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Fragment number Vinzent 119
Klostermann 99
Rettb. 88
Ancient source used Eusebius, Against Marcellus 1.4.
Modern edition M. Vinzent, Markell von Ankyra: Die Fragmente (Leiden, 1997).

From rumor I have learned that Eusebius has associated with someone who used to be in Laodicea. On the contrary, it was necessary for him to cry to the Lord with tears of sorrow, “‘We have sinned. We have done evil’ (Dan 9:15). We have done what is evil in your sight. And now that we have repented, we ask to acquire love from you.” It would have been fitting and advantageous for him to say these things because of God’s immeasurable “kindness and love” (Tit 3:4). And yet it would be logical if God, who is engaged in both love and justice, would respond by saying, “If an enemy had reproached me, I would have endured it, and if one who hates me had boasted against me, I would have hidden from him. But you, like-minded man, are the one who leads me and knows me. Your presence sweetened my food and we went to the house of God together” (Ps 55:12-14). We know that he is together with us his servants from his words, for he said, “See, I will be with you” all the days of your life “until the end of the age” (Mt 28:20). So perhaps he would, entirely logically, bring forth the words the words which follow the ones previously said: “Let death come upon them and let them go down to hell alive, for there is evil in their hearts” (Ps 55:15). For Scripture says that those who are dead in the ignorance of wickedness are swallowed up by hell. For they happen to be dead even though they seem to be alive.

Translated by AMJ

Last updated: 8-29-2012

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