The Apostolic Fathers

Other Fragments from the Lost Writings of Justin

by Justin Martyr
19 chapters Read aloud, 9 min
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Fragment 18: From the writings of Antonius Melissa

To give in and give way to our passions is the lowest slavery, just as to rule over them is the only freedom.

The greatest of all good is to be free from sin, the next is to be justified; but one must be considered the most unfortunate of men, who, while living unrighteously, remains for a long time unpunished.

Animals in harness can’t help but be taken over a cliff by the inexperience and badness of their driver, just as by his skillfulness and excellence they will be saved.

The goal considered by a philosopher is to become like God, as much as that is possible.—From the writings of Antonius Melissa.