to us, but careful to complete the measure of our particular opportunity, and to impart to all without grudging whatever the Holy Ghost supplies, not only bringing to light,[1] by means of our refutation, matters foreign [to our subject], but also whatsoever things the truth has received by the grace of the Father,[2] and ministered to men. These also, illustrating by argument and creating testimony[3] by letters, we shall unabashed proclaim.
In order, then, as we have already stated, that we may prove them atheists, both in opinion and their mode [of treating a question] and in fact, and [in order to show] whence it is that their attempted theories have accrued unto them, and that they have endeavoured to establish their tenets, taking nothing from the Holy Scriptures (nor is it from preserving the succession of any saint that they have hurried headlong into these opinions); but that their doctrines have derived their origin[4] from the wisdom of the Greeks, from the conclusions of those who have formed systems of philosophy, and from would-be mysteries, and the vagaries of astrologers,—it seems, then, advisable, in the first instance, by explaining the opinions advanced by the philosophers of the Greeks, to satisfy our readers that such are of greater antiquity than these [heresies], and more deserving of reverence in reference to their views respecting the divinity; in the next place, to compare each heresy with the system of each speculator, so as to show that the earliest champion of the heresy availing himself[5] of these attempted theories, has turned them to advantage b}appropriating their principles, and, impelled from these into worse, has constructed his own doctrine. The undertaking admittedly is full of labour, and [is one] requiring extended research. We shall not, however, be wanting in exertion;
- ↑ Another reading is, "bringing into a collection."
- ↑ Or, "the Spirit."
- ↑ Or, "indicating a witness;" or, "having adduced testimony."
- ↑ Or, "a starting-point."
- ↑ Or, "devoting his attention to;" or, "having lighted upon."
ferent reading is, "we must not be silent as regards reasons that bold good," or, "as regards rational distinctions," or, "refrain from utterances through the instrument of reasoning." The last is Roeper's.
