The works of Nathaniel Lardner - The Christian Researcher - Home

526 Credibility of the Gospel History.
simplicity, and earnest zeal for the christian religion, and
all truth in general, appear in his works: where also his
learning- is very conspicuous. But we had seen more proofs
of this, if his epistles, and other works now lost, had come
down to us. He had, as it seems, a certain vehemence and
impetuosity of natural temper, not uncommon in Africans,
which lipon some occasions hindered his considering- and
weighing- what might be said on both sides of a question.
At the same time, possibly, we are indebted to that fire, which
supported him in the fatigues of acquiring- knowledge, and
then communicating- it to others.
I have allowed myself to enlarge in the article of Lactantius,
who, I think, must have been an honour and ornament
to the christian profession in his day ; who employed his fine
parts and extensive learning in the service of religion, without
worldly views of any kind; whose^ works have had so
many readers, and of which there have been so many editions,
since the first discovery of the art of printing-. It may be
supposed, that a part of this writer's reputation is owing to
the charms and beauties of his style : but the matter of his
works is also a just recommendation. And indeed if authors
desire to be read, they should aim at perspicuity at least, if
not also at some neatness and elegance of expression ; and not
rely altogether on the importance of their argument. Cicero
himself, with all his fine sentiments, upon things of great
consequence, and notwithstanding- his high station in the
Roman commonwealth, would scarce have been universally
read and admired, if his style had been rough, obscure, and
perplexed.
VI. Lactantius, as formerly* seen, blamed Cyprian for
citing' scripture in a work addressed to a heathen. But the
fault which he imputes to Cyprian, 1 think, must be supposed
to have consisted chiefly in quoting- not only the Old,
but likewise the New Testament, and that" expressly. For
Lactantius himself in his Institutions, and elsewhere, openly
appeals sometiines to the Mritings of the ancient prophets ;
and quotes the books of the Old Testament almost as freely
as he does Cicero, or Plato, or Ilydaspes, or any other
heathen author whatever.
1. We saw befor, in part, this writer's regard for the
Jewish scriptures, when we vindicated him from the charge
of Manichaeism. It is fit, that we should now show it more
' See p. 474. " loquenle Domino et jdicente : Ne
dederitis sanctum canibiis.— Cypr. ad Demetr. p. 185. Ipsiim denique audi
loquentem, ipsum voce divina instruentem nospanter etmonenlem: Domiiium
Deum tuum adorabis. ib. p. 187.