Chapter XV.--Heretics Not to Be Allowed to Argue Out of the Scriptures. The Scriptures, in Fact, Do Not Belong to Them. [2023]
We are therefore come to (the gist of) our position; for at this point we were aiming, and for this we were preparing in the preamble of our address (which we have just completed),--so that we may now join issue on the contention to which our adversaries challenge us. They put forward [2024] the Scriptures, and by this insolence [2025] of theirs they at once influence some. In the encounter itself, however, they weary the strong, they catch the weak, and dismiss waverers with a doubt. Accordingly, we oppose to them this step above all others, of not admitting them to any discussion of the Scriptures. [2026]
If in these lie their resources, before they can use them, it ought to be clearly seen to whom belongs the possession of the Scriptures, that none may be admitted to the use thereof who has no title at all to the privilege.
[2023] [See Marcion, B. I. Cap. xxii. infra, note.]
[2024] Obtendunt.
[2025] Audacia.
[2026] De Scripturis. But as this preposition is often the sign of the instrument in Tertullian, this phrase may mean "out of," or "by means of the Scriptures." See the last chapter.
Chapter XVI.--Apostolic Sanction to This Exclusion of Heretics from the Use of the Scriptures. Heretics, According to the Apostle, are Not to Be Disputed With, But to Be Admonished.
I might be thought to have laid down this position to remedy distrust in my case, [2027] or from a desire of entering on the contest [2028] in some other way, were there not reasons on my side, especially this, that our faith owes deference [2029] to the apostle, who forbids us to enter on "questions," or to lend our ears to new-fangled statements, [2030] or to consort with a heretic "after the first and second admonition," [2031] not, (be it observed,) after discussion. Discussion he has inhibited in this way, by designating admonition as the purpose of dealing with a heretic, and the first one too, because he is not a Christian; in order that he might not, after the manner of a Christian, seem to require correction again and again, and "before two or three witnesses," [2032] seeing that he ought to be corrected, for the very reason that he is not to be disputed with; and in the next place, because a controversy over the Scriptures can, clearly, [2033] produce no other effect than help to upset either the stomach or the brain.
[2027] De consilio diffidentiæ.
[2028] Constitutionis, "prima causarum conflictio,"--a term of the law courts.
[2029] Obsequium.
[2030] 1 Tim. vi. 3, 4.
[2031] Tit. iii. 10.
[2032] Matt. xviii. 16.
[2033] Plane, ironical.
Chapter XVII.--Heretics, in Fact, Do Not Use, But Only Abuse, Scripture. No Common Ground Between Them and You.
Now this heresy of yours [2034] does not receive certain Scriptures; and whichever of them it does receive, it perverts by means of additions and diminutions, for the accomplishment of it own purpose; and such as it does receive, it receives not in their entirety; but even when it does receive any up to a certain point [2035] as entire, it nevertheless perverts even these by the contrivance of diverse interpretations. Truth is just as much opposed by an adulteration of its meaning as it is by a corruption of its text. [2036] Their vain presumptions must needs refuse to acknowledge the (writings) whereby they are refuted. They rely on those which they have falsely put together, and which they have selected, because of [2037] their ambiguity. Though most skilled [2038] in the Scriptures, you will make no progress, [2039] when everything which you maintain is denied on the other side, and whatever you deny is (by them) maintained. As for yourself, indeed, you will lose nothing but your breath, and gain nothing but vexation from their blasphemy.
[2034] Ista hæresis.
[2035] Aliquatenus.
[2036] Stilus.
[2037] "De" has often the sense of "propter" in our author.
[2038] Literally, "O most skilled."
[2039] Quid promovebis.
Chapter XVIII.--Great Evil Ensues to the Weak in Faith, from Any Discussion Out of the Scriptures. Conviction Never Comes to the Heretic from Such a Process.
But with respect to the man for whose sake you enter on the discussion of the Scriptures, [2040] with the view of strengthening him when afflicted with doubts, (let me ask) will it be to the truth, or rather to heretical opinions that he will lean? Influenced by the very fact that he sees you have made no progress, whilst the other side is on an equal footing [2041] (with yourself) in denying and in defence, or at any rate on a like standing [2042] he will go away confirmed in his uncertainty [2043] by the discussion, not knowing which side to adjudge heretical. For, no doubt, they too are able [2044] to retort these things on us. It is indeed a necessary consequence that they should go so far as to say that adulterations of the Scriptures, and false expositions thereof, are rather introduced by ourselves, inasmuch as they, no less than we [2045] maintain that truth is on their side.
[2040] Or, "from the Scriptures."
[2041] Æquo gradu.
[2042] Statu certe pari.
[2043] Incertior.
[2044] Habent.
[2045] Proinde.