and
reveries
of Valentinus and his disciples [VA-
16.
16.
William Smith - 1844 - Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities - c
6, adv.
tertained by the author underwent material changes
Marc. iii. 21. )
as he advanced in life, it is manifest that any
3. There can be no doubt that he was married, for arrangement which does not, to a certain extent,
we find among his tracts an address to his wife, in | trace the gradual development of these new views,
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1007
TERTULLIANUS.
a
-
must be imperfect and unsatisfactory. Hence, who looked up with peculiar reverence to Cain and
theologians have now for the most part agreed those other characters in the Bible who had fallen
merely to separate those tracts which were com- under the heavy displeasure of the Almighty.
posed while Tertullian was still a member of the 4. Ad Urorcm Libri II. Adrice to his wife,
Church, from those which were composed after he with regard to her conduct in the event of his pre-
became a Montanist. But even this plan, simple deceasing her. In the first book he earnestly dis-
as it may appear, cannot be completely executed, suades her from contracting a second marriage,
for the doctrines of Montanus were, upon many maintaining that all such alliances are wrong in
points, strictly orthodox, and it was only when principle and inexpedient in practice. In the se-
speaking of himself and the nature of his own cond, supposing that, notwithstanding his arguments
mission that he became subject to the charge of to the contrary, she may feel inclined again to
extravagance and heresy. Thus, after we have set enter into wedlock, he urges upon her the necessity
aside a few pieces which are stamped with broad and of uniting herself to a Christian and not to a
well-defined marks of heterodoxy, we shall find a heathen, pointing out that it was contrary to the
considerable number in which the characteristics are cxpress commands of God, and in itself impurc,
faint and doubtful, and many more in which they unnatural, and dangerous to form so close a con-
are altogether wanting. Still the attempt ought to nection with an alien from the faith.
be made ; and accordingly we shall pursue the
5. Ad Martyres. An earnest cxhortation to
method followed by the Bishop of Lincoln, the the brethren who were suffering persecution on
best, perhaps, which the circumstances of the case account of their faith, to remain steadfast, in de.
permit us to adopt. We shall place together : fiance of imprisonment, torture, or death itself,
i. Works probably written while he was yet a looking forward with eager anticipations to the
member of the Church. II. Works certainly glories and privileges reserved for those who won
written after he became a Montanist. III. Works the crown of martyrdom.
probably written after he became a Montanist. 6. De Patientia. A moral essay on the im-
IV. Works respecting which nothing certain can portance and utility of this virtue, conceived in a
be pronounced.
truly Christian spirit, and expressed, especially
1. WORKS PROBABLY WRITTEN WHILE HE towards the conclusion, in very dignified and pic-
WAS YET A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH. - 1. De turesque language.
Poenitentia. Chiefly remarkable because the author 7. Adversus Judacos Liber. A public debate had
here advocates a doctrine which at a subsequent been held between a Jewish proselyte and a
period, after he had embraced the errors of Mon- Christian, each supporting the claims of the creed
tanus, he sternly impugned, namely, that those which he professed. The discussion having been
who committed heinous sins after baptism might, carried on irregularly, and frequently interrupted
notwithstanding their guilt, obtain absolution from by the clamours of the partizans on either side,
the Church, if sincerely penitent. In the first Tertullian deemed this a fitting opportunity for
chapter, when defining penitence and pointing out presenting in a written form a succinct view of the
the erroneous ideas entertained by the gentiles, he real merits of the question. He undertakes to
makes use of an expression which has been regarded demonstrate two propositions - a. That the Mosaic
as an avowal that he had at one time been a heathen, dispensation had been abrogated by Christ. 6. That
“ Poenitentiam, hoc genus hominum, quod et ipsi the Jews themselves had long looked for the arrival
retro fuimus, caeci sine Domini lumine, natura tenus of a Messiah, that the Messiah looked for by them
norunt,” &c. Erasmus, in consequence of the ele had actually arrived, and that Christ was that
gance by which the style of this tract is distin. Messiah. In support of the first he argues that
guished, was led to doubt whether it really be- since God had the power to enact, so he had the
longed to Tertullian, but it is quoted as his by power to repeal the ritual law, and that it was
Pacianus, a writer of the fourth century, and is consonant both with reason and revelation to
now generally received as genuine.
believe that in the fulness of time he would sub-
2. De Oratione. Consists of two parts : —a. An stitute for it a code applicable, not to one particular
exposition of the Lord's Prayer, which is repre people, but to the whole of mankind, thus fulfilling
sented as containing an epitome of the whole Gospel
. the promise made to our first parents and to
b. Instructions with respect to certain forms to be Abraham. The second he proves by pointing out
observed by Christians in their devotions. The how exactly the character and career of Jesus
latter portion terminates abruptly in the MSS. , corresponded with the predictions contained in the
but some additional chapters were supplied by Mu- divinely inspired books of the Old Testament.
ratori, by whom they were discovered in the Am- Neander has written a dissertation to prove
brosian library, and published in his Anecdota. that Tertullian broke off this work at the beginning
These are rejected by some critics, but admitted by of the ninth chapter, and that what follows is by a
others, among whom we may specially mention later hand, being taken, with some slight alterations,
Neander.
from the remarks upon the same text of Isaiah, in
3. De Baptismo. A certain Quintilla had been the third book against Marcion, remarks altogether
propagating at Carthage the heresy that baptism inapplicable to the debate with the Jew. But the
was neither imperative nor beneficial. Tertullian, Bishop of Lincoln insists that the argument is
in confuting this error, takes occasion -a. To ex- with a few changes, strictly applicable, and that
amine fully into the nature and efficacy of this the necessary changes have actually been made.
sacrament. 6. To discuss certain questions touch- 8. De Praescriptione IIcreticorum, i. e. on the
ing the time at which it ought to be administered rules to be observed by Catholics in dealing with
and the forms to be observed. He calls his op- heretics. The subject is introduced by pointing
ponent a Cainite ; and if we suppose that he uses out that the existence of heresy ought not to prove
the term literally, and not as a mere epithet of re- a source of wonder or of scandal to the orthodox,
proach, she must have belonged to that wild sect | inasmuch as the appearance of false teachers had
1
## p. 1008 (#1024) ##########################################
1008
TERTULLIANUS.
TERTULLIANUS.
:
;
Delt
i
de
he
been predicted in the plainest terms by Christ the Bible. The propositions advanced in the fourth
himself, and since false doctrines might be re- are supported chiefly by quotations from the Gospel
garded as valuable touchstones to test the purity of St. Luke, which Marcion is accused of having
of true belief. It is then laid down that all dis- corrupted, but in the fifth book the Epistles of
putes or doubts on matters of faith or practice must St. Paul are employed for the same purpose. We
be decided or solved by the judgment of some one gather from internal evidence that the first book
of the churches planted by the Apostles. Thus was written in the fifteenth year of Septimius
those who dwelt in Southern Greece might, when Severus, that is, in A. D. 207, and that the author
difficulties arose, repair to Corinth, those in Ma. was at this time undoubtedly a Montanist. (See cc
cedonia to Philippi or Thessalonica, those in Asia 15, 29. )
to Ephesus, those in Italy to Rome. And here it 10. Dc Anima. An inquiry into the nature of
is to be observed, that while Rome is represented the soul ; its origin ; its excellence ; its powers ; its
as singularly happy in having enjoyed the instruc- immortality ; the period at which it enters into
tions, and witnessed the martyrdom of St. Peter combination with the body ; its progressive deve-
and St. Paul, and in having beheld the tortures lopement; its susceptibility of sin ; its condition
inflicted or attempted to be inflicted on St. John after death ; together with a dissertation on dreams
the Evangelist, it is neither asserted nor im- and ecstasies which occupied a prominent position
plied that she possessed superior privileges or in the system of Montanus. "This dissertation
authority. There is some curious logic in the possesses peculiar interest from containing a state-
bections where the orthodox are forbidden to ment and examination of the views entertained by
appeal to Scripture not merely in their contro- the most distinguished heathen philosophers upon
versies with the Gnostics, who were charged with these topics, but some of the views propounded by
mutilating and interpolating the sacred volume in Tertullian himself would seem to lead directly to
order to force it into conformity with their own materialism.
tenets, but in their discussions with all heretics 11. De Curne Christi. Marcion, Valentinian,
whatsoever. Heretics, it is argued (see cc. 37, 38), and other heretics, denied that the body of Christ
have no right to make use of the Scriptures, be- was composed of real human flesh and blood. Ter-
cause they are not Christians, and the Scriptures tullian here demonstrates from reason and revela-
being the property of the Christians, none others tion the double nature of Jesus, who, without
can be permitted to employ them. It follows from ceasing to be God, was a perfect man, born of
this that heretics can be proved to be heretics woman, with limbs formed of flesh in a literal, not
without reference to the Bible at all, in other words in a spiritual or ideal, sense. In order to establish
that the authority of the Church must be held as more fully the humanity of the Messiah, it is main-
Buperseding all private judgment, and that whom- tained that the Mother of God ceased to be a
soever she pronounces unsound must be held as virgin in giving birth to the Saviour, a doctrine
such, without question or inquiry. No provision most vehemently assailed by St. Jerome and the
however is made for settling any difference which later fathers, and formally repudiated by the third
might arise between two Churches, both of which canon of the Lateran Council, held under Pope
were apostolic, and perhaps, indeed, such a con- Martin I. This piece was written after the De
tingency was regarded as impossible. The best Praescriplione Hereticorum, which is referred to in
MŠS. give nothing beyond the end of the forty- chapter second, and after the fourth book against
fifth chapter. What follows is either altogether Marcion, which is referred to in chapter seven.
wanting, or appears as a separate piece, and is 12. De Resurrectionc Carnis. A confutation of
generally regarded as the production of a later the heresy which denied the resurrection of the
hand.
body. A. The doctrine does not imply an impos-
II. WORKS CERTAINLY WRITTEN AFTER He sibility, because God is omnipotent, and, having
BECAME A MONTANIST. 9. Adversus Marcionem created all things out of nothing, he may either re-
Libri V. The leading tenet of the Pontic heretic produce the flesh from nothing, supposing it to
was that there were two great principles or deities, have utterly perished, or he may recall and reunite
the one perfect, the other imperfect. The latter the scattered elements if they have entered into
was the creator of the world, the God of the Jews, new combinations: B. The doctrine is not even
the author of the Mosaic dispensation. The former improbable, if we take into account the high digo
was the father of Christ, whose mission was to nity of the flesh, which is established by the fol-
destroy the old law. Marcion also maintained lowing considerations: a. It is the work of God.
that the visible bodily frame, and the passion of 6. It was assumed by the Saviour. c. It is inti-
our Lord were illusory, that he never really assumed mately connected with the soul, which cannot be
human flesh, and never really suffered on the cross. saved until it has formed this connection. d. It is
In the first book of this refutation Tertullian asserts the medium or instrument through which salvation
the Unity of God, and proves that the hypothesis is communicated to the soul in the sacraments and
of two Gods is directly opposed to reason and to all other holy ordinances of the Church. C. The
Scripture ; in the second, it is demonstrated that doctrine must be true, because it is most clearly
the God of the Jews is the one true God, the author enunciated in many texts of Scripture.
of all good ; in the third, that Christ is the son of The tract concludes with various speculations as
the Creator of the world, that his coming was to the manner in which the resurrection will take
predicted in the Law and the Prophets, that he place, the absence of mutilation, disease, and de-
assumed real flesh, and became a man like unto fornity in the body when raised, and similar
ourselves ; in the fourth and fifth, the contradictions topics.
between the Old and New Testaments brought 13. Adrersus Praxeam. Praxeas was a beretic
forward in the “ Antitheses ” of Marcion are shown who held that God the Father had been incarnate,
to be only apparent, while in fact the utmost har- bad been born of the Virgin, and had been cruci-
mony subsists between the different portions of | fied - in other words, that God the Father and
le
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tor
## p. 1009 (#1025) ##########################################
TERTULLIANUS.
1009
TERTULLIANUS.
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and the
God the Son were identical. In addition, however, which graced the one course, and of the renegado
to these errors, Praxeas had excited the wrath of cowardice evinced by the other.
Tertullian by stirring up one of the bishops of 18. Dc Exhortatione Castilatis Libcr. Three
Rome to persecute the Montanists, the prelate in degrees of purity are here distinguished. The first
qnestion having been, we are here assured, pre- and highest consists in absolute restraint during
viously disposed to regard with favour the views the whole period of life, the second in continence
entertained by the members of that sect, and to from the time of baptism, the third and lowest in
recognise its founder as a prophct. Neander be- refraining from contmcting a second marriage.
lieves that the pope here alluded to was Eleutherus, 19. Dc Monogamia. May be considered as a
according to Allix it was Victor. In conse- supplement to the foregoing. It is declared that
quence of the close correspondence between this second marriages are not only inexpedient, but ah.
piece and the work of Hippolytus, Contra Noelum, solutely sinful, and that the permission to marry at
Semler has, without success, called in question its all can only be regnrded in the light of a concession
authenticity. For an account of this work of Hip- to human weakne88. There can be no doubt that
polytus, sce Vol. II. p. 492, a.
this essay was composed after Tertullian had em-
14. Scorpice. This is a Greck word (okop braced the extreme views of Montanus, and it has
mann) signifying an antidote ngninst the poison of been thought possible to discover the exact time at
scorpions. The present piece is a defence of mar- which it was written, for we are told in the third
tyrdom, intended to neutralise the venom of the chapter that 160 years had clapsed since St. Paul
Gnostics and Cainites, who denied the necessity and addressed his cpistle to the Corinthians. But the
efficacy of such sacrifices, and even accounted them precise date of that epistle itself is still open to
sinful. It was evidently composed during a period controversy, and we may morcover conclude that
of persecution, and later than the second book against in this, as in similar passages, Tertullian spcaks in
Marcion. (See cc. 1, 4, 5; comp. Hieron. C. Vi- round numbers.
gilant. 3. )
20. De Jejuniis. A defence of certain fasts
15. De Corona Militis. On a great public fes- and ascetic observances, the necessity of which was
tival chaplets (coronae) had been distributed to the insisted on by the Montanists, and denied by the
troops. A soldier Wils seen carrying the one which Catholics. In the first chapter we find a reference
he had received in his hand instead of having to the Dc Monogamia.
placed it on his head, and when his officer de. 21. De Pulicitia. A controrersy had arisen
manded the reason of this proceeding, he replied between the Montanists and the Catholics as to
that he was a Christian. He was placed under arrest, the powers possessed by the Church to admit to her
and was awaiting in prison the punishment of his communion, and grant absolution to those who,
insubordination, when, in consequence of a question after baptism, had been guilty of a fagrant breach
haring arisen among the Christian community with of chastity. The rigid followers of the Phrygian
regard to the propriety of the man's conduct, Ter-closed the gates of forgiveness against even the re-
tullian composed this tract, in which he eloquently pentant sinner, the orthodox advocated the milder
defends, and loudly commends, the deed, declaring doctrine. Although Tertullian had formerly sup-
that this conscientious believer would receive the ported the latter, to a certain extent at least (sce
glorious crown of a martyr in exchange for the de Poenit. 7, comp. ad Mfartyr. 1), he here sternly
impure crown which he had rejected. Neander supports the opinions of his new friends.
imagines that the largess alluded to was bestowed III. WORKS PROBABLY WRITTEN AFTER HR
upon the army after the victory of Severus over BECAME A MONTANIST. 22. . Adversus Valenti-
the Parthians, in which case we may assign this niunos. An attack upon the fantastic mysticism
piece to A. D. 204.
and reveries of Valentinus and his disciples [VA-
16. De Virginibus velandis. It was the practice LENTINUS). It has been remarked that there is
in Africa for married women only to wear veils, a very close resemblance, amounting in some cases
while maidens appeared in public uncovered. The to an identity of thought, and even of expression,
latter custom is here denounced as contrary to between this work and the first book of Irenaeus
nature, contrary to the will of God, and contrary on the same subject.
to the discipline of the Church as observed in other 23. Ad Scapulam A remonstrance addressed
places. The position thus assumed is supported to Scapula governor of Africa, who was bitterly
by eight arguments, which are urged with a degree assailing the Christians, urging upon his attention
of vehemence and heat somewhat disproportionate the injustice and danger of the course which he was
to the importance of the subject. The essay is, pursuing - unjust, because the objects of his attacks
however, very interesting to the student of Ter- were the most harmless and most loyal adherents
tullian's life and opinions, since it contains a more of the emperor — dangerous, because God had
clear exposition of his views with regard to the already on many occasions manifested his wrath
Paraclete than we find in any other portion of his by punishing in this world those who persecuted
writings.
his people. In the last section he particularly al-
17. Dc Fuga in Persecutione. The stern and ludes to a portentous darkening of the sun, which
uncompromising Montanus not only forbade his took place during a public assembly at Utica, and
followers to flee from persecution, but encouraged this is by some commentators believed to have
them to defy the heathens, and brave their wrath been the great eclipse of a. D. 210. The capture
by an open and ostentatious profession of their of Byzantium also is spoken of, which took place
religion. The Catholics, on the other hand, did in a. D. 196.
not consider it unbecoming, under certain circum- 24. De Spectaculis. Preparations on a great
stances, to dissemble their faith, or to purchase scale were in progress at Carthage for celebrating
toleration, or, in cases of imminent danger, to seek with all pomp certain public games. This tract is
for safety in flight. We are here presented with a solemn denunciation, addressed to all true loe.
an eloquent exposition of the beauty and holiness ( lievers, against taking any part in such exhibition),
3 T
1 Pak
the De
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impose
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Tete
VOL. VI.
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TERTULLIANUS.
TERTULLIANUS.
ES
leie
which were invented by devils, and were calculated | a widely. spread political combination By tho
to awaken and cherish feelings and passions alto- more ignorant portion of the crowd, on the other
gether inconsistent with the Christian profession. hand, their bold repudiation of the popular creed
Neander supposes that this and the following piece was regarded as an open avowal of absolute atheism,
were called forth by the rejoicings at the termina- and every species of vice and crime were unhesi-
tion of the civil war by the death of Niger (A. D. tatingly ascribed to a class of men who were be-
194) and of Albinus (A. D. 197). Others believe lieved to have cast off all the restraints imposed by
that the preparations referred to were for the Secu- a fear of Divine wrath. Even those who did not
lar Games, which commemorated the completion of admit without question the extravagant rumours,
the eighth great century of Rome (A. D. 204). fabricated by intolerance and folly, and who knew
This diversity of opinion upon such a point is in enough of the real state of the case to feel sensible
itself sufficient to prove that the historical allusions that the brond accusation of total unbelief could
are of a vague and general character.
not be supported, still looked upon the Christians as
25. De Idololatria. Composed for the purpose wild fanatics who paid homage to new, foul, un-
of warning Christians that not those only were recognised, and therefore unlawful deities, and
guilty of idolatry who actually offered sacrifice to who were in consequence amenable to those ancient
false gods, but all who contributed in any way, di- laws which denounced punishment upon all who
rectly or indirectly, to the support and diffusion of introduced foreign superstitions without the sanc-
the popular religion by fabricating images, by as- tion of the senate. Hence, the mere fact that a
sisting in the construction and decoration of temples, man was notoriously a Christian, was held by
by consulting soothsayers and astrologers, by many governors to be a cause sufficient to justify
being present at heathen solemnities or festivities. the imprisonment or even the death of the indi-
In conclusion, it is asserted that no true believer vidual in the absence of all proof of any specific
can lawfully accept any public office, nor even offence, while the occurrence of any public disaster
serve as a soldier in the armies of the state. was considered by the rabble as a demonstration of
26. De Cultu Feminarum Libri II. On the Divine displeasure, called forth by the blasphemies
folly and sin displayed by women in devoting of the hated infidels, whose instant destruction
much time and anxious care to the decoration of they clamorously demanded. The object of Ter-
that body which they ought to be willing and tullian in this, the most elaborate of all his treatises,
eager to sacrifice, at any moment, in the service of is to combat and repel these attacks, to point out
Christ,
how unfounded were the ſears entertained with
IV. WORKS CONCERNING WHICH NOTHING respect to the loyalty of the Christians, how false
CERTAIN CAN BE PRONOUNCED. — 27. Apologia. the charges of atheism and immorality, how unrea-
A formal defence of Christianity. Much difference sonable the prejudices of the vulgar. He begins
of opinion has been expressed by the earlier ec- by complaining of the unfairness with wbich they
clesiastical historians as to the time when and were treated in courts of justice, since they alone
the place where this work was composed, as well / were condemned without a hearing, and without
as with regard to the persons to whom the appeal being impeached of any definite crime, the name
is made. It is now, however, generally admitted which they bore being held as a sufficient evidence
that it was written at Carthage, and that the of guilt, while their enemies were so ignorant, that
“Praesides,” “ Imperii Romani Antistites” (“ vo- they frequently mistook the real name, and substi-
bis. . . in aperto et in ipso vertice civitatis praesi- tuted an appellation altogether different. He then
dentibus ") addressed, must have been the chief proceeds to demonstrate how utterly absurd were
magistrates of the African province. The precise the tales in common circulation, that they practised
epoch at which it was drawn up is still a question infanticide, and were guilty of gross debauchery in
open to discussion. We find clearly indicated a their holy assemblies ; he explains that, far from
period of persecution against the church, of intes- being atheists, they paid the most solemn adoration
tine discord in the state, and of attacks upon the to the only true God, rejecting the worship of
dominion of Rome by various barbarous tribes, dead men and of evil spirits, retorting at the same
especially the Parthians, a series of conditions all time upon the Gentiles, with great force and effect,
of which were fulfilled by events which occurred the reproaches of cruelty and impurity in cele-
during the reign of Severus ; but here, as elsewhere brating sacred observances, and exposing many of
in Tertullian, the historical allusions are couched the most prominent follies and abominations, which
in such general and vague terms, that it is impos- were mingled with the heathen ceremonies. He
sible to fix with confidence on any one known next calls attention to the circunstance that, far
event.
from being bad subjects, they were bound by their
The Christians at the close of the second century Scriptures to submit themselves to the temporal
were compelled to maintain a perilous struggle powers, and that in public and private they joined
both with the government and the populace. By in fervent prayer for the emperor ; that far from
the former their rapidly increasing numbers were cherishing hatred against the human race, forgive-
viewed with jealous apprehension ; for not only ness of enemies was one of the leading principles of
did the multitudes who professed the new faith their moral code ; that their meetings were all of a
openly avow their contempi and abhorrence of the harmless and devout character occupied entirely
gods reverenced by the constituted authorities, and with holy ordinances and spiritual communion ;
refuse to participate in any of their rites, even in that far from being the cause of national misfors
the sacrifices offered up for the safety of the em- tunes, it was notorious that the most terrible visita-
perors, but the close correspondence, union, and tions bad often been mitigated by their suppli-
organization which existed among all the members cations ; and, finally, that the greatest loss and
of the different churches induced the rulers to danger would arise to the state should it persist in
suspect that religion was, in this case, merely a alienating by persecution such a numerous, inof.
convenient cloak employed to hide the intrigues of | fensive, virtuous, and well-disposed class of ci.
TE
Te
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Br the
Fan Creed
LEBIH
ped by
Jie ced
sheries
4742
of Ter
sale
tizens. He concludes by replying to some assailants 31. Adrersus Vermogenom. Hermogenes was
who were content to disparage Christianity by re- an African, a painter by profession, who at one
presenting it as merely a new form of philosophy, time had been an orthodox believer, but having
whose doctrines were either borrowed from the fallen away from the faith now maintained, that
speculations of others, or, when original, were less God had not created the universe out of nothing,
brilliant and impressive than those enforced by the and agreed with the Stoics in the dogma that matter
older theorists. It is urged against this, in the had existed from all eternity.
first place, that the effect produced by Christianity The merits of Tertullian as an author are of a
upon the lives and characters of its votaries was of very chequered character. He evidently was deeply
a description very different from and very superior imbued with all the learning of the age to which
to that which resulted from the discipline of any he belonged, and was faniiliar with the most cele-
philosophic sect, and, in the second place, that brated poets, historians, jurists, orators, and philo-
those who looked upon Christianity in this light sophers of Greece and Rome. Nor, indeed, does
were bound, at least, to extend to it the same tole- he maniſest any inclination to dissemible these
ration which they granted to all other schools. accomplishments, for hc perpetually calls to liis aid
28. Ad Nationcs Libri II. The npology is ad- illustrations and technicalities borrowed from every
dressed specially to the Roman magistrates : these department of literature and science, dazzling us
books appear to be intended to prove, in like with a pompous array of opinions and nuthorities.
manner, to the satisfaction of the locathen public in But while it is impossible to question his erudition,
general, that the prejudices cherished towards the no one can defend his style, which exhibits in a
Christians were altogether groundless, and that the most repulsive form the worst faults of an ill-
charges of immorality, vice, and unnatural cruelty, cultivated taste. It is in the highest degree rough,
preferred against them by their enemies were also abrupt, and obscure, abounding in far-fetched me-
lutely false and calumnious. The second book taphors and extravagant hyperboles, while the
which is devoted to an exposition of the absurdity language is oftentimes uncouth and almost bar-
of the popular theology, of the gods whom the barous, so that the most indulgent critic feels
vulgar worshipped, and of the rites which they inclined to turn away in disguist from pages where
celebrated, is from the nature of the subject, and he is perpetually shocked, startled, and perplexed.
from the number of curious facts which it records, On the other hand, the extreme liveliness and
particularly interesting, but unfortunately in a fertility of his imagination, the piercing sharpness
very mutilated condition. Indeeå from the nume- of his wit, the trenchant edge of his sarcasm, the
rous blanks and imperfections which occur through-impetuous force of his arguments, which bewilder
out, and from the circumstance that many of the and stun even when they fail to convince, and the
arguments employed are identical, both in substance, torrent flood of brilliant declamation in which his
and frequently in words, with those introduced in glowing conceptions are poured forth, at once
the Apology, it has been conjectured that the latter excite, amuse, and overwhelm the reader.
ought to be regarded as the finished performance of His authority as a theologian has been variously
which this treatise is merely a rough draught, never estimated by ecclesiastical writers. While some
intended to form a separate or complete work. appeal with confidence to his decision in all matters
29. De Testimonio Animae. A developement of of controversy, not immediately connected with his
the argument for the unity of God and the reality peculiar views, others branding him with the title
of a future state, derived from the innate perceptions of a perverse heretic reject his testimony, upon all
and feelings of the soul. We find in the fifth points alike, as altogether worthless.
It seems
chapter a reference to the Apology.
absolutely necessary in this matter, if we would
30. De Pallio. Tertullian having exchanged arrive at a fair and practical conclusion, to separate
the ordinary garment, which he had hitherto worn opinions from facts. The opinions of Tertullian,
in common with his fellow-citizens, for the Pallium, even when expressed at a period when his ortho-
and having been ridiculed in consequence, here doxy was beyond suspicion, bear such evident
difends himself, by arguing that there is nothing marks of an excitable temperament, and of rash
unnatural nor unprecedented in a change of dress, impetuosity, combined with harsh and gloomy asce-
and that the garb in question was peculiarly con- ticism, that they ought to have been received with
venient and suitable for those who desired to avoid distrust, even if he had never become the advocate
all rain display in the decoration of their person. of gross errors ; but when we remember the ab-
But to what class of persons the Pallium properly surdities into which he was, at a subsequent period,
belonged, whether it was the habit assumed by actually betrayed, we must consider his judgment
philosophers in general, or by Christians as a body, as disabled. At the same time, since we have not
or by presbyters only, or by those who laid claim the slightest reason to suspect that he was ever
to peculiar sanctity and austerity, are questions to guilty of wilful deception or misrepresentation, we
which no one has yet been able to make a satis- may accept, without hesitation, the facts which he
factory reply. According to the views entertained records. How large a mass of most curious and
upon this point the date of the piece has been valuable information on the doctrine and discipline
variously determined. Some would refer it to the of the church in the second and third centuries
time when the author first embraced Christianity, may be collected from his works, will be at once
others to the epoch of his ordination as a priest, seen by consulting the very able and elaborate
others to the period of his conversion to Montanism. analysis by the Bishop of Lincoln. The conduct of
Neander supposes that he assumed the peculiar Cyprian is at once characteristic and instructive.
dress of the ascetics upon the death of his wife, It is recorded that he never allowed a day to pass
and imagines that Severus, Caracalla and Geta, are without reading a portion of Tertullian, and that
indicated by the words " Praesentis imperii triplex he was wont frequently to exclaim to his confi-
virtus,” an expression which has been differently dential attendants, “ give me my master. " But
interpreted by others.
although the cautious prelate doubtless derived
62
af
sta
ge
ad
3т 2
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TESTA.
2
great pleasure and profit from these studies, and clnded by Schutz, 6 vols. 8vo. Ilal. 1770. Of
although his style bears evident marks of this these the most desirable is the Venice edition of
finiiiar intercourse, on no single occasion does he 1744, although it unfortunately abounds with typo-
eve! name Tertullian, or give a quotation from his graphical errors.
works, a sure indication that although he found There is an excellent edition of the Dc Pullio,
hiin an agreeable companion, he considered him as by Salmasius, 8vo. Lutet. 1622, 8vo. Lug. Bat.
no safe guide for himself or others, and was by no 1656, and of the Apologeticus, by llavercamp, 8vo.
mcans desirous to proclaim his intimacy with a Lug. Bat. 1710, reprinted in the Venice ed. of
personage of such doubtful reputation.
1744.
In addition to the list given above Tertullian (Lactant. v. 1; Euseb. II. E. ii. 2 ; Hieron. de
was the author of several works, some of which l'iris Il. 53, Epist. ad Marm. Orat. , Epist. ad
had been lost even in the tiine of Jerome. The Puulin. ; Euseb. Chron. s. ann. xii. Severi ; Praedes-
titles only of the following have been preserved, tinat. udv. llueres. ed. Sirmond; Augustin. de llueres.
and some of them are doubtful. 1. Dc Vestibus 86 ; Vincent. Lirin. Commonil. 2+; Vita Tertullian.
Saron. 2. Ad Annicum Philosophum. 3. De Censu edit. Pamelian, praemiss. ; Allix, Disscrlutio de
Animuc. 4. Dc Spc fidelium. 5. De l'uradiso. Tertullian. l'il. et Script. 8vo. Par. 1680 ; S. hramm,
6. De Ecstusi. 7. De Animae Summissionc. 8. Analysis Operum SS. Putrum, fc. vol. iii. pp. 1-
Dc Superstitione Sacculi. 9. De Cuine ct Anima. 636 ; Noesselt, de Aetut. Script. Tertulliun. Dissert
.
10. Adversus spelliucos. (See De Curnc Christi, iii. Hal. 1757—59; Schönemann, Bibliotheca l'a-
c. 8). 11. De Incommodis Nuptiarum. The fol. trum Lat.
Marc. iii. 21. )
as he advanced in life, it is manifest that any
3. There can be no doubt that he was married, for arrangement which does not, to a certain extent,
we find among his tracts an address to his wife, in | trace the gradual development of these new views,
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TERTULLIANUS.
a
-
must be imperfect and unsatisfactory. Hence, who looked up with peculiar reverence to Cain and
theologians have now for the most part agreed those other characters in the Bible who had fallen
merely to separate those tracts which were com- under the heavy displeasure of the Almighty.
posed while Tertullian was still a member of the 4. Ad Urorcm Libri II. Adrice to his wife,
Church, from those which were composed after he with regard to her conduct in the event of his pre-
became a Montanist. But even this plan, simple deceasing her. In the first book he earnestly dis-
as it may appear, cannot be completely executed, suades her from contracting a second marriage,
for the doctrines of Montanus were, upon many maintaining that all such alliances are wrong in
points, strictly orthodox, and it was only when principle and inexpedient in practice. In the se-
speaking of himself and the nature of his own cond, supposing that, notwithstanding his arguments
mission that he became subject to the charge of to the contrary, she may feel inclined again to
extravagance and heresy. Thus, after we have set enter into wedlock, he urges upon her the necessity
aside a few pieces which are stamped with broad and of uniting herself to a Christian and not to a
well-defined marks of heterodoxy, we shall find a heathen, pointing out that it was contrary to the
considerable number in which the characteristics are cxpress commands of God, and in itself impurc,
faint and doubtful, and many more in which they unnatural, and dangerous to form so close a con-
are altogether wanting. Still the attempt ought to nection with an alien from the faith.
be made ; and accordingly we shall pursue the
5. Ad Martyres. An earnest cxhortation to
method followed by the Bishop of Lincoln, the the brethren who were suffering persecution on
best, perhaps, which the circumstances of the case account of their faith, to remain steadfast, in de.
permit us to adopt. We shall place together : fiance of imprisonment, torture, or death itself,
i. Works probably written while he was yet a looking forward with eager anticipations to the
member of the Church. II. Works certainly glories and privileges reserved for those who won
written after he became a Montanist. III. Works the crown of martyrdom.
probably written after he became a Montanist. 6. De Patientia. A moral essay on the im-
IV. Works respecting which nothing certain can portance and utility of this virtue, conceived in a
be pronounced.
truly Christian spirit, and expressed, especially
1. WORKS PROBABLY WRITTEN WHILE HE towards the conclusion, in very dignified and pic-
WAS YET A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH. - 1. De turesque language.
Poenitentia. Chiefly remarkable because the author 7. Adversus Judacos Liber. A public debate had
here advocates a doctrine which at a subsequent been held between a Jewish proselyte and a
period, after he had embraced the errors of Mon- Christian, each supporting the claims of the creed
tanus, he sternly impugned, namely, that those which he professed. The discussion having been
who committed heinous sins after baptism might, carried on irregularly, and frequently interrupted
notwithstanding their guilt, obtain absolution from by the clamours of the partizans on either side,
the Church, if sincerely penitent. In the first Tertullian deemed this a fitting opportunity for
chapter, when defining penitence and pointing out presenting in a written form a succinct view of the
the erroneous ideas entertained by the gentiles, he real merits of the question. He undertakes to
makes use of an expression which has been regarded demonstrate two propositions - a. That the Mosaic
as an avowal that he had at one time been a heathen, dispensation had been abrogated by Christ. 6. That
“ Poenitentiam, hoc genus hominum, quod et ipsi the Jews themselves had long looked for the arrival
retro fuimus, caeci sine Domini lumine, natura tenus of a Messiah, that the Messiah looked for by them
norunt,” &c. Erasmus, in consequence of the ele had actually arrived, and that Christ was that
gance by which the style of this tract is distin. Messiah. In support of the first he argues that
guished, was led to doubt whether it really be- since God had the power to enact, so he had the
longed to Tertullian, but it is quoted as his by power to repeal the ritual law, and that it was
Pacianus, a writer of the fourth century, and is consonant both with reason and revelation to
now generally received as genuine.
believe that in the fulness of time he would sub-
2. De Oratione. Consists of two parts : —a. An stitute for it a code applicable, not to one particular
exposition of the Lord's Prayer, which is repre people, but to the whole of mankind, thus fulfilling
sented as containing an epitome of the whole Gospel
. the promise made to our first parents and to
b. Instructions with respect to certain forms to be Abraham. The second he proves by pointing out
observed by Christians in their devotions. The how exactly the character and career of Jesus
latter portion terminates abruptly in the MSS. , corresponded with the predictions contained in the
but some additional chapters were supplied by Mu- divinely inspired books of the Old Testament.
ratori, by whom they were discovered in the Am- Neander has written a dissertation to prove
brosian library, and published in his Anecdota. that Tertullian broke off this work at the beginning
These are rejected by some critics, but admitted by of the ninth chapter, and that what follows is by a
others, among whom we may specially mention later hand, being taken, with some slight alterations,
Neander.
from the remarks upon the same text of Isaiah, in
3. De Baptismo. A certain Quintilla had been the third book against Marcion, remarks altogether
propagating at Carthage the heresy that baptism inapplicable to the debate with the Jew. But the
was neither imperative nor beneficial. Tertullian, Bishop of Lincoln insists that the argument is
in confuting this error, takes occasion -a. To ex- with a few changes, strictly applicable, and that
amine fully into the nature and efficacy of this the necessary changes have actually been made.
sacrament. 6. To discuss certain questions touch- 8. De Praescriptione IIcreticorum, i. e. on the
ing the time at which it ought to be administered rules to be observed by Catholics in dealing with
and the forms to be observed. He calls his op- heretics. The subject is introduced by pointing
ponent a Cainite ; and if we suppose that he uses out that the existence of heresy ought not to prove
the term literally, and not as a mere epithet of re- a source of wonder or of scandal to the orthodox,
proach, she must have belonged to that wild sect | inasmuch as the appearance of false teachers had
1
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:
;
Delt
i
de
he
been predicted in the plainest terms by Christ the Bible. The propositions advanced in the fourth
himself, and since false doctrines might be re- are supported chiefly by quotations from the Gospel
garded as valuable touchstones to test the purity of St. Luke, which Marcion is accused of having
of true belief. It is then laid down that all dis- corrupted, but in the fifth book the Epistles of
putes or doubts on matters of faith or practice must St. Paul are employed for the same purpose. We
be decided or solved by the judgment of some one gather from internal evidence that the first book
of the churches planted by the Apostles. Thus was written in the fifteenth year of Septimius
those who dwelt in Southern Greece might, when Severus, that is, in A. D. 207, and that the author
difficulties arose, repair to Corinth, those in Ma. was at this time undoubtedly a Montanist. (See cc
cedonia to Philippi or Thessalonica, those in Asia 15, 29. )
to Ephesus, those in Italy to Rome. And here it 10. Dc Anima. An inquiry into the nature of
is to be observed, that while Rome is represented the soul ; its origin ; its excellence ; its powers ; its
as singularly happy in having enjoyed the instruc- immortality ; the period at which it enters into
tions, and witnessed the martyrdom of St. Peter combination with the body ; its progressive deve-
and St. Paul, and in having beheld the tortures lopement; its susceptibility of sin ; its condition
inflicted or attempted to be inflicted on St. John after death ; together with a dissertation on dreams
the Evangelist, it is neither asserted nor im- and ecstasies which occupied a prominent position
plied that she possessed superior privileges or in the system of Montanus. "This dissertation
authority. There is some curious logic in the possesses peculiar interest from containing a state-
bections where the orthodox are forbidden to ment and examination of the views entertained by
appeal to Scripture not merely in their contro- the most distinguished heathen philosophers upon
versies with the Gnostics, who were charged with these topics, but some of the views propounded by
mutilating and interpolating the sacred volume in Tertullian himself would seem to lead directly to
order to force it into conformity with their own materialism.
tenets, but in their discussions with all heretics 11. De Curne Christi. Marcion, Valentinian,
whatsoever. Heretics, it is argued (see cc. 37, 38), and other heretics, denied that the body of Christ
have no right to make use of the Scriptures, be- was composed of real human flesh and blood. Ter-
cause they are not Christians, and the Scriptures tullian here demonstrates from reason and revela-
being the property of the Christians, none others tion the double nature of Jesus, who, without
can be permitted to employ them. It follows from ceasing to be God, was a perfect man, born of
this that heretics can be proved to be heretics woman, with limbs formed of flesh in a literal, not
without reference to the Bible at all, in other words in a spiritual or ideal, sense. In order to establish
that the authority of the Church must be held as more fully the humanity of the Messiah, it is main-
Buperseding all private judgment, and that whom- tained that the Mother of God ceased to be a
soever she pronounces unsound must be held as virgin in giving birth to the Saviour, a doctrine
such, without question or inquiry. No provision most vehemently assailed by St. Jerome and the
however is made for settling any difference which later fathers, and formally repudiated by the third
might arise between two Churches, both of which canon of the Lateran Council, held under Pope
were apostolic, and perhaps, indeed, such a con- Martin I. This piece was written after the De
tingency was regarded as impossible. The best Praescriplione Hereticorum, which is referred to in
MŠS. give nothing beyond the end of the forty- chapter second, and after the fourth book against
fifth chapter. What follows is either altogether Marcion, which is referred to in chapter seven.
wanting, or appears as a separate piece, and is 12. De Resurrectionc Carnis. A confutation of
generally regarded as the production of a later the heresy which denied the resurrection of the
hand.
body. A. The doctrine does not imply an impos-
II. WORKS CERTAINLY WRITTEN AFTER He sibility, because God is omnipotent, and, having
BECAME A MONTANIST. 9. Adversus Marcionem created all things out of nothing, he may either re-
Libri V. The leading tenet of the Pontic heretic produce the flesh from nothing, supposing it to
was that there were two great principles or deities, have utterly perished, or he may recall and reunite
the one perfect, the other imperfect. The latter the scattered elements if they have entered into
was the creator of the world, the God of the Jews, new combinations: B. The doctrine is not even
the author of the Mosaic dispensation. The former improbable, if we take into account the high digo
was the father of Christ, whose mission was to nity of the flesh, which is established by the fol-
destroy the old law. Marcion also maintained lowing considerations: a. It is the work of God.
that the visible bodily frame, and the passion of 6. It was assumed by the Saviour. c. It is inti-
our Lord were illusory, that he never really assumed mately connected with the soul, which cannot be
human flesh, and never really suffered on the cross. saved until it has formed this connection. d. It is
In the first book of this refutation Tertullian asserts the medium or instrument through which salvation
the Unity of God, and proves that the hypothesis is communicated to the soul in the sacraments and
of two Gods is directly opposed to reason and to all other holy ordinances of the Church. C. The
Scripture ; in the second, it is demonstrated that doctrine must be true, because it is most clearly
the God of the Jews is the one true God, the author enunciated in many texts of Scripture.
of all good ; in the third, that Christ is the son of The tract concludes with various speculations as
the Creator of the world, that his coming was to the manner in which the resurrection will take
predicted in the Law and the Prophets, that he place, the absence of mutilation, disease, and de-
assumed real flesh, and became a man like unto fornity in the body when raised, and similar
ourselves ; in the fourth and fifth, the contradictions topics.
between the Old and New Testaments brought 13. Adrersus Praxeam. Praxeas was a beretic
forward in the “ Antitheses ” of Marcion are shown who held that God the Father had been incarnate,
to be only apparent, while in fact the utmost har- bad been born of the Virgin, and had been cruci-
mony subsists between the different portions of | fied - in other words, that God the Father and
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## p. 1009 (#1025) ##########################################
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1009
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and the
God the Son were identical. In addition, however, which graced the one course, and of the renegado
to these errors, Praxeas had excited the wrath of cowardice evinced by the other.
Tertullian by stirring up one of the bishops of 18. Dc Exhortatione Castilatis Libcr. Three
Rome to persecute the Montanists, the prelate in degrees of purity are here distinguished. The first
qnestion having been, we are here assured, pre- and highest consists in absolute restraint during
viously disposed to regard with favour the views the whole period of life, the second in continence
entertained by the members of that sect, and to from the time of baptism, the third and lowest in
recognise its founder as a prophct. Neander be- refraining from contmcting a second marriage.
lieves that the pope here alluded to was Eleutherus, 19. Dc Monogamia. May be considered as a
according to Allix it was Victor. In conse- supplement to the foregoing. It is declared that
quence of the close correspondence between this second marriages are not only inexpedient, but ah.
piece and the work of Hippolytus, Contra Noelum, solutely sinful, and that the permission to marry at
Semler has, without success, called in question its all can only be regnrded in the light of a concession
authenticity. For an account of this work of Hip- to human weakne88. There can be no doubt that
polytus, sce Vol. II. p. 492, a.
this essay was composed after Tertullian had em-
14. Scorpice. This is a Greck word (okop braced the extreme views of Montanus, and it has
mann) signifying an antidote ngninst the poison of been thought possible to discover the exact time at
scorpions. The present piece is a defence of mar- which it was written, for we are told in the third
tyrdom, intended to neutralise the venom of the chapter that 160 years had clapsed since St. Paul
Gnostics and Cainites, who denied the necessity and addressed his cpistle to the Corinthians. But the
efficacy of such sacrifices, and even accounted them precise date of that epistle itself is still open to
sinful. It was evidently composed during a period controversy, and we may morcover conclude that
of persecution, and later than the second book against in this, as in similar passages, Tertullian spcaks in
Marcion. (See cc. 1, 4, 5; comp. Hieron. C. Vi- round numbers.
gilant. 3. )
20. De Jejuniis. A defence of certain fasts
15. De Corona Militis. On a great public fes- and ascetic observances, the necessity of which was
tival chaplets (coronae) had been distributed to the insisted on by the Montanists, and denied by the
troops. A soldier Wils seen carrying the one which Catholics. In the first chapter we find a reference
he had received in his hand instead of having to the Dc Monogamia.
placed it on his head, and when his officer de. 21. De Pulicitia. A controrersy had arisen
manded the reason of this proceeding, he replied between the Montanists and the Catholics as to
that he was a Christian. He was placed under arrest, the powers possessed by the Church to admit to her
and was awaiting in prison the punishment of his communion, and grant absolution to those who,
insubordination, when, in consequence of a question after baptism, had been guilty of a fagrant breach
haring arisen among the Christian community with of chastity. The rigid followers of the Phrygian
regard to the propriety of the man's conduct, Ter-closed the gates of forgiveness against even the re-
tullian composed this tract, in which he eloquently pentant sinner, the orthodox advocated the milder
defends, and loudly commends, the deed, declaring doctrine. Although Tertullian had formerly sup-
that this conscientious believer would receive the ported the latter, to a certain extent at least (sce
glorious crown of a martyr in exchange for the de Poenit. 7, comp. ad Mfartyr. 1), he here sternly
impure crown which he had rejected. Neander supports the opinions of his new friends.
imagines that the largess alluded to was bestowed III. WORKS PROBABLY WRITTEN AFTER HR
upon the army after the victory of Severus over BECAME A MONTANIST. 22. . Adversus Valenti-
the Parthians, in which case we may assign this niunos. An attack upon the fantastic mysticism
piece to A. D. 204.
and reveries of Valentinus and his disciples [VA-
16. De Virginibus velandis. It was the practice LENTINUS). It has been remarked that there is
in Africa for married women only to wear veils, a very close resemblance, amounting in some cases
while maidens appeared in public uncovered. The to an identity of thought, and even of expression,
latter custom is here denounced as contrary to between this work and the first book of Irenaeus
nature, contrary to the will of God, and contrary on the same subject.
to the discipline of the Church as observed in other 23. Ad Scapulam A remonstrance addressed
places. The position thus assumed is supported to Scapula governor of Africa, who was bitterly
by eight arguments, which are urged with a degree assailing the Christians, urging upon his attention
of vehemence and heat somewhat disproportionate the injustice and danger of the course which he was
to the importance of the subject. The essay is, pursuing - unjust, because the objects of his attacks
however, very interesting to the student of Ter- were the most harmless and most loyal adherents
tullian's life and opinions, since it contains a more of the emperor — dangerous, because God had
clear exposition of his views with regard to the already on many occasions manifested his wrath
Paraclete than we find in any other portion of his by punishing in this world those who persecuted
writings.
his people. In the last section he particularly al-
17. Dc Fuga in Persecutione. The stern and ludes to a portentous darkening of the sun, which
uncompromising Montanus not only forbade his took place during a public assembly at Utica, and
followers to flee from persecution, but encouraged this is by some commentators believed to have
them to defy the heathens, and brave their wrath been the great eclipse of a. D. 210. The capture
by an open and ostentatious profession of their of Byzantium also is spoken of, which took place
religion. The Catholics, on the other hand, did in a. D. 196.
not consider it unbecoming, under certain circum- 24. De Spectaculis. Preparations on a great
stances, to dissemble their faith, or to purchase scale were in progress at Carthage for celebrating
toleration, or, in cases of imminent danger, to seek with all pomp certain public games. This tract is
for safety in flight. We are here presented with a solemn denunciation, addressed to all true loe.
an eloquent exposition of the beauty and holiness ( lievers, against taking any part in such exhibition),
3 T
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VOL. VI.
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ES
leie
which were invented by devils, and were calculated | a widely. spread political combination By tho
to awaken and cherish feelings and passions alto- more ignorant portion of the crowd, on the other
gether inconsistent with the Christian profession. hand, their bold repudiation of the popular creed
Neander supposes that this and the following piece was regarded as an open avowal of absolute atheism,
were called forth by the rejoicings at the termina- and every species of vice and crime were unhesi-
tion of the civil war by the death of Niger (A. D. tatingly ascribed to a class of men who were be-
194) and of Albinus (A. D. 197). Others believe lieved to have cast off all the restraints imposed by
that the preparations referred to were for the Secu- a fear of Divine wrath. Even those who did not
lar Games, which commemorated the completion of admit without question the extravagant rumours,
the eighth great century of Rome (A. D. 204). fabricated by intolerance and folly, and who knew
This diversity of opinion upon such a point is in enough of the real state of the case to feel sensible
itself sufficient to prove that the historical allusions that the brond accusation of total unbelief could
are of a vague and general character.
not be supported, still looked upon the Christians as
25. De Idololatria. Composed for the purpose wild fanatics who paid homage to new, foul, un-
of warning Christians that not those only were recognised, and therefore unlawful deities, and
guilty of idolatry who actually offered sacrifice to who were in consequence amenable to those ancient
false gods, but all who contributed in any way, di- laws which denounced punishment upon all who
rectly or indirectly, to the support and diffusion of introduced foreign superstitions without the sanc-
the popular religion by fabricating images, by as- tion of the senate. Hence, the mere fact that a
sisting in the construction and decoration of temples, man was notoriously a Christian, was held by
by consulting soothsayers and astrologers, by many governors to be a cause sufficient to justify
being present at heathen solemnities or festivities. the imprisonment or even the death of the indi-
In conclusion, it is asserted that no true believer vidual in the absence of all proof of any specific
can lawfully accept any public office, nor even offence, while the occurrence of any public disaster
serve as a soldier in the armies of the state. was considered by the rabble as a demonstration of
26. De Cultu Feminarum Libri II. On the Divine displeasure, called forth by the blasphemies
folly and sin displayed by women in devoting of the hated infidels, whose instant destruction
much time and anxious care to the decoration of they clamorously demanded. The object of Ter-
that body which they ought to be willing and tullian in this, the most elaborate of all his treatises,
eager to sacrifice, at any moment, in the service of is to combat and repel these attacks, to point out
Christ,
how unfounded were the ſears entertained with
IV. WORKS CONCERNING WHICH NOTHING respect to the loyalty of the Christians, how false
CERTAIN CAN BE PRONOUNCED. — 27. Apologia. the charges of atheism and immorality, how unrea-
A formal defence of Christianity. Much difference sonable the prejudices of the vulgar. He begins
of opinion has been expressed by the earlier ec- by complaining of the unfairness with wbich they
clesiastical historians as to the time when and were treated in courts of justice, since they alone
the place where this work was composed, as well / were condemned without a hearing, and without
as with regard to the persons to whom the appeal being impeached of any definite crime, the name
is made. It is now, however, generally admitted which they bore being held as a sufficient evidence
that it was written at Carthage, and that the of guilt, while their enemies were so ignorant, that
“Praesides,” “ Imperii Romani Antistites” (“ vo- they frequently mistook the real name, and substi-
bis. . . in aperto et in ipso vertice civitatis praesi- tuted an appellation altogether different. He then
dentibus ") addressed, must have been the chief proceeds to demonstrate how utterly absurd were
magistrates of the African province. The precise the tales in common circulation, that they practised
epoch at which it was drawn up is still a question infanticide, and were guilty of gross debauchery in
open to discussion. We find clearly indicated a their holy assemblies ; he explains that, far from
period of persecution against the church, of intes- being atheists, they paid the most solemn adoration
tine discord in the state, and of attacks upon the to the only true God, rejecting the worship of
dominion of Rome by various barbarous tribes, dead men and of evil spirits, retorting at the same
especially the Parthians, a series of conditions all time upon the Gentiles, with great force and effect,
of which were fulfilled by events which occurred the reproaches of cruelty and impurity in cele-
during the reign of Severus ; but here, as elsewhere brating sacred observances, and exposing many of
in Tertullian, the historical allusions are couched the most prominent follies and abominations, which
in such general and vague terms, that it is impos- were mingled with the heathen ceremonies. He
sible to fix with confidence on any one known next calls attention to the circunstance that, far
event.
from being bad subjects, they were bound by their
The Christians at the close of the second century Scriptures to submit themselves to the temporal
were compelled to maintain a perilous struggle powers, and that in public and private they joined
both with the government and the populace. By in fervent prayer for the emperor ; that far from
the former their rapidly increasing numbers were cherishing hatred against the human race, forgive-
viewed with jealous apprehension ; for not only ness of enemies was one of the leading principles of
did the multitudes who professed the new faith their moral code ; that their meetings were all of a
openly avow their contempi and abhorrence of the harmless and devout character occupied entirely
gods reverenced by the constituted authorities, and with holy ordinances and spiritual communion ;
refuse to participate in any of their rites, even in that far from being the cause of national misfors
the sacrifices offered up for the safety of the em- tunes, it was notorious that the most terrible visita-
perors, but the close correspondence, union, and tions bad often been mitigated by their suppli-
organization which existed among all the members cations ; and, finally, that the greatest loss and
of the different churches induced the rulers to danger would arise to the state should it persist in
suspect that religion was, in this case, merely a alienating by persecution such a numerous, inof.
convenient cloak employed to hide the intrigues of | fensive, virtuous, and well-disposed class of ci.
TE
Te
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TERTULLIANUS.
1011
TERTULLIANUS.
Br the
Fan Creed
LEBIH
ped by
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4742
of Ter
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tizens. He concludes by replying to some assailants 31. Adrersus Vermogenom. Hermogenes was
who were content to disparage Christianity by re- an African, a painter by profession, who at one
presenting it as merely a new form of philosophy, time had been an orthodox believer, but having
whose doctrines were either borrowed from the fallen away from the faith now maintained, that
speculations of others, or, when original, were less God had not created the universe out of nothing,
brilliant and impressive than those enforced by the and agreed with the Stoics in the dogma that matter
older theorists. It is urged against this, in the had existed from all eternity.
first place, that the effect produced by Christianity The merits of Tertullian as an author are of a
upon the lives and characters of its votaries was of very chequered character. He evidently was deeply
a description very different from and very superior imbued with all the learning of the age to which
to that which resulted from the discipline of any he belonged, and was faniiliar with the most cele-
philosophic sect, and, in the second place, that brated poets, historians, jurists, orators, and philo-
those who looked upon Christianity in this light sophers of Greece and Rome. Nor, indeed, does
were bound, at least, to extend to it the same tole- he maniſest any inclination to dissemible these
ration which they granted to all other schools. accomplishments, for hc perpetually calls to liis aid
28. Ad Nationcs Libri II. The npology is ad- illustrations and technicalities borrowed from every
dressed specially to the Roman magistrates : these department of literature and science, dazzling us
books appear to be intended to prove, in like with a pompous array of opinions and nuthorities.
manner, to the satisfaction of the locathen public in But while it is impossible to question his erudition,
general, that the prejudices cherished towards the no one can defend his style, which exhibits in a
Christians were altogether groundless, and that the most repulsive form the worst faults of an ill-
charges of immorality, vice, and unnatural cruelty, cultivated taste. It is in the highest degree rough,
preferred against them by their enemies were also abrupt, and obscure, abounding in far-fetched me-
lutely false and calumnious. The second book taphors and extravagant hyperboles, while the
which is devoted to an exposition of the absurdity language is oftentimes uncouth and almost bar-
of the popular theology, of the gods whom the barous, so that the most indulgent critic feels
vulgar worshipped, and of the rites which they inclined to turn away in disguist from pages where
celebrated, is from the nature of the subject, and he is perpetually shocked, startled, and perplexed.
from the number of curious facts which it records, On the other hand, the extreme liveliness and
particularly interesting, but unfortunately in a fertility of his imagination, the piercing sharpness
very mutilated condition. Indeeå from the nume- of his wit, the trenchant edge of his sarcasm, the
rous blanks and imperfections which occur through-impetuous force of his arguments, which bewilder
out, and from the circumstance that many of the and stun even when they fail to convince, and the
arguments employed are identical, both in substance, torrent flood of brilliant declamation in which his
and frequently in words, with those introduced in glowing conceptions are poured forth, at once
the Apology, it has been conjectured that the latter excite, amuse, and overwhelm the reader.
ought to be regarded as the finished performance of His authority as a theologian has been variously
which this treatise is merely a rough draught, never estimated by ecclesiastical writers. While some
intended to form a separate or complete work. appeal with confidence to his decision in all matters
29. De Testimonio Animae. A developement of of controversy, not immediately connected with his
the argument for the unity of God and the reality peculiar views, others branding him with the title
of a future state, derived from the innate perceptions of a perverse heretic reject his testimony, upon all
and feelings of the soul. We find in the fifth points alike, as altogether worthless.
It seems
chapter a reference to the Apology.
absolutely necessary in this matter, if we would
30. De Pallio. Tertullian having exchanged arrive at a fair and practical conclusion, to separate
the ordinary garment, which he had hitherto worn opinions from facts. The opinions of Tertullian,
in common with his fellow-citizens, for the Pallium, even when expressed at a period when his ortho-
and having been ridiculed in consequence, here doxy was beyond suspicion, bear such evident
difends himself, by arguing that there is nothing marks of an excitable temperament, and of rash
unnatural nor unprecedented in a change of dress, impetuosity, combined with harsh and gloomy asce-
and that the garb in question was peculiarly con- ticism, that they ought to have been received with
venient and suitable for those who desired to avoid distrust, even if he had never become the advocate
all rain display in the decoration of their person. of gross errors ; but when we remember the ab-
But to what class of persons the Pallium properly surdities into which he was, at a subsequent period,
belonged, whether it was the habit assumed by actually betrayed, we must consider his judgment
philosophers in general, or by Christians as a body, as disabled. At the same time, since we have not
or by presbyters only, or by those who laid claim the slightest reason to suspect that he was ever
to peculiar sanctity and austerity, are questions to guilty of wilful deception or misrepresentation, we
which no one has yet been able to make a satis- may accept, without hesitation, the facts which he
factory reply. According to the views entertained records. How large a mass of most curious and
upon this point the date of the piece has been valuable information on the doctrine and discipline
variously determined. Some would refer it to the of the church in the second and third centuries
time when the author first embraced Christianity, may be collected from his works, will be at once
others to the epoch of his ordination as a priest, seen by consulting the very able and elaborate
others to the period of his conversion to Montanism. analysis by the Bishop of Lincoln. The conduct of
Neander supposes that he assumed the peculiar Cyprian is at once characteristic and instructive.
dress of the ascetics upon the death of his wife, It is recorded that he never allowed a day to pass
and imagines that Severus, Caracalla and Geta, are without reading a portion of Tertullian, and that
indicated by the words " Praesentis imperii triplex he was wont frequently to exclaim to his confi-
virtus,” an expression which has been differently dential attendants, “ give me my master. " But
interpreted by others.
although the cautious prelate doubtless derived
62
af
sta
ge
ad
3т 2
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1012
TERTULLIANUS.
TESTA.
2
great pleasure and profit from these studies, and clnded by Schutz, 6 vols. 8vo. Ilal. 1770. Of
although his style bears evident marks of this these the most desirable is the Venice edition of
finiiiar intercourse, on no single occasion does he 1744, although it unfortunately abounds with typo-
eve! name Tertullian, or give a quotation from his graphical errors.
works, a sure indication that although he found There is an excellent edition of the Dc Pullio,
hiin an agreeable companion, he considered him as by Salmasius, 8vo. Lutet. 1622, 8vo. Lug. Bat.
no safe guide for himself or others, and was by no 1656, and of the Apologeticus, by llavercamp, 8vo.
mcans desirous to proclaim his intimacy with a Lug. Bat. 1710, reprinted in the Venice ed. of
personage of such doubtful reputation.
1744.
In addition to the list given above Tertullian (Lactant. v. 1; Euseb. II. E. ii. 2 ; Hieron. de
was the author of several works, some of which l'iris Il. 53, Epist. ad Marm. Orat. , Epist. ad
had been lost even in the tiine of Jerome. The Puulin. ; Euseb. Chron. s. ann. xii. Severi ; Praedes-
titles only of the following have been preserved, tinat. udv. llueres. ed. Sirmond; Augustin. de llueres.
and some of them are doubtful. 1. Dc Vestibus 86 ; Vincent. Lirin. Commonil. 2+; Vita Tertullian.
Saron. 2. Ad Annicum Philosophum. 3. De Censu edit. Pamelian, praemiss. ; Allix, Disscrlutio de
Animuc. 4. Dc Spc fidelium. 5. De l'uradiso. Tertullian. l'il. et Script. 8vo. Par. 1680 ; S. hramm,
6. De Ecstusi. 7. De Animae Summissionc. 8. Analysis Operum SS. Putrum, fc. vol. iii. pp. 1-
Dc Superstitione Sacculi. 9. De Cuine ct Anima. 636 ; Noesselt, de Aetut. Script. Tertulliun. Dissert
.
10. Adversus spelliucos. (See De Curnc Christi, iii. Hal. 1757—59; Schönemann, Bibliotheca l'a-
c. 8). 11. De Incommodis Nuptiarum. The fol. trum Lat.
