Saint Augustine



City of God

Book IV
Chapter 14




Table of Contents

Catalogue of Titles




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Catalogue

Saint Augustine (354-430)

City of God

Translated by Marcus Dods

Book IV

Chapter 14


Here, first of all, I ask, why even the kingdom itself is not some god. For why should not it also be so, if Victory is a goddess? Or what need is there of Jove himself in this affair, if Victory favors and is propitious, and always goes to those whom she wishes to be victorious? With this goddess favorable and propitious, even if Jove was idle and did nothing, what nations could remain unsubdued, what kingdom would not yield? But perhaps it is displeasing to good men to fight with most wicked unrighteousness, and provoke with voluntary war neighbors who are peaceable and do no wrong, in order to enlarge a kingdom? If they feel thus, I entirely approve and praise them.





Book IV
Chapter 13


Book IV
Chapter 15