I do not know how it is, that after the foolish remarks which he has
made upon the subject which we have just been discussing, he should add
the following, that “God does not desire to make himself known for his
own sake, but because he wishes to bestow upon us the knowledge of
himself for the sake of our salvation, in order that those who accept it
may become virtuous and be saved, while those who do not accept may be
shown to be wicked and be punished.” And yet, after making such a
statement, he raises a new objection, saying: “After so long a period of
time,[497] then, did God now bethink himself of making men live
righteous lives,[498] but neglect to do so before?” To which we answer,
that there never was a time when God did not wish to make men live
righteous lives; but He continually evinced His care for the improvement
of the rational animal,[499] by affording him occasions for the exercise
of virtue. For in every generation the wisdom of God, passing into those
souls which it ascertains to be holy, converts them into friends and
prophets of God. And there may be found in the sacred books [the names
of] those who in each generation were holy, and were recipients of the
Divine Spirit, and who strove to convert their contemporaries so far as
in their power.
Footnote 497:
μετὰ τοσοῦτον αἰῶνα.
Footnote 498:
δικαιῶσαι.
Footnote 499:
τὸ λογικὸν ζῶον.