crescens_n the_o cynic_n philosopher_n a_o man_n proud_a and_o ignorant_a and_o according_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o his_o sect_n ill-natured_a and_o implacable_a and_o as_o tatian_n who_o be_v very_o intimate_o acquaint_v with_o he_o and_o his_o manner_n describe_v he_o give_v up_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n now_o it_o happen_v that_o justin_n in_o public_a dispute_n have_v expose_v the_o extreme_a childishness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o this_o vainglorious_a pedant_n who_o to_o be_v revenge_v of_o he_o accuse_v he_o before_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o city_n who_o after_o he_o have_v in_o vain_a take_v some_o pain_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o renounce_v his_o saviour_n and_o to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n pronounce_v this_o sentence_n against_o he_o and_o six_o more_o they_o who_o refuse_v to_o do_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o imperial_a edict_n let_v they_o be_v first_o scourge_v and_o then_o behead_v according_a to_o the_o law_n the_o persecution_n at_o lion_n begin_v at_o the_o rabble_n as_o it_o be_v plain_o describe_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o that_o church_n to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n in_o the_o first_o place_n say_v they_o they_o encounter_v with_o admirable_a courage_n and_o patience_n all_o the_o outrage_n and_o indignity_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a rabble_n as_o tumultuous_a outcry_n scourge_n dragging_n spoil_v ston_a and_o fetter_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o the_o heady_a and_o savage_a multitude_n be_v wont_a to_o practice_v against_o their_o most_o hate_a enemy_n and_o by_o they_o be_v they_o hale_v before_o the_o governor_n be_v tribunal_n and_o by_o he_o deliver_v back_o to_o their_o fury_n which_o they_o execute_v upon_o they_o with_o all_o the_o art_n and_o circumstance_n of_o fanatic_a zeal_n and_o barbarous_a cruelty_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o usual_a method_n to_o sacrifice_v the_o christian_n to_o the_o outrage_n of_o the_o superstitious_a rabble_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n any_o prince_n engage_v himself_o in_o the_o opposition_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v because_o that_o oppose_v the_o pagan_a religion_n but_o that_o be_v such_o a_o exorbitant_a contradiction_n to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o all_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o man_n can_v be_v in_o love_n with_o it_o after_o any_o fair_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n about_o it_o so_o that_o what_o such_o man_n act_v against_o christianity_n proceed_v not_o from_o any_o rational_a and_o sober_a counsel_n but_o mere_o from_o vulgar_a custom_n and_o prejudice_n and_o therefore_o if_o m._n aurelius_n or_o any_o other_o emperor_n that_o aught_o to_o have_v have_v more_o wit_n and_o temper_n than_o the_o common_a people_n show_v any_o zeal_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n their_o judgement_n be_v as_o little_a to_o be_v regard_v in_o this_o case_n as_o that_o of_o the_o multitude_n because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v act_v mere_o by_o superstitious_a zeal_n and_o folly_n if_o indeed_o they_o have_v oppose_v christianity_n original_o upon_o its_o own_o account_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o may_v have_v deserve_v some_o consideration_n but_o when_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o their_o displeasure_n against_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o their_o love_n of_o paganism_n the_o mere_a absurdity_n of_o that_o cause_n be_v too_o great_a a_o exception_n against_o their_o understanding_n in_o this_o controversy_n thus_o suppose_v that_o m._n aurelius_n himself_o be_v as_o forward_o as_o the_o people_n in_o his_o zeal_n against_o christianity_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o be_v as_o wise_a too_o for_o whatever_o he_o be_v beside_o he_o be_v a_o great_a superstitionist_n and_o to_o a_o degree_n of_o stupidity_n zealous_a for_o the_o pagan_a folly_n out_o of_o that_o vain_a affectation_n that_o have_v possess_v he_o to_o be_v account_v the_o second_o numa_n of_o rome_n which_o one_o conceit_n transport_v he_o to_o a_o more_o than_o childish_a zeal_n for_o the_o old_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o decius_n and_o dioclesian_n in_o set_v on_o foot_n the_o eight_o and_o ten_o persecution_n to_o which_o they_o be_v hurry_v by_o a_o vehement_a and_o unlearned_a zeal_n for_o the_o pagan_a religion_n this_o in_o short_a be_v the_o true_a account_n that_o i_o can_v find_v of_o all_o the_o persecution_n by_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o christianity_n be_v not_o so_o much_o oppose_v by_o its_o great_a enemy_n for_o any_o thing_n they_o have_v to_o object_v against_o itself_o as_o because_o it_o so_o shameful_o expose_v the_o bruitishness_n of_o their_o idolatry_n and_o yet_o as_o absurd_a as_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n be_v the_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o their_o emperor_n be_v much_o worse_o for_o though_o their_o god_n be_v nothing_o better_a than_o dead_a man_n yet_o have_v live_v in_o age_n remote_a and_o almost_o unknown_a and_o thereby_o gain_v the_o advantageous_a reverence_n of_o antiquity_n the_o common_a people_n be_v not_o aware_a of_o their_o original_a but_o find_v they_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o divinity_n they_o give_v they_o the_o worship_n due_a to_o that_o title_n but_o to_o give_v divine_a and_o religious_a worship_n to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o death_n and_o who_o vice_n be_v so_o fresh_a in_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n be_v such_o a_o unmanly_a piece_n of_o flattery_n as_o any_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o generosity_n ought_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o but_o every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n or_o religion_n ought_v to_o defy_v and_o yet_o so_o infinite_o be_v those_o man_n besot_v with_o pride_n and_o insolence_n that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o temple_n and_o priest_n dedicate_v to_o their_o own_o divinity_n except_v only_a tiberius_n who_o be_v a_o great_a dissembler_n himself_o choose_v to_o refuse_v so_o gross_a a_o flattery_n and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o permit_v his_o statue_n to_o be_v place_v among_o the_o image_n of_o the_o god_n but_o only_o among_o the_o ornament_n of_o private_a house_n but_o as_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n they_o either_o take_v to_o themselves_o all_o the_o title_n and_o dignity_n of_o divinity_n or_o have_v they_o confer_v on_o they_o by_o their_o successor_n and_o when_o they_o be_v once_o advance_v among_o the_o god_n all_o man_n be_v require_v under_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o pay_v they_o divine_a honour_n nay_o as_o tertullian_n too_o true_o upbraid_v they_o they_o be_v more_o religious_a towards_o their_o emperor_n than_o their_o supreme_a deity_n majore_fw-la formidine_fw-la &_o callidiore_fw-la timiditate_fw-la caesarem_fw-la observatis_fw-la quam_fw-la ipsum_fw-la de_fw-la olympo_fw-la jupiter_fw-la and_o all_o this_o though_o it_o be_v scarce_o a_o great_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n than_o a_o affront_n to_o mankind_n yet_o so_o base_a and_o degenerate_a be_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n at_o that_o time_n that_o they_o refuse_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o so_o dishonourable_a a_o flattery_n only_o the_o christian_n out_o of_o that_o serious_a regard_n they_o have_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o creator_n unanimous_o scorn_v it_o with_o open_a and_o public_a defiance_n and_o for_o their_o generous_a freedom_n herein_o they_o be_v as_o familiar_o proceed_v against_o as_o for_o the_o contempt_n of_o their_o go_n but_o now_o if_o this_o be_v another_o ground_n of_o the_o heathen_n act_v against_o the_o christian_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o reasonable_a pretence_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a shame_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o that_o set_v aside_o all_o that_o evidence_n that_o be_v to_o be_v produce_v in_o behalf_n of_o christianity_n the_o opposition_n make_v to_o it_o upon_o this_o or_o any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a account_n can_v reflect_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o disadvantage_n upon_o the_o truth_n or_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o cause_n §_o xli_o these_o be_v the_o real_a article_n of_o accusation_n in_o their_o charge_n against_o the_o christian_n but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o frivolous_a as_o their_o forge_a and_o counterfeit_a pretence_n be_v malicious_a for_o the_o heathen_a priest_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o inflame_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o people_n with_o fanatic_a zeal_n unless_o they_o feed_v their_o malice_n as_o all_o impostor_n do_v with_o lie_n and_o calumny_n but_o when_o man_n be_v once_o reduce_v to_o this_o low_a and_o dirty_a artifice_n in_o defence_n of_o any_o cause_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o be_v draw_v down_o to_o the_o very_a dregs_o of_o malice_n for_o it_o be_v only_o for_o want_v of_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o slander_n which_o the_o natural_a ingenuity_n of_o mankind_n will_v scorn_v if_o they_o can_v support_v themselves_o and_o their_o party_n without_o
against_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o contemptible_a that_o it_o be_v slight_v as_o none_o of_o his_o own_o and_o make_v up_o altogether_o of_o borrow_a feather_n out_o of_o other_o man_n write_n which_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o transcribe_v word_n for_o word_n into_o his_o own_o rhapsody_n especial_o out_o of_o celsus_n insomuch_o as_o eusebius_n stick_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o passage_n in_o all_o his_o book_n that_o be_v not_o answer_v aforehand_o by_o origen_n and_o that_o be_v his_o parallel_n between_o our_o saviour_n and_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n but_o how_o even_o that_o run_v we_o have_v already_o consider_v and_o therefore_o here_o i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o only_o that_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o question_v much_o less_o deny_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n but_o only_o vied_z the_o unvouched_a story_n of_o that_o pedantic_a impostor_n with_o the_o so_o well_o vouch_a history_n of_o jesus_n nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o gainsay_v their_o truth_n that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o yield_v that_o he_o be_v a_o divine_a man_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n for_o which_o he_o be_v so_o much_o offend_v against_o the_o christian_n be_v that_o nothing_o less_o will_v serve_v their_o turn_n unless_o he_o may_v be_v repute_v a_o god_n too_o so_o that_o his_o whole_a opposition_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n amount_v to_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o clear_a confession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o at_o present_a i_o be_o concern_v to_o prove_v and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o emperor_n julian_n as_o he_o be_v the_o fierce_a of_o all_o the_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n so_o be_v he_o the_o most_o impotent_a too_o be_v too_o angry_a and_o passionate_a to_o make_v any_o just_a enquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n and_o withal_o of_o a_o strange_a lightness_n and_o vanity_n of_o nature_n which_o those_o historian_n that_o will_v most_o admire_v he_o remark_n as_o the_o most_o predominant_a principle_n in_o all_o his_o action_n this_o hurry_v he_o according_a to_o the_o eagerness_n of_o his_o temper_n against_o the_o christian_n because_o their_o doctrine_n bring_v contempt_n upon_o all_o the_o old_a constitution_n of_o greece_n of_o which_o he_o be_v so_o fond_a and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a of_o his_o argument_n in_o his_o book_n against_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o disparage_v the_o heathen_a god_n and_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n so_o that_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o his_o zeal_n be_v nothing_o but_o pedantry_n and_o superstition_n for_o he_o value_v himself_o not_o a_o little_a upon_o the_o opinion_n that_o he_o have_v of_o his_o skill_n in_o the_o grecian_a learning_n and_o especial_o the_o mystical_a philosophy_n of_o plotinus_n lamblicus_fw-la and_o the_o latter_a platonist_n but_o much_o more_o upon_o his_o zeal_n for_o the_o old_a superstition_n of_o which_o he_o be_v so_o childish_o fond_a that_o it_o expose_v he_o even_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o superstitious_a rabble_n itself_o that_o flout_v he_o as_o if_o he_o design_v the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o ox_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n and_o as_o he_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o think_v himself_o alexander_n the_o great_a according_a to_o the_o pythagorean_n doctrine_n of_o the_o transmigration_n of_o soul_n which_o put_v he_o upon_o his_o unfortunate_a persian_a expedition_n as_o not_o doubt_v to_o return_v with_o the_o same_o honour_n and_o success_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o so_o be_v he_o most_o ambitious_a of_o imitate_v marcus_n aurelius_n as_o he_o be_v of_o numa_n in_o his_o zeal_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o go_n and_o it_o be_v this_o wild_a zeal_n light_v upon_o his_o temper_n that_o be_v natural_o hot_a to_o a_o degree_n of_o madness_n that_o transport_v he_o into_o all_o his_o extravagant_a attempt_n against_o the_o christian_n but_o as_o he_o be_v not_o natural_o capable_a of_o any_o sober_a reason_n so_o much_o less_o in_o this_o case_n in_o which_o he_o be_v so_o much_o blind_v with_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a with_o what_o little_a reason_n he_o oppose_v christianity_n when_o the_o main_a thing_n that_o he_o always_o charge_v upon_o it_o be_v atheism_n the_o very_a falsehood_n and_o disingenuity_n of_o which_o charge_n be_v a_o manifest_a indication_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o partiality_n and_o as_o for_o his_o book_n that_o he_o write_v against_o it_o with_o all_o possible_a keenness_n and_o indignation_n he_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o come_v near_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v our_o saviour_n action_n but_o play_v aloof_o off_o against_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a and_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o own_o time_n but_o as_o for_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n upon_o which_o the_o whole_a controversy_n depend_v he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o undertake_v to_o contradict_v they_o but_o only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v no_o such_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o he_o to_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a see_v therefore_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o meddle_v with_o the_o main_a argument_n of_o christianity_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o evidence_n of_o that_o alone_o must_v of_o itself_o baffle_v all_o other_o attempt_v at_o least_o till_o that_o be_v consider_v all_o other_o consideration_n be_v short_a of_o the_o argument_n so_o that_o this_o alone_a may_v suffice_v as_o a_o answer_n to_o all_o his_o cavil_n to_o refer_v he_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o if_o that_o prove_v itself_o true_a he_o can_v prove_v nothing_o but_o if_o it_o do_v not_o he_o need_v prove_v nothing_o it_o sink_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n §_o xliii_o however_o if_o they_o have_v any_o cavil_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v any_o appearance_n of_o reason_n in_o they_o they_o be_v all_o rake_v together_o by_o celsus_n the_o epicurean_a who_o of_o all_o the_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n be_v both_o the_o bold_a and_o the_o able_a as_o appear_v with_o less_o folly_n and_o more_o malice_n for_o be_v a_o atheist_n and_o so_o not_o at_o all_o taint_a with_o their_o superstitious_a conceit_n he_o escape_v all_o those_o disadvantage_n into_o which_o they_o run_v themselves_o by_o their_o fanatic_a zeal_n but_o be_v a_o epicurean_a too_o he_o be_v the_o more_o exasperate_v against_o the_o christian_a cause_n because_o that_o confute_v all_o his_o wisdom_n by_o sensible_a experiment_n which_o be_v the_o only_a proof_n of_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o in_o their_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o have_v so_o brave_o deliver_v all_o wise_a man_n that_o be_v themselves_z from_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o the_o care_n of_o a_o future_a state_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o very_a grate_a provocation_n upon_o man_n of_o their_o proud_a peevish_a and_o ill-natured_a principle_n to_o have_v so_o clear_a a_o baffle_v put_v upon_o all_o their_o wisdom_n and_o that_o in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o main_a motive_n of_o the_o peculiar_a displeasure_n of_o the_o sadducee_n against_o the_o apostle_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o no_o doubt_n it_o wrought_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o man_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n among_o the_o heathen_n but_o of_o all_o other_o celsus_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v most_o angry_a at_o the_o defeat_n and_o therefore_o lay_v about_o he_o to_o load_v it_o with_o all_o the_o cavil_n and_o calumny_n that_o wit_n or_o malice_n can_v invent_v and_o for_o the_o great_a plenty_n of_o objection_n he_o take_v upon_o himself_o a_o double_a person_n of_o a_o jew_n and_o of_o a_o heathen_a though_o the_o truth_n be_v he_o personate_v the_o jew_n full_a as_o awkerd_o as_o the_o ass_n do_v the_o lion_n in_o the_o lion_n skin_n his_o epicurean_a ear_n every_o where_o show_v themselves_o through_o his_o jewish_a livery_n and_o he_o be_v so_o eager_a in_o his_o pursuit_n of_o christianity_n that_o at_o every_o turn_n he_o forget_v the_o person_n he_o bear_v and_o fall_v as_o foul_a upon_o the_o jew_n themselves_o as_o the_o christian_n we_o shall_v engage_v he_o in_o both_o his_o shape_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o impartial_a either_o jew_n or_o heathen_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o validity_n of_o his_o discourse_n his_o two_o great_a batter_a engine_n that_o he_o plant_v in_o all_o part_n of_o it_o we_o have_v already_o dismount_v viz._n his_o impute_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n to_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n and_o his_o vie_v the_o resurrection_n of_o other_o in_o heathen_a story_n with_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o have_v already_o dispatch_v the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o business_n for_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o the_o slightness_n of_o most_o of_o his_o cavil_n he_o at_o every_o turn_n
and_o it_o require_v only_a eyesight_n to_o observe_v that_o it_o can_v be_v contrive_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o divine_a providence_n but_o when_o i_o pretend_v to_o have_v rout_v all_o the_o mechanic_n philosopher_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o presumption_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o glory_n in_o it_o than_o in_o the_o conquest_n of_o a_o infant_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o do_v more_o exact_o resemble_v their_o wise_a contrivance_n than_o the_o little_a sport_n and_o work_n of_o child_n for_o just_a as_o they_o make_v their_o play-thing_n so_o do_v these_o grave_a philosopher_n make_v their_o world_n in_o short_a the_o folly_n and_o nonsense_n of_o mere_a mechanism_n or_o account_v for_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n only_o by_o matter_n or_o motion_n or_o any_o other_o second_o cause_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o all_o the_o philosopher_n in_o the_o world_n never_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o the_o least_o account_n how_o so_o much_o as_o a_o stone_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o a_o divine_a providence_n this_o may_v seem_v a_o very_a odd_a challenge_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o great_a wit_n and_o virtuoso_n of_o mankind_n but_o i_o make_v it_o not_o rash_o and_o have_v thorough_o consider_v all_o their_o attempt_n and_o more_o than_o enough_o demonstrate_v their_o vanity_n and_o be_o sure_a upon_o the_o most_o diligent_a enquiry_n that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v do_v any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o resolve_v it_o into_o the_o force_n of_o magnetism_n than_o which_o in_o all_o the_o universe_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o amase_a piece_n of_o divine_a art_n and_o wisdom_n but_o here_o before_o i_o can_v proceed_v to_o what_o ought_v to_o have_v immediate_o follow_v i_o be_o force_v to_o thrust_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o preposterous_a digression_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o very_a mean_a piece_n of_o disingenuity_n that_o i_o have_v late_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o mechanic_n philosopher_n viz._n that_o i_o have_v make_v too_o bold_a with_o the_o reputation_n of_o great_a and_o famous_a man_n and_o treat_v those_o that_o have_v be_v admire_v and_o renown_v for_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n in_o all_o age_n as_o if_o they_o be_v void_a of_o common_a sense_n and_o thus_o the_o late_a author_n of_o the_o augmentation_n to_o mr._n hobbs_n his_o life_n 205._o when_o he_o have_v represent_v i_o as_o one_o of_o the_o keen_a and_o unkind_a of_o his_o adversary_n bring_v off_o his_o master_n with_o this_o clean_a compliment_n that_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o take_v it_o unkind_o from_o one_o that_o stick_v not_o to_o treat_v the_o great_a even_n of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n after_o the_o same_o rate_n and_o give_v the_o same_o correction_n even_o to_o the_o great_a aristotle_n himself_o as_o to_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o as_o for_o the_o famous_a de-cartes_n he_o stick_v not_o to_o chastise_v he_o like_o any_o schoolboy_n but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n methinks_v this_o be_v a_o very_a poor_a and_o humble_a objection_n and_o become_v not_o the_o due_a confidence_n of_o a_o philosopher_n for_o it_o be_v this_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o first_o upbraid_v we_o with_o the_o great_a and_o unanswerable_a performance_n of_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o till_o we_o can_v answer_v he_o we_o may_v preach_v what_o we_o please_v to_o the_o people_n but_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o yet_o when_o we_o not_o only_o answer_v but_o plain_o demonstrate_v the_o pitiful_a and_o even_o childish_a folly_n of_o his_o pretend_a philosophy_n that_o be_v object_v as_o a_o unpardonable_a rudeness_n to_o so_o learned_a a_o man._n but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n you_o will_v not_o be_v content_a till_o we_o undertake_v he_o and_o yet_o if_o we_o do_v you_o grow_v angry_a and_o our_o very_a attempt_v it_o be_v make_v our_o crime_n but_o yet_o if_o he_o be_v expose_v it_o be_v none_o of_o our_o fault_n but_o his_o own_o for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o any_o man_n power_n to_o make_v his_o notion_n better_a or_o worse_o than_o they_o be_v and_o if_o we_o represent_v they_o true_o and_o they_o prove_v ridiculous_a we_o can_v help_v it_o but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o it_o will_v be_v somewhat_o to_o the_o purpose_n if_o they_o can_v convince_v we_o of_o so_o unmanly_a a_o piece_n of_o disingenuity_n but_o till_o then_o it_o be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o very_a childish_a thing_n to_o complain_v either_o of_o unkind_a or_o uncivil_a usage_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o be_v do_v much_o less_o like_o a_o philosopher_n only_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o my_o assertion_n against_o mr._n hobbs_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o argument_n for_o if_o i_o have_v charge_v any_o thing_n upon_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o have_v not_o demonstrative_o prove_v it_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o give_v public_a satisfaction_n to_o his_o memory_n but_o if_o i_o have_v than_o the_o severity_n of_o my_o charge_n be_v no_o fault_n of_o i_o and_o for_o that_o i_o dare_v and_o do_v appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o impartial_a man_n whether_o i_o have_v not_o prove_v upon_o and_o against_o he_o all_o that_o i_o pretend_v to_o and_o if_o i_o have_v than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o mr._n hobbs_n have_v assert_v a_o very_a wicked_a cause_n very_o foolish_o but_o last_o it_o be_v do_v still_o much_o less_o like_o a_o philosopher_n to_o load_v i_o with_o that_o invidious_a charge_n of_o traduce_v the_o great_a worthy_n among_o the_o ancient_n for_o i_o know_v no_o one_o quality_n more_o unbecoming_a a_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o letter_n and_o civility_n than_o a_o envious_a affectation_n of_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o performance_n of_o great_a men._n this_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o creep_a artifice_n of_o small_a people_n to_o make_v themselves_o considerable_a only_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o adversary_n and_o it_o be_v a_o practice_n that_o i_o detest_v as_o i_o do_v slander_n or_o perjury_n and_o if_o they_o can_v but_o assign_v one_o instance_n in_o which_o i_o have_v in_o the_o least_o wrong_a any_o learned_a man_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o show_v it_o as_o i_o will_v be_v to_o confess_v it_o but_o otheways_o to_o insinuate_v that_o i_o spare_v not_o the_o great_a even_n of_o the_o ancient_a hero_n be_v to_o say_v no_o worse_o but_o a_o sneak_a way_n of_o encounter_v a_o enemy_n and_o indeed_o a_o inward_a confession_n of_o the_o want_n of_o some_o better_a reply_n for_o if_o they_o think_v they_o be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v argument_n in_o fair_a combat_n they_o will_v scorn_v to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o such_o skulk_a artifices_fw-la for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o whole_a merit_n of_o the_o cause_n will_v rest_v upon_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o that_o if_o i_o have_v oppose_v or_o confute_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n upon_o good_a and_o substantial_a ground_n i_o have_v do_v they_o no_o wrong_n in_o do_v truth_n right_n if_o otherwise_o i_o have_v not_o real_o injure_v they_o but_o myself_o and_o it_o be_v in_o these_o gentleman_n power_n that_o make_v the_o complaint_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o falsehood_n or_o the_o folly_n of_o my_o opposition_n but_o till_o then_o i_o think_v it_o become_v not_o the_o state_n and_o grandeur_n of_o a_o philosopher_n to_o condescend_v to_o such_o poor_a topic_n of_o insinuation_n but_o if_o they_o will_v do_v so_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o i_o for_o my_o only_a design_n be_v the_o pursuit_n of_o real_a truth_n i_o mean_v not_o useless_a and_o barren_a speculation_n but_o such_o as_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v all_o the_o learning_n or_o wisdom_n that_o i_o care_v for_o and_o if_o any_o man_n stand_v in_o my_o way_n though_o it_o be_v aristotle_n or_o de-cartes_n epicurus_n or_o mr._n hobbs_n friend_n or_o foe_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v m._n tullius_n himself_o yes_o though_o it_o be_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n i_o must_v on_o and_o if_o i_o be_o force_v to_o justle_v they_o out_o of_o my_o way_n i_o can_v help_v it_o for_o i_o be_o resolve_v never_o to_o leave_v it_o myself_o however_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o mechanic_n philosopher_n to_o complain_v of_o be_v a_o little_a deride_v when_o they_o so_o wanton_o and_o affect_o expose_v themselves_o to_o it_o for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o witty_a man_n to_o come_v off_o with_o better_a success_n that_o when_o we_o see_v the_o whole_a world_n frame_v with_o such_o admirable_a art_n and_o wisdom_n shall_v undertake_v to_o teach_v the_o senseless_a material_n of_o which_o it_o be_v make_v to_o be_v their_o own_o architect_n i_o will_v
easy_a matter_n the_o law_n be_v force_v to_o pass_v judgement_n on_o the_o wrong_a side_n but_o beside_o the_o injury_n of_o fraud_n the_o great_a misery_n bring_v upon_o mankind_n by_o injustice_n be_v support_v by_o power_n and_o greatness_n and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o tyrant_n and_o oppressor_n defy_v all_o discovery_n and_o though_o he_o care_v not_o if_o all_o the_o world_n see_v his_o wickedness_n yet_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o have_v his_o eye_n open_a he_o shall_v forfeit_v his_o head_n for_o the_o boldness_n of_o his_o eyesight_n so_o that_o if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a state_n of_o thing_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n have_v provide_v neither_o sufficient_a reward_n for_o justice_n and_o honesty_n nor_o restraint_n from_o fraud_n and_o oppression_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o than_o he_o have_v lay_v no_o effectual_a obligation_n upon_o mankind_n to_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a for_o the_o force_n of_o every_o command_n depend_v upon_o its_o sanction_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v enjoin_v this_o duty_n and_o have_v not_o back_v it_o with_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o obedience_n he_o have_v only_o enact_v useless_a and_o ineffectual_a law_n in_o short_a the_o only_a difference_n between_o the_o man_n that_o be_v honest_a and_o the_o man_n that_o be_v not_o be_v mere_o this_o that_o the_o one_o prefer_v his_o duty_n before_o his_o present_a interest_n and_o the_o other_o his_o present_a interest_n before_o his_o duty_n for_o if_o he_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o conduce_v to_o his_o own_o end_n than_o whenever_o they_o happen_v to_o thwart_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o quit_v his_o duty_n rather_o than_o his_o interest_n and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o he_o be_v so_o far_o destitute_a of_o all_o principle_n of_o honesty_n that_o he_o be_v entire_o govern_v by_o the_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o fraud_n and_o oppression_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a difference_n that_o distinguish_v good_a and_o bad_a man_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o motive_n or_o reason_n a_o good_a man_n have_v to_o pursue_v his_o duty_n when_o contrary_a to_o his_o interest_n or_o a_o bad_a man_n have_v to_o quit_v his_o interest_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o his_o duty_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o state_n of_o thing_n than_o the_o present_a and_o therefore_o without_o immortality_n justice_n be_v so_o far_o from_o deserve_v our_o regard_n in_o all_o case_n that_o in_o many_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o first_o instinct_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v self-love_n in_o that_o it_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o act_v cross_a to_o that_o without_o any_o reason_n or_o recompense_v for_o his_o so_o do_v and_o therefore_o see_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v prescribe_v to_o we_o those_o many_o and_o plain_a law_n of_o justice_n that_o i_o have_v discover_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n it_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o upon_o that_o supposition_n those_o law_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v must_v be_v abet_v with_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n because_o those_o of_o this_o if_o take_v alone_o and_o separate_a from_o those_o of_o that_o be_v not_o of_o sufficient_a force_n and_o validity_n and_o as_o justice_n the_o most_o necessary_a so_o fortitude_n the_o most_o noble_a of_o all_o virtue_n will_v have_v no_o foundation_n upon_o the_o epicurean_a principle_n or_o rather_o will_v sink_v together_o with_o they_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o justice_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v any_o man_n run_v himself_o into_o hazard_n and_o hardship_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o that_o be_v the_o only_a office_n of_o magnanimity_n which_o when_o separate_v from_o a_o good_a cause_n be_v no_o more_o than_o folly_n and_o fool-hardiness_n and_o in_o a_o bad_a cause_n be_v no_o better_a than_o cruelty_n and_o oppression_n and_o beside_o this_o as_o every_o virtue_n must_v have_v some_o principle_n to_o warrant_v its_o wisdom_n and_o reasonableness_n so_o above_o all_o other_o magnanimity_n because_o it_o put_v we_o upon_o the_o severe_a and_o hard_a service_n and_o do_v more_o than_o any_o virtue_n beside_o endanger_v our_o own_o interest_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o duty_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o interest_n than_o that_o of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v apparent_a madness_n for_o any_o man_n to_o hazard_v life_n and_o fortune_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o here_o for_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o when_o all_o other_o motive_n that_o can_v be_v propose_v to_o he_o be_v of_o less_o concernment_n to_o himself_o than_o his_o own_o self-preservation_n beside_o true_a magnanimity_n bottom_n all_o its_o courage_n and_o assurance_n upon_o no_o other_o principle_n than_o the_o conscience_n of_o its_o own_o integrity_n it_o be_v that_o alone_a that_o give_v a_o man_n a_o sufficiency_n and_o satisfaction_n from_o himself_o that_o raise_v he_o to_o a_o contempt_n of_o all_o outward_a thing_n that_o make_v he_o searfull_a of_o all_o assault_n and_o danger_n and_o that_o support_v he_o under_o all_o loss_n and_o misfortune_n as_o esteem_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o as_o mean_v and_o worthless_a trifle_n in_o comparison_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o its_o own_o reflection_n but_o then_o as_o conscience_n be_v the_o only_a support_n of_o courage_n so_o be_v immortality_n of_o conscience_n for_o that_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n act_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o future_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o from_o thence_o alone_o it_o derive_v all_o its_o force_n and_o authority_n and_o without_o that_o all_o seem_a regard_n to_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o pretence_n and_o pageantry_n for_o what_o comfort_n will_v a_o good_a conscience_n afford_v a_o man_n if_o he_o be_v to_o give_v no_o account_n of_o his_o action_n upon_o that_o supposition_n the_o guilty_a and_o the_o innocent_a be_v upon_o equal_a term_n when_o the_o best_a man_n be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o all_o his_o virtue_n nor_o the_o other_o the_o worse_o for_o all_o his_o villainy_n if_o then_o integrity_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o all_o magnanimity_n and_o if_o the_o firmness_n of_o that_o depend_v mere_o upon_o immortality_n then_o that_o be_v take_v away_o the_o one_o sink_v into_o craft_n the_o other_o into_o cowardice_n in_o short_a there_o be_v but_o two_o office_n of_o magnanimity_n either_o to_o do_v or_o to_o suffer_v gallant_o both_o which_o be_v manifest_a contradiction_n to_o the_o epicurean_a principle_n for_o what_o inducement_n can_v that_o man_n have_v to_o put_v himself_o upon_o hardship_n who_o know_v no_o other_o happiness_n but_o ease_n and_o laziness_n and_o therefore_o upon_o their_o supposition_n it_o be_v wise_a advice_n of_o metrodorus_n to_o his_o brother_n not_o to_o concern_v himself_o in_o desence_n and_o preservation_n of_o his_o country_n but_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o philosophic_a wisdom_n and_o discretion_n and_o then_o as_o for_o bear_v up_o decent_o under_o calamity_n i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o they_o have_v not_o one_o principle_n wherewith_o to_o support_v themselves_o and_o without_o such_o principle_n as_o can_v supply_v the_o absence_n of_o their_o present_a happiness_n nothing_o else_o can_v relieve_v their_o loss_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o bear_v up_o with_o any_o cheerfulness_n under_o misery_n and_o affliction_n they_o must_v for_o ever_o sink_v into_o insupportable_a anguish_n and_o despair_n and_o now_o from_o these_o premise_n to_o mention_v no_o more_o particular_n because_o all_o the_o other_o virtue_n depend_v upon_o these_o it_o be_v demonstrative_o evident_a that_o to_o root_v up_o the_o sentiment_n of_o immortality_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v to_o blast_v and_o put_v out_o the_o sun_n and_o to_o overwhelm_v the_o world_n in_o eternal_a night_n and_o darkness_n erase_v all_o the_o foundation_n of_o happiness_n tear_v up_o all_o the_o root_n of_o virtue_n and_o lay_v waste_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o humane_a society_n and_o as_o plutarch_n discourse_v where_o such_o principle_n colotem_fw-la of_o philosophy_n prevail_v as_o enervate_v the_o law_n of_o virtue_n man_n have_v nothing_o leave_v to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o brute-beast_n but_o that_o they_o want_v the_o claw_n of_o lion_n and_o the_o tooth_n of_o wolf_n the_o stomach_n of_o ox_n and_o the_o back_n of_o camel_n in_o a_o word_n upon_o this_o single_a principle_n of_o a_o future_a state_n depend_v all_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a if_o this_o stand_v firm_a virtue_n be_v secure_a but_o otherwise_o after_o all_o that_o care_n that_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v take_v to_o recommend_v it_o to_o we_o it_o be_v all_o no_o more_o than_o craft_n or_o folly_n §_o xxv_o and_o now_o have_v thus_o far_o and_o fair_o
necessary_a upon_o reason_n of_o state_n and_o that_o he_o too_o well_o know_v in_o his_o court_n outweigh_v all_o other_o consideration_n and_o hence_o come_v that_o constant_a succession_n of_o murder_n in_o the_o empire_n whereby_o all_o of_o his_o own_o family_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n cut_v off_o and_o afterward_o all_o his_o kindred_n so_o imprudent_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o think_v of_o dispose_n of_o crown_n against_o the_o right_n of_o inheritance_n it_o certain_o entail_v murder_n upon_o the_o royal_a family_n and_o civil_a war_n upon_o the_o kingdom_n but_o to_o return_v to_o nero_n these_o be_v the_o main_a instance_n of_o cruelty_n wherewith_o he_o be_v usual_o brand_v some_o other_o there_o be_v that_o i_o shall_v here_o pass_v by_o and_o only_o concern_v myself_o in_o that_o he_o be_v charge_v with_o against_o the_o christian_n against_o who_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o proceed_v not_o either_o from_o any_o enquiry_n into_o their_o cause_n or_o any_o voluntary_a cruelty_n of_o his_o own_o but_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o people_n fury_n only_o to_o deliver_v himself_o from_o it_o for_o the_o city_n happen_v to_o be_v destroy_v by_o a_o sudden_a fire_n nero_n enemy_n to_o render_v he_o more_o odious_a cast_a report_n among_o the_o people_n that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o mischief_n and_o the_o more_o to_o exasperate_v they_o add_v that_o he_o behold_v the_o sad_a sight_n from_o maecenas_n his_o tower_n with_o no_o small_a joy_n and_o pleasure_n sing_v the_o destruction_n of_o troy_n whether_o this_o report_n be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o mattered_a not_o the_o people_n be_v ready_a enough_o to_o run_v away_o with_o any_o thing_n in_o their_o rage_n and_o anguish_n and_o though_o it_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v altogether_o groundless_a and_o malicious_a it_o be_v then_o believe_v and_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n and_o therefore_o nero_n to_o bring_v himself_o off_o transfer_v the_o odium_n upon_o the_o christian_n who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v sufficient_o hateful_a to_o the_o common_a rabble_n as_o despiser_n of_o their_o god_n and_o their_o religion_n and_o by_o turn_v they_o loose_v to_o their_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n divert_v or_o at_o least_o somewhat_o assuage_v their_o fury_n against_o himself_o neither_o do_v this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v nero_n own_a device_n but_o rather_o to_o have_v be_v first_o prompt_v by_o the_o people_n themselves_o for_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a that_o the_o idol_n priest_n upon_o occasion_n of_o so_o sad_a a_o calamity_n shall_v blow_v the_o suspicion_n into_o the_o people_n head_n that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o christian_n who_o as_o they_o hate_v their_o god_n hate_v their_o temple_n too_o and_o so_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o set_v the_o city_n on_o fire_n on_o purpose_n to_o destroy_v they_o and_o such_o a_o suggestion_n as_o this_o be_v once_o kindle_v among_o the_o common_a people_n it_o will_v quick_o prevail_v like_o the_o flame_n themselves_o and_o in_o the_o extremity_n of_o their_o anguish_n transport_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a excess_n of_o rage_n and_o indignation_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o historian_n observe_v they_o do_v not_o think_v simple_a punishment_n enough_o unless_o they_o add_v scorn_n to_o their_o cruelty_n and_o so_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o man_n but_o worry_v they_o with_o dog_n in_o the_o skin_n of_o wild_a beast_n but_o whether_o nero_n fire_v the_o city_n or_o not_o or_o whether_o he_o contrive_v this_o device_n to_o save_v himself_o or_o only_o make_v advantage_n of_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o people_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o neither_o he_o nor_o they_o proceed_v against_o they_o upon_o any_o mature_a deliberation_n but_o that_o they_o be_v sacrifice_v mere_o to_o the_o outrage_n of_o the_o rabble_n and_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o neronian_a persecution_n in_o which_o the_o prosecutor_n be_v so_o far_o from_o enter_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n that_o it_o be_v whole_o manage_v by_o popular_a tumult_n that_o be_v raise_v by_o calumny_n and_o enrage_v by_o superstition_n so_o that_o the_o christian_n in_o it_o suffer_v not_o as_o christian_n but_o only_o upon_o occasion_n of_o this_o accident_n the_o people_n fall_v foul_a upon_o they_o as_o enemy_n to_o their_o idol-god_n and_o that_o be_v natural_a for_o the_o blind_a and_o furious_a rabble_n to_o do_v whatever_o the_o christian_a cause_n may_v be_v for_o without_o inquire_v into_o that_o they_o be_v only_o zealous_a for_o their_o old_a superstition_n and_o therefore_o their_o opposition_n to_o christianity_n can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o it_o for_o though_o we_o suppose_v its_o truth_n and_o evidence_n yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v avoid_v their_o displeasure_n and_o yet_o in_o most_o of_o the_o other_o persecution_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v both_o set_v on_o foot_n and_o carry_v on_o only_o by_o the_o folly_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o multitude_n §_o xxxviii_o the_o second_o persecution_n be_v raise_v by_o domitian_n the_o second_o to_o nero_n for_o fierceness_n and_o cruelty_n though_o neither_o do_v he_o proceed_v in_o it_o upon_o any_o account_n of_o religion_n but_o pure_o out_o of_o jealousy_n of_o state_n for_o as_o he_o exceed_v all_o other_o prince_n in_o suspicion_n and_o ill-nature_n so_o upon_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o pretence_n he_o will_v never_o stick_v at_o any_o cruelty_n to_o secure_v himself_o thus_o he_o murder_v metius_n domitianus_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o 10._o he_o be_v bear_v as_o the_o astrologer_n affirm_v under_o a_o imperial_a horoscope_n and_o slay_v his_o own_o uncle_n flavius_n sabinus_n because_o when_o he_o be_v choose_v consul_n the_o clerk_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o declare_v the_o choice_n to_o the_o people_n by_o mistake_n pronounce_v he_o emperor_n instead_o of_o consul_n and_o though_o it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o he_o slay_v his_o kinsman_n flavius_n clemens_n who_o two_o son_n he_o have_v adopt_v to_o succeed_v he_o in_o the_o empire_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o christianity_n yet_o it_o be_v much_o more_o probable_a that_o his_o displeasure_n be_v sudden_o take_v up_o upon_o some_o pretence_n of_o state_n as_o suetonius_n express_o affirm_v repentè_fw-fr ex_fw-la tenuissimâ_fw-la suspicion_n tantum_fw-la non_fw-la ipso_fw-la ejus_fw-la consulatu_fw-la 1_o interemit_fw-la and_o this_o as_o we_o have_v the_o story_n from_o hegesippus_n be_v the_o true_a original_a cause_n of_o 20._o his_o trouble_v the_o christian_n against_o who_o he_o do_v not_o proceed_v in_o general_a as_o christian_n but_o only_o against_o some_o of_o our_o saviour_n kindred_n who_o be_v accuse_v before_o he_o as_o descend_v from_o the_o royal_a line_n of_o david_n out_o of_o which_o the_o messiah_n or_o universal_a monarch_n be_v to_o come_v of_o who_o domitian_n say_v the_o historian_n be_v not_o less_o jealous_a than_o herod_n himself_o but_o upon_o examination_n find_v both_o the_o poverty_n and_o the_o innocence_n of_o the_o person_n he_o dismiss_v they_o and_o by_o a_o public_a edict_n for_o bad_a all_o far_a prosecution_n against_o the_o follower_n of_o jesus_n thus_o far_o hegesippus_n and_o it_o be_v one_o will_v think_v a_o plain_a and_o a_o easy_a story_n and_o record_v by_o a_o person_n that_o live_v very_o near_o the_o time_n in_o which_o it_o be_v transact_v and_o yet_o our_o great_a scaliger_n in_o pursuit_n of_o that_o scholastic_a authority_n which_o he_o have_v take_v to_o himself_o of_o correct_v mmcxii_o the_o ancient_n but_o especial_o hegesippus_n be_v please_v not_o to_o pass_v it_o for_o so_o much_o as_o credible_a and_o that_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n and_o so_o little_a reason_n as_o too_o gross_o discover_v his_o affectation_n of_o find_v fault_n for_o first_o he_o wonder_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o than_o two_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o david_n leave_v and_o those_o of_o the_o family_n of_o judas_n the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o hegesippus_n affirm_v whereas_o hegesippus_n affirm_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o only_o say_v that_o two_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o judas_n the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v accuse_v before_o domitian_n but_o that_o they_o be_v all_o that_o be_v remain_v of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v neither_o have_v scaliger_n any_o ground_n for_o this_o surmise_n unless_o from_o thence_o to_o seize_v a_o opportunity_n to_o give_v the_o world_n a_o account_n of_o his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o babylon_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o many_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o david_n in_o great_a honour_n but_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o story_n though_o all_o the_o story_n of_o the_o jew_n after_o their_o dispersion_n be_v
illic_fw-la reperietis_fw-la primum_fw-la neronem_fw-la in_o hanc_fw-la sectam_fw-la cum_fw-la maximè_fw-la romae_fw-la orientem_fw-la caesariano_n gladio_fw-la ferocisse_fw-la sed_fw-la tali_fw-la dedicatore_fw-la damnationis_fw-la nostrae_fw-la etiam_fw-la gloriamur_fw-la qai_fw-fr enim_fw-la scit_fw-la illum_fw-la intelligere_fw-la potest_fw-la non_fw-la nisi_fw-la grande_fw-fr aliquod_fw-la bonum_fw-la à _fw-la nerone_n damnatum_fw-la tentaverat_fw-la &_o domitianus_n portio_fw-la neronis_n de_fw-la crudelitate_fw-la sed_fw-la qua_fw-la &_o homo_fw-la facile_fw-la coeptum_fw-la repressit_fw-la restitatis_fw-la etiam_fw-la quos_fw-la relegaverat_fw-la if_o you_o search_v your_o own_o record_n you_o will_v find_v that_o nero_n be_v the_o first_o emperor_n that_o imbrue_v his_o hand_n in_o christian_a blood_n but_o we_o glory_n in_o the_o hatred_n of_o such_o a_o enemy_n as_o nero_n for_o whoever_o know_v the_o man_n can_v but_o know_v that_o it_o must_v be_v some_o very_a great_a good_a thing_n that_o nero_n hate_v and_o domitian_n too_o a_o piece_n of_o the_o same_o cruelty_n make_v the_o same_o attempt_n but_o have_v in_o he_o either_o some_o little_a humanity_n or_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o mankind_n for_o which_o of_o these_o tertullian_n mean_v by_o his_o qua_fw-la &_o homo_fw-la be_v altogether_o ambiguous_a he_o desist_v from_o his_o design_n and_o revoke_v his_o own_o proscription_n §_o thirty-nine_o the_o three_o persecution_n happen_v under_o the_o reign_n of_o trajan_n and_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n upon_o variety_n of_o design_n all_o which_o be_v very_o remote_a from_o any_o fair_a inquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n itself_o the_o first_o be_v the_o old_a jealousy_n of_o our_o saviour_n kindred_n and_o the_o line_n of_o david_n and_o this_o as_o hegesippus_n inform_v we_o be_v start_v by_o 32._o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gnostic_n against_o symeon_n the_o son_n of_o cleophas_n the_o brother_n of_o joseph_n than_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o at_o a_o time_n when_o all_o the_o royal_a family_n of_o judah_n be_v seek_v after_o and_o dispatch_v out_o of_o the_o way_n as_o pretend_a rival_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v this_o good_a old_a man_n put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o hundred_o and_o one_o and_o twenty_o year_n of_o his_o age._n the_o second_o motive_n of_o this_o persecution_n be_v the_o emperor_n great_a jealousy_n of_o those_o society_n call_v heteriae_n that_o have_v often_o create_v great_a mischief_n and_o trouble_n to_o the_o empire_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o such_o disturbance_n he_o strict_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o association_n and_o public_a meeting_n and_o in_o this_o point_n of_o government_n he_o be_v so_o peremptory_a that_o when_o pliny_n move_v he_o to_o erect_v a_o corporation_n of_o smith_n at_o nicomedia_n as_o a_o great_a convenience_n to_o the_o city_n he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v induce_v to_o allow_v it_o now_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n be_v grow_v numerous_a they_o fall_v under_o the_o edge_n of_o this_o law_n and_o it_o be_v according_o execute_v against_o they_o by_o the_o governor_n and_o pro_fw-la consul_n in_o their_o several_a province_n it_o be_v common_o suppose_v that_o this_o edict_n against_o these_o illegal_a society_n be_v publish_v on_o purpose_n to_o ensnare_v the_o christian_a meeting_n and_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o may_v be_v so_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o in_o history_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o emperor_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o particular_a jealousy_n against_o all_o kind_n of_o assembly_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o forementioned_a case_n of_o the_o smith_n of_o nicomedia_n and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o particular_a design_n against_o the_o christian_n be_v evident_a from_o his_o answer_n to_o pliny_n letter_n by_o which_o he_o inform_v the_o emperor_n how_o he_o have_v execute_v this_o edict_n in_o his_o province_n against_o they_o and_o what_o number_n he_o have_v punish_v for_o their_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o law_n but_o have_v make_v enquiry_n into_o the_o design_n of_o their_o meeting_n he_o be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v of_o the_o innocence_n of_o the_o man_n and_o therefore_o desire_v direction_n from_o he_o after_o what_o manner_n he_o shall_v proceed_v against_o they_o or_o whether_o at_o all_o the_o emperor_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o he_o receive_v of_o the_o peaceableness_n of_o the_o christian_n take_v off_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o edict_n against_o they_o and_o gives_z instruction_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v seek_v for_o as_o be_v real_o innocent_a yet_o if_o they_o be_v accuse_v and_o convict_a they_o shall_v be_v punish_v according_a to_o law_n that_o be_v for_o the_o good_a example_n of_o government_n this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v all_o that_o emperor_n design_n in_o his_o law_n and_o proceed_n against_o the_o christian_n otherwise_o certain_o he_o will_v never_o have_v remit_v the_o execution_n of_o a_o law_n of_o which_o he_o be_v so_o tender_a only_o for_o their_o sake_n but_o because_o this_o be_v the_o first_o prosecution_n in_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n like_o legal_a proceed_n against_o the_o christian_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o the_o unjust_a and_o unreasonable_a method_n of_o procedure_v against_o they_o both_o in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a persecution_n and_o so_o without_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o distinct_a narrative_n of_o every_o one_o give_v he_o a_o true_a state_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o all_o and_o from_o thence_o it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o they_o proceed_v not_o upon_o any_o sober_a enquiry_n but_o be_v mere_o drive_v on_o by_o brutish_a folly_n and_o madness_n the_o head_n of_o their_o accusation_n then_o be_v either_o real_a or_o feign_a the_o feign_a be_v apparent_o the_o contrivance_n of_o malice_n and_o the_o real_a be_v as_o apparent_o the_o charge_n of_o folly_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o each_o particular_a the_o first_o and_o great_a charge_n of_o all_o be_v the_o christian_n contempt_n of_o their_o god_n and_o religion_n but_o here_o the_o cause_n of_o paganism_n be_v so_o foul_a and_o brutish_a that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o dishonourable_a abuse_n that_o ever_o be_v put_v upon_o humane_a nature_n and_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n undeniable_o evident_a it_o will_v have_v be_v incredible_a that_o mankind_n shall_v ever_o sink_v into_o such_o a_o senseless_a stupidity_n the_o barbarous_a people_n who_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n so_o much_o despise_v worship_v only_o the_o heavenly_a body_n but_o these_o polite_a these_o civilise_v these_o philosophical_a nation_n deify_v the_o worst_a of_o thing_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o replenish_a heaven_n with_o such_o a_o rout_n of_o deity_n as_o make_v it_o look_v more_o like_o a_o jail_n full_a of_o rogue_n and_o villain_n than_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n and_o they_o relate_v such_o foul_a thing_n of_o they_o that_o one_o will_v scarce_o believe_v such_o ill_a report_n of_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n and_o if_o their_o enemy_n will_v have_v set_v themselves_o to_o have_v contrive_v story_n that_o may_v render_v they_o odious_a and_o contemptible_a the_o black_a calumny_n they_o can_v have_v fasten_v upon_o they_o must_v have_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o extravagance_n of_o their_o own_o report_n and_o as_o be_v their_o god_n such_o be_v their_o worship_n too_o all_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o such_o thing_n be_v act_v in_o their_o temple_n as_o be_v not_o allow_v in_o the_o public_a stew_n the_o foul_a uncleanness_n be_v their_o high_a devotion_n how_o lascivious_a and_o obscene_a be_v the_o ceremony_n of_o cibele_n priapus_n flora_n and_o venus_n who_o be_v worship_v with_o nothing_o but_o the_o vile_a lust_n and_o wantonness_n so_o foul_a and_o beastly_a be_v the_o celebrate_a mystery_n of_o bacchus_n that_o the_o senate_n of_o rome_n itself_o be_v at_o last_o force_v to_o banish_v they_o out_o of_o italy_n as_o the_o foul_a example_n of_o lust_n and_o debauchery_n in_o short_a the_o prodigious_a story_n that_o they_o tell_v of_o their_o great_a deity_n saturn_n jupiter_n ceres_n or_o the_o mother_n of_o the_o god_n as_o much_o exceed_v the_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n as_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n though_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o represent_v they_o much_o worse_a than_o they_o be_v whilst_o they_o make_v they_o work_v miracle_n to_o compass_v their_o brutish_a end_n for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v they_o be_v neither_o better_o nor_o worse_o than_o mortal_a men._n saturn_n and_o jupiter_n be_v know_v tyrant_n in_o crete_n apollo_n a_o common_a fiddler_n the_o muse_n servant_n maid_n aesculapius_n a_o tooth_n drawer_n in_o arcadia_n venus_n a_o know_a strumpet_n to_o cinyras_n king_n of_o cyprus_n not_o long_o before_o the_o trojan_a war._n these_o and_o like_o these_o be_v the_o god_n they_o worship_v and_o how_o this_o folly_n first_o
raise_v against_o christianity_n but_o as_o for_o that_o private_a opposition_n that_o it_o meet_v with_o from_o philosopher_n and_o pretend_o learn_v man_n it_o be_v so_o very_o contemptible_a that_o it_o scarce_o deserve_v consideration_n for_o though_o one_o will_v expect_v to_o have_v find_v all_o the_o learned_a world_n engage_v in_o a_o controversy_n that_o concern_v the_o whole_a world_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o few_o that_o concern_v themselves_o against_o the_o christian_a cause_n and_o those_o that_o do_v so_o only_o pelt_v at_o it_o with_o remote_a and_o far-fetched_a cavil_n but_o never_o come_v up_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v the_o only_a pertinent_a subject_n in_o this_o enquiry_n and_o if_o that_o stand_v firm_a all_o other_o opposition_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o argument_n and_o break_v its_o own_o force_n upon_o itself_o by_o endeavour_v to_o disparage_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o it_o can_v deny_v or_o to_o prove_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a that_o it_o can_v but_o confess_v to_o be_v true_a nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o put_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o the_o question_n that_o they_o be_v all_o force_a to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v porphyry_n and_o celsus_n impute_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n to_o magic_n hierole_n and_o trypho_n say_v only_o that_o the_o christian_n make_v too_o much_o of_o they_o by_o make_v a_o god_n of_o a_o divine_a man_n julian_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o do_v no_o such_o great_a matter_n but_o only_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a so_o that_o it_o seem_v none_o of_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n hardy_a enough_o so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v of_o control_a the_o reality_n of_o our_o saviour_n action_n for_o fear_n of_o too_o much_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o controversy_n now_o after_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o foretell_v with_o what_o trifle_a pretence_n they_o must_v satisfy_v themselves_o and_o they_o be_v so_o very_a trifle_a that_o itwill_a require_v but_o very_o little_a pain_n to_o show_v their_o vanity_n all_o the_o opposition_n then_o that_o be_v make_v to_o it_o this_o way_n proceed_v mere_o either_o from_o gross_a superstition_n or_o avow_a atheism_n the_o first_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o former_a account_n of_o the_o public_a persecution_n and_o be_v nothing_o else_o than_o a_o mere_a fanatic_a zeal_n for_o the_o old_a pagan_a idolatry_n and_o this_o be_v chief_o manage_v by_o the_o pythagorean_n the_o only_a superstitious_a sect_n among_o all_o the_o philosopher_n who_o be_v all_o along_o so_o zealous_a of_o the_o grecian_a rite_n that_o they_o may_v proper_o be_v style_v the_o monk_n and_o friar_n of_o that_o religion_n this_o humour_n they_o derive_v from_o their_o first_o founder_n pythagoras_n himself_o who_o have_v learn_v that_o part_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n from_o thales_n and_o anaximander_n that_o explain_v the_o mechanical_a contrivance_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n to_o which_o alone_o those_o philosopher_n pretend_v he_o quick_o perceive_v either_o by_o the_o sagacity_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o the_o instruction_n of_o pherecides_n that_o there_o be_v some_o intelligent_a be_v in_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o order_n and_o harmony_n of_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o so_o strong_o possess_v he_o with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n who_o he_o define_v to_o be_v a_o mind_n diffuse_v through_o all_o nature_n from_o who_o all_o thing_n receive_v their_o life_n and_o activity_n as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v how_o the_o natural_a effect_n that_o be_v constant_o and_o every_o where_o visible_a in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v but_o by_o the_o present_a and_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o such_o a_o power_n and_o now_o have_v his_o mind_n thus_o thorough_o touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o find_v the_o orphean_a rite_n and_o constitution_n at_o that_o time_n the_o most_o sacred_a solemnity_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n he_o grow_v very_o zealous_a of_o they_o as_o the_o most_o religious_a symbol_n of_o divine_a worship_n neither_o be_v his_o zeal_n satisfy_v with_o the_o superstition_n of_o his_o own_o country_n but_o he_o travel_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o inform_v himself_o of_o their_o several_a way_n of_o worship_v their_o go_n and_o then_o compose_v a_o service_n of_o his_o own_o partly_o out_o of_o the_o orphean_a partly_o out_o of_o the_o egyptian_a partly_o out_o of_o the_o chaldean_a partly_o out_o of_o the_o eleusinian_n and_o partly_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o out_o of_o the_o samothracian_a rite_n which_o together_o with_o his_o own_o theurgic_a ceremony_n must_v make_v up_o a_o complete_a rhapsody_n of_o all_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o though_o some_o of_o his_o follower_n leucippus_n democritus_n and_o epicurus_n apostatise_v so_o far_o from_o his_o institution_n as_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o rank_a and_o most_o audacious_a atheism_n yet_o all_o that_o persevere_v in_o their_o master_n discipline_n be_v sure_o no_o doubt_n to_o be_v most_o of_o all_o strict_a in_o his_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v only_o this_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n who_o be_v man_n rather_o devout_a than_o learned_a that_o all_o along_o give_v authority_n and_o reputation_n to_o the_o old_a heathen_a idolatry_n and_o therefore_o when_o christianity_n begin_v to_o bear_v it_o away_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v appear_v the_o most_o forward_a champion_n to_o defend_v their_o fane_n and_o their_o temple_n their_o altar_n and_o their_o oracle_n against_o the_o new_a and_o prevail_a religion_n the_o first_o and_o the_o able_a champion_n be_v porphyry_n a_o man_n at_o that_o time_n eminent_a for_o wit_n and_o learning_n but_o so_o entire_o eat_v up_o with_o fanatic_a zeal_n for_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o have_v not_o patience_n so_o much_o as_o to_o hear_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o oppose_v it_o and_o this_o set_v he_o all_o on_o fire_n against_o christianity_n for_o be_v by_o nature_n of_o a_o fierce_a and_o angry_a temper_n insomuch_o as_o he_o attempt_v to_o cut_v his_o own_o throat_n as_o he_o describe_v himself_o in_o the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n and_o withal_o very_o much_o incline_v to_o austerity_n and_o devotion_n for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a strict_a observer_n of_o the_o pythagorean_n rule_n this_o fix_v he_o in_o his_o fanatic_a and_o superstitious_a zeal_n than_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o insuperable_a though_o when_o this_o happen_v to_o be_v join_v with_o a_o natural_a eagerness_n of_o temper_n it_o grow_v into_o mere_a fury_n and_o outrage_n and_o so_o transport_v man_n out_o of_o the_o use_n of_o their_o natural_a understanding_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o porphyry_n not_o only_o from_o that_o description_n that_o he_o give_v of_o himself_o and_o that_o account_n that_o his_o friend_n give_v of_o his_o life_n but_o also_o by_o that_o character_n that_o be_v give_v of_o his_o write_n against_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o most_o impartial_a writer_n as_o full_a of_o rage_n and_o bitterness_n though_o how_o he_o perform_v what_o he_o undertake_v be_v not_o so_o certain_o determinable_a in_o that_o not_o only_o his_o own_o book_n but_o all_o those_o that_o be_v write_v against_o it_o be_v utter_o perish_v but_o by_o those_o fragment_n that_o remain_v of_o it_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v that_o he_o ever_o venture_v to_o deny_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n but_o grant_v they_o so_o far_o as_o to_o impute_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n but_o how_o vain_a that_o pretence_n be_v we_o have_v already_o show_v at_o least_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o controversy_n depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v record_v of_o our_o saviour_n none_o of_o which_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o ever_o undertake_v to_o control_v and_o as_o long_o as_o that_o stand_v firm_a all_o other_o opposition_n be_v but_o trifle_v however_o he_o be_v a_o person_n so_o infinite_o superstitious_a that_o his_o opinion_n can_v be_v no_o prejudice_n against_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n because_o he_o be_v at_o no_o liberty_n to_o make_v any_o enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o pretence_n and_o of_o the_o same_o kidney_n be_v hierocles_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v of_o which_o there_o be_v little_a doubt_n the_o same_o zealous_a person_n that_o be_v first_o judge_n at_o nicomedia_n and_o afterward_o perfect_a of_o egypt_n under_o dioclesian_n and_o a_o great_a agent_n in_o his_o bloody_a persecution_n however_o he_o be_v a_o zealous_a orphean_a and_o extreme_o addict_v to_o the_o old_a pythagorick_a superstition_n but_o whatever_o he_o be_v otherwise_o his_o work_n