Chapter XLII.—Concluding Statement as to the Author.

These things, O Greeks, I Tatian, a disciple of the barbarian philosophy,⁵¹⁶⁵¹⁶    [Comp. cap. xxix. p. 77, supra.] have composed for you. I was born in the land of the Assyrians, having been first instructed in your doctrines, 82and afterwards in those which I now undertake to proclaim. Henceforward, knowing who God is and what is His work, I present myself to you prepared for an examination⁵¹⁷⁵¹⁷    [Compare the boastful Rousseau: “Que la trompette du jugement sonne quand elle voudra, je viendrai ce livra a la main, me presenter devant le souverain Juge.” Confessions, livre i. p. 2.] concerning my doctrines, while I adhere immoveably to that mode of life which is according to God.⁵¹⁸⁵¹⁸    [“Adhere immoveably.” Alas! “let him that thinketh he standeth”, etc. But I cannot part with Tatian nor think of Tertullian without recalling David’s threnode: “There the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away … . I am distressed for thee, my brother: … very pleasant hast thou been unto me … How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!” Our own sad times have taught us similar lamentations for some who seemed for a time to be “burning and shining lights.” God be merciful to poor frail men.]