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beautified with a comely red: his note and mouth so formed that nothing can reprehend. His beard somewhat thick, agreeable to the hair of his head, not of any length, but forked in the midst: of an innocent look, eyes being grey, clear, and quick. In reproving, he is severe; in admonishing courteous and friendly: pleasant in speech, mixed with gravity. It cannot be remembered that any have seen him laugh, but many have observed him to weep. In proportion of body well shaped, his hands and arms very delectable to behold: in speaking temperate, modest, and wise. A man for his singular beauty excelling the children of men."
Q. Did not the many miracles performed by the apostles, convince all, that they were done by the power of God?
A. No; for there were several that calumniated them as if they were done by magic art, and the power of the devil, as Julian and Nero, and Simon Magus alleged, who, emulating the miracles of the apostles, studied the vain science, in order to imitate them therein.
Q. Do you know what became of this Simon Magus?
A. This Simon Magus, by his subtle cheats, and diabolical devices, got him into high esteem with Nero, so that the Emperor made him his greatest favourite, and the rest of the people accounted him a god; the apostle Peter being come to Rome, was grieved to find the people imposed upon by this sorcerer, was resolved to unmask the tricks and delusions of this vile impostor; a fit occasion presented itself, as is recorded by Hegesippus. "There died at this time," saith he, "a young gentleman, near of kin to the Emperor, for the raising of whom to life, there was a great contest between Peter and the
