Imitation of Christ

Memento semper finis, et quia perditum non redit tempus, sine sollicitudine, et diligentia nunquam acquires virtutes. Si incipis tepescere, incipis male habere. Si autem dederis te ad fervorem, invenies magnam pacem, et senties leviorem laborem propter Dei gratiam et virtutis amorem. Homo fervidus et diligens ad omnia est paratus. Major labor est resistere vitiis et passionibus, quam corporalibus insudare laboribus. Qui parvos non devitat defectus, paulatim labitur ad majora. Gaudebis semper de vespere, si diem expendes fructuose. Vigila semper te ipsum et quidquid de aliis sit non negligas te ipsum. Tantum proficies, quantum tibi ipsi vim intuleris. Amen.
 

Remember always your end, and how the time which is lost returns not. Without care and diligence you shall never get virtue. If you begin to grow cold, it shall begin to go ill with you, but if you give yourself unto zeal you shall find much peace, and shall find your labour the lighter because of the grace of God and the love of virtue. A zealous and diligent man is ready for all things. It is greater labour to resist sins and passions than to toil in bodily labours. He who shuns not small faults falls little by little into greater. At eventide you shall always be glad if you spend the day profitably. Watch over yourself, stir yourself up, admonish yourself, and howsoever it be with others, neglect not yourself. The more violence you do to yourself, the more you shall profit. Amen.

Imitation of Christ, I, 25:11(10?)

Ecclesiasticus

"Who will justify the man that sins against himself? And who will honor the man that dishonors his own life?" Ecclesiasticus 10:29

Murphysboro Centuries, 5th secular

Anthemius, 467-472

- emperor in the West, chosen by Leo because the Vandal raids were getting to be a nuisance - originally had Ricimer's support, but defeats by the Vandals and Visigoths led Ricimer to oppose (and behead) him

Patristics

“Let testimony to our good deeds be borne by others, as it was in the case of our righteous forefathers. Boldness, and arrogance, and audacity belong to those that are accursed of God; but moderation, humility, and meekness to such as are blessed by Him.” 1 Clement, XXX, ANF 1:13

Baier's axioms

Deus vult seipsum ut finem, creaturas ut media.

God wills himself as the end, creation as the means.

Murphysboro Centuries, 5th secular

Majorian, 457-461

- made emperor in the West by Leo - did a good job, defeated the Visigoths in southern Gaul, defeated a band of Vandals pillaging in Italy - tried to kick the Visigoths out of Spain but couldn't - real power was the German Ricimer, the Master of Soldiers

Luther quotes

“Therefore, each one of us must have the kind of body God has created for us. I cannot make myself a woman, nor can you make yourself a man; we do not have that power. But we are exactly as he created us: I a man and you a woman. Moreover, he wills to have his excellent handiwork honored as his divine creation, and not despised.” Martin Luther, Estate of Marriage, LW, AE, 45:17

Latin proverbs

Non lupus ad studium sed mentem vertit ad agnum. (Werner)

The wolf turns his attention not to study but to the lamb.
[A 'lupus' was a student 'overseer' in medieval schools. 
Curiously, 'lupus' was also Classical Latin slang for 'prostitute.']

Murphysboro Centuries, 5th secular

Leo I, the Great, 457-474

- emperor in the East, a good emperor and diplomat - one of the more important things Leo did was to start phasing out the use of German mercenaries - he began recruiting the Roman army from among the Isaurians, a bunch of tough mountaineers in Turkey

Imitation of Christ

Religiosus negligens et tepidus habet tribulationem super tribulationem et ex omni parte patitur angustiam, quia interiori consolatione caret, et exteriorem quærere prohibetur. Religiosus extra disciplinam vivens gravi patet ruinæ. Qui laxiora quærit et remissiora, semper in angustiis erit, quia unum aut reliquum displicebit sibi.
 

He who is earnest receives and bears well all things that are laid upon him. He who is careless and lukewarm has trouble upon trouble, and suffers anguish upon every side, because he is without inward consolation, and is forbidden to seek that which is outward. He who is living without discipline is exposed to grievous ruin. He who seeks easier and lighter discipline shall always be in distress, because one thing or another will give him displeasure.

Imitation of Christ, I, 25:7

Ecclesiasticus

"My son, glorify yourself with humility, and ascribe to yourself honor according to your worth." Ecclesiasticus 10:28

Murphysboro Centuries, 5th secular

Marcian, 450-457

- emperor in the East, selected by the childless Theodosius II - good emperor and a very quiet reign (everybody was heading west to pick over that part of the empire)

Patristics

“Since then all things are seen and heard [by God], let us fear Him, and forsake those wicked works which proceed from evil desires; so that, through His mercy, we may be protected from the judgments to come.” 1 Clement, XXVIII, ANF 1:12

Baier's axioms

Extra Deum nihil existere potest, quod effectum in Deo producat.

Outside of God nothing is able to exist that produces an effect in God.

Murphysboro Centuries, 5th secular

Valentinian III, 423-455

- emperor in the west, son of Constantius III - his mother was regent for his first 12 years - the real power was the general Aetius - his reign mostly known for the enemies he had

- (1) the Vandals, a Germanic tribe that wandered down to Spain, crossed over to North Africa and made themselves an independent country there - they also started raiding everywhere

- (2) the Huns were an Asiatic/Germanic tribe that had been supplying lots of mercenary soldiers to the Roman empire - by the late 430's the Huns had a huge empire in central and eastern Europe - under their new king, Attila (434-453), the Huns extorted bribes from the Eastern empire - when the bribes stopped, the Huns moved west to try and take a part of the West for themselves - defeated by Aetius in Gaul, Attila moved into Italy and thought about taking Rome, but was somehow talked out of it by Pope Leo I

- Valentinian was a devout Christian, but had little interest in governing - with his death the imperial dynasty was gone and also the stability of the empire

Luther quotes

“That Samuel was brought up by a medium or wizard [1 Samuel 28:8-14] was surely a spectre of the devil, not only because the Scriptures in that place declares that it was done by a woman who was filled with devils (…), but also because Saul and the woman when they inquired of the dead were clearly acting contrary to this divine commandment. Against this commandment the Holy Spirit cannot and may not act, nor let his saints act; nor yet help or approve those who do act against it.” Martin Luther, Misuse of the Mass, LW, AE, 36:196

Latin proverbs

Non est vir fortis ac strenuus qui laboremn fugit. (Seneca)

The man who shuns work is not brave and vigorous.

[There is not a brave and vigorous man who flees from work.]

Murphysboro Centuries, 5th secular

Constantius III, 421

- had married the sister of Honorius and had been the Master of Soldiers (commanding general) in the west - only lived seven months after he officially became emperor

Imitation of Christ

Ubique profectum tuum capies ut si bona exempla videas vel audias, de imitandis accendaris. Si quid autem reprehensibile confideraveris, cave ne idem facias, aut si aliquando fecisti, citius emendare te studeas. Sicut oculus tuus alios confiderat, sic iterum ab aliis notaris. Quam jucundum et dulce est videre fervidos et devotos Fratres bene morigeratos et disciiplinatos. Quam triste est et grave videre inordinate ambulantes, qui ea ad quæ vocati sunt non exercent. Quam nocivum est negligere vocationis suæ propositum, et ad non comissia sensum inclinare.

Gather some profit to your soul wherever you are, and wherever you see or hear good examples, stir yourself to follow them, but where you see anything which is blameworthy, take heed that you do not the same; or if at any time you have done it, strive quickly to amend yourself. As your eye observes others, so again are the eyes of others upon you. How sweet and pleasant is it to see zealous and godly brethren temperate and of good discipline; and how sad is it and grievous to see them walking disorderly, not practising the duties to which they are called. How hurtful a thing it is to neglect the purpose of their calling, and turn their inclinations to things which are none of their business.

Imitation of Christ, I, 25:5

Ecclesiasticus

"Better is a man who works and has an abundance of everything, than one who goes about boasting, but lacks bread." Ecclesiasticus 10:27

Murphysboro Centuries, 5th secular

Theodosius II, 408-450

- emperor in the east, son of Arcadius, 7 years old when he came to power - other people were the power in the empire, especially Anthemius (408-414) and from 414 on, his sister Pulcheria

- was personally kind, generous, devout, high-minded and have very good people under him

Patristics

“Let us reverence the Lord Jesus Christ, whose blood was given for us; let us esteem those who have the rule over us; let us honor the aged among us; let us train up with the young men in the fear of God; let us direct our wives to that which is good.” 1 Clement, XXI, ANF 1:11

Baier's axioms

Für Gott stehet es alles in einem Augenblick.

For God everything exists in the blink of an eye.

Murphysboro Centuries, 5th secular

Constantine II, 407-11

- a rival emperor in the West - Britain had not been protected, so they set up Constantine II as their emperor - he moved his headquarters and most, if not all, of the troops left in Britain over to Gaul - this did two things (1) it got people to thinking that Gaul was “separate” from Rome and (2) it left Britain totally unprotected from raiding German tribes

Luther quotes

“One should be glad, therefore, to have a brother who says, 'Brother, do this, for it is the call of your superior or of God (which is a call of faith) or of an equal (which is a call of love).' Nobody realizes how great and how necessary a place is occupied by the calling, by saying to someone, 'Do this.'” Martin Luther, Tabletalk, Deitrich #518, spring 1533, LW, AE, 54:95

Latin proverbs

Nemo... patriam quia magna est amat, sed quia sua. (Seneca:)

No one loves his country because it is great but because it is his.

Murphysboro Centuries, 5th secular

Honorius, 395-423

- younger son of Theodosius the Great, was only 12 when his father died - the real power in the West for years was Stilicho, a Vandal(German)-Roman - Stilicho was suspected of not trying very hard to eliminate one big German menace, Alaric, king of the Visigoths - in 408, an anti-German movement came to power, Stilicho was killed and many of the Germans who had been serving in the Roman army were either killed or forced to flee

- with Stilicho gone, no one could do anything about Alaric, who demanded more money from the emperor, and, when he didn't get it, captured Rome in 410 and plundered it - Augustine had to write the City of God as a defense against the pagan accusation that Christianity and the abandoning of the old Roman gods were the cause of the sack of Rome

- looking back, people noticed that the West Roman army lost half or more of its strength in the

various disasters under Honorius

Apology

Sorry for not posting yesterday, but I had some problems with my computer and it took most of the day to get it running again.

Imitation of Christ

Cum enim quidam anxius inter metum et spem frequenter fluctuaret, et quadam vice moerore confectus in ecclesia ante quoddam altare se in oratione prostravisset, hæc intra se resolvit dicens: O, si scirem, quod adhuc perserveratus essem; statimque audivit divinum intus responsum. Quid, si hoc scires, quid facere velles? Fac nunc quod facere velles, et bene securus eris. Moxque consolatus et confortatus divinæ se commisit voluntati, et cessavit anxia fluctuatio. Noluitque curiose se investigare, ut sciret quæ sibi essent futura, sed magis studuit inquirere quæ esset voluntas Dei beneplacens et perfecta ad omne opus inchoandum et perficiendum. 
 

A certain man being in anxiety of mind, continually tossed about between hope and fear, and being on a certain day overwhelmed with grief, cast himself down in prayer before the altar in a church, and meditated within himself, saying, "Oh! if I but knew that I should still persevere," and presently heard within him a voice from God, "And if you did know it, what would you do? Do now what you would do then, and you will be very secure." And straightway being comforted and strengthened, he committed himself to the will of God and the perturbation of spirit ceased, neither had he a mind any more to search curiously to know what should befall him hereafter, but studied rather to inquire what was the good and acceptable will of God, for the beginning and perfecting of every good work.

Imitation of Christ, I, 25:2

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not make a display of your wisdom when you do your work, nor glorify yourself at a time when you are in want." Ecclesiasticus 10:26

Murphysboro Centuries, 5th secular

Arcadius, 395-408
- oldest son of Theodosius the Great, was only 18 when came to the throne - he took the East, his younger brother Honorius took the West - the halves of the empire were later briefly rejoined, but some consider that from this time on, the division is permanent, and so some see Arcadius as the first Byzantine emperor

- was an enthusiastic Christian, but not believed to be a very forceful personality - others were the “power behind the throne” - Rufinus (apparently killed on orders of Stilicho, the regent in the West), then Eutropius (ran afoul of the empress and was executed), Gainas (a German general who was killed in an anti-German revolt), and then the empress Eudoxia

Patristics

“Let us cleave, therefore, to those who cultivate peace with godliness, and not to those who hypocritically profess to desire it.” 1 Clement, XV, ANF 1:9

Baier's Axioms

Supra et extra omnes creaturas nihil est, quam solus Deus.

Nothing is above and outside of all creation, except God alone.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th sacred

Augustine of Hippo, 354-430

- the greatest theologian of the ancient Western church - pagan father, devout Christian mother

- lived a fairly “wild” life for a while, studied to be a lawyer and government official - came to Milan as a teacher of rhetoric (speech)

- influenced greatly by Ambrose, converted in 386 by a child's voice saying “take and read” - was baptized, returned to Africa and was planning to start a monastery, but was forced to become a priest and in 395 became the bishop of Hippo

- wrote much against the Donatists, the Manichaeans (good and evil of equal power in a struggle for the world) and the Pelagians (5^th century)

- greatly influenced the Western church, and was “the spiritual ancestor, no less, of much in the Reformation”

Luther quotes

“On the other hand, masters and mistresses should not govern their servants, maids and workers high-handedly. They should not scrutinize everything, but occasionally overlook some things and wink at their faults for the sake of peace. For as long as we live on earth in imperfection it is not possible for everything to go according to the rules in any class of men.” Martin Luther, Treatise on Good Works, LW, AE, 44:98

Latin proverbs

Felix, quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum. (Binder)

Happy is he whom other people's dangers make cautious.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th sacred

Jerome, 340-420

- one of the greatest “scholars” of the ancient Western church - studied in Rome, Antioch and Constantinople - in 382-384 was in Rome working for Pope Damasus, but was so “vindictive” in his arguing that when Damasus died, Jerome had to leave Rome and he eventually settled in Bethlehem, where he founded a monastery

- Pope Damasus suggested that Jerome revise the Latin version of the Bible that the Roman church was using at the time - instead, going back to the original Greek and Hebrew, Jerome came up with a “new” translation, the Vulgate, which was used by the Roman church until the 1960's

Imitation of Christ

Si usque in hodiernum diem semper in honoribus et voluptatibus vixisses, quid totum tibi profuisset, si jam in instanti mori contingeret? Omnia ergo vanitas, præter amare Deum, et illi foli servire. Qui enim Deum ex toto corde amat, nec mortem, nec supplicium, nec judcium, nec infernum metuit, quia perfectus amor securum ad Deum accessum facit. Quem adhuc peccare delectat, non mirum, si mortem, judicium timeat. Bonum tamen est ut, si necdum amor a malo te revocat, saltem timor gehenæ te coerceat. Qui vero timorem Dei postponit, diu stare in bono non valebit, sed diaboli laqueos citius incurret. 

 

If even unto this day you had ever lived in honors and pleasures, what would the whole profit you if now death came to you in an instant? All therefore is vanity, save to love God and to serve Him only. For he who loves God with all his heart fears not death, nor punishment, nor judgment, nor hell, because perfect love gives sure access to God. But he who still delights in sin, no marvel if he is afraid of death and judgment. Nevertheless it is a good thing, if love as yet cannot restrain you from evil, that at  least the fear of hell should hold you back. But he who puts aside the fear of God cannot long continue in good, but will quickly fall into the snares of the devil.

Imitation of Christ, I, 24:7

Ecclesiasticus

"Free men will be at the service of a  wise servant, and a man of understanding will not grumble."  Ecclesiasticus 10:25

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th sacred

John Chrysostom, 345-407

- born well-to-do, father died early and was raised by his mother - considered to be the best preacher of the Eastern church

- in 398 was “kidnapped” to become the bishop of Constantinople - offended many there with a strict lifestyle - was also tactless and insulting - tried to extend the influence of Constantinople (the new capital) over the rest of the East (which Alexandria and others objected to)

- insulted the empress on a number of occasions (supposedly because of her “extravagance”) - ordered to be tried and deposed by the emperor on charges of treason, was exiled and died in exile

Patristics

“They that are carnal cannot do those things which are spiritual, nor they that are spiritual the things which are carnal; even as faith cannot do the works of unbelief, nor unbelief the works of faith.” Ignatius, Ephesians, VIII, ANF 1:52-53

Baier's Axioms

Nichts ist so klein, Gott ist noch kleiner; nichts ist so gross, Gott ist noch grösser.

Nothing is so small, [that] God is yet smaller; nothing is so large, [that] God is yet larger.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th sacred

Ambrose of Milan, 340-397

- son of an important government official, was raised and educated to be a civil servant - in the early 370's was appointed the governor of most of northern Italy, with his headquarters at Milan

- when the bishop of Milan died in 374, there was a bitter fight about who would replace him - Ambrose went to the church to quiet the “riot” and a child's voice was heard crying “Bishop Ambrose” - he was immediately elected bishop of Milan, even though he wasn't baptized yet

- was a very practical man and good administrator - was one of the great writers of the Western church (considered one of the Western “doctors” of the church)

- became renowned as a scholar and preacher - supported the Nicene faith and resisted both the Arians and pagans in Italy - was famous for rebuking Theodosius for his slaughter in Thessalonica (and amazed people that he got away with it) - did a lot to develop hymn singing (for example, “Savior of the Nations Come”)

Luther quotes

“A young man should marry at the age of twenty at the latest, a young woman that fifteen to eighteen; that's when they are still in good health and best suited for marriage. Let's God worry about how they and their children are to be fed. God makes children; he will surely also feed them.” Martin Luther, Estate of Marriage, LW, AE, 45:48

Latin proverbs

Navis, quae in flumine magna est, in mari parvula est. (Seneca)

The ship that is big in the river is pretty small in the ocean.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th sacred

Martin of Tours, 344(?)-397

- born in Hungary of pagan parents - educated in Italy, forced to serve in the army (unwillingly) under Constantius and Julian

- baptized at 18, converted his mother and founded a monastery (the first) in France - c. 370 was elected (unwillingly) to be bishop of Tours

- renowned as a saint and miracle-worker - early on had cut his military cloak (capella) in half to give to a beggar and from that came the name for military “chaplaincy”

Imitation of Christ

Tunc videbitur sapiens in hoc mundo fuisse, qui pro Christo didicit stultus esse et despectus. Tunc placebit omnis tribulatio patienter perpessa et omnis iniquitas oppilabit os suum. Tunc gaudebit omnis devotus et merebit omnis religiosus. Tunc plus exultabit caro afflicta, quam si semper in deliciis fuisset nutrita. Tunc splendebit habitus vilis, et obtenebrescet vestis subtilis. Tunc plus laudabitur pauperculum domicilium, quam deauratum palatium. Tunc plus juvabit constans pacientia, quam omnis mundi potentia. Tunc amplius exaltabitur simplex obedientia, quam omnis sæcularis astutia. 

 

Then shall it be seen that he was the wise man in this world who learned to be a fool and despised for Christ. Then shall all tribulation patiently borne delight us, while the mouth of the ungodly shall be stopped. Then shall every godly man rejoice, and every profane man shall mourn. Then the afflicted flesh shall more rejoice than if it had been alway nourished in delights. Then the humble garment shall put on beauty, and the precious robe shall hide itself as vile. Then the little poor cottage shall be more commended than the gilded palace. Then enduring patience shall have more might than all the power of the world. Then simple obedience shall be more highly exalted than all worldly wisdom.

Imitation of Christ, I, 24:5

Ecclesiasticus

"It is not right to despise an intelligent poor man, nor is it proper to honor a sinful man." Ecclesiasticus 10:23

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th sacred

Ulfilas, 310(?)-383

- born to Gothic Christian parents - in 341 came to Constantinople, and was ordained bishop of the Goths by the Arian bishop there - spent his life trying to convert the rest of the Goths to Christianity

- majority of Goths had left paganism behind by the time he died - translated at least the New Testament into Gothic

Patristics

“The tree is made manifest by its fruit; so those that profess themselves to be Christians shall be recognized by their conduct. For there is not now a demand for mere profession, but that a man be found continuing in the power of faith to the end.” Ignatius, Ephesians, XIV, ANF 1:55

Baier's Axioms

Dic, ubi tunc esset, cum praeter eum nihil esset:

Tunc, ubi nunc, in se, quoniam sibi sufficit ipse.

Say, then where He might be, when beside Him nothing may exist:

Then, where [He is] now, in Himself, since He is sufficient in Himself.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th sacred

Gregory of Nazianzus, 329(?)-389(?)

- the last of the Cappadocians and a friend to the other two - was a better preacher than the others and a good writer - served in a number of different places, including being the bishop of Constantinople for a while (but was not enough of a politician to stay there long)

Luther quotes

“Finally, we have before us one big, strong objection to answer. Yes, they say, it would be a fine thing to be married, but how will I support myself? …. What shall I say to this objection? It shows a lack of faith and out of God's goodness and truth. …. They trust in God as long as they know they do not need him, and that they are well supplied.” Martin Luther, Estate of Marriage, LW, AE, 45:47

Latin proverbs

Qui pro innocente dicit, satis est eloquens. (Pub. Syrus)

He who speaks for the innocent is eloquent enough.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th sacred

Gregory of Nyssa, 335-394

- Basil's younger brother, regarded as a better preacher and theologian, but not as good an administrator - is renowned as the most profound of the three Cappadocians - was bishop of the little town of Nyssa from 371-394

Imitation of Christ

Habet magnum et salubre purgatorium homo patiens, qui suscipiens injurias, plus dolet de alterius malitia, quam de sua injuria, qui pro contrariantibus sibi libenter orat, et ex corde culpas indulget; qui veniam ab aliis petere non retardat, qui facilius miseretur quam irascitur, qui sibi ipsi violentiam frequenter facit, et carnem suam omnino spiritui subjugare conatur. Melius est modo purgare peccata, et vitia resecare, quam in futuro purganda reservare. Vere nos ipsos decipimus per inordinatum amorem, quem ad carnem habemus. 

   

The patient man has  a great opportunity of purifying his soul. When suffering injuries he grieves more for the other's malice than for his own wrong; when he prays heartily for those who work against  him, and forgives them from his heart; when he is not slow to ask pardon from others; when he is swifter to pity than to anger; when he frequently denies himself and strives altogether to subdue the flesh to the spirit. Better is it now to purify the soul from sin, than to cling to sins from which we must be purged hereafter. Truly we deceive ourselves by the inordinate love which we bear towards the flesh.

The Imitation of Christ, I, 24:2

Ecclesiasticus

"Pride was not created for men, nor fierce anger for those born of women." Ecclesiasticus 10:18

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th sacred

Basil of Caesarea (Basil the Great), 330-379

- one of the “Cappadocians” who became leading theologians along with Athanasius - born in Cappadocia (western Turkey), he became a proponent of monasticism (for people “serious” about Christianity) and Nicea

- in 370 he became the bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia and so was able to strengthen the Nicene cause significantly

Patristics

“And let those who are not found living as He taught, be understood to be no Christian, even though they profess with the lips the precepts of Christ; for not those who make profession, but those who do the works, shall be saved, ….” Justin Martyr, First Apology, XVI, ANF 1:168

Baier's Axioms

Enter, praesenter Deus hic et ubique potenter.

In essence, God is presently powerful here and everywhere.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th sacred

Athanasius of Alexandria, 295-373
- considered one of the great teachers or “doctors” of the church - at the synod of Nicea, he wasthe chief spokesman for the church of Alexandria, and for the view that Christ is 'homoousios,' that is, “of one substance” with the Father (whatever it was that made God god, the Son is “made” of the same stuff)
- becoming bishop of Alexandria, Athanasius was soon seen as the chief opponent of the Arians and since the Arians were influencing the emperor, Athanasius was exiled under Constantine (335-337 [Athanasius was accused of murdering a man and cutting off the man's hand to use in magic - Athanasius was able to produce the man, alive and unharmed, but he was exiled anyway]), Constantius (339-347 and 356-362), Julian (362-363), and Valens (365)
- when he died, Athanasius was greatly respected for having stood firmly for the faith regardless of all the pressure the emperor could bring to bear

Luther quotes

“Know therefore that marriage is an outward, bodily thing, like any other worldly undertaking. Just as I may eat, drink, sleep, walk, ride with, buy from, speak to, and deal with a heathen Jew, Turk, or heretic, so I may also marry and continue in wedlock with him.” Martin Luther, Estate of Marriage, LW, AE, 45:25

Latin proverbs

Semper inops quicumque cupit. (Claudian)

Whoever desires is always poor.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular

Magnus Maximus, 383-388

- took the throne because soldiers in Britain didn't like Gratian - was temporarily accepted as an emperor by Valentinian II and Theodosius - Theodosius eventually moved against him and he was defeated and executed

- was a devout Christian and began the practice of executing people for heresy and witchcraft (even though Martin of Tours and Ambrose of Milan protested, and Pope Siricus excommunicated those who had made accusations)

Imitation of Christ

In omnibus rebus respice finem, et qualiter ante districtum judicem stabis, cui nihil est occultum, qui muneribus non placatur, nec escusationes recipit, sed quod justum est, judicabit. O miserrime et insipiens, quid respondebis Deo, omniamala tua scienti, qui interdum times vultum hominis irati? Ut quid non prævides tibi in judicii die? Quando nemo poterit per alium excusari vel defendi, sed unusquisque sufficiens onus suum portabit sisi ipsi. Nunc labor tuus est fructuosus, fletus acceptabilies, gemitus exaudibilis, dolor satisfactorius et purgativus.

In all that you do, remember the end, and how you will stand before a strict judge, from whom nothing is hid, who is not bribed with gifts, nor accepts excuses, but will judge righteous judgment. O most miserable and foolish sinner, who are sometimes in fear of the countenance of an angry man, what will you answer to God, who knows all your misdeeds? Why do you not provide for yourself against the  day of judgment, when no man shall be able to be excused or defended by means of another, but each one shall bear his burden himself alone? Now does your labour bring forth fruit, now is your weeping acceptable, your groaning heard, your sorrow well pleasing to God, and cleansing to your soul.

Imitation of Christ, I, 24:1

Ecclesiasticus

"The beginning of man's pride is to depart from the Lord; his heart has forsaken his Maker. For the beginning of pride is sin, and the man who clings to it pours out abominations."  Ecclesiasticus 10:12-13

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular

Theodosius I, the Great, 379-395

- appointed emperor in the east after Adrianopole - tried to expel the Goths, but couldn't, so they were accepted as “federates,” allied nations living within the borders of the empire, living under their own laws and rulers

- in order to rebuild the army, it took money - Theodosius proclaimed in one law that “No man shall possess any property that is exempt from taxation.” - tenants could not leave their land; if they did they were “stealing” their own person from their landlord

- when Gratian was killed by Magnus Maximus, Theodosius gathered troops, and defeated him, and also defeated Arbogast, Valentinian II's killer - Theodosius only lived 5 more months

- was a devout Christian, perhaps too much so, for he felt it was his duty to persecute the pagans as they had earlier persecuted Christians - paganism was forbidden under threat of heavy penalties

- at Thessalonica in 390, a mob lynched a government official - Theodosius ordered that the army was to massacre several thousand citizens as a punishment - though Theodosius had countermanded the order (and so fewer people had died), Bishop Ambrose refused to give communion to the emperor until he had publicly done penance for the massacre (this, i.e., someone telling the emperor what he had to do, was literally unheard of)

Patristics

“For the coming into being at first was not in our own power; and in order that we may follow those things which please Him, choosing them by means of the rational faculties He has Himself endorsed us with, He both persuades us and leads to faith.” Justin Martyr, First Apology, X, ANF 1:165

Baier's Axioms

Unum nomen, una deitas.

One name, one deity.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular

Valentinian II, 375-392

- made co-emperor at his father's death, for years was under the influence and orders of others - after the defeat of Magnus Maximus, the real power in the West was the German Master of Soldiers, Arbogast - Valentinian tried to dismiss him and claim the power for his own, Arbogast refused to read the letter that fired him, and Valentinian was soon after found dead in his palace (it was believed that Arbogast had him killed)

Luther quotes

“What else is it but to sacrifice one's own child to an idol and burn it when parents train their children more in the love of the world then in love of God, and let their children go their own way and get burned up in worldly pleasure, love, enjoyment, lust, good, and honor, but let God's love and honor and love of eternal blessings be extinguished in them.” Martin Luther, Treatise on Good Works, LW, AE, 44:83

Latin proverbs

Cito fit, quod di volunt. (Petronius)

What the gods want happens quickly.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular

Gratian, 367-383

- son of Valentinian I, became co-Augustus at age 8, along with his 4 year old brother Valentinian II - most of his reign was political infighting to see who would control him -

appointed Theodosius to rule the East when Valens died

- was a pious Christian, greatly influenced by Ambrose of Milan - first emperor to refuse

the role of pontifex maximus (pagan 'high priest') - withdrew public funds from the support of paganism, and removed the pagan altar of Victory from the Senate house

- when Magnus Maximus revolted, his troops deserted him, jealous because of special

privileges given to German mercenaries, and he was later assassinated

Imitation of Christ

Serva te tanquam peregrinum et hospitem super terram, ad quem nihil spectat de mundi negociis. Serva cor liberum, et ad Deum sursum erectum, quia non habes hic manentem civitatem. Illuc gemitus et preces quotidianas cum lacrymis dirige, ut spiritus tuus mereatur post mortem ad Dominum feliciter transire. 

Keep yourself as a stranger and a pilgrim upon the earth, to whom the things of the world don't apply. Keep your heart free, and lifted up towards God, for here we have no continuing city. To Him direct your daily prayers with crying and tears, that your spirit may be found worthy to pass happily after death unto its Lord.

Imitation of Christ, I, 23:9

Ecclesiasticus

"Arrogance is hateful before the Lord and before men, and injustice is outrageous to both." Ecclesiasticus 10:7

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular

Valens, 364-378

- his brother made him emperor in the east, fought against the Goths and Persians

- in 376, Goths began moving - up till then, there had been two Gothic kingdoms, the Ostrogoths ('bright'/east Goths) centered in the Ukraine, and the Visigoths ('wise'/west

Goths) centered in Romania, but about that time the Huns came out of the east and

destroyed both kingdoms - 200,000+ Goths sought refuge in the empire

- when they were mistreated by corrupt officials, Goths began plundering the are (and killing Romans) - Valens hurried to fight them, fought a battle at Adrianopole, but the entire Roman army (and Valens) were destroyed

- had been a determined Arian, persecuting the Nicene faith

Patristics

“But we have received by tradition that God does not need the material offerings which man can give, seeing, indeed, that He Himself is the provider of all things. And we have been taught, and are convinced, and do believe, that He accepts those only who imitate the excellencies which reside in Him, temperance, and justice, and philanthropy, and as many virtues as are peculiar to a God who is called by no proper name.” Justin Martyr, First Apology, X, ANF 1:165

Baier's Axioms

Deus, si unus non est, non est. – `H poluqeÒthj ™stˆn ¢qeÒthj.

God, if He is not one, is not. – Polytheism is atheism.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular

Valentinian I, 364-375

- had been banished by Julian because he was a Christian - took over the west and made his brother Valens the emperor in the east (the empire remained divided from this time on) - took the west because of the dangers there - fought against the Alamanni on the Rhine, tried to get the Picts (Scotland) out of Britain

- in 375, a representative of a German tribe was so insolent to the emperor that, enraged, he burst a blood vessel and died

- strengthened the army and increased the status of soldiers - taxes were raised higher than ever, but appointed “Defenders of the People” to make sure the poor weren't oppressed

- in 367 raised his oldest son Gratian to be co-emperor - was Christian but fostered toleration for all religions

Luther quotes

“There is still another kind of dishonoring parents, much more dangerous and subtle than this first, a [dishonoring] which decks itself out and lets itself be regarded as a true honoring of parents. That is when a child has its own way and the parents allow it to do so out of natural love. In this case they honor one another and love one another. On all sides it is a precious thing; the mother and father are pleased and the child is pleased.

This plague is so common.....” ML, Treatise on Good Works, LW, AE, 44:82

Latin proverbs

Nobilitate caret si quis virtute caret. (Werner, adapt.)

If anyone lacks virtue, he lacks nobility.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular

Jovian, 363-364

- brought the army back from Mesopotamia after Julian died - repudiated Julian's paganism and restored the church to its favored position - was found dead in his bedroom (surprisingly, there were no rumors of foul play)

Imitation of Christ

Ha stulte, quid cogitas te diu victurum, cum nullum diem habeas securum? Quam multi decepti sunt et insperati de corpore extracti! Quoties audisti a dicentibus, quia ille gladio cecidit, ille submersus est, ille ab alto ruens cervicem fregit, ille manducando obriguit, ille ludendo finem fecit, alius igne, alius ferro, alius peste, alius latrocinio interiit: et sic omnium finis mors est, et vita hominum tanquam umbra cito pertransit. 
 

Ah, foolish one! Why think that you will live long, when you are not sure of a single day? How many have been deceived, and suddenly have been snatched away from the body! How many times have you heard how one was slain by the sword, another was drowned, another falling from on high broke his neck, another died at the table, another whilst at play! One died by fire, another by the sword, another by the pestilence, another by the robber. Thus death comes to all, and the life of men swiftly passes away like a shadow.

Imitation of Christ, I, 23:7

Ecclesiasticus

"The government of the earth is in the hands of the Lord, and over it he will raise up the right man for the time." Ecclesiasticus 10:4

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular

Julian, the Apostate, 361-363

- his tutor gave him a love for the classics, the murder of his family made him unhappy with Christianity - was made Caesar in 355, defeated the Franks and Alamanni in Gaul, wasvery popular, a good administrator

- openly declared himself to be a pagan - deprived the church of its privileges, and Christians were excluded from teaching (which was based on the pagan Greek classics) - he encouraged disunity in the church

- attempted to reorganize paganism along the lines of Christianity, but was resisted by the  pagans - attempted to rebuild the Temple but “miraculously” was stopped - wounded in a skirmish against the Persians and never recovered

Patristics

“We must beware, however, lest anyone should suppose that gross sins, such as are committed by those who shall not inherit the kingdom of God, maybe daily perpetuated, and daily atoned for by almsgiving. So life must be changed for the better; and almsgiving must be used to propitiate God for past sins, not to purchase impunity for the commission of such sins in the future. For He has given no man license to sin,....” Augustine ,Enchiridion, LXX, NPNF1, 3:260

Baier's Axioms

Quaecunque de Deo dicimus, oÙ t¾n fÚsin, ¢ll¦ t¦ perˆ t¾n fÚsin insinuant.

Whatever we say about God, makes known, not His nature, but the things concerning His nature.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular

Constantius II, 337-361

- was rumored that he was behind the murder of his relatives - after fighting against Magnentius, made another cousin, Julian, the Caesar in the west

- did support Arians, made the church a part of government - was believed to be jealous of Julian, who declared himself Augustus - on the way to fight Julian, Constantius caught a fever and died

Luther quotes

“By the same token, hell is no more easily earned than with respect to one's children. You could do no more disastrous work then to spoil the children, let them curse and swear, let them learn profane words and vulgar songs and just let them do as they please. …. There is no greater tragedy in Christendom than spoiling children. If we want to help Christendom, we most certainly have to start with children, as happened in earlier times.” Martin Luther,  A Sermon on the Estate of Marriage, LW, AE, 44:12-13

Latin proverbs

Ut ver dat florem, studium sic reddit honorem. (Med.)

As spring brings flowers, so study brings honors.

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular

Magnentius, 350-353

- claimed to be restoring liberty to the western part of the empire - eventually fought against Constantius II at Mursa and was defeated (the first battle in which legions were routed by heavy cavalry) - 54,000 men were reported to have died on that day, crippling the army for a long while

Imitation of Christ

Noli confidere super amicos et proximos, nec in futuris salutem tuam differas, quia citius obliviscentur tui homines, quam existimas. Melius est nunc tempestive providere et aliquid boni præmittere, quam super aliorum auxilio sperare. Si non es pro te ipso sollicitus modo, quis erit sollicitus pro te in futuro. Nunc tempus est valde prætiosum, sed proh dolor, quod hoc inutilius expendis, in quo promereri vales, unde æternaliter vivas. Veniet quando unam diem seu horam pro emendatione desiderabis, et nescio, an impetrabis. 

Trust not your friends and kinsfolk, nor put off the work of your salvation to the future, for men will forget you sooner than you think. It is better for you now to provide in time, and to send some good before you, than to trust to the help of others. If you are not anxious for yourself now, who do you think will be anxious for you later? Now the time is most precious. Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation. But, alas, that you do not spend well this time, wherein you might lay up treasure which could profit you everlastingly. The hour will come when you will desire one day, yea, one hour, for amendment of life, and I know not whether you will obtain it.

Imitation of Christ, I, 23:5

Ecclesiasticus

"A wise magistrate will educate his people, and the rule of an understanding man will be well ordered." Ecclesiasticus 10:1

Murphysboro Centuries, 4th secular

Constans, 337-350

- the big difference between Constans and Constantius was that Constans was a Nicene, Constantius an Arian - endowed the churchs and monasteries liberally, gave favors to the clergy

- took action against the Donatists, defeated the Franks and the tribes on the Danube - visited Britain (343), the last emperor to do so - wasn't popular witih the troops, so a former slave of Constantine, Magnentius, led a rebellion and Constans was killed