Book V - Snyder Bible

The Preaching of Simeon Kefa 35
Chapter XX: Postponement of Discussion with Simon Magus
Early next morning Zacchai came in to us, and after saluta-
eventh
day of the present month, which is seven days hence, for
he says that then he will have more leisure for the contest. But
to me it seems that his putting off is also advantageous to us,
so that more may come together, who may be either hearers
or judges of our disputation. However, if it seem proper to
you, let us occupy the interval in discussing among ourselves
the things which, we suppose, may come into the controversy;
so that each of us, knowing what things are to be proposed,
and what answers are to be given, may consider with himself
if they are all right, or if an adversary shall be able to find anything
to object, or to set aside the things which we bring
against him. But if the things which are to be spoken by us are
manifestly impregnable on every side, we shall have confidence
in entering upon the examination. And indeed, this is
my opinion, that first of all it ought to be inquired what is the
origin of all things, or what is the immediate thing which may
be called the cause of all things which are: then, with respect
to all things that exist, whether they have been made, and by
whom, through whom, and for whom; whether they have received
their subsistence from one, or from two, or from many;
and whether they have been taken and fashioned from none
previously subsisting, or from some: then, whether there is any
virtue in the highest things, or in the lower; whether there is
anything which is better than all, or anything that is inferior to
all; whether there are any motions, or none; whether those
things which are seen were always, and shall be always;
whether they have come into existence without a creator, and
shall pass away without a destroyer. If, I say, the discussion
begins with these things, I think that the things which shall be
inquired into, being discussed with diligent examination, will
be easily ascertained. And when these are ascertained, the
knowledge of those that follow will be easily found. I have