since_o it_o be_v decree_v by_o a_o african_a synod_n 142._o that_o every_o one_o cause_n shall_v be_v hear_v where_o the_o crime_n be_v commit_v because_o that_o to_o every_o pastor_n be_v commit_v a_o particular_a portion_n of_o christ_n flock_n which_o he_o be_v particular_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v and_o to_o render_v a_o account_n thereof_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o another_o african_a synod_n that_o decree_v the_o rebaptisation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v baptise_a by_o heretic_n thus_o conclude_v their_o synodical_a epistle_n to_o pope_n stephen_n who_o hold_v the_o contrary_a 217._o whereas_o we_o know_v that_o some_o bishop_n will_v not_o relinquish_v a_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v but_o keep_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o concord_n with_o their_o colleague_n will_v retain_v some_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a sentiment_n which_o they_o have_v former_o receive_v to_o these_o we_o offer_v no_o violence_n or_o prescribe_v any_o law_n since_o every_o bishop_n have_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o church_n free_a liberty_n to_o follow_v his_o own_o will_n be_v to_o render_v a_o account_n of_o his_o action_n unto_o the_o lord_n after_o these_o two_o synodical_a determination_n it_o may_v be_v think_v needless_a to_o produce_v the_o single_a testimony_n of_o cyprian_a but_o that_o it_o show_v we_o not_o only_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o age_n but_o also_o of_o their_o predecessor_n 118._o among_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n of_o our_o province_n say_v he_o some_o thought_n that_o no_o peace_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o adulterer_n for_o ever_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o leave_v their_o fellow-bishop_n or_o for_o this_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o those_o that_o give_v peace_n to_o adulterer_n do_v not_o therefore_o separate_v from_o those_o that_o do_v not_o but_o still_o retain_v the_o bond_n of_o concord_n every_o bishop_n dispose_v and_o direct_v his_o own_o act_n render_v a_o account_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o lord_n thus_o every_o church_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n independent_a that_o be_v without_o the_o concurrence_n and_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o church_n it_o have_v a_o sufficient_a right_n and_o power_n in_o its_o self_n to_o punish_v and_o chastise_v all_o its_o delinquent_n and_o offend_a member_n §_o 2._o but_o yet_o in_o another_o sense_n it_o be_v dependent_a as_o consider_v with_o other_o church_n as_o part_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a 118._o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n of_o christ_n say_v cyprian_n divide_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n into_o many_o member_n and_o one_o episcopacy_n diffuse_v through_o the_o numerous_a concord_n of_o many_o bishop_n a_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o a_o part_n or_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a one_o and_o as_o one_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n have_v a_o regard_n to_o all_o the_o other_o member_n thereof_o so_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v but_o one_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a have_v relation_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o other_o member_n thereof_o hence_o though_o the_o labour_n and_o inspection_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v more_o peculiar_o confine_v to_o their_o own_o parish_n yet_o as_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a they_o employ_v a_o general_a kind_n of_o inspection_n over_o other_o church_n also_o observe_v their_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n and_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o account_n of_o their_o own_o state_n and_o posture_n as_o cyprian_n inspect_v that_o of_o arles_n give_v this_o as_o his_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o 199._o although_o they_o be_v many_o pastor_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o one_o flock_n and_o they_o ought_v to_o congregate_v and_o cherish_v all_o the_o sheep_n which_o christ_n redeem_v by_o his_o blood_n and_o passion_n and_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n thank_v cyprian_n that_o he_o have_v acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o africa_n for_o say_v they_o 67._o we_o ought_v all_o of_o we_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o member_n be_v distend_v through_o various_a province_n if_o the_o bishop_n of_o one_o church_n have_v any_o difficult_a point_n to_o determine_v he_o send_v to_o another_o bishop_n for_o his_o advice_n and_o decision_n thereof_o as_o when_o dyonisius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n have_v a_o critical_a cause_n to_o determine_v he_o send_v to_o xystus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n 254._o to_o know_v his_o opinion_n and_o counsel_n therein_o and_o so_o when_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n at_o carthage_n about_o the_o pacificatory_a libel_n of_o the_o martyr_n cyprian_a writ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o their_o advice_n therein_o for_o say_v he_o 66._o dear_o belove_a brethren_n both_o common_a reason_n and_o love_n require_v that_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v transact_v here_o shall_v be_v keep_v from_o your_o knowledge_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v your_o counsel_n about_o ecclesiastical_a administration_n in_o these_o and_o in_o many_o other_o such_o like_a case_n which_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o enumerate_v there_o be_v a_o correspondence_n between_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o universal_a one_o §_o 3._o but_o that_o that_o chief_o deserve_v our_o 〈◊〉_d be_v their_o intercourse_n and_o government_n by_o synodical_a assembly_n that_o be_v by_o a_o convocation_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n deacon_n and_o depute_a layman_n of_o several_a particular_a church_n who_o frequent_o meet_v together_o to_o maintain_v unity_n love_n and_o concord_n to_o advise_v about_o their_o common_a circumstance_n and_o condition_n to_o regulate_v all_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church-affair_n within_o their_o respective_a limit_n and_o to_o manage_v other_o such_o like_a thing_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v more_o large_o treat_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n that_o which_o must_v be_v speak_v of_o in_o this_o section_n be_v the_o several_a kind_n or_o sort_n of_o synod_n the_o most_o august_n and_o supreme_a kind_n whereof_o be_v a_o universal_a or_o 〈◊〉_d synod_n which_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o deputy_n of_o as_o many_o church_n as_o will_v please_v to_o come_v from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n of_o this_o sort_n i_o find_v but_o one_o within_o my_o limit_a space_n of_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v the_o 279._o council_n of_o antioch_n that_o condemn_v paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la or_o if_o this_o will_v not_o pass_v for_o a_o general_n council_n there_o be_v no_o such_o one_o before_o that_o of_o nice_n which_o be_v hold_v anno_fw-la 325._o and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o this_o kind_n within_o that_o time_n to_o which_o i_o be_o confine_v but_o those_o synod_n which_o be_v very_o frequent_a within_o my_o prescribe_a time_n be_v provincial_a synod_n that_o be_v as_o many_o particular_a church_n as_o can_v convenient_o and_o orderly_o associate_v themselves_o together_o and_o by_o their_o common_a consent_n and_o authority_n dispose_v and_o regulate_v all_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o their_o polity_n unity_n peace_n and_o order_n what_o extent_n of_o ground_n or_o how_o many_o particular_a church_n each_o of_o such_o synod_n do_v contain_v can_v be_v determine_v their_o precinct_n be_v not_o alike_o in_o all_o place_n but_o according_a as_o their_o circumstance_n and_o conveniency_n will_v permit_v so_o they_o form_v themselves_o into_o these_o synodical_a assembly_n and_o be_v govern_v in_o common_a by_o those_o synod_n who_o be_v call_v the_o synod_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o province_n as_o we_o read_v in_o cyprian_a of_o the_o 198._o province_n of_o arles_n and_o the_o bishop_n therein_o and_o cyprian_a frequent_o speak_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o province_n 118._o as_o the_o bishop_n 2_o in_o 99_o our_o province_n and_o 3_o throughout_o our_o province_n and_o 143._o throughout_o the_o province_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o 103._o his_o province_n be_v very_o large_a and_o that_o it_o be_v 202._o the_o custom_n of_o his_o province_n and_o almost_o all_o other_o province_n that_o upon_o the_o vacancy_n of_o a_o parish_n the_o neighbour_a bishop_n of_o that_o province_n shall_v meet_v together_o at_o that_o parish_n to_o ordain_v they_o a_o new_a bishop_n §_o 4._o how_o often_o these_o provincial_a synod_n be_v convene_v be_v uncertain_a since_o that_o vary_a according_a to_o their_o circumstance_n and_o their_o 〈◊〉_d custom_n firmilian_a bishop_n of_o caesarea_n in_o cappadocia_n write_v that_o in_o his_o province_n 236._o they_o meet_v every_o year_n and_o whosoever_o will_v consider_v the_o frequent_a synod_n that_o be_v mention_v in_o cyprian_a will_v find_v that_o in_o his_o province_n they_o meet_v at_o lest_o once_o and_o sometime_o twice_o or_o thrice_o a_o year_n §_o 5._o as_o for_o
the_o whole_a earth_n profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n than_o we_o may_v consider_v its_o unity_n in_o this_o sense_n either_o negative_o wherein_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v or_o positive_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v negative_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o rite_n and_o custom_n for_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o follow_v its_o own_o proper_a usage_n one_o church_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o rite_n of_o another_o but_o every_o one_o follow_v its_o own_o peculiar_a custom_n thus_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o fast_a before_o easter_n there_o be_v a_o great_a diversity_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o 193._o in_o some_o church_n they_o fast_v one_o day_n in_o other_o two_o in_o some_o more_o and_o in_o other_o forty_o hour_n but_o yet_o still_o they_o retain_v peace_n and_o concord_n the_o diversity_n of_o their_o custom_n commend_v the_o unity_n of_o their_o faith_n so_o also_o the_o feast_n of_o easter_n its_o self_n be_v various_o celebrate_v the_o asiatic_a church_n keep_v it_o on_o a_o distinct_a day_n from_o the_o european_n but_o yet_o still_o they_o retain_v ibidem_fw-la peace_n and_o love_n and_o for_o the_o diversity_n of_o such_o custom_n none_o be_v ever_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n so_o likewise_o write_v firmilian_a 237._o that_o in_o most_o province_n their_o rite_n be_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o name_n and_o place_n and_o that_o for_o this_o no_o one_o ever_o depart_v from_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a consist_v not_o in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o rite_n and_o usage_n neither_o in_o the_o next_o place_n do_v it_o consist_v in_o a_o unanimity_n of_o consent_n to_o the_o non-essential_a point_n of_o christianity_n but_o every_o one_o be_v lest_o to_o believe_v in_o those_o lesser_a matter_n as_o god_n shall_v inform_v he_o therefore_o justin_n martyr_n speak_v of_o those_o jewish_a convert_v who_o have_v adhere_v to_o the_o moysaicall_a rite_n say_v that_o if_o they_o do_v this_o only_a through_o their_o weakness_n and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o do_v not_o persuade_v other_o christian_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o judaical_a custom_n that_o 266._o he_o will_v receive_v they_o into_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n whosoever_o impose_v on_o particular_a church_n the_o observance_n of_o the_o former_a of_o these_o two_o thing_n or_o on_o particular_a person_n the_o belief_n of_o the_o latter_a they_o be_v esteem_v not_o as_o preserver_n and_o maintainer_n but_o as_o violator_n and_o breaker_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n and_o concord_n a_o instance_n of_o the_o former_a we_o have_v in_o that_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n and_o west_n touch_v the_o time_n when_o easter_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v for_o when_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v excommunicate_v the_o 〈◊〉_d church_n because_o they_o continue_v to_o observe_v that_o feast_n on_o a_o different_a time_n from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o west_n not_o only_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o adverse_a party_n but_o even_o those_o of_o his_o own_o side_n condemn_v he_o as_o rash_a heady_a and_o turbulent_a and_o write_v several_a letter_n about_o this_o affair_n wherein_o as_o the_o historian_n write_v 193._o they_o most_o sharp_o censure_v he_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a we_o have_v a_o instance_n thereof_o in_o the_o controversy_n that_o be_v between_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o cyprian_a bishop_n of_o carthage_n touch_v the_o validity_n of_o heretic_n baptism_n for_o when_o stephen_n anathematise_v cyprian_n because_o he_o hold_v the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n to_o be_v null_n and_o void_a other_z bishop_n condemn_v stephen_n as_o a_o breaker_n and_o disturber_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o among_o other_o firmilian_a a_o cappadocian_n bishop_n vehement_o accuse_v he_o as_o such_o because_o that_o he_o will_v impose_v upon_o other_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o disputable_a point_n which_o say_v he_o be_v never_o wont_v to_o be_v do_v but_o custodierunt_fw-la every_o church_n follow_v their_o own_o different_a way_n and_o never_o therefore_o break_v the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o now_o say_v he_o stephen_n dare_v to_o do_v and_o break_v that_o peace_n which_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n always_o preserve_v in_o mutual_a love_n and_o honour_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o the_o act_n of_o that_o great_a council_n of_o carthage_n convene_v to_o determine_v this_o matter_n that_o when_o cyprian_n sum_v up_o the_o debate_n thereof_o he_o dehort_v his_o fellow-bishop_n from_o the_o impose_v humour_n and_o temper_v of_o stephen_n 443._o it_o now_o remain_v say_v he_o that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o declare_v our_o judgement_n concern_v this_o matter_n judge_v no_o man_n or_o remove_v any_o one_o from_o our_o communion_n if_o he_o think_v otherwise_o than_o we_o do_v for_o let_v none_o of_o we_o make_v himself_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n or_o by_o a_o tyrannical_a terror_n compel_v his_o colleague_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o obey_v so_o that_o the_o force_v a_o belief_n in_o these_o lesser_a matter_n be_v cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n in_o the_o imposer_n thereof_o who_o for_o such_o unreasonable_a practice_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o enemy_n to_o and_o violator_n of_o the_o church_n concord_n be_v the_o true_a schismatic_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n unto_o who_o therefore_o may_v be_v apply_v that_o say_v of_o irenaeus_n 292._o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n christ_n shall_v judge_v those_o who_o cause_n schism_n who_o be_v inhuman_a not_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o prefer_v their_o own_o advantage_n before_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o trivial_a and_o slight_a cause_n rend_v and_o divide_v the_o great_a and_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v destroy_v it_o who_o speak_v peace_n but_o wage_v war_n true_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n §_o 3._o but_o positive_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a consist_v in_o a_o harmonious_a assent_n to_o the_o essential_a article_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o a_o unanimous_a agreement_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n thus_o 〈◊〉_d have_v recite_v a_o creed_n or_o a_o short_a summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n not_o much_o unlike_a to_o the_o aposile_n creed_n immediate_o add_v 36._o the_o church_n have_v receive_v this_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n although_o disperse_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n diligent_o preserve_v it_o as_o though_o she_o inhabit_v but_o one_o house_n and_o according_o she_o believe_v these_o thing_n as_o 〈◊〉_d she_o have_v but_o one_o soul_n and_o one_o heart_n and_o consonant_o preach_v and_o teach_v these_o thing_n as_o though_o she_o have_v but_o one_o mouth_n for_o although_o there_o be_v various_a language_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o doctrine_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o so_o that_o the_o church_n in_o germany_n france_n asia_n egypt_n or_o lybia_n have_v not_o a_o different_a faith_n but_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o to_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o light_n that_o enlighten_v every_o where_o and_o illuminate_v all_o man_n that_o will_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n now_o this_o bond_n of_o unity_n be_v break_v when_o there_o be_v a_o recession_n from_o or_o a_o corruption_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n as_o irenaeus_n speak_v concern_v tatian_n the_o father_n of_o the_o encratites_n that_o as_o long_o as_o his_o master_n justin_n martyr_n live_v he_o hold_v the_o find_v faith_n but_o after_o his_o death_n 〈◊〉_d fall_v off_o from_o the_o church_n he_o shape_v that_o new_a form_n of_o doctrine_n this_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o doctrine_n according_a to_o hegesippus_n continue_v till_o the_o day_n of_o simeon_n cleopas_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v martyr_a under_o trajan_n but_o after_o that_o false_a teacher_n prevail_v such_o as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d marcionist_n 〈◊〉_d and_o other_o 143._o from_o who_o spring_v false_a christ_n false_a apostle_n and_o false_a prophet_n who_o by_o their_o corrupt_a doctrine_n against_o god_n and_o his_o christ_n divide_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a consist_v in_o a_o agreement_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o doctrine_n be_v a_o breach_n of_o that_o unity_n and_o whoever_o so_o break_v it_o be_v say_v to_o divide_v and_o separate_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o be_v schismatic_n so_o irenaeus_n write_v that_o those_o that_o introduce_v new_a doctrine_n 278._o do_v divide_v and_o separate_v the_o unity_n
not_o permit_v they_o to_o transmit_v they_o down_o to_o their_o successor_n or_o through_o the_o length_n of_o time_n they_o be_v lose_v and_o scarce_o any_o thing_n beside_o the_o name_n of_o such_o synod_n be_v now_o remember_v and_o of_o multitude_n neither_o name_n nor_o decree_n be_v to_o be_v find_v but_o yet_o there_o be_v enough_o escape_v the_o fury_n of_o persecution_n and_o the_o length_n of_o time_n to_o convince_v we_o that_o those_o synod_n do_v decree_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o judge_v expedient_a for_o the_o polity_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o those_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v within_o their_o respective_a province_n and_o require_v they_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o thus_o we_o find_v these_o follow_a canon_n determine_v by_o several_a synod_n in_o africa_n viz._n 132._o that_o though_o a_o delinquent_n have_v not_o endure_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o penance_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v very_o sick_a and_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n he_o shall_v be_v absolve_v ibidem_fw-la that_o at_o the_o approach_n of_o a_o persecution_n penitent_a offender_n shall_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o church_n peace_n 164._o that_o penance_n shall_v not_o be_v hasty_o pass_v over_o or_o absolution_n be_v rash_o and_o speedy_o give_v 202._o that_o all_o lapse_v and_o apostate_n clergyman_n shall_v upon_o their_o repentance_n be_v only_o admit_v to_o communion_n as_o layman_n and_o be_v never_o more_o capable_a of_o discharge_v or_o perform_v any_o ecclesiastical_a function_n 195._o that_o no_o clergyman_n shall_v be_v a_o curator_n or_o trustee_n of_o a_o last_o will_v or_o testament_n and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a synodical_a decree_n relate_v to_o the_o discipline_n and_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o cyprian_a which_o be_v ever_o account_v obligatory_a to_o all_o those_o parish_n who_o live_v within_o those_o respective_a province_n and_o have_v their_o representative_n in_o those_o respective_a synod_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n else_o do_v they_o decree_v they_o if_o it_o have_v be_v fruitless_a and_o ridiculous_a to_o have_v make_v frequent_a and_o wearisome_a journey_n with_o great_a cost_n and_o pain_n to_o have_v debate_v and_o determine_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o judge_v expedient_a for_o the_o church_n wellbeing_a if_o after_o all_o it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o they_o be_v obey_v or_o not_o but_o that_o their_o decree_n be_v bind_v be_v adjudge_v by_o a_o african_a synod_n of_o sixty_o six_o bishop_n hold_v anno_fw-la 254_o 164._o who_o sharp_o 〈◊〉_d a_o certain_a bishop_n call_v therapius_n for_o break_v the_o canon_n of_o a_o synod_n in_o absolve_v a_o certain_a presbyter_n call_v victor_n before_o the_o time_n appoint_v by_o that_o synod_n be_v expire_v probably_n the_o breaker_n of_o those_o canon_n be_v to_o have_v be_v depose_v or_o suspend_v or_o some_o other_o severe_a punishment_n inflict_v on_o he_o since_o the_o bishop_n of_o this_o synod_n speak_v as_o if_o they_o have_v moderate_v the_o rigour_n of_o the_o canon_n against_o therapius_n in_o that_o they_o ibidem_fw-la be_v content_v only_o with_o chide_v he_o for_o his_o rashness_n and_o with_o strict_o charge_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o no_o more_o so_o another_o synod_n in_o africa_n decree_v that_o 195._o if_o any_o one_o shall_v name_v a_o clergyman_n in_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n for_o his_o trustee_n no_o sacrifice_n shall_v be_v offer_v for_o he_o after_o his_o death_n what_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o offer_n of_o sacrifice_n after_o his_o death_n be_v i_o shall_v not_o show_v here_o since_o i_o must_v treat_v of_o it_o in_o another_o place_n according_o when_o geminius_n victor_n bishop_n of_o 〈◊〉_d have_v by_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n constitute_v geminius_n faustinus_n a_o presbyter_n his_o trustee_n cyprian_a bishop_n of_o carthage_n write_v unto_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n of_o furnis_n touch_v this_o matter_n wherein_o he_o inform_v they_o 195._o that_o he_o and_o his_o colleague_n be_v very_o much_o offend_v that_o geminius_n victor_n have_v thus_o break_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o synod_n but_o that_o since_o he_o have_v do_v it_o he_o hope_v they_o will_v take_v care_n that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v the_o penalty_n annex_v to_o the_o breach_n thereof_o that_o in_o conformity_n thereunto_o they_o will_v not_o mention_v he_o in_o their_o prayer_n or_o make_v any_o oblation_n for_o he_o that_o so_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o bishop_n which_o be_v religious_o and_o necessary_o make_v may_v be_v observe_v by_o they_o to_o these_o two_o instance_n we_o may_v add_v that_o of_o martialis_n and_o basilides_n two_o spanish_a bishop_n who_o for_o their_o fall_n into_o idolatry_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n and_o adjudge_v never_o more_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o church_n communion_n in_o any_o other_o quality_n than_o that_o of_o layman_n which_o rigorous_a sentence_n a_o african_a synod_n defend_v 202._o from_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o general_n council_n who_o have_v before_o decree_v that_o such_o man_n shall_v only_o be_v admit_v to_o repentance_n but_o be_v for_o ever_o exclude_v from_o all_o clerical_a and_o sacerdotal_a dignity_n chap._n ix_o §_o 1._o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o schism_n define_v to_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o that_o unity_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o to_o be_v different_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o various_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n church_n §_o 2._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a consider_v negative_o and_o positive_o negative_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o rite_n nor_o in_o a_o unanimity_n of_o consent_n to_o the_o non-essential_a point_n of_o christianity_n the_o rigid_a imposer_n thereof_o condemn_v as_o cruel_a and_o tyrannical_a §_o 3._o positive_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o harmonious_a assent_n to_o the_o essential_a article_n of_o faith_n the_o non-agreement_n therein_o call_v schism_n but_o not_o the_o schism_n of_o the_o ancient_n §_o 4._o how_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o church_n collective_a be_v break_v this_o neither_o the_o schism_n of_o the_o ancient_n §_o 5._o the_o unity_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o member_n love_n and_o amity_n each_o towards_o other_o and_o in_o the_o people_n close_a adherence_n to_o their_o bishop_n or_o parish_n church_n the_o breach_n of_o the_o former_a sometime_o call_v schism_n §_o 6._o the_o breach_n of_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o their_o bishop_n the_o schism_n of_o the_o ancient_n in_o how_o many_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n to_o separate_v from_o their_o bishop_n §_o 7._o a_o separation_n under_o any_o other_o pretence_n whatsoever_o be_v that_o which_o the_o father_n general_o and_o principal_o mean_v by_o schism_n prove_v so_o to_o have_v be_v §_o 8._o farther_o prove_v from_o ignatius_n §_o 9_o exemplify_v in_o the_o schism_n of_o felicissimus_n and_o novarian_n §_o 10._o a_o objection_n answer_v touch_v the_o schism_n of_o novatian_n how_o the_o schism_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n affect_v other_o church_n §_o 11._o a_o summary_n and_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n concern_v schism_n §_o 1._o have_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n discourse_v of_o the_o constitution_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o come_v now_o in_o this_o to_o treat_v of_o the_o unity_n thereof_o which_o i_o have_v a_o very_a great_a inclination_n to_o search_v into_o since_o by_o the_o due_a understanding_n thereof_o we_o shall_v the_o better_o apprehend_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o ancient_n concern_v schism_n because_o that_o schism_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o breach_n of_o that_o unity_n as_o will_v 〈◊〉_d evident_o appear_v from_o the_o quotation_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o this_o chapter_n now_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a first_o to_o know_v what_o the_o unity_n its_o self_n be_v for_o till_o we_o understand_v its_o unity_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v understand_v the_o breach_n thereof_o now_o for_o the_o distinct_a apprehend_v hereof_o we_o must_v remember_v the_o various_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n church_n as_o they_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o according_a to_o the_o different_a signification_n thereof_o so_o must_v its_o unity_n be_v diversify_v or_o be_v different_o understand_v and_o according_a to_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o its_o unity_n so_o must_v we_o apprehend_v the_o breach_n thereof_o §_o 2._o if_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o word_n church_n as_o signify_v the_o church_n universal_a or_o all_o those_o who_o throughout_o
of_o the_o church_n and_o cyprian_a write_v that_o 296._o the_o devil_n find_v out_o heresy_n and_o sehism_n by_o which_o he_o may_v subvert_v the_o faith_n corrupt_v the_o truth_n and_o divide_v the_o unity_n but_o now_o for_o distinction_n sake_n the_o breach_n of_o this_o unity_n be_v common_o call_v heresy_n and_o the_o word_n schism_n general_o apply_v to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n in_o another_o sense_n of_o which_o more_o in_o the_o other_o section_n §_o 4._o if_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o consider_v the_o word_n church_n collective_o as_o denote_v a_o collection_n of_o many_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v once_o use_v in_o 214._o cyprian_a then_o its_o unity_n may_v have_v consist_v in_o a_o brotherly_a correspondence_n with_o and_o affection_n towards_o each_o other_o which_o they_o demonstrate_v by_o all_o outward_a expression_n of_o love_n and_o concord_n as_o by_o receive_v to_o communion_n the_o member_n of_o each_o other_o as_o 193._o irenaeus_n mention_n be_v observe_v between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o asia_n in_o mutual_o advise_v and_o assist_v one_o another_o by_o letter_n or_o otherwise_o of_o which_o there_o be_v frequent_a instance_n in_o the_o ancient_n and_o especial_o in_o cyprian_n epistle_n and_o in_o manifest_v all_o other_o mark_v and_o token_n of_o their_o love_n and_o concord_n now_o this_o unity_n be_v break_v when_o particular_a church_n clash_v with_o each_o other_o when_o from_o be_v possess_v with_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n love_n and_o charity_n they_o be_v inflame_v with_o hatred_n rage_n and_o fury_n against_o each_o other_o a_o sad_a instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o that_o controversy_n betwixt_o cyprian_a and_o stephen_n or_o rather_o between_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n and_o africa_n touch_v the_o validity_n of_o heretical_a baptism_n wherein_o those_o good_a man_n be_v so_o far_o transport_v with_o bitterness_n and_o rancour_n against_o each_o other_o that_o they_o interchangeable_o give_v such_o 〈◊〉_d language_n and_o invidious_a epithet_n as_o be_v too_o odious_a to_o name_n which_o if_o the_o reader_n be_v curious_a to_o know_v he_o may_v find_v too_o much_o of_o it_o in_o cyprian_n epistle_n or_o if_o several_a particular_a church_n have_v for_o the_o promotion_n of_o peace_n unity_n and_o order_n regular_o dispose_v themselves_o into_o a_o synodical_a government_n and_o discipline_n as_o be_v always_o do_v when_o their_o circumstance_n and_o conveniency_n will_v permit_v they_o than_o whoever_o break_v or_o violate_v their_o reasonable_a canon_n be_v censure_v as_o turbulent_a and_o factious_a as_o it_o have_v be_v evidence_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o needs_o no_o far_a proof_n in_o this_o because_o that_o the_o schism_n of_o the_o ancient_n be_v not_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n in_o this_o sense_n viz._n as_o denote_v or_o signify_v a_o church_n collective_a §_o 5._o but_o schism_n principal_o and_o original_o respect_v a_o particular_a church_n or_o parish_n though_o it_o may_v consequential_o influence_n other_o too_o now_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n consist_v in_o the_o member_n love_n and_o amity_n towards_o each_o other_o and_o in_o their_o due_a subjection_n or_o subordination_n to_o their_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n according_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o unity_n consist_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o in_o a_o hatred_n and_o malice_n of_o each_o other_o or_o in_o a_o rebellion_n against_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o in_o a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o their_o bishop_n and_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o he_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o may_v be_v envy_n and_o discord_n between_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o parish_n without_o a_o formal_a separation_n from_o communion_n which_o jar_n and_o feud_n be_v call_v schism_n a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n unto_o who_o st._n paul_n object_v in_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 18._o when_o you_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n i_o hear_v that_o there_o be_v division_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d schism_n among_o you_o here_o there_o be_v no_o separate_a communion_n for_o they_o all_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v schism_n among_o they_o that_o be_v strife_n quarrel_n and_o discord_n and_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v perceive_v from_o the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n which_o be_v write_v to_o appease_v another_o schism_n in_o the_o same_o church_n of_o corinth_n there_o be_v then_o only_o turmoil_v and_o difference_n without_o any_o actual_a separation_n but_o on_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v because_o it_o be_v not_o what_o the_o ancient_n ordinary_o mean_v by_o schism_n §_o 6._o but_o that_o which_o they_o general_o and_o common_o term_v schism_n be_v a_o rebellion_n against_o or_o a_o ungrounded_a and_o causeless_a separation_n from_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n or_o their_o parish-church_n now_o because_o i_o say_v that_o a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o their_o bishop_n be_v schism_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o know_v how_o many_o cause_n can_v justify_v the_o people_n desertion_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o these_o i_o think_v be_v two_o or_o at_o most_o three_o the_o first_o be_v apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n or_o when_o a_o bishop_n renounce_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o through_o fear_n of_o persecution_n embrace_v the_o heathenish_a idolatry_n as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o 200._o martialis_n and_o basilides_n two_o spanish_a bishop_n and_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o african_a synod_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v throughout_o their_o whole_a synodical_a epistle_n still_o extant_a among_o those_o of_o cyprian_n the_o second_o cause_n be_v heresy_n as_o irenaeus_n say_v 63._o we_o must_v fly_v far_o off_o from_o all_o heretic_n and_o origen_n allow_v the_o people_n to_o separate_v from_o their_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d if_o they_o can_v accuse_v he_o of_o false_a and_o 〈◊〉_d doctrine_n a_o three_o cause_n be_v a_o scandalous_a and_o wicked_a life_n as_o be_v assert_v by_o a_o african_a synod_n hold_v anno_fw-la 258._o who_o exhortation_n and_o argument_n to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o their_o synodical_a epistle_n still_o extant_a in_o cyprian_a epist._n 68_o p._n 200._o out_o of_o which_o several_a passage_n pertinent_a to_o this_o occasion_n have_v be_v already_o cite_v in_o the_o six_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o which_o i_o must_v refer_v the_o reader_n of_o this_o mind_n also_o be_v irenaeus_n before_o they_o who_o write_v 278._o that_o as_o for_o those_o presbyter_n who_o serve_v their_o pleasure_n and_o have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n who_o contumelious_o use_v other_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o secret_o commit_v wickedness_n from_o 〈◊〉_d such_o presbyter_n we_o ought_v to_o separate_v origen_n indeed_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o think_v that_o the_o bishop_n immorality_n in_o life_n can_v not_o justify_v his_o parish_n separation_n ezechiel_n he_o say_v he_o that_o have_v a_o care_n of_o his_o soul_n will_v not_o be_v scandalize_v at_o my_o fault_n who_o be_o his_o bishop_n but_o consider_v my_o doctrine_n and_o find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o church_n faith_n from_o i_o indeed_o he_o will_v be_v averse_a but_o he_o will_v receive_v my_o doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o say_v the_o scribe_n and_o 〈◊〉_d sit_v on_o moses_n his_o chair_n whatever_o therefore_o they_o say_v unto_o you_o hear_v and_o do_v but_o according_a unto_o their_o work_n do_v not_o for_o they_o say_v and_o do_v not_o that_o scripture_n be_v of_o i_o who_o teach_v what_o be_v good_a and_o do_v the_o contrary_a and_o sit_v upon_o the_o chair_n of_o moses_n as_o a_o scribe_n or_o pharisee_fw-mi the_o precept_n be_v to_o thou_o o_o people_n if_o thou_o can_v not_o accuse_v i_o of_o false_a doctrine_n or_o heretical_a opinion_n but_o only_o behold_v my_o wicked_a and_o sinful_a life_n thou_o must_v not_o square_v thy_o life_n according_a to_o my_o life_n but_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o i_o speak_v now_o whether_o irenaeus_n or_o a_o african_a synod_n or_o origen_n be_v to_o be_v most_o credit_v i_o leave_v the_o learned_a to_o judge_v though_o i_o think_v they_o may_v be_v both_o near_o reconcile_v than_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v irenaeus_n and_o that_o synod_n affirm_v that_o the_o people_n of_o their_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n may_v immediate_o without_o the_o concurrent_a assent_n of_o other_o church_n upon_o the_o immorality_n and_o scandal_n of_o their_o bishop_n leave_n and_o desert_n he_o origen_n restrain_v the_o people_n from_o present_a execution_n till_o they_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o so_o do_v for_o thus_o he_o must_v be_v understand_v or_o else_o
and_o consent_n now_o how_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v how_o all_o this_o bishopric_n can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n how_o the_o bishop_n can_v personal_o know_v all_o the_o member_n thereof_o by_o their_o respective_a name_n even_o the_o mean_a serving-maid_n therein_o and_o permit_v none_o to_o be_v marry_v without_o his_o knowledge_n and_o advice_n without_o reduce_v this_o diocese_n to_o a_o single_a parish_n i_o know_v not_o §_o 4._o as_o for_o the_o diocese_n of_o ephesus_n there_o be_v but_o one_o altar_n or_o communion_n table_n in_o its_o whole_a territory_n at_o which_o they_o all_o communicate_v together_o whence_o they_o be_v say_v 29._o to_o break_v the_o one_o bread_n and_o 20._o he_o that_o be_v without_o or_o separate_v from_o that_o altar_n be_v say_v to_o want_v the_o bread_n of_o god_n the_o member_n also_o of_o this_o church_n can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o send_v up_o their_o joint_a prayer_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o ignatius_n condemn_v all_o those_o of_o that_o diocese_n 20._o who_o do_v not_o assemble_v together_o in_o that_o one_o place_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o to_o send_v up_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n as_o proud_a self-conceited_a and_o just_o condemnable_a because_o thereby_o they_o 〈◊〉_d themselves_o of_o that_o unconceivable_a benefir_n that_o will_v accrue_v unto_o they_o by_o join_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o whole_a church_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 with_o god_n how_o 〈◊〉_d more_o prevalent_a must_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v so_o that_o if_o to_o communicate_v together_o and_o to_o pray_v together_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n than_o this_o bishopric_n be_v one_o §_o 5._o as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o magnesia_n they_o all_o assemble_v with_o the_o bishop_n have_v but_o 34._o one_o church_n and_o 34._o one_o altar_n 33._o join_v all_o together_o in_o one_o prayer_n because_o 32._o to_o have_v congregat_v elsewhere_o will_v have_v be_v against_o conscience_n and_o precept_n now_o how_o large_a such_o a_o church_n be_v where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o meeting-place_n and_o one_o altar_n where_o all_o communicate_v and_o pray_v together_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o determine_v §_o 6._o touch_v the_o bishopric_n of_o philadelphia_n its_o extent_n may_v be_v guess_v at_o by_o this_o that_o the_o member_n thereof_o 40._o can_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n 40._o who_o be_v their_o shepherd_n wherever_o he_o be_v they_o be_v to_o follow_v he_o like_o sheep_n 40._o receive_v the_o sacrament_n all_o together_o from_o he_o 41._o at_o that_o one_o altar_n belong_v to_o their_o diocese_n which_o they_o may_v well_o enough_o do_v since_o their_o multitude_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o on_o other_o occasion_n they_o can_v meet_v all_o together_o as_o 45._o to_o choose_v a_o messenger_n to_o send_v to_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n in_o syria_n §_o 7._o as_o for_o the_o diocese_n of_o trallium_n that_o can_v be_v no_o large_a than_o the_o former_a one_o since_o it_o have_v but_o one_o altar_n in_o it_o which_o be_v correlate_n to_o its_o one_o bishop_n so_o that_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o altar_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o bishop_n whence_o ignatius_n say_v that_o 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o be_v within_o the_o altar_n be_v pure_a that_o be_v 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 now_o let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_n whether_o all_o these_o description_n of_o those_o ancient_a diocese_n do_v not_o forcible_o constrain_v we_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o rate_n of_o our_o modern_a parish_n and_o if_o these_o be_v no_o great_a especial_o ephesus_n at_o which_o place_n st._n paul_n preach_v three_o year_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o other_o bishopric_n where_o the_o apostle_n never_o be_v or_o at_o least_o never_o preach_v so_o long_o surmount_v their_o bulk_n and_o largeness_n how_o long_o it_o be_v before_o these_o diocese_n swell_v into_o several_a congregation_n be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o determine_v since_o it_o happen_v not_o within_o my_o prescribe_a time_n except_o in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n the_o reason_n and_o manner_n whereof_o shall_v be_v show_v in_o a_o few_o leave_v more_o after_o that_o i_o have_v more_o full_o evidence_v this_o point_n by_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o great_a bishopric_n in_o the_o world_n even_o in_o the_o three_o century_n be_v no_o more_o than_o so_o many_o single_a congregation_n and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v it_o be_v the_o solid_a demonstration_n that_o can_v be_v give_v for_o the_o large_a a_o church_n be_v and_o the_o more_o time_n it_o have_v to_o settle_v and_o increase_v its_o self_n the_o great_a reason_n have_v we_o to_o expect_v that_o it_o shall_v exceed_v all_o other_o in_o number_n and_o diffusiveness_n now_o the_o four_o great_a diocese_n that_o in_o those_o day_n be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v antioch_n rome_n carthage_n alexandria_n the_o three_o former_a of_o which_o during_o the_o whole_a three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n never_o branch_v themselves_o into_o several_a particular_a congregation_n though_o the_o latter_a do_v as_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o show_v §_o 8._o as_o for_o the_o diocese_n of_o antioch_n its_o member_n be_v not_o so_o many_o but_o that_o 265_o year_n after_o christ_n they_o be_v able_a to_o meet_v all_o in_o one_o place_n of_o which_o we_o have_v this_o memorable_a instance_n that_o when_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la the_o heretical_a bishop_n thereof_o be_v deprive_v by_o a_o synod_n hold_v in_o that_o place_n and_o domnus_n substitute_v in_o his_o room_n 282._o he_o refuse_v to_o resign_v the_o church_n house_n till_o the_o emperor_n aurelian_a force_v he_o to_o resign_v ibidem_fw-la that_o house_n so_o that_o for_o above_o 250_o year_n after_o christ_n the_o whole_a bishopric_n of_o antioch_n have_v but_o one_o church_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o §_o 9_o how_o large_a the_o diocese_n of_o rome_n be_v may_v be_v conjecture_v by_o that_o 1._o all_o the_o people_n thereof_o can_v meet_v together_o to_o perform_v divine_a service_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o history_n of_o a_o certain_a confessor_n call_v natalis_n who_o return_v from_o the_o theodosian_a heresy_n put_v himself_o into_o the_o habit_n of_o a_o penitent_a throw_v himself_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n as_o they_o go_v into_o their_o public_a meeting-place_n and_o so_o bewail_v his_o fault_n 197._o that_o at_o length_n the_o church_n be_v touch_v with_o compassion_n towards_o he_o 2._o in_o this_o diocese_n there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n or_o meeting-place_n for_o when_o bishop_n anterus_n die_v 229._o all_z the_o brethren_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o church_n to_o choose_v a_o successor_n which_o distinction_n or_o nomination_n of_o place_n viz._n that_o they_o meet_v in_o the_o church_n denote_v that_o they_o have_v but_o one_o church_n all_o for_o if_o they_o have_v have_v more_o church_n than_o one_o the_o historian_n will_v have_v leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o what_o church_n they_o meet_v in_o whether_o in_o st._n james_n st._n john_n or_o st._n peter_n 3._o in_o this_o bishopric_n also_o they_o have_v but_o one_o altar_n or_o communion-table_n as_o appear_v from_o a_o passage_n of_o cyprian_a who_o describe_v the_o schism_n of_o novatian_n a_o presbyter_n of_o this_o church_n by_o 198._o his_o erect_v a_o profane_a altar_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o altar_n of_o cornelius_n his_o lawful_a bishop_n 4._o the_o whole_a diocese_n can_v concur_v together_o in_o salutation_n and_o letter_n to_o other_o church_n thus_o conclude_v a_o letter_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o clergy_n of_o carthage_n 12._o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v in_o bond_n salute_v you_o and_o the_o presbyter_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n 5._o whatever_o letter_n be_v write_v to_o that_o church_n be_v read_v before_o they_o all_o as_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o bishop_n cornolius_n 144._o to_o read_v all_o public_a letter_n to_o his_o most_o holy_a and_o most_o numerous_a flock_n last_o the_o people_n of_o this_o diocese_n meet_v all_o together_o to_o choose_v a_o bishop_n when_o the_o see_v be_v vacant_a so_o upon_o the_o death_n of_o anterus_n 229._o all_o the_o brethren_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o church_n to_o choose_v a_o successor_n where_o all_o the_o people_n unanimous_o choose_v fabianus_n and_o so_o after_o the_o death_n of_o fabianus_n cornelius_n be_v choose_v bishop_n of_o that_o diocese_n 198._o by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n now_o whether_o all_o these_o thing_n put_v together_o whether_o their_o have_v but_o one_o communion-table_n in_o their_o whole_a
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
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
he_o will_v contradict_v all_o other_o writer_n it_o be_v avouch_v by_o all_o that_o synod_n do_v depose_v all_o those_o bishop_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o criminal_a and_o scandalous_a enormity_n as_o privatus_fw-la bishop_n of_o lambese_n be_v depose_v by_o a_o synod_n of_o ninety_o bishop_n 140._o for_o his_o many_o and_o heinous_a crime_n §_o 7._o but_o now_o except_v these_o three_o cause_n of_o apostasy_n heresy_n and_o immorality_n it_o be_v schism_n in_o a_o parish_n to_o leave_v their_o minister_n or_o to_o set_v up_o another_o bishop_n against_o he_o for_o though_o they_o at_o first_o choose_v their_o bishop_n yet_o their_o bishop_n be_v on_o their_o choice_n approve_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o neighbour_a bishop_n they_o can_v not_o dethrone_v he_o without_o true_o assign_v one_o of_o those_o forementioned_a cause_n for_o this_o be_v to_o gather_v a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o church_n to_o erect_v a_o new_a altar_n and_o a_o new_a bishop_n which_o can_v not_o be_v in_o one_o church_n for_o as_o cyprian_n write_v 93._o god_n be_v one_o christ_n be_v one_o the_o church_n be_v one_o the_o rock_n on_o which_o the_o church_n be_v build_v be_v one_o wherefore_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a altar_n and_o constitute_v a_o new_a bishop_n beside_o the_o one_o altar_n and_o the_o one_o bishop_n be_v impracticable_a whosoever_o gather_v here_o scatters_z so_o to_o do_v be_v adulterous_a impious_a sacrilegious_a mad_a and_o wicked_a 138._o from_o hence_o say_v cyprian_n schism_n do_v arise_v that_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o obey_v and_o it_o be_v not_o consider_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n and_o one_o judge_n in_o a_o church_n at_o a_o time_n and_o 193._o this_o be_v the_o rise_n and_o source_n of_o schismatic_n that_o through_o their_o swell_a pride_n they_o contemn_v their_o bishop_n and_o so_o they_o go_v off_o from_o the_o church_n so_o they_o erect_v a_o profane_a altar_n and_o so_o they_o rebel_v against_o the_o peace_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o ordination_n and_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o again_o 208._o from_o thence_o proceed_v schism_n that_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v but_o one_o and_o preside_v over_o the_o church_n be_v contemn_v by_o the_o proud_a presumption_n of_o man_n and_o he_o that_o be_v think_v worthy_a by_o god_n be_v esteem_v unworthy_a by_o men._n and_o again_o 209._o the_o church_n be_v the_o people_n unite_v to_o their_o bishop_n and_o the_o sheep_n adhere_v to_o their_o pastor_n the_o bishop_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bishop_n whosoever_o be_v not_o with_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n and_o those_o do_v in_o vain_a flatter_v themselves_o who_o have_v not_o peace_n with_o god_n priest_n creep_v about_o and_o private_o communicate_v with_o some_o as_o they_o think_v when_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o divide_v but_o connex_v and_o couple_v together_o by_o the_o unity_n of_o its_o agree_a bishop_n whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v causeless_o desert_v his_o bishop_n and_o solicit_v other_o so_o to_o do_v be_v a_o true_a schismatic_a since_o in_o so_o do_v 90._o he_o divide_v a_o portion_n of_o the_o flock_n with_o the_o bishop_n separated_z the_o sheep_n from_o their_o pastor_n and_o dissipate_v the_o member_n of_o christ._n from_o these_o quotation_n than_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o primitive_a schism_n respect_v only_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o person_n be_v separation_n from_o communion_n with_o his_o lawful_a bishop_n without_o a_o just_a and_o authentic_a cause_n when_o any_o one_o shall_v set_v up_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o lawful_a bishop_n thereof_o and_o shall_v draw_v away_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o parish_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o legal_a minister_n set_v up_o distinct_a meeting_n and_o 299._o conventicle_n as_o cyprian_n call_v they_o this_o be_v true_a schism_n for_o as_o ignatius_n say_v whosoever_o so_o assemble_v 2._o be_v not_o congregat_v legal_o according_a to_o the_o command_n and_o 7._o whosoever_o officiate_v without_o the_o bishop_n sacrifice_v to_o the_o devil_n §_o 8._o this_o notion_n now_o of_o schism_n give_v we_o a_o clear_a reason_n why_o we_o find_v in_o ignatius_n so_o frequent_a and_o pathetic_a injunction_n of_o obedience_n to_o and_o unity_n with_o our_o respective_a pastor_n of_o avoid_v all_o division_n and_o close_o adhere_v to_o they_o because_o a_o desert_v of_o they_o or_o a_o separate_n from_o they_o be_v a_o commission_n of_o this_o horrid_a and_o detestable_a sin_n of_o schism_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a exhortation_n and_o instruction_n of_o he_o with_o which_o every_o leaf_n almost_o of_o his_o epistle_n be_v fraught_v and_o furnish_v 6._o all_o you_o of_o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n obey_v your_o bishop_n as_o jesus_n christ_n do_v the_o father_n and_o the_o presbytery_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o honour_v the_o 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n let_v nothing_o of_o ecclesiastical_a service_n be_v do_v without_o the_o bishop_n let_v that_o communion_n only_o be_v esteem_v valid_a which_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o bishop_n or_o by_o one_o permit_v by_o he_o wherever_o the_o bishop_n be_v there_o let_v the_o people_n be_v as_o where_o jesus_n christ_n be_v there_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a without_o the_o bishop_n or_o one_o permit_v by_o he_o to_o baptize_v or_o celebrate_v the_o 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v please_v unto_o god_n that_o so_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v may_v be_v firm_a and_o legal_a 14._o have_v respect_n unto_o your_o bishop_n as_o god_n have_v respect_n unto_o you_o my_o soul_n for_o they_o that_o obey_v their_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o with_o they_o let_v my_o part_n in_o god_n be_v 20._o let_v we_o not_o resist_v our_o bishop_n lest_o we_o be_v find_v resister_n of_o god_n 33._o i_o exhort_v you_o to_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n the_o bishop_n preside_v in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o deacon_n persorm_v the_o entrust_v ministry_n of_o jesus_n christ_n let_v there_o nothing_o be_v in_o you_o that_o may_v divide_v you_o but_o be_v unite_v to_o your_o bishop_n and_o president_n as_o therefore_o christ_n do_v nothing_o without_o the_o father_n be_v unite_v to_o he_o neither_o by_o himself_o nor_o by_o his_o apostle_n so_o do_v you_o nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n nor_o private_o withdraw_v from_o they_o but_o assemble_v together_o have_v one_o prayer_n one_o supplication_n one_o mind_n and_o one_o hope_n 40._o flee_v all_o division_n where_o the_o pastor_n be_v there_o as_o sheep_n follow_v for_o there_o be_v many_o 〈◊〉_d wolf_n that_o seek_v to_o carry_v you_o away_o but_o let_v they_o have_v no_o place_n in_o your_o unity_n whoever_o be_v god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v with_o the_o bishop_n and_o whosoever_o repent_v shall_v come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n those_o shall_v be_v god_n that_o they_o may_v live_v according_a to_o jesus_n christ._n be_v not_o deceive_v my_o brethren_n if_o any_o one_o follow_v a_o 〈◊〉_d or_o one_o that_o cause_v division_n and_o separation_n he_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 43._o respect_v the_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n do_v nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n keep_v your_o flesh_n as_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n love_n unity_n avoid_v schism_n be_v follower_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v of_o his_o father_n where_o division_n and_o wrath_n be_v god_n dwell_v not_o god_n therefore_o pardon_v all_o penitent_n if_o they_o penitential_o return_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o some_o other_o such_o like_a expression_n there_o be_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o this_o father_n which_o evident_o demonstrate_v schism_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o than_o a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o our_o parish_n bishop_n or_o minister_n and_o a_o wander_a after_o or_o a_o adhesion_n to_o another_o false_a and_o pretend_a pastor_n §_o 9_o but_o for_o the_o clear_a proof_n that_o this_o be_v what_o the_o father_n be_v mean_v by_o schism_n it_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o unnecessary_a to_o add_v unto_o these_o quotation_n a_o example_n or_o two_o for_o example_n more_o convince_o 〈◊〉_d than_o bare_a testimony_n and_o citation_n and_o here_o let_v we_o first_o view_v the_o schism_n of_o felicissimus_n in_o the_o hurch_n of_o carthage_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o 38th_o 40th_o and_o 55th_o epistle_n of_o cyprian_a and_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o respect_v only_o that_o particular_a church_n or_o parish_n when_o cyprian_n be_v elect_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n felicissimus_n and_o other_o of_o his_o faction_n oppose_v he_o but_o
find_v themselves_o too_o weak_a and_o not_o powerful_a enough_o to_o balance_v his_o interest_n they_o yield_v to_o his_o promotion_n but_o yet_o still_o retain_v a_o hatred_n against_o his_o person_n and_o wait_v for_o a_o more_o favourable_a opportunity_n and_o a_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o separate_v from_o he_o it_o please_v god_n that_o cyprian_a some_o time_n after_o his_o advancement_n be_v force_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n to_o withdraw_v and_o absent_v from_o his_o flock_n during_o which_o absence_n that_o faction_n make_v use_v of_o all_o mean_n to_o lessen_v his_o interest_n till_o they_o have_v make_v their_o party_n indifferent_o strong_a and_o then_o they_o break_v out_o into_o a_o open_a separation_n from_o he_o form_v themselves_o into_o a_o distinct_a meeting_n create_v a_o new_a bishop_n erect_v a_o new_a altar_n and_o constitute_v a_o new_a church_n now_o all_o this_o be_v act_v in_o and_o respect_v only_o the_o particular_a parish_n of_o carthage_n without_o cause_v or_o attempt_v any_o separation_n in_o any_o other_o church_n or_o parish_n and_o yet_o this_o cyprian_a call_v schism_n and_o excommunicate_v the_o actor_n in_o it_o as_o schismatic_n and_o breaker_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o his_o church_n actual_o and_o of_o all_o the_o other_o church_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a virtual_o who_o like_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v affect_v with_o the_o pain_n and_o convulsion_n of_o each_o other_o so_o also_o the_o famous_a schism_n of_o novatian_n respect_v only_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o other_o than_o his_o causeless_a separation_n from_o cornelius_n his_o lawful_a bishop_n and_o his_o erect_n separate_a conventicle_n against_o he_o as_o may_v be_v read_v at_o large_a in_o those_o epistle_n of_o cyprian_a that_o treat_v of_o this_o affair_n and_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr unitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la §_o 10._o but_o i_o foresee_v a_o evident_a objection_n against_o this_o restrain_a notion_n of_o schism_n and_o in_o particular_a from_o the_o schism_n of_o novatian_n which_o i_o can_v well_o pass_v over_o without_o resolve_v since_o the_o solution_n thereof_o will_v inform_v we_o in_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o schism_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n do_v affect_v other_o church_n now_o the_o objection_n may_v be_v this_o if_o schism_n respect_v only_o one_o particular_a church_n whence_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o read_v of_o novatian_a bishop_n not_o only_o at_o rome_n where_o that_o schism_n first_o begin_v but_o in_o several_a other_o church_n and_o parish_n beside_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o schism_n and_o the_o heresy_n of_o novatian_n have_v novatian_n be_v only_o guilty_a of_o schism_n in_o all_o probability_n his_o schismatical_a action_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o schism_n before_o will_v have_v end_v in_o the_o same_o church_n where_o they_o begin_v and_o have_v proceed_v no_o far_o but_o he_o have_v once_o engage_v in_o his_o schism_n and_o willing_a to_o continue_v it_o that_o he_o may_v have_v some_o pretence_n for_o those_o enormous_a practice_n he_o accuse_v his_o bishop_n of_o remit_v and_o lose_v the_o reins_o of_o discipline_n in_o communicate_v with_o trophimus_n and_o other_o that_o have_v sacrifice_v to_o idol_n as_o may_v be_v ample_o see_v in_o the_o 55th_o epistle_n of_o cyprian_a consequent_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o this_o accusation_n he_o add_v this_o doctrine_n as_o the_o characteristic_a dogma_fw-la of_o his_o party_n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o absolve_v those_o who_o lapse_v after_o baptism_n but_o be_v to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o error_n in_o doctrine_n invidious_a to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o injurious_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n as_o cyprian_n show_v at_o large_a in_o his_o 55th_o epistle_n every_o error_n in_o doctrine_n be_v call_v heresy_n according_o novatian_a be_v brand_v for_o this_o as_o a_o heretic_n whence_o the_o confessor_n in_o their_o return_n from_o his_o party_n confess_v that_o in_o adhere_v to_o they_o 104._o they_o have_v commit_v schism_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o heresy_n and_o in_o the_o same_o epistle_n they_o call_v novatian_n 105._o a_o heretic_n and_o a_o schismatic_a so_o cyprian_n also_o accuse_v the_o say_a novatian_n 107._o of_o heretical_a pravity_n and_o call_v his_o error_n 111._o a_o schismatical_a and_o heretical_a error_n so_o that_o novatian_n schism_n be_v accompany_v with_o heresy_n which_o as_o usual_a be_v call_v after_o the_o name_n of_o its_o author_n and_o have_v many_o eminent_a person_n to_o abet_v it_o and_o a_o specious_a show_n of_o sanctity_n and_o mortification_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o it_o spread_v its_o self_n into_o many_o other_o church_n beside_o that_o where_o it_o be_v first_o hatch_v unto_o which_o we_o may_v also_o add_v their_o industrious_a endeavour_n to_o proselyte_n man_n unto_o their_o party_n 97._o run_v about_o as_o cyprian_n write_v from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o from_o town_n to_o town_n to_o gain_v companion_n in_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o error_n for_o many_o of_o they_o real_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o believe_v other_o to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n conceive_v it_o to_o be_v their_o bind_a duty_n to_o leave_v their_o bishop_n if_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v his_o heresy_n as_o they_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v and_o probable_o several_a bishop_n of_o the_o orthodox_n who_o be_v the_o legal_a pastor_n of_o their_o respective_a parish_n be_v through_o their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o those_o man_n fair_a pretence_n delude_v into_o the_o same_o uncharitable_a error_n with_o they_o of_o deny_v the_o lapse_v any_o pardon_n but_o we_o need_v not_o guess_v at_o this_o as_o only_o probable_a since_o we_o have_v a_o instance_n of_o it_o in_o martian_a the_o lawful_a bishop_n of_o arles_n concern_v who_o cyprian_n write_v to_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v advice_n from_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o province_n 198._o that_o martian_a of_o arles_n have_v join_v himself_o unto_o novatian_n and_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o concord_n of_o the_o bishop_n hold_v that_o heretical_a severity_n that_o the_o consolation_n of_o divine_a pity_n and_o fatherly_a lenity_n shall_v be_v shut_v against_o the_o penitent_a and_o mourn_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o knock_v at_o the_o church_n with_o tear_n sigh_n and_o groan_n so_o that_o the_o wound_a be_v not_o admit_v to_o have_v their_o wound_n heal_v but_o be_v leave_v without_o any_o hope_n of_o peace_n or_o communion_n be_v throw_v out_o to_o the_o rapine_n of_o wolf_n and_o prey_n of_o the_o devil_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o novatian_n schism_n but_o his_o heresy_n that_o be_v diffuse_v through_o other_o church_n his_o schism_n respect_v only_o his_o own_o church_n but_o his_o heresy_n which_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a respect_v other_o church_n also_o so_o that_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o forename_a objection_n we_o need_v only_o say_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o objection_n suppose_v that_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n or_o follower_n of_o novatian_n schism_n in_o other_o church_n but_o that_o those_o that_o be_v discriminate_v by_o his_o name_n be_v the_o bishop_n and_o follower_n of_o his_o heresy_n but_o however_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o worst_a viz._n that_o all_o schismatic_n have_v be_v orthodox_n and_o sound_n in_o every_o point_n of_o faith_n have_v be_v exemplary_a and_o pious_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o every_o duty_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o no_o crime_n but_o their_o schism_n from_o their_o bishop_n and_o parish_n and_o yet_o their_o schism_n may_v have_v influence_v other_o church_n and_o parish_n too_o and_o that_o i_o think_v these_o two_o way_n 1._o if_o one_o or_o more_o church_n have_v admit_v to_o communion_n those_o that_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o their_o own_o church_n for_o schism_n that_o church_n or_o church_n make_v themselves_o partaker_n of_o those_o man_n crime_n and_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o gild_n of_o division_n and_o schism_n with_o they_o as_o martian_a bishop_n of_o arles_n be_v adjudge_v by_o cyprian_a as_o a_o schismatic_a 198._o because_o he_o have_v join_v with_o novatian_n when_o he_o have_v be_v before_o excommunicate_v i_o do_v not_o here_o mean_v that_o a_o bishop_n or_o parish_n to_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a shall_v actual_o or_o personal_o communicate_v with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o schism_n himself_o much_o less_o in_o the_o church_n where_o he_o begin_v his_o schism_n but_o it_o be_v enough_o if_o they_o join_v with_o his_o legate_n or_o messenger_n or_o any_o of_o his_o follower_n in_o any_o church_n
whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o neither_o a_o 198._o african_a synod_n nor_o 113._o antonius_n a_o african_a bishop_n will_v communicate_v with_o the_o legate_n of_o novatian_n nor_o will_v 137._o cornelius_n join_v in_o communion_n with_o felicissimus_n a_o schismatic_a of_o carthage_n when_o he_o come_v to_o rome_n but_o as_o he_o be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n in_o his_o own_o church_n so_o likewise_o be_v he_o in_o that_o of_o rome_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o custom_n when_o any_o bishop_n be_v elect_v to_o send_v news_n of_o his_o promotion_n to_o other_o bishop_n as_o 99_o cornelius_n do_v to_o cyprian_a that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v their_o confirmation_n and_o their_o future_a letter_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v promote_v may_v be_v direct_v unto_o he_o as_o 99_o cyprian_n do_v unto_o cornelius_n which_o custom_n of_o send_v messenger_n to_o other_o church_n to_o acquaint_v they_o of_o their_o advancement_n to_o the_o episcopal_a throne_n be_v also_o observe_v by_o the_o schismatic_n and_o in_o particular_a by_o novatian_n who_o 96._o send_v maximus_n a_o presbyter_n augendus_n a_o deacon_n machaeus_n and_o longinus_n unto_o cyprian_a to_o inform_v he_o of_o his_o promotion_n to_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n now_o if_o any_o bishop_n or_o church_n do_v know_o approve_v the_o pretension_n of_o the_o schismatical_a bishop_n they_o break_v the_o concord_n of_o the_o church_n and_o become_v guilty_a of_o schism_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o epistle_n of_o cyprian_n to_o antonius_n a_o african_a bishop_n wherein_o he_o write_v he_o 113._o that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o letter_n which_o firm_o consent_v to_o the_o concord_n of_o the_o sacerdotal_a college_n and_o adhere_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o which_o he_o have_v signify_v that_o he_o will_v not_o communicate_v with_o novatian_n but_o hold_v a_o agreement_n with_o bishop_n cornelius_n and_o therefore_o when_o legate_n come_v to_o cyprian_a both_o from_o cornelius_n and_o novatian_n he_o due_o weigh_v who_o be_v legal_o elect_v and_o find_v cornelius_n so_o to_o be_v he_o approve_v his_o election_n 99_o direct_v his_o congratulatory_a letter_n unto_o he_o 96._o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o schismatical_a messenger_n of_o novatian_n 97._o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o quit_v their_o schism_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o lawful_o elect_a bishop_n so_o that_o in_o these_o two_o respect_n the_o schism_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v influence_n other_o also_o involve_v they_o in_o the_o same_o crime_n create_v quarrel_n and_o dissension_n between_o their_o respective_a bishop_n and_o so_o divide_v the_o discharger_n of_o that_o honourable_a office_n who_o god_n have_v make_v one_o for_o as_o cyprian_n say_v 119._o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n divide_v into_o many_o member_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishopric_n diffuse_v through_o the_o agree_a number_n of_o many_o bishop_n §_o 11._o but_o now_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v concern_v schism_n be_v that_o schism_n in_o its_o large_a sense_n be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a but_o in_o its_o usual_a and_o restrain_a sense_n of_o a_o church_n particular_a whosoever_o without_o any_o just_a reason_n through_o faction_n pride_n and_o envy_n separate_v from_o his_o bishop_n or_o his_o parish_n church_n he_o be_v a_o true_a schismatic_a and_o whosoever_o be_v thus_o a_o schismatic_a if_o we_o may_v believe_v saint_n cyprian_n 300._o he_o have_v no_o long_a god_n for_o his_o father_n nor_o the_o church_n for_o his_o mother_n but_o be_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o though_o he_o shall_v die_v for_o the_o faith_n yet_o shall_v he_o never_o be_v save_v thus_o much_o then_o shall_v serve_v for_o that_o query_n concern_v the_o church_n unity_n the_o next_o and_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o be_v the_o form_n and_o method_n of_o their_o public_a service_n of_o read_v sing_v preach_a pray_v of_o baptism_n confirmation_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n of_o their_o fast_n and_o feast_n of_o their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o such_o like_a which_o i_o think_v to_o have_v annex_v to_o this_o treatise_n but_o this_o be_v large_a than_o i_o expect_v and_o the_o discourse_n relate_v to_o the_o primitive_a worship_n be_v like_a to_o be_v almost_o as_o large_a i_o have_v for_o this_o and_o 〈◊〉_d other_o reason_n reserve_v it_o for_o a_o particular_a tract_n by_o its_o self_n which_o if_o nothing_o prevent_v may_v be_v expose_v hereafter_o to_o public_a view_n and_o observation_n finis_fw-la the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o enquiry_n into_o the_o constitution_n discipline_n unity_n &_o worship_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o flourish_v within_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n faithful_o collect_v out_o of_o the_o extant_a write_n of_o those_o age_n by_o a_o impartial_a hand_n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n and_o john_n wyatt_n at_o the_o rose_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1691._o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_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 of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n §_o 2._o in_o their_o assembly_n they_o begin_v with_o read_v the_o scripture_n other_o write_n read_v beside_o the_o scripture_n §_o 3._o who_o read_v the_o scripture_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v read_v and_o how_o they_o be_v read_v §_o 4._o whether_o there_o be_v appoint_v lesson_n §_o 5._o after_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o scripture_n there_o follow_v sing_v of_o psalm_n §_o 6._o what_o psalm_n they_o sing_v §_o 7._o the_o manner_n of_o their_o sing_v §_o 8._o of_o sing_v man_n and_o of_o church_n music_n §_o 9_o to_o sing_v of_o psalm_n succeed_v preach_v on_o what_o the_o preacher_n discourse_v how_o long_o his_o sermon_n be_v §_o 10._o the_o method_n of_o their_o sermon_n §_o 11._o who_o preach_v usual_o the_o bishop_n or_o by_o his_o permission_n any_o other_o either_o clergyman_n or_o layman_n §_o 1._o have_v in_o a_o former_a treatise_n inquire_v into_o the_o constitution_n discipline_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o intend_v in_o this_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o worship_n thereof_o which_o natural_o divide_v its_o self_n into_o these_o two_o part_n into_o the_o worship_n its_o self_n and_o into_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n thereof_o as_o time_n and_o place_n and_o such_o like_a both_o which_o i_o design_v to_o handle_v begin_v first_o with_o the_o worship_n its_o self_n wherein_o i_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o object_n thereof_o since_o all_o protestant_n agree_v in_o the_o adore_v god_n alone_o through_o jesus_n christ_n but_o only_o speak_v of_o those_o particular_a act_n and_o service_n whereby_o in_o the_o public_a congregation_n we_o honour_v and_o adore_v almighty_a god_n such_o as_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n sing_v of_o psalm_n preach_v pray_v and_o the_o two_o sacrament_n every_o one_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o their_o order_n as_o they_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o ancient_a parish_n churches_n and_o first_o §_o 2._o when_o the_o congregation_n be_v assemble_v the_o first_o act_n of_o divine_a service_n which_o they_o perform_v be_v the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o our_o public_a assembly_n say_v tertullian_n 530._o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v psalm_n sing_v sermon_n preach_v and_o prayer_n present_v so_o also_o just_a in_o martyr_n write_v that_o in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n first_o of_o all_o 98._o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v read_v but_o beside_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n there_o be_v other_o write_n read_v in_o several_a church_n viz._n the_o epistle_n and_o tract_n of_o eminent_a and_o pious_a man_n such_o as_o the_o book_n of_o 〈◊〉_d hermas_n call_v pastor_n and_o 88_o the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n which_o be_v read_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n of_o many_o church_n §_o 3._o he_o that_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v particular_o destinate_a to_o this_o office_n as_o a_o preparative_a to_o holy_a order_n as_o aurelius_n who_o cyprian_n design_v for_o a_o presbyter_n 77._o be_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o office_n of_o read_v the_o name_n by_o which_o this_o officer_n be_v distinguish_v be_v in_o greek_a 98._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o latin_a 89._o lector_fw-la both_o which_o signify_v in_o english_a a_o reader_n or_o as_o we_o now_o call_v he_o a_o clark_n the_o place_n from_o whence_o the_o clerk_n read_v be_v a_o eminency_n erect_v in_o the_o church_n that_o so_o all_o
this_o enquiry_n with_o a_o earnest_a persuasion_n to_o peace_n unity_n and_o moderation_n §_o 1._o have_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n inquire_v into_o the_o several_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o i_o now_o come_v to_o close_v up_o all_o with_o a_o brief_a appendix_n concern_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v two_o different_a thing_n by_o rite_n i_o understand_v such_o action_n as_o have_v a_o 〈◊〉_d relation_n to_o the_o circumstance_n or_o manner_n of_o worship_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o sacrament_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v in_o one_o manner_n or_o other_o but_o whether_o from_o the_o bishop_n or_o deacon_n that_o be_v the_o rite_n lent_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v a_o certain_a space_n of_o time_n but_o whether_o one_o day_n or_o two_o day_n or_o three_o day_n that_o be_v the_o rite_n thereof_o so_o that_o rite_n 〈◊〉_d necessary_a concomitant_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n appendage_n to_o they_o or_o if_o you_o rather_o please_v you_o may_v call_v they_o circumstance_n themselves_o by_o ceremony_n i_o mean_v such_o action_n as_o have_v no_o regard_n either_o to_o the_o manner_n or_o circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o the_o act_n thereof_o may_v be_v perform_v without_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o some_o church_n they_o give_v to_o person_n 337._o when_o they_o be_v baptize_v milk_n and_o hony_n and_o 659._o before_o they_o pray_v they_o wash_v their_o hand_n now_o both_o these_o action_n i_o call_v ceremony_n because_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_v of_o those_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v affix_v but_o those_o act_n may_v be_v perform_v without_o they_o as_o baptism_n may_v be_v entire_o administer_v without_o the_o ceremony_n of_o give_v milk_n and_o honey_n and_o prayer_n may_v be_v present_v without_o wash_v of_o hand_n now_o have_v explain_v what_o i_o intend_v by_o those_o two_o term_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n with_o reference_n thereunto_o and_o first_o for_o ceremony_n §_o 2._o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v many_o of_o that_o kind_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n of_o who_o we_o may_v say_v that_o from_o the_o beginning_n they_o be_v not_o so_o for_o when_o 〈◊〉_d the_o choir_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a till_o which_o time_n as_o hegesippus_n write_v the_o church_n remain_v a_o pure_a and_o unspotted_a virgin_n then_o the_o church_n be_v gradual_o 〈◊〉_d and_o corrupt_a as_o in_o her_o doctrine_n so_o also_o in_o her_o worship_n a_o infinity_o of_o ceremony_n by_o degree_n insensible_o slide_v in_o very_o many_o of_o which_o be_v introduce_v within_o my_o limit_a time_n as_o 337._o the_o eat_n of_o milk_n &_o honey_n after_o baptism_n the_o abstain_v from_o bath_n the_o week_n after_o 660._o the_o wash_n of_o their_o hand_n before_o prayer_n their_o sit_v after_o prayer_n and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a which_o through_o various_a way_n and_o mean_v wind_v themselves_o into_o the_o church_n as_o some_o come_v in_o through_o custom_n and_o tradition_n one_o eminent_a man_n perhaps_o invent_v and_o practise_v a_o certain_a action_n which_o he_o use_v himself_o as_o judge_v it_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o stir_v up_o his_o devotion_n and_o affection_n other_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o example_n perform_v the_o same_o and_o other_o again_o imitate_v they_o and_o so_o one_o followed_z another_o till_o at_o length_n the_o action_n become_v a_o tradition_n and_o custom_n after_o which_o manner_n those_o ceremony_n be_v introduce_v 341._o of_o taste_v milk_n and_o honey_n after_o baptism_n of_o abstain_v from_o the_o bath_n the_o whole_a ensue_a week_n of_o not_o kneel_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o the_o space_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsuntide_n of_o the_o sign_v of_o themselves_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o conversation_n concern_v which_o and_o the_o like_a tertullian_n write_v that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n in_o scripture_n for_o they_o but_o that_o tradition_n be_v their_o author_n and_o custom_n their_o confirmer_n of_o which_o custom_n we_o may_v say_v what_o tertullian_n say_v of_o custom_n in_o general_n that_o 385._o common_o custom_n take_v its_o rise_n from_o ignorance_n and_o simplicity_n which_o by_o succession_n be_v corroborate_v into_o use_n and_o so_o vindicate_v against_o the_o truth_n but_o our_o lord_n christ_n have_v call_v himself_o truth_n and_o not_o custom_n wherefore_o if_o christ_n be_v always_o and_o before_o all_o than_o truth_n be_v first_o and_o ancient_a it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o novelty_n as_o verity_n that_o confute_v heretic_n whatsoever_o be_v against_o the_o truth_n be_v heresy_n although_o it_o be_v a_o old_a custom_n other_o again_o be_v introduce_v through_o a_o wrong_a exposition_n or_o misunderstand_a of_o the_o scripture_n so_o be_v their_o exorcism_n before_o baptism_n and_o their_o unction_n after_o baptism_n as_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n have_v be_v already_o show_v final_o other_o creep_v in_o through_o their_o dwelling_n among_o the_o pagan_n who_o in_o their_o ordinary_a conversation_n use_v a_o infinity_o of_o superstition_n and_o many_o of_o those_o pagan_n when_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o save_v faith_n christianize_v some_o of_o their_o innocent_a former_a ceremony_n as_o they_o esteem_v they_o to_o be_v either_o 〈◊〉_d they_o deceut_n and_o proper_a to_o stir_v up_o their_o devotion_n or_o likely_a to_o gain_v over_o more_o heathen_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o plainness_n and_o nakedness_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v 660._o their_o wash_n of_o honds_z before_o prayer_n their_o sit_v after_o prayer_n and_o such_o like_a concern_v which_o tertullian_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o heathen_n so_o that_o by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a method_n it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o ceremony_n imperceptible_o slide_v into_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o some_o of_o which_o tertullian_n give_v this_o severe_a censure_n 659._o that_o they_o be_v deserve_o to_o be_v condemn_v as_o vain_a because_o they_o be_v do_v without_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o precept_n either_o of_o our_o lord_n or_o of_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v not_o religious_a but_o superstitius_n affect_v and_o constrain_v curious_a rather_o than_o reasonable_a and_o to_o be_v abstain_v from_o because_o heathenish_a §_o 3._o as_o for_o the_o rite_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n these_o be_v indifferent_a and_o arbitrary_a all_o church_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n to_o follow_v their_o peculiar_a custom_n and_o usage_n or_o to_o embrace_v those_o of_o other_o if_o they_o please_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v such_o a_o variety_n of_o method_n in_o their_o divine_a service_n many_o of_o which_o 〈◊〉_d be_v observe_v in_o the_o precedent_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n as_o some_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n at_o one_o time_n other_o at_o another_o some_o church_n receive_v the_o element_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n other_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o deacon_n some_o make_v a_o collection_n before_o the_o sacrament_n other_o after_o some_o keep_v lend_v one_o day_n some_o two_o day_n and_o other_o exact_o forty_o hour_n some_o celebrate_a easter_n on_o the_o same_o day_n with_o the_o jewish_a passover_n other_o the_o lord_n day_n after_o and_o so_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n one_o church_n differ_v from_o another_o as_o firmilian_a write_v that_o 237._o at_o rome_n they_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o same_o day_n of_o easter_n nor_o many_o other_o custom_n which_o be_v practise_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o so_o in_o most_o province_n many_o rite_n be_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o name_n and_o place_n so_o that_o every_o church_n follow_v its_o own_o particular_a custom_n although_o different_a from_o those_o of_o its_o neighbour_n it_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v a_o uniformity_n of_o rite_n for_o according_a to_o firmilian_a the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v 236._o in_o a_o unanimity_n of_o faith_n and_o truth_n not_o in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o modes_n and_o custom_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o diversity_n of_o they_o as_o irenaeus_n speak_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o fast_a of_o lent_n 193._o do_v commend_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n hence_o every_o church_n peaceable_o follow_v she_o own_o custom_n without_o oblige_v any_o other_o church_n to_o observe_v the_o same_o or_o be_v oblige_v by_o they_o to_o observe_v the_o rite_n that_o they_o use_v yet_o still_o maintain_v a_o love_a correspondence_n and_o mutual_a concord_n each_o with_o other_o as_o firmilian_a write_v that_o 237._o in_o most_o province_n
many_o rite_n be_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o name_n and_o place_n but_o yet_o say_v he_o never_o any_o one_o for_o this_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n one_o church_n or_o bishop_n do_v not_o in_o those_o day_n anathematise_v another_o for_o a_o disagreement_n in_o rite_n and_o custom_n except_o when_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n through_o his_o pride_n and_o turbulence_n excommunicate_v the_o asiatic_a bishop_n for_o their_o different_a observation_n of_o easter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o action_n of_o his_o be_v very_o ill_o resent_v by_o the_o other_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o condemn_v by_o they_o as_o alien_n from_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o contrary_a to_o that_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a soul_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o own_o party_n that_o celebrate_a easter_n on_o the_o same_o day_n that_o he_o do_v censure_v his_o 〈◊〉_d and_o violence_n as_o unchristian_a and_o uncharitable_a and_o write_v several_a letter_n wherein_o 192._o they_o severe_o check_v he_o as_o eusebius_n report_v in_o who_o time_n they_o be_v extant_a all_o which_o be_v now_o lose_v except_o the_o fragment_n of_o a_o epistle_n write_v by_o irenaeus_n and_o other_o bishop_n of_o france_n wherein_o 193._o they_o affirm_v that_o victor_n be_v in_o the_o right_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o time_n of_o easter_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v celebrate_v as_o he_o say_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n but_o that_o yet_o he_o have_v do_v very_a 〈◊〉_d to_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n those_o that_o observe_v it_o otherwise_o that_o it_o have_v never_o be_v know_v that_o any_o church_n be_v excommunicate_v for_o a_o disagreement_n in_o rite_n 〈◊〉_d of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o time_n of_o easter_n 〈◊〉_d self_n but_o in_o the_o fast_a that_o precede_v it_o some_o fast_v one_o day_n other_o more_z some_o forty_o hour_n which_o variety_n of_o observation_n begin_v not_o first_o in_o our_o age_n but_o long_o before_o we_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o ancestor_n who_o yet_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o as_o we_o now_o do_v for_o the_o diversity_n of_o 〈◊〉_d commend_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o for_o this_o 〈◊〉_d concern_v the_o time_n of_o easter_n the_o bishop_n which_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o soter_n viz._n anicetus_n pius_n higynus_n telesphorus_n and_o xystus_n they_o never_o celebrate_v it_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d neither_o will_v they_o permit_v any_o of_o their_o people_n so_o to_o do_v but_o yet_o they_o 〈◊〉_d kind_a and_o 〈◊〉_d to_o those_o who_o come_v to_o they_o from_o those_o 〈◊〉_d where_o they_o do_v otherwise_o observe_v it_o and_o never_o any_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v throw_v out_o of_o the_o church_n even_o your_o predecessor_n though_o they_o do_v not_o keep_v it_o yet_o they_o send_v the_o eucharist_n to_o those_o that_o do_v keep_v it_o and_o when_o in_o the_o time_n of_o anicetus_n bless_a polycarp_n come_v to_o rome_n and_o there_o be_v some_o controversy_n between_o they_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o but_o still_o maintain_v peace_n and_o love_n and_o though_o anicetus_n can_v never_o persuade_v polycarp_n nor_o polycarp_n anicetus_n to_o be_v of_o each_o other_o mind_n yet_o they_o communicate_v one_o with_o another_o and_o anicetus_n in_o honour_n to_o polycarpus_n permit_v he_o to_o consecrate_v the_o sacrament_n in_o his_o church_n and_o so_o they_o depart_v in_o mutual_a love_n and_o kindness_n and_o all_o the_o church_n whether_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v the_o same_o day_n retain_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o §_o 4._o but_o though_o one_o church_n can_v not_o oblige_v another_o to_o a_o conformity_n in_o rite_n and_o custom_n yet_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o parish_n can_v enforce_v its_o own_o member_n to_o such_o a_o conformity_n a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o that_o famous_a controversy_n about_o the_o time_n of_o easter_n it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o asiatic_n to_o celebrate_v that_o feast_n at_o the_o full_a moon_n or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o jewish_a passover_n on_o whatsoever_o day_n of_o the_o week_n it_o happen_v it_o be_v the_o manner_n at_o rome_n to_o observe_v it_o the_o lord_n day_n after_o and_o both_o these_o church_n quiet_o follow_v their_o several_a usage_n without_o impose_v they_o on_o each_o other_o but_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n permit_v none_o of_o their_o member_n to_o solemnize_v it_o after_o the_o roman_a manner_n neither_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o of_o the_o west_n license_v any_o of_o their_o inhabitant_n to_o celebrate_v it_o after_o the_o asiatic_a manner_n for_o if_o either_o of_o they_o have_v grant_v any_o such_o thing_n there_o must_v have_v ensue_v confusion_n and_o disorder_n to_o have_v see_v easter_n different_o observe_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n whilst_o some_o member_n of_o a_o parish_n where_o fast_v to_o behold_v other_o feast_v will_v have_v be_v a_o perfect_a ataxy_n and_o irregularity_n therefore_o though_o anioetus_fw-la bishop_n of_o rome_n retain_v peace_n and_o unity_n with_o foreign_a church_n that_o differ_v from_o he_o as_o to_o the_o time_n of_o easter_n without_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o roman_a custom_n yet_o he_o peremptory_o require_v it_o of_o the_o member_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o 193._o will_v never_o permit_v they_o to_o solemnize_v that_o feast_n on_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o asiatic_n so_o that_o though_o every_o church_n have_v the_o liberty_n to_o use_v what_o rite_n she_o please_v yet_o every_o particular_a member_n have_v not_o but_o be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o church_n where_o he_o live_v or_o where_o he_o occasional_o communicate_v a_o church_n collective_o or_o the_o majority_n 〈◊〉_d a_o church_n with_o their_o bishop_n can_v change_v their_o old_a custom_n and_o introduce_v new_a one_o as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o easter_n the_o asiatic_n at_o length_n submit_v to_o the_o roman_a usage_n but_o till_o that_o be_v do_v every_o particular_a member_n be_v require_v to_o follow_v the_o old_a custom_n of_o that_o church_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v and_o not_o to_o bring_v in_o any_o innovation_n or_o new_a rite_n because_o as_o be_v say_v before_o that_o will_v beget_v tumult_n and_o disorder_n and_o the_o person_n so_o act_v will_v be_v guilty_a of_o that_o strife_n and_o contention_n which_o be_v condemn_v by_o those_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 16._o but_o if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v if_o any_o man_n either_o to_o show_v their_o wit_n or_o to_o head_n and_o strengthen_v a_o party_n will_v contradict_v what_o we_o have_v say_v and_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v decent_a and_o comely_a either_o for_o man_n to_o pray_v cover_v or_o woman_n uncover_v this_o shall_v silence_v such_o contentious_a opposer_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o rite_n or_o custom_n in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o their_o practice_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o what_o we_o have_v direct_v unto_o and_o therefore_o to_o that_o they_o ought_v peaceable_o and_o quiet_o to_o submit_v and_o yield_v thus_o now_o i_o have_v finish_v this_o enquiry_n and_o have_v as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v search_v into_o what_o be_v first_o propose_v if_o i_o have_v not_o illustrate_v any_o point_n as_o clear_o as_o may_v be_v expect_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o i_o find_v nothing_o far_o pertinent_a thereunto_o in_o those_o write_n to_o which_o i_o be_o confine_v if_o i_o have_v i_o shall_v free_o have_v mention_v it_o whether_o i_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o any_o passage_n i_o must_v leave_v unto_o my_o reader_n to_o judge_v all_o that_o i_o can_v say_v be_v that_o i_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o any_o wilful_a and_o design_v mistake_v have_v throughout_o this_o whole_a discourse_n endeavour_v deavour_v to_o find_v out_o the_o plain_a and_o naked_a truth_n without_o be_v bias_v to_o any_o party_n or_o faction_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v so_o kind_a and_o favourable_a as_o to_o convince_v i_o of_o any_o slip_v or_o error_n which_o i_o may_v have_v commit_v through_o inconsideration_n or_o want_v of_o a_o due_a understanding_n i_o shall_v thankful_o acknowledge_v they_o and_o willing_o renounce_v and_o leave_v they_o §_o 5._o what_o have_v be_v relate_v concern_v the_o constitution_n discipline_n unity_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o primitive_a
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