Page:Ante-Nicene Fathers volume 1.djvu/492

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APPENDIX.

Chap. viii.Continuation: ignorance of Satan.

For many things are unknown[1] to thee; [such as the following]: the virginity of Mary; the wonderful birth; who it was that became incarnate; the star which guided those who were in the east; the Magi who presented gifts; the salutation of the archangel to the Virgin; the marvellous conception of her that was betrothed; the announcement of the boy-forerunner respecting the son of the Virgin, and his leaping in the womb on account of what was foreseen; the songs of the angels over Him that was born; the glad tidings announced to the shepherds; the fear of Herod lest his kingdom should be taken from him; the command to slay the infants; the removal into Egypt, and the return from that country to the same region; the infant swaddling-bands; the human registration; the nourishing by means of milk; the name of father given to him who did not beget; the manger because there was not room [elsewhere]; no human preparation [for the child]; the gradual growth, human speech, hunger, thirst, journeyings, weariness; the offering of sacrifices, and then also circumcision, baptism; the voice of God over Him that was baptized, as to who He was and whence [He had come]; the testimony of the Spirit and the Father from above; the voice of John the prophet when it signified the passion by the appellation of "the Lamb;" the performance of divers miracles, manifold healings; the rebuke of the Lord ruling both the sea and the winds; evil spirits expelled; thou thyself subjected to torture, and, when afflicted by the power of Him who had been manifested, not having it in thy power to do anything.


Chap. ix.Continuation: ignorance of Satan.

Seeing these things, thou wast in utter perplexity.[2] And thou wast ignorant that it was a virgin that should bring forth; but the angels' song of praise struck thee with

  1. According to many of the fathers, Satan was in great ignorance as to a multitude of points connected with Christ.
  2. Literally, "thou wast dizzy in the head."