Read Justin Martyr’s _Apology for the Christians_, written against
both Jews and gentiles; also a treatise _Against the First and Second
Books of the Physics_, or against form, matter, and privation, a
collection of dialectical, vigorous, and useful arguments; also,
_Against the Fifth Essence and Eternal Motion_, which Aristotle has
created by the aid of his clever reasoning, and, finally, _Summary
Solutions of Doubts Unfavourable to Christianity_.
He is thoroughly versed in our own and especially in heathen
philosophy, overflowing with learning of all kinds and a wealth
of historical knowledge; but he has not endeavoured to colour the
natural beauty of his philosophy by rhetorical arts. Wherefore his
diction, in other respects vigorous and preserving the scientific
style, is not seasoned with rhetorical condiments, nor does it
attract the crowd of hearers by seductive and alluring language.
He wrote four discourses against the heathen--the first dedicated
to Antoninus Pius, his sons, and the senate; the second to his
successors. The third discusses the nature of demons. The fourth
book, also written against the heathen, is called a _Refutation_.
He also wrote _On the Sole Government of God_, _Psaltes_, some
works _Against Marcion_ which should be read, and a useful treatise
entitled _Against all Heresies_.
He was the son of Priscus (grandson) of Bacchius, and was a native
of Neapolis in the province of Palestine. He resided for some time
at Rome, where his discourses, manner of life, and dress showed the
true philosopher. As he was a fervent lover of piety, his life and
religion incurred the hostility of a certain Crescens of the sect
of the Cynics. Being falsely accused by him, he patiently endured
his persecution in a manner worthy of his whole career. Making it an
excuse for martyrdom, he nobly and joyfully died for Christ.