JUSTIN MARTYR -- THE FIRST APOLOGY OF JUSTIN
CHAPTER I -- ADDRESS.
To the Emperor Titus Ælius Adrianus Antoninus Pius Augustus Caesar, and to
his son Verissimus the Philosopher, and to Lucius the Philosopher, the natural
son of Caesar, and the adopted son of Pius, a lover of learning, and to the
sacred Senate, with the whole People of the Romans, I, Justin, the son of
Priscus and grandson of Bacchius, natives of Flavia Neapolis in Palestine,
present this address and petition in behalf of those of all nations who are
unjustly hated and wantonly abused, myself being one of them.
CHAPTER II -- JUSTICE DEMANDED.
Reason directs those who are truly pious and philosophical to honour and love
only what is true, declining to follow traditional opinions, if these be
worthless. For not only does sound reason direct us to refuse the guidance of
those who did or taught anything wrong, but it is incumbent on the lover of
truth, by all means, and if death be threatened, even before his own life, to
choose to do and say what is right. Do you, then, since ye are called pious and
philosophers, guardians of justice and lovers of learning, give good heed, and
hearken to my address; and if ye are indeed such, it will be manifested. For we
have come, not to flatter you by this writing, nor please you by our address,
but to beg that you pass judgment, after an accurate and searching
investigation, not flattered by prejudice or by a desire of pleasing
superstitious men, nor induced by irrational impulse or evil rumours which have
long been prevalent, to give a decision which will prove to be against
yourselves. For as for us, we reckon that no evil can be done us, unless we be
convicted as evil-doers or be proved to be wicked men; and you, you can kill,
but not hurt us.
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