Saint Augustine



Against the Letters of Petilian

Book II
Chapter 56




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Saint Augustine (354-430)

Against the Letters of Petilian

Translated by J. R. King

Book II

Chapter 56


Petilian said: “But even if, as you yourselves suppose, you are following the law of the Lord in purity, let us nevertheless consider the question of the most holy law itself in a legal form. The Apostle Paul says, ‘The law is good, if a man use it lawfully.’ What then does the law say? ‘Thou shalt not kill.’ What Cain the murderer did once, you have often done in slaying your brethren.”

Augustine answered: We do not wish to be like you: for there are not wanting words which might be uttered, as you too utter these; and known also, for you do not know these; and set forth in the conduct of a life, as these are not set forth by you.





Book II
Chapter 55


Book II
Chapter 57