(I)

Now in those days Marcus Aurelius was Emperor and it seemed as if Wisdom herself in the person of this adopted son of Antoninus Pius, this disciple of Epictetus, ruled the Roman world . . . Nevertheless the Philosopher Justin, accused of being a Christian, was brought with several companions before Rusticus the Prefect of Rome, the very man who had placed in the hands of the young Emperor the Discourses of Epictetus.

‘What is your branch of study?’ Rusticus enquired of Justin.

‘I have studied all the sciences in turn and I have come to find rest in the teachings of the Christians, unacceptable though they may seem to those led astray by error.’

‘Miserable man, is that your chosen study?’

‘Yes, for the Christians possess the true doctrine.’ Rusticus turning to one of Justin’s companions, asked: ‘And you, what are you?’

‘I am Caesar’s slave, but Christ has given me freedom.’ But the accused men refused to obey Caesar and sacrifice to the Gods and the Prefect passed sentence upon them. Justin and his companions were beheaded.

‘I am Caesar’s slave but Christ has given me freedom.’ My whole discourse is based on this clear, this dazzling reply. My one object will be to make you conscious of its deep meaning. For to me falls the honour of bringing before you during these discussions on the subject of liberty in social life the testimony of the Christian, or, to be more precise, of the theologian; that is to say, of the Christian whose task it is to justify his religion to himself, to examine its structure and its inside workings.