Augustine of Hippo · On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants · Book I
Passages · 70
Book I
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.1 — Introductory, in the Shape of an Inscription to His Friend Marcellinus. Chapter 1 [I.]—Introductory, in the Shape of an Inscription to His Friend Marcellinus. Howeverabsorbing and intense the anxieties and annoyances…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.2 — If Adam Had Not Sinned, He Would Never Have Died. They who say that Adam was so formed that he would even without any demerit of sin have died, not as the penalty of sin, but from the necessity of his being,…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.3 — It is One Thing to Be Mortal, Another Thing to Be Subject to Death. Chapter 3 [III.]—It is One Thing to Be Mortal, Another Thing to Be Subject to Death. Nor was there any reason to fear that if he had happened to…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.4 — Even Bodily Death is from Sin. But in addition to the passage where God in punishment said, “Dust thou art, unto dust shalt thou return,”—a passage which I cannot understand how any one can apply except to the death…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.5 — The Words, Mortale (Capable of Dying), Mortuum (Dead), and Moriturus (Destined to Die). Chapter 5 [V.] —The Words, Mortale (Capable of Dying), Mortuum (Dead), and Moriturus (Destined to Die). Now previous to the…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.6 — How It is that the Body Dead Because of Sin. One wonders that anything is required clearer than the proof we have given. But we must perhaps be content to hear this clear illustration gainsaid by the contention, that…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.7 — The Life of the Body the Object of Hope, the Life of the Spirit Being a Prelude to It. Chapter 7 [VII.]—The Life of the Body the Object of Hope, the Life of the Spirit Being a Prelude to It. Although I am much afraid…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.8 — Bodily Death from Adam’s Sin. When to the like purport he says: “By man came death, by man also the resurrection of the dead,” in what other sense can the passage be understood than of the death of the body; for…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.9 — Sin Passes on to All Men by Natural Descent, and Not Merely by Imitation. Chapter 9 [IX.]—Sin Passes on to All Men by Natural Descent, and Not Merely by Imitation. You tell me in your letter, that they endeavour to…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.10 — The Analogy of Grace. No doubt all they imitate Adam who by disobedience transgress the commandment of God; but he is one thing as an example to those who sin because they choose; and another thing as the progenitor…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.11 — Distinction Between Actual and Original Sin. Again, in the clause which follows, “In which all have sinned,” how cautiously, rightly, and unambiguously is the statement expressed! For if you understand that sin to be…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.12 — The Law Could Not Take Away Sin. Observe also what follows. Having said, “In which all have sinned,” he at once added, “For until the law, sin was in the world.” This means that sin could not be taken away even by…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.13 — Meaning of the Apostle’s Phrase 'The Reign of Death.'. “Nevertheless,” says he, “death reigned from Adam even unto Moses,”—that is to say, from the first man even to the very law which was promulged by the divine…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.14 — Superabundance of Grace. “But,” says he, “not as the offence so also is the free gift. For if, through the offence of one, many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by One Man, Jesus…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.15 — The One Sin Common to All Men. Chapter 15 [XII.]—The One Sin Common to All Men. But observe more attentively what he says, that “through the offence of one, many are dead.” For why should it be on account of the sin…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.16 — How Death is by One and Life by One. Chapter 16 [XIII.]—How Death is by One and Life by One. And from this we gather that we have derived from Adam, in whom we all have sinned, not all our actual sins, but only…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.17 — Whom Sinners Imitate. “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of righteousness shall reign in life by one, even Jesus Christ.” Why did death reign on…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.18 — Only Christ Justifies. “Therefore as by the offence of one upon all men to condemnation, even so by the justification of One upon all men unto justification of life.” This “offence of one,” if we are bent on…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.19 — Sin is from Natural Descent, as Righteousness is from Regeneration; How ‘All’ Are Sinners Through Adam, and ‘All’ Are Just Through Christ. Chapter 19 [XV.]—Sin is from Natural Descent, as Righteousness is from…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.20 — Original Sin Alone is Contracted by Natural Birth. “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound.” This addition to original sin men now made of their own wilfulness, not through Adam; but even this is…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.21 — Unbaptized Infants Damned, But Most Lightly; The Penalty of Adam’s Sin, the Grace of His Body Lost. Chapter 21 [XVI.]—Unbaptized Infants Damned, But Most Lightly; The Penalty of Adam’s Sin, the Grace of His Body…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.22 — To Infants Personal Sin is Not to Be Attributed. Chapter 22 [XVII.]—To Infants Personal Sin is Not to Be Attributed. They, therefore, who say that the reason why infants are baptized, is, that they may have the…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.23 — He Refutes Those Who Allege that Infants are Baptized Not for the Remission of Sins, But for the Obtaining of the Kingdom of Heaven. Chapter 23 [XVIII.]—He Refutes Those Who Allege that Infants are Baptized Not for…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.24 — Infants Saved as Sinners. And let no one suppose that infants ought to be brought to baptism, on the ground that, as they are not sinners, so they are not righteous; how then do some remind us that the Lord commends…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.25 — Infants are Described as Believers and as Penitents. Sins Alone Separate Between God and Men. Chapter 25.—Infants are Described as Believers and as Penitents. Sins Alone Separate Between God and Men. Some one will…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.26 — No One, Except He Be Baptized, Rightly Comes to the Table of the Lord. Chapter 26 [XX.]—No One, Except He Be Baptized, Rightly Comes to the Table of the Lord. Now they take alarm from the statement of the Lord, when…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.27 — Infants Must Feed on Christ. Will, however, any man be so bold as to say that this statement has no relation to infants, and that they can have life in them without partaking of His body and blood—on the ground that…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.28 — Baptized Infants, of the Faithful; Unbaptized, of the Lost. Hence also that other statement: “The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life;…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.29 — It is an Inscrutable Mystery Why Some are Saved, and Others Not. Now there is much significance in that He does not say, “The wrath of God shall come upon him,” but “abideth on him.” For from this wrath (in which we…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.30 — Why One is Baptized and Another Not, Not Otherwise Inscrutable. Now those very persons, who think it unjust that infants which depart this life without the grace of Christ should be deprived not only of the kingdom…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.31 — Chapter 31 [XXII.]—He Refutes Those Who Suppose that Souls, on Account of Sins Committed in Another State, are Thrust into Bodies Suited to Their Merits, in Which They are More or Less Tormented. Perhaps, however,…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.32 — The Case of Certain Idiots and Simpletons. Now a good deal may be said of men’s strange vocations,—either such as we have read about, or have experienced ourselves,—which go to overthrow the opinion of those persons…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.33 — Christ is the Saviour and Redeemer Even of Infants. Let us therefore give in and yield our assent to the authority of Holy Scripture, which knows not how either to be deceived or to deceive; and as we do not believe…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.34 — Baptism is Called Salvation, and the Eucharist, Life, by the Christians of Carthage. Chapter 34 [XXIV.]—Baptism is Called Salvation, and the Eucharist, Life, by the Christians of Carthage. The Christians of Carthage…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.35 — Unless Infants are Baptized, They Remain in Darkness. “I am come,” says Christ, “a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” Now what does this passage show us, but that…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.36 — Infants Not Enlightened as Soon as They are Born. Some, however, understand that as soon as children are born they are enlightened; and they derive this opinion from the passage: “That was the true Light, which…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.37 — How God Enlightens Every Person. That statement, therefore, which occurs in the gospel, “That was the true Light, which lighteth every one that cometh into the world,” has this meaning, that no man is illuminated…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.38 — What ‘Lighteth’ Means. Chapter 38.—What “Lighteth” Means. But why, after saying, “which lighteth every man,” should he add, “that cometh into the world,”—the clause which has suggested the opinion that He enlightens…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.39 — The Conclusion Drawn, that All are Involved in Original Sin. It would be tedious, were we fully to discuss, at similar length, every testimony bearing on the question. I suppose it will be the more convenient course…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.40 — A Collection of Scripture Testimonies. From the Gospels. This reasoning will carry more weight, after I have collected the mass of Scripture testimonies which I have undertaken to adduce. We have already quoted: “I…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.41 — From the First Epistle of Peter. See with what earnestness the apostles declare this doctrine, when they received it. Peter, in his first Epistle, says: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.42 — From the First Epistle of John. Moreover, from John’s Epistle I meet with the following words, which seem indispensable to the solution of this question: “But if,” says he, “we walk in the light, as He is in the…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.43 — From the Epistle to the Romans. Let me now request your attention to the testimony of the Apostle Paul on this subject. And quotations from him may of course be made more abundantly, because he wrote more epistles,…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.44 — From the Epistles to the Corinthians. Likewise to the Corinthians he says: “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.” Again, in…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.45 — From the Epistle to the Galatians. Likewise to the Galatians the apostle writes: “Grace be to you, and peace, from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.46 — From the Epistle to the Ephesians. To the Ephesians he addresses words of the same import: “And you when ye were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.47 — From the Epistle to the Colossians. To the Colossians he addresses these words: “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.48 — From the Epistles to Timothy. And then to Timothy he says: “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.49 — From the Epistle to Titus. Then again he writes to Titus as follows: “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that He might…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.50 — From the Epistle to the Hebrews. Although the authority of the Epistle to the Hebrews is doubted by some, nevertheless, as I find it sometimes thought by persons, who oppose our opinion touching the baptism of…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.51 — From the Apocalypse. The Revelation of John likewise tells us that in a new song these praises are offered to Christ: “Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.52 — From the Acts of the Apostles. To the like effect, in the Acts of the Apostles, the Apostle Peter designated the Lord Jesus as “the Author of life,” upbraiding the Jews for having put Him to death in these words:…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.53 — The Utility of the Books of the Old Testament. Under so great a weight of testimony, who would not be oppressed that should dare lift up his voice against the truth of God? And many other testimonies might be found,…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.54 — By the Sacrifices of the Old Testament, Men Were Convinced of Sins and Led to the Saviour. Chapter 54.—By the Sacrifices of the Old Testament, Men Were Convinced of Sins and Led to the Saviour. And yet it is perhaps…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.55 — Chapter 55 [XXVIII.]—He Concludes that All Men Need the Death of Christ, that They May Be Saved. Unbaptized Infants Will Be Involved in the Condemnation of the Devil. How All Men Through Adam are Unto Condemnation;…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.56 — No One is Reconciled to God Except Through Christ. Taking into account all the inspired statements which I have quoted,—whether I regard the value of each passage one by one, or combine their united testimony in an…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.57 — The Good of Marriage; Four Different Cases of the Good and the Evil Use of Matrimony. Chapter 57 [XXIX.]—The Good of Marriage; Four Different Cases of the Good and the Evil Use of Matrimony. The good, then, of…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.58 — In What Respect the Pelagians Regarded Baptism as Necessary for Infants. Let us now examine more carefully, so far as the Lord enables us, that very chapter of the Gospel where He says, “Except a man be born…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.59 — The Context of Their Chief Text. “Now there was,” we read, “a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.60 — Chapter 60 [XXXI.]—Christ, the Head and the Body; Owing to the Union of the Natures in the Person of Christ, He Both Remained in Heaven, and Walked About on Earth; How the One Christ Could Ascend to Heaven; The Head,…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.61 — The Serpent Lifted Up in the Wilderness Prefigured Christ Suspended on the Cross; Even Infants Themselves Poisoned by the Serpent’s Bite. Chapter 61 [XXXII.]—The Serpent Lifted Up in the Wilderness Prefigured Christ…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.62 — No One Can Be Reconciled to God, Except by Christ. Chapter 62 [XXXIII.]—No One Can Be Reconciled to God, Except by Christ. He then proceeds thus, saying: “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son,…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.63 — The Form, or Rite, of Baptism. Exorcism. What shall I say of the actual form of this sacrament? I only wish some one of those who espouse the contrary side would bring me an infant to be baptized. What does my…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.64 — A Twofold Mistake Respecting Infants. You see how great a difference there is amongst those whom I have been opposing at such length and persistency in this work,—one of whom has written the book which contains the…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.65 — In Infants There is No Sin of Their Own Commission. Will this also be questioned, and must we spend time in discussing it, in order to prove and show how that by their own will—without which there can be no sin in…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.66 — Infants’ Faults Spring from Their Sheer Ignorance. I should, however, wish any one who was wise on the point to tell me what sin he has seen or thought of in a new-born infant, for redemption from which he allows…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.67 — On the Ignorance of Infants, and Whence It Arises. Yes, let us consider that darkness of their rational intellect, by reason of which they are even completely ignorant of God, whose sacraments they actually struggle…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.68 — Chapter 68 [XXXVII.]—If Adam Was Not Created of Such a Character as that in Which We are Born, How is It that Christ, Although Free from Sin, Was Born an Infant and in Weakness? Some one will ask, If this nature is…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.69 — The Ignorance and the Infirmity of an Infant. But not to dwell on this, that was at least possible to them which has actually happened to many animals, the young of which are born small, and do not advance in mind…vatican.va
- On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants I.70 — How Far Sin is Done Away in Infants by Baptism, Also in Adults, and What Advantage Results Therefrom. Chapter 70 [XXXIX.]—How Far Sin is Done Away in Infants by Baptism, Also in Adults, and What Advantage Results…vatican.va
Scripture cited · 299 verses
Genesis 2:17 · Genesis 2:19 · Genesis 2:23 · Genesis 2:24 · Genesis 3:6 · Genesis 3:10 · Genesis 3:19 · Genesis 5:24 · Genesis 12:3 · Genesis 18:18 · Genesis 22:18 · Numbers 21:6 · Numbers 21:7 · Numbers 21:8 · Numbers 21:9 · Deuteronomy 29:5 · 1 Kings 19:8 · 2 Kings 2:11 · Job 14:4 · Psalm 16:3 · Psalm 16:4 · Psalm 24:7 · Psalm 36:6 · Psalm 43:2 · Psalm 51:5 · Wisdom 2:24 · Wisdom 4:11 · Wisdom 8:19 · Wisdom 8:20 · Sirach 25:24 · Isaiah 53:3 · Isaiah 53:4 · Isaiah 53:5 · Isaiah 53:6 · Isaiah 53:7 · Isaiah 53:8 · Isaiah 53:9 · Isaiah 53:10 · Isaiah 53:11 · Isaiah 53:12 · Isaiah 61:1 · Jeremiah 1:5 · Matthew 8:22 · Matthew 12:30 · Matthew 18:4 · Matthew 19:5 · Matthew 19:6 · Matthew 19:14 · Matthew 26:28 · Mark 10:8 · Mark 16:15 · Mark 16:16 · Luke 1:34 · Luke 1:38 · Luke 2:11 · Luke 4:16 · Luke 4:17 · Luke 4:18 · Luke 4:19 · Luke 4:20 · Luke 4:21 · Luke 5:31 · Luke 5:32 · Luke 9:60 · Luke 15:4 · Luke 15:8 · Luke 19:9 · Luke 19:10 · Luke 20:34 · Luke 23:43 · Luke 24:44 · Luke 24:45 · Luke 24:46 · Luke 24:47 · John 1:1 · John 1:9 · John 1:14 · John 1:29 · John 3:1 · John 3:2 · John 3:3 · John 3:4 · John 3:5 · John 3:6 · John 3:7 · John 3:8 · John 3:9 · John 3:10 · John 3:11 · John 3:12 · John 3:13 · John 3:14 · John 3:15 · John 3:16 · John 3:17 · John 3:18 · John 3:19 · John 3:20 · John 3:21 · John 3:35 · John 3:36 · John 6:51 · John 6:53 · John 10:27 · John 10:28 · John 12:46 · John 14:1 · John 14:6 · John 14:30 · Acts 3:14 · Acts 3:15 · Acts 4:11 · Acts 4:12 · Acts 5:30 · Acts 5:31 · Acts 8:30 · Acts 8:31 · Acts 8:32 · Acts 8:33 · Acts 8:34 · Acts 8:35 · Acts 8:36 · Acts 10:43 · Acts 13:38 · Acts 13:39 · Romans 2:12 · Romans 3:22 · Romans 3:23 · Romans 3:24 · Romans 3:25 · Romans 3:26 · Romans 4:4 · Romans 4:5 · Romans 4:6 · Romans 4:7 · Romans 4:8 · Romans 4:23 · Romans 4:24 · Romans 4:25 · Romans 5:6 · Romans 5:12 · Romans 5:13 · Romans 5:14 · Romans 5:15 · Romans 5:16 · Romans 5:17 · Romans 5:18 · Romans 5:19 · Romans 5:20 · Romans 5:21 · Romans 6:6 · Romans 7:14 · Romans 7:15 · Romans 7:16 · Romans 7:17 · Romans 7:18 · Romans 7:19 · Romans 7:20 · Romans 7:21 · Romans 7:22 · and 139 more