Introductory Essay on the Manichaean Heresy

In the Confessions and the Letters, moreover, the Manich ans figure prominently. The treatises included in the present series may be said to fairly represent Augustin's manner of dealing with Manich ism. The Anti-Manich an writings are found chiefly in vol. VIII. of the Benedictine edition, and in volumes I. and XI. of the Migne reprint. Augustin's 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 Manich an literature, render his works the highest authority for Manich ism as it existed in the West at the close of the fifth century.] Comp. also the Acts of Councils against the Manich ans from the fourth century onwards, in Mansi and Hefele and Hardouin].