A Treatise on Rebuke and Grace 48

sant'Agostino d'Ippona (354–430 d.C.) · De correptione et gratia · PL 44, 915–946

48 The Purpose of Rebuke PL 44, 945

Although, therefore, even while the faith of some is subverted, the foundation of God standeth sure, since the Lord knoweth them that are His, still, we ought not on that account to be indolent and negligent in rebuking those who should be rebuked. For not for nothing was it said, “Evil communications corrupt good manners;” and, “The weak brother shall perish in thy knowledge, on account of whom Christ died.” Let us not, in opposition to these precepts, and to a wholesome fear, pretend to argue, saying, “Well, let evil communications corrupt good manners, and let the weak brother perish. What is that to us? The foundation of God standeth sure, and no one perishes but the son of perdition.” [XVI.] Be it far from us to babble in this wise, and think that we ought to be secure in this negligence. For it is true that no one perishes except the son of perdition, but God says by the mouth of the prophet Ezekiel: “He shall surely die in his sin, but his blood will I require at the hand of the watchman.”

Quamvis itaque etiam dum quorumdam fides subvertitur, firmum Dei fundamentum stet, quoniam scivit Dominus qui sunt ejus: non tamen ideo nos pigri et negligentes esse debemus in corripiendis, qui corripiendi sunt. Neque enim frustra dictum est, Corrumpunt mores bonos colloquia mala ; et, Peribit infirmus in tua scientia, frater, propter quem Christus mortuus est . Non argumentemur contra ista praecepta salubremque terrorem dicentes, Et corrumpant mores bonos colloquia mala; Et, pereat infirmus, quid ad nos? Firmum fundamentum Dei stat, et nemo perit nisi filius perditionis.

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).

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