18. Prayers first do not interfere with dedication afterwards.
This is what I have to complain of on the part of
my accuser. But may you, most religious Augustus, live through the
course of many years to come, and celebrate the dedication of the
Church. Surely the prayers which have been offered for your safety by
all men, are no hindrance to this celebration. Let these unlearned
persons cease such misrepresentations, but let them learn from the
example of the Fathers; and let them read the Scriptures. Or rather let
them learn of you, who are so well instructed in such histories, how
that Joshua the son of Josedek the priest, and his brethren, and
Zorobabel the wise, the son of Salathiel, and Ezra the priest and
scribe of the law, when the temple was in course of building after the
captivity, the feast of tabernacles being at hand (which was a great
feast and time of assembly and prayer in Israel), gathered the people together with one accord in the great court within the first gate, which is toward the East, and prepared the altar to God, and there offered their gifts, and kept the feast. And so afterwards they brought hither their sacrifices, on the sabbaths and the new moons, and the people offered up their prayers. And yet the Scripture says expressly, that when these things were done, the temple of God was not yet built; but rather while they thus prayed, the building of the house was advancing. So that neither were their prayers deferred in expectation of the dedication, nor was the dedication prevented by the assemblies held for the sake of prayer. But the people thus continued to pray; and when the house was entirely finished, they celebrated the dedication, and brought their gifts for that purpose, and all kept the feast for the completion of the work. And thus also have the blessed Alexander, and the other Fathers done. They continued to assemble their people, and when they had completed the work they gave thanks unto the Lord, and celebrated the dedication. This also it befits you to do, O Prince, most careful in your inquiries. The place is ready, having been already sanctified by the prayers which have been offered in it, and requires only the presence of your Piety. This only is wanting to its perfect beauty. Do you then supply this deficiency, and there make your prayers unto the Lord, for whom you have built this house. That you may do so is the prayer of all men.