Introductory Essay on the Manichaean Heresy: 18 (Lighthouse Church Fathers)

In the Confessions and the Letters moreover the Manichæans figure prominently. The treatises included in the present series may be said to fairly represent Augustins manner of dealing with Manichæism. The Anti-Manichæan writings are found chiefly in vol. VIII. of the Benedictine edition and in volumes I. and XI. of the Migne reprint. Augustins personal connection with the sect extending over a period of nine years and his consummate ability in dealing with this form of error together with the fact that he quotes largely from Manichæan literature render his works the highest authority for Manichæism as it existed in the West at the close of the fifth century.] Comp. also the Acts of Councils against the Manichæans from the fourth century onwards in Mansi and Hefele [and Hardouin].