Page images
PDF
EPUB

PART I.

THE ATTACK OF CELSUS

THE ATTACK OF CELSUS.

CHAPTER I.

THE TRUE WORD'-ITS DATE AND AUTHORSHIP.

THE True Word' of Celsus marks an important stage in the development of the conflict between Hellenism and Christianity. The vague monstrous charges against which the earlier apologists had to contend were no longer heard, or were repeated only by superficial observers who echoed the cry of ignorant fanaticism. With the attack of Celsus the distinctive tenets of the Christian system are seen to be clearly apprehended by a vigorous and subtle repre

1 Origen calls it indifferently λόγος ἀληθής (Pref., c. 4) and ἀληθὴς λóyos (ii. 1; iii. 1; iv. 62; viii. 76). The latter form is adopted by the latest editor, Koetschau, in his Prolegomena to a critical edition which has not yet appeared (Leipzig, 1889: Pref., p. iv). I have used the editions of Spencer (Cambridge, 1658) and Lommatzsch, vols. xviii.-xx. (Berlin, 1845-46).

« PreviousContinue »