As with previous iterations, early modern typographical shorthand has been expanded, the long-s (ſ) has been converted to standard s, and u/v distributions have been modernized to match standard contemporary Latin orthography.
Latin Transcription
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IUSTINI PHILOSOPHI ET MARTYRIS AD CHRISTIANOS DE NECESSARIIS QUIBUSDAM quaestionibus responsiones: Ioachimo Perionio Benedictino Cormoeriaceno interprete.
Quaestio 107 (PERION_Q107.jpg)
Si ab iis qui a vera religione abhorrent, fallendi studio inventa sunt carmina & cantica, iis autem qui lege tenentur, inducta sunt propter mentis infantiam, cur ii qui gratiae perfecta munera & ab iis modis qui expositi sunt, aliena acceperunt, in templis eorum imitatione qui in lege pueri fuerunt & infantes, canticis usi sunt?
Explicatio
Canere non omnino pueros decet, sed canere cum inanimis instrumentis & cum saltatione & crotalis. Itaque ex templis explosus est & sublatus usus instrumentorum eius generis, aliorumque quae pueris digna sunt, relictusque est & retentus cantus omnino.
Movet enim animum ad ardentem cupiditatem eius rei, quae in cantibus delectat: sedat motus qui ex carne excitatur: cogitationes vitiosas, quae ab hostibus qui non cernuntur inferuntur, depellit: irrigat animum ad ferendum fructum divinorum bonorum: fortes ad patientiam in adversis rebus religionis cultores atque pugiles efficit: piis curationem adhibet molestiarum quae in rebus ad mundum pertinentibus versantur.
Hoc Paulus gladium Spiritus nominavit, quo adversus hostes qui non videntur accingit & armat milites verae religionis. Dei enim verbum est, quod dum & cogitatur & canitur & resonat, daemones fundit & fugat, [*] vim habent perficiendi animum virtutibus religioni consentaneis, dum canticis ecclesiasticis in religionis cultoribus oriuntur.
English Translation
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Responses of Justin, Philosopher and Martyr, to the Christians Concerning Certain Necessary Questions: Joachim Périon, Benedictine of Cormery, translator.
Question 107 (PERION_Q107.jpg)
If songs and chants were invented by those who shrink from true religion for the sake of deceit, but were introduced to those bound by the Law because of the childish immaturity [infantiam] of their minds, why do those who have received the perfect gifts of grace—gifts entirely foreign to those modes that have been set forth—use chants in their temples in imitation of those who were children and infants under the Law?
Explication
Plain singing is not what is fitting for children, but rather singing with inanimate instruments, and with dancing and castanets [crotalis]. Therefore, the use of instruments of that kind, and of other things that are suitable for children, has been driven out [explosus est] and removed from the temples, and plain singing has been left behind and completely retained.
For it rouses the soul to an ardent desire for that which delights in the chants; it soothes the passions excited by the flesh; it drives away vicious thoughts introduced by enemies who are not seen; it waters the soul to bear the fruit of divine blessings; it renders the worshippers and champions of religion strong in enduring adversity; and it brings a cure to the pious for the troubles that occur in matters pertaining to the world.
This is what Paul called the sword of the Spirit, with which he equips and arms the soldiers of true religion against enemies who are not seen. For it is the Word of God, which, while it is meditated upon, and sung, and resounds [resonat], routs and puts to flight demons; [* lacuna: and these chants, minstens quae nodig] have the power to perfect the soul with virtues agreeable to religion, while they arise in the worshippers of religion through ecclesiastical songs.
Textual & Translation Notes on Périon’s Vocabulary
Ciceronian Latin?
- Infantiam vs. Insipientiam: Périon opts for infantiam (infancy / speechlessness / early childhood), which tracks closely with the imagery of pueri (boys) and infantes (babes) used later in his translation of the question, emphasizing chronological/spiritual minority over mere foolishness (insipientiam).
- Explicatio vs. Responsio: Périon uniquely titles the answer section an Explicatio (Explanation) rather than the standard Responsio (Answer).