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St. Ambrose
Works And Letters Of St Ambrose

Works And Letters Of St Ambrose

By St. Ambrose

Title Page
Translator's Preface.
I.--Literature.
II. Notes on Secular and Church History During the Latter Part of the Fourth Century.
III. Historical Summary and Chronological Tables.
IV. On the Doctrine of St. Ambrose.
V. Life of St. Ambrose.
VI. Writings of St. Ambrose.
Introduction.
Chapter I. A Bishop's special office is to teach; St.
Chapter II. Manifold dangers are incurred by speaking; the remedy for which Scripture shows to consist in
Chapter III. Silence should not remain unbroken, nor should it arise from idleness.
Chapter IV. The same care must be taken that our speech proceed not from evil passions
Chapter V. We must guard also against a visible enemy when he incites us by silence
Chapter VI. In this matter we must imitate David's silence and humility
Chapter VII. How admirably Ps.
Chapter VIII. The word |Duty| has been often used both by philosophers and in the holy Scriptures
Chapter IX. A duty is to be chosen from what is virtuous
Chapter X. What is seemly is often found in the sacred writings long before it appears in
Chapter XI. It is proved by the witness of Scripture that all duty is either |ordinary| or
Chapter XII. To prevent any one from being checked in the exercise of mercy
Chapter XIII. The ideas of those philosophers are refuted who deny to God the care of the
Chapter XIV. Nothing escapes God's knowledge.
Chapter XV. Those who are dissatisfied with the fact that the good receive evil
Chapter XVI. To confirm what has been said above about rewards and punishments
Chapter XVII. The duties of youth, and examples suitable to that age
Chapter XVIII. On the different functions of modesty.
Chapter XIX. How should seemliness be represented by a speaker? Does beauty add anything to virtue
Chapter XX. If we are to preserve our modesty we must avoid fellowship with profligate men
Chapter XXI. We must guard against anger, before it arises; if it has already arisen we must
Chapter XXII. On reflection and passion, and on observing propriety of speech
Chapter XXIII. Jests, although at times they may be quite proper
Chapter XXIV. There are three things to be noticed in the actions of our life.
Chapter XXV. A reason is given why this book did not open with a discussion of the
Chapter XXVI. In investigating the truth the philosophers have broken through their own rules.
Chapter XXVII. The first source of duty is prudence, from whence spring three other virtues
Chapter XXVIII. A community rests upon justice and good-will.
Chapter XXIX. Justice should be observed even in war and with enemies.
Chapter XXX. On kindness and its several parts, namely, good-will and liberality.
Chapter XXXI. A kindness received should be returned with a freer hand.
Chapter XXXII. After saying what return must be made for the service of the above-mentioned feast
Chapter XXXIII. Good-will exists especially in the Church, and nourishes kindred virtues.
Chapter XXXIV. Some other advantages of goodwill are here enumerated.
Chapter XXXV. On fortitude.
Chapter XXXVI. One of the duties of fortitude is to keep the weak from receiving injury
Chapter XXXVII. An even mind should be preserved in adversity as well as in prosperity.
Chapter XXXVIII. We must strengthen the mind against troubles to come
Chapter XXXIX. One must show fortitude in fighting against all vices
Chapter XL. Courage in war was not wanting in our forefathers
Chapter XLI. After praising Judas' and Jonathan's loftiness of mind, the constancy of the martyrs in their
Chapter XLII. The powers that be are not needlessly to be irritated.
Chapter XLIII. On temperance and its chief parts, especially tranquillity of mind and moderation
Chapter XLIV. Every one ought to apply himself to the duties suited to his character.
Chapter XLV. On what is noble and virtuous, and what the difference between them is
Chapter XLVI. A twofold division of what is seemly is given.
Chapter XLVII. What is seemly should always shine forth in our life.
Chapter XLVIII. The argument for restraining anger is given again.
Chapter XLIX. We must reserve the likeness of the virtues in ourselves.
Chapter L. The Levites ought to be utterly free from all earthly desires.
Chapter I. Happiness in life is to be gained by living virtuously
Chapter II. The different ideas of philosophers on the subject of happiness.
Chapter III. The definition of blessedness as drawn from the Scriptures is considered and proved.
Chapter IV. The same argument, namely, that blessedness is not lessened or added to by external matters
Chapter V. Those things which are generally looked on as good are mostly hindrances to a blessed
Chapter VI. On what is useful: not that which is advantageous
Chapter VII. What is useful is the same as what is virtuous
Chapter VIII. Nothing has greater effect in gaining good-will than giving advice
Chapter IX. Though justice and prudence are inseparable, we must have respect to the ideas of people
Chapter X. Men entrust their safety rather to a just than to a prudent man.
Chapter XI. A third element which tends to gain any one's confidence is shown to have been
Chapter XII. No one asks counsel from a man tainted with vice
Chapter XIII. The beauty of wisdom is made plain by the divine testimony.
Chapter XIV. Prudence is combined with all the virtues, especially with contempt of riches.
Chapter XV. Of liberality.
Chapter XVI. Due measure must be observed in liberality, that it may not be expended on worthless
Chapter XVII. What virtues ought to exist in him whom we consult.
Chapter XVIII. We learn from the fact of the separation of the ten tribes from King Rehoboam
Chapter XIX. Many are won by justice and benevolence and courtesy
Chapter XX. Familiarity with good men is very advantageous to all
Chapter XXI. To defend the weak, or to help strangers, or to perform similar duties
Chapter XXII. We must observe a right standard between too great mildness and excessive harshness.
Chapter XXIII. The good faith of those who are easily bought over with money or flattery is
Chapter XXIV. We must strive for preferment only by right means.
Chapter XXV. Benefits should be conferred on the poor rather than on the rich
Chapter XXVI. How long standing an evil love of money is
Chapter XXVII. In contempt of money there is the pattern of justice
Chapter XXVIII. Mercy must be freely shown even though it brings an odium of its own.
Chapter XXIX. The property of widows or of all the faithful
Chapter XXX. The ending of the book brings an exhortation to avoid ill-will
Chapter I. We are taught by David and Solomon how to take counsel with our own heart.
Chapter II. The discussions among philosophers about the comparison between what is virtuous and what is useful
Chapter III. The rule given about not seeking one's own gain is established
Chapter IV. As it has been shown that he who injures another for the sake of his
Chapter V. The upright does nothing that is contrary to duty
Chapter VI. We ought not to allow the idea of profit to get hold of us.
Chapter VII. Strangers must never be expelled the city in a time of famine.
Chapter VIII. That those who put what is virtuous before what is useful are acceptable to God
Chapter IX. Cheating and dishonest ways of making money are utterly unfit for clerics whose duty is
Chapter X. We are warned not only in civil law, but also in the holy Scriptures
Chapter XI. Having adduced examples of certain frauds found in a few passages of the rhetoricians
Chapter XII. We may make no promise that is wrong, and if we have made an unjust
Chapter XIII. Judith, after enduring many dangers for virtue's sake, gained very many and great benefits.
Chapter XIV. How virtuous and useful was that which Elisha did.
Chapter XV. After mentioning a noble action of the Romans, the writer shows from the deeds of
Chapter XVI. After saying a few words about Tobit he demonstrates that Raguel surpassed the philosophers in
Chapter XVII. With what virtuous feelings the fathers of old hid the sacred fires when on the
Chapter XVIII. In the narration of that event already mentioned, and especially of the sacrifice offered by
Chapter XIX. The crime committed by the inhabitants of Gibeah against the wife of a certain Levite
Chapter XX. After the terrible siege of Samaria was ended in accordance with Elisha's prophecy
Chapter XXI. Esther in danger of her life followed the grace of virtue
Chapter XXII. Virtue must never be given up for the sake of a friend.
Introduction to the Three Books of St. Ambrose on the Holy Spirit.
The choice of Gideon was a figure of our Lord's Incarnation, the
Chapter I. St. Ambrose commences his argument by complimenting the Emperor
Chapter II. The words, |All things were made by Him,| are not a proof that the Holy
Chapter III. The statement of the Apostle, that all things are of the Father by the Son
Chapter IV. The Holy Spirit is one and the same Who spake in the prophets and apostles
Chapter V. The Holy Spirit, since He sanctifies creatures, is neither a creature nor subject to change.
Chapter VI. Although we are baptized with water and the Spirit
Chapter VII. The Holy Spirit is not a creature, seeing that He is infinite
Chapter VIII. The Holy Spirit is given by God alone, yet not wholly to each person
Chapter IX. The Holy Spirit is rightly called the ointment of Christ
Chapter X. That the Spirit forgives sin is common to Him with the Father and the Son
Chapter XI. The Spirit is sent to all, and passes not from place to place
Chapter XII. The peace and grace of the Father, the Son
Chapter XIII. St. Ambrose shows from the Scriptures that the Name of the Three Divine Persons is
Chapter XIV. Each Person of the Trinity is said in the sacred writings to be Light.
Chapter XV. The Holy Spirit is Life equally with the Father and the Son
Chapter XVI. The Holy Spirit is that large river by which the mystical Jerusalem is watered.
Introduction.
Chapter I. The Spirit is the Lord and Power; and in this is not inferior to the
Chapter II. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are One in counsel.
Chapter III. As to know the Father and the Son is life
Chapter IV. The Holy Spirit gives life, not in a different way from the Father and the
Chapter V. The Holy Spirit, as well as the Father and the Son
Chapter VI. To those who object that according to the words of Amos the Spirit is created
Chapter VII. The Holy Spirit is no less the author of spiritual creation or regeneration than the
Chapter VIII. St. Ambrose examines and refutes the heretical argument that because God is said to be
Chapter IX. A passage of St.
Chapter X. Being about to prove that the will, the calling
Chapter XI. We shall follow the example of Abdemelech, if we believe that the Son and Holy
Chapter XII. After proof that the Spirit is the Giver of revelation equally with the Father and
Chapter XIII. Prophecy was not only from the Father and the Son but also from the Spirit
Chapter I. Not only were the prophets and apostles sent by the Spirit
Chapter II. The Son and the Spirit are alike given; whence not subjection but one Godhead is
Chapter III. The same Unity may also be recognized from the fact that the Spirit is called
Chapter IV. To those who contend that the Spirit because He is called the Finger is less
Chapter V. The writer sums up the argument he had commenced
Chapter VI. The Spirit rebukes just as do the Father and the Son
Chapter VII. The Son Himself does not judge or punish without the Spirit
Chapter VIII. The aforesaid unity is proved hereby, that as the Father is said to be grieved
Chapter IX. That the Holy Spirit is provoked is proved by the words of St.
Chapter X. The Divinity of the Holy Spirit is supported by a passage of St.
Chapter XI. The objection has been made, that the words of St.
Chapter XII. From the fact that St.
Chapter XIII. To those who object that Catholics, when they ascribe Godhead to the Holy Spirit
Chapter XIV. Besides the evidence adduced above, other passages can be brought to prove the sovereignty of
Chapter XV. Though the Spirit be called Lord, three Lords are not thereby implied
Chapter XVI. The Father is holy, and likewise the Son and the Spirit
Chapter XVII. St. Ambrose shows by instances that the places in which those words were spoken help
Chapter XVIII. As he purposes to establish the Godhead of the Holy Spirit by the points already
Chapter XIX. Having proved above that the Spirit abides and speaks in the prophets
Chapter XX. The river flowing from the Throne of God is a figure of the Holy Spirit
Chapter XXI. Isaiah was sent by the Spirit, and accordingly the same Spirit was seen by him.
Chapter XXII. In proof of the Unity in Trinity the passage of Isaiah which has been cited
Introduction.
Book I.
Book II.
Preface.
Prefatory Note.
Prologue.
Chapter I. The author distinguishes the faith from the errors of Pagans
Chapter II. The Emperor is exhorted to display zeal in the Faith.
Chapter III. By evidence gathered from Scripture the unity of Father and Son is proved
Chapter IV. The Unity of God is necessarily implied in the order of Nature
Chapter V. The various blasphemies uttered by the Arians against Christ are cited.
Chapter VI. By way of leading up to his proof that Christ is not different from the
Chapter VII. The likeness of Christ to the Father is asserted on the authority of St.
Chapter VIII. The likeness of the Son to the Father being proved
Chapter IX. St. Ambrose questions the heretics and exhibits their answer
Chapter X. Christ's eternity being proved from the Apostle's teaching, St.
Chapter XI. It cannot be proved from Scripture that the Father existed before the Son
Chapter XII. Further objections to the Godhead of the Son are met by the same answer --
Chapter XIII. Discussion of the Divine Generation is continued.
Chapter XIV. That the Son of God is not a created being is proved by the following
Chapter XV. An explanation of Acts ii.
Chapter XVI. The Arians blaspheme Christ, if by the words |created| and |begotten| they mean and understand
Chapter XVII. That Christ is very God is proved from the fact that He is God's own
Chapter XVIII. The errors of the Arians are mentioned in the Nicene Definition of the Faith
Chapter XIX. Arius is charged with the first of the above-mentioned errors
Chapter XX. St. Ambrose declares his desire that some angel would fly to him to purify him
Introduction.
Chapter I. |There is none good but one, that is, God
Chapter II. The goodness of the Son of God is proved from His works
Chapter III. Forasmuch as God is One, the Son of God is God
Chapter IV. The omnipotence of the Son of God, demonstrated on the authority of the Old and
Chapter V. Certain passages from Scripture, urged against the Omnipotence of Christ
Chapter VI. The passages of Scripture above cited are taken as an occasion for a digression
Chapter VII. The resolution of the difficulty set forth for consideration is again taken in hand.
Chapter VIII. Christ's saying, |The Father is greater than I,| is explained in accordance with the principle
Chapter IX. The objection that the Son, being sent by the Father
Chapter X. The objection taken on the ground of the Son's obedience is disproved
Chapter XI. The purpose and healing effects of the Incarnation.
Chapter XII. Do the Catholics or the Arians take the better course to assure themselves of the
Chapter XIII. The wicked and dishonourable opinions held by Arians, Sabellians
Chapter XIV. The sentence of the Judge is set forth, the counterpleas of the opposers are considered
Chapter XV. St. Ambrose deprecates any praise of his own merits
Chapter XVI. St. Ambrose assures Gratian of victory, declaring that it has been foretold in the prophecies
Chapter I. Statement of the reasons wherefore the matters, treated of shortly in the two former
Chapter II. The incidents properly affecting the body which Christ for our sake took upon Him are
Chapter III. That the Father and the Son must not be divided is proved by the words
Chapter IV. We are told that Christ was only |made| so far as regards the flesh.
Chapter V. Passages brought forward from Scripture to show that |made| does not always mean the same
Chapter VI. In order to dispose of an objection grounded on a text in St.
Chapter VII. Solomon's words, |The Lord created Me,| etc.
Chapter VIII. The prophecy of Christ's Godhead and Manhood, contained in the verse of Isaiah just now
Chapter IX. The preceding quotation from Solomon's Proverbs receives further explanation.
Chapter X. Observations on the words of John the Baptist John i.
Chapter XI. St. Ambrose returns to the main question, and shows that whenever Christ is said to
Chapter XII. The kingdom of the Father and of the Son is one and undivided
Chapter XIII. The majesty of the Son is His own, and equal to that of the Father
Chapter XIV. The Son is of one substance with the Father.
Chapter XV. The Arians, inasmuch as they assert the Son to be |of another substance
Chapter XVI. In order to forearm the orthodox against the stratagems of the Arians
Chapter XVII. An objection based on St.
Chapter I. The marvel is, not that men have failed to know Christ
Chapter II. None can ascend to heaven without faith; in any case
Chapter III. The words, |The head of every man is Christ.
Chapter IV. The passage quoted adversely by heretics, namely, |The Son can do nothing of Himself
Chapter V. Continuing the exposition of the disputed passage, which he had begun
Chapter VI. The fourth kind of impossibility §49 is now taken into consideration
Chapter VII. The doctrine had in view for enforcement is corroborated by the truth that the Son
Chapter VIII. The heretical objection, that the Son cannot be equal to the Father
Chapter IX. Various quibbling arguments, advanced by the Arians to show that the Son had a beginning
Chapter X. The objection that Christ, on the showing of St.
Chapter XI. The particular distinction which the Arians endeavoured to prove upon the Apostle's teaching that all
Chapter XII. The comparison, found in the Gospel of St.
Prologue. Who is a faithful and wise servant? His reward is pointed out in the case
Chapter I. How impious the Arians are, in attacking that on which human happiness depends.
Chapter II. Since it has been proved that the Son is TRUE God
Chapter III. To the objection of the Arians, that two Gods are introduced by a unity of
Chapter IV. It is objected by heretics that Christ offered worship to His Father.
Chapter V. Ambrose answers those who press the words of the Lord to the mother of Zebedee's
Chapter VI. Wishing to answer the above-stated objection somewhat more fully
Chapter VII. Objection is taken to the following passage: |Thou hast loved them
Chapter VIII. Christ, so far as He is TRUE Son of God
Chapter IX. The saint meets those who in Jewish wise object to the order of the words
Chapter X. The Arians openly take sides with the heathen in attacking the words
Chapter XI. We must refer the fact that Christ is said to speak nothing of Himself
Chapter XII. He confirms what has been already said, by the parable of the rich man who
Chapter XIII. With the desire to learn what subjection to Christ means after putting forward and rejecting
Chapter XIV. He continues the discussion of the difficulty he has entered upon
Chapter XV. He briefly takes up again the same points of dispute
Chapter XVI. The Arians are condemned by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David
Chapter XVII. Christ acted for our advantage in being unwilling to reveal the day of judgment.
Chapter XVIII. Wishing to give a reason for the Lord's answer to the apostles
Chapter XIX. The Saint having turned to God the Father, explains why he does not deride that
Introduction. The writer explains in the commencement of this treatise that his object was to set
Chapter I. St. Ambrose states that after the explanations he has already given of holy living
Chapter II. What those who were to be initiated promised on entering the Church
Chapter III. St. Ambrose points out that we must consider the divine presence and working in the
Chapter IV. That water does not cleanse without the Spirit is shown by the witness of John
Chapter V. Christ is Himself present in Baptism, so that we need not consider the person of
Chapter VI. Why they who come forth from the laver of baptism are anointed on the head
Chapter VII. The washing away of sins is indicated by the white robes of the catechumens
Chapter VIII. Of the mystical feast of the altar of the Lord.
Chapter IX. In order that no one through observing the outward part should waver in faith
Introduction. These two books were written against the Novatian heresy
Chapter I. St. Ambrose writes in praise of gentleness, pointing out how needful that grace is for
Chapter II. The assertion of the Novatians that they refuse communion only to the lapsed agrees neither
Chapter III. To the argument of the Novatians, that they only deny forgiveness in the case of
Chapter IV. St. Ambrose proceeds with the proof of the divine mercy
Chapter V. The objection from the unchangeableness of God is answered from several passages of Scripture
Chapter VI. The Novatians, by excluding such from the banquet of Christ
Chapter VII. St. Ambrose, addressing Christ, complains of the Novatians, and shows that they have no part
Chapter VIII. It was the Lord's will to confer great gifts on His disciples.
Chapter IX. By collating similar passages with 1 Sam.
Chapter X. St. John did not absolutely forbid that prayer should be made for those who |sin
Chapter XI. The passage quoted from St.
Chapter XII. Another passage of St.
Chapter XIII. They who have committed a |sin unto death| are not to be abandoned
Chapter XIV. St. Ambrose explains that the flesh given to Satan for destruction is eaten by the
Chapter XV. Returning from this digression, St.
Chapter XVI. Comparison between the apostles and Novatians.
Chapter XVII. That gentleness must be added to severity, as is shown in the case of St.
Chapter I. St. Ambrose gives additional rules concerning repentance, and shows that it must not be delayed.
Chapter II. A passage quoted by the heretics against repentance is explained in two ways
Chapter III. Explanation of the parable of the Prodigal Son, in which St.
Chapter IV. St. Ambrose turns against the Novatians themselves another objection concerning blasphemy against the Holy Spirit
Chapter V. As to the words of St.
Chapter VI. St. Ambrose teaches out of the prophet Isaiah what they must do who have fallen.
Chapter VII. An exhortation to mourning and confession of sins for Christ is moved by these and
Chapter VIII. In urging repentance St.
Chapter IX. In what way faith is necessary for repentance.
Chapter X. In order to do away with the feeling of shame which holds back the guilty
Chapter XI. The possibility of repentance is a reason why baptism should not be deferred to old
Note on the Penitential Discipline of the Early Church.
Introduction.
Chapter I. St. Ambrose, reflecting upon the account he will have to give of his talents
Chapter II. This treatise has a favourable beginning, since it is the birthday of the holy Virgin
Chapter III. Virginity is praised on many grounds, but chiefly because it brought down the Word from
Chapter IV. The comeliness of virginity never existed amongst the heathen
Chapter V. Heaven is the home of virginity, and the Son of God its Author
Chapter VI. St. Ambrose explains that he is not speaking against marriage
Chapter VII. St. Ambrose exhorts parents to train their children to virginity
Chapter VIII. Taking the passage concerning the honeycomb in the Song of Songs
Chapter IX. Other passages from the Song of Songs are considered with relation to the present subject
Chapter X. Finally, another glory of virginity is mentioned, that it is free from avarice.
Chapter XI. St. Ambrose answers objections made to the uselessness of his exhortations in favour of virginity
Chapter XII. It is very desirable that parents should encourage the desire for the virgin life
Chapter I. In this book St.
Chapter II. The life of Mary is set before virgins as an example
Chapter III. St. Ambrose having set forth the Virgin Mary as a pattern for life
Chapter IV. A virgin at Antioch, having refused to sacrifice to idols
Chapter V. The story of the two Pythagorean friends, Damon and Pythias
Chapter VI. St. Ambrose, in concluding the second book, ascribes any good there may be in it
Chapter I. St. Ambrose now goes back to the address of Liberius when he gave the veil
Chapter II. Touching next upon the training of a virgin, he speaks of moderation in food and
Chapter III. Virgins are exhorted to avoid visits, to observe modesty
Chapter IV. Having summed up the address of Liberius, St.
Chapter V. St. Ambrose, speaking of tears, explains David's saying, |Every night wash l my couch with
Chapter VI. Having mentioned the Baptist, St.
Chapter VII. In reply to Marcellina, who had asked what should be thought of those who to
Introduction.
Chapter I. After having written about virgins, it seemed needful to say something concerning widows
Chapter II. The precepts of the Apostle concerning a widow indeed are laid down
Chapter III. St. Ambrose returns to the story of the widow of Sarepta
Chapter IV. By the example of Anna St.
Chapter V. Liberality to the poor is recommended by the example of the widow the Gospel
Chapter VI. Naomi is an instance of a widow receiving back from her daughter-in-law the fruits of
Chapter VII. By the example of Judith is shown that courage is not wanting in widows
Chapter VIII. Though many other widows came near to Judith in virtue
Chapter IX. To an objection that the state of widowhood might indeed be endurable if circumstances were
Chapter X. St. Ambrose returns again to the subject of Christ
Chapter XI. Having shown that the pretexts usually alleged for second marriages have no weight
Chapter XII. The difference between matters of precept and of counsel is treated of
Chapter XIII. St. Ambrose, treating of the words in the Gospel concerning eunuchs
Chapter XIV. Though a widow may have received no commandment, yet she has received so many counsels
Chapter XV. St. Ambrose meets the objection of those who make the desire of having children an
Note on the Letters of St. Ambrose.
Memorial of Symmachus, the Prefect of the City.
Epistle XVII. This Epistle was written when Symmachus sent his memorial to Valentinian II.
The Memorial of Symmachus, Prefect of the City.
Epistle XVIII. Reply of St. Ambrose to the Memorial of Symmachus
Epistle XX. St. Ambrose relates to his sister the events at Milan connected with the demand of
Letter XXI. St. Ambrose excuses himself for not having gone to the consistory when summoned
Sermon Against Auxentius on the Giving Up of the Basilicas.
Letter XXII. St. Ambrose in a letter to his sister gives an account of the finding of
Letter XL. St. Ambrose begs Theodosius to listen to him, as he cannot be silent without great
Letter XLI. St. Ambrose in this letter to his sister continues the account of the matters contained
Letter LI. Addressed to the Emperor Theodosius after the massacre at Thessalonica.
Letter LVII. St. Ambrose informs the Emperor Eugenius why he was absent from Milan.
Letter LXI. St. Ambrose explains his absence from Milan on the arrival of the Emperor Theodosius after
Letter LXII. St. Ambrose excuses himself for having omitted an opportunity of writing to the Emperor
Epistle LXIII. Limenius, Bishop of Vercellæ, having died, the see remained long vacant owing to domestic factions.

Works And Letters Of St Ambrose

By St. Ambrose

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