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
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
those_o thing_n that_o be_v report_v concern_v jesus_n and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o we_o have_v in_o the_o premise_n sufficient_o prove_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o that_o be_v all_o the_o use_n that_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o make_v of_o these_o foreign_a witness_n to_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o testimony_n then_o give_v and_o if_o there_o be_v than_o its_o be_v give_v in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o it_o be_v be_v more_o than_o enough_o to_o maintain_v itself_o without_o their_o far_a assistance_n now_o this_o be_v premise_v in_o vain_a do_v tanaquil_n faber_n insist_v upon_o it_o that_o the_o most_o 44._o zealous_a christian_n can_v not_o speak_v more_o magnificent_o of_o christ_n than_o this_o unbelieving_a jew_n for_o what_o wonder_n be_v that_o when_o the_o unbelieving_a jew_n only_o report_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o zealous_a christian_n in_o vain_a do_v he_o urge_v that_o josephus_n be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o sect_n of_o all_o other_o bore_n most_o spleen_n and_o hatred_n to_o our_o saviour_n for_o of_o what_o sect_n soever_o he_o be_v he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v any_o of_o the_o great_a zealot_n and_o as_o far_o from_o be_v a_o serious_a jew_n as_o a_o good_a christian_a how_o else_o can_v he_o have_v be_v so_o profane_a as_o to_o apply_v all_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o messiah_n to_o the_o person_n of_o vespasian_n a_o heathen_a and_o a_o idolater_n but_o beside_o this_o our_o author_n forget_v himself_o in_o object_v josephus_n his_o be_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi when_o a_o little_a after_o he_o inform_v we_o out_o of_o josephus_n himself_o that_o he_o have_v pass_v through_o all_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o have_v at_o last_o enter_v himself_o into_o the_o discipline_n of_o banus_fw-la a_o disciple_n and_o successor_n of_o john_n the_o baptist._n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o disciple_n of_o that_o institution_n shall_v speak_v favourable_o of_o jesus_n so_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v he_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o his_o character_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o will_v be_v no_o very_o hard_a supposition_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v describe_v he_o by_o those_o title_n that_o his_o own_o disciple_n give_v he_o he_o can_v not_o avoid_v it_o of_o what_o sect_n soever_o he_o be_v as_o he_o will_v quit_v himself_o like_o a_o faithful_a historian_n and_o though_o after_o his_o enter_a himself_o into_o the_o discipline_n of_o banus_fw-la he_o join_v as_o himself_o inform_v we_o with_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n yet_o that_o be_v only_o in_o outward_a show_n and_o upon_o a_o political_a account_n they_o be_v then_o the_o most_o powerful_a party_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o by_o their_o assistance_n he_o first_o prefer_v himself_o to_o public_a employment_n and_o at_o last_o obtain_v the_o government_n of_o all_o galilee_n which_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o rule_v like_o a_o jewish_a zealot_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o behave_v himself_o like_o a_o roman_a gentleman_n and_o the_o main_a thing_n object_v to_o he_o by_o his_o enemy_n be_v his_o indifferency_n and_o unconcernedness_n as_o to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o religion_n again_o in_o vain_a do_v our_o learned_a critic_n aggravate_v that_o jesephus_n shall_v give_v our_o saviour_n the_o title_n of_o god_n when_o that_o be_v more_o than_o the_o jew_n themselves_o believe_v of_o their_o messiah_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o only_o use_v a_o very_a common_a and_o almost_o proverbial_a form_n of_o speech_n nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a with_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a writer_n who_o scheme_n of_o speech_n josephus_n every_o where_o endeavour_n to_o imitate_v than_o to_o give_v the_o title_n of_o god_n to_o all_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a person_n so_o that_o when_o josephus_n give_v our_o saviour_n this_o title_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o if_o he_o have_v style_v he_o hero_n or_o something_o that_o though_o a_o man_n yet_o by_o his_o miraculous_a work_n seem_v great_a than_o a_o man._n last_o in_o vain_a do_v he_o urge_v that_o if_o josephus_n have_v believe_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o will_v have_v explain_v to_o the_o greek_n for_o who_o sake_n he_o write_v in_o their_o language_n what_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n so_o probable_o he_o will_v if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o apostle_n and_o design_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n to_o christianity_n but_o when_o he_o write_v of_o he_o only_o as_o a_o historian_n what_o concernment_n have_v he_o upon_o that_o occasion_n to_o run_v into_o so_o great_a a_o digression_n he_o tell_v the_o plain_a story_n as_o he_o have_v it_o from_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v of_o its_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n but_o still_o our_o critic_n be_v much_o more_o severe_a in_o his_o next_o injunction_n when_o he_o require_v of_o the_o historian_n that_o if_o he_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n to_o have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n being_n his_o forerunner_n for_o whether_o he_o believe_v it_o or_o not_o i_o can_v see_v what_o reason_n or_o obligation_n he_o have_v for_o so_o do_v unless_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o give_v a_o compendious_a character_n of_o a_o person_n without_o set_v down_o every_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n but_o now_o our_o learned_a author_n advance_v from_o his_o argument_n to_o his_o authority_n and_o first_o of_o all_o origen_n express_o assert_n that_o josephus_n do_v not_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ._n and_o i_o know_v no_o body_n that_o affirm_v he_o do_v but_o yet_o can_v he_o not_o give_v he_o that_o title_n that_o be_v so_o familiar_o give_v he_o unless_o too_o he_o assert_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o title_n all_o that_o he_o affirm_v be_v only_o that_o this_o be_v the_o man_n that_o be_v at_o that_o time_n call_v the_o christ_n though_o he_o happen_v to_o express_v it_o by_o say_v this_o be_v the_o christ_n a_o very_a common_a form_n of_o speech_n among_o the_o greek_n to_o put_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v for_o be_v call_v and_o if_o so_o i_o hope_v a_o historian_n may_v relate_v the_o opinion_n that_o be_v have_v of_o he_o without_o declare_v his_o own_o in_o the_o next_o place_n justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n say_v our_o author_n write_v against_o the_o jew_n and_o if_o this_o passage_n have_v be_v extant_a in_o josephus_n in_o their_o time_n it_o be_v searce_v credible_a that_o they_o shall_v altogether_o overlook_v so_o remarkable_a a_o testimony_n this_o be_v the_o hard_a condition_n that_o our_o critic_n have_v of_o late_o put_v upon_o all_o author_n to_o quote_v all_o that_o ever_o they_o read_v and_o to_o think_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v pertinent_a to_o their_o cause_n but_o this_o seem_v too_o severe_a a_o imposition_n upon_o the_o memory_n of_o mankind_n and_o yet_o suppose_v these_o father_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o this_o passage_n of_o josephus_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o have_v allege_v it_o when_o it_o be_v their_o evident_a design_n to_o dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n pure_o out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o they_o alone_o to_o prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ._n and_o if_o so_o what_o do_v the_o testimony_n of_o josephus_n signify_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v already_o prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o these_o author_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v oblige_v by_o their_o cause_n to_o hale_v in_o this_o passage_n that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v bring_v it_o in_o very_o impertinent_o in_o short_a it_o be_v enough_o that_o in_o those_o write_n they_o appeal_v only_o to_o divine_a authority_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o particular_a neglect_n of_o josephus_n if_o he_o be_v pass_v by_o as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o author_n of_o his_o rank_n and_o condition_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o full_a and_o exact_a account_n of_o all_o those_o weighty_a objection_n that_o have_v be_v levy_v against_o this_o passage_n of_o josephus_n and_o so_o leave_v it_o to_o all_o wise_a man_n to_o judge_v whether_o our_o learned_a critic_n may_v not_o have_v better_o employ_v themselves_o than_o to_o raise_v so_o much_o noise_n against_o it_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n and_o now_o have_v dispatch_v this_o great_a testimony_n of_o josephus_n i_o may_v add_v to_o he_o suetonius_n tacitus_n the_o young_a pliny_n seneca_n who_o give_v we_o the_o same_o relation_n of_o the_o great_a pretence_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o great_a prevalency_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o their_o testimony_n have_v be_v
to_o give_v way_n to_o a_o upstart_n sect_n but_o to_o renounce_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n confirm_v as_o well_o by_o their_o own_o law_n as_o ancient_a custom_n and_o submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o power_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o few_o galilaean_a fisherman_n and_o this_o the_o author_n of_o that_o age_n say_v be_v the_o main_a reason_n why_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v at_o all_o adventure_n reject_v by_o the_o roman_a senate_n because_o it_o will_v allow_v none_o other_o beside_o itself_o and_o first_o as_o for_o the_o jewish_a religion_n beside_o its_o very_a great_a antiquity_n it_o be_v establish_v by_o divine_a authority_n and_o therefore_o with_o plausible_a appearance_n of_o reason_n believe_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v of_o eternal_a obligation_n at_o least_o not_o otherways_o reversible_a but_o with_o the_o same_o dreadful_a sign_n and_o appearance_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n wherewith_o it_o be_v at_o first_o enact_v and_o therefore_o when_o a_o young_a man_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o cancel_v the_o only_a true_a way_n of_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n that_o design_n seem_v so_o like_a to_o blasphemy_n and_o idolatry_n that_o his_o very_a pretend_v to_o it_o without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n be_v whatever_o he_o can_v say_v or_o do_v a_o invincible_a prejudice_n and_o a_o unpardonable_a crime_n this_o be_v evident_a through_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o his_o life_n that_o the_o jew_n every_o where_o conclude_v he_o a_o impostor_n because_o he_o set_v up_o against_o moses_n and_o then_o let_v he_o work_v what_o miracle_n he_o will_v they_o will_v regard_v neither_o he_o nor_o they_o and_o particular_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o controversy_n when_o he_o cure_v the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o parent_n and_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o the_o neighbour_n who_o know_v he_o to_o have_v sit_v and_o beg_v in_o a_o certain_a place_n for_o many_o year_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o pharisee_n conclude_v against_o his_o do_v any_o miracle_n because_o he_o be_v a_o sinner_n that_o be_v as_o they_o think_v a_o blasphemer_n of_o moses_n law_n and_o when_o the_o blind_a man_n argue_v with_o they_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o miracle_n as_o have_v never_o be_v do_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n before_o it_o be_v all_o one_o for_o that_o they_o answer_v all_o with_o this_o peremptory_a assertion_n we_o know_v that_o god_n 29._o speak_v unto_o moses_n as_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v so_o that_o whatever_o miracle_n he_o work_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v because_o he_o derogate_a from_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o therefore_o origen_n very_o well_o observe_v that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o saviour_n work_n 92._o be_v much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o moses_n from_o the_o great_a prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o people_n against_o his_o undertake_n for_o moses_n have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o off_o spring_v of_o abraham_n who_o have_v all_o along_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o circumcision_n and_o those_o other_o rite_n and_o custom_n that_o he_o have_v deliver_v down_o to_o his_o posterity_n and_o only_o undertake_v to_o deliver_v they_o from_o a_o grievous_a bondage_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o that_o happy_a land_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o their_o forefather_n but_o our_o saviour_n be_v send_v to_o a_o people_n to_o command_v they_o to_o forsake_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v and_o to_o prescribe_v a_o new_a model_n of_o religion_n against_o a_o old_a one_o that_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o divine_a authority_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o be_v comply_v with_o as_o moses_n be_v he_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o all_o the_o fierce_a contradiction_n both_o of_o zeal_n and_o malice_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n say_v he_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o requisite_a that_o he_o shall_v do_v great_a miracle_n than_o moses_n or_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n be_v record_v to_o have_v do_v to_o convince_v they_o that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o great_a authority_n and_o so_o thereby_o oblige_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o discipline_n as_o they_o have_v hitherto_o do_v to_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o as_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o insuperable_a prejudice_n against_o christianity_n so_o be_v it_o to_o this_o very_a day_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n who_o always_o lie_v this_o supposition_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o dispute_n against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n but_o of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o jew_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o far_a account_n when_o i_o come_v to_o show_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o infidelity_n notwithstanding_o the_o gospel_n bring_v all_o that_o evidence_n along_o with_o it_o that_o we_o pretend_v it_o do_v and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gentile_n beside_o its_o proud_a pretence_n to_o the_o great_a antiquity_n it_o now_o value_v itself_o upon_o a_o much_o proud_a title_n of_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o vast_a extent_n of_o that_o it_o be_v root_v in_o all_o part_n of_o it_o with_o more_o strength_n and_o unity_n than_o it_o can_v have_v be_v under_o several_a government_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v make_v people_n more_o fond_a of_o their_o religion_n than_o to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o belief_n of_o its_o universality_n now_o when_o a_o religion_n so_o catholic_n be_v settle_v by_o the_o law_n be_v own_a by_o the_o emperor_n and_o be_v make_v the_o only_a religion_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n its_o votary_n can_v not_o endure_v to_o see_v it_o treat_v with_o scorn_n and_o dishonour_n by_o a_o upstart_n sect_n of_o man_n destitute_a of_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v it_o that_o pliny_n tacitus_n and_o suetonius_n inveigh_v against_o christianity_n with_o so_o much_o scorn_n and_o indignation_n not_o that_o they_o have_v any_o concern_v for_o religion_n themselves_o be_v profess_v epicurean_o and_o so_o inward_o as_o great_a despiser_n of_o paganism_n as_o the_o christian_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v but_o they_o be_v angry_a that_o a_o religion_n abet_v by_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o great_a statesman_n such_o as_o themselves_o be_v or_o pretend_v to_o be_v shall_v be_v so_o dishonourable_o bear_v down_o by_o a_o company_n of_o superstitious_a and_o despicable_a jew_n and_o that_o prove_v another_o very_a great_a disadvantage_n to_o christianity_n the_o force_n of_o law_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o government_n against_o its_o reception_n in_o that_o statesman_n be_v ever_o jealous_a of_o all_o innovation_n in_o religion_n as_o dangerous_a to_o the_o present_a government_n so_o that_o though_o themselves_o look_v upon_o all_o religion_n as_o a_o mere_a design_n of_o state-craft_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o zealous_a for_o that_o which_o they_o find_v already_o establish_v as_o that_o by_o which_o they_o enjoy_v their_o present_a security_n and_o therefore_o vigilant_a against_o all_o alteration_n as_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n so_o that_o it_o be_v none_o of_o their_o business_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o plea_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n but_o its_o be_v new_a be_v with_o they_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o proceed_v against_o it_o as_o be_v sedition_n ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la against_o the_o establish_a law_n and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n of_o most_o of_o those_o many_o severe_a edict_n and_o rescript_n of_o several_a emperor_n against_o the_o christian_n who_o look_v upon_o their_o numerous_a assembly_n upon_o pretence_n of_o religion_n as_o dangerous_a association_n against_o the_o state_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o particular_o trajan_n a_o wise_a and_o politic_a prince_n who_o either_o because_o he_o will_v not_o give_v the_o christian_n the_o advantage_n of_o plead_v religion_n or_o suffering_n for_o it_o or_o rather_o out_o of_o his_o particular_a jealousy_n and_o fear_n of_o tumult_n put_v in_o execution_n against_o they_o the_o law_n against_o the_o heteriae_n which_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o numerous_a meeting_n upon_o what_o account_n soever_o though_o only_o of_o friendship_n or_o good-fellowship_n for_o which_o those_o heteriae_n be_v first_o institute_v so_o that_o upon_o pretence_n of_o this_o law_n he_o seem_v not_o to_o proceed_v against_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o unlawful_a riot_n and_o tumult_n against_o the_o state_n §_o xxii_o now_o from_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o these_o mighty_a prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n it_o meet_v
of_o he_o upon_o his_o 9_o knee_n to_o make_v he_o emperor_n to_o who_o apollonius_n with_o the_o state_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o god_n answer_v i_o have_v make_v thou_o so_o viz._n by_o my_o interest_n with_o the_o god_n and_o he_o so_o far_o gratify_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o man_n as_o to_o seem_v to_o receive_v the_o empire_n at_o his_o hand_n and_o thus_o be_v he_o assure_v of_o his_o empire_n by_o man_n of_o great_a reputation_n for_o both_o religion_n for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n to_o be_v compare_v to_o josephus_n for_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n in_o the_o antiquity_n of_o his_o own_o nation_n so_o apollonius_n be_v then_o the_o most_o famous_a and_o renown_a saint_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o heathen_a religion_n now_o whilst_o he_o stay_v at_o alexandria_n a_o blind_a and_o a_o lame_a man_n be_v warn_v so_o to_o do_v by_o the_o god_n serapis_n address_v themselves_o to_o he_o for_o a_o cure_n and_o obtain_v it_o so_o that_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n by_o itself_o it_o look_v so_o like_a fraud_n and_o flattery_n as_o to_o betray_v itself_o for_o the_o report_n of_o his_o have_v be_v abuse_v into_o the_o conceit_n of_o be_v the_o messiah_n in_o judaea_n be_v probable_o come_v to_o alexandria_n where_o great_a number_n of_o jew_n reside_v it_o be_v likely_a that_o they_o will_v not_o come_v short_a of_o their_o countryman_n in_o do_v honour_n to_o the_o emperor_n and_o so_o put_v these_o two_o counterfeit_n upon_o the_o design_n and_o there_o be_v enough_o of_o such_o dissemble_a cripple_n to_o be_v have_v in_o great_a city_n for_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v among_o other_o miracle_n cure_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a they_o think_v it_o a_o acceptable_a piece_n of_o flattery_n thus_o to_o waylay_v his_o ambition_n or_o rather_o this_o design_n be_v set_v on_o foot_n by_o the_o egyptian_n a_o fawn_a crafty_a and_o flatter_a sort_n of_o people_n but_o chief_o by_o apollonius_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o religion_n for_o which_o he_o be_v so_o zealous_a and_o therefore_o by_o this_o artifice_n confirm_v his_o own_o predicton_n of_o the_o empire_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o god_n for_o they_o be_v send_v on_o their_o errand_n by_o serapis_n but_o whoever_o contrive_v it_o and_o however_o it_o please_v the_o emperor_n humour_n it_o at_o first_o surprise_v he_o so_o as_o to_o move_v his_o laughter_n and_o scorn_n and_o to_o refuse_v the_o attempt_n with_o a_o very_a great_a deal_n either_o of_o seem_v or_o real_a reluctancy_n though_o at_o last_o he_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o great_a importunity_n of_o the_o bystander_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o physician_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o then_o perform_v it_o in_o public_a with_o all_o imaginable_a pomp_n and_o solemnity_n either_o as_o if_o himself_o have_v be_v beforehand_o privy_a to_o the_o plot_n or_o have_v now_o smell_v out_o the_o design_n of_o the_o compliment_n now_o what_o wise_a man_n can_v compare_v this_o one_o theatrical_a piece_n of_o court-flattery_n with_o all_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o mere_a suspicion_n of_o these_o pretend_a cripple_n be_v counterfeit_v at_o least_o the_o absolute_a uncertainty_n of_o it_o destroy_v its_o credit_n whereas_o the_o impossibility_n of_o suspect_v any_o fraud_n or_o flattery_n in_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v a_o undoubted_a demonstration_n of_o their_o reality_n beside_o that_o the_o emperor_n be_v assure_v by_o the_o physician_n that_o the_o man_n be_v not_o pass_v a_o natural_a cure_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n most_o whereof_o be_v do_v upon_o person_n natural_o incurable_a but_o to_o wave_v this_o i_o can_v give_v so_o much_o credit_n to_o a_o story_n that_o smell_v so_o rank_o of_o imposture_n as_o to_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o compare_v it_o as_o he_o find_v it_o under_o so_o many_o disadvantage_n of_o suspicion_n with_o the_o credibility_n of_o all_o those_o motive_n of_o belief_n that_o we_o have_v produce_v for_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o then_o leave_v it_o to_o his_o own_o ingenuity_n to_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o oppose_v one_o story_n so_o miserable_o suspicious_a to_o a_o thousand_o other_o guard_v with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o proof_n against_o all_o possible_a cavil_n and_o exception_n §_o xxvii_o but_o the_o man_n of_o wonder_n be_v apollonius_n tyanaeus_n of_o who_o they_o boast_v and_o insult_v as_o the_o true_a heathen_a messiah_n in_o that_o he_o wrought_v not_o as_o vespasian_n do_v one_o or_o two_o chance_n miracle_n but_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v all_o prodigy_n and_o equal_a to_o our_o saviour_n both_o for_o the_o number_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o work_n but_o here_o first_o we_o have_v in_o part_n already_o show_v what_o undoubted_a record_n we_o have_v of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n whereas_o all_o the_o credit_n of_o apollonius_n his_o history_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o single_a man_n who_o beside_o that_o he_o live_v a_o hundred_o year_n after_o he_o venture_v nothing_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o confirmation_n of_o its_o truth_n but_o only_o compose_v it_o in_o his_o study_n thereby_o as_o appear_v from_o his_o frequent_a digression_n to_o take_v occasion_n of_o communicate_v all_o the_o learning_n he_o have_v rake_v together_o to_o the_o world_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o incur_v any_o loss_n by_o the_o work_n that_o he_o be_v set_v upon_o it_o by_o a_o great_a empress_n who_o religious_a zeal_n in_o the_o cause_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o see_v he_o well_o reward_v and_o though_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o commentary_n of_o damis_n the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o apollonius_n yet_o he_o confess_v that_o damis_n himself_o never_o publish_v his_o own_o commentary_n but_o that_o a_o friend_n of_o damis_n communicate_v they_o to_o the_o empress_n which_o himself_o may_v probable_o have_v forge_v as_o be_v common_a in_o court_n to_o pick_v her_o pocket_n however_o as_o for_o damis_n himself_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o philostratus_n his_o whole_a story_n that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a simple_a man_n and_o that_o apollonius_n only_o pick_v he_o up_o as_o a_o fit_a sancho_n panche_n to_o exercise_v his_o wit_n upon_o so_o that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n we_o find_v he_o not_o only_o baffle_v the_o esquire_n in_o dispute_n but_o break_v jest_n upon_o he_o which_o he_o always_o take_v with_o much_o thankfulness_n and_o more_o humility_n still_o admire_v his_o master_n wisdom_n but_o much_o more_o his_o wit._n but_o after_o all_o what_o the_o story_n of_o damis_n be_v or_o whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o story_n we_o have_v no_o account_n unless_o from_o philostratus_n himself_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v resolve_v it_o all_o into_o his_o authority_n alone_o and_o there_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o be_v neither_o a_o god_n nor_o a_o divine_a man_n as_o his_o friend_n boast_v nor_o a_o magician_n or_o conjurer_n as_o his_o enemy_n imagine_v but_o a_o mere_a fanatic_a and_o pedantic_a pythagorean_n that_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o sect_n travel_v as_o many_o other_o have_v do_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o when_o he_o return_v home_o tell_v his_o countryman_n that_o all_o man_n renown_v for_o wisdom_n all_o the_o world_n over_o be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pythagorean_n and_o then_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o authority_n tell_v strange_a and_o prodigious_a tale_n of_o their_o wonder-working_a power_n though_o here_o either_o he_o or_o his_o historian_n have_v acquit_v himself_o so_o awkardly_a as_o utter_o to_o spoil_v the_o tale_n and_o defeat_v the_o design_n this_o eusebius_n have_v show_v at_o large_a in_o his_o book_n against_o hierocles_n by_o take_v apiece_o all_o part_n of_o the_o story_n and_o discover_v all_o its_o flaw_n and_o incoherence_n but_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o prove_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o whole_a from_o the_o notorious_a falsehood_n of_o one_o particular_a narration_n upon_o which_o depend_v all_o that_o extraordinary_a power_n that_o he_o pretend_v to_o and_o that_o be_v his_o conversation_n with_o the_o indian_a brahmin_n from_o who_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v his_o account_n of_o himself_o he_o learn_v all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v more_o than_o the_o common_a philosopher_n of_o greece_n and_o if_o this_o prove_v a_o romance_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o history_n must_v unavoidable_o follow_v its_o fortune_n and_o for_o this_o little_a proof_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n when_o most_o of_o the_o story_n be_v so_o