of_o persecution_n for_o so_o we_o find_v in_o a_o law_n of_o constantine_n and_o licinius_n 389._o where_o give_v liberty_n of_o religion_n to_o christian_n and_o restore_v they_o free_o to_o the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o dispose_v of_o by_o former_a emperor_n they_o further_o add_v and_o because_o say_v they_o the_o same_o christian_n have_v not_o only_a place_n wherein_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o assemble_v but_o be_v also_o know_v to_o have_v have_v other_o possession_n which_o be_v not_o the_o propriety_n of_o any_o single_a person_n but_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o community_n all_o these_o by_o this_o law_n we_o command_v to_o be_v immediate_o restore_v to_o those_o christian_n to_o every_o society_n and_o community_n of_o they_o what_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o in_o a_o rescript_n to_o anulinus_n the_o proconsul_n about_o the_o same_o matter_n 390._o they_o particular_o specify_v whether_o they_o be_v garden_n or_o house_n or_o whatever_o else_o belong_v to_o the_o right_n and_o propriety_n of_o those_o church_n that_o with_o all_o speed_n they_o be_v universal_o restore_v to_o they_o 364._o the_o same_o which_o maximinus_n also_o though_o no_o good_a friend_n to_o christian_n yet_o either_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o constantine_n or_o from_o the_o conviction_n of_o his_o conscience_n awaken_v by_o a_o terrible_a sickness_n have_v ordain_v for_o his_o part_n of_o the_o empire_n afterward_o constantine_n set_v himself_o by_o all_o way_n to_o advance_v the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n sozom._n out_o of_o the_o tribute_n of_o every_o city_n which_o be_v yearly_o pay_v into_o his_o exchequer_n 411._o he_o assign_v a_o portion_n to_o the_o church_n and_o clergy_n of_o that_o place_n and_o settle_v it_o by_o a_o law_n which_o except_v the_o short_a reign_n of_o julian_n who_o revoke_v it_o be_v as_o the_o historian_n assure_v we_o 600_o in_o force_n in_o his_o time_n where_o any_o of_o the_o martyr_n or_o confessor_n have_v die_v without_o kindred_n seq_n or_o be_v banish_v their_o native_a country_n and_o leave_v no_o heir_n behind_o they_o he_o ordain_v that_o their_o estate_n and_o inheritance_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o that_o place_n and_o that_o whoever_o have_v seize_v upon_o they_o or_o have_v buy_v they_o of_o the_o exchequer_n shall_v restore_v they_o and_o refer_v themselves_o to_o he_o for_o what_o recompense_n shall_v be_v make_v they_o he_o take_v away_o the_o restraint_n which_o former_a emperor_n have_v lay_v upon_o the_o bounty_n of_o pious_a and_o charitable_a man_n 1._o and_o give_v every_o man_n liberty_n to_o leave_v what_o he_o will_v to_o the_o church_n 1._o he_o give_v salary_n out_o of_o the_o public_a corn_n which_o though_o take_v away_o by_o julian_n be_v restore_v by_o his_o successor_n jovianus_n 12._o and_o ratify_v as_o a_o perpetual_a donation_n by_o the_o law_n of_o valentinian_n and_o marcianus_n after_o his_o time_n the_o revenue_n of_o church_n increase_v every_o day_n pious_a and_o devout_a person_n think_v they_o can_v never_o enough_o testify_v their_o piety_n to_o god_n by_o express_v their_o bounty_n and_o liberality_n to_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n by_o observe_v what_o respect_n and_o reverence_n they_o be_v wont_n in_o those_o day_n to_o show_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o solemn_a place_n of_o worship_n and_o where_o god_n do_v more_o peculiar_o manifest_v his_o presence_n and_o this_o certain_o be_v very_o great_a 1862._o they_o come_v into_o the_o church_n as_o into_o the_o palace_n of_o the_o great_a king_n as_o chrysostom_n call_v it_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a upon_o which_o account_n he_o there_o press_v the_o high_a modesty_n and_o gravity_n upon_o they_o before_o their_o go_v into_o the_o church_n they_o use_v to_o wash_v at_o least_o their_o hand_n 133._o as_o tertullian_n probable_o intimate_v and_o chrysostom_n express_o tell_v we_o 371._o carry_v themselves_o while_o there_o with_o the_o most_o profound_a silence_n and_o devotion_n nay_o so_o great_a be_v the_o reverence_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o the_o church_n that_o the_o emperor_n themselves_o who_o otherwise_o never_o go_v without_o their_o guard_n about_o they_o yet_o when_o they_o come_v to_o go_v into_o the_o church_n use_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o arm_n to_o leave_v their_o guard_n behind_o they_o and_o to_o put_v off_o their_o crown_n reckon_v that_o the_o less_o ostentation_n they_o make_v of_o power_n and_o greatness_n there_o the_o more_o firm_o the_o imperial_a majesty_n will_v be_v entail_v upon_o they_o exil_fw-la as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o law_n of_o theodosius_n and_o valentinian_n insert_v at_o large_a into_o the_o last_o edition_n of_o the_o theodosian_a code_n but_o of_o this_o we_o may_v probable_o speak_v more_o 850._o when_o we_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o public_a adoration_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o lordsday_n and_o the_o fast_n and_o festival_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n time_n as_o necessary_a to_o religious_a action_n as_o place_n fix_a time_n of_o public_a worship_n observe_v by_o all_o nation_n the_o lord_n day_n chief_o observe_v by_o christian_n style_v sunday_n and_o why_o peculiar_o consecrate_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n all_o kneel_v at_o prayer_n on_o this_o day_n forbid_v and_o why_o their_o public_a assembly_n constant_o hold_v upon_o this_o day_n force_a to_o assemble_v before_o day_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n thence_o jeer_v by_o the_o heathen_n as_o latebrosa_fw-la &_o lucifugax_fw-la natio_fw-la the_o lord_n day_n ever_o keep_v as_o a_o day_n of_o rejoice_v all_o fast_v upon_o it_o forbid_v the_o great_a care_n of_o constantine_n and_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o observance_n of_o this_o day_n their_o law_n to_o that_o purpose_n their_o constant_a and_o conscientious_a attendance_n upon_o public_a worship_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n canon_n of_o ancient_a council_n about_o absent_v from_o public_a worship_n sabbatum_fw-la or_o saturday_n keep_v in_o the_o east_n as_o a_o religious_a day_n with_o all_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o divine_a worship_n how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v so_o otherwise_o in_o the_o western_a church_n observe_v by_o they_o as_o a_o fast_a and_o why_o this_n not_o universal_a s._n ambrose_n his_o practice_n at_o milan_n and_o counsel_n to_o s._n augustine_n in_o the_o case_n their_o solemn_a fast_n either_o weekly_a or_o annual_a weekly_a on_o wednesdays_n and_o friday_n hold_v till_o three_o in_o the_o afternoon_n annual_a fast_o that_o of_o lent_n how_o ancient_a upon_o what_o account_n call_v quadragesima_fw-la observe_v with_o great_a strictness_n the_o hebdomada_fw-la magna_fw-la or_o the_o holy_a week_n keep_v with_o singular_a austerity_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o festival_n observe_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o of_o easter_n as_o ancient_a as_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n a_o account_n of_o the_o famous_a controversy_n between_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n about_o the_o keep_n of_o easter_n the_o intemperate_a spirit_n of_o pope_n victor_n irenaeus_n his_o moderate_a interposal_n the_o case_n sinal_o determine_v by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a the_o vigil_n of_o this_o feast_n observe_v with_o great_a expression_n of_o rejoice_v the_o bounty_n of_o christian_a emperor_n upon_o easter-day_n the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n how_o ancient_a why_o style_v whitsunday_n dominica_n in_o albis_n why_o so_o call_v the_o whole_a space_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsuntide_n keep_v festival_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n why_o public_o read_v during_o that_o time_n the_o feast_n of_o epiphany_n ancient_o what_o christmas-day_n the_o ancient_a observation_n of_o it_o epiphany_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n what_o and_o why_o so_o call_v the_o memoriae_fw-la martyrum_fw-la what_o when_o probable_o first_o begin_v the_o great_a reverence_n they_o have_v for_o martyr_n their_o passion_n style_v their_o birthday_n and_o why_o these_o anniversary_n solemnity_n keep_v at_o the_o tomb_n of_o martyr_n over_o these_o magnificent_a church_n erect_v afterward_o what_o religious_a exercise_n perform_v at_o those_o meeting_n the_o first_o rise_v of_o martyrology_n oblation_n for_o martyr_n how_o understand_v in_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n these_o festival_n keep_v with_o great_a rejoice_v mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o common_a feast_n market_n hold_v for_o that_o purpose_n in_o those_o place_n the_o ill_a use_n which_o aftertime_n make_v of_o these_o memorial_n time_n be_v a_o circumstance_n no_o less_o inseparable_a from_o religious_a action_n than_o place_v for_o man_n consist_v of_o a_o soul_n and_o body_n can_v always_o be_v actual_o engage_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o angel_n and_o soul_n free_v from_o the_o fetter_n of_o mortality_n so_o long_o as_o
by_o excommunication_n be_v not_o original_o institute_v by_o our_o lord_n or_o his_o apostle_n but_o have_v be_v ancient_o practise_v both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n it_o be_v common_o practise_v by_o the_o druid_n as_o caesar_n who_o live_v among_o they_o inform_v we_o who_o 135._o when_o any_o of_o the_o people_n become_v irregular_a and_o disorderly_a present_o suspend_v they_o from_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o person_n thus_o suspend_v be_v account_v in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o most_o impious_a and_o exercrable_a person_n all_o man_n stand_v off_o from_o they_o shun_v their_o company_n and_o converse_v as_o a_o infection_n and_o a_o plague_n they_o have_v no_o benefit_n of_o law_n nor_o any_o honour_n or_o respect_n show_v to_o they_o and_o of_o all_o punishment_n this_o they_o account_v most_o extreme_a and_o severe_a so_o far_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o discipline_n among_o the_o ancient_a gaul_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n nothing_o be_v more_o familiar_a their_o three_o famous_a degree_n of_o excommunication_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d niddui_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cherem_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shammatha_n be_v so_o common_o know_v that_o it_o be_v impertinent_a to_o insist_v upon_o they_o from_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o jewish_a it_o be_v among_o other_o rite_n adopt_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o church_n found_v by_o they_o whereof_o we_o have_v instance_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o bring_v to_o great_a perfection_n in_o succeed_a time_n it_o be_v various_o express_v by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n though_o much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n such_o person_n be_v say_v abstineri_fw-la to_o be_v keep_v back_o a_o word_n much_o use_v by_o cyprian_a and_o the_o synod_n of_o illiberis_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v separate_v or_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o s._n augustin_n oft_o express_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v whole_o cut_v off_o from_o communion_n 28._o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostolic_a canon_n sometime_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 28._o as_o the_o laodicean_n synod_n call_v it_o to_o be_v throw_v out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v anathematise_v and_o without_o the_o communion_n and_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n gaugr_n as_o the_o father_n of_o the_o council_n of_o gaugra_fw-mi have_v it_o this_o suspension_n and_o the_o penance_n that_o accompany_v it_o be_v great_a or_o less_o long_o or_o short_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n sometime_o two_o three_o ten_o fifteen_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n and_o sometime_o for_o the_o whole_a life_n nay_o in_o some_o case_n it_o be_v not_o take_v off_o at_o death_n but_o person_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n without_o any_o testimony_n of_o their_o reconciliation_n to_o the_o church_n though_o herein_o the_o severity_n be_v mitigate_v not_o only_o by_o private_a bishop_n but_o by_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a which_o ordain_v that_o penitent_a person_n shall_v not_o be_v deny_v the_o communion_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n of_o all_o which_o case_n or_o the_o most_o material_a of_o they_o we_o have_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n produce_v particular_a instance_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n if_o the_o person_n offend_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o order_n he_o forfeit_v his_o ministry_n and_o though_o upon_o his_o repentance_n he_o be_v restore_v to_o communion_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o as_o a_o lay-person_n never_o recover_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o office_n thus_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n give_v fabius_n of_o antioch_n a_o account_n of_o the_o clancular_a and_o schismatical_a ordination_n of_o novatian_n 243._o tell_v he_o that_o one_o of_o the_o bishop_n that_o ordain_v he_o return_v after_o to_o the_o church_n with_o tear_n bewail_v his_o offence_n who_o at_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o people_n he_o receive_v unto_o lay-communion_n the_o same_o cyprian_a writing_n about_o this_o very_a case_n relate_v of_o trophimus_n who_o be_v either_o the_o very_a bishop_n mention_v by_o cornelius_n 69._o or_o one_o of_o his_o colleague_n that_o return_v to_o the_o church_n with_o great_a demonstration_n of_o repentance_n he_o be_v readmit_v but_o no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o layman_n 114._o and_o speak_v elsewhere_o of_o basilides_n his_o repentance_n he_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v no_o thought_n of_o retain_v his_o bishopric_n nicen_n make_v account_n he_o be_v very_o well_o deal_v with_o if_o upon_o his_o repentance_n he_o may_v but_o communicate_v as_o a_o laic_a and_o be_v receive_v among_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a this_o s._n basil_n tell_v we_o be_v a_o ancient_a canon_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o according_o ordain_v that_o a_o deacon_n guilty_a of_o fornication_n shall_v be_v depose_v from_o his_o office_n and_o be_v thrust_v down_o into_o the_o rank_n of_o the_o laity_n shall_v in_o that_o quality_n be_v admit_v to_o communion_n indeed_o they_o strive_v by_o all_o way_n imaginable_a to_o discourage_v sin_n never_o think_v the_o curb_n strong_a enough_o so_o they_o may_v but_o keep_v person_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o order_n and_o regularity_n insomuch_o that_o by_o some_o the_o string_n be_v stretch_v too_o far_o and_o all_o pardon_v deny_v to_o they_o that_o have_v sin_v this_o uncomfortable_a doctrine_n be_v if_o not_o first_o coin_v yet_o main_o vend_v by_o the_o novatian_a party_n for_o novatus_n s._n cyprian_n presbyter_n be_v suspend_v by_o he_o for_o his_o vile_a enormity_n flee_v over_o to_o rome_n and_o there_o join_v himself_o to_o novatian_n a_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n these_o two_o name_n be_v frequent_o confound_v by_o the_o greek_a writer_n who_o ambitious_o seek_v to_o make_v himself_o bishop_n and_o to_o thrust_v out_o cornelius_n new_o elect_v into_o that_o see_v 214._o but_o not_o be_v able_a to_o compass_v his_o design_n between_o they_o they_o start_v this_o among_o other_o heretical_a opinion_n that_o the_o lapse_v who_o through_o fear_n of_o suffer_v have_v fall_v in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o repentance_n and_o that_o though_o they_o shall_v never_o so_o oft_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o never_o so_o sincere_o forsake_v they_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n for_o they_o at_o leastwise_o for_o so_o i_o incline_v to_o understand_v they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o absolve_v or_o give_v they_o any_o hope_n of_o pardon_n leave_v they_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n style_v themselves_o and_o not_o only_o as_o balsamon_n affirm_v nicen_n ironical_o style_v by_o other_o by_o the_o name_n of_o cathari_n the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a party_n but_o they_o be_v herein_o present_o condemn_v by_o a_o synod_n of_o sixty_o bishop_n and_o more_o than_o as_o many_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n gather_v at_o rome_n and_o the_o decree_n consent_v to_o and_o publish_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o their_o several_a province_n conclude_v that_o novatus_n and_o his_o party_n and_o all_o that_o have_v subscribe_v to_o his_o most_o inhuman_a and_o merciless_a opinion_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o brethren_n who_o in_o that_o sad_a calamity_n have_v fall_v from_o their_o profession_n shall_v be_v heal_v and_o restore_v by_o the_o art_n and_o method_n of_o repentance_n which_o bring_v we_o to_o consider_v 〈…〉_z three_o how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n offender_n be_v deal_v with_o both_z as_o to_o their_o suspension_n and_o penance_n and_o as_o to_o their_o absolution_n this_o affair_n be_v usual_o manage_v after_o this_o order_n at_o their_o public_a assembly_n as_o we_o find_v in_o tertullian_n among_o other_o part_n of_o their_o holy_a exercise_n 31._o there_o be_v exhortation_n reproof_n and_o a_o divine_a censure_n for_o the_o judgement_n be_v give_v with_o great_a weight_n as_o among_o those_o that_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n behold_v what_o they_o do_v and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a praeludium_n and_o forerunner_n of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v when_o the_o delinquent_a person_n be_v banish_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n assembly_n and_o all_o holy_a commerce_n by_o this_o passage_n we_o clear_o see_v that_o the_o first_o thing_n in_o this_o solemn_a action_n be_v to_o make_v reproof_n and_o exhortation_n thereby_o to_o bring_v the_o offender_n to_o the_o sight_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o fault_n then_o the_o sentence_n or_o censure_n be_v pass_v upon_o he_o whereby_o he_o be_v suspend_v not_o only_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n but_o from_o all_o holy_a commerce_n in_o any_o especial_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n we_o can_v imagine_v that_o in_o every_o person_n
and_o confession_n and_o fulfil_v the_o regular_a custom_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n the_o time_n of_o penance_n be_v end_v they_o address_v themselves_o to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n for_o absolution_n 24._o hereupon_o their_o repentance_n be_v take_v into_o examination_n and_o be_v find_v to_o be_v sincere_a and_o real_a they_o be_v open_o readmit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o party_n to_o be_v absolve_v kneel_v down_o between_o the_o knee_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o in_o his_o absence_n of_o the_o presbyter_n who_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o his_o head_n solemn_o bless_v and_o absolve_v he_o whence_o doubtless_o spring_v that_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a calumny_n which_o the_o heathen_n lay_v upon_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o be_v wont_n sacerdotis_fw-la colere_fw-la genitalia_fw-la so_o forward_o be_v they_o to_o catch_v at_o any_o reproach_n which_o the_o most_o crooked_a and_o malicious_a invention_n can_v insinuate_v and_o suggest_v the_o penitent_a be_v absolve_v be_v receive_v with_o the_o universal_a joy_n and_o acclamation_n of_o the_o people_n as_o one_o return_v from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a for_o such_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o account_v they_o while_n under_o a_o state_n of_o guilt_n especial_o the_o lapse_v as_o cyprian_n positive_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v be_v embrace_v by_o his_o brethren_n 39_o who_o bless_a god_n for_o his_o return_n 60._o and_o many_o time_n weep_v for_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o recovery_n who_o upon_o his_o absolution_n be_v now_o restore_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o to_o all_o other_o act_n of_o church-communion_n which_o by_o his_o crime_n he_o have_v forfeit_v and_o from_o which_o he_o have_v be_v suspend_v till_o he_o have_v give_v satisfactory_a evidence_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o purpose_n to_o persevere_v under_o the_o exact_a discipline_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n wherein_o they_o treat_v criminal_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n such_o as_o that_o of_o danger_n of_o death_n they_o do_v not_o rigid_o exact_v the_o set_a time_n of_o penance_n but_o absolve_v the_o person_n that_o so_o he_o may_v die_v in_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o story_n of_o serapion_n at_o alexandria_n we_o have_v former_o mention_v h._n who_o be_v sudden_o surprise_v with_o death_n while_o he_o be_v under_o the_o state_n of_o penance_n 246._o and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o die_v till_o he_o have_v receive_v absolution_n send_v for_o the_o presbyter_n to_o testify_v his_o repentance_n and_o absolve_v he_o but_o he_o be_v also_o at_o that_o time_n sick_a send_v he_o a_o part_n of_o the_o consecrate_a element_n which_o he_o have_v by_o he_o upon_o the_o receive_n whereof_o he_o breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n with_o great_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o he_o now_o die_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o time_n of_o these_o penitentiary_n humiliation_n often_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o case_n it_o be_v much_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o shorten_v the_o time_n and_o soon_o to_o absolve_v and_o take_v they_o into_o communion_n the_o medicinal_a virtue_n of_o repentance_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o duration_n amphil._n but_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o s._n basil_n speak_v in_o this_o very_a case_n a_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v to_o my_o hand_n four_o particular_a case_n wherein_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o anticipate_v the_o usual_a time_n of_o absolution_n hist_o the_o first_o be_v what_o i_o observe_v but_o now_o when_o person_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o death_n 674._o this_o be_v agree_v to_o by_o cyprian_a 67._o and_o the_o martyr_n and_o the_o roman_a clergy_n and_o the_o letter_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o send_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o all_o the_o church_n this_o also_o be_v provide_v for_o by_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a 13._o that_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n the_o ancient_a and_o canonical_a rule_n shall_v be_v observe_v still_o that_o when_o any_o be_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n they_o shall_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o last_o and_o necessary_a viaticum_fw-la i.e._n the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o be_v their_o great_a symbol_n of_o communion_n and_o here_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n some_o passage_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unuseful_a once_o for_o all_o to_o add_v this_o note_n that_o whereas_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o illiberine_n council_n especial_o positive_o deny_v communion_n to_o some_o sort_n of_o penitent_n even_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o the_o church_n merciles_o deny_v all_o indulgence_n and_o absolution_n to_o any_o penitent_a at_o such_o a_o time_n but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o deny_v they_o the_o use_n of_o the_o eucharist_n which_o be_v the_o great_a pledge_n and_o testimony_n of_o their_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n the_o second_o case_n be_v in_o time_n of_o eminent_a persecution_n conceive_v it_o but_o fit_a at_o such_o time_n to_o dispense_v with_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o discipline_n that_o so_o penitent_n be_v receive_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v the_o better_a arm_a and_o enable_v to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n this_o be_v resolve_v and_o agree_v upon_o by_o cyprian_a 76._o and_o a_o whole_a council_n of_o african_a bishop_n whereof_o they_o give_v a_o account_n to_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o in_o regard_n persecution_n be_v draw_v on_o they_o hold_v it_o convenient_a and_o necessary_a that_o communion_n and_o reconciliation_n shall_v be_v grant_v to_o the_o lapse_v not_o only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v a_o die_a but_o even_o to_o the_o live_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v leave_v naked_a and_o unarm_v in_o the_o time_n of_o battle_n but_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v themselves_o with_o the_o shield_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n for_o how_o say_v they_o shall_v we_o teach_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o shed_v their_o blood_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o deny_v they_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o blood_n how_o shall_v we_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o drink_v the_o cup_n of_o martyrdom_n unless_o we_o first_o admit_v they_o in_o the_o church_n to_o a_o right_a of_o communication_n to_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n a_o three_o case_n wherein_o they_o relax_v the_o severity_n of_o this_o discipline_n be_v when_o great_a multitude_n be_v concern_v or_o such_o person_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o draw_v great_a number_n after_o they_o in_o this_o case_n they_o think_v it_o prudent_a and_o reasonable_a to_o deal_v with_o person_n by_o somewhat_o mild_a and_o gentle_a method_n lest_o by_o hold_v they_o to_o term_n of_o rigour_n and_o austerity_n they_o shall_v provoke_v they_o to_o fly_v off_o either_o to_o heathen_n or_o to_o heretic_n this_o course_n cyprian_n tell_v we_o he_o take_v he_o comply_v with_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n prius_fw-la and_o like_o a_o wise_a physician_n yield_v a_o little_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o patient_a to_o provide_v for_o his_o health_n and_o to_o cure_v his_o wound_n and_o quote_v herein_o the_o example_n of_o cornelius_n of_o rome_n who_o deal_v just_a so_o with_o trophimus_n and_o his_o party_n 85._o and_o elsewhere_o that_o out_o of_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o regain_v and_o resettle_v the_o brethren_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o connive_v at_o many_o thing_n and_o to_o forgive_v any_o thing_n and_o do_v not_o examine_v and_o exact_v the_o great_a crime_n with_o that_o full_a power_n and_o severity_n that_o he_o may_v insomuch_o that_o he_o think_v he_o do_v almost_o offend_v himself_o in_o a_o over-liberal_a remit_v other_o man_n offence_n last_o in_o absolve_v penitent_n and_o mitigate_a the_o rigour_n of_o their_o repentance_n they_o use_v to_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o penitent_a to_o his_o dignity_n or_o age_n or_o infirmity_n or_o the_o course_n of_o his_o past_a life_n sometime_o to_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o humility_n and_o the_o impression_n which_o his_o present_a condition_n make_v upon_o he_o thus_o the_o ancyran_n council_n empower_n bishop_n to_o examine_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n conversion_n and_o repentance_n vid._n and_o according_o either_o to_o moderate_a 12._o or_o enlarge_v their_o time_n of_o penance_n but_o especial_o that_o regard_n be_v have_v to_o their_o conversation_n both_o before_o and_o since_o their_o offence_n that_o so_o clemency_n and_o indulgence_n may_v be_v extend_v to_o they_o so_o for_o the_o case_n of_o person_n of_o
of_o they_o and_o think_v they_o happy_a that_o they_o be_v entrust_v by_o god_n to_o manage_v the_o conveniency_n of_o man_n life_n but_o yet_o do_v not_o give_v they_o that_o honour_n that_o be_v only_o due_a to_o god_n for_o this_o neither_o do_v god_n allow_v of_o neither_o do_v they_o desire_v it_o but_o equal_o love_v and_o regard_v we_o when_o we_o do_v not_o as_o if_o we_o do_v sacrifice_n to_o they_o and_o when_o celsus_n a_o little_a before_o have_v smart_o press_v he_o to_o do_v honour_n to_o daemon_n he_o reject_v the_o motion_n with_o great_a contempt_n 395._o away_o say_v he_o with_o this_o counsel_n of_o celsus_n who_o in_o this_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v hearken_v to_o for_o the_o great_a god_n only_o be_v to_o be_v adore_v and_o prayer_n to_o be_v deliver_v up_o to_o none_o but_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n the_o first_o bear_v of_o every_o creature_n that_o as_o our_o highpriest_n he_o may_v carry_v they_o to_o his_o father_n and_o to_o our_o father_n to_o his_o god_n and_o to_o our_o god_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n do_v and_o that_o very_o early_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o apostle_n caveat_n against_o it_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n creep_a into_o some_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o be_v always_o disow_v and_o cry_v out_o against_o and_o at_o last_o public_o and_o solemn_o condemn_v by_o the_o whole_a laodicean_n council_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a say_v the_o thirty_o five_o canon_n of_o that_o council_n for_o christian_n to_o leave_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o go_v and_o invocate_v angel_n and_o to_o make_v prohibit_v assembly_n if_o therefore_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v find_v devote_v himself_o to_o this_o private_a idolatry_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v forasmuch_o as_o he_o have_v forsake_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v deliver_v up_o himself_o to_o idolatry_n from_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o that_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o father_n that_o the_o worship_v of_o angel_n be_v not_o only_o downright_a idolatry_n but_o a_o plain_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n nor_o be_v they_o more_o peremptory_a in_o deny_v divine_a honour_n to_o angel_n than_o they_o be_v to_o martyr_n and_o depart_a saint_n for_o though_o they_o have_v a_o mighty_a honour_n and_o respect_n for_o martyr_n as_o we_o shall_v take_v notice_n afterward_o as_o those_o that_o have_v maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n and_o therefore_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o do_v praise_n and_o honour_n to_o their_o memory_n yet_o be_v they_o far_o from_o place_v any_o thing_n of_o religion_n or_o divine_a adoration_n in_o it_o whereof_o it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o quote_v one_o famous_a instance_n the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pontus_n hist_o to_o give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o polycarpus_n their_o bishop_n 134_o tell_v they_o that_o after_o he_o be_v dead_a many_o of_o the_o christian_n be_v desirous_a to_o have_v get_v the_o remain_v of_o his_o body_n possible_o to_o have_v give_v they_o decent_a and_o honourable_a burial_n but_o be_v prevent_v in_o it_o by_o some_o jew_n who_o importune_v the_o proconsul_n to_o the_o contrary_a suggest_v that_o the_o christian_n leave_v their_o crucify_a master_n may_v henceforth_o worship_v polycarpus_n whereupon_o they_o add_v that_o this_o suggestion_n must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a state_n of_o christian_n this_o they_o do_v say_v they_o not_o consider_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o ever_o we_o shall_v either_o forsake_v christ_n who_o die_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n or_o that_o we_o shall_v worship_v any_o other_o we_o adore_v he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o the_o martyr_n as_o the_o disciple_n and_o follow_v of_o our_o lord_n we_o deserve_o love_v for_o their_o eminent_a kindness_n to_o their_o own_o prince_n and_o master_n who_o companion_n and_o fellow-disciple_n we_o also_o by_o all_o mean_n desire_v to_o be_v this_o instance_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o valuable_a in_o this_o case_n not_o only_o because_o so_o plain_a and_o pertinent_a but_o because_o so_o ancient_a and_o from_o person_n of_o so_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o one_o private_a person_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o smyrna_n according_a as_o it_o have_v be_v train_v up_o under_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o polycarpus_n the_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o s._n john_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_n then_o and_o it_o hold_v so_o for_o some_o age_n after_o even_o down_o to_o the_o time_n of_o s._n augustine_n when_o yet_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n begin_v to_o decline_v apace_o we_o set_v apart_o say_v he_o no_o temple_n 1355._o nor_o priest_n nor_o divine_a service_n nor_o sacrifice_n to_o martyr_n because_o they_o be_v not_o god_n but_o the_o same_o who_o be_v they_o be_v our_o god_n indeed_o we_o honour_v their_o memory_n as_o of_o holy_a man_n who_o have_v stand_v for_o the_o truth_n even_o unto_o death_n that_o so_o the_o true_a religion_n may_v appear_v and_o those_o which_o be_v false_a be_v convince_v to_o be_v so_o but_o who_o ever_o hear_v a_o priest_n stand_v at_o the_o altar_n build_v for_o the_o honour_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n over_o the_o body_n of_o the_o holy_a martyr_n to_o say_v in_o his_o prayer_n i_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o thou_o peter_n or_o paul_n or_o cyprian_a for_o in_o such_o commemoration_n we_o offer_v to_o that_o god_n who_o make_v they_o both_o man_n and_o martyr_n and_o have_v make_v they_o partner_n with_o holy_a angel_n in_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o by_o these_o solemnity_n we_o both_o give_v thanks_o to_o the_o true_a god_n for_o the_o victory_n which_o they_o have_v gain_v and_o also_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o by_o beg_v his_o assistance_n to_o contend_v for_o such_o crown_n and_o reward_n as_o they_o be_v possess_v of_o so_o that_o whatever_o office_n religious_a man_n perform_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o martyr_n they_o be_v only_a ornament_n to_o their_o memory_n not_o sacrifice_n or_o divine_a service_n do_v to_o the_o depart_a as_o if_o they_o be_v deity_n more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o may_v find_v in_o that_o place_n as_o also_o in_o infinite_a other_o place_n of_o his_o work_n where_o be_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n i_o can_v easy_o show_v that_o he_o do_v no_o less_o frequent_o than_o express_o assert_v that_o though_o the_o honour_n of_o love_n respect_n and_o imitation_n yet_o no_o religious_a adoration_n be_v due_a either_o to_o angel_n martyr_n or_o depart_v saint_n but_o the_o great_a instance_n wherein_o the_o primitive_a christian_n manifest_v their_o detestation_n of_o idolatry_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n the_o deny_v and_o abhor_v any_o thing_n of_o divine_a honour_n that_o be_v do_v to_o their_o god_n they_o look_v upon_o the_o very_a make_n of_o idol_n though_o with_o no_o intention_n to_o worship_v they_o as_o a_o unlawful_a trade_n and_o as_o inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n how_o have_v we_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n say_v tertullian_n 88_o mean_v their_o solemn_a renunciation_n in_o baptism_n if_o we_o make_v idol_n nor_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v though_o i_o make_v they_o i_o do_v not_o worship_v they_o there_o be_v the_o same_o cause_n not_o to_o make_v they_o that_o there_o be_v not_o to_o worship_v they_o viz._n the_o offence_n that_o in_o both_o be_v do_v to_o god_n yet_o thou_o do_v so_o far_o worship_v they_o as_o thou_o make_v they_o that_o other_o may_v worship_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o roundly_o pronounce_v that_o no_o art_n 10._o no_o profession_n no_o service_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v employ_v either_o in_o make_v or_o minister_a to_o idol_n can_v come_v short_a of_o idolatry_n they_o startle_v at_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o symbolise_v with_o they_o in_o their_o idolatry_n therefore_o the_o ancyran_n council_n condemn_v they_o to_o a_o two_o year_n supension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n 7._o who_o sit_v down_o with_o their_o heathen_a friend_n upon_o their_o solemn_a festival_n in_o their_o idol-temple_n although_o they_o bring_v their_o own_o provision_n along_o with_o they_o and_o touch_v not_o one_o bit_n of_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o the_o idol_n their_o first_o care_n in_o instruct_v new_a convert_v be_v to_o leaven_n they_o with_o the_o hatred_n of_o idolatry_n those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v initiate_v into_o our_o religion_n say_v origen_n
the_o emperor_n themselves_o to_o show_v what_o veneration_n they_o have_v for_o this_o time_n command_v all_o suit_n and_o process_n at_o law_n to_o cease_v tribunal-door_n to_o be_v shut_v up_o and_o prisoner_n to_o be_v set_v free_a imitate_v herein_o their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n who_o by_o his_o death_n at_o this_o time_n deliver_v we_o from_o the_o prison_n and_o the_o chain_n of_o sin_n meaning_n herein_o those_o law_n of_o theodosius_n gratian_n and_o valentinian_n which_o we_o late_o mention_v we_o proceed_v now_o to_o inquire_v what_o other_o festival_n there_o be_v in_o those_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o i_o find_v to_o be_v chief_o these_o easter_n whitsuntide_n and_o epiphany_n which_o comprehend_v two_o christmas_n and_o epiphany_n proper_o so_o call_v i_o reckon_v they_o not_o in_o their_o proper_a order_n but_o as_o i_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v take_v place_n in_o the_o church_n of_o these_o easter_n challenge_v the_o precedence_n both_o for_o its_o antiquity_n and_o the_o great_a stir_n about_o it_o that_o in_o and_o from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n beside_o the_o weekly_a return_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n there_o have_v be_v always_o observe_v a_o anniversary_n festival_n in_o memory_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o have_v any_o insight_n into_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n all_o the_o dispute_n be_v about_o the_o particular_a time_n when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v which_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o as_o famous_a a_o controversy_n as_o any_o that_o in_o those_o age_n exercise_v the_o christian_a world_n the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n be_v brief_o this_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o less_o keep_v their_o easter_n upon_o the_o same_o day_n whereon_o the_o jew_n celebrate_v their_o passover_n viz._n upon_o the_o 14._o day_n of_o the_o first_o month_n which_o always_o begin_v with_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o moon_n most_o answer_a to_o our_o march_n and_o this_o they_o do_v upon_o what_o day_n of_o the_o week_n soever_o it_o fall_v and_o hence_o be_v style_v quartodeciman_n because_o keep_v easter_n quarta_fw-la decima_fw-la luna_fw-la upon_o the_o 14._o day_n after_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o appearance_n of_o the_o moon_n the_o other_o church_n and_o especial_o those_o of_o the_o west_n do_v not_o follow_v this_o custom_n but_o keep_v easter_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n follow_v the_o day_n of_o the_o jewish_a passover_n partly_o the_o more_o to_o honour_v the_o day_n and_o partly_o to_o distinguish_v between_o jew_n and_o christian_n the_o asiatic_n plead_v for_o themselves_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n polycarpus_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n who_o have_v live_v and_o converse_v with_o they_o have_v keep_v it_o upon_o that_o day_n together_o with_o s._n john_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n 193._o as_o irenaeus_n who_o himself_o know_v polycarpus_n and_o doubtless_o have_v it_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n speak_v in_o a_o letter_n about_o this_o very_a thing_n though_o himself_o be_v of_o the_o other_o side_n 191._o and_o polycrates_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n instance_n not_o only_o in_o s._n john_n but_o s._n philip_n the_o apostle_n who_o himself_n and_o his_o whole_a family_n use_v so_o to_o keep_v it_o from_o who_o it_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o in_o a_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a observance_n through_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o place_n some_o whereof_o he_o there_o enumerate_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o seven_o bishop_n of_o that_o place_n in_o a_o constant_a succession_n have_v be_v his_o kinsman_n and_o himself_o the_o eight_o and_o that_o it_o have_v never_o be_v keep_v by_o they_o upon_o any_o other_o day_n this_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o understand_v as_o if_o s._n john_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v institute_v this_o festival_n and_o command_v it_o to_o be_v observe_v upon_o that_o day_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o do_v it_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n accommodate_v their_o practice_n in_o a_o matter_n indifferent_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o jewish_a convert_v who_o number_n in_o those_o part_n be_v very_o great_a as_o they_o have_v do_v before_o in_o several_a other_o case_n and_o particular_o in_o observe_v the_o sabbath_n or_o saturday_n the_o other_o church_n also_o say_v eusebius_n have_v for_o their_o patronage_n a_o apostolical_a tradition_n 190._o or_o at_o least_o pretend_a it_o and_o be_v the_o much_o more_o numerous_a party_n this_o difference_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o great_a bustle_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n stickle_v hard_a to_o impose_v their_o custom_n upon_o the_o eastern_a church_n whereupon_o polycarpus_n come_v over_o to_o rome_n to_o confer_v with_o anicetus_n who_o be_v then_o bishop_n about_o it_o 127._o and_o though_o they_o can_v not_o agree_v the_o matter_n yet_o they_o part_v fair_o after_o this_o pope_n victor_n renew_v the_o quarrel_n and_o be_v so_o fierce_a and_o peremptory_a in_o the_o case_n that_o he_o either_o actual_o do_v 1._o or_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n incline_v rather_o to_o think_v probable_o to_o mollify_v the_o odium_fw-la of_o the_o fact_n severe_o threaten_v to_o excommunicate_v those_o eastern_a church_n for_o stand_v out_o against_o it_o this_o rash_a and_o bold_a attempt_n be_v ill_o resent_v by_o the_o sober_a and_o moderate_a man_n of_o his_o own_o party_n who_o write_v to_o he_o about_o it_o and_o particular_o irenaeus_n a_o man_n as_o eusebius_n note_n true_o answer_v his_o name_n both_o in_o his_o temper_n and_o his_o life_n quiet_a and_o peaceable_a who_o grave_o reprove_v he_o for_o rent_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o trouble_v so_o many_o famous_a church_n for_o observe_v the_o custom_n derive_v to_o they_o from_o their_o ancestor_n with_o much_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o the_o asian_a bishop_n little_o regard_v what_o be_v either_o say_v or_o do_v at_o rome_n and_o still_o go_v on_o in_o their_o old_a course_n though_o by_o the_o diligent_a practice_n of_o the_o other_o party_n they_o lose_v ground_n but_o yet_o still_o make_v shift_n to_o keep_v the_o cause_n on_o foot_n till_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n 17._o who_o find_v this_o controversy_n among_o other_o much_o to_o disquiet_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n do_v for_o this_o and_o some_o other_o reason_n summon_v the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a by_o who_o this_o question_n be_v solemn_o determine_v easter_n ordain_v to_o be_v keep_v upon_o one_o and_o the_o same_o day_n throughout_o the_o world_n not_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o upon_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o this_o decree_n ratify_v and_o publish_v by_o the_o imperial_a letter_n to_o all_o the_o church_n the_o eve_n of_o vigil_n or_o this_o festival_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v celebrate_v with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a pomp_n with_o solemn_a watch_n pasch_fw-mi with_o multitude_n of_o light_a torch_n both_o in_o the_o church_n and_o their_o own_o private_a house_n 676._o so_o as_o to_o turn_v the_o night_n itself_o into_o day_n and_o with_o the_o general_a resort_n and_o confluence_n of_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n both_o magistrate_n and_o people_n this_o custom_n of_o light_n at_o that_o time_n be_v 536._o if_o not_o begin_v at_o least_o much_o augment_v by_o constantine_n who_o set_v up_o lamp_n and_o torch_n in_o all_o place_n as_o well_o within_o the_o church_n as_o without_o that_o through_o the_o whole_a city_n the_o night_n seem_v to_o outvie_v the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n and_o this_o they_o do_v as_o nazianzen_n intimate_v as_o a_o prodromus_n or_o forerunner_n of_o that_o great_a light_n 677._o even_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o next_o day_n arise_v upon_o the_o world_n 304._o for_o the_o feast_n itself_o the_o same_o father_n call_v it_o the_o holy_a and_o famous_a passover_n a_o day_n which_o be_v the_o queen_n of_o day_n the_o festival_n of_o festival_n and_o which_o as_o far_o excel_v all_o other_o even_o of_o those_o which_o be_v institute_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o sun_n go_v beyond_o the_o other_o star_n a_o time_n it_o be_v famous_a for_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n every_o one_o both_o of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n strive_v to_o contribute_v liberal_o to_o the_o poor_a a_o duty_n as_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n observe_v very_o congruous_a and_o suitable_a to_o that_o happy_a season_n 57_o for_o what_o more_o fit_a than_o that_o such_o as_o beg_v relief_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o rejoice_v at_o that_o time_n when_o we_o remember_v the_o common_a fountain_n of_o our_o mercy_n therefore_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o morning_n of_o this_o day_n appear_v supra_fw-la but_o constantine_n use_v to_o arise_v and_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o bestow_v
his_o particular_a lot_n and_o portion_n comprehend_v the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n in_o general_n but_o afterward_o this_o title_n be_v confine_v to_o narrow_a bound_n and_o become_v appropriate_a to_o that_o tribe_n which_o god_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o to_o stand_v before_o he_o to_o wait_v at_o his_o altar_n and_o to_o minister_v in_o the_o service_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o after_o the_o expiration_n of_o their_o oeconomy_n be_v according_o use_v to_o denote_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o person_n peculiar_o consecrate_v and_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o clergy_n be_v those_o qui_fw-la divino_fw-la cultui_fw-la ministeria_fw-la religionis_fw-la impendunt_fw-la as_o they_o be_v define_v in_o a_o law_n of_o the_o emperor_n constantine_n who_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o ministery_n of_o religion_n 2._o in_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o divine_a worship_n now_o the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v often_o call_v in_o the_o apostle_n canon_n the_o roll_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n take_v it_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o its_o first_o four_o hundred_o year_n consist_v of_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v peculiar_o consecrate_v to_o the_o more_o proper_a and_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o as_o be_v set_v apart_o only_o for_o the_o more_o mean_a and_o common_a service_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v these_o three_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n the_o first_o and_o principal_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o precedent_n or_o bishop_n usual_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o presbyter_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o concern_v myself_o in_o the_o dispute_v whether_o episcopacy_n as_o a_o superior_a order_n to_o presbytery_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n a_o controversy_n sufficient_o ventilate_v in_o the_o late_a time_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o my_o purpose_n what_o be_v acknowledge_v both_o by_o blondel_n and_o salmasius_n the_o most_o learned_a defender_n of_o presbytery_n that_o bishop_n be_v distinct_a from_o and_o superior_a to_o presbyter_n in_o the_o second_o century_n or_o the_o next_o age_n to_o the_o apostle_n the_o main_a work_n and_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o absolve_v penitent_n to_o eject_v and_o excommunicate_v obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a offender_n to_o preside_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o ordain_v inferior_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o call_v they_o to_o account_n and_o to_o suspend_v or_o deal_v with_o they_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n to_o urge_v the_o observance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o to_o appoint_v and_o institute_v such_o indifferent_a rite_n as_o be_v for_o the_o decent_a and_o orderly_a administration_n of_o his_o church_n in_o short_a according_a to_o the_o notation_n of_o his_o name_n he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o watchman_n and_o sentinal_n and_o therefore_o oblige_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d diligent_o and_o careful_o to_o inspect_v and_o observe_v to_o superintend_v and_o provide_v for_o those_o that_o be_v under_o his_o charge_n this_o zonaras_n tell_v we_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o bishop_n throne_n 58._o be_v place_v on_o high_a in_o the_o most_o eminent_a part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o denote_v how_o much_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n from_o thence_o to_o overlook_v and_o very_o diligent_o to_o observe_v the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o he_o these_o and_o many_o more_o be_v the_o unquestionable_a right_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o episcopal_a office_n which_o because_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o troublesome_a for_o one_o man_n to_o discharge_v especial_o where_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o diocese_n as_o we_o now_o call_v it_o be_v any_o thing_n large_a therefore_o upon_o the_o multiply_a of_o country_n church_n it_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o take_v in_o a_o subordinate_a sort_n of_o bishop_n call_v chorepiscopi_fw-la country_n or_o as_o among_o we_o they_o have_v be_v call_v suffragan_a bishop_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o superintend_v and_o inspect_v the_o church_n in_o the_o country_n that_o lie_v more_o remote_a from_o the_o city_n where_o the_o episcopal_n see_v be_v and_o which_o the_o bishop_n can_v not_o always_o inspect_v and_o oversee_v in_o his_o own_o person_n these_o be_v the_o vicarii_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la as_o they_o be_v call_v in_o isidores_n version_n of_o the_o thirteen_o canon_n both_o of_o the_o ancyran_n and_o neocaesarean_a council_n the_o bishop_n deputy_n choose_v out_o of_o the_o fit_a and_o grave_a person_n in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o last_o mention_v council_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v choose_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o seventy_o not_o the_o seventy_o elder_n which_o moses_n take_v in_o to_o bear_v part_n of_o the_o government_n as_o some_o have_v gloss_v the_o word_n of_o that_o canon_n but_o of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o our_o lord_n make_v choice_n of_o to_o send_v up_o and_o down_o the_o country_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o both_o zonaras_n and_o balsamon_n understand_v it_o and_o thereupon_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a care_n and_o pain_n be_v command_v to_o be_v esteem_v very_o honourable_a their_o authority_n be_v much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o presbyter_n and_o yet_o much_o inferior_a to_o the_o bishop_n 10._o bishop_n real_o they_o be_v though_o their_o power_n confine_v within_o narrow_a limit_n they_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o ordain_v either_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n unless_o peculiar_o license_v to_o it_o by_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n though_o they_o may_v ordain_v subdeacon_n reader_n and_o any_o inferior_a officer_n under_o they_o they_o be_v to_o be_v assistant_n to_o the_o bishop_n may_v be_v present_a at_o synod_n and_o council_n to_o many_o whereof_o we_o find_v their_o subscription_n and_o have_v power_n to_o give_v letter_n of_o peace_n i._n e._n such_o letter_n 8._o whereby_o the_o bishop_n of_o one_o diocese_n be_v wont_a to_o recommend_v any_o of_o his_o clergy_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o another_o that_o so_o a_o fair_a understanding_n and_o correspondence_n may_v be_v maintain_v between_o they_o a_o privilege_n express_o deny_v to_o any_o presbyter_n whatsoever_o but_o lest_o this_o wander_a employment_n of_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la shall_v reflect_v any_o dishonour_n upon_o the_o episcopal_a office_n there_o be_v certain_a presbyter_n appoint_v in_o their_o room_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 57_o or_o visiter_n often_o mention_v in_o the_o ancient_a canon_n and_o act_n of_o council_n who_o be_v tie_v to_o no_o certain_a place_n be_v to_o go_v up_o and_o down_o the_o country_n to_o observe_v and_o correct_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o these_o doubtless_o be_v those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o in_o the_o thirteen_o canon_n of_o the_o neocaesarean_a council_n those_o rural_a presbyter_n who_o be_v there_o forbid_v to_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n in_o the_o city_n church_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o city_n as_o christianity_n increase_v and_o overspread_v all_o part_n and_o especial_o the_o city_n of_o the_o empire_n it_o be_v find_v necessary_a yet_o far_o to_o enlarge_v the_o episcopal_a office_n and_o as_o there_o be_v common_o a_o bishop_n in_o every_o great_a city_n so_o in_o the_o metropolis_n as_o the_o roman_n call_v it_o the_o mother_n city_n of_o every_o province_n wherein_o they_o have_v court_n of_o civil_a judicature_n there_o be_v a_o archbishop_n or_o a_o metropolitan_a who_o have_v ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n over_o all_o the_o church_n within_o that_o province_n he_o be_v superior_a to_o all_o the_o bishop_n within_o those_o limit_n to_o he_o it_o belong_v either_o to_o ordain_v or_o to_o ratify_v the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n within_o his_o province_n insomuch_o that_o without_o his_o confirmation_n they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o null_n and_o void_a once_o at_o least_o every_o year_n he_o be_v to_o summon_v the_o bishop_n under_o he_o to_o a_o synod_n to_o inquire_v into_o and_o direct_v the_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n within_o that_o province_n to_o inspect_v the_o life_n and_o manner_n the_o opinion_n and_o principle_n of_o his_o bishop_n to_o admonish_v reprove_v and_o suspend_v they_o that_o be_v disorderly_a and_o irregular_a if_o any_o controversy_n or_o contention_n happen_v between_o any_o of_o they_o he_o be_v to_o have_v the_o hear_n and_o determination_n of_o they_o and_o indeed_o no_o matter_n of_o moment_n be_v do_v within_o the_o whole_a province_n without_o first_o consult_v he_o in_o the_o case_n beside_o this_o metropolitan_a there_o be_v many_o time_n another_o in_o the_o same_o
triclinium_fw-la call_v in_o question_n that_o if_o they_o have_v any_o feast_n it_o be_v a_o love-feast_n and_o whatever_o cost_n be_v lay_v out_o upon_o it_o be_v expend_v not_o for_o vainglory_n but_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n not_o to_o nourish_v parasite_n and_o flatterer_n but_o to_o refresh_v the_o poor_a that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o feast_n be_v as_o sober_a and_o regular_a as_o the_o cause_n be_v honest_a go_v no_o further_o than_o modesty_n will_v admit_v they_o pray_v to_o god_n before_o they_o venture_v upon_o his_o creature_n eat_v but_o what_o suffice_v hunger_n drink_v no_o more_o than_o consist_v with_o sober_a and_o modest_a man_n and_o feed_v so_o as_o remember_v they_o be_v to_o rise_v at_o night_n to_o worship_n god_n when_o they_o have_v do_v they_o sing_v psalm_n either_o of_o their_o own_o composure_n or_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a volume_n and_o as_o they_o begin_v so_o they_o end_v the_o feast_n with_o prayer_n and_o then_o depart_v with_o the_o same_o care_n to_o preserve_v their_o modesty_n and_o chastity_n so_o that_o they_o appear_v not_o so_o much_o to_o have_v feast_v at_o supper_n as_o to_o have_v feed_v upon_o discipline_n and_o order_n so_o he_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o charge_n their_o feed_n upon_o man_n flesh_n at_o this_o common_a supper_n it_o be_v a_o suggestion_n so_o savage_a and_o barbarous_a as_o can_v have_v find_v belief_n with_o nothing_o but_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o malice_n we_o shall_v again_o meet_v with_o this_o objection_n in_o another_o place_n and_o shall_v therefore_o here_o only_o note_v out_o of_o their_o apologist_n athenag_fw-mi that_o it_o be_v charge_n never_o offer_v to_o be_v make_v good_a against_o they_o 38._o nor_o prove_v in_o any_o of_o those_o many_o thousand_o trial_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v have_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o empire_n that_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a they_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o eat_v humane_a flesh_n who_o do_v not_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o gladiatory-sport_n where_o man_n be_v slay_v or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o taste_v any_o blood_n at_o all_o so_o biblias_o the_o martyr_n tell_v her_o enemy_n 1._o when_o be_v reproach_v with_o this_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o her_o torment_n she_o cry_v out_o how_o be_v it_o possâ—be_v that_o we_o shall_v devour_v infant_n as_o you_o charge_v we_o who_o think_v it_o not_o lawful_a so_o much_o as_o to_o taste_v the_o blood_n of_o any_o creature_n for_o even_o till_o then_o and_o a_o long_a time_n after_o they_o observe_v that_o canon_n of_o the_o first_o apostolic_a council_n to_o abstain_v from_o thing_n strangle_v and_o from_o blood_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o be_v either_o barbarous_a or_o luxurious_a no_o our_o feast_n as_o he_o say_v in_o minutius_n foelix_fw-la be_v not_o only_o chaste_a 26._o but_o sober_a we_o indulge_v not_o ourselves_o in_o banquet_n nor_o make_v our_o feast_n with_o wine_n but_o temper_v our_o cheerfulness_n with_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n and_o indeed_o their_o often_o watch_n and_o fasting_n and_o their_o constant_a observance_n of_o the_o strict_a part_n of_o devotion_n sufficient_o show_v how_o little_a they_o pamper_a or_o indulge_v the_o flesh_n the_o sign_n whereof_o they_o every_o where_o carry_v in_o their_o very_a face_n and_o this_o be_v so_o notorious_a that_o their_o very_a enemy_n reproach_v they_o with_o their_o tremble_a joint_n and_o their_o pale_a ghastly_a look_n 10._o and_o lucian_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o christian_a assembly_n into_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o critias_n be_v bring_v to_o be_v make_v a_o proselyte_n 1007._o describe_v they_o to_o be_v a_o company_n of_o person_n with_o their_o head_n hang_v down_o and_o pale_a face_n which_o certain_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o their_o fear_n of_o suffer_v for_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v ever_o so_o willing_a nay_o so_o desirous_a of_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n as_o they_o but_o from_o their_o frequent_a abstinence_n and_o fast_v to_o which_o purpose_n s._n basils_n comment_n be_v most_o apposite_a 559._o where_o commend_v temperance_n or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o continence_n use_v the_o word_n in_o its_o large_a sense_n other_o virtue_n say_v he_o be_v main_o exercise_v in_o secret_a be_v not_o altogether_o so_o visible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n whereas_o continence_n wherever_o it_o be_v will_v at_o first_o sight_n betray_v itself_o for_o as_o a_o good_a complexion_n and_o a_o excellent_a constitution_n of_o body_n peculiarly_a design_n a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o athlete_n or_o champion_n so_o leanness_n of_o body_n and_o that_o paleness_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o continence_n evidence_n a_o christian_n to_o be_v a_o real_a champion_n for_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n vanquish_a his_o enemy_n in_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o body_n and_o show_v how_o able_a he_o be_v to_o contend_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o very_a sight_n of_o such_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o affect_v we_o to_o behold_v he_o spare_o and_o moderate_o use_v even_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a not_o pay_v nature_n its_o tribute_n without_o some_o regret_n begrutch_v the_o little_a time_n that_o he_o spend_v about_o it_o and_o therefore_o make_v haste_n to_o get_v from_o the_o table_n to_o return_v to_o his_o better_a exercise_n and_o employment_n chap._n v._n of_o their_o singular_a continence_n and_o chastity_n their_o admirable_a continence_n discover_v in_o several_a particular_n their_o abstinence_n from_o marriage_n their_o marry_v only_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n seldom_o marry_v more_o than_o once_o their_o continence_n admire_v by_o heathen_n the_o father_n general_o severe_a against_o second_o marriage_n the_o moderate_a judgement_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n in_o the_o case_n the_o canon_n of_o several_a council_n concern_v it_o three_o sort_n of_o digamy_n or_o second_o marriage_n their_o shun_v all_o occasion_n and_o appearance_n of_o lightness_n and_o immodesty_n abstain_v from_o public_a meeting_n feast_n play_n etc._n etc._n constantine_n law_n that_o no_o widow_n shall_v be_v force_v to_o appear_v at_o public_a tribunal_n another_o of_o theodosius_n that_o none_o shall_v marry_v within_o twelve_o complete_a month_n after_o her_o husband_n decease_n the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o bath_n forbid_v both_o by_o canon_n and_o civil_a law_n unmarried_a person_n especial_o of_o ecclesiastic_a relation_n not_o familiar_o to_o converse_v together_o mulieres_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o how_o bring_v in_o condemn_v by_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n and_o that_o of_o nice_n clandestine_v marriage_n dis-allowed_n their_o abhor_v all_o immodest_a picture_n and_o discourse_n the_o great_a modesty_n of_o gorgonia_n their_o value_v chastity_n above_o life_n submit_v to_o any_o kind_n of_o death_n rather_o than_o violate_v it_o many_o choose_v to_o kill_v themselves_o rather_o than_o be_v deflower_v several_a instance_n of_o it_o impurity_n in_o christian_n bewail_v as_o a_o great_a scandal_n punish_v by_o the_o church_n with_o very_o severe_a penalty_n several_a passage_n out_o of_o the_o father_n and_o council_n note_v to_o that_o purpose_n christian_n accuse_v by_o the_o heathen_n of_o incest_n and_o adultery_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o charge_n their_o answer_n the_o heathen_n very_o unfit_a to_o bring_v in_o this_o charge_n be_v themselves_o so_o notorious_o guilty_a whole_a nation_n their_o wise_a philosopher_n their_o very_a god_n themselves_o this_o full_o prove_v against_o they_o the_o very_a gentile_n tacit_o confess_v the_o christian_n innocent_a by_o condemn_v they_o to_o be_v forcible_o prostitute_v a_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n not_o to_o give_v way_n to_o wanton_a look_n or_o unchaste_a desire_n the_o eminent_a prevalency_n of_o christianity_n in_o convert_v person_n from_o uncleanness_n and_o debauchery_n plead_v and_o assert_v the_o original_n of_o the_o accusation_n inquire_v into_o find_a to_o arise_v from_o the_o beastly_a practice_n of_o the_o gnostic_n etc._n etc._n who_o though_o guilty_a of_o the_o most_o notorious_a villainy_n and_o of_o these_o in_o particular_a yet_o shroud_v themselves_o under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o christian_n some_o force_v through_o fear_n to_o confess_v the_o christian_n guilty_a of_o these_o crime_n a_o three_o considerable_a instance_n of_o that_o sobriety_n and_o moderation_n for_o which_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o renown_v of_o old_a be_v their_o continence_n and_o abstain_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o uncleanness_n which_o be_v that_o virtue_n that_o we_o proper_o call_v chastity_n a_o virtue_n for_o which_o how_o eminent_a they_o be_v notwithstanding_o what_o their_o enemy_n heavy_o charge_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o contrary_a of_o which_o afterward_o we_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o some_o few_o particular_n first_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o
that_o be_v overlay_v with_o gold_n where_o he_o behold_v nothing_o but_o a_o company_n of_o person_n with_o their_o body_n bow_v down_o and_o pale_a face_n i_o know_v the_o design_n of_o that_o dialogue_n in_o part_n be_v to_o abuse_v and_o deride_v the_o christian_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v he_o feign_v those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n as_o the_o time_n grow_v better_a they_o add_v more_o and_o great_a ornament_n to_o they_o concern_v two_o whereof_o there_o have_v be_v some_o contest_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n altar_n and_o image_n as_o for_o altar_n the_o first_o christian_n have_v no_o other_o in_o their_o church_n than_o decent_a table_n of_o wood_n upon_o which_o they_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n these_o it_o be_v true_a in_o allusion_n to_o those_o in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n the_o father_n general_o call_v altar_n and_o true_o enough_o may_v do_v so_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o sacrifice_n they_o offer_v upon_o they_o viz._n the_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n in_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o the_o oblation_n of_o alm_n and_o charity_n for_o the_o poor_a usual_o lay_v upon_o those_o table_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_o style_v a_o sacrifice_n these_o be_v the_o only_a sacrifice_n for_o no_o other_o have_v the_o christian_a world_n for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n which_o they_o then_o offer_v upon_o their_o altar_n which_o be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o our_o communion-table_n at_o this_o day_n for_o that_o they_o have_v not_o any_o such_o fix_a and_o gaudy_a altar_n as_o the_o heathen_n than_o have_v in_o their_o temple_n and_o papist_n still_o have_v in_o their_o church_n be_v most_o evident_a 117._o because_o the_o heathen_n at_o every_o turn_n do_v charge_n and_o reproach_v they_o for_o have_v none_o 383._o and_o the_o father_n in_o their_o answer_n do_v free_o and_o open_o acknowledge_v and_o avow_v it_o assert_v and_o plead_v that_o the_o only_a true_a sacred_a altar_n be_v a_o pure_a and_o a_o holy_a mind_n 26._o and_o that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n be_v a_o pious_a heart_n 83._o and_o a_o innocent_a and_o religious_a life_n 2._o haec_fw-la nostra_fw-la sacrificia_fw-la haec_fw-la dei_fw-la sacra_fw-la sunt_fw-la these_o say_v they_o be_v our_o oblation_n these_o the_o sacrifice_n we_o give_v to_o god_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o altar_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o near_a upon_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n till_o constantine_n come_v in_o and_o with_o he_o peace_n and_o plenty_n the_o church_n begin_v to_o excel_v in_o costliness_n and_o bravery_n every_o day_n and_o then_o their_o wooden_a and_o movable_a altar_n begin_v to_o be_v turn_v into_o fix_a altar_n of_o stone_n or_o marble_n though_o use_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o before_o and_o yet_o this_o too_o do_v not_o so_o universal_o obtain_v though_o severe_o urge_v by_o sylvester_n bishop_n of_o rome_n but_o that_o in_o very_a many_o place_n table_n or_o movable_a altar_n of_o wood_n continue_v in_o use_v a_o long_a time_n after_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v make_v appear_v from_o several_a passage_n in_o athanasius_n and_o other_o 729._o yea_o even_o to_o s._n augustine_n time_n and_o probable_o much_o late_a 1._o be_v it_o proper_a to_o my_o business_n to_o search_v after_o it_o agent_n no_o soon_o be_v altar_n make_v fix_v and_o immovable_a saepe_fw-la but_o they_o be_v compass_v in_o with_o rail_n to_o fence_v off_o rudeness_n and_o irreverence_n and_o person_n begin_v to_o regard_v they_o with_o mighty_a observance_n and_o respect_n which_o soon_o grow_v so_o high_a that_o they_o become_v asylum_n and_o refuge_n to_o protect_v innocent_a person_n and_o unwitting_a offender_n from_o immediate_a violence_n and_o oppression_n a_o instance_n whereof_o nazianzen_n give_v we_o in_o a_o christian_a widow_n a_o woman_n of_o great_a place_n and_o quality_n 353._o who_o fly_v from_o the_o importunity_n of_o the_o precedent_n who_o will_v have_v force_v she_o to_o marry_v he_o have_v no_o other_o way_n but_o to_o take_v sanctuary_n at_o the_o holy_a table_n in_o s._n basils_n church_n at_o caesarea_n she_o be_v demand_v with_o many_o fierce_a and_o terrible_a threaten_n but_o the_o holy_a man_n stout_o refuse_v although_o the_o precedent_n be_v his_o mortal_a enemy_n and_o seek_v only_o a_o pretence_n to_o ruin_v he_o many_o such_o case_n may_v be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v this_o a_o privilege_n mere_o found_v upon_o custom_n but_o settle_v and_o ratify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christian_a emperor_n concern_v the_o particular_a case_n whereof_o together_o with_o the_o extent_n and_o limitation_n of_o these_o immunity_n there_o be_v no_o less_o than_o six_o several_a law_n of_o the_o emperor_n theodosius_n confugiâ—nt_fw-la arcadius_n and_o theodosius_n junior_a yet_o extant_a in_o the_o theodosian_a code_n but_o how_o far_o those_o asyla_n and_o sanctuary_n be_v good_a and_o useful_a and_o to_o what_o evil_a and_o pernicious_a purpose_n they_o be_v improve_v in_o aftertime_n be_v without_o the_o limit_n of_o my_o present_a task_n to_o inquire_v but_o if_o in_o those_o time_n there_o be_v so_o little_a ground_n for_o altar_n as_o use_v in_o the_o present_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v yet_o far_o less_o for_o image_n and_o certain_o might_n thing_n be_v carry_v by_o a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a trial_n of_o antiquity_n the_o dispute_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n there_o not_o be_v any_o one_o just_a and_o good_a authority_n to_o prove_v that_o image_n be_v either_o worship_v or_o use_v in_o church_n for_o near_o upon_o four_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v carry_v much_o far_o but_o that_o my_o business_n lie_v main_o within_o those_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v frequent_o challenge_v by_o the_o heathen_n as_o for_o have_v no_o altar_n and_o temple_n so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o image_n or_o statue_n in_o they_o and_o that_o the_o christian_a apologist_n never_o deny_v it_o but_o industrious_o defend_v themselves_o against_o the_o charge_n and_o reject_v the_o very_a thought_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n with_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n as_o may_v be_v abundant_o make_v good_a from_o tertullian_n clem._n alexandrinus_n origen_n minucius_n faelix_fw-la arnobius_n and_o lactantius_n many_o of_o who_o testimony_n have_v be_v former_o point_v to_o among_o other_o thing_n origen_n plain_o tell_v his_o adversary_n who_o have_v object_v this_o to_o the_o christian_n that_o the_o image_n that_o be_v to_o be_v dedicate_v to_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v caree_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o artist_n 389._o but_o to_o be_v form_v and_o fashion_v in_o we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n viz._n the_o virtue_n of_o justice_n and_o temperance_n of_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n etc._n etc._n that_o conform_v we_o to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o only_a son_n these_o say_v he_o be_v the_o only_a statue_n form_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o by_o which_o alone_o we_o be_v persuade_v it_o be_v fit_a to_o do_v honour_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n the_o prototype_n and_o architypal_a pattern_n of_o all_o such_o image_n have_v christian_n then_o give_v adoration_n to_o they_o or_o but_o set_v they_o up_o in_o their_o place_n of_o worship_n with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o suppose_v they_o shall_v have_v tell_v the_o world_n that_o they_o so_o much_o slight_v and_o abhor_v they_o and_o indeed_o what_o a_o hearty_a detestation_n they_o universal_o show_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o idolatry_n 50._o have_v be_v before_o prove_v at_o large_a the_o council_n of_o illiberis_n that_o be_v hold_v in_o spain_n some_o time_n before_o constantine_n express_o provide_v against_o it_o decree_a that_o no_o picture_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n nor_o that_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v worship_v and_o adore_v shall_v be_v paint_v upon_o the_o wall_n word_n so_o clear_a and_o positive_a as_o not_o to_o be_v evade_v by_o all_o the_o little_a shift_n and_o gloss_n which_o the_o expositor_n of_o that_o canon_n will_v put_v upon_o it_o the_o first_o use_n of_o statue_n and_o picture_n in_o public_a church_n be_v mere_o historical_a or_o to_o add_v some_o beauty_n and_o ornament_n to_o the_o place_n which_o after_o age_n improve_v into_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n the_o first_o that_o we_o meet_v with_o upon_o good_a authority_n for_o all_o the_o instance_n bring_v for_o the_o first_o age_n be_v either_o false_a and_o spurious_a or_o impertinent_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n be_v no_o elder_a than_o the_o time_n of_o
epiphanius_n and_o then_o too_o meet_v with_o no_o very_a welcome_a entertainment_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o epiphanius_n his_o own_o epistle_n translate_v by_o s._n hierom_n where_o the_o story_n in_o short_a be_v this_o 161._o come_v say_v he_o to_o anablatha_n a_o village_n in_o palestine_n and_o go_v into_o a_o church_n to_o pray_v i_o espy_v a_o curtain_n hang_v over_o the_o door_n whereon_o be_v paint_v the_o image_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o some_o saint_n which_o when_o i_o look_v upon_o and_o see_v the_o image_n of_o a_o man_n hang_v up_o in_o the_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o present_o rend_v it_o and_o advise_v the_o guardian_n of_o the_o church_n rather_o to_o make_v use_v of_o it_o as_o a_o winding-sheet_n for_o some_o poor_a man_n bury_v whereat_o when_o they_o be_v a_o little_a trouble_v and_o say_v it_o be_v but_o just_a that_o since_o i_o have_v rend_v that_o curtain_n i_o shall_v change_v it_o and_o give_v they_o another_o i_o promise_v they_o i_o will_v and_o have_v now_o send_v the_o best_a i_o can_v get_v and_o pray_v entreat_v they_o to_o accept_v it_o and_o give_v command_v that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v no_o such_o curtain_n be_v contrary_a to_o our_o religion_n may_v be_v hang_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o more_o become_v your_o place_n solicitous_o to_o remove_v whatever_o be_v offensive_a to_o and_o unworthy_a of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o your_o charge_n this_o be_v write_v to_o john_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o who_o diocese_n the_o thing_n have_v be_v do_v and_o the_o case_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o press_v and_o weighty_a by_o how_o the_o great_a esteem_n and_o value_n epiphanius_n than_o bishop_n of_o salamine_n in_o cyprus_n for_o his_o great_a age_n and_o excellent_a learning_n have_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o instance_n be_v so_o home_o and_o pregnant_a that_o the_o patron_n of_o image-worship_n be_v at_o a_o mighty_a loss_n what_o to_o say_v to_o it_o and_o after_o all_o be_v force_v to_o cry_v out_o against_o it_o as_o supposititious_a 776._o bellarmine_n bring_v no_o less_o than_o nine_o argument_n if_o such_o they_o may_v be_v call_v to_o make_v it_o seem_v probable_a but_o have_v he_o be_v ingenuous_a he_o may_v have_v give_v one_o reason_n more_o true_a and_o satisfactory_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n why_o that_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n shall_v be_v think_v forge_v and_o spurious_a viz._n because_o it_o make_v so_o much_o against_o they_o more_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o by_o this_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v clear_a enough_o that_o the_o honest_a christian_n of_o those_o time_n as_o they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n without_o make_v their_o address_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n so_o they_o account_v their_o church_n fine_a enough_o without_o picture_n and_o image_n to_o adorn_v they_o their_o church_n be_v build_v and_o beautify_v so_o far_o as_o consist_v with_o the_o ability_n and_o simplicity_n of_o those_o day_n they_o seek_v to_o derive_v a_o great_a value_n and_o esteem_v upon_o they_o by_o some_o peculiar_a consecration_n for_o the_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n of_o those_o time_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o bare_o to_o devote_v they_o to_o the_o public_a service_n of_o religion_n unless_o they_o also_o set_v they_o apart_o with_o solemn_a rite_n of_o a_o formal_a dedication_n this_o have_v be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n as_o old_a as_o solomon_n temple_n nay_o as_o moses_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n when_o it_o be_v first_o take_v up_o by_o christian_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v only_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v to_o have_v meet_v with_o the_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o any_o approve_a writer_n for_o the_o decretal_a epistle_n every_o one_o know_v what_o their_o faith_n be_v till_o the_o reign_n of_o constantine_n in_o his_o time_n christianity_n be_v become_v more_o prosperous_a and_o successful_a church_n be_v every_o where_o erect_v and_o repair_v 370._o and_o no_o soon_o be_v so_o but_o as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o they_o be_v solemn_o consecrate_v and_o the_o dedication_n celebrate_v with_o great_a festivity_n and_o rejoice_v a_o instance_n whereof_o he_o there_o give_v of_o the_o famous_a church_n of_o tyre_n at_o the_o dedication_n whereof_o he_o himself_o make_v that_o excellent_a oration_n insert_v into_o the_o body_n of_o his_o history_n about_o the_o thirty_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n he_o build_v a_o stately_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n over_o the_o sepulchre_n of_o our_o saviour_n 43._o which_o be_v dedicate_v with_o singular_a magnificence_n and_o veneration_n and_o for_o the_o great_a honour_n by_o his_o imperial_a letter_n he_o summon_v the_o bishop_n who_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o east_n be_v then_o meet_v in_o council_n at_o tyre_n to_o be_v present_a and_o assist_v at_o the_o solemnity_n the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n use_v at_o these_o dedication_n as_o we_o find_v in_o eusebius_n be_v a_o great_a confluence_n of_o bishop_n and_o stranger_n from_o all_o part_n the_o performance_n of_o divine_a office_n sing_v of_o hymn_n and_o psalm_n read_v and_o expound_v of_o the_o scripture_n sermon_n and_o oration_n receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n liberal_a alm_n bestow_v on_o the_o poor_a and_o great_a gift_n give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o short_a mighty_a expression_n of_o mutual_a love_n and_o kindness_n and_o universal_a rejoice_v with_o one_o another_o what_o other_o particular_a ceremony_n be_v introduce_v afterward_o concern_v not_o i_o to_o inquire_v only_o let_v i_o note_v that_o under_o some_o of_o the_o christian_a emperor_n when_o paganism_n lie_v gasp_v for_o life_n and_o their_o temple_n be_v purge_v and_o convert_v into_o christian_a church_n gâ—thofr_n they_o be_v usual_o consecrate_v only_o by_o place_v a_o cross_n in_o they_o as_o the_o venerable_a ensign_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o law_n of_o theodosius_n the_o young_a to_o that_o purpose_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o dedication_n of_o that_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v constant_o continue_v and_o keep_v alive_a in_o that_o church_n 653._o and_o once_o a_o year_n to_o wit_n on_o the_o 14._o of_o september_n on_o which_o day_n it_o have_v be_v dedicate_v be_v solemnize_v with_o great_a pomp_n and_o much_o confluence_n of_o people_n from_o all_o part_n the_o solemnity_n usual_o lasting_a eight_o day_n together_o which_o doubtless_o give_v birth_n to_o that_o custom_n of_o keep_v anniversary_n day_n of_o commemoration_n of_o the_o dedication_n of_o church_n which_o from_o this_o time_n forward_o we_o frequent_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o much_o prevail_v in_o after_o age_n some_o shadow_n whereof_o still_o remain_v among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o wake_n observe_v in_o several_a county_n which_o in_o correspondence_n with_o the_o encoenia_fw-la of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v annual_a festival_n keep_v in_o country_n village_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o dedication_n of_o their_o particular_a church_n and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n in_o some_o age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o no_o church_n shall_v be_v consecrate_v till_o it_o be_v endow_v it_o may_v give_v we_o occasion_n to_o inquire_v what_o revenue_n church_n have_v in_o those_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o for_o a_o great_a while_o they_o have_v no_o other_o public_a income_n than_o either_o what_o arise_v out_o of_o those_o common_a contribution_n which_o they_o make_v at_o their_o usual_a assembly_n every_o one_o give_v or_o offer_v according_a to_o his_o ability_n or_o devotion_n which_o be_v put_v into_o a_o common_a stock_n or_o treasury_n or_o what_o proceed_v from_o the_o offering_n which_o they_o make_v out_o of_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o land_n 4._o the_o apostolic_a canon_n provide_v that_o their_o first-fruit_n shall_v be_v partly_o offer_v at_o the_o church_n partly_o send_v home_o to_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n the_o care_n of_o all_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o precedent_n or_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n for_o who_o say_v the_o author_n of_o the_o forecited_n canon_n 41._o be_v fit_a to_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o riches_n and_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n than_o he_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o precious_a soul_n of_o man_n and_o by_o he_o dispose_v of_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a or_o whatever_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o christianity_n increase_v and_o time_n grow_v better_a they_o obtain_v more_o proper_a and_o fix_a revenue_n house_n and_o land_n be_v settle_v upon_o they_o for_o such_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o have_v even_o during_o the_o time_n
543._o and_o in_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n he_o tell_v fabius_n that_o if_o they_o can_v not_o celebrate_v dominica_n solennia_fw-la their_o lordsday_n solemnity_n in_o the_o day_n time_n they_o have_v the_o night_n sufficient_o clear_a with_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n this_o give_v occasion_n to_o their_o spiteful_a adversary_n to_o calumniate_v and_o asperse_v they_o 7._o the_o heathen_a in_o minucius_n charge_v they_o with_o their_o night-congregation_n upon_o which_o account_n they_o be_v there_o scornful_o call_v latebrosa_fw-la &_o lucifugax_fw-la natio_fw-la a_o obscure_a and_o skulk_a generation_n 7._o and_o the_o very_a first_o thing_n that_o celsus_n object_n be_v that_o the_o christian_n have_v private_a and_o clancular_a assembly_n or_o combination_n to_o which_o origen_n answer_v that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o they_o may_v thank_v they_o for_o it_o who_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o exercise_v it_o more_o open_o that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a and_o obvious_a and_o better_o know_v through_o the_o world_n than_o the_o opinion_n and_o sentiment_n of_o their_o best_a philosopher_n and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v some_o mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v not_o communicate_v to_o every_o one_o it_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o what_o be_v common_a in_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o their_o own_o philosophy_n but_o to_o return_v they_o look_v upon_o the_o lordsday_n as_o a_o time_n to_o be_v celebrate_v with_o great_a expression_n of_o joy_n as_o be_v the_o happy_a memory_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o according_o restrain_v whatever_o may_v savour_v of_o sorrow_n and_o sadness_n fast_v on_o that_o day_n they_o prohibit_v with_o the_o great_a severity_n account_v it_o utter_o unlawful_a as_o tertullian_n inform_v we_o 102._o it_o be_v a_o very_a bitter_a censure_n that_o of_o ignatius_n or_o whoseever_n that_o epistle_n be_v for_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o his_o that_o who_o ever_o fast_v on_o a_o lordsday_n be_v a_o murderer_n of_o christ_n 112._o however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o never_o fast_v on_o those_o day_n no_o not_o in_o the_o time_n of_o lent_n itself_o nay_o the_o montanist_n though_o otherwise_o great_a pretender_n to_o fast_v and_o mortification_n do_v yet_o abstain_v from_o it_o on_o the_o lordsday_n and_o as_o they_o account_v it_o a_o joyful_a and_o good_a day_n so_o they_o do_v what_o ever_o they_o think_v may_v contribute_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o no_o soon_o be_v constantine_n come_v over_o to_o the_o church_n 534._o but_o his_o principal_a care_n be_v about_o the_o lordsday_n he_o command_v it_o to_o be_v solemn_o observe_v and_o that_o by_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o he_o make_v it_o to_o all_o a_o day_n of_o rest_n that_o man_n may_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o be_v better_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o spend_v their_o whole_a time_n without_o any_o thing_n to_o hinder_v they_o in_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o those_o in_o his_o army_n who_o yet_o remain_v in_o their_o paganism_n and_o infidelity_n he_o command_v they_o upon_o lords-day_n to_o go_v out_o into_o the_o field_n and_o there_o pour_v out_o their_o soul_n in_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o that_o none_o may_v pretend_v their_o own_o inability_n to_o the_o duty_n he_o himself_o compose_v and_o give_v they_o a_o short_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o he_o enjoin_v they_o to_o make_v use_n of_o every_o lordsday_n so_o careful_a be_v he_o that_o this_o day_n shall_v not_o be_v dishonour_v or_o misemployed_n even_o by_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n 3._o he_o moreover_o ordain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o court_n of_o judicature_n open_a upon_o this_o day_n no_o suit_n or_o trial_n at_o law_n but_o that_o for_o any_o work_n of_o mercy_n such_o as_o the_o emancipate_v and_o set_v free_a of_o slave_n or_o servant_n this_o may_v be_v do_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o suit_n nor_o demand_v debt_n upon_o this_o day_n 8._o be_v confirm_v by_o several_a law_n of_o succeed_a emperor_n and_o that_o no_o arbitrator_n who_o have_v the_o umpirage_n of_o any_o business_n lie_v before_o they_o 3._o shall_v at_o that_o time_n have_v power_n to_o determine_v or_o take_v up_o litigious_a cause_n penalty_n be_v entail_v upon_o any_o that_o transgress_v herein_o 15._o theodosius_n the_o great_a 2._o anno_fw-la 386._o by_o a_o second_o law_n ratify_v one_o which_o he_o have_v pass_v long_o before_o wherein_o he_o express_o prohibit_v all_o public_a show_n upon_o the_o lordsday_n that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n may_v not_o be_v confound_v with_o those_o profane_a solemnity_n this_o law_n the_o young_a theodosius_n some_o few_o year_n after_o confirm_v and_o enlarge_v dominico_n enact_v that_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o some_o other_o festival_n there_o mention_v not_o only_a christian_n but_o even_o jew_n and_o heathen_n shall_v be_v restrain_v from_o the_o pleasure_n of_o all_o sight_n and_o spectacle_n and_o the_o theatre_n be_v shut_v up_o in_o every_o place_n and_o whereas_o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o the_o birthday_n or_o inauguration_n of_o the_o emperor_n may_v fall_v upon_o that_o day_n therefore_o to_o let_v the_o people_n know_v how_o infinite_o he_o prefer_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n before_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o own_o majesty_n and_o greatness_n he_o command_v that_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o happen_v that_o then_o the_o imperial_a solemnity_n shall_v be_v put_v off_o and_o defer_v till_o another_o day_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n but_o of_o one_o instance_n more_o of_o their_o great_a observance_n of_o this_o day_n and_o that_o be_v their_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o the_o solemnity_n of_o public_a worship_n they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o read_v and_o pray_v and_o praise_n god_n at_o home_n but_o make_v conscience_n of_o appear_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n from_o which_o nothing_o but_o sickness_n and_o absolute_a necessity_n do_v detain_v they_o and_o if_o sick_a or_o in_o prison_n or_o under_o banishment_n nothing_o trouble_v they_o more_o than_o that_o they_o can_v not_o come_v to_o church_n and_o join_v their_o devotion_n to_o the_o common_a service_n if_o persecution_n at_o any_o time_n force_v they_o to_o keep_v a_o little_a close_a yet_o no_o soon_o be_v there_o the_o least_o mitigation_n but_o they_o present_o return_v to_o their_o open_a duty_n and_o public_o meet_v all_o together_o no_o trivial_a pretence_n no_o light_a excuse_n be_v then_o admit_v for_o any_o one_o absence_n from_o the_o congregation_n but_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n severe_a censure_n be_v pass_v upon_o they_o the_o synod_n of_o illiberis_n provide_v 28._o that_o if_o any_o man_n dwell_v in_o a_o city_n where_o usual_o church_n be_v near_a hand_n shall_v for_o three_o lord_n day_n absent_a himself_o from_o the_o church_n he_o shall_v for_o some_o time_n be_v suspend_v the_o communion_n that_o he_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v correct_v for_o his_o fault_n they_o allow_v no_o separate_a assembly_n no_o congregation_n but_o what_o meet_v in_o the_o public_a church_n if_o any_o man_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v a_o breach_n and_o to_o draw_v people_n into_o corner_n he_o be_v present_o condemn_v and_o a_o suitable_a penalty_n put_v upon_o he_o when_o eustathius_n bishop_n of_o sebastia_n a_o man_n petend_v to_o great_a strictness_n and_o austerity_n of_o life_n begin_v to_o cast_v off_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o introduce_v many_o odd_a observation_n of_o his_o own_o among_o other_o to_o contemn_v priest_n that_o be_v marry_v to_o fast_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o to_o keep_v meeting_n in_o private_a house_n draw_v away_o many_o but_o especial_o woman_n 521._o as_o the_o historian_n observe_v who_o leave_v their_o husband_n be_v lead_v away_o with_o error_n and_o from_o that_o into_o great_a filthiness_n and_o impurity_n no_o soon_o do_v the_o bishop_n of_o those_o part_n discover_v it_o but_o meet_v in_o council_n at_o gangra_n the_o metropolis_n of_o paphlagonia_n about_o the_o year_n 340._o they_o condemn_v and_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n 5._o pass_v these_o two_o canon_n among_o the_o rest_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v teach_v that_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v despise_v and_o the_o assembly_n that_o be_v hold_v in_o it_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v if_o any_o shall_v take_v upon_o he_o out_o of_o the_o church_n private_o to_o preach_v at_o home_n and_o make_v light_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v do_v those_o thing_n that_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o leave_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o bishop_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v
advice_n in_o the_o cause_n that_o to_o do_v as_o he_o do_v when_o i_o come_v to_o rome_n say_v he_o i_o fast_o on_o the_o saturday_n as_o they_o do_v at_o rome_n when_o i_o be_o here_o i_o do_v not_o fast_o so_o likewise_o you_o to_o whatsoever_o church_n you_o come_v observe_v the_o custom_n of_o that_o place_n if_o you_o mean_v not_o either_o to_o give_v or_o take_v offence_n with_o this_o answer_n he_o satisfy_v his_o mother_n and_o ever_o after_o when_o he_o think_v of_o it_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o oracle_n send_v from_o heaven_n so_o that_o even_o in_o italy_n the_o saturday_n fast_o be_v not_o universal_o observe_v nay_o a_o very_a learned_a man_n and_o a_o bishop_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n think_v it_o high_o probable_a 90._o that_o for_o the_o first_o age_n especial_o saturday_n be_v no_o more_o keep_v as_o a_o fast_a at_o rome_n than_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n though_o the_o great_a argument_n whereby_o he_o will_v establish_v it_o viz._n because_o some_o latin_a church_n who_o must_v needs_o follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o keep_v it_o so_o be_v very_o infirm_a and_o weak_a and_o needs_o no_o more_o than_o that_o very_a instance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o milan_n to_o refute_v it_o which_o though_o under_o the_o pope_n nose_n do_v not_o yet_o keep_v that_o day_n as_o a_o fast_a although_o this_o be_v many_o year_n after_o it_o have_v be_v so_o establish_v and_o observe_v at_o rome_n and_o now_o that_o i_o be_o get_v into_o this_o business_n i_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o dispatch_v the_o matter_n about_o their_o fast_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o their_o other_o festival_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o ancient_a christian_n have_v two_o sort_n of_o solemn_a fast_n weekly_a and_o annual_a their_o weekly_a fast_n call_v jejunia_fw-la quartae_fw-la &_o sextae_fw-la seriae_fw-la be_v keep_v upon_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n appoint_v so_o as_o we_o be_v tell_v for_o this_o reason_n because_o on_o wednesday_n our_o lord_n be_v betray_v by_o judas_n on_o friday_n he_o be_v crucify_v by_o the_o jew_n 978._o this_o custom_n epiphanius_n how_o true_o i_o know_v not_o refer_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elsewhere_o tell_v we_o that_o those_o day_n be_v observe_v as_o fast_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n 466._o these_o fast_n they_o call_v their_o station_n not_o because_o they_o stand_v all_o the_o while_n 387._o but_o by_o a_o allusion_n to_o the_o military_a station_n and_o keep_v their_o guard_n as_o tertullian_n observe_v 136._o they_o keep_v close_o at_o it_o and_o they_o usual_o last_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o epiphanius_n inform_v we_o 466._o till_o the_o nine_o hour_n i._n e._n till_o three_o of_o the_o clock_n in_o the_o afternoon_n at_o which_o time_n have_v end_v their_o fast_a devotion_n they_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n and_o then_o break_v up_o the_o station_n and_o go_v home_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o tertullian_n call_v they_o stationum_fw-la semijejunia_fw-la 551._o the_o half_a fast_n of_o station_n and_o he_o seem_v to_o censure_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o who_o have_v private_o resolve_v upon_o a_o entire_a fast_a of_o the_o whole_a day_n 135._o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n at_o the_o public_a stationary_a fast_n because_o they_o think_v that_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o sacramental_a element_n they_o put_v a_o period_n to_o their_o fast_n b._n for_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o those_o time_n with_o many_o after_o the_o stationary_a fast_n be_v end_v to_o continue_v and_o hold_v on_o the_o fast_a until_o the_o evening_n the_o historian_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a ancient_a custom_n in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n 28._o upon_o these_o day_n to_o have_v the_o scripture_n read_v and_o expound_v and_o all_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n except_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o that_o it_o be_v chief_o in_o those_o day_n that_o origen_n be_v wont_a to_o teach_v the_o people_n whether_o the_o omit_v of_o the_o sacrament_n than_o may_v be_v a_o peculiar_a custom_n to_o that_o church_n i_o know_v not_o certain_z i_o be_o it_o be_v upon_o those_o day_n administer_v in_o other_o place_n 279._o so_o s._n basil_n enumerate_v the_o time_n how_o oft_o they_o receive_v it_o every_o week_n express_o put_v wednesday_n and_o friday_n into_o the_o number_n the_o remain_v of_o these_o primitive_a station_n be_v yet_o observe_v in_o our_o church_n at_o this_o day_n which_o by_o she_o 15._o canon_n have_v ordain_v that_o though_o wednesdays_n and_o friday_n be_v not_o holy_a day_n yet_o that_o weekly_a upon_o those_o time_n minister_n and_o people_n shall_v resort_v to_o church_n at_o the_o accustom_a hour_n of_o prayer_n their_o annual_a fast_n be_v that_o of_o lent_n by_o way_n of_o preparation_n to_o the_o feast_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n this_o though_o not_o in_o the_o modern_a use_n of_o it_o be_v very_o ancient_a 629._o though_o far_o from_o be_v anâ—_n apostolical_a canon_n as_o a_o learned_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n have_v full_o prove_v from_o the_o very_a first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v customary_a to_o fast_v before_o easter_n but_o for_o how_o long_o it_o be_v various_o observe_v according_a to_o different_a time_n and_o place_n some_o fast_v so_o many_o day_n other_o so_o many_o week_n and_o some_o so_o many_o day_n on_o each_o week_n 276._o and_o it_o be_v most_o probable_o think_v that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o quadragesima_fw-la not_o because_o it_o be_v a_o fast_a of_o forty_o day_n but_o of_o forty_o hour_n begin_v about_o twelve_o on_o friday_n the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n fall_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o continue_v till_o sunday_n morning_n the_o time_n of_o his_o rise_n from_o the_o dead_a afterward_o it_o be_v enlarge_v to_o a_o long_a time_n draw_v out_o into_o more_o day_n and_o then_o week_n till_o it_o come_v to_o three_o and_o at_o last_o to_o six_o or_o seven_o week_n but_o concern_v the_o different_a observation_n of_o it_o in_o several_a place_n let_v they_o who_o desire_v to_o know_v more_o consult_v socrates_n and_o sozomen_n 22._o who_o both_o speak_v enough_o about_o it_o 19_o this_o quadragesimal_n fast_o be_v keep_v in_o those_o time_n with_o great_a piety_n and_o religion_n people_n general_o apply_v themselves_o with_o all_o seriousness_n to_o act_n of_o penance_n and_o mortification_n 1._o whence_o chrysostom_n call_v lend_v the_o remedy_n and_o physic_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o may_v be_v more_o grave_a and_o solemn_a theodosin_n m._n and_o his_o colleague_n emperor_n pass_v two_o law_n 9_o that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o lent_n all_o process_n and_o enquiry_n into_o criminal_a action_n shall_v be_v suspend_v 5._o and_o no_o corporal_a punishment_n inflict_v upon_o any_o it_o be_v unfit_a as_o the_o second_o of_o those_o law_n express_v it_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a time_n of_o lent_n the_o body_n shall_v suffer_v punishment_n while_o the_o soul_n be_v expect_v absolution_n but_o with_o what_o care_n soever_o they_o keep_v the_o precede_a part_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o keep_v the_o close_a of_o it_o with_o a_o mighty_a strictness_n and_o austerity_n i_o mean_v the_o last_o week_n of_o it_o 932._o that_o which_o immediate_o precede_v the_o feast_n of_o easter_n this_o they_o consecrate_v to_o more_o peculiar_a act_n of_o prayer_n abstinence_n 466._o and_o devotion_n and_o whereas_o in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o lent_n they_o end_v their_o fast_n in_o the_o evening_n in_o this_o they_o extend_v it_o to_o the_o cock-crowing_a or_o first_o glimpse_n of_o the_o morning_n to_o be_v sure_a they_o end_v it_o not_o before_o midnight_n for_o to_o break_v up_o the_o fast_a before_o that_o time_n be_v account_v a_o piece_n of_o great_a profaneness_n and_o intemperance_n as_o 1._o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n determine_v in_o a_o letter_n to_o basilides_n wherein_o he_o large_o and_o learned_o state_v the_o case_n this_o be_v the_o hebdomada_fw-la magna_fw-la the_o great_a or_o holy_a week_n 328._o so_o call_v say_v chrysostom_n not_o that_o it_o have_v either_o more_o hour_n or_o day_n in_o it_o than_o other_o week_n but_o because_o this_o be_v the_o week_n in_o which_o true_o great_a and_o ineffable_a good_a thing_n be_v purchase_v for_o we_o within_o this_o time_n death_n be_v conquer_v the_o curse_n destroy_v the_o devil_n tyranny_n dissolve_v his_o instrument_n break_v heaven_n open_v angel_n rejoice_v the_o partition-wall_n break_v down_o and_o god_n and_o man_n reconcile_v for_o this_o cause_n we_o call_v it_o the_o great_a week_n for_o this_o cause_n man_n fast_o and_o watch_v and_o do_v alm_n to_o do_v the_o great_a honour_n to_o it_o
observe_v the_o apostolic_a canon_n not_o to_o choose_v a_o novice_n but_o of_o a_o age_n competent_a to_o that_o office_n that_o he_o be_v choose_v to_o though_o it_o vary_v according_a to_o time_n and_o person_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o that_o of_o bishop_n i_o find_v not_o any_o certain_a age_n positive_o set_v down_o photius_n in_o his_o nomo-canon_n speak_v of_o a_o imperial_a constitution_n that_o require_v a_o bishop_n not_o to_o be_v under_o thirty_o five_o 20._o but_o the_o apostolical_a constitution_n allow_v not_o a_o man_n to_o be_v make_v a_o bishop_n under_o fifty_o year_n of_o age_n 824._o as_o have_v then_o pass_v all_o juvenile_a petulancy_n and_o disorder_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v not_o general_o some_o extraordinary_a instance_n alter_v not_o the_o case_n promote_v to_o that_o office_n till_o they_o be_v of_o a_o considerable_a age_n and_o thence_o frequent_o style_v majores_fw-la natu_fw-la in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o church_n presbyter_n be_v common_o make_v at_o thirty_o yea_o the_o council_n of_o neocaesarea_n decree_v 11._o that_o no_o man_n though_o otherwise_o of_o never_o so_o unquestionable_a a_o conversation_n shall_v be_v ordain_v presbyter_n before_o that_o age_n the_o reason_n whereof_o they_o give_v because_o christ_n himself_o be_v not_o baptize_v nor_o begin_v to_o preach_v till_o the_o thirty_o year_n of_o his_o age_n 17._o the_o council_n of_o agde_a require_v the_o same_o age_n but_o assign_v another_o reason_n not_o before_o thirty_o year_n of_o age_n because_o then_o say_v they_o he_o come_v to_o the_o age_n of_o a_o perfect_a man_n deacon_n be_v make_v at_o twenty_o five_o and_o the_o like_a distance_n and_o proportion_n observe_v for_o the_o inferior_a officer_n under_o they_o i_o take_v no_o notice_n in_o this_o place_n of_o monk_n hermit_n etc._n etc._n partly_o because_o although_o they_o be_v under_o a_o kind_n of_o ecclesiastical_a relation_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o more_o than_o ordinary_o strict_a and_o severe_a profession_n of_o religion_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o usual_o in_o holy_a order_n and_o partly_o because_o monachism_n be_v of_o no_o very_o early_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n begin_n probable_o about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a persecution_n and_o even_o then_o too_o monk_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n both_o in_o profession_n habit_n and_o way_n of_o life_n from_o what_o they_o be_v at_o this_o day_n as_o will_v abundant_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o compare_v the_o account_n which_o s._n hierom_n augustine_n palladius_n cassian_n and_o other_o give_v of_o those_o primitive_a monk_n with_o the_o several_a order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o this_o day_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o out_o of_o the_o monk_n person_n be_v usual_o make_v choice_n of_o to_o be_v advance_v into_o the_o clergy_n as_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o multitude_n of_o instance_n in_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o four_o and_o follow_v century_n but_o from_o a_o express_a law_n of_o the_o emperor_n arcadius_n to_o that_o purpose_n 2._o the_o strictness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o manner_n more_o immediate_o qualify_a they_o for_o those_o holy_a office_n insomuch_o that_o many_o time_n they_o be_v advance_v unto_o the_o episcopal_a chair_n without_o go_v through_o the_o usual_a intermediate_v order_n of_o the_o church_n several_a instance_n whereof_o serapion_n apollonius_n agatho_n aristo_n and_o some_o other_o athanasius_n reckon_v up_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o dracontius_n 738._o who_o be_v a_o monk_n refuse_v a_o bishopric_n to_o which_o he_o be_v choose_v but_o because_o we_o meet_v in_o the_o ancient_a write_n of_o the_o church_n with_o very_o frequent_a mention_n of_o person_n of_o another_o sex_n deaconess_n who_o be_v employ_v in_o many_o office_n of_o religion_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o this_o place_n to_o give_v some_o short_a account_n of_o they_o their_o original_n be_v very_o early_o and_o of_o equal_a stand_n with_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n such_o be_v phebe_n in_o the_o church_n of_o cenchris_n mention_v by_o s._n paul_n such_o be_v those_o two_o servant-maid_n speak_v of_o by_o pliny_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o the_o emperor_n who_o he_o examine_v upon_o the_o rack_n such_o be_v the_o famous_a olympias_n in_o the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n not_o to_o mention_v any_o more_o particular_a instance_n they_o be_v either_o widow_n and_o then_o not_o to_o be_v take_v into_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n under_o threescore_o year_n of_o age_n according_a to_o s._n paul_n direction_n or_o else_o virgin_n who_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o give_v testimony_n of_o a_o chaste_a and_o sober_a conversation_n be_v set_v apart_o at_o forty_o what_o the_o proper_a place_n and_o ministry_n of_o these_o deaconess_n be_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n 71._o though_o matthew_n blastares_n seem_v to_o render_v a_o little_a doubtful_a yet_o certain_o it_o principal_o consist_v in_o such_o office_n as_o these_o 447._o to_o attend_v upon_o the_o woman_n at_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n especial_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n that_o when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v divest_v in_o order_n to_o their_o immersion_n they_o may_v overshadow_v they_o so_o as_o nothing_o of_o indecency_n and_o uncomeliness_n may_v appear_v sometime_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o instruct_v the_o more_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o woman_n 12._o in_o the_o plain_a and_o easy_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o in_o prepare_v they_o for_o baptism_n otherwhiles_o in_o visit_v and_o attend_v upon_o woman_n that_o be_v sick_a in_o convey_v message_n counsel_n consolation_n relief_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o martyr_n and_o they_o that_o be_v in_o prison_n and_o of_o these_o woman_n no_o doubt_n it_o be_v that_o libanius_n speak_v of_o among_o the_o christian_n 56._o who_o be_v so_o very_o ready_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o these_o office_n of_o humanity_n but_o to_o return_v person_n be_v thus_o set_v apart_o for_o holy_a office_n the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n discover_v no_o less_o piety_n in_o that_o mighty_a respect_n and_o reverence_n which_o they_o pay_v to_o they_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v peculiar_o honour_v and_o regard_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v account_v a_o piece_n of_o natural_a justice_n by_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o mankind_n the_o most_o barbarous_a and_o unpolished_a nation_n that_o ever_o have_v a_o value_n for_o any_o thing_n of_o religion_n have_v always_o have_v a_o proportionable_a regard_n to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o care_n and_o administration_n of_o it_o do_v belong_v julian_n the_o emperor_n express_o plead_v for_o it_o as_o the_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n 542._o that_o priest_n shall_v be_v honour_v yea_o in_o some_o respect_n above_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o be_v the_o immediate_a attendant_n and_o domestic_a servant_n of_o god_n our_o intercessor_n with_o heaven_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o derive_v down_o great_a blessing_n from_o god_n upon_o we_o but_o never_o be_v this_o clearly_o demonstrate_v than_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o their_o bishop_n and_o minister_n with_o all_o that_o kindness_n and_o veneration_n which_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o express_v towards_o they_o s._n paul_n bear_v record_n to_o the_o galatian_n 15._o that_o he_o be_v account_v so_o dear_a to_o they_o that_o if_o the_o pluck_n out_o their_o eye_n will_v have_v do_v he_o any_o good_a they_o be_v ready_a to_o have_v do_v it_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o s._n clement_n testify_v of_o the_o corinthian_n 2._o that_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v subject_a to_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o yield_v also_o due_a honour_n to_o the_o senior_n or_o elder_n person_n that_o be_v among_o they_o that_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o this_o place_n he_o shall_v mean_v civil_a magistrate_n as_o some_o have_v tell_v we_o i_o can_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v both_o because_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v use_v by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n obey_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o clem._n and_o submit_v yourselves_o and_o indeed_o both_o eusebius_n and_o s._n hierom_n of_o old_a observe_v such_o a_o mighty_a affinity_n in_o the_o phrase_n between_o this_o and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n as_o certain_o to_o conclude_v s._n clemens_n to_o have_v be_v if_o not_o the_o author_n at_o least_o the_o translator_n of_o that_o epistle_n and_o also_o because_o the_o sole_a occasion_n of_o s._n clement_n writing_n this_o epistle_n be_v a_o mutiny_n which_o they_o have_v
elevation_n of_o their_o mind_n the_o lift_v up_o their_o thought_n from_o low_a sordid_a object_n to_o those_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n they_o be_v then_o conversant_a about_o but_o what_o ever_o they_o do_v in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o public_a service_n they_o constant_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o custom_n general_o embrace_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n 734._o therefore_o sozomen_n discourse_v of_o the_o various_a right_n observe_v in_o several_a church_n note_n it_o as_o a_o unusual_a thing_n in_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n that_o he_o do_v not_o rise_v up_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v read_v a_o thing_n say_v he_o which_o i_o never_o see_v nor_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o other_o place_n 29._o and_o philostorgius_n tell_v we_o of_o theophilus_n the_o indian_a bishop_n that_o among_o several_a irregularity_n which_o he_o correct_v in_o those_o church_n he_o particular_o reform_v this_o that_o the_o people_n be_v wont_a to_o sit_v while_o the_o lesson_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v read_v to_o they_o nor_o do_v the_o great_a personage_n think_v themselves_o too_o high_a to_o express_v this_o piece_n of_o reverence_n in_o their_o attendance_n upon_o the_o king_n of_o king_n it_o be_v very_o memorable_a what_o we_o read_v concern_v the_o great_a constantine_n that_o when_o upon_o occasion_n eusebius_n be_v to_o make_v a_o panegyric_n concern_v the_o sepulchre_n of_o our_o saviour_n vit_fw-fr though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n 542._o but_o in_o the_o palace_n yet_o he_o refuse_v to_o sit_v all_o the_o time_n and_o when_o eusebius_n beseech_v he_o to_o sit_v down_o in_o his_o throne_n that_o be_v hard_o by_o he_o he_o will_v not_o but_o attentive_o hear_v judge_v and_o approve_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v and_o when_o after_o a_o good_a while_n the_o sermon_n have_v be_v prolix_a eusebius_n out_o of_o compliance_n will_v have_v break_v off_o and_o do_v he_o call_v to_o he_o to_o go_v on_o till_o he_o come_v to_o the_o full_a end_n of_o his_o discourse_n whereupon_o he_o be_v again_o solicit_v to_o sit_v down_o but_o refuse_v affirm_v it_o to_o be_v unfit_a to_o attend_v upon_o any_o discourse_n concern_v god_n and_o much_o more_o at_o this_o time_n with_o ease_n and_o softness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o consonant_a to_o piety_n and_o religion_n that_o discourse_n about_o divine_a thing_n shall_v be_v hear_v stand_v so_o great_a a_o reverence_n have_v that_o excellent_a prince_n for_o the_o solemnity_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o these_o holy_a exercise_n as_o they_o carry_v themselves_o with_o all_o seriousness_n and_o gravity_n so_o they_o continue_v in_o they_o till_o they_o be_v complete_o finish_v there_o be_v then_o no_o such_o airiness_n and_o levity_n as_o now_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n no_o snatch_v at_o some_o piece_n of_o the_o worship_n tanquam_fw-la canis_fw-la ad_fw-la nilum_n and_o go_v again_o no_o rude_a disorderly_a depart_v the_o congregation_n till_o the_o whole_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v over_o and_o therefore_o when_o this_o warmth_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o little_a abate_v the_o council_n of_o orleans_n think_v good_a to_o re-establish_a the_o primitive_a devotion_n by_o this_o canon_n 22._o that_o when_o the_o people_n come_v together_o for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a service_n they_o shall_v not_o depart_v till_o the_o whole_a solemnity_n be_v over_o and_o the_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n have_v give_v the_o blessing_n chap._n x._o of_o baptism_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n four_o circumstance_n consider_v baptism_n by_o who_o administer_v by_o none_o usual_o without_o the_o leave_n of_o the_o bishop_n the_o great_a controversy_n about_o rebaptising_a those_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o heretic_n a_o account_n of_o it_o out_o of_o cyprian_a layman_n how_o suffer_v to_o baptize_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o baptism_n the_o case_n of_o athanasius_n his_o baptise_v when_o but_o a_o child_n woman_n never_o permit_v to_o baptize_v person_n to_o be_v baptize_v who_o infant_n sufficient_a evidence_n for_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n some_o passage_n out_o of_o cyprian_a note_v the_o baptize_v mostwhat_a adult_n person_n the_o state_v time_n of_o baptism_n easter_n and_o whitsuntide_n and_o why_o especial_o upon_o easter_n eve_n and_o why_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n at_o any_o other_o time_n clinici_fw-la who_o clinic-baptism_n account_v less_o perfect_a why_o usual_a to_o defer_v baptism_n till_o a_o deathbed_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o note_v in_o constantine_n and_o other_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o dead_a what_o probable_o the_o usual_a place_n of_o baptism_n in_o or_o near_o the_o church_n always_o before_o the_o congregation_n the_o baptisterium_fw-la or_o font_n where_o it_o stand_v and_o how_o large_a it_o be_v distinct_a apartment_n for_o man_n and_o woman_n a_o curiosity_n in_o many_o in_o those_o time_n of_o be_v baptize_v in_o jordan_n and_o why_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n the_o person_n baptize_v look_v towards_o the_o west_n and_o why_o their_o answer_v as_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n their_o solemn_a abrenunciation_n make_v twice_o and_o the_o form_n of_o it_o surety_n in_o baptism_n person_n baptize_v exorcise_v what_o mean_v by_o it_o unction_n upon_o what_o account_n use_v several_a reason_n of_o it_o assign_v by_o the_o father_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n make_v in_o baptism_n evident_a out_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o immersion_n or_o put_v the_o person_n under_o water_n what_o it_o shadow_v out_o general_o in_o use_n in_o those_o country_n not_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o other_o trine_n immersion_n different_a reason_n of_o it_o assign_v by_o the_o father_n it_o obtain_v not_o in_o spain_n and_o why_o a_o second_o unction_n person_n after_o baptism_n clothe_v in_o white_a garment_n and_o why_o these_o keep_v in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o their_o solemn_a engagement_n a_o memorable_a instance_n out_o of_o victor_n uticensis_n a_o brief_a account_n of_o confirmation_n the_o neglect_n of_o it_o bewail_v our_o lord_n have_v institute_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o the_o two_o great_a sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n they_o have_v according_o be_v ever_o account_v principal_a part_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o shall_v treat_v first_o of_o baptism_n as_o be_v the_o door_n by_o which_o person_n enter_v in_o the_o great_a and_o solemn_a rite_n of_o our_o initiation_n into_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n concern_v which_o four_o circumstance_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o the_o person_n by_o and_o upon_o who_o the_o time_n when_o the_o place_n where_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o sacrament_n be_v administer_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n for_o the_o person_n by_o who_o this_o sacrament_n be_v administer_v they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n baptise_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v join_v together_o by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o same_o commission_n usual_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o bishop_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o j._n martyr_n the_o antistes_fw-la in_o tertullian_n the_o precedent_n or_o chief_a minister_n of_o the_o congregation_n the_o summus_fw-la sacerdos_fw-la qui_fw-la est_fw-la episcopus_fw-la as_o he_o call_v he_o without_o who_o leave_n and_o authority_n neither_o presbyter_n nor_o deacon_n may_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o baptize_v 6._o as_o not_o only_a ignatius_n but_o tertullian_n express_o tell_v we_o and_o if_o they_o do_v 230._o it_o be_v only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n as_o be_v affirm_v by_o a_o ancient_a author_n who_o live_v in_o or_o near_o the_o time_n of_o cyprian_a 138._o the_o same_o s._n hierom_n assure_v we_o be_v the_o custom_n in_o his_o time_n though_o otherwhiles_o we_o find_v the_o bishop_n to_o begin_v the_o action_n 139._o and_o the_o presbyter_n to_o carry_v it_o on_o and_o finish_v it_o 1._o but_o as_o christianity_n increase_v this_o become_v a_o more_o familiar_a part_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o the_o deacon_n office_n and_o doubtless_o have_v be_v more_o or_o less_o execute_v by_o they_o from_o the_o beginning_n though_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n as_o tertullian_n give_v the_o reason_n they_o do_v it_o not_o without_o his_o leave_n and_o deputation_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o philip_n baptize_v the_o eunuch_n who_o yet_o be_v of_o no_o high_a order_n than_o that_o of_o deacon_n nor_o be_v it_o account_v enough_o by_o some_o in_o those_o time_n that_o baptism_n be_v confer_v by_o a_o person_n call_v to_o the_o ministry_n unless_o he_o be_v
though_o he_o recover_v afterward_o to_o this_o custom_n of_o clinic_n baptism_n some_o not_o improbable_o think_v the_o apostle_n have_v reference_n in_o that_o famous_a place_n 18._o where_o he_o speak_v of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o dead_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o they_o expound_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o such_o who_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n will_v be_v baptize_v matth._n that_o it_o may_v fare_v well_o with_o they_o after_o death_n this_o epiphanius_n think_v the_o true_a interpretation_n 41._o that_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o catechuman_n who_o be_v sudden_o surprise_v with_o death_n will_v be_v baptize_v that_o so_o their_o sin_n be_v remit_v in_o baptism_n they_o may_v go_v hence_o under_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o await_v good_a man_n after_o death_n and_o testify_v their_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o their_o future_a happy_a resurrection_n other_o think_v it_o may_v refer_v to_o the_o place_n of_o baptism_n those_o who_o be_v baptize_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d over_o the_o grave_n or_o sepulcher_n of_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v a_o ancient_a and_o general_a custom_n to_o have_v their_o religious_a meeting_n and_o to_o perform_v their_o public_a exercise_n at_o the_o tomb_n of_o martyr_n peristeph_n there_o be_v numerous_a instance_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o coemeteria_fw-la 110._o over_o the_o monument_n of_o the_o dead_a which_o soever_o of_o these_o be_v most_o suitable_a yet_o certain_o either_o of_o they_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a than_o that_o which_o many_o talk_n so_o much_o of_o 54._o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n mean_v it_o of_o a_o custom_n common_a in_o those_o primitive_a time_n among_o the_o cerinthian_o and_o other_o heretic_n where_o when_o any_o die_v without_o baptism_n they_o use_v to_o place_v another_o under_o his_o bed_n who_o be_v baptize_v for_o he_o in_o his_o stead_n whence_o tertullian_n call_v it_o a_o vicarious_a baptism_n 48._o it_o be_v high_o improbable_a that_o the_o great_a apostle_n will_v fetch_v a_o argument_n to_o confirm_v so_o solemn_a and_o fundamental_a a_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v from_o such_o a_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a rite_n use_v only_o by_o the_o worst_a of_o heretic_n but_o this_o only_a by_o the_o way_n for_o the_o place_n where_o this_o solemn_a action_n be_v perform_v it_o be_v at_o first_o unlimited_a any_o place_n where_o there_o be_v water_n as_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o in_o pond_n or_o lake_n at_o spring_n 93._o or_o river_n as_o tertullian_n speak_v 4._o but_o always_o as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o place_n of_o their_o public_a assembly_n for_o it_o be_v seldom_o do_v without_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o for_o very_o good_a reason_n both_o as_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a act_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o initiate_a of_o person_n into_o the_o church_n which_o therefore_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o public_a as_o it_o can_v that_o so_o the_o whole_a congregation_n may_v be_v spectator_n and_o witness_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o engagement_n which_o the_o person_n baptize_v then_o take_v upon_o he_o and_o this_o they_o so_o zealous_o keep_v to_o that_o the_o trullan_n council_n allow_v not_o baptism_n to_o be_v administer_v in_o a_o private_a chapel_n 59_o but_o only_o in_o the_o public_a church_n punish_v the_o person_n offend_v if_o clergy_n with_o deposition_n if_o laity_n with_o excommunication_n which_o yet_o as_o both_o zonaras_n and_o balsamon_n expound_v the_o canon_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v unless_o it_o be_v do_v with_o the_o leave_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n for_o this_o reason_n they_o have_v afterward_o their_o baptisteria_n or_o as_o we_o call_v they_o font_n build_v at_o first_o near_o the_o church_n then_o in_o the_o church-porch_n to_o represent_v baptism_n be_v the_o entrance_n into_o the_o mystical_a church_n afterward_o they_o be_v place_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o they_o be_v usual_o very_o large_a and_o capacious_a not_o only_o that_o they_o may_v comport_v with_o the_o general_a custom_n of_o those_o time_n of_o person_n baptize_v be_v immerse_v or_o put_v under_o water_n but_o because_o the_o state_v time_n of_o baptism_n return_v so_o seldom_o great_a multitude_n be_v usual_o baptize_v at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o font_n there_o be_v a_o partition_n the_o one_o part_n for_o man_n the_o other_o for_o woman_n that_o to_o avoid_v offence_n and_o scandal_n they_o may_v be_v baptize_v asunder_o here_o it_o be_v that_o this_o great_a rite_n be_v common_o perform_v though_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n they_o dispense_v with_o private_a baptism_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o be_v sick_a or_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n of_o which_o there_o be_v frequent_a instance_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n many_o there_o be_v in_o those_o day_n such_o especial_o as_o live_v in_o the_o part_n near_o to_o it_o who_o nothing_o will_v serve_v unless_o they_o may_v be_v baptize_v in_o jordan_n out_o of_o a_o reverence_n to_o that_o place_n where_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v be_v baptize_v vit_fw-fr this_o constantine_n tell_v we_o he_o have_v a_o long_a time_n resolve_v upon_o 62._o to_o be_v baptize_v in_o jordan_n though_o god_n cut_v he_o short_a of_o his_o desire_n 59_o and_o eusebius_n elsewhere_o relate_v that_o at_o bethabara_n beyond_o jordan_n where_o john_n baptize_v there_o be_v a_o place_n whither_o very_o many_o even_o in_o his_o time_n use_v to_o resort_v earnest_o desire_v to_o obtain_v their_o baptism_n in_o that_o place_n this_o doubtless_o proceed_v from_o a_o very_a devout_a and_o pious_a mind_n though_o otherwise_o one_o place_n can_v contribute_v nothing_o more_o than_o another_o nothing_o be_v true_o than_o what_o tertullian_n have_v observe_v in_o this_o case_n 225._o that_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o we_o be_v haptize_v among_o those_o who_o john_n baptize_v in_o jordan_n or_o who_o peter_n baptize_v in_o tiber_n the_o last_o circumstance_n i_o propound_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o celebration_n of_o this_o sacrament_n and_o for_o this_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n age_n baptism_n be_v administer_v with_o great_a nakedness_n and_o simplicity_n probable_o without_o any_o more_o formality_n than_o a_o short_a prayer_n and_o repeat_v the_o word_n of_o institution_n and_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o well_o be_v otherwise_o consider_v the_o vast_a number_n that_o many_o time_n be_v then_o baptize_v at_o once_o but_o after-age_n add_v many_o rite_n differ_v very_o often_o according_a to_o time_n and_o place_n i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o but_o only_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a and_o such_o as_o do_v general_o obtain_v in_o those_o time_n keep_v as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v to_o the_o order_n which_o they_o observe_v in_o the_o administration_n which_o usual_o be_v thus_o person_n have_v pass_v through_o the_o state_n of_o the_o catechuman_n and_o be_v now_o ripe_a for_o baptism_n make_v it_o their_o request_n to_o the_o bishop_n that_o they_o may_v be_v baptize_v whereupon_o at_o the_o solemn_a time_n they_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o baptistery_n or_o font_n dion_n and_o stand_v with_o their_o face_n towards_o the_o west_n which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o east_n the_o place_n of_o light_n 253._o do_v symbolical_o represent_v the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n who_o they_o be_v to_o renounce_v and_o defy_v be_v command_v to_o stretch_v out_o their_o hand_n as_o it_o be_v in_o defiance_n of_o he_o in_o this_o posture_n they_o be_v interrogated_a by_o the_o bishop_n concern_v their_o break_n of_o all_o their_o former_a league_n and_o commerce_n with_o sin_n and_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n 429._o the_o bishop_n ask_v do_v thou_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n power_n and_o service_n to_o which_o the_o party_n answer_v i_o do_v renounce_v they_o do_v thou_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o all_o its_o pomp_n and_o pleasure_n answer_v i_o do_v renounce_v they_o this_o renunciation_n be_v make_v twice_o once_o before_o the_o congregation_n probable_o at_o their_o obtain_n leave_v to_o be_v baptize_v and_o present_o after_o at_o the_o font_n or_o place_n of_o baptism_n 79._o as_o tertullian_n witness_n next_o they_o make_v a_o open_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o bishop_n ask_a do_v thou_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_a 993._o etc._n etc._n in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a son_n who_o etc._n etc._n do_v thou_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n and_o in_o one_o baptism_n of_o
love_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a they_o communicate_v every_o day_n or_o as_o oft_o as_o they_o come_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n insomuch_o that_o the_o canon_n apostolical_a and_o the_o synod_n of_o antioch_n threaten_v every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a with_o excommunication_n 2._o who_o come_v to_o church_n to_o hear_v the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o stay_v not_o to_o participate_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o eye_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v then_o almost_o whole_o fix_v upon_o the_o memory_n of_o their_o crucify_a saviour_n it_o and_o the_o often_o they_o feed_v at_o his_o table_n the_o strong_a and_o healthy_a they_o find_v themselves_o 87._o and_o the_o more_o able_a to_o encounter_v with_o those_o fierce_a opposition_n that_o be_v make_v against_o they_o this_o custom_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n every_o day_n continue_v some_o considerable_a time_n in_o the_o church_n though_o in_o some_o place_n long_o than_o in_o other_o especial_o in_o the_o western_a church_n from_o cyprian_n we_o be_v full_o assure_v it_o be_v so_o in_o his_o time_n orat._n we_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n every_o day_n say_v he_o as_o the_o food_n that_o nourish_v we_o to_o salvation_n 192._o the_o like_a s._n ambrose_n seem_v to_o intimate_v of_o milan_n 4._o whereof_o he_o be_v bishop_n 2._o nay_o and_o after_o he_o s._n hierom_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o s._n augustine_n seem_v pretty_a clear_o to_o intimate_v serm._n that_o it_o be_v not_o unusual_a in_o his_o time_n 557._o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n this_o custom_n wear_v off_o soon_o though_o more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o the_o primitive_a zeal_n do_v abate_v and_o decay_v s._n basil_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n they_o communicate_v four_o time_n a_o week_n on_o the_o lordsday_n caesariam_n wednesday_n friday_n and_o saturday_n 279._o yea_o and_o upon_o other_o day_n too_o if_o the_o memory_n or_o festival_n of_o any_o martyr_n fall_v upon_o they_o afterward_o as_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n begin_v more_o sensible_o to_o decline_v and_o the_o commonness_n of_o the_o thing_n beget_v some_o contempt_n manna_n itself_o be_v slight_v after_o once_o it_o be_v rain_v down_o every_o day_n this_o sacrament_n be_v more_o rare_o frequent_v and_o from_o once_o a_o day_n it_o come_v to_o once_o or_o twice_o a_o week_n and_o then_o fall_v to_o once_o a_o month_n and_o after_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o thrice_o a_o year_n at_o the_o three_o great_a solemnity_n of_o christmas_n easter_n and_o whitsuntide_n to_o so_o great_a a_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n do_v the_o piety_n and_o devotion_n of_o christian_n grow_v after_o once_o the_o true_a primitive_a temper_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v leave_v the_o world_n concern_v the_o three_o circumstance_n the_o place_n where_o this_o holy_a supper_n be_v keep_v much_o need_v not_o be_v say_v it_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o their_o public_a worship_n always_o perform_v in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o religious_a assembly_n it_o be_v institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o private_a house_n because_o of_o its_o analogy_n to_o the_o jewish_a passover_n and_o because_o the_o necessity_n of_o that_o time_n will_v not_o otherwise_o admit_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o christian_n with_o they_o it_o be_v celebrate_v in_o the_o house_n of_o believer_n general_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n set_v apart_o by_o the_o bounty_n of_o some_o christian_a for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o which_o as_o i_o have_v former_o prove_v be_v the_o constant_a separate_a place_n of_o religious_a worship_n for_o all_o the_o christian_n that_o dwell_v thereabouts_o under_o the_o severity_n of_o great_a persecution_n they_o be_v force_v to_o fly_v to_o the_o mountain_n or_o to_o their_o cryptae_n or_o vault_n under_o ground_n and_o to_o celebrate_v this_o sacrament_n at_o the_o tomb_n of_o martyr_n and_o over_o the_o ash_n of_o the_o dead_a church_n grow_v up_o into_o some_o beauty_n and_o regularity_n several_a part_n of_o the_o divine_a office_n begin_v to_o have_v several_a place_n assign_v to_o they_o the_o communion-service_n be_v remove_v to_o the_o upper_a or_o east_n end_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o perform_v upon_o a_o table_n of_o wood_n which_o afterward_o be_v change_v into_o one_o of_o stone_n and_o both_o of_o they_o not_o uncommon_o though_o metaphorical_o by_o the_o father_n style_v altar_n and_o the_o eucharist_n itself_o in_o late_a time_n especial_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o altar_n this_o place_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v fence_v in_o with_o rail_n within_o which_o the_o clergy_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o laity_n do_v without_o here_o it_o be_v that_o they_o all_o use_v to_o meet_v at_o this_o heavenly_a banquet_n for_o out_o of_o this_o place_n they_o allow_v not_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n a_o thing_n express_o forbid_v by_o the_o laodicean_n council_n unless_o in_o case_n of_o great_a necessity_n 58._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a article_n for_o which_o the_o synod_n of_o gangra_n depose_v eustathius_n from_o his_o bishopric_n council_n that_o he_o keep_v private_a meeting_n persuade_v some_o that_o be_v averse_a to_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n gargr_n that_o they_o may_v communicate_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n at_o home_n 6._o we_o come_v last_o of_o all_o to_o consider_v the_o manner_n how_o the_o eucharist_n be_v celebrate_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n but_o before_o we_o describe_v that_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o after_o the_o service_n of_o the_o catechuman_n and_o before_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o of_o the_o faithful_a at_o which_o the_o eucharist_n be_v administer_v the_o custom_n be_v to_o present_v their_o offering_n every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n bring_v some_o gift_n as_o the_o first-fruit_n of_o his_o increase_n 362._o which_o be_v by_o the_o minister_n lay_v upon_o the_o altar_n or_o communion-table_n 98._o none_o of_o they_o then_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n empty_a and_o therefore_o s._n cyprian_n severe_o chide_v a_o rich_a widow_n of_o his_o time_n 218._o who_o come_v without_o give_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o poor_a man_n box_n and_o do_v partake_v of_o their_o offering_n without_o bring_v any_o offering_n of_o her_o own_o these_o obleation_n be_v design_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a especial_o out_o of_o they_o be_v take_v the_o bread_n and_o the_o wine_n for_o the_o sacramental_a element_n the_o bread_n be_v no_o other_o than_o common_a bread_n such_o as_o serve_v for_o their_o ordinary_a use_n there_o be_v then_o no_o notice_n take_v of_o what_o have_v for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o still_o be_v to_o this_o day_n fierce_o dispute_v between_o the_o greek_a and_o the_o latin_a church_n whether_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v leaven_v or_o unleavened_a bread_n out_o of_o these_o oblation_n also_o it_o be_v probable_a they_o take_v at_o least_o send_v provision_n extraordinary_a to_o furnish_v the_o common_a feast_n which_o in_o those_o day_n they_o constant_o have_v at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n where_o the_o rich_a and_o the_o poor_a feast_v together_o at_o the_o same_o table_n these_o be_v call_v agapae_n or_o love-feast_n mention_v by_o s._n judas_n and_o plain_o enough_o intimate_v by_o s._n paul_n because_o hereat_o they_o testify_v and_o confirm_v their_o mutual_a love_n and_o kindness_n a_o thing_n never_o more_o proper_a than_o at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o seal_n of_o our_o peace_n with_o god_n but_o a_o sign_n and_o a_o pledge_n of_o our_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o one_o another_o whether_o this_o banquet_n be_v before_o or_o after_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o the_o age_n after_o they_o it_o be_v before_o it_o in_o imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n institution_n who_o celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n after_o supper_n and_o s._n paul_n tax_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n reprove_v they_o 11._o that_o when_o they_o come_v together_o for_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o do_v not_o one_o tarry_v for_o another_o but_o every_o one_o take_v his_o own_o supper_n i._n e._n that_o provision_n which_o he_o have_v bring_v from_o home_n for_o the_o common_a feast_n which_o be_v devour_v with_o great_a irregularity_n and_o excess_n some_o eat_n and_o drink_v all_o they_o bring_v other_o the_o poor_z especial_o that_o come_v late_o have_v nothing_o leave_v one_o be_v hungry_a and_o another_o drunken_a all_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a be_v do_v
careful_a to_o shun_v all_o occasion_n and_o appearance_n of_o lightness_n and_o immodesty_n whatever_o might_n tend_v to_o inveigle_v their_o sense_n and_o to_o debauch_v their_o mind_n and_o manner_n nay_o whatever_o might_n but_o give_v a_o suspicion_n of_o wantonness_n and_o incontinence_n they_o decline_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v go_v to_o all_o public_a meeting_n such_o as_o feast_n play_n show_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o cyprian_n severe_o chide_v with_o some_o virgin_n for_o be_v present_a at_o wedding_n 167._o where_o they_o laugh_v free_o can_v not_o but_o hear_v loose_a discourse_n see_v uncomely_a carriage_n feed_v upon_o luxurious_a dish_n all_o which_o must_v needs_o not_o only_o kindle_v but_o add_v fuel_n to_o the_o fire_n and_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o indecent_a thought_n and_o desire_n 1._o s._n hierom_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v as_o much_o commend_v some_o who_o he_o know_v who_o always_o keep_v at_o home_n on_o festival_n day_n to_o avoid_v the_o crowd_n and_o gaze_n of_o the_o people_n and_o will_v never_o go_v abroad_o at_o those_o time_n when_o they_o can_v not_o venture_v into_o the_o public_a without_o the_o great_a care_n and_o custody_n over_o themselves_o for_o this_o reason_n constantine_n make_v a_o law_n that_o matron_n shall_v not_o be_v force_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o debt_n to_o come_v out_o of_o their_o own_o house_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o public_a tribunal_n 1._o but_o that_o the_o business_n shall_v be_v decide_v in_o such_o way_n as_o may_v not_o betray_v the_o modesty_n of_o that_o sex_n and_o when_o afterward_o the_o fervour_n of_o christianity_n begin_v to_o abate_v apace_o and_o person_n have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n lose_v that_o huge_a reverence_n which_o former_a time_n have_v for_o continence_n and_o chastity_n 3._o theodosius_n to_o restrain_v they_o a_o little_a within_o the_o bound_n of_o decency_n loc_n provide_v by_o a_o law_n that_o no_o woman_n of_o what_o quality_n or_o rank_n soever_o shall_v marry_v again_o within_o a_o year_n at_o least_o i.e._n within_o twelve_o full_a month_n whereas_o under_o the_o old_a roman_a law_n the_o time_n of_o mourning_n be_v but_o ten_o as_o a_o learned_a interpreter_n of_o that_o law_n observe_v after_o her_o husband_n death_n and_o this_o he_o ratify_v by_o a_o double_a penalty_n a_o note_n of_o perpetual_a infamy_n to_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o offend_a person_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o her_o whole_a dower_n and_o whatever_o estate_n her_o husband_n have_v bequeath_v she_o which_o be_v to_o go_v to_o the_o child_n she_o have_v by_o he_o or_o if_o none_o to_o his_o next_o of_o kin_n tâ—ull_a by_o the_o laodicean_n council_n not_o only_a clergyman_n and_o such_o as_o have_v enter_v upon_o a_o state_n of_o continency_n 77._o but_o all_o christian_a man_n whatsoever_o be_v forbid_v to_o use_v the_o same_o common_a bath_n with_o woman_n and_o for_o very_o good_a reason_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n as_o zonaras_n observe_v both_o shameful_a and_o uncomely_a in_o itself_o and_o pernicious_a in_o its_o consequence_n for_o how_o easy_o do_v a_o unlawful_a flame_n kindle_v from_o such_o a_o spark_n and_o when_o humane_a nature_n be_v of_o itself_o so_o ready_a to_o boil_v over_o who_o will_v pour_v oil_n upon_o the_o fire_n a_o thing_n ever_o look_v upon_o as_o repugnant_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o modesty_n yea_o even_o by_o they_o that_o be_v without_o this_o be_v say_v the_o council_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a thing_n which_o the_o very_a heathen_n condemn_v and_o for_o which_o they_o censure_v and_o reproach_v we_o parallel_v to_o this_o photius_n and_o his_o commentator_n balsamon_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o law_n of_o the_o emperor_n justinian_n 104._o make_v it_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o divorce_n and_o lose_v her_o dowry_n for_o a_o woman_n either_o to_o feast_v or_o bathe_v in_o the_o company_n of_o other_o man_n without_o the_o leave_n and_o consent_n of_o her_o husband_n indeed_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n they_o take_v all_o imaginable_a care_n that_o unmarried_a person_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v of_o ecclesiastical_a cognizance_n or_o have_v devote_v themselves_o to_o a_o severe_a course_n of_o piety_n shall_v not_o common_o converse_v together_o 1._o cyprian_a writing_n to_o pomponius_n about_o the_o virgin_n that_o have_v take_v profession_n of_o continence_n upon_o they_o but_o live_v too_o familiar_o with_o some_o person_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n carthag_n charge_v he_o that_o man_n and_o virgin_n shall_v not_o only_o not_o sleep_v near_o one_o another_o 4._o but_o not_o dwell_v together_o in_o the_o same_o house_n lest_o the_o infirmity_n of_o their_o sex_n and_o the_o slipperiness_n of_o their_o youth_n shall_v betray_v they_o into_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n wherefore_o he_o commend_v pomponius_n for_o have_v suspend_v the_o deacon_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o have_v keep_v such_o familiar_a correspondence_n with_o those_o virgin_n and_o order_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v absolve_v till_o they_o have_v sufficient_o testify_v their_o repentance_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o satisfactory_a evidence_n that_o no_o unlawful_a familiarity_n have_v pass_v between_o they_o and_o that_o if_o ever_o they_o return_v to_o the_o like_a co-habitation_n great_a penalty_n shall_v be_v inflict_v upon_o they_o the_o foundation_n of_o which_o ill_a custom_n doubtless_o spring_v or_o at_o least_o take_v encouragement_n from_o hence_o in_o those_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v usual_a for_o clergyman_n such_o especial_o as_o be_v send_v up_o and_o down_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o have_v some_o grave_n and_o sober_a woman_n along_o with_o they_o who_o may_v be_v helpful_a and_o assist_v to_o they_o and_o who_o be_v neither_o wife_n nor_o concubine_n but_o take_v in_o either_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o necessary_a attendance_n or_o the_o pretence_n of_o piety_n these_o woman_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o there_o be_v frequent_a mention_n of_o they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o as_o be_v bring_v in_o take_v into_o the_o house_n as_o domestic_a assistant_n to_o ecclesiastic_a person_n but_o this_o prove_a matter_n of_o scandal_n and_o inconvenience_n be_v not_o only_o cry_v out_o against_o by_o private_a father_n but_o by_o public_a synod_n the_o council_n of_o antioch_n hold_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o aurelian_a the_o emperor_n euseb_n anno_fw-la two_o hundred_o seventy_o and_o two_o 281._o in_o a_o synodical_a epistle_n wherein_o they_o censure_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la condemn_v this_o among_o the_o rest_n that_o he_o and_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n keep_v these_o introduce_v woman_n whereby_o horrible_a inconvenience_n do_v arise_v for_o beside_o the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n of_o it_o although_o they_o shall_v keep_v themselves_o innocent_a yet_o they_o can_v not_o avoid_v the_o suspicion_n and_o scandal_n that_o will_v arise_v and_o the_o danger_n of_o draw_v in_o other_o by_o their_o bad_a example_n paregor_n for_o which_o reason_n s._n basil_n write_v to_o a_o old_a presbyter_n in_o his_o diocese_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o company_n of_o a_o woman_n with_o who_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o cohabit_v presbyt_fw-la not_o so_o much_o to_o avoid_v temptation_n to_o incontinence_n the_o man_n be_v then_o seventy_o year_n of_o age_n as_o that_o he_o may_v not_o lay_v a_o stumble_a stone_n 216._o and_o occasion_n of_o offence_n in_o his_o brother_n way_n the_o same_o be_v universal_o forbid_v by_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a zonar_n and_o no_o man_n within_o the_o clergy_n allow_v to_o have_v any_o woman_n near_o he_o unless_o his_o mother_n his_o sister_n or_o his_o aunt_n or_o such_o only_a of_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o suspicion_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o three_o canon_n of_o that_o council_n in_o the_o ancient_a version_n whereof_o these_o mulieres_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v style_v extraneae_fw-la stranger_n by_o which_o name_n they_o be_v also_o call_v in_o a_o law_n of_o the_o emperor_n honorius_n 44._o prohibit_v any_o clergyman_n whatsoever_o to_o keep_v company_n with_o these_o strange-woman_n limit_v their_o converse_n and_o cohabitation_n within_o the_o very_a same_o relation_n to_o which_o they_o be_v restrain_v by_o the_o nicene_n canon_n which_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o emperor_n have_v in_o his_o eye_n when_o he_o make_v that_o constitution_n synop_n and_o because_o bishop_n be_v the_o high_a order_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o therefore_o that_o their_o honour_n may_v be_v especial_o secure_v 29._o care_n be_v take_v that_o no_o bishop_n under_o penalty_n of_o be_v depose_v shall_v entertain_v or_o cohabit_v with_o any_o woman_n whatsoever_o either_o relation_n or_o stranger_n that_o so_o all_o pretence_n either_o of_o temptation_n or_o scandal_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o for_o the_o
lodging_n of_o the_o woman_n when_o although_o they_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o actual_a adultery_n yet_o even_o in_o this_o it_o will_v be_v a_o fault_n of_o a_o mighty_a aggravation_n that_o by_o their_o scandalous_a example_n other_o may_v be_v seduce_v into_o ruin_n s._n basil_n write_v to_o a_o monk_n who_o have_v be_v overtake_v with_o this_o fault_n 11._o elegant_o bewail_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o sin_n as_o a_o dishonour_n to_o the_o strictness_n of_o his_o former_a profession_n a_o reproach_n to_o those_o lip_n which_o have_v kiss_v the_o mouth_n of_o so_o many_o saint_n to_o those_o hand_n which_o so_o many_o devout_a person_n have_v embrace_v as_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a to_o those_o knee_n before_o which_o so_o many_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v fall_v down_o as_o a_o be_v catch_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o a_o crafty_a devil_n a_o perfidious_a violation_n of_o his_o promise_n a_o be_v become_v a_o sport_n and_o scorn_n to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n a_o confute_v what_o in_o he_o lay_v that_o triumphant_a speech_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n fill_v even_o to_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v a_o cup_n of_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n in_o the_o next_o epistle_n he_o deal_v with_o the_o woman_n and_o treat_v she_o with_o the_o same_o elegant_a severity_n though_o in_o both_o he_o so_o aggravate_v the_o case_n as_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o a_o speedy_a recovery_n of_o themselves_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o because_o good_a word_n and_o persuasion_n be_v not_o cord_n strong_a enough_o to_o restrain_v some_o man_n irregular_a lust_n and_o passion_n they_o twist_v with_o they_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o six_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o punish_v the_o breach_n of_o chastity_n by_o inflict_v severe_a penalty_n upon_o incontinent_a person_n among_o all_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v most_o sharp_o punish_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n 120._o adultery_n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a whoever_o be_v convict_v of_o it_o be_v immediate_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o dis-owned_n as_o a_o rot_a member_n this_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o first_o make_v martion_n turn_v heretic_n for_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o lie_v with_o a_o virgin_n and_o for_o that_o throw_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o betake_v himself_o to_o one_o cerdon_n a_o master_n heretic_n and_o espouse_v his_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n the_o truth_n be_v in_o those_o first_o time_n the_o punishment_n of_o adultery_n be_v very_o great_a perpetual_a penance_n all_o a_o man_n life_n and_o scarce_o be_v admit_v into_o communion_n at_o the_o very_a hour_n of_o death_n till_o pope_n zephyrinus_n about_o the_o year_n two_o hundred_o and_o sixteen_o consider_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n of_o so_o much_o severity_n person_n hereby_o be_v oft_o drive_v into_o despair_n and_o other_o discourage_v from_o come_v over_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n order_v that_o penance_n in_o this_o case_n shall_v be_v limit_v to_o a_o short_a time_n which_o be_v end_v such_o person_n may_v be_v receive_v again_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n this_o decree_n give_v great_a offence_n to_o the_o african_a church_n 555._o most_o whereof_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o strictness_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n 72._o tertullian_n more_o especial_o inveigh_v against_o it_o with_o much_o bitterness_n and_o animosity_n as_o a_o thing_n unfit_a in_o itself_o and_o a_o innovation_n in_o the_o church_n the_o same_o cyprian_a also_o plain_o intimate_v though_o he_o himself_o be_v for_o the_o more_o mild_a opinion_n by_o the_o ancyran_n council_n hold_v anno_fw-la three_o hundred_o and_o fifteen_o 20._o it_o be_v decree_v that_o whoever_o be_v guilty_a of_o adultery_n shall_v be_v punish_v with_o a_o seven_o year_n penance_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n by_o the_o synod_n of_o illiberis_n 13_o if_o a_o man_n after_o have_v do_v his_o penance_n for_o the_o first_o fault_n fall_v afterward_o into_o the_o same_o sin_n again_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v into_o communion_n no_o not_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n 22._o the_o same_o punishment_n they_o inflict_v upon_o bawd_n and_o such_o person_n as_o for_o gain_v prostitute_v the_o body_n of_o their_o child_n by_o sell_v they_o or_o themselves_z rather_o of_o who_o their_o child_n be_v a_o part_n to_o lust_n and_o ruin_n 36._o s._n basil_n write_v to_o amphilochius_n rule_v for_o the_o conduct_n of_o discipline_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o repentance_n set_v adultery_n at_o fifteen_o year_n penance_n fornication_n at_o seven_o and_o then_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n his_o brother_n gregory_n bishop_n of_o nyssa_n treat_v about_o the_o same_o affair_n 951._o appoint_v fornication_n to_o be_v punish_v with_o no_o less_o than_o nine_o year_n penance_n and_o suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o adultery_n and_o all_o other_o species_n of_o uncleanness_n with_o double_a that_o time_n though_o allow_v a_o liberty_n to_o the_o spiritual_a guide_n to_o contract_v this_o time_n as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o case_n or_o person_n may_v require_v but_o both_o these_o last_o mention_v be_v but_o private_a bishop_n their_o canon_n can_v be_v no_o further_o obligatory_a than_o to_o those_o particular_a diocese_n that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n and_o indeed_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n do_v much_o vary_v according_a to_o time_n and_o place_n in_o some_o more_o rigid_a and_o severe_a in_o other_o more_o lax_n and_o favourable_a though_o in_o all_o such_o as_o do_v abundant_o show_v what_o hearty_a enemy_n they_o be_v to_o all_o filthiness_n and_o impurity_n whatsoever_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v of_o the_o modesty_n the_o chaste_a and_o sober_a carriage_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n will_v receive_v further_a light_n if_o we_o consider_v how_o clear_o they_o vindicate_v themselves_o from_o that_o malicious_a charge_n of_o incest_n and_o adultery_n which_o the_o heathen_n common_o charge_v upon_o they_o so_o common_o that_o we_o scarce_o find_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a apologist_n but_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o confute_v it_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o charge_n as_o it_o be_v more_a formal_o draw_v up_o by_o the_o heathen_a in_o m._n foelix_n 8._o take_v thus_o that_o the_o christian_n know_v one_o another_o by_o certain_a privy_a mark_n and_o sign_n and_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o almost_o before_o they_o know_v one_o another_o that_o they_o exercise_v lust_n and_o filthiness_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n promiscuous_o call_v themselves_o brother_n and_o sister_n that_o by_o the_o help_n of_o so_o sacred_a a_o name_n their_o common_a adultery_n may_v become_v incestuous_a that_o upon_o a_o solemn_a day_n they_o meet_v together_o at_o a_o feast_v he_o mean_v their_o love-feast_n with_o their_o wife_n child_n sister_n mother_n person_n of_o every_o age_n and_o sex_n where_o after_o they_o have_v well_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o begin_v to_o be_v warm_a and_o merry_a heat_v with_o the_o excess_n of_o wine_n a_o piece_n of_o meat_n be_v throw_v for_o the_o dog_n who_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o candlestick_n begin_v to_o leap_v and_o frisk_v about_o till_o they_o have_v run_v away_o with_o and_o put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o then_o nothing_o be_v leave_v but_o darkness_n the_o fit_a cover_n and_o shadow_n for_o impudence_n and_o villainy_n they_o promiscuous_o run_v among_o one_o another_o into_o filthy_a and_o incestuous_a embrace_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o all_o alike_o guilty_a of_o incest_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o their_o will_n but_o the_o good_a fortune_n of_o their_o chance_n see_v what_o actual_o happen_v to_o one_o be_v intentional_o the_o lot_n of_o all_o this_o be_v the_o tale_n which_o however_o absurd_a and_o incredible_a yet_o strange_o find_v belief_n or_o at_o least_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v believe_v among_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n now_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_o refute_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v yet_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n further_o plead_v these_o four_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o vindication_n first_o that_o if_o the_o charge_n have_v be_v true_a yet_o the_o heathen_n have_v little_a reason_n to_o object_v it_o to_o the_o christian_n 31._o be_v themselves_o so_o notorious_o guilty_a in_o this_o kind_n 26._o for_o adultery_n nothing_o more_o common_a among_o they_o and_o for_o incest_n it_o be_v a_o general_a indictment_n of_o whole_a nation_n the_o persian_n usual_o lie_v with_o their_o own_o mother_n the_o macedonian_n and_o egyptian_n marry_v with_o their_o own_o sister_n and_o this_o do_v even_o at_o athens_n itself_o their_o history_n full_a of_o they_o their_o play_n and_o tragedy_n which_o they_o
up_o the_o blood_n and_o ravenous_o tear_v off_o and_o snatch_v away_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o with_o this_o sacrifice_n their_o confederacy_n and_o combination_n be_v make_v and_o by_o the_o conscience_n of_o so_o great_a a_o villainy_n they_o be_v mutual_o oblige_v to_o silence_n such_o sacred_a rite_n as_o these_o being_n more_o horrid_a and_o barbarous_a than_o the_o high_a sacrilege_n in_o the_o world_n to_o this_o monstrous_a and_o horrid_a charge_n the_o christian_n return_v these_o answer_n that_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o mankind_n 8._o whether_o they_o can_v real_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o thing_n â—5_n so_o abhorrent_n to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o the_o christian_n know_v principle_n and_o practice_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v measure_v the_o christian_n by_o themselves_o and_o if_o they_o themselves_o can_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o thing_n they_o shall_v not_o suspect_v it_o by_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o humanity_n with_o other_o man_n that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v friend_n to_o murder_n or_o manslaughter_n ibid._n that_o they_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o gladiatory_a sport_n where_o man_n life_n be_v so_o want_v only_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o curiosity_n of_o the_o people_n 9_o that_o they_o account_v it_o murder_v for_o any_o woman_n by_o evil_a art_n to_o procure_v abortion_n to_o stifle_v the_o embryo_n to_o kill_v a_o child_n in_o a_o manner_n before_o it_o be_v alive_a it_o be_v much_o at_o one_o to_o hinder_v life_n as_o to_o take_v it_o away_o to_o kill_v a_o man_n or_o destroy_v what_o will_v be_v one_o see_v he_o true_o destroy_v the_o fruit_n that_o kill_v it_o in_o the_o seed_n 10._o that_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o shall_v delight_v in_o man_n blood_n who_o never_o taste_v any_o blood_n at_o all_o abstain_v from_o thing_n strangle_v and_o from_o blood_n and_o that_o the_o very_a heathen_n themselves_o confess_v this_o when_o among_o the_o several_a art_n they_o use_v to_o discover_v whether_o man_n be_v christian_n they_o use_v to_o offer_v they_o bladder_n full_a of_o blood_n know_v that_o they_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a to_o taste_v any_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v mighty_o improbable_a they_o shall_v thirst_v after_o humane_a blood_n who_o abhor_v even_o the_o blood_n of_o beast_n that_o they_o hearty_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a ibid._n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o make_v themselves_o the_o sepulcher_n of_o those_o body_n which_o be_v to_o rise_v again_o and_o feed_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o do_v upon_o other_o body_n which_o be_v to_o have_v no_o resurrection_n that_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o this_o charge_n be_v true_a of_o any_o it_o be_v true_a only_o of_o the_o gentile_n themselves_o among_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v daily_o allow_v and_o practise_v that_o saturn_n one_o of_o their_o chief_a deity_n do_v not_o only_o expose_v but_o eat_v his_o own_o child_n to_o he_o infant_n in_o africa_n be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n by_o their_o own_o parent_n a_o custom_n that_o open_o continue_v till_o the_o proconsul-ship_n of_o tiberius_n which_o though_o he_o abolish_v it_o yet_o it_o continue_v still_o in_o corner_n in_o tertullia_n day_n ibid._n to_o his_o son_n jupiter_n they_o offer_v humane_a sacrifice_n even_o in_o rome_n itself_o and_o that_o even_o to_o the_o time_n of_o m._n foelix_n as_o he_o himself_o testify_v ibid._n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o porphyry_n himself_o after_o he_o have_v reckon_v up_o in_o how_o many_o part_n of_o the_o world_n humane_a sacrifice_n be_v in_o use_n confess_v be_v do_v at_o rome_n in_o the_o feast_n of_o jupiter_n latialis_n even_o in_o his_o time_n 95._o many_o other_o instance_n of_o such_o barbarous_a practice_n be_v there_o produce_v by_o those_o two_o apologist_n which_o they_o urge_v with_o great_a advantage_n upon_o their_o adversary_n who_o they_o challenge_v to_o make_v any_o such_o thing_n good_a against_o they_o and_o no_o soon_o do_v discipline_n begin_v to_o be_v regular_o settle_v but_o their_o principle_n herein_o be_v every_o where_o confirm_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n 22._o either_o private_a or_o public_a the_o woman_n that_o industrious_o make_v herself_o miscarry_n be_v adjudge_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o murder_n 3â—_n and_o condemn_v to_o the_o same_o punishment_n 1._o a_o ten_o year_n penance_n which_o be_v adjudge_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o any_o that_o bring_v forth_o upon_o the_o way_n and_o expose_v her_o infant_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o state_n make_v by_o the_o emperor_n valentinian_n whosoever_o whether_o man_n or_o woman_n kill_v a_o infant_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o capital_a punishment_n as_o if_o he_o have_v kill_v a_o adult_n person_n which_o may_v very_o well_o be_v understand_v even_o of_o infant_n kill_v in_o the_o womb_n the_o punishment_n whereof_o be_v former_o for_o the_o most_o part_n no_o more_o than_o banishment_n he_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o wilful_a murder_n be_v by_o s._n basil_n rule_n to_o undergo_v a_o twenty_o year_n penance_n before_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n 36._o though_o by_o several_a passage_n in_o tertullian_n it_o appear_v that_o homicide_n in_o his_o time_n be_v more_o severe_o treat_v by_o the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v to_o a_o perpetual_a penance_n but_o be_v not_o absolve_v at_o death_n but_o this_o severity_n short_o after_o begin_v to_o relax_v and_o such_o person_n though_o oblige_v to_o act_n of_o repentance_n all_o their_o life_n yet_o at_o death_n be_v absolve_v and_o admit_v to_o communion_n as_o be_v express_o provide_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o ancyran_n council_n 22._o thus_o clear_a do_v the_o christian_n all_o along_o stand_v from_o any_o just_a suspicion_n of_o that_o gross_a piece_n of_o inhumanity_n which_o their_o enemy_n so_o confident_o charge_v upon_o they_o as_o for_o the_o rise_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o malicious_a charge_n it_o be_v doubtless_o of_o the_o same_o growth_n with_o that_o of_o their_o incestuous_a mixture_n speak_v of_o before_o both_o spring_a from_o the_o abominable_a practice_n of_o some_o filthy_a heretic_n who_o shelter_v themselves_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n epiphanius_n particular_o report_v of_o the_o gnostic_n what_o the_o heathen_n general_o charge_v upon_o the_o christian_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o they_o quintilian_n that_o at_o their_o meeting_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o take_v a_o infant_n beget_v in_o their_o promiscuous_a mixture_n and_o beat_v it_o in_o a_o mortar_n 7._o to_o season_v it_o with_o honey_n and_o pepper_n and_o some_o other_o spice_n and_o perfume_n to_o make_v it_o palatable_a and_o then_o like_a swine_n or_o dog_n to_o devour_v it_o and_o then_o to_o conclude_v all_o with_o prayer_n constant_a and_o this_o they_o account_v their_o perfect_a pass-ove_a 76._o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o a_o learned_a man_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n believe_v that_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n do_v ever_o arrive_v to_o so_o much_o barbarousness_n and_o immanity_n as_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o thing_n and_o conceive_v they_o to_o have_v be_v feign_v mere_o out_o of_o hatred_n to_o those_o pestilent_a heretic_n but_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o epiphanius_n assure_v we_o 48._o that_o he_o have_v the_o account_n that_o he_o give_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o gnostic_n themselves_o and_o that_o many_o of_o the_o woman_n who_o be_v deceive_v into_o those_o abominable_a error_n do_v not_o only_o discover_v these_o thing_n to_o he_o but_o that_o he_o himself_o in_o his_o young_a year_n while_o he_o be_v in_o egypt_n have_v be_v assault_v by_o they_o and_o by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o flattery_n and_o persuasion_n of_o wantonness_n and_o immdesty_n have_v be_v set_v upon_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o a_o person_n so_o venerable_a for_o learning_n and_o piety_n as_o epiphanius_n be_v shall_v impose_v upon_o we_o by_o feign_v so_o gross_a and_o notorious_a a_o falsehood_n beside_o whoever_o read_v irenaeus_n in_o who_o time_n these_o heresy_n be_v most_o riâ—e_a and_o predominant_a and_o consider_v the_o account_n that_o he_o give_v of_o they_o which_o he_o main_o receive_v from_o person_n of_o their_o own_o party_n after_o they_o be_v return_v back_o to_o the_o church_n will_v see_v little_a reason_n either_o to_o think_v any_o wickedness_n too_o great_a for_o they_o to_o boggle_v at_o or_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o report_v concern_v they_o chap._n ii_o of_o their_o admirable_a love_n and_o charity_n the_o excellent_a temper_n of_o the_o