Page:Tracts for the Times Vol 1.djvu/522



While the persecution raged against the Christians for their refusing to sacrifice to the idols, the holy men (Justin and his companions) were arrested and brought before Rusticus, the Prefect of Rome, who bade Justin believe in the gods and obey the Emperor. He answered, "It is safe and unexceptionable to obey the commands of our ." The Prefect asked, "What department of learning do you pursue?" Justin answered, "I have essayed all, but I have attached myself to that true philosophy which the Christians profess, however displeasing it may be to mistaken reasoners." "Miserable man," said Rusticus, "is that your learning?" The other replied, "Yes, verily, I profess it in all truth of doctrine." "What doctrine?" "A reverent acknowledgment of the of the Christians, whom we account to be the One original maker and framer of the whole world, visible and invisible; and of the, the Son of , who was foretold by the prophets as the herald of salvation, and the instructor of dutiful disciples. For myself, mortal as I am, I cannot hope to speak adequately of His infinite majesty, which is a gift peculiar to the prophets. For they foretold His coming, whom I have declared to be the  of ."

The Prefect said, "Where is your place of meeting?" Justin answered, "Where each chooses, and is able to come. Do you think that we all meet at the same place? Not so, for the Christian's is not bounded by space, but though invisible fills both heaven and earth, and every where receives the homage and praise of the faithful." The Prefect Rusticus replied, "Tell me where ye meet together, in what place thou assemblest thy disciples." Justin answered, "that he lodged near one Martinus, at the baths called Timiotine; that this was the second time he had sojourned in Rome, that throughout the whole period he had known no other place of meeting, that he had communicated the words of truth to any one who chose to visit him." Rusticus said, "Art thou not in short a Christian?" Justin answered, "Yea, I am a Christian."

Then the Prefect said to Charito, "Say, thou too,