PASSAGE IN BINGHAM.
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, quæ 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 διάκονος, 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.
The earlier a reply comes the more acceptable will it be.
57. Gloucester Place, Portman Square.