the_o genuine_a epistle_n of_o the_o apostolical_a father_n s._n barnabas_n s._n ignatius_n s._n clement_n s._n polycarp_n the_o shepherd_z of_o hermas_n and_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o st._n ignatius_n and_o st._n polycarp_n write_v by_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o their_o suffering_n be_v together_o with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n a_o complete_a collection_n of_o the_o most_o primitive_a antiquity_n for_o about_o ci_o year_n after_o christ._n translate_v and_o publish_a with_o a_o large_a preliminary_n discourse_v relate_v to_o the_o several_a treatise_n here_o put_v together_o by_o w._n wake_n d.d._n chapl._n in_o ordinary_a to_o their_o 〈◊〉_d and_o preacher_n to_o the_o honourable_a society_n of_o grays-inn_n london_n print_v for_o ric._n sare_n at_o grays-inn_n gate_n next_o holborn_n 1693._o imprimatur_fw-la apr._n 11._o 1693._o carolus_n alston_n r.p.d._n hen._n episc._n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o several_a piece_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n and_o the_o order_n of_o they_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o treatise_n here_o collect_v and_o the_o author_n of_o they_o part_n i._n the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n clement_n to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n polycarp_n to_o the_o philippian_n the_o genuine_a epistle_n of_o st._n ignatius_n a_o relation_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o st._n ignatius_n write_v by_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o his_o suffering_n the_o epistle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n concern_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o st._n polycarp_n part_n ii_o the_o catholic_n epistle_n of_o st._n barnabas_n the_o shepherd_n of_o hermas_n in_o three_o book_n the_o remain_v of_o st._n clement_n second_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n a_o index_n to_o both_o part_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o several_a treatise_n contain_v in_o the_o follow_a collection_n and_o the_o author_n of_o they_o the_o introduction_n 1._o have_v i_o design_v the_o follow_a collection_n either_o for_o the_o benefit_n or_o perusal_n of_o the_o learned_a world_n i_o shall_v have_v need_v to_o say_v but_o very_o little_a by_o way_n of_o introduction_n to_o it_o the_o editor_n of_o the_o several_a treatise_n here_o put_v together_o have_v already_o observe_v so_o much_o upon_o each_o of_o they_o that_o it_o will_v i_o believe_v be_v difficult_a to_o discover_v i_o be_o sure_o be_v very_o needless_a to_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o any_o more_o 2._o but_o as_o it_o will_v be_v ridiculous_a for_o i_o to_o pretend_v to_o have_v design_v a_o translation_n for_o those_o who_o be_v able_a with_o much_o more_o profit_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o go_v to_o the_o original_n so_o be_v now_o to_o address_v myself_o to_o those_o especial_o who_o want_v that_o ability_n i_o suppose_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o before_o i_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o discourse_n themselves_o to_o give_v they_o some_o account_v both_o of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o several_a piece_n i_o have_v here_o collect_v and_o of_o the_o tract_n themselves_o and_o of_o that_o collection_n that_o be_v now_o the_o first_o time_n make_v of_o they_o in_o our_o own_o tongue_n though_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v say_v the_o less_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o excellent_a account_n that_o have_v be_v already_o give_v of_o the_o most_o of_o they_o by_o our_o pious_a and_o learned_a dr._n cave_n who_o life_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a father_n with_o his_o other_o admirable_a discourse_n of_o primitive_a christianity_n i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o more_o judicious_a part_n of_o our_o english_a reader_n 3._o nor_o may_v such_o a_o account_n as_o i_o now_o propose_v to_o myself_o to_o give_v of_o the_o follow_a piece_n be_v altogether_o useless_a to_o some_o even_o of_o the_o learned_a themselves_o who_o want_v either_o the_o opportunity_n of_o collect_v the_o several_a author_n necessary_a for_o such_o a_o search_n or_o leisure_n to_o examine_v they_o may_v not_o be_v unwilling_a to_o see_v that_o faithful_o bring_v together_o under_o one_o short_a and_o general_a view_n which_o will_v have_v require_v some_o time_n and_o labour_n to_o have_v search_v out_o as_o it_o lay_v diffuse_v in_o a_o multitude_n of_o writer_n out_o of_o which_o they_o must_v otherwise_o have_v gather_v it_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o s._n clement_n to_o the_o corinthian_n of_o the_o value_n which_o the_o ancient_n put_v upon_o this_o epistle_n of_o st._n clement_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o clement_n of_o who_o s._n paul_n speak_v phil._n four_o 3_o of_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n when_o he_o become_v bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o also_o whether_o he_o suffer_v martyrdom_n uncertain_a of_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o write_v this_o epistle_n and_o the_o two_o main_a part_n of_o it_o of_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v write_v that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o epistle_n we_o now_o have_v be_v true_o write_v by_o s._n clement_n the_o objection_n of_o tentzelius_n against_o it_o of_o no_o force_n how_o this_o epistle_n be_v first_o publish_v by_o mr._n patrick_n young_a and_o translate_v by_o mr._n burton_n into_o english_a of_o the_o present_a edition_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o tract_n which_o begin_v this_o collection_n and_o perhaps_o the_o most_o worthy_a too_o be_v that_o admirable_a or_o as_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v call_v it_o that_o wonderful_a epistle_n of_o s._n clement_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o which_o he_o write_v not_o in_o his_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o rome_n to_o they_o a_o epistle_n so_o high_o esteem_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o we_o be_v tell_v it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v public_o read_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o may_v credit_v one_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a collection_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v place_v among_o the_o sacred_a and_o inspire_a write_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o small_a evidence_n of_o the_o value_n which_o in_o those_o day_n be_v put_v upon_o this_o epistle_n that_o in_o the_o only_a copy_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v at_o this_o day_n remain_v of_o it_o we_o find_v it_o to_o have_v be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o volume_n with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o confirm_v what_o be_v before_o observe_v concern_v it_o that_o it_o be_v heretofore_o wont_a to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o congregation_n together_o with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n 2._o but_o of_o the_o epistle_n itself_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o particular_o by_o and_o by_o it_o will_v now_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o inquire_v a_o little_a into_o the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o consider_v when_o and_o upon_o what_o occasion_n it_o be_v write_v by_o he_o 3._o and_o first_o for_o what_o concern_v the_o person_n who_o write_v this_o epistle_n it_o be_v no_o small_a commendation_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o s._n paul_n have_v leave_v we_o of_o he_o phil._n four_o 3_o where_o the_o apostle_n mention_n he_o not_o only_o as_o his_o fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o as_o one_o who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n a_o character_n which_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n far_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o high_a power_n and_o dignity_n and_o who_o therefore_o when_o his_o disciple_n begin_v to_o rejoice_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o insomuch_o that_o even_o the_o devil_n be_v subject_a unto_o they_o luke_o x._o 17_o though_o he_o seem_v to_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o just_a matter_n of_o joy_n in_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n yet_o bid_v they_o not_o to_o rejoice_v so_o much_o in_o this_o that_o those_o spirit_n be_v subject_a unto_o they_o but_o rather_o say_v he_o rejoice_v that_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n 4._o it_o be_v indeed_o insinuate_v by_o a_o late_a very_o learned_a critic_n as_o if_o this_o be_v not_o that_o clement_n of_o who_o we_o be_v now_o discourse_v and_o who_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n i_o have_v here_o subjoin_v but_o beside_o that_o he_o himself_o confess_v that_o the_o person_n of_o who_o s._n paul_n there_o speak_v be_v a_o roman_a both_o eusebius_n and_o epiphanius_n and_o s._n hierome_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o clement_n there_o mean_v be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v afterward_o bishop_n of_o rome_n nor_o do_v we_o read_v of_o any_o other_o to_o who_o either_o the_o character_n there_o mention_v of_o be_v the_o fellow-labourer_n of_o that_o apostle_n or_o the_o elegy_n give_v of_o have_v
their_o judgement_n concern_v it_o some_o there_o be_v and_o those_o the_o near_a to_o the_o time_n when_o this_o book_n be_v write_v that_o treat_v it_o almost_o with_o the_o same_o respect_n that_o they_o will_v do_v the_o canonical_a scripture_n irenaeus_n quote_v it_o under_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o scripture_n origen_n though_o he_o sometime_o moderate_v his_o opinion_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o who_o do_v not_o it_o seem_v pay_v the_o same_o respect_n with_o himself_o to_o it_o yet_o speak_v of_o hermas_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n give_v we_o this_o character_n of_o it_o that_o he_o think_v it_o to_o be_v a_o most_o useful_a write_n and_o be_v as_o he_o believe_v divine_o inspire_v eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o be_v doubt_v of_o by_o some_o it_o be_v not_o esteem_v canonical_a yet_o be_v it_o by_o other_o judge_v a_o most_o necessary_a book_n and_o as_o such_o read_v public_o in_o the_o church_n and_o st._n hierom_n have_v in_o like_a manner_n observe_v that_o it_o be_v read_v in_o some_o church_n make_v this_o remark_n upon_o it_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a profitable_a book_n and_o who_o testimony_n be_v often_o quote_v by_o the_o greek_a father_n athanasius_n place_n it_o in_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o call_v it_o a_o most_o useful_a treatise_n and_o in_o another_o place_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o strict_o canonical_a yet_o be_v it_o reckon_v among_o those_o book_n which_o the_o father_n appoint_v to_o be_v read_v to_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v direct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n 11._o hence_o we_o may_v observe_v as_o a_o far_a evidence_n of_o that_o respect_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o this_o book_n heretofore_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o open_o read_v in_o the_o church_n but_o in_o some_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a manuscript_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v join_v together_o with_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n a_o instance_n of_o this_o cotelerius_fw-la offer_v we_o in_o that_o of_o the_o monastery_n of_o st._n germane_a in_o france_n in_o which_o it_o be_v continue_v on_o at_o the_o end_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n and_o in_o several_a of_o the_o old_a stichometry_n it_o be_v put_v in_o the_o same_o catalogue_n with_o the_o inspire_a write_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o that_o which_o the_o same_o author_n have_v publish_v out_o of_o a_o manuscript_n in_o the_o king_n library_n in_o his_o observation_n upon_o st._n barnabas_n and_o in_o which_o st._n barnabas_n epistle_n be_v place_v immediate_o before_o the_o revelation_n as_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o hermas_n shepherd_n be_v immediate_o after_o it_o 12._o and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o we_o find_v this_o same_o book_n not_o only_o doubt_v of_o by_o other_o among_o the_o ancient_a father_n but_o slight_v even_o by_o some_o of_o those_o who_o upon_o other_o occasion_n have_v speak_v thus_o high_o in_o its_o favour_n thus_o st._n jerome_n in_o his_o comment_n expose_v the_o folly_n of_o that_o apocryphal_a book_n as_o he_o call_v it_o which_o in_o his_o catalogue_n of_o writer_n he_o have_v so_o high_o applaud_v tertullian_n who_o speak_v if_o not_o honourable_o yet_o calm_o of_o it_o whilst_o a_o catholic_n be_v become_v montanist_n reject_v it_o even_o with_o scorn_n and_o most_o of_o the_o other_o father_n who_o have_v speak_v the_o high_a of_o it_o themselves_o yet_o plain_o enough_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v those_o who_o do_v not_o put_v the_o same_o value_n upon_o it_o thus_o origen_n mention_n some_o who_o not_o only_o deny_v but_o despise_v its_o authority_n and_o cassian_n have_v make_v use_v of_o it_o in_o the_o point_n of_o freewill_n prosper_v without_o more_o ado_n reject_v it_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o no_o value_n and_o what_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o latter_a age_n be_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n especial_o after_o pope_n gelasius_n have_v rank_v it_o among_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o antonius_n augustinus_n upon_o that_o decree_n 13._o how_o far_o this_o have_v influence_v the_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o present_a time_n in_o their_o censure_n upon_o this_o work_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o many_o on_o all_o side_n have_v free_o speak_v concern_v it_o who_o not_o only_o deny_v it_o to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o hermas_n the_o companion_n of_o st._n paul_n but_o utter_o cast_v it_o off_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o no_o worth_n but_o rather_o full_a of_o error_n and_o folly_n thus_o baronius_n himself_o though_o he_o deliver_v not_o his_o own_o judgement_n concern_v it_o yet_o plain_o enough_o show_n that_o he_o run_v in_o with_o the_o severe_a censure_n of_o the_o ancient_n against_o it_o and_o in_o effect_n charge_v it_o with_o favour_v the_o arrian_n though_o upon_o a_o mistake_a authority_n of_o st._n athanasius_n and_o which_o by_o no_o mean_n prove_v any_o such_o error_n to_o be_v in_o it_o but_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n be_v more_o free_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o have_v many_o hurtful_a thing_n in_o it_o and_o particular_o that_o it_o favour_v the_o novatian_a heresy_n which_o yet_o i_o think_v a_o very_a little_a equity_n in_o interpret_n of_o some_o passage_n that_o look_v that_o way_n by_o other_o that_o be_v direct_o contrary_a thereunto_o will_v serve_v to_o acquit_v it_o of_o other_o be_v yet_o more_o severe_a they_o censure_v it_o as_o full_a of_o heresy_n and_o fable_n though_o this_o labbe_n will_v be_v think_v to_o excuse_v by_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o have_v be_v foist_v into_o it_o by_o some_o late_a interpolation_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o hermas_n the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n 14._o nor_o have_v many_o of_o those_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v any_o whit_n more_o favourable_a in_o their_o censure_n of_o the_o present_a treatise_n but_o then_o as_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n heretofore_o though_o they_o admit_v it_o not_o into_o the_o canon_n of_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o otherwise_o pay_v a_o very_a great_a deference_n to_o it_o so_o the_o more_o moderate_a part_n of_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o present_a time_n esteem_v it_o as_o a_o piece_n worthy_a of_o all_o respect_n and_o clear_a of_o those_o fault_n which_o be_v too_o light_o charge_v by_o some_o person_n upon_o it_o thus_o petavius_n none_o of_o the_o most_o favourable_a critic_n upon_o the_o ancient_a father_n yet_o acknowledge_v as_o to_o the_o present_a book_n that_o it_o be_v never_o censure_v by_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_n as_o guilty_a of_o any_o false_a doctrine_n or_o heresy_n and_o especial_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n cotelerius_fw-la one_o of_o the_o late_a editor_n of_o it_o esteem_v it_o as_o a_o ecclesiastical_a work_n of_o good_a note_n and_o a_o great_a defence_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n against_o the_o error_n of_o montanism_n who_o judgement_n be_v not_o only_o follow_v by_o their_o late_a historian_n natalis_n alexander_n but_o be_v make_v good_a too_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o against_o those_o objection_n which_o some_o have_v bring_v to_o lessen_v its_o reputation_n and_o for_o those_o of_o our_o own_o communion_n i_o shall_v mention_v only_o two_o but_o they_o such_o as_o will_v serve_v instead_o of_o many_o to_o all_o judicious_a person_n who_o have_v at_o large_a justify_v it_o against_o the_o chief_a of_o those_o exception_n that_o have_v be_v take_v at_o it_o the_o one_o the_o most_o excellent_a bishop_n pearson_n in_o his_o vindication_n of_o st._n ignatius_n the_o other_o the_o learned_a dr._n bull_n in_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o nicene_n faith_n in_o the_o point_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n divinity_n and_o which_o he_o large_o show_v our_o present_a author_n to_o have_v be_v far_o from_o do_v any_o prejudice_n unto_o 15._o such_o than_o have_v be_v the_o different_a judgement_n of_o learned_a man_n both_o heretofore_o and_o in_o our_o present_a time_n concern_v this_o book_n it_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o presumption_n for_o i_o to_o pretend_v to_o determine_v any_o thing_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o have_v subjoin_v the_o work_n itself_o in_o our_o common_a language_n every_o one_o may_v be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o what_o value_n he_o ought_v to_o put_v upon_o it_o that_o there_o be_v many_o useful_a thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o but_o especial_o in_o the_o second_o and_o i_o think_v the_o best_a part_n of_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v and_o for_o the_o other_o two_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o though_o such_o vision_n as_o we_o there_o read_v of_o be_v
office_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n enable_v to_o make_v of_o they_o so_o 3_o dly_a if_o we_o look_v to_o those_o account_n which_o still_o remain_v to_o we_o of_o they_o they_o will_v plain_o show_v we_o that_o they_o be_v endue_v and_o that_o in_o a_o very_a singular_a manner_n with_o this_o power_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n 19_o of_o barnabas_n the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o bear_v witness_n that_o he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o faith_n act_v xi_o 24_o hermas_n be_v another_o of_o who_o st._n paul_n himself_o make_v mention_v rom._n xuj_o 14_o as_o a_o early_a convert_n to_o christianity_n and_o what_o extraordinary_a revelation_n he_o have_v and_o how_o he_o foretell_v the_o trouble_n that_o be_v to_o come_v upon_o the_o church_n his_o follow_a vision_n sufficient_o declare_v 20_o clement_n be_v not_o only_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o same_o apostle_n but_o with_o this_o advantageous_a character_n too_o that_o he_o be_v the_o fellow-labourer_n of_o that_o great_a man_n and_o have_v his_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n phil._n four_o 3_o and_o when_o we_o shall_v consider_v to_o how_o much_o lesser_a and_o worse_a man_n these_o gift_n be_v usual_o communicate_v at_o that_o time_n we_o can_v hardly_o think_v that_o so_o excellent_a a_o man_n and_o the_o companion_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n employ_v first_o in_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o he_o and_o then_o set_v to_o govern_v one_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a church_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v be_v destitute_a of_o it_o 21._o as_o for_o st._n ignatius_n i_o have_v before_o observe_v that_o he_o have_v this_o gift_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o it_o warn_v the_o philadelphian_o against_o fall_v into_o those_o division_n which_o he_o foresee_v be_v about_o to_o rise_v up_o among_o they_o 22._o polycarp_n not_o only_o prophesy_v of_o his_o own_o death_n but_o speak_v often_o time_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o have_v this_o witness_n from_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o smyrna_n that_o nothing_o of_o all_o that_o he_o foretell_v ever_o fail_v of_o come_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o his_o prediction_n 23._o it_o remain_v then_o that_o the_o holy_a man_n who_o write_n be_v here_o subjoin_v be_v not_o only_o instruct_v by_o such_o as_o be_v inspire_a but_o be_v themselves_o inspire_a too_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o not_o mistake_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o what_o they_o deliver_v to_o we_o as_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o do_v of_o it_o by_o consequence_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o their_o write_n though_o not_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o which_o we_o call_v in_o a_o singular_a manner_n the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o neither_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o call_v in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o way_n to_o the_o write_n of_o they_o nor_o endue_v with_o so_o eminent_a a_o portion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o nor_o have_v their_o write_n be_v judge_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o inspire_a age_n of_o it_o when_o they_o be_v so_o much_o better_o qualify_v than_o we_o be_v now_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o kind_n of_o write_n to_o be_v of_o equal_a dignity_n with_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n yet_o worthy_a of_o a_o much_o great_a respect_n than_o any_o composure_n that_o have_v be_v make_v since_o however_o man_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v afterward_o write_v with_o more_o art_n and_o to_o have_v show_v a_o much_o great_a stock_n of_o humane_a learning_n than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v not_o only_o in_o the_o follow_a piece_n but_o even_o in_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n itself_o 24._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o consideration_n more_o the_o better_a to_o show_v the_o true_a deference_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o treatise_n here_o collect_v and_o that_o be_v sixthly_a that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o write_v by_o such_o man_n as_o i_o have_v say_v instruct_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o judge_v worthy_a by_o they_o both_o for_o their_o knowledge_n and_o their_o integrity_n to_o govern_v some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o last_o endue_v with_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n to_o be_v much_o respect_v by_o we_o but_o be_v moreover_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n in_o those_o first_o age_n as_o piece_n of_o a_o very_a great_a value_n which_o can_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o its_o judgement_n of_o they_o 25._o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n clement_n be_v a_o long_a time_n read_v public_o with_o the_o other_o scripture_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a make_v a_o part_n of_o their_o bible_n and_o be_v number_v among_o the_o sacred_a write_n however_o final_o separate_v from_o they_o and_o not_o only_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n but_o our_o most_o ancient_a alexandrian_a manuscript_n give_v the_o same_o place_n to_o the_o second_o that_o it_o do_v to_o the_o first_o of_o they_o and_o epiphanius_n after_o both_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o wont_a to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n 26._o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n polycarp_n with_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n be_v not_o only_o very_o high_o approve_v of_o by_o particular_a person_n but_o like_o those_o of_o st._n clement_n be_v read_v public_o too_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o for_o those_o of_o ignatius_n beside_o that_o we_o find_v a_o mighty_a value_n put_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n they_o be_v seal_v to_o we_o by_o this_o character_n of_o st._n polycarp_n that_o they_o be_v such_o epistle_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v great_o profit_v for_o say_v he_o they_o treat_v of_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o edification_n in_o the_o lord_n 27._o the_o epistle_n of_o barnabas_n be_v not_o only_o quote_v with_o great_a honour_n by_o those_o of_o the_o next_o age_n to_o he_o but_o as_o i_o have_v before_o show_v be_v express_o call_v catholic_n and_o canonical_a and_o in_o the_o ancient_a stichometry_n of_o cotelerius_fw-la we_o find_v it_o place_v the_o very_a next_o to_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n judas_n and_o no_o difference_n put_v between_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o 28._o and_o for_o the_o book_n of_o hermas_n both_o eusebius_n and_o st._n i_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v also_o use_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o stichometry_n i_o before_o mention_v it_o be_v place_v in_o the_o very_a next_o rank_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o in_o some_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a manuscript_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v it_o write_v in_o the_o same_o volume_n with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v esteem_v of_o the_o same_o value_n and_o authority_n with_o they_o 29._o so_o that_o now_o than_o we_o must_v either_o say_v that_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n be_v so_o little_a careful_a of_o what_o be_v teach_v in_o it_o as_o to_o allow_v such_o book_n to_o be_v public_o read_v in_o its_o congregation_n the_o doctrine_n whereof_o it_o do_v not_o approve_v or_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o follow_a piece_n be_v deliver_v to_o we_o not_o only_o by_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o contain_v the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o must_v be_v look_v upon_o to_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o what_o be_v then_o think_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 30._o now_o how_o much_o this_o add_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o discourse_n may_v easy_o be_v conclude_v from_o what_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v for_o since_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o those_o time_n the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v bestow_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n though_o upon_o they_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a degree_n but_o also_o upon_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o common_a christian_n too_o since_o one_o particular_a design_n of_o these_o gift_n be_v for_o the_o discern_v of_o prophecy_n to_o judge_n of_o what_o be_v propose_v by_o any_o to_o the_o church_n or_o write_v for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o what_o be_v universal_o approve_v of_o and_o allow_v not_o by_o a_o few_o learned_a man_n but_o by_o
the_o greek_n for_o pretend_v that_o neither_o juno_n nor_o minerva_n nor_o jupiter_n be_v what_o those_o imagine_v who_o build_v temple_n and_o altar_n to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nay_o so_o far_o go_v this_o last_o author_n in_o his_o allegory_n as_o to_o turn_v all_o the_o trojan_a and_o grecian_a hero_n into_o mere_a fiction_n and_o to_o make_v hector_n and_o achilles_n and_o agamemnon_z and_o even_o helena_n herself_o nothing_o less_o than_o what_o one_o will_v think_v they_o be_v and_o what_o the_o common_a people_n ignorant_o imagine_v they_o to_o be_v 33._o and_o for_o the_o influence_n which_o this_o have_v upon_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o from_o philosopher_n become_v christian_n the_o write_n both_o of_o justin_n martyr_n and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n sufficient_o show_v and_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v porphery_n a_o enemy_n in_o the_o case_n of_o origen_n he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o same_o place_n in_o which_o he_o complain_v of_o he_o for_o turn_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v clear_o deliver_v by_o moses_n into_o mystical_a signification_n not_o only_o that_o he_o do_v this_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o grecian_n but_o that_o it_o be_v his_o frequent_a conversation_n with_o numenius_n and_o cronius_n moderatus_n nichomachus_n and_o other_o among_o the_o pythagorean_n and_o with_o chaeremon_n and_o cornutus_n among_o the_o stoic_n that_o he_o have_v learn_v his_o allegorical_a way_n of_o expound_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o apply_v that_o to_o his_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v to_o their_o superstition_n 34._o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o way_n of_o write_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o those_o day_n general_o use_v not_o only_o among_o the_o jew_n but_o among_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o philosophical_a of_o the_o gentile_n too_o and_o from_o both_o come_v to_o be_v almost_o universal_o practise_v among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n which_o be_v so_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v far_o from_o censure_v of_o st._n barnabas_n for_o his_o mystical_a application_n of_o what_o god_n prescribe_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o spiritual_a accomplishment_n of_o it_o in_o the_o new_a much_o less_o shall_v we_o ever_o the_o more_o call_v in_o question_n either_o the_o truth_n or_o credit_n of_o his_o epistle_n upon_o this_o account_n 35._o have_v say_v thus_o much_o either_o in_o vindication_n of_o the_o allegorical_a exposition_n of_o this_o epistle_n or_o at_o least_o by_o way_n of_o apology_n for_o they_o i_o shall_v add_v but_o little_o more_o concern_v the_o epistle_n itself_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v as_o to_o the_o time_n of_o its_o write_n that_o it_o be_v somewhat_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o as_o we_o may_v conjecture_v from_o the_o subject_a of_o it_o for_o title_n at_o present_a it_o have_v none_o nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o ever_o it_o have_v any_o be_v address_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n to_o a_o spiritual_a understanding_n of_o it_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n dispose_v they_o to_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n whether_o he_o have_v beside_o this_o a_o far_a design_n in_o it_o as_o dr._n hammond_n suppose_v to_o confute_v the_o error_n of_o the_o gnostick_n heretic_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o jewish_a convert_v from_o fall_v into_o they_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a but_o may_v from_o the_o chief_a point_n insist_v upon_o by_o he_o be_v probable_o enough_o suppose_v if_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o shall_v not_o have_v urge_v any_o of_o those_o passage_n relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o the_o most_o apposite_a to_o such_o a_o purpose_n such_o as_o the_o oracle_n of_o jacob_n concern_v the_o time_n that_o shiloh_n be_v to_o come_v the_o lxx_o week_n of_o daniel_n the_o prophecy_n of_o haggai_n and_o malachi_n of_o his_o come_n while_o the_o second_o temple_n stand_v and_o which_o be_v now_o destroy_v when_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n and_o the_o like_a mounseur_fw-fr le_fw-fr moyne_n will_v give_v he_o a_o ready_a answer_n viz._n that_o these_o passage_n relate_v chief_o to_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n appear_v and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o controversy_n in_o those_o day_n the_o jew_n not_o only_o confess_v it_o but_o be_v ready_a at_o every_o turn_n through_o this_o persuasion_n to_o set_v up_o some_o or_o other_o for_o their_o messiah_n to_o their_o shame_n and_o confusion_n it_o be_v therefore_o then_o but_o little_a necessary_a to_o use_v those_o argument_n against_o they_o which_o now_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o convince_a since_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v alter_v and_o the_o jew_n either_o deny_v that_o their_o messiah_n be_v come_v or_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o have_v come_v about_o that_o time_n that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n appear_v in_o the_o flesh._n 36._o but_o though_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o jew_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n yet_o be_v there_o not_o want_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o it_o many_o excellent_a rule_n to_o render_v it_o still_o very_o useful_a to_o the_o pious_a reader_n indeed_o some_o have_v doubt_v whether_o this_o do_v original_o belong_v to_o this_o epistle_n or_o whether_o it_o have_v not_o since_o be_v add_v to_o it_o but_o see_v we_o find_v this_o part_n quote_v by_o the_o father_n as_o belong_v to_o st._n barnabas_n no_o less_o than_o the_o other_o and_o that_o the_o measure_v assign_v to_o it_o in_o the_o ancient_a stichometry_n can_v hardly_o be_v well_o account_v for_o without_o it_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v that_o our_o author_n do_v divide_v his_o epistle_n into_o the_o two_o part_n in_o which_o we_o now_o have_v it_o and_o that_o this_o latter_a aswell_o as_o the_o former_a be_v write_v by_o he_o 37._o as_o for_o the_o translation_n which_o i_o have_v here_o give_v of_o it_o i_o have_v make_v it_o up_o out_o of_o what_o remain_v of_o the_o original_a greek_a and_o of_o the_o old_a latin_a version_n and_o of_o each_o of_o which_o though_o a_o part_n be_v lose_v yet_o it_o have_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o between_o they_o we_o not_o only_o have_v the_o whole_a epistle_n but_o that_o too_o free_a of_o those_o interpolation_n which_o vossius_fw-la tell_v we_o some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o ignatius_n epistle_n in_o both_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o my_o author_n and_o to_o make_v he_o as_o plain_a and_o easy_a as_o i_o be_v able_a if_o in_o any_o thing_n i_o shall_v have_v chance_v to_o mistake_v he_o i_o have_v only_o this_o to_o say_v for_o myself_o that_o he_o must_v be_v better_a acquaint_v with_o the_o road_n than_o i_o pretend_v to_o be_v who_o will_v undertake_v to_o travel_v so_o long_a a_o journey_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o never_o to_o miss_v his_o way_n chap._n viii_o of_o the_o shepherd_n of_o st._n hermas_n and_o of_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n clement_n to_o the_o corinthian_n that_o the_o hermas_n mention_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n xuj_o 14_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o book_n which_o be_v here_o subjoin_v under_o his_o name_n there_o be_v little_o remain_v of_o his_o life_n more_o than_o what_o be_v take_v out_o of_o his_o own_o book_n of_o his_o death_n uncertain_a whether_o he_o die_v a_o martyr_n the_o ancient_a father_n divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n of_o this_o book_n nor_o be_v our_o late_a critic_n less_o that_o there_o be_v many_o useful_a thing_n in_o it_o of_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n clement_n that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o equal_a reputation_n with_o the_o former_a by_o some_o deny_v to_o be_v st._n clement_n it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o st._n clement_n and_o have_v many_o excellent_a thing_n and_o worthy_a of_o that_o holy_a man_n in_o it_o these_o two_o piece_n now_o the_o first_o time_n translate_v into_o our_o own_o language_n 1._o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o present_a time_n concern_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n barnabas_n than_o there_o be_v among_o the_o ancient_a father_n heretofore_o concern_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o book_n which_o next_o follow_v under_o the_o name_n of_o hermas_n who_o this_o hermas_n be_v what_o he_o do_v and_o what_o he_o suffer_v for_o the_o faith_n sake_n be_v in_o great_a measure_n unknown_a to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v one_o of_o that_o name_n at_o rome_n when_o st._n paul_n write_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n there_o his_o remembrance_n of_o he_o rom._n
which_o be_v within_o and_o the_o male_a with_o the_o female_a neither_o male_a nor_o female_a now_o two_o be_v one_o when_o we_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o each_o other_o and_o there_o be_v without_o hypocrisy_n one_o soul_n in_o two_o body_n and_o that_o which_o be_v without_o as_o that_o which_o be_v within_o he_o mean_v this_o he_o call_v the_o soul_n that_o which_o be_v within_o and_o the_o body_n that_o which_o be_v without_o as_o therefore_o thy_o body_n appear_v so_o let_v thy_o soul_n be_v see_v by_o its_o good_a work_n and_o the_o male_a with_o the_o female_a neither_o male_a nor_o female_a he_o mean_v this_o he_o call_v our_o anger_n the_o male_a our_o concupiscence_n the_o female_a when_o therefore_o a_o man_n be_v come_v to_o such_o a_o pass_n that_o he_o be_v subject_a neither_o to_o the_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o both_o of_o which_o through_o the_o prevalence_n of_o custom_n and_o a_o evil_a education_n cloud_n and_o darken_v the_o reason_n but_o rather_o have_v dispel_v the_o mist_n arise_v from_o they_o and_o be_v full_a of_o shame_n shall_v by_o repentance_n have_v unite_v both_o his_o soul_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o obedience_n of_o reason_n then_o as_o paul_n say_v there_o be_v in_o we_o neither_o male_a nor_o female_a chap._n ix_o that_o the_o piece_n here_o put_v together_o be_v all_o that_o remain_v of_o the_o most_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a antiquity_n that_o there_o be_v several_a other_o treatise_n pretend_v to_o have_v be_v write_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o period_n but_o none_o such_o as_o true_o come_v up_o to_o it_o of_o the_o epistle_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o abgarus_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o any_o such_o letter_n be_v write_v by_o he_o the_o epistle_n ascribe_v to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n spurious_a so_o be_v the_o epistle_n pretend_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o laodicean_n of_o the_o act_n the_o gospel_n the_o preach_a and_o revelation_n of_o st._n peter_n of_o the_o liturgy_n attribute_v to_o st._n matthew_n and_o the_o discourse_n say_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o he_o concern_v the_o nativity_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n of_o the_o liturgy_n ascribe_v to_o st._n peter_n st._n mark_n and_o st._n james_n of_o the_o gospel_n attribute_v to_o several_a of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o the_o canon_n call_v apostolical_a of_o the_o other_o piece_n under_o the_o name_n of_o st._n clement_n and_o st._n ignatius_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o recognition_n and_o epitome_n of_o clement_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o life_n miracle_n and_o assumption_n of_o st._n john_n pretend_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o prochorus_n one_o of_o the_o seven_o deacon_n of_o the_o history_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n ascribe_v to_o linus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o apostle_n attribute_v to_o abdias_n bishop_n of_o babylon_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n martial_n of_o the_o passion_n of_o st._n andrew_n write_v by_o the_o presbyter_n of_o achaja_n of_o the_o work_n ascribe_v to_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n that_o upon_o the_o whole_a the_o piece_n here_o put_v together_o be_v all_o that_o remain_v of_o the_o apostolical_a time_n after_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 1._o and_o now_o have_v say_v thus_o much_o concern_v the_o several_a piece_n here_o put_v together_o and_o the_o author_n of_o they_o it_o be_v time_n to_o go_v on_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v observe_v concern_v they_o all_o together_o and_o as_o they_o be_v now_o first_o of_o all_o set_v forth_o in_o our_o own_o language_n in_o the_o follow_a collection_n 2._o now_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v here_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v that_o the_o follow_a collection_n be_v true_o what_o the_o title_n pretend_v it_o to_o be_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a collection_n of_o all_o the_o genuine_a write_n that_o remain_v to_o we_o of_o the_o apostolical_a father_n and_o carry_v on_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o about_o a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n after_o christ._n 3._o to_o make_v this_o the_o more_o evident_a it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o i_o to_o consider_v what_o those_o other_o write_n be_v which_o some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o raise_v up_o into_o the_o rank_n of_o apostolical_a antiquity_n and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o write_n either_o of_o no_o credit_n nor_o authority_n at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o not_o of_o such_o as_o they_o be_v false_o pretend_v to_o be_v and_o to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v proceed_v the_o more_o clear_o in_o this_o enquiry_n i_o will_v divide_v the_o several_a piece_n now_o to_o be_v examine_v into_o the_o three_o follow_a rank_n the_o first_o of_o those_o which_o be_v antecedent_n to_o any_o i_o have_v here_o collect_v as_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v write_v either_o by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o or_o by_o the_o virgin_n mary_n or_o by_o the_o apostle_n the_o second_o of_o such_o other_o tract_n as_o be_v ascribe_v to_o some_o of_o those_o father_n who_o genuine_a remain_v i_o have_v here_o put_v together_o and_o the_o third_z of_o such_o piece_n as_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o some_o other_o author_n who_o live_v in_o the_o apostolical_a time_n and_o write_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v some_o man_n several_a book_n much_o more_o considerable_a than_o any_o i_o have_v here_o collect_v 4._o of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o kind_n be_v that_o pretend_a letter_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o abgarus_n king_n of_o edessa_n a_o little_a city_n of_o arabia_n a_o part_n of_o which_o country_n be_v subject_a to_o he_o now_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o so_o much_o the_o better_a credit_n in_o that_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o he_o have_v himself_o faithful_o translate_v it_o out_o of_o the_o syriac_a language_n as_o he_o find_v it_o in_o the_o archive_v of_o edessa_n nor_o be_v it_o very_o long_o after_o that_o ephraem_n a_o deacon_n of_o that_o church_n make_v mention_n of_o this_o communication_n between_o our_o saviour_n and_o abgarus_n as_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o first_o conversion_n of_o that_o place_n and_o exhort_v his_o people_n upon_o that_o account_n the_o rather_o to_o hold_v fast_o to_o their_o holy_a profession_n and_o to_o live_v worthy_a of_o it_o evagrius_n who_o write_v about_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o this_o not_o only_o confirm_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v by_o both_o these_o but_o add_v from_o procopius_n several_a other_o circumstance_n unknown_a for_o aught_o appear_v to_o either_o of_o they_o and_o particular_o that_o of_o the_o impression_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v of_o his_o face_n upon_o a_o napkin_n and_o send_v to_o that_o prince_n and_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o be_v of_o no_o small_a advantage_n to_o they_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o town_n against_o chosdroes_n king_n of_o persia_n who_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v hinder_v from_o take_v of_o it_o 5._o and_o now_o since_o the_o addition_n of_o this_o new_a story_n to_o the_o old_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v if_o the_o patron_n of_o image_n among_o the_o greek_n from_o henceforth_o contend_v with_o all_o earnestness_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o both_o insomuch_o that_o we_o find_v they_o institute_v a_o particular_a festival_n in_o memory_n of_o it_o august_n the_o xvi_o the_o and_o transcribe_v at_o large_a the_o whole_a history_n of_o this_o adventure_n into_o their_o menaeon_n and_o recite_v it_o upon_o it_o 6._o and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v that_o some_o of_o our_o late_a author_n though_o they_o do_v not_o care_v to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o story_n be_v yet_o unwilling_a to_o deny_v all_o credit_n to_o it_o baronius_n report_v both_o the_o relation_n and_o the_o epistle_n from_o eusebius_n but_o will_v not_o answer_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o either_o spondanus_n deliver_v the_o same_o from_o the_o cardinal_n that_o he_o have_v do_v from_o eusebius_n and_o pass_v no_o censure_n either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o upon_o it_o only_o in_o his_o margin_n he_o observe_v that_o gretser_n the_o jesuit_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o image_n etc._n etc._n have_v vindicate_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n epistle_n to_o abgarus_n from_o the_o exception_n of_o casaubon_n in_o his_o exercitation_n upon_o baronius_n against_o it_o gerard_n vossius_fw-la in_o his_o scholia_fw-la upon_o the_o testament_n of_o st._n ephraem_n content_v himself_o to_o refer_v we_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o
authority_n but_o then_o as_o du_n pin_n well_o observe_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o ancient_n know_v nothing_o of_o it_o nor_o be_v the_o act_n we_o now_o have_v quote_v by_o any_o before_o the_o time_n of_o etherius_fw-la beforementioned_a and_o yet_o how_o they_o can_v have_v escape_v the_o search_n of_o the_o primitive_a father_n have_v they_o be_v extant_a in_o their_o day_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v 34._o but_o much_o less_o be_v the_o credit_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o pretend_a work_n of_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n which_o as_o alexander_n confess_v two_o very_a great_a critic_n of_o his_o own_o communion_n to_o have_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o that_o holy_a man_n so_o have_v a_o three_o very_o late_o give_v such_o reason_n to_o show_v that_o the_o write_n now_o extant_a under_o his_o name_n can_v not_o have_v be_v compose_v by_o he_o as_o aught_o to_o satisfy_v every_o consider_a man_n of_o their_o imposture_n for_o not_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o what_o occur_v every_o where_o in_o those_o discourse_n utter_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n that_o that_o dionysius_n live_v can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o have_v such_o considerable_a book_n as_o these_o be_v write_v by_o he_o none_o of_o the_o ancient_n of_o the_o first_o iv_o century_n shall_v have_v hear_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o or_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o they_o do_v know_v of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n that_o live_v after_o and_o yet_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o though_o they_o have_v so_o often_o occasion_n to_o have_v do_v it_o as_o eusebius_n and_o st._n jerome_n not_o to_o name_v any_o other_o have_v 35._o in_o short_a one_o of_o the_o first_o time_n that_o we_o hear_v of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o severian_n and_o catholic_n about_o the_o year_n d._n xxx.ii_n when_o the_o former_a produce_v they_o in_o favour_n of_o their_o error_n and_o the_o latter_a reject_v they_o as_o book_n utter_o unknown_a to_o all_o antiquity_n and_o therefore_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o they_o 36._o it_o be_v therefore_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v that_o after_o so_o many_o argument_n as_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v how_o little_o right_o these_o treatise_n have_v to_o such_o a_o primitive_a antiquity_n nevertheless_o not_o only_a natalis_n alexander_n but_o a_o man_n of_o much_o better_a judgement_n i_o mean_v emanuel_n schelstrat_n the_o late_a learned_a keeper_n of_o the_o vatican_n library_n shall_v still_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v write_v or_o by_o what_o author_n be_v very_o uncertain_a but_o as_o bishop_n pearson_n suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v first_o set_v forth_o about_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o eusebius_n life_n so_o dr._n cave_n conjecture_n that_o the_o elder_a apollinarius_n may_v very_o probable_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o other_o there_o be_v who_o place_n they_o yet_o late_a and_o suspect_v pope_n gregory_n the_o great_a to_o have_v have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o forgery_n and_o indeed_o the_o argument_n which_o our_o very_a learned_a mr._n dodwell_n bring_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v original_o write_v by_o one_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v not_o without_o their_o just_a weight_n but_o whatever_o become_v of_o this_o thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o book_n be_v not_o write_v before_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o iv_o the_o century_n and_o therefore_o be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o present_a undertake_n 37._o and_o now_o have_v take_v such_o a_o view_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o present_a design_n of_o all_o those_o other_o piece_n which_o have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o apostolical_a write_n beside_o what_o be_v either_o here_o collect_v or_o have_v be_v before_o publish_v in_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o suppose_v i_o may_v with_o good_a ground_n conclude_v that_o the_o little_a i_o have_v now_o put_v together_o be_v all_o that_o can_v with_o any_o certainty_n be_v depend_v upon_o of_o the_o most_o primitive_a father_n and_o therefore_o that_o from_o these_o next_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o draw_v the_o best_a account_n we_o can_v of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ._n chap._n x._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n and_o the_o deference_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o it_o this_o be_v show_v from_o the_o follow_a consideration_n one_a that_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n and_o instruct_v by_o they_o two_o they_o be_v man_n of_o a_o eminent_a character_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v teach_v in_o it_o three_o they_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o to_o oppose_v such_o as_o go_v about_o to_o corrupt_v it_o four_o they_o be_v man_n not_o only_o of_o a_o perfect_a piety_n but_o of_o great_a courage_n and_o constancy_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o can_v be_v suspect_v to_o have_v have_v any_o design_n to_o prevaricate_v in_o this_o matter_n 5th_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o large_a portion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o as_o such_o can_v hardly_o err_v in_o what_o they_o deliver_v as_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n and_o 6thly_a their_o write_n be_v approve_v by_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n which_o can_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o its_o approbation_n of_o they_o but_o second_o and_o to_o proceed_v yet_o far_o the_o follow_a collection_n pretend_v to_o a_o just_a esteem_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o perfection_n as_o it_o be_v a_o entire_a collection_n of_o what_o remain_v to_o we_o of_o the_o apostolical_a father_n but_o yet_o much_o more_o from_o the_o respect_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o author_n themselves_o who_o write_n be_v here_o put_v together_o 2._o if_o first_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o the_o contemporary_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n some_o of_o they_o breed_v up_o under_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o and_o the_o rest_n instruct_v by_o those_o great_a man_n who_o he_o commission_v to_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o endue_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o what_o they_o deliver_v to_o we_o must_v be_v without_o controversy_n the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o what_o they_o have_v themselves_o receive_v from_o their_o own_o mouth_n this_o be_v the_o least_o deference_n we_o can_v pay_v to_o they_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o faithful_a deliverer_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o most_o early_a time_n when_o heresy_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o so_o open_o break_v out_o in_o it_o nor_o the_o true_a faith_n so_o dangerous_o corrupt_v with_o the_o mixture_n of_o those_o erroneous_a opinion_n which_o afterward_o more_o fatal_o infect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n into_o so_o many_o party_n and_o faction_n so_o that_o here_o then_o we_o may_v read_v with_o security_n and_o let_v i_o add_v with_o respect_n too_o and_o not_o doubt_v but_o what_o these_o holy_a man_n deliver_v to_o we_o be_v as_o certain_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o we_o have_v receive_v it_o like_v they_o from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n 3._o but_o second_o the_o author_n of_o the_o follow_a piece_n have_v not_o only_o the_o advantage_n of_o live_v in_o the_o apostolical_a time_n and_o of_o hear_v the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o converse_v with_o they_o but_o they_o be_v of_o a_o very_a eminent_a character_n in_o the_o church_n too_o man_n raise_v up_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o honour_n and_o authority_n in_o some_o of_o the_o most_o famous_a church_n of_o the_o world_n choose_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o preside_v in_o their_o own_o proper_a see_v at_o rome_n at_o antioch_n at_o smyrna_n one_o of_o they_o set_v apart_o by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v the_o companion_n of_o the_o great_a st._n paul_n in_o his_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o most_o part_n commend_v for_o their_o rare_a endowment_n in_o the_o inspire_a write_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n deliver_v to_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v very_o careful_o instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v have_v