What do you think?
Rate this book
Critical Examination of the Life of St. Paul
Excerpt from Critical Examination of the Life of St. Paul
Although the actions of this celebrated Apostle, related in the Acts, and his doctrine contained in his Epistles, were al ready perfectly knownto me, yet to conform myself to your desires, and give 'you proofsof my docility, I have again read those works, and I can assure you that I have done it with the greatest attention. You will judge of that yourself, by the re?ections I send you; they will at least prove to you' that I have read with attention. A superficial glance is only' likely to deceive us or leave us in error. The passions (and the prejudices of men prevent them from examining with candour, and from their indolence they are often disgusted with the researches necessary for discovering truth; that has also been With so much care veiled from their but it is in vain to cover it, its Splendour will sooner or later 'shine forth; the works of enthusiasm Or imposture, will always end by betraying themselves. As -for the rest, read and judges You will find, I think, at least, some reasons for abating a little from that high Opinion, that prejudice gives us' of the Apostle of the Gentiles, and of the religious sys tern of the Christians, oflwhich St. Paul was evidently the true architect. I am not ignorant that it is very difficult to undo at one blow the ideas to which the, mind has been so long accustomed; but whatever may be your judgment it will not alter the sentiments of friendship and attachment which are due to the goodness of your heart.
Although the actions of this celebrated Apostle, related in the Acts, and his doctrine contained in his Epistles, were al ready perfectly knownto me, yet to conform myself to your desires, and give 'you proofsof my docility, I have again read those works, and I can assure you that I have done it with the greatest attention. You will judge of that yourself, by the re?ections I send you; they will at least prove to you' that I have read with attention. A superficial glance is only' likely to deceive us or leave us in error. The passions (and the prejudices of men prevent them from examining with candour, and from their indolence they are often disgusted with the researches necessary for discovering truth; that has also been With so much care veiled from their but it is in vain to cover it, its Splendour will sooner or later 'shine forth; the works of enthusiasm Or imposture, will always end by betraying themselves. As -for the rest, read and judges You will find, I think, at least, some reasons for abating a little from that high Opinion, that prejudice gives us' of the Apostle of the Gentiles, and of the religious sys tern of the Christians, oflwhich St. Paul was evidently the true architect. I am not ignorant that it is very difficult to undo at one blow the ideas to which the, mind has been so long accustomed; but whatever may be your judgment it will not alter the sentiments of friendship and attachment which are due to the goodness of your heart.
80 pages, Paperback
First published November 27, 2011
About the author
Nicolas Antoine Boulanger
74 booksNicolas Antoine Boulanger (11 November 1722, Paris – 16 September 1759, Paris) was a French philosopher and man of letters during the Age of Enlightenment.
Born the son of a paper merchant in Paris, Boulanger studied first mathematics, and later ancient languages. He composed several philosophical works in which he sought to come up with naturalistic explanations for superstitions and religious practices, all of which were published posthumously. His major works were Research into the Origins of Oriental Despotism («Recherches sur l’origine du despotisme oriental», 1761) and Antiquity Unveiled («L’Antiquité dévoilée par ses usages», 1766). Boulanger's collected works were published in 1792.
The German Baron d'Holbach (Paul-Henri Thiry, 1723–1789) published his controversial anti-religious work Christianity Unveiled («Christianisme dévoilé», 1761), using Boulanger's name as his pseudonym, just two years after the philosopher's death.[1]
The asteroid 7346 Boulanger, discovered in 1993, was named in his honor.[2]
Born the son of a paper merchant in Paris, Boulanger studied first mathematics, and later ancient languages. He composed several philosophical works in which he sought to come up with naturalistic explanations for superstitions and religious practices, all of which were published posthumously. His major works were Research into the Origins of Oriental Despotism («Recherches sur l’origine du despotisme oriental», 1761) and Antiquity Unveiled («L’Antiquité dévoilée par ses usages», 1766). Boulanger's collected works were published in 1792.
The German Baron d'Holbach (Paul-Henri Thiry, 1723–1789) published his controversial anti-religious work Christianity Unveiled («Christianisme dévoilé», 1761), using Boulanger's name as his pseudonym, just two years after the philosopher's death.[1]
The asteroid 7346 Boulanger, discovered in 1993, was named in his honor.[2]
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
No one has reviewed this book yet.