The City of God, Volume IIAugustine, of Hippo, Saint
ReligionChristian
The City of God, Volume II
Augustine, of Hippo, Saint
Apologetics -- Early works to 1800; Kingdom of God -- Early works to 1800
be greatly afraid, and the tents of the land of Midian;" that is,
even those nations which are not under the Roman authority, being
suddenly terrified by the news of Thy wonderful works, shall become
a Christian people. "Wert Thou angry at the rivers, O Lord? or was
Thy fury against the rivers? or was Thy rage against the sea?" This
is said because He does not now come to condemn the world, but that
the world through Him might be saved.[539] "For Thou shalt mount
upon Thy horses, and Thy riding shall be salvation;" that is, Thine
evangelists shall carry Thee, for they are guided by Thee, and Thy
gospel is salvation to them that believe in Thee. "Bending, Thou
wilt bend Thy bow against the sceptres, saith the Lord;" that is,
Thou wilt threaten even the kings of the earth with Thy judgment.
"The earth shall be cleft with rivers;" that is, by the sermons of
those who preach Thee flowing in upon them, men's hearts shall be
opened to make confession, to whom it is said, "Rend your hearts
and not your garments."[540] What does "The people shall see Thee
and grieve" mean, but that in mourning they shall be blessed?[541]
What is "Scattering the waters in marching," but that by walking in
those who everywhere proclaim Thee, Thou wilt scatter hither and
thither the streams of Thy doctrine? What is "The abyss uttered its
voice?" Is it not that the depth of the human heart expressed what it
perceived? The words, "The depth of its phantasy," are an explanation
of the previous verse, for the depth is the abyss; and "Uttered its
voice" is to be understood before them, that is, as we have said,
it expressed what it perceived. Now the phantasy is the vision,
which it did not hold or conceal, but poured forth in confession.
"The sun was raised up, and the moon stood still in her course;"
that is, Christ ascended into heaven, and the Church was established
under her King. "Thy darts shall go in the light;" that is, Thy
words shall not be sent in secret, but openly. For He had said to
His own disciples, "What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in
the light."[542] "By threatening thou shalt diminish the earth;"
that is, by that threatening Thou shalt humble men. "And in fury
Thou shalt cast down the nations;" for in punishing those who exalt
themselves Thou dashest them one against another. "Thou wentest forth
for the salvation of Thy people, that Thou mightest save Thy Christ;
Thou hast sent death on the heads of the wicked." None of these
words require exposition. "Thou hast lifted up the bonds, even to
the neck." This may be understood even of the good bonds of wisdom,
that the feet may be put into its fetters, and the neck into its
collar. "Thou hast struck off in amazement of mind the bonds" must be
understood for, He lifts up the good and strikes off the bad, about
which it is said to Him, "Thou hast broken asunder my bonds,"[543]
and that "in amazement of mind," that is, wonderfully. "The heads of
the mighty shall be moved in it;" to wit, in that wonder.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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