beatitude_n the_o history_n which_o i_o have_v write_v of_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o martyr_n i_o fear_v lest_o the_o memorable_a event_n of_o their_o glorious_a martyrdom_n shall_v have_v be_v bury_v in_o oblivion_n both_o by_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n and_o the_o negligence_n of_o men._n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n from_o those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o inform_v i_o of_o it_o who_o have_v assure_v i_o that_o they_o have_v the_o thing_n from_o isaac_n bishop_n of_o geneva_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o i_o have_v relate_v it_o and_o i_o believe_v these_o thing_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o isaac_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o most_o bless_a bishop_n theodorus_n who_o live_v in_o the_o former_a age_n viro_fw-la anterioris_fw-la temporis_fw-la and_o now_o whereas_o other_o from_o divers_a place_n and_o even_o from_o the_o remote_a province_n offer_v gold_n silver_n and_o several_a other_o thing_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o saint_n we_o present_v they_o with_o our_o write_n if_o so_o be_v you_o vouchsafe_v to_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o i_o beg_v for_o their_o sake_n the_o remission_n of_o all_o my_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o future_a the_o continual_a assistance_n of_o my_o perpetual_a patron_n remember_v we_o likewise_o in_o your_o prayer_n when_o you_o come_v before_o god_n and_o do_v attend_v the_o service_n of_o the_o saint_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n very_o observable_a in_o this_o letter_n first_o that_o he_o who_o write_v it_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o agaunian_a soldier_n second_o that_o the_o monastery_n of_o agaunum_n be_v build_v a_o long_a time_n before_o and_o be_v in_o great_a repute_n in_o the_o world_n since_o offering_n be_v send_v thither_o from_o all_o part_n three_o that_o this_o theodorus_n who_o be_v call_v there_o a_o man_n of_o the_o former_a age_n be_v in_o all_o probability_n the_o same_o theodorus_n bishop_n of_o zion_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v on_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o council_n of_o agaunum_n which_o show_v this_o letter_n be_v write_v at_o least_o in_o the_o seven_o century_n since_o that_o otherwise_o this_o theodorus_n can_v not_o be_v call_v vir_fw-la anterioris_fw-la temporis_fw-la four_o that_o it_o mention_n one_o isaac_n bishop_n of_o geneva_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o catalogue_n which_o leti_fw-la and_o mr._n spon_n have_v make_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o place_n and_o which_o they_o have_v take_v out_o of_o a_o ancient_a bible_n of_o that_o city_n five_o that_o whereas_o in_o the_o bibliotheca_fw-la patrum_fw-la print_v at_o lion_n this_o letter_n be_v place_v immediate_o after_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o agaunum_n the_o editor_n who_o have_v take_v care_n to_o advertise_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o passion_n write_v by_o surius_n be_v not_o altogether_o authentic_a do_v not_o give_v the_o least_o caution_n about_o this_o letter_n which_o be_v visible_o late_a by_o some_o age_n than_o st._n eucherius_n six_o that_o this_o letter_n 734._o be_v insert_v at_o full_a length_n by_o baronius_n in_o his_o annal_n as_o a_o irrefragable_a proof_n that_o st._n eucherius_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o agaunian_a martyr_n see_v it_o be_v bring_v there_o to_o serve_v as_o a_o preface_n to_o it_o seven_o that_o after_o you_o have_v read_v this_o letter_n when_o you_o come_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o thebean_a martyr_n you_o can_v perceive_v any_o difference_n you_o find_v there_o much_o the_o same_o matter_n style_n and_o way_n of_o expression_n in_o both_o of_o they_o eight_o that_o this_o letter_n in_o all_o the_o edition_n of_o the_o st._n eucherius_n work_n be_v prefix_v as_o a_o dedication_n to_o the_o commentary_n on_o genesis_n which_o have_v be_v compose_v by_o the_o monk_n two_o hundred_o year_n after_o st._n eucherius_n as_o appear_v by_o some_o place_n of_o the_o moral_n of_o gregory_n the_o great_a be_v insert_v in_o they_o nine_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o commentary_n upon_o genesis_n and_o the_o book_n of_o king_n be_v very_o probable_o the_o author_n of_o this_o letter_n and_o that_o he_o who_o write_v the_o letter_n compose_v likewise_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o agaunian_a martyr_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o this_o observation_n that_o perhaps_o we_o seek_v abroad_o for_o what_o we_o may_v find_v at_o home_n i_o mean_v that_o perhaps_o the_o act_n of_o the_o thebean_a legion_n may_v be_v the_o growth_n of_o this_o land_n and_o the_o work_n of_o some_o english_a writer_n see_v how_o the_o pretend_a st._n eucherius_n speak_v in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o 22._o the_o book_n of_o king_n the_o bless_a pope_n gregory_n arm_v with_o a_o evangelical_n eloquence_n govern_v then_o in_o our_o day_n the_o romish_a church_n when_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n austin_n and_o paulinus_n and_o their_o companion_n come_v into_o england_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o a_o people_n who_o have_v be_v britannus_n infidel_n for_o so_o many_o age_n these_o word_n have_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o learned_a jesuit_n andreas_n schottus_n to_o think_v that_o the_o author_n of_o these_o commentary_n i_o mean_v the_o pretend_a st._n eucherius_n be_v not_o a_o french_a but_o a_o englishman_n i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o one_o may_v strengthen_v yet_o this_o conjecture_n by_o a_o expression_n which_o we_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o agaunian_a martyr_n it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o mauricius_n who_o command_v the_o thebean_a legion_n exhort_v the_o senator_n of_o the_o soldier_n to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n senatores_fw-la militum_fw-la for_o though_o this_o office_n be_v not_o altogether_o unknown_a and_o strange_a in_o the_o roman_a militia_n 796._o and_o that_o st._n jerom_n speak_v of_o it_o in_o his_o letter_n to_o pammachius_n nevertheless_o you_o will_v hardly_o find_v it_o in_o those_o author_n who_o write_v about_o military_a employment_n whereas_o this_o expression_n be_v common_a then_o among_o the_o english_a who_o use_v to_o give_v it_o to_o those_o person_n who_o hold_v the_o first_o rank_n not_o so_o much_o in_o consideration_n of_o their_o age_n as_o for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o merit_n one_o may_v see_v in_o mr._n du_fw-fr cange_n the_o example_n he_o allege_v of_o it_o take_v from_o the_o law_n both_o of_o king_n edward_n the_o confessor_n and_o of_o kenulphus_n king_n of_o the_o mercian_n chap._n ix_o that_o in_o father_n chifflet_n copy_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o of_o surius_n the_o commander_n of_o a_o legion_n be_v call_v by_o a_o name_n not_o then_o in_o use_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o fault_n in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o legionary_a soldier_n but_o it_o matter_n not_o much_o to_o know_v whether_o the_o author_n of_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n be_v english_a of_o french_a these_o two_o warlike_a nation_n will_v scarce_o fall_v out_o with_o one_o another_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o have_v give_v he_o to_o the_o world_n we_o must_v pass_v now_o to_o other_o remark_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o difference_n in_o the_o style_n which_o show_v that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o thebean_a legion_n be_v not_o of_o the_o true_a st._n eucherius_n but_o there_o be_v yet_o other_o manifest_a proof_n of_o it_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o instruction_n which_o st._n eucherius_n give_v to_o his_o son_n salonius_n that_o this_o father_n know_v the_o use_n and_o propriety_n of_o hebrew_n but_o if_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a passion_n he_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v very_o ignorant_a even_o of_o latin_a term_n though_o his_o letter_n upon_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o great_a master_n of_o it_o in_o the_o edition_n of_o surius_n and_o of_o chifflet_n st._n mauricius_n who_o command_v the_o thebean_a legion_n be_v call_v primicerius_fw-la legionis_fw-la can_v one_o imagine_v that_o the_o true_a st._n eucherius_n do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o commander_n of_o a_o legion_n be_v call_v praefectus_fw-la legionis_fw-la let_v any_o body_n examine_v careful_o all_o the_o old_a tomb_n and_o monument_n which_o can_v give_v we_o any_o light_n into_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o military_a office_n from_o augustus_n time_n to_o that_o of_o justinian_n let_v any_o body_n read_v the_o notitia_fw-la imperii_fw-la with_o pancirole_n note_n let_v any_o body_n turn_v over_o the_o code_o of_o theodosius_n and_o of_o justinian_n in_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o law_n concern_v the_o civil_a as_o well_o as_o the_o military_a office_n of_o the_o empire_n let_v any_o body_n look_v over_o all_o the_o inscription_n of_o those_o time_n which_o be_v common_o so_o full_a of_o title_n and_o you_o will_v no_o where_o find_v that_o the_o commander_n of_o a_o legion_n be_v ever_o call_v primicerius_fw-la
both_o the_o court_n and_o city_n of_o turin_n have_v be_v ancient_a worshipper_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n great_a honour_n and_o reverence_n have_v be_v pay_v for_o a_o long_a time_n at_o turin_n to_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n and_o the_o general_a opinion_n be_v that_o they_o have_v signalise_v themselves_o there_o by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o miracle_n hyacinto_n ferrero_n a_o jesuit_n relate_v that_o by_o their_o mean_n constantine_n the_o great_a get_v that_o memorable_a victory_n which_o open_v he_o the_o way_n both_o to_o rome_n and_o to_o the_o empire_n he_o say_v that_o when_o he_o consider_v that_o the_o battle_n be_v fight_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o turin_n he_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o the_o fly_a squadron_n which_o be_v then_o see_v in_o the_o air_n and_o cry_v to_o constantine_n 72._o n'andiamo_fw-la a_o soccorso_fw-it di_fw-it costantino_n be_v those_o thebean_a soldier_n slay_v by_o maximian_n who_o be_v arm_v by_o heaven_n on_o this_o occasion_n to_o cause_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n to_o triumph_n which_o that_o tyrant_n have_v endeavour_v to_o destroy_v if_o after_o the_o rise_n of_o constantine_n to_o the_o empire_n paganism_n begin_v to_o fall_v and_o if_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o turin_n go_v so_o successful_o on_o and_o with_o so_o much_o rapidity_n that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n several_a church_n protettori_n and_o a_o bishop_n with_o a_o numerous_a clergy_n be_v see_v there_o all_o this_o add_v the_o same_o author_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o blood_n miracle_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n he_o relate_v afterward_o two_o or_o three_o adventure_n in_o which_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n have_v visible_o show_v their_o watchful_a care_n over_o turin_n and_o how_o intent_n they_o be_v to_o procure_v blessing_n from_o heaven_n upon_o this_o city_n he_o say_v that_o the_o romish_a religion_n be_v in_o extreme_a danger_n at_o turin_n at_o the_o time_n when_o the_o famous_a claudius_n 76._o bishop_n of_o that_o see_v endeavour_v to_o abolish_v the_o adoration_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o of_o the_o sacred_a image_n and_o the_o worship_v of_o martyr_n and_o likewise_o several_a year_n after_o when_o l'ediguieres_n enter_v into_o piedmont_n with_o a_o army_n of_o calvinist_n but_o that_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o martyrdom_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o their_o prayer_n remove_v the_o danger_n and_o preserve_v that_o religion_n there_o but_o here_o be_v something_o yet_o more_o wonderful_a the_o same_o jesuit_n relate_v that_o a_o general_n of_o the_o emperor_n charles_n the_o v._o besiege_v turin_n in_o the_o year_n 1537._o and_o have_v take_v it_o infallible_o by_o the_o secret_a intelligence_n he_o have_v there_o have_v he_o cause_v his_o soldier_n to_o scale_n it_o at_o any_o other_o place_n calvinisti_fw-la than_o that_o which_o be_v call_v now_o the_o bastion_n of_o st._n george_n but_o that_o unlucky_o for_o he_o the_o relic_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n rest_v then_o near_o the_o same_o bastion_n and_o that_o when_o his_o man_n go_v to_o get_v up_o they_o be_v fright_v by_o the_o sparkle_v arm_n and_o threaten_a look_n of_o these_o holy_a martyr_n who_o miraculous_o appear_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o city_n and_o perhaps_o cardinal_a de_fw-fr la_fw-fr rovere_z speak_v of_o this_o miracle_n in_o a_o sermon_n which_o he_o preach_v before_o emmanuel_n philibert_n in_o a_o certain_a solemnity_n in_o honour_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n these_o be_v the_o saint_n great_a prince_n say_v he_o who_o have_v preserve_v etc._n to_o you_o your_o loyal_a city_n of_o turin_n and_o have_v avert_v from_o it_o the_o desolation_n of_o war._n these_o be_v the_o saint_n o_o city_n of_o turin_n who_o be_v the_o tower_n and_o bulwark_n which_o have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v thy_o defence_n to_o the_o end_n that_o thou_o may_v remain_v still_o a_o peaceable_a and_o a_o triumphant_a place_n to_o thy_o prince_n grant_v we_o o_o you_o glorious_a saint_n that_o we_o may_v always_o cry_v out_o with_o joy_n and_o devotion_n jacta_fw-la est_fw-la pax_fw-la in_o virtute_fw-la vestra_fw-la &_o abundantia_fw-la in_o turribus_fw-la vestris_fw-la charles_n emmanuel_n the_o first_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v give_v a_o great_a testimony_n of_o his_o devotion_n to_o those_o saint_n than_o by_o free_o give_v up_o to_o the_o valesians_n the_o town_n of_o st._n mauricius_n and_o other_o place_n which_o they_o have_v usurp_v from_o he_o during_o the_o war_n between_o his_o grandfather_n and_o francis_n the_o first_o upon_o condition_n that_o the_o valesian_n shall_v give_v he_o leave_v to_o convey_v to_o turin_n the_o corpse_n of_o st._n mauricius_n chief_a of_o the_o thebean_a legion_n one_o of_o who_o arm_n he_o have_v already_o get_v out_o of_o bohemia_n whither_o it_o be_v transport_v in_o the_o year_n of_o 1250._o by_o king_n ottocarus_n the_o five_o and_o it_o be_v perhaps_o about_o that_o time_n that_o st._n mauricius_n 3._o his_o lance_n speak_v of_o by_o chromer_n be_v bring_v to_o cracovia_n where_o it_o lie_v yet_o expose_v to_o public_a veneration_n i_o question_v very_o much_o whether_o france_n will_v now_o give_v up_o pignerol_n to_o the_o house_n of_o savoy_n though_o that_o house_n shall_v proffer_v in_o exchange_n il_fw-fr santo_n sudario_fw-la or_o the_o holy_a shroud_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a zeal_n it_o ptetend_v to_o have_v for_o the_o romish_a religion_n and_o though_o this_o holy_a shroud_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o precious_a relic_n of_o that_o religion_n but_o charles_n emmanuel_n in_o the_o devotion_n he_o have_v for_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n do_v nothing_o but_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o emmanuel_n philibert_n his_o father_n when_o the_o relic_n of_o these_o saint_n be_v convey_v from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n into_o that_o of_o the_o jesuit_n where_o they_o do_v rest_n to_o this_o day_n emmanuel_n philibert_n honour_v the_o ceremony_n with_o his_o presence_n and_o be_v at_o a_o great_a expense_n towards_o the_o magnificence_n of_o it_o and_o this_o wise_a prince_n know_v well_o that_o saint_n without_o power_n be_v ordinary_o neglect_v and_o that_o the_o give_v of_o indulgence_n be_v a_o mean_n for_o they_o to_o gain_v a_o good_a reputation_n obtain_v a_o considerable_a share_n of_o they_o from_o gregory_n the_o thirteen_o for_o all_o those_o who_o by_o offering_n and_o prayer_n shall_v show_v their_o devotion_n to_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n his_o bull_n be_v obtain_v in_o the_o year_n 1574._o and_o the_o etc._n pope_n express_v in_o it_o that_o he_o grant_v these_o indulgence_n upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o singular_a devotion_n which_o both_o the_o duke_n of_o savoy_n and_o the_o people_n of_o turin_n do_v pay_v to_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n charles_n emmanuel_n have_v so_o great_a a_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n that_o he_o impart_v to_o spain_n some_o of_o their_o relic_n to_o the_o intent_n they_o may_v partake_v of_o their_o merit_n and_o intercession_n he_o charge_v charles_n broglia_n archbishop_n of_o turin_n with_o his_o order_n concern_v it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o certificate_n which_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v put_v up_o with_o the_o relic_n and_o be_v sign_v in_o the_o month_n of_o september_n 1603._o this_o archbishop_n say_v in_o the_o same_o certificate_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v take_v a_o rib_n of_o st._n mauricius_n body_n one_o of_o st._n secundus_n great_a toe_n three_o bone_n of_o the_o finger_n of_o solutor_n adventor_fw-la and_o octavius_n and_o a_o leg-bone_n of_o one_o of_o st._n gerion_n companion_n charles_n emmanuel_n cause_v these_o relic_n to_o be_v put_v in_o a_o silver-gilt_n shrine_n all_o set_v with_o precious_a stone_n and_o dispatch_v leonardo_n roncassio_n his_o first_o secretary_n of_o state_n to_o present_v it_o to_o margaret_n of_o austria_n queen_n of_o spain_n all_o these_o thing_n plain_o show_v the_o great_a respect_n and_o devotion_n that_o both_o the_o court_n and_o city_n of_o turin_n have_v long_o pay_v to_o the_o martyr_n of_o the_o thebean_a legion_n chap._n iii_o that_o it_o be_v worth_a one_o labour_v to_o examine_v the_o passion_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n though_o it_o pass_v for_o current_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_a society_n we_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o person_n as_o these_o thebean_a soldier_n and_o that_o the_o relation_n of_o their_o martyrdom_n say_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o eucherius_n bishop_n of_o lion_n be_v altogether_o false_a and_o counterfeit_n avia_fw-la pieridum_fw-la peragro_fw-la loca_fw-la nullius_fw-la ante_fw-la trita_fw-la solo._n this_o matter_n be_v quite_o new_a and_o be_v never_o handle_v for_o aught_o i_o know_v by_o any_o author_n before_o though_o after_o so_o many_o book_n write_v there_o be_v
legionis_fw-la the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n notarentur_fw-la be_v that_o whereas_o former_o they_o make_v use_v of_o a_o paper_n prepare_v with_o wax_n therefore_o they_o call_v primicerii_fw-la those_o of_o their_o respective_a order_n who_o be_v set_v down_o first_o in_o the_o public_a register_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o of_o that_o name_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o divers_a order_n of_o dignity_n and_o magistrate_n of_o 〈◊〉_d the_o empire_n there_o be_v the_o primicerius_fw-la of_o the_o imperial_a chamber_n of_o the_o wardrobe_n of_o the_o liberality_n of_o notary_n of_o the_o court_n of_o account_n of_o the_o golden_a mace_n of_o the_o singing-school_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o reader_n and_o of_o many_o other_o who_o name_n be_v see_v in_o the_o notitia_fw-la or_o state_n of_o the_o empire_n this_o term_n be_v also_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n the_o dignity_n of_o primicerius_fw-la be_v very_o considerable_a in_o the_o clergy_n of_o venice_n 480._o and_o in_o the_o collection_n of_o the_o council_n by_o mr._n baluze_n this_o name_n be_v give_v to_o one_o peter_n a_o priest_n of_o alexandria_n the_o church_n writer_n have_v sometime_o make_v use_n of_o it_o metaphorical_o 2._o call_v st._n stephen_n primicer_n of_o martyr_n and_o st._n peter_n hieros_n the_o primicer_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o at_o last_o this_o term_n have_v be_v appropriate_v to_o these_o priest_n who_o carry_v wax_n taper_n before_o prince_n and_o prelate_n but_o as_o for_o the_o military_a officer_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v well_o understand_v what_o rank_n and_o command_v the_o primicerii_fw-la have_v there_o lipsius_n and_o salmasius_n dont_fw-fr give_v we_o much_o light_n thereupon_o in_o their_o 149._o book_n of_o the_o roman-militia_n it_o be_v true_a that_o goltzius_n in_o his_o catalogue_n of_o military_a dignity_n make_v mention_n of_o primicerius_fw-la castrensis_fw-la but_o all_o the_o learned_a do_v agree_v that_o what_o goltzius_n do_v relate_v ought_v not_o always_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o for_o he_o write_v this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o book_n upon_o other_o people_n word_n and_o without_o have_v see_v himself_o the_o medal_n and_o inscription_n which_o he_o go_v upon_o if_o goltzius_n have_v be_v mistake_v we_o have_v find_v out_o methinks_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o error_n in_o the_o notice_n or_o state_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o civil_a and_o military_a dignity_n in_o the_o west_n we_o see_v one_o primicerius_fw-la sacri_fw-la cubiculi_fw-la primicerius_fw-la notariorum_fw-la castrensis_fw-la sacri_fw-la palatii_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o perhaps_o he_o think_v that_o before_o castrensis_n ought_v to_o be_v understand_v primicerius_fw-la which_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o dignity_n of_o primicerius_fw-la castrensis_fw-la set_v down_o in_o his_o catalogue_n but_o have_v he_o mind_v another_o chapter_n wherein_o a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o office_n which_o be_v sub_fw-la dispositione_n viri_fw-la spectabilis_fw-la castrensis_fw-la he_o will_v have_v observe_v that_o this_o dignity_n castrensis_n relate_v chief_o to_o the_o sacred-house_n which_o be_v the_o emperor_n palace_n gradum_fw-la it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o vegetius_n speak_v of_o one_o primicerius_fw-la who_o after_o he_o have_v be_v a_o perfect_a and_o in_o the_o praetorship_n be_v raise_v to_o a_o honourable_a and_o gainful_a military_a dignity_n his_o commentator_n be_v silent_a upon_o this_o place_n which_o yet_o seem_v difficult_a enough_o but_o mr._n de_fw-fr valois_n do_v not_o leave_v we_o quite_o in_o the_o dark_a about_o this_o matter_n in_o his_o note_n upon_o ammian_n marcelline_n for_o tribunus_n this_o historian_n have_v speak_v of_o one_o valentinus_n who_o be_v make_v a_o tribune_n after_o he_o have_v be_v primicerius_fw-la of_o that_o body_n which_o be_v call_v protectores_fw-la mr._n de_fw-fr valois_n erat_fw-la observe_v that_o from_o primicer_n of_o protector_n it_o be_v usual_a to_o be_v make_v a_o tribune_n and_o it_o be_v true_a that_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n speak_v in_o his_o thirteen_o book_n of_o one_o gratian_n who_o after_o he_o have_v be_v make_v primicer_n of_o the_o protector_n and_o tribune_n be_v make_v superintendent_n to_o the_o military_a affair_n in_o africa_n which_o place_n do_v explain_v that_o other_o in_o a_o collection_n of_o the_o act_n of_o constantine_n fuit_fw-la where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o constantius_n nephew_n to_o claudius_n the_o emperor_n after_o he_o have_v be_v first_o a_o protector_n than_o a_o tribune_n be_v at_o least_o create_a precedent_n of_o dalmatia_n but_o we_o do_v find_v in_o all_o this_o that_o in_o st._n eucherius_n time_n the_o commander_n of_o a_o legion_n be_v call_v primicerius_fw-la legionis_fw-la for_o it_o be_v only_o in_o the_o last_o age_n that_o it_o be_v give_v to_o all_o those_o who_o have_v primicerius_fw-la any_o command_n matthew_n paris_n in_o the_o year_n 1240._o speak_v of_o a_o army_n where_o it_o be_v demand_v who_o be_v the_o primicerius_fw-la of_o it_o that_o be_v who_o command_v it_o so_o that_o as_o the_o term_n commander_n in_o english_a be_v very_o general_a and_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o those_o who_o either_o do_v command_v a_o company_n or_o a_o regiment_n or_o be_v governor_n of_o town_n and_o province_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o last_o age_n in_o the_o which_o it_o be_v likely_a the_o passion_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n have_v be_v forge_v the_o quality_n of_o a_o primicer_n have_v a_o very_a large_a signification_n i_o be_o tempt_v to_o say_v special_o among_o the_o english_a and_o from_o thence_o to_o make_v another_o conjecture_n viz._n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o act_n of_o agaunum_n be_v a_o englishman_n we_o do_v just_a now_o cite_v matthew_n paris_n who_o be_v a_o great_a ornament_n to_o this_o nation_n in_o the_o twelve_o century_n there_o 838._o be_v a_o act_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o english_a monastery_n in_o the_o which_o the_o king_n edmond_n and_o edgar_n qualify_v themselves_o king_n and_o primicer_n of_o all_o england_n primicerii_fw-la totius_fw-la albionis_fw-la therefore_o this_o primicerian_a quality_n be_v inclyti_fw-la so_o general_a at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o william_n of_o tyre_n who_o live_v about_o fifty_o year_n before_o matthew_n paris_n do_v mention_v some_o legionary_a primicer_n honourable_a man_n say_v he_o bear_v ensign_n go_v before_o the_o army_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v the_o primicer_n of_o legion_n if_o it_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o these_o word_n that_o the_o legionary_a primicer_n be_v the_o signiferi_fw-la or_o ensign-bearer_n of_o those_o time_n one_o ought_v to_o confess_v that_o in_o william_n of_o tyre_n his_o time_n thing_n be_v very_o much_o alter_v and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o this_o expression_n that_o may_v authorise_v that_o in_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o agaunian_a martyr_n unless_o one_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o suffer_v martyrdom_n about_o the_o time_n of_o william_n of_o tyre_n to_o wit_n many_o age_n after_o the_o true_a st._n eucherius_n but_o let_v we_o examine_v what_o surius_n copy_n and_o that_o of_o father_n chifflet_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n that_o of_o surius_n say_v that_o in_o the_o emperor_n maximian_n army_n there_o be_v a_o legion_n of_o soldier_n call_v thebean_o and_o that_o a_o legion_n be_v make_v up_o of_o six_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o six_o soldier_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_a roman_n in_o father_n chifflet_n manuscript_n the_o number_n of_o sixty_o and_o six_o and_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_n roman_n be_v cut_v off_o be_v say_v only_o there_o that_o a_o legion_n be_v then_o make_v up_o of_o six_o thousand_o and_o six_o hundred_o men._n if_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_a roman_n speak_v of_o both_o in_o surius_n and_o baronius_n copy_n be_v mean_v the_o military_a discipline_n ancient_o establish_v by_o romulus_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o legion_n be_v compose_v only_o of_o three_o thousand_o foot_n and_o some_o horse_n and_o let_v one_o look_v over_o all_o the_o time_n in_o which_o that_o commonwealth_n flourish_v from_o the_o expulsion_n of_o king_n to_o julius_n caesar_n one_o shall_v observe_v many_o change_n in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o soldier_n which_o compose_v the_o legion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v sometime_o lesser_a and_o sometime_o great_a according_a to_o the_o exigency_n and_o revolution_n of_o the_o empire_n but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o time_n in_o which_o the_o legion_n have_v precise_o the_o number_n of_o soldier_n specify_v in_o those_o two_o copy_n 13._o livy_n say_v indeed_o that_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o legion_n which_o be_v in_o macedonia_n to_o be_v compose_v
into_o armenia_n and_o mesopotamia_n which_o happen_v several_a year_n after_o maximian_n advancement_n to_o the_o empire_n and_o his_o bagaudian_a expedition_n chap._n xvi_o that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o bagaud_n be_v christian_n and_o that_o the_o thebean_a legion_n suffer_v death_n for_o refuse_v to_o persecute_v they_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o take_v notice_n here_o of_o a_o objection_n which_o may_v perhaps_o be_v make_v a_o against_o we_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o persecution_n mention_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n do_v not_o begin_v till_o near_o the_o year_n 298_o or_o 301_o but_o that_o maximian_n be_v oblige_v to_o cut_v off_o the_o theb._n legion_n upon_o another_o account_n which_o be_v that_o those_o people_n who_o have_v revolt_v and_o go_v under_o the_o nickname_n of_o bagaud_n be_v christian_n the_o emperor_n be_v afraid_a lest_o the_o theb._n soldier_n who_o 219._o be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n shall_v join_v with_o the_o rebel_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v it_o the_o best_a course_n he_o can_v take_v to_o get_v himself_o thus_o rid_v of_o they_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o indeed_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o martyrdom_n here_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o mezeray_n say_v in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o the_o origin_n of_o the_o french_a concern_v this_o matter_n these_o be_v his_o word_n after_o carinus_n at_o his_o departure_n from_o gaul_n have_v draw_v thence_o all_o his_o legion_n to_o go_v and_o encounter_n dioclesian_n the_o province_n be_v free_v from_o the_o troop_n that_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n attempt_v likewise_o to_o shake_v off_o the_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o settle_a tax_n and_o the_o arbitrary_a extorsion_n of_o their_o governor_n which_o lie_v heavy_a upon_o the_o country_n people_n they_o take_v up_o arm_n first_o &_o aelianus_n and_o amandus_n two_o officer_n in_o the_o roman_a army_n be_v so_o unwise_a as_o to_o put_v themselves_o at_o the_o head_n of_o they_o such_o slave_n as_o be_v hardly_o use_v by_o their_o master_n join_v with_o they_o some_o come_v into_o this_o party_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o other_o be_v surprise_v into_o it_o several_z be_v sollioit_v but_o most_o of_o they_o scorn_v the_o invitation_n this_o rise_n be_v call_v bagaud_n and_o the_o follower_n of_o it_o bagaud_n or_o bagaudian_n which_o word_n as_o some_o say_v signify_v revolt_n and_o perhaps_o a_o revolt_n of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o wood._n the_o wood_n according_a to_o the_o etymology_n of_o the_o word_n from_o the_o ancient_a celtic_a language_n for_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o those_o people_n have_v no_o other_o fortress_n and_o place_n to_o retire_v to_o but_o wood_n they_o there_o entrench_v themselves_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o german_n and_o ancient_a gaul_n there_o be_v many_o wood_n without_o doubt_n in_o several_a place_n of_o that_o country_n but_o the_o chief_a and_o big_a of_o they_o be_v two_o league_n from_o paris_n on_o the_o river_n marne_n in_o a_o place_n where_o now_o stand_v the_o abbey_n of_o st._n maur_n call_v des_fw-fr fossez_fw-fr or_o of_o the_o ditch_n because_o they_o have_v dig_v up_o a_o very_a spacious_a trench_n to_o incamp_v there_o most_o of_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o who_o know_v but_o that_o after_o so_o many_o horrid_a persecution_n which_o they_o have_v suffer_v their_o patience_n do_v turn_v at_o last_o into_o a_o just_a fury_n in_o arm_v they_o both_o against_o the_o torment_n and_o their_o tormentor_n maximian_n take_v a_o review_n of_o his_o troop_n near_o the_o town_n of_o aoste_n on_o this_o side_n of_o the_o alpê_n the_o theb._n legion_n refuse_v to_o take_v the_o oath_n with_o the_o ceremony_n use_v among_o the_o pagan_n and_o be_v encourage_v by_o the_o speech_n of_o their_o tribune_n mauritius_n choose_v rather_o to_o undergo_v two_o or_o three_o decimation_n and_o at_o last_o to_o be_v all_o cut_n to_o piece_n then_o to_o desite_fw-la themselves_z by_o those_o abominable_a rite_n the_o whole_a legion_n be_v not_o there_o some_o cohort_n have_v be_v detach_v who_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o in_o another_o place_n signalise_v themselves_o by_o a_o like_a victory_n so_o many_o brave_a man_n who_o despise_a death_n will_v have_v sell_v their_o life_n to_o the_o roman_n at_o a_o very_a dear_a rate_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v more_o glorious_a to_o die_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o profess_v than_o to_o fight_v for_o it_o i_o say_v further_o that_o they_o will_v have_v strengthen_v very_o much_o the_o bagaudian_a party_n have_v their_o religion_n permit_v they_o to_o dissemble_v till_o they_o have_v join_v they_o however_o maximian_n have_v defeat_v some_o of_o these_o bagaud_n and_o receive_v other_o into_o his_o favour_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n have_v divide_v they_o he_o besiege_v their_o great_a entrenchment_n both_o by_o land_n and_o by_o water_n with_o so_o great_a vigour_n and_o resolution_n that_o at_o last_o he_o take_v it_o all_o those_o who_o be_v find_v in_o it_o be_v put_v to_o the_o sword_n without_o exception_n and_o their_o strong_a work_n be_v so_o entire_o ruin_v and_o demolish_v that_o nothing_o of_o they_o but_o some_o few_o ditch_n remain_v we_o be_v to_o believe_v say_v the_o author_n of_o the_o life_n of_o st._n baboulene_n that_o these_o man_n be_v christian_n and_o despise_v their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o religion_n pass_v through_o martyrdom_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o though_o we_o have_v not_o their_o act_n in_o writing_n nevertheless_o their_o memory_n and_o name_n shall_v never_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n these_o be_v the_o new_a weapon_n wherewith_o m._n de_fw-fr mezeray_fw-fr furnish_v the_o asserter_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o theb._n legion_n now_o all_o these_o difficulty_n we_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o remove_v the_o better_a to_o clear_v this_o piece_n of_o ecclesiastical_a history_n first_o than_o it_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o objection_n that_o most_o part_n of_o the_o bagaud_n army_n be_v christian_n and_o that_o the_o emperor_n maximian_n cause_v the_o theb._n legion_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o for_o fear_v so_o many_o brave_a man_n shall_v join_v with_o and_o strengthen_v the_o rebel_n then_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o objection_n be_v take_v out_o of_o a_o ancient_a anonymous_n writer_n who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o life_n of_o st._n baboulene_n and_o who_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v credit_v by_o reason_n that_o these_o transaction_n happen_v in_o a_o age_n near_o to_o his_o than_o to_o our_o time_n our_o answer_n to_o this_o will_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v i_o hope_v to_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o theb._n legion_n and_o first_o in_o this_o account_n of_o mezeray_n support_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o anonymous_n writer_n we_o find_v the_o christian_n divide_v in_o their_o practice_n upon_o a_o very_a considerable_a point_n of_o morality_n for_o some_o of_o they_o leave_v the_o blow_n take_v up_o arm_n against_o their_o sovereign_n and_o other_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v up_o in_o arm_n lay_v they_o down_o and_o patient_o submit_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o barbarous_a order_n of_o their_o prince_n now_o to_o what_o shall_v we_o ascribe_v this_o difference_n in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v it_o that_o the_o morality_n on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o alps_o differ_v from_o that_o of_o the_o gaul_n or_o must_v we_o attribute_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o difference_n to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o climate_n education_n temper_n and_o manner_n but_o we_o shall_v spend_v too_o much_o time_n shall_v we_o go_v about_o to_o untie_v this_o knot_n therefore_o the_o short_a way_n be_v to_o 〈◊〉_d it_o and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d positive_o that_o both_o 〈…〉_z of_o 〈…〉_z that_o be_v christianity_n will_v rather_o loose_v than_o get_v by_o it_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o theb._n legion_n be_v assert_v because_o it_o be_v think_v very_o honourable_a to_o christianity_n but_o then_o to_o support_v the_o assertion_n and_o insurrection_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n in_o gaul_n be_v bring_v in_o and_o a_o rebellious_a conspiracy_n to_o shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o their_o master_n so_o that_o if_o those_o who_o set_v up_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o a_o obedience_n so_o entire_o passive_a have_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o theb._n soldier_n a_o legion_n of_o martyr_n to_o boast_v of_o those_o who_o on_o the_o contrary_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o case_n and_o time_n in_o which_o patience_n ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o other_o virtue_n shall_v find_v in_o the_o bagaud_n a_o whole_a army_n of_o christian_n in_o rebellion_n against_o the_o empire_n to_o oppose_v to_o that_o legion_n and_o shall_v the_o example_n of_o one_o single_a
god_n and_o do_v pray_v for_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o emperor_n but_o that_o they_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o who_o they_o know_v alone_o to_o be_v able_a to_o grant_v it_o nor_o do_v we_o condemn_v lactantius_n who_o declare_v that_o those_o who_o pray_v to_o decease_a saint_n do_v sin_n both_o against_o reason_n and_o piety_n revolt_n against_o god_n break_v all_o sort_n of_o law_n and_o in_o worship_v dead_a man_n do_v commit_v a_o unpardonable_a 7._o fault_n but_o if_o the_o romish_a church_n do_v side_n with_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n who_o as_o theodoreâ—_n inform_v we_o hold_v that_o whosoever_o will_v have_v a_o free_a access_n to_o god_n ought_v first_o to_o endeavour_n to_o secure_v to_o himself_o the_o favour_n of_o angel_n and_o if_o we_o find_v fault_n with_o that_o church_n for_o do_v the_o same_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o our_o reader_n to_o examine_v whether_o we_o do_v condemn_v also_o that_o ancient_a doctor_n who_o answer_v these_o heretic_n that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o pitiful_a subterfuge_n to_o say_v that_o we_o make_v our_o address_n to_o the_o creature_n only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o make_v by_o their_o mean_n our_o approach_n to_o god_n as_o they_o be_v use_v to_o do_v who_o desire_v to_o be_v introduce_v to_o the_o king_n by_o make_v first_o their_o application_n to_o his_o officer_n true_a it_o be_v that_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o audience_n of_o a_o king_n and_o to_o be_v promote_v by_o he_o it_o be_v necessary_a first_o to_o speak_v to_o and_o court_v those_o who_o do_v attend_v he_o because_o a_o king_n be_v but_o a_o man_n can_v of_o himself_o know_v who_o to_o trust_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o affair_n but_o as_o he_o receive_v information_n from_o those_o that_o be_v about_o he_o but_o that_o we_o may_v approach_v god_n who_o be_v omniscient_a there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o implore_v the_o patronage_n of_o men._n it_o be_v enough_o if_o we_o have_v a_o sincere_a and_o upright_a heart_n and_o a_o religious_a mind_n for_o god_n will_v answer_v in_o any_o place_n of_o the_o universe_n whosoever_o speak_v to_o he_o in_o that_o holy_a disposition_n how_o unjust_o then_o be_v we_o condemn_v by_o the_o romanist_n for_o hold_v opinion_n contrary_a to_o those_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n concern_v the_o saint_n since_o in_o conformity_n to_o that_o church_n of_o the_o first_o age_n we_o do_v not_o address_v our_o prayer_n to_o any_o but_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n we_o do_v as_o she_o do_v honour_v the_o saint_n and_o reverence_v their_o memory_n we_o propose_v their_o example_n to_o our_o imitation_n we_o applaud_v their_o triumph_n and_o do_v crown_n they_o with_o praise_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d imitation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d praise_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d love_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d commemoration_n be_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o piety_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n pay_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o if_o we_o do_v restrain_v ourselves_o within_o the_o same_o bound_n we_o have_v for_o we_o the_o most_o authentic_a act_n of_o antiquity_n as_o the_o 34._o and_o 57_o epistle_n of_o st._n cyprian_n wherein_o this_o bless_a martyr_n speak_v of_o the_o commemoration_n which_o the_o church_n make_v of_o martyr_n and_o the_o 3._o ch_n of_o the_o book_n corona_n militis_n by_o tertullian_n in_o which_o be_v mention_v the_o oblation_n which_o in_o those_o time_n be_v offer_v for_o the_o dead_a especial_o for_o relation_n and_o friend_n but_o chief_o we_o have_v on_o our_o side_n the_o declaration_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o smyrna_n concern_v 25._o st._n polycarp'_v body_n relate_v by_o eusebius_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o this_o bless_a martyr_n print_v byvsserius_n and_o which_o be_v quote_v by_o mr._n de_fw-fr valois_n in_o his_o note_n it_o be_v a_o very_a memorable_a fact_n and_o which_o happen_v about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 167_o and_o be_v as_o follow_v the_o jew_n be_v unwilling_a that_o the_o christian_n shall_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o bury_v their_o polycarp_n represent_v to_o the_o pagan_a magistrate_n that_o if_o the_o christian_n be_v permit_v to_o keep_v the_o body_n of_o that_o holy_a martyr_n they_o will_v soon_o forsake_v their_o master_n to_o serve_v his_o disciple_n not_o know_v say_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o smyrna_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v leave_v christ_n who_o have_v suffer_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v save_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v pay_v a_o religious_a worship_n or_o address_v our_o prayer_n to_o any_o other_o but_o he_o for_o as_o to_o christ_n we_o adore_v he_o as_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n whereas_o we_o love_v the_o martyr_n as_o the_o disciple_n and_o imitator_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o certain_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o just_a consider_v the_o zeal_n and_o fervent_a love_n they_o have_v for_o their_o own_o king_n and_o master_n god_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v so_o imitate_v their_o piety_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o their_o glory_n which_o discourse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n as_o it_o be_v our_o apology_n so_o it_o be_v a_o condemnation_n of_o the_o worship_n which_o the_o romish_a church_n render_v now_o a_o day_n to_o saint_n and_o if_o the_o ancient_a church_n speak_v thus_o of_o true_a martyr_n we_o may_v easy_o judge_v how_o it_o will_v have_v behave_v itself_o towards_o false_a and_o supposititious_a one_o such_o as_o be_v the_o soldier_n of_o the_o theb._n legion_n ten_o father_n malbranche_n be_v without_o contradiction_n one_o of_o the_o great_a wit_n of_o our_o age_n do_v he_o not_o too_o much_o affect_v to_o be_v a_o original_a his_o system_fw-la concern_v the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o way_n he_o take_v to_o defend_v the_o practice_n of_o his_o church_n be_v as_o follow_v first_o he_o lay_v down_o for_o a_o 156._o foundation_n that_o all_o our_o good_a thing_n come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n and_o dispenser_n of_o they_o second_o he_o say_v that_o when_o we_o receive_v from_o he_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a christ_n be_v the_o occasional_a cause_n thereof_o god_n by_o a_o eternal_a law_n have_v decree_v not_o to_o communicate_v any_o good_a to_o mankind_n but_o at_o christ_n desire_n and_o request_n which_o tenet_n of_o he_o be_v set_v forth_o more_o large_o both_o in_o his_o christian_a meditation_n and_o his_o treatise_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n three_o he_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o impart_v any_o of_o these_o good_n unto_o we_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o occasional_a cause_n of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n that_o belong_v to_o none_o but_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o thing_n eternal_a it_o be_v at_o the_o desire_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o at_o those_o of_o the_o saint_n that_o god_n by_o a_o eternal_a law_n have_v bind_v himself_o to_o communicate_v his_o grace_n four_o nevertheless_o he_o add_v that_o the_o saint_n do_v excite_v and_o incline_v the_o desire_n of_o christ_n towards_o we_o in_o which_o chief_o he_o make_v the_o force_n of_o their_o intercession_n to_o consist_v five_o and_o last_o he_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v the_o power_n to_o heal_v sickness_n and_o to_o bless_v with_o fertility_n our_o field_n because_o the_o order_n of_o the_o universe_n seem_v to_o require_v that_o inferior_a thing_n be_v make_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o superior_a being_n i_o know_v not_o how_o father_n malbranche_n with_o all_o the_o sagacity_n and_o sharpness_n of_o his_o wit_n can_v reconcile_v these_o principle_n of_o his_o both_o with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o church_n for_o have_v establish_v in_o the_o first_o that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a dispenser_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o ask_v the_o saint_n for_o grace_n which_o come_v only_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v downright_a idolatry_n and_o when_o he_o say_v second_o that_o god_n do_v not_o dispense_v his_o grace_n but_o at_o the_o desire_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v establish_v by_o he_o the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o the_o highpriest_n of_o thing_n eternal_a and_o that_o he_o alone_o can_v make_v intercession_n for_o we_o to_o his_o father_n in_o determine_v and_o contract_n by_o his_o desire_n the_o general_a law_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o some_o particular_a sinner_n who_o he_o have_v more_o kindness_n for_o we_o may_v easy_o conclude_v that_o the_o implore_v the_o mediation_n of_o saint_n and_o ask_v they_o to_o pray_v direct_o and_o