and_o therefore_o very_o unlikely_a this_o shall_v be_v spare_v but_o if_o any_o have_v so_o strong_a a_o faith_n to_o believe_v what_o be_v report_v of_o this_o great_a wonder-worker_n gregory_n he_o may_v possible_o think_v that_o he_o have_v sufficient_a power_n to_o restrain_v dioclesian_n agent_n and_o defend_v the_o church_n he_o build_v for_o baronius_n at_o the_o year_n 253._o num_fw-la 135_o 136_o 137._o relate_v what_o power_n he_o have_v over_o devil_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o their_o temple_n and_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o any_o place_n whither_o he_o please_v and_o restore_v they_o also_o at_o his_o pleasure_n which_o he_o do_v to_o show_v his_o power_n to_o one_o in_o write_v under_o his_o hand_n say_v baronius_n in_o these_o word_n gregorius_n satanae_n ingredere_fw-la gregory_n to_o satan_n enter_v in_o that_o be_v into_o his_o temple_n again_o and_o bellarmine_n relate_v another_o miracle_n of_o he_o upon_o this_o very_a argument_n c._n 4._o de_fw-la cultu_fw-la sanct._n say_v that_o when_o he_o will_v have_v build_v a_o church_n and_o want_v room_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o rock_n that_o border_v on_o the_o place_n where_o he_o will_v build_v it_o he_o by_o his_o prayer_n remove_v it_o away_o mr_n mede_n be_v wise_a than_o to_o mention_v this_o for_o gregory_n building_n of_o church_n and_o indeed_o none_o can_v imagine_v how_o much_o prejudice_n such_o fabulous_a miracle_n and_o lie_a legend_n decry_v and_o detest_v even_o by_o many_o sober_a and_o learned_a papist_n have_v do_v to_o christianity_n let_v but_o any_o one_o read_v a_o pamphlet_n print_v this_o very_a year_n of_o a_o conference_n between_o a_o jew_n and_o a_o jesuit_n at_o amsterdam_n concern_v christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n which_o this_o undertake_n to_o prove_v by_o his_o miracle_n be_v reply_v upon_o by_o the_o other_o with_o a_o number_n as_o great_a out_o of_o many_o popish_a author_n insomuch_o that_o the_o jew_n quite_o confound_v the_o jesuit_n and_o whereas_o mr._n mede_n note_n that_o a_o little_a before_o the_o persecution_n of_o decius_n which_o be_v a._n d._n 252._o the_o christian_n erect_v oratory_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n i_o desire_v baronius_n may_v be_v consult_v and_o then_o let_v any_o one_o judge_n how_o improbable_a it_o be_v that_o christian_n have_v public_a church_n with_o such_o distinction_n of_o place_n as_o be_v mention_v or_o build_v such_o public_a oratory_n as_o our_o adversary_n say_v for_o decius_n give_v express_v order_n to_o forbid_v all_o christian_a assembly_n upon_o pain_n of_o death_n threaten_v accurate_a observe_v they_o because_o many_o heathen_n be_v convert_v thereby_o to_o christianity_n as_o appear_v by_o aemilianus_n his_o writing_n to_o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n in_o euseb_n l._n 7._o c._n 9_o vel_fw-la 10._o and_o baronius_n ad_fw-la a._n d._n 260._o num._n 17._o who_o further_o relate_v how_o their_o very_a coemateria_n or_o bury_v place_n which_o be_v vault_n under_o ground_n call_v cryptae_n as_o baronius_n show_v a._n d._n 259_o num_fw-la 16._o usual_o a_o mile_n or_o more_o from_o their_o city_n which_o be_v often_o after_o some_o time_n discover_v and_o then_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o meet_v there_o he_o show_v a_o 255_o be_v now_o strict_o forbid_v they_o in_o particular_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o general_a all_o other_o place_n whatsoever_o cyprian_n contemporary_a with_o gregory_n be_v next_o allege_v for_o christian_a oratory_n 1_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr opere_fw-la and_o eleemosynis_fw-la by_o the_o name_n of_o dominicum_fw-la bring_v also_o by_o bellarm._n c._n 4_o de_fw-la cultu_fw-la sanct._n 2_o in_o 55_o epistle_n by_o the_o title_n of_o ecclesia_fw-la we_o never_o doubt_v but_o christian_n have_v from_o the_o first_o oratory_n or_o place_n of_o meet_v and_o that_o in_o this_o century_n some_o public_a which_o as_o the_o church_n increase_v be_v enlarge_v but_o that_o even_o in_o cyprian_n time_n their_o assemble_v be_v in_o subterraneous_a vault_n both_o at_o alexandria_n as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o rome_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o pope_n cornelius_n letter_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o vienna_n as_o baronius_n testify_v a._n 255._o n._n 47._o and_o here_o at_o carthage_n in_o africa_n a._n 260._o n._n 37._o where_o the_o proconsul_n urge_v cyprian_n himself_o with_o the_o emperor_n edict_n ne_o in_o aliquibus_fw-la locis_fw-la conciliabula_fw-la fiant_fw-la nee_n caemeteria_fw-la ingrediantur_fw-la that_o the_o christian_n shall_v not_o meet_v in_o any_o place_n nor_o enter_v into_o their_o coemetery_n in_o which_o they_o usual_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a mystery_n which_o pameltus_n call_v the_o sacrifice_n but_o goulartius_n the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n perform_v only_o when_o the_o church_n assemble_v nor_o be_v the_o opposition_n mention_v of_o any_o force_n as_o we_o show_v on_o 1_o cor._n 11.22_o another_o contemporary_a cite_v be_v dionysius_n alexandrinus_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o basilides_n declare_v his_o opinion_n that_o woman_n during_o the_o time_n of_o their_o separation_n ought_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n which_o he_o call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n by_o which_o we_o learn_v say_v mede_n not_o only_o the_o christian_n have_v their_o house_n of_o worship_n but_o a_o religious_a respect_n also_o to_o difference_n they_o from_o common_a place_n to_o this_o we_o say_v as_o formerly_z that_o christian_n have_v always_o place_n for_o meet_v in_o but_o still_o whether_o in_o private_a house_n or_o in_o public_a lie_v the_o question_n and_o if_o but_o a_o chamber_n in_o a_o private_a house_n where_o they_o worship_v god_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v it_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o a_o cathedral_n and_o that_o their_o assembly_n then_o be_v very_o private_a appear_v in_o that_o they_o be_v forbid_v on_o pain_n of_o death_n as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o yet_o where_o this_o be_v relate_v by_o eusebius_n dionysius_n testify_v that_o nevertheless_o they_o keep_v they_o but_o sure_o not_o in_o the_o usual_a place_n where_o they_o have_v easy_o be_v discover_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n but_o in_o all_o likelihood_n often_o change_v the_o place_n for_o their_o security_n and_o whether_o every_o such_o be_v thereby_o so_o sanctify_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o a_o menstruous_a woman_n to_o enter_v thereinto_o let_v any_o one_o judge_n nor_o be_v this_o a_o canon_n as_o mede_n call_v it_o baronius_n have_v make_v apparent_a against_o balsamon_n and_o by_o the_o equity_n of_o a_o contrary_a course_n take_v by_o pope_n gregory_n in_o regard_n that_o legalia_fw-la or_o ceremonial_n be_v now_o abdicate_v and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o force_n it_o relate_v not_o to_o the_o place_n simple_o but_o the_o office_n there_o perform_v and_o the_o time_n thereof_o which_o suppose_v the_o congregation_n present_a from_o which_o such_o a_o one_o be_v to_o be_v exclude_v whether_o the_o meeting_n be_v on_o a_o mountain_n or_o in_o a_o house_n or_o under_o ground_n in_o cave_n and_o den_n of_o the_o earth_n nor_o need_v mr._n mede_n tell_v we_o such_o place_n be_v know_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o call_v worship_v place_n for_o when_o the_o christian_n be_v grow_v so_o numerous_a before_o this_o time_n of_o a_o d._n 260._o as_o tertullian_n think_v near_o to_o equalise_v the_o heathen_n their_o assembly_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v conceal_v whether_o above_o or_o under_o the_o ground_n especial_o when_o they_o enjoy_v any_o tolerable_a freedom_n from_o persecution_n as_o appear_v by_o two_o rescript_n of_o gallienus_n in_o euseb_n hist_o l._n 7._o c._n 12._o one_o for_o restore_v all_o place_n in_o general_a to_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o other_o their_o coemitery_n in_o particular_a nor_o do_v aurelian_n speech_n in_o vopiscus_n evince_v a_o public_a place_n nor_o the_o opposition_n between_o the_o capitol_n and_o church_n imply_v the_o place_n but_o the_o congregation_n rather_o that_o stand_v in_o congruous_a opposition_n to_o the_o sibyl_n oracle_n for_o they_o may_v be_v master_n of_o the_o christian_a oratory_n when_o they_o please_v and_o there_o consult_v of_o what_o they_o list_v even_o of_o set_v forth_o the_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n but_o mr._n mede_n think_v his_o cause_n be_v support_v by_o that_o of_o eusebius_n l._n 7._o relate_v how_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la be_v depose_v by_o the_o council_n aurelian_a decree_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o house_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o he_o etc._n etc._n this_o bellarmine_n c._n 4._o de_fw-la cultu_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la and_o also_o our_o fuller_n allege_v to_o the_o like_a purpose_n yet_o both_o we_o confess_v that_o some_o interpret_v it_o of_o domum_fw-la epifcopalem_fw-la the_o bishop_n house_n belike_o christopherson_n though_o a_o popish_a bishop_n in_o queen_n mary_n day_n and_o zealous_a for_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o opponent_n so_o baronius_n
both_o acknowledge_v they_o though_o but_o in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v improbable_a that_o christian_n in_o all_o place_n have_v they_o lactan._n l._n 4._o mention_n a_o conventicle_n pull_v down_o and_o l._n 5._o c._n 21._o of_o one_o burn_v in_o phrygia_n with_o all_o the_o people_n therein_o and_o l._n 5._o c._n 2._o of_o a_o temple_n of_o god_n demolish_v for_o about_o his_o time_n in_o the_o forth_o century_n begin_v the_o christian_n to_o use_v the_o word_n temple_n for_o the_o place_n of_o christian_a assembly_n which_o former_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o gentile_n temple_n they_o call_v oratory_n assembly_n congregation_n collect_v or_o gather_n together_o church_n and_o sometime_o also_o station_n as_o bellarmin_n and_o vedelius_fw-la former_o mention_v and_o bauldrus_n in_o his_o note_n on_o lactantius_n de_fw-fr mortibus_fw-la persecutorum_fw-la and_o spanhem_n have_v show_v nor_o say_v we_o that_o lactantius_n tax_v the_o heathen_n bare_o for_o their_o building_n but_o for_o their_o error_n in_o think_v god_n be_v better_o serve_v in_o temple_n than_o without_o and_o that_o the_o more_o glorious_a they_o be_v their_o service_n be_v more_o grateful_a to_o god_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n tota_fw-la in_o animo_fw-la colentis_fw-la est_fw-la be_v all_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o worshipper_n and_o this_o appear_v all_o along_o in_o his_o book_n l._n 2._o c._n 6._o l._n 5._o c._n 19_o and_o l._n 6._o c._n 1._o and_o 25._o also_o chrysostom_n homil._n 36._o on_o 1_o corinth_n say_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n house_n be_v church_n mean_v private_a house_n no_o doubt_n and_o isidore_n pelusiota_n his_o scholar_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o positive_a l._n 2._o epist_n 246._o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o the_o church_n abound_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n there_o be_v no_o temple_n though_o we_o now_o be_v adorn_v more_o than_o be_v meet_v and_o have_v distinguish_v between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n and_o the_o place_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sacrifice_n and_o altar_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o council_n and_o place_n of_o their_o convention_n conclude_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v no_o artificial_a church_n these_o with_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n be_v follow_v by_o many_o of_o the_o learned_a in_o after_o age_n gerhard_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lutheran_n for_o learning_n c._n 2._o §_o 9_o de_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la say_v exit_fw-la act_v apostolicis_fw-la &_o seriptoribus_fw-la vetustioribus_fw-la constat_fw-la quod_fw-la christiani_n apostolorum_fw-la tempore_fw-la nondum_fw-la habuerunt_fw-la publica_n templa_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o privatis_fw-la domibus_fw-la convenerunt_fw-la that_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o ancient_a writer_n that_o the_o christian_n have_v no_o public_a temple_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o meet_v in_o private_a house_n the_o learned_a jesuit_n justinian_n in_o his_o excellent_a comment_n on_o the_o epistle_n on_o 1_o cor._n 11.18_o say_v the_o christian_a assembly_n be_v first_o in_o privatis_fw-la domibus_fw-la in_o private_a house_n afterward_o in_o oratoriis_fw-la &_o ecclesiis_fw-la in_o oratory_n and_o church_n plain_o distinguish_v oratory_n from_o private_a house_n and_o show_v by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n they_o meet_v very_o often_o in_o vault_n and_o burying-place_n our_o renown_a bishop_n pearson_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o creed_n p._n 337._o have_v say_v act_n 11.26_o and_o 1_o cor._n 11.18_o seem_v to_o take_v the_o church_n for_o the_o place_n in_o the_o follow_a page_n say_v it_o be_v not_o certain_a the_o apostle_n use_v they_o in_o that_o sense_n nor_o that_o there_o be_v any_o house_n set_v apart_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n which_o then_o can_v be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n and_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n thus_o continue_v without_o public_a oratory_n or_o church_n be_v conclude_v by_o vedelius_fw-la in_o ignat._n ultra_fw-la ducentissimum_fw-la annum_fw-la nullum_fw-la oratoriorum_fw-la publicorum_fw-la vestigium_fw-la apparet_fw-la that_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n in_o antiquity_n of_o any_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n for_o above_o the_o first_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n spanhemius_fw-la in_o hist_n saeculo_fw-la 2d_o o._n that_o templa_fw-la adhuc_fw-la christianis_fw-la nulla_fw-la ex_fw-la silentio_fw-la veterum_fw-la &_o conditione_n temporum_fw-la liquet_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o the_o christian_n have_v no_o temple_n in_o the_o second_o century_n be_v apparent_a from_o the_o ancient_a writer_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o and_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o time_n by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n so_o also_o cuperus_n in_o his_o ep._n ad_fw-la p._n voet._n among_o the_o note_n on_o lactantius_n de_fw-fr mortibus_fw-la persecutorum_fw-la i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o testimony_n for_o this_o that_o the_o christian_n have_v not_o any_o public_a place_n to_o assemble_v in_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o ever_o after_o as_o our_o adversary_n affirm_v have_v show_v the_o opinion_n of_o clem._n alexandrinus_n eusebius_n and_o other_o concern_v temple_n in_o my_o first_o dissertation_n but_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n propose_v which_o will_v further_o clear_v this_o controversy_n in_o show_v what_o time_n and_o in_o what_o kind_n of_o place_n they_o assemble_v during_o their_o persecution_n under_o the_o heathen_n sect_n 14._o first_o how_o careful_a the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v of_o keep_v their_o assembly_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o private_a as_o possible_a appear_v by_o their_o hold_v they_o frequent_o in_o the_o night_n of_o which_o we_o have_v unquestionable_a witness_n pliny_n in_o his_o ep._n to_o trajan_n write_v se_fw-la de_fw-la sacris_fw-la corum_fw-la nihil_fw-la aliud_fw-la comperisse_fw-la quam_fw-la caetus_fw-la antelucanos_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o he_o find_v nothing_o concern_v their_o religious_a worship_n but_o that_o they_o hold_v their_o meeting_n in_o the_o night_n before_o daylight_n wherein_o they_o sing_v hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o god_n etc._n etc._n the_o same_o be_v record_v in_o tertullian_n apol._n c._n 2._o euseb_n hist_o l._n 3._o c._n 32._o and_o hiecrom_o in_o chron._n euseb_n gerh._n vossius_fw-la in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o forementioned_a epistle_n say_v it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o so_o to_o assemble_v in_o the_o night_n because_o of_o the_o continual_a persecution_n they_o be_v under_o persecutio_fw-la totis_fw-la saeâ—â—lis_fw-la duravit_fw-la ut_fw-la passim_fw-la necesse_fw-la fuerit_fw-la conveniri_fw-la noctu_fw-la tertullian_n l._n 2._o ad_fw-la vxorem_fw-la dissuade_v she_o from_o marry_v a_o infidel_n bring_v this_o as_o one_o argument_n that_o he_o will_v not_o willing_o suffer_v she_o to_o leave_v he_o in_o bed_n to_o frequent_v the_o nocturnal_a assembly_n of_o christian_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a quis_fw-la nocturnis_fw-la convocationibus_fw-la si_fw-la ita_fw-la oportuerit_fw-la à _fw-fr latere_fw-la svo_fw-la eximi_fw-la libenter_fw-la feret_fw-la and_o the_o learned_a heraldus_n in_o his_o note_n on_o tertullian_n de_fw-fr corona_n militis_fw-la say_v that_o the_o christian_n often_o assemble_v in_o the_o night_n saepius_fw-la noctu_fw-la congregatos_fw-la and_o so_o do_v several_a other_o whence_o the_o learned_a derive_v that_o ceremony_n of_o burn_a wax_n candle_n before_o the_o shrine_v of_o saint_n even_o in_o the_o day_n time_n as_o be_v usual_a in_o all_o the_o popish_a country_n to_o retain_v that_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n meet_v in_o the_o night_n and_o usual_o in_o the_o bury_v place_n of_o the_o decease_a christian_n second_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o place_n the_o primitive_a christian_n hold_v their_o assembly_n in_o for_o worship_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o the_o private_a possible_a that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v discover_v so_o that_o celsus_n p._n 4_o and_o 5._o in_o origen_n make_v this_o his_o very_a first_o objection_n against_o the_o christian_n in_o general_a and_o not_o of_o that_o time_n only_o that_o they_o hold_v their_o meeting_n in_o private_a and_o obscure_a place_n the_o which_o none_o ever_o doubt_v of_o or_o deny_v that_o be_v not_o stranger_n in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n or_o antiquity_n wherein_o this_o be_v so_o frequent_o mention_v alexander_n hales_n write_v of_o the_o whole_a time_n in_o general_n relate_v by_o g._n biel_n on_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o mass_n lect._n 13._o ab_fw-la episcopatu_fw-la petri_n apostoli_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la tempus_fw-la sylvestri_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o from_o peter_n to_o sylvester_n persecution_n rage_v the_o episcopal_a station_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v uncertain_a but_o wheresoever_o the_o present_a necessity_n
be_v appoint_v and_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n such_o as_o be_v most_o secret_a and_o secure_a and_o will_v never_o find_v the_o church_n therein_o take_v for_o a_o place_n it_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o protestant_n which_o the_o learned_a lutheran_n gerrard_n de_fw-fr eccles_n c._n 2._o relate_v in_o s._n literis_fw-la significatio_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pro_fw-la loco_fw-la non_fw-la occurrit_fw-la sed_fw-la progressu_fw-la temporis_fw-la factum_fw-la ut_fw-la à _fw-la scriptoribus_fw-la ecclesiasticis_fw-la tandem_fw-la reciperetur_fw-la sed_fw-la quilibet_fw-la videt_fw-la hanc_fw-la appellationem_fw-la esse_fw-la impropriam_fw-la &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o church_n be_v no_o where_o take_v for_o a_o place_n though_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o come_v to_o be_v so_o use_v in_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n but_o every_o one_o see_v the_o take_z of_o it_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v improper_a and_o catachrestical_a camero_n likewise_o a_o learned_a calvinist_n in_o his_o tract_n de_fw-fr ecclesia_fw-la and_o general_o all_o of_o both_o profession_n so_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v as_o to_o the_o scripture_n that_o however_o the_o grand_a tyrant_n custom_n prevail_v in_o after_o age_n to_o call_v the_o place_n by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n yet_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o for_o human_a testimony_n for_o the_o first_o age_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n we_o may_v here_o produce_v very_o many_o to_o prove_v the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v no_o such_o public_a church_n or_o temple_n but_o in_o regard_n we_o sustain_v the_o negative_a part_n and_o our_o opponent_n the_o affirmative_a to_o who_o the_o proof_n most_o proper_o belong_v according_a to_o the_o maxim_n affirmanti_fw-la incumbit_fw-la probatio_fw-la and_o those_o that_o favour_n our_o adversary_n opinion_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v we_o do_v but_o beg_v the_o question_n for_o that_o they_o have_v both_o scripture_n and_o good_a humane_a testimony_n for_o they_o we_o shall_v therefore_o first_o examine_v what_o they_o allege_v and_o afterward_o produce_v such_o witness_n against_o they_o as_o we_o shall_v willing_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o impartial_a man_n on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v for_o if_o they_o can_v either_o by_o scripture_n or_o approve_a author_n mantain_n their_o cause_n we_o shall_v yield_v it_o notwithstanding_o the_o improbability_n thereof_o from_o the_o persecution_n the_o christian_n be_v under_o in_o the_o first_o age_n but_o here_o we_o must_v profess_v that_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v put_v off_o nor_o shall_v we_o acquiesce_v with_o conjecture_n or_o probability_n such_o as_o platina_n polid._n virgil_n etc._n etc._n urge_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n zeal_n to_o promote_v religion_n as_o if_o there_o can_v be_v none_o without_o such_o appropriate_a and_o consecrate_a place_n as_o they_o call_v church_n but_o there_o must_v be_v authentic_a record_n from_o approve_a author_n that_o there_o be_v such_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o the_o two_o first_o age_n after_o our_o saviour_n otherwise_o we_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o what_o be_v do_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o so_o many_o age_n ago_o sect_n 4._o we_o shall_v therefore_o now_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o our_o adversary_n and_o not_o decline_v any_o of_o their_o weapon_n be_v well_o secure_v by_o the_o shield_n of_o truth_n though_o we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o several_a flourish_n they_o make_v that_o be_v needless_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o several_a edition_n of_o the_o author_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v see_v and_o especial_o of_o mede_n our_o principal_a adversary_n from_o scripture_n especial_o 1_v cor._n 11.18_o 20_o 22._o which_o bellarmine_n c._n 4._o de_fw-la cultu_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la and_o baronius_n produce_v for_o church_n and_o oratory_n distinct_a from_o private_a house_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n answer_v at_o large_a by_o vedelius_fw-la in_o his_o exercitation_n upon_o ignatius_n epistle_n to_o the_o magnesian_o mr._n fuller_n likewise_o who_o argue_v that_o from_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v v_o 18._o when_o you_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n forthwith_o expound_v it_o by_o v_o 20._o when_o you_o come_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n show_v by_o the_o church_n he_o denote_v the_o place_n but_o here_o he_o suppose_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o come_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n which_o be_v deny_v for_o man_n can_v come_v or_o meet_v together_o but_o in_o some_o place_n either_o natural_a or_o artificial_a beza_n render_v it_o in_o unum_fw-la other_o simul_fw-la or_o conjuncti_fw-la i_o shall_v add_v idem_fw-la for_o the_o expression_n be_v hellenistical_a and_o signify_v not_o only_o a_o concourse_n in_o the_o same_o place_n but_o agreement_n in_o condition_n and_o concurrence_n in_o the_o same_o action_n though_o in_o different_a place_n according_a to_o the_o septuagint_n even_o as_o in_o act_n 2.44_o and_o other_o text_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v for_o both_o the_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o multitude_n of_o christian_n as_o five_o thousand_o c._n 4._o v._n 4._o manifest_a it_o can_v not_o be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n camero_n in_o his_o myrothecium_fw-la show_v the_o phrase_n be_v take_v from_o the_o septuagint_v version_n of_o psalm_n 2.2_o where_o the_o prince_n assemble_v together_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o same_o place_n but_o to_o their_o conjunction_n in_o heart_n and_o counsel_n about_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o sense_n dr._n hammond_n follow_v on_o act_n 1.15_o if_o any_o object_n if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o place_n but_o the_o people_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v when_o you_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o meeting_n but_o this_o be_v also_o deny_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v only_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o come_v together_o or_o assemble_v as_o act_n 11.26_o but_o the_o church_n a_o special_a viz._n a_o holy_a meeting_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o place_n but_o the_o employment_n that_o give_v the_o denomination_n for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o in_o every_o place_n where_o the_o senator_n or_o parliament-man_n meet_v that_o there_o be_v a_o senate_n or_o parliament_n nor_o in_o every_o place_n where_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n meet_v be_v there_o forthwith_o a_o synod_n see_v both_o sort_n may_v come_v together_o at_o fast_n or_o feast_n or_o other_o occasion_n but_o there_o and_o then_o only_o where_o and_o when_o they_o meet_v to_o deliberate_v about_o affair_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a so_o wheresoever_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n come_v together_o they_o be_v not_o for_o that_o say_v to_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o then_o and_o there_o when_o and_o where_o they_o come_v together_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o chief_a argument_n all_o our_o opponent_n make_v use_v of_o be_v from_o v_o 22._o where_o they_o assert_v a_o antithesis_fw-la or_o opposition_n between_o private_a house_n proper_a to_o each_o and_o the_o church_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o let_v we_o therefore_o due_o consider_v it_o and_o 1._o that_o though_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v above_o 100_o time_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o only_a place_n our_o protestant_n insist_v on_o for_o their_o opinion_n although_o bellarmine_n allege_v also_o 1_o cor._n 14.25_o which_o yet_o clear_o prove_v the_o contrary_a 2._o we_o deny_v as_o camero_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o fuller_n tract_n de_fw-fr eccles_n c._n 1._o that_o the_o opposition_n here_o be_v make_v between_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o or_o that_o place_n but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o other_o or_o not_o in_o their_o presence_n as_o when_o one_o do_v that_o in_o public_a which_o shall_v be_v do_v at_o home_n we_o rate_v he_o say_v have_v thou_o not_o a_o house_n of_o thy_o own_o do_v thou_o despise_v the_o city_n understand_a not_o the_o structure_n or_o street_n but_o the_o face_n of_o the_o citizen_n who_o be_v there_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n appear_v both_o by_o the_o follow_a word_n and_o shame_v they_o that_o have_v not_o that_o be_v the_o poor_a brethren_n that_o have_v neither_o money_n to_o buy_v nor_o provision_n to_o bring_v for_o their_o feast_n of_o charity_n then_o in_o use_n at_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o despise_v the_o place_n but_o the_o person_n put_v the_o poor_a who_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o blush_v and_o be_v ashamed_a and_o also_o by_o a_o parallel_n place_n in_o this_o epistle_n c._n 14._o v._n 34_o &_o 35._o where_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v their_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o
that_o they_o be_v set_v apart_o from_o all_o other_o use_n for_o christian_a worship_n neither_o do_v he_o or_o any_o other_o opponent_n prove_v this_o place_n of_o meeting_n the_o ancient_n suppose_v but_o separate_a place_n they_o suppose_v not_o it_o be_v 200_o year_n and_o more_o ever_o they_o have_v public_a oratory_n and_o when_o the_o heathen_a object_v they_o have_v no_o temple_n altar_n nor_o image_n they_o free_o confess_v as_o much_o have_v vindicate_v this_o text_n in_o the_o corinth_n we_o shall_v brief_o mention_v some_o other_o allege_v for_o separate_v and_o public_a church_n though_o some_o be_v so_o far-fetched_a they_o deserve_v not_o mention_v as_o mr._n fuller_n from_o 1_o cor._n 14.40_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n infer_v that_o public_a office_n be_v do_v in_o public_a place_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v and_o what_o i_o pray_v be_v more_o public_a than_o the_o open_a air_n mountain_n and_o field_n where_o our_o saviour_n instruct_v his_o follower_n likewise_o from_o act_n 19.9_o paul_n separate_v the_o disciple_n dispute_v daily_o in_o the_o school_n of_o one_o tyrannus_n as_o if_o this_o school_n be_v one_o of_o the_o temple_n of_o christian_n which_o he_o confess_v be_v but_o borrow_v or_o hire_v for_o the_o urgent_a necessity_n his_o next_o place_n be_v act_n 15.21_o whence_o he_o argue_v the_o israelite_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n have_v synagogue_n so_o the_o christian_n from_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n churches_n but_o that_o be_v very_o dubious_a for_o though_o i_o judge_v synagogue_n much_o ancient_a than_o till_o after_o the_o captivity_n whence_o many_o learned_a man_n date_n they_o yet_o that_o they_o be_v so_o ancient_a as_o he_o make_v they_o can_v be_v prove_v nor_o will_v ps_n 74.8_o serve_v admit_v various_a translation_n the_o 70_o they_o have_v put_v down_o the_o feast_n hierome_n tabernacula_fw-la montanus_n conventicula_fw-la junius_n synagogas_fw-la which_o denote_v all_o kind_n of_o assembly_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a in_o their_o place_n as_o gerhard_n de_fw-fr eccles_n c._n 1._o §_o 4._o show_n at_o large_a nor_o that_o of_o ps_n 83.12_o of_o which_o sir_n h._n spelman_n have_v a_o discourse_n at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o tract_n de_fw-la non_fw-la temerandis_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la and_o who_o see_v not_o a_o vast_a difference_n the_o israelite_n be_v a_o free_a state_n of_o themselves_o and_o have_v governor_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a supreme_a and_o subordinate_a in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n of_o their_o own_o whereas_o the_o condition_n of_o christian_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o till_o constantine_n time_n as_o all_o know_v his_o last_o scripture_n be_v james_n 2.2_o where_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d synagogue_n be_v much_o more_o pregnant_a to_o denote_v a_o place_n than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n for_o of_o above_o 100_o text_n where_o this_o be_v use_v no_o one_o except_o that_o in_o 1_o cor._n 11.22_o be_v with_o any_o colour_n allege_v for_o a_o place_n whereas_o synagogue_n be_v frequent_o so_o take_v both_o in_o the_o 70_o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o apply_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o act_n 13.14_o &_o 14.1_o etc._n etc._n though_o sometime_o for_o a_o assembly_n and_o most_o usual_o so_o when_o apply_v to_o christian_n as_o the_o syriac_a here_o render_v it_o and_o beza_n coetum_fw-la the_o vulgar_a latin_a which_o some_o say_v be_v the_o vetus_n italica_n and_o make_v great_a account_n of_o it_o as_o our_o bishop_n andrews_n etc._n etc._n conventum_fw-la as_o our_o last_o version_n assembly_n and_o the_o former_a company_n decline_v the_o word_n synagogue_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n that_o i_o can_v conceive_v but_o because_o they_o judge_v that_o christian_n have_v no_o separate_a place_n in_o those_o day_n as_o the_o jew_n have_v james_n we_o know_v write_v to_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n disperse_v with_o who_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o use_n as_o hellenistical_a so_o that_o after_o they_o become_v christian_n they_o may_v well_o call_v their_o metting_n of_o what_o condition_n soever_o it_o be_v by_o that_o name_n for_o the_o word_n signify_v all_o kind_n of_o assembly_n civil_a and_o sacred_a as_o dr._n hammond_n show_v on_o matth._n 6.2_o from_o many_o text_n and_o here_o in_o james_n consistory_n for_o judicature_n by_o 5_o reason_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o church_n to_o distinguish_v the_o christian_n meeting_n from_o the_o jewish_a and_o as_o more_o proper_a etc._n etc._n which_o gerhard_n in_o the_o chap._n above_o cite_v note_n the_o name_n of_o synagogue_n be_v soon_o give_v over_o among_o christian_n and_o such_o place_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o whether_o before_o they_o become_v separate_a place_n or_o after_o and_o about_o what_o time_n such_o be_v build_v for_o prayer_n be_v the_o question_n sect_n 5._o mr._n mede_n from_o scripture_n proceed_v to_o inquire_v what_o manner_n of_o place_n these_o appropriate_a be_v before_o he_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n for_o such_o where_o first_o he_o acknowledge_v as_o baronius_n have_v before_o he_o that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o goodly_a and_o stately_a as_o after_o the_o empire_n become_v christian_n and_o we_o now_o enjoy_v but_o some_o capable_a and_o convenient_a room_n within_o the_o wall_n or_o dwelling_n of_o some_o pious_a disciple_n dedicate_v by_o he_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n usual_o a_o upper-room_n such_o as_o that_o call_v caenaculum_fw-la sionis_fw-la where_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n usual_o assemble_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v upon_o they_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n concern_v which_o place_n he_o bring_v a_o long_a train_n of_o tradition_n from_o nicephorus_n a_o most_o fabulous_a author_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o learned_a man_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v mention_v here_o let_v i_o observe_v the_o difference_n among_o our_o opponent_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o place_n bellarmine_n and_o baronius_n as_o also_o our_o fuller_n conclude_v from_o that_o text_n in_o the_o corinth_n for_o appropriate_a house_n or_o church_n but_o mede_n only_o for_o one_o room_n usual_o a_o upper_a in_o a_o house_n 2._o bellarmine_n will_v have_v these_o house_n to_o be_v holy_a temple_n from_o the_o christian_a sacrifice_n therein_o mean_v the_o mass_n which_o he_o think_v be_v alone_o sufficient_a for_o the_o denomination_n of_o a_o temple_n for_o c._n 4._o de_fw-la cultu_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la he_o say_v templum_fw-la nihil_fw-la aliud_fw-la est_fw-la quam_fw-la locus_fw-la altaris_fw-la a_o temple_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o the_o place_n of_o a_o altar_n call_v also_o basilica_fw-la say_v he_o as_o erect_v at_o some_o saint_n sepulchre_n baronius_n and_o fuller_n content_v themselves_o with_o the_o distinction_n of_o oratory_n which_o though_o poor_a and_o mean_a among_o christian_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o heathen_n temple_n yet_o be_v those_o temple_n as_o well_o as_o these_o but_o mede_n will_v have_v his_o room_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o owner_n dedication_n to_o be_v oratory_n and_o church_n though_o justinian_n distinguish_v these_o on_o 1_o cor._n 11._o say_v christian_n have_v their_o meeting_n first_o in_o private_a house_n afterward_o in_o oratory_n and_o church_n and_o whereas_o mr._n mede_n discourse_v of_o a_o room_n and_o house_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o best_o suit_v his_o opinion_n of_o appropriate_a place_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n mean_v without_o doubt_n wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o church_n as_o he_o instance_v in_o the_o coenaculum_fw-la sionis_fw-la in_o jerusalem_n all_o this_o be_v nothing_o better_a than_o building_n upon_o the_o sand._n for_o consider_v the_o several_a circumstance_n in_o act_n c._n 1._o &_o 2._o its_o far_o more_o probable_a that_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o upper_a room_n be_v in_o the_o temple_n than_o any_o private_a house_n as_o appear_v from_o several_a author_n and_o argument_n gather_v together_o in_o pool_n synopsis_n on_o act_n 1_o 13._o to_o which_o i_o refer_v be_v unwilling_a to_o transcribe_v such_o author_n as_o be_v common_a and_o easy_o come_v at_o then_o what_o room_n can_v contain_v such_o number_n as_o 3000_o act_n 2.41_o which_o soon_o increase_v as_o some_o think_v to_o 5000_o or_o more_o probable_o as_o other_o gather_v from_o the_o text_n act_v 4.4_o be_v so_o many_o more_o the_o ingenious_a potter_n on_o 666._o ch_z 36._o from_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n compute_v that_o each_o of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n may_v have_v about_o 500_o under_o his_o care_n beside_o the_o gift_n of_o so_o many_o tongue_n imply_v their_o several_a meeting_n according_o for_o we_o must_v not_o fancy_v as_o salmasius_n and_o some_o other_o that_o
ii_o dissertation_n concern_v the_o antiquity_n of_o church_n wherein_o be_v show_v that_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o two_o first_o century_n have_v no_o such_o public_a separate_a place_n for_o worship_n as_o the_o papist_n general_o and_o some_o protestant_n also_o presume_v and_o plead_v for_o london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n near_o mercers-chappel_n 1698._o nobilissimo_fw-la domino_fw-la d_o o._n roberto_n southwel_n equiti_fw-la aurato_fw-la summis_fw-la virtutibus_fw-la perinde_v ac_fw-la erudition_n ornatissimo_fw-la longo_fw-la rerum_fw-la usu_fw-la &_o prudentia_fw-la civili_fw-la celeberrimo_fw-la magnis_fw-la merito_fw-la officiis_n &_o honoribus_fw-la decorato_fw-la sub_fw-la carolo_n ii_o ad_fw-la aulam_fw-la portugalliae_fw-la semel_fw-la atque_fw-la iterum_fw-la ad_fw-la bruxellensem_fw-la quoque_fw-la &_o brandeburgicam_fw-la legato_n necnon_fw-la sanctiori_fw-la concilio_n a_o secretis_fw-la gulielmo_n iii_o in_o regno_fw-la hiberniae_fw-la ab_fw-la epistolis_fw-la itemque_fw-la regalis_fw-la societatis_fw-la praesidi_fw-la hanc_fw-la qualemcunque_fw-la dissertationem_fw-la quam_fw-la humillime_n d._n d._n c._n josephus_n hill_n the_o content_n sect_n 1._o the_o question_n state_v sect_n 2._o the_o first_o argument_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n have_v no_o public_a separate_a place_n for_o worship_n take_v from_o their_o persecution_n vindicate_v and_o enforce_v sect_n 3._o a_o second_o argument_n from_o the_o defect_n of_o proof_n for_o church_n so_o early_o sect_n 4._o our_o adversary_n proof_n from_o scripture_n consider_v and_o answer_v sect_n 5._o what_o kind_n of_o place_n be_v use_v for_o worship_n sect_n 6._o testimony_n for_o our_o opponent_n in_o the_o first_o century_n answer_v sect_n 7._o testimony_n in_o second_o century_n answer_v sect_n 8._o as_o also_o in_o the_o three_o century_n sect_n 9_o their_o reason_n answer_v and_o of_o church_n stand_v and_o worship_v towards_o the_o east_n sect_n 10._o several_a consideration_n for_o corroborate_n our_o assertion_n sect_n 11._o testimony_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o christian_n and_o how_o continue_v in_o the_o first_o age_n sect_n 12._o concern_v the_o number_n of_o martyr_n sect_n 13._o testimony_n that_o the_o christian_n have_v no_o church_n in_o the_o two_o first_o century_n sect_n 14._o and_o that_o they_o assemble_v frequent_o in_o the_o night_n and_o always_o in_o the_o most_o private_a place_n during_o their_o persecution_n under_o the_o heathen_n dissertation_n ii_o of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o artificial_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n section_n i._n have_v discourse_v in_o a_o former_a dissertation_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o temple_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o church_n in_o gospel_n time_n under_o the_o new_a wherein_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o protestant_n be_v maintain_v not_o only_o against_o bellarmine_n and_o baronius_n but_o some_o protestant_n also_o as_o fuller_n in_o his_o miscellanea_fw-la sac._n l._n 2._o c._n 9_o who_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o christian_n have_v their_o church_n or_o temple_n build_v even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o more_o especial_o mede_n who_o have_v large_o handle_v this_o subject_a in_o his_o treatise_n of_o appropriate_a place_n for_o christian_a worship_n both_o in_o and_o ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n both_o these_o state_n and_o maintain_v the_o question_n as_o they_o do_v and_o light_v their_o candle_n at_o their_o torch_n in_o this_o controversy_n our_o adversary_n take_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v when_o take_v for_o a_o religious_a assembly_n by_o the_o word_n church_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whence_o the_o saxon_a cyric_n and_o the_o german_a kyrk_n and_o we_o by_o add_v a_o double_a aspiration_n chyrch_n or_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o after_o age_n not_o in_o the_o beginning_n take_v for_o a_o public_a place_n for_o worship_n concern_v which_o here_o let_v i_o premise_v that_o although_o we_o have_v no_o particular_a command_n for_o building_n of_o church_n as_o of_o old_a for_o the_o tabernacle_n which_o be_v a_o movable_a temple_n or_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v stand_v tabernacle_n their_o name_n be_v frequent_o interchange_v nor_o do_v they_o recommend_v our_o service_n to_o god_n as_o those_o that_o be_v typical_a of_o our_o saviour_n do_v yet_o be_v edifice_n very_o convenient_a for_o the_o worshipper_n and_o be_v so_o far_o necessary_a for_o the_o advance_n god_n service_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o use_n of_o synagogue_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o by_o such_o structure_n we_o be_v better_o defend_v against_o the_o injury_n of_o wind_n and_o wether_n as_o also_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o minister_n be_v in_o they_o more_o audible_a than_o in_o the_o open_a air_n and_o that_o thereby_o we_o have_v great_a conveniency_n of_o exclude_v such_o as_o ought_v not_o to_o communicate_v with_o we_o beside_o that_o after_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o the_o contain_v a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n than_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o private_a house_n or_o place_n which_o occasion_v afterward_o as_o liberty_n be_v grant_v or_o encouragement_n give_v by_o christian_a magistrate_n the_o build_n of_o oratory_n and_o church_n so_o that_o though_o we_o grant_v the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v always_o place_n for_o public_a worship_n yet_o we_o deny_v they_o build_v any_o edifice_n public_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o have_v any_o such_o appropriate_a place_n as_o our_o opponent_n call_v temple_n or_o church_n but_o worship_v god_n in_o such_o number_n as_o can_v convenient_o meet_v together_o only_o in_o private_a house_n or_o such_o place_n as_o be_v obscure_a for_o above_o 200_o year_n after_o our_o bless_a saviour_n ascension_n although_o in_o the_o three_o century_n they_o have_v some_o oratory_n or_o conventicle_n here_o and_o there_o even_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n as_o well_o as_o in_o persia_n and_o other_o nation_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v spread_v for_o arnobius_n who_o flourish_v about_o 285_o mention_n l._n 4._o the_o christian_a conventicle_n and_o lactantius_n his_o scholar_n justit_fw-la l._n 5._o c._n 2._o a_o temple_n destroy_v in_o bythinia_n who_o be_v schoolmaster_n to_o crispus_n the_o son_n of_o constantine_n it_o be_v probable_a the_o public_a place_n grant_v the_o christian_n by_o galienus_n be_v then_o enlarge_v which_o be_v before_o call_v conventicle_n as_o he_o say_v one_o in_o phrygia_n set_v a_o conventicle_n on_o fire_n and_o burn_v all_o assemble_v therein_o cap._n 11._o sect_n 2._o the_o reason_n for_o this_o our_o assertion_n be_v 1._o the_o great_a persecution_n the_o christian_n live_v under_o for_o the_o most_o part_n all_o that_o time_n which_o be_v so_o apparent_a from_o all_o history_n sacred_a and_o civil_a that_o i_o wonder_v fuller_n shall_v say_v that_o persecution_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v more_o rare_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n private_a both_o which_o be_v notorious_o false_a as_o appear_v from_o the_o acts._n for_o no_o soon_o have_v the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n c._n 2._o &_o 3._o but_o they_o be_v by_o the_o ruler_n imprison_v beat_a and_o charge_v to_o desist_v c._n 4_o &_o 5._o stephen_n take_v and_o stone_v c._n 6_o &_o 7._o and_o thereupon_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o great_a persecution_n scatter_v c._n 8._o &_o 11._o v_o 19_o after_o we_o have_v herod_n persecute_v the_o christian_n kill_v james_n and_o imprison_a peter_n with_o intention_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n c._n 12._o the_o ruler_n persecute_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n at_o antioch_n c._n 13._o and_o at_o iconium_n and_o at_o lystra_n paul_n be_v stone_v c._n 14._o he_o and_o silas_n whip_v and_o imprison_v by_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n c._n 16._o persecute_a at_o thessalonica_n c._n 17._o a_o tumult_n against_o paul_n etc._n etc._n c._n 19_o he_o say_v bond_n and_o affliction_n wait_v for_o he_o in_o every_o city_n and_o that_o grievous_a wolf_n shall_v enter_v among_o they_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n c._n 20._o and_o what_o persecution_n he_o suffer_v at_o jerusalem_n not_o only_o from_o the_o rabble_n but_o the_o chief_a both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o roman_n may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n most_o of_o his_o epistle_n be_v write_v in_o bond_n and_o it_o be_v general_o say_v that_o he_o suffer_v at_o rome_n under_o nero_n as_o peter_n many_o say_v do_v also_o and_o st._n john_n banishment_n into_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n be_v certain_a as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o the_o emperor_n domitian_n and_o hospinian_n have_v observe_v that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n till_o bishop_n sylvester_n and_o the_o emperor_n constantine_n for_o above_o 300_o year_n not_o one_o of_o all_o those_o 30_o bishop_n of_o rome_n
whoever_o speak_v in_o any_o language_n be_v understand_v by_o all_o because_o this_o make_v the_o miracle_n to_o be_v in_o the_o hearer_n and_o not_o the_o speaker_n who_o be_v inspire_v for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n abroad_o in_o the_o nation_n who_o language_n they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o before_o consider_v also_o that_o hot_a persecution_n that_o present_o follow_v the_o year_n after_o in_o the_o 8_o of_o the_o act_n and_o whether_o this_o do_v not_o necessitate_v they_o often_o to_o change_v the_o place_n of_o their_o assemble_v it_o be_v neither_o safe_a to_o meet_v in_o great_a multitude_n nor_o always_o in_o the_o same_o place_n it_o be_v probable_a also_o from_o v_o 3._o by_o saul_n enter_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d into_o their_o several_a house_n be_v either_o when_o or_o where_o they_o assemble_v for_o into_o every_o house_n as_o we_o render_v it_o of_o so_o many_o christian_n as_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n seem_v to_o i_o improbable_a i_o pass_v over_o the_o fabulous_a tradition_n and_o fictitious_a gloss_n on_o act_n 10.9_o and_o 18.22_o especial_o as_o unworthy_a the_o author_n and_o the_o least_o consideration_n and_o can_v grant_v he_o that_o which_o follow_v of_o some_o give_v whole_a house_n for_o sacred_a assembly_n as_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n increase_v though_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v in_o the_o two_o first_o century_n as_o also_o that_o at_o length_n they_o build_v structure_n in_o the_o coemetery_n of_o martyr_n which_o yet_o platina_n and_o polid._n virgil_n say_v be_v but_o sacella_fw-la chapel_n and_o those_o in_o secret_a and_o unknown_a place_n sect_n 6._o we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o examine_v their_o testimony_n which_o mr._n mede_n have_v most_o full_o gather_v and_o regular_o of_o all_o our_o opponent_n rank_v throughout_o the_o 3_o first_o century_n we_o shall_v therefore_o follow_v his_o order_n and_o paticular_o consider_v they_o as_o he_o represent_v they_o although_o we_o think_v it_o not_o necessary_a to_o express_v all_o his_o word_n his_o work_n by_o many_o edition_n be_v in_o most_o scholar_n hand_n he_o begin_v with_o eusebius_n relate_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o philo_n the_o jew_n concern_v the_o essenes_n who_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o worship_n philo_n describe_v p._n 376._o etc._n etc._n and_o more_o full_o in_o his_o follow_a book_n de_fw-fr vita_fw-la contemplativa_fw-la p._n 893._o etc._n etc._n of_o last_o edition_n 1691._o which_o place_n in_o eusebius_n l._n 2._o c._n 17._o hist_o bellarmine_n before_o he_o have_v allege_v c._n 4._o de_fw-la cultu_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la though_o they_o both_o know_v eusebius_n being_n general_o censure_v for_o his_o accommodate_v it_o to_o the_o christian_n for_o its_o plain_a to_o any_o that_o peruse_v philo_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o sect_n of_o jew_n who_o be_v monk_n and_o have_v each_o their_o proper_a place_n for_o worship_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o common_a wherein_o they_o assemble_v for_o worship_n every_o seven_o day_n whereas_o the_o christian_n neither_o withdraw_v into_o cell_n nor_o observe_v the_o seven_o but_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n from_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n which_o fall_v on_o the_o first_o and_o after_o as_o appear_v by_o scripture_n and_o however_o confident_a mede_n be_v of_o eusebius_n be_v of_o his_o opinion_n the_o contrary_a appear_v in_o his_o book_n the_o prepar_n evangel_n l._n 7._o c._n 6._o &_o l._n 13._o c._n 13._o and_o philo_n book_n of_o the_o cherubim_n show_v he_o be_v not_o of_o mede_n mind_n his_o next_o argument_n be_v from_o the_o apostle_n salutation_n of_o several_a person_n and_o the_o church_n in_o he_o or_o their_o house_n which_o he_o understand_v not_o of_o family_n as_o he_o grant_v it_o be_v common_o take_v but_o the_o congregation_n of_o saint_n whence_o he_o infer_v appropriate_a place_n and_o their_o dedication_n by_o their_o owner_n to_o be_v oratory_n for_o the_o church_n in_o their_o several_a city_n and_o he_o cite_v lucian_n philopatris_n for_o their_o description_n to_o which_o we_o reply_v 1._o that_o this_o prove_v no_o more_o than_o that_o christian_n have_v meeting_n in_o private_a house_n which_o none_o deny_v which_o yet_o be_v often_o interrupt_v not_o only_o in_o dioclesian_n time_n when_o they_o be_v examine_v if_o they_o keep_v their_o meeting_n in_o their_o house_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o act_n of_o martyr_n but_o in_o tertullian_n time_n also_o 2._o the_o place_n in_o their_o house_n be_v but_o a_o caenaculum_fw-la or_o dining-room_n as_o mede_n grant_v which_o as_o it_o be_v incapable_a of_o salutation_n so_o of_o contain_v the_o whole_a church_n in_o most_o of_o those_o city_n for_o who_o can_v think_v their_o house_n much_o less_o one_o room_n so_o large_a see_v aquila_n be_v but_o a_o tentmaker_n banish_v from_o rome_n by_o claudius_n after_o who_o death_n he_o return_v before_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o the_o church_n there_o wherein_o c._n 16._o v._n 5_o he_o salute_v the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n and_o not_o only_o at_o rome_n but_o at_o philippi_n or_o ephesus_n also_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o his_o house_n as_o 1_o cor._n 16.19_o and_o what_o the_o rest_n be_v that_o have_v church_n in_o their_o house_n we_o read_v not_o 3._o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n be_v consider_v as_o distinct_a from_o themselves_o that_o be_v master_n and_o owner_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v fair_o apply_v to_o their_o family_n but_o if_o to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n the_o person_n who_o house_n they_o be_v be_v member_n thereof_o as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o it_o be_v very_o improper_a for_o so_o when_o st._n paul_n bid_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n salute_v the_o church_n in_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n house_n rom._n 16.5_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o roman_n shall_v salute_v themselves_o so_o in_o wish_v the_o colossian_n 4.15_o to_o salute_v the_o church_n in_o nymphas_n house_n he_o desire_v they_o to_o salute_v themselves_o and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n now_o to_o say_v these_o master_n of_o house_n bestow_v some_o part_n or_o place_n thereof_o to_o the_o church_n use_n need_v no_o proof_n for_o none_o can_v lawful_o enter_v into_o another_o man_n house_n without_o his_o allowance_n but_o that_o they_o dedicate_v they_o do_v for_o if_o dedication_n be_v then_o use_v of_o which_o hereafter_o yet_o sure_o not_o by_o a_o private_a person_n and_o whereas_o some_o singular_a thing_n must_v be_v mean_v say_v mede_n he_o conclude_v this_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o their_o house_n must_v be_v it_o which_o be_v inconsequent_a and_o though_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o demand_v a_o reason_n of_o another_o action_n which_o himself_o conceal_v yet_o something_o may_v be_v gather_v for_o this_o from_o the_o apostle_n as_o for_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n from_o rom._n 16.3_o 4._o and_o act_n 18.26_o and_o as_o they_o be_v his_o helper_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o promote_a the_o gospel_n so_o be_v nymphas_n also_o and_o philemon_n who_o paul_n call_v his_o fellow_n labourer_n as_o for_o lucian_n cite_v also_o by_o baronius_n for_o proof_n of_o house_n separate_v vedelius_fw-la answer_n 1._o that_o the_o dialogue_n philopatris_n be_v none_o of_o lucian_n sed_fw-la alterius_fw-la alicujus_fw-la scioli_fw-it and_o 2._o that_o the_o place_n may_v as_o well_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o private_a as_o a_o public_a house_n his_o 3d_o proof_n be_v from_o tradition_n that_o theophilus_n to_o who_o st._n luke_n inscribe_v his_o gospel_n and_o act_n convert_v his_o house_n into_o a_o church_n derive_v from_o the_o tradition_n of_o clemens_n as_o indens_fw-la likewise_o mention_v 2_o tim._n 4.21_o a_o roman_a senator_n and_o martyr_n from_o the_o acta_fw-la pudentis_fw-la this_o of_o theophilus_n mention_v by_o bellarmine_n c._n 4._o de_fw-la cultu_fw-la sanct_a from_o clement_n recognit_a l._n 10._o and_o baronius_n a._n d._n 58._o num_fw-la 32._o that_o have_v not_o find_v who_o he_o be_v but_o in_o clement_n recognition_n vedelius_fw-la answer_n in_o epist_n ign._n ad_fw-la magnes_fw-la scriptis_fw-la quae_fw-la citat_fw-la baronius_n tantum_fw-la deferendum_fw-la est_fw-la quantum_fw-la citanti_fw-la to_o the_o write_n cite_v by_o baronius_n we_o be_v to_o give_v as_o much_o credit_n as_o to_o the_o citer_fw-la see_v the_o judgement_n of_o papist_n concern_v these_o recognition_n in_o coci_n censura_fw-la scriptorum_fw-la p._n 20._o of_o pererius_n sixtus_n senensis_n driedo_n yea_o baronius_n himself_o a._n d._n 51._o num_fw-la 53._o who_o say_v that_o out_o of_o these_o book_n as_o out_o of_o a_o dirty_a sink_n be_v take_v such_o prodigious_a lie_n and_o mad_a dotage_n as_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v reprove_v but_o extreme_o reject_v by_o the_o learned_a etc._n etc._n his_o last_o testimony_n be_v from_o clemens_n epistola_fw-la
comfortable_a calm_n aurelian_n edict_n make_v for_o persecution_n be_v never_o sign_v by_o he_o god_n have_v terrify_v he_o with_o lightning_n as_o eutropius_n and_o vopiscus_n affirm_v and_o so_o stop_v his_o wicked_a tyranny_n but_o alas_o instead_o of_o be_v better_v they_o extreme_o degenerate_v so_o that_o eusebius_n say_v god_n send_v that_o direful_a storm_n of_o persecution_n on_o they_o under_o dioclesian_n for_o the_o corruptness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n maximè_fw-la vero_fw-la ecclesiasticorum_fw-la in_fw-la quorum_fw-la vultu_fw-la simulationem_fw-la in_o cord_n dolum_fw-la verbis_fw-la fallaciam_fw-la cernere_fw-la licuit_fw-la livore_fw-la superbia_fw-la inimicitiis_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la certantes_fw-la tyrannidem_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la sacerdotium_fw-la sapere_fw-la videbantur_fw-la christianae_n pietatis_fw-la omnino_fw-la obliti_fw-la divina_fw-la mysteria_fw-la profanabant_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la celebrabant_fw-la which_o i_o forbear_v to_o english_a those_o that_o please_v may_v read_v more_o in_o fox_n martyrology_n in_o the_o 9th_o primitive_a persecution_n though_o he_o misreckon_v it_o there_o have_v be_v no_o general_a persecution_n in_o aurelian_n reign_n who_o as_o he_o himself_o say_v rather_o intend_v than_o move_v persecution_n but_o for_o their_o wickedness_n follow_v the_o 10_o when_o their_o church_n be_v demolish_v their_o bible_n burn_a their_o person_n punish_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o cruelty_n neither_o courtier_n nor_o friend_n not_o the_o empress_n prisca_n nor_o daughter_n valeria_n spare_v his_o decree_n be_v aut_fw-la deos_fw-la gentilium_fw-la aut_fw-la mortem_fw-la eligerent_fw-la that_o the_o christian_n shall_v choose_v either_o the_o heathen_a god_n or_o death_n of_o this_o ten_o and_o great_a persecution_n eusebius_n in_o his_o 8_o book_n of_o history_n lactantius_n de_fw-fr mortibus_fw-la persecutorum_fw-la from_o 7_o to_o 49_o chap._n with_o the_o note_n in_o latin_a of_o 1693_o which_o be_v 10_o time_n large_a than_o the_o text._n and_o fox_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o martyrology_n from_o eusebius_n and_o several_a other_o have_v write_v large_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o transcribe_v but_o dismiss_v with_o this_o short_a remark_n that_o of_o all_o the_o 10_o general_a persecution_n this_o last_o which_o be_v the_o forest_n and_o continue_v above_o ten_o year_n only_o reach_v england_n wherein_o albanus_n first_o and_o very_o many_o after_o seal_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n with_o their_o blood_n so_o that_o christianity_n be_v almost_o with_o the_o scripture_n and_o church_n destroy_v throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n though_o short_o after_o revive_v by_o the_o bless_a constantine_n have_v now_o examine_v all_o our_o adversary_n witness_n we_o leave_v the_o impartial_a reader_n to_o judge_v of_o their_o validity_n and_o whether_o they_o prove_v the_o christian_n to_o have_v have_v any_o public_a appropriate_a place_n for_o worship_n in_o the_o two_o first_o century_n which_o though_o undoubted_o most_o sit_v and_o convenient_a always_o yet_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n man_n must_v do_v as_o they_o may_v and_o meet_v as_o secret_o as_o they_o can_v and_o be_v constrain_v often_o to_o change_v their_o meeting_n place_n and_o when_o private_a house_n will_v not_o serve_v for_o secrecy_n to_o seek_v out_o vault_n under_o ground_n where_o they_o may_v worship_v god_n and_o yet_o not_o even_o in_o the_o most_o secret_a and_o retire_a place_n without_o fear_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o danger_n of_o their_o life_n which_o show_v our_o happiness_n in_o this_o regard_n above_o they_o who_o be_v much_o better_a than_o we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o scruple_n that_o i_o can_v imagine_v remain_v and_o that_o be_v though_o these_o place_n be_v private_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v as_o mede_n term_v they_o appropriate_a to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o his_o first_o argument_n for_o his_o opinion_n which_o immediate_o follow_v from_o their_o worship_v towards_o the_o east_n imply_v that_o he_o take_v they_o for_o public_a and_o purposely_o build_v according_o for_o that_o end_n and_o 2_o who_o ever_o diligent_o peruse_v his_o treatise_n will_v see_v that_o he_o find_v their_o appropriation_n as_o also_o their_o holiness_n of_o which_o in_o the_o next_o dissertation_n on_o their_o consecration_n or_o as_o he_o sometime_o call_v it_o dedication_n now_o if_o we_o consider_v when_o this_o begin_v platina_n in_o vitis_fw-la pontif._n tell_v we_o that_o telesphorus_n have_v suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o antomus_fw-la pius_fw-la which_o be_v about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 142._o hyginus_n a_o athenian_a succeed_v he_o who_o ordain_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o use_n of_o those_o witness_n we_o common_o call_v godfather_n and_o godmother_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v then_o i_o confess_v more_o necessary_a by_o reason_n the_o generality_n of_o those_o among_o who_o the_o christian_n live_v be_v heathen_n and_o therefore_o in_o case_n the_o parent_n on_o who_o it_o be_v incumbent_n to_o see_v they_o child_n educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n come_v to_o die_v they_o that_o be_v sponsor_n may_v take_v care_n to_o see_v they_o bring_v up_o therein_o which_o institution_n as_o likewise_o confirmation_n be_v now_o degenerate_v into_o a_o mere_a formality_n few_o regard_v their_o solemn_a engagement_n make_v for_o that_o end_n and_o 2._o he_o ordain_v also_o templorum_fw-la consecrationes_fw-la the_o consecration_n of_o temple_n that_o or_o church_n be_v the_o usual_a name_n give_v to_o all_o place_n for_o god_n worship_n in_o after_o age_n so_o that_o consecration_n be_v but_o introduce_v in_o the_o second_o century_n if_o mede_n take_v it_o in_o the_o usual_a sense_n his_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v appropriate_a place_n for_o christian_a worship_n both_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o ever_o since_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o live_v so_o long_o but_o if_o he_o take_v it_o for_o a_o private_a house_n or_o some_o room_n therein_o where_o the_o church_n meet_v together_o as_o he_o seem_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o by_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n then_o whensoever_o any_o owner_n thereof_o give_v leave_v for_o the_o christian_n to_o assemble_v therein_o their_o permission_n be_v a_o consecration_n thereof_o whereby_o they_o appropriate_v the_o same_o to_o the_o church_n use_v and_o so_o according_a to_o his_o tenet_n employ_v they_o no_o more_o for_o their_o own_o civil_a use_n be_v appropriate_a to_o a_o sacred_a or_o else_o some_o pious_a christian_n give_v their_o house_n as_o he_o think_v and_o dedicate_v they_o to_o the_o church_n for_o a_o meeting_n place_n by_o which_o dedication_n it_o be_v appropriate_v but_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v reasonable_o imagine_v consider_v 1._o that_o we_o read_v of_o several_a that_o sell_v their_o possession_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o poor_a but_o we_o read_v of_o none_o that_o give_v their_o house_n to_o the_o church_n for_o meeting_n in_o 2._o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n increase_v many_o house_n be_v requisite_a to_o contain_v they_o as_o we_o have_v former_o observe_v 3._o how_o often_o in_o those_o bloody_a persecutious_a they_o be_v force_v to_o shift_v their_o meeting-place_n to_o shun_v the_o loss_n of_o their_o estate_n liberty_n and_o life_n we_o may_v easy_o conclude_v and_o last_o have_v any_o either_o grant_v or_o give_v any_o house_n or_o certain_a place_n for_o such_o a_o use_n as_o therein_o constant_o to_o assemble_v they_o have_v thereby_o without_o all_o doubt_n be_v quick_o discover_v certain_o disperse_v and_o often_o time_n most_o severe_o punish_v so_o that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o to_o question_v the_o readiness_n of_o many_o that_o be_v able_a nor_o their_o pious_a liberality_n so_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v their_o prudence_n the_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o what_o be_v most_o conducible_a to_o their_o preservation_n that_o they_o may_v not_o run_v themselves_o on_o the_o rock_n of_o destruction_n sect_n 9_o our_o opponent_n beside_o the_o authority_n mention_v produce_v several_a argument_n for_o their_o opinion_n whereof_o 3_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o mede_n which_o we_o shall_v now_o consider_v first_o it_o be_v certain_a say_v he_o that_o in_o their_o sacred_a assembly_n christian_n use_v then_o to_o worship_n and_o pray_v towards_o the_o east_n which_o how_o it_o can_v be_v do_v with_o any_o order_n and_o conveniency_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v conceive_v unless_o we_o suppose_v the_o place_n wherein_o they_o worship_v to_o have_v be_v situate_v and_o accommodate_v according_o that_o be_v choose_v and_o appoint_v to_o that_o end_n this_o he_o have_v touch_v on_o before_o from_o tertullian_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 3d_o century_n for_o which_o no_o authority_n be_v vouch_v but_o that_o only_a of_o the_o forge_a apstolical_a constitution_n false_o ascribe_v to_o clemens_n here_o
summary_o mention_v in_o spencer_n annotation_n on_o the_o first_o book_n of_o origen_n so_o that_o the_o christian_n for_o their_o impiety_n be_v account_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o public_a calamity_n that_o befall_v the_o empire_n if_o there_o be_v a_o famine_n pestilence_n etc._n etc._n the_o people_n cry_v out_o christianos_n ad_fw-la leones_n cast_v the_o christian_n to_o the_o lion_n as_o tertul._n apol._n c._n 40._o cypr._n ep._n 75._o and_o other_o so_o when_o rome_n be_v take_v by_o alaricus_n it_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o god_n for_o the_o contempt_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o occasion_v s._n austin_n to_o write_v that_o excellent_a book_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la and_o orosius_n his_o orchestra_n for_o the_o refutation_n of_o their_o heathenish_a folly_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o still_o think_v to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o their_o god_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o christian_n nor_o be_v they_o less_o traduce_v for_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o state_n and_o such_o as_o turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o peaceable_a demeanour_n under_o the_o civil_a government_n because_o they_o will_v not_o pray_v to_o their_o idol_n though_o they_o do_v to_o almighty_a god_n nor_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o they_o for_o the_o prosperity_n thereof_o in_o like_a manner_n also_o be_v they_o accuse_v for_o be_v rebel_n to_o their_o emperor_n because_o they_o refuse_v to_o frequent_v their_o solemn_a feast_n and_o spectacle_n for_o their_o victory_n nor_o will_v swear_v as_o other_o do_v by_o their_o genius_n nor_o give_v they_o divine_a honour_n by_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o they_o together_o with_o their_o idol_n go_n for_o as_o julius_n caesar_n as_o suetonius_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o life_n c._n 76._o decerni_fw-la sibi_fw-la passus_fw-la est_fw-la templa_fw-la aras_n simulachra_fw-la juxta_fw-la deos_fw-la suffer_v temple_n altar_n and_o image_n to_o be_v decree_v for_o he_o near_o the_o go_n so_o his_o heathen_a successor_n in_o the_o empire_n continue_v the_o same_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o pliny_n epistle_n to_o trajan_n hence_o they_o be_v call_v sacrilgi_n sacrilegious_a and_o lawless_a because_o this_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n and_o caesar_n be_v by_o law_n establish_v yea_o the_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n because_o by_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o god_n they_o bring_v misery_n upon_o the_o world_n so_o that_o be_v account_v by_o the_o heathen_n enemy_n of_o their_o god_n and_o religion_n their_o state_n emperor_n law_n manner_n and_o all_o mankind_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o become_v the_o object_n of_o public_a hatred_n according_a to_o that_o of_o tertul._n l._n scorp_n c._n 11._o odio_fw-la habemur_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la hominibus_fw-la nominis_fw-la causa_fw-la we_o be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o he_o and_o athenagoras_n and_o justin_n likewise_o in_o their_o apology_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v foretell_v matth._n 10.22_o so_o 24.9_o and_o luke_n 21.12_o and_o it_o have_v be_v happy_a for_o after_o age_n since_o the_o world_n turn_v christian_n if_o these_o calumny_n have_v not_o be_v use_v to_o represent_v the_o best_a sort_n of_o man_n as_o enemy_n to_o prince_n and_o state_n who_o can_v not_o in_o conscience_n comply_v to_o worship_v the_o image_n they_o set_v up_o how_o have_v not_o only_a papist_n under_o such_o pretext_n all_o along_o persecute_v all_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o their_o impious_a imposition_n but_o even_o protestant_n also_o frequent_o for_o small_a matter_n all_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o dance_v after_o the_o fiddle_n of_o the_o time_n 7._o let_v we_o further_o consider_v the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o most_o which_o carry_v all_o before_o it_o with_o those_o that_o regard_v not_o their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a the_o whole_a world_n turn_v continual_o upon_o the_o hinge_v of_o self-interest_n and_o herein_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o those_o engage_v thereby_o against_o the_o christian_n some_o for_o preserve_v the_o dignity_n and_o revenue_n they_o have_v and_o other_o for_o augment_v they_o of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v the_o several_a religious_a order_n of_o priest_n or_o flamen_fw-la and_o augur_n or_o prognosticator_n with_o the_o whole_a rabble_n that_o depend_v on_o they_o which_o must_v needs_o be_v many_o consider_v the_o multitude_n of_o place_n and_o people_n as_o also_o of_o idol_n and_o temple_n they_o be_v to_o serve_v by_o perform_v their_o religious_a function_n in_o sacrifice_n lustration_n and_o supplication_n all_o which_o have_v great_a credit_n as_o in_o all_o religion_n such_o have_v especial_o among_o a_o ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a people_n and_o understand_v very_o well_o that_o christianity_n will_v ruin_v at_o once_o all_o their_o office_n honour_n and_o profit_n know_v that_o thereby_o their_o god_n will_v be_v deride_v their_o worship_n neglect_v their_o oracle_n remain_v contemn_v and_o prove_v often_o false_a many_o of_o they_o be_v already_o silence_v which_o the_o learned_a plutarch_n both_o confess_v and_o wonder_v at_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr defectu_fw-la oraculorum_fw-la among_o his_o work_n and_o with_o camararius_n note_n alone_o which_o consideration_n stop_v two_o of_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n which_o have_v most_o kindness_n for_o christ_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v lampridius_n in_o the_o life_n of_o alexander_n severus_n who_o write_v thus_o christo_fw-la alexander_n templum_fw-la facere_fw-la voluit_fw-la eumque_fw-la inter_fw-la deos_fw-la recipere_fw-la quod_fw-la et_fw-la adrianus_n cogitasse_fw-la fertur_fw-la qui_fw-la templa_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la civitatibus_fw-la sine_fw-la simulachris_fw-la jusser_v at_o fieri_fw-la quoe_fw-la hodie_fw-la idcirco_fw-la quia_fw-la non_fw-la habent_fw-la numina_fw-la dicuntur_fw-la adriani_n quae_fw-la ille_fw-la ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la parasse_fw-la diccbatur_fw-la sed_fw-la prohibitus_fw-la est_fw-la ab_fw-la iis_fw-la qui_fw-la consulentes_fw-la sacra_fw-la repererant_fw-la omnes_fw-la christianos_n futuros_fw-la si_fw-la id_fw-la optata_fw-la evenisset_fw-la &_o templa_fw-la reliqua_fw-la deserenda_fw-la alexander_n severus_n will_v have_v make_v a_o temple_n for_o christ_n and_o receive_v he_o among_o the_o go_n which_o adrian_n also_o be_v say_v to_o have_v determine_v who_o have_v command_v temple_n to_o be_v make_v in_o all_o city_n without_o image_n which_o therefore_o still_o because_o they_o have_v no_o god_n be_v call_v adrian_n which_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v prepare_v for_o this_o but_o be_v prohibit_v by_o those_o who_o consult_v the_o oracle_n find_v all_o will_v turn_v christian_n if_o that_o have_v happen_v well_o and_o all_o other_o temple_n will_v be_v forsake_v of_o the_o latter_a sort_n that_o be_v for_o augment_v their_o estate_n be_v especial_o the_o magistrate_n both_o supreme_a and_o subordinate_a for_o know_v they_o may_v gain_v by_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n those_o especial_o that_o be_v superstitious_a covetous_a and_o cruel_a be_v thereby_o induce_v to_o fly_v upon_o the_o spoil_n by_o confiscate_v the_o estate_n of_o christian_n who_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n be_v make_v a_o gaze_a stock_n both_o by_o reproach_n and_o affliction_n and_o be_v companion_n of_o they_o that_o be_v so_o use_v and_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n heb._n 10.32_o 33_o 34._o and_o elsewhere_o their_o suffering_n be_v set_v forth_o comprise_v their_o loss_n yea_o even_o felix_n the_o governor_n hope_v to_o have_v get_v money_n from_o poor_a paul_n for_o his_o freedom_n and_o commune_v with_o he_o often_o for_o this_o end_n think_v belike_o that_o his_o friend_n will_v contribute_v thereto_o act_v 24.26_o so_o that_o temporal_a interest_n engage_v all_o officer_n sacred_a and_o civil_a to_o prevent_v and_o suppress_v christianity_n and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o 8._o to_o all_o the_o former_a consideration_n which_o suggest_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o christian_n to_o keep_v themselves_o as_o private_a as_o possible_a we_o may_v add_v several_a other_o particular_n as_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o extreme_a prejudice_n against_o christianity_n and_o inveterate_a hatred_n of_o the_o christian_n stir_v they_o up_o frequent_o to_o raise_v popular_a tumult_n against_o their_o person_n family_n and_o society_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o author_n and_o if_o the_o people_n be_v suppress_v by_o the_o magistrate_n from_o exorbitant_a violence_n they_o have_v always_o liberty_n to_o accuse_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o trial_n and_o such_o be_v their_o malice_n and_o rage_n that_o sometime_o they_o hurry_v they_o by_o violence_n before_o their_o ruler_n and_o sometime_o exhibit_v multitude_n in_o the_o same_o libel_n or_o accusation_n then_o be_v they_o strict_o examine_v and_o put_v to_o purge_v themselves_o upon_o oath_n and_o if_o they_o deny_v be_v command_v for_o further_a proof_n thereof_o not_o only_o to_o worship_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o idol_n god_n and_o emperor_n but_o also_o to_o
his_o burn_v the_o city_n false_o accuse_v and_o exquisite_o torment_v those_o odious_a for_o their_o wickedness_n which_o the_o common_a people_n call_v christian_n the_o author_n of_o that_o name_n be_v christ_n who_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n be_v execute_v by_o his_o proconsul_n pontius_n pilate_n and_o this_o pestilent_a superstition_n have_v be_v repress_v for_o a_o time_n break_v out_o again_o not_o only_o in_o judea_n the_o original_a of_o that_o evil_a but_o also_o in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n whither_o all_o heinous_a and_o shameful_a thing_n from_o all_o part_n flow_v together_o and_o be_v have_v in_o estimation_n first_o therefore_o they_o be_v apprehend_v who_o confess_v then_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o they_o be_v discover_v be_v convict_v in_o judgement_n not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o crime_n of_o burn_v the_o city_n as_o the_o hatred_n of_o mankind_n and_o mockery_n add_v to_o their_o death_n they_o be_v cover_v with_o the_o skin_n of_o wild_a beast_n that_o they_o may_v be_v tear_v in_o piece_n by_o dog_n or_o crucify_a or_o burn_v and_o when_o the_o day_n be_v spend_v they_o be_v use_v for_o light_n in_o the_o night_n nero_n have_v offer_v his_o garden_n for_o this_o spectacle_n here_o we_o have_v the_o heathen_n opinion_n of_o christianity_n and_o christian_n a_o attestation_n to_o that_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n christ_n suffer_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o servant_n for_o which_o i_o allege_v the_o place_n especial_o these_o cause_v that_o defection_n of_o many_o the_o historian_n brief_o touch_v in_o say_v this_o pernicious_a superstition_n meaning_n christianity_n be_v for_o a_o time_n repress_v that_o be_v by_o those_o former_a persecution_n we_o have_v frequent_o mention_v in_o paul_n epistle_n and_o also_o those_o of_o james_n and_o peter_n whereby_o some_o forsake_v the_o christian_a assembly_n other_o apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n against_o which_o the_o apostle_n warn_v the_o rest_n hebrew_n 10.23_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n other_o mix_v christianity_n with_o judaisme_n which_o be_v tolerate_v lest_o they_o shall_v suffer_v persecution_n for_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n gal._n 6.12_o although_o those_o sanguinary_a law_n and_o bloody_a persecution_n that_o follow_v have_v not_o as_o yet_o fall_v on_o they_o as_o heb._n 12.4_o show_v where_o the_o apostle_n say_v you_o have_v not_o yet_o resist_v unto_o blood_n for_o these_o be_v begin_v by_o nero_n about_o the_o seven_o or_o eight_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n i_o suppose_v before_o the_o conflagration_n at_o rome_n usual_o reckon_v the_o ten_o but_o for_o these_o see_v the_o several_a note_n on_o c._n 2._o of_o lactantius_n de_fw-fr mortibus_fw-la persecutorum_fw-la domitian_n about_o thirteen_o year_n after_o nero_n be_v make_v emperor_n who_o in_o cruelty_n surpass_v he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o behold_v those_o in_o torment_n nor_o spare_v some_o of_o his_o near_a relation_n confirmatissimam_fw-la toto_fw-la orbe_fw-la christi_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la datis_fw-la ubique_fw-la crudelissimae_fw-la persecutionis_fw-la edictis_fw-la convellere_fw-la ausus_fw-la est_fw-la universali_fw-la persecutione_n say_v orosius_n l._n 7._o c._n 7._o that_o be_v he_o adventure_v to_o pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v most_o firm_o settle_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o universal_a persecution_n edict_n for_o most_o cruel_a persecution_n every_o where_o be_v give_v out_o by_o he_o so_o that_o how_o private_o soever_o the_o christian_n keep_v their_o assembly_n most_o of_o their_o pastor_n be_v force_v to_o fly_v according_a to_o the_o verse_n of_o that_o time_n vrbibus_fw-la antiqui_fw-la patres_fw-la fugêre_fw-la relictis_fw-la the_o ancient_a father_n leave_v the_o city_n flee_v trajan_n about_o a_o year_n and_o four_o month_n after_o domitian_n follow_v in_o the_o empire_n under_o who_o the_o three_o general_n persecution_n be_v reckon_v for_o that_o many_o christian_n suffer_v under_o he_o by_o his_o governor_n execute_v the_o law_n against_o they_o be_v manifest_a for_o suidas_n say_v tyberianus_fw-la the_o precedent_n of_o syria_n write_v he_o word_n se_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la parem_fw-la christianis_fw-la occidendis_fw-la eo_fw-la quod_fw-la ultro_fw-la illi_fw-la se_fw-la neci_fw-la offerrent_fw-la that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a or_o sufficient_a for_o kill_v the_o christian_n because_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n they_o offer_v themselves_o to_o death_n and_o pliny_n his_o proconsul_n in_o bythinia_n after_o he_o have_v put_v many_o to_o death_n affright_v with_o their_o multitude_n consult_v the_o emperor_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o they_o in_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o trajan_n l._n 10._o epist_n 98._o mention_v by_o tertul._n in_o apol._n eusebius_n and_o other_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o transcribe_v be_v in_o most_o man_n hand_n only_o let_v i_o observe_v that_o so_o severe_a be_v the_o persecution_n that_o many_o for_o fear_n deny_v they_o be_v christian_n though_o they_o have_v be_v they_o confess_v but_o have_v forsake_v it_o some_o of_o they_o ante_fw-la plures_fw-la annos_fw-la many_o year_n before_o and_o that_o after_o he_o have_v forbid_v their_o society_n according_a to_o the_o emperor_n command_n they_o have_v forbear_v they_o and_o have_v faithful_o declare_v their_o manner_n of_o worship_n and_o innocency_n of_o life_n yet_o trajan_n answer_v he_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v seek_v after_o but_o connive_v at_o except_o they_o be_v accuse_v and_o convict_v and_o then_o if_o they_o persist_v they_o shall_v be_v punish_v conquirendi_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la si_fw-la deferantur_fw-la &_o arguantur_fw-la puniendi_fw-la sunt_fw-la by_o which_o occasion_n say_v eusebius_n l._n 3._o hist_o c._n 33._o plurimi_fw-la ex_fw-la fidelibus_fw-la multiplicis_fw-la martyrii_fw-la certamen_fw-la subjerunt_fw-la many_o of_o the_o christian_a suffer_v manifold_a martyrdom_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v through_o the_o first_o age_n and_o the_o time_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n who_o outlive_v all_o the_o rest_n till_o the_o three_o year_n of_o trajan_n as_o iraeneus_n and_o hierom_n affirm_v and_o die_v 100_o or_o more_o year_n of_o old_a age._n from_o what_o be_v say_v let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_n if_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o well_o as_o ever_o since_o the_o christian_n have_v such_o place_n for_o worship_n as_o our_o adversary_n contend_v for_o i_o design_v not_o a_o history_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o proceed_v to_o the_o general_a persecution_n that_o follow_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o century_n which_o together_o with_o the_o former_a be_v general_o count_v ten_n though_o different_o reckon_v that_o they_o may_v answer_v the_o ten_o plague_n of_o egypt_n but_o by_o some_o twelve_o in_o number_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v needless_a so_o many_o have_v relate_v they_o at_o large_a eusebius_n especial_o at_o who_o torch_n most_o after_o he_o light_v their_o candle_n and_o in_o our_o own_o language_n fox_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o martyrology_n i_o shall_v only_o request_v the_o consider_v the_o history_n of_o those_o general_a persecution_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o continual_a yet_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o age_n have_v not_o any_o long_a time_n of_o repose_n though_o some_o lucid_a interval_n sometime_o when_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o empire_n be_v disturb_v and_o turbulent_a as_o be_v usual_a we_o know_v by_o modern_a example_n especial_o from_o commodus_n to_o severus_n and_o from_o severus_n to_o decius_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n and_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o all_o opposition_n and_o let_v the_o world_n see_v how_o vain_a the_o attempt_n of_o man_n be_v against_o what_o god_n hand_n and_o counsel_n determine_v before_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v as_o tertul_n in_o c._n 5._o apolog._n cruciate_v torquete_fw-la damnate_a atterite_fw-la nos_fw-la plures_fw-la efficimur_fw-la quoties_fw-la metimur_fw-la à _fw-la vobis_fw-la semen_n est_fw-la sanguis_fw-la christianorum_fw-la torment_n torture_n condemn_v break_v we_o to_o piece_n the_o often_o we_o be_v mow_v down_o by_o you_o the_o more_o we_o be_v make_v the_o blood_n of_o christian_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o because_o some_o pretend_v the_o good_a nature_n of_o some_o of_o the_o emperor_n and_o their_o peaceable_a reign_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v that_o some_o be_v far_o better_o comparative_o than_o other_o as_o nerva_n domitian_n successor_n who_o recall_v those_o he_o have_v banish_v as_o john_n the_o evangelist_n with_o many_o other_o and_o acquit_v the_o christian_n from_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n but_o alas_o this_o be_v but_o a_o short_a breathe_v time_n he_o have_v reign_v but_o four_o month_n and_o nine_o day_n above_o a_o year_n so_o that_o it_o be_v scarce_o account_v nor_o some_o that_o be_v long_o no_o nor_o