But Victorinus chose rather to
profess his salvation in the presence of the holy congregation.
For there was no salvation in the rhetoric which he taught: yet he
had professed that openly. Why, then, should he shrink from
naming thy Word before the sheep of thy flock, when he had not
shrunk from uttering his own words before the mad multitude?
So, then, when he ascended the platform to make his
profession, everyone, as they recognized him, whispered his name
one to the other, in tones of jubilation. Who was there among
them that did not know him? And a low murmur ran through the
mouths of all the rejoicing multitude: "Victorinus! Victorinus!"
There was a sudden burst of exaltation at the sight of him, and
suddenly they were hushed that they might hear him. He pronounced
the true faith with an excellent boldness, and all desired to take
him to their very heart -- indeed, by their love and joy they did
take him to their heart. And they received him with loving and
joyful hands.
CHAPTER III
6. O good God, what happens in a man to make him rejoice
more at the salvation of a soul that has been despaired of and
then delivered from greater danger than over one who has never
lost hope, or never been in such imminent danger? For thou also,
O most merciful Father, "dost rejoice more over one that repents
than over ninety and nine just persons that need no
repentance.
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