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| Chapter XIV.—Theophilus an Example of Conversion.
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Chapter XIV.—Theophilus an Example of Conversion.
Therefore, do not be sceptical, but believe; for I
myself also used to disbelieve that this would take place, but now, having
taken these things into consideration, I believe. At the same time, I met
with the sacred Scriptures544
| 544
[Ps. cxix. 130. Note this tribute to the inspired Scriptures and their
converting power; I might almost say their sacramental energy, referring
to John vi. 63.] | of the holy prophets, who also by the Spirit
of God foretold the things that have already happened, just as they
came to pass, and the things now occurring as they are now happening,
and things future in the order in which they shall be accomplished.
Admitting, therefore, the proof which events happening as predicted
afford, I do not disbelieve, but I believe, obedient to God, whom,
if you please, do you also submit to, believing Him, lest if now you
continue unbelieving, you be convinced hereafter, when you are tormented
with eternal punishments; which punishments, when they had been foretold
by the prophets, the later-born poets and philosophers stole from the
holy Scriptures, to make their doctrines worthy of credit. Yet these
also have spoken beforehand of the punishments that are to light upon
the profane and unbelieving, in order that none be left without a
witness, or be able to say, “We have not heard, neither have we
known.” But do you also, if you please, give reverential attention
to the prophetic Scriptures,545
| 545
[Rev. xix. 10. I cannot reconcile what Scripture says of itself with the
modern refinements as to the human and divine element, while fully
admitting that there are such elements, intermixed and interpenetrated
mutually, beyond all power of dissection by us. I prefer the childlike
docility of the Fathers.] | and they will make your way plainer
for escaping the eternal punishments, and obtaining the eternal prizes
of God. For He who gave the mouth for speech, and formed the ear
to hear, and made the eye to see, will examine all things, and will
judge righteous judgment, rendering merited awards to each. To those
who by patient continuance in well-doing546
seek immortality, He will
give life everlasting, joy, peace, rest, and abundance of good things,
which neither hath eye seen, nor ear heard, nor hath it entered into the
heart of man to conceive.547
But to the unbelieving and despisers, who obey
not the truth, but are obedient to unrighteousness, when they shall
have been filled with adulteries and fornications, and filthiness, and
covetousness, and unlawful idolatries, there shall be anger and wrath,
tribulation and anguish,548
and at the last everlasting fire shall possess
such men. Since you said, “Show me thy God,” this is my God,
and I counsel you to fear Him and to trust Him.
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