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| Chapter III.—Claim of judicial investigation.
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Chapter III.—Claim of judicial
investigation.
But lest any one think that this is an unreasonable and
reckless utterance, we demand that the charges against the Christians be
investigated, and that, if these be substantiated, they be punished as
they deserve; [or rather, indeed, we ourselves will punish them.]1769
| 1769 Thirlby regarded the clause in
brackets as an interpolation. There is considerable variety of opinion as
to the exact meaning of the words amongst those who regard them as
genuine. | But if no one can convict us of anything, true
reason forbids you, for the sake of a wicked rumour, to wrong blameless
men, and indeed rather yourselves, who think fit to direct affairs, not
by judgment, but by passion. And every sober-minded person will declare
this to be the only fair and equitable adjustment, namely, that the
subjects render an unexceptional account of their own life and doctrine;
and that, on the other hand, the rulers should give their decision in
obedience, not to violence and tyranny, but to piety and philosophy. For
thus would both rulers and ruled reap benefit. For even one of the
ancients somewhere said, “Unless both rulers and ruled
philosophize, it is impossible to make states blessed.”1770
It is our task, therefore, to afford to all an opportunity of
inspecting our life and teachings, lest, on account of those who are
accustomed to be ignorant of our affairs, we should incur the penalty due
to them for mental blindness;1771
| 1771 That is to say, if the Christians refused or neglected
to make their real opinions and practices known, they would share the
guilt of those whom they thus kept in darkness. | and it is
your business, when you hear us, to be found, as reason demands, good
judges. For if, when ye have learned the truth, you do not what is just,
you will be before God without excuse.E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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