Nicene and Post-Nicene Church Fathers Series 2 - The Still Small ...

at once the distinction of the hypostases, and the inseparability of the fellowship. The same
thing is observable even in mere human matters, for the conjunction “and” intimates that
there is a common element in an action, while the preposition “with” declares in some sense
as well the communion in action. As, for instance;—Paul and Timothy sailed to Macedonia,
but both Tychicus and Onesimus were sent to the Colossians. Hence we learn that they did
the same thing. But suppose we are told that they sailed with, and were sent with? Then
we are informed in addition that they carried out the action in company with one another.
Thus while the word “with” upsets the error of Sabellius as no other word can, it routs also
sinners who err in the very opposite direction; those, I mean, who separate the Son from
the Father and the Spirit from the Son, by intervals of time. 1227
60. As compared with “in,” there is this difference, that while “with” sets forth the mutual
conjunction of the parties associated,—as, for example, of those who sail with, or dwell
with, or do anything else in common, “in” shews their relation to that matter in which they
happen to be acting. For we no sooner hear the words “sail in” or “dwell in” than we form
the idea of the boat or the house. Such is the distinction between these words in ordinary
usage; and laborious investigation might discover further illustrations. I have no time to
examine into the nature of the syllables. Since then it has been shewn that “with” most
clearly gives the sense of conjunction, let it be declared, if you will, to be under safe-conduct,
and cease to wage your savage and truceless war against it. Nevertheless, though the word
is naturally thus auspicious, yet if any one likes, in the ascription of praise, to couple the
names by the syllable “and,” and to give glory, as we have taught in the Gospel, in the formula
of baptism, Father and Son and Holy Ghost, 1228 be it so: no one will make any objection.
On these conditions, if you will, let us come to terms. But our foes would rather surrender
their tongues than accept this word. It is this that rouses against us their implacable and
truceless war. We must offer the ascription of glory to God, it is contended, in the Holy
Ghost, and not and to the Holy Ghost, and they passionately cling to this word in, as though
it lowered the Spirit. It will therefore be not unprofitable to speak at greater length about
it; and I shall be astonished if they do not, when they have heard what we have to urge, reject
the in as itself a traitor to their cause, and a deserter to the side of the glory of the Spirit.
1227 i.e., The Arians, who said of the Son, “There was when he was not;” and the Pneumatomachi, who made
the Spirit a created being.
1228 Matt. xxviii. 19.
That Scripture uses the words “in” or “by,” , cf. note on p. 3, in place…
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