BOOK I Preface MY DEAR MARCELLINUS: This work which I have begun makes good my promise to you. In it I am undertaking nothing less than the task of defending the glorious City of God against those who prefer their own gods to its Founder. I shall consider it both in its temporal stage here... Continue Reading →
The Pilgrim’s Progress: Apology
THE AUTHOR’S APOLOGY FOR HIS BOOK WHEN at the first I took my pen in hand Thus for to write, I did not understand That I at all should make a little book In such a mode: nay, I had undertook To make another; which, when almost done, Before I was aware I this begun.... Continue Reading →
Our Time Here Is Short And Uncertain
Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. The shortness of the life of man, were it not that there is another, never-ending life to succeed, would be enough quite to discourage and dishearten us. And it is a wonder that those who either don’t believe... Continue Reading →
John 13:8-11 With Commentary
John 13:8–11 (ESV) 8 Peter saith to him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou shalt have no part with me. 9 Simon Peter saith to him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 10 Jesus saith to him, He who is... Continue Reading →
The Sheep And Their Shepherd
‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.’ John 10:27 SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Psalm 23:1–6 What sweet music there is to us in the name which is given to our Lord Jesus Christ—‘the good shepherd’! It not only describes the office he holds, but it sets forth the sympathy he... Continue Reading →
The City of God: Book 1: Chapter Two
BOOK ONE Chapter Two The chronicles are filled with wars waged before Rome was founded, and since it rose and grew to be an empire. Let the pagans read these chronicles, and then adduce one single instance of a city falling into the hands of a foe disposed to spare men seeking refuge in the... Continue Reading →
Living Temples For The Living God
‘Thus saith the LORD …; but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.’ Isaiah 66:1–2 SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Psalm 91:1–16 Those that are of this character secure a great blessing. God says he will look to them. That means several... Continue Reading →
Commentary On Revelation 15
The Seven Angels with Seven Plagues 1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished. 2 And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the... Continue Reading →
Commentary on John 14:1-3
Where I Am You May Be Also 1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare... Continue Reading →
The City of God: Book 1: Chapter Three
BOOK ONE Chapter Three Just think of the kind of gods to whose protection the Romans were content to entrust their city! No more pathetic illusion could be imagined. Yet, the pagans are angry with us because we speak so frankly of their divinities. However, they feel no anger against their own writers. They even... Continue Reading →