heavy_a or_o heavy_a than_o the_o jew_n who_o know_v not_o the_o multitude_n of_o wholesome_a ceremony_n of_o rome_n come_v in_o at_o this_o door_n §_o 33._o this_o question_n of_o a_o competent_a judge_n in_o such_o matter_n be_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v resolve_v because_o the_o doctor_n make_v so_o many_o distinction_n about_o these_o wholesome_a ceremony_n 42._o sect._n 42._o that_o vulgar_a wit_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o they_o you_o distinguish_v of_o such_o act_n wherein_o that_o excess_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v that_o they_o be_v either_o ordinable_a fit_a or_o proper_a to_o that_o end_n the_o service_n of_o god_n or_o inordinable_a unfit_a etc._n etc._n what_o ordinary_a man_n who_o yet_o have_v a_o conscience_n to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o these_o distinction_n he_o confess_v there_o be_v great_a store_n inordinable_a unfit_a unproper_a of_o these_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o doctor_n opinion_n but_o think_v they_o all_o both_o fit_a and_o necessary_a but_o yet_o he_o have_v a_o salve_n for_o such_o in_o this_o case_n though_o any_o one_o may_v be_v a_o nimiety_n and_o that_o a_o fault_n yet_o still_o this_o not_o the_o fault_n of_o superstition_n but_o rather_o of_o folly_n and_o vanity_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o pray_v what_o be_v superstition_n but_o folly_n and_o vanity_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v not_o idol_n and_o all_o false_a worship_n call_v vanity_n and_o folly_n many_o such_o like_a thing_n you_o do_v mar._n 7_o 8_o 9_o full_a well_o you_o reject_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v keep_v your_o own_o tradition_n in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o let_v the_o doctor_n show_v his_o dislike_n of_o such_o as_o he_o will_v yet_o if_o man_n may_v be_v judge_n what_o be_v fit_a for_o number_n and_o wholesomeness_n every_o after-comer_n will_v think_v himself_o as_o wise_a as_o he_o that_o go_v before_o till_o they_o have_v load_v the_o christian_a above_o the_o jew_n beside_o as_o the_o learned_a chamier_n well_o observe_v there_o may_v be_v many_o mischief_n in_o a_o few_o if_o the_o authority_n to_o institute_v they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n or_o any_o man_n or_o man_n for_o suppose_v they_o be_v but_o few_o now_o yet_o we_o must_v consider_v how_o many_o they_o may_v be_v hereafter_o see_v the_o authority_n be_v give_v to_o every_o succeed_a church_n or_o pope_n to_o constitute_v ceremony_n or_o ecclesiastical_a law_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a and_o so_o the_o yoke_n never_o certain_a but_o always_o grow_v as_o experience_n tell_v we_o to_o pass_v this_o if_o superstition_n be_v so_o name_v because_o it_o be_v super_fw-la statutum_fw-la above_o the_o statute_n law_n of_o worship_n or_o because_o it_o be_v a_o excess_n of_o service_n add_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n certain_o these_o unfit_a improper_a ceremony_n may_v well_o be_v deem_v such_o 43._o sect._n 43._o and_o the_o doctor_n need_v not_o grudge_v the_o child_n the_o name_n of_o superstition_n as_o for_o those_o that_o charge_v such_o trifle_n they_o be_v to_o the_o doctor_n belike_o but_o trifle_n with_o the_o title_n of_o superstition_n and_o then_o extend_v it_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v no_o such_o fault_n and_o so_o run_v the_o circle_n let_v they_o for_o i_o see_v how_o to_o get_v out_o i_o only_o still_o say_v what_o ever_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o superstition_n be_v a_o nimiety_n and_o excess_n in_o religion_n and_o what_o ever_o be_v a_o excess_n in_o religion_n be_v superstition_n let_v we_o hear_v wherein_o the_o doctor_n be_v please_v to_o place_v it_o §_o 45._o sect._n 45._o 34._o the_o place_n of_o more_o virtue_n in_o some_o thing_n than_o either_o natural_o or_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n or_o in_o the_o estimation_n of_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v think_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o in_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n we_o speak_v something_o in_o general_a to_o this_o â—4_n sect._n â—4_n but_o now_o we_o shall_v assume_v of_o all_o those_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n unfit_a improper_a etc._n etc._n and_o of_o all_o superadded_a part_n of_o worship_n what_o ever_o they_o do_v place_n more_o virtue_n in_o they_o than_o either_o natural_o or_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n belong_v to_o they_o ergo_fw-la they_o be_v superstitious_a the_o assumption_n i_o prove_v thus_o they_o place_n in_o they_o virtue_n to_o please_v god_n by_o they_o to_o procure_v more_o acceptance_n from_o god_n and_o his_o blessing_n upon_o they_o which_o neither_o natural_o nor_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o institution_n of_o god_n they_o have_v in_o they_o ergo_fw-la more_o may_v be_v add_v but_o i_o forbear_v but_o what_o mean_v the_o doctor_n to_o add_v to_o his_o disjunction_n or_o in_o the_o estimation_n of_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n any_o power_n to_o put_v virtue_n into_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v not_o either_o natural_o or_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n if_o he_o deny_v this_o the_o addition_n be_v superfluous_a if_o he_o affirm_v it_o he_o beg_v the_o question_n for_o we_o say_v the_o pure_a church_n have_v no_o authority_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o put_v virtue_n or_o efficacy_n into_o they_o but_o god_n only_o in_o nature_n or_o by_o his_o institution_n in_o the_o word_n or_o if_o any_o the_o pure_a church_n shall_v take_v upon_o she_o to_o do_v it_o i_o shall_v make_v bold_a to_o add_v the_o doctor_n word_n in_o part_n the_o do_v of_o such_o be_v either_o groundless_a and_o then_o it_o be_v folly_n or_o else_o it_o fasten_v some_o promise_n on_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v not_o make_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o be_v that_o but_o a_o lie_n and_o a_o addition_n to_o the_o word_n a_o nimiety_n or_o excess_n of_o religion_n as_o he_o call_v it_o that_o be_v sinful_a superstition_n and_o that_o will_v impure_a the_o pure_a church_n §_o 35._o the_o nimiety_n must_v be_v a_o excess_n of_o fear_n or_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n when_o we_o need_v not_o as_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v when_o god_n neither_o command_n nor_o forbid_v abstain_v religious_o etc._n etc._n we_o take_v what_o he_o grant_v this_o be_v one_o kind_a of_o superstition_n as_o we_o note_v above_o in_o state_v of_o the_o question_n at_o sect._n 7._o but_o not_o the_o only_a there_o be_v many_o more_o and_o i_o like_o the_o doctor_n reason_n well_o here_o because_o such_o a_o man_n add_v to_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n as_o the_o former_a to_o the_o promise_n annex_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n those_o thing_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o it_o and_o so_o be_v a_o exceeder_n in_o the_o fear_n and_o service_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v superstition_n sect_n 47._o and_o this_o he_o confess_v be_v a_o culpable_a and_o criminous_a excess_n not_o in_o do_v what_o god_n command_v not_o for_o that_o may_v be_v innocent_a enough_o but_o in_o affirm_v god_n to_o command_v or_o forbid_v what_o he_o do_v not_o etc._n etc._n true_o in_o thing_n leave_v indifferent_a and_o free_a by_o god_n he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o this_o kind_n of_o superstition_n if_o he_o do_v they_o or_o abstain_v but_o yet_o he_o may_v of_o another_o kind_n that_o be_v if_o he_o place_v more_o virtue_n in_o they_o in_o do_v or_o abstain_v than_o either_o natural_o or_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n be_v due_a to_o they_o as_o he_o say_v before_o but_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o there_o it_o be_v a_o nimiety_n and_o excess_n to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o command_v as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v §_o 36._o when_o as_o he_o conclude_v that_o this_o way_n of_o dogmatize_v 48._o sect._n 47_o 48._o or_o impose_v as_o necessary_a such_o thing_n as_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o make_v necessary_a be_v the_o special_a and_o only_a kind_n of_o superstition_n which_o he_o believe_v any_o kind_n of_o protestant_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o 1._o he_o grant_v another_o kind_n sect._n 45._o in_o place_v more_o virtue_n in_o thing_n than_o natural_o or_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n belong_v to_o they_o 2._o all_o willworship_v devise_v by_o man_n and_o add_v as_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o excess_n in_o religion_n and_o so_o superstition_n beside_o the_o rest_n which_o we_o have_v note_v above_o as_o for_o his_o addition_n of_o observe_v ominous_a inauspicious_a event_n unlucky_a day_n etc._n etc._n they_o fall_v under_o his_o first_o kind_n of_o superstition_n sect._n 45._o place_v anl_o put_v more_o virtue_n in_o
this_o island_n he_o may_v have_v add_v nor_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n nor_o simon_n zelotes_n upon_o the_o reason_n there_o by_o he_o give_v the_o affirmation_n of_o gildas_n that_o this_o be_v in_o tiberius_n reign_n be_v mere_a tradition_n and_o far_o from_o probability_n for_o then_o england_n shall_v be_v convert_v within_o four_o year_n after_o christ_n death_n in_o the_o 18._o of_o tiberius_n our_o lord_n suffer_v and_o tiberius_n reign_v but_o 22._o in_o all_o no_o author_n of_o any_o credit_n lay_v it_o so_o high_a as_o for_o tertullian_n and_o origen_n they_o live_v both_o in_o the_o three_o centurie_n above_o 200._o year_n after_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a christianity_n be_v plant_v here_o in_o some_o part_n some_o time_n before_o they_o but_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o neither_o of_o those_o ancient_n nor_o any_o before_o they_o in_o all_o their_o writing_n ever_o mention_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o nativity_n as_o then_o in_o observation_n though_o they_o often_o speak_v of_o other_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n before_o and_o in_o their_o time_n the_o most_o probable_a opinion_n be_v that_o though_o some_o person_n of_o this_o as_o of_o most_o nation_n be_v convert_v early_o to_o the_o faith_n yet_o the_o nation_n or_o any_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o convert_v till_o king_n lucius_n his_o time_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 180._o the_o first_o christian_a king_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n to_o our_o nation_n this_o be_v do_v say_v historian_n in_o the_o time_n of_o eleutherius_fw-la then_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o live_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o centurie_n and_o his_o epistle_n to_o king_n lucius_n if_o that_o be_v authentic_a 16._o sir_n henr._n spilm_n council_n brit._n p._n 16._o for_o the_o doctor_n doubt_v it_o and_o well_o he_o may_v if_o he_o do_v but_o remember_v what_o a_o learned_a historian_n say_v do_v not_o say_v that_o britain_n have_v long_o ago_o before_o lucius_n his_o time_n receive_v the_o faith_n but_o rather_o nuper_fw-la late_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o latin_a in_o the_o doctor_n margin_n but_o wise_o leave_v out_o in_o the_o english_a which_o why_o it_o be_v do_v let_v other_o judge_n historian_n say_v that_o king_n lucius_n desire_v of_o eleutherius_fw-la that_o he_o and_o his_o people_n may_v have_v some_o send_v to_o baptize_v they_o who_o according_o send_v fugatius_n and_o damianus_n now_o if_o christianity_n have_v be_v plant_v here_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o by_o apostolical_a man_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o they_o leave_v no_o presbyter_n here_o to_o baptize_v but_o that_o they_o must_v send_v to_o rome_n for_o such_o which_o will_v give_v romanist_n a_o fair_a plea_n to_o subject_a england_n to_o rome_n then_o that_o of_o augustine_n the_o monk_n which_o the_o doctor_n dispute_v so_o much_o against_o hereafter_o §_o 5._o dioclesian_n persecution_n fall_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o century_n after_o christ_n before_o which_o time_n we_o hear_v of_o christianity_n plant_v here_o and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o nativity_n be_v set_v up_o in_o some_o church_n before_o this_o time_n but_o not_o universal_o in_o all_o till_o about_o 400._o year_n after_o christ_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v the_o doctor_n confess_v before_o we_o have_v do_v though_o he_o plead_v hard_a to_o prove_v it_o a_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o this_o may_v serve_v anon_o to_o answer_v that_o which_o will_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o festivitie_n that_o dioclesian_n slay_v 20000_o christian_n assemble_v together_o on_o that_o day_n though_o the_o author_n of_o that_o report_n be_v of_o no_o great_a credit_n §_o 6._o the_o celebration_n of_o easter_n by_o the_o ancient_a british_a church_n contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o western_a church_n will_v give_v little_a light_n to_o the_o main_a question_n concern_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n here_o by_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n or_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o festival_n plead_v for_o it_o may_v indeed_o argue_v that_o england_n do_v not_o receive_v christianity_n first_o from_o rome_n in_o augustine_n time_n but_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o those_o that_o plant_v christianity_n here_o be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o apostolical_a time_n keep_v their_o easter_n after_o the_o jewish_a manner_n for_o the_o eastern_a christian_n common_o keep_v it_o so_o but_o not_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n which_o the_o doctor_n take_v for_o grant_v but_o be_v deny_v he_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o reason_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o either_o the_o institution_n or_o observation_n of_o it_o in_o scripture_n nor_o any_o ground_n to_o found_v it_o upon_o the_o apostle_n do_v take_v advantage_n of_o that_o and_o the_o like_a solemnity_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o convert_v they_o as_o be_v say_v afore_o but_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o institution_n of_o they_o as_o christian_a feast_n that_o they_o do_v express_o repeal_v they_o and_o cry_v they_o down_o 2._o 22._o lib._n 5._o c._n 22._o socrates_n the_o historian_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o solicitous_a to_o appoint_v any_o festival_n day_n at_o all_o than_o not_o this_o of_o easter_n 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o eastern_a 99_o see_v lo_n falk_n reply_n p._n 99_o and_o western_a church_n make_v it_o evident_a it_o be_v not_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v uniform_o observe_v in_o all_o place_n and_o as_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o succeed_a church_n in_o such_o matter_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o it_o anon_o yet_o this_o we_o say_v at_o present_a that_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n have_v better_a antiquity_n than_o this_o of_o christmas_n though_o not_o apostolical_a §_o 7._o but_o the_o doctor_n have_v find_v one_o evidence_n of_o moment_n christmas_n day_n be_v call_v in_o our_o old_a monument_n midwinter_n day_n whence_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v conclude_v that_o when_o that_o name_n be_v first_o apply_v to_o that_o day_n christmas_n day_n be_v in_o the_o calendar_n either_o coincident_a with_o or_o not_o far_o remove_v from_o the_o winter_n solstice_n and_o we_o continue_v to_o call_v the_o 24._o of_o june_n midsummer_n day_n half_o a_o year_n from_o the_o 25_o of_o december_n how_o sweet_o all_o agree_v john_n baptist_n be_v conceive_v six_o month_n before_o our_o lord_n and_z and_o so_o bear_v six_o month_n before_o he_o hence_o the_o feastmaster_n plead_v his_o birth_n on_o the_o 24._o of_o june_n and_o he_o and_o our_o lord_n on_o the_o 25._o of_o december_n 1._o but_o i_o will_v be_v satisfy_v which_o be_v the_o old_a festival_n that_o of_o john_n or_o this_o of_o christ_n it_o be_v observe_v by_o chemnitius_n that_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o nativity_n be_v not_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o most_o ancient_a church_n till_o towards_o the_o 400._o year_n but_o no_o mention_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o john_n baptist_n till_o towards_o the_o 800._o year_n or_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v both_o appoint_v about_o the_o same_o time_n upon_o supposition_n then_o by_o the_o western_a church_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v on_o the_o 25._o of_o december_n as_o the_o doctor_n say_v and_o the_o feast_n of_o nativity_n settle_v upon_o that_o day_n either_o they_o or_o some_o other_o placed_z the_o feast_n of_o john_n baptist_n on_o the_o 24._o of_o june_n that_o all_o may_v correspond_v 2._o if_o the_o name_n of_o midwinter_n day_n and_o midsummer_n day_n be_v so_o call_v here_o while_o the_o island_n be_v heathen_a they_o be_v far_o more_o ancient_a than_o christmas_n day_n and_o then_o christmas_n day_n be_v rather_o apply_v to_o midwinter_n day_n than_o midwinter_n day_n to_o christmas_n day_n but_o however_o it_o be_v it_o follow_v not_o as_o the_o doctor_n will_v have_v it_o that_o it_o must_v be_v soon_o after_o our_o saviour_n time_n that_o this_o day_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o appellation_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o day_n be_v here_o celebrate_v so_o early_o for_o it_o may_v be_v a_o good_a while_n after_o so_o call_v when_o the_o island_n be_v first_o convert_v which_o be_v not_o as_o we_o have_v discourse_v till_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n 3._o it_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o doctor_n that_o midwinter_n day_n be_v a_o fortnight_n soon_o than_o our_o christmas_n day_n the_o solstice_n be_v about_o the_o 11._o of_o december_n then_o say_v i_o they_o keep_v not_o christmas_n day_n on_o midwinter_n day_n for_o that_o be_v a_o fortnight_n soon_o so_o we_o keep_v it_o not_o on_o the_o same_o day_n with_o our_o first_o convert_n nor_o yet_o on_o the_o day_n that_o the_o western_a church_n now_o keep_v it_o who_o
father_n of_o the_o first_o age_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v any_o such_o usage_n in_o their_o time_n no_o mention_n there_o be_v among_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o nativity_n till_o basill_n nazianzenes_n and_o chrysostom_n time_n who_o live_v not_o till_o the_o four_o centurie_n at_o least_o they_o say_v indeed_o it_o be_v in_o practice_n in_o some_o place_n before_o their_o time_n but_o that_o may_v be_v some_o 100_o more_o or_o less_o year_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v universal_a 3._o another_o of_o the_o doctor_n caution_n be_v it_o must_v be_v attest_v without_o any_o considerable_a opposition_n but_o this_o his_o christmas_n find_v in_o the_o four_o centurie_n as_o we_o hear_v sect._n 44._o in_o chrysostom_n time_n there_o be_v a_o considerable_a opposition_n many_o be_v doubtful_a many_o charge_v the_o festivity_n with_o novelty_n and_o as_o of_o late_o bring_v in_o for_o a_o conclusion_n then_o of_o all_o the_o doctor_n censure_n be_v too_o harsh_a and_o the_o character_n too_o hard_o that_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o refuse_v of_o it_o that_o it_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o novelty_n and_o contempt_n of_o antiquity_n to_o recommend_v it_o unto_o any_o we_o shall_v only_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o two_o place_n in_o his_o own_o writing_n the_o one_o here_o at_o sect._n 35._o the_o other_o testimony_n of_o nicephorus_n that_o justinus_n the_o emperor_n first_o command_v it_o to_o be_v keep_v festival_n over_o the_o world_n then_o say_v i_o it_o be_v not_o a_o universal_a usage_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o doctor_n have_v so_o long_o plead_v for_o for_o justinus_n live_v in_o the_o sixth_o century_n i_o know_v what_o he_o answer_v to_o it_o that_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o edict_n of_o the_o emperor_n for_o the_o universal_a observation_n do_v no_o way_n prejudge_v the_o church_n whither_o apostolical_a or_o primitive_a institution_n of_o it_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o prejudge_v the_o universal_a observation_n of_o it_o in_o all_o age_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o apostolical_a the_o other_o place_n be_v in_o his_o practical_a catechism_n where_o he_o confess_v 181._o pag._n 181._o it_o be_v not_o solemnize_v universal_o till_o about_o 400._o year_n after_o christ._n how_o often_o have_v he_o charge_v we_o with_o departure_n from_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o reject_v and_o not_o observe_v the_o festivity_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n etc._n etc._n sect._n 12._o and_o in_o that_o sect._n 45._o i_o hope_v upon_o second_o thought_n he_o will_v be_v more_o moderate_a in_o his_o censure_n and_o find_v that_o his_o rash_a zeal_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n his_o mother_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o ancient_n his_o father_n have_v carry_v he_o beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n §_o 46._o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o doctor_n discourse_n be_v spend_v in_o answer_v 16._o quary_z propound_v by_o another_o but_o most_o of_o what_o he_o have_v say_v may_v be_v take_v away_o by_o what_o have_v above_o be_v answer_v i_o shall_v not_o put_v my_o sickle_n into_o another_o man_n corn_n but_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o author_n of_o they_o or_o some_o friend_n of_o he_o to_o vindicate_v they_o §_o 74._o the_o doctor_n now_o for_o a_o conclusion_n draw_v out_o some_o quaeres_fw-la of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o answer_v by_o he_o that_o shall_v undertake_v this_o business_n as_o a_o short_a way_n to_o question_v and_o debate_v the_o truth_n or_o suppose_a certainty_n of_o some_o of_o his_o own_o principle_n for_o a_o essay_n this_o §_o 75._o whither_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o church_n either_o national_a of_o one_o or_o universal_a of_o all_o part_n of_o christendom_n especial_o of_o that_o age_n near_a the_o apostle_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n to_o take_v upon_o it_o to_o institute_v one_o or_o more_o day_n upon_o any_o special_a occasion_n of_o some_o eminent_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o be_v use_v yearly_o in_o act_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o charity_n 6._o chemnit_fw-la exam._n de_fw-fr dieb_v fest_n ames_n medul_a in_o 4._o precept_n d._n riu._n in_o exod._n 20._o p._n 206._o 6._o by_o all_o the_o child_n of_o that_o church_n and_o to_o expect_v obedience_n from_o they_o but_o under_o favour_n this_o be_v not_o the_o question_n now_o between_o we_o for_o not_o only_o the_o lutheran_n but_o even_o the_o most_o rigid_a calvinist_n and_o nonconformist_n as_o they_o be_v call_v do_v grant_v that_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o the_o state_n have_v power_n to_o set_v apart_o any_o day_n to_o the_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n not_o only_o upon_o extraordinary_a eminent_a mercy_n but_o upon_o ordinary_a occasion_n provide_v 1._o they_o be_v not_o too_o many_o for_o number_n nor_o 2._o impose_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o christian_a liberty_n nor_o 3_o make_v part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o other_o like_a caution_n and_o condition_n by_o they_o prescribe_v and_o if_o the_o superior_a power_n shall_v appoint_v such_o day_n so_o qualify_v this_o may_v secure_v both_o those_o that_o institute_v they_o and_o those_o that_o observe_v they_o from_o any_o crime_n of_o superstition_n it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o who_o first_o appoint_v those_o day_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o martyr_n in_o their_o particular_a church_n intend_v no_o more_o but_o on_o such_o a_o day_n yearly_a to_o commemorate_v the_o faith_n and_o constancy_n of_o those_o holy_a sufferer_n as_o with_o thanks_o to_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n in_o they_o so_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o other_o christian_n to_o imitate_v their_o virtue_n but_o after_o age_n soon_o grow_v superstition_n in_o their_o number_n in_o their_o use_n and_o end_n dedicate_a day_n to_o to_o saint_n invocate_a they_o in_o their_o prayer_n make_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o necessary_a the_o day_n themselves_o holy_a holy_a than_o other_o day_n than_o the_o lord_n day_n place_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o they_o expect_v more_o acceptance_n more_o blessing_n from_o the_o service_n of_o those_o day_n as_o a_o voluntary_a worship_n these_o abuse_n be_v foresee_v by_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o thereupon_o either_o the_o day_n be_v reject_v altogether_o by_o some_o or_o caution_v against_o by_o other_o especial_o by_o this_o church_n of_o england_n as_o all_o do_v know_v but_o when_o this_o last_o generation_n of_o misdevout_a man_n begin_v to_o exceed_v in_o the_o honour_n estimation_n and_o observance_n of_o those_o remain_a festival_n especial_o this_o of_o christmas_n equal_v they_o with_o if_o not_o prefer_v they_o above_o the_o lord_n day_n as_o be_v say_v before_o etc._n etc._n then_o those_o that_o be_v conscientious_a and_o tender_a of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n begin_v to_o oppose_v such_o inchroachment_n upon_o it_o who_o former_o do_v observe_v the_o day_n and_o other_o that_o think_v they_o have_v power_n in_o their_o hand_n do_v lay_v they_o aside_o upon_o these_o reason_n it_o be_v too_o long_o to_o instance_n the_o particular_a superstition_n not_o only_o of_o the_o vulgar_a people_n but_o even_o of_o many_o divine_n discover_v in_o their_o practice_n and_o discourse_n against_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o for_o the_o holiday_n none_o that_o i_o know_v or_o have_v meet_v with_o have_v manifest_v more_o way_n of_o be_v superstitious_a in_o this_o subject_a of_o holiday_n than_o the_o doctor_n in_o this_o discourse_n of_o festival_n as_o have_v be_v make_v appear_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o sixteenth_o section_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n and_o proceed_v to_o his_o second_o question_n §_o 77._o whither_o such_o a_o ancient_a institution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o name_n the_o anniversarie_n feast_n of_o christ_n birth_n though_o it_o be_v not_o affirm_v to_o be_v command_v by_o christ_n or_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o in_o itself_o consider_v without_o respect_n to_o the_o institution_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n yet_o be_v thus_o more_o than_o lawful_a pious_a in_o itself_o proper_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o ground_n primitive_o catholic_n if_o not_o apostolic_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o institution_n may_v be_v lawful_o abolish_v etc._n etc._n wherein_o the_o doctor_n take_v for_o grant_v these_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o prove_v 1._o that_o this_o festival_n be_v of_o so_o ancient_a institution_n as_o primitive_o catholic_n if_o not_o apostolic_a seeing_z it_o have_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v neither_o 1._o apostolic_a or_o 2._o a_o primitive_a institution_n nor_o 3._o of_o catholic_n observation_n till_o at_o least_o the_o 400._o year_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n 2._o that_o it_o
they_o than_o god_n in_o nature_n or_o by_o his_o institution_n have_v put_v into_o they_o which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o proper_o excess_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v common_a to_o heathen_n and_o not_o proper_o worship_v yet_o be_v they_o excess_n in_o christian_n that_o use_v they_o and_o a_o kind_n of_o superstition_n call_v it_o religious_a or_o civil_a as_o he_o please_v §_o 37._o and_o now_o we_o be_v come_v to_o another_o consideration_n of_o the_o last_o way_n that_o he_o suppose_v may_v be_v call_v superstition_n and_o that_o be_v because_o man_n place_v holiness_n in_o some_o observance_n among_o we_o 49_o s_n 49_o which_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v say_v of_o it_o in_o thesâ—â—_n in_o hypothesi_fw-la or_o application_n to_o the_o particular_a case_n be_v general_o very_o false_a or_o impertinent_a we_o shall_v consider_v what_o he_o say_v for_o it_o §_o 38._o 1._o he_o ask_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o holiness_n real_a inherent_a holiness_n or_o only_a separation_n from_o common_a use_n the_o latter_a only_a we_o will_v answer_v separation_n to_o holy_a from_o common_a use_n that_o be_v such_o a_o separation_n to_o holy_a use_n that_o the_o thing_n may_v no_o more_o be_v alienate_v to_o common_a use_n this_o be_v proper_a holiness_n §_o 39_o but_o then_o the_o only_a inquiry_n will_v be_v by_o who_o and_o how_o far_o any_o thing_n be_v thus_o separate_v either_o by1_n christ_n 51._o s_n 51._o or2_n the_o apostle_n or_o the3_n universal_a church_n in_o pure_a age_n or_o the4_n particular_a church_n and_o ruler_n thereof_o wherein_o we_o live_v or_o 5_o if_o free_a by_o our_o own_o act._n he_o tell_v we_o here_o by_o who_o the_o separation_n be_v make_v but_o not_o a_o word_n how_o far_o or_o in_o what_o difference_n a_o thing_n separate_v by_o the_o several_a author_n be_v make_v holy_a or_o whither_o it_o be_v equal_a in_o all_o that_o a_o thing_n make_v holy_a by_o a_o private_a person_n be_v equal_o holy_a with_o that_o do_v by_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o upward_o that_o of_o the_o general_a church_n equal_o with_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n equal_a with_o that_o of_o christ_n himself_n this_o will_v first_o have_v be_v resolve_v he_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o holiness_n from_o their_o several_a separation_n to_o be_v only_o gradual_a but_o we_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v specifical_a at_o least_o between_o the_o separation_n of_o god_n or_o christ_n and_o that_o of_o the_o church_n to_o say_v nothing_o yet_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o withal_o we_o say_v we_o desire_v a_o proof_n that_o any_o but_o god_n or_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n can_v make_v any_o thing_n proper_o holy_a now_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n proper_o holy_a be_v not_o to_o separate_v it_o only_o to_o holy_a use_n from_o common_a as_o the_o doctor_n define_v it_o sect._n 50._o but_o to_o make_v it_o 1._o a_o part_n of_o worship_n 2._o to_o be_v efficatious_a to_o work_v and_o convey_v holiness_n to_o he_o that_o right_o use_v it_o 3._o to_o make_v the_o service_n &_o person_n more_o accept_v 4._o to_o give_v a_o ground_n of_o expectation_n of_o a_o blessing_n upon_o some_o promise_n thereof_o in_o the_o word_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o sense_n none_o but_o god_n alone_o can_v sanctify_v and_o separate_a any_o thing_n to_o holy_a from_o common_a use_n all_o which_o the_o doctor_n either_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o or_o take_v as_o grant_v other_o may_v do_v for_o he_o say_v the_o way_n to_o discern_v whither_o we_o exceed_v that_o be_v be_v superstitious_a in_o any_o of_o those_o afore_o and_o place_n more_o holiness_n than_o be_v due_a to_o they_o be_v to_o account_v they_o holy_a in_o a_o degree_n proportion_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o separate_v they_o we_o shall_v speak_v something_o considerable_a to_o this_o for_o 1._o the_o difference_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o well_o or_o not_o distinct_o lay_v out_o for_o the_o apostle_n authority_n be_v also_o divine_a by_o christ_n commission_n 2._o then_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o separation_n differ_v much_o from_o that_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n &_o the_o rest_n as_o much_o as_o divine_a &_o humane_a 3._o the_o precept_n or_o example_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o it_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v ever_o to_o have_v concur_v in_o make_v any_o thing_n holy_a there_o never_o have_v be_v a_o ecumenical_a council_n true_o so_o call_v so_o can_v make_v any_o thing_n proper_o holy_a with_o the_o respect_n afore_o say_v but_o only_o improper_o with_o respect_n to_o holy_a thing_n or_o duty_n so_o make_v by_o god_n e._n g._n in_o time_n or_o place_n separate_v by_o god_n or_o man_n there_o be_v this_o difference_n beside_o those_o above_o that_o time_n or_o place_n sanctify_v by_o god_n require_v holy_a duty_n to_o till_o they_o up_o but_o separate_v by_o man_n they_o be_v to_o wait_v upon_o holy_a duty_n in_o the_o first_o the_o duty_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o time_n or_o place_n sake_n in_o the_o other_o the_o time_n or_o place_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o duty_n sake_n but_o this_o be_v to_o make_v any_o time_n or_o any_o place_n when_o and_o where_o those_o duty_n be_v perform_v as_o holy_a as_o all_o other_o time_n or_o place_n that_o be_v the_o one_o no_o more_o holy_a than_o another_o we_o therefore_o deny_v that_o either_o the_o universal_a church_n or_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o private_a man_n can_v make_v any_o thing_n proper_o holy_a which_o the_o doctor_n do_v not_o at_o all_o undertake_v to_o prove_v only_o thus_o he_o go_v on_o if_o that_o which_o be_v thus_o separate_v be_v by_o christ_n himself_o i_o shall_v count_v it_o holy_a in_o that_o degree_n and_o myself_o oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a precept_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n and_o then_o i_o offend_v not_o but_o 1._o i_o suppose_v the_o doctor_n will_v account_v himself_o oblige_v to_o a_o apostolical_a institution_n by_o divine_a precept_n also_o i_o have_v think_v apostolical_a 52._o apostolical_a ho_o thought_n and_o say_v so_o in_o his_o first_o quere_z sect_n 22._o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o institution_n be_v so_o own_v by_o christ_n himself_o that_o what_o be_v true_o a_o postolicall_a be_v immediate_o and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n divine_a and_o infallible_a sect._n 52._o and_o divine_a have_v be_v both_o one_o with_o the_o doctor_n but_o i_o perceive_v he_o make_v they_o differ_v and_o yet_o difference_n apostolical_a from_o ecclesiastical_a as_o if_o the_o apostle_n be_v neither_o divine_a nor_o humane_a but_o something_o between_o both_o 2._o by_o this_o distinction_n of_o he_o the_o papist_n may_v excuse_v their_o gross_a superstition_n in_o place_v holiness_n in_o thing_n time_n place_n etc._n etc._n by_o borrow_v the_o doctor_n answer_n they_o may_v say_v they_o account_v they_o holy_a but_o either_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o general_a or_o particular_a church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o be_v no_o superstition_n say_v he_o say_v they_o §_o 40._o but_o he_o go_v on_o if_o my_o voluntary_a oblation_n i_o perform_v as_o a_o voluntary_a oblation_n and_o only_o expect_v that_o god_n that_o have_v promise_v to_o accept_v such_o will_v accept_v it_o all_o this_o while_n i_o be_o not_o blameworthy_a but_o 1._o what_o mean_v he_o by_o his_o voluntary_a oblation_n if_o his_o willingness_n in_o tender_v command_v worship_n he_o can_v do_v that_o worship_n aright_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o command_n if_o voluntary_a worship_n of_o his_o own_o without_o a_o command_n he_o have_v no_o promise_n of_o acceptance_n and_o so_o can_v expect_v none_o yea_o he_o may_v rather_o expect_v or_o fear_v punishment_n threaten_v in_o the_o 2d._o commandment_n to_o such_o worship_n 2._o the_o dr._n may_v remember_v that_o sect._n 45._o he_o blame_v that_o for_o superstition_n when_o virtue_n be_v place_v in_o some_o thing_n which_o natural_o or_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o give_v the_o reason_n sect_n 46._o because_o that_o add_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o fasten_v a_o promise_n on_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v not_o make_v now_o how_o will_v he_o free_v himself_o from_o superstition_n in_o his_o voluntary_a oblation_n that_o be_v his_o uncommanded_a worship_n unless_o he_o can_v show_v a_o promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o such_o acceptance_n for_o natural_o there_o be_v no_o such_o virtue_n in_o a_o willworship_n and_o institution_n he_o can_v plead_v for_o that_o be_v a_o contradiction_n viderit_fw-la ipse_fw-la but_o he_o say_v still_o in_o case_n of_o resolution_n and_o vow_v add_v that_o respect_n in_o my_o performance_n
without_o offence_n to_o god_n follow_v their_o lawful_a vocation_n on_o that_o day_n rest_n be_v make_v a_o oblation_n to_o god_n place_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o day_n as_o a_o voluntary_a oblation_n and_o parallel_v with_o the_o freewilloffering_n in_o the_o law_n which_o the_o doctor_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o *_o be_v part_n of_o god_n worship_n offer_v it_o up_o a_o voluntary_a oblation_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o service_n and_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n sect._n 28._o four_o forbid_v labour_n on_o that_o day_n with_o great_a zeal_n and_o severe_a penalty_n than_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n it_o be_v hold_v and_o according_o censure_v as_o more_o piacular_a to_o work_v upon_o this_o day_n than_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n five_o in_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o in_o so_o much_o as_o he_o be_v esteem_v no_o good_a christian_n that_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o six_o it_o become_v a_o note_n of_o discrimination_n of_o people_n as_o more_o or_o less_o religious_a just_o as_o the_o doctor_n observe_v 28._o observe_v willworship_n s_o 28._o of_o the_o hasidaei_n and_o make_v it_o part_n of_o their_o superstition_n or_o will-worship_n that_o they_o first_o begin_v to_o add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n voluntary_a performance_n of_o their_o own_o then_o they_o make_v they_o necessary_a and_o lay_v the_o obligation_n of_o they_o on_o other_o to_o do_v as_o they_o do_v and_o then_o not_o be_v obey_v discriminate_v themselves_o from_o all_o other_o as_o the_o only_a obedient_a servant_n of_o god_n and_o so_o call_v themselves_o pharisees_n and_o be_v not_o this_o exemplify_v in_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o festival_n at_o first_o after_o a_o age_n or_o two_o from_o the_o apostle_n some_o begin_v to_o set_v up_o this_o and_o other_o day_n as_o a_o voluntary_a oblation_n to_o christ_n and_o a_o pious_a addition_n to_o the_o lord_n day_n other_o in_o time_n make_v it_o necessary_a as_o socrates_n observe_v and_o then_o lay_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o upon_o other_o to_o do_v as_o they_o do_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o obey_v they_o discriminate_v themselves_o from_o such_o as_o refuse_v as_o the_o only_a pious_a and_o religious_a man_n of_o the_o time_n that_o good_a father_n saint_n austin_n be_v a_o little_a faulty_a here_o if_o that_o work_n be_v augustine_n all_o that_o acknowledge_v themselves_o son_n of_o the_o church_n observe_v the_o festival_n of_o the_o church_n cite_v by_o the_o doctor_n §_o 35._o 250_o serm._n de_fw-fr temp._n 250_o to_o which_o the_o dr._n add_v it_o be_v consequent_a to_o this_o that_o they_o which_o observe_v they_o not_o disclaim_v this_o sonship_n and_o cast_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o family_n pract._n cat._n and_o hear_v the_o doctor_n own_o discrimination_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o party_n by_o the_o censure_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o party_n by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o refuser_n the_o fastidious_a reject_v or_o not_o observe_v the_o festival_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a the_o great_a day_n etc._n etc._n must_v certain_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o every_o man_n as_o a_o act_n of_o affect_a departure_n from_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n his_o mother_n sect._n 45._o which_o sect._n 12._o he_o have_v call_v a_o act_n of_o division_n and_o separation_n from_o that_o church_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n how_o just_o or_o true_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_n by_o that_o which_o have_v and_o shall_v be_v say_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o doctor_n have_v handsome_o give_v or_o take_v the_o name_n of_o pharisee_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o party_n as_o volunteere_n in_o worship_n above_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o leave_v the_o name_n of_o honest_a &_o modest_a karaej_n unto_o other_o who_o dare_v not_o venture_v to_o go_v beyond_o or_o before_o the_o law_n in_o worship_n obj._n but_o he_o start_v a_o objection_n it_o have_v a_o semblance_n of_o that_o mat._n 5.9_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o tradition_n of_o man_n he_o answer_v doctrine_n there_o be_v the_o affirm_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o pleasure_n and_o command_v of_o god_n as_o if_o i_o shall_v put_v the_o king_n broad_a seal_n to_o a_o deed_n of_o my_o own_o but_o this_o be_v no_o way_n chargeable_a on_o those_o that_o acknowledge_v this_o a_o ecclesiastical_a institution_n and_o pretend_v it_o not_o to_o be_v prescribe_v by_o christ_n i_o reply_v 1_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n here_o be_v not_o the_o affirm_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o command_n of_o god_n or_o not_o that_o only_o but_o be_v expound_v by_o col._n 2.22_o after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n that_o be_v man_n out_o of_o their_o wisdom_n prescribe_v and_o by_o their_o authority_n command_v such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n either_o as_o very_o pious_a and_o please_a or_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o a_o voluntary_a worship_n not_o always_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o hold_v they_o out_o as_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v 2._o it_o be_v so_o much_o more_o chargeable_a on_o they_o that_o acknowledge_v it_o a_o ecclesiastical_a institution_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o superstition_n because_o those_o pharisee_n and_o false_a teacher_n as_o he_o say_v plead_v god_n command_n for_o their_o doctrine_n for_o what_o they_o do_v in_o matter_n of_o worship_n but_o these_o pretend_v only_o the_o church_n command_n which_o be_v worse_o than_o put_v the_o king_n seal_n to_o a_o deed_n of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o usurp_v the_o very_a throne_n of_o god_n to_o appoint_v his_o worship_n which_o be_v the_o high_a treason_n other_o thing_n there_o be_v concern_v this_o controversy_n which_o we_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o hereafter_o catechism_n in_o pract_n catechism_n and_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v how_o he_o can_v vindicate_v this_o festival_n from_o the_o riot_n and_o excess_n common_o find_v there_o which_o he_o acknowledge_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o great_a sin_n in_o a_o christian_a than_o in_o a_o jew_n who_o promise_n be_v of_o a_o earthly_a plenty_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o we_o say_v §_o 17._o the_o jewish_a promise_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o earthly_a plenty_n not_o only_o for_o they_o have_v also_o spiritual_a promise_n they_o be_v permit_v like_o child_n feed_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n a_o week_n of_o earthly_a joy_n and_o pleasure_n but_o the_o promise_n and_o exhibition_n of_o they_o by_o christ_n be_v all_o spiritual_a to_o christian_n chrys_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrys_n spiritual_a joy_n be_v as_o the_o doctor_n say_v well_o the_o christians_o eminent_a if_o not_o only_a portion_n but_o these_o be_v not_o limit_v to_o one_o or_o twelve_o day_n in_o a_o year_n but_o daily_a joy_n every_o day_n be_v a_o christmas_n to_o a_o godly_a heart_n rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n always_o again_o i_o say_v rejoice_v §_o 18._o festivity_n and_o hospitality_n its_o true_a be_v separable_a from_o riot_n but_o very_o hardly_o and_o if_o gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n be_v the_o prescribe_a worship_n in_o heathenish_a feast_n we_o have_v find_v by_o long_a experience_n they_o be_v the_o practise_a entertainment_n of_o this_o festival_n which_o many_o year_n preach_v can_v not_o reform_v the_o heathenish_a usage_n in_o it_o almost_o yield_v sect_n 2._o as_o they_o do_v imply_v that_o the_o festival_n itself_o be_v institute_v to_o gratify_v the_o heathen_n by_o imitation_n of_o their_o feast_n at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o the_o year_n so_o god_n to_o show_v his_o dislike_n if_o not_o his_o detestation_n of_o it_o have_v fuffer_v these_o humane_a invention_n and_o institution_n in_o his_o service_n to_o be_v attend_v and_o celebrate_v with_o the_o two_o extreme_n of_o true_a worship_n superstition_n and_o prophanesse_n we_o shall_v hear_v anon_o sect._n 21._o that_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n on_o day_n of_o festivitie_n man_n begin_v to_o adorn_v themselves_o sumptuous_o to_o show_v their_o pride_n &_o to_o fare_v delicious_o to_o surfeit_v &_o drunkenness_n so_o soon_o these_o abuse_n get_v into_o they_o and_o all_o this_o while_n for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n can_v not_o be_v get_v out_o by_o all_o the_o father_n &_o child_n of_o the_o church_n the_o spiritual_a dainty_n of_o a_o christian_a peace_n with_o god_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o quotidian_a festival_n be_v free_a from_o these_o excess_n be_v not_o drink_v with_o wine_n wherein_o be_v excess_n but_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o yourselves_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n make_v melody_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n those_o that_o have_v most_o of_o these_o care_n least_o for_o
earthly_a joy_n and_o they_o that_o care_v most_o for_o earthly_a joy_n without_o which_o the_o festivitie_n will_v be_v think_v a_o time_n of_o lent_n &_o fast_v it_o be_v fear_v lest_o of_o those_o spiritual_a dainty_n §_o 19_o as_o some_o have_v leave_v this_o custom_n of_o christmas_n so_o call_v have_v use_v their_o liberty_n of_o feast_v at_o other_o time_n which_o argue_v say_v the_o doctor_n the_o good_a cheer_n not_o to_o be_v the_o thing_n dislike_v in_o it_o so_o other_o that_o keep_v up_o or_o cry_v up_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o festivity_n have_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o lay_v aside_o hospitality_n and_o charity_n not_o only_o at_o that_o time_n but_o all_o the_o year_n long_o which_o show_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o hospitality_n that_o they_o like_v as_o a_o old_a custom_n receive_v by_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n which_o usual_o stick_v as_o ivy_n to_o the_o tree_n close_a to_o carnal_a heart_n than_o any_o truth_n of_o religion_n or_o institution_n oâ—_n god_n that_o good_a cheer_n and_o hospitality_n and_o better_a clothes_n be_v the_o attendant_n upon_o god_n festivity_n be_v a_o know_v and_o grant_v truth_n but_o the_o doctor_n must_v first_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v one_o of_o they_o necessary_a or_o lawful_a and_o then_o talk_v of_o better_a cheer_n and_o clothes_n hospitality_n to_o friend_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a have_v time_n enough_o to_o be_v exercise_v all_o the_o year_n but_o to_o make_v a_o miser_n feast_n as_o they_o say_v at_o christmas_n and_o to_o neglect_v both_o neighbour_n and_o poor_a all_o the_o year_n after_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a evidence_n of_o hospitality_n or_o charity_n §_o 20._o if_o the_o doctor_n will_v yield_v as_o he_o seem_v to_o do_v that_o when_o the_o attendant_n have_v destroy_v the_o principal_a and_o the_o external_n part_n shall_v devour_v the_o inward_a and_o when_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o the_o excess_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n occasion_v by_o the_o christmas_n cheer_n &_o sport_n be_v more_o considerable_a to_o the_o raise_n of_o soul_n than_o his_o forementioned_a use_n be_v beneficial_a etc._n etc._n that_o then_o he_o will_v believe_v there_o be_v place_n and_o season_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o particular_a the_o time_n be_v long_o ago_o past_a when_o reformation_n shall_v have_v find_v a_o place_n and_o season_n not_o only_o of_o the_o excess_n aforesaid_a but_o of_o the_o festivitie_n itself_o which_o have_v ordinary_o if_o not_o inseparable_o be_v attend_v with_o such_o mischief_n without_o the_o least_o attempt_n of_o reformation_n §_o 21._o when_o pride_n and_o surfeit_n etc._n etc._n get_v first_o into_o festivity_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n as_o be_v confess_v the_o father_n have_v they_o endeavour_v the_o removal_n of_o the_o occasion_n the_o feast_n themselves_o they_o have_v prevent_v many_o grievous_a sin_n which_o to_o this_o day_n have_v be_v the_o concomitant_n of_o such_o festivity_n and_o have_v save_v the_o reformer_n of_o latter_a time_n much_o work_n which_o now_o they_o find_v by_o the_o opposition_n of_o such_o as_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v as_o for_o his_o discipline_n to_o be_v exercise_v only_o upon_o the_o riotous_a outward_a party_n saint_n paul_n may_v have_v teach_v he_o a_o better_a way_n of_o reformation_n who_o when_o the_o agapae_n the_o feast_n of_o charity_n begin_v upon_o good_a intention_n to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o testify_v brotherly_a affection_n begin_v to_o be_v abuse_v to_o surfeit_v and_o drunkenness_n 1_o cor._n 11._o do_v not_o exercise_v his_o discipline_n only_o upon_o the_o outward_a riotous_a party_n but_o upon_o those_o feast_n themselves_o by_o distraction_n or_o abolition_n of_o they_o some_o man_n perhaps_o the_o doctor_n will_v have_v say_v must_v the_o abuse_n of_o a_o laudable_a custom_n take_v away_o the_o use_n thereof_o may_v not_o the_o apostle_n have_v try_v other_o remedy_n to_o rescue_v a_o laudable_a custom_n from_o a_o impious_a appendage_n as_o in_o the_o next_o section_n §_o 22._o but_o yet_o see_v how_o indulgent_a and_o tender_a the_o doctor_n be_v in_o his_o reformation_n 1._o the_o eat_n and_o sport_v part_n that_o need_v not_o be_v abolish_v save_v only_o in_o case_n of_o great_a and_o general_a abuse_n 2._o nor_o then_o till_o the_o abuse_n be_v not_o only_o so_o great_a as_o decernible_a to_o out-ballance_n the_o good_a use_n but_o also_o so_o general_a that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o a_o manner_n run_v mad_v into_o those_o very_a great_a abuse_n so_o that_o lesser_a and_o lesser_a general_a abuse_n need_v no_o reformation_n this_o be_v pretty_a unntempered_a mortar_n but_o we_o shall_v assume_v the_o abuse_n have_v be_v long_o so_o great_a that_o they_o out-ballance_n the_o good_a pretend_a and_o so_o general_a that_o the_o whole_a nation_n if_o not_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v run_v mad_v after_o they_o beside_o the_o superstition_n on_o the_o church_n part_n almost_o equal_a to_o that_o in_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n of_o which_o before_o and_o hereafter_o more_o therefore_o its_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v abolish_v in_o relation_n to_o this_o festivity_n §_o 23._o it_o be_v easy_o believe_v that_o not_o only_o the_o loose_o dispose_v as_o he_o say_v will_v turn_v the_o lord_n day_n into_o luxury_n and_o excess_n but_o also_o the_o superstitious_o devote_a to_o this_o day_n who_o prefer_v it_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n above_o the_o lord_n day_n these_o latter_a will_v not_o labour_v or_o play_v upon_o christmas_n day_n no_o touch_v either_o card_n or_o die_n that_o day_n as_o sect_n 24._o but_o it_o be_v know_v two_o well_o that_o the_o lord_n day_n it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o some_o great_a rabbi_n and_o ceremonialist_n after_o evening_n prayer_n if_o not_o all_o the_o afternoon_n to_o play_v at_o card_n and_o so_o continue_v till_o night_n and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a issue_n of_o all_o invention_n of_o man_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o to_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n the_o statute_n of_o omri_n be_v keep_v so_o to_o make_v bold_a with_o god_n institution_n rather_o than_o their_o own_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o be_v most_o strict_a and_o zealous_a in_o plead_v for_o and_o observation_n of_o the_o festival_n be_v common_o most_o remiss_a and_o loose_v in_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n §_o 24._o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o doctor_n own_o assertion_n christmas_n day_n itself_o have_v be_v keep_v if_o not_o much_o more_o certain_o as_o strict_o as_o any_o lord_n day_n in_o the_o year_n in_o frequent_v the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n in_o keep_v at_o home_n etc._n etc._n not_o touch_v either_o card_n or_o die_n that_o day_n the_o excess_n have_v be_v on_o the_o after_o day_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o we_o say_v first_o this_o be_v part_n of_o the_o superstition_n we_o charge_v it_o with_o that_o the_o day_n have_v be_v esteem_v and_o account_v more_o sacred_a most_o sacred_a the_o dr._n call_v it_o sect_n 20._o and_o observe_v with_o more_o much_o more_o or_o certain_o as_o strict_o as_o the_o lord_n day_n any_o lord_n day_n in_o the_o year_n we_o think_v equal_a strictness_n of_o observation_n be_v too_o much_o to_o set_v their_o post_n cheek_n by_o joale_n with_o go_n but_o we_o know_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o to_o be_v that_o they_o make_v the_o lord_n day_n and_o festival_n to_o be_v found_v on_o the_o same_o day_n same_o see_v sect_n 57_o the_o lord_n day_n by_o the_o same_o authority_n appoint_v yet_o sect_n 31._o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n institute_v the_o lord_n day_n authority_n viz._n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o why_o as_o one_o of_o they_o say_v shall_v they_o not_o have_v equal_a observation_n second_o the_o not_o touch_v of_o card_n or_o die_n on_o christmas_n day_n it_o seem_v the_o doctor_n allow_v both_o on_o the_o other_o day_n may_v seem_v to_o add_v to_o their_o superstition_n or_o hypocrisy_n their_o superstition_n if_o card_n and_o die_n be_v lawful_a in_o that_o they_o forbid_v they_o on_o a_o day_n that_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v they_o which_o be_v to_o make_v it_o a_o holy_a day_n equal_a to_o god_n beside_o that_o note_a in_o the_o former_a section_n that_o some_o will_v touch_v and_o touch_v again_o card_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n their_o hypocrisy_n if_o they_o be_v unlawful_a that_o pretend_v to_o worship_n god_n one_o day_n by_o touch_n not_o handle_v not_o that_o they_o may_v take_v a_o dispensation_n or_o licence_n to_o offend_v he_o all_o the_o twelve_o day_n after_o for_o i_o pray_v why_o be_v card_n or_o die_n more_o lawful_a i_o say_v not_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n on_o stephens_n or_o john_n day_n than_o on_o christmas_n day_n why_o more_o unholy_a or_o unlawful_a on_o christmas_n
because_o they_o be_v general_o account_v posthumou_n and_o spurious_a and_o that_o say_v of_o nicephorus_n no_o very_a credible_a author_n that_o justinus_n the_o emperor_n command_v it_o to_o be_v keep_v festival_n over_o the_o world_n shake_v the_o antiquity_n of_o it_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v institute_v it_o it_o will_v have_v have_v a_o universal_a observation_n over_o the_o world_n long_o before_o justinus_n his_o day_n ho_o live_v in_o the_o 6._o century_n as_o for_o dioclesian_n burn_v so_o many_o thousand_o on_o christmas_n day_n we_o have_v speak_v before_o and_o only_o now_o note_n that_o nicephorus_n say_v it_o be_v do_v by_o maximinus_n however_o this_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 4_o centurie_n as_o be_v say_v above_o §_o 36._o though_o it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a to_o the_o festivity_n observation_n whither_o it_o be_v the_o 25._o day_n of_o december_n as_o now_o of_o late_a 61_o sect._n 61_o it_o be_v keep_v or_o some_o other_o day_n as_o he_o elsewhere_o say_v yet_o the_o proof_n for_o that_o day_n be_v not_o very_o cogent_a it_o be_v probable_a they_o that_o first_o institute_v the_o day_n do_v fix_v it_o by_o some_o tradition_n on_o that_o day_n some_o yea_o many_o thing_n there_o be_v that_o may_v make_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o calculation_n first_o the_o doctor_n himself_o have_v give_v we_o one_o ground_n of_o scruple_n sect_n 7._o when_o he_o say_v christmas_n day_n be_v in_o our_o old_a monument_n call_v midwinter_n day_n which_o be_v the_o day_n of_o the_o winter_n solstice_n confess_v by_o he_o to_o be_v a_o fortnight_n distant_a from_o the_o 25._o of_o december_n second_o it_o have_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o our_o learned_a divine_n that_o our_o lord_n die_v when_o he_o be_v about_o 33._o and_o half_a year_n of_o age_n or_o near_o unto_o 34._o as_o the_o doctor_n say_v now_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o passeover_n about_o our_o march_n 10._o quaer_fw-la 1._o sect._n 10._o or_o april_n if_o now_o christ_n die_v at_o 33._o and_o a_o half_a then_o count_v 6._o month_n backward_o when_o he_o be_v just_a 33._o year_n old_a and_o that_o will_v fall_v about_o september_n if_o at_o 34._o complete_a than_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o dye_v just_a about_o the_o same_o time_n that_o be_v about_o april_n that_o be_v another_o ground_n of_o scruple_n in_o our_o calculation_n three_o the_o arabic_a codex_fw-la of_o the_o counsel_n be_v of_o young_a date_n not_o able_a to_o justify_v the_o canon_n call_v apostolical_a to_o be_v apostolical_a four_o sect._n 37._o the_o doctor_n himself_o be_v upon_o his_o if_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a if_o it_o be_v frame_v by_o those_o that_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v probable_a they_o be_v first_o entitle_v canon_n of_o apostolical_a man_n or_o if_o it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o which_o in_o succeed_a time_n be_v add_v and_o put_v into_o that_o volume_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v enough_o to_o shake_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o canon_n and_o so_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o festival_n on_o such_o a_o day_n §_o 39_o it_o be_v very_a like_o that_o twelve_o day_n be_v of_o the_o same_o original_a and_o same_o antiquity_n with_o christmas_n day_n or_o not_o not_o much_o young_a but_o both_o of_o they_o posthumous_n to_o the_o prime_a antiquity_n the_o observation_n of_o both_o not_o much_o differ_v in_o their_o solemnity_n a_o special_a holiday_n imitate_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o keep_v the_o first_o and_o last_o day_n of_o every_o feast_n day_n of_o solemn_a assembly_n so_o special_a and_o solemn_a that_o it_o outgo_v the_o lord_n day_n as_o christmas_n also_o do_v which_o be_v usual_a for_o man_n invention_n to_o out_o do_v the_o institution_n of_o god_n §_o 40._o but_o there_o be_v something_o that_o weaken_v the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o twelve_o day_n festival_n viz._n december_n vide_fw-la chemnit_fw-la prolegom_n 4._o p._n 14._o a_o in_o harmon_n &_o p._n 15_o a._n as_o baptize_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o december_n that_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a 1._o whence_o it_o have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o epiphanie_n whither_o from_o the_o appear_v of_o the_o star_n to_o the_o wiseman_n or_o from_o the_o descend_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o christ_n at_o his_o baptism_n or_o as_o the_o doctor_n himself_o add_v sect._n 41._o from_o the_o first_o appear_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o it_o be_v make_v more_o uncertain_a because_o epiphanius_n affirm_v that_o many_o orthodox_n christian_n in_o egypt_n do_v keep_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o nativity_n on_o that_o twelve_o day_n and_o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o be_v more_o incline_v to_o the_o last_o of_o the_o three_o conjecture_n that_o be_v that_o epiphania_fw-la signify_v the_o day_n when_o christ_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o flesh_n as_o epiphanius_n have_v say_v which_o though_o the_o doctor_n say_v that_o it_o be_v confute_v by_o saint_n hierome_n yet_o be_v enough_o to_o shake_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o institution_n that_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o apostolical_a nor_o by_o the_o primitive_a pure_a church_n when_o the_o name_n be_v not_o agree_v on_o in_o epiphanius_n time_n in_o the_o four_o centurie_n nor_o the_o day_n itself_o distinguish_v but_o christmas_n day_n by_o some_o be_v observe_v on_o the_o same_o day_n whither_o the_o magâ—_n come_v to_o christ_n the_o next_o twelve_o day_n after_o his_o birth_n or_o that_o day_n twelvemonth_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v only_o i_o shall_v tell_v the_o doctor_n that_o cheronicus_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o they_o come_v the_o twelve_o day_n after_o christ_n birth_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v reason_n for_o it_o the_o 41_o 42_o 43._o locum_fw-la sect._n 45._o harm_v in_o locum_fw-la section_n may_v receive_v their_o solution_n from_o what_o be_v already_a say_v §_o 44._o but_o now_o he_o will_v put_v it_o beyond_o all_o question_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o chrysostome_n and_o other_o ancient_n out_o of_o the_o censuall_a table_n of_o augustus_n the_o register_n of_o such_o as_o be_v enroll_v at_o the_o tax_n luc._n 2.1_o together_o with_o the_o place_n and_o day_n of_o the_o month_n and_o year_n when_o it_o be_v do_v this_o indeed_o will_v end_v the_o question_n concern_v the_o day_n of_o christ_n birth_n but_o make_v yet_o nothing_o to_o the_o main_a question_n that_o christmas_n so_o call_v be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n or_o of_o the_o next_o age_n let_v we_o hear_v what_o may_v be_v say_v to_o those_o testimony_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o most_o ancient_a justin_n martyr_n he_o bring_v the_o roll_n to_o evidence_n the_o place_n of_o christ_n birth_n but_o say_v not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o festivitie_n of_o his_o birthday_n in_o his_o time_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v for_o tertullian_n he_o allege_v the_o roll_n fidelissimum_fw-la testem_fw-la dominicae_fw-la nativitatis_fw-la mark_v that_o a_o most_o faithful_a witness_n of_o the_o lord_n nativity_n which_o martion_n deny_v not_o natalis_n diei_fw-la testem_fw-la a_o witness_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o birthday_n as_o festival_n in_o his_o time_n or_o on_o the_o 25._o of_o december_n for_o he_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o that_o festival_n at_o all_o which_o be_v probable_a he_o will_v if_o any_o such_o custom_n have_v be_v then_o in_o be_v the_o whole_a weight_n then_o of_o the_o business_n must_v lie_v upon_o saint_n chrysostom_n who_o in_o his_o hom._n of_o the_o nativity_n say_v we_o have_v receive_v the_o day_n from_o those_o that_o accurate_o know_v these_o thing_n and_o which_o dwell_v in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n suppose_v we_o shotld_v grant_v this_o testimony_n to_o be_v true_a and_o authentic_a for_o the_o day_n of_o our_o lord_n birth_n which_o yet_o be_v doubtful_a by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o shall_v anon_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o antiquity_n of_o the_o festival_n which_o the_o doctor_n will_v thence_o conclude_v for_o beside_o that_o chrysostome_n live_v in_o the_o four_o centurie_n when_o the_o tradition_n be_v grow_v to_o a_o law_n as_o socrates_n say_v himself_o give_v we_o occasion_n of_o scruple_n by_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o proof_n he_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o threefold_a demonstration_n that_o the_o day_n which_o they_o celebrate_v 23._o tom._n 5._o p._n 512._o l._n 23._o be_v in_o the_o month_n of_o december_n call_v by_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o month_n wherein_o christ_n be_v conceive_v be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o shall_v consider_v his_o demonstration_n in_o order_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o this_o festival_n be_v so_o sudden_o publish_v every_o where_o and_o that_o it_o arise_v and_o flourish_v to_o such_o a_o