Tertullian opens Prescription Against Heretics by arguing that heresies should not shock Christians, because Scripture itself foretold that false teaching would arise as a testing and proving of genuine faith. He warns believers not to judge truth by the apparent success or popularity of heresy, nor by the fall of respected leaders, but by perseverance in the apostolic faith itself. Augustine then reflects on humanity’s universal desire for happiness, concluding that true happiness is nothing less than joy in the truth—which ultimately means joy in God himself. Finally, Aquinas examines the role of advocates in public justice, defending the legitimacy of legal defense while insisting that no advocate may knowingly cooperate with falsehood or corruption. Together, these readings explore truth, perseverance, justice, and the difficult call ...