punctual_a account_n of_o what_o be_v do_v at_o their_o religious_a assembly_n as_o may_v sufficient_o appear_v from_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o the_o first_o of_o they_o in_o those_o place_n speak_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o their_o hymn_n and_o psalm_n which_o yet_o that_o they_o be_v even_o in_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v a_o constant_a part_n of_o the_o divine_a service_n no_o man_n that_o be_v not_o whole_o a_o stranger_n in_o church-antiquity_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o i_o shall_v therefore_o out_o of_o they_o and_o other_o pick_v up_o and_o put_v together_o what_o seem_v to_o have_v constitute_v the_o main_a body_n of_o their_o public_a duty_n and_o represent_v they_o in_o that_o order_n wherein_o they_o be_v perform_v which_o usual_o be_v in_o this_o manner_n at_o their_o first_o come_v together_o into_o the_o congregation_n they_o begin_v with_o prayer_n as_o tertullian_n at_o least_o probable_o intimate_v for_o i_o do_v not_o find_v it_o in_o any_o beside_o he_o 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heathen_n be_v oft_o disturb_v and_o break_v up_o and_o therefore_o both_o justin_n and_o tertullian_n confess_v that_o they_o only_o read_v as_o much_o as_o occasion_v serve_v and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o present_a time_n do_v require_v but_o afterward_o there_o be_v set_v portion_n assign_v both_o out_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n 875._o two_o lesson_n out_o of_o each_o as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o author_n of_o the_o apostolical_a constitution_n nay_o not_o only_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n but_o many_o of_o the_o write_n of_o apostolical_a man_n such_o as_o be_v eminent_a for_o place_n and_o piety_n be_v in_o those_o day_n public_o read_v in_o the_o church_n hist_o such_o be_v the_o famous_a epistle_n of_o s._n clemens_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 149_o of_o which_o and_o of_o the_o custom_n in_o like_a case_n dionysius_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n who_o live_v about_o the_o year_n 172._o give_v soter_n bishop_n of_o rome_n this_o account_n to_o day_n say_v he_o 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speak_v of_o large_o by_o s._n paul_n and_o continue_v in_o all_o age_n after_o insomuch_o that_o pliny_n report_v it_o as_o the_o main_a part_n of_o the_o christian_n worship_n 10._o that_o they_o meet_v together_o before_o day_n to_o join_v in_o sing_v hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o god_n 97._o these_o hymn_n be_v either_o extemporary_a rapture_n so_o long_o as_o immediate_a inspiration_n last_v or_o set_v composition_n either_o take_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o of_o their_o own_o compose_n 32._o as_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o 196_o for_o it_o be_v usual_a then_o for_o any_o person_n to_o compose_v divine_a song_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o sing_v they_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n till_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n order_v 59_o that_o no_o psalm_n compose_v by_o private_a person_n shall_v be_v recite_v in_o the_o church_n where_o though_o by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o two_o greek_a scholiast_n will_v have_v certain_a psalm_n ascribe_v to_o solomon_n and_o other_o to_o be_v understand_v yet_o it_o be_v much_o more_o reasonable_a to_o understand_v it_o of_o private_a constitution_n usual_a a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o church_n and_o here_o for_o good_a reason_n prohibit_v by_o this_o council_n it_o be_v likewise_o appoint_v 17._o that_o the_o psalm_n shall_v not_o be_v one_o entire_a continue_a service_n but_o that_o a_o lesson_n shall_v be_v interpose_v in_o the_o midst_n after_o every_o psalm_n which_o be_v do_v as_o balsamon_n and_o alexius_n aristenus_n tell_v we_o to_o take_v off_o the_o weariness_n of_o the_o people_n who_o mind_n may_v be_v apt_a to_o tire_v in_o pass_v through_o those_o prolix_a office_n all_o together_o especial_o the_o lesson_n be_v so_o large_a and_o many_o in_o this_o duty_n the_o whole_a congregation_n bear_v a_o part_n join_v all_o together_o in_o a_o common_a celebration_n of_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n afterward_o the_o custom_n be_v to_o sing_v alternatim_fw-la course_n by_o 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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 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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 relinquish_v all_o other_o thing_n 193._o this_o be_v the_o mine_n where_o they_o enrich_v themselves_o with_o divine_a treasure_n a_o book_n where_o they_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o a_o true_a stock_n of_o knowledge_n epitaph_n as_o s._n hierom_n speak_v of_o nepotian_n 25._o that_o by_o daily_o read_v and_o meditation_n he_o have_v make_v his_o soul_n a_o library_n of_o christ_n 157._o and_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o blesilla_n a_o devout_a widow_n that_o though_o she_o be_v so_o far_o overrun_v with_o weakness_n and_o sickness_n that_o her_o foot_n will_v scarce_o bear_v her_o body_n or_o her_o neck_n sustain_v the_o burden_n of_o her_o head_n yet_o she_o be_v never_o find_v without_o a_o bible_n in_o her_o hand_n nor_o do_v they_o covetous_o hoard_v up_o and_o reserve_v this_o excellent_a knowledge_n to_o themselves_o but_o free_o communicate_v it_o to_o other_o especial_o be_v careful_a to_o catechise_v and_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o 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
to_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n that_o if_o a_o modest_a and_o honest_a heathen_a be_v to_o estimate_n christianity_n by_o the_o life_n of_o its_o professor_n he_o will_v certain_o proscribe_v it_o as_o the_o vile_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v offend_v hereat_o i_o resolve_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n and_o see_v and_o inquire_v for_o the_o good_a old_a way_n the_o path_n wherein_o the_o ancient_a christian_n walk_v for_o i_o can_v not_o think_v that_o this_o have_v always_o be_v the_o unhappy_a fate_n and_o portion_n of_o christianity_n 1._o and_o that_o if_o the_o footstep_n of_o true_a christian_a piety_n and_o simplicity_n be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v find_v it_o must_v be_v in_o those_o time_n when_o as_o s._n hierom_n note_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v yet_o warm_a in_o the_o breast_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o faith_n and_o spirit_n of_o religion_n more_o brisk_a and_o vigorous_a in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o design_n i_o set_v my_o self_n to_o 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
the_o rich_a and_o most_o noble_a gift_n and_o to_o diffuse_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o bounty_n over_o all_o part_n of_o his_o empire_n and_o his_o example_n herein_o it_o seem_v be_v follow_v by_o most_o of_o his_o successor_n who_o use_v upon_o this_o solemnity_n by_o their_o imperial_a order_n to_o release_v all_o prisoner_n unless_o such_o as_o be_v in_o for_o more_o heavy_a and_o notorious_a crime_n high_a treason_n murder_n rape_n incest_n and_o the_o like_a and_o chrysostom_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o letter_n of_o theodosius_n the_o great_a send_v at_o this_o time_n throughout_o the_o empire_n 1._o wherein_o he_o do_v not_o only_o command_v that_o all_o prisoner_n shall_v be_v release_v and_o pardon_v but_o wish_v he_o be_v able_a to_o recall_v those_o that_o be_v already_o execute_v and_o to_o restore_v they_o to_o life_n again_o and_o because_o by_o the_o negligence_n and_o remissness_n of_o messenger_n or_o any_o accident_n those_o imperial_a letter_n may_v sometime_o happen_v to_o come_v too_o late_o therefore_o valentinian_n the_o young_a provide_v by_o a_o stand_a law_n 8._o that_o whether_o order_n come_v or_o not_o the_o judge_n shall_v dispense_v the_o accustom_a indulgence_n and_o upon_o easter_n day_n in_o the_o morning_n cause_n all_o prison_n to_o be_v open_a the_o chain_n to_o be_v knock_v off_o and_o the_o person_n set_v at_o liberty_n the_o next_o feast_n considerable_a in_o those_o primitive_a time_n be_v that_o of_o whitsunday_n or_o pentecost_n a_o feast_n of_o great_a eminency_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o law_n deliver_v at_o mount_n sinai_n at_o that_o time_n and_o for_o the_o gather_n and_o bring_v in_o of_o their_o harvest_n and_o of_o no_o less_o note_n among_o christian_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o christian_n in_o the_o visible_a appearance_n of_o fiery_a cleave_a tongue_n which_o happen_v upon_o that_o day_n and_o those_o miraculous_a power_n then_o confer_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v observe_v with_o the_o same_o respect_n to_o easter_n that_o the_o jew_n do_v with_o respect_n to_o their_o passover_n viz._n as_o the_o word_n import_v just_a fifty_o day_n after_o it_o reckon_v from_o the_o second_o day_n of_o that_o festival_n it_o seem_v to_o some_o to_o have_v commence_v from_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o christianity_n not_o only_o because_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o church_n be_v assemble_v upon_o that_o day_n but_o because_o s._n paul_n make_v so_o much_o haste_n to_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n which_o they_o understand_v of_o his_o great_a desire_n to_o keep_v it_o there_o as_o a_o christian_a feast_n 16._o but_o the_o argument_n seem_v to_o i_o no_o way_n conclusive_a for_o the_o apostle_n may_v desire_v to_o be_v there_o at_o that_o time_n both_o because_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o because_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o fit_a opportunity_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o jew_n who_o from_o all_o part_n flock_v thither_o to_o the_o feast_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n use_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o all_o their_o great_a and_o solemn_a feast_n but_o however_o this_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a the_o observation_n of_o it_o be_v ancient_a it_o be_v mention_v by_o irenaeus_n in_o a_o book_n which_o he_o write_v concern_v easter_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o question_n and_o response_n in_o j._n martyr_n tell_v we_o 115._o by_o tertullian_n and_o after_o he_o by_o origen_n more_o than_o once_o 94._o this_o feast_n be_v by_o we_o style_v whitsunday_n 392._o partly_o because_o of_o those_o vast_a diffusion_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o upon_o this_o day_n be_v shed_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o order_n to_o the_o enlighten_v of_o the_o world_n but_o principal_o because_o this_o as_o also_o easter_n be_v the_o state_v time_n for_o baptism_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n those_o who_o be_v baptize_v put_v on_o white_a garment_n in_o token_n of_o that_o pure_a and_o innocent_a course_n of_o life_n they_o have_v now_o engage_v in_o of_o which_o more_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n this_o white_a garment_n they_o wear_v till_o the_o next_o sunday_n after_o and_o then_o lay_v it_o aside_o whence_o the_o octave_n or_o sunday_n after_o easter_n come_v to_o be_v style_v dominica_n in_o albis_n the_o sunday_n in_o white_a it_o be_v then_o that_o the_o new-baptized_n put_v off_o their_o white_a garment_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n the_o whole_a space_n of_o fifty_o day_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n go_v often_o under_o the_o name_n of_o pentecost_n and_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n account_v festival_n max._n as_o tertullian_n inform_v we_o and_o the_o forty_o three_o canon_n of_o the_o illiberitan_n council_n seem_v to_o intimate_v during_o this_o whole_a time_n baptism_n be_v confer_v 223._o all_o fast_n be_v suspend_v and_o count_v unlawful_a they_o pray_v stand_v as_o they_o do_v every_o lord_n day_n and_o at_o this_o time_n read_v over_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o their_o suffering_n and_o miracle_n be_v record_v as_o we_o learn_v from_o a_o law_n of_o the_o young_a theodosius_n 5_o wherein_o this_o custom_n be_v mention_v and_o more_o plain_o from_o s._n chrysostom_n 73._o who_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o a_o homily_n on_o purpose_n act._n where_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n why_o that_o book_n which_o contain_v those_o action_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v do_v after_o pentecost_n 5._o shall_v yet_o be_v read_v before_o it_o when_o as_o at_o all_o other_o time_n those_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v read_v which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o season_n because_o the_o apostle_n miracle_n be_v the_o grand_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o those_o miracle_n record_v in_o that_o book_n it_o be_v therefore_o most_o proper_a to_o be_v read_v next_o to_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o resurrection_n epiphany_n succeed_v this_o word_n be_v of_o old_a promiscuous_o use_v either_o for_o the_o feast_n of_o christ_n nativity_n or_o for_o that_o which_o we_o now_o proper_o call_v by_o that_o name_n afterward_o the_o title_n become_v distinct_a that_o of_o christ_n birth_n or_o as_o we_o now_o term_v it_o christmas-day_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o nativity_n 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n 613._o two_o name_n import_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o nazianzen_n note_v for_o the_o antiquity_n of_o it_o the_o first_o footstep_n i_o find_v of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o second_o century_n though_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v celebrate_v before_o mention_v by_o theophilus_n bishop_n of_o caesaria_n about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o emperor_n commodus_n but_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o decretal_a epistle_n vero_fw-la it_o be_v somewhat_o elder_a than_o that_o pope_n telesphorus_n who_o live_v under_o antoninus_n pius_fw-la ordain_v divine_a service_n to_o be_v celebrate_v and_o a_o angelical_a hymn_n to_o be_v sing_v the_o night_n before_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o saviour_n however_o that_o it_o be_v keep_v before_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n we_o have_v this_o sad_a instance_n 6._o that_o when_o the_o persecution_n rage_v under_o dioclesian_n who_o then_o keep_v his_o court_n at_o nicomedia_n among_o other_o act_n of_o barbarous_a cruelty_n do_v there_o find_v multitude_n of_o christian_n young_a and_o old_a meet_v together_o in_o the_o temple_n upon_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n nativity_n to_o celebrate_v that_o festival_n he_o command_v the_o church_n door_n to_o be_v shut_v up_o and_o fire_n to_o be_v put_v to_o it_o which_o in_o a_o short_a time_n reduce_v they_o and_o the_o church_n to_o ash_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v whether_o it_o be_v always_o observe_v upon_o the_o same_o day_n that_o we_o keep_v it_o now_o the_o twenty_o five_o of_o december_n it_o seem_v probable_a that_o for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o east_n it_o be_v keep_v in_o january_n under_o the_o name_n and_o at_o the_o general_a time_n of_o the_o epiphania_fw-la till_o receive_v more_o light_a in_o the_o case_n from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o west_n they_o change_v it_o to_o this_o day_n sure_o i_o be_o s._n chrysostom_n in_o a_o homily_n on_o purpose_n about_o this_o very_a thing_n affirm_v 31._o that_o it_o be_v not_o above_o ten_o year_n since_o in_o that_o church_n i._n e._n antioch_n it_o begin_v first_o to_o be_v observe_v upon_o that_o day_n 417._o and_o there_o offer_v several_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a day_n of_o christ_n nativity_n the_o feast_n of_o epiphany_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v keep_v on_o the_o six_o of_o january_n and_o have_v that_o name_n from_o a_o
the_o public_a treasury_n and_o themselves_o for_o ever_o reduce_v into_o the_o condition_n of_o slave_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o more_o usual_a way_n of_o punishment_n among_o the_o roman_n though_o exercise_v towards_o the_o christian_n in_o their_o utmost_a rigour_n and_o severity_n i_o omit_v to_o speak_v of_o christian_n be_v scourge_v and_o whip_v even_o to_o the_o tire_a of_o their_o executioner_n especial_o with_o rod_n call_v plumbatae_fw-la whereof_o there_o be_v frequent_a mention_n in_o the_o theodosian_a code_n which_o be_v scourge_n make_v of_o cord_n or_o thong_n with_o leaden_a bullet_n at_o the_o end_n of_o they_o of_o their_o be_v stone_v to_o death_n their_o be_v behead_v their_o be_v thrust_v into_o stink_a and_o nasty_a prison_n where_o they_o be_v set_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o stock_n with_o five_o hole_n their_o leg_n be_v stretch_v asunder_o to_o reach_v from_o one_o end_n to_o the_o other_o we_o shall_v now_o consider_v some_o few_o of_o those_o unusual_a torment_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v inflict_v only_o upon_o christian_n or_o if_o upon_o any_o other_o only_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n such_o be_v their_o be_v tie_v to_o arm_n of_o tree_n bend_v by_o great_a force_n and_o strength_n by_o certain_a engine_n and_o be_v sudden_o let_v go_v do_v in_o a_o moment_n tear_v the_o martyr_n in_o piece_n in_o which_o way_n many_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o persecution_n at_o thebais_n 300._o sometime_o they_o be_v clad_v with_o coat_n of_o paper_n linen_n or_o such_o like_a daub_v in_o the_o inside_n with_o pitch_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n they_o be_v burn_v alive_a otherwhile_o they_o be_v shut_v into_o the_o belly_n of_o a_o brazen_a bull_n and_o a_o fire_n be_v kindle_v under_o it_o be_v consume_v with_o a_o torment_n beyond_o imagination_n sometime_o they_o be_v put_v into_o a_o great_a pot_n or_o cauldron_n full_a of_o boil_a pitch_n oil_n lead_v or_o wax_v mix_v together_o or_o have_v these_o fatal_a liquor_n by_o hole_n make_v on_o purpose_n pour_v into_o their_o bowel_n some_o of_o they_o be_v hang_v up_o by_o one_o or_o both_o hand_n with_o stone_n of_o great_a weight_n tie_v to_o their_o foot_n to_o augment_v their_o suffering_n other_o be_v anoint_v all_o over_o their_o body_n with_o honey_n and_o at_o midday_n fasten_v to_o the_o top_n of_o a_o pole_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o prey_n to_o fly_n wasp_n and_o such_o little_a cattle_n as_o might_n by_o degree_n sting_v and_o torment_v they_o to_o death_n thus_o beside_o many_o other_o it_o be_v with_o marcus_n bishop_n of_o arethusa_n 〈◊〉_d a_o venerable_a old_a man_n who_o suffer_v under_o julian_n the_o apostate_n after_o infinite_a other_o torture_n they_o daub_v he_o over_o with_o honey_n and_o jelly_n and_o in_o a_o basket_n fasten_v to_o the_o top_n of_o a_o pole_n expose_v he_o to_o the_o hot_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o to_o the_o fury_n of_o such_o little_a infect_v as_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o prey_v upon_o he_o sometime_o they_o be_v put_v into_o a_o rot_a ship_n which_o be_v turn_v out_o to_o sea_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n thus_o they_o serve_v a_o orthodox_n presbyter_n under_o valens_n the_o arrian_n emperor_n 227._o the_o same_o which_o socrates_n report_v of_o fourscore_o pious_a and_o devout_a man_n who_o by_o the_o same_o emperor_n command_n be_v thrust_v into_o a_o ship_n which_o be_v bring_v into_o open_a sea_n be_v present_o fire_v that_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v also_o want_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o burial_n and_o indeed_o the_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v not_o only_o reach_v the_o christian_n while_o alive_a but_o extend_v to_o they_o after_o death_n deny_v they_o what_o have_v be_v otherwise_o grant_v among_o the_o most_o barbarous_a people_n the_o conveniency_n of_o burial_n expose_v they_o to_o the_o ravage_v and_o fierceness_n of_o dog_n and_o beast_n of_o prey_n 334._o a_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v tell_v the_o primitive_a christian_n reckon_v as_o not_o the_o least_o aggravation_n of_o their_o suffering_n nay_o where_o they_o have_v be_v quiet_o bury_v they_o be_v not_o suffer_v many_o time_n as_o tertullian_n complain_v to_o enjoy_v the_o asylum_n of_o the_o grave_n 30._o but_o be_v pluck_v out_o rend_v and_o tear_v in_o piece_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o any_o long_a to_o insist_v upon_o these_o thing_n soon_o may_v a_o man_n tell_v the_o star_n than_o reckon_v up_o all_o those_o method_n of_o misery_n and_o suffer_v which_o the_o christian_n endure_v 307._o eusebius_n who_o himself_o be_v a_o sad_a spectator_n of_o some_o of_o the_o late_a persecution_n profess_v to_o give_v over_o the_o account_n as_o a_o thing_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o expression_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o suffering_n and_o the_o person_n that_o suffer_v be_v hard_o nay_o impossible_a to_o be_v reckon_v up_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o he_o there_o observe_v and_o cyprian_a plain_o tell_v demetrian_n of_o it_o their_o enemy_n do_v little_a else_o but_o set_v their_o wit_n upon_o the_o tenter_n to_o find_v out_o the_o most_o exquisite_a method_n of_o torture_n and_o punishment_n 200._o they_o be_v not_o content_a with_o those_o old_a way_n of_o torment_n which_o their_o forefather_n have_v bring_v in_o but_o by_o a_o ingenious_a cruelty_n daily_o invent_v new_a strive_v to_o excel_v one_o another_o in_o this_o piece_n of_o hellish_a art_n and_o account_v those_o the_o witty_a person_n that_o can_v invent_v the_o bitter_a and_o most_o barbarous_a engine_n of_o execution_n and_o in_o this_o they_o improve_v so_o much_o that_o ulpian_n master_n of_o record_n to_o alexander_n severus_n the_o emperor_n and_o the_o great_a oracle_n of_o those_o time_n for_o law_n write_v several_a book_n de_fw-fr officio_fw-la proconsulis_fw-la many_o parcel_n whereof_o be_v yet_o extant_a in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n in_o the_o seven_o book_n collect_v together_o the_o several_a bloody_a edict_n which_o the_o emperor_n have_v put_v out_o against_o the_o christian_n that_o he_o may_v show_v by_o what_o way_n and_o method_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o destroy_v 491._o as_o lactantius_n tell_v we_o but_o this_o book_n as_o to_o what_o concern_v christian_n be_v not_o now_o extant_a the_o zeal_n and_o piety_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n have_v banish_v all_o book_n of_o that_o nature_n out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o appear_v by_o a_o law_n of_o the_o emperor_n theodosius_n 1._o where_o he_o command_v the_o write_n of_o porphyry_n and_o all_o other_o that_o have_v write_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v burn_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o have_v no_o more_o book_n of_o the_o heathen_n concern_v the_o christian_n extant_a at_o this_o day_n have_v give_v this_o brief_a specimen_fw-la of_o some_o few_o of_o those_o grievous_a torment_n to_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v expose_v they_o that_o will_v have_v more_o must_v read_v the_o martyrology_n of_o the_o church_n or_o such_o as_o have_v purposely_o witten_v on_o this_o subject_n we_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v their_o behaviour_n and_o carriage_n under_o they_o this_o we_o shall_v find_v to_o have_v be_v most_o sedate_n and_o calm_v most_o constant_a and_o resolute_a they_o neither_o faint_v nor_o fret_v neither_o rail_v at_o their_o enemy_n nor_o sink_v under_o their_o hand_n but_o bear_v up_o under_o the_o heavy_a torment_n under_o the_o bitter_a reproach_n with_o a_o meekness_n and_o patience_n that_o be_v invincible_a and_o such_o as_o every_o way_n become_v the_o mild_a and_o yet_o generous_a spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v the_o jew_n 236._o we_o patient_o bear_v say_v he_o all_o the_o mischief_n which_o be_v bring_v upon_o we_o either_o by_o man_n or_o devil_n even_o to_o the_o extremity_n of_o death_n and_o torment_n pray_v for_o those_o that_o thus_o treat_v we_o that_o they_o may_v find_v mercy_n not_o desire_v to_o hurt_v or_o revenge_v ourselves_o upon_o any_o that_o injure_v we_o according_a as_o our_o great_a lawgiver_n have_v command_v we_o laudib_n thus_o eusebius_n report_v the_o hard_a usage_n which_o the_o christian_n meet_v with_o during_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n 622._o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v betray_v and_o butcher_v by_o their_o own_o friend_n and_o brethren_n but_o they_o as_o courageous_a champion_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n accustom_v to_o prefer_v a_o honourable_a death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n before_o life_n itself_o little_o regard_v the_o cruel_a usage_n they_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o but_o rather_o as_o become_v true_a soldier_n of_o god_n arm_v with_o patience_n they_o laugh_v at_o all_o method_n of_o execution_n fire_n and_o sword_n and_o the_o piercing_n of_o nail_n wild_a beast_n and_o the_o bottom_n of_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