CCLXXIX. Concerning the principal testimony of the Scriptures in which the doctrine of Tradition set forth concerning the first and second will and universal reparation is contained

THE THINGS PAUL TEACHES

IN I Tim. II.1–7 ARE EXPOUNDED.

Among the other endowments by which we have shown Christian tradition to be distinguished, by whose aid we have explained the true and sincere doctrine concerning the first and second divine will, the restored order of salvation, the amplitude of grace, predestination, and reprobation, that must not be commemorated in the last place by which we demonstrated that it ought to be called and held ἐξηγητικήν, exegetical¹. For from this it follows of its own accord that the tradition proposed and explained can be regarded in no other way than as a royal and most abundant river which has flowed from the rich vein of the Scriptures—

—And indeed the Fathers taught nothing and transmitted nothing down to us which they did not draw from the oracles of the Scriptures and which they did not confirm by the testimonies of the divine writings. Although nearly all of these are illustrious and accommodated either for establishing or for adorning the matter, nevertheless there is one which excels the rest and which is employed more frequently and by the consensus of all. It is that which is read in Paul’s First Epistle to Timothy. We undertake to expound it more diligently with this counsel: that all may see by what excellent right the Fathers and witnesses of Tradition had recourse to an oracle of this kind and held it as a fountain from which they might aptly deduce all the previously established heads of doctrine. But lest the commentary be destitute either of order or of perspicuity, first we shall transcribe the text itself; then we shall indicate the various readings, if there are any; next we shall demonstrate that it must be judged the principal and, as they are accustomed to say, classical passage in the present controversy; we shall declare the mutual connection of the parts and the συνάφειαν, coherence, of the clauses; and finally we shall submit each and every point to as accurate an examination as can be made.