Plato says that that which always moves by itself, and has no beginning of motion, also has no end; but that the soul of man always moves by itself, and because it is flexible for reflection, subtle for discovery, easy of perception, adapted to learning, and because it retains the past, comprehends the present, foresees the future, and embraces the knowledge of many subjects and arts, that it is immortal, […]
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Lactantius On the Spiritual Significance of the Works and Sufferings of Christ
The Works of Christ [Those divine works which He performed] had a figurative meaning and great significance, and power, which had weight both for the present, but also for the future. [Christ] opened the eyes of the blind, and gave light to those who did not see; and by this deed He signified that He would enlighten the foolish with the light of wisdom, and open the eyes of their […]
Read moreLactantius On the Incarnation
The Two Advents of Christ “I saw,” [Daniel] said, “in a vision of the night, and, behold, one like the Son of man coming with the clouds of heaven, and He came even to the Ancient of days. And they who stood by brought Him near before Him. And there was given unto Him a kingdom, and glory, and dominion; and all people, tribes, and languages shall serve Him: and […]
Read moreLactantius: The Divine Institutes
Critique of Plato’s Republic [Plato says] they must have nothing private or their own; but that they may be equal, as the method of justice requires, they must possess all things in common. Where, then, is the virtue of chastity? where conjugal fidelity? But what motive did he advance for this most degrading advice? The state will be in harmony, and bound together with the bonds of mutual love, if […]
Read moreCreatio Ex Nihilo
Man produces his works out of that which already exists, because through his mortality he is weak, and through his weakness his power is limited and moderate; but God produces His works out of that which has no existence, because through His eternity He is strong, and through His strength His power is immense, which has no end or limit, like the life of the Maker Himself. What wonder, then, […]
Read moreOn the Rule of Faith
The Church, though dispersed through our the whole world, even to the ends of the earth, has received from the apostles and their disciples this faith: [She believes] in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are in them; and in one Christ Jesus, the Son of God, who became incarnate for our salvation; and in the Holy Spirit, who […]
Read moreJustin Martyr on Worship
And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits; then, when the reader has ceased, the president verbally instructs, and exhorts to the imitation of these good things. Then we all rise together and pray, and, as we before said, […]
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