CHAP. V. CHARACTER _of the_ EARLY CHRISTIANS.
ALTHOUGH the character of an individual, professing a particular faith, is not sufficient of itself either to establish, or condemn his creed, the character of a whole body, professedly living under the influence of the same principles, bears the most convincing testimony, either for, or against them. Accordingly the mixed indolence, sensuality, and ferocity of the Mahometan character, have always been deemed a sufficient objection, to the principles of the Koran. And the ancient Christian writers tell us, that the arm of their tormentors, was sometimes suspended, by the purity of the Christian victim: and that they heard with astonishment men supplicating blessings on the heads of their persecutors. Now it may be of importance to enquire, what testimony is supplied by the work of Origen, to the character of the early Christians, and, through them, to religion itself.
Celsus objects to the Christians, that they invited every person, { 34a} however ignorant, or simple, or wretched, or wicked, to their mysteries; and thereby made such a society, as was fit only for a company of thieves.
To this Origen replies by admitting their willingness to receive every body into their society. He glories in their desire, to give knowledge to the ignorant, wisdom to the simple, peace to the wretched, and reformation to the wicked. He says that “all are cordially received; and food administered, according to their different wants.” But he adds, that, as the great object of Christianity was conversion from sin, { 34b} so, before any were allowed to partake of the mysteries of religion, they were subjected to considerable trial; that the very acceptance of Christianity implied a conversion from these sins, and that if the converts of the Christians { 35a} were examined, they would be found far better than the rest of men.
Some of the other objections serve, in a striking manner, to shew the superiority both of Christianity and its followers, to the prevailing system and current characters of the day. “Now a days,” { 35b} says he, “you die with Christ;” you teach { 35c} such precepts as “resist not injuries.” This charge Origen is naturally unwilling to refute. He admits that such is the genius of his religion, that many Christians devote themselves to perpetual celibacy; “We renounce luxury { 35d} to devote ourselves to God; we expose our body { 35e} to all manner of sufferings; and are strangled like sheep without daring to resist.”