Against Celsus 8.55

Next after this Celsus says: “Reason chooses one of two courses. If they refuse to serve those who reasonably preside over these things, they should not come to manhood, nor marry a wife, nor raise children, nor do anything else in life, but depart from here with all speed, leaving no seed behind, so that such a race may be utterly wiped out from the earth. But if they will marry wives and beget children and taste fruits and share in the things of life and endure the evils appointed (for it is nature that all men should experience evils; evils must exist, and they have no other place), then they must render the honours due to those entrusted with these things, and perform the fitting services for life until they are set free from their bonds, lest they seem ungrateful to them. For it is unjust to share in what they possess and contribute nothing to them.” We say to this too that no departure from life seems reasonable to us except that alone which is for piety and virtue, when those thought to be judges, or who seem to have power over our lives, set before us the choice: either to live while doing what is contrary to the commands of Jesus, or to die while obeying his words. God has also permitted us to marry a wife, since not all can receive what is superior, that is, what is wholly pure; and, when we have married, by all means to rear those who are born and not to destroy the children given by providence. And these things do not conflict with our not obeying the demons who control the earth; for armed with the whole armour of God we stand as athletes of piety against the race of demons that plot against us.