Million Book Collection - The Fishers of Men Ministries

228 THE FIRST AGE OF THE MARTYR CHURCH.Now you hear yourselves called on all sidesPious, Philosophers, Guardians of Justice, andLovers of Learning ; but, whether you be suchin truth, the event will show. For we havecome before you, not to flatter you in this address,nor to gain your favour, but to demand ofyou to pass judgment according to strict and well-weighed reason, not influenced by prejudice, norby the desire of pleasing superstitious men, norby inconsiderate passion, nor by the long prevalenceof an evil report, in giving a sentence whichwould turn against yourselves. For, as to us, weare fully persuaded that we can suffer no injuryfrom anyone, unless we be found guilty of somewickedness, or proved to be bad men; and, as toyou, kill us you may, but hurt us you cannot. 47" We ask, then, that the actions of those whoare accused before you may be examined, that hewho is convicted may be punished as an evildoer,but not as a Christian. And, if anyone appearsto be innocent, that he may be dismissed as aChristian who has done no evil. For we do notrequire you to punish our accusers: they are sufficientlyrecompensed by their own malice, andtheir ignorance of what is good. Moreover, bearin mind that it is for vour sakes that we thspeak, since it is in our power to deny when weare questioned. But we choose not to live byfalsehood.48Justin. 1 Apol. 1, 2. « Sec. 7.