Letters Volume 3 131164 Saint Augustine by Saint Augustine 9780813215600, 9780813200200, 0813200202, 0813215609 instant download after payment.

These letters, taken as a whole, present a vivid and fascinating view
of life in North Africa at the beginning of the fifth century. In
addition to the comments about ecclesiastical and episcopal affairs,
there are also letters on various threats to peace and security common
in this period of the late empire, on slavery and the growth of the
slave trade, and on Roman involvement in African affairs, both
ecclesiastical and civil.There are letters dealing with moral
questions and pastoral problems, in both marriage and the family, as
well as in larger areas of doctrine and discipline in the Church. The
conflict resulting from the end of the Donatist schism becomes clearer,
as does the refrain of desperation stemming from an inadequate supply of
clergy for parishes needing to be served. A large number of these
letters illustrate the day-to-day worries of a fifth century North
African bishop: clerical scandals, Church finances, people seeking
sanctuary in a church (and the ensuing problems with the civil
authorities), and disputed episcopal succession.