IN Paul’s address to the Athenians (Acts 17) he quotes a heathen poet, confirming a sentiment he had uttered:— “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring.” He is supposed to have referred to Aratus the Cicilian, and Cleanthes the stoic of Assos. Mr. Lewin has furnished the following translations:
From Aratus.
From Jove begin we—who can touch the string,
And not harp praise to heaven’s eternal king?
He animates the mart and crowded way,
The restless ocean, and the sheltered bay.
Doth care perplex? Is lowering danger nigh?
We are His offspring, and to Jove we fly.
From Cleanthes.
Great Jove! most glorious of the immortal band!
Worshipped by many names alone in might!
Author of all! Whose word is nature’s law!
Hail! unto Thee may mortals lift their voice,
For we Thine offspring are.
All things that creep
Are but the echo of the voice divine.