The
first Adam was made by the last Adam, from whom he also received his
soul, to give him life. The last Adam was formed by his own action;
he did not have to wait for life to be given him by someone else, but
was the only one who could five life to all. The first Adam was
formed from valueless clay, the second Adam came forth from the
precious womb of the Virgin. In the case of the first Adam, earth was
changed into flesh; in the case of the second Adam, flesh was raised
up to be God.
What
more need be said? The second Adam stamped his image on the first
Adam when he created him. That is why he took on himself the role,
and the name, of the first Adam, in order that he might not lose what
he had made in his own image. The first Adam, the last Adam; the
first had a beginning, the last knows no end. The last Adam is indeed
the first; as he himself says: I am the first and the last.
– Saint
Peter Chrysologus from
a sermon
Saint
Peter Chrysologus' patronage:
Against fever; Against mad dogs
