Million Book Collection - The Fishers of Men Ministries

THE FIRST AGE OF THE MARTYR CHURCH.227gies, that of Justin Martyr, presented to the emperorAntoninus Pius about the year 150. Hewho would breathe the atmosphere in which theearly Christians lived will find it in this work ofa distinguished convert from heathen philosophy,which is the more interesting as being composedat a moment when the empire seems to havereached its highest point, and the ruler of it wasits most moderate spirit. We may cite a few pass-ges bearing on the condition of Christians.e Emperor Titus JElius Adrianus AntoninusPius Augustus Caesar, and to his sonYerissimus the Philosopher, and to Lucius thePhilosopher, son of Ccesar by birth, and of Piusby adoption, the lover of learning, and to thesacred Senate, and to all the Roman people, inbehalf of those out of every race of men who areunjustly hated and persecuted, I, that am one ofsuch myself, Justin, son of Priscus, and grandsonof Baccheius, natives of Flavia Neapolis, of Palestine,in Syria, offer this address and supplication."Reason dictates that those who are reallypious and philosophers should love and honourtruth alone, declining to follow the opinions ofthe ancients if they be corrupt. For right reasonnot only forbids us to assent to those who areunjust either in practice or in principle, but commandsthe lover of truth to choos tha whijust in word and deed in every way, even beforehis own life, and with death threatening him.