Page:The early Christians in Rome (1911).djvu/226

 "What indeed never before happened, the race of the pious (the Christians) is now persecuted, driven about in Asia by new and strange decrees. For the shameless informers are those that covet the goods of others, and, making use of the edicts of the Emperors, openly commit robbery, night and day, plundering those (the Christians) who are guilty of no crime And if these things are carried out by your commands (i.e. of the Emperor Marcus), let them at least be done in a legal form We (Christians) indeed bear joyfully the guerdon of such a death—still, we only urge upon you this petition, that you yourself would first inquire into the persons of these plotters of mischief, and judge whether they themselves deserve death and punishment, or safety and immunity We entreat you not to forget us in the midst of this lawless plunder of the populace" (Melito of Sardis, Fragment quoted by Eusebius, H.E. iv. 26).

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It is singular how little information has come down to us concerning this Athenian philosopher who had become a Christian. It is believed he wrote much, but the very names of his works have perished. The only fragments of Athenagoras that remain are his Apology, or Embassy, as he styles it, addressed to the Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his son Commodus, and a treatise on The Resurrection.

Philip of Side gives one interesting detail respecting this little known early writer. He tells us he was converted to Christianity by the Scriptures, which he was studying with the view of controverting them.

The following passage is from the Apology or Embassy of Athenagoras.

He is addressing the Emperors Marcus and Commodus. and then writes: "Why is the mere name (of Christian) hateful to you? Names (surely) are not deserving of hatred. It is the wrongful act that calls for penalty and punishment. But, for us who are called Christians you have had no care,