Mores Catholici (Volume 1); Or, Ages of Faith (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1888. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER V. ETURNING now to matters of more interest, we should observe that from the very nature and origin of the Christian religion, there was clearly no inconsistency between its principles and the possession of human learning. Truth admits of no separations or exclusions. In the first astonishment of the awakening soul of men and of nations, when apprised of the advent of the Son of God, it was indeed to be expected that there would be a temporary suspension of all intellectual exercise, and a total obliteration from the memory of all former and perishable things; but the universal and continued indulgence in such a quiescent state would, beyond all doubt, be contrary to the order of Providence, and opposed to the intentions of the Divine announcement. They who had been permitted to see the end of all perfection were at the same time made sensible that the commandment was very broad. The interests of truth sometimes required the employment of learning to illustrate and confirm it, and the Divine promises sanctioned the enjoyment of its advantages in declaring that the meek should possess the earth. St. Clemens Alexandrinus was the first among the Christians to attack the profane authors with their own arms, and to make use of their learning. Origen followed in that track, but as St. Augustin says, "the faithful always accommodated what was good to their own use, wherever it was found. How much gold and silver," he says, " did the blessed martyr Cyprien carry away from Egypt? How much Lactantius? How much Victorinus ? Optatus? Hilarius?" We ought not to disdain what is good in the learning and arts of the heathens: " imo vero quisquis bonus verusque Christianus est, Domini sui esse intelligat ubicunque invenerit veritatem."* St. Basil, treating expressly on ...