1817 Dec r 30

Not Paul

III. Doctrine.

Ch. Asceticism

§.1. Asceticism Utility happiness pleasure pain

The Manicheans have made to themselves one mischievous God—an evil principle; Man is

to himself an evil principle.

The dæmon of asceticism is the evil principle of a Manichean

Part III. Doctrine. I. Asceticism.

Ch. Paul’s false doctrines. I. Asceticism, injunction of Ascetic

practices. Asceticism mischievous—not by the principles or practice of Jesus.

Positions to be proved.

Ch. 1. Of Asceticism—Asceticism inimical to happiness and

virtue—mischievous effects produced by it

§.1. Asceticism what—its opposition to utility—their

relation happiness, pleasure and pain.

Of the doctrines above noticed as having been taught by Paul though they had not bee

taught by Jesus and as belonging therefore to a religion of Paul’s own invention say

/call it/ for example Paulism, we; come now to that which stands last-mentioned, and

for the discussion of which the word Asceticism has been /is

here/ adopted.

Of /Concerning/ the doctrine of Asceticism three positions have presented themselves

as demonstrable viz.

1. That asceticism is to the whole extent of it a doctrine purely and incontestably

mischievous.

2. That neither in any of the acts of sayings or acts of Jesus is any countenance

whatsoever lent to it: but on the contrary, much and uniform discountenance.

3. That to a great extent and on many occasions it has been taught by Paul and that

great zeal /anxiety/ has been manifested by him for the enforcement of it.

4. That to Paul and Paul alone this doctrine is indebted for the influence which

down to this time has been exercised by it.