Catechetical Lectures

1. ALREADY there is an odour of blessedness upon you, O ye who are soon to be enlightened394: already ye are gathering the spiritual395 flowers, to weave heavenly crowns: already the fragrance of the Holy Spirit has…

§1–4 (¶1)

5. Possibly too thou art come on another pretext. It is possible that a man is wishing to pay court to a woman, and came hither on that account419. The remark applies in like manner to women also in their turn.

§5–8 (¶2)

9. Let thy feet hasten to the catechisings; receive with earnestness the exorcisms432: whether thou be breathed upon or exorcised, the act is to thee salvation.

§9–12 (¶3)

13. Ye who have been enrolled are become sons and daughters of one Mother. When ye have come in before the hour of the exorcisms, let each one of you speak things tending to godliness: and if any of your number be not…

§13–16 (¶4)

17. We for our part as men charge and teach you thus: but make not ye our building hay and stubble and chaff, lest we suffer loss, from our work being burnt up: but make ye our work gold, and silver, and precious…

§17 (¶5)

1. DISCIPLES of the New Testament and partakers of the mysteries of Christ, as yet by calling only, but ere long by grace also, make you a new heart and a new spirit460, that there may be gladness among the inhabitants…

§1–4 (¶1)

5. The present is the season of confession: confess what thou hast done in word or in deed, by night or by day; confess in an acceptable time, and in the day of salvation484 receive the heavenly treasure.

§5–6 (¶2)

1. A FEARFUL thing is sin, and the sorest disease of the soul is transgression, secretly cutting its sinews, and becoming also the cause of eternal fire; an evil of a man’s own choosing, an offspring of the will.492 For…

§1–4 (¶1)

5. What then? some one will say. We have been beguiled and are lost. Is there then no salvation left? We have fallen: Is it not possible to rise again? We have been blinded: May we not recover our sight?

§5–8 (¶2)

9. Come with me now to the other class, those who were saved by repentance. But perhaps even among women some one will say, I have committed fornication, and adultery, I have defiled my body by excesses of all kinds: is…

§9–12 (¶3)

13. Thou seest that it is good to make confession. Thou seest that there is salvation for them that repent. Solomon also fell but what saith he? Afterwards I repented528.

§13–16 (¶4)

17. What thinkest thou of Nabuchodonosor? Hast thou not heard out of the Scriptures that he was bloodthirsty, fierce547, lion-like in disposition?

§17–20 (¶5)

1. Rejoice, ye heavens, and let the earth be glad566, for those who are to be sprinkled with hyssop, and cleansed with the spiritual567 hyssop, the power of Him to whom at His Passion drink was offered on hyssop and a…

§1–4 (¶1)

5. But if any one wishes to know why the grace is given by water and not by a different element, let him take up the Divine Scriptures and he shall learn.

§5–8 (¶2)

9. Thou hast as the glory of Baptism the Son Himself, the Only-begotten of God. For why should I speak any more of man? John was great, but what is he to the Lord?

§9–12 (¶3)

13. Moreover, when thou hast been deemed worthy of the grace, He then giveth thee strength to wrestle against the adverse powers. For as after His Baptism He was tempted forty days (not that He was unable to gain the…

§13–16 (¶4)

1. VICE mimics virtue, and the tares strive to be thought wheat, growing like the wheat in appearance, but being detected by good judges from the taste.

§1–4 (¶1)

5. This Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is not circumscribed in any place656, nor is He less than the heaven; but the heavens are the works of His fingers657, and the whole earth is held in His grasp658: He is in all…

§5–8 (¶2)

9. Believe then that this Only-begotten Son of God for our sins came down from heaven upon earth, and took upon Him this human nature of like passions679 with us, and was begotten of the Holy Virgin and of the Holy…

§9–12 (¶3)

13. But when Jesus had finished His course of patient endurance, and had redeemed mankind from their sins, He ascended again into the heavens, a cloud receiving Him up: and as He went up Angels were beside Him, and…

§13–16 (¶4)

17. Have thou ever in thy mind this seal701, which for the present has been lightly touched in my discourse, by way of summary, but shall be stated, should the Lord permit, to the best of my power with the proof from…

§17–20 (¶5)

21. The soul is self-governed: and though the devil can suggest, he has not the power to compel against the will. He pictures to thee the thought of fornication: if thou wilt, thou acceptest it; if thou wilt not, thou…

§21–24 (¶6)

25. Nor again, on the other hand, in maintaining thy chastity be thou puffed up against those who walk in the humbler path of matrimony.

§25–28 (¶7)

29. But let thine apparel be plain, not for adornment, but for necessary covering: not to minister to thy vanity, but to keep thee warm in winter, and to hide the unseemliness of the body: lest under pretence of hiding…

§29–32 (¶8)

33. Now these the divinely-inspired Scriptures of both the Old and the New Testament teach us. For the God of the two Testaments is One, Who in the Old Testament foretold the Christ Who appeared in the New; Who by the…

§33–36 (¶9)

37. But shun thou every diabolical operation, and believe not the apostate Serpent, whose transformation from a good nature was of his own free choice: who can over-persuade the willing, but can compel no one.

§37 (¶10)

1. HOW great a dignity the Lord bestows on you in transferring you from the order of Catechumens to that of the Faithful, the Apostle Paul shews, when he affirms, God is faithful, by Whom ye were called into the…

§1–4 (¶1)

5. There is much to tell of faith, and the whole day would not be time sufficient for us to describe it fully. At present let us be content with Abraham only, as one of the examples from the Old Testament, seeing that…

§5–8 (¶2)

9. Wouldest thou see yet more surely that some are saved by others’ faith? Lazarus died791: one day had passed, and a second, and a third: his sinews792 were decayed, and corruption was preying already upon his body.

§9–12 (¶3)

13. Guard them with reverence, lest per chance the enemy despoil any who have grown slack; or lest some heretic pervert any of the truths delivered to you.

§13 (¶4)

1. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ820. Blessed also be His Only-begotten Son821. For with the thought of God let the thought of Father at once be joined, that the ascription of glory to the Father…

§1–4 (¶1)

5. But some one will say, If the Divine substance is incomprehensible, why then dost thou discourse of these things? So then, because I cannot drink up all the river, am I not even to take in moderation what is…

§5–8 (¶2)

9. One He is, everywhere present, beholding all things, perceiving all things, creating all things through Christ: For all things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made851.

§9–12 (¶3)

13. Heretics have dared to say that there are two Gods, and of good and evil two sources, and these unbegotten. If both are unbegotten it is certain that they are also equal, and both mighty.

§13–16 (¶4)

17. He again was succeeded by another, Basilides, of evil name, and dangerous character, a preacher of impurities891. The contest of wickedness was aided also by Valentinus892, a preacher of thirty gods.

§17–20 (¶5)

21. Now, lest I seem to accuse him without reason, let me make a digression to tell who this Manes is, and in part what he teaches: for all time would fail to describe adequately the whole of his foul teaching.

§21–24 (¶6)

25. He dared too to say that he was the Paraclete, though it is written, But whosoever shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, hath no forgiveness921.

§25–28 (¶7)

29. “But if some are right in their interpretation, we must say as follows939 (for it is no unworthy expression)—If indeed He blinded the thoughts of them that believe not he blinded them for a good purpose, that they…

§29–32 (¶8)

33. These are great faults, but still small in comparison with the rest. Their Baptism I dare not describe before men and women948. I dare not say what they distribute to their wretched communicants949….Truly we pollute…

§33–36 (¶9)

1. OF God as the sole Principle we have said enough to you yesterday960: by “enough” I mean, not what is worthy of the subject, (for to reach that is utterly impossible to mortal nature), but as much as was granted to…

§1–4 (¶1)

5. God then is in an improper sense971 the Father of many, but by nature and in truth of One only, the Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ; not having attained in course of time to being a Father, but being ever…

§5–8 (¶2)

9. And that thou mayest learn more exactly that in the Divine Scriptures it is not by any means the natural father only that is called father, hear what Paul says:—For though ye should have ten 982 984 986 988 990 992 1…

§9–12 (¶3)

13. And not only stocks and stones, but even Satan himself, the destroyer of souls, have some ere now chosen for a father; to whom the Lord said as a rebuke, Ye do the deeds of your father1012, that is of the devil, he…

§13–16 (¶4)

1. BY believing IN ONE GOD we cut off all misbelief in many gods, using this as a shield against Greeks; and every opposing power of heretics; and by adding, IN ONE GOD THE FATHER, we contend against those of the…

§1–4 (¶1)

5. Nothing then is withdrawn from the power of God; for the Scripture says of Him, for all things are Thy servants1041. All things alike are His servants, but from all these One, His only Son, and One, His Holy Spirit,…

§5–8 (¶2)

1. TO look upon God with eyes of flesh is impossible: for the incorporeal cannot be subject to bodily sight: and the Only begotten Son of God Himself hath testified, saying, No man hath seen God at any time1059.

§1–4 (¶1)

5. For what fault have they to find with the vast creation of God?—they, who ought to have been struck with amazement on beholding the vaultings of the heavens: they, who ought to have worshipped Him who reared the sky…

§5–8 (¶2)

9. Who is the father of the rain? And who hath begotten the drops of dew1082? Who condensed the air into clouds, and bade them carry the waters of the rain1083, now bringing golden-tinted clouds from the north1084, now…

§9–12 (¶3)

13. Who among men knows even the names of all wild beasts? Or who can accurately discern the physiology of each? But if of the wild beasts we know not even the mere names, how shall we comprehend the Maker of them?

§13–16 (¶4)

1. THEY who have been taught to believe “IN ONE GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY,” ought also to believe in His Only-begotten Son. For he that denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father1115.

§1–4 (¶1)

5. But the Saviour comes in various forms to each man for his profit1137. For to those who have need of gladness He becomes a Vine; and to those who want to enter in He stands as a Door; and to those who need to offer…

§5–8 (¶2)

9. This is the first proof: receive now a second plain one. The LORD said unto my Lord, sit Thou on My right hand1160. The LORD says this to the Lord, not to a servant, but to the Lord of all, and His own Son, to whom…

§9–12 (¶3)

13. Jesus then means according to the Hebrew “Saviour,” but in the Greek tongue “The Healer;” since He is physician of souls and bodies, curer of spirits, curing the blind in body1186, and leading minds into light,…

§13–16 (¶4)

17. But wouldest thou know that the Apostles knew and preached the name of Christ, or rather had Christ Himself within them? Paul says to his hearers, Or seek ye a proof of Christ that speaketh in me1207?

§17–20 (¶5)

1. THAT we have hope in Jesus Christ has been sufficiently shewn, according to our ability, in what we delivered to you yesterday. But we must not simply believe in Christ Jesus nor receive Him as one of the many who…

§1–4 (¶1)

5. If then thou hear the Gospel saying, The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham1251, understand “according to the flesh.” For He is the Son of David at the end of the ages1252,…

§5–8 (¶2)

9. For the Father being Very God begat the Son like unto Himself, Very God1271; not as teachers beget disciples, not as Paul says to some, For in Christ Jesus I begat you through the Gospel1272.

§9–12 (¶3)

13. Be not ashamed to confess thine ignorance, since thou sharest ignorance with Angels. Only He who begat knoweth Him who was begotten, and He who is begotten of Him knoweth Him who begat.

§13–16 (¶4)

17. The Son then is VERY GOD, having the Father in Himself, not changed into the Father; for the Father was not made man, but the Son. For let the truth be freely spoken1307.

§17–20 (¶5)

21. We believe then IN ONE LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD, BEGOTTEN OF HIS FATHER VERY GOD BEFORE ALL WORLDS, BY WHOM ALL THINGS WERE MADE.

§21–24 (¶6)

1. NURSLINGS of purity and disciples of chastity, raise we our hymn to the Virgin-born God with lips full of purity. Deemed worthy to partake of the flesh of the Spiritual Lamb1342, let us take the head together with…

§1–4 (¶1)

5. And first let us inquire for what cause Jesus came down. Now mind not my argumentations, for perhaps thou mayest be misled but unless thou receive testimony of the Prophets on each matter, believe not what I say:…

§5–8 (¶2)

9. Afterwards Solomon hearing his father David speak these things, built a wondrous house, and foreseeing Him who was to come into it, said in astonishment, Will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth1381?

§9–12 (¶3)

13. These things the Jews read, but hear not: for they have stopped the ears of their heart, that they may not hear. But let us believe in Jesus Christ, as having come in the flesh and been made Man, because we could…

§13–16 (¶4)

17. My statement, however, promised to declare also the time of the Saviour’s and the place: and I must not go away convicted of falsehood, but rather send away the Church’s novices well assured.

§17–20 (¶5)

21. We ask further, of whom cometh He and how? And this Esaias tells us: Behold! the virgin shall conceive in her womb, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel1438.

§21–24 (¶6)

25. For it became Him who is most pure, and a teacher of purity, to have come forth from a pure bride-chamber. For if he who well fulfils the office of a priest of Jesus abstains from a wife, how should Jesus Himself be…

§25–28 (¶7)

29. These are excellent suggestions of the narratives: but the Jews still contradict, and do not yield to the statements concerning the rod, unless they may be persuaded by similar strange and supernatural births.

§29–32 (¶8)

33. Since God then beareth witness, and the Holy Ghost joins in the witness, and Christ says, Why do ye seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth1478?

§33–34 (¶9)

1. EVERY deed of Christ is a cause of glorying to the Catholic Church, but her greatest of all glorying is in the Cross; and knowing this, Paul says, But God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of Christ1484.

§1–4 (¶1)

5. Being then in the flesh like others, He was crucified, but not for the like sins. For He was not led to death for covetousness, since He was a Teacher of poverty; nor was He condemned for concupiscence, for He…

§5–8 (¶2)

9. Let us then seek the testimonies to the Passion of Christ: for we are met together, not now to make a speculative exposition of the Scriptures, but rather to be certified of the things which we already believe.

§9–12 (¶3)

13. But the High-priest having questioned Him, and heard the truth, is wroth; and the wicked officer of wicked men smites Him; and the countenance, which had shone as the sun, endured to be smitten by lawless hands.

§13–16 (¶4)

17. But the soldiers who crowd around mock Him, and their Lord becomes a sport to them, and upon their Master they make jests. When they looked on Me, they shaked their heads1562.

§17–20 (¶5)

21. The beginning of signs under Moses was blood and water; and the last of all Jesus’ signs was the same. First, Moses changed the river into blood; and Jesus at the last gave forth from His side water with blood.

§21–24 (¶6)

25. But dost thou ask exactly at what hour the sun failed1588? was it the fifth hour, or the eighth, or the tenth? Tell, O Prophet, the exact time thereof to the Jews, who are unwilling to hear; when shall the sun go…

§25–28 (¶7)

29. But though He endured these things, having come for the salvation of all, yet the people returned Him an evil recompense. Jesus saith, I thirst1600,—He who had brought forth the waters for them out of the craggy…

§29–32 (¶8)

33. These things the Saviour endured, and made peace through the Blood of His Cross, for things in heaven, and things in earth1629. For we were enemies of God through sin, and God had appointed the sinner to die.

§33–36 (¶9)

37. And if thou ever fall into disputation and hast not the grounds of proof, yet let Faith remain firm in thee; or rather, become thou well learned, and then silence the Jews out of the prophets, and the Greeks out of…

§37–40 (¶10)

41. This shall appear again with Jesus from heaven1652; for the trophy shall precede the king: that seeing Him whom they pierced1653, and knowing by the Cross Him who was dishonoured, the he had seen with his own eyes…

§41 (¶11)

2. As then we set forth the testimonies concerning His Cross, so come let us now verify the proofs of His Resurrection also: since the Apostle before us affirms, He was buried, and has been raised on the third day…

§2–5 (¶1)

6. But what says Zephaniah in the person of Christ to the disciples? Prepare thyself, be rising at the dawn: all their gleaning is destroyed1686: the gleaning, that is, of the Jews, with whom there is not a cluster, nay…

§6–9 (¶2)

10. At what season does the Saviour rise? Is it the season of summer, or some other? In the same Canticles immediately before the words quoted He says, The winter is past, the rain is past and gone1702; the flowers…

§10–13 (¶3)

14. Though, therefore, Chief Priests and Pharisees through Pilate’s means sealed the tomb; yet the women beheld Him who was risen. And Esaias knowing the feebleness of the Chief Priests, and the women’s strength of…

§14–17 (¶4)

18. At this point of our discourse, let us consider whether is harder, for a man after having been buried to rise again from the earth, or for a man in the belly of a whale, having come into the great heat of a living…

§18–21 (¶5)

22. Many witnesses there are of the Saviour’s resurrection.—The night, and the light of the full moon; (for that night was the sixteenth1767;) the rock of the sepulchre which received Him; the stone also shall rise up…

§22–25 (¶6)

26. And when thou hast thus wrestled against the Jews,—when thou hast worsted them by parallel instances, then come further to the pre-eminence of the Saviour’s glory; namely, that they were the servants, but He the Son…

§26–29 (¶7)

30. And though there are many other texts concerning the session of the Only-begotten on the right hand of God, yet these may suffice us at present; with a repetition of my remark, that it was not after His coming in…

§30 (¶8)

1. WE preach not one advent only of Christ, but a second also, far more glorious than the former. For the former gave a view of His patience; but the latter brings with it the crown of a divine kingdom.

§1–4 (¶1)

5. Take heed that no man mislead you: for many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ, and shall mislead many. This has happened in part: for already Simon Magus has said this, and Menander1836, and some others of…

§5–8 (¶2)

9. And what comes to pass after this? He says next, When therefore ye see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of by Daniel the Prophet, standing in the Holy Place, let him that readeth understand1845.

§9–12 (¶3)

13. Now these things we teach, not of our own invention, but having learned them out of the divine Scriptures used in the Church1870, and chiefly from the prophecy of Daniel just now read; as Gabriel also the Archangel…

§13–16 (¶4)

17. Who then is the blessed man, that shall at that time devoutly witness for Christ? For I say that the Martyrs of that time excel all martyrs.

§17–20 (¶5)

21. Thou seest how they all foretell the coming of the Lord. Thou seest how they know the voice of the sparrow. Let us know what sort of voice this is.

§21–24 (¶6)

25. Let us dread then, brethren, lest God condemn us; who needs not examination or proofs, to condemn. Say not, In the night I committed fornication, or wrought sorcery, or did any other thing, and there was no man by.

§25–28 (¶7)

29. And wouldest thou know how they who teach the contrary ran into such madness? They read wrongly that good word of the Apostle, For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet1960; and they say, when…

§29–32 (¶8)

33. And though I have many more testimonies out of the divine Scriptures, concerning the kingdom of Christ which has no end for ever, I will be content at present with those above mentioned, because the day is far…

§33 (¶9)

1. SPIRITUAL in truth is the grace we need, in order to discourse concerning the Holy Spirit; not that we may speak what is worthy of Him, for this is impossible, but that by speaking the words of the divine Scriptures,…

§1–4 (¶1)

5. We would now say somewhat concerning the Holy Ghost; not to declare His substance with exactness, for this were impossible; but to speak of the diverse mistakes of some concerning him, lest from ignorance we should…

§5–8 (¶2)

9. And he was seconded, as was said before, by that most impious Manes also, who combined what was bad in every heresy1989; who being the very lowest pit of destruction, collected the doctrines of all the heretics, and…

§9–12 (¶3)

13. But since concerning spirit in general many diverse things are written in the divine Scriptures, and there is fear lest some out of ignorance fall into confusion, not knowing to what The words ἁγίων πατέρων are not…

§13–16 (¶4)

17. Peter was not with Ananias and Sapphira when they sold their possessions, but he was present by the Spirit; Why, he says, hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost2024?

§17–20 (¶5)

21. And wouldest thou be sure that by the power of the Holy Ghost the Martyrs bear their witness? The Saviour says to His disciples, And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and the magistrates, and authorities, be…

§21–24 (¶6)

25. This Spirit descended upon the seventy Elders in the days of Moses. (Now let not the length of the discourse, beloved, produce weariness in you: but may He the very subject of our discourse grant strength to every…

§25–28 (¶7)

29. And if further a man peruse all the books of the Prophets, both of the Twelve, and of the others, he will find many testimonies concerning.

§29–32 (¶8)

1. IN the preceding Lecture, according to our ability we set before you, our beloved hearers2095, some small portion of the testimonies concerning the Holy Ghost; and on the present occasion, we will, if it be God’s…

§1–4 (¶1)

5. Thou wilt find many other titles of the Holy Ghost besides. Thus He is called the Spirit of Holiness, as it is written, According to the Spirit of Holiness2120.

§5–8 (¶2)

9. This Holy Ghost came down when the Lord was baptized, that the dignity of Him who was baptized might not be hidden; as John says, But He which sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whomsoever…

§9–12 (¶3)

13. Jesus therefore went up into heaven, and fulfilled the promise. For He said to them, I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter2163.

§13–16 (¶4)

17. The multitude of the hearers was confounded;—it was a second confusion, in the room of that first evil one at Babylon. For in that confusion of tongues there was division of purpose, because their thought was at…

§17–20 (¶5)

21. For in the power of the Holy Ghost, by the will of Father and Son, Peter stood with the Eleven, and lifting up his voice, (according to the text, Lift up thy voice with strength, thou that bringest good tidings to…

§21–24 (¶6)

25. In this power of the Holy Ghost, Philip also in the Name of Christ at one time in the city of Samaria drove away the unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice; and healed the palsied and the lame, and brought to…

§25–28 (¶7)

29. This Holy Spirit, who in unison with Father and Son has established the New Covenant in the Church Catholic, has set us free from the burdens of the law grievous to be borne,—those I mean, concerning things common…

§29–32 (¶8)

33. And that the Holy Ghost subsists, and lives, and speaks, and foretells, I have often said in what goes before, and Paul writes it plainly to Timothy: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in later times some shall…

§33–36 (¶9)

37. If thou believe, thou shalt not only receive remission of sins, but also do things which pass man’s power2237. And mayest thou be worthy of the gift of prophecy also!

§37–38 (¶10)

1. THE root of all good works is the hope of the Resurrection; for the expectation of the recompense nerves the soul to good works. For every labourer is ready to endure the toils, if he sees their reward in prospect;…

§1–4 (¶1)

5. But if according to thee there is no resurrection of the dead, wherefore condemnest thou the robbers of graves? For if the body perishes, and there is no resurrection to be hoped for, why does the violator of the…

§5–8 (¶2)

9. But since the sign of the Phoenix is remote and uncommon, and men still disbelieve our resurrection, take again the proof of this from what thou seest every day.

§9–12 (¶3)

13. And whence in the beginning came man into being at all, O ye Samaritans, most senseless of all men? Go to the first book of the Scripture, which even you receive; And God formed man Clem. Rom. Epist. ad Cor.

§13–16 (¶4)

17. And with respect to these instances we might say much, rehearsing in detail the marvellous circumstances of each event: but as you have been already wearied both by the superposed fast of Job xiv.

§17–20 (¶5)

21. Thus much in proof of the Resurrection of the dead; and now, let me again recite to you the profession of the faith, and do you with all diligence pronounce it while I speak2300, and remember it.

§21–24 (¶6)

25. Of old the Psalmist sang, Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, (ye that are) from the fountains of Israel2307. But after the Jews for the plots which they made against the Saviour were cast away from…

§25–28 (¶7)

29. The real and true life then is the Father, who through the Son in the Holy Spirit pours forth as from a fountain His heavenly gifts to all; and through His love to man, the blessings of the life eternal are promised…

§29–32 (¶8)

33. And after Easter’s Holy Day of salvation, ye shall come on each successive day, beginning from the second day of the week, after the assembly into the Holy Place of the Resurrection2335, and there, if God permit, ye…

§33–35 (¶9)

1. I HAVE long been wishing, O true-born and dearly beloved children of the Church, to discourse to you concerning these spiritual and heavenly Mysteries; but since I well knew that seeing is far more persuasive than…

§1–4 (¶1)

5. Then in a second sentence thou art taught to say, “and all thy works.” Now the works of Satan are all sin, which also thou must renounce;—just as one who has escaped a tyrant has surely escaped his weapons also.

§5–8 (¶2)

9. When therefore thou renouncest Satan, utterly breaking all thy covenant with him, that ancient league with hell2385, there is opened to thee the paradise of God, which He planted towards the East, whence for his…

§9–11 (¶3)

1. THESE daily introductions into the Mysteries2393, and new instructions, which are the announcements of new truths, are profitable to us; and most of all to you, who have been renewed from an old state to a new.

§1–4 (¶1)

5. O strange and inconceivable thing! we did not really die, we were not really buried, we were not really crucified and raised again; but our imitation was in a figure, and our salvation in reality.

§5–7 (¶2)

8. Having been sufficiently instructed in these things, keep them, I beseech you, in your remembrance; that I also, unworthy though I be, may say of you, Now I love you2412, because ye always remember me, and hold fast…

§8 (¶3)

1. HAVING been baptized into Christ, and put on Christ2415, ye have been made conformable to the Son of God; for God having foreordained us unto adoption as sons2416, made us to be conformed to the body of Christ’s…

§1–4 (¶1)

5. Having been counted worthy of this Holy Chrism, ye are called Christians, verifying the name also by your new birth. For before you were deemed worthy of this grace, ye had properly no right to this title, but were…

§5–7 (¶2)

1. EVEN of itself the teaching of the Blessed Paul is sufficient to give you a full assurance concerning those Divine Mysteries, of which having been deemed worthy, ye are become of the same body and blood with Christ.

§1–4 (¶1)

5. In the Old Testament also there was shew-bread; but this, as it belonged to the Old Testament, has come to an end; but in the New Testament there is Bread of heaven, and a Cup of salvation, sanctifying soul and body;…

§5–8 (¶2)

9. Having learnt these things, and been fully assured that the seeming bread is not bread, though sensible to taste, but the Body of Christ; and that the seeming wine is not wine, though the taste will have it so, but…

§9 (¶3)

1. BY the loving-kindness of God ye have heard sufficiently at our former meetings concerning Baptism, and Chrism, and partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ; and now it is necessary to pass on to what is next in…

§1–4 (¶1)

5. Then the Priest says, “Let us give thanks unto the Lord.” For verily we are bound to give thanks, that He called us, unworthy as we were, to so great grace; that He reconciled us when we were His foes; that He…

§5–8 (¶2)

9. Then we commemorate also those who have fallen asleep before us, first Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, that at their prayers and intercessions God would receive our petition2490.

§9–12 (¶3)

13. Thy kingdom come. A pure soul can say with boldness, Thy kingdom come; for he who has heard Paul saying, Let not therefore sin reign in your mortal body2497, and has cleansed himself in deed, and thought, and word,…

§13–16 (¶4)

17. And lead us not into temptation, O Lord. Is this then what the Lord teaches us to pray, that we may not be tempted at all? How then is it said elsewhere, “a man untempted, is a man unproved2504;” and again, My…

§17–20 (¶5)

21. In approaching therefore, come not with thy wrists extended, or thy fingers spread; but make thy left hand a throne for the right, as for that which is to receive a King2518.

§21–23 (¶6)