Inspiration

INSPIRATION - 1919 - PREFACE - THE Provide ttissimzcs Deas of Leo XI I I. directs attention to. the work of the earliest Patristic Fathers of the Church in the exposi and tion of Holy Scripture, beginning with immediate disciples of the Apostles, St Clement of Rome, Sr. Ignatius of Antioch, and including such famous names as Cyril, Chrysostom, Origen, Augustine, Jerome. The authority of these early Fathers is pre-eminent, not only for their learning but for their sanctity, which suggests that they may possess a divine illumination. We are also to perceive that a new and more abundant daetiora growth belonged to the Scholastics of seven centuries later, and to St Thomas of, Aquinum beyond all. The work the Scholastics inaugurated was of a special character. Distinction of the meanings of vords, their precise theological significance, the design of the sacred writer, the connection of his argument, were matters considered and explained. With the revival of Greek, the ancient codices were sought up and edited, the text of Scripture was critically determined, the aid of multifarious learning was enlisted in elucidation. The generation following the Council of Trent saw the golden age of the Fathers nobilissima Patrum aetas almost returned. A various style is clamant in the bare description. Either kind was required, and each had Modern its own excellence. But in the develop-Patris tic age there was freshness and freedom and devotional inspiration. Later the study was more scientific, for theologians rather than for the general public not less valuable for its scientific character, more valuable, but losing in attractiveness for the lay mind. Theological science, thus perfected, is grown aclerical preserve and avoided by lay intelligence. Unless expressed in the Scholastic terminology and observing the Scholastic distinctions, theology is disallowed. This is a mistake. The trees of the Paradise of God are according to the natural growth, not pollard, not cut into shapes of human design. St Augustine of Hippo or St Thornas of Aquinum are as the grace of God caused them to grow. Let the Catholic repudiate everything that is contrary to the Divine Tradition. But let him not find fault because the expression is unaccustomed. The spirit is the living thing, when the letter is dead and disregarded. It goes without saying that neither the Patristic nor the Scholastic style is within the Literary compass of the chance writer. But present-there is still the choice between a scientific and a literary treatment of the subject, between writing for the learned and for seminaries, and writing for the general reader. The general reader, it should be observed, is not the good Catholic, nor yet the Catholic sans hrase. The aim must be, in such ditera w y o rk, to interest first and to influence, if it may be, after. And orthodoxy is no recommendation only, if unobtrusive, it may pass. The hazard must be ventured of the book being suspect with the self-styled theologian, who turns over the pages, and his - eye fails to catch the received and regular turn of phrase. There is ironical statement or indirect allusion in a literary presentment, which are unrecognised, and the conclusion is taken for serious which is 9etitio rincz ii writ large. But the consequence is inevitable. A para ...