Ebook The Apology of Tertullian

He appears to have thought to the bottom of his argument, and to have had a comprehensive view of the world, of the interest and relations of society. Hence it is that his morality is so particularly serviceable and convincing, that his sentences are so weighty, and his reasoning so very just. By thus digging to the foundation, he is in a condition to assign everything its true grounds, and set every duty upon its proper basis. Further, the great probity of this prince, his fortitude, and the nobleness of his mind, gave freedom and Spirit to his thoughts, and made him exert for the service of principle and truth. Besides, he seems to have been born with a prerogative of nature, blessed with a superior genius, and made up of richer materials for sense and virtue, than other people. These advantages, together with an improved education, raised him to that pitch of majesty and distinction, and made his pen almost equal to his sceptre.