Miscellanies 7.16.102

Consistently, then, two kinds of discipline are handed down, each suited to one kind of sin: for the first, knowledge and the clear demonstration from the testimony of the Scriptures; for the second, training according to reason, guided by faith and fear. Both grow together into perfect love. For the end of the one who knows, here at least, is, I think, twofold: in some matters understanding contemplation, in others action. Would that these heretics too, learning from these notes, might come to their senses and turn to the almighty God. But if, like “the deaf serpents,” they “will not listen to the song,” new in its telling but most ancient, may they at least be disciplined by God, enduring the fatherly admonitions before the judgment, until they are put to shame and repent, rather than cast themselves, through their harsh disobedience, into the final judgment. For there are also certain partial disciplines, which are called chastisements, into which many of us fall who have been in transgression and have slipped away from the Lord's people; but as children are chastised by their teacher or their father, so we are chastised by providence. God does not take vengeance (for vengeance is repaying evil with evil), but he chastises for the benefit, both common and individual, of those who are chastised. These things I have set down wishing to keep lovers of learning from falling easily into heresies. And I have used these words eager to put a stop to the prevailing ignorance, or stupidity, or ill condition, or whatever one should call it, and trying to persuade and bring to the truth those who are not wholly incurable.