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| Chapter LXX
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Chapter LXX.
Celsus has made a statement regarding evils of the
following nature, viz., that “although a thing may seem to you to
be evil, it is by no means certain that it is so; for you do not know
what is of advantage to yourself, or to another, or to the whole
world.” Now this assertion is made with a certain degree of
caution;3978
and it hints that
the nature of evil is not wholly wicked, because that which may be
considered so in individual cases, may contain something which is of
advantage to the whole community. However, lest any one should
mistake my words, and find a pretence of wrongdoing, as if his
wickedness were profitable to the world, or at least might be
so, we have to say, that although God, who preserves the free-will of
each individual, may make use of the evil of the wicked for the
administration of the world, so disposing them as to conduce to the
benefit of the whole; yet, notwithstanding, such an individual is
deserving of censure, and as such has been appointed for a use, which
is a subject of loathing to each separate individual, although of
advantage to the whole community.3979
| 3979 καὶ ὡς
ψεκτὸς
κατατέτακται
εἰς χρείαν
ἀπευκταίαν
μὲν ἑκάστῳ,
χρήσιμον δὲ
τῷ παντί. | It is as
if one were to say that in the case of a city, a man who had committed
certain crimes, and on account of these had been condemned to serve in
public works that were useful to the community, did something that was
of advantage to the entire city, while he himself was engaged in an
abominable task,3980
| 3980 ἐν
ἀπευκταίῳ
πράματι. | in which no one
possessed of moderate understanding would wish to be engaged.
Paul also, the apostle of Jesus, teaches us that even the very wicked
will contribute to the good of the whole, while in themselves they will
be amongst the vile, but that the most virtuous men, too, will be of
the greatest advantage to the world, and will therefore on that account
occupy the noblest position. His words are: “But in a
great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of
wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If
a man therefore purge himself, he shall be a vessel unto honour,
sanctified and meet for the Master’s use, prepared unto every
good work.”3981
These remarks
I have thought it necessary to make in reply to the assertion, that
“although a thing may seem to you to be evil, it is by no means
certain that it is so, for you do not know what is of advantage either
to yourself or to another,” in order that no one may take
occasion from what has been said on the subject to commit sin, on the
pretext that he will thus be useful to the world.E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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