The Instructions of Commodianus
in favour of
Christian Discipline,
Against the Gods of the Heathens.
(Expressed in Acrostics.)
I.--Preface.
My preface sets forth the way to the wanderer and a good visitation when the goal of life shall have come, that he may become eternal--a thing which ignorant hearts disbelieve. I in like manner have wandered for a long time, by giving attendance upon heathen fanes, my parents themselves being ignorant. [1842] Thence at length I withdrew myself by reading concerning the law. I bear witness to the Lord; I grieve alas, the crowd of citizens! ignorant of what it loses in going to seek vain gods. Thoroughly taught by these things, I instruct the ignorant in the truth.