the_o imperial_a law_n against_o such_o as_o divide_v their_o church_n upon_o the_o maximinianist_n but_o think_v it_o a_o persecution_n when_o the_o catholic_n proceed_v by_o the_o same_o law_n against_o they_o they_o compare_v the_o maximianist_n to_o core_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n for_o divide_v from_o they_o 50._o st._n augustine_n confute_v the_o donatist_n by_o their_o argument_n against_o the_o maximianist_n hoc_fw-la corum_fw-la factum_fw-la multum_fw-la valuit_fw-la ut_fw-la corum_fw-la ora_fw-la penitus_fw-la clauderentur_fw-la s._n aug._n epist_n 50._o yet_o will_v justify_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n such_o be_v usual_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o schismatic_n as_o well_o as_o heretic_n to_o make_v themselves_o condemn_v return_v their_o own_o action_n argument_n and_o censure_n against_o other_o upon_o themselves_o quae_fw-la tanta_fw-la dementia_fw-la est_fw-la pacem_fw-la in_o ipsa_fw-la pace_fw-la relinquere_fw-la &_o eam_fw-la in_o dissentione_fw-la velle_fw-la retinere_fw-la as_o st._n augustine_n most_o ingenious_o apply_v it_o 2._o contra_fw-la petil_n l._n 2._o what_o great_a madness_n can_v there_o be_v than_o to_o forsake_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o seek_v it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o dissension_n for_o it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o all_o who_o separate_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n among_o themselves_o but_o there_o be_v a_o superfetation_n some_o be_v ready_a to_o set_v up_o for_o themselves_o as_o soon_o as_o there_o be_v another_o opportunity_n it_o be_v so_o with_o the_o maximianist_n who_o go_v off_o from_o the_o primianist_n pregnant_a and_o be_v short_o deliver_v of_o twin_n the_o rogatian_n and_o claudianist_n which_o as_o viper_n endeavour_v to_o eat_v out_o the_o bowel_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o now_o we_o be_v come_v to_o a_o scene_n so_o full_a of_o cruelty_n and_o bloodshed_n that_o you_o will_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v the_o last_o but_o nec_fw-la dum_fw-la finitus_fw-la orestes_n this_o tragedy_n be_v not_o yet_o at_o a_o end_n arcadius_n and_o honorius_n succeed_v their_o father_n theodosius_n and_o at_o their_o entrance_n on_o their_o empire_n make_v divers_a as_o strict_a law_n against_o the_o heretic_n in_o general_a and_o particular_o against_o the_o donatist_n as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n can_v contrive_v but_o the_o more_o they_o be_v restrain_v the_o more_o violent_o they_o act_v the_o church_n general_o enjoin_v a_o calm_a the_o fury_n of_o the_o arian_n and_o other_o heretic_n be_v spend_v only_a africa_n be_v pester_v with_o new_a monster_n of_o who_o the_o catholic_n send_v their_o complaint_n to_o the_o emperor_n that_o their_o bishop_n can_v not_o appear_v in_o public_a without_o affront_n nor_o travel_v for_o fear_n of_o such_o as_o lay_v in_o wait_n to_o destroy_v they_o they_o burn_v the_o bishop_n house_n destroy_v the_o church_n slay_v their_o priest_n particular_o restitutus_n and_o innocentius_n have_v first_o dig_v out_o one_o of_o his_o eye_n and_o cut_v off_o his_o finger_n st._n augustine_n hardly_o escape_v they_o for_o have_v be_v abroad_o as_o his_o custom_n be_v to_o visit_v and_o comfort_v his_o brethren_n they_o have_v provide_v some_o of_o their_o circumcellian_n to_o lay_v in_o ambush_n in_o the_o way_n by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o return_v but_o by_o god_n providence_n his_o guide_n conduct_v he_o home_o another_o way_n interficiunt_fw-la st._n hier._n to_o st._n aug._n epist_n 25._o quos_fw-la gladio_fw-la nequeunt_fw-la voto_fw-la interficiunt_fw-la but_o he_o can_v not_o escape_v the_o sword_n of_o their_o tongue_n for_o they_o rail_v at_o he_o as_o a_o deceiver_n and_o murderer_n of_o soul_n and_o dicebant_fw-la &_o tractabant_fw-la they_o teach_v and_o preach_v public_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o as_o lawful_a to_o kill_v he_o as_o to_o kill_v a_o wolf_n that_o do_v destroy_v the_o flock_n but_o also_o that_o whoever_o slay_v he_o shall_v have_v all_o their_o sin_n undoubted_o pardon_v and_o be_v honour_v as_o martyr_n in_o the_o year_n 401._o aurelius_n primate_n of_o africa_n assemble_v a_o council_n at_o carthage_n for_o conversion_n for_o the_o donatist_n and_o supply_v the_o catholic_n church_n with_o minister_n which_o be_v much_o destroy_v to_o this_o they_o be_v encourage_v by_o anastasius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o by_o his_o persuasion_n they_o offer_v that_o whoever_o of_o the_o donatist_n will_v return_v to_o the_o church_n shall_v still_o enjoy_v their_o bishopric_n and_o dignity_n but_o their_o courtesy_n be_v a_o little_a regard_v as_o their_o authority_n only_o they_o prevail_v with_o the_o emperor_n to_o send_v relief_n to_o the_o poor_a catholic_n who_o suffer_v no_o less_o than_o if_o they_o have_v live_v under_o heathen_a persecutor_n the_o decretal_n of_o anastasius_n make_v about_o this_o time_n against_o the_o donatist_n be_v still_o on_o record_n at_o milevis_n also_o be_v a_o council_n assemble_v against_o they_o where_o st._n augustine_n be_v present_a 168._o epist_n 168._o describe_v their_o accurse_a practice_n and_o give_v a_o instance_n in_o a_o young_a man_n who_o have_v be_v admonish_v by_o the_o bishop_n for_o beat_v his_o mother_n the_o young_a man_n thereupon_o threaten_v his_o mother_n that_o he_o will_v become_v a_o donatist_n and_o then_o will_v slay_v she_o and_o so_o he_o do_v for_o to_o they_o he_o fly_v and_o be_v rebaptise_v and_o in_o white_a garment_n as_o a_o circumcellian_a he_o go_v and_o shed_v his_o mother_n blood_n and_o from_o this_o instance_n st._n augustine_n draw_v this_o conclusion_n that_o he_o who_o dare_v not_o strike_v his_o mother_n while_o he_o be_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n slay_v she_o without_o punishment_n when_o he_o become_v a_o donatist_n aurelius_n the_o primate_n summon_v a_o general_n council_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o africa_n and_o send_v express_v message_n to_o the_o donatist_n that_o they_o will_v be_v present_a at_o that_o council_n to_o treat_v of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o promise_v a_o full_a and_o calm_a disquisition_n of_o their_o argument_n and_o press_v they_o to_o consider_v the_o great_a confusion_n which_o that_o veternus_fw-la error_n as_o he_o call_v it_o old_a error_n of_o they_o have_v occasion_v possidius_n be_v employ_v to_o deliver_v this_o message_n to_o crispinus_n a_o donatist_n bishop_n which_o have_v hear_v he_o repli_v patriarchali_n sermone_fw-la definio_fw-la recedant_fw-la à _fw-la i_o impii_fw-la vias_fw-la eorum_fw-la nosse_fw-la nolo_fw-la in_o a_o patriarchal_a stile_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o wicked_a i_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o your_o way_n and_o a_o few_o day_n after_o possidius_n be_v pursue_v as_o he_o be_v travel_v by_o a_o presbyter_n that_o be_v also_o call_v crispinus_n and_o flee_v into_o a_o cottage_n to_o hide_v himself_o but_o crispin_n with_o his_o arm_a company_n break_v open_v the_o door_n and_o have_v draw_v he_o down_o from_o a_o upper_a room_n 166._o st._n aug._n epist_n 166._o will_v certain_o have_v slay_v he_o have_v not_o the_o people_n that_o be_v present_a entreat_v for_o he_o or_o rather_o have_v they_o not_o threaten_v to_o prosecute_v the_o mutherer_n st._n augustine_n have_v hear_v among_o the_o people_n how_o their_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n do_v often_o wish_v that_o they_o may_v meet_v and_o confer_v with_o the_o catholic_n for_o the_o vindication_n of_o their_o practice_n offer_v himself_o to_o discourse_v private_o or_o public_o with_o any_o of_o they_o particular_o he_o invite_v procidianus_n who_o pretend_v a_o great_a desire_n of_o it_o 147._o ep._n 147._o but_o refuse_v when_o it_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o year_n 404._o be_v another_o council_n at_o carthage_n against_o the_o donatist_n from_o which_o council_n they_o send_v theasius_fw-la and_o evodius_n two_o bishop_n to_o honorius_n the_o emperor_n to_o desire_v his_o protection_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v make_v in_o that_o behalf_n which_o if_o well_o observe_v will_v redress_v all_o their_o grievance_n they_o name_v especial_o the_o edict_n whereby_o they_o be_v disable_v to_o take_v or_o receive_v any_o public_a dignity_n or_o profit_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o make_v their_o will_n and_o dispose_v of_o estate_n and_o another_o law_n for_o punish_v those_o that_o shall_v schismatical_o or_o heretical_o ordain_v or_o be_v ordain_v honorius_n be_v grieve_v at_o the_o complaint_n of_o these_o bishop_n and_o profess_v that_o the_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n do_v grieve_v he_o more_o than_o the_o loss_n of_o rome_n which_o the_o goth_n and_o vandal_n have_v about_o that_o time_n take_v from_o he_o and_o st._n ambrose_n observe_v of_o he_o fecit_fw-la quod_fw-la pater_fw-la fecit_fw-la in_o causâ_fw-la donati_n that_o he_o act_v for_o the_o church_n in_o the_o case_n of_o donatus_n as_o theodosius_n his_o father_n have_v do_v who_o be_v solicitous_a for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n as_o
doctrine_n for_o a_o long_a time_n until_o they_o begin_v to_o rebaptize_v upon_o a_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a minister_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o by_o consequence_n no_o true_a sacrament_n st._n augustine_n say_v that_o in_o his_o time_n they_o be_v pares_fw-la doctrinâ_fw-la &_o ritibus_fw-la agree_v in_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n and_o when_o optatus_n write_v against_o parmenian_a 72_o optat._n p._n 72_o they_o have_v general_o one_o creed_n one_o testament_n and_o one_o baptism_n viz._n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n they_o pray_v to_o one_o god_n and_o use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n alike_o the_o controversy_n be_v not_o the_o captie_a but_o de_fw-la corpore_fw-la concern_v the_o head_n but_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n but_o their_o schism_n which_o divide_v that_o body_n be_v sufficient_a to_o condemn_v they_o emerito_fw-la opt._n p._n 72._o st._n august_n cum_fw-la emerito_fw-la extra_n ecclesiam_fw-la omne_fw-la possunt_fw-la habere_fw-la praeter_fw-la salutem_fw-la possunt_fw-la habere_fw-la honorem_fw-la possunt_fw-la habere_fw-la sacramentum_fw-la possunt_fw-la cantare_fw-la haleluia_o possunt_fw-la respondere_fw-la amen_o possunt_fw-la evangelium_fw-la tenere_fw-la possunt_fw-la in_o nomine_fw-la patris_fw-la &_o silij_fw-la &_o spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la fidem_fw-la habere_fw-la &_o praedicare_fw-la sed_fw-la nusquam_fw-la nisi_fw-la in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la catholica_fw-la salutem_fw-la possunt_fw-la invenire_fw-la he_o grant_v they_o have_v the_o scripture_n the_o sacrament_n the_o prayer_n and_o preach_v material_o the_o same_o as_o in_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v but_o within_o the_o church_n all_o which_o be_v true_a upon_o the_o ground_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o well_o as_o st._n augustine_n because_o without_o charity_n all_o these_o gift_n and_o exercise_n do_v profit_v nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13._o and_o therefore_o the_o primitive_a father_n do_v so_o passionate_o declaim_v against_o schism_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o great_a confusion_n in_o the_o church_n than_o heresy_n ordinary_o be_v but_o because_o it_o do_v equal_o endanger_v the_o salvation_n of_o those_o that_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o it_o fit_v they_o for_o any_o error_n dionysius_n alexandrinus_n write_v to_o novatian_n 152._o quisquis_fw-la ab_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la catholica_fw-la separatus_fw-la est_fw-la quanquam_fw-la laudabiliter_fw-la se_fw-la vivere_fw-la existimet_fw-la hoc_fw-la solo_fw-la scelere_fw-la quod_fw-la à _fw-la christi_fw-la unitate_fw-la disjunctus_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la habebit_fw-la vitam_fw-la epist_n 152._o that_o he_o may_v rather_o do_v any_o thing_n than_o rend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o schism_n which_o say_v he_o you_o ought_v to_o avoid_v as_o much_o as_o idolatry_n for_o when_o you_o fly_v from_o idolatry_n you_o consult_v only_o your_o own_o safety_n but_o when_o you_o avoid_v schism_n you_o consult_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o mention_v that_o great_a error_n in_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o faith_n wherein_o donatus_n himself_o and_o many_o of_o his_o follower_n agree_v with_o the_o arian_n as_o divers_a of_o the_o deum_fw-la the_o aug_n ad_fw-la quod_fw-la vult_fw-la deum_fw-la ancient_n have_v record_v viz._n that_o the_o son_n be_v less_o than_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o the_o son_n this_o be_v a_o consequent_a of_o the_o schism_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a for_o such_o as_o first_o desert_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n to_o deny_v the_o faith_n and_o verity_n therein_o profess_v within_o a_o short_a time_n it_o be_v my_o intent_n to_o speak_v chief_o of_o such_o opinion_n as_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o or_o harden_v they_o in_o it_o that_o other_o may_v see_v and_o avoid_v they_o there_o be_v a_o strict_a canon_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n forbid_v christian_n to_o hold_v any_o communion_n with_o such_o as_o have_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n turn_v apostate_n or_o traditor_n until_o they_o have_v undergo_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o manifest_v their_o repentance_n but_o as_o if_o this_o canon_n be_v not_o strict_a enough_o the_o novatian_o first_o and_o then_o the_o donatist_n make_v themselves_o wise_a than_o the_o law_n and_o will_v not_o on_o any_o term_n admit_v such_o person_n account_v that_o by_o communion_n with_o they_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v defile_v and_o such_o as_o have_v be_v of_o the_o clergy_n they_o account_v of_o as_o lay_v person_n and_o the_o lay_v people_n they_o esteem_v of_o as_o heathen_a their_o baptism_n be_v frustrate_v upon_o this_o ground_n they_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o cecilian_a and_o other_o catholic_n bishop_n pretend_v they_o have_v be_v traditor_n and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n adhere_v to_o they_o be_v pollute_v and_o that_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n can_v not_o lawful_o rule_v or_o teach_v the_o people_n nor_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n the_o efficacy_n of_o all_o these_o ordinance_n depend_v oâ—_n the_o holiness_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o true_a minister_n but_o among_o themselves_o for_o this_o opinion_n they_o urge_v acti_fw-la 19.4_o where_o st._n paul_n give_v order_n that_o they_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o st._n john_n shall_v be_v baptize_v again_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n now_o if_o john_n baptism_n say_v they_o who_o be_v a_o friend_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v make_v void_a much_o more_o ought_v the_o baptism_n of_o those_o that_o be_v enemy_n and_o apostate_n to_o be_v so_o account_v against_o this_o opinion_n optatus_n argue_v thus_o non_n dote_v ministri_fw-la sed_fw-la trinitatem_fw-la in_o sacramento_n operari_fw-la cvi_fw-la concurrit_fw-la fides_fw-la &_o professie_a credentium_fw-la the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o endowment_n of_o the_o minister_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n in_o who_o if_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v do_v believe_v and_o make_v profession_n according_o their_o baptism_n will_v doubtless_o have_v its_o effect_n for_o the_o believer_n be_v regenerate_v not_o according_a to_o the_o ability_n of_o the_o minister_n but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sacrament_n nascitur_fw-la credens_fw-fr non_fw-fr ex_fw-la ministri_fw-la sterilitate_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la sacramentorum_fw-la fertilitate_fw-la this_o be_v handsome_o express_v by_o gregory_n nazianzene_n in_o the_o allusion_n of_o a_o image_n engrave_v on_o two_o seal_n one_o of_o iron_n another_o of_o gold_n where_o the_o image_n be_v the_o same_o the_o iron_n seal_n make_v the_o same_o impression_n as_o that_o of_o gold_n but_o st._n augustine_n observe_v also_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o baptism_n of_o st._n john_n and_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n chriâ—â—_n which_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o therefore_o both_o optatus_n and_o st._n augustine_n charge_v the_o donatist_n with_o no_o less_o sin_n than_o blasphemy_n when_o as_o their_o practice_n be_v they_o will_v exorcise_v those_o who_o they_o have_v rebaptise_v with_o this_o form_n of_o word_n maledicte_n exi_fw-la for_o as_o call_v the_o whole_a trinity_n in_o who_o name_n they_o have_v be_v baptize_v accurse_v optatus_n therefore_o far_o urge_v 86_o opt._n p._n 86_o si_fw-mi datis_fw-la alterum_fw-la baptisma_fw-la date_n alteram_fw-la fidem_fw-la date_n alterum_fw-la christum_fw-la it_o be_v superfluous_a to_o renew_v the_o baptism_n where_o there_o be_v no_o alteration_n of_o the_o faith_n he_o add_v etsi_fw-la hominum_fw-la litigant_fw-la mentes_fw-la non_fw-la litigant_fw-la sacramenta_fw-la the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o same_o although_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o administer_v it_o may_v differ_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v therefore_o admit_v of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o donatist_n although_o the_o donatist_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n approve_v of_o the_o catholic_n baptism_n which_o plain_o argue_v as_o well_o their_o excess_n of_o pride_n as_o their_o defect_n of_o charity_n both_o which_o st._n augustine_n observe_v in_o a_o donatist_n bishop_n that_o preach_v in_o his_o city_n of_o hippo_n who_o use_v this_o comparison_n that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v like_o noah_n ark_n it_o be_v pitch_v both_o within_o and_o without_o without_o nè_fw-la admitteret_fw-la baptisma_fw-la alienum_fw-la and_o within_o nè_fw-la emitteret_fw-la suum_fw-la that_o it_o may_v not_o admit_v of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o other_o nor_o baptize_v any_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n they_o uâ—ged_v the_o bare_a authority_n of_o st._n cyprian_n for_o their_o rebaptise_v which_o as_o st._n augustine_n say_v theâ—â—_n despise_v when_o he_o plead_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o thâ—â—_n church_n admonuit_fw-la cyprianus_n tolerandos_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la malos_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la propter_fw-la choose_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la deserendam_fw-la &_o exemplo_fw-la consirmavit_fw-la &_o praecepto_fw-la admonuit_fw-la though_o his_o argument_n weâ—â—_n enforce_v with_o scripture_n
the_o history_n of_o the_o donatist_n by_o thomas_n long_o b._n d._n and_o prebendary_a of_o st._n peter_n exon_n mutato_fw-la nomine_fw-la de_fw-la te_fw-la anglia_fw-it narratur_fw-la london_n print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1677._o to_o the_o reverend_a george_n cary_n d._n d._n and_o dean_n of_o exeter_z reverend_a sir_n although_o i_o be_o no_o conjurer_n yet_o i_o suspect_v i_o have_v do_v enough_o to_o raise_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o donatist_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o that_o it_o may_v exceed_v my_o skill_n to_o allay_v they_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v thus_o seasonable_o i_o hope_v take_v sanctuary_n under_o your_o name_n for_o i_o have_v observe_v that_o some_o consecrate_a person_n as_o well_o as_o place_n be_v not_o haunt_v with_o such_o spectres_n and_o though_o such_o apparition_n have_v be_v very_o affright_v &_o vexatious_a to_o man_n of_o weak_a judgement_n &_o waver_a mind_n yet_o some_o person_n who_o have_v arm_v themselves_o with_o constant_a integrity_n to_o god_n and_o resolve_v loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n have_v be_v least_o obnoxious_a to_o their_o power_n and_o malice_n as_o good_a soldier_n that_o keep_v their_o rank_n be_v not_o so_o much_o expose_v to_o the_o hazard_n of_o war_n as_o they_o who_o fear_n make_v they_o sneak_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o this_o through_o god_n good_a providence_n be_v your_o security_n in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o confusion_n wherein_o notwithstanding_o the_o busy_a emissary_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n you_o do_v not_o only_o shine_v as_o a_o bright_a example_n of_o christian_a resolution_n sound_a doctrine_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o do_v real_o influence_n a_o great_a part_n of_o your_o neighbour_a clergy_n the_o sense_n whereof_o have_v oblige_v i_o to_o this_o public_a acknowledgement_n by_o which_o i_o can_v hope_v to_o add_v to_o your_o reputation_n but_o to_o provide_v for_o my_o own_o quiet_a against_o such_o unjust_a and_o unsavoury_a reflection_n as_o guilty_a person_n be_v prone_a to_o make_v from_o who_o i_o appeal_v to_o your_o more_o righteous_a judgement_n whether_o i_o have_v do_v they_o wrong_n or_o no._n sure_a i_o be_o i_o intend_v they_o none_o for_o i_o only_o present_v they_o with_o a_o glass_n wherein_o if_o they_o see_v their_o own_o defect_n they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o glass_n but_o with_o those_o vice_n which_o cause_n the_o reflection_n socrates_n l._n 2._o c._n 15._o of_o the_o tripartite_a history_n tell_v we_o that_o constantine_n to_o shame_v the_o arian_n provide_v by_o a_o edict_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v porphyrian_o ut_fw-la quorum_fw-la mores_fw-la imitati_fw-la sunt_fw-la eorum_fw-la nomine_fw-la perfruantur_fw-la that_o they_o may_v be_v know_v by_o his_o name_n who_o manner_n they_o do_v imitate_v and_o a_o great_a than_o constantine_n do_v the_o like_a by_o the_o jew_n john_n 8.44_o you_o be_v of_o your_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o his_o lust_n you_o will_v do_v every_o man_n be_v public_a profession_n and_o practice_n be_v the_o plain_a character_n to_o teach_v we_o what_o party_n he_o be_v of_o they_o who_o through_o pride_n and_o discontent_n raise_v and_o propagate_v new_a opinion_n that_o they_o may_v head_n a_o faction_n and_o take_v pet_n at_o the_o preferment_n of_o better_a man_n vex_v their_o governor_n despise_v their_o authority_n persecute_v their_o innocent_a brethren_n and_o foment_v division_n in_o a_o well_o establish_v church_n be_v as_o manifest_o act_v and_o animate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o donatus_n as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o transmigration_n of_o soul_n sic_fw-la oculos_fw-la sic_fw-la ille_fw-la manus_fw-la sic_fw-la ora_fw-la gerebat_fw-la as_o old_a donatus_n do_v so_o do_v his_o race_n cast_v up_o their_o eye_n and_o hand_n with_o downcast_a face_n in_o vain_a therefore_o do_v such_o pretend_v as_o with_o great_a confidence_n they_o do_v that_o they_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o those_o primitive_a christian_n who_o suffer_v under_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n for_o they_o in_o the_o worst_a time_n obey_v their_o lawful_a governor_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o they_o may_v not_o disobey_v god_n and_o constant_o adhere_v to_o their_o bibles_n their_o bishop_n and_o their_o brethren_n account_v all_o such_o traditores_fw-la i.e._n traytâ—rs_n as_o forsake_v either_o such_o pretence_n therefore_o do_v make_v odious_a representation_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o their_o generation_n as_o factious_a and_o seditious_a as_o the_o late_a donatist_n in_o we_o and_o as_o ill_a reflection_n do_v they_o cast_v on_o their_o christian_a governor_n as_o if_o they_o be_v very_a persecutor_n but_o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o for_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v how_o exact_o every_o scene_n of_o that_o horrid_a tragedy_n which_o be_v first_o act_v in_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n have_v be_v act_v over_o and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v overacted_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o who_o destroy_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o its_o defender_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a offspring_n of_o those_o donatist_n who_o so_o perpetual_o vex_v the_o good_a constantine_n and_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n or_o that_o the_o present_a sectary_n who_o so_o tenacious_o adhere_v to_o the_o principle_n and_o follow_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o that_o bring_v such_o confusion_n on_o the_o land_n in_o the_o former_a age_n be_v their_o proper_a successor_n however_o it_o be_v advise_o do_v by_o their_o apologist_n to_o make_v their_o pamphlet_n swell_v with_o the_o frequent_a mention_n of_o the_o indulgence_n of_o some_o of_o the_o emperor_n to_o peaceable_a christian_n but_o pass_v by_o the_o many_o strict_a edict_n of_o the_o most_o christian_n and_o pious_a emperor_n against_o such_o as_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n some_o of_o which_o i_o have_v transcribe_v for_o their_o better_a information_n at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o history_n and_o shall_v only_o acquaint_v they_o here_o with_o that_o success_n which_o sozomen_n l._n 3._o c._n 11._o of_o the_o tripartite_a history_n observe_v to_o follow_v on_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o they_o who_o speak_v of_o the_o law_n of_o constantine_n against_o such_o as_o deny_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o his_o day_n the_o emperor_n say_v my_o author_n strict_o command_v that_o their_o meeting-place_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o they_o not_o permit_v to_o assemble_v in_o private_a house_n or_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o law_n i_o suppose_v say_v sozomen_n the_o memorial_n of_o heresy_n be_v utter_o destroy_v for_o after_o this_o law_n they_o can_v meet_v neither_o public_o in_o the_o church_n nor_o secret_o be_v observe_v and_o forbid_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n doubtless_o those_o bishop_n and_o clergyman_n be_v no_o persecutor_n they_o do_v what_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o by_o a_o seasonable_a restraint_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a principle_n preserve_v the_o true_a christian_n in_o peace_n and_o certain_o the_o present_a bishop_n will_v be_v defective_a in_o a_o special_a duty_n of_o their_o function_n which_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n in_o peace_n and_o unity_n if_o they_o shall_v tolerate_v such_o as_o seek_v to_o scatter_v and_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o they_o st._n hierome_n who_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o have_v be_v no_o friend_n to_o that_o office_n do_v yet_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o best_a remedy_n against_o schism_n i_o shall_v entreat_v your_o patience_n while_o i_o mention_v a_o passage_n or_o two_o of_o that_o father_n which_o have_v be_v torture_v to_o speak_v against_o episcopacy_n but_o do_v so_o far_o commend_v its_o usefulness_n and_o assert_v its_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n as_o may_v suffice_v to_o silence_v all_o its_o adversary_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o 1_o titus_n he_o say_v antequam_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinctu_fw-la etc._n etc._n before_o such_o time_n as_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o devil_n faction_n be_v make_v in_o religion_n and_o the_o people_n begin_v to_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n but_o afterward_o when_o every_o one_o account_v those_o who_o he_o have_v baptize_v to_o be_v his_o own_o and_o not_o christ_n it_o be_v decree_v in_o the_o whole_a christian_n world_n that_o one_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n unto_o who_o the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v belong_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o schism_n may_v be_v take_v away_o will_v you_o know_v when_o this_o be_v do_v and_o by_o who_o panormitan_n will_v
person_n and_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o he_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v for_o write_v to_o ablavius_n he_o say_v if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o those_o division_n the_o supreme_a deity_n may_v just_o be_v displease_v with_o mankind_n but_o especial_o with_o he_o to_o who_o care_n by_o the_o heavenly_a command_n the_o moderation_n of_o all_o earthly_a thing_n be_v commit_v the_o like_a he_o say_v in_o a_o epistle_n to_o celsus_n his_o lieutenant_n in_o africa_n 286._o opt._n 286._o nil_fw-la potius_fw-la à _fw-la i_o agi_fw-la pro_fw-la instituto_fw-la meo_fw-la ipsiusque_fw-la principis_fw-la munere_fw-la oporteat_fw-la quam_fw-la ut_fw-la discussis_fw-la erroribus_fw-la omnibusque_fw-la temeritatibus_fw-la amputatis_fw-la veram_fw-la religionem_fw-la universos_fw-la concordemque_fw-la simplicitatem_fw-la atque_fw-la meritam_fw-la omnipotenti_fw-la deo_fw-la culturam_fw-la praesentare_fw-la perficiam_fw-la he_o think_v it_o not_o only_o his_o duty_n as_o a_o man_n but_o as_o a_o prince_n to_o banish_v error_n and_o by_o cut_v off_o rash_a judge_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o judge_n at_o rome_n all_o man_n may_v preserve_v the_o true_a religion_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o tell_v his_o bishop_n that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o bishop_n under_o god_n in_o the_o external_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o objection_n make_v by_o the_o popish_a author_n that_o constantine_n be_v a_o novice_n and_o understand_v not_o his_o own_o power_n nor_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n but_o invade_v the_o right_n of_o meltiades_n or_o that_o he_o be_v force_v thereunto_o by_o the_o restless_a importunity_n of_o the_o donatist_n and_o afterward_o ask_v pardon_n for_o his_o offence_n will_v signify_v nothing_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o as_o he_o be_v breed_v a_o christian_a so_o he_o be_v too_o tender_a of_o the_o bishop_n right_n to_o invade_v they_o which_o he_o defend_v to_o his_o utmost_a power_n and_o he_o be_v also_o more_o prudent_a than_o to_o neglect_v his_o own_o duty_n or_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o also_o saint_n augustine_n epistle_n 162._o defend_v the_o emperor_n peradventure_o say_v he_o meltiades_n with_o his_o colleague_n the_o transmarine_a bishop_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v usurp_v the_o judgement_n that_o have_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o 70._o african_a bishop_n tigisitanus_n sit_v primate_n and_o what_o say_v you_o if_o he_o do_v not_o usurp_v this_o power_n say_v st._n augustine_n for_o the_o emperor_n be_v desire_v send_v bishop_n to_o be_v judge_n who_o sit_v with_o he_o and_o determine_v what_o be_v just_a and_o to_o his_o care_n whereof_o he_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n that_o business_n do_v belong_v where_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o st._n augustine_n meltiades_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v interpose_v in_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o bishop_n beyond_o the_o sea_n but_o it_o have_v be_v a_o usurpation_n so_o to_o do_v and_o when_o he_o do_v meddle_v it_o be_v by_o the_o emperor_n command_n who_o join_v other_o bishop_n with_o he_o and_o doubtless_o have_v the_o african_n own_v the_o pore_n universal_a pastorship_n they_o will_v have_v go_v direct_o to_o he_o whereas_o they_o entreat_v not_o the_o pope_n holiness_n but_o the_o piety_n of_o the_o emperor_n to_o appoint_v they_o judge_n or_o at_o least_o they_o will_v have_v stand_v to_o the_o pope_n determination_n which_o they_o do_v not_o either_o at_o rome_n or_o at_o arles_n but_o appeal_v from_o both_o to_o the_o emperor_n and_o if_o the_o appeal_n have_v be_v unlawful_a either_o meltiades_n or_o his_o successor_n will_v have_v find_v a_o mean_n to_o let_v the_o emperor_n know_v his_o error_n who_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o gratify_v they_o in_o their_o just_a demand_n than_o the_o donatist_n in_o what_o be_v unjust_a the_o pope_n of_o late_a age_n will_v have_v be_v as_o loud_a as_o the_o donatist_n be_v when_o they_o find_v the_o emperor_n severe_a against_o they_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la imperatori_fw-la cum_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la what_o have_v the_o emperor_n to_o do_v with_o the_o church_n but_o we_o find_v not_o any_o of_o that_o age_n to_o contradict_v what_o the_o emperor_n have_v do_v but_o contrary_o they_o approve_v and_o submit_v to_o it_o and_o when_o the_o donatist_n object_v in_o the_o case_n of_o felix_n whâ—_n be_v acquit_v by_o aelian_a the_o proconsul_n thâ—_n bishop_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o secular_a power_n st._n augustine_n defend_v it_o say_v it_o be_v not_o felix_n his_o seek_v but_o the_o emperor_n appoint_v to_o who_o it_o do_v belong_v epistle_n 16â—_n but_o constantine_n be_v make_v to_o pay_v dear_o so_o his_o meddle_v with_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o pope_n and_o if_o the_o donation_n which_o the_o church_n oâ—_n rome_n boast_v of_o have_v not_o be_v forge_v thâ—_n pope_n universal_a pastorship_n will_v have_v beeâ—_n prove_v more_o irrefragable_o from_o this_o donation_n than_o from_o that_o of_o christ_n to_o st._n peter_n oâ—_n which_o they_o boast_v with_o equal_a vanity_n and_o because_o the_o very_a mention_v of_o thiâ—_n donation_n will_v be_v confutation_n enough_o i_o wilâ—_n give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o it_o as_o i_o find_v it_o in_o their_o late_a writer_n for_o among_o the_o ancient_n there_o be_v no_o foot-step_n of_o it_o baronius_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o improve_v every_o thing_n for_o the_o pope_n power_n be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o do_v only_o refer_v to_o the_o writer_n that_o have_v particular_o treat_v of_o it_o this_o donation_n be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v to_o pope_n silvester_n at_o rome_n the_o three_o of_o the_o calends_o of_o april_n augusto_fw-la constantino_n 4_o to_o &_o gallicano_n 4_o to_z coss_n the_o original_a be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v find_v write_v in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n in_o the_o vatican_n at_o rome_n among_o other_o old_a record_n by_o bartholomaeus_n pincernus_n who_o translate_v it_o into_o latin_a and_o present_v it_o to_o pope_n julius_n the_o second_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o mention_v in_o the_o grant_v itself_o be_v say_v to_o be_v this_o that_o constantine_n have_v revolt_v from_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o persecute_v many_o of_o the_o bishop_n he_o be_v smite_v with_o a_o loathsome_a leprosy_n all_o over_o his_o body_n and_o have_v try_v many_o physician_n in_o vain_a he_o be_v at_o length_n advise_v by_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o capitol_n to_o slay_v so_o many_o infant_n as_o shall_v fill_v a_o cistern_n with_o their_o blood_n and_o bathe_v himself_o therein_o while_o it_o be_v warm_a but_o be_v move_v at_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o mother_n of_o those_o infant_n that_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v slay_v he_o resolve_v rather_o to_o endure_v his_o disease_n and_o the_o night_n after_o that_o he_o have_v dismiss_v the_o infant_n peter_n and_o paul_n appear_v to_o he_o and_o discover_v a_o sure_a remedy_n which_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v send_v for_o silvester_n bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o persecution_n raise_v by_o constantine_n have_v hide_v himself_o in_o the_o cave_n of_o the_o mountain_n soracte_n and_o by_o he_o his_o leprosy_n shall_v be_v cure_v hereupon_o silvester_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o and_o the_o first_o question_n that_o constantine_n be_v there_o say_v to_o ask_v he_o be_v who_o those_o god_n be_v that_o be_v call_v peter_n and_o paul_n and_o whether_o he_o have_v any_o picture_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v know_v silvester_n present_o send_v his_o deacon_n to_o bring_v the_o picture_n of_o peter_n and_o paul_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o which_o constantine_n know_v they_o to_o be_v the_o same_o that_o appear_v to_o he_o in_o his_o vision_n and_o have_v will_v he_o to_o send_v for_o silvester_n to_o he_o he_o therefore_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o desire_v his_o advice_n for_o his_o health_n the_o pope_n enjoin_v he_o for_o certain_a day_n to_o go_v in_o sackcloth_n within_o the_o lateran_n and_o afterward_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v whole_a according_o constantine_n submit_v to_o the_o penance_n and_o prepare_v for_o his_o baptism_n and_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a font_n he_o see_v a_o hand_n stretch_v from_o heaven_n to_o support_v and_o cleanse_v he_o and_o be_v baptize_v by_o silvester_n he_o come_v forth_o sound_a and_o clean_o from_o his_o disease_n then_o be_v he_o clothe_v in_o white_a and_o anoint_v with_o chrism_n and_o have_v the_o pope_n benediction_n which_o be_v pax_fw-la tibi_fw-la and_o all_o the_o clergy_n answer_v amen_n the_o most_o of_o these_o particular_n be_v mention_v by_o baronius_n anno_fw-la constan._n 19_o but_o nothing_o of_o the_o donation_n itself_o after_o this_o he_o make_v a_o