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Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments.
Complete historical editorial footnotes. These notes retain the original edition’s wording; individual note authors are unspecified.
English translation and editorial credits: Sydney Thelwall.
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i.e., apparently the “giants;” see Gen. vi. 4; but there is no mention of them in Enoch’s time (Migne).
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-7 · Original source
The horde of robber-renegades,) to flee
Speculo vultus. The two words seem to me to go together, and, unless the second be indeed redundant, to mean perhaps a small hand-mirror, which affords more facilities for minute examination of the face than a larger fixed one.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-13 · Original source
In a face-mirror their sure hope.
“Sortis;” lit. “lot,” here ="the line or family chosen by lot.” Compare the similar derivation of “clergy.”
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-14 · Original source
Of royal line, whence leaders rose, nor kings
The Latin in Oehler and Migne is thus: “Acceptam legem per paucos fudit in orbem;” and the reference seems to me to be to Ex. xxxii. 15–20, though the use of “orbem” for “ground” is perhaps strange; but “humum” would have been against the metre, if that argument be of any weight in the case of a writer so prolific of false quantities. Possibly the lines may mean that “he diffused through some few”—i.e., through the Jews, “few” as compared with the total inhabitants of the orb—“the Law which he had received;” but then the following line seems rather to favour the former view, because the tables of the Law—called briefly “the Law”—broken by Moses so soon after he had received them, were typical of the inefficacy of all Moses’ own toils, which, after all, ended in disappointment, as he was forbidden, on account of a sin committed in the very last of the forty years, to lead the people into “the land,” as he had fondly hoped to do. Only I suspect some error in “per paucos;” unless it be lawful to supply “dies,” and take it to mean “received during but few days,” i.e., “within few days,” “only a few days before,” and “accepted” or “kept” by the People “during but a few days.” Would it be lawful to conjecture “perpaucis” as one word, with “ante diebus” to be understood?
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-17 · Original source
75 Accepted through some few,—implicit type,
i.e., the sign of the cross. See Tertullian, adv. Marc., l. iii. c. xviii. sub. fin.; also adv. Jud., c. x. med.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-18 · Original source
His hands that, by a sign, he vanquish might
The Latin runs thus: “Acer in hostem. Non virtute sua tutelam acquirere genti.” I have ventured to read “suæ,” and connect it with “genti;” and thus have obtained what seems to me a probable sense. See Judg. viii. 22, 23.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-25 · Original source
By virtue, tutelary dignity,)
I have again ventured a correction, “coarescere” for “coalescere.” It makes at least some sense out of an otherwise (to me) unintelligible passage, the “palm” being taken as the well-known symbol of bloom and triumph. So David in Ps. xcii. 12 (xci. 13 in LXX.), “The righteous shall flourish like the palm-tree.” To “dry” here is, of course, neuter, and means to “wither.”
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-28 · Original source
(By this to show that, with the world, should dry
I have changed “eadem”—which must agree with “nocte,” and hence give a false sense; for it was not, of course, on “the same night,” but on the next, that this second sign was given—into “eodem,” to agree with “liquore,” which gives a true one, as the “moisture,” of course, was the same,—dew, namely.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-29 · Original source
Should with the self-same moisture be bedewed:
The text as it stands is, in Oehler:— …“Hic Baal Christi victoria signo Extemplo refugam devicit femina ligno;” which I would read:— …“Hunc Jael, Christi victoriæ signo, Extemplo,” etc.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-35 · Original source
Jael’s—with wooden weapon vanquished quite,
Our author is quite correct in his order. A comparison of dates as given in the Scripture history shows us that his reforms preceded his war with Sennacherib.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-46 · Original source
180 Bade men observe, who ended war by prayers,
The “tactus” of the Latin is without sense, unless indeed it refer to his being twice “touched” by an angel. See 1 Kings (in LXX. 3 Kings) xix. 1–8. I have therefore substituted “raptus,” there being no mention of the angel in the Latin.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-47 · Original source
Was rapt; who hath not tasted yet death’s dues;
For “transgressas et avia fecit,” I read “transgressus avia fecit,” taking “transgressus” as a subst.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-50 · Original source
205 Dividing, he made pathless passable;
Our author has somewhat mistaken Elisha’s mission apparently; for as there is a significant difference in the meaning of their respective names, so there is in their works: Elijah’s miracles being rather miracles of judgment, it has been remarked; Elisha’s, of mercy.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-53 · Original source
The People to chastise: such and so great
We only read of one leprosy which Elisha cleansed—Naaman’s. He inflicted leprosy on Gehazi, which was “to cleave to him and to his seed for ever.”
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-55 · Original source
Double in length, the rains; cleansed leprosies;
Prætestata viam vitæ atque probata per ipsam est. I suspect we should read “via,” quantity being of no importance with our author, and take “prætestata” as passive: “The way of life was testified before, and proved, through him.”
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-56 · Original source
And was approved: but him, though stainless found,
This seems to be the meaning, and the reference will then be to Jer. xxxiv. 8–22 (in LXX. xli. 8–22); but the punctuation both in Oehler and Migne makes nonsense, and I have therefore altered it.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-57 · Original source
To deeds iniquitous against their slaves,
For “servatisque palam cunctis in pace quievit,” which the edd. give, I suggest “servatusque,” etc., and take “palam” for governing “cunctis.”
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-59 · Original source
And, openly preserved before all eyes,
Ignibus et multa consumpta volumina vatum. Multamust, apparently, be an error for some word signifying “mould” or the like; unless, with the disregard of construction and quantity observable in this author, it be an acc. pl. to agree with volumina, so that we must take “omnia multa volumina” together, which would alter the whole construction of the context.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-60 · Original source
All the seers’ volumes, by the fires and mould
The common reading is, “Atque suæ famulæ portavit spreta dolorem,” for which Oehler reads “portarit;” but I incline rather to suggest that “portavit” be retained, but that the “atque” be changed into “aeque,” thus: “Aeque suæ famulæ portavit spreta dolorem;” i.e., Since, like Sarah, the once barren Christian church-mother hath had children, equally, like Sarah, hath she had to bear scorn and spleen at her handmaid’s—the Jewish church-mother’s—hands.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-68 · Original source
Celestial, and been spurned, and borne the spleen
This is the way Oehler’s punctuation reads. Migne’s reads as follows:— …“Of whom the first Whom mightiest Rome bade take his place and sit Upon the chair where Peter’s self had sat,” etc.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-72 · Original source
Himself had sat, was Linus, great, elect,
“Is apostolicis bene notus.” This may mean, (a) as in our text; (b) by his apostolically-minded writings—writings like an apostle’s; or (c) by the apostolic writings, i.e., by the mention made of him, supposing him to be the same, in Phil. iv. 3.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-73 · Original source
Well known was he to apostolic men:
Our author makes the name Anicetus. Rig. (as quoted by Oehler) observes that a comparison of the list of bishops of Rome here given with that given by Tertullian in de Præscr., c. xxxii., seems to show that this metrical piece cannot be his.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-78 · Original source
390 And Anicetus the allotted post
Et tepidis errans ardenti sidere potat. See Gen. xxi. 12–20.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-4 · Original source
Errant on heated plains—’neath glowing star:)
I suggest “translatus” for “translatum” here.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-9 · Original source
Translated is reserved as a pledge,
Loosely; 120 years is the number in Gen. vi. 3.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-11 · Original source
Who in twice fifty years the ark did weave)
i.e., all the acts and the experiences of Moses.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-19 · Original source
The foe; of Christ all severally, all
See Ex. xxiii. 20–23; and comp. adv. Marc., l. iii. c. xvi.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-21 · Original source
As partner in His name: hence did he cleave
Equite. It appears to be used loosely for “men of war” generally.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-30 · Original source
115 Without much soldiery, with cavalry
Which is taken, from its form, as a sign of the cross; see below.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-31 · Original source
That number is—with torches armed, and horns
Lychno. The “faces” are probably the wicks.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-33 · Original source
Of life; the torches shining in their stand
“Scilicet hoc testamen erat virtutis imago.”
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-34 · Original source
Forsooth, an image of Christ’s virtue was:
For “hic” I would incline to read “huic.”
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-36 · Original source
145 Of war: him then, because he senselessly
See 1 Sam. xxviii. (in LXX. 1 Kings) 11–19.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-41 · Original source
To keep prophetic rights.
“Ex utero:” a curious expression for a man; but so it is.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-43 · Original source
Fruit of his womb, a holy progeny,
Comp. especially 2 Chron. xxix.; xxx.; xxxi.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-45 · Original source
Iniquitous forgetful men the Law:
An allusion to the well-known Pastor or Shepherd of Hermas.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-77 · Original source
Because he spake the words delivered him:
i.e., over the general sinfulness.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-8 · Original source
Faithful in all himself. With groaning deep
Legitima, i.e., reverent of law.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-22 · Original source
Loyal performed all due solemnities:
i.e., virtuous acts.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-23 · Original source
Singly? whose virtues, if unitedly
I read “firmandus” for “firmatus.”
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-26 · Original source
And needing to be strengthened in the faith
Refers to the “when” in 99, above.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-32 · Original source
Of blowers with the mouth: then was the fleece,
i.e., to his unshorn Nazarite locks.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-39 · Original source
Was this; the power was granted to his head.
Viros ostendere Christos.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-40 · Original source
165 And show men-Christs, so acted laudably
i.e., to whom, to David.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-42 · Original source
Whom God had promised that in time to come,
i.e., emulous of David’s virtues.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-44 · Original source
Emulous Hezekiah; who restored
“Aras” should probably be “aram.”
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-48 · Original source
Upon the altar:—often as he willed,
See 2 Kings (in LXX. 4 Kings) i. 9–12.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-49 · Original source
So often from on high rushed fire; the stream
See the apocryphal “Susanna.”
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-58 · Original source
265 Condemned; and, before that, by mouth resolved
“Immanes,” if it be the true reading.
Editorial footnote · Five Books in Reply to Marcion, Book III.—Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New Testaments., editorial note cite_note-71 · Original source
To men profane: with them the giants, men