MR. RICHARD BINGHAM, whose new and improved edition of his ancestor's works
is now printing at the Oxford University Press, would feel sincerely
obliged to any literary friend who should become instrumental in
discovering the following passage from one of the sermons of Augustine:
"Non mirari debetis, fratres carissimi, quod inter ipsa mysteria de
mysteriis nihil diximus, quod non statim ea, quae tradidimus,
interpretati sumus. Adhibuimus enim tam sanctis rebus atque divinis
honorem silentii."
Joseph Bingham (b. x. ch. v. s. 11.) cites those words as from "Serm. I.,
inter 40. a Sirmondo editos," which corresponds with Serm. V. according to
the Benedictine edition, Paris, 1689--1700, tom. v. p. 28.; but no such
words occur in that sermon. The passage is daggered by Grishovius, who
first gave the citations at length; neither has MR. R. BINGHAM hitherto
been able to meet with it, though a great many similar desiderata in former
editions he has discovered and corrected.
An answer through "N. & Q." will oblige; still more so if sent direct to
his present address, 57. Gloucester Place, Portman Square, London.
MR. BINGHAM would also be glad to be informed where Athanasius uses the
term [Greek: diakonos], generally for any minister of the church, whether
deacon, presbyter, or bishop? Joseph Bingham (b. ii. ch. xx. s. 1.) cites
the tract _Contra Gentes_, but the expression is not there.
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The earlier a reply comes the more acceptable will it be.