In studying first, then, the nature of tolerance, that much-belauded and much-represented grace of our own time, we want to start with this assertion,—which is, indeed the key-assertion of all I have to say,—that it is composed of two elements, both of which are necessary to its true existence,
Both Prudentius and Augustine of Hippo were unequivocal about the amount of divine help Vincent received from the moment of his speech to the emperor, since the fortitude of martyrs was considered miraculous. Prudentius also enhanced the miraculous quality of Vincent’s remaining constant during his ordeal by vividly describing the tortures, leaving no doubt that they would have been unendurable.
It is fortunate that since today is the birthday of a virgin, it is about virgins I am to speak. . . .It is the birthday of Saint Agnes: let men marvel, let children not lose hope, let the married be astounded, let the unmarried seek to resemble her. What can we say worthy of her whose very name was not devoid of glowing praise?
The Church resists strong in the faith. It is true that some have yielded, being alarmed at the possibility that their high social position might attract attention, or from simple human frailty. Nevertheless, though they are now separated from us, we have not abandoned them in their defection, but have helped them and keep still close to them, so that by penance they may be rehabilitated and pardoned by Him who can forgive. Indeed if we were to leave them to their own resources, their fall would become irreparable.
The frequent enactment of legislation against the sale of Christians abroad supports the evidence that Englishmen regularly transported slaves across the sea to sell. . . . From the mid-tenth century on the slave trade was geared mainly to the export of persons abroad, although the internal trade did not cease.
Peter did not say “you are a Christ” or “a son of God” but “the Christ, the Son of God.” For there are many christs by grace, who have attained the rank of adoption [as sons], but [there is] only one who is by nature the Son of God.
A brother said to an old man, “Abba, I go and beg the old men to speak to me about the salvation of my soul, and I do not remember any of their words, so what ought I to do? Continue to ask them, but do nothing? In truth, I am altogether in impurity.”
Charles Gore, who was certainly one of the most influential theologians of the time, used the phrase “extension of the Incarnation” in order to express the relationship between the event of the Incarnation and the continuing life of the Church.
Many people fear nothing more terribly than to take a position which stands out sharply and clearly from the prevailing opinion. The tendency of most is to adopt a view that is so ambiguous that it will include everything and so popular that it will include everybody. . . . Not a few men, who cherish lofty and noble ideals, hide them under a bushel for fear of being called different.
One does wonder at the scanty love of truth, the miserable levity of people born and bred within the Christian Church. . . . We have at least the supposition of the truth. We worship the truth, even though in works we deny Him. . . . People may hold true doctrines and think themselves Catholics, Orthodox, Evangelicals,