Author Archives: Matthew Phillips

The Languages and the Gospel

Posted on November 21, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“Although the gospel came and still comes to us through the Holy Spirit alone, we cannot deny that it came through the medium of languages, was spread abroad by that means, and must be preserved by the same means.  For … Continue reading →

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The Freedom of the Christian

Posted on November 7, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“To make the way smoother for the unlearned—for only them do I serve—I shall set down the following two propositions concerning the freedom and the bondage of the spirit:                 A Christian is … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ, gospel, Martin Luther, theology | Leave a comment

John of Salisbury on Virtue and Happiness

Posted on October 11, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“That purpose towards which all rational creatures turn is true happiness.  For in fact there is no one who does not wish to be happy; but those who desire this do not all advance along a single path.  A single … Continue reading →

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Exaltation of the Cross

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“God, who deigned to redeem the human race through the precious blood of Thy only-begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, graciously grant that whoever approaches to adore the life-giving cross, may be freed from the bonds of their sins.” [My … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ, Cross, Honorius Augustodunensis, medieval | Leave a comment

Reading Needs Memory

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“Reading needs the aid of memory, and even if memory is sluggish, it is sharpened by frequent meditation, and recovered by assiduous reading.  Often a prolix reading will overwhelm the memory with its length, but if it is short, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Isidore of Seville, Learning, liberal arts, reading, teaching, wisdom | Leave a comment

Swine for the Slaughter

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“God gives the ungodly mighty kingdoms, riches, lands and houses, making them to enjoy greatness and abundance.  But when swine are fed and fat, the question of bacon and sausage introduces a struggle.  A slaughterer–a sausage-maker–appears, perchance, to slaughter the … Continue reading →

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Grant What You Command

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“My entire hope is exclusively in your very great mercy.  Grant what you command, and command what you will.  You require continence.  A certain writer has said (Wisd. 8. 21): ‘As I knew that no one can be continent except … Continue reading →

Posted in Augustine of Hippo, grace | Leave a comment

Melanchthon Laments Rejection of Classical Literature

Posted on August 12, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“I consider in my mind these admirable gifts of God, namely the study of literature and of the humanities—and apart from the Gospel of Christ this world holds nothing more splendid nor more divine and I also consider, on the … Continue reading →

Posted in languages, liberal arts, Philip Melanchthon, teaching | Leave a comment

Alexis de Tocqueville on Government and War

Posted on August 1, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“I think that extreme centralization of government ultimately enervates society and thus, after a length of time, weakens the government itself; but I do not deny that a centralized social power may be able to execute great undertakings with facility … Continue reading →

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God Makes Rulers Mad

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“For God the Almighty has made our rulers mad; they actually think they can do–and order their subjects to do–whatever they please.  And the subjects made the mistake of believing that they, in turn, are bound to obey their rulers … Continue reading →

Posted in government, justice, Martin Luther | Leave a comment