rein his two natures. For, as man, he was crucified;
but, as God, he darkened the sun, shook the earth, and raised from
their graves many bodies that had fallen asleep. Again, as man, he
died; but, as God, after that he had harried hell, he rose again.
Wherefore also the prophet cried, Hell is in bitterness at having met
thee below: for it was put to bitter derision, supposing that it had
received a mere man, but finding God, and being made suddenly empty and
led captive. Therefore, as God, he rose again, and ascended into
heaven, from whence he was never parted. And our nature, so worthless
and senseless beyond everything, so graceless and dishonoured, hath he
made higher than all things, and established it upon a throne of
honour, with immortal honour shining round. What harm therefore came
to God, the Word, that thou blasphemest without a blush? Go to!
Better were it to make this confession, and to worship such a God, who
is good and a lover of mankind, who commandeth righteousness, enjoineth
continency, ordaineth chastity, teacheth mercy, giveth faith, preacheth
peace; who is called and is himself the very truth, the very love, the
very goodness. Him were it not better to worship than thy gods of many
evil passions, of shameful names and shameful lives? Woe unto you that
are more stony-hearted than the stones, and more senseless than the
senseless, sons of perdition, inheritors of darkness! But blessed am I,
and all Christian folk, having a good God and a lover of mankind! They
that serve him, though, for a season in this life they endure evil, yet
shall they reap the immortal harvest of recompense in the kingdom of
unending and divine felicity."

XXXII.

Theudas said unto him, "Behold, it is evident that our religion was
instituted by many mighty wise men, and interpreters, marvellous in
virtue and learning; and all the kings and rulers of the earth have
received it as good and sure in every point. But that of the Galileans
was preached by some country peasants, poor and common men, a mere
handful, not exceeding twelve in number. How then should one prefer
the preaching of these few obscure countrymen to the ordinance of the
many that are mighty and brilliantly wise? What is the proof that your
teachers be right and the others wrong?"

Again the king's son made answer, "Belike, Theudas, thou art the ass of
the proverb, that heard but heeded not the harp; or rather the adder
that stoppeth her ears,