PG 10 · cols. 195–200

S. Fabianus papa, Epistolae

Letter III

Exemplo Cham filii Noe, damnantur qui patrum suorum culpas in publicum produnt, aut eos accusare vel detrahere praesumunt : veluti Cham, qui patris sui Noe pudenda non operuit, sed deridenda monstravit. Similiter et illi exemplo Sem et Japhet justificantur, qui reverenter operiunt, et non produnt ea quae patres suos excessisse cognoscunt. Si enim a fide deviaverit episcopus, erit corrigendus prius secrete a subditis suis. Quod si incorrigibilis, quod absit ! apparuerit, tunc erit accusandus ad primates suos, aut ad sedem apostolicam. Pro aliis vero actibus suis magis est tolerandus ab ovibus et subditis suis, quam accusandus, aut publice derogandus ; quia cum in eis a subditis delinquitur, ejus ordinationi obviatur, qui eos ei praetulit, dicente Apostolo : Dei ordinationi resistit, qui potestati resistit. Qui vero omnipotentem Deum metuit, nec contra Evangelium, nec contra apostolos, nec contra prophetas vel sanctorum Patrum instituta, aliquid ullo modo agere consentit. Sacerdotes ergo honorandi sunt, non lacerandi vel exprobrandi sunt. Legitur in Ecclesiastico : In tota anima tua time Deum, et sacerdotes illius sanctifica. In omni virtute tua dilige eum qui te fecit, et ministros ejus non derelinquas. Honora Deum ex tota anima tua, et honorifica sacerdotem, et propurga te cum brachiis. Da illi partem, sicut mandatum est tibi, primitiarum, et de negligentia purga te cum paucis. Datum brachiorum tuorum, et sacrificium sanctificationis offeres Domino, et initia sanctorum ; et pauperi porrige manum tuam, ut perficiatur propitiatio et benedictio tua. Haec non tantummodo vobis, sed omnibus fratribus per vos nota fieri volumus, ut unanimes, unum sentientes, permaneamus in Christo nihil per contentionem nobis, neque per inanem gloriam vindicantes, non hominibus, sed Deo Salvatori nostro placentes. Cui est honor et gloria in saeculorum saecula. Amen.

By the example of Ham the son of Noah, those are condemned who betray the faults of their fathers in public, or presume to accuse or disparage them: like Ham, who did not cover the nakedness of his father Noah, but showed it to be mocked. Similarly by the example of Shem and Japheth those also are justified who reverently cover and do not betray the things wherein they know their fathers to have gone to excess. For if a bishop deviates from the faith, he is to be corrected first in secret by his subjects. But if he appears incorrigible, which God forbid!, then he is to be accused before his primates, or before the apostolic see. Whereas for his other deeds he is rather to be tolerated by his sheep and subjects, than accused or publicly disparaged; because when offence is committed against them by their subjects, the ordinance of Him Who set them over him is opposed, as the Apostle says: He that resists the power, resists the ordinance of God. Now he who fears almighty God consents in no wise to do anything either against the Gospel, or against the apostles, or against the prophets or the ordinances of the holy Fathers. Priests therefore are to be honoured, not torn or upbraided. It is read in Ecclesiasticus: With all your soul fear God, and reverence His priests. With all your strength love Him that made you, and forsake not His ministers. Honour God with all your soul, and honour the priest, and purge yourself with arms. Give him his portion, as it is commanded you, of the firstfruits, and purge yourself of negligence with a few things. The gift of your arms, and the sacrifice of sanctification you shall offer to the Lord, and the firstfruits of holy things; and stretch forth your hand to the poor, that your propitiation and your blessing may be perfected. These things we wish to be made known through you not only to you, but to all the brethren, that being of one mind, thinking the same thing, we may abide in Christ, claiming nothing for ourselves through contention, nor through vainglory, pleasing not men, but God our Saviour. To Whom is honour and glory unto ages of ages. Amen.

EPISTOLA III.

LETTER III.

AD HILARIUM EPISCOPUM.

TO BISHOP HILARIUS.

Ut peregrina judicia respuantur atque accusatus in suo loco causam suam peragat, et ut omnis qui crimen objicit, scribat se probaturum, et si non probaverit quod objicit, poenam quam intulerit, patiatur.

That foreign judgements be rejected and the accused plead his cause in his own place, and that everyone who objects a crime write down that he will prove it, and if he does not prove what he objects, suffer the punishment which he has brought forward.

I. Qui non debeant admitti ad accusationem.

I. Who ought not to be admitted to make an accusation.

II. De peregrinis judiciis.

II. Concerning foreign judgements.

III. De pulsatis.

III. Concerning the accused.

IV. Si quis iratus crimen objecerit, vel objecta non probaverit.

IV. If anyone in anger objects a crime, or does not prove the things objected.

V. Si episcopus accusatus sedem apostolicam appellavit.

V. If an accused bishop appeals to the apostolic see.

Dilectissimo fratri HILARIO episcopo FABIANUS.

To the most beloved brother Bishop Hilarius, Fabian.

Divinae circa nos gratiae memores esse debemus, qui nos per dignationis suae misericordiam,

Mindful we ought to be of the divine grace towards us, seeing that through the mercy of His condescension He

Editors' notes and page, col. 195

Footnotes

(⁷) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 195 Genes. ix.

Gen. 9.

(printed under page 104) (⁸) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 195 Isid. iii, sent. 39.

Isidore, Sentences 3.39.

(printed under page 104) (⁹) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 195 Sup. habetur idem in epist. Anacleti ultima.

The same is found above in the last letter of Anacletus.

(printed under page 104) (¹⁰) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 195 S. Gregor., Past. iii, c. 5.

St Gregory, Pastoral Rule 3, ch. 5.

(printed under page 104) (¹¹) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 195 Rom. XIII, 2.

Rom. 13:2.

(printed under page 104) (¹²) ‹anchor: propitiatio et benedictio tua› · call in col 195 11. q. 3: Qui omnipotentem.

[Causa] 11, q. 3: "Qui omnipotentem" (Who … the Almighty).

(printed under page 104) (¹³) ‹anchor: per contentionem nobis› · call in col 195 Eccli. VII, 31-36.

Sir. 7:31–36.

(printed under page 104) (¹⁴) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 195 Innoc. I, ep. 2, c. 13.

Innocent I, Letter 2, ch. 13.

(printed under page 104) (¹⁵) ‹anchor: gratiae memores› · call in col 195 Hilarius papa S. Leonis successor, ep. 3.

Pope Hilary, St Leo's successor, Letter 3.

(printed under page 104)

Page

running head: S. FABIANI PAP
marginal letters: A Exemplo Cham filii; B cente Apostolo : Dei; C et pauperi porrige; D II. De peregrinis
old-edition numerals: (none)
other: Latin only, no Greek printed; editors' matter: Ut peregrina judicia ... V. Si episcopus ...

PG 10:196

ob hoc ad fastigium sacerdotale provexit, ut mandatis ipsius inhaerentes, et in quadam sacerdotum ejus specula constituti, prohibeamus illicita et sequenda doceamus. In tantum enim in occiduis partibus, quibus moraris, audivimus astutiam diaboli saevire in populum Christianum, atque multiplici deceptione prorumpere, ut non solum laicos saeculares, sed ipsos quoque Domini sacerdotes premat atque vexet. Unde, in grandi moerore positi, dissimulare non possumus quod corrigere atrociter debemus. Quapropter competens adhibenda est talibus medela vulneribus, ne immatura curandi facilitas, mortifera capitis peste nihil possit, sed segnius tracta pernicies, reatu non legitimae curationis, involvat pariter sauciatos et medentes.

has advanced us to the priestly summit for this purpose, that cleaving to His commandments, and set upon a certain watchtower of His priests, we may forbid unlawful things and teach the things to be followed. For to such a degree in the western parts wherein you dwell have we heard that the cunning of the devil rages against the Christian people, and breaks forth in manifold deceit, that it presses and harasses not only secular laymen, but the very priests of the Lord as well. Whence, placed in great grief, we cannot dissemble what we ought sternly to correct. Wherefore a fitting remedy must be applied to such wounds, lest an unseasonable facility of curing avail nothing against the deadly plague of the head, but the mischief, too slothfully handled, involve wounded and healers alike in the guilt of an unlawful cure.

I. Ob id ergo statuentes decernimus ut hi, qui non sunt bonae conversationis, aut quorum vita est accusabilis, aut quorum fides, vita et libertas nescitur, non possint Domini sacerdotes accusare, ne viles personae ad accusationem eorum admittantur. Similiter hi, qui in aliquibus criminibus irretiti sunt, vel qui sunt suspiciosi, vocem adversum majores natu non habeant accusandi ; quia suspiciosa vox et inimica veritatem solet opprimere.

I. On this account therefore decreeing we ordain that those who are not of good conversation, or whose life is blameworthy, or whose faith, life, and freedom is unknown, cannot accuse the priests of the Lord, lest base persons be admitted to their accusation. Similarly let those who are entangled in any crimes, or who are under suspicion, not have the voice of accusing against elders; because a suspicious and hostile voice is wont to suppress the truth.

II. Peregrina vero judicia, salva in omnibus apostolica auctoritate, generali sanctione prohibemus, quia indignum est ab externis, ut judicetur, qui provinciales et a se electos debet habere judices, nisi fuerit appellatum. Unde oportet, si aliquis episcoporum super certis accusetur criminibus, ut ab omnibus audiatur qui sunt in provincia episcopis, quia non oportet accusatum alicubi, quam in foro suo, audiri. Si quis vero judicem adversum sibi senserit, vocem appellationis exhibeat. Appellantem autem non debet afflictio ulla aut detentionis injuriare custodia ; sed liceat appellatori vitiatam causam appellationis remedio sublevare. Liceat etiam in causis criminalibus appellare. Nec vox appellandi denegetur ei, quem supplicio sententia destinarit.

II. Foreign judgements moreover, saving in all things the apostolic authority, we forbid by a general sanction, because it is unworthy that he should be judged by outsiders who ought to have provincial judges and those chosen by himself, unless an appeal has been made. Whence it behoves, if any of the bishops be accused upon certain crimes, that he be heard by all the bishops who are in the province, because the accused ought not to be heard anywhere else than in his own court. But if anyone perceives a judge to be adverse to him, let him utter the voice of appeal. Now no affliction or custody of detention ought to wrong an appellant; but let it be lawful for the appellant to relieve a prejudiced cause by the remedy of appeal. Let it also be lawful to appeal in criminal causes. Nor let the voice of appealing be denied to him whom a sentence has destined to punishment.

III. Pulsatus ante suum judicem causam dicat ; et ante non suum judicem, pulsatus, si voluerit, taceat ; et ut pulsatis, quoties appellaverint, induciae dentur.

III. Let the accused plead his cause before his own judge; and before one who is not his own judge, let the accused, if he wishes, keep silence; and let truces be given to the accused as often as they appeal.

IV. Si quis ergo iratus crimen aliquod cuilibet temere objecerit, convicium non est pro accusatione habendum ; sed, permisso tractandi spatio, id quod iratus dixit, per scripturam se probaturum esse fateatur ; ut, si fortasse resipiscens, quae prae

IV. If anyone therefore in anger rashly objects any crime against anyone, railery is not to be accounted as an accusation; but, a space for consideration having been allowed, let him declare that he will prove in writing that which he said in anger; so that, if perchance coming to his senses, the things which through

Editors' notes and page, col. 196

Footnotes

(¹⁶) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 196 Felix III, ep. 7.

Felix III, Letter 7.

(printed under page 104) (¹⁷) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 196 captis peste non prosit. Haec ad finem usque epistolae habentur etiam in decr. Sixti III.

[variant:] "captis peste non prosit" (may not profit those seized by the plague). These words, to the end of the letter, are also found in the decree of Sixtus III.

(printed under page 104) (¹⁸) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 196 Adr. coll., c. 15.

Hadrian's collection, ch. 15.

(printed under page 104) (¹⁹) ‹anchor: Peregrina vero› · call in col 196 idem Adr. cap. 17, ex Cod. Theod., lib. ix, tit. 1, const. 10.

Likewise Hadrian, ch. 17, from the Theodosian Code, book 9, title 1, constitution 10.

(printed under page 104) (²⁰) ‹anchor: Unde oportet› · call in col 196 3. quaest. 6: Si quis episcoporum.

[Causa] 3, q. 6: "Si quis episcoporum" (If any of the bishops).

(printed under page 104) (²¹) ‹anchor: sibi senserit› · call in col 196 1, quaest. 6, Si quis jud.

[Causa] 1, q. 6: "Si quis jud[icem]" (If anyone … the judge). [The causa numeral is unclear in the image.]

(printed under page 104) (²²) ‹anchor: vocem appellationis exhibeat› · call in col 196 Vide Adr. coll. c. 27, 32, 33, 34, ex interpr. Aniani in const. 2, 15 et 20, tit. 30, libri xi Cod. Theod., necnon notata Ant. Aug.

See Hadrian's collection, chs. 27, 32, 33, 34, from Anianus's interpretation on constitutions 2, 15 and 20, title 30, of book 11 of the Theodosian Code, and also the remarks of Antonio Agustín.

(printed under page 104) (²³) ‹anchor: causam dicat› · call in col 196 3. q. 1: Pulsatus ante.

[Causa] 3, q. 1: "Pulsatus ante" (One sued before …).

(printed under page 104) (²⁴) ‹anchor: induciae dentur› · call in col 196 Adr. coll. c. 56.

Hadrian's collection, ch. 56.

(printed under page 104) (²⁵) ‹anchor: temere objecerit› · call in col 196 1. q. 6, Qui crimen.

[Causa] 1, q. 6: "Qui crimen" (Who … a charge).

(printed under page 104) (²⁶) ‹anchor: quod iratus dixit› · call in col 196 Adr. coll. 47, ex Aniano in const. 5, tit. primi lib. ix Cod. Theod.

Hadrian's collection, 47, from Anianus on constitution 5 of the first title of book 9 of the Theodosian Code.

(printed under page 104)

Page

running head: . FABIANI PAPAE
marginal letters: A ob hoc ad; B tionis, involvat pariter; C nisi fuerit appellatum; D ceat ; et ut
old-edition numerals: (none)
other: Latin only, no Greek printed

PG 10:197

iracundia dixit, iterare aut scribere noluerit, non ut reus criminis teneatur. Omnis ergo, qui crimen objicit, scribat se probaturum. Revera semper ibi causa agatur, ubi crimen admittitur. Et qui non probaverit quod objecit, poenam quam intulerit ipse patiatur.

anger he said, he is unwilling to repeat or write down, he may not be held guilty of a crime. Let everyone therefore who objects a crime write down that he will prove it. Indeed let the cause always be pleaded there where the crime is committed. And let him who has not proved what he objected himself suffer the punishment which he brought forward.

V. Placuit etiam, ut si episcopus accusatus appellaverit ad apostolicam sedem, id statuendum quod ejusdem sedis pontifex censuerit. Haec tamen omnino in sacerdotum causa forma servetur, ne quemquam sententia, non a suo judice dicta, constringat. Occurrere quoque quisque fidelium ruinis debet oppressorum et miserorum subsidio, quo valeant, ex revelatione alienae vindictae, a se Dei removere vindictam. Libat enim Domino prospera, qui ab afflictis pellit adversa. Unde scriptum est : Frater fratrem adjuvans exaltabitur. Ecclesia enim Dei sine macula et ruga debet existere, et ideo non oportet eam a quibusdam conculcari aut maculari, quia scriptum est : Una est columba mea, perfecta mea. Hinc iterum Dominus ad Moysem ait : Est locus penes me, et stabis super petram. Quis est locus, qui non sit Domini, dum cuncta in ipso, per quem creata sunt, continentur? Est tamen locus apud Deum, videlicet sanctae Ecclesiae unitas, in qua supra petram statur, dum confessionis soliditas humiliter tenetur. Te, frater, et omnes fratres nostros Ecclesiam Christi sanguine redemptam regentes, monemus, ut omnes a praecipitio, in quo fratres et Domini pastoribus detrahendo et persequendo, verbis et factis labuntur, laqueis quibus potestis, retentetis, et lacerari eos in hamo irae non permittatis, quia scriptum est : Ira enim viri justitiam Dei non operatur. Hinc rursum dicitur : Sit omnis homo velox ad audiendum, tardus autem ad loquendum, et tardus ad iram. Haec autem vos, Deo auctore, omnia servare non ambigo, sed occasione admonitionis exorta, bonis vestris desideriis et operibus me furtive subjungo, ut quod non admoniti facitis, quando vobis etiam admonens additur, jam non soli faciatis. Quapropter, fratres, oportet vos et omnes fideles diligere invicem, et non detrahere aut accusare alterutrum ; scriptum est enim : Dilige proximum, et conjungere fide cum illo. Quod si denudaveris absconsa illius, non persequeris post eum. Sicut enim hono qui perdit amicum suum, sic qui perdit amicitiam proximi sui : et sicut qui dimittit avem de manu sua, sic qui dereliquisti proximum tuum, et non eum capies. Non illum sequaris quoniam longe abest. Effugit enim quasi caprea de laqueo, quoniam vulnerata est anima ejus. Ultra eum non poteris colligare, et maledicti est concordatio. Denudare autem amici mysteria, desperatio est animae infelicis. Annuens oculo fabricat

V. It has pleased us also, that if an accused bishop appeals to the apostolic see, that must be decreed which the pontiff of the same see shall decide. Yet let this form by all means be observed in the cause of priests, lest a sentence not pronounced by his own judge bind anyone. Everyone of the faithful also ought to meet the ruins of the oppressed and wretched with help, whereby they may be able, by the relief of another's vengeance, to remove from themselves the vengeance of God. For he pours out prosperity as an offering to the Lord, who drives away adversity from the afflicted. Whence it is written: A brother helping a brother shall be exalted. For the Church of God ought to exist without spot and wrinkle, and therefore she ought not to be trodden under foot or defiled by certain men, because it is written: One is my dove, my perfect one. Hence again the Lord says to Moses: There is a place by Me, and you shall stand upon the rock. What place is there that is not the Lord's, while all things are contained in Him through Whom they were created? Yet there is a place with God, namely the unity of the holy Church, wherein one stands upon the rock while the solidity of confession is humbly held. You, brother, and all our brethren who rule the Church redeemed by the blood of Christ, we admonish, that by whatever cords you can you hold back all from the precipice whereinto brethren slip in words and deeds by disparaging and persecuting the pastors of the Lord, and suffer them not to be torn on the hook of anger, because it is written: For the anger of man works not the justice of God. Hence again it is said: Let every man be swift to hear, but slow to speak, and slow to anger. Now that you, with God as author, observe all these things I do not doubt, but an occasion of admonition having arisen, I stealthily join myself to your good desires and works, so that what you do unmonished, when an admonisher also is added to you, you may now do not alone. Wherefore, brethren, you and all the faithful ought to love one another, and not disparage or accuse one another; for it is written: Love your neighbour, and be joined in faith with him. But if you lay bare his secrets, you shall not follow after him. For as a man that loses his friend, so is he that loses the friendship of his neighbour: and as he that lets go a bird out of his hand, so have you forsaken your neighbour, and shall not catch him. Follow him not, for he is far off. For he has fled as a roe out of the snare, because his soul is wounded. You shall no more be able to bind him up, and of a curse there is agreement. Now to lay bare the secrets of a friend is the despair of an unhappy soul. He that winks with the eye fabricates

Editors' notes and page, col. 197

Footnotes

(²⁷) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 197 idem c. 48, ex Aniani interpr. in const. 11, ejusdem tituli.

The same, ch. 48, from Anianus's interpretation on constitution 11 of the same title.

(printed under page 105) (²⁸) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 197 Adr. coll. c, 21. In decret. Ivon., lib. iv.

Hadrian's collection, ch. 21. In Ivo's Decretum, book 4.

(printed under page 105) (²⁹) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 197 Cod. Theod. lib. iv, tit. 16, const. 2,

Theodosian Code, book 4, title 16, constitution 2,

(printed under page 105) (³⁰) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 197 consilio.

[variant:] "consilio" (by counsel).

(printed under page 105) (³¹) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 197 conc. Tol. viii, c. 2.

Eighth Council of Toledo, ch. 2.

(printed under page 105) (³²) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 197 Prov. XVIII, 19.

Prov. 18:19.

(printed under page 105) (³³) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 197 Cant. VI, 8.

Song 6:8.

(printed under page 105) (³⁴) ‹anchor: stabis super petram› · call in col 197 Exod. XXXIII, 21.

Exod. 33:21.

(printed under page 105) (³⁵) ‹anchor: Quis est locus› · call in col 197 S. Greg. ep. 54 libri vii.

St Gregory, Letter 54 of Book 7.

(printed under page 105) (³⁶) ‹anchor: et lacerari eos› · call in col 197 labi eos.

[variant:] "labi eos" (them to slip).

(printed under page 105) (³⁷) ‹anchor: in hamo› · call in col 197 In imo.

[variant:] "In imo" (at the bottom).

(printed under page 105) (³⁸) ‹anchor: Dei non operatur› · call in col 197 Jacob. i, 20.

Jas. 1:20.

(printed under page 105) (³⁹) ‹anchor: Hinc› · call in col 197 Greg. ep. 128 lib. vii.

Gregory, Letter 128, Book 7.

(printed under page 105) (⁴⁰) ‹anchor: et conjungere fide› · call in col 197 conjunge fidem.

[variant:] "conjunge fidem" (join faith).

(printed under page 105)

Page

running head: EPISTOLAE.
marginal letters: A iracundia dixit, iterare; B removere vindictam. Libat; C pitio, in quo; D scriptum est enim
old-edition numerals: (none)
other: Latin only, no Greek printed
misprints kept as printed: "hono" (for homo) in "Sicut enim hono qui perdit"

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iniqua, et nemo non abjiciet. In conspectu oculorum tuorum conculcabit os suum, et super sermones tuos admirabitur : Novissime autem pervertet os suum, et in verbis tuis dabit scandalum. Multa audiri, et non coaequavi ei, et Dominus odiet illum. Qui in altum mittit lapidem, super caput ejus cadet ; et plaga dolosa, dolosi dividet vulnera. Qui fodit foveam, incidet in illam ; et qui statuit lapidem proximo, offendet in eo ; et qui laqueum alii ponit, peribit in illo. Facienti consilium nequissimum, super ipsum devolvetur ; et non agnoscet unde adveniet illi. Illusio et improperium superborum, et vindicta, sicut leo insidiabitur illis. Laqueo peribunt, qui oblectantur casu justorum ; dolor autem consumet illos antequam moriantur. Ira et furor, utraque exsecrabilia sunt ; et vir peccator, continens erit illorum. Qui vindicari vult, a Deo inveniet vindictam ; et pecca⟨t⟩a illius servans, servabit. Relinque proximo tuo nocenti te, et tunc deprecanti tibi peccata solventur. Homo homini reservat iram, et a Deo quaerit medelam? In hominem sibi similem non habet misericordiam, et de peccatis suis deprecatur Altissimum? Ipse, dum caro sit, reservat iram et propitiationem petit a Deo? Quis exorabit pro delictis illius? Memento novissimorum, et desine inimicari. Tabitudo enim, et mors imminent in mandatis ejus. Memorare timorem Dei, et non irascaris proximo. Memorare testamenti Altissimi, et despice ignorantiam proximi. A⟨b⟩stine te a lite, et minues peccata. Homo enim iracundus incendit litem, et vir peccator turbabit amicos, et in medio pacem habentium immittet inimicitiam. Secundum enim ligna silvae, sic ignis exardescet ; et secundum virtutem hominis, iracundia illius erit, et secundum substantiam suam exaltabit iram suam. Certamen festinatum incendet ignem, et lis festinans effundet sanguinem, et lingua testificans adducet mortem. Si sufflaveris in scintillam, quasi ignis exardebit ; et si exspueris super illam, exstinguetur, et utraque ex ore proficiscuntur. Susurro et bilinguis, maledictus ; multos enim turbavit pacem habentes. Lingua tertia multos commovit, et dispersit illos de gente in gentem. Civitates muratas divitum destruxit, et domos magnatorum effodit. Virtutes populorum concidit, et gentes fortes dissolvit. Lingua tertia mulieres viratas ejecit, et privavit illas laboribus suis. Qui respicit illam, non habebit requiem, nec habebit amicum in quo requiescat. Flagelli plaga livorem facit : plaga autem linguae comminuet ossa. Multi ceciderunt in ore gladii, sed non sic quomodo qui interierunt per linguam suam. Beatus, qui tectus est a lingua nequam, qui in iracundiam illius non transivit, et qui non attraxit jugum ejus, et vinculis ejus non est ligatus. Jugum enim illius, jugum ferreum est : et vinculum illius, vinculum aereum est. Mors illius, mors nequissima ; et utilis potius infernus,

unjust things, and no man will not cast him off. In the sight of your eyes he will sweeten his mouth, and will admire at your words: but at the last he will pervert his mouth, and in your words he will give scandal. Many things have I heard, and have not likened unto him, and the Lord will hate him. He that casts a stone on high, upon his own head it shall fall; and a deceitful stroke shall divide the wounds of the deceitful. He that digs a pit shall fall into it; and he that sets a stone for his neighbour shall stumble thereon; and he that lays a snare for another shall perish therein. Upon him that devises a most wicked counsel, upon himself shall it be rolled back; and he shall not know whence it comes to him. Mockery and reproach are of the proud, and vengeance as a lion shall lie in wait for them. In a snare shall they perish who delight in the fall of the just; and sorrow shall consume them before they die. Wrath and fury, both are execrable; and the sinful man shall be possessed of them. He that wills to be avenged shall find vengeance from the Lord; and keeping his sins, He will keep them. Forgive your neighbour that hurts you, and then when you pray your sins shall be loosed. Man keeps anger against man, and does he seek healing from God? Upon a man like to himself he has no mercy, and does he entreat the Most High for his own sins? He himself, while he is flesh, keeps anger, and does he ask propitiation from God? Who shall make atonement for his sins? Remember your last things, and cease to be at enmity. For wasting and death are imminent in His commandments. Remember the fear of God, and be not angry with your neighbour. Remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook the ignorance of your neighbour. Abstain from strife, and you shall diminish sins. For an angry man kindles strife, and a sinful man will trouble friends, and in the midst of them that are at peace will cast enmity. For according to the wood of the forest, so shall the fire burn; and according to the power of a man, so shall his anger be, and according to his substance he will exalt his anger. A hasty contention will kindle a fire, and a hasty strife will shed blood, and a tongue bearing witness will bring death. If you blow upon a spark, it shall burn as a fire; and if you spit upon it, it shall be quenched, and both come forth out of the mouth. The whisperer and the double-tongued is accursed; for he has troubled many that were at peace. A third tongue has shaken many, and scattered them from nation to nation. Walled cities of the rich it has destroyed, and dug up the houses of great men. The strengths of peoples it has cut down, and strong nations it has dissolved. A third tongue has cast out valiant women, and deprived them of their labours. He that looks upon it shall not have rest, neither shall he have a friend wherein he may rest. The stroke of a whip makes a bruise: but the stroke of the tongue will break bones. Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, but not so as those who have perished by their own tongue. Blessed is he that is sheltered from a wicked tongue, who has not passed into the wrath thereof, and who has not drawn the yoke thereof, and has not been bound in the bands thereof. For the yoke thereof is an iron yoke: and the band thereof is a brazen band. The death thereof is a most wicked death; and hell is rather useful

Editors' notes and page, col. 198

Footnotes

(⁴¹) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 198 condulcabit.

[variant:] "condulcabit" (will sweeten).

(printed under page 105) (⁴²) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 198 odivi.

[variant:] "odivi" (I have hated).

(⁴³.⁴⁴) ‹anchor: not visible in the foot image› · call in col 198 Eccli. XXVII, 18-33

Sir. 27:18–33

(printed under page 105)

Page

running head: EPISTOLAE.
marginal letters: A iniqua, et nemo; B sunt ; et vir; C cendit litem, et; D tertia mulieres viratas
old-edition numerals: (none)
other: Latin only, no Greek printed; infer- split at end of column
other: the word infernus, was split at the column break and stands whole here (joined on receipt); check that the English reads whole across the break into col 199

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quam illa. Perseverantia illius non permanebit, sed obtinebit vias injustorum. In flamma sua non comburet justos. Qui derelinquunt Dominum, incident in illam ; et exardescet in illis, et non exstinguetur ; et immittetur in illos quasi leo, et quasi pardus laedet illos. Sepi aures tuas spinis, et noli audire linguam nequam, et ori tuo facito ostia, et seras auribus tuis. Aurum tuum et argentum tuum confla, et verbis tuis facito stateram, et frenos ori tuo rectos. Et attende, ne forte labaris in lingua tua, et cadas in conspectu inimicorum insidiantium tibi, et sit casus tuus insanabilis in mortem. Ista caveant omnes, et cohibeant linguam suam a malo, et labia eorum ne loquantur dolum. De caetero, charissimi, confortamini in Domino, et in potentia virtutis ejus. Induite vos, armaturam Dei, ut possitis stare adversus insidias diaboli ; quoniam non est nobis colluctatio adversus carnem et sanguinem, sed adversus principes

than it. The perseverance thereof shall not abide, but it shall obtain the ways of the unjust. In its flame it shall not burn the just. Those who forsake the Lord shall fall into it; and it shall burn in them, and shall not be quenched; and it shall be sent upon them as a lion, and as a leopard it shall hurt them. Hedge your ears with thorns, and hear not a wicked tongue, and make doors to your mouth, and bars to your ears. Melt down your gold and your silver, and make a balance for your words, and straight bridles for your mouth. And take heed lest perchance you slip in your tongue, and fall in the sight of the enemies that lie in wait for you, and your fall be incurable unto death. Let all beware of these things, and restrain their tongue from evil, and let their lips speak no guile. For the rest, dearest brethren, be strengthened in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil; since our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities

et potestates, adversus mundi rectores tenebrarum harum, contra spiritualia nequitiae in coelestibus. Propterea accipite armaturam Dei, ut possitis resistere in die malo, et in omnibus perfecti stare. State ergo succincti lumbos vestros in veritate, et induti loricam justitiae, et calceati pedes in praeparatione Evangelii pacis, in omnibus sumentes scutum fidei in quo possitis omnia tela nequissimi ignea exstinguere. Et galeam salutis assumite, et gladium spiritus, quod est verbum Dei. Haec, frater, quae tibi scripsimus, generaliter omnibus nota fieri volumus, ut quae ceteros tangunt, omnibus nota fiant. Omnipotens Deus te, frater, et reliquos fratres nostros, ubique consistentes, protegat usque in finem, qui cunctum mundum dignatus est redimere, Jesus Christus Dominus noster, qui est benedictus in saecula. Amen. Data decimo septimo Kalend. Novembr. Africano et Decio viris clarissimis consulibus.

and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places. Therefore take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and to stand in all things perfect. Stand therefore having your loins girt about in truth, and having on the breastplate of justice, and your feet shod in the preparation of the Gospel of peace, in all things taking the shield of faith wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one. And take unto you the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. These things, brother, which we have written to you, we wish to be made known generally to all, that the things which touch others may be made known to all. May almighty God protect you, brother, and the rest of our brethren abiding everywhere, even unto the end, He Who deigned to redeem the whole world, Jesus Christ our Lord, Who is blessed forever. Amen. Given on the seventeenth day before the Kalends of November, Africanus and Decius, most illustrious men, being consuls.

Editors' notes and page, col. 199