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
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
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
with_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o mankind_n can_v make_v it_o it_o be_v force_v to_o encounter_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o multitude_n the_o zeal_n of_o superstition_n the_o hatred_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o contempt_n of_o the_o greek_n the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_n the_o pride_n of_o philosopher_n and_o the_o policy_n of_o statesman_n and_o by_o all_o these_o together_o that_o be_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a be_v it_o everywhere_o harrass_v with_o all_o the_o outrage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o persecution_n no_o other_o party_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v ever_o hunt_v with_o that_o keenness_n of_o malice_n or_o sacrifice_v with_o that_o cheapness_n and_o contempt_n of_o humane_a blood_n and_o as_o the_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o resolve_v its_o punishment_n shall_v be_v so_o too_o invent_v new_a method_n of_o torment_n study_v all_o the_o art_n of_o pain_n and_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o death_n of_o christian_n unless_o they_o may_v tire_v they_o out_o of_o their_o life_n with_o length_n and_o variety_n of_o torture_n in_o short_a it_o want_v not_o the_o utmost_a opposition_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o man_n or_o devil_n if_o we_o suppose_v as_o we_o may_v for_o argument_n sake_n that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o malignant_a being_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o disadvantage_n it_o grow_v and_o flourish_v after_o such_o a_o rate_n all_o the_o world_n over_o as_o if_o it_o have_v meet_v with_o all_o the_o contrary_a way_n and_o method_n of_o encouragement_n now_o what_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o other_o imaginable_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o it_o but_o that_o irresistible_a force_n of_o evidence_n that_o it_o give_v of_o its_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n for_o when_o every_o thing_n else_o be_v against_o it_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o prevail_v so_o wonderful_o by_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v clear_a of_o all_o doubt_n and_o suspicion_n that_o can_v bear_v away_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o so_o great_a a_o force_n against_o all_o argument_n and_o motive_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o for_o i_o do_v not_o urge_v this_o at_o present_a as_o a_o argument_n of_o god_n providence_n be_v concern_v in_o its_o propagation_n but_o for_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o viz._n that_o a_o doctrine_n labour_v under_o all_o these_o mighty_a and_o unparalleled_a disadvantage_n shall_v ever_o have_v prevail_v with_o such_o sudden_a and_o admirable_a success_n have_v it_o not_o come_v attest_v with_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o irresistible_a proof_n for_o be_v it_o not_o utter_o incredible_a that_o a_o institution_n so_o destitute_a of_o secular_a power_n and_o interest_n so_o uncouth_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o vice_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n so_o contradictory_n to_o the_o settle_a law_n and_o what_o be_v much_o more_o considerable_a to_o the_o establish_a religion_n of_o commonwealth_n so_o much_o oppose_v by_o all_o the_o power_n all_o the_o wit_n and_o all_o the_o zeal_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v yet_o so_o effectual_o bear_v away_o all_o resistance_n and_o force_v the_o struggle_a world_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o opposition_n to_o yield_v up_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n for_o see_v it_o can_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n nay_o see_v it_o have_v all_o other_o thing_n to_o oppose_v it_o and_o yet_o find_v such_o strange_a and_o otherwise_o unaccountable_a entertainment_n that_o alone_o i_o say_v be_v a_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o its_o infinite_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n neither_o be_o i_o ignorant_a that_o learned_a man_n both_o ancient_n and_o modern_a usual_o ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o almighty_a and_o miraculous_a power_n of_o god_n overrule_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o thing_n be_v so_o prodigious_a that_o it_o be_v scarce_o accountable_a how_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o miracle_n but_o though_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v of_o the_o secret_a and_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n yet_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v the_o reason_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v resolve_v into_o that_o alone_a for_o if_o that_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n of_o any_o man_n assent_n than_o his_o assent_n be_v unreasonable_a and_o all_o the_o account_n he_o can_v give_v of_o his_o faith_n be_v that_o he_o find_v himself_o vehement_o incline_v to_o believe_v he_o know_v not_o why_o but_o that_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a way_n of_o determine_v rational_a creature_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o god_n will_v force_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o strong_a assent_n than_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n assent_v to_o require_v for_o that_o instead_o of_o help_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n will_v utter_o destroy_v they_o and_o therefore_o how_o strong_a soever_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o no_o doubt_n they_o be_v very_o extraordinary_a yet_o the_o outward_a and_o rational_a evidence_n that_o he_o give_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v still_o proportionable_a to_o that_o inward_a confidence_n that_o he_o wrought_v upon_o their_o mind_n otherwise_o they_o have_v more_o confidence_n than_o they_o have_v reason_n for_o and_o then_o all_o that_o they_o have_v over_o and_o above_o be_v unreasonable_a see_v therefore_o their_o faith_n be_v so_o infinite_o confident_a i_o shall_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o ground_n and_o motive_n that_o they_o have_v for_o it_o be_v equal_a to_o their_o great_a assurance_n and_o they_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o undeniable_a miracle_n and_o undoubted_a tradition_n from_o both_o which_o they_o have_v so_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o if_o they_o have_v so_o much_o they_o have_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v desire_v because_o no_o man_n can_v have_v more_o §_o xxiii_o i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o great_a and_o unparalleled_a credibility_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n take_v by_o itself_o as_o it_o stand_v upon_o their_o own_o naked_a reputation_n in_o that_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v sincere_a and_o serious_a in_o their_o design_n so_o that_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o authority_n they_o may_v just_o challenge_v the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n but_o to_o the_o undoubted_a integrity_n of_o the_o witness_n god_n be_v please_v to_o add_v a_o more_o forcible_a testimony_n of_o his_o own_o by_o indue_a they_o with_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o thereby_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n that_o as_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o ambassador_n be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o their_o design_n so_o be_v he_o too_o and_o in_o truth_n unless_o he_o have_v endue_v they_o with_o this_o power_n from_o above_o they_o can_v never_o have_v have_v the_o courage_n so_o much_o as_o to_o have_v undertake_v the_o work_n but_o instead_o of_o travel_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o tell_v a_o story_n to_o the_o people_n of_o which_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v one_o word_n as_o be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o the_o language_n in_o which_o they_o speak_v they_o must_v have_v conclude_v it_o a_o wise_a course_n to_o resolve_v upon_o mend_v their_o old_a net_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o old_a trade_n but_o this_o eusebius_n have_v excellent_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o their_o own_o person_n in_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o 6._o to_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v reply_v upon_o he_o how_o be_v this_o possible_a that_o we_o who_o be_v unlearned_a person_n and_o understand_v only_o our_o mother_n tongue_n shall_v discourse_v in_o their_o several_a language_n to_o the_o roman_n grecian_n egyptian_n persian_n armenian_n chaldean_n scythian_n indian_n and_o all_o the_o other_o numberless_a nation_n of_o the_o barbarous_a world_n and_o if_o we_o can_v as_o without_o a_o miracle_n we_o can_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o travel_v from_o pole_n to_o pole_n and_o tell_v a_o unintelligible_a story_n to_o the_o people_n nay_o how_o can_v we_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o renounce_v their_o country_n god_n and_o to_o worship_v a_o new_a and_o unknown_a deity_n what_o eloquence_n what_o unheard_a of_o power_n of_o word_n must_v we_o be_v inspire_v with_o to_o encourage_v we_o
his_o power_n and_o his_o doctrine_n recite_v his_o commandment_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n out_o of_o their_o very_a mouth_n i_o say_v who_o have_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n the_o word_n of_o life_n incarnate_a these_o thing_n at_o that_o time_n through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o wrought_v in_o i_o i_o diligent_o mark_v and_o print_v not_o in_o paper_n but_o my_o heart_n upon_o which_o continual_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o ponder_v and_o meditate_v and_o i_o be_o able_a to_o testify_v before_o god_n that_o if_o that_o holy_a and_o apostolic_a elder_n have_v hear_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o teach_v he_o will_v immediate_o have_v disavow_v it_o and_o after_o his_o manner_n stop_v his_o ear_n cry_v out_o good_a god_n into_o what_o time_n have_v thou_o reserve_v i_o that_o i_o shall_v hear_v and_o suffer_v such_o discourse_n yea_o and_o will_v straight_o have_v quit_v the_o place_n where_o he_o have_v hear_v they_o in_o short_a this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o epistle_n which_o he_o write_v to_o neighbour_n church_n or_o to_o particular_a brethren_n and_o beside_o policarp_n he_o frequent_o quote_v in_o all_o his_o book_n apostolical_a ancient_n though_o he_o do_v not_o mention_v their_o name_n he_o be_v a_o diligent_a enquirer_n into_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v particular_o describe_v the_o order_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o four_o gospel_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n clement_n ignatius_n the_o book_n of_o justin_n martyr_n his_o search_n into_o the_o record_n of_o the_o most_o famous_a church_n his_o inquire_v into_o the_o write_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a doctor_n and_o with_o this_o argument_n put_v to_o silence_v the_o heretic_n by_o demonstrate_v to_o they_o what_o be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o derive_v from_o the_o apostolic_a time_n all_o which_o consider_v how_o can_v we_o have_v a_o more_o sufficient_a witness_n of_o the_o primitive_a tradition_n for_o allow_v he_o some_o very_o few_o small_a slip_n and_o mistake_n which_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o all_o humane_a writer_n in_o the_o world_n his_o knowledge_n as_o to_o all_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o most_o complicate_v and_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n he_o have_v record_v with_o all_o possible_a assurance_n discover_v in_o all_o his_o write_n a_o vehement_a zeal_n and_o a_o spirit_n high_o prepare_v for_o martyrdom_n which_o he_o at_o last_o suffer_v with_o the_o same_o christian_a courage_n that_o appear_v in_o all_o that_o go_v before_o he_o and_o that_o be_v a_o mighty_a accession_n to_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o testimony_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v peculiar_o design_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o as_o they_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o undoubted_a tradition_n so_o they_o seal_v its_o sincerity_n with_o their_o blood_n though_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o witness_n be_v so_o abundant_o satisfactory_a both_o from_o their_o number_n their_o quality_n and_o their_o agreement_n that_o i_o need_v produce_v no_o more_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v i_o shall_v have_v be_v very_o thankful_a for_o half_a so_o many_o but_o can_v never_o have_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o ask_v for_o more_o yet_o because_o a_o great_a number_n beside_o offer_v themselves_o we_o can_v in_o civility_n altogether_o refuse_v their_o kindness_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v too_o tedious_a i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o give_v in_o a_o list_n of_o their_o name_n that_o any_o man_n may_v examine_v they_o at_o his_o leisure_n about_o this_o time_n then_o there_o be_v beside_o those_o that_o i_o have_v mention_v a_o great_a concourse_n of_o learned_a man_n that_o be_v not_o only_a confessor_n but_o defender_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o athenagoras_n the_o christian_a philosopher_n of_o athens_n theophilus_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n apollinaris_n bishop_n of_o hierapolis_n tatian_n the_o assyrian_a and_o scholar_n to_o justin_n martyr_n who_o all_o write_v in_o the_o time_n of_o m._n aurelius_n and_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o commodus_n pantoenus_fw-la clemens_n alexandrinus_n miltiades_n tertullian_n who_o be_v close_o follow_v by_o origen_n minutius_n felix_n arnobius_n st._n cyprian_n all_o man_n of_o learning_n who_o diligent_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o thing_n and_o have_v give_v their_o reason_n of_o renounce_v heathenism_n and_o embrace_a christianity_n in_o short_a they_o have_v all_o maintain_v it_o with_o their_o pen_n and_o most_o of_o they_o with_o their_o blood_n and_o most_o of_o their_o work_n be_v still_o remain_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a task_n be_v it_o not_o too_o tedious_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o every_o man_n performance_n but_o there_o be_v enough_o of_o that_o say_v already_o and_o to_o say_v more_o be_v only_o so_o much_o needless_a repetition_n of_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o the_o same_o argument_n and_o the_o most_o material_a passage_n of_o record_n extant_a in_o these_o author_n i_o have_v either_o allege_v already_o or_o shall_v have_v occasion_n so_o to_o do_v hereafter_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v do_v at_o present_a be_v only_o to_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v such_o write_n of_o such_o man_n and_o that_o i_o may_v easy_o do_v because_o they_o be_v so_o very_o common_a and_o so_o very_o well_o know_v at_o this_o day_n and_o then_o upon_o that_o supposition_n to_o argue_v the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o the_o christian_a tradition_n through_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o complete_v the_o demonstration_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n for_o when_o i_o have_v prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o its_o original_a from_o the_o undoubted_a testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o the_o complicate_v attestation_n of_o other_o that_o live_v either_o with_o or_o immediate_o after_o they_o and_o so_o downward_o from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o that_o by_o very_o short_a period_n of_o time_n into_o the_o three_o century_n for_o beyond_o that_o it_o be_v very_o impertinent_a to_o pursue_v the_o argument_n if_o i_o say_v this_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o premise_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o any_o man_n can_v in_o reason_n or_o modesty_n demand_v a_o great_a evidence_n and_o more_o satisfactory_a demonstration_n of_o his_o faith_n §_o xxxiv_o but_o if_o christianity_n come_v into_o the_o world_n attend_v with_o all_o this_o variety_n and_o train_n of_o proof_n that_o i_o have_v represent_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o such_o great_a number_n of_o the_o man_n of_o that_o age_n live_v and_o die_v in_o infidelity_n if_o the_o evidence_n be_v so_o full_a and_o free_a from_o all_o exception_n as_o be_v pretend_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n that_o have_v eyesight_n enough_o to_o discern_v the_o midday_n sun_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o its_o conviction_n much_o less_o how_o can_v such_o creature_n as_o man_n endue_v with_o rational_a faculty_n be_v so_o utter_o blind_a or_o extravagant_o mad_a that_o when_o almighty_a god_n have_v give_v such_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o own_o divine_a authority_n they_o shall_v hate_v oppose_v and_o persecute_v this_o religion_n mear_n stupidity_n or_o want_n of_o enquiry_n may_v have_v leave_v man_n in_o infidelity_n though_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n have_v be_v as_o evident_a as_o we_o say_v it_o be_v but_o when_o man_n concern_v themselves_o with_o all_o their_o zeal_n and_o power_n to_o root_v it_o up_o they_o must_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o so_o eager_o oppose_v neither_o be_v this_o do_v by_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o mankind_n alone_o but_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o learned_a who_o do_v not_o only_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o idle_a fable_n but_o bestir_v themselves_o with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o suppress_v it_o as_o pernicious_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o objection_n in_o appearance_n very_o great_a for_o it_o can_v but_o look_v very_o strange_a that_o man_n learned_a and_o wise_a shall_v be_v so_o foolish_a and_o so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o perceive_v such_o evidence_n of_o demonstration_n nay_o to_o scorn_n and_o to_o despise_v it_o and_o yet_o as_o big_a as_o this_o objection_n be_v in_o show_n it_o be_v in_o reality_n none_o at_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v any_o be_v abundant_o answer_v by_o the_o premise_n for_o it_o be_v plain_o impossible_a that_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n especial_o the_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a shall_v ever_o have_v be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o embrace_v such_o a_o story_n in_o all_o those_o circumstance_n and_o
with_o they_o in_o their_o atheistical_a idolatry_n and_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a motive_n of_o all_o their_o persecution_n against_o they_o in_o which_o they_o proceed_v upon_o no_o other_o article_n than_o that_o they_o refuse_v to_o sacrifice_v to_o their_o go_n so_o that_o if_o the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v absurd_a and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o so_o and_o if_o all_o their_o hatred_n to_o christianity_n be_v found_v mere_o upon_o their_o zeal_n to_o that_o this_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o oppose_v the_o christian_a faith_n notwithstanding_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o its_o divinity_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v as_o i_o have_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n itself_o and_o thereby_o it_o will_v appear_v not_o only_o that_o the_o assertion_n be_v a_o probable_a but_o a_o certain_a truth_n and_o so_o will_v not_o only_o answer_v but_o confute_v the_o objection_n by_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o reason_n that_o man_n have_v to_o oppose_v christianity_n be_v their_o be_v gross_o unreasonable_a and_o this_o i_o shall_v make_v good_a first_o as_o to_o public_a persecution_n second_o private_a opposition_n the_o first_o persecution_n be_v raise_v by_o nero_n a_o prince_n sufficient_o brand_v for_o all_o manner_n of_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n but_o above_o all_o for_o his_o brutish_a and_o inhuman_a cruelty_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o person_n so_o barbarous_a to_o all_o mankind_n even_o to_o his_o dear_a friend_n and_o near_a relation_n shall_v vent_v some_o of_o his_o fury_n upon_o the_o christian_n but_o as_o bad_a as_o he_o be_v and_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o prince_n unless_o caligula_n more_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a in_o his_o manner_n and_o will_v allow_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o character_n which_o suetonius_n give_v of_o he_o it_o a_o degenerasse_fw-la à _fw-la suorum_fw-la virtutibus_fw-la neronem_fw-la ut_fw-la tamen_fw-la vitia_n cujusque_fw-la quasi_fw-la tradita_fw-la &_o ingenita_fw-la retulerit_fw-la that_o he_o lose_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o ancestor_n and_o retain_v all_o their_o vice_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o i_o can_v but_o think_v he_o to_o have_v be_v paint_v a_o much_o great_a monster_n than_o he_o deserve_v i_o will_v indeed_o grant_v his_o folly_n to_o have_v exceed_v the_o ordinary_a rate_n of_o madness_n especial_o his_o vanity_n of_o fiddle_v sing_v and_o act_v of_o play_n for_o which_o he_o so_o high_o value_v himself_o and_o be_v so_o ridiculous_o flatter_v by_o other_o and_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o neglect_v all_o affair_n of_o state_n leave_v rome_n to_o show_v his_o skill_n in_o the_o city_n of_o greece_n return_v home_o with_o triumphal_a pomp_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o a_o player_n and_o with_o the_o show_v of_o all_o his_o victory_n in_o short_a he_o be_v not_o so_o jealous_a of_o a_o rival_n in_o the_o empire_n as_o of_o a_o skilful_a comedian_n and_o at_o his_o fall_n be_v much_o more_o grieve_a to_o be_v upbraid_v with_o be_v a_o bad_a fiddler_n than_o a_o bad_a emperor_n neither_o be_v he_o less_o exorbitant_a in_o his_o lust_n than_o in_o his_o vanity_n and_o it_o be_v both_o together_o that_o so_o much_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o public_a scorn_n and_o hatred_n of_o the_o people_n but_o for_o the_o vice_n of_o cruelty_n wherewith_o he_o be_v so_o severe_o charge_v and_o of_o which_o no_o doubt_n he_o be_v high_o guilty_a i_o can_v but_o think_v he_o overload_v by_o the_o historian_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o wild_a paradox_n attempt_v by_o cardan_n though_o witty_o perform_v to_o write_v a_o encomium_n of_o his_o great_a virtue_n but_o above_o all_o his_o clemency_n in_o which_o he_o will_v have_v he_o to_o have_v excel_v the_o best_a of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n yet_o that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o bloody_a as_o he_o be_v usual_o represent_v appear_v as_o by_o many_o other_o act_n of_o mercy_n towards_o his_o enemy_n so_o particular_o as_o tender_a as_o he_o be_v of_o his_o reputation_n by_o not_o punish_v as_o most_o other_o emperor_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v the_o know_a libeler_n against_o his_o person_n and_o government_n with_o capital_a penalty_n and_o as_o for_o his_o other_o severity_n this_o at_o least_o be_v to_o be_v plead_v in_o his_o behalf_n the_o prodigious_a and_o unparalleled_a wickedness_n of_o the_o age_n that_o be_v so_o universal_o debauch_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o man_n in_o it_o of_o reputation_n enough_o to_o give_v testimony_n against_o he_o so_o that_o though_o he_o be_v both_o hate_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o senate_n itself_o yet_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o contention_n between_o they_o be_v who_o shall_v have_v the_o great_a empire_n in_o wickedness_n and_o his_o restraint_n of_o their_o enormity_n particular_o their_o inhuman_a extortion_n be_v no_o improbable_a account_n of_o their_o great_a displeasure_n against_o he_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o number_n of_o his_o execution_n be_v no_o proper_a objection_n against_o his_o government_n for_o that_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v not_o from_o his_o cruelty_n but_o from_o their_o own_o wicked_a practice_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v determine_v from_o that_o against_o he_o but_o by_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o that_o suffer_v and_o unless_o it_o appear_v as_o it_o do_v not_o that_o they_o be_v false_o accuse_v and_o unjust_o condemn_v their_o be_v execute_v prove_v nothing_o either_o for_o or_o against_o he_o and_o as_o for_o his_o cut_n off_o so_o many_o of_o his_o near_a kindred_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o themselves_o force_v he_o not_o to_o it_o in_o his_o own_o defence_n and_o if_o they_o do_v than_o it_o be_v not_o choice_n but_o necessity_n and_o whatever_o he_o do_v for_o reason_n of_o state_n be_v according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o time_n very_o allowable_a as_o for_o the_o death_n of_o his_o father_n claudius_n there_o be_v no_o evidence_n that_o he_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o that_o be_v whole_o the_o wickedness_n of_o agrippina_n and_o though_o he_o seem_v too_o ungrateful_a to_o his_o memory_n by_o speak_v reproachful_o of_o he_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o he_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o seneca_n who_o it_o seem_v that_o dull_a emperor_n have_v disoblige_v as_o for_o agrippina_n she_o be_v a_o woman_n of_o intolerable_a pride_n and_o unheard_a of_o cruelty_n she_o have_v poison_v her_o husband_n to_o derive_v the_o crown_n upon_o her_o son_n she_o have_v threaten_v to_o poison_v he_o and_o transfer_v it_o to_o germanicus_n in_o short_a she_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o enjoy_v any_o share_n or_o any_o quiet_a in_o the_o government_n now_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o a_o woman_n of_o this_o temper_n indeed_o to_o kill_v she_o she_o be_v his_o mother_n how_o wicked_a soever_o be_v inhuman_a and_o unnatural_a yet_o however_o her_o practice_n can_v not_o but_o force_v he_o to_o some_o undecent_a severity_n at_o least_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o at_o first_o he_o use_v she_o with_o due_a respect_n and_o bear_v her_o insolence_n with_o extraordinary_a patience_n till_o he_o see_v both_o his_o life_n and_o his_o empire_n attempt_v and_o then_o it_o be_v but_o time_n to_o secure_v himself_o though_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v it_o some_o gentle_a way_n than_o by_o put_v she_o to_o death_n in_o short_a if_o agrippina_n be_v so_o bad_a as_o the_o historian_n represent_v she_o to_o have_v be_v nero_n be_v not_o because_o his_o cruel_a usage_n of_o she_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n force_v by_o she_o own_o wickedness_n as_o for_o germanicus_n he_o must_v die_v not_o only_o as_o a_o declare_a rival_n to_o the_o empire_n but_o as_o the_o true_a and_o rightful_a heir_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o this_o practice_n be_v grow_v so_o familiar_a that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o emperor_n but_o either_o get_v the_o crown_n or_o secure_v it_o by_o murder_n all_o which_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o prodigious_a dotage_n of_o augustus_n who_o after_o all_o his_o great_a craft_n instead_o of_o secure_v the_o empire_n to_o his_o own_o near_a kindred_n only_o oblige_v his_o successor_n to_o murder_v they_o for_o their_o own_o security_n for_o when_o he_o pass_v over_o the_o right_a heir_n to_o settle_v the_o empire_n upon_o tiberius_n it_o be_v obvious_a that_o tiberius_n can_v never_o think_v himself_o secure_a in_o his_o throne_n till_o all_o that_o have_v a_o antecedent_n right_a to_o it_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n so_o that_o the_o blame_n of_o tiberius_n his_o cruelty_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o be_v charge_v upon_o augustus_n his_o folly_n who_o by_o his_o preposterous_a settlement_n of_o the_o crown_n upon_o he_o make_v it_o
begin_v it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o imagine_v but_o it_o must_v certain_o have_v be_v in_o the_o most_o brutish_a and_o barbarous_a age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o afterward_o gain_v authority_n only_o by_o virtue_n of_o ancient_a prescription_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v so_o monstrous_a and_o ridiculous_a in_o itself_o that_o its_o most_o zealous_a patron_n can_v make_v no_o better_a defence_n for_o it_o and_o be_v at_o last_o force_v to_o turn_v it_o into_o allegory_n contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o own_o history_n and_o though_o the_o primitive_a christian_n insist_v very_o severe_o upon_o this_o argument_n against_o the_o heathen_n of_o worship_v dead_a man_n for_o god_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_n that_o oppose_v christianity_n ever_o take_v upon_o they_o its_o defence_n but_o all_o their_o write_n against_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n past_o uncontrolled_a so_o uncapable_a be_v it_o of_o any_o defence_n that_o no_o man_n dare_v so_o much_o as_o undertake_v it_o and_o nothing_o be_v do_v for_o it_o but_o only_o by_o force_n of_o law_n and_o government_n it_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o empire_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v comply_v with_o and_o object_n what_o you_o please_v against_o its_o impiety_n that_o concern_v not_o statesman_n the_o law_n must_v be_v preserve_v and_o now_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o chief_o be_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n suffer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v charge_v against_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o only_o for_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n that_o be_v their_o form_n of_o trial_n will_v you_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n if_o they_o do_v that_o alone_o absolve_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o that_o be_v certain_a death_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o christian_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o heathen_a worship_n be_v in_o they_o downright_a atheism_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o comply_v it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o so_o they_o be_v vulgar_o esteem_v and_o put_v to_o death_n as_o enemy_n to_o all_o religion_n but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o heathen_n proceed_n against_o the_o christian_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o concern_v not_o themselves_o to_o inquire_v after_o the_o christian_a pretence_n it_o be_v matter_n enough_o for_o condemnation_n that_o they_o will_v not_o worship_v their_o go_n §_o xl._o neither_o be_v these_o trial_n and_o execution_n set_v on_o foot_n so_o much_o by_o the_o governor_n themselves_o as_o by_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o people_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n force_v the_o emperor_n and_o proconsul_n to_o put_v the_o law_n in_o execution_n romani_fw-la nec_fw-la ulli_fw-la magis_fw-la depostulatores_fw-la christianorum_fw-la 35._o quam_fw-la vulgus_fw-la planè_fw-la coeteri_fw-la ordines_fw-la pro_fw-la authoritate_fw-la religiosi_fw-la ex_fw-la fide_fw-la nihil_fw-la hosticum_fw-la de_fw-la ipso_fw-la senatu_fw-la de_fw-fr equite_v de_fw-fr castris_fw-la de_fw-la palatiis_fw-la ipsis_fw-la spirat_fw-la it_o be_v the_o vulgar_a rabble_n say_v tertullian_n that_o be_v the_o vehement_a accuser_n of_o christian_n the_o other_o order_n be_v civil_a and_o courteous_a in_o their_o respective_a office_n neither_o the_o senate_n nor_o the_o knight_n nor_o the_o camp_n nor_o the_o court_n breath_n out_o any_o hostility_n against_o we_o and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o trajan_n rescript_n to_o pliny_n that_o he_o care_v not_o that_o the_o christian_n shall_v be_v seek_v for_o but_o if_o the_o people_n accuse_v they_o the_o law_n must_v be_v execute_v and_o though_o his_o successor_n adrian_n under_o who_o reign_n the_o next_o persecution_n commence_v be_v as_o great_a a_o zealot_n for_o the_o grecian_a rite_n as_o he_o be_v a_o pretender_n to_o their_o learning_n and_o be_v himself_o initiate_v into_o their_o eleusinian_n mystery_n yet_o he_o be_v rather_o the_o occasion_n than_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o persecution_n for_o that_o zeal_n that_o he_o have_v show_v to_o the_o rite_n of_o greece_n encourage_v the_o common_a people_n to_o fall_v foul_a upon_o the_o christian_n and_o therefore_o eusebius_n ascribe_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o persecution_n not_o to_o the_o emperor_n but_o to_o the_o forwardness_n of_o some_o ill-minded_n man_n but_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o people_n run_v so_o high_a that_o the_o government_n be_v force_v to_o give_v a_o stop_n to_o it_o in_o so_o much_o that_o serenius_fw-la granianus_n proconsul_n of_o asia_n write_v to_o the_o emperor_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o it_o be_v very_o unjust_a that_o for_o no_o crime_n but_o only_o at_o the_o outcry_n of_o the_o people_n they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o that_o be_v grow_v the_o common_a custom_n to_o sacrifice_v they_o to_o popular_a tumult_n and_o meeting_n at_o the_o public_a theatre_n which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o proverbial_a say_n christianos_n ad_fw-la leones_n viz._n that_o if_o the_o people_n ask_v it_o at_o the_o public_a show_n the_o proconsul_n and_o precedent_n be_v force_v to_o yield_v to_o their_o demand_n as_o they_o do_v not_o only_o in_o this_o but_o innumerable_a other_o case_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a both_o at_o rome_n and_o in_o the_o several_a province_n than_o for_o the_o people_n to_o extort_v what_o they_o please_v from_o their_o governor_n at_o these_o tumultuary_a meeting_n and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v their_o barbarity_n upon_o these_o occasion_n against_o the_o christian_n the_o emperor_n return_v this_o serious_a and_o severe_a answer_n to_o minutius_n fundanus_n that_o immediate_o succeed_v granianus_n i_o receive_v the_o letter_n which_o be_v send_v i_o by_o the_o most_o excellent_a serenius_fw-la granianus_n your_o predecessor_n nor_o do_v i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o matter_n fit_a to_o be_v pass_v over_o without_o due_a enquiry_n that_o the_o man_n may_v not_o be_v needless_o disquiet_v nor_o informer_n have_v occasion_n and_o encouragement_n of_o fraudulent_a accusation_n minister_v unto_o they_o wherefore_o if_o the_o subject_n of_o our_o province_n be_v able_a open_o to_o appear_v to_o their_o indictment_n against_o the_o christian_n so_o as_o to_o answer_v to_o they_o before_o the_o public_a tribunal_n let_v they_o take_v that_o course_n and_o not_o deal_v by_o petition_n and_o mere_a noise_n and_o clamour_n it_o be_v much_o fit_a if_o any_o accusation_n be_v bring_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v the_o cognisance_n of_o it_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v prefer_v a_o indictment_n and_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v transgress_v the_o law_n then_o give_v you_o sentence_n against_o they_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o crime_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o he_o bring_v it_o only_o out_o of_o spite_n and_o malice_n take_v care_n to_o punish_v that_o man_n according_a to_o the_o mischief_n of_o his_o own_o intention_n a_o copy_n of_o which_o epistle_n he_o send_v to_o several_a other_o governor_n of_o province_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o magistrate_n themselves_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o rigorous_a proceed_n against_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o do_v it_o only_o to_o gratify_v the_o clamour_n of_o the_o people_n and_o interpose_v their_o authority_n to_o screen_n they_o from_o their_o fury_n and_o tertullian_n reckon_v up_o several_a precedent_n to_o scapula_n who_o either_o avoid_v or_o refuse_v to_o proceed_v against_o the_o christian_n and_o particular_o pudens_n out_o of_o regard_n to_o this_o reseript_n but_o though_o it_o be_v able_a to_o check_v and_o bridle_v their_o fury_n during_o that_o emperor_n reign_n yet_o it_o break_v out_o again_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o successor_n antoninus_n pius_n and_o extort_a from_o he_o a_o more_o severe_a letter_n to_o the_o state_n or_o common_a council_n of_o asia_n prohibit_v all_o such_o wild_a and_o barbarous_a proceed_n against_o the_o christian_n but_o still_o the_o law_n be_v in_o force_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v seize_v upon_o at_o all_o turn_v by_o public_a zeal_n or_o private_a malice_n and_o so_o they_o be_v under_o the_o succeed_a reign_n of_o m._n aurelius_n for_o whilst_o himself_o be_v busy_a in_o his_o war_n several_a persecution_n be_v raise_v in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o empire_n at_o smyrna_n where_o policarp_n at_o rome_n where_o justin_n martyr_n and_o at_o lion_n where_o pothinus_n suffer_v policarp_n be_v mere_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o out_o cry_v of_o the_o people_n away_o with_o the_o atheist_n let_v policarp_n be_v seek_v for_o upon_o which_o be_v apprehend_v by_o a_o fanatic_a and_o hotheaded_a justice_n of_o peace_n he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n that_o command_v to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n and_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n justin_n be_v prosecute_v by_o