Confessions - Book IX - Chapter Vii
St. Augustine reflects on the early church's perseverance through persecution, the power of communal worship, and divine revelation affirming the faith.
In this sermon, St. Augustine recounts the trials faced by the early church in Milan, highlighting the steadfast faith of its members during persecution. He emphasizes the introduction of hymns and psalms as a means to uplift the congregation's spirit. Augustine also shares a divine revelation granted to Bishop Ambrose, affirming God's providence and the enduring witness of the martyrs.
Text
15. The church of Milan had only recently begun to employ this mode of consolation and exaltation with all the brethren singing together with great earnestness of voice and heart. For it was only about a year--not much more--since Justina, the mother of the boy-emperor Valentinian, had persecuted thy servant Ambrose on behalf of her heresy, in which she had been seduced by the Arians. The devoted people kept guard in the church, prepared to die with their bishop, thy servant. Among them my mother, thy handmaid, taking a leading part in those anxieties and vigils, lived there in prayer. And even though we were still not wholly melted by the heat of thy Spirit, we were nevertheless excited by the alarmed and disturbed city.
This was the time that the custom began, after the manner of the Eastern Church, that hymns and psalms should be sung, so that the people would not be worn out with the tedium of lamentation. This custom, retained from then till now, has been imitated by many, indeed, by almost all thy congregations throughout the rest of the world.[288]
16. Then by a vision thou madest known to thy renowned bishop the spot where lay the bodies of Gervasius and Protasius, the martyrs, whom thou hadst preserved uncorrupted for so many years in thy secret storehouse, so that thou mightest produce them at a fit time to check a woman\\
Sermon Outline
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I
- The church of Milan's early worship practices
- The persecution under Justina and defense of Ambrose
- Role of communal prayer and vigilance
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II
- Introduction of hymns and psalms to uplift the congregation
- Influence of Eastern Church customs
- Endurance through spiritual and physical trials
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III
- Divine revelation to Bishop Ambrose
- Discovery of martyrs' bodies as a sign of faith
- God's providence in preserving the church
Key Quotes
“The devoted people kept guard in the church, prepared to die with their bishop, thy servant.” — St. Augustine
“This was the time that the custom began, after the manner of the Eastern Church, that hymns and psalms should be sung.” — St. Augustine
“Thou madest known to thy renowned bishop the spot where lay the bodies of Gervasius and Protasius, the martyrs.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Remain steadfast in faith even in the face of persecution and hardship.
- Engage actively in communal worship to strengthen spiritual resolve.
- Trust in God's providence and timing in all circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Justina and why did she persecute Ambrose?
Justina was the mother of Emperor Valentinian and persecuted Ambrose due to her adherence to Arian heresy.
What was the significance of singing hymns and psalms in the early church?
Singing hymns and psalms helped the congregation maintain spiritual strength and avoid weariness during times of lamentation.
What role did St. Augustine's mother play during the persecution?
She actively participated in the prayers and vigils, supporting the bishop and the church community.
What was revealed to Bishop Ambrose in a vision?
He was shown the location of the bodies of martyrs Gervasius and Protasius, preserved by God for a fitting time.