keep_v it_o stilo_fw-it novo_fw-la 10._o day_n before_o we_o which_o difference_n of_o observation_n as_o be_v say_v of_o easter_n argue_v it_o not_o to_o be_v apostolical_a nor_o soon_o after_o our_o saviour_n day_n as_o the_o doctor_n say_v for_o if_o they_o have_v institute_v such_o a_o feast_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n they_o will_v all_o have_v agree_v upon_o the_o same_o day_n in_o all_o place_n as_o they_o do_v in_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n for_o our_o christian_a sabbath_n §_o 8._o upon_o those_o his_o premise_n he_o draw_v out_o two_o corolary_n or_o character_n set_v upon_o this_o or_o any_o other_o christian_a solemnity_n easter_n pentecost_n etc._n etc._n of_o immemoriall_n usage_n in_o this_o nation_n first_o that_o the_o antiquity_n of_o it_o do_v no_o way_n argue_v that_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a see_v adhere_v to_o it_o but_o the_o contrary_n to_o which_o we_o have_v partly_o speak_v afore_o and_o now_o add_v that_o as_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n different_o from_o the_o western_a church_n do_v argue_v that_o we_o receive_v not_o our_o christianity_n from_o rome_n so_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o christmas_n and_o some_o other_o festival_n suppose_v in_o the_o three_o or_o four_o century_n may_v also_o argue_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a see_v we_o mean_v since_o it_o be_v judge_v antichristian_a about_o the_o year_n 600._o adhere_v to_o they_o but_o yet_o may_v have_v too_o much_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o invent_v corruption_n we_o say_v which_o creep_v into_o those_o church_n not_o long_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o that_o read_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n how_o many_o innovation_n and_o superstition_n be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n long_o before_o rome_n begin_v to_o be_v babylon_n and_o romish_a religion_n be_v a_o bundle_n of_o most_o of_o those_o corruption_n §_o 9_o but_o for_o the_o second_o inference_n that_o any_o such_o ancient_a usage_n of_o this_o particular_a church_n if_o it_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n to_o stand_v on_o as_o its_o foundation_n or_o concurrence_n of_o all_o other_o church_n as_o pillar_n to_o sustain_v it_o be_v a_o very_a competent_a authority_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o such_o a_o practice_n in_o this_o kingdom_n we_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o demur_v a_o little_a upon_o this_o for_o grant_v as_o we_o may_v that_o this_o anglicane_n or_o british_a church_n be_v very_o ancient_a by_o its_o foundation_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o its_o authority_n as_o subordinate_a to_o no_o foreign_a patriarch_n yet_o we_o just_o question_v though_o the_o doctor_n do_v not_o whither_o it_o be_v invest_v with_o such_o a_o unquestionable_a power_n to_o institute_v what_o ceremony_n it_o please_v which_o may_v not_o upon_o good_a reason_n be_v change_v and_o abolish_v it_o be_v know_v sufficient_o that_o many_o ancient_a custom_n and_o ceremony_n as_o ancient_a perhaps_o as_o his_o christmas_n institute_v or_o take_v up_o by_o this_o and_o the_o concurrence_n of_o many_o if_o not_o most_v church_n have_v without_o temeritie_n be_v alter_v and_o abolish_v and_o other_o may_n and_o must_v when_o they_o be_v abuse_v to_o superstition_n and_o profaneness_n as_o this_o feast_n will_v appear_v to_o have_v be_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o here_o brief_o to_o consider_v what_o that_o unquestionable_a power_n of_o this_o or_o any_o church_n be_v to_o constitute_v ceremony_n for_o its_o self_n as_o it_o shall_v judge_v most_o useful_a most_o for_o edification_n and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n which_o consequent_o may_v not_o without_o great_a temerity_n be_v change_v and_o abolish_v by_o any_o and_o then_o whither_o this_o feast_n be_v a_o ceremony_n of_o that_o nature_n for_o the_o first_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o constitute_v ceremony_n for_o its_o self_n it_o be_v not_o just_o call_v unquestionable_a for_o it_o have_v for_o many_o year_n past_a be_v the_o apple_n of_o contention_n between_o the_o prelate_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n but_o before_o we_o debate_v it_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v and_o be_v satisfy_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n whither_o 1._o the_o universal_a church_n for_o he_o often_o speak_v of_o that_o sect._n 12.45_o etc._n etc._n and_o charge_v we_o with_o separation_n and_o schism_n for_o departure_n from_o the_o universal_a church_n if_o so_o i_o will_v say_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o the_o first_o age_n or_o since_o never_o meet_v to_o institute_v any_o ceremony_n for_o all_o church_n nor_o in_o special_a for_o this_o of_o christmas_n second_o if_o they_o have_v meet_v yet_o that_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o bind_v after_o church_n if_o they_o meet_v if_o they_o see_v cause_n to_o abolish_v they_o for_o a_o reason_n anon_o to_o be_v give_v but_o 2._o if_o he_o take_v it_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o this_o of_o england_n as_o here_o he_o do_v than_o i_o say_v again_o 1._o we_o read_v of_o no_o such_o cannon_n make_v by_o the_o church_n at_o the_o first_o conversion_n to_o make_v the_o usage_n so_o ancient_a and_o to_o bind_v all_o her_o child_n in_o after_o age_n 2._o if_o we_o do_v find_v such_o yet_o the_o succeed_v church_n have_v the_o same_o power_n may_v annul_v if_o she_o see_v cause_n what_o be_v by_o they_o institute_v 2._o we_o desire_v also_o to_o know_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o ceremony_n for_o this_o be_v a_o ambiguous_a word_n under_o which_o the_o romanist_n do_v shroud_v their_o superstitious_a will-worship_n ceremony_n then_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o mere_a circumstance_n of_o command_v worship_n for_o the_o more_o orderly_a and_o decent_a performance_n of_o it_o or_o 2._o part_n of_o worship_n as_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n for_o certain_a be_v if_o the_o doctor_n mean_v it_o in_o the_o latter_a sense_n as_o i_o think_v he_o do_v we_o must_v again_o distinguish_v of_o such_o ceremony_n they_o be_v either_o dumb_a and_o non-significant_a as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v many_o or_o significant_a and_o that_o either_o by_o nature_n or_o by_o institution_n if_o significant_a by_o institution_n then_o either_o by_o divine_a or_o humane_a institution_n these_o distinction_n be_v premise_v we_o suppose_v the_o doctor_n do_v not_o mean_a of_o the_o ceremonial_a circumstance_n or_o adjunct_n of_o command_v worship_n for_o that_o will_v not_o stand_v he_o in_o any_o stead_n nor_o do_v any_o man_n deny_v the_o church_n a_o power_n to_o order_v those_o but_o he_o must_v mean_v it_o of_o ceremonial_a worship_n as_o oppose_v to_o moral_a and_o that_o not_o for_o dumb_a or_o non-significant_a ceremony_n those_o he_o dislike_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o for_o significant_a ceremony_n not_o significant_a by_o nature_n those_o need_v no_o institution_n but_o by_o institution_n not_o divine_a that_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o contradiction_n but_o humane_a institution_n then_o the_o question_n be_v this_o whither_o the_o church_n universal_a for_o all_o church_n or_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o her_o own_o member_n have_v a_o unquestionable_a authority_n to_o institute_v significant_a ceremony_n as_o part_n of_o worship_n which_o may_v not_o upon_o just_a reason_n be_v change_v or_o abolish_v this_o be_v the_o question_n to_o be_v prove_v but_o be_v only_o take_v for_o grant_v in_o these_o particular_n by_o the_o dr._n 1._o that_o the_o church_n whether_o universal_a or_o particular_a have_v such_o a_o power_n to_o institute_v ceremony_n unless_o they_o be_v such_o as_o tend_v to_o eutaxy_n and_o decency_n and_o the_o preservation_n or_o furtherance_n of_o god_n command_v worship_n what_o and_o how_o many_o she_o please_v as_o she_o shall_v judge_v most_o useful_a most_o for_o edification_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o doctor_n say_v but_o go_v not_o about_o to_o prove_v but_o take_v it_o as_o unquestionable_a this_o we_o do_v deny_v and_o we_o think_v upon_o good_a reason_n beside_o the_o judgement_n of_o reform_a church_n if_o the_o church_n be_v allow_v such_o a_o power_n the_o mischief_n will_v be_v many_o as._n 1._o it_o be_v prejudicious_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o gospell-worship_n 2_o cor._n 11.3_o the_o simplicity_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 25._o ceremony_n burdenous_a in_o the_o number_n may_v turn_v it_o into_o evil_n will_v worship_v sect_n 25._o it_o be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o false_a apostle_n who_o by_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d subtle_a persuasive_a word_n do_v corrupt_v both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o compare_v this_o place_n with_o col._n
day_n than_o on_o the_o other_o three_o that_o the_o excess_n and_o riot_n be_v only_o on_o other_o day_n after_o the_o nativity_n be_v a_o poor_a excuse_n for_o the_o whole_a twelve_o day_n be_v account_v part_n of_o the_o festivity_n and_o order_v to_o wait_v upon_o it_o sect._n 39_o that_o feast_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o twelve_o day_n say_v the_o learned_a doctor_n 63._o the_o saturnalia_fw-la be_v celebrate_v about_o the_o same_o time_n sect_n 63._o and_o so_o the_o day_n itself_o be_v guilty_a in_o part_n of_o all_o the_o excess_n of_o the_o follow_a day_n which_o be_v service_n fit_a for_o the_o revel_n of_o bacchus_n or_o saturn_n or_o for_o the_o birthday_n of_o a_o herod_n than_o for_o the_o festivity_n of_o a_o spiritual_a saviour_n §_o 27._o he_o now_o pass_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o england_n to_o that_o of_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n to_o show_v upon_o what_o ground_n festival_n in_o general_a &_o this_o of_o the_o nativity_n in_o special_a pretend_v to_o stand_v and_o that_o he_o do_v by_o certain_a degree_n or_o step_n §_o 28._o first_o he_o acknowledge_v it_o have_v not_o its_o beginning_n from_o any_o institution_n of_o christ_n but_o either_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o succeed_a church_n that_o it_o be_v not_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o same_o argument_n will_v conclude_v which_o be_v use_v against_o their_o institution_n of_o easter_n sect_n 6.1_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n either_o of_o institution_n or_o observation_n of_o it_o in_o scripture_n nor_o any_o ground_n produce_v thence_o to_o find_v it_o on_o 2._o socrates_n the_o historian_n say_v express_o neither_o our_o saviour_n 22._o lib._n 5._o cap._n 22._o nor_o the_o apostle_n command_v it_o the_o feast_n of_o easter_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o there_o the_o scope_n be_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n to_o settle_v any_o law_n for_o festival_n day_n but_o of_o a_o good_a life_n if_o for_o no_o festival_n than_o not_o for_o this_o of_o the_o nativity_n and_o its_o observable_a what_o he_o add_v there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v all_o whoredom_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o do_v contend_v for_o festival_n day_n as_o for_o life_n it_o must_v then_o remain_v upon_o the_o succeed_a church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o this_o be_v true_a the_o succeed_v church_n do_v set_v up_o festival_n but_o what_o church_n be_v that_o not_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n age_n nor_o that_o of_o apostolical_a man_n that_o have_v live_v some_o time_n with_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o first_o record_n of_o father_n we_o have_v say_v not_o a_o word_n of_o any_o such_o observation_n the_o succeed_a church_n in_o the_o second_o or_o three_o centurie_n it_o seem_v begin_v to_o take_v it_o up_o and_o then_o socrates_n add_v they_o that_o receive_v such_o rite_n from_o their_o ancestor_n afterward_o transmit_v they_o to_o their_o posterity_n as_o a_o law_n and_o here_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a original_a of_o all_o festival_n hear_v what_o the_o learned_a lord_n faulkland_n say_v in_o a_o like_a case_n to_o our_o purpose_n some_o of_o great_a authority_n move_v by_o a_o good_a meaning_n may_v thus_o deceive_v other_o these_o thus_o deceive_v may_v deceive_v other_o till_o be_v general_o spread_v other_o good_a man_n be_v loath_a to_o oppose_v they_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o other_o desire_v to_o spread_v they_o think_v it_o a_o error_n that_o will_v increase_v piety_n they_o be_v at_o last_o take_v to_o have_v be_v command_v by_o the_o apostle_n without_o contradiction_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v what_o he_o have_v say_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o former_a page_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v believe_v very_o convenient_a and_o yet_o fear_v that_o unless_o man_n count_v they_o necessary_a they_o will_v be_v backward_o to_o practice_v how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o be_v after_o teach_v under_o pain_n of_o more_o danger_n then_o at_o first_o they_o be_v deliver_v with_o but_o superstitious_a rite_n be_v never_o without_o a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v col._n 2.23_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o fair_a pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o doctor_n give_v we_o one_o here_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o receipt_n of_o such_o a_o mercy_n from_o god_n as_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o his_o son_n etc._n etc._n shall_v desire_v to_o celebrate_v the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o and_o offer_v it_o up_o a_o voluntary_a oblation_n to_o christ_n but_o if_o this_o be_v so_o very_o reasonable_a why_o do_v it_o not_o seem_v so_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o church_n of_o that_o and_o the_o next_o age_n or_o do_v not_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o receipt_n of_o such_o a_o mercy_n and_o be_v not_o their_o desire_n as_o fervent_a for_o the_o celebration_n of_o a_o remembrance_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n will_v not_o christ_n himself_o respect_v his_o own_o service_n and_o honour_n nor_o his_o apostle_n prescribe_v and_o institute_v a_o voluntary_a oblation_n to_o christ_n if_o they_o have_v think_v it_o so_o great_a a_o honour_n to_o he_o be_v not_o all_o superstitious_a invention_n of_o man_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n intend_v as_o voluntary_a oblation_n to_o he_o because_o they_o will_v not_o have_v their_o piety_n restrain_v within_o those_o narrow_a bound_n of_o do_v nothing_o in_o the_o service_n and_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n but_o what_o be_v distinct_o prescribe_v and_o particular_o institute_v by_o he_o which_o be_v express_o against_o the_o second_o commandment_n by_o the_o apostle_n under_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d willworship_n col._n 2.23_o &_o 18._o as_o we_o have_v say_v §_o 29._o such_o say_v he_o be_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o altar_n among_o the_o jew_n not_o institute_v by_o god_n himself_o yet_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o be_v approve_a and_o confirm_v by_o christ_n presence_n at_o that_o feast_n joh._n 10.23_o but_o there_o may_v be_v many_o mistake_v in_o this_o and_o not_o applyable_a to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n first_o there_o be_v which_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o three_o feast_n of_o the_o dedication_n 1._o by_o solomon_n 2._o by_o zerubbabell_a at_o the_o repair_v of_o the_o temple_n 3._o by_o judas_n maccabaeus_n for_o the_o purge_n of_o it_o now_o he_o can_v but_o know_v that_o learned_a man_n be_v divide_v of_o which_o its_o here_o mean_v some_o of_o the_o first_o 10.23_o vide_fw-la tolet_n in_o joh._n 10.23_o some_o of_o the_o second_o though_o its_o probable_a it_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o either_o of_o they_o both_o because_o we_o read_v not_o that_o those_o two_o be_v ever_o observe_v above_o once_o and_o also_o because_o of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o observation_n specify_v it_o be_v in_o winter_n which_o the_o other_o be_v not_o 2._o but_o grant_v it_o of_o the_o last_o yet_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o religious_a festival_n but_o civil_a as_o the_o feast_n of_o purim_n seem_v to_o be_v esth_n 9.21.22_o a_o day_n of_o feast_v and_o joy_n and_o send_v portion_n one_o to_o another_o and_o gift_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n 1_o maccab._n 4.59_o they_o order_v it_o shall_v be_v keep_v yearly_o with_o mirth_n and_o gladness_n for_o though_o it_o be_v say_v ver_fw-la 56._o they_o offer_v burn_v offering_n yet_o that_o be_v for_o 53._o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o so_o be_v worship_n command_v 3._o if_o it_o yet_o be_v say_v it_o be_v a_o religious_a festival_n and_o so_o observe_v even_o the_o day_n itself_o than_o it_o may_v fair_o be_v suggest_v that_o they_o go_v beyond_o their_o commission_n in_o make_v this_o feast_n annual_a and_o perpetual_a which_o neither_o solomon_n nor_o zerubbabell_a do_v they_o for_o aught_o we_o read_v and_o so_o those_o be_v keep_v as_o extraordinary_a day_n of_o thanksgiving_n for_o one_o turn_n only_o which_o we_o grant_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o superior_a power_n as_o also_o we_o do_v extraordinary_a day_n of_o humiliation_n which_o the_o doctor_n also_o approve_v pract_n catech._n append._n p._n 304.4_o another_o mistake_n be_v this_o that_o that_o feast_n be_v approve_v &_o confirm_v by_o christ_n presence_n at_o it_o the_o t_z xt_v produce_v say_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o only_o thus_o it_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n mark_v that_o not_o at_o the_o temple_n not_o elsewhere_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o dedication_n and_o ver_fw-la 22._o jesus_n walk_v in_o the_o temple_n so_o he_o do_v other_o day_n any_o day_n when_o no_o feast_n be_v he_o be_v present_a in_o the_o temple_n not_o at_o the_o feast_n for_o aught_o appear_v which_o it_o seem_v be_v keep_v
father_n of_o the_o first_o age_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v any_o such_o usage_n in_o their_o time_n no_o mention_n there_o be_v among_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o nativity_n till_o basill_n nazianzenes_n and_o chrysostom_n time_n who_o live_v not_o till_o the_o four_o centurie_n at_o least_o they_o say_v indeed_o it_o be_v in_o practice_n in_o some_o place_n before_o their_o time_n but_o that_o may_v be_v some_o 100_o more_o or_o less_o year_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v universal_a 3._o another_o of_o the_o doctor_n caution_n be_v it_o must_v be_v attest_v without_o any_o considerable_a opposition_n but_o this_o his_o christmas_n find_v in_o the_o four_o centurie_n as_o we_o hear_v sect._n 44._o in_o chrysostom_n time_n there_o be_v a_o considerable_a opposition_n many_o be_v doubtful_a many_o charge_v the_o festivity_n with_o novelty_n and_o as_o of_o late_o bring_v in_o for_o a_o conclusion_n then_o of_o all_o the_o doctor_n censure_n be_v too_o harsh_a and_o the_o character_n too_o hard_o that_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o refuse_v of_o it_o that_o it_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o novelty_n and_o contempt_n of_o antiquity_n to_o recommend_v it_o unto_o any_o we_o shall_v only_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o two_o place_n in_o his_o own_o writing_n the_o one_o here_o at_o sect._n 35._o the_o other_o testimony_n of_o nicephorus_n that_o justinus_n the_o emperor_n first_o command_v it_o to_o be_v keep_v festival_n over_o the_o world_n then_o say_v i_o it_o be_v not_o a_o universal_a usage_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o doctor_n have_v so_o long_o plead_v for_o for_o justinus_n live_v in_o the_o sixth_o century_n i_o know_v what_o he_o answer_v to_o it_o that_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o edict_n of_o the_o emperor_n for_o the_o universal_a observation_n do_v no_o way_n prejudge_v the_o church_n whither_o apostolical_a or_o primitive_a institution_n of_o it_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o prejudge_v the_o universal_a observation_n of_o it_o in_o all_o age_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o apostolical_a the_o other_o place_n be_v in_o his_o practical_a catechism_n where_o he_o confess_v 181._o pag._n 181._o it_o be_v not_o solemnize_v universal_o till_o about_o 400._o year_n after_o christ._n how_o often_o have_v he_o charge_v we_o with_o departure_n from_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o reject_v and_o not_o observe_v the_o festivity_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n etc._n etc._n sect._n 12._o and_o in_o that_o sect._n 45._o i_o hope_v upon_o second_o thought_n he_o will_v be_v more_o moderate_a in_o his_o censure_n and_o find_v that_o his_o rash_a zeal_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n his_o mother_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o ancient_n his_o father_n have_v carry_v he_o beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n §_o 46._o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o doctor_n discourse_n be_v spend_v in_o answer_v 16._o quary_z propound_v by_o another_o but_o most_o of_o what_o he_o have_v say_v may_v be_v take_v away_o by_o what_o have_v above_o be_v answer_v i_o shall_v not_o put_v my_o sickle_n into_o another_o man_n corn_n but_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o author_n of_o they_o or_o some_o friend_n of_o he_o to_o vindicate_v they_o §_o 74._o the_o doctor_n now_o for_o a_o conclusion_n draw_v out_o some_o quaeres_fw-la of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o answer_v by_o he_o that_o shall_v undertake_v this_o business_n as_o a_o short_a way_n to_o question_v and_o debate_v the_o truth_n or_o suppose_a certainty_n of_o some_o of_o his_o own_o principle_n for_o a_o essay_n this_o §_o 75._o whither_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o church_n either_o national_a of_o one_o or_o universal_a of_o all_o part_n of_o christendom_n especial_o of_o that_o age_n near_a the_o apostle_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n to_o take_v upon_o it_o to_o institute_v one_o or_o more_o day_n upon_o any_o special_a occasion_n of_o some_o eminent_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o be_v use_v yearly_o in_o act_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o charity_n 6._o chemnit_fw-la exam._n de_fw-fr dieb_v fest_n ames_n medul_a in_o 4._o precept_n d._n riu._n in_o exod._n 20._o p._n 206._o 6._o by_o all_o the_o child_n of_o that_o church_n and_o to_o expect_v obedience_n from_o they_o but_o under_o favour_n this_o be_v not_o the_o question_n now_o between_o we_o for_o not_o only_o the_o lutheran_n but_o even_o the_o most_o rigid_a calvinist_n and_o nonconformist_n as_o they_o be_v call_v do_v grant_v that_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o the_o state_n have_v power_n to_o set_v apart_o any_o day_n to_o the_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n not_o only_o upon_o extraordinary_a eminent_a mercy_n but_o upon_o ordinary_a occasion_n provide_v 1._o they_o be_v not_o too_o many_o for_o number_n nor_o 2._o impose_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o christian_a liberty_n nor_o 3_o make_v part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o other_o like_a caution_n and_o condition_n by_o they_o prescribe_v and_o if_o the_o superior_a power_n shall_v appoint_v such_o day_n so_o qualify_v this_o may_v secure_v both_o those_o that_o institute_v they_o and_o those_o that_o observe_v they_o from_o any_o crime_n of_o superstition_n it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o who_o first_o appoint_v those_o day_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o martyr_n in_o their_o particular_a church_n intend_v no_o more_o but_o on_o such_o a_o day_n yearly_a to_o commemorate_v the_o faith_n and_o constancy_n of_o those_o holy_a sufferer_n as_o with_o thanks_o to_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n in_o they_o so_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o other_o christian_n to_o imitate_v their_o virtue_n but_o after_o age_n soon_o grow_v superstition_n in_o their_o number_n in_o their_o use_n and_o end_n dedicate_a day_n to_o to_o saint_n invocate_a they_o in_o their_o prayer_n make_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o necessary_a the_o day_n themselves_o holy_a holy_a than_o other_o day_n than_o the_o lord_n day_n place_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o they_o expect_v more_o acceptance_n more_o blessing_n from_o the_o service_n of_o those_o day_n as_o a_o voluntary_a worship_n these_o abuse_n be_v foresee_v by_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o thereupon_o either_o the_o day_n be_v reject_v altogether_o by_o some_o or_o caution_v against_o by_o other_o especial_o by_o this_o church_n of_o england_n as_o all_o do_v know_v but_o when_o this_o last_o generation_n of_o misdevout_a man_n begin_v to_o exceed_v in_o the_o honour_n estimation_n and_o observance_n of_o those_o remain_a festival_n especial_o this_o of_o christmas_n equal_v they_o with_o if_o not_o prefer_v they_o above_o the_o lord_n day_n as_o be_v say_v before_o etc._n etc._n then_o those_o that_o be_v conscientious_a and_o tender_a of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n begin_v to_o oppose_v such_o inchroachment_n upon_o it_o who_o former_o do_v observe_v the_o day_n and_o other_o that_o think_v they_o have_v power_n in_o their_o hand_n do_v lay_v they_o aside_o upon_o these_o reason_n it_o be_v too_o long_o to_o instance_n the_o particular_a superstition_n not_o only_o of_o the_o vulgar_a people_n but_o even_o of_o many_o divine_n discover_v in_o their_o practice_n and_o discourse_n against_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o for_o the_o holiday_n none_o that_o i_o know_v or_o have_v meet_v with_o have_v manifest_v more_o way_n of_o be_v superstitious_a in_o this_o subject_a of_o holiday_n than_o the_o doctor_n in_o this_o discourse_n of_o festival_n as_o have_v be_v make_v appear_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o sixteenth_o section_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n and_o proceed_v to_o his_o second_o question_n §_o 77._o whither_o such_o a_o ancient_a institution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o name_n the_o anniversarie_n feast_n of_o christ_n birth_n though_o it_o be_v not_o affirm_v to_o be_v command_v by_o christ_n or_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o in_o itself_o consider_v without_o respect_n to_o the_o institution_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n yet_o be_v thus_o more_o than_o lawful_a pious_a in_o itself_o proper_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o ground_n primitive_o catholic_n if_o not_o apostolic_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o institution_n may_v be_v lawful_o abolish_v etc._n etc._n wherein_o the_o doctor_n take_v for_o grant_v these_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o prove_v 1._o that_o this_o festival_n be_v of_o so_o ancient_a institution_n as_o primitive_o catholic_n if_o not_o apostolic_a seeing_z it_o have_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v neither_o 1._o apostolic_a or_o 2._o a_o primitive_a institution_n nor_o 3._o of_o catholic_n observation_n till_o at_o least_o the_o 400._o year_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n 2._o that_o it_o
this_o island_n he_o may_v have_v add_v nor_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n nor_o simon_n zelotes_n upon_o the_o reason_n there_o by_o he_o give_v the_o affirmation_n of_o gildas_n that_o this_o be_v in_o tiberius_n reign_n be_v mere_a tradition_n and_o far_o from_o probability_n for_o then_o england_n shall_v be_v convert_v within_o four_o year_n after_o christ_n death_n in_o the_o 18._o of_o tiberius_n our_o lord_n suffer_v and_o tiberius_n reign_v but_o 22._o in_o all_o no_o author_n of_o any_o credit_n lay_v it_o so_o high_a as_o for_o tertullian_n and_o origen_n they_o live_v both_o in_o the_o three_o centurie_n above_o 200._o year_n after_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a christianity_n be_v plant_v here_o in_o some_o part_n some_o time_n before_o they_o but_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o neither_o of_o those_o ancient_n nor_o any_o before_o they_o in_o all_o their_o writing_n ever_o mention_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o nativity_n as_o then_o in_o observation_n though_o they_o often_o speak_v of_o other_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n before_o and_o in_o their_o time_n the_o most_o probable_a opinion_n be_v that_o though_o some_o person_n of_o this_o as_o of_o most_o nation_n be_v convert_v early_o to_o the_o faith_n yet_o the_o nation_n or_o any_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o convert_v till_o king_n lucius_n his_o time_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 180._o the_o first_o christian_a king_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n to_o our_o nation_n this_o be_v do_v say_v historian_n in_o the_o time_n of_o eleutherius_fw-la then_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o live_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o centurie_n and_o his_o epistle_n to_o king_n lucius_n if_o that_o be_v authentic_a 16._o sir_n henr._n spilm_n council_n brit._n p._n 16._o for_o the_o doctor_n doubt_v it_o and_o well_o he_o may_v if_o he_o do_v but_o remember_v what_o a_o learned_a historian_n say_v do_v not_o say_v that_o britain_n have_v long_o ago_o before_o lucius_n his_o time_n receive_v the_o faith_n but_o rather_o nuper_fw-la late_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o latin_a in_o the_o doctor_n margin_n but_o wise_o leave_v out_o in_o the_o english_a which_o why_o it_o be_v do_v let_v other_o judge_n historian_n say_v that_o king_n lucius_n desire_v of_o eleutherius_fw-la that_o he_o and_o his_o people_n may_v have_v some_o send_v to_o baptize_v they_o who_o according_o send_v fugatius_n and_o damianus_n now_o if_o christianity_n have_v be_v plant_v here_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o by_o apostolical_a man_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o they_o leave_v no_o presbyter_n here_o to_o baptize_v but_o that_o they_o must_v send_v to_o rome_n for_o such_o which_o will_v give_v romanist_n a_o fair_a plea_n to_o subject_a england_n to_o rome_n then_o that_o of_o augustine_n the_o monk_n which_o the_o doctor_n dispute_v so_o much_o against_o hereafter_o §_o 5._o dioclesian_n persecution_n fall_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o century_n after_o christ_n before_o which_o time_n we_o hear_v of_o christianity_n plant_v here_o and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o nativity_n be_v set_v up_o in_o some_o church_n before_o this_o time_n but_o not_o universal_o in_o all_o till_o about_o 400._o year_n after_o christ_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v the_o doctor_n confess_v before_o we_o have_v do_v though_o he_o plead_v hard_a to_o prove_v it_o a_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o this_o may_v serve_v anon_o to_o answer_v that_o which_o will_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o festivitie_n that_o dioclesian_n slay_v 20000_o christian_n assemble_v together_o on_o that_o day_n though_o the_o author_n of_o that_o report_n be_v of_o no_o great_a credit_n §_o 6._o the_o celebration_n of_o easter_n by_o the_o ancient_a british_a church_n contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o western_a church_n will_v give_v little_a light_n to_o the_o main_a question_n concern_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n here_o by_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n or_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o festival_n plead_v for_o it_o may_v indeed_o argue_v that_o england_n do_v not_o receive_v christianity_n first_o from_o rome_n in_o augustine_n time_n but_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o those_o that_o plant_v christianity_n here_o be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o apostolical_a time_n keep_v their_o easter_n after_o the_o jewish_a manner_n for_o the_o eastern_a christian_n common_o keep_v it_o so_o but_o not_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n which_o the_o doctor_n take_v for_o grant_v but_o be_v deny_v he_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o reason_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o either_o the_o institution_n or_o observation_n of_o it_o in_o scripture_n nor_o any_o ground_n to_o found_v it_o upon_o the_o apostle_n do_v take_v advantage_n of_o that_o and_o the_o like_a solemnity_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o convert_v they_o as_o be_v say_v afore_o but_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o institution_n of_o they_o as_o christian_a feast_n that_o they_o do_v express_o repeal_v they_o and_o cry_v they_o down_o 2._o 22._o lib._n 5._o c._n 22._o socrates_n the_o historian_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o solicitous_a to_o appoint_v any_o festival_n day_n at_o all_o than_o not_o this_o of_o easter_n 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o eastern_a 99_o see_v lo_n falk_n reply_n p._n 99_o and_o western_a church_n make_v it_o evident_a it_o be_v not_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v uniform_o observe_v in_o all_o place_n and_o as_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o succeed_a church_n in_o such_o matter_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o it_o anon_o yet_o this_o we_o say_v at_o present_a that_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n have_v better_a antiquity_n than_o this_o of_o christmas_n though_o not_o apostolical_a §_o 7._o but_o the_o doctor_n have_v find_v one_o evidence_n of_o moment_n christmas_n day_n be_v call_v in_o our_o old_a monument_n midwinter_n day_n whence_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v conclude_v that_o when_o that_o name_n be_v first_o apply_v to_o that_o day_n christmas_n day_n be_v in_o the_o calendar_n either_o coincident_a with_o or_o not_o far_o remove_v from_o the_o winter_n solstice_n and_o we_o continue_v to_o call_v the_o 24._o of_o june_n midsummer_n day_n half_o a_o year_n from_o the_o 25_o of_o december_n how_o sweet_o all_o agree_v john_n baptist_n be_v conceive_v six_o month_n before_o our_o lord_n and_z and_o so_o bear_v six_o month_n before_o he_o hence_o the_o feastmaster_n plead_v his_o birth_n on_o the_o 24._o of_o june_n and_o he_o and_o our_o lord_n on_o the_o 25._o of_o december_n 1._o but_o i_o will_v be_v satisfy_v which_o be_v the_o old_a festival_n that_o of_o john_n or_o this_o of_o christ_n it_o be_v observe_v by_o chemnitius_n that_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o nativity_n be_v not_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o most_o ancient_a church_n till_o towards_o the_o 400._o year_n but_o no_o mention_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o john_n baptist_n till_o towards_o the_o 800._o year_n or_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v both_o appoint_v about_o the_o same_o time_n upon_o supposition_n then_o by_o the_o western_a church_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v on_o the_o 25._o of_o december_n as_o the_o doctor_n say_v and_o the_o feast_n of_o nativity_n settle_v upon_o that_o day_n either_o they_o or_o some_o other_o placed_z the_o feast_n of_o john_n baptist_n on_o the_o 24._o of_o june_n that_o all_o may_v correspond_v 2._o if_o the_o name_n of_o midwinter_n day_n and_o midsummer_n day_n be_v so_o call_v here_o while_o the_o island_n be_v heathen_a they_o be_v far_o more_o ancient_a than_o christmas_n day_n and_o then_o christmas_n day_n be_v rather_o apply_v to_o midwinter_n day_n than_o midwinter_n day_n to_o christmas_n day_n but_o however_o it_o be_v it_o follow_v not_o as_o the_o doctor_n will_v have_v it_o that_o it_o must_v be_v soon_o after_o our_o saviour_n time_n that_o this_o day_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o appellation_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o day_n be_v here_o celebrate_v so_o early_o for_o it_o may_v be_v a_o good_a while_n after_o so_o call_v when_o the_o island_n be_v first_o convert_v which_o be_v not_o as_o we_o have_v discourse_v till_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n 3._o it_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o doctor_n that_o midwinter_n day_n be_v a_o fortnight_n soon_o than_o our_o christmas_n day_n the_o solstice_n be_v about_o the_o 11._o of_o december_n then_o say_v i_o they_o keep_v not_o christmas_n day_n on_o midwinter_n day_n for_o that_o be_v a_o fortnight_n soon_o so_o we_o keep_v it_o not_o on_o the_o same_o day_n with_o our_o first_o convert_n nor_o yet_o on_o the_o day_n that_o the_o western_a church_n now_o keep_v it_o who_o
himself_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o affect_a departure_n from_o the_o universal_a church_n if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n at_o her_o first_o reformation_n see_v cause_n and_o have_v power_n to_o throw_v away_o some_o may_v not_o the_o same_o church_n of_o england_n have_v the_o same_o power_n upon_o just_a the_o same_o or_o like_a reason_n cast_v off_o the_o rest_n if_o he_o say_v he_o speak_v it_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o all_o age_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o first_o age_n we_o shalll_v join_v issue_n with_o he_o therein_o and_o and_o say_v if_o he_o can_v prove_v which_o i_o be_o confident_a he_o can_v that_o in_o reject_v or_o not_o observe_v these_o festival_n we_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o all_o age_n we_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o let_v his_o censure_n fall_v upon_o we_o till_o then_o we_o be_v safe_a and_o for_o a_o closure_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n we_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n his_o rule_n prescribe_v in_o his_o first_o quaerie_n abour_n resolve_v controversy_n and_o be_v judge_v by_o it_o it_o be_v this_o 35_o quaere_fw-la 1._o sect._n 35_o what_o ever_o have_v the_o concordant_a attestation_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o first_o age_n the_o scripture_n remain_v obscure_a or_o silent_a in_o the_o matter_n that_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_v apostolical_a there_o remain_v not_o to_o any_o that_o now_o life_n any_o imaginable_a ground_n of_o sober_a or_o prudent_a doubt_v or_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o resolution_n and_o case_n the_o doctor_n begin_v with_o and_o intend_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n applicable_a to_o all_o the_o follow_a case_n against_o socinian_n and_o other_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n sect._n 40._o he_o mean_v we_o thank_v he_o those_o that_o reject_v this_o festival_n as_o sect._n 12._o and_o 45._o of_o this_o quaerie_n appear_v but_o be_v this_o rule_n universal_o true_a be_v there_o no_o caution_n nor_o exception_n yes_o three_o at_o least_o 1._o it_o must_v be_v in_o case_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v either_o obscure_a or_o silent_a in_o the_o matter_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o extend_v any_o further_a than_o to_o the_o primitive_a ancient_n 3._o and_o again_o to_o a_o accordance_n of_o those_o testimony_n without_o any_o considerable_a opposition_n that_o this_o or_o that_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o apostle_n we_o shall_v by_o his_o leave_n apply_v this_o rule_n to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n and_o dare_v venture_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o it_o first_o consider_v the_o rule_n and_o then_o the_o caution_n and_o first_o for_o the_o rule_n itself_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v again_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n of_o the_o first_o age_n if_o he_o take_v it_o inclusive_o to_o take_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o apostolical_a time_n while_o they_o be_v yet_o alive_a we_o shall_v not_o stick_v to_o grant_v his_o rule_n to_o be_v good_a what_o ever_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n have_v the_o concordant_a attestation_n of_o that_o church_n it_o be_v apostolical_a the_o negative_a whereof_o being_n a_o sure_a rule_n to_o judge_v by_o what_o ever_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n want_v such_o concordant_a universal_a uniform_a attestation_n be_v not_o apostolical_a for_o they_o be_v all_o guide_v by_o on_o spirit_n will_v all_o agree_v uniform_o in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n but_o there_o be_v not_o many_o thing_n so_o attest_v by_o the_o church_n of_o that_o age_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o he_o mean_v it_o exclusive_o of_o that_o age_n and_o to_o include_v only_o the_o after_o age_n it_o will_v prove_v a_o crooked_a rule_n many_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v take_v up_o which_o be_v not_o apostolical_a but_o mere_a invention_n of_o man_n which_o like_o a_o gangreen_n soon_o overspead_n the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o different_a time_v and_o observation_n of_o they_o prove_v by_o the_o best_a divine_v not_o to_o be_v apostolical_a second_o for_o the_o concordant_a attestation_n of_o the_o primitive_a ancient_n of_o the_o second_o or_o three_o age_n without_o considerable_a opposition_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o caution_n that_o this_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o apostle_n i_o shall_v put_v in_o a_o just_a exception_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o honour_a lord_n falkland_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o plead_v the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o religion_n as_o the_o doctor_n do_v for_o his_o christmas_n thus_o he_o write_v if_o the_o relation_n of_o one_o pappias_n can_v cozen_v so_o far_o all_o the_o prime_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n christian_n into_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o celebration_n of_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o the_o resurrection_n so_o as_o that_o not_o one_o of_o those_o two_o first_o age_n oppose_v it_o mark_v that_o till_o dionysius_n alexandrinus_n who_o live_v at_o least_o 250._o year_n after_o christ_n nay_o if_o those_o first_o man_n do_v not_o only_o believe_v it_o as_o probable_a but_o justin_n martyr_n say_v he_o hold_v it_o and_o so_o do_v all_o that_o be_v in_o all_o part_n orthodox_n christian_n irenaeus_n set_v it_o down_o direct_o for_o a_o tradition_n and_o relate_v the_o very_a word_n that_o christ_n use_v when_o he_o teach_v this_o which_o be_v plain_o than_o any_o other_o tradition_n be_v prove_v or_o say_v to_o be_v out_o of_o antiquity_n by_o they_o of_o rome_n if_o i_o say_v these_o can_v be_v so_o deceive_v why_o may_v not_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n as_o well_o be_v deceive_v in_o other_o point_n and_o then_o what_o certainty_n shall_v the_o learned_a have_v when_o after_o much_o labour_n they_o think_v they_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o ancient_n think_v any_o thing_n a_o tradition_n that_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o etc._n etc._n the_o doctor_n wisdom_n can_v easy_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n and_o i_o perceive_v he_o be_v aware_a of_o such_o a_o objection_n and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o prevent_v it_o by_o say_v that_o justin_n martyr_n 38._o quaer_fw-la 1._o sect_n 38._o the_o prime_a assertor_n of_o it_o that_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o he_o and_o irenaeus_n also_o have_v it_o from_o pappias_n who_o be_v their_o senior_n confess_v other_o christian_n of_o pure_a and_o pious_a intention_n to_o he_o otherwise_o mind_v but_o for_o that_o let_v he_o answer_v his_o friend_n the_o lord_n falkland_n 73._o lo._n falk_n reply_n p._n 73._o who_o say_v that_o justin_n martyr_n say_v that_o in_o his_o time_n all_o all_z orthodox_n christian_n hold_v it_o and_o join_v the_o opposer_n with_o they_o who_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n and_o esteem_v they_o among_o the_o christian_n like_o the_o saducee_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o again_o say_v it_o find_v no_o resistance_n in_o above_o two_o age_n by_o any_o one_o know_v and_o esteem_v person_n and_o what_o now_o be_v become_v of_o the_o doctor_n rule_n three_o the_o rule_n apply_v to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n will_v prove_v more_o than_o the_o doctor_n intend_v a_o light_a to_o discover_v his_o christmas_n far_o from_o a_o universal_a apostolical_a usage_n for._n 1._o the_o rule_n must_v hold_v only_o in_o thing_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a or_o silent_a but_o for_o institution_n of_o feast_n particular_o this_o of_o christmas_n the_o scripture_n be_v neither_o obscure_a nor_o silent_a for_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a and_o speak_v aloud_o against_o it_o both_o in_o the_o law_n the_o four_o commandment_n which_o require_v peremptory_o but_o one_o of_o seven_o for_o god_n allow_v six_o for_o man_n occasion_n and_o also_o in_o the_o gospel_n which_o clear_o speak_v against_o observation_n of_o day_n except_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o the_o christian_a sabbath_n whither_o jewish_n heathenish_a or_o christian_n festival_n of_o old_a be_v part_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a yoke_n upon_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o to_o give_v the_o church_n a_o power_n to_o institute_v holiday_n be_v to_o reduce_v the_o yoke_n again_o 2._o they_o have_v not_o the_o concordant_a testimony_n of_o the_o primitive_a ancient_n neither_o of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o nor_o of_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o same_o age_n with_o they_o as_o of_o ignatius_n nor_o in_o the_o second_o centurie_n of_o pappias_n justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n etc._n etc._n which_o may_v the_o better_o be_v believe_v because_o the_o doctor_n bring_v not_o one_o instance_n of_o any_o of_o those_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v this_o festival_n except_o out_o of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o apostle_n false_o so_o call_v which_o isodorus_n by_o gratian'ss_n report_n of_o he_o dist_n 16._o say_v where_o know_v to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o heretic_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o chemnitius_n further_o prove_v because_o the_o
be_v more_o than_o lawful_a pious_a in_o itself_o when_o at_o most_o it_o be_v but_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o its_o use_n and_o in_o its_o abuse_n by_o superstition_n and_o willworship_n more_o than_o unlawful_a impious_a 3._o that_o such_o a_o ancient_a institution_n if_o it_o be_v prove_v so_o abuse_v to_o superstition_n and_o profaneness_n may_v not_o by_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v lawful_o abolish_v without_o regard_n to_o the_o universal_a the_o universal_a church_n be_v never_o like_v to_o meet_v or_o if_o they_o can_v the_o great_a part_n be_v antichristian_a unlike_o ever_o to_o consent_v to_o the_o abolish_n of_o it_o till_o the_o doctor_n shall_v prove_v these_o thing_n a_o further_a answer_n be_v not_o needful_a and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o his_o last_o question_n which_o be_v this_o whither_o by_o any_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n it_o appear_v necessary_a to_o be_v thus_o abolish_v on_o this_o only_a ground_n of_o truth_n because_o the_o follow_a day_n have_v sometime_o be_v misspend_v in_o riot_n etc._n etc._n by_o some_o wicked_a man_n but_o here_o again_o the_o doctor_n take_v for_o grant_v what_o he_o have_v not_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o truth_n or_o only_o true_a ground_n of_o abolish_n this_o festival_n be_v the_o riot_n commit_v in_o the_o follow_a day_n whereas_o the_o principal_a charge_n against_o it_o be_v the_o superstition_n and_o willworship_n attend_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o though_o the_o riot_n and_o prophanesse_n of_o the_o follow_a day_n may_v just_o add_v a_o aggravation_n to_o they_o and_o call_v for_o a_o reformation_n and_o now_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o all_o we_o shall_v make_v bold_a to_o propound_v some_o question_n to_o the_o doctor_n or_o any_o that_o shall_v undertake_v this_o cause_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o whither_o any_o church_n national_a or_o universal_a since_o the_o apostle_n have_v power_n to_o institute_v any_o religious_a ceremony_n as_o part_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v propound_v sect._n 9_o and_o in_o particular_a this_o festival_n of_o christmas_n make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o day_n equal_o holy_a as_o the_o lord_n day_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o be_v superstitious_a 2._o whither_o if_o any_o humane_a institution_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v abuse_v to_o superstition_n and_o prophanesse_n it_o may_v not_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v abolish_v 3._o whither_o the_o feast_n of_o christmas_n in_o special_a have_v not_o be_v abuse_v to_o riot_n and_o excess_n by_o the_o most_o part_n of_o vulgar_a people_n and_o to_o superstition_n also_o by_o they_o and_o many_o divine_n and_o by_o the_o doctor_n himself_o if_o superstition_n be_v a_o excess_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v 4._o if_o so_o then_o whither_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o such_o as_o have_v power_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o abolish_v such_o a_o institution_n as_o hezekiah_n do_v the_o brazen_a serpent_n which_o have_v a_o better_a original_a and_o author_n for_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n cleave_v to_o it_o and_o as_o saint_n paul_n do_v the_o agapae_n the_o lovefeast_n for_o the_o prophanesse_n creep_v into_o they_o d._n rivet_n in_o exod._n 20._o pap_n 205._o a._n hic_fw-la existimamus_fw-la regulam_fw-la illam_fw-la habere_fw-la locum_fw-la adiaphora_fw-it non_fw-it necessaria_fw-la horrenda_fw-la idolomania_n polluta_fw-la esse_fw-la abolenda_fw-la finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 1._o l_o 2._o for_o translation_n r._n tractation_n l._n 18._o for_o all_o r._n ill_a l._n 19_o for_o work_n and_o worker_n r._n worm_n and_o canker_n p._n 2._o l._n 14._o put_v in_o first_o before_o table_n p._n 3._o l._n 8._o for_o partly_o r._n particular_o p._n 4._o l._n 12._o r._n define_v p._n 17._o l._n 21._o for_o since_o r._n sin_n p._n 10._o may_n r._n superstitiosiores_fw-la l._n 19_o r._n other_o worship_v p._n 19_o l._n 4._o a_o fine_a deal_n a_o god_n p._n 25._o r._n l._n 3._o for_o when_o r._n then_o p._n 27._o l._n 1._o for_o their_o r._n then_o l._n 3._o r._n institution_n l._n 4._o for_o our_o r._n one_o p._n 28._o l._n 12._o for_o bear_v they_o p_o 30._o l._n 5._o for_o matter_n r._n rather_o l._n 9_o put_v in_o mun_o do_v l._n 5._o a_o f._n r._n math._n 15._o p._n 41_o l._n 19_o for_o not_o r._n but._n p._n 45._o l._n last_o r._n context_n p._n 46._o l._n 6._o a_o f._n for_o toil_n r._n wile_n p._n 41._o l._n 18._o r._n teacher_n p._n 45._o l._n 20._o for_o these_o r._n the_o p._n 52._o l._n 23._o for_o there_o r._n here_o p._n 65._o l._n 17._o r._n therefore_o p._n 66._o l._n 2_o r._n transform_v p._n 69._o l._n 1._o r._n outdated_a p._n 78._o l_o 18._o for_o lo._n r._n lord._n p._n 81._o l._n 9_o r._n abhor_v l._n 18._o r._n hear_v p._n 82._o l._n 5._o a_o f._n r._n among_o p._n 84._o l._n 11._o r._n void_v p._n 85._o l._n 3._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o l._n 14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 86._o l._n 11._o r._n work_n l._n 19_o r._n hasidim_n p._n 88_o l._n 12._o r._n contradistinction_n p._n 96._o l._n 8._o a_o f._n r._n distinction_n p._n 98._o l._n 12._o for_o now_o r._n nor_o l._n 22._o for_o his_o r._n this_o p._n 100_o l._n 5._o for_o again_o r._n often_o l._n 8._o for_o we_o r._n he_o p._n 102._o l._n 3._o a_o f._n for_o there_o r._n this_o p._n 108._o l._n 13._o for_o trase_n r._n trash_n so_o l._n 16._o p._n 111._o l._n 4._o for_o rod_n r._n road_n p._n 113._o l._n 17._o r._n bind_v p._n 116._o l._n 7._o a_o f._n r._n affirm_v p._n 119._o l._n 3._o r._n karaei_n title_n pag._n at_o end_n for_o vincimur_fw-la r._n vincuntur_fw-la p._n 123._o l._n 6._o after_o mnde_a put_v in_o a_o double_a inference_n p._n 129._o l._n 11._o for_o above_o r._n about_o p._n 132._o l._n 3._o a_o f._n for_o plead_v r._n place_v p._n 166._o for_o raise_v r._n ruine_v p._n 167._o l._n 17._o for_o distr_n r._n destruction_n p._n 175._o l._n 2._o a_o fine_a for_o be_v r._n as_o p._n 176._o l._n 1._o for_o fast_a r._n feast_n l_o 13._o put_v in_o i._n