Trinity Hall : Augustine De Civitate Dei

Trinity Hall

<p style='text-align: justify;'> This early 14th century manuscript is a compilation of works of Christian theology, mostly by St Augustine(354-430). The largest part of the manuscript is <i>Augustine De Civitate Dei</i><a href='' onclick='store.loadPage(66);return false;'> (fols. 28v-236v)</a>, known in English as <i>The City of God</i>. St Augustine (b. 354, d. 430) composed this work in response to the sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410 AD, which was blamed by pagans on the adoption of Christianity. Augustine attempts to vindicate Christianity.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>The manuscript also includes <i>De Genesi ad litteram</i><a href='' onclick='store.loadPage(483);return false;'> (fols. 237r-312v)</a> - one the most significant early works of Christian cosmology, in which Augustine gives a detailed interpretation of the biblical creation narrative. Thirdly it contains an essay: <i>De boni natura</i> – a summary of Augustine's view on the nature of good and evil.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'> In addition to the Augustinian texts, it contains <i>De fide orthodoxa</i> by John of Damascus (675–749), which is on a range of theological themes, including the nature and existence of God.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'> The manuscript belonged to the collection of Robert Hare (d. 1611), which he donated to the College. James thought it likely that the manuscript comes from Canterbury Christ Church Cathedral, just later than Prior Henry of Eastry’s (d. 1331) early 14th century catalogue of its books.</p>