MINUCIUS FELIX. 455 and Octavius. If he iswillingthatI,a man of thatform of opinion,shouldargue with him, he willnow at once perceive that it is easierto hold an argument among hiscomrades, than to engage in closeconflictafterthe manner of the philosophers.Let us be seatedon thoserocky barriersthat are castthere for the protectionof the baths,and thatrun far out intothe deep,thatwe may be able both to restafter our journey,and to argue with more attention."And at his word we satdown, so that,by coveringme on eitherside, they shelteredme in the midst of the three.1 Nor was this a matter of observance,or of rank, or of honour, because friendshipalways eitherreceivesor makes equals; but that, as an arbitrator,and being near to both,I might give my attention,and being in the middle,I might separatethe two. Then Caeciliusbegan thus: CHAPTER V. Argument. — Caciliusbeginshisargument firstof all by re minding them thatin human affairsallthingsare doubt ful and uncertain,and thatthereforeitistobe lamented thatChristians,who for themostpart are untrainedand illiteratepersons,should dare to determineon anything withcertaintyconcerningthechiefof thingsand theDivine Majesty: henceliearguesthattheworld isgovernedby no providence,and concludestliatit is bettertoabideby the receivedforms of religion. "Although to you, Marcus my brother,the subject on which especiallywe are inquiringis not in doubt,inasmuch as,being carefullyinformed in both kindsof life,you have rejectedthe one and assentedtothe other,yet in the present case your mind must be so fashionedthat you may hold the balance of a most just judge,nor leanwith a dispositionto one side [more than another],lestyour decisionmay seem 1 " Itautme extribusmediumlaterisambitioneprotegercnt."