a_o collection_n of_o many_o particular_a church_n who_o mention_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n 214._o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o africa_n and_o numidia_n else_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o ever_o i_o meet_v with_o it_o in_o this_o sense_n in_o any_o write_n either_o of_o this_o or_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n but_o whenever_o they_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o christian_n in_o any_o kingdom_n or_o province_n they_o always_o say_v in_o the_o plural_a the_o church_n never_o in_o the_o singular_a the_o church_n of_o such_o a_o kingdom_n or_o province_n thus_o dyonisius_n alexandrinus_n do_v not_o say_v the_o church_n 251._o but_o the_o church_n of_o cilicia_n and_o so_o irenaeus_n mention_n 36._o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o germany_n spain_n france_n the_o east_n egypt_n and_o lybia_n so_o also_o tertullian_n speak_v of_o the_o 314._o church_n of_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n and_o 386._o the_o church_n of_o greece_n and_o so_o of_o every_o country_n they_o always_o express_v the_o church_n thereof_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n v._o the_o word_n church_n frequent_o occur_v for_o that_o which_o we_o common_o call_v the_o invisible_a church_n that_o be_v for_o those_o who_o by_o a_o sound_a repentance_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n be_v actual_o interest_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o this_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n must_v we_o understand_v tertullian_n when_o he_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v 196._o espouse_v the_o church_n and_o that_o 455._o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o that_o of_o irenaeus_n 308._o that_o the_o church_n be_v fit_v according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o word_n oftentimes_o use_v in_o other_o of_o the_o father_n as_o i_o may_v easy_o show_v if_o any_o one_o do_v doubt_v it_o vi_o the_o word_n church_n be_v frequent_o to_o be_v interpret_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n irenaeus_n pray_v that_o the_o 229._o heretic_n may_v be_v reclaim_v from_o their_o heresy_n and_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o exhort_v all_o sincere_a christian_n not_o to_o follow_v heretic_n but_o to_o 342._o fly_v to_o the_o church_n upon_o which_o account_n heretic_n be_v say_v to_o have_v leave_v the_o church_n as_o tertullian_n tell_v martion_n that_o when_o he_o become_v a_o heretic_n 13._o he_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o heresy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v dissonant_n from_o the_o church_n as_o origen_n write_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o transmigration_n of_o soul_n be_v 1._o alien_a from_o the_o church_n there_o be_v yet_o several_a other_o signification_n of_o this_o word_n though_o not_o so_o usual_a as_o some_o of_o the_o forementioned_a one_o nor_o so_o pertinent_a to_o my_o design_n so_o that_o i_o may_v just_o pass_v they_o over_o without_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v they_o but_o lest_o any_o shall_v be_v desirous_a to_o know_v they_o i_o will_v just_o name_v they_o and_o then_o proceed_v to_o what_o be_v more_o material_a beside_o then_o those_o former_a signification_n the_o word_n according_a to_o its_o original_a import_n be_v also_o use_v for_o any_o congregation_n in_o general_a sometime_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o particular_a sect_n of_o heretic_n as_o tertullian_n call_v the_o marcionite_n 255._o the_o church_n of_o martion_n at_o other_o time_n it_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o orthodox_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o heretic_n as_o by_o the_o same_o 69._o tertullian_n sometime_o it_o be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o heathen_a assembly_n as_o by_o 128._o origen_n at_o other_o time_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o believe_a gentile_n as_o by_o 271._o irenaeus_n in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o deputy_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o in_o 52._o ignatius_n in_o other_o place_n it_o signify_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a in_o heaven_n which_o we_o common_o call_v the_o church_n triumphant_a as_o in_o 104._o clemens_n alexandriaeus_fw-la once_o i_o find_v it_o denote_v the_o 279._o laity_n only_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o once_o signify_v only_a 382._o christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o faithful_a §_o 2._o but_o the_o usual_a and_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o which_o we_o must_v chief_o treat_v be_v that_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n under_o their_o proper_a pastor_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o exercise_v of_o christian_a discipline_n now_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o natural_o present_v its_o self_n to_o our_o consideration_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o constituent_a part_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o who_o make_v up_o and_o compose_v such_o a_o church_n in_o the_o general_a they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 134._o elect_n 1._o the_o call_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o in_o innumerable_a place_n they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o brethren_n because_o of_o their_o brotherly_a love_n and_o affection_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o faithful_a in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pagan_a world_n who_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n nor_o in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n but_o more_o particular_o we_o may_v divide_v they_o into_o two_o part_n into_o the_o people_n that_o compose_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o person_n who_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o religious_a and_o ecclesiastical_a employment_n or_o to_o conform_v to_o our_o ordinary_a dialect_n into_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n which_o be_v a_o early_a distinction_n be_v mention_v by_o 53._o clemens_n romanus_n and_o after_o he_o by_o 1._o origen_n and_o several_a other_o §_o 3._o each_o of_o these_o have_v their_o particular_a office_n and_o both_o together_o have_v their_o joint_a employment_n to_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o speak_v in_o the_o ensue_a tract_n as_o they_o natural_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o these_o three_o particular_n i._n the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o clergy_n ii_o the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o laity_n iii_o the_o joint_a act_n of_o they_o both_o by_o the_o resolution_n of_o which_o three_o question_n some_o discovery_n will_v be_v make_v of_o the_o constitution_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o of_o their_o practice_n with_o respect_n to_o many_o point_n unhappy_o controvert_v among_o we_o §_o 4._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o what_o be_v the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o clergy_n now_o here_o must_v be_v consider_v the_o function_n of_o every_o particular_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o clergy_n which_o we_o may_v say_v to_o be_v three_o viz._n bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n who_o employment_n we_o shall_v several_o handle_v as_o also_o several_a other_o point_n which_o under_o those_o head_n shall_v offer_v themselves_o unto_o we_o i_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o the_o bishop_n but_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n both_o of_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a first_o of_o all_o to_o consider_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o state_n of_o paganism_n and_o darkness_n have_v their_o understanding_n cloud_v with_o ignorance_n and_o error_n alienate_v from_o god_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o he_o applaud_v their_o own_o brutish_a invention_n and_o adore_v as_o god_n whatever_o their_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o silly_a fancy_n propose_v to_o they_o as_o object_n of_o adoration_n and_o homage_n into_o this_o miserable_a state_n all_o mankind_n except_o the_o jew_n have_v wilful_o cast_v themselves_o and_o have_v not_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n enlighten_v they_o they_o will_v have_v continue_v in_o that_o lose_a and_o blind_a condition_n to_o this_o very_a day_n but_o our_o saviour_n have_v on_o his_o cross_n triumph_v over_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o perfect_o conquer_v the_o devil_n who_o before_o have_v rule_v effectual_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n he_o send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n who_o be_v then_o assemble_v at_o jerusalem_n indue_a they_o thereby_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o work_a miracle_n and_o both_o commissionate_v and_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o kingdom_n who_o have_v receive_v this_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o on_o high_a go_v forth_o preach_v the_o gospel_n first_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o
there_o to_o read_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o 66._o parish_n of_o alexandria_n of_o the_o 73._o parish_n of_o ephesus_n of_o the_o 74._o parish_n of_o corinth_n of_o the_o parish_n of_o 144._o athens_n of_o the_o 251._o parish_n of_o carthage_n and_o so_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o parish_n of_o several_a other_o church_n by_o that_o term_n denote_v the_o very_a same_o that_o we_o now_o call_v a_o parish_n viz._n a_o competent_a number_n of_o christian_n dwell_v near_o together_o have_v one_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o minister_n set_v over_o they_o with_o who_o they_o all_o meet_v at_o one_o time_n to_o worship_n and_o serve_v god_n this_o may_v be_v evince_v from_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o word_n itself_o which_o signify_v a_o dwelling_n one_o by_o another_o as_o neighbour_n do_v or_o a_o habitation_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o place_n as_o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n write_v to_o the_o church_n 129._o that_o parish_v in_o philomelium_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1._o parish_v at_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v dwell_v or_o live_v in_o philomilium_n and_o corinth_n so_o that_o a_o parish_n be_v the_o same_o with_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o a_o single_a congregation_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a from_o a_o passage_n in_o the_o differtation_n of_o apollonius_n against_o alexander_n a_o cataphrygian_a heretic_n wherein_o it_o be_v say_v that_o because_o that_o heretic_n have_v be_v a_o robber_n therefore_o 185._o that_o parish_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v will_v not_o receive_v he_o that_o be_v that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n to_o which_o he_o appertain_v exclude_v he_o from_o communion_n because_o of_o his_o depredation_n and_o robbery_n so_o that_o a_o parish_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v synonimous_a term_n signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o consequent_o a_o bishop_n have_v but_o one_o parish_n under_o his_o jurisdiction_n can_v extend_v his_o government_n no_o far_o than_o one_o single_a congregation_n because_o a_o single_a congregation_n and_o a_o parish_n be_v all_o one_o of_o the_o same_o bulk_n and_o magnitude_n §_o 2._o but_o that_o the_o bishop_n diocese_n exceed_v not_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o modern_a parish_n and_o be_v the_o same_o as_o in_o name_n so_o also_o in_o thing_n will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a observation_n as_o 1._o all_o the_o people_n of_o a_o diocese_n do_v every_o sunday_n meet_v all_o together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o celebrate_v divine_a service_n thus_o say_v justin_n martyr_n 98._o on_o sunday_n all_o assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n where_o the_o bishop_n preach_v and_o pray_v for_o as_o ignatius_n write_v 6._o where_o the_o bishop_n be_v there_o the_o people_n must_v be_v and_o 48._o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o we_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n since_o 6._o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o he_o for_o 40._o where_o the_o pastor_n be_v there_o the_o 〈◊〉_d ought_v to_o follow_v wherefore_o 33._o as_o christ_n do_v nothing_o without_o the_o father_n so_o do_v you_o nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n but_o assemble_v into_o the_o same_o place_n that_o you_o may_v have_v one_o prayer_n one_o supplication_n one_o mind_n and_o one_o hope_n 20._o for_o if_o the_o prayer_n of_o one_o or_o two_o have_v so_o great_a a_o force_n how_o much_o more_o prevalent_a must_v that_o be_v which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n he_o than_o that_o do_v not_o assemble_v together_o be_v proud_a and_o have_v condemn_v himself_o for_o it_o be_v write_v god_n resist_v the_o proud_a let_v we_o not_o therefore_o resist_v the_o bishop_n that_o we_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o god_n so_o that_o these_o passage_n clear_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o bishop_n church_n assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o send_v up_o their_o common_a prayer_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o discharge_v those_o other_o religious_a duty_n which_o be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o which_o convince_o evidence_n the_o bishop_n church_n to_o be_v no_o big_a than_o our_o parish_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v big_a it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a that_o the_o member_n thereof_o shall_v have_v constant_o assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n as_o we_o see_v here_o they_o do_v 2._o the_o bishop_n have_v but_o one_o altar_n or_o communion_n table_n in_o his_o whole_a diocese_n at_o which_o his_o whole_a flock_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n from_o he_o 41._o there_o be_v but_o one_o altar_n say_v ignatius_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n at_o this_o altar_n the_o bishop_n administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o his_o whole_a flock_n at_o one_o time_n so_o write_v cyprian_n 177._o we_o celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n the_o whole_a brotherhood_n be_v present_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o justin_n martyr_n day_n 98._o the_o bishop_n whole_a diocese_n meet_v together_o on_o sunday_n when_o the_o bishop_n give_v they_o the_o eucharist_n and_o if_o any_o be_v absent_a he_o send_v it_o to_o they_o by_o the_o deacon_n certain_o that_o diocese_n can_v not_o be_v large_a where_o all_o usual_o communicate_v at_o one_o time_n and_o the_o deacon_n carry_v about_o the_o consecrate_a eucharist_n to_o those_o that_o be_v absent_a which_o will_v have_v be_v a_o endless_a and_o painful_a task_n for_o the_o deacon_n have_v their_o bishopric_n contain_v more_o christian_n in_o it_o than_o one_o congregation_n will_v have_v hold_v tertullian_n write_v that_o in_o his_o time_n and_o country_n 338._o the_o christian_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n alone_o now_o in_o those_o day_n and_o place_n they_o communicate_v at_o least_o 661._o three_o time_n a_o week_n viz._n wednesdays_n friday_n and_o lord_n day_n which_o have_v be_v impossible_a to_o have_v be_v do_v if_o the_o bishop_n have_v have_v inspection_n over_o more_o than_o one_o congregation_n as_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o one_o reason_n for_o the_o bishop_n be_v finite_a and_o corporeal_a as_o well_o as_o other_o can_v not_o be_v present_a in_o many_o place_n at_o once_o but_o must_v be_v confine_v to_o one_o determinate_v fix_v place_n in_o which_o alone_o he_o can_v administer_v and_o dispense_v the_o eucharist_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o ignatius_n exhort_v the_o philadelphian_o 40._o to_o use_v the_o one_o 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v not_o to_o leave_v the_o bishop_n and_o communicate_v elsewhere_o but_o to_o partake_v of_o that_o single_a eucharist_n which_o be_v administer_v by_o he_o for_o as_o he_o proceed_v to_o say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n ibid._n there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n one_o cup_n one_o altar_n and_o one_o bishop_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o church_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o altar_n a_o bishop_n and_o a_o altar_n be_v correlate_n so_o that_o to_o set_v up_o another_o altar_n be_v a_o periphrasis_n of_o a_o schismatic_a or_o of_o one_o that_o causeless_o separate_v from_o his_o lawful_a bishop_n and_o sit_v up_o another_o which_o be_v that_o they_o call_v schism_n as_o we_o shall_v show_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n thus_o cyprian_n describe_v a_o schismatic_a as_o one_o 301._o that_o contemn_v his_o bishop_n leave_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o dare_v to_o set_v up_o another_o altar_n and_o particular_o he_o brand_v novatian_n as_o such_o a_o one_o because_o 198._o he_o erect_v a_o profane_a altar_n that_o be_v a_o altar_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o altar_n of_o cornelius_n his_o lawful_a bishop_n for_o as_o he_o say_v in_o another_o place_n 93._o no_o man_n can_v regular_o constitute_v a_o new_a bishop_n or_o erect_v a_o new_a altar_n beside_o the_o one_o bishop_n and_o the_o one_o altar_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o call_v the_o altar_n that_o be_v erect_v by_o schismatic_n against_o the_o one_o altar_n of_o their_o lawful_a bishop_n 193._o a_o profane_a altar_n which_o agree_v with_o that_o of_o ignatius_n that_o 50._o he_o that_o be_v within_o the_o altar_n be_v pure_a but_o he_o that_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n be_v impure_a and_o as_o he_o say_v in_o another_o place_n 20._o whosoever_o be_v without_o the_o altar_n want_v the_o bread_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o other_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v general_o administer_v by_o the_o bishop_n alone_o within_o their_o respective_a diocese_n so_o say_v tertullian_n 336._o before_o the_o bishop_n we_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n for_o as_o cyprian_n say_v 220._o the_o bishop_n ought_v only_o to_o baptize_v and_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n write_v fortunatus_n bishop_n of_o thucabori_n that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 445
diocese_n as_o also_o but_o one_o church_n where_o they_o all_o usual_o meet_v do_v not_o unavoidable_o reduce_v this_o bishopric_n to_o the_o circumference_n of_o a_o modern_a parish_n i_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o judge_v §_o 10._o the_o next_o diocese_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v carthage_n which_o next_o to_o rome_n and_o alexandria_n be_v the_o great_a city_n in_o the_o world_n and_o probable_o have_v as_o many_o christian_n in_o it_o as_o either_o especial_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o tertullian_n insinuate_v that_o the_o ten_o part_n thereof_o be_v christian_a for_o he_o remonstrate_v to_o scapula_n the_o persecute_v precedent_n of_o that_o city_n that_o 450._o if_o he_o shall_v destroy_v the_o christian_n of_o carthage_n he_o must_v root_v out_o the_o ten_o part_n thereof_o but_o yet_o how_o many_o soever_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o bishopric_n be_v even_o some_o year_n after_o tertullian_n day_n they_o be_v no_o more_o in_o number_n than_o there_o be_v now_o in_o our_o parish_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o score_n of_o passage_n in_o the_o write_n of_o cyprian_n bishop_n of_o that_o church_n for_o 1._o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o diocese_n 90._o can_v know_v every_o one_o therein_o 2._o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o diocese_n be_v the_o common_a curator_n of_o all_o the_o poor_a therein_o relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o indigent_a pay_v of_o their_o debt_n and_o aid_v the_o necessitous_a tradesman_n with_o money_n to_o set_v up_o their_o trade_n as_o cyprian_n when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o exile_a state_n send_v caldonius_n herculanus_n rogatianus_n and_o numidicus_n to_o his_o church_n at_o carthage_n ibidem_fw-la to_o pay_v off_o the_o debt_n of_o the_o indebt_a member_n thereof_o and_o to_o help_v those_o poor_a mechanic_n with_o a_o convenient_a sum_n of_o money_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o set_v up_o their_o trade_n if_o cyprian_n diocese_n have_v consist_v of_o score_n of_o parish_n how_o many_o thousand_o pound_n must_v he_o have_v expend_v to_o have_v pay_v off_o the_o debt_n of_o all_o the_o insolvent_a person_n therein_o and_o to_o have_v 〈◊〉_d every_o poor_a trader_n with_o a_o sufficient_a stock_n to_o carry_v on_o his_o employment_n 3._o all_o the_o diocese_n be_v present_a when_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v administer_v so_o say_v cyprian_n 177._o we_o celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n the_o whole_a brotherhood_n be_v present_a 4._o when_o celerinus_n be_v ordain_v lector_fw-la or_o clerk_n by_o cyprian_a he_o read_v from_o the_o pulpit_n so_o that_o 81._o all_o the_o people_n can_v see_v and_o hear_v he_o 5._o in_o all_o ordination_n all_o the_o people_n be_v consult_v and_o none_o be_v admit_v into_o holy_a order_n without_o their_o approbation_n as_o be_v assure_v by_o cyprian_a bishop_n of_o this_o diocese_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v his_o constant_a custom_n 76._o in_o all_o ordination_n to_o consult_v his_o people_n and_o with_o their_o common_a counsel_n to_o weigh_v the_o merit_n of_o every_o candidate_n of_o the_o sacred_a order_n and_o therefore_o when_o for_o extraordinary_a merit_n he_o advance_v one_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o lector_fw-la or_o clerk_n without_o first_o communicate_v it_o to_o his_o diocese_n he_o write_v from_o his_o exile_v state_n 80._o to_o his_o whole_a flock_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o 6._o when_o that_o see_v be_v vacant_a all_o the_o people_n meet_v together_o to_o choose_v a_o bishop_n whence_o pontius_n say_v that_o cyprian_n be_v elect_v bishop_n of_o this_o diocese_n cypriani_fw-la by_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o people_n and_o cyprian_n himself_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o 139._o the_o suffrage_n of_o all_o his_o people_n 7._o all_o the_o people_n of_o this_o diocese_n can_v meet_v together_o to_o send_v letter_n to_o other_o church_n a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o that_o gratulatory_a letter_n still_o extant_a in_o cyprian_a which_o they_o 163._o all_o send_v to_o lucius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n on_o his_o return_n from_o exile_n 8._o all_o the_o people_n be_v present_a at_o church-censure_n and_o concur_v at_o the_o 92._o excommunication_n of_o offender_n thus_o cyprian_n write_v from_o his_o exile_n to_o the_o people_n of_o this_o his_o diocese_n about_o the_o irregularity_n of_o two_o of_o his_o subdeacons_n and_o one_o of_o his_o acolyte_n and_o about_o the_o schism_n of_o felicissimus_n assure_v they_o that_o as_o to_o the_o former_a when_o ever_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o return_v he_o in_o peace_n 64._o it_o shall_v be_v determine_v by_o he_o and_o his_o colleague_n and_o his_o whole_a flock_n and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a that_o then_o likewise_o that_o shall_v be_v transact_v 94._o according_a to_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o they_o all_o 9_o at_o the_o absolution_n of_o penitent_n all_o the_o people_n be_v present_a who_o examine_v the_o reality_n of_o the_o offender_n repentance_n and_o if_o well_o satisfy_v of_o it_o consent_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o church_n peace_n therefore_o when_o some_o presbyter_n in_o a_o time_n of_o persecution_n have_v with_o too_o great_a 〈◊〉_d and_o precipitancy_n assoil_v some_o of_o those_o that_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o persecution_n have_v succumb_v cyprian_n write_v they_o from_o his_o exile_n a_o objurgatory_n letter_n command_v they_o to_o admit_v no_o more_o till_o peace_n shall_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o church_n when_o those_o offender_n shall_v plead_v their_o cause_n 30._o before_o all_o the_o people_n and_o touch_v the_o same_o matter_n he_o write_v in_o another_o place_n to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o his_o diocese_n that_o when_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o restore_v peace_n to_o the_o church_n than_o all_o those_o matter_n 37._o shall_v be_v examine_v in_o their_o presence_n and_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o last_o nothing_o be_v do_v in_o this_o diocese_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n so_o resolve_v bishop_n cyprian_n 17._o from_o the_o first_o time_n i_o be_v make_v bishop_n say_v he_o i_o determine_v to_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o my_o people_n and_o according_o when_o he_o be_v exile_v from_o his_o flock_n he_o write_v to_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n thereof_o that_o when_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o return_v he_o unto_o they_o 17._o all_o affair_n as_o their_o mutual_a honour_n do_v require_v shall_v be_v debate_v in_o common_a by_o they_o now_o whether_o all_o these_o observation_n do_v not_o evident_o reduce_v the_o diocese_n of_o carthage_n to_o the_o same_o bulk_n with_o our_o parish_n i_o leave_v to_o every_o one_o to_o 〈◊〉_d for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v needs_o profess_v that_o i_o can_v imagine_v how_o all_o the_o people_n thereof_o can_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n together_o assist_v at_o the_o excommunication_n and_o absolution_n of_o offender_n assemble_v together_o to_o elect_v their_o bishop_n and_o do_v the_o rest_n of_o those_o foremention_v particular_n without_o confine_v this_o bishopric_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n §_o 11._o as_o for_o the_o diocese_n of_o alexandria_n though_o the_o number_n of_o the_o christian_n therein_o be_v not_o so_o many_o but_o that_o in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o four_o century_n they_o can_v all_o or_o at_o least_o most_o of_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n as_o i_o may_v evince_v from_o the_o write_n of_o constant._n athanasius_n be_v it_o not_o beyond_o my_o prescribe_a time_n yet_o in_o the_o three_o century_n they_o have_v divide_v themselves_o into_o several_a distinct_a and_o separate_a congregation_n which_o be_v all_o subject_v to_o one_o bishop_n as_o be_v clear_o enough_o assert_v by_o dyonisius_n bishop_n of_o this_o church_n who_o mention_n 260._o the_o distinct_a congregation_n in_o the_o extreme_a suburb_n of_o the_o city_n the_o reason_n whereof_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o those_o member_n of_o this_o bishopric_n who_o live_v in_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o it_o find_v it_o incommodious_a and_o troublesome_a every_o lord_n day_n saturday_n wednesday_n and_o friday_n on_o which_o day_n they_o always_o assemble_v to_o go_v to_o their_o one_o usual_a meeting-place_n which_o be_v very_o far_o from_o their_o own_o home_n and_o withal_o be_v unwilling_a to_o divide_v themselves_o from_o their_o old_a church_n and_o bishop_n lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v guilty_a of_o the_o detestable_a sin_n of_o schism_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o their_o bishop_n and_o parish_n church_n as_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o show_v desire_v their_o proper_a bishop_n to_o give_v they_o leave_v for_o conveniency_n sake_n to_o erect_v near_o their_o own_o habitation_n a_o chapel_n of_o ease_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o daughter-church_n to_o the_o bishop_n under_o his_o jurisdiction_n and_o guide_v by_o a_o presbyter_n of_o his_o commission_n and_o appointment_n whereat_o they_o will_v
author_n mention_v in_o this_o treatise_n together_o with_o those_o edition_n that_o i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o be_v as_o follow_v s._n ignatii_n epistolae_fw-la graeco-latin_a quarto_fw-la edit_fw-la isaci_n vossii_n amstelodam_n 1646._o s._n barnabae_n epistola_fw-la catholica_fw-la edit_fw-la ad_fw-la calcem_fw-la s._n ignatii_n quarto_n amstelodam_n 1646._o s._n clementis_fw-la romani_fw-la epistolae_fw-la graeco-latin_a quaerto_o edit_n patricii_fw-la junii_fw-la oxonii_n 1633._o s._n irenaei_n opera_fw-la folio_n edit_fw-la nic._n galasii_fw-la genevae_n 1580._o s._n justini_n martyris_fw-la opera_fw-la graeco-latin_a folio_n coloniae_fw-la 1686._o epistola_fw-la plinii_n secundi_fw-la trojano_n imperatori_fw-la de_fw-la christianis_fw-la in_o front_n operum_fw-la justin._n martyr_n colon._n 1686._o clementis_fw-la alexandrini_n opera_fw-la folio_n edit_n heinsii_n lugdun_fw-la batav_n 1616._o tertulliani_n opera_fw-la folio_n edit_n paris_n 1580._o novatiani_n de_fw-fr trinitate_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr cibis_fw-la judaicis_fw-la inter_fw-la opera_fw-la tertulliani_n edit_fw-la paris_n 1580._o cypriani_fw-la opera_fw-la folio_n edit_fw-la sim._n goulart_n apud_fw-la johan_n le_fw-fr preux_fw-fr 1593._o vita_fw-la cypriani_fw-la per_fw-la pontium_fw-la ejus_fw-la diaconum_fw-la in_o front_n oper._n cyprian_n edit_fw-la goulart_n 1593._o fragmentum_fw-la victorini_n petavionensis_n de_fw-fr fabrica_fw-la mundi_fw-la pag._n 103_o 104._o histor._n literar_n dr._n s._n cave_n edit_fw-la folio_n londini_fw-la 1688._o minucii_fw-la felice_n octavius_n edit_fw-la ad_fw-la calcem_fw-la tertullian_n apolog._n per_fw-la desiderium_fw-la heraldum_n quarto_fw-la paris_n 1613._o origenis_n commentaria_fw-la omne_fw-la quae_fw-la graece_fw-la reperiuntur_fw-la edit_fw-la de_fw-fr huetii_n 2_o vol._n folio_n rothomagi_n 1668._o originis_fw-la contra_fw-la celsum_fw-la libri_fw-la octo_fw-la &_o ejusdem_fw-la philocalia_n graeco-latin_a edit_fw-la quarto_fw-la per_fw-la gulielm_n spencer_n cantabrigiae_fw-la 1677._o originis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seu_fw-la de_fw-fr oratione_fw-la graeco-latin_a octavo_fw-la oxonii_fw-la 1685._o as_o for_o those_o other_o work_v of_o origen_n which_o be_v extant_a only_o in_o latin_a i_o have_v make_v no_o use_n at_o all_o of_o those_o of_o ruffin_n translation_n except_o his_o creed_n since_o in_o they_o we_o know_v not_o which_o we_o read_v whether_o origen_n or_o ruffin_n and_o as_o for_o those_o which_o be_v translate_v by_o more_o faithful_a hand_n i_o have_v use_v the_o edition_n of_o merlin_n or_o erasmus_n without_o nominate_v the_o page_n eusebii_n pamphili_n ecclesiastica_fw-la historia_fw-la graeco-latin_a folio_n edit_fw-la henric._n vales._n paris_n 1659._o i_o have_v read_v only_o the_o seven_o first_o book_n of_o eusebius_n history_n because_o the_o three_o other_o go_v beyond_o my_o limit_a time_n as_o for_o the_o write_n of_o s._n gregory_n of_o neocaesarea_n they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o from_o thence_o i_o have_v take_v nothing_o but_o his_o creed_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o mention_v any_o edition_n of_o his_o work_n the_o same_o i_o may_v say_v also_o of_o the_o short_a epistle_n of_o polycarp_n which_o i_o have_v cite_v but_o once_o and_o therein_o have_v use_v the_o version_n of_o dr._n cave_n extant_a in_o his_o apostolici_fw-la pag._n 127._o there_o be_v vet_n some_o other_o father_n who_o remain_a tract_n i_o have_v read_v as_o theophilus_n antiochenus_fw-la athenagoras_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v not_o cite_v in_o this_o 〈◊〉_d because_o i_o have_v find_v nothing_o in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d to_o my_o design_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o constitution_n discipline_n unity_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n chap._n i._n §_o 1._o the_o various_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n church_n §_o 2._o a_o particular_a church_n the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n the_o constituent_a part_n thereof_o twofold_n viz._n clergy_n and_o laity_n §_o 3._o each_o of_o these_o have_v their_o particular_a function_n and_o both_o their_o joint_a office_n three_o thing_n on_o which_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n depend_v propose_v to_o be_v handle_v viz._n the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o laity_n and_o the_o joint_a act_n of_o they_o both_o §_o 4._o the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o clergy_n propound_v to_o be_v discuss_v according_a to_o their_o several_a order_n first_o of_o the_o bishop_n a_o view_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o heathenism_n at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o christianity_n necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v where_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n they_o appoint_v the_o first_o convert_v to_o be_v bishop_n thereof_o §_o 5._o but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o church_n the_o orthodoxness_n of_o the_o faith_n prove_v from_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o bishop_n the_o title_n and_o relation_n of_o the_o bishop_n to_o his_o flock_n §_o 1._o that_o we_o may_v give_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a answer_n to_o this_o important_a query_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o first_o examine_v the_o primitive_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n church_n upon_o the_o due_a apprehension_n of_o which_o depend_v the_o right_a understanding_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o follow_a discourse_n this_o word_n church_n as_o in_o our_o modern_a acceptation_n so_o also_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v equivocal_a have_v different_a signification_n according_a to_o the_o different_a subject_n to_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o concern_v myself_o about_o the_o derivation_n of_o the_o word_n or_o its_o original_a use_n among_o the_o heathen_n from_o who_o it_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o its_o various_a uses_n among_o the_o ancient_a christian_n which_o be_v many_o as_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o often_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a that_o be_v of_o all_o those_o who_o throughout_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n profess_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n this_o irenaeus_n call_v 34._o the_o church_n disperse_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o 36._o the_o church_n scatter_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o origen_n call_v it_o 226._o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o heaven_n this_o be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o catholic_n church_n for_o catholic_n signify_v the_o same_o as_o universal_a thus_o polycarp_n when_o he_o be_v seize_v by_o his_o murderer_n pray_v for_o 131._o the_o catholic_n church_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n dionysius_n alexandrinus_n call_v the_o persecute_v emperor_n macrianus_n 256._o a_o warrior_n against_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o god_n ii_o the_o word_n church_n be_v frequent_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v of_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n who_o at_o one_o time_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o place_n do_v associate_v themselves_o together_o and_o concur_v in_o the_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o their_o proper_a pastor_n and_o minister_n thus_o irenaeus_n mention_n that_o church_n 158._o which_o be_v in_o any_o place_n and_o so_o dionysius_n alexandrinus_n write_v that_o when_o he_o be_v banish_v to_o cephro_n in_o lybia_n 259._o there_o come_v so_o many_o christian_n unto_o he_o that_o even_o there_o he_o have_v a_o church_n tertullian_n think_v that_o 457._o three_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v understand_v 70._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 1._o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n 8._o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n 129._o the_o church_n of_o athens_n the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n or_o the_o church_n in_o any_o other_o such_o place_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o christian_n assemble_v all_o together_o for_o religious_a exercise_n at_o rome_n antioch_n smirna_n athens_n alexandria_n or_o such_o like_a place_n iii_o the_o word_n church_n be_v sometime_o use_v for_o the_o place_n where_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n meet_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a service_n thus_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la the_o heretical_a bishop_n of_o antioch_n order_v certain_a woman_n to_o stand_v 281._o in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o church_n and_o fing_a psalm_n in_o his_o praise_n so_o clemens_n alexandrinui_n advise_v that_o man_n and_o woman_n shall_v with_o all_o modesty_n and_o humility_n enter_v 189._o into_o the_o church_n so_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o their_o letter_n to_o cyprian_a concern_v the_o restitution_n of_o the_o lapse_v give_v as_o their_o advice_n 71._o that_o they_o shall_v only_o come_v to_o the_o threshold_n of_o the_o church-door_n but_o not_o go_v over_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o word_n frequent_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o velandis_fw-la tertullian_n 132._o origen_n and_o other_o to_o recite_v who_o testimony_n at_o large_a will_v be_v both_o tedious_a and_o needless_a iv._o i_o find_v the_o word_n church_n once_o use_v by_o cyprian_a for_o
give_v unto_o the_o bishop_n the_o power_n of_o baptise_v so_o that_o the_o bishop_n do_v ordinary_o baptize_v all_o the_o person_n that_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o diocese_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a i_o may_v say_v possible_a that_o their_o diocese_n be_v extend_v beyond_o the_o bulk_n of_o single_a congregation_n 4._o the_o church_n charity_n be_v deposit_v with_o the_o bishop_n who_o as_o justin_n martyr_n report_v 99_o be_v the_o common_a curator_n and_o overseer_n of_o all_o the_o orphan_n widow_n disease_a stranger_n imprison_v and_o in_o a_o word_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v needy_a and_o indigent_a to_o this_o charitable_a office_n ignatius_n advise_v 12._o polycarpus_n but_o of_o that_o advice_n more_o shall_v be_v speak_v in_o another_o place_n only_o let_v we_o here_o observe_v that_o that_o diocese_n can_v not_o be_v very_o large_a where_o the_o bishop_n personal_o relieve_v and_o succour_v all_o the_o poor_a and_o indigent_a therein_o 5._o all_o the_o people_n of_o a_o diocese_n be_v present_a at_o church_n censure_n as_o origen_n describe_v a_o offender_n as_o appear_v 1._o before_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o clemens_n romanus_n call_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n 69._o the_o thing_n command_v by_o the_o multitude_n and_o so_o the_o two_o offend_a subdeacons_n and_o acolyth_a at_o carthage_n be_v to_o be_v try_v 64._o before_o the_o whole_a 6._o no_o offender_n be_v restore_v again_o to_o the_o church_n peace_n without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a diocese_n so_o cyprian_n write_v that_o before_o they_o be_v readmit_v to_o communion_n they_o be_v to_o 30._o plead_v their_o cause_n before_o all_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o a_o african_a synod_n that_o except_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n or_o a_o instantaneous_a persecution_n none_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n peace_n 164._o without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n 7._o when_o the_o bishop_n of_o a_o church_n be_v dead_a all_o the_o people_n of_o that_o church_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o choose_v a_o new_a bishop_n so_o sabinus_n be_v elect_v bishop_n of_o emerita_n 202._o by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o all_o the_o brotherhood_n which_o be_v also_o the_o custom_n throughout_o all_o africa_n 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v choose_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o fabianus_n be_v choose_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n 229._o by_o all_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o that_o very_a end_n 8._o at_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n be_v present_a so_o a_o african_a synod_n hold_v anno_fw-la 258_o determine_v 201._o that_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n that_o the_o people_n be_v present_a either_o the_o crime_n of_o the_o wicked_a may_v be_v detect_v or_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o good_a declare_v and_o so_o the_o ordination_n may_v be_v just_a and_o lawful_a be_v approve_v by_o the_o suffrage_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o and_o bishop_n cyprian_n write_v from_o his_o exile_n to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o his_o diocese_n that_o 76._o it_o have_v be_v his_o constant_a practice_n in_o all_o ordination_n to_o consult_v their_o opinion_n and_o by_o their_o common_a counsel_n to_o weigh_v the_o manner_n and_o merit_n of_o every_o one_o therein_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a man_n who_o ordain_v none_o but_o with_o 57_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 9_o public_a letter_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o be_v read_v before_o the_o whole_a diocese_n thus_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n whatever_o letter_n he_o receive_v from_o foreign_a church_n he_o 144._o always_o read_v they_o to_o his_o most_o holy_a and_o numerous_a people_n and_o without_o doubt_n when_o firmilian_a writ_n 279._o to_o all_o the_o parish_n of_o antioch_n they_o can_v all_o assemble_v together_o to_o read_v his_o letter_n and_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o it_o since_o we_o find_v that_o in_o those_o day_n one_o whole_a church_n write_v to_o another_o whole_a church_n as_o 1._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o cyprian_a 163._o and_o his_o whole_a flock_n send_v gratulatory_a letter_n to_o pope_n lucius_n upon_o his_o return_n from_o exile_n last_o the_o whole_a diocese_n of_o the_o bishop_n do_v meet_v all_o together_o to_o manage_v church-affair_n thus_o when_o the_o schism_n of_o felicissimus_n in_o the_o bishopric_n of_o carthage_n be_v to_o be_v debate_v 94._o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o people_n and_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o laity_n and_o when_o there_o be_v some_o hot_a dispute_n about_o the_o restitution_n of_o the_o lapse_v the_o say_a cyprian_n promise_v his_o whole_a diocese_n 37._o that_o all_o those_o thing_n shall_v be_v examine_v before_o they_o and_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o and_o so_o also_o when_o they_o be_v to_o send_v a_o messenger_n to_o any_o foreign_a church_n all_o the_o people_n can_v meet_v together_o to_o choose_v that_o messenger_n as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o 45._o church_n of_o philadelphia_n now_o put_v all_o these_o observation_n together_o and_o due_o consider_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o primitive_a parish_n to_o be_v no_o large_a than_o our_o modern_a one_o be_v that_o be_v that_o they_o have_v no_o more_o believer_n or_o christian_n in_o they_o than_o there_o be_v now_o in_o we_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o ancient_a bishopric_n have_v no_o large_a territory_n or_o no_o great_a space_n of_o ground_n than_o our_o parish_n have_v on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v much_o more_o since_o in_o those_o early_a day_n of_o christianity_n in_o many_o place_n the_o faithful_a may_v be_v so_o few_o as_o that_o for_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o mile_n round_o they_o may_v associate_v together_o under_o one_o bishop_n and_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o a_o small_a one_o too_o but_o this_o i_o faith_n that_o how_o large_a soever_o their_o local_a extent_n be_v their_o member_n make_v but_o one_o single_a congregation_n and_o have_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o it_o than_o our_o parish_n now_o have_v for_o that_o diocese_n can_v possible_o be_v more_o than_o one_o single_a congregation_n where_o all_o the_o people_n meet_v together_o at_o one_o time_n pray_v together_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n together_o assist_v at_o church_n censure_v together_o and_o dispatch_v church_n affair_n together_o and_o yet_o the_o member_n of_o the_o primitive_a diocese_n do_v all_o this_o together_o as_o the_o precede_a observation_n evident_o declare_v so_o that_o i_o may_v stop_v here_o and_o add_v no_o 〈◊〉_d proof_n to_o that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o so_o clear_o prove_v §_o 3._o but_o yet_o that_o we_o may_v more_o clear_o illustrate_v this_o point_n we_o shall_v demonstrate_v it_o by_o another_o method_n viz._n by_o show_v the_o real_a bulk_n and_o size_n of_o those_o bishopric_n concern_v who_o we_o have_v any_o notice_n remain_v on_o ancient_a record_n and_o manifest_a that_o the_o very_o large_a of_o they_o be_v no_o great_a than_o our_o particular_a congregation_n be_v and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v quote_v the_o write_n of_o st._n ignatius_n in_o who_o genuine_a epistle_n there_o be_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o bishopric_n of_o smirna_n ephesus_n magnesia_n philadelphia_n and_o trallium_n as_o manifest_o evidence_n they_o to_o be_v but_o so_o many_o single_a congregation_n as_o for_o the_o diocese_n of_o smirna_n its_o extent_n can_v not_o be_v very_o large_a since_o 6._o nothing_o of_o church-affair_n be_v do_v there_o without_o the_o bishop_n he_o baptize_v and_o administer_v the_o eucharist_n and_o none_o else_o can_v do_v it_o within_o his_o cure_n without_o his_o permission_n wherever_o he_o be_v his_o whole_a flock_n follow_v he_o which_o they_o may_v without_o any_o inconveniency_n do_v since_o they_o 13._o frequent_o assemble_v together_o as_o ignatius_n advise_v polycarp_n the_o bishop_n of_o this_o church_n 15._o to_o convene_v his_o diocese_n to_o choose_v a_o faithful_a honest_a man_n to_o send_v a_o messenger_n into_o syria_n so_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o this_o church_n 13._o can_v know_v his_o whole_a flock_n personal_o by_o their_o name_n carry_v himself_o respectfully_a and_o charitable_o to_o all_o 13._o with_o all_o meekness_n and_o humility_n towards_o servingman_n and_o serving-maid_n and_o charitable_o 12._o take_v care_n of_o the_o widow_n within_o his_o diocese_n permit_v 12._o nothing_o to_o be_v do_v there_o without_o his_o privity_n insomuch_o 13._o that_o none_o be_v marry_v without_o his_o previous_a advice_n
usual_o meet_v though_o on_o some_o solemn_a occasion_n they_o will_v still_o all_o assemble_v in_o one_o church_n with_o their_o one_o bishop_n that_o for_o this_o reason_n these_o separate_a congregation_n be_v introduce_v at_o alexandria_n seem_v evident_a enough_o because_o dyonisius_n alexandrinus_n say_v that_o these_o distinct_a congregation_n be_v only_o in_o the_o antea_fw-la remote_a suburb_n and_o the_o christian_n hereof_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o arrive_v to_o those_o great_a number_n but_o that_o seventy_o year_n after_o they_o can_v meet_v all_o together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o place_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o that_o forementioned_a place_n of_o athanasius_n so_o that_o these_o distinct_a congregation_n be_v only_o for_o the_o conveniency_n and_o ease_n of_o those_o who_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o bishop_n church_n be_v introduce_v in_o the_o three_o century_n and_o peculiar_a to_o the_o bishopric_n of_o alexandria_n all_o other_o bishopric_n confine_v themselves_o within_o their_o primitive_a bound_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n as_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v the_o large_a of_o they_o do_v even_o antioch_n rome_n and_o carthage_n §_o 12._o if_o then_o a_o bishopric_n be_v but_o a_o single_a congregation_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o we_o find_v bishop_n not_o only_o in_o city_n but_o in_o country_n village_n there_o be_v a_o bishop_n constitute_v wherever_o there_o be_v believer_n enough_o to_o form_v a_o competent_a congregation_n for_o say_v clemens_n romanus_n the_o apostle_n go_v forth_o and_o 54._o preach_v both_o in_o country_n and_o city_n constitute_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n there_o much_o to_o which_o purpose_n cyprian_n say_v that_o 119._o bishop_n be_v ordain_v throughout_o all_o province_n and_o city_n hence_o in_o the_o encyclycal_a epistle_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o antioch_n it_o be_v say_v that_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la have_v many_o flatterer_n 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o adjacent_a city_n and_o country_n bishop_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o country-bishop_n be_v zoticus_n bishop_n 182._o of_o the_o village_n of_o comane_a and_o we_o may_v reasonable_o believe_v that_o many_o of_o those_o bishop_n who_o in_o the_o year_n 258_o be_v assemble_v at_o 443._o carthage_n to_o the_o number_n of_o fourscore_o and_o seven_o have_v no_o other_o than_o obscure_a village_n for_o their_o seat_n since_o we_o find_v not_o the_o least_o notice_n of_o they_o in_o ptolemy_n or_o any_o of_o the_o old_a geographer_n §_o 13._o but_o let_v the_o bishop_n seat_n have_v be_v in_o any_o place_n whatever_o their_o limit_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v exceed_v not_o those_o of_o our_o modern_a parish_n i_o do_v not_o here_o mean_v as_o be_v say_v before_o that_o the_o territory_n of_o some_o of_o they_o be_v no_o large_a no_o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o for_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o in_o those_o place_n where_o there_o be_v but_o few_o believer_n the_o christian_n for_o several_a mile_n round_o meet_v all_o 〈◊〉_d at_o the_o great_a place_n within_o that_o compass_n where_o probable_o there_o be_v most_o christian_n whence_o both_o the_o church_n and_o its_o bishop_n take_v their_o denomination_n from_o that_o place_n where_o they_o so_o assemble_v but_o this_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o that_o bishopric_n than_o there_o be_v now_o in_o our_o ordinary_a parish_n and_o that_o the_o believer_n of_o that_o whole_a territory_n meet_v altogether_o with_o their_o bishop_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a service_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o age_n and_o country_n of_o justin_n martyr_n who_o describe_v their_o solemn_a assembly_n write_v that_o 98._o on_o sunday_n all_o the_o inhabitant_n both_o of_o city_n and_o country_n meet_v together_o where_o the_o lector_fw-la read_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o bishop_n preach_v unto_o they_o administer_v the_o eucharist_n and_o send_v by_o the_o deacon_n part_v of_o the_o consecrate_a element_n to_o those_o that_o be_v absent_a so_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n both_o of_o city_n and_o country_n assemble_v all_o at_o the_o bishop_n church_n hear_v he_o and_o communicate_v with_o he_o follow_v herein_o the_o exhortation_n of_o saint_n ignatius_n to_o the_o magnesian_o 33._o let_v nothing_o say_v he_o be_v in_o you_o that_o may_v divide_v you_o but_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o those_o that_o preside_v over_o you_o as_o therefore_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v nothing_o without_o his_o father_n neither_o by_o himself_o nor_o his_o apostle_n so_o do_v you_o nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n but_o assemble_v into_o one_o place_n and_o have_v one_o prayer_n one_o supplication_n one_o mind_n and_o one_o hope_n chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o what_o the_o bishop_n office_n be_v §_o 2._o always_o resident_n on_o his_o cure_n §_o 3._o how_o the_o bishop_n be_v choose_v elect_v or_o present_v by_o the_o majority_n of_o the_o parish_n §_o 4._o approve_a by_o the_o neighbour_a bishop_n §_o 5._o install_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n how_o many_o bishop_n necessary_a to_o this_o instalment_n §_o 6._o when_o a_o bishop_n be_v promote_v he_o certify_v it_o to_o other_o bishop_n §_o 7._o a_o brief_a recapitulation_n of_o the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o bishop_n §_o 1._o the_o bishop_n flock_n have_v be_v so_o large_o discuss_v it_o will_v now_o be_v necessary_a to_o speak_v something_o of_o the_o bishop_n duty_n towards_o they_o and_o of_o the_o several_a particular_n of_o his_o honourable_a office_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o be_v tedious_a since_o about_o this_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difference_n only_a brief_o enumerate_v the_o several_a action_n belong_v to_o his_o charge_n in_o brief_a therefore_o the_o particular_a act_n of_o his_o function_n be_v such_o as_o these_o viz._n 3._o preach_v of_o the_o word_n 98._o pray_v with_o his_o people_n administer_a the_o two_o sacrament_n of_o 602._o baptism_n and_o the_o 338._o lord_n supper_n 99_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a 237._o ordain_v of_o minister_n 709._o govern_v his_o flock_n 90._o excommunicate_v of_o offender_n 30._o absolve_v of_o penitent_n and_o in_o a_o word_n whatever_o act_n can_v be_v comprise_v under_o those_o three_o general_a head_n of_o preach_v worship_n and_o government_n be_v part_n of_o the_o bishop_n function_n and_o office_n i_o have_v but_o just_a name_v these_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v not_o much_o controvert_v and_o my_o design_n lead_v i_o chief_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o matter_n which_o have_v be_v unhappy_o dispute_v among_o we_o §_o 2._o to_o the_o constant_a discharge_n of_o those_o forementioned_a action_n do_v the_o primitive_a bishop_n sedulous_o apply_v themselves_o continual_o preach_v unto_o their_o people_n pray_v with_o they_o and_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o to_o that_o end_n reside_v always_o with_o they_o which_o incumbency_n or_o residency_n on_o their_o parish_n be_v deem_v so_o necessary_a that_o cyprian_a enumerate_v the_o sin_n that_o bring_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o church_n in_o that_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o decius_n mention_n the_o bishop_n non-residencies_a as_o one_o 278._o their_o leave_v their_o rectory_n and_o desert_v their_o flock_n and_o wander_v about_o the_o country_n to_o hunt_v after_o worldly_a gain_n and_o advantage_n and_o therefore_o the_o say_a cyprian_a writing_n to_o the_o roman_a consessor_n who_o be_v inveigle_v into_o the_o schism_n of_o novatian_n tell_v they_o 102._o that_o since_o he_o can_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n and_o come_v in_o person_n unto_o they_o therefore_o by_o his_o letter_n he_o most_o earnest_o exhort_v they_o to_o quit_v that_o 〈◊〉_d faction_n so_o that_o he_o look_v on_o his_o obligation_n of_o residency_n at_o his_o church_n to_o be_v so_o bind_v as_o that_o in_o no_o case_n almost_o can_v he_o warrant_v the_o leave_v of_o it_o which_o determination_n of_o he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o fix_v and_o peremptory_a because_o that_o not_o long_o before_o he_o be_v so_o severe_o tax_v 11._o by_o the_o roman_a clergy_n and_o by_o many_o of_o his_o own_o cypriani_fw-la parish_n for_o depart_v from_o they_o for_o a_o while_n though_o it_o be_v to_o avoid_v the_o fury_n of_o his_o persecutor_n who_o have_v already_o proscribe_v he_o and_o will_v have_v execute_v he_o as_o a_o malesactor_n have_v he_o not_o by_o that_o recess_n from_o his_o church_n escape_v their_o murderous_a hand_n so_o that_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a bishop_n constant_o reside_v with_o their_o flock_n conscientious_o apply_v themselves_o with_o the_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o industry_n to_o the_o promotion_n of_o the_o spiritual_a welfare_n of_o those_o that_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o trust_n employ_v themselves_o in_o all_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o office_n of_o charity_n so_o lead_v a_o laborious_a and_o mortify_a life_n till_o either_o a_o natural_a or_o a_o violent_a death_n
church_n shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n vii_o §_o 1._o the_o necessity_n quality_n and_o excellency_n of_o discipline_n six_o thing_n propound_v to_o be_v handle_v 1._o for_o what_o fault_n offender_n be_v censure_v 2._o who_o be_v the_o judge_n that_o censure_v 3._o the_o manner_n of_o their_o censure_n 4._o what_o their_o censure_n be_v 5._o the_o course_n that_o offender_n take_v to_o be_v absolve_v 6._o the_o manner_n of_o their_o absolution_n §_o 2._o censure_n be_v inflict_v for_o all_o sort_n of_o crime_n especial_o for_o idolatry_n §_o 3._o the_o whole_a church_n be_v the_o judge_n that_o compose_v the_o ecclesiastical_a consistory_n the_o executive_a power_n lodge_v in_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o legistative_a both_o in_o clergy_n and_o laity_n in_o difficult_a point_n some_o neighbour_a bishop_n assist_v at_o the_o decision_n of_o they_o §_o 4_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o censure_n §_o 5._o their_o censure_n consist_v in_o excommunication_n and_o suspension_n the_o dreadfulness_n thereof_o §_o 6._o the_o course_n that_o offender_n take_v to_o be_v absolve_v they_o first_o lie_v grovel_v and_o weep_v at_o the_o church_n doares_n §_o 7._o then_o admit_v into_o the_o rank_n of_o the_o penitent_n their_o behaviour_n during_o their_o time_n of_o penance_n §_o 8._o how_o long_o their_o penance_n be_v in_o some_o case_n the_o fix_a period_n anticipate_v when_o end_v the_o penitent_n be_v examine_v by_o the_o court_n and_o if_o approve_a then_o absolve_v §_o 9_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o absolution_n they_o come_v into_o the_o church_n with_o all_o expression_n of_o sorrow_n public_o confess_v the_o sin_n for_o which_o they_o have_v be_v censure_v the_o church_n be_v tender_o affect_v with_o their_o confession_n §_o 10._o after_o confession_n they_o be_v absolve_v by_o the_o clergy_n imposition_n of_o hand_n §_o 11._o then_o admit_v to_o the_o church_n peace_n the_o clergy_n general_o restore_v only_a to_o lay_v communion_n §_o 1._o as_o all_o government_n be_v necessitate_v to_o make_v use_n of_o law_n and_o other_o political_a mean_n to_o preserve_v their_o constitution_n so_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o have_v a_o certain_a government_n annex_v to_o it_o that_o it_o may_v preserve_v its_o self_n from_o ruin_n and_o confusion_n have_v certain_a law_n and_o order_n for_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o her_o member_n and_o penalty_n annex_v to_o the_o breach_n thereof_o but_o herein_o lie_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o the_o penalty_n and_o execution_n of_o the_o former_a be_v like_o its_o constitution_n pure_o humane_a and_o carnal_a but_o those_o of_o the_o other_o be_v spiritual_a as_o religion_n be_v at_o first_o receive_v by_o spiritual_a and_o voluntary_a and_o not_o by_o carnal_a and_o involuntary_a mean_n for_o as_o tertullian_n say_v 447._o it_o be_v not_o religion_n to_o force_v a_o religion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v willing_o not_o forcible_o receive_v so_o by_o the_o same_o mean_v it_o be_v continue_v and_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n also_o the_o church_n arm_n be_v spiritual_a consist_v of_o admonition_n excommunication_n suspension_n and_o such_o like_a by_o the_o wield_n of_o which_o she_o govern_v her_o member_n and_o preserve_v she_o own_o peace_n and_o purity_n now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v discipline_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n peace_n and_o be_v of_o the_o church_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n government_n or_o order_n that_o society_n can_v possible_o 〈◊〉_d but_o must_v sink_v in_o its_o own_o ruin_n and_o confusion_n to_o recite_v the_o numerous_a encomium_n of_o discipline_n that_o be_v intersperse_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n will_v be_v a_o endless_a task_n let_v this_o one_o suffice_v out_o of_o cyprian_a 266._o discipline_n say_v he_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o hope_n the_o stay_v of_o faith_n the_o captain_n of_o salvation_n the_o fuel_n and_o nutriment_n of_o a_o good_a disposition_n the_o mistress_n of_o virtue_n that_o make_v we_o perpetual_o abide_v in_o christ_n and_o live_v to_o god_n and_o tend_v towards_o the_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a promise_n this_o to_o follow_v be_v save_v but_o to_o despise_v and_o neglect_n be_v deadly_a the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v in_o psal._n 2._o 12._o keep_v discipline_n lest_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a and_o you_o perish_v from_o the_o right_a way_n when_o his_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v but_o a_o little_a against_o you_o and_o again_o in_o psal._n 50._o 16._o but_o unto_o the_o sinner_n god_n say_v what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o declare_v my_o law_n and_o to_o take_v my_o judgement_n into_o thy_o mouth_n thou_o hate_v discipline_n and_o cast_v my_o word_n behind_o thou_o and_o again_o we_o read_v in_o wisdom_n 3._o 11._o he_o that_o cast_v off_o discipline_n be_v unhappy_a and_o by_o solomon_n we_o have_v receive_v this_o command_n from_o wisdom_n in_o prov._n 3._o 11._o my_o son_n forget_v not_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o faint_v when_o thou_o be_v correct_v for_o who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o correct_v but_o if_o god_n correct_v who_o he_o love_v and_o correct_v they_o that_o they_o may_v amend_v christian_n also_o and_o especial_o minister_n do_v not_o hate_v but_o love_v those_o who_o they_o correct_v that_o they_o may_v amend_v since_o god_n have_v also_o soretold_v our_o time_n in_o jer._n 3._o 15._o and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o pastor_n after_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v seed_v you_o in_o discipline_n now_o this_o be_v that_o discipline_n viz._n the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n exert_v by_o she_o for_o her_o own_o preservation_n in_o the_o censure_v of_o her_o offend_a member_n that_o i_o be_o now_o to_o discourse_n of_o for_o the_o clear_a apprehension_n whereof_o these_o six_o query_n must_v be_v examine_v into_o 1._o for_o what_o fault_n offender_n be_v censure_v 2._o who_o be_v the_o judge_n that_o censure_v 3._o the_o manner_n of_o their_o censure_n 4._o what_o their_o censure_n be_v 5._o the_o course_n that_o offender_n take_v to_o be_v absolve_v and_o 6._o the_o manner_n of_o their_o absolution_n §_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o for_o what_o fault_n offender_n be_v censure_v i_o answer_v for_o 90._o schism_n 181._o heresy_n 1._o covetousness_n ibidcm_n gluttony_n 118._o fornication_n 90._o adultery_n and_o for_o 142._o all_o other_o sin_n whatsoever_o none_o except_v nay_o the_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n of_o those_o day_n be_v so_o zealous_a against_o sin_n that_o they_o use_v the_o strict_a severity_n against_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o it_o not_o indulge_v or_o spare_v the_o least_o branch_n of_o its_o pestiferous_a production_n but_o smart_o punish_v the_o least_o sprout_n of_o it_o it_o be_v lesser_a act_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v more_o scandalous_a and_o notorious_a cyprian_n write_v that_o not_o only_a 37._o gravissimae_fw-la &_o extrema_fw-la delicta_fw-la the_o great_a and_o most_o heinous_a crime_n but_o even_o minora_fw-la delicta_fw-la the_o lesser_a fault_n be_v punish_v by_o their_o ecclesiastical_a court_n so_o cut_v off_o sin_n in_o its_o bud_n and_o by_o the_o excision_n of_o its_o lesser_a act_n and_o ebullition_n prevent_v its_o more_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a eruption_n that_o particular_a sin_n which_o they_o most_o severe_o punish_v and_o through_o the_o frequency_n of_o persecution_n have_v numerous_a object_n of_o be_v apostasy_n from_o the_o truth_n or_o a_o lapse_v into_o idolatry_n which_o crime_n be_v always_o 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o extreme_a rigour_n of_o which_o ninus_n clementianus_n and_o florus_n be_v sad_a instance_n who_o though_o they_o have_v for_o some_o time_n courageous_o endure_v their_o persecution_n and_o torment_n yet_o at_o last_o through_o the_o violence_n thereof_o and_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o flesh_n unwilling_o consent_v to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n be_v for_o that_o fault_n force_v to_o undergo_v three_o year_n penance_n and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o their_o ancient_a merit_n must_v have_v undergo_v it_o much_o long_o as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o 53d_o epistle_n of_o cyprian_a and_o thus_o by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a severe_a and_o rigorous_a course_n those_o primitive_a virtuoso_n endeavour_v to_o prevent_v sin_n and_o to_o make_v all_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n true_o holy_a and_o pious_a for_o as_o origen_n say_v 143._o we_o use_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n that_o our_o assembly_n be_v compose_v of_o wise_a and_o honest_a men._n §_o 3._o as_o for_o the_o judge_n that_o compose_v the_o consistory_n or_o ecclesiastical_a court_n before_o who_o offend_v criminal_n be_v convene_v and_o by_o who_o censure_v they_o will_v appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o whole_a church_n both_o clergy_n and_o laity_n
be_v absolve_v come_v into_o the_o church_n mourning_n and_o weep_v and_o express_v all_o external_a indication_n of_o his_o internal_a sorrow_n as_o when_o natalis_n a_o roman_a confessor_n be_v absolve_v for_o his_o join_n with_o the_o theodotian_n heretic_n he_o come_v into_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v by_o a_o ancient_a 〈◊〉_d christian_n 197._o cover_v with_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n throw_v himself_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n and_o with_o tear_n in_o his_o eye_n beg_v their_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o very_o proper_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n 143._o by_o tear_n not_o by_o threat_n by_o prayer_n and_o not_o by_o curse_n hence_o at_o this_o time_n for_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o their_o sorrow_n and_o humility_n they_o be_v to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o sin_n style_v by_o they_o exomologesis_fw-la which_o be_v as_o cyprian_n say_v 32._o a_o confession_n of_o their_o great_a and_o heinous_a crime_n and_o be_v a_o necessary_a antecedent_n to_o absolution_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v the_o source_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o true_a repentance_n for_o as_o tertullian_n observe_v 380._o out_o of_o confession_n be_v bear_v repentance_n and_o by_o confession_n come_v satisfaction_n and_o in_o many_o place_n of_o 32._o cyprian_a the_o necessity_n of_o confession_n be_v assert_v for_o as_o tertullian_n say_v 380._o confession_n as_o much_o diminish_v the_o fault_n as_o dissimulation_n aggravate_v it_o confession_n be_v the_o advice_n of_o satisfaction_n dissimulation_n of_o contumacy_n and_o therefore_o he_o condemn_v those_o who_o through_o shame_n defer_v from_o day_n to_o day_n the_o publication_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o 382._o more_o mindful_a of_o their_o shamefacedness_n than_o of_o their_o salvation_n like_o those_o who_o have_v a_o disease_n in_o their_o secret_a part_n through_o shame_n conceal_v it_o from_o the_o surgeon_n and_o so_o with_o their_o modesty_n die_v and_o perish_v confession_n therefore_o be_v so_o necessary_a the_o great_a offender_n be_v not_o exempt_v from_o it_o as_o when_o philip_n the_o emperor_n as_o eusebius_n call_v he_o or_o rather_o philip_n a_o perfect_a of_o egypt_n will_v have_v join_v with_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o church_n prayer_n bishop_n babylas_n deny_v he_o admission_n because_o of_o his_o enormous_a crime_n nor_o will_v he_o receive_v he_o till_o he_o have_v make_v 232._o a_o public_a confession_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o according_o when_o one_o of_o those_o bishop_n that_o schismatical_o ordain_v novatian_n return_v as_o a_o penitent_a he_o come_v into_o the_o church_n weep_v and_o 243._o confess_v his_o sin_n where_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n his_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o intimate_v that_o the_o penitent'_v confession_n be_v not_o only_o general_a or_o for_o all_o his_o sin_n in_o the_o gross_a but_o it_o be_v particular_a for_o that_o special_a sin_n for_o which_o he_o be_v censure_v consonant_n whereunto_o cyprian_n as_o before_o quote_v write_v that_o the_o penitent_n 32._o confess_v his_o most_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n that_o be_v that_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o be_v so_o severe_o punish_v this_o confession_n of_o the_o penitent_n be_v make_v with_o all_o the_o outward_a sign_n of_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n which_o usual_o so_o affect_v the_o faithful_a as_o that_o they_o sympathize_v with_o they_o in_o mourning_n and_o weep_v whence_o tertullian_n exhort_v the_o penitent_n not_o through_o shame_n to_o conceal_v but_o from_o a_o true_a godly_a disposition_n to_o confess_v his_o fault_n before_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o to_o weep_v and_o mourn_v for_o it_o 382._o since_o they_o be_v his_o brethren_n will_v also_o weep_v with_o and_o over_o he_o and_o so_o from_o the_o same_o consideration_n cyprian_n exhort_v the_o lapse_v to_o this_o penitent_a confession_n 285._o with_o our_o tear_n say_v he_o join_v your_o tear_n with_o our_o groan_n couple_v your_o groan_n §_o 10._o as_o soon_o as_o confession_n be_v over_o than_o follow_v the_o formal_a absolution_n which_o be_v thus_o the_o person_n to_o be_v absolve_v kneel_v down_o before_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o clergy_n who_o put_v their_o hand_n upon_o his_o head_n and_o bless_v he_o by_o which_o external_a ceremony_n the_o penitent_a be_v declarative_o and_o formal_o admit_v to_o the_o church_n peace_n thus_o cyprian_n write_v that_o they_o 30._o receive_v the_o right_n of_o communion_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o clergy_n and_o that_o 37._o no_o one_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o communion_n unless_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n have_v impose_v hand_n on_o he_o this_o be_v account_v the_o three_o and_o last_o general_n requisite_a for_o the_o reconcile_n of_o offender_n the_o two_o former_a be_v the_o undergo_a a_o state_n of_o penance_n and_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o sin_n all_o which_o three_o be_v frequent_o mention_v together_o as_o such_o by_o cyprian_a as_o where_o he_o 30._o say_v let_v offender_n do_v penance_n a_o set_a space_n of_o time_n and_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o discipline_n let_v they_o come_v to_o confession_n and_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n let_v they_o receive_v the_o right_n of_o communion_n and_o in_o other_o place_n he_o complain_v of_o the_o irregular_a and_o unadvised_a action_n of_o some_o of_o his_o presbyter_n that_o they_o admit_v some_o of_o the_o lapse_v to_o communion_n 37._o before_o they_o have_v undergo_v a_o duc_fw-fr penance_n make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o have_v hand_n impose_v on_o they_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n §_o 11._o after_o the_o penitent_n be_v absolve_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n than_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o make_v partaker_n again_o of_o all_o those_o privilege_n which_o by_o their_o crime_n they_o have_v for_o a_o while_n forfeit_v only_o when_o a_o offend_a clergy_n man_n be_v absolve_v he_o only_o be_v restore_v to_o communion_n as_o a_o layman_n but_o never_o readmit_v to_o his_o ecclesiastical_a dignity_n thus_o when_o one_o of_o the_o schismatical_a bishop_n that_o ordain_v novatian_n return_v to_o the_o church_n he_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o admit_v only_o to_o 243._o lay-communion_n so_o likewise_o apostate_n or_o lapse_v bishop_n be_v never_o restore_v again_o to_o their_o office_n the_o reason_n whereof_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o 64th_o epistle_n of_o cyprian_a and_o therefore_o basilides_n a_o lapse_v bishop_n 202._o will_v have_v be_v extreme_o glad_a if_o the_o church_n will_v but_o have_v permit_v he_o to_o communicate_v as_o a_o layman_n but_o yet_o i_o suppose_v that_o for_o every_o fault_n clergyman_n be_v not_o deprive_v of_o their_o order_n but_o only_o according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o crime_n and_o the_o aggravation_n of_o they_o since_o i_o find_v that_o maximus_n a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o have_v be_v delude_v into_o the_o schism_n of_o novatian_n be_v upon_o his_o submission_n 105._o restore_v by_o cornelius_n to_o his_o former_a office_n chap._n viii_o §_o 1._o of_o the_o independency_n of_o church_n §_o 2._o of_o the_o dependency_n of_o church_n §_o 3._o of_o synod_n and_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o they_o §_o 4._o how_o often_o synod_n be_v convene_v §_o 5._o who_o be_v the_o member_n of_o synod_n §_o 6._o by_o who_o authority_n synod_n be_v convene_v §_o 7._o when_o convene_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o proceed_n a_o moderator_n first_o choose_v what_o the_o moderator_n office_n be_v §_o 8._o then_o they_o enter_v upon_o business_n which_o have_v relation_n either_o to_o foreign_a church_n or_o their_o own_o with_o respect_n to_o foreign_a church_n their_o act_n be_v only_o advise_v §_o 9_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o own_o church_n oblige_v the_o end_n and_o power_n of_o synod_n inquire_v into_o §_o 1._o to_o that_o large_a discourse_n of_o the_o primitive_a discipline_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o precede_a chapter_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o add_v this_o observation_n that_o all_o those_o judicial_a act_n be_v exert_v in_o and_o by_o every_o single_a parish_n every_o particular_a church_n have_v power_n to_o exercise_v discipline_n on_o her_o own_o member_n without_o the_o concurrency_n of_o other_o church_n else_o in_o those_o place_n where_o there_o may_v be_v but_o one_o church_n for_o several_a mile_n round_o which_o we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n must_v have_v travel_v several_a if_o not_o score_n of_o miles_n to_o have_v have_v the_o consent_n of_o other_o church_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o ofsender_n but_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o make_v this_o supposition_n
the_o member_n that_o compose_v these_o synod_n they_o be_v bishop_n presbyter_n deacon_n and_o depute_a layman_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n of_o their_o respective_a church_n thus_o at_o that_o great_a synod_n of_o antioch_n that_o condemn_v paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la there_o be_v present_a 279._o bishop_n presbyter_n deacon_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v layman_n that_o represent_v the_o people_n of_o their_o several_a church_n so_o also_o we_o read_v in_o a_o ancient_a fragment_n in_o eusebius_n that_o when_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o montanist_n be_v fix_v and_o preach_v 181._o the_o faithful_a in_o asia_n meet_v together_o several_a time_n to_o examine_v it_o and_o upon_o examination_n condemn_v it_o so_o also_o when_o there_o be_v some_o heat_n in_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n about_o the_o restitution_n of_o the_o lapse_v cyprian_n write_v from_o his_o exile_n that_o the_o lapse_v shall_v be_v patient_a till_o god_n have_v restore_v peace_n to_o the_o church_n and_o then_o there_o shall_v 41._o be_v convene_v a_o synod_n of_o bishop_n and_o of_o the_o laity_n who_o have_v stand_v firm_a during_o the_o persecution_n to_o consult_v about_o and_o determine_v their_o affair_n which_o proposition_n be_v approve_v by_o moses_n and_o maximus_n and_o other_o roman_a confessor_n who_o like_v the_o consult_v 60._o of_o a_o synod_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n deacon_n confessor_n and_o the_o stand_a laity_n as_o also_o do_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v willing_a that_o that_o affair_n 70._o of_o the_o lapse_v shall_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o bishop_n presbyter_n deacon_n confessor_n and_o the_o stand_a laity_n and_o thus_o at_o that_o great_a council_n hold_v at_o 〈◊〉_d anno_fw-la 258._o there_o be_v present_a eighty_o seven_o 443._o bishop_n together_o with_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o laity_n §_o 6._o if_o it_o shall_v be_v demand_v by_o who_o authority_n and_o appointment_n synod_n be_v assemble_v to_o this_o it_o will_v be_v reply_v that_o it_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v by_o their_o own_o because_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o order_n or_o determine_v those_o affair_n §_o 7._o when_o a_o synod_n be_v convene_v before_o ever_o they_o enter_v upon_o any_o public_a cause_n they_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o grave_a and_o renow_v bishop_n among_o they_o one_o or_o sometime_o two_o to_o be_v their_o moderator_n or_o moderator_n as_o at_o the_o council_n hold_v at_o carthage_n anno_fw-la 258._o cypr._n cyprian_n be_v moderator_n or_o prolocutor_n thereof_o and_o so_o we_o read_v of_o the_o prolocutor_n of_o several_a synod_n that_o be_v assemble_v in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o determine_v the_o controversy_n concern_v easter_n as_o 191._o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v prolocutor_n of_o a_o synod_n hold_v there_o palmas_n bishop_n of_o amastris_n moderator_n of_o a_o synod_n hold_v in_o pontus_n and_o irenaeus_n bishop_n of_o lion_n of_o another_o in_o france_n 191._o polycrates_n bishop_n os_fw-la ephesus_n preside_v over_o a_o synod_n of_o asiatic_a bishop_n and_o 190._o at_o a_o convocation_n in_o palestina_n there_o be_v two_o moderator_n viz._n theophilus_n bishop_n of_o caesarea_n and_o narcissus_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o moderator_n be_v to_o preside_v in_o the_o synod_n to_o see_v all_o thing_n calm_o and_o fair_o debate_v and_o decree_v and_o at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o any_o cause_n to_o sum_n up_o what_o have_v be_v debate_v and_o urge_v on_o both_o side_n to_o take_v the_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o last_o of_o all_o to_o give_v his_o own_o all_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n which_o be_v extant_a at_o the_o end_n of_o cyprian_n work_n cyprian_n be_v moderator_n of_o that_o council_n after_o all_o thing_n be_v read_v and_o finish_v relate_v to_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n sum_v up_o all_o tell_v the_o synod_n what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o that_o nothing_o more_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o declaration_n of_o their_o judgement_n thereupon_o according_o thereunto_o the_o bishop_n give_v their_o respective_a vote_n and_o decision_n and_o last_o of_o all_o cyprian_a as_o precedent_n give_v in_o he_o §_o 8._o when_o the_o moderator_n be_v choose_v than_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o affair_n that_o lay_v before_o they_o which_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n either_o as_o relate_v to_o foreign_a church_n or_o to_o those_o church_n only_o of_o who_o they_o be_v the_o representative_n as_o for_o foreign_a church_n their_o determination_n be_v not_o obligatory_a unto_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o represent_v by_o they_o and_o so_o the_o chief_a matter_n they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o they_o be_v to_o give_v they_o their_o advice_n and_o counsel_n in_o any_o difficult_a point_n which_o they_o have_v propose_v to_o they_o as_o when_o the_o people_n of_o astorga_n and_o emerita_n in_o spain_n have_v write_v to_o some_o african_a church_n for_o their_o advice_n what_o to_o do_v with_o their_o two_o bishop_n who_o have_v lapse_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n this_o case_n be_v debate_v in_o a_o synod_n hold_v anno_fw-la 258_o who_o opinion_n thereupon_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o their_o synodical_a epistle_n extant_a at_o large_a among_o the_o work_n of_o cyprian_a epist._n 68_o p._n 200._o §_o 9_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o those_o particular_a church_n who_o representative_n they_o be_v their_o decree_n be_v bind_v and_o obligatory_a since_o the_o regulation_n and_o management_n of_o their_o affair_n be_v the_o general_a end_n of_o their_o convening_n various_a and_o many_o be_v the_o particular_a end_n of_o these_o synodical_a convention_n as_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o injustice_n and_o partiality_n in_o a_o parish_n consistory_n as_o suppose_v that_o such_o a_o consistory_n have_v wrongful_o and_o unrighteous_o censure_v one_o of_o their_o member_n what_o shall_v that_o censure_v person_n do_v unless_o appeal_v to_o the_o synod_n to_o have_v his_o cause_n hear_v there_o as_o felicissimus_n do_v who_o after_o he_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o his_o own_o parish_n of_o which_o cyprian_n be_v bishop_n 99_o have_v his_o cause_n hear_v before_o a_o synod_n who_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o partiality_n and_o injustice_n that_o in_o lesser_n asia_n 236._o offender_n be_v usual_o absolve_v by_o the_o synod_n which_o meet_v every_o year_n synod_n also_o be_v assemble_v for_o the_o examine_n condemn_v and_o excommunicate_v of_o all_o heretic_n within_o their_o limit_n that_o so_o the_o faithful_a may_v avoid_v and_o shun_v they_o as_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la be_v condemn_v by_o the_o 279._o council_n of_o antioch_n for_o resolve_v of_o all_o difficult_a point_n that_o do_v not_o wound_v the_o essential_o of_o religion_n or_o have_v relation_n unto_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o when_o there_o be_v some_o scruple_n about_o the_o time_n of_o baptise_v of_o child_n a_o 162._o synod_n of_o sixty_o six_o bishop_n meet_v together_o to_o decide_v it_o and_o so_o when_o there_o be_v some_o dispute_n concern_v the_o martyr_n power_n to_o restore_v the_o lapse_v 41._o synod_n be_v to_o be_v assemble_v to_o decide_v they_o but_o why_o do_v i_o go_v about_o to_o reckon_v up_o particular_n when_o as_o they_o be_v endless_a let_v this_o suffice_v in_o general_a that_o synod_n be_v convene_v for_o the_o regulation_n and_o management_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n within_o their_o respective_a jurisdiction_n as_o firmilian_a write_v that_o in_o his_o country_n 236._o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o every_o year_n to_o dispose_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n here_o they_o consult_v about_o the_o discipline_n government_n and_o external_n polity_n of_o their_o church_n and_o what_o mean_n be_v expedient_a and_o proper_a for_o their_o peace_n unity_n and_o order_n which_o by_o their_o common_a consent_n they_o enact_v and_o decree_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a of_o those_o church_n who_o they_o do_v represent_v he_o who_o deny_v this_o must_v be_v very_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o ancient_a council_n especial_o those_o which_o be_v hold_v after_o the_o emperor_n become_v christian_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o find_v not_o more_o synodical_a decree_n of_o the_o three_o first_o century_n come_v not_o from_o that_o they_o judicial_o determine_v none_o or_o require_v not_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o but_o from_o that_o either_o they_o be_v not_o careful_a or_o the_o fury_n and_o violence_n of_o the_o time_n will_v
sin_n to_o worship_v kneel_v which_o custom_n we_o also_o observe_v from_o easter_n to_o whitsuntide_n §_o 8._o the_o element_n be_v thus_o bless_v distribute_v and_o receive_v they_o afterward_o sing_v a_o hymn_n or_o psalm_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o tertullian_n write_v 710._o then_o every_o one_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o god_n either_o of_o his_o own_o composition_n or_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n then_o follow_v for_o a_o conclusion_n a_o prayer_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n almighty_a for_o his_o inestimable_a grace_n and_o mercy_n as_o the_o same_o tertullian_n say_v ibidem_fw-la prayer_n conclude_v this_o feast_n to_o which_o be_v subjoin_v a_o collection_n for_o the_o poor_a when_o as_o justin_n martyr_n report_v 99_o every_o one_o that_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a give_v according_a to_o his_o ability_n and_o that_o that_o be_v gather_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o bishop_n who_o relieve_v therewith_o the_o orphan_n and_o widow_n the_o sick_a and_o distress_a prisoner_n traveller_n stranger_n and_o in_o a_o word_n all_o that_o have_v need_v thereof_o chap._n vii_o §_o 1._o of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o public_a worship_n §_o 2._o of_o the_o place_n thereof_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n fix_v place_n for_o that_o end_n metonymical_o call_v church_n §_o 3._o how_o those_o church_n be_v build_v §_o 4._o no_o holiness_n in_o those_o place_n §_o 5._o of_o the_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n §_o 6._o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n a_o usual_a time_n §_o 7._o celebrate_a with_o joyfulness_n esteem_v holy_a and_o spend_v in_o a_o holy_a manner_n §_o 8._o their_o reason_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o day_n §_o 9_o the_o usual_a title_n of_o this_o day_n the_o lord_n day_n §_o 10._o sometime_o call_v sunday_n but_o never_o the_o sabbath-day_n §_o 11._o saturday_n another_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n §_o 1._o hitherto_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o several_a particular_a act_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o ancient_n i_o now_o come_v according_a to_o my_o propound_a order_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n thereof_o by_o which_o i_o mean_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v inseparable_a from_o all_o humane_a action_n as_o place_n and_o time_n habit_n and_o gesture_n as_o for_o habit_n as_o much_o of_o that_o as_o be_v controvert_v i_o have_v speak_v to_o already_o in_o that_o chapter_n where_o i_o discourse_v of_o the_o minister_n habit_n in_o prayer_n and_o as_o for_o gesture_n i_o have_v already_o treat_v of_o worship_v towards_o the_o east_n and_o of_o their_o posture_n at_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o dispute_v with_o reference_n thereunto_o beside_o the_o bow_n at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o worship_v towards_o the_o communion_n table_n but_o both_o these_o be_v introduce_v after_o my_o prescribe_a time_n viz._n above_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o to_o they_o but_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o discuss_n of_o the_o two_o remain_a circumstance_n of_o public_a worship_n viz._n place_n and_o time_n §_o 2._o first_o as_o for_o place_n this_o all_o will_v ready_o grant_v to_o be_v a_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o if_o we_o serve_v god_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o it_o must_v be_v in_o one_o place_n or_o other_o now_o one_o query_n with_o respect_n hereunto_o may_v be_v whether_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v determine_v fix_v place_n for_o their_o public_a worship_n unto_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o usual_o they_o have_v though_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n or_o when_o their_o circumstance_n will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o have_v one_o usual_a sixed_a place_n they_o meet_v wherever_o they_o can_v 268._o in_o field_n desert_n ship_n or_o inn_n yet_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o serenity_n they_o choose_v the_o most_o settle_a convenient_a place_n that_o they_o can_v get_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o solemn_a service_n which_o place_n by_o a_o metonymy_n they_o call_v the_o church_n thus_o at_o rome_n the_o place_n where_o the_o christian_n meet_v and_o choose_v fabian_n for_o their_o bishop_n be_v 239._o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n paulus_n samosasatenus_fw-la bishop_n thereof_o order_v certain_a woman_n to_o sing_v psalm_n to_o his_o praise_n 281._o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o church_n at_o carthage_n the_o baptise_a person_n renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n 336._o in_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o veland_n fertullian_n very_o frequent_o call_v their_o definite_a place_n for_o divine_a worship_n church_n §_o 3._o as_o for_o the_o form_n of_o these_o church_n or_o the_o fashion_n of_o their_o building_n i_o find_v this_o description_n of_o they_o in_o tertullian_n 284._o the_o house_n of_o our_o dove_n like_o religion_n be_v simple_a build_v on_o high_a and_o in_o open_a view_n respect_v the_o light_n as_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o east_n as_o the_o representation_n of_o christ._n the_o meaning_n whereofis_n that_o their_o church_n be_v erect_v on_o high_a and_o open_a place_n and_o make_v very_o light_a and_o shine_a in_o imitation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descent_n upon_o the_o apostle_n at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n who_o come_v down_o with_o fire_n or_o light_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v build_v towards_o the_o east_n in_o resemblance_n of_o christ_n who_o they_o apprehend_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v call_v the_o east_n concern_v which_o title_n and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v in_o that_o head_n concern_v pray_v towards_o the_o east_n unto_o which_o place_n to_o avoid_v repetition_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n §_o 4._o but_o though_o they_o have_v these_o fix_a place_n or_o church_n for_o conveniency_n and_o decency_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o imagine_v any_o such_o sanctity_n or_o holiness_n to_o be_v in_o they_o as_o to_o recommend_v or_o make_v more_o acceptable_a those_o service_n that_o be_v discharge_v therein_o than_o if_o they_o have_v be_v perform_v elsewhere_o for_o as_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n write_v 520._o every_o place_n be_v in_o truth_n holy_a where_o we_o receive_v any_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o as_o justin_n martyr_n say_v 344._o through_o jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v now_o all_o become_v priest_n to_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v to_o accept_v our_o sacrifice_n in_o every_o or_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n or_o such_o like_a emergency_n they_o scruple_v not_o to_o meet_v in_o other_o place_n but_o wherever_o they_o can_v secure_o join_v together_o in_o their_o religious_a service_n there_o they_o meet_v though_o it_o be_v 268._o in_o field_n desert_n ship_n inn_n or_o prison_n as_o be_v the_o case_n and_o practice_n of_o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n so_o that_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o opinion_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o circumstance_n of_o place_n be_v that_o if_o the_o state_n of_o their_o affair_n will_v permit_v they_o they_o have_v fix_v place_n for_o their_o public_a worship_n call_v church_n which_o they_o set_v apart_o to_o that_o use_n for_o conveniency_n and_o decency_n sake_n but_o not_o attribute_v unto_o they_o any_o such_o holiness_n as_o thereby_o to_o sanctify_v those_o service_n that_o be_v perform_v in_o they_o i_o know_v nothing_o more_o with_o respect_n to_o place_n that_o require_v our_o consideration_n i_o shall_v therefore_o now_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n under_o which_o will_v be_v comprehend_v the_o primitive_a fast_n and_o feast_n §_o 5._o time_n be_v as_o necessary_a a_o circumstance_n to_o religious_a worship_n as_o place_n for_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n we_o can_v serve_v god_n at_o all_o time_n but_o must_v have_v some_o determinate_a time_n to_o serve_v he_o in_o that_o god_n people_n therefore_o under_o the_o law_n may_v not_o be_v leave_v at_o a_o uncertainty_n when_o to_o serve_v he_o it_o please_v the_o almighty_a to_o institute_v the_o sabbath_n the_o passover_n and_o other_o feast_n at_o which_o time_n they_o be_v to_o congregate_v and_o assemble_v together_o to_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n due_a unto_o his_o name_n and_o for_o the_o same_o end_n under_o the_o evangelical_n administration_n there_o be_v particular_a day_n and_o season_n appoint_v for_o the_o public_a and_o solemn_a worship_n of_o the_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a lord_n according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n god_n have_v require_v we_o to_o serve_v he_o 52._o in_o the_o appoint_a time_n and_o season_n for_o which_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o serve_v he_o ibid._n at_o those_o determinate_v time_n that_o so_o worship_v he_o 53._o at_o those_o command_a season_n we_o may_v be_v bless_v and_o accept_v by_o
other_o church_n keep_v it_o the_o lord_n day_n after_o this_o diversity_n of_o custom_n create_v a_o violent_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n among_o the_o christian_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v impose_v their_o usage_n on_o the_o church_n of_o the_o lesser_a asia_n unto_o which_o the_o latter_a peremptory_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o appease_v these_o heat_n and_o storm_n polycarp_n bishop_n of_o smirna_n come_v to_o rome_n to_o confer_v with_o anicetus_n bishop_n of_o that_o church_n about_o it_o who_o 〈◊〉_d that_o every_o church_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o follow_v its_o own_o custom_n as_o according_o they_o be_v to_o the_o time_n of_o pope_n victor_n who_o revive_v this_o controversy_n and_o be_v so_o turbulent_a and_o imperious_a as_o that_o he_o excommunicate_v the_o asiatic_n for_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n condemn_v they_o as_o heretic_n load_v they_o with_o the_o long_a and_o frightful_a name_n of_o tessareskaidekatitae_fw-la or_o quartodecimani_n so_o call_v because_o they_o keep_v their_o easter_n quarta_fw-la decima_fw-la luna_fw-la upon_o the_o fourteen_o day_n after_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o moon_n or_o at_o the_o full_a moon_n on_o what_o day_n soever_o it_o happen_v but_o however_o the_o asiatic_n stand_v their_o ground_n and_o still_o maintain_v their_o old_a custom_n till_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a anno_fw-la 325._o by_o their_o authority_n decide_v this_o controversy_n decree_a that_o throughout_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n easter_n shall_v be_v observe_v not_o on_o the_o day_n on_o which_o the_o jewish_a passover_n fall_v but_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n ensue_v as_o it_o be_v ever_o after_o observe_v and_o follow_v §_o 3._o the_o next_o feast_n that_o be_v observe_v be_v whitsunday_n or_o pentecost_n in_o commemoration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descent_n on_o the_o apostle_n which_o also_o be_v very_o ancient_a be_v mention_v several_a time_n by_o 623._o tertullian_n and_o reckon_v by_o origen_n for_o one_o of_o the_o 392._o four_o festival_n observe_v in_o his_o time_n the_o other_o three_o be_v sunday_n saturday_n and_o easter_n §_n 4._o as_o for_o christmas_n or_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n nativity_n there_o be_v a_o passage_n in_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n which_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v then_o observe_v as_o a_o festival_n for_o speak_v of_o the_o time_n when_o christ_n be_v bear_v he_o say_v that_o those_o who_o have_v curious_o search_v into_o it_o affix_v it_o to_o the_o 25_o day_n of_o the_o month_n pachon_n but_o the_o basilidian_a heretic_n hold_v otherwise_o 249._o who_o also_o observe_v as_o a_o feast_n the_o day_n of_o christ_n baptism_n from_o which_o word_n who_o also_o if_o that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o infer_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n be_v that_o the_o basilidian_o not_o only_a feast_v at_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n nativity_n but_o also_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o baptism_n but_o whether_o this_o interpretation_n will_v hold_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o learned_a reader_n to_o determine_v on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v other_o consideration_n which_o more_o strong_o insinuate_v that_o this_o festival_n be_v not_o so_o early_o solemnize_v as_o that_o when_o origen_n reckon_v up_o the_o feast_n observe_v in_o his_o age_n 392._o he_o mention_n not_o one_o syllable_n of_o christmas_n and_o it_o seem_v improbable_a that_o they_o shall_v celebrate_v christ_n nativity_n when_o they_o disagree_v about_o the_o month_n and_o day_n when_o christ_n be_v bear_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n reckon_v 249._o from_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o death_n of_o commodus_n exact_o one_o hundred_o ninety_o four_o year_n one_o month_n and_o thirteen_o day_n which_o year_n must_v be_v compute_v according_a to_o the_o nabonassar_n or_o egyptian_a account_n who_o vary_v from_o this_o in_o our_o year_n in_o that_o they_o have_v only_o 365_o day_n in_o a_o year_n never_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o odd_a hour_n or_o quadrant_n of_o a_o day_n that_o every_o four_o year_n make_v a_o whole_a day_n and_o be_v according_o by_o we_o then_o add_v to_o the_o month_n of_o february_n which_o make_v the_o bissextile_a or_o leapyear_n so_o that_o though_o the_o egyptian_n always_o begin_v their_o year_n with_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o month_n thoth_v yet_o make_v no_o account_n of_o the_o annual_a odd_a hour_n that_o month_n wander_v throughout_o the_o whole_a year_n and_o whereas_o now_o the_o first_o day_n of_o that_o month_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o our_o march_n about_o seven_o hundred_o year_n hence_o it_o will_v be_v the_o first_o of_o september_n and_o after_o seven_o hundred_o year_n more_o or_o near_o thereabouts_o it_o will_v come_v to_o the_o first_o of_o march_n again_o wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v reduce_v unto_o our_o style_n this_o calculation_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n we_o must_v deduce_v for_o those_o odd_a hour_n which_o be_v not_o account_v one_o month_n and_o eighteen_o day_n and_o so_o reckon_v the_o birth_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o death_n of_o commodus_n which_o happen_v on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o january_n to_o be_v one_o hundred_o ninety_o four_o year_n want_v five_o or_o six_o day_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o christ_n be_v bear_v on_o the_o 25_o or_o 26_o of_o the_o month_n of_o december_n according_a to_o the_o julian_n account_v which_o be_v the_o epoch_n we_o follow_v but_o as_o the_o same_o father_n far_o write_v in_o the_o same_o place_n 249._o there_o be_v some_o who_o more_o curious_o search_v after_o the_o year_n and_o day_n of_o christ_n nativity_n affix_v the_o latter_a to_o the_o 25_o of_o the_o month_n pachon_n now_o in_o that_o year_n in_o which_o christ_n be_v bear_v the_o month_n pachon_n commence_v the_o twenty_o day_n of_o april_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o computation_n christ_n be_v bear_v the_o 16_o day_n of_o may._n nay_o there_o be_v yet_o some_o other_o ingenious_a man_n as_o the_o same_o father_n continue_v to_o write_v 249._o that_o assign_v christ_n nativity_n to_o the_o 24_o or_o 25_o of_o the_o month_n pharmuthi_n which_o answer_v to_o our_o 16_o or_o 17_o of_o april_n so_o that_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o opinion_n concern_v the_o time_n of_o christ_n birth_n which_o make_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o there_o be_v then_o no_o particular_a feast_n observe_v in_o commemoration_n of_o that_o glorious_a and_o transcendent_a mercy_n §_o 5._o there_o be_v yet_o another_o feast_n call_v by_o we_o epiphany_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n baptism_n which_o i_o find_v to_o have_v be_v peculiar_o solemnize_v by_o the_o basilidian_a heretic_n for_o thus_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n report_v it_o to_o be_v a_o particular_a custom_n of_o they_o 249._o to_o keep_v as_o a_o festival_n the_o day_n of_o christ_n baptism_n the_o day_n on_o which_o christ_n be_v baptize_v 249._o they_o say_v to_o be_v the_o fifteen_o of_o the_o month_n tyby_n in_o the_o fifteen_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n tiberius_n which_o answer_v to_o our_o one_o and_o thirty_o of_o december_n or_o as_o other_o imagine_v it_o ibid._n on_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o month_n tyby_n which_o be_v the_o seven_o and_o twenty_o of_o our_o december_n §_o 6._o beside_o these_o forementioned_a festival_n there_o be_v none_o other_o observe_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n nor_o of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n nor_o of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o which_o may_v be_v a_o little_a observable_a it_o be_v very_o seldom_o if_o ever_o that_o the_o ancient_n give_v the_o title_n of_o saint_n to_o those_o holy_a person_n but_o single_o style_v they_o 78._o peter_z 615._o paul_n 78_o john_n etc._n etc._n not_o st._n peter_n st._n paul_n or_o st._n john_n §_o 7._o but_o now_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o festival_n which_o every_o church_n celebrate_v in_o the_o commemoration_n of_o its_o own_o martyr_n which_o be_v on_o the_o anniversary_n day_n of_o their_o martyrdom_n they_o assemble_v together_o where_o they_o recite_v the_o martyr_n glorious_a action_n exhort_v to_o a_o imitation_n of_o they_o and_o bless_a god_n for_o they_o so_o say_v cyprian_n 80._o the_o passion_n of_o the_o martyr_n we_o celebrate_v with_o a_o anniversary_n commemoration_n and_o so_o write_v tertullian_n 339._o upon_o the_o annual_a day_n of_o the_o martyr_n suffering_n we_o offer_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o they_o when_o this_o practice_n begin_v can_v certain_o be_v determine_v it_o be_v first_o find_v mention_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philomilium_n touch_v the_o death_n of_o polycarp_n wherein_o they_o write_v 135._o that_o they_o have_v gather_v up_o his_o martyr_a bone_n and_o bury_v they_o in_o a_o
decent_a place_n where_o say_v they_o if_o possible_a we_o will_v meet_v to_o celebrate_v with_o joy_n and_o gladness_n the_o birthday_n of_o his_o martyrdom_n hence_o that_o they_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o very_a day_n of_o the_o martyr_n suffering_n there_o be_v some_o appoint_v to_o take_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o they_o and_o faithful_o to_o register_v they_o that_o so_o there_o may_v be_v no_o mistake_n thus_o cyprian_n write_v from_o his_o exile_n to_o the_o clergy_n of_o his_o church_n 88_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v special_a care_n exact_o to_o note_v down_o the_o very_a day_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v commemorate_a among_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o martyr_n and_o to_o signify_v to_o he_o the_o precise_a time_n of_o their_o departure_n to_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n that_o so_o he_o may_v also_o celebrate_v it_o §_o 8._o the_o reason_n for_o which_o they_o observe_v these_o festival_n we_o find_v in_o the_o forementioned_a letter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n wherein_o they_o write_v 135._o that_o they_o will_v meet_v to_o celebrate_v with_o joy_n and_o gladness_n the_o martyrdom_n of_o polycarp_n for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o those_o who_o have_v already_o glorious_o strive_v and_o for_o the_o confirmation_n and_o preparation_n of_o other_o by_o their_o example_n so_o that_o their_o design_n be_v twofold_a to_o animate_v and_o encourage_v other_o to_o follow_v the_o glorious_a example_n of_o those_o heroic_a martyr_n who_o be_v commemorate_a before_o their_o eye_n and_o to_o declare_v the_o honour_n and_o veneration_n that_o they_o have_v for_o those_o invincible_a champion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o by_o their_o martyrdom_n be_v now_o free_v from_o all_o their_o misery_n and_o torment_n and_o translate_v to_o a_o bless_a and_o glorious_a immortality_n in_o a_o happy_a manner_n experience_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o scripture_n in_o ecclesiastes_n 7._o 1._o that_o the_o day_n of_o a_o man_n death_n be_v better_a than_o the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n whence_o the_o time_n of_o the_o martyr_n death_n be_v usual_o term_v their_o birthday_n because_o then_o be_v a_o period_n of_o all_o their_o grief_n and_o trouble_n and_o a_o beginning_n of_o their_o everlasting_a bliss_n and_o 〈◊〉_d thus_o in_o the_o forementioned_a letter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n concern_v the_o death_n of_o polycarp_n they_o write_v 135._o 339._o that_o they_o will_v meet_v to_o celebrate_v with_o joy_n and_o gladness_n the_o birthday_n of_o his_o martyrdom_n and_o so_o tertullian_n say_v that_o 3_o they_o annual_o commemorate_a the_o birth-day_n of_o the_o martyr_n that_o be_v their_o deathday_n as_o he_o write_v in_o another_o place_n concern_v st._n paul_n 615._o that_o he_o be_v bear_v at_o rome_n when_o he_o suffer_v martyrdom_n there_o §_o 9_o as_o for_o the_o place_n where_o these_o anniversary_n solemnity_n be_v perform_v it_o be_v at_o the_o tomb_n of_o the_o martyr_n who_o be_v usual_o bury_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o a_o distinct_a place_n from_o the_o heathen_n it_o be_v their_o custom_n to_o inter_v the_o christian_n by_o themselves_o separate_a from_o the_o pagan_n account_v it_o a_o heinous_a crime_n if_o possible_o it_o can_v be_v prevent_v to_o mingle_v their_o sacred_a ash_n with_o the_o defile_v one_o of_o their_o persecute_v and_o idolatrous_a neighbour_n wherefore_o in_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o disposition_n of_o martialis_n bishop_n of_o astorga_n by_o a_o african_a synod_n hold_v anno_fw-la 258_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o article_n allege_v against_o he_o 202._o that_o he_o have_v bury_v his_o son_n after_o the_o pagan_a manner_n in_o gentile_a sepulcher_n among_o man_n of_o another_o faith_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o survive_a christian_n will_v run_v upon_o ten_o thousand_o hazard_n to_o collect_v the_o scatter_a member_n of_o the_o dead_a martyr_n and_o decent_o to_o inter_v they_o in_o the_o common_a repository_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o when_o emilian_a the_o barbarous_a perfect_a of_o egypt_n forbid_v any_o under_o severe_a penalty_n to_o entomb_v the_o dead_a body_n of_o the_o murder_a saint_n and_o seduous_o watch_v if_o any_o will_v dare_v to_o do_v it_o yet_o 〈◊〉_d a_o deacon_n of_o alexandria_n 61._o resolute_o venture_v upon_o it_o and_o it_o be_v applaud_v by_o the_o historian_n as_o a_o act_n of_o religious_a boldness_n and_o freedom_n whereby_o asturias_n a_o roman_a senator_n render_v himself_o renown_v in_o that_o when_o 264._o he_o see_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o marinus_n at_o caesarea_n he_o take_v his_o martyr_a body_n clothe_v it_o with_o a_o precious_a garment_n bear_v it_o away_o on_o his_o own_o shoulder_n and_o magnificent_o and_o decent_o 〈◊〉_d it_o and_o in_o a_o letter_n from_o the_o christian_n of_o lion_n and_o vienna_n in_o france_n to_o the_o church_n of_o 〈◊〉_d concern_v their_o sore_n and_o grievous_a persecution_n we_o find_v they_o passionate_o complain_v of_o the_o inhuman_a cruelty_n of_o their_o persecutor_n 169._o that_o neither_o prayer_n nor_o tear_n neither_o gold_n nor_o silver_n can_v prevail_v with_o they_o to_o permit_v they_o to_o collect_v the_o dead_a body_n of_o their_o murder_a brethren_n and_o decent_o to_o 〈◊〉_d they_o as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o faithful_a or_o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n rejoice_v that_o they_o have_v get_v the_o most_o precious_a bone_n of_o polycarp_n which_o they_o bury_v 135._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d decebat_fw-la where_o they_o ought_v as_o valesius_fw-la render_v it_o that_o be_v as_o seems_z most_o probable_a at_o the_o common_a bury_v place_n of_o the_o christian_n now_o it_o be_v at_o these_o tomb_n and_o sepulcher_n that_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v solemnize_v thus_o in_o the_o forecited_a letter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philomilium_n they_o write_v that_o 135._o in_o that_o place_n where_o they_o have_v inter_v the_o bone_n of_o polycarp_n they_o will_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n assemble_v together_o and_o celebrate_v his_o martyrdom_n which_o be_v a_o practice_n so_o usual_a and_o constant_a as_o that_o the_o heathen_n observe_v it_o so_o that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n under_o the_o persecution_n of_o valerian_n aemilian_a the_o perfect_a of_o egypt_n threaten_v dionysius_n alexandrinus_n and_o his_o fellow-sufferer_n that_o for_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o 〈◊〉_d as_o he_o term_v it_o he_o will_v send_v they_o into_o lybia_n to_o a_o desert_n place_n call_v cephro_n 258._o where_o they_o shall_v not_o meet_v together_o or_o go_v to_o those_o place_n call_v cemetery_n that_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o martyr_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v bury_v so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o galienus_n valerian_n son_n restore_v peace_n to_o the_o church_n he_o publish_v a_o express_a edict_n 262._o for_o return_v to_o the_o christian_n the_o cemetery_n that_o be_v take_v from_o they_o §_o 10._o if_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o shall_v be_v inquire_v how_o they_o observe_v these_o festival_n days_n i_o answer_v that_o they_o do_v not_o according_a to_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o heathen_n spend_v they_o in_o riot_n and_o debauchery_n in_o bacchanalian_a revel_v and_o luxury_n but_o in_o religious_a exercise_n and_o employment_n in_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n 392._o he_o say_v origen_n true_o keep_v a_o festival_n who_o do_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v always_o pray_v and_o by_o his_o prayer_n offer_v up_o unbloody_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n the_o solemnite_n of_o these_o feast_n days_n be_v not_o drunkenness_n and_o gluttony_n but_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n now_o they_o public_o assemble_v as_o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n write_v in_o her_o letter_n concern_v the_o death_n of_o polycarp_n 135._o to_o commemorate_v the_o martyr_n courage_n and_o triumph_n and_o to_o exhort_v and_o prepare_v other_o to_o the_o same_o glorious_a and_o renown_a action_n or_o as_o tertullian_n express_v it_o 339._o now_o they_o offer_v oblation_n as_o cyprian_n 88_o they_o offer_v oblation_n and_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v they_o offer_v thanks_o and_o praise_n to_o god_n that_o have_v give_v grace_n to_o those_o martyr_n to_o seal_v his_o truth_n with_o their_o blood_n and_o in_o evidence_n of_o their_o gratitude_n distribute_v of_o their_o substance_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o 〈◊〉_d chap._n x._o §_o 1._o of_o the_o right_n and_o ceremony_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o §_o 2._o of_o ceremony_n many_o use_v by_o the_o ancient_n which_o through_o various_a way_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n §_o 3._o of_o rite_n every_o church_n follow_v its_o own_o rite_n without_o impose_v they_o on_o any_o other_o §_o 4._o the_o member_n of_o every_o church_n oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o rite_n of_o that_o church_n where_o they_o live_v §_o 5._o the_o conclusion_n of_o
church_n shall_v suffice_v i_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o add_v but_o my_o earnest_a entreaty_n and_o persuasion_n unto_o all_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n this_o little_a treatise_n shall_v fall_v to_o imitate_v and_o follow_v the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o their_o moderation_n and_o the_o peaceableness_n of_o their_o temper_n and_o disposition_n in_o those_o happy_a day_n the_o christian_n be_v so_o eminent_a above_o all_o other_o sect_n for_o their_o mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n that_o the_o heathen_n observe_v it_o with_o astonishment_n and_o cry_v out_o with_o admiration_n 709._o behold_v how_o they_o love_v one_o another_o 709._o we_o be_v say_v tertullian_n ready_a to_o die_v for_o each_o other_o and_o we_o call_v one_o another_o brethren_n because_o we_o acknowledge_v one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n the_o father_n and_o have_v be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n and_o have_v be_v bring_v from_o the_o same_o state_n of_o ignorance_n to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o same_o marvellous_a truth_n but_o alas_o 1._o how_o be_v the_o gold_n become_v 〈◊〉_d how_o be_v the_o most_o fine_a gold_n change_v how_o be_v that_o love_n and_o charity_n now_o turn_v into_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n pity_v compassion_n and_o tender-heartedness_n have_v leave_v the_o world_n and_o envy_n hatred_n and_o rancour_n be_v succeed_v in_o their_o place_n love_n be_v now_o explode_v as_o ungenteel_a and_o mean_a charity_n be_v condemn_v as_o abject_a and_o base_a whilst_o hatred_n revenge_n and_o fury_n be_v esteem_v as_o noble_a and_o generous_a but_o o_o lord_n how_o loug_a shall_v malice_n and_o envy_n wrath_n and_o pride_n for_o ever_o ride_v triumphant_a and_o uncontrolled_a when_o 〈◊〉_d thou_o o_o prince_n of_o peace_n and_o god_n of_o love_n heal_v our_o breach_n and_o compose_v our_o difference_n and_o cause_v we_o 3._o with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o meekness_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n we_o have_v too_o too_o long_o unnatural_o quarrel_v already_o and_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o scandal_n of_o religion_n have_v most_o unchristian_o abuse_v each_o other_o i_o speak_v not_o this_o only_a of_o one_o party_n but_o of_o all_o we_o have_v all_o be_v guilty_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n we_o have_v all_o err_v and_o go_v astray_o from_o the_o most_o holy_a commandment_n and_o have_v be_v deficient_a every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o this_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n we_o have_v loathe_v concord_n and_o love_v jar_n and_o division_n and_o have_v be_v always_o backbiting_a persecute_v and_o malign_v one_o another_o to_o this_o very_a day_n never_o at_o all_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v brethren_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o same_o bless_a and_o glorious_a religion_n but_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v this_o theme_n be_v too_o harsh_a and_o displease_a if_o it_o be_v a_o unpleasant_a work_n to_o rip_v up_o those_o uncharitable_a action_n may_v they_o be_v bury_v in_o perpetual_a silence_n and_o oblivion_n and_o never_o more_o be_v remember_v so_o as_o to_o stir_v up_o anger_n and_o revenge_n but_o only_o so_o as_o they_o may_v produce_v in_o we_o all_o humility_n repentance_n and_o mutual_a forgiveness_n let_v we_o now_o with_o our_o flood_n of_o penitential_a tear_n at_o once_o quench_v god_n anger_n for_o our_o past_a division_n and_o the_o flame_n of_o our_o present_a fire_n and_o heat_n that_o so_o there_o may_v be_v no_o fuel_n for_o future_a contention_n and_o be_v grieve_v that_o we_o have_v play_v the_o fool_n so_o long_o we_o may_v now_o the_o more_o firm_o resolve_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o do_v so_o no_o more_o that_o so_o however_o infamous_a we_o have_v be_v heretofore_o for_o our_o blind_a zeal_n and_o unaccountable_a animosity_n we_o may_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v be_v high_o renown_v and_o conspicuous_a for_o our_o ardent_a love_n and_o fervent_a charity_n 33._o put_v away_o all_o bitterness_n and_o wrath_n and_o anger_n and_o clamour_n and_o evil_a speak_n with_o all_o malice_n be_v kind_a to_o one_o another_o tender-hearted_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o 13._o put_v on_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n holy_a and_o belove_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n meekness_n long_o suffer_v 〈◊〉_d one_o another_o and_o forgive_a one_o another_o certain_a i_o be_o we_o need_v no_o argument_n to_o induce_v we_o hereunto_o both_o the_o necessity_n and_o facility_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n require_v it_o at_o our_o hand_n its_o necessity_n be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o whilst_o we_o spend_v our_o zeal_n and_o heat_n about_o these_o inconsiderable_a matter_n the_o very_a foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o moral_n be_v attack_v and_o shake_v atheism_n increase_v immorality_n prevail_v and_o those_o damnable_a heresy_n which_o for_o many_o age_n have_v be_v silence_v and_o abandon_v be_v now_o revive_v by_o man_n of_o a_o corrupt_a faith_n who_o take_v a_o occasion_n from_o the_o lawlessness_n and_o licentiousness_n of_o this_o present_a age_n to_o vent_v those_o curse_a tenant_n which_o eradicate_v and_o destroy_v all_o religion_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o unless_o we_o hasten_v to_o compose_v our_o difference_n about_o the_o skirt_n and_o fringe_n of_o religion_n the_o very_a vital_n and_o essential_o thereof_o will_v be_v corrode_v and_o devour_v by_o heresy_n and_o profaneness_n and_o as_o for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a reason_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o union_n or_o comprehension_n be_v manifest_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o the_o facility_n of_o such_o a_o union_n be_v as_o apparent_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n for_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n our_o difference_n be_v neither_o about_o faith_n nor_o manner_n we_o all_o believe_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o redeemer_n desire_v to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sanctifier_n receive_v one_o and_o the_o same_o scripture_n assent_n to_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o same_o duty_n our_o dispute_n be_v only_o about_o lesser_a matter_n about_o modes_n and_o form_n about_o gesture_n and_o posture_n and_o such_o like_a inferior_a matter_n about_o which_o it_o shall_v grieve_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o quarrel_n and_o which_o with_o the_o great_a ease_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v compose_v and_o settle_v if_o manage_v by_o man_n of_o prudence_n and_o moderation_n and_o such_o man_n it_o be_v hope_v be_v the_o reverend_a bishop_n advance_v by_o their_o majesty_n who_o promotion_n to_o those_o place_n of_o dignity_n and_o trust_v many_o honest_a and_o peaceable_a man_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o good_a omen_n and_o prognostic_n of_o our_o future_a union_n and_o happy_a establishment_n with_o these_o two_o consideration_n let_v we_o remember_v those_o solemn_a vow_n and_o engagement_n which_o we_o make_v to_o almighty_a god_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o late_a distress_n how_o we_o then_o vow_v and_o promise_v that_o if_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o deliver_v and_o rescue_v we_o we_o will_v forget_v our_o difference_n and_o mutual_o condescend_v and_o abate_v of_o our_o rigour_n and_o severity_n wherefore_o now_o since_o god_n have_v so_o wonderful_o save_v we_o let_v we_o not_o be_v so_o perfidious_a and_o faithless_a as_o to_o neglect_v to_o perform_v what_o we_o then_o oblige_v ourselves_o unto_o but_o let_v we_o willing_o and_o conscientious_o discharge_v it_o lest_o god_n bring_v severe_a judgement_n on_o we_o then_o ever_o and_o at_o once_o utter_o destroy_v we_o both_o root_n and_o branch_n for_o our_o lie_v perjury_n and_o hypocrisy_n many_o other_o such_o cogent_a argument_n i_o may_v 〈◊〉_d produce_v but_o that_o i_o may_v avoid_v too_o great_a prolixity_n and_o tediousness_n i_o shall_v urge_v but_o one_o more_o which_o be_v that_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o unite_n spirit_n and_o a_o peaceable_a disposition_n we_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n we_o unjust_o arrogate_v that_o glorious_a name_n for_o the_o very_a soul_n of_o christianity_n be_v love_n and_o charity_n 18._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n not_o zealous_a dispute_n and_o strife_n about_o lesser_a point_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a 〈◊〉_d for_o he_o that_o in_o these_o serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n it_o be_v a_o absurdity_n and_o a_o mere_a contradiction_n for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v religious_a and_o yet_o to_o be_v malicious_a and_o uncharitable_a our_o saviour_n flat_o tell_v we_o that_o 35._o by_o this_o all_o man_n shall_v know_v that_o we_o be_v his_o disciple_n if_o
resurrection_n during_o which_o time_n they_o think_v themselves_o by_o the_o forementioned_a command_n oblige_v to_o fast_o second_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o duration_n of_o this_o fast_a or_o how_o long_o it_o be_v continue_v and_o that_o be_v from_o the_o time_n that_o christ_n the_o bridegroom_n be_v take_v away_o to_o the_o time_n that_o he_o be_v restore_v again_o that_o be_v from_o his_o passion_n to_o his_o resurrection_n now_o according_a to_o their_o various_a computation_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o christ_n be_v take_v away_o so_o be_v the_o duration_n of_o their_o fast_a some_o may_v reckon_v from_o christ_n agony_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d other_o from_o his_o be_v betray_v by_o judas_n 〈◊〉_d again_o from_o his_o be_v fasten_v to_o the_o cross_n and_o other_o from_o his_o be_v actual_o dead_a and_o so_o according_a to_o these_o diversity_n of_o computation_n be_v their_o fast_n either_o lengthen_v or_o shorten_v this_o we_o may_v probable_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o different_a observation_n of_o this_o fast_a with_o respect_n to_o its_o duration_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o irenaeus_n 393._o some_o say_v he_o esteem_n that_o they_o must_v fast_o but_o one_o day_n other_o two_o other_o more_z and_o some_o allow_v to_o this_o fast_a forty_o hour_n which_o last_o space_n of_o time_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v their_o general_n and_o common_a allowance_n whence_o this_o fast_a be_v afterward_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o quadragesima_fw-la that_o be_v not_o a_o fast_a of_o forty_o day_n in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n fast_v in_o the_o wilderness_n but_o a_o fast_a of_o forty_o hour_n begin_v at_o friday_n twelve_o a_o clock_n about_o which_o time_n christ_n be_v die_v and_o end_v sunday_n morning_n when_o christ_n arise_v so_o that_o from_o twelve_o a_o clock_n good_a friday_n as_o we_o call_v it_o when_o christ_n the_o bridegroom_n be_v take_v away_o they_o fast_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n as_o they_o imagine_v till_o sunday_n morning_n when_o he_o be_v find_v again_o by_o his_o resurrection_n at_o which_o time_n they_o forget_v their_o sorrow_n and_o mourn_a conclude_v their_o fast_a and_o begin_v the_o joyful_a festival_n of_o easter_n or_o of_o christ_n resurrection_n §_o 4._o as_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o fast_n we_o may_v observe_v they_o to_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n viz._n statio_fw-la jejunium_fw-la and_o superpositio_fw-la station_n fast_n and_o superposition_n all_o which_o three_o be_v at_o once_o mention_v by_o victorinus_n petavionensis_n 103._o we_o fast_o say_v he_o till_o the_o nine_o hour_n or_o till_o evening_n or_o their_o be_v a_o superposition_n till_o the_o next_o morning_n i._o there_o be_v the_o fast_a of_o station_n which_o end_v at_o three_o a_o clock_n in_o the_o afternoon_n or_o at_o the_o nine_o hour_n as_o it_o be_v call_v in_o the_o forecited_a passage_n of_o victorinus_n petavionensis_n this_o sort_n of_o fast_v be_v use_v on_o 〈◊〉_d and_o friday_n which_o day_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o be_v call_v stationary_a day_n and_o on_o they_o divine_a service_n be_v end_v at_o three_o a_o clock_n in_o the_o afternoon_n for_o which_o reason_n montanise_v tertullian_n 650._o term_v they_o the_o half_a fast_n of_o station_n ii_o the_o next_o sort_n be_v strict_o call_v jejunium_fw-la or_o a_o fast_a which_o according_a to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d place_n of_o victorinus_n petavionensis_n last_v till_o evening_n of_o this_o sort_n it_o be_v probable_a their_o occasional_a fast_n be_v as_o tertullian_n write_v 711._o in_o time_n of_o necessity_n and_o danger_n we_o dry_v up_o ourselves_o with_o fast_v abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n roll_v ourselves_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o by_o these_o mean_v cause_n god_n to_o have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o though_o it_o be_v also_o likely_a that_o in_o time_n of_o more_o eminent_a danger_n they_o extend_v these_o fast_n unto_o that_o of_o superposition_n the_o second_o sort_n of_o fast_n be_v observe_v by_o some_o on_o fridays_n who_o turn_v the_o station_n into_o a_o fast_a as_o victorinus_n petavionensis_n write_v 103._o on_o friday_n in_o commemoration_n of_o the_o lord_n passion_n i_o either_o keep_v a_o station_n or_o observe_v a_o fast._n iii_o the_o last_o sort_n of_o fast_n be_v call_v superposition_n or_o as_o by_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o last_v till_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o next_o day_n according_a to_o that_o of_o victorinus_n petavionensis_n 103._o let_v superposition_n be_v do_v till_o the_o next_o day_n as_o for_o the_o time_n when_o this_o fast_o be_v observe_v i_o find_v that_o in_o some_o of_o the_o western_a church_n they_o so_o keep_v every_o saturday_n throughout_o the_o year_n fast_v thereon_o till_o midnight_n or_o till_o the_o beginning_n of_o sunday_n morning_n as_o victorinus_n petavioniensis_fw-la say_v 103._o let_v superposition_n be_v do_v on_o saturday_n lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o observe_v the_o jewish_a sabbath_n but_o not_o only_o in_o these_o but_o in_o other_o church_n also_o they_o so_o fast_v on_o easter_n eve_n or_o on_o the_o saturday_n precede_v that_o sunday_n which_o be_v lend_v be_v so_o necessary_a and_o usual_a that_o tertullian_n enumerate_v those_o particular_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o a_o christian_a woman_n can_v not_o free_o perform_v if_o marry_v to_o a_o pagan_a husband_n reckon_v this_o as_o one_o 429._o that_o on_o easter_n eve_n she_o can_v not_o stay_v up_o and_o watch_v that_o night_n but_o to_o please_v her_o husband_n must_v be_v divert_v from_o this_o necessary_a fast_a that_o usher_v in_o the_o glorious_a festival_n of_o easter_n which_o bring_v i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o inquire_v into_o this_o and_o their_o other_o feast_n of_o which_o in_o the_o ensue_a chapter_n chap._n ix_o §_o 1._o of_o the_o primitive_a feast_n twofold_n occasional_a and_o fix_v §_o 2._o of_o easter_n §_n 3._o of_o whitsunday_n §_o 4._o of_o christmas_n on_o what_o day_n of_o the_o year_n christ_n be_v bear_v §_o 5._o of_o epiphany_n §_o 6._o beside_o these_o no_o other_o feast_n in_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n the_o virgin_n mary_n or_o the_o apostle_n the_o apostle_n not_o call_v saint_n in_o the_o primitive_a write_n §_o 7._o festival_n in_o commemoration_n of_o the_o martyr_n observe_v on_o the_o annual_a day_n of_o their_o martyrdom_n person_n appoint_v to_o take_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o day_n of_o their_o decease_n §_o 8._o why_o those_o festival_n be_v observe_v the_o day_n of_o the_o martyr_n death_n term_v their_o birth_n day_n §_o 9_o the_o place_n where_o these_o festival_n be_v solemnize_v of_o the_o buryingplace_n of_o the_o ancient_n §_o 10._o the_o manner_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o festival_n §_o 1._o as_o the_o primitive_a fast_n be_v twofold_a so_o likewise_o be_v their_o feast_n either_o occasional_a or_o fix_v as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v occasional_a i_o shall_v pass_v they_o over_o because_o not_o controvert_v and_o come_v immediate_o to_o inquire_v into_o their_o fix_a feast_n which_o as_o their_o fast_n be_v also_o twofold_a either_o weekly_a or_o annual_a of_o their_o weekly_a feast_n which_o be_v sundays_n and_o in_o the_o oriental_a church_n saturdays_n i_o have_v already_o discourse_v so_o that_o there_o only_o remain_v a_o enquiry_n into_o their_o annual_a feast_n which_o besides_o the_o martyr_n festival_n be_v two_o viz._n easter_n and_o whitsunday_n or_o at_o most_o three_o viz_o easter_n whitsunday_n and_o christmas_n of_o each_o of_o which_o in_o their_o order_n §_o 2._o i_o begin_v with_o easter_n as_o be_v the_o ancient_a feast_n of_o all_o concern_v which_o tertullian_n write_v 651._o we_o celebrate_v easter_n in_o the_o first_o month_n every_o year_n cyprian_a mention_n their_o 131._o easter_n solemnity_n and_o origen_n reckon_v 392._o easter_n as_o one_o of_o the_o four_o festival_n observe_v in_o his_o time_n but_o that_o they_o solemnize_v easter_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o well_o know_v that_o it_o will_v be_v unnecessary_a to_o prove_v it_o especial_o since_o every_o one_o know_v or_o at_o least_o may_v easy_o know_v those_o sharp_a contest_v and_o debate_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n about_o the_o time_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v keep_v the_o whole_a affair_n have_v be_v at_o large_a relate_v by_o several_a hand_n in_o our_o own_o tongue_n among_o other_o by_o the_o most_o learned_a dr._n cave_n in_o his_o apostolici_fw-la in_o the_o life_n of_o irenaeus_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o curious_a content_v myself_o with_o give_v a_o very_a brief_a account_n of_o the_o controversy_n which_o be_v this_o the_o church_n of_o the_o lesser_a asia_n keep_v their_o easter_n the_o same_o day_n that_o the_o jew_n keep_v their_o passover_n on_o what_o day_n of_o the_o week_n soever_o it_o happen_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o