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On Christian Doctrine In Four Books

On Christian Doctrine In Four Books

By St. Augustine

Title Page
INTRODUCTORY NOTE BY THE EDITOR
CONTENTS OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE
Preface
BOOK I.
Chapter 1. There are two things on which all interpretation of Scripture depends
Chapter 2. All instruction is either about things or about signs
Chapter 3. There are some things, then, which are to be enjoyed
Chapter 4. For to enjoy a thing is to rest with satisfaction in it for its
Chapter 5. The TRUE objects of enjoyment, then, are the Father and the Son and the
Chapter 6. Have I spoken of God, or uttered His praise
Chapter 7. For when the one supreme God of gods is thought of
Chapter 8. And since all who think about God think of Him as living
Chapter 9. Now, no one is so egregiously silly as to ask
Chapter 10. Wherefore, since it is our duty fully to enjoy the truth which lives unchangeably
Chapter 11. But of this we should have been wholly incapable
Chapter 12. Not then in the sense of traversing space
Chapter 13. Moreover, as the use of remedies is the way to health
Chapter 14. The belief of the resurrection of our Lord from the dead
Chapter 15. For the Church is His body, as the apostle's teaching shows us
Chapter 16. Further, when we are on the way, and that not a way that lies
Chapter 17. He has given, therefore, the keys to His Church
Chapter 18. Furthermore, as there is a kind of death of the soul
Chapter 19. Now he whose soul does not die to this world and begin here to
Chapter 20. Among all these things, then, those only are the TRUE objects of enjoyment which
Chapter 21. Neither ought any one to have joy in himself
Chapter 22. Those things which are objects of use are not all
Chapter 23. Moreover, it thinks it has attained something very great if it is able to
Chapter 24. No man, then, hates himself. On this point
Chapter 25. Those, on the other hand, who do this in a perverse spirit
Chapter 26. Man, therefore, ought to be taught the due measure of loving
Chapter 27. Seeing, then, that there is no need of a command that every man should
Chapter 28. Now he is a man of just and holy life who forms an unprejudiced
Chapter 29. Further, all men are to be loved equally.
Chapter 30. Now of all who can with us enjoy God
Chapter 31. There arises further in this connection a question about angels.
Chapter 32. And so also the Apostle Paul teaches when he says
Chapter 33. But now, if every one to whom we ought to show
Chapter 34. And on this ground, when we say that we enjoy only that which we
Chapter 35. But neither does He use after our fashion of using.
Chapter 36. For if we find our happiness complete in one another
Chapter 37. But when you have joy of a man in God
Chapter 38. And mark that even when He who is Himself the Truth and the Word
Chapter 39. Of all, then, that has been said since we entered upon the discussion about
Chapter 40. Whoever, then, thinks that he understands the Holy Scriptures
Chapter 41. Whoever takes another meaning out of Scripture than the writer intended
Chapter 42. But sight shall displace faith; and hope shall be swallowed up in that perfect
Chapter 43. And thus a man who is resting upon faith
Chapter 44. And, therefore, if a man fully understands that |the end of the commandment is
Book 2
Chapter 1. As when I was writing about things, I introduced the subject with a warning
Chapter 2. Now some signs are natural, others conventional. Natural signs are those which
Chapter 3. Conventional signs, on the other hand, are those which living beings mutually exchange for
Chapter 4. Of the signs, then, by which men communicate their thoughts to one another
Chapter 5. But because words pass away as soon as they strike upon the air
Chapter 6. And hence it happened that even Holy Scripture
Chapter 7. But hasty and careless readers are led astray by many and manifold obscurities and
Chapter 8. But why I view them with greater delight under that aspect than if no
Chapter 9. First of all, then, it is necessary that we should be led by the
Chapter 10. After these two steps of fear and piety
Chapter 11. And when, to the extent of his power
Chapter 12. But let us now go back to consider the third step here mentioned
Chapter 13. Now the whole canon of Scripture on which we say this judgment is to
Chapter 14. In all these books those who fear God and are of a meek and
Chapter 15. Now there are two causes which prevent what is written from being understood
Chapter 16. The great remedy for ignorance of proper signs is knowledge of languages.
Chapter 17. And this circumstance would assist rather than hinder the understanding of Scripture
Chapter 18. And very often a translator, to whom the meaning is not well known
Chapter 19. But since we do not clearly see what the actual thought is which the
Chapter 20. And men are easily offended in a matter of this kind
Chapter 21. About ambiguous signs, however, I shall speak afterwards.
Chapter 22. Now among translations themselves the Italian Itala is to be preferred to the others
Chapter 23. In the case of figurative signs, again, if ignorance of any of them should
Chapter 24. Ignorance of things, too, renders figurative expressions obscure
Chapter 25. Ignorance of numbers, too, prevents us from understanding things that are set down in
Chapter 26. Not a few things, too, are closed against us and obscured by ignorance of
Chapter 27. For we must not listen to the falsities of heathen superstition
Chapter 28. But whether the fact is as Varro has related
Chapter 29. But to explain more fully this whole topic for it is one that cannot
Chapter 30. All the arrangements made by men to the making and worshipping of idols are
Chapter 31. To these we may add thousands of the most frivolous practices
Chapter 32. Nor can we exclude from this kind of superstition those who were called genethliaci
Chapter 33. But to desire to predict the characters, the acts
Chapter 34. Nor is it to the point to say that the very smallest and briefest
Chapter 35. For in this way it comes to pass that men who lust after evil
Chapter 36. All arts of this sort, therefore, are either nullities
Chapter 37. And all these omens are of force just so far as has been arranged
Chapter 38. But when all these have been cut away and rooted out of the mind
Chapter 39. But in regard to pictures and statues, and other works of this kind
Chapter 40. This whole class of human arrangements, which are of convenience for the necessary intercourse
Chapter 41. But, coming to the next point, we are not to reckon among human institutions
Chapter 42. Anything, then, that we learn from history about the chronology of past times assists
Chapter 43. As to the utility of history, moreover, passing over the Greeks
Chapter 44. And even when in the course of an historical narrative former institutions of men
Chapter 45. There is also a species of narrative resembling description
Chapter 46. The knowledge of the stars, again, is not a matter of narration
Chapter 47. Further, as to the remaining arts, whether those by which something is made which
Chapter 48. There remain those branches of knowledge which pertain not to the bodily senses
Chapter 49. There are also valid processes of reasoning which lead to FALSE conclusions
Chapter 50. And yet the validity of logical sequences is not a thing devised by men
Chapter 51. In this passage, however, where the argument is about the resurrection
Chapter 52. Therefore it is one thing to know the laws of inference
Chapter 53. Again, the science of definition, of division, and of partition
Chapter 54. There are also certain rules for a more copious kind of argument
Chapter 55. This art, however, when it is learnt, is not to be used so much
Chapter 56. Coming now to the science of number, it is clear to the dullest apprehension
Chapter 57. The man, however, who puts so high a value on these things as to
Chapter 58. Accordingly, I think that it is well to warn studious and able young men
Chapter 59. What, then, some men have done in regard to all words and names found
Chapter 60. Moreover, if those who are called philosophers, and especially the Platonists
Chapter 61. And what else have many good and faithful men among our brethren done? Do
Chapter 62. But when the student of the Holy Scriptures
Chapter 63. But just as poor as the store of gold and silver and garments which
Book 3
Chapter 1. The man who fears God seeks diligently in Holy Scripture for a knowledge of
Chapter 2. But when proper words make Scripture ambiguous, we must see in the first place
Chapter 3. Now look at some examples. The heretical pointing
Chapter 4. But the following ambiguity of punctuation does not go against the faith in either
Chapter 5. Where, however, the ambiguity cannot be cleared up
Chapter 6. And all the directions that I have given about ambiguous punctuations are to be
Chapter 7. There is, again, an ambiguity arising out of the doubtful sound of syllables
Chapter 8. And not only these, but also those ambiguities that do not relate either to
Chapter 9. But the ambiguities of metaphorical words, about which I am next to speak
Chapter 10. This bondage, however, in the case of the Jewish people
Chapter 11. Now it is not recorded that any of the Gentile churches did this
Chapter 12. Accordingly the liberty that comes by Christ took those whom it found under bondage
Chapter 13. Now he is in bondage to a sign who uses
Chapter 14. But in addition to the foregoing rule, which guards us against taking a metaphorical
Chapter 15. But as men are prone to estimate sins
Chapter 16. I mean by charity that affection of the mind which aims at the enjoyment
Chapter 17. Every severity, therefore, and apparent cruelty, either in word or deed
Chapter 18. Those things, again, whether only sayings or whether actual deeds
Chapter 19. We must, therefore, consider carefully what is suitable to times and places and persons
Chapter 20. Now the saints of ancient times were, under the form of an earthly kingdom
Chapter 21. Whatever, then, is in accordance with the habits of those with whom we are
Chapter 22. But when men unacquainted with other modes of life than their own meet with
Chapter 23. The tyranny of lust being thus overthrown, charity reigns through its supremely just laws
Chapter 24. If the sentence is one of command, either forbidding a crime or vice
Chapter 25. Again, it often happens that a man who has attained
Chapter 26. We must also be on our guard against supposing that what in the Old
Chapter 27. For, if it was possible for one man to use many wives with chastity
Chapter 28. But those who, giving the rein to lust
Chapter 29. But these same men might say that it is not right even to honour
Chapter 30. For if they had been under the influence of any such passion
Chapter 31. And with what moderation and self-restraint those men used their wives appears chiefly in
Chapter 32. Therefore, although all, or nearly all, the transactions recorded in the Old Testament are
Chapter 33. And when he reads of the sins of great men
Chapter 34. The chief thing to be inquired into, therefore
Chapter 35. But as there are many ways in which things show a likeness to each
Chapter 36. Now the rule in regard to this variation has two forms.
Chapter 37. And in the same way other objects are not single in their signification
Chapter 38. When, again, not some one interpretation, but two or more interpretations are put upon
Chapter 39. When, however, a meaning is evolved of such a kind that what is doubtful
Chapter 40. Moreover, I would have learned men to know that the authors of our Scriptures
Chapter 41. It would be tedious to go over all the rest in this way
Chapter 42. One Tichonius, who, although a Donatist himself, has written most triumphantly against the Donatists
Chapter 43. The author himself, however, when commending these rules
Chapter 44. The first is about the Lord and His body
Chapter 45. The second rule is about the twofold division of the body of the Lord
Chapter 46. The third rule relates to the promises and the law
Chapter 47. The fourth rule of Tichonius is about species and genus.
Chapter 48. Now the species is not always overstepped, for things are often said of such
Chapter 49. This spiritual Israel, therefore, is distinguished from the carnal Israel which is of one
Chapter 50. The fifth rule Tichonius lays down is one he designates of times
Chapter 51. In the next place, our author calls those numbers legitimate which Holy Scripture more
Chapter 52. The sixth rule Tichonius calls the recapitulation, which
Chapter 53. In the same book, again, when the generations of the sons of Noah are
Chapter 54. This recapitulation is found in a still more obscure form
Chapter 55. The seventh rule of Tichonius and the last
Chapter 56. Now all these rules, except the one about the promises and the law
Book 4
Chapter 1. This work of mine, which is entitled On Christian Doctrine
Chapter 2. In the first place, then, I wish by this preamble to put a stop
Chapter 3. Now, the art of rhetoric being available for the enforcing either of truth or
Chapter 4. But the theories and rules on this subject to which
Chapter 5. And, therefore, as infants cannot learn to speak except by learning words and phrases
Chapter 6. It is the duty, then, of the interpreter and teacher of Holy Scripture
Chapter 7. And all the methods I have mentioned are constantly used by nearly every one
Chapter 8. Now it is especially necessary for the man who is bound to speak wisely
Chapter 9. Here, perhaps, some one inquires whether the authors whose divinely-inspired writings constitute the canon
Chapter 10. I could, however, if I had time, show those men who cry up their
Chapter 11. For who would not see what the apostle meant to say
Chapter 12. In the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, again
Chapter 13. Further still, the educated man observes that those sections which the Greeks call |kommata|
Chapter 14. It would be tedious to pursue the matter further
Chapter 15. But perhaps some one is thinking that I have selected the Apostle Paul because
Chapter 16. When, then, this rustic, or quondam rustic prophet
Chapter 17. For what is there that sober ears could wish changed in this speech? In
Chapter 18. And then the future captivity under an oppressive king is announced as approaching
Chapter 19. Next he reproaches them with their luxury in seeking pleasure for the sense of
Chapter 20. But now as to the sentence which follows all these
Chapter 21. And a number of other points bearing on the laws of eloquence could be
Chapter 22. But although I take some examples of eloquence from those writings of theirs which
Chapter 23. For there are some passages which are not understood in their proper force
Chapter 24. Now a strong desire for clearness sometimes leads to neglect of the more polished
Chapter 25. And this must be insisted on as necessary to our being understood
Chapter 26. For teaching, of course, TRUE eloquence consists, not in making people like what they
Chapter 27. Accordingly a great orator has truly said that |an eloquent man must speak so
Chapter 28. If however, they do not yet know this
Chapter 29. But for the sake at those who are so fastidious that they do not
Chapter 30. And so much labour has been spent by men on the beauty of expression
Chapter 31. In a serious assembly, moreover, such as is spoken of when it is said
Chapter 32. And so our Christian orator, while he says what is just
Chapter 33. Now if any one says that we need not direct men how or what
Chapter 34. He then who, in speaking, aims at enforcing what is good
Chapter 35. Now the author I have quoted could have exemplified these three directions
Chapter 36. And when the apostle spoke about trials in regard to secular affairs and what
Chapter 37. Of course, if we were giving men advice as to how they ought to
Chapter 38. And yet, while our teacher ought to speak of great matters
Chapter 39. But now to come to something more definite.
Chapter 40. In the following words of the apostle we have the temperate style
Chapter 41. And, indeed, I must confess that our authors are very defective in that grace
Chapter 42. The majestic style of speech differs from the temperate style just spoken of
Chapter 43. And in the same way, writing to the Romans
Chapter 44. Again, in writing to the Galatians, although the whole epistle is written in the
Chapter 45. But these writings of the apostles, though clear
Chapter 46. St. Ambrose also, though dealing with a question of very great importance
Chapter 47. An example of the temperate style is the celebrated encomium on virginity from Cyprian
Chapter 48. Ambrose also uses the temperate and ornamented style when he is holding up before
Chapter 49. But I shall select examples of the majestic style from their treatment of a
Chapter 50. Ambrose again, inveighing against such practices, says: |Hence arise these incentives to vice
Chapter 51. But we are not to suppose that it is against rule to mingle these
Chapter 52. Now it is a matter of importance to determine what style should be alternated
Chapter 53. If frequent and vehement applause follows a speaker
Chapter 54. The quiet style, too, has made a change in many
Chapter 55. From all this we may conclude, that the end arrived at by the two
Chapter 56. Now in regard to the three conditions I laid down a little while ago
Chapter 57. Eloquence of the temperate style, also, must, in the case of the Christian orator
Chapter 58. Again, when it becomes necessary to stir and sway the hearer's mind by the
Chapter 59. But whatever may be the majesty of the style
Chapter 60. Now these men do good to many by preaching what they themselves do not
Chapter 61. Such a teacher as is here described may
Chapter 62. There are, indeed, some men who have a good delivery
Chapter 63. But whether a man is going to address the people or to dictate what
Chapter 64. This book has extended to a greater length than I expected or desired.

On Christian Doctrine In Four Books

By St. Augustine

Table of Contents