Page:Ante-Nicene Christian Library Vol 2.djvu/99

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.

DIALOGUE OF JUSTIN,

PHILOSOPHER AND MARTYR,

WITH

TRYPHO, A JEW.




Chap. i.Introduction.


WHILE I was going about one morning in the walks of the Xystus,[1] a certain man, with others in his company, having met me, said, "Hail, O philosopher!" And immediately after saying this, he turned round and walked along with me; his friends likewise followed him. And I in turn having addressed him, said, "What is there important?"

And he replied, "I was instructed," says he, "by Corinthus the Socratic in Argos, that I ought not to despise or treat with indifference those who array themselves in this dress,[2] but to show them all kindness, and to associate with them, as perhaps some advantage would spring from the intercourse either to some such man or to myself. It is good, moreover, for both, if either the one or the other be benefited. On this account, therefore, whenever I see any one in such costume, I gladly approach him, and now, for the same reason, have I willingly accosted you; and these accompany me, in the expectation of hearing for themselves something profitable from you."

  1. This Xystus, on the authority of Euseb. (iv. 18), was at Ephesus. There, Philostratus mentions, Apollonius was wont to have disputations.—Otto.
  2. Euseb. (iv. 11): "Justin, in philosopher's garb, preached the word of God."

85