of_o it_o profess_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n to_o have_v observe_v it_o from_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n among_o they_o and_o wheresoever_o lent_n be_v not_o observe_v its_o non-observer_n do_v profess_v only_o from_o such_o a_o time_n to_o have_v not_o observe_v it_o and_o their_o ancestor_n before_o that_o time_n for_o divers_a generation_n ever_o since_o they_o can_v well_o tell_v when_o have_v blind_o observe_v it_o whence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o observation_n of_o lent_n be_v the_o ancient_a christian_a practice_n and_o its_o nonobservance_n a_o novelty_n and_o indeed_o have_v the_o keep_n of_o lent_n be_v a_o novelty_n and_o not_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n its_o observance_n be_v so_o burdensome_a and_o contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o beside_o as_o its_o opposer_n say_v superstitious_a also_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v introduce_v not_o into_o one_o but_o into_o all_o the_o christian_a country_n of_o both_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o with_o a_o small_a industry_n of_o its_o introducer_n and_o without_o great_a opposition_n both_o from_o good_a man_n for_o its_o superstition_n and_o from_o bad_a man_n for_o its_o troublesomeness_n to_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o no_o ecclesiastical_a history_n though_o far_o lesser_a matter_n be_v record_v make_v mention_n of_o any_o such_o opposition_n make_v against_o lent_n in_o its_o first_o bring_v in_o or_o how_o or_o by_o who_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o even_o into_o so_o much_o as_o one_o particular_a diocese_n but_o all_o record_n testify_v that_o the_o prime_a doctor_n both_o of_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n in_o the_o five_o and_o six_o century_n have_v be_v most_o religious_a observer_n and_o zealous_a defender_n of_o it_o which_o certain_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v have_v lend_v be_v a_o superstitious_a novelty_n and_o not_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n and_o indeed_o whosoever_o mature_o consider_v the_o genius_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o christian_a doctor_n and_o bishop_n for_o the_o first_o five_o hundred_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n will_v find_v it_o impossible_a for_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n to_o impose_v a_o novelty_n upon_o they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o seem_a zelots_n of_o our_o age_n pretender_n to_o new_a light_n but_o their_o profession_n be_v not_o to_o correct_v antiquity_n but_o faithful_o to_o deliver_v to_o posterity_n what_o they_o immemorial_o from_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n and_o their_o great_a answer_n to_o introducer_n of_o new_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n be_v nihil_fw-la novandum_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la traditum_fw-la est_fw-la we_o must_v innovate_v nothing_o but_o stick_v close_o to_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o our_o forefather_n do_v a_o montanus_n upon_o pretext_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n endeavour_v to_o impose_v 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baptise_a by_o heretic_n they_o reply_v we_o must_v not_o innovate_v we_o must_v hold_v to_o what_o be_v teach_v we_o by_o our_o ancestor_n what_o mean_v then_o to_o make_v person_n thus_o dispose_v to_o leave_v their_o ancient_a faith_n and_o practice_n and_o admit_v of_o a_o novelty_n you_o must_v prove_v to_o they_o that_o you_o and_o they_o and_o other_o christian_n in_o several_a country_n have_v be_v teach_v so_o to_o believe_v by_o your_o immediate_a predecessor_n and_o uninterrupted_o from_o father_n to_o son_n from_o the_o apostle_n but_o than_o you_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o novelty_n contrary_a to_o the_o supposition_n apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o our_o present_a controversy_n now_o that_o the_o study_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o five_o century_n be_v not_o to_o deliver_v to_o posterity_n doctrine_n of_o her_o own_o devise_v but_o careful_o to_o keep_v what_o she_o have_v receive_v from_o her_o fore-elders_a and_o faithful_o to_o teach_v 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though_o defend_v by_o private_a doctor_n never_o so_o holy_a or_o never_o so_o learned_a or_o produce_v never_o so_o many_o scripture_n for_o themselves_o if_o interpret_v after_o a_o new_a manner_n but_o say_v the_o same_o s._n vincent_n chap._n 2._o here_o perhaps_o some_o body_n may_v ask_v see_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_a and_o be_v itself_o sufficient_a and_o more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o all_o thing_n what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o add_v to_o it_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n understanding_n of_o it_o because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o depth_n be_v not_o by_o all_o take_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sense_n for_o photinus_n expound_v it_o one_o way_n sabellius_n another_o donatus_n another_o arrius_n another_o and_o chap._n 41._o he_o tell_v we_o how_o the_o three_o general_n council_n hold_v in_o his_o day_n at_o ephesus_n proceed_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n condemn_v nestorius_n for_o the_o father_n of_o that_o christian_a synod_n in_o number_n about_o 200._o have_v consult_v the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o predecessor_n the_o eminent_a doctor_n of_o the_o oriental_a and_o western_a church_n s._n peter_n of_o alexandria_n s._n athanasius_n s._n theophilus_n s._n gregory_n nazianzen_n s._n basil_n s._n gregory_n nyssen_n s._n felix_n s._n julius_n s._n cyprian_n s._n ambrose_n concern_v their_o controversy_n in_o debate_n they_o resolve_v to_o hold_v their_o doctrine_n to_o follow_v their_o counsel_n to_o believe_v their_o testimony_n to_o obey_v their_o judgement_n quae_fw-la tandem_fw-la etc._n etc._n what_o be_v at_o length_n say_v s._n vincent_n the_o voice_n and_o vote_n of_o they_o all_o but_o that_o what_o be_v ancient_o deliver_v shall_v be_v keep_v what_o be_v of_o late_o invent_v shall_v be_v explode_v after_o which_o we_o admire_v and_o proclaim_v the_o great_a humility_n and_o sanctity_n of_o that_o council_n in_o which_o so_o many_o priest_n in_o a_o manner_n also_o the_o great_a part_n
we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o overcome_v the_o devil_n when_o by_o 40._o day_n we_o have_v be_v through_o fast_a victor_n over_o our_o carnal_a desire_n for_o neither_o brethren_n be_v it_o a_o little_a fault_n to_o break_v by_o greediness_n of_o the_o belly_n the_o lend_v indict_v to_o believer_n and_o the_o consecrate_a fast._n serm._n de_fw-fr jejunio_fw-la &_o elia._n behold_v through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n we_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o indict_v fast_n of_o lent_n and_o have_v fulfil_v by_o the_o devotion_n of_o abstinence_n the_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n theophilus_n patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n lib._n 3._o pasch_fw-mi ad_fw-la totius_fw-la aegypti_n episcopos_fw-la by_o no_o mean_n let_v we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o lent_n as_o luxurious_a rich_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v long_o after_o a_o cup_n of_o wine_n they_o that_o keep_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n taste_v not_o wine_n on_o fast_a day_n refuse_v to_o eat_v flesh_n etc._n etc._n s._n hierom_n in_o his_o comment_n upon_o jonah_n c._n 3._o our_o lord_n himself_o the_o true_a ionas_n send_v to_o preach_v unto_o the_o world_n fast_v 40._o day_n and_o leave_v we_o the_o inheritance_n of_o fast_v under_o this_o number_n prepare_v our_o soul_n for_o the_o eat_n of_o his_o body_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o isaiah_n 58._o our_o lord_n fast_v 40._o day_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o he_o may_v leave_v unto_o we_o the_o solemn_a day_n of_o fast_n s._n chrysostom_n in_o his_o 11_o lent-sermon_n upon_o genesis_n wherefore_o in_o every_o thing_n due_a measure_n and_o moderation_n be_v best_a according_o whereunto_o therefore_o concern_v this_o season_n also_o of_o the_o holy_a lent_n we_o shall_v now_o find_v it_o to_o have_v be_v rule_v out_o unto_o we_o for_o as_o in_o public_a conveyance_n of_o traveller_n there_o be_v certain_a stage_n and_o inn_n that_o the_o weary_a passenger_n may_v rest_v themselves_o and_o intermit_a their_o labour_n they_o may_v again_o set_v upon_o their_o journey_n 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this_o time_n viz._n far_o in_o the_o night_n before_o easter-day_n and_o not_o in_o the_o very_a evening_n of_o the_o saturday_n dissolve_v or_o end_v the_o fast_n we_o begin_v the_o joy_n the_o custom_n that_o obtain_v with_o all_o man_n consent_v thereto_o this_o for_o the_o four_o age._n in_o the_o 5_o age_n s._n augustin_n in_o his_o 119th_o epist_n to_o januarius_n the_o lend_v true_o of_o fast_n have_v authority_n both_o in_o the_o old_a book_n out_o of_o the_o fast_a of_o moses_n and_o elias_n and_o out_o of_o the_o gospel_n because_o our_o lord_n fast_v so_o many_o day_n in_o what_o part_n therefore_o of_o the_o year_n more_o apt_o can_v the_o observation_n of_o lent_n be_v constitute_v then_o in_o that_o which_o be_v conterminous_a and_o next_o unto_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o those_o 40._o day_n before_o easter_n shall_v be_v observe_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n have_v corroborate_v in_o his_o 118._o epist_n to_o the_o same_o januar._n but_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o keep_v be_v not_o write_v but_o deliver_v down_o which_o be_v observe_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v retain_v as_o commend_v and_o appoint_v either_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o by_o plenary_a council_n who_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v most_o wholesome_a as_o for_o example_n that_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v celebrate_v with_o a_o anniversary_n solemnity_n s._n leo_n the_o great_a bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o his_o 6._o sermon_n of_o lent_n that_o the_o apostolical_a institution_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o fast_a of_o forty_o day_n not_o by_o spare_v from_o our_o diet_n only_o but_o especial_o by_o abstinence_n from_o sin_n and_o in_o his_o 9th_o serm_v of_o lent_n in_o which_o day_n of_o the_o paschal_n fast_v with_o good_a cause_n severe_a fast_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n through_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o by_o a_o common_a comparticipation_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n we_o also_o shall_v do_v something_o in_o that_o which_o he_o do_v for_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v if_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o be_v glorify_v with_o he_o s._n chrysologus_fw-la that_o we_o fast_o lend_v be_v not_o a_o human_a invention_n it_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n s._n cyril_n patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n be_v above-cited_n at_o large_a this_o for_o the_o 5_o age._n in_o the_o follow_a age_n the_o observation_n of_o lent_n in_o all_o christian_a country_n be_v so_o manifest_a that_o no_o body_n any_o whit_n verse_v in_o church_n history_n can_v possible_o doubt_v of_o it_o now_o after_o the_o manifest_a testimony_n of_o so_o many_o and_o so_o learned_a and_o so_o holy_a doctor_n of_o christ_n church_n the_o opposer_n of_o the_o holy_a fast_o of_o lent_n must_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o bespeak_v they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o great_a s._n augustin_n by_o he_o direct_v to_o julian_n the_o pelagian_a after_o a_o like_a citation_n about_o another_o matter_n of_o these_o very_a holy_a father_n by_o i_o now_o cite_v as_o to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o tu_fw-la qui_fw-la be_o crebro_fw-la etc._n etc._n thou_o sad_o delude_v zealot_n that_o do_v so_o often_o object_n to_o we_o catholic_n christian_n the_o name_n of_o will-worshipper_n the_o crime_n of_o superstition_n for_o religious_o observe_v the_o holy_a fast_o of_o lent_n if_o thou_o be_v awake_a see_v what_o and_o what_o kind_n of_o man_n and_o glorious_a defender_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n thou_o dare_v to_o bespatter_v under_o our_o name_n with_o so_o execrable_a a_o crimination_n go_v now_o and_o object_n to_o we_o the_o crime_n of_o superstition_n dissemble_v and_o feign_v thyself_o not_o to_o know_v what_o they_o say_v in_o this_o point_n overlook_v they_o as_o it_o be_v and_o attack_z we_o only_o as_o not_o know_v that_o under_o our_o name_n they_o be_v revile_v and_o confident_o insult_v over_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o after_o a_o most_o saintly_o life_n and_o have_v beat_v down_o the_o error_n of_o their_o time_n most_o glorious_o go_v out_o of_o this_o life_n before_o you_o and_o your_o comrade_n buble_v up_o do_v thou_o see_v with_o what_o kind_n of_o man_n we_o sustain_v thy_o reproach_n do_v thou_o see_v with_o who_o we_o have_v the_o same_o common_a cause_n which_o without_o any_o sober_a consideration_n thou_o calumniate_v and_o endeavour_n to_o expugn_v do_v thou_o see_v proud_a zealot_n how_o pernicious_a it_o be_v unto_o thyself_o to_o object_v so_o horriable_a a_o crime_n of_o will-worship_n to_o such_o man_n as_o these_o and_o how_o glorious_a it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o sustain_v the_o charge_n of_o any_o crime_n together_o with_o such_o doctor_n as_o these_o or_o if_o thou_o do_v see_v see_v and_o hold_v thy_o peace_n and_o let_v so_o many_o catholic_n tongue_n silence_n thy_o fanatical_a tongue_n the_o ruffian_n polemus_n to_o complete_a his_o wild_a ramble_v will_v needs_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n half_o drink_v with_o his_o night_n revel_n go_v to_o the_o school_n of_o the_o grave_a sophist_n xenocrates_n to_o affront_v he_o and_o his_o scholar_n but_o he_o be_v no_o soon_o enter_v the_o school_n of_o that_o sober_a platonist_n but_o the_o very_a sight_n of_o the_o modest_a and_o grave_a comportment_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o his_o scholar_n do_v so_o strike_v my_o young_a gallant_n that_o he_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o countenance_n and_o ashamed_a of_o himself_o he_o pull_v off_o his_o drunken_a bay_n and_o compose_a himself_o to_o modesty_n and_o become_v his_o convert_n who_o be_v come_v on_o purpose_n to_o deride_v and_o scoff_n at_o
shall_v be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n untainted_a for_o many_o generation_n especial_o when_o our_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v so_o firm_o settle_v and_o find_v his_o church_n that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o it_o but_o methinks_v our_o adversary_n may_v extend_v their_o charity_n to_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o four_o five_o and_o six_o century_n and_o not_o think_v they_o will_v have_v so_o little_a regard_n to_o the_o religion_n teach_v they_o and_o seal_v to_o they_o by_o their_o ancestor_n with_o their_o dear_a blood_n as_o immediate_o to_o change_v and_o corrupt_v it_o and_o by_o it_o so_o alter_v and_o corrupt_v infect_v themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v to_o all_o generation_n with_o a_o dangerous_a superstition_n and_o will-worship_n let_v we_o suppose_v then_o that_o for_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n of_o christianity_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o england_n italy_n greece_n and_o other_o country_n observe_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o lent-fast_a and_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v possible_a the_o four_o age_n can_v not_o only_o bring_v it_o in_o all_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o bring_v it_o in_o so_o secret_o and_o covert_o that_o the_o prime_a doctor_n of_o the_o five_o age_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v that_o this_o new_a burden_n be_v superad_v to_o chriâ—tianity_n by_o their_o immediate_a progenitor_n but_o shall_v be_v very_o persuade_v that_o such_o a_o observation_n have_v immemorial_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n descend_v to_o they_o from_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n the_o apostle_n and_o yet_o its_o evident_a that_o the_o five_o age_n do_v not_o only_o keep_v lend_v but_o also_o keep_v it_o as_o a_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o the_o prime_a christian_a doctor_n of_o that_o age_n have_v leave_v it_o upon_o record_n in_o their_o diserved_o admire_a work_n that_o 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that_o be_v for_o a_o observance_n teach_v the_o city_n of_o rome_n from_o father_n to_o son_n from_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o greek_a church_n hear_v the_o testmimony_n of_o theophilus_n patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n to_o the_o patriarch_n of_o which_o see_v it_o be_v entrust_v by_o the_o first_o general_n council_n that_o they_o shall_v yearly_o signify_v beforehand_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o their_o own_o the_o true_a time_n of_o easter_n in_o his_o first_o paschal_n epistle_n he_o write_v thus_o let_v we_o cure_v the_o divers_a wound_n of_o vice_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o may_v we_o enter_v the_o fast_n at_o hand_n begin_v lend_v the_o 30_o day_n of_o the_o month_n mechir_n as_o it_o be_v our_o february_n the_o egyptian_n reckon_v 30._o day_n in_o every_o month_n the_o week_n of_o the_o salutary_a pasch_fw-mi on_o the_o 5_o day_n of_o the_o month_n pharmuth_n or_o april_n and_o end_v the_o fast_n according_a to_o the_o evangelical_n tradition_n on_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o saturday_n be_v the_o ten_o of_o pharmuth_n and_o on_o the_o next_o lord_n day_n the_o 11_o of_o the_o same_o month_n let_v we_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n the_o like_a he_o say_v in_o his_o second_o paschal_n epistle_n and_o again_o he_o say_v according_a to_o the_o evangelical_n tradition_n i_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o s._n cyril_n patriarch_n of_o the_o same_o alexandria_n in_o the_o next_o age_n in_o his_o 20_o homily_n de_fw-fr festis_fw-la paschalibus_fw-la so_o to_o let_v we_o keep_v a_o pure_a fast_n begin_v the_o holy_a lent_n from_o such_o a_o day_n end_v also_o the_o fast_n on_o the_o seven_o day_n of_o pharmuth_n late_o in_o the_o evening_n according_a to_o the_o tradition_n apostolical_a the_o same_o s._n cyril_n in_o 19_o other_o of_o his_o homily_n cite_v by_o b._n gunning_n de_fw-fr festis_fw-la paschalibus_fw-la preach_v in_o so_o many_o several_a year_n refer_v the_o same_o fast_n of_o lent_n to_o tradition_n appointment_n or_o instruction_n evangelical_n the_o law_n of_o abstain_v in_o lent_n be_v always_o in_o the_o church_n say_v the_o above-cited_n theophilus_n alexandrinus_n now_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o these_o two_o learned_a patriarch_n to_o who_o by_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n be_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o signify_v the_o due_a time_n of_o lent_n and_o easter_n have_v the_o holy_a fast_o of_o lent_n be_v so_o late_o bring_v in_o by_o some_o universal_a ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a authority_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o think_v and_o tell_v all_o the_o world_n also_o that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o teach_v to_o end_v lend_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n from_o the_o apostle_n let_v it_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o the_o four_o century_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o general_n council_n though_o for_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o custom_n among_o christian_n to_o fast_o lend_v may_v make_v a_o law_n of_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n for_o 40._o day_n before_o easter_n and_o command_v the_o whole_a christian_a world_n to_o obey_v it_o but_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v the_o impudence_n to_o annex_v to_o such_o a_o ordination_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o fast_a by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o all_o must_v needs_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o first_o ordainer_n of_o such_o a_o observance_n nor_o can_v they_o possible_o impose_v upon_o their_o posterity_n such_o a_o belief_n but_o their_o posterity_n must_v needs_o know_v that_o such_o a_o custom_n be_v no_o ancient_a than_o their_o immediate_a progenitor_n which_o be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o s._n hierom_n and_o other_o learned_a doctor_n in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o century_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o keep_v lend_v by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n if_o the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v not_o the_o first_o teacher_n of_o it_o but_o some_o particular_a preacher_n or_o a_o general_n council_n or_o some_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a power_n since_o the_o first_o opposer_n of_o lent_n though_o they_o have_v the_o impiety_n to_o call_v it_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o impudence_n to_o say_v they_o have_v be_v so_o teach_v to_o call_v it_o from_o father_n to_o son_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n but_o pretend_v their_o ancestor_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n have_v be_v in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n but_o they_o by_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o writer_n of_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n find_v there_o be_v no_o such_o observance_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o like_a manner_n have_v the_o keep_n of_o lent_n be_v a_o innovation_n the_o first_o introducer_n of_o it_o must_v have_v plead_v for_o it_o in_o the_o four_o or_o other_o century_n as_o the_o opposer_n of_o it_o in_o this_o latter_a age_n plead_v against_o it_o they_o must_v not_o have_v say_v abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n in_o the_o holy_a time_n of_o lent_n for_o so_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o do_v from_o father_n to_o son_n from_o the_o apostle_n for_o every_o one_o will_v have_v know_v this_o to_o be_v a_o notorious_a lie_n but_o they_o must_v have_v pretend_v to_o have_v more_o light_a than_o their_o immediate_a progenitor_n and_o have_v say_v the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n use_v such_o abstinence_n but_o fervour_n of_o piety_n decay_v the_o world_n for_o some_o century_n have_v lay_v aside_o that_o holy_a but_o troublesome_a mortification_n and_o they_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o almighty_a god_n to_o retrieve_v that_o religious_a primitive_a custom_n but_o no_o ecclesiastical_a history_n in_o so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o christian_a country_n in_o the_o world_n make_v mention_n of_o any_o such_o manner_n of_o introduce_v the_o holy_a fast_o of_o lent_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a wheresoever_o lent_n be_v observe_v the_o observer_n
magistrate_n be_v a_o great_a shame_n reflect_v also_o with_o he_o upon_o the_o prayer_n for_o the_o first_o sunday_n or_o lent_n o_o lord_n who_o for_o our_o sake_n do_v fast_o 40._o day_n and_o 40._o night_n give_v we_o grace_n to_o use_v such_o abstinence_n that_o our_o flesh_n be_v subdue_v to_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v ever_o obey_v thy_o godly_a motion_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n etc._n etc._n how_o unworthy_a it_o will_v be_v to_o make_v that_o holy_a prayer_n to_o bear_v such_o a_o sense_n as_o this_o o_o lord_n who_o for_o our_o sake_n do_v fast_a forcy_n day_n and_o forty_o night_n give_v we_o grace_n to_o use_v such_o abstinence_n that_o our_o seafaring_a man_n and_o mariner_n and_o young_a cattle_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v maintain_v in_o fine_a abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n upon_o certain_a day_n be_v against_o no_o law_n that_o i_o know_v of_o but_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n in_o our_o own_o sinful_a body_n our_o corrupt_a greedy_a desire_n of_o eat_v what_o we_o will_v when_o we_o will_v and_o as_o much_o as_o we_o will_v but_o still_a you_o say_v you_o be_v afraid_a of_o will-worship_n and_o superstition_n by_o observe_v a_o time_n which_o you_o fear_v god_n have_v never_o command_v you_o but_o you_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o profaneness_n in_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o a_o time_n which_o you_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o think_v god_n have_v command_v you_o religious_o to_o observe_v if_o you_o reflect_v well_o upon_o what_o have_v be_v say_v but_o you_o can_v persuade_v yourself_o its_o any_o way_n acceptable_a to_o god_n to_o fast_o in_o lent_n for_o that_o you_o must_v know_v that_o the_o power_n of_o education_n be_v upon_o you_o and_o our_o proud_a corrupt_a nature_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n to_o condemn_v itself_o of_o so_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o mistake_n that_o notwithstanding_o we_o have_v make_v religion_n our_o business_n for_o perhaps_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n or_o more_o yet_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o a_o practice_n as_o a_o useless_a vain_a superstition_n which_o be_v indeed_o true_a christian_a piety_n but_o it_o be_v better_a to_o come_v into_o god_n vineyard_n at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n than_o not_o at_o all_o better_o late_o than_o not_o at_o all_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o part_n of_o true_a christian_a piety_n learn_v to_o be_v wise_a from_o your_o own_o damage_n and_o reflect_v serious_o with_o yourself_o how_o seldom_o you_o have_v fast_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o your_o life_n and_o yet_o you_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v the_o singular_a benefit_n of_o religious_a fast_n and_o if_o you_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n when_o it_o be_v right_o perform_v it_o shall_v have_v a_o singular_a reward_n in_o the_o other_o life_n and_o consider_v moreover_o whether_o you_o shall_v in_o all_o likelihood_n fast_o more_o day_n in_o this_o next_o year_n if_o you_o fast_v only_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v move_v you_o to_o fast_o or_o if_o you_o shall_v engage_v yourself_o to_o fast_a all_o friday_n ember-day_n lent_n etc._n etc._n god_n know_v our_o private_a good_a purpose_n be_v easy_o break_v by_o we_o and_o the_o best_a of_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o extrinsical_a help_v of_o a_o common_a law_n to_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n especial_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v troublesome_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n be_v you_o be_v resolve_v for_o example_n to_o fast_o to_o morrow_n a_o friend_n come_v in_o and_o either_o invite_v himself_o to_o dine_v with_o you_o or_o you_o to_o dine_v with_o he_o and_o now_o it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o but_o either_o out_o of_o modesty_n or_o human_a respect_n you_o break_v your_o purpose_n of_o fast_v but_o when_o a_o day_n be_v set_v apart_o for_o fast_v or_o abstinence_n by_o a_o common_a law_n every_o one_o presume_v his_o neighbour_n observe_v it_o and_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o for_o his_o sake_n he_o shall_v violate_v it_o fast_v and_o prayer_n be_v strange_o useful_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n and_o it_o concern_v superior_n to_o secure_a some_o time_n for_o they_o in_o their_o subject_n let_v they_o superadd_a what_o they_o please_v by_o their_o own_o private_a devotion_n and_o we_o find_v it_o but_o too_o true_a by_o too_o sad_a experience_n in_o too_o many_o what_o the_o german_n lutheran_n confess_v to_o his_o son_n his_o son_n refuse_v to_o eat_v upon_o a_o fastingday_n he_o tell_v he_o he_o be_v not_o to_o fast_o upon_o friday_n or_o saturday_n or_o any_o other_o set-day_n that_o be_v superstition_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n move_v he_o his_o son_n demand_v i_o pray_v father_n when_o do_v the_o spirit_n move_v you_o to_o fast_o these_o thirty_o year_n you_o have_v be_v a_o lutheran_n he_o ingenuous_o confess_v by_o goat_n niet_fw-mi een_fw-mi mael_fw-mi by_o god_n not_o once_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o consider_v in_o our_o poor_a country_n how_o many_o zelots_n there_o be_v among_o we_o for_o religion_n and_o yet_o how_o seldom_o or_o never_o at_o all_o they_o fast._n nay_o many_o of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o condemn_v their_o own_o practice_n because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sometime_o allegorical_o call_v abstinence_n from_o sin_n fast_v look_v upon_o abstinence_n from_o meat_n and_o drink_n as_o no_o true_a fast_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n prohibit_v by_o god_n as_o carnal_a adultery_n and_o fornication_n because_o in_o a_o spiritual_a and_o allegorical_a sense_n idolatry_n or_o a_o worship_v of_o false_a god_n be_v often_o call_v in_o holy_a write_v fornication_n and_o adultery_n but_o this_o be_v the_o just_a punishment_n of_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n god_n ever_o resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a &_o deserve_o do_v they_o fall_v into_o a_o thousand_o spiritual_a frenzy_n and_o madness_n who_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a 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in_o itself_o its_o be_v command_v by_o our_o superior_n can_v never_o make_v it_o superstition_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o change_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a way_n of_o fast_v into_o a_o mere_a mock-abstinence_n from_o certain_a kind_n of_o meat_n by_o set-fasters_a give_v but_o too_o great_a occasion_n to_o many_o simple_a well-meaning_a people_n to_o look_v upon_o all_o fast_n as_o a_o mere_a superstition_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v that_o ever_o the_o apostle_n can_v appoint_v such_o a_o manner_n of_o fast_v as_o be_v too_o too_o common_o practise_v by_o pretender_n to_o follow_v apostolical_a institution_n in_o their_o set-fast_n for_o what_o say_v nonconformist_n if_o we_o must_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o primitive_a father_n fast_o lend_v why_o then_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o follow_v the_o manner_n of_o fast_v prescribe_v by_o the_o same_o father_n now_o they_o recommend_v to_o we_o as_o well_o abstinence_n from_o wine_n as_o flesh_n and_o only_o one_o temperate_a refection_n towards_o the_o evening_n as_o for_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n we_o all_o acknowledge_v our_o fault_n and_o be_v resolve_v serious_o to_o endeavour_v amendment_n and_o according_a to_o our_o corporal_n and_o spiritual_a strength_n pious_o to_o emulate_v the_o primitive_a christian_n fast_v and_o will_v you_o join_v with_o we_o in_o so_o holy_a a_o exercise_n we_o hope_v what_o our_o own_o simple_a knowledge_n be_v not_o able_a to_o prevail_v with_o our_o sensual_a nature_n to_o do_v your_o good_a example_n will_v shame_v we_o into_o the_o effectual_a performance_n of_o at_o least_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v your_o objection_n be_v answer_v and_o a_o happy_a solution_n this_o indeed_o god_n grant_v it_o but_o its_o time_n to_o add_v a_o word_n concern_v the_o practical_a manner_n of_o religious_a