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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
act_n church_n communicate_v communion_n 2,805 5 10.2978 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A31421 Primitive Christianity, or, The religion of the ancient Christians in the first ages of the Gospel in three parts / by William Cave. Cave, William, 1637-1713. 1675 (1675) Wing C1599; ESTC R29627 336,729 800

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e._n under_o instruction_n in_o order_n to_o their_o baptism_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o heinous_a crime_n under_o the_o censure_n and_o suspension_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o yet_o pass_v through_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o the_o penitent_n may_v not_o communicate_v and_o be_v therefore_o command_v to_o depart_v the_o church_n when_o the_o rest_n go_v to_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o look_v upon_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o the_o high_a and_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o religion_n they_o think_v they_o can_v never_o take_v care_n enough_o in_o the_o dispense_n of_o it_o according_o who_o ever_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o any_o scandalous_a fault_n be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n debar_v the_o communion_n a_o short_a or_o a_o long_a time_n and_o sometime_o all_o their_o life_n not_o to_o be_v reconcile_v and_o take_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n till_o they_o have_v continue_v their_o repentance_n to_o their_o 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fellowship_n with_o one_o another_o nay_o and_o sometime_o from_o church_n in_o one_o country_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o another_o which_o be_v also_o do_v by_o the_o eucharist_n itself_o for_o so_o irenaeus_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o pope_n victor_n tell_v we_o 193._o that_o the_o minister_n of_o church_n though_o differ_v in_o some_o little_a circumstance_n do_v yet_o use_v to_o send_v the_o eucharist_n to_o one_o another_o which_o custom_n be_v also_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o zonaras_n but_o because_o the_o carry_v the_o sacramental_a element_n up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n be_v think_v not_o so_o well_o to_o consist_v with_o the_o reverence_n and_o veneration_n that_o be_v due_a to_o this_o solemn_a ordinance_n therefore_o it_o be_v abolish_v by_o the_o laodicean_n synod_n 〈◊〉_d and_o these_o eulogiae_fw-la or_o piece_n of_o bread_n appoint_v at_o easter_n to_o be_v send_v up_o and_o down_o in_o their_o room_n for_o the_o time_n the_o next_o circumstance_n when_o they_o 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up_o the_o blood_n and_o ravenous_o tear_v off_o and_o snatch_v away_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o with_o this_o sacrifice_n their_o confederacy_n and_o combination_n be_v make_v and_o by_o the_o conscience_n of_o so_o great_a a_o villainy_n they_o be_v mutual_o oblige_v to_o silence_n such_o sacred_a rite_n as_o these_o being_n more_o horrid_a and_o barbarous_a than_o the_o high_a sacrilege_n in_o the_o world_n to_o this_o monstrous_a and_o horrid_a charge_n the_o christian_n return_v these_o answer_n that_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o mankind_n 8._o whether_o they_o can_v real_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o thing_n ●5_n so_o abhorrent_n to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o the_o christian_n know_v principle_n and_o practice_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v measure_v the_o christian_n by_o themselves_o and_o if_o they_o themselves_o can_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o thing_n they_o shall_v not_o suspect_v it_o by_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o humanity_n with_o other_o man_n that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v friend_n to_o murder_n or_o manslaughter_n ibid._n that_o they_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o gladiatory_a sport_n where_o man_n life_n be_v so_o want_v only_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o curiosity_n of_o the_o people_n 9_o that_o they_o account_v it_o murder_v for_o any_o woman_n by_o evil_a art_n to_o procure_v abortion_n to_o stifle_v the_o embryo_n to_o kill_v a_o child_n in_o a_o manner_n before_o it_o be_v alive_a it_o be_v much_o at_o one_o to_o hinder_v life_n as_o to_o take_v it_o away_o to_o kill_v a_o man_n or_o destroy_v what_o will_v be_v one_o see_v he_o true_o destroy_v the_o fruit_n that_o kill_v it_o in_o the_o seed_n 10._o that_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o shall_v delight_v in_o man_n blood_n who_o never_o taste_v any_o blood_n at_o all_o abstain_v 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with_o great_a advantage_n upon_o their_o adversary_n who_o they_o challenge_v to_o make_v any_o such_o thing_n good_a against_o they_o and_o no_o soon_o do_v discipline_n begin_v to_o be_v regular_o settle_v but_o their_o principle_n herein_o be_v every_o where_o confirm_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n 22._o either_o private_a or_o public_a the_o woman_n that_o industrious_o make_v herself_o miscarry_n be_v adjudge_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o murder_n 3●_n and_o condemn_v to_o the_o same_o punishment_n 1._o a_o ten_o year_n penance_n which_o be_v adjudge_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o any_o that_o bring_v forth_o upon_o the_o way_n and_o expose_v her_o infant_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o state_n make_v by_o the_o emperor_n valentinian_n whosoever_o whether_o man_n or_o woman_n kill_v a_o infant_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o capital_a punishment_n as_o if_o he_o have_v kill_v a_o adult_n person_n which_o may_v very_o well_o be_v understand_v even_o of_o infant_n 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and_o this_o they_o account_v their_o perfect_a pass-ove_a 76._o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o a_o learned_a man_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n believe_v that_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n do_v ever_o arrive_v to_o so_o much_o barbarousness_n and_o immanity_n as_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o thing_n and_o conceive_v they_o to_o have_v be_v feign_v mere_o out_o of_o hatred_n to_o those_o pestilent_a heretic_n but_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o epiphanius_n assure_v we_o 48._o that_o he_o have_v the_o account_n that_o he_o give_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o gnostic_n themselves_o and_o that_o many_o of_o the_o woman_n who_o be_v deceive_v into_o those_o abominable_a error_n do_v not_o only_o discover_v these_o thing_n to_o he_o but_o that_o he_o himself_o in_o his_o young_a year_n while_o he_o be_v in_o egypt_n have_v be_v assault_v by_o they_o and_o by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o flattery_n and_o persuasion_n of_o wantonness_n and_o immdesty_n have_v be_v set_v upon_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o a_o person_n so_o venerable_a for_o learning_n and_o piety_n as_o epiphanius_n be_v shall_v impose_v upon_o we_o by_o feign_v so_o gross_a and_o notorious_a a_o falsehood_n beside_o whoever_o read_v irenaeus_n in_o who_o time_n these_o heresy_n be_v most_o ri●e_a and_o predominant_a and_o consider_v the_o account_n that_o he_o give_v of_o they_o which_o he_o main_o receive_v from_o person_n of_o their_o own_o party_n after_o they_o be_v return_v back_o to_o the_o church_n will_v see_v little_a reason_n either_o to_o think_v any_o wickedness_n too_o great_a for_o they_o to_o boggle_v at_o or_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o report_v concern_v they_o chap._n ii_o of_o their_o admirable_a love_n and_o charity_n the_o excellent_a temper_n of_o the_o
that_o stand_v under_o this_o capacity_n a_o formal_a sentence_n be_v always_o denounce_v against_o he_o it_o be_v many_o time_n sufficient_a that_o the_o fact_n he_o have_v do_v be_v evident_a and_o notorious_a as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o lapse_v that_o have_v offer_v sacrifice_n for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o offender_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la excommunicate_a and_o all_o religious_a commerce_n forbear_v towards_o he_o it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o some_o case_n the_o martyr_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o anon_o find_v such_o lapse_v person_n true_o penitent_a do_v receive_v they_o into_o private_a communion_n h._n so_o do_v those_o martyr_n dionysius_n alexandrinus_n speak_v of_o in_o his_o letter_n to_o fabius_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n 241._o they_o take_v the_o penitent_n that_o have_v fall_v into_o idolatry_n into_o their_o company_n and_o communicate_v with_o they_o both_o at_o prayer_n and_o meal_n but_o to_o public_a communion_n they_o be_v never_o admit_v till_o they_o have_v exact_o fulfil_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o principal_o consist_v in_o many_o severe_a act_n of_o repentance_n and_o mortification_n more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n during_o this_o space_n of_o penance_n they_o appear_v in_o all_o the_o formality_n of_o sorrow_n and_o mourning_n 127._o in_o a_o sordid_a and_o squalid_a habit_n 197._o with_o a_o sad_a countenance_n and_o a_o head_n hang_v down_o with_o tear_n in_o their_o eye_n stand_v without_o at_o the_o church_n door_n for_o they_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o enter_v in_o fall_v down_o upon_o their_o knee_n to_o the_o minister_n as_o they_o go_v in_o and_o beg_v the_o prayer_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n for_o themselves_o with_o all_o the_o expression_n and_o demonstration_n of_o a_o sorrowful_a and_o deject_a mind_n reckon_v the_o low_a they_o lay_v in_o repentance_n the_o high_a it_o will_v exalt_v they_o the_o more_o sordid_a they_o appear_v the_o more_o they_o shall_v be_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v the_o less_o they_o spare_v themselves_o the_o more_o god_n will_v spare_v they_o at_o these_o time_n also_o they_o make_v open_a confession_n of_o their_o fault_n this_o be_v account_v the_o very_a spring_n of_o repentance_n and_o without_o which_o they_o conclude_v it_o can_v not_o be_v real_a ibid._n out_o of_o confession_n say_v tertullian_n be_v bear_v repentance_n and_o by_o repentance_n god_n be_v pacify_v and_o therefore_o without_o this_o neither_o riches_n nor_o honour_n will_v procure_v any_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n thus_o eusebius_n report_v 232._o that_o when_o philippus_n the_o emperor_n will_v have_v go_v in_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o christian_n upon_o easter-eve_n to_o have_v partake_v of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n suffer_v it_o unless_o he_o first_o make_v confession_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o pass_v through_o the_o order_n of_o the_o penitent_n be_v guilty_a of_o very_o great_a and_o enormous_a sin_n which_o it_o be_v say_v he_o very_o willing_o submit_v to_o testify_v by_o his_o action_n his_o real_a and_o religious_a fear_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n this_o story_n though_o as_o to_o the_o main_a of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v true_a yet_o as_o fasten_v upon_o philip_n the_o emperor_n i_o have_v former_o show_v it_o to_o be_v false_a and_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o mean_v of_o one_o philippus_n who_o be_v governor_n in_o egypt_n and_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n but_o however_o this_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o person_n as_o great_a as_o he_o theodosius_n the_o great_a for_o his_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a slaughter_n of_o the_o thessalonian_n be_v by_o s._n ambrose_n bishop_n of_o milan_n suspend_v bring_v to_o public_a confession_n and_o force_v to_o undergo_v a_o severe_a course_n of_o penance_n for_o eight_o month_n together_o when_o after_o great_a demonstration_n of_o a_o hearty_a sorrow_n and_o sincere_a repentance_n not_o more_o rigid_o impose_v upon_o he_o than_o ready_o and_o willing_o receive_v by_o he_o after_o his_o usual_a prostration_n in_o the_o church_n as_o if_o unworthy_a either_o to_o stand_v or_o kneel_v cry_v out_o in_o the_o word_n of_o david_n my_o soul_n cleave_v unto_o the_o dust_n quicken_v thou_o i_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n after_o have_v oft_o tear_v his_o hair_n beat_v his_o forehead_n water_v his_o cheek_n with_o tear_n and_o humble_o beg_v peace_n and_o pardon_n he_o be_v absolve_v and_o restore_v to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o which_o passage_n they_o who_o will_v know_v more_o may_v find_v the_o story_n large_o relate_v by_o theodoret._n 15._o this_o severity_n be_v use_v towards_o offender_n partly_o to_o make_v they_o more_o sensible_a of_o their_o sin_n partly_o to_o affright_v and_o deter_v other_o but_o principal_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n both_o to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n concern_v the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o these_o penance_n in_o the_o write_n of_o those_o time_n be_v so_o often_o call_v satisfaction_n for_o whenever_o those_o father_n use_n the_o word_n it_o be_v either_o with_o respect_n to_o man_n or_o god_n if_o to_o man_n than_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o by_o these_o external_a act_n of_o sorrow_n and_o mortification_n they_o satisfy_v the_o church_n of_o their_o repentance_n 3._o and_o make_v reparation_n for_o those_o offence_n and_o scandal_n which_o they_o have_v give_v by_o their_o sin_n if_o to_o god_n then_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o man_n fault_n and_o the_o beg_n of_o pardon_n and_o remission_n 177._o thus_o cyprian_n speak_v of_o the_o state_n of_o impenitent_a sinner_n aggravate_v it_o by_o this_o that_o they_o do_v peccare_fw-la nec_fw-la satisfacere_fw-la sin_n but_o make_v no_o satisfaction_n i.e._n as_o in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n he_o explain_v it_o they_o do_v not_o peccata_fw-la deflere_fw-la confess_v and_o bewail_v their_o sin_n 173_o and_o before_o discourse_v about_o god_n be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o tear_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o be_v address_v to_o god_n and_o not_o man_n he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v god_n that_o be_v to_o be_v appease_v by_o satisfaction_n that_o he_o be_v great_o offend_v be_v to_o be_v entreat_v by_o a_o long_a and_o full_a repentance_n as_o be_v alone_o able_a to_o pardon_v those_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v against_o he_o so_o that_o the_o satisfaction_n which_o they_o reckon_v they_o make_v to_o god_n consist_v in_o seek_v to_o avert_v his_o displeasure_n and_o to_o regain_v his_o forfeit_a favour_n by_o a_o deep_a contrition_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n by_o a_o real_a acknowledgement_n and_o forsake_v of_o their_o fault_n and_o by_o a_o humble_a give_v to_o god_n the_o glory_n both_o of_o his_o mercy_n and_o his_o justice_n 127_o thence_o confession_n be_v call_v by_o tertullian_n the_o counsel_n or_o intendment_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o describe_v it_o thus_o confession_n say_v he_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o offence_n to_o god_n not_o as_o if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o by_o confession_n satisfaction_n be_v forward_v by_o confession_n repentance_n be_v produce_v and_o by_o repentance_n god_n be_v appease_v the_o same_o both_o he_o cyprian_a and_o other_o frequent_o use_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n which_o i_o note_v the_o rather_o because_o of_o that_o absurd_a and_o impious_a doctrine_n so_o currant_n among_o the_o papist_n and_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o derive_v from_o these_o very_a father_n that_o by_o work_n of_o penance_n compensation_n be_v make_v to_o god_n for_o the_o debt_n of_o punishment_n that_o be_v contract_v whereby_o at_o least_o the_o temporal_a penalty_n due_a to_o sin_n be_v meritorious_o expiate_v and_o do_v away_o but_o this_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v flat_o repugnant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o antiquity_n how_o much_o it_o be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o infinite_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o stand_v to_o dispute_v to_o return_v therefore_o this_o term_n of_o penance_n be_v usual_o exact_v with_o great_a rigour_n and_o seldom_o dispense_v with_o no_o indulgence_n or_o admission_n be_v grant_v till_o the_o full_a time_n be_v complete_v therefore_o cyprian_n smart_o chide_v with_o some_o presbyter_n who_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o absolve_v the_o lapse_v before_o their_o time_n 21._o and_o that_o whereas_o in_o lesser_a offence_n man_n be_v oblige_v to_o the_o just_a time_n of_o penance_n and_o to_o observe_v the_o order_n of_o discipline_n they_o in_o a_o crime_n of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n have_v hand_n over_o head_n admit_v they_o to_o communion_n before_o they_o have_v go_v through_o their_o penance_n
his_o particular_a lot_n and_o portion_n comprehend_v the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n in_o general_n but_o afterward_o this_o title_n be_v confine_v to_o narrow_a bound_n and_o become_v appropriate_a to_o that_o tribe_n which_o god_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o to_o stand_v before_o he_o to_o wait_v at_o his_o altar_n and_o to_o minister_v in_o the_o service_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o after_o the_o expiration_n of_o their_o oeconomy_n be_v according_o use_v to_o denote_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o person_n peculiar_o consecrate_v and_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o clergy_n be_v those_o qui_fw-la divino_fw-la cultui_fw-la ministeria_fw-la religionis_fw-la impendunt_fw-la as_o they_o be_v define_v in_o a_o law_n of_o the_o emperor_n constantine_n who_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o ministery_n of_o religion_n 2._o in_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o divine_a worship_n now_o the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v often_o call_v in_o the_o apostle_n canon_n the_o roll_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n take_v it_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o its_o first_o four_o hundred_o year_n consist_v of_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v peculiar_o consecrate_v to_o the_o more_o proper_a and_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o as_o be_v set_v apart_o only_o for_o the_o more_o mean_a and_o common_a service_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v these_o three_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n the_o first_o and_o principal_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o precedent_n or_o bishop_n usual_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o presbyter_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o concern_v myself_o in_o the_o dispute_v whether_o episcopacy_n as_o a_o superior_a order_n to_o presbytery_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n a_o controversy_n sufficient_o ventilate_v in_o the_o late_a time_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o my_o purpose_n what_o be_v acknowledge_v both_o by_o blondel_n and_o salmasius_n the_o most_o learned_a defender_n of_o presbytery_n that_o bishop_n be_v distinct_a from_o and_o superior_a to_o presbyter_n in_o the_o second_o century_n or_o the_o next_o age_n to_o the_o apostle_n the_o main_a work_n and_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o absolve_v penitent_n to_o eject_v and_o excommunicate_v obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a offender_n to_o preside_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o ordain_v inferior_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o call_v they_o to_o account_n and_o to_o suspend_v or_o deal_v with_o they_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n to_o urge_v the_o observance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o to_o appoint_v and_o institute_v such_o indifferent_a rite_n as_o be_v for_o the_o decent_a and_o orderly_a administration_n of_o his_o church_n in_o short_a according_a to_o the_o notation_n of_o his_o name_n he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o watchman_n and_o sentinal_n and_o therefore_o oblige_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d diligent_o and_o careful_o to_o inspect_v and_o observe_v to_o superintend_v and_o provide_v for_o those_o that_o be_v under_o his_o charge_n this_o zonaras_n tell_v we_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o bishop_n throne_n 58._o be_v place_v on_o high_a in_o the_o most_o eminent_a part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o denote_v how_o much_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n from_o thence_o to_o overlook_v and_o very_o diligent_o to_o observe_v the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o he_o these_o and_o many_o more_o be_v the_o unquestionable_a right_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o episcopal_a office_n which_o because_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o troublesome_a for_o one_o man_n to_o discharge_v especial_o where_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o diocese_n as_o we_o now_o call_v it_o be_v any_o thing_n large_a therefore_o upon_o the_o multiply_a of_o country_n church_n it_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o take_v in_o a_o subordinate_a sort_n of_o bishop_n call_v chorepiscopi_fw-la country_n or_o as_o among_o we_o they_o have_v be_v call_v suffragan_a bishop_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o superintend_v and_o inspect_v the_o church_n in_o the_o country_n that_o lie_v more_o remote_a from_o the_o city_n where_o the_o episcopal_n see_v be_v and_o which_o the_o bishop_n can_v not_o always_o inspect_v and_o oversee_v in_o his_o own_o person_n these_o be_v the_o vicarii_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la as_o they_o be_v call_v in_o isidores_n version_n of_o the_o thirteen_o canon_n both_o of_o the_o ancyran_n and_o neocaesarean_a council_n the_o bishop_n deputy_n choose_v out_o of_o the_o fit_a and_o grave_a person_n in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o last_o mention_v council_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v choose_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o seventy_o not_o the_o seventy_o elder_n which_o moses_n take_v in_o to_o bear_v part_n of_o the_o government_n as_o some_o have_v gloss_v the_o word_n of_o that_o canon_n but_o of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o our_o lord_n make_v choice_n of_o to_o send_v up_o and_o down_o the_o country_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o both_o zonaras_n and_o balsamon_n understand_v it_o and_o thereupon_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a care_n and_o pain_n be_v command_v to_o be_v esteem_v very_o honourable_a their_o authority_n be_v much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o presbyter_n and_o yet_o much_o inferior_a to_o the_o bishop_n 10._o bishop_n real_o they_o be_v though_o their_o power_n confine_v within_o narrow_a limit_n they_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o ordain_v either_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n unless_o peculiar_o license_v to_o it_o by_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n though_o they_o may_v ordain_v subdeacon_n reader_n and_o any_o inferior_a officer_n under_o they_o they_o be_v to_o be_v assistant_n to_o the_o bishop_n may_v be_v present_a at_o synod_n and_o council_n to_o many_o whereof_o we_o find_v their_o subscription_n and_o have_v power_n to_o give_v letter_n of_o peace_n i._n e._n such_o letter_n 8._o whereby_o the_o bishop_n of_o one_o diocese_n be_v wont_a to_o recommend_v any_o of_o his_o clergy_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o another_o that_o so_o a_o fair_a understanding_n and_o correspondence_n may_v be_v maintain_v between_o they_o a_o privilege_n express_o deny_v to_o any_o presbyter_n whatsoever_o but_o lest_o this_o wander_a employment_n of_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la shall_v reflect_v any_o dishonour_n upon_o the_o episcopal_a office_n there_o be_v certain_a presbyter_n appoint_v in_o their_o room_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 57_o or_o visiter_n often_o mention_v in_o the_o ancient_a canon_n and_o act_n of_o council_n who_o be_v tie_v to_o no_o certain_a place_n be_v to_o go_v up_o and_o down_o the_o country_n to_o observe_v and_o correct_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o these_o doubtless_o be_v those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o in_o the_o thirteen_o canon_n of_o the_o neocaesarean_a council_n those_o rural_a presbyter_n who_o be_v there_o forbid_v to_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n in_o the_o city_n church_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o city_n as_o christianity_n increase_v and_o overspread_v all_o part_n and_o especial_o the_o city_n of_o the_o empire_n it_o be_v find_v necessary_a yet_o far_o to_o enlarge_v the_o episcopal_a office_n and_o as_o there_o be_v common_o a_o bishop_n in_o every_o great_a city_n so_o in_o the_o metropolis_n as_o the_o roman_n call_v it_o the_o mother_n city_n of_o every_o province_n wherein_o they_o have_v court_n of_o civil_a judicature_n there_o be_v a_o archbishop_n or_o a_o metropolitan_a who_o have_v ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n over_o all_o the_o church_n within_o that_o province_n he_o be_v superior_a to_o all_o the_o bishop_n within_o those_o limit_n to_o he_o it_o belong_v either_o to_o ordain_v or_o to_o ratify_v the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n within_o his_o province_n insomuch_o that_o without_o his_o confirmation_n they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o null_n and_o void_a once_o at_o least_o every_o year_n he_o be_v to_o summon_v the_o bishop_n under_o he_o to_o a_o synod_n to_o inquire_v into_o and_o direct_v the_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n within_o that_o province_n to_o inspect_v the_o life_n and_o manner_n the_o opinion_n and_o principle_n of_o his_o bishop_n to_o admonish_v reprove_v and_o suspend_v they_o that_o be_v disorderly_a and_o irregular_a if_o any_o controversy_n or_o contention_n happen_v between_o any_o of_o they_o he_o be_v to_o have_v the_o hear_n and_o determination_n of_o they_o and_o indeed_o no_o matter_n of_o moment_n be_v do_v within_o the_o whole_a province_n without_o first_o consult_v he_o in_o the_o case_n beside_o this_o metropolitan_a there_o be_v many_o time_n another_o in_o the_o same_o
off_o the_o sacred_a obligation_n of_o thy_o baptism_n and_o the_o true_a faith_n which_o thou_o do_v then_o profess_v and_o take_v upon_o thou_o thesese_v be_v the_o main_a and_o most_o considerable_a circumstance_n wherewith_o baptism_n be_v administer_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n some_o whereof_o be_v by_o degree_n antiquate_v and_o disuse_v other_o rite_n there_o be_v that_o belong_v only_o to_o particular_a church_n and_o which_o as_o they_o be_v sudden_o take_v up_o so_o be_v as_o quick_o lay_v aside_o other_o be_v add_v in_o aftertime_n till_o they_o increase_v so_o fast_o that_o the_o usage_n and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o become_v absurd_a and_o burdensome_a as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o office_n for_o baptism_n in_o the_o romish_a ritual_a at_o this_o day_n as_o a_o conclusion_n to_o this_o chapter_n i_o have_v once_o think_v to_o have_v treat_v concern_v confirmation_n tailor_n which_o ever_o be_v a_o constant_a appendage_n to_o baptism_n hammond_n and_o have_v note_v some_o thing_n to_o that_o purpose_n baxter_n but_o shall_v supersede_n that_o labour_n hanmer_n find_v it_o so_o often_o daille_n and_o so_o full_o do_v by_o other_o in_o just_a discourse_n that_o nothing_o considerable_a can_v be_v add_v to_o they_o only_o i_o shall_v give_v this_o brief_a and_o general_a account_n of_o it_o all_o person_n baptize_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n according_a to_o their_o age_n and_o capacity_n person_n adult_n some_o little_a time_n after_o baptism_n child_n when_o arrive_v to_o year_n of_o competent_a ripeness_n and_o maturity_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o bishop_n there_o further_o to_o confirm_v and_o ratify_v that_o compact_n which_o they_o have_v make_v with_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o by_o some_o solemn_a act_n of_o his_o ministry_n to_o be_v themselves_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v by_o have_v the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n confer_v upon_o they_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o discharge_v that_o great_a promise_n and_o engagement_n which_o they_o have_v make_v to_o god_n this_o be_v usual_o perform_v with_o the_o ceremony_n of_o unction_n the_o person_n confirm_v be_v anoint_a by_o the_o bishop_n or_o in_o his_o absence_n by_o a_o inferior_a minister_n and_o indeed_o unction_n be_v a_o ancient_a rite_n use_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o denote_v the_o confer_v of_o gift_n or_o grace_n upon_o person_n and_o thence_o probable_o among_o other_o reason_n as_o many_o other_o usage_n be_v may_v be_v derive_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n 1._o though_o a_o learned_a man_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o unction_n be_v never_o use_v in_o confirmation_n but_o where_o the_o person_n be_v in_o case_n of_o necessity_n baptize_v by_o some_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n have_v not_o be_v before_o anoint_v otherwise_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v complete_a baptism_n be_v not_o afterward_o anoint_v at_o their_o confirmation_n for_o which_o the_o council_n of_o orange_n be_v most_o express_a and_o clear_a 1._o and_o indeed_o that_o confirmation_n be_v often_o administer_v without_o this_o unction_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o know_v the_o state_n of_o those_o time_n be_v do_v only_o by_o solemn_a imposition_n of_o the_o bishop_n hand_n and_o by_o devout_a and_o pious_a prayer_n that_o the_o person_n confirm_v may_v grow_v in_o grace_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v those_o vow_n and_o purpose_n and_o that_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v before_o embrace_v in_o baptism_n and_o then_o again_o own_v before_o the_o whole_a congregation_n till_o this_o be_v do_v they_o be_v not_o account_v complete_a christian_n nor_o admit_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n nor_o can_v challenge_v any_o actual_a right_n to_o those_o great_a privilege_n of_o christianity_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o ancient_n so_o often_o speak_v of_o confirmation_n as_o that_o which_o do_v perfect_a and_o consummate_a christian_n as_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o confer_v great_a measure_n of_o that_o grace_n that_o be_v but_o begin_v in_o baptism_n upon_o all_o which_o account_n and_o almost_o exact_o according_a to_o the_o primitive_a usage_n it_o be_v still_o retain_v and_o practise_v in_o our_o own_o church_n at_o this_o day_n and_o happy_a be_v it_o for_o we_o be_v it_o keep_v up_o in_o its_o due_a power_n and_o vigour_n sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a that_o many_o of_o our_o unhappy_a breach_n and_o controversy_n in_o religion_n do_v if_o not_o whole_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n owe_v their_o birth_n and_o rise_v to_o the_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o this_o excellent_a usage_n of_o the_o church_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n the_o person_n dispense_n this_o ordinance_n who_o the_o person_n communicate_v the_o baptise_a or_o the_o faithful_a suspension_n from_o this_o ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n the_o eucharist_n send_v home_o to_o they_o that_o can_v not_o be_v present_a the_o case_n of_o serapion_n a_o custom_n in_o some_o place_n to_o give_v the_o sacrament_n to_o person_n when_o dead_a if_o they_o die_v before_o they_o can_v receive_v it_o and_o why_o the_o eucharist_n keep_v by_o person_n at_o home_n send_v abroad_o this_o lay_v aside_o and_o in_o its_o stead_n eulogiae_fw-la or_o piece_n of_o consecrate_a bread_n send_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o as_o token_n of_o communion_n the_o time_n of_o its_o administration_n sometime_o in_o the_o morning_n sometime_o at_o night_n vary_v according_o to_o the_o peace_n they_o enjoy_v how_o oft_o they_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n at_o first_o every_o day_n this_o continue_v in_o cyprian_n time_n four_o time_n a_o week_n afterward_o less_o frequent_v the_o usual_a place_n of_o receive_v the_o church_n ordinary_o not_o lawful_a to_o consecrate_v it_o elsewhere_o oblation_n make_v by_o person_n before_o their_o communicate_v their_o agapae_n or_o love-feast_n what_o whether_o before_o or_o after_o the_o sacrament_n how_o long_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n the_o manner_n of_o celebrate_v this_o sacrament_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a author_n the_o holy_a kiss_n the_o general_a prayer_n for_o the_o church_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o consecration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o form_n of_o it_o out_o of_o s._n ambrose_n the_o bread_n common_a bread_n the_o sacramental_a wine_n mix_v with_o water_n this_o no_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o institution_n why_o probable_o use_v in_o those_o country_n the_o posture_n of_o receive_v not_o always_o the_o same_o sing_v psalm_n during_o the_o time_n of_o celebration_n follow_v with_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n the_o whole_a action_n conclude_v with_o the_o kiss_n of_o peace_n the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v a_o rite_n so_o solemn_o institute_v and_o of_o such_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v place_n according_o among_o the_o ancient_n in_o their_o public_a office_n and_o devotion_n in_o speak_v to_o which_o i_o shall_v much_o what_o observe_v the_o same_o method_n i_o do_v in_o treat_v concern_v baptism_n consider_v the_o person_n the_o time_n the_o place_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o celebration_n the_o person_n administer_a be_v the_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n those_o who_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o ministration_n of_o holy_a office_n the_o institution_n be_v begin_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o by_o he_o commit_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o their_o ordinary_a successor_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 102._o we_o find_v in_o tertullian_n that_o they_o never_o receive_v it_o from_o any_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o precedent_n which_o must_v either_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o particular_a custom_n of_o that_o church_n where_o he_o live_v or_o of_o consecration_n only_o for_o otherwise_o the_o custom_n be_v when_o the_o bishop_n or_o precedent_n have_v by_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o blessing_n consecrate_v the_o sacramental_a element_n for_o the_o deacon_n to_o distribute_v they_o to_o the_o people_n as_o well_o to_o those_o that_o be_v absent_a as_o to_o they_o that_o be_v present_a 97._o as_o justin_n martyr_v express_o affirm_v and_o as_o the_o custom_n general_o be_v afterward_o for_o the_o person_n communicate_v at_o this_o sacrament_n at_o first_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christian_n within_o such_o a_o space_n that_o have_v embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n use_v constant_o to_o meet_v together_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o christian_n multiply_v and_o a_o more_o exact_a discipline_n become_v necessary_a none_o be_v admit_v to_o this_o ordinance_n till_o they_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o who_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o catechuman_n i._n
christian_a religion_n the_o gospel_n principal_o enjoin_v kindness_n and_o charity_n the_o primitive_a christian_n eminent_o of_o this_o spirit_n they_o account_v all_o brethren_n but_o christian_n more_o especial_o their_o mutual_a love_n note_v and_o record_v by_o their_o enemy_n their_o mighty_a zeal_n and_o charity_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o recover_v they_o from_o vice_n and_o error_n to_o truth_n and_o virtue_n this_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o daily_a prayer_n and_o most_o serious_a endeavour_n even_o towards_o their_o great_a enemy_n pamphilus_n his_o charity_n in_o bestow_v bibles_n free_o upon_o the_o poor_a preacher_n maintain_v for_o convert_v the_o gentile_a phoenicians_n to_o christianity_n the_o famous_a story_n of_o john_n hazard_v himself_n for_o the_o regain_n a_o young_a man_n debauch_v by_o bad_a companion_n monica_n care_n and_o solicitude_n about_o s._n augustin_n some_o that_o have_v sell_v themselves_o for_o slave_n that_o they_o may_v convert_v their_o heathen_a or_o heretical_a master_n christian_n not_o shy_a of_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o religion_n their_o charity_n as_o it_o respect_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o outward_a life_n this_o note_v in_o several_a instance_n of_o charity_n their_o liberal_a provide_v for_o the_o poor_a the_o bounty_n of_o particular_a person_n divers_a instance_n of_o it_o the_o immense_a charity_n of_o epiphanius_n exemplary_a vengeance_n upon_o some_o that_o abuse_v it_o the_o poor_a account_v the_o treasure_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o church_n represent_v in_o the_o case_n of_o laurentius_n the_o deacon_n and_o a_o story_n relate_v by_o palladius_n their_o visit_n and_o assist_v the_o sick_a in_o their_o own_o person_n eminent_o note_v in_o the_o empress_n placilla_n and_o the_o lady_n fabiola_n the_o christian_n care_n of_o their_o brethren_n in_o a_o great_a plague_n at_o alexandria_n person_n appoint_v on_o purpose_n to_o cure_v and_o attend_v the_o sick_a the_o parabolani_n who_o their_o office_n and_o number_n redemption_n of_o captive_n great_a sum_n contribute_v by_o cyprian_a and_o his_o people_n for_o it_o church-plate_n sell_v to_o redeem_v christian_n nay_o captive_a enemy_n christian_n embondage_v themselves_o to_o redeem_v other_o the_o strange_a charity_n of_o paulinus_n bishop_n of_o nola_n make_v himself_o a_o slave_n to_o ransom_v a_o poor_a widow_n son_n their_o care_n about_o the_o body_n of_o the_o dead_a decent_a burial_n very_o fit_a and_o desirable_a a_o piece_n of_o piety_n remarkable_a in_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n their_o abstain_v from_o the_o common_a custom_n of_o burn_v the_o dead_a as_o barbarous_a the_o great_a cost_n they_o lay_v out_o upon_o their_o funeral_n in_o embalm_v intomb_v etc._n etc._n the_o copiatae_n who_o what_o their_o office_n and_o order_n the_o decani_fw-la or_o dean_n in_o the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n their_o number_n and_o duty_n their_o provide_v fit_a place_n of_o sepulture_n their_o coemeteria_fw-la or_o burying-place_n in_o the_o field_n bury_v in_o city_n and_o church_n when_o bring_v in_o and_o to_o who_o first_o grant_v their_o coemeteria_fw-la under_o ground_n what_o kind_n of_o place_n they_o be_v the_o great_a number_n and_o vast_a capacity_n of_o they_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o one_o out_o of_o baronius_n discover_v in_o his_o time_n how_o the_o christian_n be_v enable_v to_o all_o these_o act_n of_o charity_n at_o first_o all_o in_o common_a after_o by_o usual_a contribution_n the_o stand_a stock_n or_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n this_o charity_n of_o christian_n large_o attest_v by_o julian_n and_o lucian_n their_o love_n and_o charity_n universal_a do_v good_a to_o enemy_n a_o excellency_n proper_a to_o christian_n this_o manifest_v in_o several_a remarkable_a instance_n plain_o acknowledge_v by_o julian_n himself_o the_o whole_a sum_v up_o in_o a_o elegant_a discourse_n of_o lactantius_n concern_v mercy_n and_o charity_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v immediate_o design_v to_o improve_v and_o perfect_v the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n appear_v as_o from_o many_o other_o instance_n of_o it_o so_o especial_o from_o this_o that_o it_o so_o strict_o enjoin_v cherish_v and_o promote_v that_o natural_a kindness_n and_o compassion_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o prime_n and_o essential_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n wherever_o the_o gospel_n be_v cordial_o comply_v with_o it_o beget_v such_o a_o sweet_a and_o gracious_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o make_v we_o humble_a affable_a courteous_a and_o charitable_a ready_a and_o dispose_v to_o every_o good_a work_n prompt_v to_o all_o office_n of_o humanity_n and_o kindness_n it_o file_v off_o the_o ruggedness_n of_o man_n nature_n banish_v a_o rude_a churlish_a and_o pharisaical_a temper_n and_o infuse_v a_o more_o calm_a and_o treatable_a disposition_n it_o command_v we_o to_o live_v and_o love_v as_o brethren_n to_o love_v without_o hypocrisy_n to_o have_v fervent_a charity_n among_o ourselves_o and_o to_o be_v kind_o affection_a one_o towards_o another_o it_o lay_v the_o sum_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o other_o in_o this_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o this_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o own_o as_o his_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a law_n and_o have_v ratify_v it_o with_o his_o own_o solemn_a sanction_n a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o that_o you_o also_o love_v one_o another_o and_o then_o make_v this_o the_o great_a visible_a badge_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v true_o christian_n by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o and_o so_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o those_o first_o and_o best_a age_n of_o religion_n for_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o gospel_n fly_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n but_o the_o love_n and_o charity_n of_o christian_n become_v notorious_a 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same_o light_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o coheir_n of_o the_o same_o hope_n this_o lucian_n himself_o confess_v of_o they_o 2._o and_o that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a principle_n that_o their_o master_n instill_v into_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v all_o become_v brethren_n after_o once_o they_o have_v throw_v off_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o have_v embrace_v the_o worship_n of_o their_o great_a crucify_a master_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o live_v according_a to_o his_o law_n the_o truth_n be_v so_o ready_a entire_a and_o constant_a be_v their_o kindness_n and_o familiarity_n that_o the_o heathen_n accuse_v they_o for_o have_v privy_a mark_n upon_o their_o body_n 7._o whereby_o they_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o each_o other_o at_o first_o sight_n indeed_o they_o never_o meet_v but_o they_o embrace_v one_o another_o with_o all_o the_o demonstration_n of_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a affection_n salute_v each_o other_o with_o a●_n holy_a kiss_n not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o house_n but_o at_o their_o religious_a assembly_n as_o a_o badge_n and_o bond_n of_o that_o christian_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n that_o be_v maintain_v among_o they_o but_o the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o those_o christian_n of_o old_a do_v not_o lie_v only_o in_o a_o smooth_a complemental_a carriage_n or_o in_o a_o parcel_n of_o good_a word_n depart_v in_o peace_n be_v you_o warm_v or_o fill_v but_o in_o the_o real_a exercise_n of_o charity_n and_o mercy_n now_o because_o the_o two_o great_a object_n of_o charity_n be_v the_o good_a of_o man_n soul_n and_o their_o outward_a and_o bodily_a welfare_n and_o happiness_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v high_o eminent_a and_o exemplary_a for_o both_o these_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o a_o much_o high_a and_o noble_a nature_n and_o consequent_o infinite_o more_o precious_a and_o valuable_a than_o the_o body_n they_o be_v according_o infinite_o careful_a and_o solicitous_a to_o save_v man_n
their_o number_n to_o five_o hundred_o which_o be_v find_v too_o little_a by_o a_o second_o constitution_n he_o enlarge_v it_o to_o six_o hundred_o the_o truth_n be_v these_o parabolani_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o clergy-physician_n for_o that_o they_o be_v under_o a_o ecclesiastical_a cognizance_n be_v plain_a be_v reckon_v up_o with_o the_o clergy_n and_o according_o by_o the_o latter_a constitution_n of_o theodosius_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v choose_v by_o and_o to_o be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n a_o three_o instance_n of_o their_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o which_o s._n ambrose_n call_v the_o high_a piece_n of_o liberality_n be_v their_o care_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o captivity_n 42._o groan_v under_o the_o merciless_a tyranny_n and_o oppression_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o relieve_v they_o under_o to_o redeem_v they_o out_o of_o their_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n cyprian_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o numidia_n about_o this_o very_a thing_n 96._o the_o redemption_n of_o those_o christian_n among_o they_o that_o have_v be_v take_v captive_a by_o the_o barbarian_n elegant_o bewail_v their_o misery_n and_o earnest_o press_v their_o redemption_n and_o as_o a_o help_n towards_o it_o send_v they_o sestertium_fw-la centum_fw-la millia_fw-la nummûm_fw-la loc_n which_o rigaltius_n compute_v to_o twenty_o five_o thousand_o pound_n french_a 131._o though_o other_o more_o true_o reduce_v it_o to_o a_o much_o low_a sum_n viz._n seven_o thousand_o five_o hundred_o or_o two_o thousand_o five_o hundred_o crown_n which_o he_o and_o his_o people_n have_v liberal_o contribute_v to_o it_o of_o acacius_n bishop_n of_o amida_n we_o read_v in_o socrates_n 360._o that_o when_o the_o roman_a army_n have_v take_v seven_o thousand_o persian_n captive_a and_o will_v neither_o release_v they_o without_o a_o ransom_n nor_o yet_o give_v they_o food_n to_o keep_v they_o alive_a this_o good_a bishop_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o his_o church_n cause_v all_o the_o gold_n and_o silver_n plate_n and_o vessel_n that_o belong_v to_o their_o church_n to_o be_v melt_v down_o ransom_v the_o wretch_n feed_v they_o and_o then_o free_o send_v they_o home_o to_o their_o own_o prince_n with_o which_o generous_a charity_n the_o king_n of_o persia_n as_o he_o well_o may_v be_v strange_o amaze_v find_v that_o the_o roman_n know_v how_o to_o conquer_v a_o enemy_n by_o kindness_n no_o less_o than_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n the_o like_a s._n ambrose_n relate_v of_o himself_o 50._o that_o he_o cause_v the_o communion_n plate_n of_o his_o church_n to_o be_v break_v in_o piece_n to_o redeem_v christian_n take_v captive_a by_o the_o enemy_n for_o which_o though_o he_o be_v blame_v by_o the_o arrian_n party_n yet_o he_o elegant_o defend_v the_o fact_n as_o not_o only_o a_o justifiable_a 43._o but_o a_o proper_a and_o eminent_a act_n of_o charity_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o only_a case_n wherein_o the_o imperial_a constitution_n make_v it_o lawful_a to_o sell_v or_o pawn_v the_o plate_n and_o gift_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v otherwise_o make_v sacrilege_n to_o receive_v they_o and_o the_o thing_n absolute_o forfeit_v by_o those_o that_o buy_v they_o this_o be_v very_o great_a but_o yet_o we_o meet_v with_o a_o strange_a charity_n than_o this_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n some_o that_o have_v part_v with_o their_o own_o liberty_n to_o purchase_v freedom_n unto_o other_o so_o s._n clemens_n assure_v we_o in_o his_o famous_a epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 70._o we_o have_v know_v many_o among_o ourselves_o say_v he_o who_o have_v deliver_v themselves_o into_o bond_n and_o slavery_n that_o they_o may_v restore_v other_o to_o their_o liberty_n many_o who_o have_v hire_v out_o themselves_o servant_n unto_o other_o that_o by_o their_o wage_n they_o may_v feed_v and_o sustain_v they_o that_o want_v of_o which_o this_o one_o strange_a instance_n shall_v suffice_v under_o the_o vandalic_a persecution_n many_o christian_n be_v carry_v slave_n out_o of_o italy_n into_o africa_n 98._o for_o who_o redemption_n paulinus_n then_o bishop_n of_o nola_n have_v expend_v his_o whole_a estate_n 1610._o at_o last_o a_o widow_n come_v to_o he_o entreat_v he_o to_o give_v she_o as_o much_o as_o will_v ransom_n she_o only_o son_n than_o slave_n to_o the_o king_n of_o the_o vandal_n son-in-law_n he_o tell_v she_o he_o have_v not_o one_o penny_n leave_v nothing_o but_o his_o own_o person_n and_o that_o he_o will_v free_o give_v she_o to_o make_v her_o best_a of_o and_o to_o procure_v her_o son_n ransom_n this_o the_o woman_n look_v upon_o from_o a_o person_n of_o his_o quality_n as_o rather_o a_o deride_v her_o calamity_n than_o a_o pity_v of_o her_o case_n but_o he_o assure_v she_o he_o be_v in_o earnest_n and_o at_o last_o induce_v she_o to_o believe_v he_o whereupon_o they_o both_o take_v ship_v for_o africa_n whither_o they_o be_v no_o soon_o come_v but_o the_o good_a bishop_n address_v himself_o to_o the_o prince_n beg_v the_o release_n of_o the_o widow_n son_n and_o offer_v himself_o in_o his_o room_n the_o issue_n be_v the_o woman_n have_v her_o son_n restore_v she_o and_o paulinus_n become_v the_o prince_n slave_n who_o employ_v he_o in_o the_o dress_n and_o keep_v of_o his_o garden_n how_o he_o afterward_o ingratiate_v himself_o into_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o master_n and_o come_v to_o be_v discover_v to_o he_o who_o he_o be_v how_o the_o prince_n set_v he_o at_o liberty_n and_o give_v he_o leave_v to_o ask_v what_o he_o will_v which_o he_o make_v no_o further_o use_v of_o than_o to_o beg_v the_o release_n of_o all_o his_o country_n man_n then_o in_o bondage_n which_o be_v according_o grant_v and_o all_o joyful_o send_v home_o with_o their_o ship_n lade_v with_o corn_n and_o provision_n i_o omit_v as_o not_o pertinent_a to_o my_o purpose_n they_o that_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v more_o of_o it_o may_v read_v it_o in_o the_o dialogue_n of_o s._n gregory_n from_o whence_o i_o have_v borrow_v the_o story_n this_o certain_o be_v charity_n with_o a_o witness_n a_o act_n that_o will_v find_v more_o to_o admire_v and_o commend_v it_o than_o to_o imitate_v and_o follow_v it_o a_o four_o instance_n of_o primitive_a charity_n be_v the_o great_a care_n they_o take_v about_o the_o body_n of_o the_o dead_a in_o give_v they_o decent_a and_o where_o they_o can_v honourable_a burial_n all_o man_n natural_o have_v a_o kindness_n for_o their_o body_n and_o therefore_o desire_n that_o what_o have_v so_o long_o be_v the_o mansion_n of_o a_o immortal_a tenant_n may_v upon_o its_o dis-lodging_n be_v orderly_o take_v down_o and_o the_o ruin_n of_o it_o lay_v up_o with_o honour_n and_o safety_n man_n body_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v the_o cabinet_n of_o a_o invaluable_a jewel_n be_v a_o curious_a piece_n of_o artifice_n fearful_o and_o wonderful_o make_v the_o excellent_a contrivance_n of_o the_o divine_a omniscience_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n challenge_v not_o to_o be_v careless_o throw_v aside_o or_o rude_o trample_v in_o the_o dirt_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v the_o care_n and_o practice_n of_o almost_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n religious_o to_o enshrine_v the_o remains_o of_o their_o decease_a friend_n in_o tomb_n and_o sepulcher_n think_v it_o but_o reasonable_a to_o testify_v so_o much_o kindness_n to_o their_o depart_a friend_n as_o to_o honour_v their_o memory_n and_o to_o secure_v from_o rude_a barbarous_a violence_n what_o they_o leave_v behind_o they_o when_o they_o put_v off_o mortality_n sure_o i_o be_o this_o be_v eminent_o the_o care_n of_o christian_n no_o danger_n or_o threaten_n can_v affright_v they_o from_o do_v this_o last_o office_n to_o their_o decease_a brethren_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v be_v martyr_n and_o champion_n for_o the_o truth_n 9_o the_o roman_a clergy_n in_o a_o epistle_n to_o they_o of_o carthage_n reckon_v it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o charity_n above_o that_o of_o relieve_v the_o poor_a minister_a to_o the_o sick_a or_o the_o rest_n which_o they_o there_o enumerate_v and_o reckon_v up_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v neglect_v without_o great_a danger_n and_o that_o fidelity_n in_o this_o matter_n will_v be_v high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o reward_v by_o he_o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n speak_v of_o the_o plague_n that_o rage_v there_o which_o we_o mention_v but_o now_o commend_v the_o christian_n for_o assist_v their_o sick_a die_a brethren_n supr_n that_o they_o close_v their_o eye_n lay_v they_o out_o wash_v their_o body_n dressed_z and_o adorn_v they_o up_o for_o burial_n and_o carry_v they_o out_o upon_o their_o own_o shoulder_n which_o they_o cheerful_o do_v notwithstanding_o the_o imminent_a danger_n that_o attend_v it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o
whereby_o leave_n be_v give_v to_o person_n go_v into_o another_o diocese_n either_o to_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o place_n or_o if_o ordain_v already_o to_o be_v admit_v and_o incorporate_v into_o the_o clergy_n of_o that_o church_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o ancient_a council_n every_o where_o provide_v that_o no_o stranger_n shall_v either_o receive_v ordination_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o another_o bishop_n or_o exercise_v any_o ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o diocese_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o dimissory_a letter_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o place_n from_o whence_o he_o come_v the_o three_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d letter_n of_o peace_n grant_v by_o the_o bishop_n to_o the_o poor_a that_o be_v oppress_v and_o such_o as_o flee_v to_o the_o church_n for_o its_o protection_n and_o assistance_n but_o esp_v ecial_o to_o such_o of_o the_o clergy_n as_o be_v to_o go_v out_o of_o one_o diocese_n into_o another_o it_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o diocese_n that_o he_o will_v receive_v he_o that_o so_o he_o may_v take_v no_o offence_n but_o that_o peaceable_a concord_n and_o agreement_n may_v be_v maintain_v between_o they_o by_o these_o art_n the_o prudence_n of_o those_o time_n seek_v to_o secure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v prevent_v all_o dissension_n that_o may_v arise_v and_o where_o matter_n of_o any_o great_a moment_n fall_v out_o how_o quick_o do_v they_o flock_v together_o to_o compose_v and_o heal_v they_o hence_o those_o many_o synod_n and_o council_n that_o be_v convene_v to_o umpire_n difference_n to_o explain_v or_o define_v article_n of_o faith_n to_o condemn_v and_o suppress_v the_o disturber_n of_o the_o church_n and_o innovator_n in_o religion_n what_o infinite_a care_n do_v the_o good_a emperor_n constantine_n take_v for_o compose_v the_o arrian_n controversy_n which_o then_o begin_v first_o to_o infect_v and_o overrun_v the_o world_n how_o much_o his_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o it_o his_o solicitous_a thought_n take_v up_o about_o it_o how_o many_o troublesome_a day_n and_o restless_a night_n it_o cost_v he_o with_o what_o strong_a and_o nervous_a argument_n what_o affectionate_a entreaty_n he_o press_v it_o 473._o may_v be_v see_v in_o that_o excellent_a letter_n yet_o extant_a in_o his_o life_n which_o he_o write_v to_o the_o author_n of_o those_o impious_a and_o unhappy_a controversy_n but_o when_o this_o will_v not_o do_v he_o summon_v the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a consist_v of_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o bishop_n and_o in_o his_o speech_n at_o the_o open_n of_o that_o council_n conjure_v they_o by_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a and_o sacred_a to_o agree_v 489._o and_o to_o compose_v those_o dissension_n which_o be_v rise_v in_o the_o church_n which_o he_o serious_o protest_v he_o look_v upon_o as_o more_o grievous_a and_o dangerous_a than_o any_o war_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o they_o create_v great_a trouble_n and_o inquietude_n to_o his_o mind_n than_o all_o the_o other_o affair_n of_o his_o empire_n and_o when_o several_a of_o the_o bishop_n then_o in_o council_n have_v prefer_v libel_n and_o accusation_n one_o against_o another_o 25._o without_o ever_o read_v they_o he_o bundle_v and_o seal_v they_o all_o up_o together_o and_o have_v reconcile_v and_o make_v they_o friend_n produce_v the_o paper_n and_o immediate_o throw_v they_o into_o the_o fire_n before_o their_o face_n so_o passionate_o desirous_a be_v that_o good_a prince_n to_o extinguish_v the_o flame_n and_o to_o redeem_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n at_o any_o rate_n be_v any_o eject_v and_o throw_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o there_o may_v be_v a_o suspicion_n of_o private_a grudge_n or_o design_n ●_o the_o nicene_n council_n wise_o provide_v that_o in_o every_o province_n a_o synod_n shall_v be_v hold_v twice_o a_o year_n where_o all_o the_o bishop_n meet_v together_o may_v discuss_v the_o case_n and_o compose_v the_o difference_n or_o as_o joseph_n the_o egyptian_a in_o his_o arabic_a version_n of_o that_o canon_n tell_v we_o a_o arbitrator_n be_v to_o be_v appoint_v between_o the_o differ_a party_n to_o take_v up_o the_o quarrel_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n nor_o do_v there_o want_v meek_a and_o peaceable-minded_n man_n who_o value_v the_o public_a welfare_n before_o any_o private_a and_o personal_a advantage_n and_o can_v make_v their_o own_o particular_a concern_v strike_v sail_n when_o the_o peace_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n call_v for_o it_o when_o great_a contest_v and_o confusion_n be_v raise_v by_o some_o perverse_a and_o unquiet_a person_n about_o the_o see_v of_o constantinople_n then_o possess_v by_o gregory_n nazianzen_n he_o himself_o stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o tell_v the_o bishop_n presbyt_fw-la how_o unfit_a it_o be_v that_o they_o who_o be_v preacher_n of_o peace_n to_o other_o shall_v fall_v out_o among_o themselves_o beg_v of_o they_o even_o by_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n to_o manage_v their_o affair_n calm_o and_o peaceable_o and_o if_o i_o say_v he_o be_v the_o ionas_n that_o raise_v the_o storm_n throw_v i_o into_o the_o sea_n and_o let_v these_o storm_n and_o tempest_n cease_v i_o be_o willing_a to_o undergo_v what_o ever_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o and_o though_o innocent_a and_o unblameable_a yet_o for_o your_o peace_n and_o quiet_a sake_n be_o content_a to_o be_v banish_v the_o throne_n and_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o city_n only_o according_a to_o the_o prophet_n counsel_n be_v careful_a to_o love_v truth_n and_o peace_n and_o therewith_o free_o resign_v his_o bishopric_n though_o legal_o settle_v in_o it_o by_o the_o express_a command_n and_o warrant_v of_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o universal_a desire_n and_o acclamation_n of_o the_o people_n the_o same_o excellent_a temper_n rule_v in_o s._n chrysostome_n one_o of_o his_o successor_n in_o that_o see_v when_o have_v elegant_o press_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o refute_v those_o petty_a cavil_n which_o his_o adversary_n have_v against_o himself_o but_o if_o you_o say_v he_o to_o his_o people_n suspect_v these_o thing_n of_o we_o 1110._o we_o be_v ready_a to_o deliver_v up_o our_o place_n and_o power_n to_o whosoever_o you_o will_v only_o let_v the_o church_n be_v preserve_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n this_o be_v the_o brave_a and_o noble_a disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o which_o s._n clemens_n seek_v to_o reduce_v the_o corinthian_n after_o they_o have_v fall_v into_o a_o little_a schism_n and_o disorder_n who_o be_v there_o among_o you_o say_v he_o of_o that_o generous_a temper_n 69._o that_o compassionate_a and_o charitable_a disposition_n let_v he_o say_v if_o this_o sedition_n these_o schism_n and_o contention_n have_v arisen_a through_o my_o mean_n or_o upon_o my_o account_n i_o will_v depart_v and_o be_v go_v whithersoever_o you_o please_v and_o will_v do_v what_o the_o people_n shall_v command_v only_o let_v christ_n sheep-fold_n together_o with_o the_o elder_n that_o be_v place_v over_o it_o be_v keep_v in_o peace_n nay_o when_o good_a man_n be_v most_o zealous_a about_o the_o main_a and_o foundation-article_n of_o faith_n so_o as_o sometime_o rather_o to_o hazard_v peace_n than_o to_o betray_v the_o truth_n yet_o in_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n and_o such_o as_o only_o concern_v the_o ritual_n of_o religion_n they_o mutual_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o without_o any_o violation_n of_o that_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a law_n of_o christianity_n thus_o in_o that_o famous_a controversy_n about_o the_o keep_n of_o easter_n so_o much_o agitate_a between_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n irenaeus_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o pope_n victor_n who_o of_o all_o that_o ever_o sit_v in_o that_o chair_n have_v raise_v the_o great_a stir_n about_o it_o tell_v he_o that_o bishop_n in_o former_a time_n 193._o however_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o yet_o always_o maintain_v a_o entire_a concord_n and_o fellowship_n with_o one_o another_o the_o church_n be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v a_o peaceable_a communion_n though_o differ_v in_o some_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n yea_o even_o when_o their_o rite_n and_o custom_n seem_v to_o clash_v by_o meet_v together_o at_o the_o same_o place_n thus_o when_o polycarp_n come_v to_o rome_n from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n to_o treat_v with_o pope_n anicetus_n about_o this_o and_o some_o other_o affair_n though_o they_o can_v not_o satisfy_v each_o other_o to_o yield_v the_o controversy_n yet_o they_o kiss_v and_o embrace_v one_o another_o with_o mutual_a endearment_n receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n together_o and_o anicetus_n to_o do_v the_o great_a honour_n to_o polycarp_n give_v he_o leave_v to_o celebrate_v and_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n in_o his_o church_n and_o at_o last_o they_o part_v in_o
and_o confession_n and_o fulfil_v the_o regular_a custom_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n the_o time_n of_o penance_n be_v end_v they_o address_v themselves_o to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n for_o absolution_n 24._o hereupon_o their_o repentance_n be_v take_v into_o examination_n and_o be_v find_v to_o be_v sincere_a and_o real_a they_o be_v open_o readmit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o party_n to_o be_v absolve_v kneel_v down_o between_o the_o knee_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o in_o his_o absence_n of_o the_o presbyter_n who_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o his_o head_n solemn_o bless_v and_o absolve_v he_o whence_o doubtless_o spring_v that_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a calumny_n which_o the_o heathen_n lay_v upon_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o be_v wont_n sacerdotis_fw-la colere_fw-la genitalia_fw-la so_o forward_o be_v they_o to_o catch_v at_o any_o reproach_n which_o the_o most_o crooked_a and_o malicious_a invention_n can_v insinuate_v and_o suggest_v the_o penitent_a be_v absolve_v be_v receive_v with_o the_o universal_a joy_n and_o acclamation_n of_o the_o people_n as_o one_o return_v from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a for_o such_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o account_v they_o while_n under_o a_o state_n of_o guilt_n especial_o the_o lapse_v as_o cyprian_n positive_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v be_v embrace_v by_o his_o brethren_n 39_o who_o bless_a god_n for_o his_o return_n 60._o and_o many_o time_n weep_v for_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o recovery_n who_o upon_o his_o absolution_n be_v now_o restore_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o to_o all_o other_o act_n of_o church-communion_n which_o by_o his_o crime_n he_o have_v forfeit_v and_o from_o which_o he_o have_v be_v suspend_v till_o he_o have_v give_v satisfactory_a evidence_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o purpose_n to_o persevere_v under_o the_o exact_a discipline_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n wherein_o they_o treat_v criminal_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n such_o as_o that_o of_o danger_n of_o death_n they_o do_v not_o rigid_o exact_v the_o set_a time_n of_o penance_n but_o absolve_v the_o person_n that_o so_o he_o may_v die_v in_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o story_n of_o serapion_n at_o alexandria_n we_o have_v former_o mention_v h._n who_o be_v sudden_o surprise_v with_o death_n while_o he_o be_v under_o the_o state_n of_o penance_n 246._o and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o die_v till_o he_o have_v receive_v absolution_n send_v for_o the_o presbyter_n to_o testify_v his_o repentance_n and_o absolve_v he_o but_o he_o be_v also_o at_o that_o time_n sick_a send_v he_o a_o part_n of_o the_o consecrate_a element_n which_o he_o have_v by_o he_o upon_o the_o receive_n whereof_o he_o breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n with_o great_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o he_o now_o die_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o time_n of_o these_o penitentiary_n humiliation_n often_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o case_n it_o be_v much_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o shorten_v the_o time_n and_o soon_o to_o absolve_v and_o take_v they_o into_o communion_n the_o medicinal_a virtue_n of_o repentance_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o duration_n amphil._n but_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o s._n basil_n speak_v in_o this_o very_a case_n a_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v to_o my_o hand_n four_o particular_a case_n wherein_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o anticipate_v the_o usual_a time_n of_o absolution_n hist_o the_o first_o be_v what_o i_o observe_v but_o now_o when_o person_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o death_n 674._o this_o be_v agree_v to_o by_o cyprian_a 67._o and_o the_o martyr_n and_o the_o roman_a clergy_n and_o the_o letter_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o send_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o all_o the_o church_n this_o also_o be_v provide_v for_o by_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a 13._o that_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n the_o ancient_a and_o canonical_a rule_n shall_v be_v observe_v still_o that_o when_o any_o be_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n they_o shall_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o last_o and_o necessary_a viaticum_fw-la i.e._n the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o be_v their_o great_a symbol_n of_o communion_n and_o here_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n some_o passage_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unuseful_a once_o for_o all_o to_o add_v this_o note_n that_o whereas_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o illiberine_n council_n especial_o positive_o deny_v communion_n to_o some_o sort_n of_o penitent_n even_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o the_o church_n merciles_o deny_v all_o indulgence_n and_o absolution_n to_o any_o penitent_a at_o such_o a_o time_n but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o deny_v they_o the_o use_n of_o the_o eucharist_n which_o be_v the_o great_a pledge_n and_o testimony_n of_o their_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n the_o second_o case_n be_v in_o time_n of_o eminent_a persecution_n conceive_v it_o but_o fit_a at_o such_o time_n to_o dispense_v with_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o discipline_n that_o so_o penitent_n be_v receive_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v the_o better_a arm_a and_o enable_v to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n this_o be_v resolve_v and_o agree_v upon_o by_o cyprian_a 76._o and_o a_o whole_a council_n of_o african_a bishop_n whereof_o they_o give_v a_o account_n to_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o in_o regard_n persecution_n be_v draw_v on_o they_o hold_v it_o convenient_a and_o necessary_a that_o communion_n and_o reconciliation_n shall_v be_v grant_v to_o the_o lapse_v not_o only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v a_o die_a but_o even_o to_o the_o live_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v leave_v naked_a and_o unarm_v in_o the_o time_n of_o battle_n but_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v themselves_o with_o the_o shield_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n for_o how_o say_v they_o shall_v we_o teach_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o shed_v their_o blood_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o deny_v they_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o blood_n how_o shall_v we_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o drink_v the_o cup_n of_o martyrdom_n unless_o we_o first_o admit_v they_o in_o the_o church_n to_o a_o right_a of_o communication_n to_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n a_o three_o case_n wherein_o they_o relax_v the_o severity_n of_o this_o discipline_n be_v when_o great_a multitude_n be_v concern_v or_o such_o person_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o draw_v great_a number_n after_o they_o in_o this_o case_n they_o think_v it_o prudent_a and_o reasonable_a to_o deal_v with_o person_n by_o somewhat_o mild_a and_o gentle_a method_n lest_o by_o hold_v they_o to_o term_n of_o rigour_n and_o austerity_n they_o shall_v provoke_v they_o to_o fly_v off_o either_o to_o heathen_n or_o to_o heretic_n this_o course_n cyprian_n tell_v we_o he_o take_v he_o comply_v with_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n prius_fw-la and_o like_o a_o wise_a physician_n yield_v a_o little_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o patient_a to_o provide_v for_o his_o health_n and_o to_o cure_v his_o wound_n and_o quote_v herein_o the_o example_n of_o cornelius_n of_o rome_n who_o deal_v just_a so_o with_o trophimus_n and_o his_o party_n 85._o and_o elsewhere_o that_o out_o of_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o regain_v and_o resettle_v the_o brethren_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o connive_v at_o many_o thing_n and_o to_o forgive_v any_o thing_n and_o do_v not_o examine_v and_o exact_v the_o great_a crime_n with_o that_o full_a power_n and_o severity_n that_o he_o may_v insomuch_o that_o he_o think_v he_o do_v almost_o offend_v himself_o in_o a_o over-liberal_a remit_v other_o man_n offence_n last_o in_o absolve_v penitent_n and_o mitigate_a the_o rigour_n of_o their_o repentance_n they_o use_v to_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o penitent_a to_o his_o dignity_n or_o age_n or_o infirmity_n or_o the_o course_n of_o his_o past_a life_n sometime_o to_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o humility_n and_o the_o impression_n which_o his_o present_a condition_n make_v upon_o he_o thus_o the_o ancyran_n council_n empower_n bishop_n to_o examine_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n conversion_n and_o repentance_n vid._n and_o according_o either_o to_o moderate_a 12._o or_o enlarge_v their_o time_n of_o penance_n but_o especial_o that_o regard_n be_v have_v to_o their_o conversation_n both_o before_o and_o since_o their_o offence_n that_o so_o clemency_n and_o indulgence_n may_v be_v extend_v to_o they_o so_o for_o the_o case_n of_o person_n of_o
more_o than_o ordinary_a rank_n and_o dignity_n or_o of_o a_o more_o tender_a and_o delicate_a constitution_n 18._o chrysostome_n determine_v that_o in_o chastise_v and_o punish_v their_o offence_n they_o be_v deal_v withal_o in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n than_o other_o man_n 4._o lest_o by_o hold_v they_o under_o overrigorous_a penalty_n they_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o fly_v out_o into_o despair_n and_o so_o throw_v off_o the_o reins_o of_o modesty_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o own_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n shall_v run_v headlong_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n so_o wise_o do_v the_o prudence_n and_o piety_n of_o those_o time_n deal_v with_o offender_n neither_o let_v the_o reins_o so_o loose_a as_o to_o patronize_v presumption_n or_o encourage_v any_o man_n to_o sin_n nor_o yet_o hold_v they_o so_o straight_o as_o to_o drive_v man_n into_o despair_n the_o four_o and_o last_o circumstance_n concern_v the_o person_n by_o who_o this_o discipline_n be_v administer_v now_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o affair_n be_v manage_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n and_o seldom_o or_o never_o do_v without_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n as_o cyprian_n more_o than_o once_o and_o again_o express_o tell_v we_o yet_o be_v it_o ever_o account_v a_o ministerial_a act_n and_o proper_o belong_v to_o they_o 39_o tertullian_n speak_v of_o church_n censure_n add_v that_o the_o elder_n that_o be_v approve_v and_o have_v attain_v that_o honour_n not_o by_o purchase_n but_o testimony_n preside_v therein_o 146._o and_o firmilian_a bishop_n of_o caesarea_n cappadocia_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o s._n cyprian_a speak_v of_o the_o majores_fw-la natu_fw-la the_o senior_n that_o preside_v in_o the_o church_n tell_v we_o that_o to_o they_o belong_v the_o power_n of_o baptise_v impose_v hand_n viz._n in_o penance_n and_o ordination_n by_o the_o bishop_n it_o be_v primary_o and_o usual_o administer_v the_o determine_v the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o confer_v pardon_n upon_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n be_v act_n of_o the_o high_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o reckon_v to_o appertain_v to_o the_o high_a order_n in_o the_o church_n therefore_o it_o be_v provide_v by_o the_o illiberine_n council_n 40._o that_o penance_n shall_v be_v prescribe_v by_o none_o but_o the_o bishop_n only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n such_o as_o sickness_n and_o danger_n of_o death_n by_o leave_n and_o command_v from_o the_o bishop_n the_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n may_v impose_v penance_n and_o absolve_v according_o we_o find_v cyprian_a among_o other_o direction_n to_o his_o clergy_n how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o the_o lapse_v 2._o give_v they_o this_o that_o if_o any_o be_v over-taken_a with_o sickness_n carthag_n or_o present_a danger_n 4._o they_o shall_v not_o stay_v for_o his_o come_n but_o the_o sick_a person_n shall_v make_v confession_n of_o his_o sin_n to_o the_o next_o presbyter_n or_o if_o a_o presbyter_n can_v not_o be_v meet_v with_o to_o a_o deacon_n that_o so_o lay_v hand_n upon_o he_o he_o may_v depart_v in_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o though_o while_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v small_a and_o the_o bound_n of_o particular_a church_n little_a bishop_n be_v able_a to_o manage_v these_o and_o other_o part_n of_o their_o office_n in_o their_o own_o person_n yet_o soon_o after_o the_o task_n begin_v to_o grow_v too_o great_a for_o they_o and_o therefore_o about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o decian_a persecution_n when_o christian_n be_v very_o much_o multiply_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o lapse_v great_a it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n partly_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o partly_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o modesty_n of_o person_n in_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o confess_v every_o crime_n to_o appoint_v a_o public_a penitentiary_n some_o holy_a grave_a and_o prudent_a presbyter_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o take_v the_o confession_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o person_n have_v commit_v after_o baptism_n and_o by_o prayer_n fasting_n and_o other_o exercise_n of_o mortification_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o absolution_n he_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o censor_n morum_fw-la to_o inquire_v into_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o their_o failure_n and_o to_o direct_v and_o dispose_v they_o to_o repentance_n this_o office_n continue_v for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n till_o it_o be_v abrogate_a by_o nectarius_n s._n chrysostom_n predecessor_n in_o the_o see_v of_o constantinople_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o notorious_a scandal_n that_o arise_v about_o it_o 726._o a_o woman_n of_o good_a rank_n and_o quality_n have_v be_v with_o the_o penitentiary_n and_o confess_v all_o her_o sin_n commit_v since_o baptism_n he_o enjoin_v she_o to_o give_v up_o herself_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n but_o not_o long_o after_o she_o come_v to_o he_o and_o confess_v that_o while_o she_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o church_n to_o attend_v upon_o those_o holy_a exercise_n she_o have_v be_v tempt_v to_o commit_v folly_n and_o lewdness_n with_o a_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n whereupon_o the_o deacon_n be_v immediate_o cast_v out_o but_o the_o people_n be_v exceed_o trouble_v at_o the_o scandal_n and_o the_o holy_a order_n hereby_o expose_v to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o the_o gentile_n nectarius_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o eudaemon_n a_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n whole_o take_v away_o the_o office_n of_o the_o public_a penitentiary_n leave_v every_o one_o to_o the_o care_n and_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n this_o account_n socrates_n assure_v we_o he_o have_v from_o eudaemon_n own_o mouth_n and_o sozomen_n add_v that_o almost_o all_o bishop_n follow_v nectarius_n his_o example_n in_o abrogate_a this_o office_n but_o beside_o the_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a office_n of_o the_o clergy_n we_o find_v even_o some_o of_o the_o laity_n the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n that_o have_v a_o considerable_a hand_n in_o absolve_a penitent_n and_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o as_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n have_v a_o mighty_a reverence_n for_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n as_o the_o great_a champion_n of_o religion_n so_o the_o martyr_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o dispense_v in_o extraordinary_a case_n for_o it_o be_v very_o customary_a in_o time_n of_o persecution_n for_o those_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o suffer_v have_v lapse_v into_o idolatry_n to_o make_v their_o address_n to_o the_o martyr_n in_o prison_n and_o to_o beg_v peace_n of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o church_n who_o consider_v their_o petition_n and_o weigh_v the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o case_n do_v frequent_o grant_v their_o request_n mitigate_v their_o penance_n and_o by_o a_o note_n sign_v under_o their_o hand_n signify_v what_o they_o have_v do_v to_o the_o bishop_n who_o take_v a_o account_n of_o their_o condition_n absolve_v and_o admit_v they_o to_o communion_n of_o these_o libelli_fw-la or_o book_n grant_v by_o the_o martyr_n to_o the_o lapse_v there_o be_v mention_n in_o cyprian_a at_o every_o turn_n who_o complain_v they_o be_v come_v to_o that_o excessive_a number_n alibi_fw-la that_o thousand_o be_v grant_v almost_o every_o day_n 27._o this_o many_o of_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o do_v with_o great_a smartness_n and_o authority_n and_o without_o that_o respect_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o bishop_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o note_n write_v to_o cyprian_a by_o lucian_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o confessor_n 29._o which_o because_o it_o be_v but_o short_a and_o withal_o show_v the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o those_o pacific_a libel_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o set_v it_o down_o and_o thus_o it_o run_v all_o the_o confessor_n to_o cyprian_a the_o bishop_n greeting_n know_v that_o we_o have_v grant_v peace_n to_o all_o those_o of_o who_o you_o have_v have_v a_o account_n what_o they_o have_v do_v how_o they_o have_v behave_v themselves_o since_o the_o commission_n of_o their_o crime_n and_o we_o will_v that_o these_o present_n shall_v by_o you_o be_v impart_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n we_o wish_v you_o to_o maintain_v peace_n with_o the_o holy_a martyr_n write_a by_o lucian_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o exorcist_n and_o reader_n be_v present_a this_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o very_o peremptory_a and_o magisterial_a and_o therefore_o of_o this_o confidence_n and_o presumption_n and_o carelessness_n in_o promiscuous_o grant_v these_o letter_n of_o peace_n 34._o cyprian_n not_o without_o reason_n complain_v in_o a_o epistle_n to_o the_o clergy_n of_o rome_n beside_o these_o libel_n grant_v by_o the_o martyr_n there_o