the_o whole_a earth_n profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n than_o we_o may_v consider_v its_o unity_n in_o this_o sense_n either_o negative_o wherein_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v or_o positive_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v negative_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o rite_n and_o custom_n for_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o follow_v its_o own_o proper_a usage_n one_o church_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o rite_n of_o another_o but_o every_o one_o follow_v its_o own_o peculiar_a custom_n thus_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o fast_a before_o easter_n there_o be_v a_o great_a diversity_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o 193._o in_o some_o church_n they_o fast_v one_o day_n in_o other_o two_o in_o some_o more_o and_o in_o other_o forty_o hour_n but_o yet_o still_o they_o retain_v peace_n and_o concord_n the_o diversity_n of_o their_o custom_n commend_v the_o unity_n of_o their_o faith_n so_o also_o the_o feast_n of_o easter_n its_o self_n be_v various_o celebrate_v the_o asiatic_a church_n keep_v it_o on_o a_o distinct_a day_n from_o the_o european_n but_o yet_o still_o they_o retain_v ibidem_fw-la peace_n and_o love_n and_o for_o the_o diversity_n of_o such_o custom_n none_o be_v ever_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n so_o likewise_o write_v firmilian_a 237._o that_o in_o most_o province_n their_o rite_n be_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o name_n and_o place_n and_o that_o for_o this_o no_o one_o ever_o depart_v from_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a consist_v not_o in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o rite_n and_o usage_n neither_o in_o the_o next_o place_n do_v it_o consist_v in_o a_o unanimity_n of_o consent_n to_o the_o non-essential_a point_n of_o christianity_n but_o every_o one_o be_v lest_o to_o believe_v in_o those_o lesser_a matter_n as_o god_n shall_v inform_v he_o therefore_o justin_n martyr_n speak_v of_o those_o jewish_a convert_v who_o have_v adhere_v to_o the_o moysaicall_a rite_n say_v that_o if_o they_o do_v this_o only_a through_o their_o weakness_n and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o do_v not_o persuade_v other_o christian_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o judaical_a custom_n that_o 266._o he_o will_v receive_v they_o into_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n whosoever_o impose_v on_o particular_a church_n the_o observance_n of_o the_o former_a of_o these_o two_o thing_n or_o on_o particular_a person_n the_o belief_n of_o the_o latter_a they_o be_v esteem_v not_o as_o preserver_n and_o maintainer_n but_o as_o violator_n and_o breaker_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n and_o concord_n a_o instance_n of_o the_o former_a we_o have_v in_o that_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n and_o west_n touch_v the_o time_n when_o easter_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v for_o when_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v excommunicate_v the_o 〈◊〉_d church_n because_o they_o continue_v to_o observe_v that_o feast_n on_o a_o different_a time_n from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o west_n not_o only_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o adverse_a party_n but_o even_o those_o of_o his_o own_o side_n condemn_v he_o as_o rash_a heady_a and_o turbulent_a and_o write_v several_a letter_n about_o this_o affair_n wherein_o as_o the_o historian_n write_v 193._o they_o most_o sharp_o censure_v he_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a we_o have_v a_o instance_n thereof_o in_o the_o controversy_n that_o be_v between_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o cyprian_a bishop_n of_o carthage_n touch_v the_o validity_n of_o heretic_n baptism_n for_o when_o stephen_n anathematise_v cyprian_n because_o he_o hold_v the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n to_o be_v null_n and_o void_a other_z bishop_n condemn_v stephen_n as_o a_o breaker_n and_o disturber_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o among_o other_o firmilian_a a_o cappadocian_n bishop_n vehement_o accuse_v he_o as_o such_o because_o that_o he_o will_v impose_v upon_o other_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o disputable_a point_n which_o say_v he_o be_v never_o wont_v to_o be_v do_v but_o custodierunt_fw-la every_o church_n follow_v their_o own_o different_a way_n and_o never_o therefore_o break_v the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o now_o say_v he_o stephen_n dare_v to_o do_v and_o break_v that_o peace_n which_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n always_o preserve_v in_o mutual_a love_n and_o honour_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o the_o act_n of_o that_o great_a council_n of_o carthage_n convene_v to_o determine_v this_o matter_n that_o when_o cyprian_n sum_v up_o the_o debate_n thereof_o he_o dehort_v his_o fellow-bishop_n from_o the_o impose_v humour_n and_o temper_v of_o stephen_n 443._o it_o now_o remain_v say_v he_o that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o declare_v our_o judgement_n concern_v this_o matter_n judge_v no_o man_n or_o remove_v any_o one_o from_o our_o communion_n if_o he_o think_v otherwise_o than_o we_o do_v for_o let_v none_o of_o we_o make_v himself_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n or_o by_o a_o tyrannical_a terror_n compel_v his_o colleague_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o obey_v so_o that_o the_o force_v a_o belief_n in_o these_o lesser_a matter_n be_v cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n in_o the_o imposer_n thereof_o who_o for_o such_o unreasonable_a practice_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o enemy_n to_o and_o violator_n of_o the_o church_n concord_n be_v the_o true_a schismatic_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n unto_o who_o therefore_o may_v be_v apply_v that_o say_v of_o irenaeus_n 292._o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n christ_n shall_v judge_v those_o who_o cause_n schism_n who_o be_v inhuman_a not_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o prefer_v their_o own_o advantage_n before_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o trivial_a and_o slight_a cause_n rend_v and_o divide_v the_o great_a and_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v destroy_v it_o who_o speak_v peace_n but_o wage_v war_n true_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n §_o 3._o but_o positive_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a consist_v in_o a_o harmonious_a assent_n to_o the_o essential_a article_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o a_o unanimous_a agreement_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n thus_o 〈◊〉_d have_v recite_v a_o creed_n or_o a_o short_a summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n not_o much_o unlike_a to_o the_o aposile_n creed_n immediate_o add_v 36._o the_o church_n have_v receive_v this_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n although_o disperse_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n diligent_o preserve_v it_o as_o though_o she_o inhabit_v but_o one_o house_n and_o according_o she_o believe_v these_o thing_n as_o 〈◊〉_d she_o have_v but_o one_o soul_n and_o one_o heart_n and_o consonant_o preach_v and_o teach_v these_o thing_n as_o though_o she_o have_v but_o one_o mouth_n for_o although_o there_o be_v various_a language_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o doctrine_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o so_o that_o the_o church_n in_o germany_n france_n asia_n egypt_n or_o lybia_n have_v not_o a_o different_a faith_n but_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o to_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o light_n that_o enlighten_v every_o where_o and_o illuminate_v all_o man_n that_o will_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n now_o this_o bond_n of_o unity_n be_v break_v when_o there_o be_v a_o recession_n from_o or_o a_o corruption_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n as_o irenaeus_n speak_v concern_v tatian_n the_o father_n of_o the_o encratites_n that_o as_o long_o as_o his_o master_n justin_n martyr_n live_v he_o hold_v the_o find_v faith_n but_o after_o his_o death_n 〈◊〉_d fall_v off_o from_o the_o church_n he_o shape_v that_o new_a form_n of_o doctrine_n this_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o doctrine_n according_a to_o hegesippus_n continue_v till_o the_o day_n of_o simeon_n cleopas_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v martyr_a under_o trajan_n but_o after_o that_o false_a teacher_n prevail_v such_o as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d marcionist_n 〈◊〉_d and_o other_o 143._o from_o who_o spring_v false_a christ_n false_a apostle_n and_o false_a prophet_n who_o by_o their_o corrupt_a doctrine_n against_o god_n and_o his_o christ_n divide_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a consist_v in_o a_o agreement_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o doctrine_n be_v a_o breach_n of_o that_o unity_n and_o whoever_o so_o break_v it_o be_v say_v to_o divide_v and_o separate_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o be_v schismatic_n so_o irenaeus_n write_v that_o those_o that_o introduce_v new_a doctrine_n 278._o do_v divide_v and_o separate_v the_o unity_n
many_o rite_n be_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o name_n and_o place_n but_o yet_o say_v he_o never_o any_o one_o for_o this_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n one_o church_n or_o bishop_n do_v not_o in_o those_o day_n anathematise_v another_o for_o a_o disagreement_n in_o rite_n and_o custom_n except_o when_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n through_o his_o pride_n and_o turbulence_n excommunicate_v the_o asiatic_a bishop_n for_o their_o different_a observation_n of_o easter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o action_n of_o his_o be_v very_o ill_o resent_v by_o the_o other_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o condemn_v by_o they_o as_o alien_n from_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o contrary_a to_o that_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a soul_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o own_o party_n that_o celebrate_a easter_n on_o the_o same_o day_n that_o he_o do_v censure_v his_o 〈◊〉_d and_o violence_n as_o unchristian_a and_o uncharitable_a and_o write_v several_a letter_n wherein_o 192._o they_o severe_o check_v he_o as_o eusebius_n report_v in_o who_o time_n they_o be_v extant_a all_o which_o be_v now_o lose_v except_o the_o fragment_n of_o a_o epistle_n write_v by_o irenaeus_n and_o other_o bishop_n of_o france_n wherein_o 193._o they_o affirm_v that_o victor_n be_v in_o the_o right_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o time_n of_o easter_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v celebrate_v as_o he_o say_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n but_o that_o yet_o he_o have_v do_v very_a 〈◊〉_d to_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n those_o that_o observe_v it_o otherwise_o that_o it_o have_v never_o be_v know_v that_o any_o church_n be_v excommunicate_v for_o a_o disagreement_n in_o rite_n 〈◊〉_d of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o time_n of_o easter_n 〈◊〉_d self_n but_o in_o the_o fast_a that_o precede_v it_o some_o fast_v one_o day_n other_o more_z some_o forty_o hour_n which_o variety_n of_o observation_n begin_v not_o first_o in_o our_o age_n but_o long_o before_o we_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o ancestor_n who_o yet_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o as_o we_o now_o do_v for_o the_o diversity_n of_o 〈◊〉_d commend_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o for_o this_o 〈◊〉_d concern_v the_o time_n of_o easter_n the_o bishop_n which_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o soter_n viz._n anicetus_n pius_n higynus_n telesphorus_n and_o xystus_n they_o never_o celebrate_v it_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d neither_o will_v they_o permit_v any_o of_o their_o people_n so_o to_o do_v but_o yet_o they_o 〈◊〉_d kind_a and_o 〈◊〉_d to_o those_o who_o come_v to_o they_o from_o those_o 〈◊〉_d where_o they_o do_v otherwise_o observe_v it_o and_o never_o any_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v throw_v out_o of_o the_o church_n even_o your_o predecessor_n though_o they_o do_v not_o keep_v it_o yet_o they_o send_v the_o eucharist_n to_o those_o that_o do_v keep_v it_o and_o when_o in_o the_o time_n of_o anicetus_n bless_a polycarp_n come_v to_o rome_n and_o there_o be_v some_o controversy_n between_o they_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o but_o still_o maintain_v peace_n and_o love_n and_o though_o anicetus_n can_v never_o persuade_v polycarp_n nor_o polycarp_n anicetus_n to_o be_v of_o each_o other_o mind_n yet_o they_o communicate_v one_o with_o another_o and_o anicetus_n in_o honour_n to_o polycarpus_n permit_v he_o to_o consecrate_v the_o sacrament_n in_o his_o church_n and_o so_o they_o depart_v in_o mutual_a love_n and_o kindness_n and_o all_o the_o church_n whether_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v the_o same_o day_n retain_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o §_o 4._o but_o though_o one_o church_n can_v not_o oblige_v another_o to_o a_o conformity_n in_o rite_n and_o custom_n yet_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o parish_n can_v enforce_v its_o own_o member_n to_o such_o a_o conformity_n a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o that_o famous_a controversy_n about_o the_o time_n of_o easter_n it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o asiatic_n to_o celebrate_v that_o feast_n at_o the_o full_a moon_n or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o jewish_a passover_n on_o whatsoever_o day_n of_o the_o week_n it_o happen_v it_o be_v the_o manner_n at_o rome_n to_o observe_v it_o the_o lord_n day_n after_o and_o both_o these_o church_n quiet_o follow_v their_o several_a usage_n without_o impose_v they_o on_o each_o other_o but_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n permit_v none_o of_o their_o member_n to_o solemnize_v it_o after_o the_o roman_a manner_n neither_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o of_o the_o west_n license_v any_o of_o their_o inhabitant_n to_o celebrate_v it_o after_o the_o asiatic_a manner_n for_o if_o either_o of_o they_o have_v grant_v any_o such_o thing_n there_o must_v have_v ensue_v confusion_n and_o disorder_n to_o have_v see_v easter_n different_o observe_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n whilst_o some_o member_n of_o a_o parish_n where_o fast_v to_o behold_v other_o feast_v will_v have_v be_v a_o perfect_a ataxy_n and_o irregularity_n therefore_o though_o anioetus_fw-la bishop_n of_o rome_n retain_v peace_n and_o unity_n with_o foreign_a church_n that_o differ_v from_o he_o as_o to_o the_o time_n of_o easter_n without_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o roman_a custom_n yet_o he_o peremptory_o require_v it_o of_o the_o member_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o 193._o will_v never_o permit_v they_o to_o solemnize_v that_o feast_n on_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o asiatic_n so_o that_o though_o every_o church_n have_v the_o liberty_n to_o use_v what_o rite_n she_o please_v yet_o every_o particular_a member_n have_v not_o but_o be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o church_n where_o he_o live_v or_o where_o he_o occasional_o communicate_v a_o church_n collective_o or_o the_o majority_n 〈◊〉_d a_o church_n with_o their_o bishop_n can_v change_v their_o old_a custom_n and_o introduce_v new_a one_o as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o easter_n the_o asiatic_n at_o length_n submit_v to_o the_o roman_a usage_n but_o till_o that_o be_v do_v every_o particular_a member_n be_v require_v to_o follow_v the_o old_a custom_n of_o that_o church_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v and_o not_o to_o bring_v in_o any_o innovation_n or_o new_a rite_n because_o as_o be_v say_v before_o that_o will_v beget_v tumult_n and_o disorder_n and_o the_o person_n so_o act_v will_v be_v guilty_a of_o that_o strife_n and_o contention_n which_o be_v condemn_v by_o those_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 16._o but_o if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v if_o any_o man_n either_o to_o show_v their_o wit_n or_o to_o head_n and_o strengthen_v a_o party_n will_v contradict_v what_o we_o have_v say_v and_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v decent_a and_o comely_a either_o for_o man_n to_o pray_v cover_v or_o woman_n uncover_v this_o shall_v silence_v such_o contentious_a opposer_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o rite_n or_o custom_n in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o their_o practice_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o what_o we_o have_v direct_v unto_o and_o therefore_o to_o that_o they_o ought_v peaceable_o and_o quiet_o to_o submit_v and_o yield_v thus_o now_o i_o have_v finish_v this_o enquiry_n and_o have_v as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v search_v into_o what_o be_v first_o propose_v if_o i_o have_v not_o illustrate_v any_o point_n as_o clear_o as_o may_v be_v expect_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o i_o find_v nothing_o far_o pertinent_a thereunto_o in_o those_o write_n to_o which_o i_o be_o confine_v if_o i_o have_v i_o shall_v free_o have_v mention_v it_o whether_o i_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o any_o passage_n i_o must_v leave_v unto_o my_o reader_n to_o judge_v all_o that_o i_o can_v say_v be_v that_o i_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o any_o wilful_a and_o design_v mistake_v have_v throughout_o this_o whole_a discourse_n endeavour_v deavour_v to_o find_v out_o the_o plain_a and_o naked_a truth_n without_o be_v bias_v to_o any_o party_n or_o faction_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v so_o kind_a and_o favourable_a as_o to_o convince_v i_o of_o any_o slip_v or_o error_n which_o i_o may_v have_v commit_v through_o inconsideration_n or_o want_v of_o a_o due_a understanding_n i_o shall_v thankful_o acknowledge_v they_o and_o willing_o renounce_v and_o leave_v they_o §_o 5._o what_o have_v be_v relate_v concern_v the_o constitution_n discipline_n unity_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o primitive_a
this_o enquiry_n with_o a_o earnest_a persuasion_n to_o peace_n unity_n and_o moderation_n §_o 1._o have_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n inquire_v into_o the_o several_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o i_o now_o come_v to_o close_v up_o all_o with_o a_o brief_a appendix_n concern_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v two_o different_a thing_n by_o rite_n i_o understand_v such_o action_n as_o have_v a_o 〈◊〉_d relation_n to_o the_o circumstance_n or_o manner_n of_o worship_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o sacrament_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v in_o one_o manner_n or_o other_o but_o whether_o from_o the_o bishop_n or_o deacon_n that_o be_v the_o rite_n lent_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v a_o certain_a space_n of_o time_n but_o whether_o one_o day_n or_o two_o day_n or_o three_o day_n that_o be_v the_o rite_n thereof_o so_o that_o rite_n 〈◊〉_d necessary_a concomitant_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n appendage_n to_o they_o or_o if_o you_o rather_o please_v you_o may_v call_v they_o circumstance_n themselves_o by_o ceremony_n i_o mean_v such_o action_n as_o have_v no_o regard_n either_o to_o the_o manner_n or_o circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o the_o act_n thereof_o may_v be_v perform_v without_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o some_o church_n they_o give_v to_o person_n 337._o when_o they_o be_v baptize_v milk_n and_o hony_n and_o 659._o before_o they_o pray_v they_o wash_v their_o hand_n now_o both_o these_o action_n i_o call_v ceremony_n because_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_v of_o those_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v affix_v but_o those_o act_n may_v be_v perform_v without_o they_o as_o baptism_n may_v be_v entire_o administer_v without_o the_o ceremony_n of_o give_v milk_n and_o honey_n and_o prayer_n may_v be_v present_v without_o wash_v of_o hand_n now_o have_v explain_v what_o i_o intend_v by_o those_o two_o term_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n with_o reference_n thereunto_o and_o first_o for_o ceremony_n §_o 2._o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v many_o of_o that_o kind_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n of_o who_o we_o may_v say_v that_o from_o the_o beginning_n they_o be_v not_o so_o for_o when_o 〈◊〉_d the_o choir_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a till_o which_o time_n as_o hegesippus_n write_v the_o church_n remain_v a_o pure_a and_o unspotted_a virgin_n then_o the_o church_n be_v gradual_o 〈◊〉_d and_o corrupt_a as_o in_o her_o doctrine_n so_o also_o in_o her_o worship_n a_o infinity_o of_o ceremony_n by_o degree_n insensible_o slide_v in_o very_o many_o of_o which_o be_v introduce_v within_o my_o limit_a time_n as_o 337._o the_o eat_n of_o milk_n &_o honey_n after_o baptism_n the_o abstain_v from_o bath_n the_o week_n after_o 660._o the_o wash_n of_o their_o hand_n before_o prayer_n their_o sit_v after_o prayer_n and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a which_o through_o various_a way_n and_o mean_v wind_v themselves_o into_o the_o church_n as_o some_o come_v in_o through_o custom_n and_o tradition_n one_o eminent_a man_n perhaps_o invent_v and_o practise_v a_o certain_a action_n which_o he_o use_v himself_o as_o judge_v it_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o stir_v up_o his_o devotion_n and_o affection_n other_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o example_n perform_v the_o same_o and_o other_o again_o imitate_v they_o and_o so_o one_o followed_z another_o till_o at_o length_n the_o action_n become_v a_o tradition_n and_o custom_n after_o which_o manner_n those_o ceremony_n be_v introduce_v 341._o of_o taste_v milk_n and_o honey_n after_o baptism_n of_o abstain_v from_o the_o bath_n the_o whole_a ensue_a week_n of_o not_o kneel_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o the_o space_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsuntide_n of_o the_o sign_v of_o themselves_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o conversation_n concern_v which_o and_o the_o like_a tertullian_n write_v that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n in_o scripture_n for_o they_o but_o that_o tradition_n be_v their_o author_n and_o custom_n their_o confirmer_n of_o which_o custom_n we_o may_v say_v what_o tertullian_n say_v of_o custom_n in_o general_n that_o 385._o common_o custom_n take_v its_o rise_n from_o ignorance_n and_o simplicity_n which_o by_o succession_n be_v corroborate_v into_o use_n and_o so_o vindicate_v against_o the_o truth_n but_o our_o lord_n christ_n have_v call_v himself_o truth_n and_o not_o custom_n wherefore_o if_o christ_n be_v always_o and_o before_o all_o than_o truth_n be_v first_o and_o ancient_a it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o novelty_n as_o verity_n that_o confute_v heretic_n whatsoever_o be_v against_o the_o truth_n be_v heresy_n although_o it_o be_v a_o old_a custom_n other_o again_o be_v introduce_v through_o a_o wrong_a exposition_n or_o misunderstand_a of_o the_o scripture_n so_o be_v their_o exorcism_n before_o baptism_n and_o their_o unction_n after_o baptism_n as_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n have_v be_v already_o show_v final_o other_o creep_v in_o through_o their_o dwelling_n among_o the_o pagan_n who_o in_o their_o ordinary_a conversation_n use_v a_o infinity_o of_o superstition_n and_o many_o of_o those_o pagan_n when_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o save_v faith_n christianize_v some_o of_o their_o innocent_a former_a ceremony_n as_o they_o esteem_v they_o to_o be_v either_o 〈◊〉_d they_o deceut_n and_o proper_a to_o stir_v up_o their_o devotion_n or_o likely_a to_o gain_v over_o more_o heathen_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o plainness_n and_o nakedness_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v 660._o their_o wash_n of_o honds_z before_o prayer_n their_o sit_v after_o prayer_n and_o such_o like_a concern_v which_o tertullian_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o heathen_n so_o that_o by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a method_n it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o ceremony_n imperceptible_o slide_v into_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o some_o of_o which_o tertullian_n give_v this_o severe_a censure_n 659._o that_o they_o be_v deserve_o to_o be_v condemn_v as_o vain_a because_o they_o be_v do_v without_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o precept_n either_o of_o our_o lord_n or_o of_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v not_o religious_a but_o superstitius_n affect_v and_o constrain_v curious_a rather_o than_o reasonable_a and_o to_o be_v abstain_v from_o because_o heathenish_a §_o 3._o as_o for_o the_o rite_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n these_o be_v indifferent_a and_o arbitrary_a all_o church_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n to_o follow_v their_o peculiar_a custom_n and_o usage_n or_o to_o embrace_v those_o of_o other_o if_o they_o please_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v such_o a_o variety_n of_o method_n in_o their_o divine_a service_n many_o of_o which_o 〈◊〉_d be_v observe_v in_o the_o precedent_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n as_o some_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n at_o one_o time_n other_o at_o another_o some_o church_n receive_v the_o element_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n other_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o deacon_n some_o make_v a_o collection_n before_o the_o sacrament_n other_o after_o some_o keep_v lend_v one_o day_n some_o two_o day_n and_o other_o exact_o forty_o hour_n some_o celebrate_a easter_n on_o the_o same_o day_n with_o the_o jewish_a passover_n other_o the_o lord_n day_n after_o and_o so_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n one_o church_n differ_v from_o another_o as_o firmilian_a write_v that_o 237._o at_o rome_n they_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o same_o day_n of_o easter_n nor_o many_o other_o custom_n which_o be_v practise_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o so_o in_o most_o province_n many_o rite_n be_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o name_n and_o place_n so_o that_o every_o church_n follow_v its_o own_o particular_a custom_n although_o different_a from_o those_o of_o its_o neighbour_n it_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v a_o uniformity_n of_o rite_n for_o according_a to_o firmilian_a the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v 236._o in_o a_o unanimity_n of_o faith_n and_o truth_n not_o in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o modes_n and_o custom_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o diversity_n of_o they_o as_o irenaeus_n speak_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o fast_a of_o lent_n 193._o do_v commend_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n hence_o every_o church_n peaceable_o follow_v she_o own_o custom_n without_o oblige_v any_o other_o church_n to_o observe_v the_o same_o or_o be_v oblige_v by_o they_o to_o observe_v the_o rite_n that_o they_o use_v yet_o still_o maintain_v a_o love_a correspondence_n and_o mutual_a concord_n each_o with_o other_o as_o firmilian_a write_v that_o 237._o in_o most_o province_n
of_o that_o which_o we_o now_o distinguish_v by_o the_o name_n of_o confirmation_n and_o absolution_n it_o necessary_o result_v that_o confirmation_n be_v not_o like_a baptism_n only_o once_o perform_v but_o on_o many_o person_n frequent_o reiterated_a all_o person_n after_o baptism_n be_v confirm_v that_o be_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o prayer_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v beseech_v to_o descend_v upon_o they_o and_o so_o to_o fortify_v they_o by_o his_o heavenly_a grace_n as_o that_o they_o may_v courageous_o persevere_v in_o their_o christian_a warfare_n to_o their_o life_n end_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o happen_v as_o oftentimes_o it_o do_v that_o any_o so_o confirm_v shall_v fall_v from_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v for_o a_o time_n exclude_v the_o church_n peace_n when_o they_o be_v again_o admit_v hand_n be_v again_o impose_v on_o they_o and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n again_o invocate_v to_o strengthen_v they_o with_o his_o almighty_a grace_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v uphold_v to_o the_o day_n of_o salvation_n and_o so_o as_o often_o as_o any_o man_n fall_v and_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o church_n communion_n so_o often_o be_v he_o confirm_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n entreat_v more_o firm_o to_o establish_v and_o settle_v he_o chap._n vi_o §_o 1._o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o time_n when_o administer_v §_o 2._o person_n that_o receive_v it_o none_o present_a at_o the_o celebration_n thereof_o beside_o the_o communicant_n §_o 3._o the_o manner_n of_o its_o celebration_n in_o some_o place_n the_o communicant_o first_o make_v their_o offering_n §_o 4._o the_o minister_n begin_v with_o a_o sacramental_a discourse_n or_o exhortation_n then_o follow_v a_o prayer_n consist_v of_o petition_n and_o praise_n which_o consecrate_v both_o the_o element_n at_o once_o §_o 5._o after_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o institution_n be_v read_v §_o 6._o then_o the_o bread_n be_v break_v and_o the_o wine_n pour_v out_o and_o both_o distribute_v diversity_n of_o custom_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o distribution_n §_o 7._o the_o posture_n of_o receive_v §_o 8._o after_o they_o have_v communicate_v they_o sing_v a_o psalm_n and_o then_o conclude_v with_o prayer_n and_o a_o collection_n for_o the_o poor_a §_o 1_o the_o first_o of_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n have_v be_v so_o large_o discuss_v i_o now_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o other_o viz._n the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o time_n 2._o the_o person_n and_o 3._o the_o manner_n thereof_o first_o as_o for_o the_o time_n of_o its_o celebration_n in_o general_n it_o be_v at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o solemn_a service_n as_o justin_n martyr_n write_v 97._o that_o after_o they_o have_v read_v sing_v preach_v and_o pray_v than_o they_o proceed_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n but_o as_o for_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o day_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n and_o custom_n of_o every_o church_n in_o tertullian_n age_n and_o country_n they_o receive_v it_o 337._o at_o suppertime_n from_o which_o late_o assemble_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o heathen_n take_v occasion_n to_o accuse_v they_o of_o put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o promiscuous_o mingle_v one_o with_o another_o which_o accusation_n may_v be_v read_v at_o large_a in_o justin_n martyr_n dialogue_n with_o tryphon_n in_o minutius_n fellix_fw-la and_o the_o apology_n of_o tertullian_n and_o athenagoras_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v then_o their_o constant_a season_n in_o time_n of_o peace_n i_o know_v not_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n they_o lay_v hold_v on_o any_o season_n or_o opportunity_n for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o this_o sacred_a ordinance_n whence_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o of_o their_o 338._o receive_v the_o eucharist_n in_o their_o antelucan_n assembly_n or_o in_o their_o assembly_n before_o day_n and_o pliny_n report_v that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o christian_n trajan_n be_v wont_a to_o meet_v together_o before_o it_o be_v light_a and_o to_o bind_v themselves_o by_o a_o sacrament_n cyprian_n write_v that_o in_o his_o day_n 177._o they_o administer_v this_o sacrament_n both_o morning_n and_o evening_n and_o ibidem_fw-la that_o as_o christ_n administer_v the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o evening_n to_o signify_v the_o evening_n and_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o they_o celebrate_v it_o in_o the_o morning_n to_o denote_v the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n all_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o deem_v any_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o day_n necessary_a to_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o every_o church_n regulate_v its_o self_n herein_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o its_o custom_n and_o circumstance_n §_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d communicate_v they_o be_v not_o indifferent_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n as_o origen_n write_v 345._o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o every_o one_o to_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o to_o drink_v of_o this_o cup._n but_o they_o be_v only_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a 97._o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v both_o the_o credential_n and_o practical_o of_o christianity_n that_o be_v who_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o pious_a life_n such_o as_o these_o and_o none_o else_o be_v permit_v to_o communicate_v now_o since_o none_o but_o the_o faithful_a be_v admit_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o catechuman_n and_o the_o penitent_n be_v exclude_v the_o catechuman_n because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o baptize_v for_o baptism_n always_o precede_v the_o lord_n supper_n as_o justin_n martyr_n say_v 98._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o one_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o sacramental_a food_n except_o he_o be_v baptize_v the_o penitent_n because_o for_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o whilst_o exclude_v from_o the_o peace_n thereof_o they_o can_v not_o participate_v of_o the_o mark_n and_o token_n of_o that_o peace_n but_o be_v to_o be_v drive_v therefrom_o and_o not_o admit_v thereto_o 32._o till_o they_o have_v full_o satisfy_v for_o their_o fault_n lest_o otherwise_o they_o shall_v profane_v the_o body_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o drink_v his_o cup_n unworthy_o and_o so_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n hence_o when_o the_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v end_v and_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n be_v to_o begin_v the_o catechuman_n penitent_n and_o all_o except_o the_o communicant_n be_v to_o depart_v as_o tertullian_n say_v hereof_o 674._o pious_a initiation_n drive_v away_o the_o profane_a these_o be_v mystery_n which_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v secret_a and_o conceal_v from_o all_o except_o the_o faithful_a inasmuch_o as_o to_o other_o the_o very_a method_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o action_n herein_o be_v unknown_a which_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o pagan_n who_o object_v to_o the_o christian_n the_o secrecy_n of_o their_o mystery_n which_o charge_n tertullian_n do_v not_o deny_v but_o confess_v it_o answer_n 674._o that_o that_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o mystery_n to_o be_v conceal_v as_o ceres_n be_v in_o samothracia_n §_o 3._o the_o catechuman_n with_o other_o be_v go_v out_o and_o none_o remain_v but_o the_o faithful_a the_o celebration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n next_o follow_v which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o inquiry_n of_o the_o three_o thing_n viz._n the_o manner_n of_o the_o celebration_n thereof_o but_o before_o i_o meddle_v therewith_o i_o shall_v brief_o premise_v this_o observation_n viz._n that_o in_o some_o place_n as_o in_o france_n and_o africa_n the_o communicant_n first_o make_v their_o offering_n present_v according_a to_o their_o ability_n bread_n or_o wine_n or_o the_o like_a as_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o increase_n 262._o it_o be_v our_o duty_n as_o irenaeus_n write_v to_o offer_v unto_o god_n the_o first_o fruit_n of_o his_o creature_n as_o moses_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o appear_v empty_a before_o the_o lord_n 261._o not_o as_o if_o god_n want_v these_o thing_n but_o to_o show_v our_o fruitfulness_n and_o gratitude_n unto_o he_o wherefore_o cyprian_a thus_o severe_o blame_v the_o rich_a matron_n for_o their_o scanty_a oblation_n 354._o thou_o be_v rich_a and_o wealthy_a say_v he_o and_o do_v thou_o think_v due_o to_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n when_o thou_o refuse_v to_o give_v thou_o who_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n without_o a_o sacrifice_n what_o part_n can_v thou_o have_v from_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o the_o poor_a offer_n up_o these_o offering_n be_v employ_v to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o other_o use_v of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o a_o
other_o church_n keep_v it_o the_o lord_n day_n after_o this_o diversity_n of_o custom_n create_v a_o violent_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n among_o the_o christian_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v impose_v their_o usage_n on_o the_o church_n of_o the_o lesser_a asia_n unto_o which_o the_o latter_a peremptory_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o appease_v these_o heat_n and_o storm_n polycarp_n bishop_n of_o smirna_n come_v to_o rome_n to_o confer_v with_o anicetus_n bishop_n of_o that_o church_n about_o it_o who_o 〈◊〉_d that_o every_o church_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o follow_v its_o own_o custom_n as_o according_o they_o be_v to_o the_o time_n of_o pope_n victor_n who_o revive_v this_o controversy_n and_o be_v so_o turbulent_a and_o imperious_a as_o that_o he_o excommunicate_v the_o asiatic_n for_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n condemn_v they_o as_o heretic_n load_v they_o with_o the_o long_a and_o frightful_a name_n of_o tessareskaidekatitae_fw-la or_o quartodecimani_n so_o call_v because_o they_o keep_v their_o easter_n quarta_fw-la decima_fw-la luna_fw-la upon_o the_o fourteen_o day_n after_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o moon_n or_o at_o the_o full_a moon_n on_o what_o day_n soever_o it_o happen_v but_o however_o the_o asiatic_n stand_v their_o ground_n and_o still_o maintain_v their_o old_a custom_n till_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a anno_fw-la 325._o by_o their_o authority_n decide_v this_o controversy_n decree_a that_o throughout_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n easter_n shall_v be_v observe_v not_o on_o the_o day_n on_o which_o the_o jewish_a passover_n fall_v but_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n ensue_v as_o it_o be_v ever_o after_o observe_v and_o follow_v §_o 3._o the_o next_o feast_n that_o be_v observe_v be_v whitsunday_n or_o pentecost_n in_o commemoration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descent_n on_o the_o apostle_n which_o also_o be_v very_o ancient_a be_v mention_v several_a time_n by_o 623._o tertullian_n and_o reckon_v by_o origen_n for_o one_o of_o the_o 392._o four_o festival_n observe_v in_o his_o time_n the_o other_o three_o be_v sunday_n saturday_n and_o easter_n §_n 4._o as_o for_o christmas_n or_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n nativity_n there_o be_v a_o passage_n in_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n which_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v then_o observe_v as_o a_o festival_n for_o speak_v of_o the_o time_n when_o christ_n be_v bear_v he_o say_v that_o those_o who_o have_v curious_o search_v into_o it_o affix_v it_o to_o the_o 25_o day_n of_o the_o month_n pachon_n but_o the_o basilidian_a heretic_n hold_v otherwise_o 249._o who_o also_o observe_v as_o a_o feast_n the_o day_n of_o christ_n baptism_n from_o which_o word_n who_o also_o if_o that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o infer_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n be_v that_o the_o basilidian_o not_o only_a feast_v at_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n nativity_n but_o also_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o baptism_n but_o whether_o this_o interpretation_n will_v hold_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o learned_a reader_n to_o determine_v on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v other_o consideration_n which_o more_o strong_o insinuate_v that_o this_o festival_n be_v not_o so_o early_o solemnize_v as_o that_o when_o origen_n reckon_v up_o the_o feast_n observe_v in_o his_o age_n 392._o he_o mention_n not_o one_o syllable_n of_o christmas_n and_o it_o seem_v improbable_a that_o they_o shall_v celebrate_v christ_n nativity_n when_o they_o disagree_v about_o the_o month_n and_o day_n when_o christ_n be_v bear_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n reckon_v 249._o from_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o death_n of_o commodus_n exact_o one_o hundred_o ninety_o four_o year_n one_o month_n and_o thirteen_o day_n which_o year_n must_v be_v compute_v according_a to_o the_o nabonassar_n or_o egyptian_a account_n who_o vary_v from_o this_o in_o our_o year_n in_o that_o they_o have_v only_o 365_o day_n in_o a_o year_n never_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o odd_a hour_n or_o quadrant_n of_o a_o day_n that_o every_o four_o year_n make_v a_o whole_a day_n and_o be_v according_o by_o we_o then_o add_v to_o the_o month_n of_o february_n which_o make_v the_o bissextile_a or_o leapyear_n so_o that_o though_o the_o egyptian_n always_o begin_v their_o year_n with_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o month_n thoth_v yet_o make_v no_o account_n of_o the_o annual_a odd_a hour_n that_o month_n wander_v throughout_o the_o whole_a year_n and_o whereas_o now_o the_o first_o day_n of_o that_o month_n be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o our_o march_n about_o seven_o hundred_o year_n hence_o it_o will_v be_v the_o first_o of_o september_n and_o after_o seven_o hundred_o year_n more_o or_o near_o thereabouts_o it_o will_v come_v to_o the_o first_o of_o march_n again_o wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v reduce_v unto_o our_o style_n this_o calculation_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n we_o must_v deduce_v for_o those_o odd_a hour_n which_o be_v not_o account_v one_o month_n and_o eighteen_o day_n and_o so_o reckon_v the_o birth_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o death_n of_o commodus_n which_o happen_v on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o january_n to_o be_v one_o hundred_o ninety_o four_o year_n want_v five_o or_o six_o day_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o christ_n be_v bear_v on_o the_o 25_o or_o 26_o of_o the_o month_n of_o december_n according_a to_o the_o julian_n account_v which_o be_v the_o epoch_n we_o follow_v but_o as_o the_o same_o father_n far_o write_v in_o the_o same_o place_n 249._o there_o be_v some_o who_o more_o curious_o search_v after_o the_o year_n and_o day_n of_o christ_n nativity_n affix_v the_o latter_a to_o the_o 25_o of_o the_o month_n pachon_n now_o in_o that_o year_n in_o which_o christ_n be_v bear_v the_o month_n pachon_n commence_v the_o twenty_o day_n of_o april_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o computation_n christ_n be_v bear_v the_o 16_o day_n of_o may._n nay_o there_o be_v yet_o some_o other_o ingenious_a man_n as_o the_o same_o father_n continue_v to_o write_v 249._o that_o assign_v christ_n nativity_n to_o the_o 24_o or_o 25_o of_o the_o month_n pharmuthi_n which_o answer_v to_o our_o 16_o or_o 17_o of_o april_n so_o that_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o opinion_n concern_v the_o time_n of_o christ_n birth_n which_o make_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o there_o be_v then_o no_o particular_a feast_n observe_v in_o commemoration_n of_o that_o glorious_a and_o transcendent_a mercy_n §_o 5._o there_o be_v yet_o another_o feast_n call_v by_o we_o epiphany_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n baptism_n which_o i_o find_v to_o have_v be_v peculiar_o solemnize_v by_o the_o basilidian_a heretic_n for_o thus_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n report_v it_o to_o be_v a_o particular_a custom_n of_o they_o 249._o to_o keep_v as_o a_o festival_n the_o day_n of_o christ_n baptism_n the_o day_n on_o which_o christ_n be_v baptize_v 249._o they_o say_v to_o be_v the_o fifteen_o of_o the_o month_n tyby_n in_o the_o fifteen_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n tiberius_n which_o answer_v to_o our_o one_o and_o thirty_o of_o december_n or_o as_o other_o imagine_v it_o ibid._n on_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o month_n tyby_n which_o be_v the_o seven_o and_o twenty_o of_o our_o december_n §_o 6._o beside_o these_o forementioned_a festival_n there_o be_v none_o other_o observe_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n nor_o of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n nor_o of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o which_o may_v be_v a_o little_a observable_a it_o be_v very_o seldom_o if_o ever_o that_o the_o ancient_n give_v the_o title_n of_o saint_n to_o those_o holy_a person_n but_o single_o style_v they_o 78._o peter_z 615._o paul_n 78_o john_n etc._n etc._n not_o st._n peter_n st._n paul_n or_o st._n john_n §_o 7._o but_o now_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o festival_n which_o every_o church_n celebrate_v in_o the_o commemoration_n of_o its_o own_o martyr_n which_o be_v on_o the_o anniversary_n day_n of_o their_o martyrdom_n they_o assemble_v together_o where_o they_o recite_v the_o martyr_n glorious_a action_n exhort_v to_o a_o imitation_n of_o they_o and_o bless_a god_n for_o they_o so_o say_v cyprian_n 80._o the_o passion_n of_o the_o martyr_n we_o celebrate_v with_o a_o anniversary_n commemoration_n and_o so_o write_v tertullian_n 339._o upon_o the_o annual_a day_n of_o the_o martyr_n suffering_n we_o offer_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o they_o when_o this_o practice_n begin_v can_v certain_o be_v determine_v it_o be_v first_o find_v mention_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philomilium_n touch_v the_o death_n of_o polycarp_n wherein_o they_o write_v 135._o that_o they_o have_v gather_v up_o his_o martyr_a bone_n and_o bury_v they_o in_o a_o
resurrection_n during_o which_o time_n they_o think_v themselves_o by_o the_o forementioned_a command_n oblige_v to_o fast_o second_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o duration_n of_o this_o fast_a or_o how_o long_o it_o be_v continue_v and_o that_o be_v from_o the_o time_n that_o christ_n the_o bridegroom_n be_v take_v away_o to_o the_o time_n that_o he_o be_v restore_v again_o that_o be_v from_o his_o passion_n to_o his_o resurrection_n now_o according_a to_o their_o various_a computation_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o christ_n be_v take_v away_o so_o be_v the_o duration_n of_o their_o fast_a some_o may_v reckon_v from_o christ_n agony_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d other_o from_o his_o be_v betray_v by_o judas_n 〈◊〉_d again_o from_o his_o be_v fasten_v to_o the_o cross_n and_o other_o from_o his_o be_v actual_o dead_a and_o so_o according_a to_o these_o diversity_n of_o computation_n be_v their_o fast_n either_o lengthen_v or_o shorten_v this_o we_o may_v probable_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o different_a observation_n of_o this_o fast_a with_o respect_n to_o its_o duration_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o irenaeus_n 393._o some_o say_v he_o esteem_n that_o they_o must_v fast_o but_o one_o day_n other_o two_o other_o more_z and_o some_o allow_v to_o this_o fast_a forty_o hour_n which_o last_o space_n of_o time_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v their_o general_n and_o common_a allowance_n whence_o this_o fast_a be_v afterward_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o quadragesima_fw-la that_o be_v not_o a_o fast_a of_o forty_o day_n in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n fast_v in_o the_o wilderness_n but_o a_o fast_a of_o forty_o hour_n begin_v at_o friday_n twelve_o a_o clock_n about_o which_o time_n christ_n be_v die_v and_o end_v sunday_n morning_n when_o christ_n arise_v so_o that_o from_o twelve_o a_o clock_n good_a friday_n as_o we_o call_v it_o when_o christ_n the_o bridegroom_n be_v take_v away_o they_o fast_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n as_o they_o imagine_v till_o sunday_n morning_n when_o he_o be_v find_v again_o by_o his_o resurrection_n at_o which_o time_n they_o forget_v their_o sorrow_n and_o mourn_a conclude_v their_o fast_a and_o begin_v the_o joyful_a festival_n of_o easter_n or_o of_o christ_n resurrection_n §_o 4._o as_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o fast_n we_o may_v observe_v they_o to_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n viz._n statio_fw-la jejunium_fw-la and_o superpositio_fw-la station_n fast_n and_o superposition_n all_o which_o three_o be_v at_o once_o mention_v by_o victorinus_n petavionensis_n 103._o we_o fast_o say_v he_o till_o the_o nine_o hour_n or_o till_o evening_n or_o their_o be_v a_o superposition_n till_o the_o next_o morning_n i._o there_o be_v the_o fast_a of_o station_n which_o end_v at_o three_o a_o clock_n in_o the_o afternoon_n or_o at_o the_o nine_o hour_n as_o it_o be_v call_v in_o the_o forecited_a passage_n of_o victorinus_n petavionensis_n this_o sort_n of_o fast_v be_v use_v on_o 〈◊〉_d and_o friday_n which_o day_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o be_v call_v stationary_a day_n and_o on_o they_o divine_a service_n be_v end_v at_o three_o a_o clock_n in_o the_o afternoon_n for_o which_o reason_n montanise_v tertullian_n 650._o term_v they_o the_o half_a fast_n of_o station_n ii_o the_o next_o sort_n be_v strict_o call_v jejunium_fw-la or_o a_o fast_a which_o according_a to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d place_n of_o victorinus_n petavionensis_n last_v till_o evening_n of_o this_o sort_n it_o be_v probable_a their_o occasional_a fast_n be_v as_o tertullian_n write_v 711._o in_o time_n of_o necessity_n and_o danger_n we_o dry_v up_o ourselves_o with_o fast_v abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n roll_v ourselves_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o by_o these_o mean_v cause_n god_n to_o have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o though_o it_o be_v also_o likely_a that_o in_o time_n of_o more_o eminent_a danger_n they_o extend_v these_o fast_n unto_o that_o of_o superposition_n the_o second_o sort_n of_o fast_n be_v observe_v by_o some_o on_o fridays_n who_o turn_v the_o station_n into_o a_o fast_a as_o victorinus_n petavionensis_n write_v 103._o on_o friday_n in_o commemoration_n of_o the_o lord_n passion_n i_o either_o keep_v a_o station_n or_o observe_v a_o fast._n iii_o the_o last_o sort_n of_o fast_n be_v call_v superposition_n or_o as_o by_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o last_v till_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o next_o day_n according_a to_o that_o of_o victorinus_n petavionensis_n 103._o let_v superposition_n be_v do_v till_o the_o next_o day_n as_o for_o the_o time_n when_o this_o fast_o be_v observe_v i_o find_v that_o in_o some_o of_o the_o western_a church_n they_o so_o keep_v every_o saturday_n throughout_o the_o year_n fast_v thereon_o till_o midnight_n or_o till_o the_o beginning_n of_o sunday_n morning_n as_o victorinus_n petavioniensis_fw-la say_v 103._o let_v superposition_n be_v do_v on_o saturday_n lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o observe_v the_o jewish_a sabbath_n but_o not_o only_o in_o these_o but_o in_o other_o church_n also_o they_o so_o fast_v on_o easter_n eve_n or_o on_o the_o saturday_n precede_v that_o sunday_n which_o be_v lend_v be_v so_o necessary_a and_o usual_a that_o tertullian_n enumerate_v those_o particular_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o a_o christian_a woman_n can_v not_o free_o perform_v if_o marry_v to_o a_o pagan_a husband_n reckon_v this_o as_o one_o 429._o that_o on_o easter_n eve_n she_o can_v not_o stay_v up_o and_o watch_v that_o night_n but_o to_o please_v her_o husband_n must_v be_v divert_v from_o this_o necessary_a fast_a that_o usher_v in_o the_o glorious_a festival_n of_o easter_n which_o bring_v i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o inquire_v into_o this_o and_o their_o other_o feast_n of_o which_o in_o the_o ensue_a chapter_n chap._n ix_o §_o 1._o of_o the_o primitive_a feast_n twofold_n occasional_a and_o fix_v §_o 2._o of_o easter_n §_n 3._o of_o whitsunday_n §_o 4._o of_o christmas_n on_o what_o day_n of_o the_o year_n christ_n be_v bear_v §_o 5._o of_o epiphany_n §_o 6._o beside_o these_o no_o other_o feast_n in_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n the_o virgin_n mary_n or_o the_o apostle_n the_o apostle_n not_o call_v saint_n in_o the_o primitive_a write_n §_o 7._o festival_n in_o commemoration_n of_o the_o martyr_n observe_v on_o the_o annual_a day_n of_o their_o martyrdom_n person_n appoint_v to_o take_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o day_n of_o their_o decease_n §_o 8._o why_o those_o festival_n be_v observe_v the_o day_n of_o the_o martyr_n death_n term_v their_o birth_n day_n §_o 9_o the_o place_n where_o these_o festival_n be_v solemnize_v of_o the_o buryingplace_n of_o the_o ancient_n §_o 10._o the_o manner_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o festival_n §_o 1._o as_o the_o primitive_a fast_n be_v twofold_a so_o likewise_o be_v their_o feast_n either_o occasional_a or_o fix_v as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v occasional_a i_o shall_v pass_v they_o over_o because_o not_o controvert_v and_o come_v immediate_o to_o inquire_v into_o their_o fix_a feast_n which_o as_o their_o fast_n be_v also_o twofold_a either_o weekly_a or_o annual_a of_o their_o weekly_a feast_n which_o be_v sundays_n and_o in_o the_o oriental_a church_n saturdays_n i_o have_v already_o discourse_v so_o that_o there_o only_o remain_v a_o enquiry_n into_o their_o annual_a feast_n which_o besides_o the_o martyr_n festival_n be_v two_o viz._n easter_n and_o whitsunday_n or_o at_o most_o three_o viz_o easter_n whitsunday_n and_o christmas_n of_o each_o of_o which_o in_o their_o order_n §_o 2._o i_o begin_v with_o easter_n as_o be_v the_o ancient_a feast_n of_o all_o concern_v which_o tertullian_n write_v 651._o we_o celebrate_v easter_n in_o the_o first_o month_n every_o year_n cyprian_a mention_n their_o 131._o easter_n solemnity_n and_o origen_n reckon_v 392._o easter_n as_o one_o of_o the_o four_o festival_n observe_v in_o his_o time_n but_o that_o they_o solemnize_v easter_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o well_o know_v that_o it_o will_v be_v unnecessary_a to_o prove_v it_o especial_o since_o every_o one_o know_v or_o at_o least_o may_v easy_o know_v those_o sharp_a contest_v and_o debate_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n about_o the_o time_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v keep_v the_o whole_a affair_n have_v be_v at_o large_a relate_v by_o several_a hand_n in_o our_o own_o tongue_n among_o other_o by_o the_o most_o learned_a dr._n cave_n in_o his_o apostolici_fw-la in_o the_o life_n of_o irenaeus_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o curious_a content_v myself_o with_o give_v a_o very_a brief_a account_n of_o the_o controversy_n which_o be_v this_o the_o church_n of_o the_o lesser_a asia_n keep_v their_o easter_n the_o same_o day_n that_o the_o jew_n keep_v their_o passover_n on_o what_o day_n of_o the_o week_n soever_o it_o happen_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o