Divine Dialogues

The left edge of the page is partially obscured by the binding and shows some ink bleed from the facing page.

...renowned philosopher in such matters where it is of such great concern to oppose him so freely, especially since the author goes very little further than the philosopher's own highest admirers original: "Encomiasts" have already led the way.

Nor can I think of anyone else who might have any plausible reason for a just complaint against him, unless it is the Platonists. Perhaps they may judge it inappropriate that such a divine philosophy should be so discredited by the introduction of Cuphophron, a Platonist, who utters such tipsy and intoxicated original: "temulent" raptures and rhetorical excuses—as he does in the Second and Third Dialogues—to downplay the hideousness of sin, in addition to the bad influence of such loose and extravagant oratory.

And yet, I believe the judicious reader will find those passages as relevant and useful as those that appear more serious and reserved. They will easily remember that the character of Cuphophron is not meant to represent a Platonist simply, but a flighty-minded original: "aiery-minded" one. Indeed, both the danger and the impropriety original: "indecorum" of light-mindedness or excessive levity of spirit are both represented and criticized original: "perstringed" throughout his character.

Therefore, this does not result in the discredit of Platonism itself, but rather reveals the hazard of that philosophy if it does not meet with a mind that is sober and well-balanced. As for the bad influence of his ecstatic eloquence, that fear is entirely groundless. For every bit of the force of reason and rhetoric he produces, there is such a perfect and convincing refutation that there is not the slightest excuse left to justify immorality. It is clearly demonstrated that sin and vice are not—as Cuphophron’s sophistry The use of clever but false arguments. would suggest—merely the pursuit of a lesser good, but are things in themselves absolutely evil and perfectly contrary to the will and nature of God.

However, it was a matter of no small importance to bring into view everything that could plausibly be said in...