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| Chapter VIII.—Justin by his colloquy is kindled with love to Christ.
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Chapter VIII.—Justin by his colloquy
is kindled with love to Christ.
“When he had spoken these and many other things,
which there is no time for mentioning at present, he went away, bidding
me attend to them; and I have not seen him since. But straightway a flame
was kindled in my soul; and a love of the prophets, and of those men who
are friends of Christ, possessed me; and whilst revolving his words in my
mind, I found this philosophy alone to be safe and profitable. Thus, and
for this reason, I am a philosopher. Moreover, I would wish that all,
making a resolution similar to my own, do not keep themselves away from
the words of the Saviour. For they possess a terrible power in
themselves, and are sufficient to inspire those who turn aside from the
path of rectitude with awe; while the sweetest rest is afforded those who
make a diligent practice of them. If, then, you have any concern for
yourself, and if you are eagerly looking for salvation, and if you
believe in God, you may—since you are not indifferent to the
matter1964
| 1964 According to one
interpretation, this clause is applied to God: “If you believe in
God, seeing He is not indifferent to the matter,” etc. Maranus says
that it means: A Jew who reads so much of Christ in the Old Testament,
cannot be indifferent to the things which pertain to Him. |
—become acquainted with the Christ of God, and, after being
initiated,1965
live a happy life.”
When I had said this, my beloved friends1966
those who were with Trypho laughed; but he,
smiling, says, “I approve of your other remarks, and admire the
eagerness with which you study divine things; but it were better for you
still to abide in the philosophy of Plato, or of some other man,
cultivating endurance, self-control, and moderation, rather than be
deceived by false words, and follow the opinions of men of no reputation.
For if you remain in that mode of philosophy, and live blamelessly, a
hope of a better destiny were left to you; but when you have forsaken
God, and reposed confidence in man, what safety still awaits you? If,
then, you are willing to listen to me (for I have already considered you
a friend), first be circumcised, then observe what ordinances have been
enacted with respect to the Sabbath, and the feasts, and
the
new moons of God; and, in a word, do all things which have been written
in the law: and then perhaps you shall obtain mercy from God. But Christ
—if He has indeed been born, and exists anywhere—is
unknown, and does not even know Himself, and has no power until Elias
come to anoint Him, and make Him manifest to all. And you, having
accepted a groundless report, invent a Christ for yourselves, and for his
sake are inconsiderately perishing.”E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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