them; not what it is in itself. For I know also as well as thou, that it is but a stone. If this
“genius” be any ornament, let the citizens of Carthage live well; and they themselves will be
this “genius” of Carthage. But if the “genius” be a devil, ye have heard in that same Scripture,
“The things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God; and I would
not that ye should have fellowship with devils.”2192 We know well that it is no God; would
that they knew it too! but because of those weak ones who do not know it, their conscience
ought not to be wounded. It is this that the Apostle warns us of. For that they regard that
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statue as something divine, and take it for a god, the altar is witness. What does the altar
there, if it be not accounted a god? Let no one tell me; it is no deity, it is no God. I have said
already, “Would that they only knew this, as we all do.” But how they regard it, for what
they take it, and what they do about it, that altar is witness. It is convincing against the in-
tentions of all who worship there, grant that it may not be convincing also against those
who sit at meat with them!
11. Yes, let not Christians press the Church, if the Pagans do. She is the Body of Christ.
Were we not saying, that the Body of Christ was pressed, and not touched. He endured
those who pressed Him; and was looking out for those who “touched” Him. And, Brethren,
I would that if the Body of Christ be pressed by Pagans, by whom it is wont to be pressed;
that at least Christians would not press the Body of Christ. Brethren, it is my business to
speak to you, my business it is to speak to Christians; “For what have I to do to judge them
that are without?”2193 the Apostle himself saith. Them we address in another way, as being
weak. With them we must2194 deal softly, that they may hear the truth; in you the corruption
must be cut out. If ye ask whereby the Pagans are to be gained over, whereby they are to be
illuminated, and called to salvation; forsake their solemnities, forsake their trifling shows;
and then if they do not consent to our truth, let them blush at their own scantiness.
12. If he who is over thee be a good man, he is thy nourisher; if a bad man, he is thy
tempter. Receive the nourishment in the one case with gladness, and in the temptation show
thyself approved. Be thou gold. Regard this world as the furnace of the goldsmith; in one
narrow place are there things, gold, chaff, fire. To the two former the fire is applied, the
chaff is burned, and the gold purified. A man has yielded to threats, and been led away to
the idol’s temple: Alas! I bewail the chaff; I see the ashes. Another has not yet yielded to
threats nor terrors; has been brought before the judge, and stood firm in his confession, and
has not bent down to the idol image: what does the flame with him? Does it not purify the
gold? Stand, fast then, Brethren, in the Lord; greater in power, is He who hath called you.
Be not afraid of the threats of the ungodly. Bear with your enemies; in them ye have those
2192 1 Cor. x. 20.
2193 1 Cor. v. 12.
2194 Blandiendum.
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On the words of the Gospel, Matt. viii. 8, ‘I am not worthy that thou shouldest…