Chapter VI.—We should acknowledge one only God. Here, then, is a proof of virtue, and of a mind loving prudence, to recur to the commu- nion of the unity,847 and to attach one’s self to prudence for salvation, and make choice of the better things according to the free-will placed in man; and not to think that those who are possessed of human passions are lords of all, when they shall not appear to have even equal power with men. For in Homer,848 Demodocus says he is self-taught — “God inspired me with strains”— though he is a mortal. Æsculapius and Apollo are taught to heal by Chiron the Cen- taur,—a very novel thing indeed, for gods to be taught by a man. What need I speak of Bacchus, who the poet says is mad? or of Hercules, who he says is unhappy? What need to speak of Mars and Venus, the leaders of adultery; and by means of all these to establish the proof which has been undertaken? For if some one, in ignorance, should imitate the deeds which are said to be divine, he would be reckoned among impure men, and a stranger to life and humanity; and if any one does so knowingly, he will have a plausible excuse for es- caping vengeance, by showing that imitation of godlike deeds of audacity is no sin. But if any one should blame these deeds, he will take away their well-known names, and not cover them up with specious and plausible words. It is necessary, then, to accept the true and in- variable Name, not proclaimed by my words only, but by the words of those who have in- troduced us to the elements of learning, in order that we may not, by living idly in this present state of existence, not only as those who are ignorant of the heavenly glory, but also as having proved ourselves ungrateful, render our account to the Judge.849 847 See chap. i., the opening sentence. 848 Odyssey, xxii. 347. 849 [N. B.—This tractate is probably the genuine work of Justin.] Chapter VI.—We should acknowledge one only God. 790 Chapter VI.—We should acknowledge one only God.