Concerning the Nature of Good, Against the Manichæans 38

St Augustine of Hippo (AD 354–430) · De natura boni · PL 42, 551–572

38 Eternal Fire Torturing the Wicked, Not Evil PL 42, 563

For neither is eternal fire itself, which is to torture the impious, an evil nature, since it has its measure, its form and its order depraved by no iniquity; but it is an evil torture for the damned, to whose sins it is due. For neither is yonder light, because it tortures the blear-eyed, an evil nature.

Ignis aeternus malos crucians non malus. Nam nec ipse ignis aeternus, qui cruciaturus est impios, mala natura est, habens modum et speciem et ordinem suum, nulla iniquitate depravatum: sed cruciatus est damnatis malus, quorum peccatis est debitus. Neque enim et lux ista, quia lippos cruciat, mala natura est.

Philip Schaff (ed.), Buffalo/New York: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1886-1889. Public domain: English translation first published 1885-1900 (Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series). Latin: Migne, Patrologia Latina (1844-1855), public domain; transcription from Corpus Corporum (University of Zurich).