543._o and_o in_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n he_o tell_v fabius_n that_o if_o they_o can_v not_o celebrate_v dominica_n solennia_fw-la their_o lordsday_n solemnity_n in_o the_o day_n time_n they_o have_v the_o night_n sufficient_o clear_a with_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n this_o give_v occasion_n to_o their_o spiteful_a adversary_n to_o calumniate_v and_o asperse_v they_o 7._o the_o heathen_a in_o minucius_n charge_v they_o with_o their_o night-congregation_n upon_o which_o account_n they_o be_v there_o scornful_o call_v latebrosa_fw-la &_o lucifugax_fw-la natio_fw-la a_o obscure_a and_o skulk_a generation_n 7._o and_o the_o very_a first_o thing_n that_o celsus_n object_n be_v that_o the_o christian_n have_v private_a and_o clancular_a assembly_n or_o combination_n to_o which_o origen_n answer_v that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o they_o may_v thank_v they_o for_o it_o who_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o exercise_v it_o more_o open_o that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a and_o obvious_a and_o better_o know_v through_o the_o world_n than_o the_o opinion_n and_o sentiment_n of_o their_o best_a philosopher_n and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v some_o mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v not_o communicate_v to_o every_o one_o it_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o what_o be_v common_a in_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o their_o own_o philosophy_n but_o to_o return_v they_o look_v upon_o the_o lordsday_n as_o a_o time_n to_o be_v celebrate_v with_o great_a expression_n of_o joy_n as_o be_v the_o happy_a memory_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o according_o restrain_v whatever_o may_v savour_v of_o sorrow_n and_o sadness_n fast_v on_o that_o day_n they_o prohibit_v with_o the_o great_a severity_n account_v it_o utter_o unlawful_a as_o tertullian_n inform_v we_o 102._o it_o be_v a_o very_a bitter_a censure_n that_o of_o ignatius_n or_o whoseever_n that_o epistle_n be_v for_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o his_o that_o who_o ever_o fast_v on_o a_o lordsday_n be_v a_o murderer_n of_o christ_n 112._o however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o never_o fast_v on_o those_o day_n no_o not_o in_o the_o time_n of_o lent_n itself_o nay_o the_o montanist_n though_o otherwise_o great_a pretender_n to_o fast_v and_o mortification_n do_v yet_o abstain_v from_o it_o on_o the_o lordsday_n and_o as_o they_o account_v it_o a_o joyful_a and_o good_a day_n so_o they_o do_v what_o ever_o they_o think_v may_v contribute_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o no_o soon_o be_v constantine_n come_v over_o to_o the_o church_n 534._o but_o his_o principal_a care_n be_v about_o the_o lordsday_n he_o command_v it_o to_o be_v solemn_o observe_v and_o that_o by_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o he_o make_v it_o to_o all_o a_o day_n of_o rest_n that_o man_n may_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o be_v better_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o spend_v their_o whole_a time_n without_o any_o thing_n to_o hinder_v they_o in_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o those_o in_o his_o army_n who_o yet_o remain_v in_o their_o paganism_n and_o infidelity_n he_o command_v they_o upon_o lords-day_n to_o go_v out_o into_o the_o field_n and_o there_o pour_v out_o their_o soul_n in_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o that_o none_o may_v pretend_v their_o own_o inability_n to_o the_o duty_n he_o himself_o compose_v and_o give_v they_o a_o short_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o he_o enjoin_v they_o to_o make_v use_n of_o every_o lordsday_n so_o careful_a be_v he_o that_o this_o day_n shall_v not_o be_v dishonour_v or_o misemployed_n even_o by_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n 3._o he_o moreover_o ordain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o court_n of_o judicature_n open_a upon_o this_o day_n no_o suit_n or_o trial_n at_o law_n but_o that_o for_o any_o work_n of_o mercy_n such_o as_o the_o emancipate_v and_o set_v free_a of_o slave_n or_o servant_n this_o may_v be_v do_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o suit_n nor_o demand_v debt_n upon_o this_o day_n 8._o be_v confirm_v by_o several_a law_n of_o succeed_a emperor_n and_o that_o no_o arbitrator_n who_o have_v the_o umpirage_n of_o any_o business_n lie_v before_o they_o 3._o shall_v at_o that_o time_n have_v power_n to_o determine_v or_o take_v up_o litigious_a cause_n penalty_n be_v entail_v upon_o any_o that_o transgress_v herein_o 15._o theodosius_n the_o great_a 2._o anno_fw-la 386._o by_o a_o second_o law_n ratify_v one_o which_o he_o have_v pass_v long_o before_o wherein_o he_o express_o prohibit_v all_o public_a show_n upon_o the_o lordsday_n that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n may_v not_o be_v confound_v with_o those_o profane_a solemnity_n this_o law_n the_o young_a theodosius_n some_o few_o year_n after_o confirm_v and_o enlarge_v dominico_n enact_v that_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o some_o other_o festival_n there_o mention_v not_o only_a christian_n but_o even_o jew_n and_o heathen_n shall_v be_v restrain_v from_o the_o pleasure_n of_o all_o sight_n and_o spectacle_n and_o the_o theatre_n be_v shut_v up_o in_o every_o place_n and_o whereas_o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o the_o birthday_n or_o inauguration_n of_o the_o emperor_n may_v fall_v upon_o that_o day_n therefore_o to_o let_v the_o people_n know_v how_o infinite_o he_o prefer_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n before_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o own_o majesty_n and_o greatness_n he_o command_v that_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o happen_v that_o then_o the_o imperial_a solemnity_n shall_v be_v put_v off_o and_o defer_v till_o another_o day_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n but_o of_o one_o instance_n more_o of_o their_o great_a observance_n of_o this_o day_n and_o that_o be_v their_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o the_o solemnity_n of_o public_a worship_n they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o read_v and_o pray_v and_o praise_n god_n at_o home_n but_o make_v conscience_n of_o appear_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n from_o which_o nothing_o but_o sickness_n and_o absolute_a necessity_n do_v detain_v they_o and_o if_o sick_a or_o in_o prison_n or_o under_o banishment_n nothing_o trouble_v they_o more_o than_o that_o they_o can_v not_o come_v to_o church_n and_o join_v their_o devotion_n to_o the_o common_a service_n if_o persecution_n at_o any_o time_n force_v they_o to_o keep_v a_o little_a close_a yet_o no_o soon_o be_v there_o the_o least_o mitigation_n but_o they_o present_o return_v to_o their_o open_a duty_n and_o public_o meet_v all_o together_o no_o trivial_a pretence_n no_o light_a excuse_n be_v then_o admit_v for_o any_o one_o absence_n from_o the_o congregation_n but_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n severe_a censure_n be_v pass_v upon_o they_o the_o synod_n of_o illiberis_n provide_v 28._o that_o if_o any_o man_n dwell_v in_o a_o city_n where_o usual_o church_n be_v near_a hand_n shall_v for_o three_o lord_n day_n absent_a himself_o from_o the_o church_n he_o shall_v for_o some_o time_n be_v suspend_v the_o communion_n that_o he_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v correct_v for_o his_o fault_n they_o allow_v no_o separate_a assembly_n no_o congregation_n but_o what_o meet_v in_o the_o public_a church_n if_o any_o man_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v a_o breach_n and_o to_o draw_v people_n into_o corner_n he_o be_v present_o condemn_v and_o a_o suitable_a penalty_n put_v upon_o he_o when_o eustathius_n bishop_n of_o sebastia_n a_o man_n petend_v to_o great_a strictness_n and_o austerity_n of_o life_n begin_v to_o cast_v off_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o introduce_v many_o odd_a observation_n of_o his_o own_o among_o other_o to_o contemn_v priest_n that_o be_v marry_v to_o fast_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o to_o keep_v meeting_n in_o private_a house_n draw_v away_o many_o but_o especial_o woman_n 521._o as_o the_o historian_n observe_v who_o leave_v their_o husband_n be_v lead_v away_o with_o error_n and_o from_o that_o into_o great_a filthiness_n and_o impurity_n no_o soon_o do_v the_o bishop_n of_o those_o part_n discover_v it_o but_o meet_v in_o council_n at_o gangra_n the_o metropolis_n of_o paphlagonia_n about_o the_o year_n 340._o they_o condemn_v and_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n 5._o pass_v these_o two_o canon_n among_o the_o rest_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v teach_v that_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v despise_v and_o the_o assembly_n that_o be_v hold_v in_o it_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v if_o any_o shall_v take_v upon_o he_o out_o of_o the_o church_n private_o to_o preach_v at_o home_n and_o make_v light_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v do_v those_o thing_n that_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o leave_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o bishop_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v
opinion_n have_v not_o want_v its_o patron_n and_o defender_n turrianus_n bovius_n etc._n etc._n but_o herein_o desert_v by_o the_o more_o modest_a and_o moderate_a of_o their_o own_o party_n beside_o that_o their_o apostolicalness_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v by_o the_o learned_a daillé_n everlasting_o shatter_v and_o break_v 408._o but_o then_o he_o set_v they_o at_o too_o wide_a a_o distance_n assign_v they_o to_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o five_o century_n when_o it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o they_o be_v extant_a and_o in_o credit_n with_o many_o before_o the_o time_n of_o epihanius_n though_o somewhat_o alter_v now_o from_o what_o they_o be_v in_o his_o time_n compile_v probable_o out_o of_o many_o lesser_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d book_n contain_v the_o doctrine_n and_o rite_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v and_o practise_v by_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a person_n or_o at_o least_o vent_v under_o their_o name_n but_o whether_o as_o some_o conjecture_n compose_v by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o thence_o by_o a_o easy_a mistake_n ascribe_v to_o clemens_n romanus_n i_o be_o not_o at_o leisure_n to_o consider_v in_o this_o class_n of_o writer_n i_o may_v reckon_v dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n absurd_o enough_o assert_v by_o many_o to_o be_v genuine_a by_o daillé_n thrust_v down_o to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o six_o century_n but_o most_o probable_o think_v to_o have_v be_v write_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o four_o age_n as_o a_o person_n among_o we_o deserve_o of_o great_a name_n and_o note_n have_v show_v in_o his_o late_a vindication_n of_o ignatius_n epistle_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a of_o those_o author_n who_o can_v not_o be_v fix_v upon_o any_o certain_a year_n the_o rest_n have_v in_o the_o index_n their_o particular_a and_o respective_a time_n to_o which_o i_o have_v add_v the_o account_n of_o the_o edition_n for_o the_o more_o ready_a find_n if_o occasion_n be_v of_o any_o passage_n quote_v out_o of_o they_o one_o thing_n indeed_o there_o be_v which_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o look_v so_o like_o a_o piece_n of_o vanity_n and_o ostentation_n that_o the_o margin_n be_v charge_v with_o so_o many_o quotation_n but_o whoever_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o my_o design_n will_v quick_o see_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o that_o it_o concern_v i_o not_o to_o deliver_v any_o thing_n without_o good_a authority_n the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v where_o i_o can_v bring_v they_o in_o speak_v their_o own_o word_n though_o to_o avoid_v as_o much_o of_o the_o charge_n as_o be_v possible_a i_o omit_v the_o cite_n author_n in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o only_o set_v they_o down_o in_o english_a faithful_o represent_v the_o author_n sense_n though_o not_o always_o tie_v myself_o to_o a_o strict_a and_o precise_a translation_n how_o pertinent_a my_o quotation_n be_v the_o reader_n must_v judge_v i_o hope_v he_o will_v find_v they_o exact_v be_v immediate_o fetch_v from_o the_o fountainhead_n here_o be_v very_o few_o if_o any_o that_o have_v not_o be_v examine_v more_o than_o once_o for_o the_o method_n into_o which_o the_o book_n be_v cast_v i_o choose_v that_o which_o to_o i_o seem_v most_o apt_a and_o proper_a follow_v s._n paul_n distribution_n of_o religion_n into_o piety_n towards_o god_n sobriety_n towards_o ourselves_o and_o righteousness_n towards_o other_o and_o according_o divide_v the_o discourse_n into_o three_o part_n respect_v those_o three_o great_a branch_n of_o religion_n though_o the_o first_o be_v much_o large_a than_o either_o of_o the_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o preliminary_a chapter_n contain_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o christian_n from_o those_o crime_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o they_o that_o so_o the_o rubbish_n be_v clear_v and_o throw_v out_o of_o the_o way_n we_o may_v have_v a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o their_o religion_n afterward_o the_o book_n i_o confess_v be_v swell_v into_o a_o great_a bulk_n than_o i_o either_o think_v of_o or_o desire_v but_o by_o reason_n of_o somewhat_o a_o confuse_a copy_n never_o design_v for_o the_o press_n no_o certain_a measure_n can_v be_v take_v of_o it_o and_o now_o if_o after_o all_o this_o it_o shall_v be_v inquire_v why_o these_o paper_n be_v make_v public_a as_o i_o can_v give_v no_o very_a good_a reason_n so_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o invent_v a_o bad_a one_o it_o may_v suffice_v to_o intimate_v that_o this_o discourse_n long_o since_o draw_v up_o at_o leisure_n hour_n lie_v then_o by_o i_o when_o a_o tedious_a and_o uncomfortable_a distemper_n whereby_o i_o have_v be_v take_v off_o from_o all_o public_a service_n and_o the_o prosecution_n of_o severe_a study_n give_v i_o too_o much_o opportunity_n to_o look_v over_o my_o paper_n and_o this_o especial_o which_o peradventure_o otherwise_o have_v never_o see_v the_o light_n indeed_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_v somewhat_o the_o easy_o prevail_v with_o to_o let_v this_o discourse_n pass_v abroad_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o when_o i_o can_v not_o do_v what_o i_o ought_v i_o be_v at_o least_o willing_a to_o do_v what_o i_o can_v if_o he_o that_o read_v it_o shall_v reap_v any_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n by_o it_o or_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n induce_v to_o imitate_v these_o primitive_a virtue_n i_o shall_v think_v my_o pain_n well_o bestow_v if_o not_o i_o be_o not_o the_o first_o and_o probable_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o last_o that_o have_v write_v a_o book_n to_o no_o purpose_n the_o content_n part_n i._n chap._n i._n thing_n charge_v upon_o the_o primitive_a christian_n respect_v their_o religion_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o novelty_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o christianity_n chap._n iii_o thing_n charge_v upon_o the_o christian_n respect_v their_o outward_a condition_n chap._n iu._n the_o charge_n bring_v against_o they_o respect_v their_o life_n and_o manner_n chap._n v._n of_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o first_o of_o their_o piety_n towards_o god_n chap._n vi_o of_o church_n and_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o lordsday_n and_o the_o fast_n and_o festival_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n chap._n viii_o of_o the_o person_n constitute_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n both_o people_n and_o minister_n chap._n ix_o of_o their_o usual_a worship_n both_o private_a and_o public_a chap._n x._o of_o baptism_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n part_n ii_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o to_o those_o virtue_n that_o respect_v themselves_o chap._n i._n of_o their_o humility_n chap._n ii_o of_o their_o heavenly-mindedness_a and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n iii_o of_o their_o sobriety_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o garb_n and_o apparel_n chap._n iu._n of_o their_o great_a temperance_n and_o abstinence_n chap._n v._n of_o their_o singular_a continence_n and_o chastity_n chap._n vi_o of_o their_o readiness_n and_o constancy_n in_o profess_v their_o religion_n chap._n vii_o of_o their_o patience_n and_o exemplary_a carriage_n under_o suffering_n part_n iii_o of_o their_o religion_n as_o respect_v other_o man_n chap._n i._n of_o their_o justice_n and_o honesty_n chap._n ii_o of_o their_o admirable_a love_n and_o charity_n chap._n iii_o of_o their_o unity_n and_o peaceableness_n chap._n iu._n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o civil_a government_n chap._n v._n of_o their_o penance_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n primitive_a christianity_n or_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n part_n i._n chap._n i._n thing_n charge_v upon_o the_o primitive_a christian_n respect_v their_o religion_n christian_n religion_n likely_a to_o meet_v with_o opposition_n at_o its_o first_o set_v out_o chief_o undermine_v by_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n three_o thing_n by_o the_o heathen_n charge_v upon_o the_o christian_n some_o thing_n respect_v their_o religion_n 1_o some_o their_o outward_a condition_n other_o their_o moral_a carriage_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o worship_n their_o religion_n charge_v with_o two_o thing_n impiety_n and_o novelty_n the_o charge_n of_o atheism_n consider_v and_o answer_v out_o of_o the_o father_n the_o heathen_n except_v against_o as_o incompetent_a judge_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o christianity_n in_o what_o sense_n christian_n confess_v themselves_o atheist_n the_o wretched_a and_o absurd_a deity_n that_o be_v among_o the_o heathen_n and_o the_o impure_a manner_n of_o their_o worship_n atheism_n proper_o such_o disow_v and_o deny_v by_o christian_n the_o account_n they_o give_v of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v no_o soon_o do_v the_o son_n
whole_a religion_n be_v to_o live_v without_o spot_n or_o blemish_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v easy_o gather_v have_v they_o any_o understanding_n that_o piety_n be_v on_o our_o side_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v vile_a and_o impious_a and_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o 599._o that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o christian_a faith_n have_v by_o gravity_n sincerity_n modesty_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n so_o conquer_v all_o opposition_n that_o none_o dare_v bespatter_v it_o or_o charge_v it_o with_o any_o of_o those_o calumny_n which_o the_o ancient_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n use_v to_o fasten_v upon_o it_o what_o religion_n say_v arnobius_n can_v be_v true_a more_o useful_a powerful_a just_o than_o this_o which_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o note_n render_v man_n meek_a 67._o speaker_n of_o truth_n modest_a chaste_a charitable_a kind_a and_o helpful_a to_o all_o as_o if_o most_o near_o relate_v to_o we_o and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o genuine_a and_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o which_o it_o can_v but_o effect_n wherever_o it_o be_v kind_o embrace_v and_o entertain_v so_o true_a be_v that_o which_o athenagoras_n tell_v the_o emperor_n 4._o that_o no_o christian_n can_v be_v a_o bad_a man_n unless_o he_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n and_o tertullian_n open_o declare_v 36._o that_o when_o man_n depart_v from_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o so_o far_o cease_v among_o we_o to_o be_v account_v christian_n 43._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o heathen_n object_v that_o some_o that_o go_v under_o that_o name_n be_v guilty_a of_o great_a enormity_n and_o inquire_v how_o come_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v a_o cheat_n if_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o righteous_a how_o so_o cruel_a if_o they_o be_v merciful_a he_o answer_n that_o by_o this_o very_a thing_n they_o bear_v witness_v that_o they_o who_o be_v real_a christian_n be_v not_o such_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o crime_n and_o the_o name_n the_o opinion_n and_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v not_o present_o christian_n that_o be_v call_v so_o but_o cheat_v other_o by_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o name_n that_o they_o shun_v the_o company_n of_o such_o and_o do_v not_o meet_v or_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o do_v not_o admit_v those_o who_o mere_a force_n and_o cruelty_n have_v drive_v to_o deny_v christianity_n much_o less_o such_o as_o voluntary_o transgress_v the_o christian_a discipline_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o heathen_n do_v very_o ill_a to_o call_v they_o christian_n who_o the_o christian_n themselves_o do_v disow_v who_o yet_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o deny_v their_o own_o party_n chap._n v._n of_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o first_o of_o their_o piety_n towards_o god_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n consider_v with_o respect_n to_o god_n themselves_o and_o other_o man_n their_o piety_n see_v in_o two_o thing_n their_o detestation_n of_o idolatry_n and_o great_a care_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o divine_a worship_n what_o notion_n they_o have_v of_o idolatry_n their_o abhorrency_n of_o it_o their_o refuse_v to_o give_v divine_a honour_n to_o angel_n and_o create_a spirit_n this_o condemn_a by_o the_o laodicean_n council_n their_o deny_v any_o thing_n of_o divine_a honour_n to_o martyr_n and_o depart_a saint_n the_o famous_a instance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n concern_v s._n polycarp_n s._n augustine_n testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n their_o mighty_a abhorrence_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n the_o very_a make_v a_o idol_n account_v unlawful_a hatred_n of_o idolatry_n one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n instill_v into_o new_a convert_v their_o affectionate_a bewail_v any_o that_o lapse_v into_o this_o sin_n several_a severe_a penalty_n impose_v by_o the_o ancient_a council_n of_o illiberis_n upon_o person_n guilty_a of_o idolatry_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o hazard_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o go_n constantius_n his_o plot_n to_o try_v the_o integrity_n of_o his_o courtier_n a_o double_a instance_n of_o the_o christian_a soldier_n in_o julian_n army_n their_o active_a zeal_n in_o break_v the_o image_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n and_o assault_a person_n while_o do_v sacrifice_n to_o they_o this_o whether_o justifiable_a notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o christian_n accuse_v by_o the_o heathen_n of_o idolatry_n of_o worship_v the_o sun_n whence_o that_o charge_n arise_v of_o adore_v a_o cross_n of_o worship_v a_o ass_n head_n christian_n call_v asinarii_n the_o absurd_a and_o monstrous_a picture_n of_o christ_n mention_v by_o tertullian_n the_o occasion_n of_o this_o ridiculous_a fiction_n whence_o have_v thus_o see_v with_o how_o much_o clearness_n the_o ancient_a christian_n vindicate_v themselves_o from_o those_o unjust_a aspersion_n which_o their_o spiteful_a and_o malicious_a adversary_n have_v cast_v upon_o they_o we_o come_v now_o to_o take_v a_o more_o direct_a and_o positive_a view_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o according_a to_o s._n paul_n division_n we_o shall_v consider_v as_o to_o their_o piety_n towards_o god_n 12._o those_o virtue_n which_o more_o immediate_o concern_v themselves_o and_o those_o which_o respect_v their_o behaviour_n and_o carriage_n towards_o other_o their_o piety_n towards_o god_n appear_v in_o those_o two_o main_a instance_n of_o it_o a_o serious_a and_o hearty_a detestation_n of_o idolatry_n and_o a_o religious_a care_n about_o the_o concern_v of_o divine_a worship_n idolatry_n in_o those_o time_n be_v the_o prevail_a sin_n of_o the_o world_n 85._o the_o principal_a crime_n of_o mankind_n the_o great_a guilt_n of_o the_o age_n and_o the_o almost_o sole_a cause_n of_o man_n be_v bring_v into_o judgement_n as_o what_o in_o a_o manner_n contain_v all_o sin_n under_o it_o as_o tertullian_n begin_v his_o book_n upon_o that_o subject_n a_o crime_n of_o the_o first_o rank_n and_o one_o of_o the_o high_a sort_n of_o wickedness_n as_o it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a council_n in_o spain_n 1._o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o sin_n that_o undermine_v the_o very_a be_v of_o the_o deity_n and_o ravish_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o crown_n before_o we_o proceed_v any_o further_a we_o shall_v first_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o notion_n they_o general_o have_v of_o idolatry_n and_o they_o then_o account_v that_o a_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n when_o he_o give_v divine_a adoration_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o god_n not_o only_a when_o he_o worship_v a_o material_a idol_n but_o when_o he_o vest_v any_o creature_n with_o that_o religious_a respect_n and_o veneration_n that_o be_v only_o due_a to_o god_n idolatry_n say_v tertullian_n rob_v god_n 11._o deny_v he_o those_o honour_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o confer_v they_o upon_o other_o so_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o do_v both_o defraud_v he_o and_o reproach_n he_o 95._o and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o express_o affirm_v that_o whatever_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o standard_n of_o civil_a worship_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n be_v direct_o make_v a_o idol_n thus_o s._n gregory_n for_o his_o solid_a and_o excellent_a learning_n call_v the_o divine_a a_o title_n never_o give_v to_o any_o beside_o he_o but_o to_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n define_v idolatry_n which_o 620._o say_v he_o be_v the_o great_a evil_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o translation_n of_o that_o worship_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o creator_n upon_o the_o creature_n according_o we_o find_v they_o infinite_o zealous_a to_o assert_v divine_a adoration_n as_o the_o proper_a and_o incommunicable_a prerogative_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o absolute_o refuse_v to_o impart_v religious_a worship_n to_o any_o though_o the_o best_a of_o creature_n sure_o if_o any_o one_o will_v think_v angel_n the_o first_o rank_n of_o create_a being_n creature_n of_o such_o sublime_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n may_v have_v challenge_v it_o at_o their_o hand_n but_o hear_v what_o origen_n say_v to_o this_o 416._o we_o adore_v say_v he_o our_o lord_n god_n and_o serve_v he_o alone_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n who_o when_o tempt_v by_o the_o devil_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o answer_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o refuse_v to_o give_v honour_n to_o those_o spirit_n that_o preside_v over_o humane_a affair_n because_o we_o can_v serve_v two_o master_n to_o wit_n god_n and_o mammon_n as_o for_o these_o daemon_n we_o know_v that_o they_o have_v no_o administration_n of_o the_o conveniency_n of_o man_n life_n yea_o though_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o daemon_n but_o angel_n that_o have_v the_o government_n of_o fruit_n and_o season_n and_o the_o production_n of_o animal_n commit_v to_o they_o we_o indeed_o speak_v well_o
and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o care_n they_o have_v about_o the_o place_n time_n person_n and_o both_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o that_o worship_n that_o they_o perform_v to_o god_n under_o each_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v most_o considerable_a and_o do_v most_o proper_o relate_v to_o it_o so_o far_o as_o the_o record_n of_o those_o time_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o it_o place_n be_v a_o inseparable_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n for_o every_o body_n by_o the_o natural_a necessity_n of_o its_o be_v require_v some_o determinate_a place_n either_o for_o rest_n or_o motion_n now_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v in_o a_o great_a part_n a_o external_a action_n especial_o when_o perform_v by_o the_o joint_a concurrence_n of_o several_a person_n do_v not_o only_o necessary_o require_v a_o place_n but_o a_o place_n convenient_o capacious_a of_o all_o that_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o public_a action_n of_o religion_n this_o reason_n put_v all_o nation_n even_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n upon_o erect_v public_a place_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o god_n and_o for_o their_o own_o conveniency_n in_o meet_v together_o to_o pay_v their_o religious_a service_n and_o devotion_n but_o my_o present_a enquiry_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o the_o primitive_a christian_n not_o whether_o they_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o common_a duty_n which_o i_o suppose_v none_o can_v doubt_v of_o but_o whether_o they_o have_v church_n fix_v and_o appropriate_a place_n for_o the_o joint_a performance_n of_o their_o public_a office_n and_o that_o they_o have_v even_o in_o those_o early_a time_n will_v i_o think_v be_v beyond_o all_o dispute_n if_o we_o take_v but_o a_o short_a survey_n of_o those_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o sacred_a story_n we_o find_v some_o more_o than_o probable_a footstep_n of_o some_o determinate_a place_n for_o their_o solemn_a convention_n and_o peculiar_a only_o to_o that_o use_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o upper_a room_n into_o which_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n 13._o after_o their_o return_n from_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n go_v up_o as_o into_o a_o place_n common_o know_v and_o separate_a to_o that_o use_n there_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o a_o new_a apostle_n and_o this_o suppose_a by_o a_o very_a ancient_a tradition_n to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o room_n wherein_o our_o saviour_n the_o night_n before_o his_o death_n celebrate_v the_o passover_n with_o his_o disciple_n and_o institute_v the_o lord_n supper_n such_o a_o one_o if_o not_o which_o i_o rather_o think_v the_o same_o 1._o be_v that_o one_o place_n wherein_o they_o be_v all_o assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n upon_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n visible_o come_v down_o upon_o they_o and_o this_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o multitude_n and_o they_o too_o stranger_n of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n come_v so_o ready_o to_o the_o place_n upon_o the_o first_o rumour_n of_o so_o strange_a a_o accident_n which_o can_v hardly_o have_v be_v have_v it_o not_o be_v common_o know_v to_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o christian_n use_v to_o meet_v together_o and_o this_o very_a learned_a man_n take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o act._n 2._o 46._o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o as_o we_o render_v it_o from_o house_n to_o house_n but_o at_o home_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n or_o in_o the_o house_n they_o eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n i.e._n when_o they_o have_v perform_v their_o daily_a devotion_n at_o the_o temple_n at_o the_o accustom_a hour_n of_o prayer_n they_o use_v to_o return_v home_o to_o this_o upper_a room_n there_o to_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n and_o then_o go_v to_o their_o ordinary_a meal_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o unforced_a interpretation_n and_o to_o i_o the_o more_o probable_a because_o it_o immediate_o follow_v upon_o their_o assemble_v together_o in_o that_o one_o place_n at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n which_o room_n be_v also_o call_v by_o the_o same_o name_n of_o house_n at_o the_o second_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n and_o it_o be_v no_o way_n unlikely_a as_o m._n mede_n conjecture_n but_o that_o when_o the_o first_o believer_n sell_v their_o house_n and_o land_n and_o lay_v the_o money_n at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n to_o supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n some_o of_o they_o may_v give_v their_o house_n at_o least_o some_o eminent_a room_n in_o they_o for_o the_o church_n to_o meet_v and_o perform_v their_o sacred_a duty_n which_o also_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o particular_a christian_n speak_v so_o often_o of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o their_o house_n which_o seem_v clear_o to_o intimate_v not_o so_o much_o the_o particular_a person_n of_o any_o private_a family_n live_v together_o under_o the_o same_o band_n of_o christian_a discipline_n as_o that_o in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o house_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o this_o or_o that_o room_n of_o it_o there_o be_v the_o constant_a and_o solemn_a convention_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o place_n for_o their_o joint_a celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o this_o will_v be_v far_o clear_v by_o that_o famous_a passage_n of_o s._n paul_n where_o tax_v the_o corinthian_n for_o their_o irreverence_n and_o abuse_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n one_o greedy_o eat_v before_o another_o and_o some_o of_o they_o to_o great_a excess_n 22._o what_o say_v he_o have_v you_o not_o house_n to_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v in_o or_o despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n where_o that_o by_o church_n be_v not_o mean_v the_o assembly_n meeting_n but_o the_o place_n in_o which_o they_o use_v to_o assemble_v be_v evident_a partly_o from_o what_o go_v before_o for_o their_o come_n together_o in_o the_o church_n verse_n 18._o be_v expound_v by_o their_o come_n together_o into_o one_o place_n verse_n 20._o plain_o argue_v that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v not_o the_o person_n but_o the_o place_n partly_o from_o the_o opposition_n which_o he_o make_v between_o the_o church_n and_o their_o own_o private_a house_n if_o they_o must_v have_v such_o irregular_a banquet_n they_o have_v house_n of_o their_o own_o where_o it_o be_v much_o fit_a to_o do_v it_o and_o to_o have_v their_o ordinary_a repast_n than_o in_o that_o place_n which_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o common_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v dishonour_v by_o such_o extravagant_a and_o intemperate_a feast_n for_o which_o cause_n he_o enjoin_v they_o in_o the_o close_a of_o that_o chapter_n that_o if_o any_o man_n hunger_n he_o shall_v eat_v at_o home_n and_o that_o this_o place_n be_v always_o thus_o understand_v by_o the_o father_n of_o old_a be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o make_v out_o as_o also_o by_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o late_a time_n of_o which_o it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o intimate_v two_o of_o our_o own_o 9_o man_n of_o great_a name_n and_o learning_n who_o have_v do_v it_o to_o great_a satisfaction_n 405._o thus_o stand_v the_o case_n during_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o the_o age_n after_o they_o we_o find_v that_o the_o christian_n have_v their_o fix_a and_o definite_a place_n of_o worship_n especial_o in_o the_o second_o century_n as_o have_v we_o no_o other_o evidence_n may_v be_v make_v good_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o author_n of_o that_o dialogue_n in_o lucian_n if_o not_o lucian_n himself_o 1007._o of_o which_o i_o see_v no_o great_a cause_n to_o doubt_v who_o live_v under_o the_o reign_n of_o trajan_n and_o who_o express_o mention_n that_o house_n or_o room_n wherein_o the_o christian_n be_v wont_a to_o assemble_v together_o and_o clemens_n in_o his_o famous_a epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n assure_v we_o 52._o that_o christ_n do_v not_o only_o appoint_v the_o time_n when_o the_o person_n by_o who_o but_o the_o place_n where_o he_o will_v be_v solemn_o serve_v and_o worship_v 98._o and_o justin_n martyr_n express_o affirm_v that_o upon_o sunday_n all_o christian_n whether_o in_o town_n or_o country_n use_v to_o assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v do_v have_v not_o that_o place_n be_v fix_v and_o settle_v 88_o the_o same_o we_o find_v afterward_o in_o several_a place_n of_o tertullian_n who_o speak_v of_o their_o come_n into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 51._o which_o he_o elsewhere_o call_v the_o house_n of_o our_o dove_n i.e._n our_o innocent_a and_o dovelike_a religion_n and_o
of_o persecution_n for_o so_o we_o find_v in_o a_o law_n of_o constantine_n and_o licinius_n 389._o where_o give_v liberty_n of_o religion_n to_o christian_n and_o restore_v they_o free_o to_o the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o dispose_v of_o by_o former_a emperor_n they_o further_o add_v and_o because_o say_v they_o the_o same_o christian_n have_v not_o only_a place_n wherein_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o assemble_v but_o be_v also_o know_v to_o have_v have_v other_o possession_n which_o be_v not_o the_o propriety_n of_o any_o single_a person_n but_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o community_n all_o these_o by_o this_o law_n we_o command_v to_o be_v immediate_o restore_v to_o those_o christian_n to_o every_o society_n and_o community_n of_o they_o what_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o in_o a_o rescript_n to_o anulinus_n the_o proconsul_n about_o the_o same_o matter_n 390._o they_o particular_o specify_v whether_o they_o be_v garden_n or_o house_n or_o 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the_o revenue_n of_o church_n increase_v every_o day_n pious_a and_o devout_a person_n think_v they_o can_v never_o enough_o testify_v their_o piety_n to_o god_n by_o express_v their_o bounty_n and_o liberality_n to_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n by_o observe_v what_o respect_n and_o reverence_n they_o be_v wont_n in_o those_o day_n to_o show_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o solemn_a place_n of_o worship_n and_o where_o god_n do_v more_o peculiar_o manifest_v his_o presence_n and_o this_o certain_o be_v very_o great_a 1862._o they_o come_v into_o the_o church_n as_o into_o the_o palace_n of_o the_o great_a king_n as_o chrysostom_n call_v it_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a upon_o which_o account_n he_o there_o press_v the_o high_a modesty_n and_o gravity_n upon_o they_o before_o their_o go_v into_o the_o church_n they_o use_v to_o wash_v at_o least_o their_o hand_n 133._o as_o tertullian_n probable_o intimate_v and_o chrysostom_n express_o tell_v we_o 371._o 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and_o the_o fast_n and_o festival_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n time_n as_o necessary_a to_o religious_a action_n as_o place_n fix_a time_n of_o public_a worship_n observe_v by_o all_o nation_n the_o lord_n day_n chief_o observe_v by_o christian_n style_v sunday_n and_o why_o peculiar_o consecrate_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n all_o kneel_v at_o prayer_n on_o this_o day_n forbid_v and_o why_o their_o public_a assembly_n constant_o hold_v upon_o this_o day_n force_a to_o assemble_v before_o day_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n thence_o jeer_v by_o the_o heathen_n as_o latebrosa_fw-la &_o lucifugax_fw-la natio_fw-la the_o lord_n day_n ever_o keep_v as_o a_o day_n of_o rejoice_v all_o fast_v upon_o it_o forbid_v the_o great_a care_n of_o constantine_n and_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o observance_n of_o this_o day_n their_o law_n to_o that_o purpose_n their_o constant_a and_o conscientious_a attendance_n upon_o public_a worship_n 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as_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n a_o account_n of_o the_o famous_a controversy_n between_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n about_o the_o keep_n of_o easter_n the_o intemperate_a spirit_n of_o pope_n victor_n irenaeus_n his_o moderate_a interposal_n the_o case_n sinal_o determine_v by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a the_o vigil_n of_o this_o feast_n observe_v with_o great_a expression_n of_o rejoice_v the_o bounty_n of_o christian_a emperor_n upon_o easter-day_n the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n how_o ancient_a why_o style_v whitsunday_n dominica_n in_o albis_n why_o so_o call_v the_o whole_a space_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsuntide_n keep_v festival_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n why_o public_o read_v during_o that_o time_n the_o feast_n of_o epiphany_n ancient_o what_o christmas-day_n the_o ancient_a observation_n of_o it_o epiphany_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n what_o and_o why_o so_o call_v the_o memoriae_fw-la martyrum_fw-la what_o when_o probable_o first_o begin_v 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from_o the_o fetter_n of_o mortality_n so_o long_o as_o
we_o be_v here_o we_o must_v worship_v god_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o present_a state_n and_o consequent_o of_o necessity_n have_v some_o definite_a and_o particular_a time_n to_o do_v it_o in_o now_o that_o man_n may_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o a_o float_a uncertainty_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n man_n have_v be_v guide_v by_o the_o very_a dictate_v of_o nature_n to_o pitch_v upon_o some_o certain_a season_n wherein_o to_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o to_o perform_v the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n what_o and_o how_o many_o be_v the_o public_a festival_n institute_v and_o observe_v either_o among_o jew_n or_o gentile_n i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o for_o the_o ancient_a christian_n they_o ever_o have_v their_o peculiar_a season_n their_o solemn_a and_o state_v time_n of_o meet_v together_o to_o perform_v the_o common_a duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n of_o which_o because_o the_o lordsday_n challenge_v the_o precedency_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o that_o and_o be_v unconcern_v in_o all_o the_o controversy_n which_o in_o the_o late_a time_n be_v raise_v about_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o note_v some_o instance_n of_o the_o piety_n of_o christian_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o day_n which_o i_o have_v observe_v in_o pass_v through_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n for_o the_o name_n of_o this_o day_n of_o public_a worship_n it_o be_v sometime_o especial_o by_o justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n call_v sunday_n because_o it_o happen_v upon_o that_o day_n of_o the_o week_n which_o by_o the_o heathen_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o sun_n and_o therefore_o as_o be_v best_o know_v to_o they_o the_o father_n common_o make_v use_v of_o it_o in_o their_o apology_n to_o the_o heathen_a governor_n this_o title_n continue_v after_o the_o world_n become_v christian_n and_o seldom_o it_o be_v that_o it_o pass_v under_o any_o other_o name_n in_o the_o imperial_a edict_n of_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n but_o the_o more_o proper_a and_o prevail_a name_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o die_v dominica_n the_o lordsday_n as_o it_o be_v call_v by_o s._n john_n himself_o 10._o as_o be_v that_o day_n of_o the_o week_n whereon_o our_o lord_n make_v his_o triumphant_a return_n from_o the_o dead_a 99_o this_o justin_n martyr_n assure_v we_o be_v the_o true_a original_n of_o the_o title_n upon_o sunday_n say_v he_o we_o all_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o as_o be_v the_o first_o day_n wherein_o god_n part_v the_o darkness_n from_o the_o rude_a chaos_n create_v the_o world_n and_o the_o same_o day_n whereon_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a for_o he_o be_v crucify_v the_o day_n before_o saturday_n and_o the_o day_n after_o which_o be_v sunday_n he_o appear_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n by_o this_o mean_n observe_v a_o kind_n of_o analogy_n and_o proportion_n with_o the_o 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resurrection_n or_o restitution_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n that_o for_o six_o day_n we_o pray_v upon_o our_o knee_n be_v in_o token_n of_o our_o fall_n by_o sin_n but_o that_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n we_o do_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n do_v symbolical_o represent_v our_o resurrection_n by_o which_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v deliver_v from_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o power_n of_o death_n this_o he_o there_o tell_v we_o be_v a_o custom_n derive_v from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o which_o he_o cite_v irenaeus_n in_o his_o book_n concern_v easter_n and_o this_o custom_n be_v maintain_v with_o so_o much_o vigour_n that_o when_o some_o begin_v to_o neglect_v it_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a take_v notice_n of_o it_o 20._o and_o ordain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o constant_a uniformity_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o at_o such_o other_o time_n as_o be_v usual_a man_n shall_v stand_v when_o they_o make_v their_o prayer_n to_o god_n so_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a do_v they_o think_v it_o to_o do_v all_o possible_a honour_n to_o that_o day_n on_o which_o christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v all_o along_o in_o the_o sacred_a story_n that_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n do_v especial_o assemble_v upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o whatever_o they_o may_v do_v at_o other_o time_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o passage_n that_o intimate_v that_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v their_o more_o solemn_a time_n of_o meeting_n on_o this_o day_n it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o when_o our_o saviour_n first_o appear_v to_o they_o and_o so_o again_o the_o next_o week_n after_o on_o this_o day_n they_o be_v assemble_v when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o visible_o come_v down_o upon_o they_o when_o peter_n preach_v that_o excellent_a sermon_n convert_v and_o baptize_v three_o thousand_o soul_n thus_o when_o s._n paul_n be_v take_v his_o leave_n at_o troas_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o disciple_n come_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n i.e._n as_o almost_o all_o agree_v to_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n he_o preach_v to_o they_o 2._o sufficient_o intimate_v that_o upon_o that_o day_n it_o be_v their_o usual_a custom_n to_o meet_v in_o that_o manner_n and_o elsewhere_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o like_a case_n to_o other_o church_n concern_v their_o contribution_n to_o the_o poor_a suffer_a brethren_n he_o bid_v they_o lay_v it_o aside_o upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n which_o seem_v plain_o to_o respect_v their_o religious_a assembly_n upon_o that_o day_n for_o than_o it_o be_v that_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n deposit_v something_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n the_o christian_n constant_o observe_v this_o day_n meet_v together_o for_o prayer_n expound_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o scripture_n celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n upon_o the_o day_n call_v sunday_n say_v j._n martyr_n all_o of_o we_o that_o live_v either_o in_o city_n or_o country_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n 98_o and_o what_o they_o then_o do_v 10._o he_o there_o describe_v 97._o of_o which_o afterward_o this_o doubtless_o pliny_n mean_v when_o give_v trajan_n a_o account_n of_o the_o christian_n he_o tell_v he_o that_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v together_o to_o worship_n christ_n stato_fw-la die_fw-la upon_o a_o set_v certain_a day_n by_o which_o he_o can_v be_v reasonable_o understand_v to_o design_n no_o other_o but_o the_o lord_n day_n for_o though_o they_o probable_o meet_v at_o other_o time_n yet_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o only_a either_o because_o the_o christian_n who_o he_o have_v examine_v have_v not_o tell_v he_o of_o their_o meeting_n at_o other_o time_n or_o because_o this_o be_v their_o most_o public_a and_o solemn_a convention_n and_o which_o in_o a_o manner_n swallow_v up_o the_o rest_n by_o the_o violent_a persecution_n of_o those_o time_n the_o christian_n be_v force_v to_o meet_v together_o before_o day_n so_o pliny_n in_o the_o same_o place_n tell_v the_o emperor_n 168._o that_o they_o assemble_v before_o daylight_n to_o sing_v their_o morning_n hymn_n to_o christ_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o tertullian_n so_o often_o mention_n their_o nocturnal_a convocation_n for_o put_v the_o case_n that_o his_o wife_n after_o his_o decease_n shall_v marry_v with_o a_o gentile-husband_n among_o other_o inconvenience_n he_o ask_v she_o whether_o she_o think_v he_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o let_v she_o rise_v from_o his_o bed_n to_o go_v to_o their_o night
correspondent_n to_o which_o 31._o the_o canon_n call_v apostolical_a 5._o and_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n ordain_v that_o if_o any_o presbyter_n set_v light_n by_o his_o own_o bishop_n shall_v withdraw_v and_o set_v up_o separate_a meeting_n and_o erect_v another_o altar_n i._n e._n say_v zonaras_n keep_v unlawful_a conventicle_n preach_v private_o and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o shall_v be_v depose_v as_o ambitious_a and_o tyrannical_a and_o the_o people_n communicate_v with_o he_o be_v excommunicate_a as_o be_v factious_a and_o schismatical_a only_o this_o not_o to_o be_v do_v till_o after_o the_o three_o admonition_n after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o may_v further_o show_v what_o esteem_n and_o value_v the_o first_o christian_n have_v of_o the_o lord_n day_n by_o those_o great_a and_o honourable_a thing_n they_o have_v speak_v concern_v it_o of_o which_o i_o will_v produce_v but_o two_o passage_n the_o one_o be_v that_o in_o the_o epistle_n ad_fw-la magnesios_n which_o if_o not_o ignatius_n must_v yet_o be_v acknowledge_v a_o ancient_a author_n 149._o let_v every_o one_o say_v he_o that_o love_v christ_n keep_v the_o lord_n day_n festival_n the_o resurrection_n day_n the_o queen_n and_o empress_n of_o all_o day_n in_o which_o our_o life_n be_v raise_v again_o and_o death_n conquer_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n the_o other_o that_o of_o theophilus_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n 170._o who_o speak_v thus_o that_o both_o custom_n and_o reason_n challenge_v from_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v honour_v the_o lord_n day_n and_o keep_v it_o festival_n see_v on_o that_o day_n it_o be_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n complete_v his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a next_o to_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o sabbath_n or_o saturday_n for_o so_o the_o word_n sabbatum_fw-la be_v constant_o use_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n when_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o christian_n be_v hold_v by_o they_o in_o great_a veneration_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o eastern_a part_n honour_v with_o all_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o religion_n for_o which_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o gospel_n in_o those_o part_n main_o prevail_v among_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v general_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n they_o still_o retain_v a_o mighty_a reverence_n for_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n and_o especial_o for_o the_o sabbath_n as_o that_o which_o have_v be_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o the_o memorial_n of_o his_o rest_n from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n settle_v by_o their_o great_a master_n moses_n and_o celebrate_v by_o their_o ancestor_n for_o so_o many_o age_n as_o the_o solemn_a day_n of_o their_o public_a worship_n and_o be_v therefore_o very_o loath_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v whole_o antiquate_v and_o lay_v aside_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o prudence_n of_o those_o time_n as_o in_o other_o of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n so_o in_o this_o to_o indulge_v the_o humour_n of_o that_o people_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n as_o a_o day_n for_o religious_a office_n hence_o they_o usual_o have_v most_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n perform_v upon_o that_o day_n they_o meet_v together_o for_o public_a prayer_n for_o read_v the_o scripture_n celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o such_o like_a duty_n this_o be_v plain_a not_o only_o from_o some_o passage_n in_o ignatius_n and_o clemens_n his_o constitution_n but_o from_o writer_n of_o more_o unquestionable_a credit_n and_o authority_n init_fw-la athanasius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o assemble_v on_o saturdays_n not_o that_o they_o be_v infect_v with_o judaisme_n but_o only_o to_o worship_n jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o sabbath_n 312._o and_o socrates_n speak_v of_o the_o usual_a time_n of_o their_o public_a meeting_n call_v the_o sabbath_n and_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o weekly_a festival_n on_o which_o the_o congregation_n be_v wont_a to_o meet_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o divine_a service_n therefore_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n among_o other_o thing_n decree_v 51._o that_o upon_o saturday_n the_o gospel_n and_o other_o scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v that_o in_o lent_n the_o eucharist_n shall_v not_o be_v celebrate_v but_o upon_o saturday_n and_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o upon_o those_o day_n only_o in_o the_o time_n of_o lent_n it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a to_o commemorate_v and_o rehearse_v the_o name_n of_o martyr_n upon_o this_o day_n also_o aswell_o as_o upon_o sunday_n all_o fast_n be_v severe_o prohibit_v a_o infallible_a argument_n they_o count_v it_o a_o festival_n day_n one_o saturday_n in_o the_o year_n only_o except_v viz._n that_o before_o easter-day_n which_o be_v always_o observe_v as_o a_o solemn_a fast_o thing_n so_o common_o know_v as_o to_o need_v no_o proof_n but_o though_o the_o church_n think_v fit_a thus_o far_o to_o correspond_v with_o jewish_a convert_v as_o solemn_o to_o observe_v the_o sabbath_n yet_o to_o take_v away_o all_o offence_n and_o to_o vindicate_v themselves_o from_o compliance_n with_o judaisme_n they_o open_o declare_v that_o they_o do_v it_o only_o in_o a_o christian_a way_n and_o keep_v it_o not_o as_o a_o jewish_a sabbath_n as_o be_v express_o affirm_v by_o athanasius_n cement_n nazianzen_n and_o other_o and_o the_o forementioned_a laodicean_n synod_n have_v a_o canon_n to_o this_o purpose_n 835._o that_o christian_n shall_v not_o judaize_v 29._o and_o rest_n from_o all_o labour_n on_o the_o sabbath_n but_o follow_v their_o ordinary_a work_n i._n e._n so_o far_o as_o consist_v with_o their_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o shall_v not_o entertain_v such_o thought_n of_o it_o but_o that_o still_o they_o shall_v prefer_v the_o lord_n day_n before_o it_o and_o on_o that_o day_n rest_n as_o christian_n but_o if_o any_o be_v find_v to_o judaize_v they_o shall_v be_v accurse_v thus_o stand_v the_o case_n in_o the_o eastern_a church_n in_o those_o of_o the_o west_n we_o find_v it_o somewhat_o different_a among_o they_o it_o be_v not_o observe_v as_o a_o religious_a festival_n but_o keep_v as_o a_o constant_a fast_o the_o reason_n whereof_o as_o it_o be_v give_v by_o pope_n innonocent_a in_o a_o epistle_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o eugubium_n where_o he_o treat_v of_o this_o very_a case_n seem_v most_o probable_a if_o vero_fw-la say_v he_o we_o commemorate_v christ_n resurrection_n not_o only_o at_o easter_n but_o every_o lord_n day_n and_o fast_o upon_o friday_n because_o it_o be_v the_o day_n of_o his_o passion_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o pass_v by_o saturday_n which_o be_v the_o middle-time_n between_o the_o day_n of_o grief_n and_o joy_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o spend_v those_o two_o day_n viz._n friday_n and_o the_o sabbath_n in_o great_a sorrow_n and_o heaviness_n and_o he_o think_v no_o doubt_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n fast_v upon_o those_o two_o day_n whence_o the_o church_n have_v a_o tradition_n that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v on_o those_o day_n and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o every_o saturday_n or_o sabbath_n ought_v to_o be_v keep_v a_o fast_a to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o council_n of_o illiberis_n ordain_v 35._o that_o a_o saturday_n festival_n be_v a_o error_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o that_o man_n ought_v to_o fast_o upon_o every_o sabbath_n but_o though_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o general_a practice_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o obtain_v in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o west_n alike_o in_o italy_n itself_o it_o be_v otherwise_o at_o milan_n where_o saturday_n be_v a_o festival_n praefixâ—_n and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o life_n of_o s._n ambrose_n who_o be_v bishop_n of_o that_o see_v that_o he_o constant_o dine_v as_o well_o upon_o saturday_n as_o the_o lord_n day_n it_o be_v his_o custom_n to_o dine_v upon_o no_o other_o day_n but_o those_o and_o the_o memorial_n of_o the_o martyr_n and_o use_v also_o upon_o that_o day_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n though_o so_o great_a be_v the_o prudence_n and_o moderation_n of_o that_o good_a man_n that_o he_o bind_v not_o up_o himself_o in_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o when_o he_o be_v at_o milan_n he_o dine_v upon_o saturday_n and_o when_o he_o be_v at_o rome_n he_o fast_v as_o they_o do_v upon_o those_o day_n 2._o this_o s._n augustine_n assure_v we_o he_o have_v from_o his_o own_o mouth_n for_o when_o his_o mother_n monica_n come_v after_o he_o to_o milan_n where_o he_o then_o reside_v she_o be_v great_o trouble_v to_o find_v the_o saturday_n fast_v not_o keep_v there_o as_o she_o have_v find_v it_o in_o other_o place_n for_o her_o satisfaction_n he_o immediate_o go_v to_o consult_v s._n ambrose_n than_o bishop_n of_o that_o place_n who_o tell_v he_o he_o can_v give_v he_o no_o better_o
the_o rich_a and_o most_o noble_a gift_n and_o to_o diffuse_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o bounty_n over_o all_o part_n of_o his_o empire_n and_o his_o example_n herein_o it_o seem_v be_v follow_v by_o most_o of_o his_o successor_n who_o use_v upon_o this_o solemnity_n by_o their_o imperial_a order_n to_o release_v all_o prisoner_n unless_o such_o as_o be_v in_o for_o more_o heavy_a and_o notorious_a crime_n high_a treason_n murder_n rape_n incest_n and_o the_o like_a and_o chrysostom_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o letter_n of_o theodosius_n the_o great_a send_v at_o this_o time_n throughout_o the_o empire_n 1._o wherein_o he_o do_v not_o only_o command_v that_o all_o prisoner_n shall_v be_v release_v and_o pardon_v but_o wish_v he_o be_v able_a to_o recall_v those_o that_o be_v already_o execute_v and_o to_o restore_v they_o to_o life_n again_o and_o because_o by_o the_o negligence_n and_o remissness_n of_o messenger_n or_o any_o accident_n those_o imperial_a letter_n may_v sometime_o happen_v to_o come_v too_o late_o therefore_o valentinian_n the_o young_a provide_v by_o a_o stand_a law_n 8._o that_o whether_o order_n come_v or_o not_o the_o judge_n shall_v dispense_v the_o accustom_a indulgence_n and_o upon_o easter_n day_n in_o the_o morning_n cause_n all_o prison_n to_o be_v open_a the_o chain_n to_o be_v knock_v off_o and_o the_o person_n set_v at_o liberty_n the_o next_o feast_n considerable_a in_o those_o primitive_a time_n be_v that_o of_o whitsunday_n or_o pentecost_n a_o feast_n of_o great_a eminency_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o law_n deliver_v at_o mount_n sinai_n at_o that_o time_n and_o for_o the_o gather_n and_o bring_v in_o of_o their_o harvest_n and_o of_o no_o less_o note_n among_o christian_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o christian_n in_o the_o visible_a appearance_n of_o fiery_a cleave_a tongue_n which_o happen_v upon_o that_o day_n and_o those_o miraculous_a power_n then_o confer_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v observe_v with_o the_o same_o respect_n to_o easter_n that_o the_o jew_n do_v with_o respect_n to_o their_o passover_n viz._n as_o the_o word_n import_v just_a fifty_o day_n after_o it_o reckon_v from_o the_o second_o day_n of_o that_o festival_n it_o seem_v to_o some_o to_o have_v commence_v from_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o christianity_n not_o only_o because_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o church_n be_v assemble_v upon_o that_o day_n but_o because_o s._n paul_n make_v so_o much_o haste_n to_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n which_o they_o understand_v of_o his_o great_a desire_n to_o keep_v it_o there_o as_o a_o christian_a feast_n 16._o but_o the_o argument_n seem_v to_o i_o no_o way_n conclusive_a for_o the_o apostle_n may_v desire_v to_o be_v there_o at_o that_o time_n both_o because_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o because_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o fit_a opportunity_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o jew_n who_o from_o all_o part_n flock_v thither_o to_o the_o feast_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n use_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o all_o their_o great_a and_o solemn_a feast_n but_o however_o this_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a the_o observation_n of_o it_o be_v ancient_a it_o be_v mention_v by_o irenaeus_n in_o a_o book_n which_o he_o write_v concern_v easter_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o question_n and_o response_n in_o j._n martyr_n tell_v we_o 115._o by_o tertullian_n and_o after_o he_o by_o origen_n more_o than_o once_o 94._o this_o feast_n be_v by_o we_o style_v whitsunday_n 392._o partly_o because_o of_o those_o vast_a diffusion_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o upon_o this_o day_n be_v shed_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o order_n to_o the_o enlighten_v of_o the_o world_n but_o principal_o because_o this_o as_o also_o easter_n be_v the_o state_v time_n for_o baptism_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n those_o who_o be_v baptize_v put_v on_o white_a garment_n in_o token_n of_o that_o pure_a and_o innocent_a course_n of_o life_n they_o have_v now_o engage_v in_o of_o which_o more_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n this_o white_a garment_n they_o wear_v till_o the_o next_o sunday_n after_o and_o then_o lay_v it_o aside_o whence_o the_o octave_n or_o sunday_n after_o easter_n come_v to_o be_v style_v dominica_n in_o albis_n the_o sunday_n in_o white_a it_o be_v then_o that_o the_o new-baptized_n put_v off_o their_o white_a garment_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n the_o whole_a space_n of_o fifty_o day_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n go_v often_o under_o the_o name_n of_o pentecost_n and_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n account_v festival_n max._n as_o tertullian_n inform_v we_o and_o the_o forty_o three_o canon_n of_o the_o illiberitan_n council_n seem_v to_o intimate_v during_o this_o whole_a time_n baptism_n be_v confer_v 223._o all_o fast_n be_v suspend_v and_o count_v unlawful_a they_o pray_v stand_v as_o they_o do_v every_o lord_n day_n and_o at_o this_o time_n read_v over_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o their_o suffering_n and_o miracle_n be_v record_v as_o we_o learn_v from_o a_o law_n of_o the_o young_a theodosius_n 5_o wherein_o this_o custom_n be_v mention_v and_o more_o plain_o from_o s._n chrysostom_n 73._o who_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o a_o homily_n on_o purpose_n act._n where_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n why_o that_o book_n which_o contain_v those_o action_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v do_v after_o pentecost_n 5._o shall_v yet_o be_v read_v before_o it_o when_o as_o at_o all_o other_o time_n those_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v read_v which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o season_n because_o the_o apostle_n miracle_n be_v the_o grand_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o those_o miracle_n record_v in_o that_o book_n it_o be_v therefore_o most_o proper_a to_o be_v read_v next_o to_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o resurrection_n epiphany_n succeed_v this_o word_n be_v of_o old_a promiscuous_o use_v either_o for_o the_o feast_n of_o christ_n nativity_n or_o for_o that_o which_o we_o now_o proper_o call_v by_o that_o name_n afterward_o the_o title_n become_v distinct_a that_o of_o christ_n birth_n or_o as_o we_o now_o term_v it_o christmas-day_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o nativity_n 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n 613._o two_o name_n import_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o nazianzen_n note_v for_o the_o antiquity_n of_o it_o the_o first_o footstep_n i_o find_v of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o second_o century_n though_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v celebrate_v before_o mention_v by_o theophilus_n bishop_n of_o caesaria_n about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o emperor_n commodus_n but_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o decretal_a epistle_n vero_fw-la it_o be_v somewhat_o elder_a than_o that_o pope_n telesphorus_n who_o live_v under_o antoninus_n pius_fw-la ordain_v divine_a service_n to_o be_v celebrate_v and_o a_o angelical_a hymn_n to_o be_v sing_v the_o night_n before_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o saviour_n however_o that_o it_o be_v keep_v before_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n we_o have_v this_o sad_a instance_n 6._o that_o when_o the_o persecution_n rage_v under_o dioclesian_n who_o then_o keep_v his_o court_n at_o nicomedia_n among_o other_o act_n of_o barbarous_a cruelty_n do_v there_o find_v multitude_n of_o christian_n young_a and_o old_a meet_v together_o in_o the_o temple_n upon_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n nativity_n to_o celebrate_v that_o festival_n he_o command_v the_o church_n door_n to_o be_v shut_v up_o and_o fire_n to_o be_v put_v to_o it_o which_o in_o a_o short_a time_n reduce_v they_o and_o the_o church_n to_o ash_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v whether_o it_o be_v always_o observe_v upon_o the_o same_o day_n that_o we_o keep_v it_o now_o the_o twenty_o five_o of_o december_n it_o seem_v probable_a that_o for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o east_n it_o be_v keep_v in_o january_n under_o the_o name_n and_o at_o the_o general_a time_n of_o the_o epiphania_fw-la till_o receive_v more_o light_a in_o the_o case_n from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o west_n they_o change_v it_o to_o this_o day_n sure_o i_o be_o s._n chrysostom_n in_o a_o homily_n on_o purpose_n about_o this_o very_a thing_n affirm_v 31._o that_o it_o be_v not_o above_o ten_o year_n since_o in_o that_o church_n i._n e._n antioch_n it_o begin_v first_o to_o be_v observe_v upon_o that_o day_n 417._o and_o there_o offer_v several_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a day_n of_o christ_n nativity_n the_o feast_n of_o epiphany_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v keep_v on_o the_o six_o of_o january_n and_o have_v that_o name_n from_o a_o
the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o visiter_n in_o every_o diocese_n of_o metropolitan_o what_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n above_o ordinary_a bishop_n their_o antiquity_n of_o patriarch_n and_o in_o what_o respect_v superior_a to_o metropolitan_o and_o archbishop_n a_o account_n of_o conform_v the_o external_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n presbyter_n their_o place_n and_o duty_n whether_o they_o preach_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o bishop_n deacon_n their_o institution_n office_n number_n the_o archdeacon_n of_o inferior_a order_n the_o subdeacon_n the_o acolythus_n the_o exorcist_n the_o reader_n the_o doorkeeper_n what_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o several_a place_n ordination_n to_o these_o office_n how_o manage_v the_o people_n present_a at_o and_o consent_n to_o the_o ordination_n sacerdotes_fw-la praedicarii_fw-la what_o the_o christian_a discipline_n in_o this_o case_n imitate_v by_o the_o emperor_n severus_n in_o appoint_v civil_a officer_n great_a trial_n and_o testimonial_n to_o be_v have_v of_o person_n to_o be_v ordain_v clergyman_n to_o rise_v by_o degree_n the_o age_n usual_o require_v in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v promote_v to_o the_o several_a order_n of_o deaconess_n their_o antiquity_n age_n and_o office_n the_o great_a honour_n and_o respect_n show_v to_o bishop_n and_o minister_n look_v upon_o as_o common_a parent_n nothing_o of_o moment_n do_v without_o their_o leave_n their_o welcome_n and_o the_o honour_n do_v they_o wherever_o they_o come_v this_o make_v good_a by_o several_a instance_n bishop_n invest_v with_o power_n to_o determine_v civil_a controversy_n the_o plentiful_a provision_n make_v for_o they_o the_o great_a privilege_n and_o immunity_n grant_v by_o constantine_n and_o his_o successor_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n note_v out_o of_o the_o theodosian_a code_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o time_n and_o place_n we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o person_n that_o constitute_v and_o make_v up_o their_o religious_a assembly_n and_o they_o be_v either_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n or_o those_o who_o be_v peculiar_o consecrate_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o public_a ministration_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o as_o christianity_n at_o first_o general_o gain_v admission_n in_o great_a town_n and_o city_n so_o all_o the_o believer_n of_o that_o place_n usual_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o the_o christian_n also_o of_o the_o neighbour-village_n resort_v thither_o at_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n but_o religion_n increase_a apace_o the_o public_a assembly_n especial_o in_o the_o great_a city_n quick_o begin_v to_o be_v too_o vast_a and_o numerous_a to_o be_v manage_v with_o any_o order_n and_o conveniency_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v to_o divide_v the_o body_n into_o particular_a congregation_n who_o have_v their_o pastor_n and_o spiritual_a guide_n set_v over_o they_o but_o still_o be_v under_o the_o superintendency_n and_o care_n of_o he_o that_o be_v the_o precedent_n or_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n and_o according_a as_o the_o church_n can_v form_v and_o establish_v its_o discipline_n the_o people_n either_o according_a to_o their_o seniority_n and_o improvement_n or_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o present_a condition_n they_o be_v under_o begin_v to_o be_v distinguish_v into_o several_a rank_n and_o class_n which_o have_v their_o distinct_a place_n in_o the_o church_n and_o their_o gradual_a admission_n to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n balsam_n the_o first_o be_v the_o catechuman_n zoâ—ar_n and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n 5._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neo-caesar_n or_o more_o perfect_a such_o as_o have_v be_v catechuman_n of_o some_o considerable_a stand_n and_o be_v even_o ripe_a for_o baptism_n these_o may_v stay_v not_o only_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o to_o the_o very_a last_o part_n of_o the_o first_o service_n the_o other_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o more_o rude_a and_o imperfect_a who_o stand_v only_o among_o the_o hearer_n and_o be_v to_o depart_v the_o congregation_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o lesson_n be_v read_v these_o be_v as_o yet_o account_v heathen_n who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v catechize_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o more_o plain_a ground_n and_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n these_o principle_n be_v gradual_o deliver_v to_o they_o according_a as_o they_o become_v capable_a to_o receive_v they_o first_o the_o more_o plain_a and_o then_o the_o more_o difficult_a indeed_o they_o be_v very_o shy_a of_o impart_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o more_o recondite_v doctrine_n of_o christianity_n to_o any_o till_o after_o baptism_n 13._o so_o s._n cyril_n express_o assure_v we_o where_o speak_v to_o the_o illuminate_v or_o baptise_a if_o during_o the_o chatechetical_a exercise_n say_v he_o a_o catechumen_n shall_v ask_v thou_o what_o that_o mean_n which_o the_o preacher_n say_v tell_v he_o not_o for_o he_o be_v yet_o without_o and_o these_o mystery_n be_v deliver_v to_o thou_o only_o the_o weak_a understanding_n of_o a_o catechumen_n be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o bear_v such_o sublime_a mystery_n than_o a_o sick_a man_n head_n can_v large_a and_o immoderate_a draught_n of_o wine_n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o preface_n he_o have_v this_o note_n 21._o these_o catechetical_a discourse_n may_v be_v read_v by_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v or_o the_o faithful_a already_o baptize_v but_o to_o catechuman_n or_o such_o as_o be_v no_o christian_n thou_o may_v not_o impart_v they_o for_o if_o thou_o do_v expect_v to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n s._n basil_n discourse_v of_o the_o rite_n and_o institution_n of_o christianity_n 2._o divide_v they_o into_o two_o part_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v those_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o may_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v familiar_o preach_v and_o expound_v to_o the_o people_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o more_o sublime_a and_o hide_a doctrine_n and_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o these_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n not_o rash_o and_o common_o to_o be_v divulge_v but_o to_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o silence_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o hypostatick_a union_n 230._o and_o such_o like_a especial_o of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o though_o they_o acquaint_v their_o young_a hearer_n with_o so_o much_o of_o they_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o stir_v up_o their_o desire_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o main_a of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o the_o sacramental_a symbol_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o celebration_n the_o modus_fw-la of_o the_o divine_a presence_n at_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n the_o meaning_n of_o all_o those_o mystical_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v use_v about_o they_o these_o be_v careful_o conceal_v both_o from_o stranger_n and_o catechuman_n and_o communicate_v only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v solemn_o initiate_v and_o baptize_v hence_o that_o ancient_a form_n so_o common_a in_o the_o sermon_n and_o write_n of_o the_o father_n whereby_o when_o accidental_o discourse_v before_o the_o people_n of_o any_o of_o these_o mysterious_a part_n of_o religion_n they_o use_v to_o fetch_v themselves_o off_o with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o be_v initiate_v know_v what_o be_v say_v chrys_n this_o be_v so_o usual_a isid_v that_o this_o phrase_n occur_v at_o least_o fifty_o time_n in_o the_o write_n of_o s._n chrysostom_n only_o 4._o as_o casaubon_n have_v observe_v aliique_fw-la who_o have_v likewise_o note_v three_o reason_n out_o of_o the_o father_n why_o they_o so_o studious_o conceal_v these_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n 556._o first_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o so_o sublime_a and_o remote_a from_o vulgar_a apprehension_n that_o they_o will_v signify_v little_a to_o pagan_n or_o catechuman_n not_o yet_o full_o instruct_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o will_v either_o be_v lose_v upon_o they_o or_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v deride_v by_o they_o second_o that_o hereby_o the_o catechuman_n and_o young_a christian_n may_v be_v inflame_v with_o a_o great_a eagerness_n of_o desire_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o mystery_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o faithful_a humane_a nature_n be_v desirous_a of_o nothing_o more_o than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v keep_v and_o conceal_v from_o we_o to_o help_v they_o forward_o in_o this_o vâ—â—l_n s._n augustine_n tell_v we_o 493._o that_o in_o their_o public_a prayer_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o inspire_v the_o catechuman_n with_o a_o desire_n of_o baptismal_a regeneration_n the_o same_o account_n chrysostom_n give_v we_o 740._o this_o
love_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a they_o communicate_v every_o day_n or_o as_o oft_o as_o they_o come_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n insomuch_o that_o the_o canon_n apostolical_a and_o the_o synod_n of_o antioch_n threaten_v every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a with_o excommunication_n 2._o who_o come_v to_o church_n to_o hear_v the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o stay_v not_o to_o participate_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o eye_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v then_o almost_o whole_o fix_v upon_o the_o memory_n of_o their_o crucify_a saviour_n it_o and_o the_o often_o they_o feed_v at_o his_o table_n the_o strong_a and_o healthy_a they_o find_v themselves_o 87._o and_o the_o more_o able_a to_o encounter_v with_o those_o fierce_a opposition_n that_o be_v make_v against_o they_o this_o custom_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n every_o day_n continue_v some_o considerable_a time_n in_o the_o church_n though_o in_o some_o place_n long_o than_o in_o other_o especial_o in_o the_o western_a church_n from_o cyprian_n we_o be_v full_o assure_v it_o be_v so_o in_o his_o time_n orat._n we_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n every_o day_n say_v he_o as_o the_o food_n that_o nourish_v we_o to_o salvation_n 192._o the_o like_a s._n ambrose_n seem_v to_o intimate_v of_o milan_n 4._o whereof_o he_o be_v bishop_n 2._o nay_o and_o after_o he_o s._n hierom_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o s._n augustine_n seem_v pretty_a clear_o to_o intimate_v serm._n that_o it_o be_v not_o unusual_a in_o his_o time_n 557._o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n this_o custom_n wear_v off_o soon_o though_o more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o the_o primitive_a zeal_n do_v abate_v and_o decay_v s._n basil_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n they_o communicate_v four_o time_n a_o week_n on_o the_o lordsday_n caesariam_n wednesday_n friday_n and_o saturday_n 279._o yea_o and_o upon_o other_o day_n too_o if_o the_o memory_n or_o festival_n of_o any_o martyr_n fall_v upon_o they_o afterward_o as_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n begin_v more_o sensible_o to_o decline_v and_o the_o commonness_n of_o the_o thing_n beget_v some_o contempt_n manna_n itself_o be_v slight_v after_o once_o it_o be_v rain_v down_o every_o day_n this_o sacrament_n be_v more_o rare_o frequent_v and_o from_o once_o a_o day_n it_o come_v to_o once_o or_o twice_o a_o week_n and_o then_o fall_v to_o once_o a_o month_n and_o after_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o thrice_o a_o year_n at_o the_o three_o great_a solemnity_n of_o christmas_n easter_n and_o whitsuntide_n to_o so_o great_a a_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n do_v the_o piety_n and_o devotion_n of_o christian_n grow_v after_o once_o the_o true_a primitive_a temper_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v leave_v the_o world_n concern_v the_o three_o circumstance_n the_o place_n where_o this_o holy_a supper_n be_v keep_v much_o need_v not_o be_v say_v it_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o their_o public_a worship_n always_o perform_v in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o religious_a assembly_n it_o be_v institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o private_a house_n because_o of_o its_o analogy_n to_o the_o jewish_a passover_n and_o because_o the_o necessity_n of_o that_o time_n will_v not_o otherwise_o admit_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o christian_n with_o they_o it_o be_v celebrate_v in_o the_o house_n of_o believer_n general_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n set_v apart_o by_o the_o bounty_n of_o some_o christian_a for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o which_o as_o i_o have_v former_o prove_v be_v the_o constant_a separate_a place_n of_o religious_a worship_n for_o all_o the_o christian_n that_o dwell_v thereabouts_o under_o the_o severity_n of_o great_a persecution_n they_o be_v force_v to_o fly_v to_o the_o mountain_n or_o to_o their_o cryptae_n or_o vault_n under_o ground_n and_o to_o celebrate_v this_o sacrament_n at_o the_o tomb_n of_o martyr_n and_o over_o the_o ash_n of_o the_o dead_a church_n grow_v up_o into_o some_o beauty_n and_o regularity_n several_a part_n of_o the_o divine_a office_n begin_v to_o have_v several_a place_n assign_v to_o they_o the_o communion-service_n be_v remove_v to_o the_o upper_a or_o east_n end_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o perform_v upon_o a_o table_n of_o wood_n which_o afterward_o be_v change_v into_o one_o of_o stone_n and_o both_o of_o they_o not_o uncommon_o though_o metaphorical_o by_o the_o father_n style_v altar_n and_o the_o eucharist_n itself_o in_o late_a time_n especial_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o altar_n this_o place_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v fence_v in_o with_o rail_n within_o which_o the_o clergy_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o laity_n do_v without_o here_o it_o be_v that_o they_o all_o use_v to_o meet_v at_o this_o heavenly_a banquet_n for_o out_o of_o this_o place_n they_o allow_v not_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n a_o thing_n express_o forbid_v by_o the_o laodicean_n council_n unless_o in_o case_n of_o great_a necessity_n 58._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a article_n for_o which_o the_o synod_n of_o gangra_n depose_v eustathius_n from_o his_o bishopric_n council_n that_o he_o keep_v private_a meeting_n persuade_v some_o that_o be_v averse_a to_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n gargr_n that_o they_o may_v communicate_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n at_o home_n 6._o we_o come_v last_o of_o all_o to_o consider_v the_o manner_n how_o the_o eucharist_n be_v celebrate_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n but_o before_o we_o describe_v that_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o after_o the_o service_n of_o the_o catechuman_n and_o before_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o of_o the_o faithful_a at_o which_o the_o eucharist_n be_v administer_v the_o custom_n be_v to_o present_v their_o offering_n every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n bring_v some_o gift_n as_o the_o first-fruit_n of_o his_o increase_n 362._o which_o be_v by_o the_o minister_n lay_v upon_o the_o altar_n or_o communion-table_n 98._o none_o of_o they_o then_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n empty_a and_o therefore_o s._n cyprian_n severe_o chide_v a_o rich_a widow_n of_o his_o time_n 218._o who_o come_v without_o give_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o poor_a man_n box_n and_o do_v partake_v of_o their_o offering_n without_o bring_v any_o offering_n of_o her_o own_o these_o obleation_n be_v design_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a especial_o out_o of_o they_o be_v take_v the_o bread_n and_o the_o wine_n for_o the_o sacramental_a element_n the_o bread_n be_v no_o other_o than_o common_a bread_n such_o as_o serve_v for_o their_o ordinary_a use_n there_o be_v then_o no_o notice_n take_v of_o what_o have_v for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o still_o be_v to_o this_o day_n fierce_o dispute_v between_o the_o greek_a and_o the_o latin_a church_n whether_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v leaven_v or_o unleavened_a bread_n out_o of_o these_o oblation_n also_o it_o be_v probable_a they_o take_v at_o least_o send_v provision_n extraordinary_a to_o furnish_v the_o common_a feast_n which_o in_o those_o day_n they_o constant_o have_v at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n where_o the_o rich_a and_o the_o poor_a feast_v together_o at_o the_o same_o table_n these_o be_v call_v agapae_n or_o love-feast_n mention_v by_o s._n judas_n and_o plain_o enough_o intimate_v by_o s._n paul_n because_o hereat_o they_o testify_v and_o confirm_v their_o mutual_a love_n and_o kindness_n a_o thing_n never_o more_o proper_a than_o at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o seal_n of_o our_o peace_n with_o god_n but_o a_o sign_n and_o a_o pledge_n of_o our_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o one_o another_o whether_o this_o banquet_n be_v before_o or_o after_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o the_o age_n after_o they_o it_o be_v before_o it_o in_o imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n institution_n who_o celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n after_o supper_n and_o s._n paul_n tax_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n reprove_v they_o 11._o that_o when_o they_o come_v together_o for_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o do_v not_o one_o tarry_v for_o another_o but_o every_o one_o take_v his_o own_o supper_n i._n e._n that_o provision_n which_o he_o have_v bring_v from_o home_n for_o the_o common_a feast_n which_o be_v devour_v with_o great_a irregularity_n and_o excess_n some_o eat_n and_o drink_v all_o they_o bring_v other_o the_o poor_z especial_o that_o come_v late_o have_v nothing_o leave_v one_o be_v hungry_a and_o another_o drunken_a all_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a be_v do_v