…
Lo! I remove the darkness from thine eyes,
That thou mayst well discern the gods from men;
And if a god should tempt thee to the fight,
Beware to combat with the immortal race.”
P. 179.—“Clemens of Alexandria.” One of the early Christian fathers, who lived at the close of the second and beginning of the third centuries. Educated in the heathen philosophy, he was converted to Christianity, and became a presbyter in the church. Clemens wrote much, using the scientific methods of the philosophers in his exposition of the doctrines of Christianity. His principal themes were exhortations to the heathen to abandon idolatry, and treatises on Christian and Greek literature.
“Minucius Felix,” Marcus. A native of Africa, but he came to Rome, where he successfully practiced law until he was converted. He is said to have been renowned for his eloquence. His most important work for Christianity was Octavius, a dialogue between a Christian and a heathen upon the merits of their respective religions.
P. 187.—“Reductio ad absurdum.” Reducing to an absurdity.
P. 189.—“Petrifaction,” pĕtˌri-făcˈtion. Turning into stone of an animal or vegetable substance.
P. 199.—“Zeleucus,” ze-leuˈcus. A law-giver among the Locrians (see Grecian History), who lived about 660 B. C. His laws were eminently severe, but were observed by his people for a long time. Zeleucus is said to have come to his death because a transgressor of one of his own laws. He had decreed that no one should enter the senate house armed, on a penalty of death. In a time of great excitement in war Zeleucus broke the decree. It was remarked to him, and immediately he fell on his sword, in vindication of the law.