Introduction:
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 Augustine De
Civitate Dei
(fols. 28v-236v), known in English as The City
of God. 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.
The manuscript also includes De Genesi ad litteram
(fols. 237r-312v) - 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: De boni natura – a summary of
Augustine's view on the nature of good and evil.
In addition to the Augustinian texts, it contains De fide orthodoxa
by John of Damascus (675–749), which is on a range of theological themes, including
the nature and
existence of God.
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.
1.
Alphabetical table to the following treatise
Language(s): Latin
Incipit:
1r Abel quid interpretatur
Explicit: Luxuriōsior
2.
Augustine De Civitate Dei
The City of God
Language(s): Latin
Augustine, of Hippo, Saint, 354-430
Incipit:
Incipiunt sententie capitulorum in singulis libris de ciuitate dei
Augustinus
Explicit:
Expliciunt capitula tocius libri
4.
Liber primus de civitate dei (P. L. XLI.)
Language(s): Latin
Augustine, of Hippo, Saint, 354-430
Incipit:
Gloriosissimam ciuitatem Dei sive in hoc temporum cursu
Explicit:
Explicit de civitate dei
5.
Augustinus super Genesym ad literam libri XII (P. L. XXXIV. 245)
The Literal Interpretation of Genesis)
Language(s): Latin
Augustine, of Hippo, Saint, 354-430
Incipit:
Per id tempus de genesi lib[ro]s duodecimi scripsi
Explicit:
se iam universum hoc opus quod duodecim voluminibus continetur cito isto
tandem fine concludimus
6.
Aug. de natura boni (P. L. XLII. 551)
Language(s): Latin
Augustine, of Hippo, Saint, 354-430
Incipit:
Summum bonum quo superius non est
Explicit:
celestem uitam eternamque preponant amen. Explcit libri Augustin de
natura boni
7.
Sentencie damaceni (P. Gr. XCIV. 789)
De fide orthodoxa
Language(s): Latin
John, of Damascus, Saint, 675–749
Burgundio of Pisa, approximately 1110–1194 (trl)
Incipit:
Deum nemo uidit umquam nisi unigenitus dei filius
Explicit:
id quod ab ipso est gaudium fructificantes. amen
Capitula in triple columns.
Origin:
14th century
; England
Provenance and Acquisition
Robert Hare, 1552 on fol. 1. It possibly came from Canterbury Christ
Church cathedral
Bequeathed to Trinity Hall by
Robert Hare (d. 1611)
.
