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| Chapter LXXIX
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Chapter
LXXIX.
But if in these matters any one were to imagine
that it is superstition rather than wickedness which appears in the
multitude of those who believe the word, and should charge our doctrine
with making men superstitious, we shall answer him by saying that, as a
certain legislator3674
replied to the
question of one who asked him whether he had enacted for his citizens
the best laws, that he had not given them absolutely the best, but the
best which they were capable of receiving; so it might be said by the
Father of the Christian doctrine, I have given the best laws and
instruction for the improvement of morals of which the many were
capable, not threatening sinners with imaginary labours and
chastisements, but with such as are real, and necessary to be applied
for the correction of those who offer resistance, although they do not
at all understand the object of him who inflicts the punishment, nor
the effect of the labours. For the doctrine of punishment is both
attended with utility, and is agreeable to truth, and is stated in
obscure terms with advantage.3675
| 3675 [See
Gieseler’s Church History, vol. i. p. 212 (also 213), with
references there. But see Elucidation IV. p. 77, vol. iii., this
series, and Elucidation at close of this book. See also
Robertson’s History of the Church, vol. i. p. 156.
S.] | Moreover, as
for the most part it is not the wicked whom the ambassadors of
Christianity gain over, neither do we insult God. For we speak
regarding Him both what is true, and what appears to be clear to the
multitude, but not so clear to them as it is to those few who
investigate the truths of the Gospel in a philosophical
manner.E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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