A Life of Socrates by Dr. G. Wiggers [pp. 236-265]

.Estimate of his Character.
wise, that he was able in the most difficult cases, to judge what
was expedient and right. He was eminently qualified to aid
others by his advice; to penetrate into men's characters; to
reprehend them for their vices, and to excite them to the practice of virtue. Having found all these excellencies in Socrates,
I have always regarded him as the most virtuous and the happiest of men." But in estimating the value of the testimony of
both Plato and Xenophon, we must remember that they were
intimate friends and followers of Socrates; and, what is more,
their standard of piety, justice, temperance, and wisdom, was
very different from that adopted even by the masses of men in
countries where the light of God's word clearly shines among
the people. Yet it is impossible to read the apology of Socrates
without being struck with the inflexibility of his mind on such
matters as seemed to involve justice and the laws. In one
place he observes, "Perhaps, however, some one may say,
'Socrates, are you not ashamed to have pursued a study, from
which you are now in danger of dying?' - To such a person I
should answer with good reason, you do not well, friend, if you
think that a man, who is even of the least value, ought to take
into the account the risk of life or death, and ought not to consider that alone when he performs any action, whether hle is
acting justly or unjustly, and the part of a good man or bad
man." Afterwards he says,' To act unjustly, and to disobey
my superior, whether God or man, I know is evil. I shall
never, therefore, fear nor shun things, which, for aught I know
are good, before evils, which I know to be evils." "0 Athenians, I honour and love you: but I shall obey God rather than
you; and as long as I breathe and am able, I shall not cease
studying philosophy, and exhorting you, and warning any of
you I may happen to meet, saying as I have been accustomed
to do, -"0 best of men, seeing you are an Athenian, of a city
the most powerful, and the most renowned for wisdom and
strength, are you not ashamed of being careful for riches, how
you may acquire them in greatest abundance, and for glory and
honour, but care not nor take any thought for wisdom and
truth, and for your soul, how it may be made most perfect?"
"Be well assured, if you put me to death, being such a man as
I say I am, you will not injure me more than yourselves."
VOL. XXIII.-NO. II. 22
1851.]
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