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| Chapter LXX.—So also the mysteries of Mithras are distorted from the prophecies of Daniel and Isaiah.
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Chapter LXX.—So also the mysteries of
Mithras are distorted from the prophecies of Daniel and Isaiah.
“And when those who record the
mysteries of Mithras say that he was begotten of a rock, and call the
place where those who believe in him are initiated a cave, do I not
perceive here that the utterance of Daniel, that a stone without
hands was cut out of a great mountain, has been imitated by
them, and that they have attempted likewise to imitate the whole of
Isaiah’s2210
| 2210 The text
here has ταῦτα ποιῆσαι ὁμοίως. Maranus
suggests ᾽Ησαίου for ποιῆσαι; and so we
have translated. | words?2211
| 2211 Justin says that the priests of Mithras imitated all the
words of Isaiah about to be quoted; and to prove it, is content with a
single example, namely, the precepts of righteousness, which they were
wont to relate to him, as in these words of Isaiah: “He who walks
in righteousness,” etc. Justin omitted many other passages, as easy
and obvious. For since Mithras is the same as fire, it manifestly answers
to the fire of which Isaiah speaks. And since Justin reminded them who
are initiated, that they are said to be initiated by Mithras himself, it
was not necessary to remind them that the words of Isaiah are imitated in
this: “You shall see the King with glory.” Bread and water
are referred to by Isaiah: so also in these mysteries of Mithras, Justin
testifies that bread and a cup of water are placed before them (Apol.
i.).—Maranus.
| For they2212
contrived that the words of righteousness be
quoted also by them.2213
But I must repeat to you the
words of Isaiah referred to, in order that from them you may know that
these things are so. They are these: ‘Hear, ye that are far off,
what I have done; those that are near shall know my might. The sinners in
Zion are removed; trembling shall seize the impious. Who shall announce
to you the everlasting place? The man who walks in righteousness, speaks
in the right way, hates sin and unrighteousness, and keeps his hands pure
from bribes, stops the ears from hearing the unjust judgment of blood
closes the eyes from seeing unrighteousness: he shall dwell in the lofty
cave of the strong rock. Bread shall be given to him, and his water
[shall be] sure. Ye shall see the King with glory, and your eyes shall
look far off. Your soul shall pursue diligently the fear of the Lord.
Where is the scribe? where are the counsellors? where is he that numbers
those who are nourished,—the small and great people? with whom
they did not take counsel, nor knew the depth of the voices, so that they
heard not. The people who are become depreciated, and there is no
understanding in him who hears.’2214
Now it is evident, that in this prophecy [allusion is made] to
the bread which our Christ gave us to eat,2215
| 2215 Literally, “to do,” ποιεῖν. [The horrible
charge of banqueting on blood, etc., constantly repeated against
Christians, was probably based on the Eucharist. See Kaye’s
Illustrations from Tatian, Athenagorus, and Theoph. Antioch., cap.
ix. p. 153.] | in remembrance of His being made flesh for the
sake of His believers, for whom also He suffered; and to the cup which He
gave us to drink,2216
| 2216
Literally, “to do,” ποιεῖν. [The horrible
charge of banqueting on blood, etc., constantly repeated against
Christians, was probably based on the Eucharist. See Kaye’s
Illustrations from Tatian, Athenagorus, and Theoph. Antioch., cap.
ix. p. 153.] | in remembrance of His own blood, with giving of
thanks. And this prophecy proves that we shall behold this very King with
glory; and the very terms of the prophecy declare loudly, that the people
foreknown to believe in Him were foreknown to pursue diligently the fear
of the Lord. Moreover, these Scriptures are equally explicit in saying,
that those who are reputed to know the writings of the Scriptures, and
who hear the prophecies, have no understanding. And when I hear,
Trypho,” said I, “that Perseus was begotten of a virgin, I
understand that the deceiving serpent counterfeited also this.E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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