First published in 1953, this edition of the De Oratione contains the Latin text with critical notes, and an English translation opposite. These are supplemented by an introduction and commentary. The De Oratione is one of the early works of Tertullian, written in his pre-Montanist days. It contains the earliest known commentary on the Lord's prayer, and includes a long section on private and public prayers, as well as references to certain suggested new practices in the North African Church, on which he comments with characteristic decidedness. All who study the Fathers will welcome another...

Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus was born at Carthage of heathen parentage probably about A.D. 160. Shortly after 190 he became a Christian. As a man of excellent education and a ready writer in both Greek and Latin, a practicing barrister also, skillful in the presentation of a case, he began at once to write in defense of the faith.

Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus was born at Carthage of heathen parentage probably about AD 160. Shortly after 190 he became a Christian. As a man of excellent education and a ready writer in both Greek and Latin, a practicing barrister also, skillful in the presentation of a case, he began at once to write in defense of the faith.

Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus was born at Carthage of heathen parentage probably about AD 160. Shortly after 190 he became a Christian. As a man of excellent education and a ready writer in both Greek and Latin, a practicing barrister also, skillful in the presentation of a case, he began at once to write in defense of the faith.

This short book, besides what it may suggest of help in the way of godliness, gives an insight into the mind of a man of strong opinions who was not afraid to express them, as also into the life of a community some at least of whom were not indisposed to make experiments, however little their mentor is prepared to afford them encouragement. The time was soon to come when he, as a Montanist, was to try to enforce many new practices, on the ground that, ""Our Lord Jesus Christ said, I am the truth, not I am the custom.""
-- From the introduction

Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus was born...