Anf-03 v.iv.iii.xxiv Pg 4
1 Sam. xv. 11.
very much as if He meant that His repentance savoured of an acknowledgment of some evil work or error. Well,2990 2990 Porro.
this is not always implied. For there occurs even in good works a confession of repentance, as a reproach and condemnation of the man who has proved himself unthankful for a benefit. For instance, in this case of Saul, the Creator, who had made no mistake in selecting him for the kingdom, and endowing him with His Holy Spirit, makes a statement respecting the goodliness of his person, how that He had most fitly chosen him as being at that moment the choicest man, so that (as He says) there was not his fellow among the children of Israel.2991 2991
Npnf-201 iii.xvi.iv Pg 27
Npnf-201 iii.xvi.iv Pg 35
Anf-01 ii.ii.viii Pg 4
Comp. Isa. i. 18.
than scarlet, and blacker than sackcloth, yet if ye turn to Me with your whole heart, and say, Father! I will listen to you, as to a holy41 41 These words are not found in Scripture, though they are quoted again by Clem. Alex. (Pædag., i. 10) as from Ezekiel.
people.” And in another place He speaks thus: “Wash you, and become clean; put away the wickedness of your souls from before mine eyes; cease from your evil ways, and learn to do well; seek out judgment, deliver the oppressed, judge the fatherless, and see that justice is done to the widow; and come, and let us reason together. He declares, Though your sins be like crimson, I will make them white as snow; though they be like scarlet, I will whiten them like wool. And if ye be willing and obey Me, ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye refuse, and will not hearken unto Me, the sword shall devour you, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken these things.”42 42
Anf-02 vi.iii.iii.xii Pg 21.1
Anf-02 vi.v Pg 131.1
Anf-03 v.iv.v.xiv Pg 23
Isa. i. 17, 18.
To him, for whom in every stage of lowliness there is provided so much of the Creator’s compassionate regard, shall be given that kingdom also which is promised by Christ, to whose merciful compassion belong, and for a great while have belonged,3955 3955 Jamdudum pertinent.
those to whom the promise is made. For even if you suppose that the promises of the Creator were earthly, but that Christ’s are heavenly, it is quite clear that heaven has been as yet the property of no other God whatever, than Him who owns the earth also; quite clear that the Creator has given even the lesser promises (of earthly blessing), in order that I may more readily believe Him concerning His greater promises (of heavenly blessings) also, than (Marcion’s god), who has never given proof of his liberality by any preceding bestowal of minor blessings. “Blessed are they that hunger, for they shall be filled.”3956 3956
Anf-03 v.iv.iii.xix Pg 7
Quæstiones, alluding to Isa. i. 18: δεῦτε καὶ διαλεχθῶμεν, λέγει Κύριος.
avoid contact with the wicked:2927 2927
Anf-03 v.iv.v.x Pg 9
Isa. i. 18.
In the scarlet colour He indicates the blood of the prophets; in the crimson, that of the Lord, as the brighter. Concerning the forgiveness of sins, Micah also says: “Who is a God like unto Thee? pardoning iniquity, and passing by the transgressions of the remnant of Thine heritage. He retaineth not His anger as a testimony against them, because He delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, and will have compassion upon us; He wipeth away our iniquities, and casteth our sins into the depths of the sea.”3768 3768
Anf-03 v.x.xii Pg 13
Isa. i. 18.
When great Babylon likewise is represented as drunk with the blood of the saints,8304 8304
Npnf-201 iii.xv.ix Pg 24
Npnf-201 iv.vi.i.xxxviii Pg 12
Anf-03 v.iv.v.xiv Pg 16
Ps. cxiii. 5–8.
that is, in His own kingdom. And likewise earlier, in the book of Kings,3948 3948 The books of “Samuel” were also called the books of “Kings.”
Hannah the mother of Samuel gives glory to God in these words: “He raiseth the poor man from the ground, and the beggar, that He may set him amongst the princes of His people (that is, in His own kingdom), and on thrones of glory” (even royal ones).3949 3949
Anf-01 viii.iv.xxv Pg 5
Isa. lxiii. 15 to end, and Isa. lxiv.
