the sorrows of our soul, but often vainly laugh when we have good cause to weep. There is no true liberty nor real joy, save in the fear of God with a good conscience. Happy is he who can cast away every cause of distraction and bring himself to the one purpose of holy compulsion. Happy is he who puts away from him whatsoever may stain or burden his conscience. Strive manfully; custom is overcome by custom. If you know how to let men alone, they will gladly let you alone to do your own works.

Imitation of Christ, I, 21:2

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not reproach a man who is turning away from sin; remember that we all deserve punishment." Ecclesiasticus 8:5

Latin proverbs

Laus alit artes. (Seneca)

Praise nourishes the arts.

Patristics

“... it is clear that this arrangement by which Christ was born of the Holy Spirit, but not as His Son, and of the Virgin Mary as her son, is intended as a manifestation of the grace of God. For it was by this grace that a man, without any antecedent merit, was at the very commencement of His existence as man, so united in one person with the Word of God, that the very person who was Son of Man was at the same time Son of God, and that the very person who was Son of God was at the same time Son of man; and in the adoption of His human nature into the divine, the grace itself became in a way so natural to the man, as to leave no room for the entrance of sin.” Augustine, Enchiridion, XL, NPNF1, 3:251

Baier's Axioms

In hoc nobis est constanter perseverandum, quod Deus non velit nobiscum aliter agere, nisi per vocale verbo et sacramentis et quod, quidquid sine verbo et sacramentis jactatur ut spiritus, sit ipse diabolus.

In this it is constantly preserved among us, that God does not wish to deal with us in any other way than through the spoken word and sacraments, and that, whatever is considered spirit[ual] without word and sacraments is the devil himself.

Luther quotes

“[It is] as if a prince desired to go to war, and his cause was clearly unrighteous; we should neither follow nor help such a prince, because God had commanded us not to kill our neighbor or do him a wrong.” ML, Treatise on Good Works, LW, AE, 44:100

Latin proverbs

Stulti timent fortunam, sapientes ferunt. (Pub. Syrus)

The stupid fear fortune, the wise endure it.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Decius, 249-251 AD

- attempted to restore the pagan religion (which by that time meant primarily the worship of the dead emperors) - systematically persecuted Christians, focusing on bishops and pastors - Christians didn't have to give up their religion, but did have to participate in one pagan ceremony and get a certificate indicating that they had sacrificed to the emperors - executed Pope Fabianus, “I would far rather receive news of a rival to the throne than of another bishop in Rome.”

- huge invasion of the Goths, Decius went to fight them, died in battle, July 251 along with most of his army

Luther quotes

“For even when the government commits an injustice, as the King of Babylon did to the people of Israel, God wants the government obeyed, without treachery or deception. Second, [we sin] when men speak evil of the government and curse it, and when a man cannot avenge himself and abuses the government with grumbling and evil words, in public or in private.” ML, Treatise on Good Works, LW, AE, 44:92

Imitation of Christ

Quære aptum tempus vacandi tibi, de beneficiis Dei frequenter cogita. Relinque curiosa, tales potius perlege materias, quæ compunctionem magis præstent quam occupationem. Si te subtraxeris a superfluis locutionibus et curiosis circuitionibus nec non a novitatibus et remoribus audiendis, invenies tempus sufficiens et aptum bonis meditationibus insistendis. Maximi Sanctorum humana consortia ubi poterant vitabant et Deo in secreto vivere eligebant.
 

Seek a suitable time for your meditation, and think frequently of the mercies of God to you. Leave curious questions. Study such matters as bring you sorrow for sin rather than amusement. If you withdraw yourself from trifling conversation and idle goings about, as well as from novelties and gossip, you will find your time sufficient and apt for good meditation. The greatest saints used to avoid as far as they could the company of men, and chose to live in secret with God.

Imitation of Christ, I, 20:1

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not argue with a chatterer, nor heap wood on his fire. Do not jest with an ill-bred person, lest your ancestors be disgraced." Ecclesiasticus 8:3-4

Latin proverbs

Necessitudo ... etiam timidos fortes facit. (Sallust)

Necessity makes even the timid brave.

Patristics

“But as that created thing which the Virgin conceived and brought forth, though it was united only to the person of the Son, was made by the whole Trinity (for the works of the Trinity are not separable), why should the Holy Spirit alone be mentioned as having made it?” Augustine, Enchiridion, XXXVIII, NPNF1, 3:250

Baier's Axioms

Sit bonus interpres, nunquam mala verba nocebunt,

Sit malus interpres, nunquam bona verba juvabunt.

{If} the interpreter is good, bad words will never harm,

{If} the interpreter is bad, good words will never help.