OBJECTION TO THE NUMBER OF EXTRACTS FROM PHILOSOPHICAL WRITINGS
IN THESE BOOKS ANTICIPATED AND ANSWERED.
In reference to these commentaries, which contain as the exigencies of
the case demand, the Hellenic opinions, I say thus much to those who
are fond of finding fault. First, even if philosophy were useless, if
the demonstration of its uselessness does good, it is yet useful. Then
those cannot condemn the Greeks, who have only a mere hearsay knowledge
of their opinions, and have not entered into a minute investigation
in each department, in order to acquaintance with them. For the
refutation, which is based on experience, is entirely trustworthy.
For the knowledge of what is condemned is found the most complete
demonstration. Many things, then, though not contributing to the final
result, equip the artist. And otherwise erudition commends him, who
sets forth the most essential doctrines so as to produce persuasion
in his hearers, engendering admiration in those who are taught, and
leads them to the truth. And such persuasion is convincing, by which
those that love learning admit the truth; so that philosophy does not
ruin life by being the originator of false practices and base deeds,
although some have calumniated it, though it be the clear image of
truth, a divine gift to the Greeks; nor does it drag us away from the
faith, as if we were bewitched by some delusive art, but rather, so
to speak, by the use of an ampler circuit, obtains a common exercise
demonstrative of the faith. Further, the juxtaposition of doctrines, by
comparison, saves the truth, from which follows knowledge.
Philosophy came into existence, not on its own account, but for the
advantages reaped by us from knowledge, we receiving a firm persuasion
of true perception, through the knowledge of things comprehended by the
mind. For I do not mention that the _Stromata_, forming a body
of varied erudition, wish artfully to conceal the seeds of knowledge.
As, then, he who is fond of hunting captures the game after seeking,
tracking, scenting, hunting it down with dogs; so truth, when sought
and got with toil, appears a delicious[835] thing. Why, then, you will
ask, did you think it fit that such an arrangement should be adopted in
your memoranda? Because there is great danger in divulging the secret
of the true philosophy to those, whose delight it is unsparingly to
speak against everything, not justly; and who shout forth all kinds of
names and words indecorously, deceiving themselves and beguiling those
who adhere to them. “For the Hebrews seek signs,” as the apostle says,
“and the Greeks seek after wisdom.”[836]