The Enchiridion

Augustine of Hippo (354–430)

Introductory Notice

By the Editor.

St. Augustin speaks of this book in his Retractations , 1. ii. c. 63, as follows:

"I also wrote a book; on Faith, Hope, and Charity , at the request of the person to whom I addressed it, that he might have a work of mine which should never be out of his hands, such as the Greeks call an Enchiridion ( Hand-Book ). There I think I have pretty carefully treated of the manner in which God is to be worshipped, which knowledge divine Scripture defines to be the true wisdom of man. The book begins: `I cannot express,'" etc.

The Enchiridion is among the latest books of Augustin. It was written after the death of Jerome, which occurred Sept. 30, 420; for he alludes in ch. 87 to Jerome "of blessed memory" ( sanctae memoriae Hieronymus presbyter ).

It is addressed to Laurentius, in answer to his questions. This person is otherwise unknown. One Ms. calls him a deacon, another a notary of the city of Rome. He was probably a layman.

See also

• More works by Augustine of Hippo

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