Book V - Snyder Bible

72
to be committed! For we ought to be careful, yes, extremely
careful, that we not cast our pearls before swine.
Chapter IV: Prudence in Dealing with Opponents
have some knowledge of this man. For if I know that in those
things concerning which it cannot be doubted that they are
good, he is faultless and irreproachablethat is to say, if he is
sober, merciful, upright, gentle, and humane, which no one
doubts to be good qualitiesthen it will seem to be fitting that
upon him who possesses these good virtues, that which is
lacking of faith and knowledge should be conferred; and so his
life, which is in other respects worthy of approbation, should
be amended in those points in which it shall appear to be imperfect.
But if he remains wrapped up and polluted in those
sins which are manifestly such, it does not become me to
speak to him at all of the more secret and set-apart things of
divine knowledge, but rather to protest and confront him, that
he cease from sin, and cleanse his actions from vice. But if he
insinuate himself, and lead us on to speak what he, while he
acts improperly, ought not to hear, it will be our part to parry
him cautiously. For not to answer him at all does not seem
proper, for the sake of the hearers, lest...they may think that
we decline the contest through want of ability to answer him,
and so their faith may be injured through their misunders-
Chapter V: Simon Magus, a Formidable Antagonist
When Kefa had thus spoken to us, Niceta asks permission
to say something to him; and Kefa having granted permission,
hear me, who am very anxious for you, and who am afraid lest,
in the contest which you have in hand with Simon, you should
seem to be overmatched. For it very frequently is the case that
he who defends the truth does not gain the victory, since the
hearers are either prejudiced, or have no great interest in the
better cause. But over and above all this, Simon himself is a