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of_o god_n 804._o as_o the_o book_n which_o they_o infinite_o prize_v beyond_o all_o other_o upon_o which_o account_n nazianzen_n very_o severe_o chide_v his_o dear_a friend_n gregory_n nyssen_n that_o have_v lay_v aside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o most_o excellent_a write_n in_o the_o world_n which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o read_v both_o private_o to_o himself_o and_o public_o to_o the_o people_n he_o have_v give_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o foreign_a and_o profane_a author_n desirous_a rather_o to_o be_v account_v a_o orator_n than_o a_o christian_n s._n austin_n tell_v we_o 21._o that_o after_o his_o conversion_n how_o mean_o soever_o he_o have_v before_o think_v of_o they_o the_o scripture_n be_v become_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o most_o pure_a and_o chaste_a delight_n in_o respect_n whereof_o all_o other_o book_n even_o those_o of_o cicero_n himself_o which_o once_o he_o have_v so_o much_o dote_v on_o become_v dry_a and_o unsavoury_a to_o he_o in_o the_o study_n of_o this_o book_n it_o be_v that_o christian_n then_o main_o exercise_v themselves_o as_o think_v they_o can_v never_o full_o enough_o understand_v it_o or_o deep_o enough_o imprint_v it_o upon_o their_o heart_n and_o memory_n 361._o of_o the_o young_a theodosius_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o rise_v early_o every_o morning_n he_o together_o with_o his_o sister_n interchangeable_o sing_v psalm_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o can_v exact_o repeat_v in_o any_o part_n of_o they_o and_o be_v wont_a to_o discourse_v out_o of_o they_o with_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v at_o court_n as_o ready_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o old_a bishop_n himself_o hist_o we_o read_v of_o origen_n 202._o though_o then_o but_o a_o child_n that_o when_o his_o father_n command_v he_o to_o commit_v some_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o memory_n he_o most_o willing_o set_v himself_o to_o it_o and_o not_o content_a with_o the_o bare_a read_n he_o begin_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o more_o 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to_o he_o to_o read_v or_o to_o repeat_v whole_a page_n together_o 334._o the_o like_a we_o find_v of_o john_n a_o egyptian_a confessor_n who_o eusebius_n see_v and_o hear_v that_o though_o both_o his_o eye_n be_v put_v out_o and_o his_o body_n mangle_v with_o unheard_a of_o cruelty_n yet_o he_o be_v able_a at_o any_o time_n to_o repeat_v any_o place_n or_o passage_n either_o out_o of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n which_o when_o i_o first_o hear_v he_o do_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n i_o suppose_v he_o say_v he_o to_o have_v be_v read_v in_o a_o book_n till_o come_v near_o and_o find_v how_o it_o be_v i_o be_v strike_v with_o great_a admiration_n at_o it_o certain_o christian_n than_o have_v no_o mean_a esteem_n of_o take_v no_o small_a delight_n in_o these_o sacred_a volume_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o book_n which_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v the_o companion_n and_o counsellor_n of_o his_o life_n nazianzen_n profess_v he_o have_v willing_o undervalue_v and_o 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religion_n 3._o s._n clemens_n praise_v the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o take_v care_n to_o admonish_v their_o young_a man_n to_o follow_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v modest_a and_o comely_a 31._o and_o according_o exhort_v they_o to_o instruct_v the_o young_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o make_v their_o child_n partaker_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n to_o teach_v they_o how_o much_o humility_n and_o a_o chaste_a love_n do_v prevail_v with_o god_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o he_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a and_o preserve_v all_o those_o who_o with_o pure_a thought_n lead_v a_o holy_a life_n according_a to_o his_o will_n vit_fw-fr the_o historian_n observe_v of_o constantine_n 51._o that_o his_o first_o and_o great_a care_n towards_o his_o son_n be_v to_o secure_v the_o happiness_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o piety_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o he_o do_v partly_o himself_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o partly_o by_o appoint_v such_o tutor_n as_o be_v most_o approve_v for_o religion_n 552._o and_o when_o he_o have_v take_v they_o into_o a_o partnership_n of_o the_o government_n and_o either_o by_o private_a admonition_n or_o by_o letter_n give_v they_o counsel_n for_o the_o steer_n themselves_o this_o be_v always_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a that_o they_o shall_v prefer_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o great_a king_n of_o the_o world_n before_o all_o other_o advantage_n yea_o before_o the_o empire_n itself_o 161._o for_o this_o nazianzen_n peculiar_o commend_v his_o mother_n that_o not_o only_o she_o herself_o be_v consecrate_v to_o god_n and_o bring_v up_o under_o a_o pious_a education_n but_o that_o she_o convey_v it_o down_o as_o a_o necessary_a inheritance_n to_o her_o child_n 180._o and_o it_o seem_v her_o daughter_n gorgonia_n be_v so_o well_o season_v with_o these_o holy_a principle_n that_o she_o religious_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o so_o good_a a_o pattern_n and_o do_v not_o only_o reclaim_v her_o husband_n but_o educate_v her_o child_n and_o nephew_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n give_v they_o a_o excellent_a example_n while_o she_o live_v and_o leave_v this_o as_o her_o last_o charge_n and_o request_v when_o she_o die_v this_o be_v the_o discipline_n under_o which_o christian_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o those_o time_n religion_n be_v instill_v into_o they_o betimes_o which_o grow_v up_o and_o mix_v itself_o with_o their_o ordinary_a labour_n and_o recreation_n insomuch_o that_o the_o most_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a person_n instead_o of_o profane_a wanton_a song_n which_o vitiate_v and_o corrupt_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o chrysostom_n call_v they_o 358._o song_n of_o the_o devil_n composure_n use_v nothing_o but_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a hymn_n so_o that_o as_o hierom_n relate_v of_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v you_o can_v not_o go_v into_o the_o field_n 127._o but_o you_o may_v hear_v the_o ploughman_n at_o his_o hallelujah_n the_o mower_n at_o his_o hymn_n and_o the_o vine-dresser_n sing_v david_n psalm_n thus_o they_o carry_v themselves_o at_o home_n what_o they_o do_v in_o public_a in_o their_o church-assembly_n on_o the_o lordsday_n especial_o be_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o manner_n whereof_o i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v as_o it_o general_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n obtain_v in_o those_o age_n for_o it_o can_v not_o but_o vary_v something_o according_a to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v save_v myself_o the_o trouble_n of_o any_o further_a search_n by_o set_v down_o the_o account_n which_o justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n give_v of_o their_o public_a worship_n in_o their_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_n but_o that_o i_o be_o satisfy_v they_o do_v not_o design_n to_o give_v a_o perfect_a and_o
measure_n of_o their_o transaction_n a_o lie_v they_o abhor_v as_o bad_a in_o all_o as_o monstrous_a in_o a_o christian_a as_o direct_o opposite_a to_o that_o truth_n to_o which_o they_o have_v consign_v and_o deliver_v up_o themselves_o in_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o tell_v one_o though_o it_o be_v to_o save_v their_o life_n 26._o when_o the_o heathen_n charge_v they_o with_o folly_n and_o madness_n that_o they_o will_v so_o resolute_o suffer_v when_o a_o parcel_n of_o fair_a word_n may_v make_v way_n for_o they_o to_o escape_v tell_v they_o it_o be_v but_o do_v or_o say_v as_o they_o be_v bid_v and_o that_o they_o may_v secure_v their_o conscience_n by_o mental_a reservation_n tertullian_n let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o reject_v the_o motion_n with_o the_o high_a scorn_n as_o the_o plain_a artifice_n and_o invention_n of_o the_o devil_n when_o we_o be_v most_o severe_o examine_v say_v justin_n martyr_n we_o never_o deny_v ourselves_o 43._o count_v it_o impious_a in_o any_o thing_n to_o dissemble_v or_o deny_v the_o truth_n as_o we_o know_v the_o contrary_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o though_o we_o can_v as_o they_o tell_v the_o emperor_n when_o question_v 57_o evade_v or_o deny_v it_o yet_o we_o scorn_v to_o live_v upon_o any_o term_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v force_v to_o maintain_v our_o life_n by_o lie_n and_o falsehood_n this_o honest_a and_o ingenuous_a simplicity_n they_o practise_v to_o that_o exactness_n and_o accuracy_n that_o for_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v put_v to_o his_o oath_n be_v account_v a_o disparagement_n to_o his_o fidelity_n and_o truth_n 728._o so_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o approve_v himself_o and_o be_v try_v say_v he_o in_o this_o i.e._n the_o christian_a weigh_v of_o piety_n and_o religion_n be_v far_o from_o be_v forward_o either_o to_o lie_v or_o swear_v for_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o determinative_a assertion_n with_o a_o calling_n god_n to_o witness_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o how_o shall_v any_o one_o that_o be_v faithful_a so_o far_o render_v himself_o unfaithful_a or_o unworthy_a of_o belief_n as_o to_o need_v a_o oath_n and_o not_o rather_o make_v the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n a_o testimony_n to_o he_o as_o firm_a and_o positive_a as_o a_o oath_n and_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o assertion_n by_o the_o constant_a and_o immutable_a tenor_n of_o his_o word_n and_o action_n it_o be_v enough_o therefore_o as_o he_o present_o after_o add_v for_o every_o good_a man_n either_o by_o way_n of_o affirmation_n or_o denial_n to_o give_v this_o assurance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o speak_v true_o to_o satisfy_v any_o that_o apprehend_v not_o the_o certainty_n of_o what_o he_o say_v for_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v without_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v such_o a_o conversation_n as_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o belief_n so_o as_o no_o oath_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o he_o and_o towards_o himself_o and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n to_o preserve_v such_o a_o even_a and_o equitable_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o voluntary_a justice_n this_o and_o much_o more_o he_o discourse_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n for_o this_o and_o some_o other_o reason_n but_o especial_o from_o some_o mistaken_a place_n of_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n hold_v all_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n unlawful_a but_o beside_o that_o those_o few_o that_o do_v be_v not_o herein_o constant_a to_o themselves_o the_o far_o great_a part_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o understand_v the_o prohibition_n either_o of_o swear_v by_o creature_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o our_o saviour_n and_o s._n james_n principal_o aim_v at_o or_o of_o light_n rash_a and_o false_a swear_n for_o otherwise_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v not_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o take_v a_o oath_n in_o serious_a and_o necessary_a case_n be_v most_o evident_a â—28_n athanasius_n speak_v of_o his_o accuser_n who_o he_o desire_v may_v be_v put_v to_o their_o oath_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v be_v to_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v and_o this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o form_n of_o swear_v which_o we_o christian_n be_v wont_a to_o use_v and_o indeed_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o argument_n it_o will_v be_v plain_a enough_o from_o hence_o that_o they_o serve_v in_o the_o war_n and_o frequent_o bear_v arm_n even_o under_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n which_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o can_v not_o do_v without_o first_o take_v a_o military_a oath_n to_o be_v true_a to_o their_o general_n and_o to_o die_v rather_o than_o desert_n their_o station_n 33._o and_o this_o vegetius_n a_o heathen_a author_n though_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o young_a valentinian_n express_o report_v of_o they_o that_o when_o their_o name_n be_v enter_v upon_o the_o muster-roll_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o take_v a_o oath_n the_o particular_a form_n whereof_o he_o there_o set_v down_o viz._n that_o they_o swear_v by_o god_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o emperor_n which_o next_o to_o god_n be_v to_o be_v love_v and_o honour_v by_o mankind_n this_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o that_o account_n which_o tertullian_n have_v long_o before_o give_v of_o the_o christian_n 28._o when_o be_v accuse_v by_o their_o enemy_n of_o high_a treason_n among_o other_o reason_n because_o they_o refuse_v to_o swear_v by_o their_o emperor_n he_o answer_v that_o though_o they_o will_v not_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n their_o genii_fw-la or_o tutelar_a deity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o devil_n yet_o they_o do_v swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n safety_n a_o thing_n more_o august_n and_o venerable_a than_o all_o the_o genii_fw-la in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o emperor_n they_o own_o god_n institution_n and_o authority_n &_o will_v therefore_o have_v that_o to_o be_v safe_a which_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o according_o account_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n but_o for_o the_o daemon_n or_o genii_fw-la say_v he_o we_o use_v adjurare_fw-la to_o adjure_v they_o so_o as_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o man_n non_fw-la dejerare_fw-la not_o to_o swear_v by_o they_o and_o thereby_o confer_v the_o honour_n of_o divinity_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o deny_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o fortune_n of_o the_o emperor_n because_o among_o the_o heathen_n she_o be_v account_v a_o deity_n and_o honour_v with_o religious_a worship_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o they_o refuse_v not_o to_o ensure_v and_o ratify_v their_o faith_n by_o the_o formality_n of_o a_o oath_n to_o which_o that_o they_o may_v add_v the_o great_a reverence_n and_o solemnity_n they_o be_v wont_n many_o time_n to_o take_v it_o at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o case_n of_o novatus_n and_o his_o follower_n 245._o for_o take_v their_o hand_n wherein_o they_o hold_v the_o sacramental_a element_n within_o his_o own_o he_o cause_v they_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o will_v not_o desert_v he_o but_o because_o this_o may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v only_o the_o artifice_n of_o a_o heretic_n to_o bind_v his_o follower_n the_o fast_o to_o his_o party_n 15._o s._n chrysostom_n though_o himself_o no_o good_a friend_n to_o take_v oath_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o it_o be_v customary_a to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o swear_v upon_o the_o communion_n table_n 179._o take_v the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n into_o their_o hand_n the_o same_o appear_v from_o the_o case_n propose_v to_o gregory_n nazianzen_n by_o theodore_n bishop_n of_o tyana_n 908._o and_o by_o the_o instance_n of_o evagrius_n vid._n nazianzen_n archdeacon_n at_o constantinople_n who_o have_v it_o reveal_v to_o he_o in_o a_o vision_n that_o some_o person_n lay_v in_o wait_n for_o he_o 2._o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o must_v present_o be_v go_v the_o person_n that_o reveal_v it_o assure_v he_o he_o will_v knock_v off_o those_o fetter_n that_o be_v upon_o he_o if_o he_o will_v swear_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o holy_a gospel_n that_o he_o will_v immediate_o depart_v which_o be_v according_o do_v and_o as_o their_o caution_n be_v great_a in_o take_v of_o a_o oath_n so_o their_o care_n be_v no_o less_o in_o make_v of_o it_o good_a they_o know_v that_o in_o this_o solemn_a transaction_n they_o do_v in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n call_v in_o god_n as_o a_o witness_n of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o a_o revenger_n in_o case_n of_o falsehood_n and_o the_o violation_n of_o it_o this_o make_v they_o great_o afraid_a of_o perjury_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o
be_v other_o libelli_fw-la grant_v by_o heathen-magistrate_n of_o which_o it_o may_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o speak_v a_o little_a whence_o the_o lapse_v that_o have_v have_v they_o be_v common_o call_v libellatici_fw-la and_o they_o be_v of_o several_a sort_n some_o writing_n their_o name_n in_o libellis_fw-la in_o book_n and_o profess_v themselves_o to_o worship_n jupiter_n mars_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n present_v they_o to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o these_o do_v real_o sacrifice_v and_o pollute_v not_o their_o soul_n only_o but_o their_o hand_n and_o their_o lip_n with_o unlawful_a sacrifice_n as_o the_o clergy_n of_o rome_n express_v it_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o s._n cyprian_n 44._o these_o be_v call_v thurificati_fw-la 67._o and_o sacrificati_fw-la from_o their_o have_v offer_v incense_n and_o sacrifice_n somewhat_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v that_o libel_n that_o pliny_n speak_v of_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n 10._o present_v to_o he_o while_o he_o be_v proconsul_n of_o bythinia_n contain_v a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o name_n of_o many_o some_z whereof_o have_v be_v accuse_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o deny_v it_o other_o confess_v they_o have_v be_v so_o some_o year_n since_o but_o have_v renounce_v it_o all_o of_o they_o adore_v the_o image_n of_o the_o god_n and_o the_o emperor_n statue_n offer_v sacrifice_n and_o blaspheme_a christ_n and_o be_v according_o dismiss_v and_o release_v by_o he_o other_o there_o be_v who_o do_v not_o themselves_o sign_n or_o present_v any_o such_o libel_n 44._o but_o some_o heathen-friend_n for_o they_o and_o sometime_o out_o of_o kindness_n they_o be_v encourage_v to_o it_o by_o the_o magistrate_n themselves_o and_o be_v hereupon_o release_v out_o of_o prison_n and_o have_v the_o favour_n not_o to_o be_v urge_v to_o sacrifice_v 12._o nay_o dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n speak_v of_o some_o master_n who_o to_o escape_v themselves_o compel_v their_o servant_n to_o do_v sacrifice_n for_o they_o to_o who_o he_o appoint_v a_o three_o year_n penance_n for_o that_o sinful_a compliance_n and_o dissimulation_n a_o three_o sort_n there_o be_v who_o find_v the_o edge_n and_o keenness_n of_o their_o judge_n be_v to_o be_v take_v off_o with_o a_o sum_n of_o money_n free_o confess_v to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o can_v not_o sacrifice_v pray_v they_o to_o give_v they_o a_o libel_n of_o dismission_n for_o which_o they_o will_v give_v they_o a_o suitable_a reward_n these_o be_v most_o proper_o call_v libellatici_fw-la and_o libellati_fw-la cyprian_n acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o address_n to_o the_o heathen_a magistrate_n bring_v in_o such_o a_o person_n thus_o speak_v for_o himself_o i_o have_v both_o read_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o bishop_n that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n nor_o to_o worship_v image_n wherefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o do_v what_o be_v unlawful_a have_v a_o opportunity_n of_o get_v a_o libel_n offer_v which_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o have_v accept_v have_v it_o not_o offer_v itself_o i_o go_v to_o the_o magistrate_n or_o cause_v another_o to_o go_v in_o my_o name_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o i_o be_v a_o christian_a and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o sacrifice_v nor_o to_o approach_v the_o altar_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o therefore_o i_o will_v give_v he_o a_o reward_n to_o excuse_v i_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v urge_v to_o what_o be_v unlawful_a these_o though_o not_o altogether_o so_o bad_a as_o the_o sacrificati_fw-la yet_o cyprian_a charge_n as_o guilty_a of_o implicit_a idolatry_n have_v defile_v their_o conscience_n with_o the_o purchase_n of_o these_o book_n and_o do_v that_o by_o consent_n which_o other_o have_v actual_o do_v i_o know_v baronius_n will_v needs_o have_v it_o and_o boast_n that_o all_o that_o have_v write_v before_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o case_n that_o these_o libellatici_fw-la be_v not_o exempt_v from_o deny_v christ_n 2._o nor_o give_v money_n to_o that_o end_n that_o they_o only_o request_v of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v compel_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o deny_v christ_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v he_o a_o reward_n to_o dispense_v with_o they_o only_o so_o far_o and_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o a_o libel_n of_o security_n and_o that_o they_o do_v real_o deny_v he_o before_o they_o obtain_v their_o libel_n but_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a both_o from_o this_o and_o several_a other_o passage_n in_o cyprian_a than_o that_o they_o do_v not_o either_o public_o or_o private_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n or_o actual_o deny_v christ_n and_o therefore_o bribe_v the_o magistrate_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v force_v to_o do_v what_o be_v unlawful_a and_o hence_o cyprian_n argue_v they_o as_o guilty_a by_o their_o will_n and_o consent_n and_o that_o they_o have_v implicit_o deny_v christ_n how_o 176._o by_o actual_o do_v it_o no_o but_o by_o pretend_v they_o have_v do_v what_o other_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o certain_o the_o cardinal_n mistake_v arise_v from_o a_o not_o right_a understanding_n the_o several_a sort_n of_o the_o libellatici_fw-la the_o first_o whereof_o of_o as_o we_o have_v show_v do_v actual_o sacrifice_v and_o deny_v christ_n and_o now_o have_v take_v this_o view_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n nothing_o remain_v but_o to_o admire_v and_o imitate_v their_o piety_n and_o integrity_n their_o infinite_a hatred_n of_o sin_n their_o care_n and_o zeal_n to_o keep_v up_o that_o strictness_n and_o purity_n of_o manner_n that_o have_v render_v their_o religion_n so_o renown_v and_o triumphant_a in_o the_o world_n a_o discipline_n which_o how_o happy_a be_v it_o for_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v it_o again_o resettled_a in_o its_o due_a power_n and_o vigour_n which_o particular_o be_v the_o judgement_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o own_o church_n concern_v the_o solemn_a quadragesimal_n penance_n and_o humiliation_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n say_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o commination_n there_o be_v a_o godly_a discipline_n that_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o lent_n such_o person_n as_o stand_v convict_v of_o notorious_a sin_n be_v put_v to_o open_a penance_n and_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o other_o admonish_v by_o their_o example_n may_v be_v the_o more_o afraid_a to_o offend_v which_o say_v discipline_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v may_v be_v restore_v again_o finis_fw-la a_o chronological_a index_n of_o the_o author_n cite_v in_o this_o book_n according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a computation_n with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o edition_n of_o their_o work_n christian_n or_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n flourish_v an._n dom._n book_n edition_n apostolorun_v canon_n  _fw-fr  _fw-fr par._n 1618._o apostolorun_n constitutiones_fw-la  _fw-fr  _fw-fr  _fw-fr clemens_n romanus_n 70_o epist_n ad_fw-la cor._n oxon._n 1633_o dionysius_n areopagita_n  _fw-fr opera_fw-la antw._n 1634_o ignatius_n antiochenus_fw-la 101_o epistolae_fw-la amster_n 1646_o  _fw-fr  _fw-fr append._n usher_n lond._n 1647_o polycarpus_n 130_o epistol_n apud_fw-la euseb_n abdias_n babylonius_n  _fw-fr histor_n apostol_n par._n 1566_o justinus_n martyr_n 155_o opera_fw-la par._n 1636_o smyrnensi_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la 168_o epistol_n apud_fw-la euseb_n melito_n sardensis_n 170_o orat._n apolog._n apud_fw-la euseb_n athenagoras_n 170_o legat._n pro_fw-la christ_n par._n 1636_o dionysius_n corinth_n episc_n 172_o epistolae_fw-la apud_fw-la euseb_n theophilus_n antioch_n 180_o lib._n 3._o ad_fw-la autolyc_a par._n 1636_o tatianus_n 180_o orat._n ad_fw-la graecos_n ibid._n hegesippus_n 180_o commentar_n apud_fw-la euseb_n irenaeus_n 184_o adv_n haereses_fw-la par._n 1639_o polycrates_n ephes_n episc_n 197_o epistol_n apud_fw-la euseb_n tertullianus_n 198_o opera_fw-la par._n 1664_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n 204_o opera_fw-la par._n 1641_o minutius_n foelix_fw-la 230_o octavius_n par._n 1668_o origenes_n 230_o opera_fw-la lat._n par._n 1522_o  _fw-fr  _fw-fr contr._n cell_n cantab._n 1658_o gregorius_n neocaesar_n 250_o opera_fw-la mogun_n 1604_o cyprianus_n 250_o opera_fw-la par._n 1668_o cornelius_n papa_n 250_o epist_n apud_fw-la cypri_n 〈◊〉_d 250_o epist_n apud_fw-la cypri_n 〈◊〉_d diaconus_fw-la 258_o vit._n cyprian_n apud_fw-la cypri_n dionysius_n alexandrinus_n 260_o epist_n apud_fw-la euseb_n arnobius_n 297_o adv_n gentes_fw-la par._n 1668_o lactantius_n 3â—0_n opera_fw-la l._n bat._n 1660_o commodianus_n 320_o instructiones_fw-la par._n 1668_o constantinus_n m._n 325_o orat._n ad_fw-la ss_z apud_fw-la euseb_n eusebius_n caesariensis_n 329_o de_o praep_n evang._n par._n 1628._o eusebius_n caesariensis_n 329_o histor_n eccles_n par._n 1659._o eusebius_n caesariensis_n 329_o de_fw-fr locis_fw-la hebrai_n par._n 1631_o eusebius_n caesariensis_n 329_o chronic._n amster_n 1658_o athanasius_n 350_o opera_fw-la heidel_n 1601_o julius_n firmicus_n 350_o the_o
imprimatur_fw-la sam._n parker_n reverendissimo_fw-la in_o christo_fw-la patri_fw-la ac_fw-la domino_fw-la domino_fw-la gilberto_n archiep._n cantuar._n à _fw-la sac_fw-la dom_n exit_fw-la aedibus_fw-la lambeth_n septemb_n 12._o 1672._o primitive_a christianity_n in_o 3_o part_n learn_v of_o i_o math._n 11._o 29._o london_n print_v for_o r._n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n &_o crown_n in_o st_n paul_n churchyard_n primitive_a christianity_n or_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o three_o part_n by_o william_n cave_n d_o d._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d just_a mart._n paraene_n ad_fw-la graec._n p._n 33._o nos_fw-la non_fw-la habitu_fw-la sapientiam_fw-la sed_fw-la ment_fw-la praeferimus_fw-la non_fw-la eloquimur_fw-la magna_fw-la sed_fw-la vivimus_fw-la minuc_fw-la foel_n dial_n pag._n 31._o the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v by_o j._n m._n for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n 1675._o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n nathanael_n lord_n bishop_n of_o oxford_n and_o clerk_n of_o the_o closet_n to_o his_o majesty_n my_o lord_n when_o i_o first_o design_v that_o these_o paper_n shall_v take_v sanctuary_n at_o your_o lordship_n patronage_n the_o hebrew_n proverb_n present_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n keep_v close_o to_o a_o great_a man_n 〈◊〉_d and_o man_n will_v reverence_v thou_o i_o know_v no_o better_a way_n next_o to_o the_o innocency_n 8._o and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v usefulness_n of_o the_o subject_n i_o have_v undertake_v to_o secure_v myself_o from_o the_o censure_n of_o envy_n and_o ill_a nature_n than_o by_o put_v myself_o under_o your_o protection_n who_o know_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sweetness_n and_o obligingness_n of_o who_o temper_n be_v able_a to_o render_v malice_n itself_o candid_a and_o favourable_a encourage_v also_o by_o this_o consideration_n i_o harden_v myself_o into_o the_o confidence_n of_o this_o address_n which_o i_o have_v not_o otherwise_o attempt_v but_o that_o your_o lordship_n kindness_n and_o generous_a compassion_n and_o the_o mighty_a condescension_n wherewith_o you_o be_v always_o please_v to_o treat_v i_o while_o i_o have_v the_o happiness_n of_o your_o lordship_n neighbourhood_n do_v at_o once_o invite_v and_o oblige_v i_o to_o it_o i_o say_v no_o more_o lest_o i_o shall_v affront_v that_o modesty_n that_o be_v so_o innate_a to_o your_o temper_n or_o come_v within_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o flattery_n so_o repugnant_a to_o my_o own_o one_o thing_n only_o there_o be_v which_o i_o can_v but_o remark_n the_o great_a honour_n which_o your_o lordship_n have_v do_v not_o to_o the_o episcopal_a only_o but_o to_o the_o whole_a ministerial_a order_n that_o a_o person_n of_o your_o rank_n and_o education_n will_v stoop_v to_o a_o employment_n so_o little_o value_v and_o regard_v in_o this_o unthankful_a and_o degenerate_a age._n and_o herein_o your_o lordship_n have_v be_v a_o happy_a precedent_n your_o example_n be_v already_o follow_v by_o some_o and_o will_v short_o by_o more_o person_n of_o noble_a descent_n and_o pedigree_n a_o thing_n for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v never_o more_o renown_v since_o the_o reformation_n than_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n my_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o time_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o memmory_n when_o the_o bishop_n among_o other_o thing_n be_v accuse_v by_o one_o of_o the_o house_n of_o peer_n 183._o though_o one_o that_o have_v not_o the_o most_o reason_n to_o bring_v in_o a_o charge_n of_o that_o nature_n to_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o parentage_n de_fw-fr faece_fw-la populi_fw-la of_o the_o very_a dregs_o and_o refuse_v of_o the_o people_n malice_n will_v play_v at_o small_a game_n rather_o than_o not_o at_o all_o a_o charge_n as_o false_a as_o it_o be_v spiteful_a though_o have_v it_o be_v true_a it_o have_v be_v impertinent_a see_v the_o very_a order_n be_v enough_o to_o derive_v honour_n upon_o the_o person_n even_o when_o he_o can_v as_o your_o lordship_n bring_v it_o along_o with_o he_o and_o indeed_o so_o honourable_a a_o order_n have_v episcopacy_n ever_o be_v account_v even_o when_o there_o have_v be_v no_o visible_a advantage_n either_o of_o riches_n or_o grandeur_n to_o attend_v it_o as_o there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o more_o early_a age_n of_o christianity_n that_o person_n of_o the_o great_a birth_n and_o fortune_n have_v not_o think_v it_o below_o they_o to_o exchange_v the_o civil_a tribunal_n for_o the_o bishop_n throne_n and_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o public_a rod_n and_o axe_n to_o take_v up_o the_o crosier_n and_o the_o pedum_n pastorale_n if_o we_o may_v credit_v that_o catalogue_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o constantinople_n record_v by_o nicephorus_n 541._o we_o find_v dometius_n brother_n to_o the_o emperor_n probus_n and_o after_o he_o his_o two_o son_n probus_n and_o metrophanes_n successive_o sit_v in_o that_o chair_n as_o afterward_o nectarius_n s._n chrysostoms_n predecessor_n be_v of_o a_o senator_n make_v bishop_n of_o that_o see_n thalassius_n become_v bishop_n of_o caesarea_n when_o he_o be_v a_o senator_n the_o praefectus_fw-la praetorio_fw-la or_o the_o emperor_n lieutenant_n one_o of_o the_o high_a place_n both_o of_o trust_n and_o honour_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n of_o illyricum_n and_o rise_v to_o great_a dignity_n be_v design_v by_o the_o emperor_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o east_n s._n ambrose_n who_o father_n be_v a_o illustrious_a person_n the_o praefect_n of_o france_n be_v make_v governor_n of_o liguria_n and_o aemilia_n and_o send_v thither_o with_o consular_a power_n and_o dignity_n during_o which_o employment_n he_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o milan_n petronius_n bishop_n of_o bononia_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v first_o a_o praefectus_fw-la praetorio_fw-la and_o to_o descend_v of_o the_o family_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a sidonius_n apollinaris_n descend_v for_o many_o generation_n of_o noble_a and_o illustrious_a parent_n his_o father_n the_o praefectus_fw-la praetorio_fw-la of_o gaul_n himself_o son-in-law_n to_o avitus_n a_o person_n of_o extraordinary_a honour_n and_o employment_n and_o afterward_o consul_n and_o emperor_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o disdain_v not_o to_o become_v bishop_n of_o clermont_n in_o france_n more_o such_o instance_n i_o can_v give_v not_o to_o speak_v of_o multitude_n that_o be_v in_o the_o middle_n and_o late_a age_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o our_o own_o nation_n but_o i_o return_v my_o lord_n i_o behold_v religion_n general_o lay_v waste_n and_o christianity_n ready_a to_o draw_v its_o last_o breath_n stifle_v and_o oppress_v with_o the_o vice_n and_o impiety_n of_o a_o debauch_a and_o profligate_v age._n to_o contribute_v towards_o the_o recovery_n whereof_o and_o the_o reduce_v thing_n if_o possible_a to_o the_o ancient_a standard_n be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o book_n that_o be_v here_o offer_v to_o you_o the_o subject_n i_o assure_v myself_o be_v not_o unsuitable_a either_o to_o your_o lordship_n order_n temper_n or_o course_n of_o life_n if_o my_o ill_a managery_n of_o it_o have_v not_o render_v it_o unworthy_a of_o your_o patronage_n however_o such_o as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v humble_o present_v by_o he_o who_o be_v your_o lordship_n faithful_o devote_a servant_n william_n cave_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o may_v be_v any_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o reader_n to_o understand_v the_o birth_n and_o original_n of_o these_o paper_n if_o it_o be_v let_v he_o take_v this_o account_n no_o soon_o do_v i_o arrive_v at_o year_n capable_a of_o discern_v but_o i_o begin_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o religion_n into_o which_o i_o have_v be_v baptize_v which_o i_o soon_o find_v to_o be_v so_o noble_a and_o excellent_a in_o all_o its_o law_n so_o just_a and_o rational_a in_o all_o its_o design_n so_o 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contrary_a
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a_o more_o close_a and_o diligent_a read_n of_o the_o first_o father_n and_o ancient_a monument_n of_o the_o church_n than_o ever_o i_o have_v do_v before_o especial_o for_o the_o three_o or_o four_o first_o centure_n for_o much_o low_a i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o go_v because_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n do_v then_o visible_o decline_v apace_o note_v as_o i_o go_v along_o whatever_o contribute_v to_o my_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o affair_n have_v i_o consult_v my_o own_o ease_n and_o quiet_a i_o may_v have_v go_v a_o near_a way_n to_o work_v and_o have_v take_v up_o with_o what_o i_o can_v have_v pick_v up_o of_o this_o nature_n in_o baronius_n the_o century_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o can_v not_o satisfy_v myself_o and_o i_o presume_v it_o will_v as_o little_o have_v satisfy_v the_o reader_n with_o shred_n with_o thing_n take_v upon_o trust_n and_o borrow_v at_o the_o second_o hand_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o make_v little_a use_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o saint_n especial_o in_o such_o instance_n whereof_o there_o be_v the_o least_o cause_n to_o doubt_v and_o the_o spurious_a and_o suppositious_a write_n of_o the_o father_n seldom_o make_v use_n of_o any_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o unquestionable_a credit_n and_o authority_n and_o because_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o enemy_n be_v ever_o account_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o regard_n i_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o add_v the_o testimony_n that_o have_v be_v give_v to_o christian_n and_o to_o their_o religion_n by_o the_o know_a and_o profess_a adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n such_o as_o pliny_n lucian_n porphyry_n julian_n &c._n &c._n more_o whereof_o we_o may_v have_v be_v furnish_v with_o have_v those_o write_n of_o they_o against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v extant_a which_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n prince_n industrious_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n what_o other_o author_n of_o late_a date_n i_o have_v borrow_v any_o light_n from_o in_o this_o discourse_n i_o have_v faithful_o produce_v in_o the_o margin_n two_o book_n indeed_o i_o meet_v with_o which_o at_o first_o sight_n i_o well_o hope_v will_v have_v whole_o save_v i_o the_o labour_n of_o this_o search_n the_o one_o write_v by_o a_o person_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n 1655._o the_o other_o by_o a_o florentine_a of_o great_a name_n and_o note_n but_o my_o hope_n be_v very_o much_o frustrate_v in_o both_o quarto_fw-la for_o the_o first_o i_o no_o soon_o look_v into_o it_o but_o find_v myself_o wretched_o impose_v upon_o by_o the_o title_n his_o elder_a time_n and_o christian_n not_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o intermixture_n of_o thing_n nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n seldom_o reach_v any_o high_a than_o the_o middle-age_n of_o the_o church_n little_a or_o nothing_o be_v remark_v of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n the_o only_a thing_n i_o aim_v at_o for_o the_o other_o which_o i_o meet_v not_o with_o till_o i_o have_v almost_o finish_v this_o search_n i_o find_v it_o miserable_o thin_a and_o empty_a contain_v little_a else_o but_o short_a gloss_n upon_o some_o few_o passage_n out_o of_o tertullian_n from_o whence_o i_o do_v not_o enrich_v myself_o with_o any_o one_o observation_n which_o i_o have_v not_o make_v before_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o epistle_n of_o fronto_n the_o learned_a chancellor_n of_o the_o university_n of_o paris_n concern_v this_o affair_n quart_n but_o it_o contain_v only_o some_o general_a intimation_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v design_v by_o he_o as_o appear_v from_o that_o and_o some_o other_o of_o his_o epistle_n as_o the_o groundwork_n of_o a_o large_a and_o more_o particular_a discourse_n but_o his_o death_n happen_v some_o few_o year_n after_o the_o date_n of_o that_o epistle_n cut_v off_o all_o hope_n of_o prosecute_n so_o excellent_a a_o design_n these_o be_v all_o that_o i_o know_v of_o who_o have_v attempt_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o subject_n none_o whereof_o come_v up_o to_o the_o curiosity_n of_o my_o design_n i_o be_v force_v to_o resume_v the_o task_n i_o have_v undertake_v and_o to_o go_v on_o with_o it_o through_o those_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o result_n of_o which_o search_n be_v lay_v together_o in_o this_o book_n whether_o i_o have_v discharge_v myself_o herein_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o reander_n i_o know_v not_o sure_o i_o be_o i_o have_v endeavour_v what_o i_o propound_v to_o myself_o viz._n a_o specimen_fw-la of_o primitive_a christianity_n in_o some_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a branch_n and_o instance_n of_o religion_n here_o he_o will_v find_v a_o piety_n active_a and_o zealous_a shine_v through_o the_o black_a cloud_n of_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n afflict_a innocence_n triumphant_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o powerful_a or_o politic_a attempt_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n a_o patience_n unconquerable_a under_o the_o big_a persecution_n a_o charity_n true_o catholic_n and_o unlimited_a a_o simplicity_n and_o upright_a carriage_n in_o all_o transaction_n a_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n remarkable_a to_o the_o admiration_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o in_o short_a he_o will_v here_o see_v the_o divine_a and_o holy_a precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n draw_v down_o into_o action_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a genius_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n breathe_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o these_o good_a old_a christian_n here_o he_o will_v find_v a_o real_a and_o evident_a confutation_n of_o that_o senseless_a and_o absurd_a calumny_n that_o be_v fasten_v upon_o christianity_n as_o if_o it_o require_v no_o more_o than_o a_o easy_a and_o credulous_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o if_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o kindness_n and_o indulgence_n to_o sinner_n it_o minister_v to_o all_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n celsus_n confident_o begin_v the_o charge_n there_o be_v some_o among_o the_o christian_n say_v he_o that_o will_v neither_o give_v nor_o receive_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n 282._o who_o be_v wont_a to_o cry_v out_o do_v examine_v but_o believe_v and_o thy_o faith_n will_v save_v thou_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v evil_a but_o foolishness_n good_a and_o useful_a julian_n carry_v on_o the_o charge_n somewhat_o high_o as_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o only_o content_a with_o a_o naked_a and_o a_o empty_a faith_n but_o give_v encouragement_n to_o sin_n by_o assure_v its_o most_o desperate_a proselyte_n of_o a_o easy_a pardon_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o caesar_n after_o he_o have_v assign_v the_o roman_a emperor_n their_o particular_a tutelar_a deity_n he_o deliver_v over_o constantine_n the_o great_a the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n to_o the_o goddess_n of_o pleasure_n who_o have_v effeminate_o trick_v and_o dress_v he_o up_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o goddess_n asotia_n or_o intemperance_n where_o he_o find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o son_n constantius_n probable_o for_o the_o passage_n be_v a_o little_a disturb_a and_o obscure_a for_o which_o reason_n probable_o the_o translator_n pass_v it_o by_o and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o make_v this_o universal_a proclamation_n whoever_o be_v a_o adulterer_n 53._o or_o a_o murderer_n whoever_o be_v a_o impure_a profligate_v wretch_n let_v he_o come_v bold_o for_o i_o declare_v that_o be_v wash_v in_o this_o water_n baptism_n he_o shall_v immediate_o be_v cleanse_v nay_o although_o he_o again_o commit_v those_o sin_n let_v he_o but_o knock_v his_o breast_n and_o beat_v his_o head_n and_o i_o will_v make_v he_o clean_o much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n zosimus_n as_o good_a a_o friend_n to_o christianity_n as_o either_o of_o the_o former_a spiteful_o charge_v it_o upon_o constantine_n the_o great_a that_o be_v haunt_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o prodigious_a villainy_n and_o have_v no_o hope_n give_v he_o by_o the_o gentile_a priest_n