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| Chapter IV.—Rusticus threatens the Christians with death.
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Chapter IV.—Rusticus threatens the
Christians with death.
The prefect says to Justin, “Hearken, you who are
called learned, and think that you know true doctrines; if you are
scourged and beheaded, do you believe you will ascend into heaven?”
Justin said, “I hope that, if I endure these things, I shall have
His gifts.2646
| 2646 Another reading
is δόγματα, which may be
translated, “I shall have what He teaches [us to
expect].” | For I know that, to all who have thus lived,
there abides the divine favour until the completion of the whole
world.” Rusticus the prefect said, “Do you suppose, then,
that you will ascend into heaven to receive some recompense?”
Justin said, “I do not suppose it, but I know and am fully
persuaded of it.” Rusticus the prefect said, “Let us, then,
now come to the matter in hand, and which presses. Having come together,
offer sacrifice with one accord to the gods.” Justin said,
“No right-thinking person falls away from piety to impiety.”
Rusticus the prefect said, “Unless ye obey, ye shall be mercilessly
punished.” Justin said, “Through prayer we can be saved on
account of our Lord Jesus Christ, even when we have been punished,2647
because
this shall become to us salvation and confidence at the more fearful and
universal judgment-seat of our Lord and Saviour.” Thus also said
the other martyrs: “Do what you will, for we are Christians, and do
not sacrifice to idols.”E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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