This work, frequently misattributed to St. Augustine of Hippo, is a biblical exegesis of the problem of pain and civil collapse. This theme is not arising out of a cultural vacuum. Our author, the 5th century bishop of Carthage, was captured by the Vandal tribesman under King Gaiseric, a devout Arian. By luck or providence he was able to negotiate his deportation to Roman Italy, and avoid a death sentence. This work appears to be the psychological response to the political chaos of North Africa at the time.