Early Christian History – ERB Library of FREE Ebooks [Kindle/More]

[easyazon-link asin=”B00AQM75SC” locale=”us”]The Confessions of St. Augustine[/easyazon-link]

FREE Alt.Kindle/Nook/Other Eds.
(via Project Gutenberg)

The work outlines Augustine’s sinful youth and his conversion to Christianity. It is widely seen as the first Western autobiography ever written, and was an influential model for Christian writers throughout the following 1,000 years of the Middle Ages. It is not a complete autobiography, as it was written in his early 40s, and he lived long afterwards, producing another important work (City of God). It does, nonetheless, provide an unbroken record of his development of thought and is the most complete record of any single person from the 4th and 5th centuries. It is a significant theological work, featuring spiritual meditations and insights.

The Rule of St. Benedict

Only available via CCEL

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St. Benedict originally intended this text for use in monasteries. St. Benedict highlights the importance of peace, prayer, work, sacrifice, humility, frugality, and obedience. His guidelines are to aid those in the pursuit of godliness, and he shares how individuals should relate to each other, authority, and guests. St. Benedict explains the responsibilities of the Abbott, or community leader, in whose care rests the welfare of the community’s members. The Rule of St. Benedict provides tangible advice regarding how a community of Christians can cultivate contented souls that are modest and free from want.