Against Hermogenes — Chapter 15

1

Contra denegatam æterni conversationem. Literally, “Contrary to that convertibility of an eternal nature which has been denied (by Hermogenes) to be possible.” It will be obvious why we have, in connection with the preceding clause preferred the equivalent rendering of our text. For the denial of Hermogenes, which Tertullian refers to, see above, chap. xii. p. 484.

2

Debuisset protulisse.

3

This clumsy expedient to save the character of both God and Matter was one of the weaknesses of Hermogenes’ system.

4

Cur non et ex nihilo potuerit induci?

5

Ubique et undique.

6

Destructionibus. “Ruin of character” is the true idea of this strong term.

Chapter 15

Chapter XV.—The Truth, that God Made All Things from Nothing, Rescued from the Opponent’s Flounderings.

Notes