distract_v their_o thought_n there_o be_v no_o charm_n nor_o counsel_n against_o necessity_n and_o a_o terror_n that_o be_v unavoidable_a be_v above_o the_o power_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o philosophy_n and_o will_v not_o be_v vanquish_v by_o stubborn_a thought_n or_o proud_a word_n so_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o as_o easy_a to_o prevail_v with_o a_o man_n to_o hate_v and_o abhor_v his_o own_o be_v as_o to_o reconcile_v he_o to_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o own_o destruction_n for_o by_o the_o same_o necessity_n that_o nature_n love_v and_o desire_v the_o continuance_n of_o itself_o it_o recoil_v and_o start_v back_o from_o all_o thought_n of_o its_o dissolution_n this_o then_o be_v upon_o the_o epicurean_a supposition_n a_o vain_a a_o useless_a and_o unreasonable_a advice_n be_v it_o be_v so_o insuperable_a a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o be_o now_o to_o represent_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o inexorable_a as_o death_n itself_o and_o man_n may_v as_o soon_o divest_v themselves_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o suppress_v the_o convulsion_n of_o this_o inbred_a passion_n and_o now_o when_o it_o be_v so_o incurable_a and_o yet_o withal_o so_o importunate_a and_o disquiet_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v what_o desperate_o cheerful_a live_v those_o man_n must_v live_v that_o always_o live_v under_o its_o sad_a and_o dismal_a apprehension_n §_o xxii_o but_o beside_o this_o great_a and_o sovereign_a antidote_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n they_o have_v several_a other_o little_a receipt_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o their_o write_n i_o shall_v but_o brief_o mention_v they_o because_o all_o that_o little_a force_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v depend_v upon_o the_o former_a fundamental_a principle_n first_o say_v they_o let_v we_o be_v thankful_a to_o the_o bounty_n of_o nature_n for_o make_v our_o life_n so_o long_o instead_o of_o repine_v at_o it_o for_o make_v they_o no_o long_o but_o i_o say_v if_o our_o whole_a be_v be_v at_o all_o mortal_a we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v at_o all_o thankful_a for_o it_o and_o if_o our_o whole_a be_v be_v wear_v out_o with_o this_o life_n it_o be_v much_o more_o eligible_a never_o to_o have_v be_v but_o then_o say_v they_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o life_n upon_o this_o condition_n that_o we_o shall_v give_v place_n to_o other_o as_o other_o have_v give_v place_n to_o we_o be_v we_o so_o then_o be_v we_o all_o admit_v upon_o unacceptable_a term_n yes_o but_o by_o trouble_v ourselves_o in_o vain_a we_o do_v but_o add_v one_o misery_n to_o another_o it_o be_v true_a but_o that_o be_v a_o fatal_a misery_n and_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o fear_v death_n as_o it_o be_v to_o die_v and_o that_o be_v it_o that_o make_v up_o the_o complaint_n that_o we_o be_v put_v in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o be_v which_o we_o can_v enjoy_v without_o this_o continual_a anguish_n and_o perplexity_n annex_v to_o it_o so_o that_o how_o wise_a or_o foolish_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o fear_v death_n be_v not_o at_o all_o material_a but_o whether_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a though_o if_o it_o be_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o very_a foolish_a thing_n to_o endeavour_v against_o it_o but_o how_o irksome_a soever_o death_n may_v be_v yet_o see_v it_o be_v fatal_a we_o ought_v to_o make_v it_o as_o easy_a as_o we_o can_v by_o a_o voluntary_a compliance_n with_o it_o but_o this_o beside_o the_o folly_n that_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o it_o advise_v to_o a_o impossibility_n be_v not_o so_o proper_o compliance_n as_o despair_v and_o be_v like_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o condemn_a malefactor_n that_o go_v to_o his_o execution_n only_o because_o otherwise_o he_o must_v be_v drive_v and_o whip_v to_o it_o and_o no_o man_n have_v any_o other_o comfort_n all_o his_o life-time_n against_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n than_o a_o thief_n upon_o the_o gallow_n that_o will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a counterfeit_a to_o die_v cheerful_o because_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o other_o advice_n that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o fear_v death_n because_o it_o be_v natural_a necessary_a and_o inevitable_a that_o be_v because_o it_o be_v remediless_a and_o there_o lie_v the_o very_a agony_n of_o all_o our_o horror_n that_o a_o thing_n so_o infinite_o terrible_a shall_v withal_o be_v so_o utter_o unavoidable_a and_o when_o they_o tell_v we_o how_o strange_a a_o folly_n and_o madness_n it_o be_v to_o torment_v ourselves_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o that_o which_o we_o be_v infallible_o certain_a we_o can_v never_o escape_v they_o do_v but_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o madness_n of_o despair_n instead_o of_o courage_n and_o resolution_n for_o how_o foolish_a or_o unreasonable_a soever_o this_o fear_n may_v be_v it_o be_v natural_a antecedent_n to_o the_o choice_n of_o our_o will_n and_o the_o discretion_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o so_o above_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o prescription_n of_o philosophy_n they_o can_v only_o guide_v and_o instruct_v our_o mind_n in_o thing_n subject_a to_o their_o own_o election_n but_o can_v affect_v much_o less_o over_o rule_v the_o instinct_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v already_o dead_a say_v they_o to_o so_o much_o of_o our_o life_n as_o be_v past_a and_o go_v so_o that_o so_o much_o as_o we_o live_v we_o die_v and_o that_o which_o we_o call_v death_n be_v but_o our_o last_o death_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o fear_v not_o our_o death_n that_o be_v past_o why_o shall_v we_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o what_o child_n understand_v not_o the_o difference_n between_o life_n and_o death_n and_o if_o to_o live_v be_v to_o die_v notwithstanding_o this_o quibble_n we_o be_v trouble_v never_o the_o less_o that_o this_o new_a way_n of_o die_v put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o old_a way_n of_o die_a and_o if_o we_o have_v be_v die_v ever_o since_o we_o be_v bear_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o grieve_v we_o that_o we_o can_v be_v die_v so_o for_o ever_o but_o bassus_n aufidius_n the_o epicurean_a old_a man_n in_o 30._o seneca_n reconcile_v himself_o to_o his_o approach_a death_n with_o this_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a to_o fear_v death_n as_o old_a age_n which_o yet_o all_o man_n desire_v to_o come_v to_o in_o that_o as_o old_a age_n follow_v youth_n so_o death_n follow_v old_a age._n but_o if_o he_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n satisfy_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o he_o have_v live_v not_o only_o to_o his_o old_a age_n but_o to_o his_o second_o childhood_n for_o old_a age_n be_v desirable_a not_o because_o it_o follow_v youth_n but_o because_o it_o defer_v death_n and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o make_v it_o so_o much_o less_o valuable_a than_o youth_n because_o it_o be_v so_o much_o near_o to_o death_n and_o the_o philosopher_n reason_n have_v be_v altogether_o as_o comfortable_a if_o he_o have_v prefer_v old_a age_n before_o youth_n because_o his_o youth_n be_v very_o old_a it_o be_v many_o year_n since_o he_o be_v a_o young_a man_n whereas_o his_o old_a age_n be_v of_o a_o late_a date_n he_o have_v be_v but_o a_o little_a time_n a_o old_a man._n by_o which_o device_n he_o may_v have_v prove_v to_o himself_o that_o youth_n be_v old_a age_n and_o old_a age_n youth_n much_o like_o this_o be_v that_o other_o reason_v wherewith_o gassendus_fw-la himself_o seem_v so_o much_o please_v that_o whereas_o we_o now_o count_v ourselves_o happy_a if_o we_o live_v to_o a_o hundred_o year_n yet_o if_o the_o natural_a course_n of_o our_o life_n be_v as_o much_o short_a we_o shall_v be_v as_o much_o satisfy_v with_o twenty_o and_o if_o our_o natural_a course_n reach_v to_o a_o thousand_o year_n we_o shall_v then_o be_v as_o much_o trouble_v to_o die_v at_o six_o hundred_o as_o now_o at_o sixty_o and_o so_o forward_o it_o be_v like_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o philosophic_a comfort_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o reconcile_a we_o to_o death_n at_o any_o time_n that_o it_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o there_o be_v no_o time_n in_o which_o a_o epicurean_a can_n or_o aught_o to_o be_v content_a to_o die_v and_o that_o be_v our_o life_n long_o or_o short_a yet_o unless_o they_o be_v eternal_a we_o can_v rid_v ourselves_o of_o this_o importunate_a and_o intolerable_a evil_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v that_o witty_a say_n of_o seneca_n that_o a_o little_a or_o great_a circle_n be_v both_o equal_a in_o perfection_n of_o figure_n though_o not_o in_o quantity_n so_o be_v the_o life_n of_o man_n whether_o it_o last_o to_o twenty_o or_o to_o a_o hundred_o year_n but_o certain_o no_o man_n that_o may_v live_v to_o a_o hundred_o
vigorous_a in_o their_o resolution_n can_v you_o think_v all_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v slight_o and_o by_o chance_n that_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v about_o when_o they_o die_v for_o their_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o conspiracy_n of_o sot_n and_o madman_n all_o the_o world_n over_o to_o undo_v themselves_o and_o throw_v away_o their_o life_n without_o so_o much_o as_o think_v what_o they_o be_v do_v it_o be_v endless_a to_o heap_v up_o all_o the_o testimony_n that_o may_v be_v collect_v out_o of_o the_o primitive_a writer_n upon_o this_o argument_n when_o it_o be_v so_o know_v and_o confess_v a_o thing_n even_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o religion_n so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o pliny_n letter_n to_o the_o emperor_n concern_v the_o christian_n the_o multitude_n of_o person_n of_o all_o condition_n which_o he_o say_v be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o temple_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v almost_o utter_o forsake_v and_o tacitus_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o ingens_fw-la multitudo_fw-la that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o nero_n in_o rome_n alone_o for_o fire_v the_o city_n which_o be_v not_o much_o above_o thirty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n passion_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n some_o of_o who_o suffer_v in_o the_o persecution_n in_o short_a the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o observable_a among_o the_o heathen_n that_o it_o be_v vulgar_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o christian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o prevail_a doctrine_n and_o they_o the_o prevail_a sect_n several_a instance_n whereof_o be_v collect_v by_o valesius_fw-la out_o of_o damascius_n 62._o porphyry_n and_o julian_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v add_v no_o more_o testimony_n to_o prove_v a_o thing_n so_o unquestionable_a but_o shall_v only_o rescue_v one_o that_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n from_o that_o violence_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o it_o by_o some_o learned_a man_n and_o that_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o philo_n the_o jew_n for_o whereas_o in_o his_o little_a treatise_n concern_v a_o contemplative_a lise_n he_o give_v a_o large_a description_n of_o a_o certain_a sect_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v at_o that_o time_n very_o famous_a and_o numerous_a in_o the_o world_n especial_o in_o egypt_n and_o about_o alexandria_n where_o he_o chief_o reside_v but_o most_o of_o all_o in_o the_o mareotick_a prefecture_n this_o eusebius_n will_v have_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o for_o this_o one_o very_o good_a reason_n because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o exact_a description_n of_o their_o way_n of_o life_n worship_n and_o discipline_n that_o if_o philo_n have_v design_v to_o have_v do_v that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v it_o more_o accurate_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v scarce_o in_o all_o the_o record_n of_o antiquity_n a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o to_o their_o renounce_v the_o world_n for_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n their_o part_n with_o their_o estate_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o poor_a their_o great_a temperance_n and_o chastity_n their_o meeting_n every_o seventh-day_n for_o religious_a worship_n their_o love-feast_n their_o great_a festival_n of_o easter_n and_o pentecost_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o as_o they_o agree_v in_o every_o circumstance_n to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n so_o to_o no_o other_o sect_n of_o which_o we_o find_v any_o other_o memory_n or_o mention_n in_o all_o the_o record_n of_o antiquity_n and_o that_o one_o will_v think_v be_v argument_n sufficient_a to_o conclude_v that_o philo_n description_n appertain_v to_o they_o and_o none_o else_o but_o scaliger_n according_a to_o his_o usual_a custom_n of_o quarrel_v with_o eusebius_n will_v not_o 6._o have_v it_o apply_v to_o the_o christian_n but_o to_o the_o jewish_a essenes_n of_o which_o he_o affirm_v there_o be_v two_o sort_n the_o practical_a and_o the_o speculative_a and_o that_o in_o the_o former_a book_n philo_n treat_v of_o those_o of_o these_o in_o this_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o mistake_n be_v philo_n transition_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o second_o book_n viz._n that_o have_v in_o the_o former_a give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o essenes_n who_o live_v a_o practical_a life_n and_o converse_v in_o city_n he_o now_o come_v to_o treat_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o those_o that_o live_v a_o contemplative_a life_n i._n e._n say_v scaliger_n of_o those_o essenes_n but_o that_o without_o any_o ground_n from_o the_o word_n themselves_o which_o be_v only_o general_a of_o those_o man_n that_o live_v a_o contemplative_a life_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v understand_v of_o any_o other_o sect_n as_o appropriate_v to_o the_o essenes_n but_o what_o if_o philo_n have_v call_v they_o essenes_n and_o think_v they_o so_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n they_o shall_v hà ve_v be_v so_o for_o see_v the_o essenes_n be_v account_v man_n of_o the_o strict_a life_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o philo_n see_v this_o society_n of_o christian_n then_o new_o found_v by_o saint_n mark_v in_o those_o part_n that_o so_o much_o resemble_v the_o essenes_n in_o their_o manner_n and_o discipline_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o suppose_v they_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o same_o sect_n and_o pass_v they_o under_o the_o same_o name_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o be_v a_o distinction_n mere_o of_o scaliger_n own_o frame_v to_o salve_v his_o own_o groundless_a conjecture_n for_o philo_n no_o where_o call_v they_o essenes_n which_o he_o will_v have_v do_v if_o essenes_n they_o have_v be_v of_o what_o sort_n soever_o and_o therefore_o constant_o give_v those_o in_o the_o former_a book_n the_o title_n of_o essenes_n and_o never_o give_v it_o to_o these_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o different_a sect_n from_o all_o essenes_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o essenes_n in_o all_o antiquity_n and_o josephus_n though_o he_o do_v more_o than_o once_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o sect_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o these_o speculative_a essenes_n which_o so_o diligent_a a_o writer_n can_v never_o have_v omit_v if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o famous_a and_o so_o numerous_a in_o the_o world_n as_o philo_n say_v these_o therapeutae_n be_v beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o essenes_n out_n of_o judaea_n as_o philo_z himself_z more_o than_o once_o inform_v we_o and_o express_o in_o the_o former_a book_n whereas_o this_o sect_n be_v spread_v as_o he_o affirm_v in_o this_o through_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o woman_n admit_v among_o the_o essenes_n whereas_o both_o sex_n be_v indifferent_o enter_v into_o this_o sect_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o must_v have_v be_v of_o a_o different_a constitution_n and_o for_o these_o reason_n valesius_fw-la disagree_v with_o scaliger_n for_o understand_v the_o essenes_n 34._o here_o yet_o agree_v with_o he_o for_o not_o understand_v the_o christian_n but_o upon_o argument_n so_o weak_a and_o unconcluding_a that_o he_o have_v as_o good_a go_v through_o with_o he_o in_o the_o whole_a matter_n as_o leave_v he_o half_a way_n to_o so_o little_a purpose_n as_o first_o that_o these_o therapeutae_n read_v the_o ancient_a write_n of_o the_o author_n of_o their_o sect_n which_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o old_a prophet_n because_o they_o be_v express_o distinguish_v by_o philo_n from_o they_o nor_o of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n because_o himself_o live_v in_o their_o time_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o term_v their_o write_n ancient_a but_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o philo_n be_v not_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o sect_n but_o have_v only_o be_v present_a sometime_o at_o their_o assembly_n and_o from_o what_o he_o have_v there_o observe_v have_v draw_v up_o this_o description_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o find_v that_o they_o have_v peculiar_a book_n to_o themselves_o and_o distinct_a from_o those_o of_o the_o old_a prophet_n he_o may_v easy_o think_v they_o more_o ancient_a than_o real_o they_o be_v especial_o when_o they_o be_v value_v by_o the_o christian_n or_o the_o man_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o as_o the_o most_o authentic_a commentary_n and_o exposition_n of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o but_o however_o antiquity_n be_v a_o relative_a term_n and_o therefore_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o record_n of_o the_o church_n might_n nay_o must_v be_v term_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o so_o philo_n seem_v to_o expound_v himself_o when_o he_o add_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o
unquestionable_a proof_n in_o the_o world_n §_o xx._n this_o be_v the_o first_o invincible_a impediment_n of_o christianity_n suppose_v it_o have_v be_v false_a but_o whether_o true_a or_o false_a it_o labour_v under_o many_o other_o great_a disadvantage_n that_o it_o can_v never_o have_v surmount_v but_o by_o the_o irresistible_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o the_o first_o be_v its_o contrariety_n to_o the_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o that_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v first_o divulge_v the_o world_n be_v at_o that_o time_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o record_n that_o be_v leave_v of_o it_o extreme_o debauch_v both_o in_o its_o manner_n and_o principle_n for_o julius_n caesar_n have_v violate_v all_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n and_o overthrow_v the_o old_a government_n that_o have_v always_o keep_v up_o a_o generous_a sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o integrity_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v chief_o raise_v itself_o to_o that_o vast_a greatness_n that_o 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say_v in_o passion_n be_v serious_o and_o universal_o embrace_v as_o a_o great_a truth_n that_o virtue_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o empty_a name_n so_o that_o if_o we_o survey_v the_o roman_a history_n before_o and_o after_o the_o usurpation_n of_o caesar_n it_o do_v not_o look_v like_o the_o history_n of_o the_o same_o nation_n the_o former_a abound_v with_o the_o brave_a example_n of_o gallantry_n and_o magnanimity_n whereas_o in_o the_o latter_a we_o be_v general_o entertain_v with_o no_o other_o politic_n than_o fraud_n and_o treachery_n even_o the_o admire_a wisdom_n of_o the_o great_a augustus_n himself_o be_v no_o better_a than_o craft_n and_o dissimulation_n and_o though_o his_o successor_n tiberius_n be_v particular_o remarque_v for_o that_o vice_n it_o be_v only_o because_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o act_v his_o part_n so_o artificial_o as_o his_o predecessor_n have_v do_v who_o die_v with_o that_o particular_a comfort_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v so_o skilful_o play_v the_o comedy_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o certain_o of_o all_o prince_n upon_o record_n he_o have_v the_o most_o subtle_a faculty_n of_o appear_v high_o honest_a without_o any_o design_n of_o ever_o be_v so_o in_o short_a under_o his_o reign_n all_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o impiety_n be_v prevalent_a in_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n that_o then_o prescribe_a manner_n to_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o then_o know_a world_n neither_o be_v their_o practice_n disagree_v to_o their_o principle_n for_o as_o they_o cast_v off_o all_o restraint_n of_o virtue_n and_o modesty_n so_o they_o entire_o devote_v themselves_o to_o luxury_n and_o sensuality_n and_o study_v nothing_o else_o than_o to_o emprove_v their_o brutish_a pleasure_n to_o the_o utmost_a extravagance_n of_o enjoyment_n and_o as_o be_v the_o great_a court_n of_o rome_n so_o be_v all_o the_o other_o lesser_a court_n of_o their_o several_a prefect_n and_o governor_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o imitation_n but_o by_o the_o natural_a baseness_n of_o the_o man_n themselves_o scarce_o any_o but_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o be_v epicurean_o and_o vilain_n by_o principle_n be_v prefer_v by_o j._n caesar_n to_o authority_n in_o the_o empire_n though_o thing_n grow_v much_o worse_o under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o mark_n anthony_n a_o man_n knead_v up_o of_o lust_n and_o malice_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o he_o be_v not_o more_o of_o each_o be_v because_o he_o be_v all_o both_o for_o he_o will_v never_o unless_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o lust_n quit_v his_o cruelty_n nor_o ever_o unless_o to_o satisfy_v his_o cruelty_n forsake_v his_o lust_n and_o as_o himself_o be_v make_v up_o of_o all_o manner_n of_o baseness_n so_o he_o will_v advance_v none_o to_o preferment_n but_o such_o as_o have_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o his_o good_a like_n by_o their_o more_o than_o ordinary_a wickedness_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o judaea_n and_o the_o part_n about_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n more_o overrun_v with_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n than_o in_o any_o former_a age_n in_o that_o herod_n one_o of_o the_o vile_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v have_v by_o the_o patronage_n of_o mark_n anthony_n obtain_v their_o government_n and_o by_o a_o long_a reign_n over_o they_o after_o his_o patron_n be_v death_n under_o augustus_n have_v familiarise_v all_o manner_n of_o the_o most_o licentious_a wickedness_n to_o the_o people_n even_o so_o much_o that_o one_o half_a of_o the_o lead_a man_n even_o among_o the_o jew_n themselves_o that_o have_v be_v so_o famous_a through_o all_o age_n for_o their_o reverence_n to_o their_o religion_n be_v no_o better_a than_o open_a and_o avow_v atheist_n now_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o christianity_n that_o consist_v of_o precept_n of_o chastity_n and_o sobriety_n of_o truth_n and_o honesty_n of_o kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o of_o renounce_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n for_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o to_o make_v its_o way_n into_o such_o a_o wicked_a world_n as_o this_o man_n of_o atheistical_a principle_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o inflexible_a they_o scorn_v all_o manner_n of_o better_a information_n and_o will_v not_o endure_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v possible_o undeceive_v they_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o overcome_v person_n so_o prejudice_v and_o so_o conceit_v unless_o we_o can_v by_o the_o mere_a evidence_n of_o thing_n force_v they_o into_o conviction_n and_o as_o for_o man_n of_o luxurious_a life_n they_o have_v neither_o mind_n nor_o leisure_n to_o attend_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v reclaim_v they_o it_o be_v pain_n to_o they_o to_o think_v of_o part_v with_o their_o pleasure_n they_o will_v labour_v to_o preserve_v they_o upon_o any_o term_n and_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v no_o information_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o fasten_v on_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o sudden_o reform_v infinite_a number_n from_o all_o sort_n of_o vice_n it_o must_v have_v bring_v along_o with_o it_o a_o real_a evidence_n equal_a to_o its_o pretend_a authority_n for_o as_o it_o pretend_v to_o a_o divine_a commission_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o it_o require_v strict_a obedience_n to_o all_o its_o command_n so_o it_o must_v have_v prove_v the_o reality_n of_o its_o commission_n by_o such_o certain_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o most_o refractory_a person_n to_o withstand_v its_o force_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v such_o multitude_n so_o wonderful_o prevail_v upon_o to_o quit_v their_o most_o belove_a lust_n and_o vice_n we_o have_v reason_n from_o thence_o only_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v more_o than_o convince_v of_o the_o undeniable_a truth_n of_o its_o pretence_n §_o xxi_o the_o next_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n be_v its_o bold_a and_o open_a defiance_n to_o the_o establish_a and_o inveterate_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n for_o of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la those_o of_o religion_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o the_o old_a they_o be_v the_o deep_a root_n they_o take_v and_o therefore_o when_o its_o enemy_n can_v plead_v the_o antiquity_n of_o many_o hundred_o year_n against_o it_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a task_n to_o persuade_v they_o out_o of_o such_o a_o ancient_a prescription_n it_o be_v mere_a novelty_n be_v a_o objection_n of_o no_o small_a force_n but_o when_o a_o new_a and_o upstart_a religion_n will_v not_o be_v content_a with_o its_o own_o authority_n but_o must_v disgrace_v all_o the_o settle_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o refuse_v its_o own_o settlement_n unless_o they_o may_v be_v utter_o extirpate_v this_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v too_o saucy_a a_o demand_n especial_o to_o prince_n and_o great_a man_n to_o require_v of_o they_o not_o only_o
affirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o quite_o vanish_v away_o at_o last_o he_o only_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o go_v away_o and_o this_o though_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v after_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n and_o no_o body_n know_v how_o be_v a_o pitiful_a abatement_n to_o the_o bigness_n of_o his_o former_a expression_n vanish_v away_o though_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o he_o have_v stand_v to_o it_o it_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v prove_v itself_o a_o lie_n for_o it_o be_v utter_o incredible_a that_o so_o strange_a a_o thing_n as_o that_o shall_v have_v be_v do_v in_o so_o great_a a_o presence_n as_o that_o and_o yet_o never_o any_o notice_n be_v take_v of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o historian_n will_v fain_o bid_v at_o something_o of_o his_o hero_n appear_v after_o death_n yet_o he_o do_v it_o so_o faint_o that_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o it_o come_v to_o nothing_o especial_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n be_v altogether_o unknown_a and_o that_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o it_o take_v in_o no_o less_o than_o the_o compass_n of_o thirty_o year_n and_o then_o they_o that_o be_v so_o utter_o at_o a_o loss_n as_o to_o the_o time_n of_o his_o decease_n and_o that_o for_o so_o long_a a_o space_n be_v likely_a to_o give_v a_o very_a wise_a account_n of_o the_o certain_a time_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v after_o it_o but_o how_o or_o to_o who_o do_v he_o appear_v 13._o why_o to_o a_o young_a man_n one_o of_o his_o follower_n that_o doubt_v of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o ten_o month_n together_o after_o his_o death_n but_o how_o or_o where_o why_o the_o young_a man_n be_v tire_v with_o watch_v and_o pray_v to_o apollonius_n that_o he_o will_v appear_v to_o he_o only_o to_o satisfy_v he_o in_o this_o point_n one_o day_n fall_v into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n in_o the_o school_n where_o the_o young_a man_n be_v perform_v their_o several_a exercise_n and_o on_o the_o sudden_a start_n up_o in_o a_o great_a fright_n and_o a_o great_a sweat_n cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o believe_v thou_o o_o tyanaeus_n and_o be_v ask_v by_o his_o companion_n the_o meaning_n of_o his_o transport_n why_o say_v he_o do_v you_o not_o see_v apollonius_n they_o answer_v he_o no_o but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o give_v all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o can_v it_o be_v true_a say_v he_o for_o he_o only_o appear_v to_o i_o and_o for_o my_o satisfaction_n and_o be_v invisible_a to_o all_o other_o and_o so_o tell_v they_o what_o he_o have_v say_v to_o he_o in_o his_o sleep_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o soul_n this_o poor_a account_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o a_o vision_n of_o a_o over-watched_n boy_n be_v all_o that_o this_o great_a story_n afford_v to_o vie_v with_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n and_o now_o upon_o review_n of_o this_o whole_a history_n it_o seem_v evident_a to_o i_o that_o this_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v endue_v with_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o divine_a power_n that_o he_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o ordinary_a conjurer_n for_o though_o huetius_n have_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o prove_v he_o so_o yet_o he_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o it_o beside_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o common_a people_n and_o if_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o conjurer_n there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o a_o odd_a and_o a_o singular_a humour_n as_o apollonius_n affect_v to_o be_v who_o be_v not_o so_o think_v of_o by_o the_o common_a people_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o be_v accuse_v for_o it_o before_o domitian_n the_o emperor_n when_o he_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o cause_n slight_v both_o he_o and_o his_o accuser_n and_o dismiss_v he_o the_o court_n for_o a_o idle_a and_o fantastic_a fellow_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o his_o history_n that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a vain_a man_n and_o affect_v to_o be_v think_v something_o extraordinary_a and_o so_o wander_v all_o the_o world_n over_o in_o a_o odd_a garb_n to_o be_v gaze_v at_o and_o admire_v and_o make_v himself_o considerable_a in_o that_o age_n by_o wit_n impudence_n and_o flattery_n of_o all_o which_o he_o have_v a_o very_a competent_a share_n but_o for_o his_o wonder-working_a faculty_n which_o he_o will_v needs_o pretend_v to_o he_o fetch_v that_o as_o far_o off_o as_o the_o east_n indies_n that_o be_v the_o far_a off_o as_o he_o think_v from_o confutation_n and_o yet_o the_o account_n that_o he_o have_v give_v of_o those_o part_n be_v so_o gross_o fabulous_a that_o that_o alone_o convict_v his_o whole_a life_n of_o imposture_n and_o impudence_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o make_v good_a this_o part_n of_o the_o demonstration_n of_o our_o saviour_n divine_a authority_n from_o the_o certain_a evidence_n both_o of_o his_o own_o and_o his_o apostle_n miracle_n and_o to_o set_v it_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o manner_n either_o of_o objection_n or_o competition_n §_o xxviii_o but_o though_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n have_v this_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o in_o that_o the_o tradition_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o its_o own_o testimony_n by_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n yet_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o this_o peculiar_a divine_a attestation_n and_o consider_v the_o tradition_n by_o itself_o as_o mere_o humane_a and_o deliver_v down_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n it_o have_v be_v so_o constant_a so_o catholic_a and_o so_o uninterrupted_a as_o to_o be_v its_o own_o demonstration_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o story_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n in_o that_o age_n there_o can_v never_o have_v be_v any_o such_o tradition_n or_o if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v so_o early_o that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a it_o must_v immediate_o have_v perish_v as_o a_o manifest_a lie_n in_o that_o when_o it_o come_v so_o near_o the_o very_a time_n in_o which_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v act_v nothing_o but_o undoubted_a truth_n can_v ever_o have_v maintain_v its_o authority_n for_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a at_o a_o distance_n to_o tell_v strange_a story_n of_o the_o time_n of_o old_a as_o we_o find_v by_o those_o many_o idle_a and_o incredible_a legend_n add_v to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o after-age_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n yet_o to_o raise_v a_o story_n so_o strange_a and_o remarkable_a as_o that_o of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o his_o apostle_n without_o any_o ground_n or_o foundation_n for_o it_o nay_o against_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v first_o broach_v and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o such_o a_o notorious_a fiction_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o possible_a in_o the_o course_n of_o humane_a affair_n for_o to_o pass_v by_o all_o the_o other_o disadvantage_n that_o i_o have_v already_o represent_v that_o this_o tradition_n must_v labour_v under_o if_o it_o rise_v not_o up_o to_o the_o very_a time_n that_o it_o pretend_v to_o especial_o that_o of_o its_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v destroy_v it_o if_o false_a that_o which_o i_o have_v already_o propose_v and_o come_v now_o to_o prosecute_v seem_v as_o insuperable_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n viz._n that_o great_a number_n of_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o age_n next_o and_o immediate_o after_o it_o shall_v after_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n concern_v its_o truth_n not_o only_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o so_o late_a and_o palpable_a a_o fiction_n but_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o defence_n of_o it_o this_o be_v not_o credible_a unless_o they_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o their_o assurance_n alone_o be_v to_o we_o a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o it_o but_o though_o that_o be_v enough_o yet_o i_o will_v undertake_v more_o viz._n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o assurance_n by_o trace_v up_o the_o certain_a tradition_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o to_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o they_o derive_v it_o down_o to_o after-age_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o wise_a learned_a and_o judicious_a man_n and_o that_o as_o i_o take_v it_o will_v make_v a_o new_a and_o distinct_a demonstration_n of_o the_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n now_o this_o tradition_n be_v convey_v two_o manner_n of_o way_n either_o by_o a_o succession_n of_o church_n or_o of_o single_a person_n first_o by_o a_o succession_n of_o church_n and_o
little_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o preparatory_a fast_o before_o easter_n and_o yet_o this_o variety_n be_v of_o long_o stand_v among_o they_o no_o man_n think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o impose_v his_o own_o particular_a conceit_n upon_o other_o in_o such_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o last_o of_o all_o mind_n he_o of_o the_o prudence_n and_o moderation_n of_o his_o predecessor_n especial_o policarp_n and_o anicetus_n who_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v one_o another_o to_o change_v the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o their_o church_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o epistle_n from_o all_o place_n especial_o of_o this_o of_o irenaeus_n probable_o be_v this_o that_o they_o divert_v victor_n from_o pursue_v his_o design_n for_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o ever_o actual_o excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n but_o only_o that_o he_o threaten_v it_o but_o whether_o he_o do_v or_o do_v not_o it_o be_v a_o worthy_a piece_n of_o ingenuity_n to_o charge_v the_o folly_n of_o one_o furious_a and_o intemperate_a man_n upon_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o in_o spite_n of_o their_o own_o protestation_n against_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o grossness_n and_o folly_n wherewith_o our_o innovatour_n have_v make_v so_o much_o noise_n against_o they_o and_o thus_o have_v remove_v this_o poor_a objection_n which_o i_o can_v not_o avoid_v because_o it_o have_v of_o late_o appear_v among_o we_o with_o so_o much_o huff_n and_o confidence_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o remain_a witness_n of_o our_o primitive_a tradition_n and_o here_o i_o can_v pass_v by_o papias_n for_o though_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o no_o great_a learning_n or_o judgement_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o clear_a honesty_n and_o simplicity_n and_o live_v near_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v not_o search_v after_o their_o story_n in_o book_n but_o make_v it_o his_o particular_a business_n to_o inquire_v of_o their_o familiar_a acquaintance_n after_o their_o say_n and_o custom_n if_o any_o come_v in_o my_o way_n say_v he_o that_o be_v 39_o a_o follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n forthwith_o i_o inquire_v of_o he_o after_o the_o say_n of_o the_o ancient_n what_o andrew_n what_o peter_n what_o philip_n what_o thomas_n or_o james_n or_o john_n or_o matthew_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o lord_n disciple_n what_o ariston_n and_o john_n the_o elder_a distinguish_v from_o john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o out_o of_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o apostle_n disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v i_o can_v profit_v myself_o more_o by_o read_v their_o book_n than_o by_o the_o more_o lively_a report_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v still_o alive_a and_o hear_v their_o discourse_n this_o be_v a_o peculiar_a sort_n of_o testimony_n give_v in_o to_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o a_o man_n plain_a and_o simple_a and_o yet_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a who_o inform_v himself_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o late_o transact_v not_o only_o by_o read_v the_o narratives_n that_o be_v write_v of_o they_o but_o from_o the_o more_o lively_a information_n of_o such_o who_o receive_v it_o from_o eye-witness_n i_o will_v easy_o grant_v that_o he_o be_v as_o eusebius_n describe_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o person_n of_o a_o small_a judgement_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o little_a authority_n as_o to_o his_o opinion_n especial_o of_o the_o millennium_n of_o which_o yet_o himself_o be_v not_o the_o first_o author_n but_o be_v betray_v into_o it_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o general_o believe_v that_o their_o messiah_n shall_v reign_v a_o thousand_o year_n upon_o earth_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o greatness_n and_o glory_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o judaisme_n to_o christianity_n bring_v this_o opinion_n along_o with_o they_o only_o understand_v the_o jew_n more_o gross_a and_o carnal_a notion_n in_o a_o more_o refine_a and_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o this_o be_v the_o dispute_n in_o those_o early_a day_n against_o the_o jewish_a heretic_n particular_o cerinthus_n who_o believe_v of_o our_o saviour_n as_o they_o have_v of_o the_o messiah_n that_o they_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v come_v once_o more_o upon_o earth_n and_o reign_v at_o jerusalem_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n but_o be_v that_o as_o it_o will_v papias_n be_v ever_o think_v of_o as_o a_o man_n of_o a_o downright_a and_o untainted_a integrity_n and_o have_v both_o the_o advantage_n of_o converse_v with_o those_o that_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o curiosity_n of_o record_v all_o the_o tradition_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o he_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o last_o be_v satisfy_v in_o that_o way_n of_o information_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v register_v concern_v jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o he_o aught_o to_o be_v rank_v quadratus_n who_o write_v a_o apologetic_n to_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n in_o which_o 3._o he_o positive_o aver_v that_o many_o of_o the_o person_n cure_v by_o our_o lord_n of_o their_o disease_n be_v alive_a in_o his_o time_n and_o aristides_n a_o christian_a philosopher_n at_o athens_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n present_v a_o learned_a and_o eloquent_a apology_n to_o the_o same_o emperor_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o same_o cause_n §_o xxxii_o this_o be_v the_o first_o file_n of_o witness_n next_z and_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n though_o i_o may_v have_v reckon_v the_o follow_a rank_n into_o the_o same_o catalogue_n because_o they_o be_v twist_v with_o they_o as_o they_o be_v with_o one_o another_o for_o as_o these_o that_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v be_v not_o all_o precise_o of_o the_o same_o age_n yet_o be_v of_o antiquity_n enough_o to_o be_v competent_a witness_n of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v join_v together_o into_o one_o complicate_v testimony_n of_o it_o so_o their_o next_o successor_n follow_v they_o by_o the_o same_o degree_n as_o they_o follow_v one_o another_o for_o succession_n be_v not_o convey_v down_o like_o a_o chain_n by_o certain_a link_n but_o like_o a_o cord_n by_o the_o same_o continue_a interweave_v every_o part_n be_v some_o part_n of_o the_o part_n above_o it_o and_o though_o the_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v distinguish_v by_o century_n yet_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v not_o and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o next_o series_n live_v with_o some_o of_o the_o former_a as_o they_o live_v with_o the_o first_o that_o live_v with_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o make_v a_o interruption_n any_o where_o between_o the_o channel_n and_o the_o fountain_n head_n wherever_o we_o find_v the_o stream_n that_o alone_o will_v certain_o lead_v we_o up_o to_o its_o own_o original_a but_o this_o will_v appear_v more_o distinct_o by_o the_o degree_n of_o its_o conveyance_n have_v therefore_o bring_v the_o tradition_n down_o to_o the_o time_n of_o m._n aurelius_n that_o be_v a_o considerable_a time_n beyond_o that_o of_o trajan_n to_o which_o time_n scaliger_n and_o some_o other_o be_v please_v to_o complain_v of_o a_o defect_n of_o record_n but_o with_o what_o reason_n we_o have_v in_o part_n already_o see_v and_o shall_v now_o further_o discover_v by_o our_o follow_a witness_n who_o be_v not_o only_o able_a to_o testify_v of_o their_o own_o time_n but_o of_o the_o forego_n age_n among_o who_o hegesippus_n deserve_v the_o first_o place_n not_o only_o for_o his_o great_a antiquity_n but_o for_o his_o manner_n of_o write_v as_o a_o historian_n and_o so_o not_o concern_v mere_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o own_o age_n but_o to_o make_v a_o diligent_a enquiry_n into_o the_o record_n and_o transaction_n of_o former_a time_n he_o write_v five_o book_n of_o ecclesiastical_a history_n which_o 8._o he_o style_v commentary_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o have_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a style_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n in_o it_o from_o our_o lord_n death_n till_o his_o own_o time_n which_o be_v about_o or_o rather_o before_o the_o reign_n of_o m._n aurelius_n for_o he_o say_v he_o come_v to_o rome_n and_o stay_v there_o till_o the_o time_n of_o anicetus_n now_o anicetus_n according_a to_o the_o late_a computation_n succeed_v in_o that_o see_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o aurelius_n but_o according_a to_o the_o early_a account_n under_o antoninus_n pius_fw-la so_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o he_o be_v at_o rome_n before_o policarp_n and_o this_o description_n he_o have_v give_v of_o his_o voyage_n that_o come_v to_o rome_n he_o
the_o table_n of_o the_o consul_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o careful_o preserve_v in_o those_o time_n and_o as_o easy_o consult_v by_o any_o inquisitive_a person_n as_o any_o other_o public_a record_n and_o be_v so_o by_o all_o learned_a man_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o inquire_v into_o they_o or_o to_o convey_v the_o account_n of_o they_o to_o after-age_n and_o particular_o eusebius_n who_o as_o he_o make_v use_v of_o many_o other_o help_v and_o have_v all_o the_o other_o advantage_n of_o information_n will_v not_o want_v this_o that_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o so_o satisfactory_a as_o himself_o 12._o particular_o inform_v we_o concern_v the_o succession_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o transcribe_v it_o out_o of_o their_o own_o archive_v though_o set_v aside_o the_o information_n that_o he_o receive_v thence_o the_o history_n of_o the_o succession_n be_v sufficient_o preserve_v by_o other_o writer_n that_o of_o rome_n be_v already_o clear_v that_o of_o antioch_n be_v as_o clear_v only_o some_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o raise_v a_o dispute_n about_o the_o immediate_a successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n whether_o it_o be_v euodius_n or_o ignatius_n probable_o it_o may_v be_v both_o as_o it_o be_v at_o rome_n but_o if_o euodius_n be_v the_o first_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o his_o successor_n ignatius_n be_v a_o apostolical_a man_n and_o familiar_o acquaint_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o from_o he_o the_o succession_n run_v clear_a and_o undisputed_a down_o to_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a to_o which_o eustathius_n be_v then_o present_a bishop_n be_v summon_v and_o as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o eminent_a learning_n so_o he_o bear_v a_o considerable_a sway_n in_o it_o as_o for_o alexandria_n the_o succession_n run_v so_o clear_a there_o that_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o most_o sceptical_a adversary_n in_o this_o point_n dare_v so_o much_o as_o question_v it_o and_o indeed_o the_o succession_n of_o learned_a man_n in_o that_o church_n be_v so_o early_o and_o so_o uninterrupted_a that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o succession_n of_o their_o bishop_n than_o it_o be_v for_o any_o learned_a man_n now_o not_o to_o know_v the_o succession_n in_o the_o see_v of_o canterbury_n from_o the_o reign_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n to_o these_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o add_v many_o more_o if_o it_o be_v not_o too_o tedious_a but_o though_o i_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o reasonable_a suspicion_n of_o a_o interrupt_a succession_n in_o any_o eminent_a church_n yet_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o two_o that_o next_o to_o those_o already_o mention_v most_o deserve_v our_o notice_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o athens_n a_o account_n of_o who_o succession_n we_o have_v from_o dionysius_n a_o learned_a 23._o man_n and_o bishop_n of_o corinth_n in_o the_o time_n of_o m._n antoninus_n as_o indeed_o we_o have_v of_o many_o other_o church_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o they_o as_o for_o his_o own_o church_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o demand_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o its_o succession_n when_o himself_o be_v so_o near_o the_o fountain_n head_n and_o have_v withal_o accidental_o let_v we_o understand_v his_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v transact_v there_o before_o his_o own_o time_n and_o particular_o by_o his_o account_n of_o saint_n clement_n epistle_n as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o athens_n he_o express_o affirm_v that_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n be_v their_o first_o bishop_n and_o after_o he_o mention_n publius_n and_o quadratus_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o unknown_a interruption_n in_o so_o short_a a_o interval_n this_o may_v suffice_v for_o a_o brief_a specimen_fw-la of_o the_o certain_a succession_n in_o the_o most_o eminent_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o their_o undoubted_a tradition_n §_o xxix_o the_o next_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v to_o prove_v its_o more_o particular_a conveyance_n down_o from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o great_a many_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n after_o 201._o he_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o discipline_n of_o several_a master_n and_o several_a sect_n acquiesce_v at_o last_o without_o any_o far_a search_n in_o the_o christian_a institution_n because_o they_o that_o preserve_v the_o tradition_n of_o this_o heavenly_a doctrine_n receive_v it_o immediate_o from_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n and_o paul_n the_o holy_a apostle_n as_o a_o son_n succeed_v a_o father_n and_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v bring_v it_o down_o to_o we_o plant_v those_o seed_n of_o doctrine_n which_o they_o derive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n and_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o learned_a man_n suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o it_o be_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o succession_n itself_o in_o that_o the_o first_o witness_n of_o christianity_n next_o to_o the_o apostle_n familiar_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o with_o apostolical_a men._n as_o saint_n clemens_n bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o write_v a_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n receive_v with_o great_a veneration_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n value_v next_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o read_v with_o they_o in_o several_a church_n but_o especial_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a next_o to_o the_o apostolical_a book_n so_o be_v it_o the_o most_o undoubted_a write_n of_o the_o christian_a 38._o church_n it_o be_v say_v eusebius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d receive_v without_o controversy_n and_o it_o be_v cite_v by_o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n a_o short_a time_n 23._o after_o who_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v then_o read_v in_o that_o church_n every_o lord_n day_n it_o be_v magnify_v by_o irenaeus_n not_o only_o for_o its_o 3._o own_o strength_n and_o piety_n but_o for_o the_o primitive_a antiquity_n of_o its_o author_n who_o he_o say_v be_v conversant_a with_o the_o apostle_n receive_v his_o christianity_n from_o they_o have_v their_o preach_v still_o fresh_a in_o his_o memory_n and_o their_o custom_n and_o tradition_n in_o his_o eye_n as_o divers_z other_o there_o be_v then_o live_v that_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n quote_v this_o epistle_n as_o he_o often_o do_v 4._o give_v he_o the_o title_n of_o apostle_n for_o his_o primitive_a antiquity_n but_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v unanimous_o attest_v by_o the_o ancient_n it_o be_v never_o call_v in_o question_n by_o any_o of_o our_o modern_a critic_n who_o though_o they_o have_v take_v infinite_a pain_n to_o destroy_v or_o impair_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v the_o credit_n of_o all_o the_o 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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 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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 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