A Source Book for Ancient Church History - Mirrors

74 A Source Book for Ancient Church Historyin the name of the Emperor, he expected to recover it. But thecity sent messengers to him, and nothing was done; but he wasto remain where he was, and to this he agreed for once.(c) Minucius Felix, Octavius, VIII, 3-10. (MSL. 3:267 ff.)The following passage is taken from an apologetic dialogueentitled Octavius. Although it was composed by a Christian,it probably represents the current heathen conceptions ofChristianity and its morals, especially its assemblies, wherethe worst excesses were supposed to take place. In thedialogue the passage is put into the mouth of the disputantwho represents the heathen objection to the new faith. Thedate is difficult to determine probably it was the last third ofthe second century.[062]Ch. 8. … Is it not lamentable that men of a reprobate, unlawful,and dangerous faction should rage against the gods? Fromthe lowest dregs, the more ignorant and women, credulous andyielding on account of the heedlessness of their sex, gatheredand established a vast and wicked conspiracy, bound togetherby nightly meetings and solemn feasts and inhuman meats—notby any sacred rites, but by such as require expiation. It is apeople skulking and shunning the light; in public silent, but incorners loquacious. They despise the temples as charnel-houses;they reject the gods; they deride sacred things. While theyare wretched themselves, if allowed they pity the priests; whilethey are half naked themselves, they despise honors and purplerobes. O wonderful folly and incredible effrontery! They despisepresent torments, but fear those that are uncertain and in thefuture. While they fear to die after death, for the present life theydo not fear to die. In such manner does a deceitful hope soothetheir fear with the solace of resuscitation.Ch. 9. And now, as wickeder things are advancing moresuccessfully and abandoned manners are creeping on day by