Open library
Historic writings
Creeds, councils, and other public-domain texts of the church.
446 writings
Writings
Martin Luther
Preface to the Letter of St. Paul to the RomansMartin Luther’s Preface to the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans summarizes the core belief of the Reformation: justification by faith in Christ. The relatively short document can even serve as an introduction to the Reformation movement as a whole, as it uniquely and succinctly lays out some of its characteristic ideas.
Clement Rome
Pseudo-Clementine LiteratureThe Pseudo-Clementine Literature comprises the Recognitions, Homilies, Epitomes, and related writings attributed to Clement of Rome but composed anonymously within a Jewish-Christian or Ebionite milieu. Its common source is generally placed in the latter half of the second century, while the surviving forms may date from the first half of the third century.
Unknown · c. 126
Remains of the Second and Third CenturiesRemains of the Second and Third Centuries.
Salvian of Marseilles
Salvian, On the Government of God (1930) pp.133-156. Book 5**Salvian, On the Government of God (1930) pp.133-156. Book 5**
Salvian of Marseilles
Salvian, On the Government of God (1930) pp.157-188. Book 6**Salvian, On the Government of God (1930) pp.157-188. Book 6**
Salvian of Marseilles
Salvian, On the Government of God (1930) pp.189-223. Book 7**Salvian, On the Government of God (1930) pp.189-223. Book 7**
Salvian of Marseilles
Salvian, On the Government of God (1930) pp.224-231. Book 8**Salvian, On the Government of God (1930) pp.224-231. Book 8**
Salvian of Marseilles
Salvian, On the Government of God (1930) pp.37-65. Preface and Book 1**Salvian, On the Government of God (1930) pp.37-65. Preface and Book 1**
Salvian of Marseilles
Salvian, On the Government of God (1930) pp.66-76. Book 2**Salvian, On the Government of God (1930) pp.66-76. Book 2**
Salvian of Marseilles
Salvian, On the Government of God (1930) pp.77-97. Book 3**Salvian, On the Government of God (1930) pp.77-97. Book 3**
Salvian of Marseilles
Salvian, On the Government of God (1930) pp.98-132. Book 4**Salvian, On the Government of God (1930) pp.98-132. Book 4**
Ambrose of Milan
St. Ambrose of Milan, Letters (1881). pp. 137-213. Letters 21-30.A collection of Letters 21–30 by Ambrose of Milan, addressing conflicts between Nicene Christianity and Arianism, episcopal authority, and imperial interference in ecclesiastical affairs. The excerpt also includes a sermon defending Ambrose's refusal to abandon the Church during persecution.
Ambrose of Milan
St. Ambrose of Milan, Letters (1881). pp. 1-67. Letters 1-10.A collection of letters by Ambrose of Milan, including correspondence with Emperor Gratian and other bishops. The letters address Christian faith, the divinity of Christ and the Holy Spirit, episcopal duties, preaching, Scripture, and pastoral leadership.
Ambrose of Milan
St. Ambrose of Milan, Letters (1881). pp. 213-269. Letters 31-40.A collection of letters by Ambrose of Milan addressing biblical interpretation, repentance, the relationship between the Jewish and Gentile Churches, and Christ’s victory over Satan. The excerpt includes letters addressed to Irenaeus.
St. Ambrose of Milan
St. Ambrose of Milan, Letters (1881). pp. 269-324. Letters 41-50.A selection of letters by Ambrose of Milan, including his account of confronting the Emperor over the rebuilding of a synagogue and the punishment of Christians. The correspondence also expounds Christian repentance, forgiveness, grace, and the Church’s interpretation of Scripture.
Ambrose of Milan
St. Ambrose of Milan, Letters (1881). pp. 324-354. Letters 51-60.A collection of letters by Ambrose of Milan, including his famous remonstrance to Emperor Theodosius after the massacre at Thessalonica. Ambrose urges the emperor to repent, humble himself before God, and seek reconciliation before receiving the Eucharist.
St. Ambrose of Milan
St. Ambrose of Milan, Letters (1881). pp. 354-420. Letters 61-70.A collection of letters by Ambrose addressing Emperor Theodosius on gratitude for victory, mercy toward the defeated, and appeals for clemency, as well as the Church of Vercellae on episcopal election, unity, asceticism, and Christian virtue.
Ambrose of Milan
St. Ambrose of Milan, Letters (1881). pp. 420-461. Letters 71-80.A collection of letters by Ambrose of Milan, including discussions of the soul’s restoration and spiritual progress through Christ, and the meaning of circumcision in the Old and New Testaments.
Ambrose of Milan
St. Ambrose of Milan, Letters (1881). pp. 462-478. Letters 81-91.A collection of letters by Ambrose of Milan, including exhortations to clergy to persevere in Christian service and correspondence concerning ecclesiastical arbitration, justice, and reconciliation.
Ambrose of Milan
St. Ambrose of Milan, Letters (1881). pp. 67-137. Letters 11-20.A collection of letters by Ambrose of Milan addressing imperial authorities and ecclesiastical leaders on the defense of Nicene orthodoxy, disputed episcopal elections, Church unity, and the resolution of conflicts between Eastern and Western Christians. This section contains Letters 11–20.