The Augustine Library

In which the nature and virtue of marriage are examined with reverence, distinguishing the spiritual habit of continence from the outward act, and honouring both as gifts suited to different callings within God's design. Observing the precedence of obedience and chastity, the discourse gently extols the sanctity of marriage and the nobility of those who embrace virginity or continence, each in the...

In which the divine order of marriage is tenderly examined, discerning the sanctity of marital relations and the sacred bounds that govern them, with a gaze both reverent and discerning toward the nature and purpose ordained by the Creator. Moreover, the discourse touches upon the distinction between the holiness of the unmarried and the married, the unity symbolised in a holy matrimony of one hus...

In which the nature and sanctity of marriage are delicately unfolded as a divine institution ordained for fellowship, procreation, and mutual faithfulness, distinguished from but not disparaged by the higher calling of virginity. The discourse gently examines the moral bounds and spiritual goods of conjugal union, the fidelity it demands, and the gracious pardon it extends amid human frailty, all...

In which the noble art of teaching is shown to be in closest accord when a man’s life mirrors the truths he utters, for integrity in conduct lends authority beyond mere eloquence. It is further counselled that the wise preacher should cherish truth above ornate speech, embracing humility to deliver words seasoned by prayer, and that even the less gifted in rhetoric may serve the flock by faithfull...

In which the discernment of how varied styles—subdued, temperate, and majestic—may be elegantly interwoven in discourse is contemplated, teaching that each possesses its own place and power to maintain the hearer's attention and move the soul. Augustine gently guides us to seek not only clarity and beauty but also persuasive force in every style, for true eloquence must instruct, please, and compe...

In which the varied and noble styles of sacred teaching are exemplified through the writings of venerable Church fathers such as Cyprian and Ambrose, revealing how truth may be conveyed with gentle sobriety, temperate grace, or majestic fervour according to the subject and purpose. These illustrious authors instruct in matters of faith and conduct—be it on the sacredness of the Eucharist, the virt...

In which the Christian teacher is shown to adapt his style of discourse—calm and instructive, temperate and exhortatory, or powerful and impassioned—according to the needs of his audience and the weight of the subject. Exampled from the sacred Scriptures, these varied modes of expression serve both to enlighten the understanding and to move the heart, revealing the manifold wisdom and eloquence be...

In which the Christian teacher is exhorted to not only instruct the mind but to engage and sway the will through eloquence that pleases, moves, and teaches, always expressing truth with elegance befitting the gravity of the matter. The sacred duty of preaching is shown to demand prayerful preparation and divine assistance, recognising both the necessity of human effort in teaching and the supreme...

In which the sacred writers’ occasional obscurity is acknowledged as a deliberate divine pedagogy unsuitable for Christian teachers, who must instead strive for clarity and comprehension in their teaching. And in this pursuit, eloquence is tempered by the paramount need to instruct, delight, and move the soul, with the true eloquence found not in ornament but in the clear unfolding of truth suited...

In which the sacred writers, inspired by divine wisdom, exhibit a unique eloquence that is neither ostentatious nor ordinary but perfectly suited to their holy mission, blending wisdom and suitable expression in a manner that instructs and edifies the understanding. Examples drawn from the Apostle Paul and the prophet Amos illustrate how their words, adorned with natural yet profound rhetorical be...

In which the noble task of interpreting Holy Scripture is outlined, distinguishing between the pursuit of true wisdom and the artifice of mere rhetoric, affirming that while eloquence may adorn speech, it is wisdom alone that enlightens and benefits the soul. The Christian teacher, therefore, must diligently seek to communicate the sacred truths with clarity and heartfelt understanding, mindful th...

In which the venerable Tichonius imparts his discerning rules for interpreting Scripture, guiding us through the subtleties of species and genus, the significance of numbers and times, the art of recapitulation in narrative, and the distinction between the head and body of evil. These teachings invite the diligent student to approach the sacred texts with humble prayer and careful study, that wisd...

In which the artful use of tropes, those figures of speech embedded richly in Scripture, is shown to be indispensable for unveiling its hidden meanings, even as their mastery often eludes the unlearned. And in like manner, the examination of Tichonius’s sevenfold rules reveals them to be helpful keys that unlock some, but not all, of the sacred text's secrets, especially concerning the nature of C...

In which it is shown how the steadfastness of the apostles and holy men amid praise and persecution serves as a model for temperate conduct, and how Scripture’s varied expressions and narratives must be interpreted with care, balancing literal and figurative meanings according to clearest teachings. We learn that diverse yet truthful interpretations of sacred texts are permitted by divine providen...

In which we are gently taught to discern the true spirit behind actions and sayings attributed to the divine or the holy, seeing beyond mere appearances to the nourishment of love and charity, mindful of customs, times, and persons. And we are cautioned to interpret commands and conduct not by our own flawed standards, but with prudent reflection, recognising that lust and pride often cloud judgem...

In which the nature of spiritual bondage is contrasted between Jews, who were bound by useful signs leading to the worship of the One God, and Gentiles, whose bondage to idolatrous and futile signs failed to foster true spiritual freedom. Further, guidance is offered on discerning figurative language in Scripture, especially where severity is ascribed to God, always with the mind directed towards...

In which the diligent seeker of God’s truth is guided through the careful examination of scriptural ambiguities, whether arising from punctuation, pronunciation, or figurative language, always employing the rule of faith and contextual understanding to discern meaning rightly. It is gently warned that to grasp the spirit rather than cling blindly to the letter is life-giving, while a slavish liter...

In which the arts of reasoning, definition, eloquence, and number are shown not as man’s inventions, but as truths discovered under God, to be used humbly and not vaingloriously. Whatever learning is found among the heathen may be taken for Christ’s service, yet Scripture surpasses it all, and must be approached with meekness, charity, and a heart purified from pride.

In which the nature of human institutions—both superfluous and necessary—is carefully examined with regard to their origins, functions, and propriety for the Christian mind, and the role of various branches of knowledge in aiding the understanding of Scripture is thoughtfully considered. This discourse gently distinguishes between useful learning, such as history, natural science, and dialectics,...

In which the nature of heathen knowledge is carefully examined, revealing a distinction between human institutions steeped in superstition and the observation of divine order, particularly regarding the misguided use of astrology and omens. It is gently shown that such practices, being entwined with deception and demonic complicity, lead souls astray from the true worship of God and into enslaveme...

In which the careful student is guided in discerning the meaning of unfamiliar words and idioms, whether foreign or native, through patient inquiry, comparison, and the diligent exercise of memory, while reverent regard is given to the authoritative Septuagint and Itala translations as aids to understanding the sacred texts. Further, it is shown that a familiarity with language, the natural world,...

In which the sacred Scriptures are carefully delineated by their canonical stature and the prudent interpreter is guided to prefer those most widely received by the Church, with an earnest exhortation to humble and diligent study, beginning with the plain and progressing to the obscure. The nature of language and translation is examined, revealing how knowledge of original tongues and attentive co...

In which the nature and varieties of signs are gently explored, distinguishing natural tokens from those crafted by human intention, with an especial regard to words as the chief medium of thought conveyed. The discourse further guides the reader through the stages of divine wisdom, beginning with the fear of God and culminating in a purified heart that perceives truth, revealing the sacred Script...

In which the nature of neighbourly love is gently extended to include angels, and the use of Scripture is tenderly guided toward nurturing love of God and neighbour above all else. The discourse further contemplates the proper manner of engaging with Scripture—one that fosters faith, hope, and charity—leading the soul to rest ultimately in the boundless love of the Divine.

In which the nature of love is carefully explored, distinguishing the self-love innate in every soul from the rightful love owed to God and our neighbours, illustrating the proper order and measure that should govern these affections. The discourse gently unfolds how even in the struggle between flesh and spirit, and in the choice of whom to aid, love’s true centre remains steadfastly fixed upon t...