their_o estate_n and_o quality_n inconsiderable_a they_o be_v account_v in_o respect_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n 49._o you_o scorn_v and_o spit_v we_o out_o as_o rude_a and_o simple_a and_o think_v that_o the_o treasury_n of_o all_o divine_a and_o excellent_a knowledge_n be_v open_a only_a to_o yourselves_o as_o arnobius_n tell_v they_o thus_o celsus_n object_v 137._o that_o among_o the_o christian_n no_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o mystery_n of_o their_o religion_n let_v no_o man_n come_v that_o be_v learned_a wise_a and_o prudent_a for_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o they_o account_v evil_a and_o unlawful_a but_o if_o any_o be_v unlearned_a a_o infant_n or_o a_o idiot_n let_v he_o come_v and_o welcome_o open_o declare_v that_o none_o but_o fool_n and_o such_o as_o be_v devoid_a of_o sense_n and_o reason_n slave_n silly_a woman_n and_o little_a child_n be_v fit_a disciple_n for_o the_o god_n they_o worship_v we_o may_v observe_v say_v he_o these_o trifle_a and_o mountebank_n impostor_n 141._o brag_v great_a thing_n to_o the_o vulgar_a not_o in_o the_o presence_n and_o company_n of_o wise_a man_n for_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o but_o wherever_o they_o spy_v a_o flock_n of_o boy_n slave_n and_o weak_a simple_a people_n there_o they_o present_o crowd_v in_o and_o boast_v themselves_o 144._o you_o shall_v see_v as_o he_o go_v on_o in_o this_o charge_n weaver_n tailor_n fuller_n and_o the_o most_o rustic_a and_o illiterate_a fellow_n at_o home_o when_o before_o their_o elder_n and_o better_n as_o mute_a as_o fish_n but_o when_o they_o can_v get_v a_o few_o child_n and_o silly_a woman_n by_o themselves_o than_o who_o so_o wise_a and_o learned_a who_o so_o full_a of_o talk_n and_o so_o able_a to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v as_o they_o much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n cecilius_n discourse_n in_o minucius_n faelix_fw-la 7._o that_o the_o christian_n be_v man_n of_o a_o desperate_a and_o unlawful_a faction_n who_o gather_v a_o company_n out_o 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inspect_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v admit_v that_o they_o may_v expel_v and_o turn_v off_o those_o candidate_n of_o religion_n who_o answer_v not_o their_o profession_n and_o hearty_o entertain_v those_o that_o do_v and_o by_o daily_a converse_v build_v they_o up_o and_o make_v they_o better_o that_o it_o be_v false_a to_o say_v that_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o only_o to_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o that_o in_o corner_n when_o we_o endeavour_v what_o we_o can_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o fill_v our_o society_n with_o wise_a and_o prudent_a person_n and_o to_o such_o we_o open_v the_o more_o sublime_a and_o recondite_v principle_n of_o religion_n otherwise_o accommodate_v our_o discourse_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o mean_a person_n who_o stand_v more_o in_o need_n of_o milk_n than_o strong_a meat_n that_o we_o desire_v that_o all_o man_n may_v be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o servant_n and_o child_n may_v have_v such_o instruction_n give_v they_o as_o be_v suitable_a and_o convenient_a no_o they_o the_o minister_n of_o our_o religion_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v debtor_n both_o to_o the_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n both_o to_o the_o wise_a and_o to_o the_o unwise_a that_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v they_o may_v outgrow_a their_o ignorance_n and_o attain_v to_o the_o best_a kind_n of_o wisdom_n and_o whereas_o we_o be_v accuse_v to_o seduce_v and_o circumvent_v silly_a woman_n and_o little_a child_n and_o to_o draw_v they_o away_o from_o more_o weighty_a and_o serious_a counsel_n let_v he_o produce_v any_o such_o and_o inquire_v of_o they_o whether_o ever_o they_o hear_v better_a master_n than_o we_o or_o if_o they_o do_v why_o they_o will_v leave_v so_o grave_a a_o discipline_n and_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v into_o a_o worse_a but_o he_o will_v find_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o fasten_v upon_o we_o but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o reclaim_v woman_n from_o 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to_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n that_o if_o a_o modest_a and_o honest_a heathen_a be_v to_o estimate_n christianity_n by_o the_o life_n of_o its_o professor_n he_o will_v certain_o proscribe_v it_o as_o the_o vile_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v offend_v hereat_o i_o resolve_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n and_o see_v and_o inquire_v for_o the_o good_a old_a way_n the_o path_n wherein_o the_o ancient_a christian_n walk_v for_o i_o can_v not_o think_v that_o this_o have_v always_o be_v the_o unhappy_a fate_n and_o portion_n of_o christianity_n 1._o and_o that_o if_o the_o footstep_n of_o true_a christian_a piety_n and_o simplicity_n be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v find_v it_o must_v be_v in_o those_o time_n when_o as_o s._n hierom_n note_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v yet_o warm_a in_o the_o breast_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o faith_n and_o spirit_n of_o religion_n more_o brisk_a and_o vigorous_a in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o design_n i_o set_v my_o self_n to_o a_o more_o close_a and_o diligent_a read_n of_o the_o first_o father_n and_o ancient_a monument_n of_o the_o church_n than_o ever_o i_o have_v do_v before_o especial_o for_o the_o three_o or_o four_o first_o centure_n for_o much_o low_a i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o go_v because_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n do_v then_o visible_o decline_v apace_o note_v as_o i_o go_v along_o whatever_o contribute_v to_o my_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o affair_n have_v i_o consult_v my_o own_o ease_n and_o quiet_a i_o may_v have_v go_v a_o near_a way_n to_o work_v and_o have_v take_v up_o with_o what_o i_o can_v have_v pick_v up_o of_o this_o nature_n in_o baronius_n the_o century_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o can_v not_o satisfy_v myself_o and_o i_o presume_v it_o will_v as_o little_o have_v satisfy_v the_o reader_n with_o shred_n with_o thing_n take_v upon_o trust_n and_o borrow_v at_o the_o second_o hand_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o make_v little_a use_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o saint_n especial_o in_o such_o instance_n whereof_o there_o be_v the_o least_o cause_n to_o doubt_v and_o the_o spurious_a and_o suppositious_a write_n of_o the_o father_n seldom_o make_v use_n of_o any_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o unquestionable_a credit_n and_o authority_n and_o because_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o enemy_n be_v ever_o account_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o regard_n i_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o add_v the_o testimony_n that_o have_v be_v give_v to_o christian_n and_o to_o their_o religion_n by_o the_o know_a and_o profess_a adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n such_o as_o pliny_n lucian_n porphyry_n julian_n &c._n &c._n more_o whereof_o we_o may_v have_v be_v furnish_v with_o have_v those_o write_n of_o they_o against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v extant_a which_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n prince_n industrious_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n what_o other_o author_n of_o late_a date_n i_o have_v borrow_v any_o light_n from_o in_o this_o discourse_n i_o have_v faithful_o produce_v in_o the_o margin_n two_o book_n indeed_o i_o meet_v with_o which_o at_o first_o sight_n i_o well_o hope_v will_v have_v whole_o save_v i_o the_o labour_n of_o this_o search_n the_o one_o write_v by_o a_o person_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n 1655._o the_o other_o by_o a_o florentine_a of_o great_a name_n and_o note_n but_o my_o hope_n be_v very_o much_o frustrate_v in_o both_o quarto_fw-la for_o the_o first_o i_o no_o soon_o look_v into_o it_o but_o find_v myself_o wretched_o impose_v upon_o by_o the_o title_n his_o elder_a time_n and_o christian_n not_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o intermixture_n of_o thing_n nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n seldom_o reach_v any_o high_a than_o the_o middle-age_n of_o the_o church_n little_a or_o nothing_o be_v remark_v of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n the_o only_a thing_n i_o aim_v at_o for_o the_o other_o which_o i_o meet_v not_o with_o till_o i_o have_v almost_o finish_v this_o search_n i_o find_v it_o miserable_o thin_a and_o empty_a contain_v little_a else_o but_o short_a gloss_n upon_o some_o few_o passage_n out_o of_o tertullian_n from_o whence_o i_o do_v not_o enrich_v myself_o with_o any_o one_o observation_n which_o i_o have_v not_o make_v before_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o epistle_n of_o fronto_n the_o learned_a chancellor_n of_o the_o university_n of_o paris_n concern_v this_o affair_n quart_n but_o it_o contain_v only_o some_o general_a intimation_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v design_v by_o he_o as_o appear_v from_o that_o and_o some_o other_o of_o his_o epistle_n as_o the_o groundwork_n of_o a_o large_a and_o more_o particular_a discourse_n but_o his_o death_n happen_v some_o few_o year_n after_o the_o date_n of_o that_o epistle_n cut_v off_o all_o hope_n of_o prosecute_n so_o excellent_a a_o design_n these_o be_v all_o that_o i_o know_v of_o who_o have_v attempt_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o subject_n none_o whereof_o come_v up_o to_o the_o curiosity_n of_o my_o design_n i_o be_v force_v to_o resume_v the_o task_n i_o have_v undertake_v and_o to_o go_v on_o with_o it_o through_o those_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o result_n of_o which_o search_n be_v lay_v together_o in_o this_o book_n whether_o i_o have_v discharge_v myself_o herein_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o reander_n i_o know_v not_o sure_o i_o be_o i_o have_v endeavour_v what_o i_o propound_v to_o myself_o viz._n a_o specimen_fw-la of_o primitive_a christianity_n in_o some_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a branch_n and_o instance_n of_o religion_n here_o he_o will_v find_v a_o piety_n active_a and_o zealous_a shine_v through_o the_o black_a cloud_n of_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n afflict_a innocence_n triumphant_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o powerful_a or_o politic_a attempt_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n a_o patience_n unconquerable_a under_o the_o big_a persecution_n a_o charity_n true_o catholic_n and_o unlimited_a a_o simplicity_n and_o upright_a carriage_n in_o all_o transaction_n a_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n remarkable_a to_o the_o admiration_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o in_o short_a he_o will_v here_o see_v the_o divine_a and_o holy_a precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n draw_v down_o into_o action_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a genius_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n breathe_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o these_o good_a old_a christian_n here_o he_o will_v find_v a_o real_a and_o evident_a confutation_n of_o that_o senseless_a and_o absurd_a calumny_n that_o be_v fasten_v upon_o christianity_n as_o if_o it_o require_v no_o more_o than_o a_o easy_a and_o credulous_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o if_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o kindness_n and_o indulgence_n to_o sinner_n it_o minister_v to_o all_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n celsus_n confident_o begin_v the_o charge_n there_o be_v some_o among_o the_o christian_n say_v he_o that_o will_v neither_o give_v nor_o receive_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n 282._o who_o be_v wont_a to_o cry_v out_o do_v examine_v but_o believe_v and_o thy_o faith_n will_v save_v thou_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v evil_a but_o foolishness_n good_a and_o useful_a julian_n carry_v on_o the_o charge_n somewhat_o high_o as_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o only_o content_a with_o a_o naked_a and_o a_o empty_a faith_n but_o give_v encouragement_n to_o sin_n by_o assure_v its_o most_o desperate_a proselyte_n of_o a_o easy_a pardon_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o caesar_n after_o he_o have_v assign_v the_o roman_a emperor_n their_o particular_a tutelar_a deity_n he_o deliver_v over_o constantine_n the_o great_a the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n to_o the_o goddess_n of_o pleasure_n who_o have_v effeminate_o trick_v and_o dress_v he_o up_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o goddess_n asotia_n or_o intemperance_n where_o he_o find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o son_n constantius_n probable_o for_o the_o passage_n be_v a_o little_a disturb_a and_o obscure_a for_o which_o reason_n probable_o the_o translator_n pass_v it_o by_o and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o make_v this_o universal_a proclamation_n whoever_o be_v a_o adulterer_n 53._o or_o a_o murderer_n whoever_o be_v a_o impure_a profligate_v wretch_n let_v he_o come_v bold_o for_o i_o declare_v that_o be_v wash_v in_o this_o water_n baptism_n he_o shall_v immediate_o be_v cleanse_v nay_o although_o he_o again_o commit_v those_o sin_n let_v he_o but_o knock_v his_o breast_n and_o beat_v his_o head_n and_o i_o will_v make_v he_o clean_o much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n zosimus_n as_o good_a a_o friend_n to_o christianity_n as_o either_o of_o the_o former_a spiteful_o charge_v it_o upon_o constantine_n the_o great_a that_o be_v haunt_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o prodigious_a villainy_n and_o have_v no_o hope_n give_v he_o by_o the_o gentile_a priest_n
apology_n if_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v the_o sum_n of_o it_o to_o hold_v another_o conference_n with_o he_o even_o before_o the_o senate_n itself_o which_o he_o think_v will_v be_v a_o work_n worthy_a of_o so_o wise_a and_o grave_a a_o council_n or_o if_o they_o have_v hear_v it_o than_o he_o do_v not_o doubt_n but_o they_o clear_o apprehend_v how_o little_a he_o understand_v these_o thing_n or_o that_o if_o he_o do_v understand_v they_o he_o know_o dissemble_v it_o to_o his_o auditor_n not_o dare_v to_o own_o the_o truth_n as_o socrates_n do_v in_o the_o face_n of_o danger_n a_o evident_a argument_n that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o a_o philosopher_n but_o a_o slave_n to_o popular_a applause_n and_o glory_n second_o they_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n confess_v the_o charge_n that_o according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a notion_n which_o the_o heathen_n have_v of_o their_o deity_n 55._o they_o be_v atheist_n i.e._n stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o they_o that_o the_o god_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v at_o best_a but_o daemon_n impure_a and_o unclean_a spirit_n who_o have_v long_o impose_v upon_o mankind_n and_o by_o their_o villainy_n sophistry_n and_o art_n of_o terror_n have_v so_o affright_v the_o common_a people_n who_o know_v not_o real_o what_o they_o be_v and_o who_o judge_n of_o thing_n more_o by_o appearance_n than_o by_o reason_n that_o they_o call_v they_o god_n and_o give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o that_o name_n which_o the_o daemon_n be_v willing_a to_o take_v to_o himself_o and_o that_o they_o real_o be_v nothing_o but_o devil_n fall_v and_o apostate_n spirit_n the_o christian_n evident_o manifest_v at_o every_o turn_n force_v they_o to_o the_o confess_v it_o while_o by_o prayer_n and_o invocate_a the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n they_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o possess_v person_n and_o therefore_o they_o tremble_v to_o encounter_v with_o a_o christian_a as_o octavius_n triumph_o tell_v caecilius_n that_o they_o entertain_v the_o most_o 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the_o empire_n with_o which_o it_o begin_v and_o have_v grow_v up_o than_o that_o since_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n no_o misfortune_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a according_a to_o all_o man_n wish_n every_o thing_n have_v happen_v to_o be_v magnificent_a and_o prosperous_a hence_o eusebius_n note_v once_o and_o again_o that_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o empire_n common_o flourish_v 13._o while_o christianity_n be_v protect_v but_o when_o that_o be_v persecute_v thing_n begin_v to_o go_v to_o rack_n 322._o and_o their_o ancient_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n can_v not_o be_v retrieve_v till_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o christian_n therefore_o cyprian_n tell_v the_o proconsul_n 200._o that_o their_o cruelty_n to_o the_o christian_n be_v one_o of_o those_o cry_a sin_n that_o have_v provoke_v god_n to_o inflict_v so_o many_o heavy_a misery_n upon_o they_o not_o only_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n themselves_o but_o unjust_o persecute_v those_o innocent_a 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honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o christian_n seem_v but_o like_o the_o first_o skirmishing_n of_o a_o army_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o main_a battalion_n that_o be_v yet_o behind_o the_o charge_n that_o be_v make_v against_o their_o moral_a carriage_n and_o behaviour_n and_o here_o they_o be_v accuse_v at_o every_o turn_n of_o no_o less_o than_o sacrilege_n sedition_n and_o high-treason_n of_o incest_n and_o promiscuous_a mixture_n of_o murder_n and_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o infant_n at_o their_o sacramental_a feast_n these_o be_v sad_a and_o horrid_a crime_n and_o have_v they_o be_v true_a will_v just_o have_v make_v christianity_n stink_v in_o the_o nostril_n of_o all_o sober_a and_o consider_a man_n but_o they_o be_v as_o false_a as_o they_o be_v black_a and_o hellish_a the_o particular_a answer_n to_o these_o charge_n together_o with_o some_o thing_n relate_v to_o matter_n of_o worship_n shall_v be_v consider_v hereafter_o according_a as_o they_o fall_v in_o in_o their_o more_o proper_a place_n i_o shall_v only_o at_o present_a take_v notice_n of_o the_o general_a vindication_n which_o the_o christian_n make_v of_o themselves_o from_o these_o indictment_n that_o be_v bring_v in_o against_o they_o and_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o plead_v lie_v especial_o in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o they_o do_v open_o assert_v and_o maintain_v their_o innocency_n and_o show_v by_o their_o life_n as_o well_o as_o their_o apology_n that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o quite_o another_o make_v and_o temper_n than_o their_o enemy_n do_v general_o represent_v they_o their_o religion_n and_o way_n of_o life_n be_v admire_v by_o all_o who_o say_v s._n clement_n to_o the_o corinthian_n do_v ever_o dwell_v among_o you_o 4._o that_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o your_o excellent_a and_o unshaken_a faith_n that_o do_v not_o wonder_v at_o your_o sober_a and_o moderate_a piety_n in_o christ_n you_o be_v forward_o to_o every_o good_a work_n adorn_v with_o a_o most_o virtuous_a and_o venerable_a conversation_n do_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o have_v his_o law_n and_o command_v write_v upon_o the_o table_n of_o your_o heart_n they_o place_v religion_n then_o not_o in_o talk_v fine_o but_o in_o live_v well_o 12._o among_o we_o say_v athenagoras_n the_o mean_a and_o most_o mechanic_n person_n and_o old_a woman_n although_o not_o able_a to_o discourse_v and_o dispute_v for_o the_o usefulness_n of_o their_o profession_n do_v yet_o demonstrate_v it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o action_n they_o do_v indeed_o critical_o weigh_v their_o word_n and_o recite_v elegant_a oration_n but_o they_o manifest_a honest_a and_o virtuous_a action_n while_o be_v buffet_v they_o strike_v not_o again_o nor_o sue_v they_o at_o law_n that_o spoil_n and_o plunder_v they_o liberal_o give_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v and_o love_v their_o neighbour_n as_o themselves_o and_o this_o we_o do_v because_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o superintend_v humane_a affair_n who_o make_v both_o we_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o because_o we_o must_v give_v to_o he_o a_o account_n of_o all_o the_o transaction_n of_o our_o life_n therefore_o we_o choose_v the_o most_o moderate_a humane_a and_o benign_a and_o to_o many_o the_o most_o contemptible_a course_n of_o life_n for_o we_o reckon_v that_o no_o evil_a in_o this_o life_n can_v be_v so_o great_a though_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v little_a and_o of_o no_o value_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o we_o hereafter_o look_v for_o from_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n promise_v to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a benign_a and_o moderate_a conversation_n 76._o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n give_v we_o this_o short_a account_n of_o they_o as_o the_o fair_a possession_n we_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o god_n entire_o love_v he_o and_o reckon_v this_o the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o life_n no_o man_n be_v with_o we_o a_o christian_n or_o account_v true_o rich_a temperate_a and_o generous_a but_o he_o that_o be_v pious_a and_o religious_a nor_o do_v any_o far_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n than_o he_o speak_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v just_a and_o holy_a so_o that_o this_o in_o short_a be_v the_o state_n of_o we_o who_o follow_v god_n such_o as_o be_v our_o desire_n such_o be_v our_o discourse_n such_o as_o be_v our_o discourse_n such_o be_v our_o action_n such_o as_o be_v our_o action_n such_o be_v our_o life_n so_o universal_o good_a be_v the_o whole_a life_n of_o christian_n certain_o none_o be_v ever_o great_a enemy_n to_o a_o naked_a profession_n and_o the_o cover_n a_o bad_a life_n under_o the_o title_n of_o christianity_n do_v any_o live_v otherwise_o than_o christ_n have_v command_v it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a argument_n they_o be_v no_o christian_n though_o with_o their_o tongue_n they_o never_o so_o smooth_o profess_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a professor_n but_o those_o who_o live_v according_a to_o their_o profession_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v 63._o as_o justin_n martyr_n declare_v before_o the_o emperor_n let_v no_o man_n say_v basil_n impose_v upon_o himself_o with_o inconsiderate_a word_n 1._o say_v though_o i_o be_v a_o sinner_n 28._o yet_o i_o be_o a_o christian_n and_o i_o hope_v that_o title_n will_v be_v my_o shelter_n but_o harken_v sinner_n all_o wicked_a man_n shall_v be_v bundle_v up_o together_o and_o in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n shall_v be_v indifferent_o throw_v into_o those_o merciless_a and_o devour_a flame_n nay_o so_o careful_a be_v they_o to_o avoid_v all_o sin_n that_o they_o stand_v at_o a_o wide_a distance_n from_o any_o thing_n that_o though_o lawful_a in_o itself_o 375._o yet_o seem_v to_o carry_v a_o ill_a colour_n with_o it_o this_o origen_n tell_v celsus_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o refuse_v to_o do_v any_o honour_n
epiphanius_n and_o then_o too_o meet_v with_o no_o very_a welcome_a entertainment_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o epiphanius_n his_o own_o epistle_n translate_v by_o s._n hierom_n where_o the_o story_n in_o short_a be_v this_o 161._o come_v say_v he_o to_o anablatha_n a_o village_n in_o palestine_n and_o go_v into_o a_o church_n to_o pray_v i_o espy_v a_o curtain_n hang_v over_o the_o door_n whereon_o be_v paint_v the_o image_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o some_o saint_n which_o when_o i_o look_v upon_o and_o see_v the_o image_n of_o a_o man_n hang_v up_o in_o the_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o present_o rend_v it_o and_o advise_v the_o guardian_n of_o the_o church_n rather_o to_o make_v use_v of_o it_o as_o a_o winding-sheet_n for_o some_o poor_a man_n bury_v whereat_o when_o they_o be_v a_o little_a trouble_v and_o say_v it_o be_v but_o just_a that_o since_o i_o have_v rend_v that_o curtain_n i_o shall_v change_v it_o and_o give_v they_o another_o i_o promise_v they_o i_o will_v and_o have_v now_o send_v the_o best_a i_o can_v get_v and_o pray_v entreat_v they_o to_o accept_v it_o and_o give_v command_v that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v no_o such_o curtain_n be_v contrary_a to_o our_o religion_n may_v be_v hang_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o more_o become_v your_o place_n solicitous_o to_o remove_v whatever_o be_v offensive_a to_o and_o unworthy_a of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o your_o charge_n this_o be_v write_v to_o john_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o who_o diocese_n the_o thing_n have_v be_v do_v and_o the_o case_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o press_v and_o weighty_a by_o how_o the_o great_a esteem_n and_o value_n epiphanius_n than_o bishop_n of_o salamine_n in_o cyprus_n for_o his_o great_a age_n and_o excellent_a learning_n have_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o instance_n be_v so_o home_o and_o pregnant_a that_o the_o patron_n of_o image-worship_n be_v at_o a_o mighty_a loss_n what_o to_o say_v to_o it_o and_o after_o all_o be_v force_v to_o cry_v out_o against_o it_o as_o supposititious_a 776._o bellarmine_n bring_v no_o less_o than_o nine_o argument_n if_o such_o they_o may_v be_v call_v to_o make_v it_o seem_v probable_a but_o have_v he_o be_v ingenuous_a he_o may_v have_v give_v one_o reason_n more_o true_a and_o satisfactory_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n why_o that_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n shall_v be_v think_v forge_v and_o spurious_a viz._n because_o it_o make_v so_o much_o against_o they_o more_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o by_o this_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v clear_a enough_o that_o the_o honest_a christian_n of_o those_o time_n as_o they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n without_o make_v their_o address_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n so_o they_o account_v their_o church_n fine_a enough_o without_o picture_n and_o image_n to_o adorn_v they_o their_o church_n be_v build_v and_o beautify_v so_o far_o as_o consist_v with_o the_o ability_n and_o simplicity_n of_o those_o day_n they_o seek_v to_o derive_v a_o great_a value_n and_o esteem_v upon_o they_o by_o some_o peculiar_a consecration_n for_o the_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n of_o those_o time_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o bare_o to_o devote_v they_o to_o the_o public_a service_n of_o religion_n unless_o they_o also_o set_v they_o apart_o with_o solemn_a rite_n of_o a_o formal_a dedication_n this_o have_v be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n as_o old_a as_o solomon_n temple_n nay_o as_o moses_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n when_o it_o be_v first_o take_v up_o by_o christian_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v only_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v to_o have_v meet_v with_o the_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o any_o approve_a writer_n for_o the_o decretal_a epistle_n every_o one_o know_v what_o their_o faith_n be_v till_o the_o reign_n of_o constantine_n in_o his_o time_n christianity_n be_v become_v more_o prosperous_a and_o successful_a church_n be_v every_o where_o erect_v and_o repair_v 370._o and_o no_o soon_o be_v so_o but_o as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o they_o be_v solemn_o consecrate_v and_o the_o dedication_n celebrate_v with_o great_a festivity_n and_o rejoice_v a_o instance_n whereof_o he_o there_o give_v of_o the_o famous_a church_n of_o tyre_n at_o the_o dedication_n whereof_o he_o himself_o make_v that_o excellent_a oration_n insert_v into_o the_o body_n of_o his_o history_n about_o the_o thirty_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n he_o build_v a_o stately_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n over_o the_o sepulchre_n of_o our_o saviour_n 43._o which_o be_v dedicate_v with_o singular_a magnificence_n and_o veneration_n and_o for_o the_o great_a honour_n by_o his_o imperial_a letter_n he_o summon_v the_o bishop_n who_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o east_n be_v then_o meet_v in_o council_n at_o tyre_n to_o be_v present_a and_o assist_v at_o the_o solemnity_n the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n use_v at_o these_o dedication_n as_o we_o find_v in_o eusebius_n be_v a_o great_a confluence_n of_o bishop_n and_o stranger_n from_o all_o part_n the_o performance_n of_o divine_a office_n sing_v of_o hymn_n and_o psalm_n read_v and_o expound_v of_o the_o scripture_n sermon_n and_o oration_n receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n liberal_a alm_n bestow_v on_o the_o poor_a and_o great_a gift_n give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o short_a mighty_a expression_n of_o mutual_a love_n and_o kindness_n and_o universal_a rejoice_v with_o one_o another_o what_o other_o particular_a ceremony_n be_v introduce_v afterward_o concern_v not_o i_o to_o inquire_v only_o let_v i_o note_v that_o under_o some_o of_o the_o christian_a emperor_n when_o paganism_n lie_v gasp_v for_o life_n and_o their_o temple_n be_v purge_v and_o convert_v into_o christian_a church_n gâ—thofr_n they_o be_v usual_o consecrate_v only_o by_o place_v a_o cross_n in_o they_o as_o the_o venerable_a ensign_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o law_n of_o theodosius_n the_o young_a to_o that_o purpose_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o dedication_n of_o that_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v constant_o continue_v and_o keep_v alive_a in_o that_o church_n 653._o and_o once_o a_o year_n to_o wit_n on_o the_o 14._o of_o september_n on_o which_o day_n it_o have_v be_v dedicate_v be_v solemnize_v with_o great_a pomp_n and_o much_o confluence_n of_o people_n from_o all_o part_n the_o solemnity_n usual_o lasting_a eight_o day_n together_o which_o doubtless_o give_v birth_n to_o that_o custom_n of_o keep_v anniversary_n day_n of_o commemoration_n of_o the_o dedication_n of_o church_n which_o from_o this_o time_n forward_o we_o frequent_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o much_o prevail_v in_o after_o age_n some_o shadow_n whereof_o still_o remain_v among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o wake_n observe_v in_o several_a county_n which_o in_o correspondence_n with_o the_o encoenia_fw-la of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v annual_a festival_n keep_v in_o country_n village_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o dedication_n of_o their_o particular_a church_n and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n in_o some_o age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o no_o church_n shall_v be_v consecrate_v till_o it_o be_v endow_v it_o may_v give_v we_o occasion_n to_o inquire_v what_o revenue_n church_n have_v in_o those_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o for_o a_o great_a while_o they_o have_v no_o other_o public_a income_n than_o either_o what_o arise_v out_o of_o those_o common_a contribution_n which_o they_o make_v at_o their_o usual_a assembly_n every_o one_o give_v or_o offer_v according_a to_o his_o ability_n or_o devotion_n which_o be_v put_v into_o a_o common_a stock_n or_o treasury_n or_o what_o proceed_v from_o the_o offering_n which_o they_o make_v out_o of_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o land_n 4._o the_o apostolic_a canon_n provide_v that_o their_o first-fruit_n shall_v be_v partly_o offer_v at_o the_o church_n partly_o send_v home_o to_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n the_o care_n of_o all_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o precedent_n or_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n for_o who_o say_v the_o author_n of_o the_o forecited_n canon_n 41._o be_v fit_a to_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o riches_n and_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n than_o he_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o precious_a soul_n of_o man_n and_o by_o he_o dispose_v of_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a or_o whatever_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o christianity_n increase_v and_o time_n grow_v better_a they_o obtain_v more_o proper_a and_o fix_a revenue_n house_n and_o land_n be_v settle_v upon_o they_o for_o such_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o have_v even_o during_o the_o time_n
this_o wicked_a imputation_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o before_o we_o conclude_v to_o inquire_v a_o little_a into_o the_o rise_n and_o original_n of_o this_o absurd_a and_o malicious_a charge_n 294._o origen_n father_n it_o upon_o the_o jew_n as_o if_o they_o have_v false_o and_o spiteful_o invent_v it_o as_o they_o do_v other_o thing_n to_o disgrace_v and_o prejudice_n christianity_n and_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o some_o measure_n it_o succeed_v according_o keep_v many_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o even_o in_o his_o time_n there_o be_v some_o who_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n will_v have_v no_o discourse_n or_o commerce_n with_o a_o christian_a but_o though_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v malice_n and_o spite_n enough_o against_o the_o christian_n yet_o i_o can_v hardly_o think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o pure_o invent_v falsehood_n but_o that_o it_o have_v some_o ground_n of_o pretence_n though_o ill_o apply_v and_o so_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o have_v for_o which_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o in_o the_o most_o early_a time_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v several_a sort_n of_o heretic_n who_o though_o they_o have_v their_o particular_a name_n yet_o all_o call_v themselves_o christian_n account_v that_o hereby_o they_o grace_v and_o honour_v their_o party_n as_o epiphanius_n tell_v we_o the_o follower_n of_o simon_n magus_n 58._o menander_n martion_n marcus_n basilides_n etc._n etc._n who_o all_o go_v under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o gnostic_n and_o be_v under_o the_o pretence_n of_o religion_n guilty_a of_o the_o most_o prodigious_a villainy_n and_o particular_o those_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o 132._o irenaeus_n report_v of_o they_o that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o all_o filthiness_n and_o bestiality_n not_o only_o private_o corrupt_v the_o woman_n who_o they_o have_v inveagle_v into_o their_o sect_n as_o some_o of_o they_o return_v after_o to_o the_o church_n confess_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n but_o open_o and_o with_o bare_a face_n marry_v the_o woman_n who_o they_o have_v seduce_v from_o their_o husband_n commit_v the_o most_o execrable_a wickedness_n and_o laugh_v at_o the_o pious_a and_o orthodox_n christian_n who_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n restrain_v from_o sin_n either_o in_o word_n or_o thought_n as_o a_o company_n of_o ignorant_a and_o silly_a fellow_n magnify_v themselves_o style_v themselves_o perfect_a and_o the_o seed_n of_o election_n and_o much_o more_o in_o other_o place_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n where_o he_o give_v account_n of_o the_o profane_a and_o hellish_a rite_n of_o their_o assembly_n of_o the_o carpocratian_o another_o gang_n of_o those_o brutish_a heretic_n 430._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n relate_v the_o same_o both_o as_o to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n report_v the_o matter_n almost_o in_o the_o very_a same_o circumstance_n wherein_o it_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o christian_n by_o the_o heathen_a in_o min._n foelix_n viz._n that_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n use_v to_o meet_v at_o supper_n which_o they_o have_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o love-feast_n where_o after_o they_o have_v load_v themselves_o with_o a_o plentiful_a meal_n to_o prevent_v all_o shame_n if_o they_o have_v any_o remain_v they_o put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o then_o promiscuous_o mix_v in_o filthiness_n with_o one_o another_o or_o else_o each_o sort_v as_o they_o please_v and_o of_o the_o gnostic_n epiphanius_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o have_v their_o wife_n in_o common_a 42._o and_o if_o any_o stranger_n of_o their_o party_n come_v to_o they_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n have_v this_o mark_n and_o sign_n to_o know_v one_o another_o by_o stretch_v out_o their_o hand_n by_o way_n of_o salutation_n they_o use_v to_o tickle_v each_o other_o in_o the_o ball_n of_o the_o hand_n by_o which_o they_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o stranger_n real_o be_v of_o their_o gang_n and_o party_n among_o their_o brethren_n the_o carpocratian_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o mark_v their_o disciple_n and_o proselyte_n unde_fw-la the_o right_a ear_n with_o a_o brand_n 51._o a_o slit_n or_o a_o hole_n that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o ready_o discern_v they_o this_o agree_v exact_o with_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o heathen_n that_o they_o know_v one_o another_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n by_o privy_a mark_n and_o sign_n and_o have_v thus_o own_a and_o receive_v each_o other_o they_o go_v to_o their_o luxurious_a feast_n and_o to_o those_o horrid_a brutishness_n that_o follow_v after_o now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n with_o these_o abominable_a wretch_n who_o yet_o have_v the_o face_n to_o call_v themselves_o christian_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o be_v greedy_a of_o any_o occasion_n to_o bespatter_n and_o reproach_n christian_n and_o rather_o than_o not_o find_v a_o occasion_n will_v make_v one_o charge_v it_o upon_o all_o christian_n either_o not_o know_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o willing_a to_o distinguish_v between_o true_a and_o false_a and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_o rise_v and_o ground_n of_o the_o charge_n beside_o some_o intimation_n of_o it_o in_o justin_n martyr_n 70._o we_o have_v it_o express_o assert_v by_o eusebius_n 120._o as_o that_o which_o give_v be_v to_o that_o absurd_a and_o impious_a opinion_n which_o spread_v so_o fast_o among_o the_o heathen_n of_o the_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o promiscuous_a mixture_n to_o the_o great_a reproach_n and_o infamy_n of_o the_o christian_a name_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o this_o malicious_a report_n may_v receive_v strength_n and_o encouragement_n from_o the_o servant_n of_o some_o christian_n who_o be_v rack_v by_o the_o heathen_n may_v confess_v what_o they_o put_v into_o their_o mouth_n and_o this_o charge_n among_o the_o rest_n this_o the_o same_o historian_n relate_v out_o of_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o church_n in_o france_n 156._o certain_a gentile_n who_o be_v servant_n to_o some_o christian_n be_v apprehend_v and_o have_v see_v the_o exquisite_a torment_n which_o the_o christian_n be_v put_v to_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o like_a do_v at_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o soldier_n who_o urge_v they_o to_o it_o confess_v that_o the_o christian_n have_v among_o they_o incestuous_a mixture_n and_o supper_n furnish_v with_o man_n flesh_n lay_v such_o thing_n to_o their_o charge_n as_o they_o hold_v unlawful_a to_o speak_v or_o think_v of_o or_o can_v believe_v be_v ever_o do_v by_o man_n which_o be_v once_o divulge_v they_o every_o where_o fall_v upon_o the_o christian_n with_o the_o great_a rage_n and_o fierceness_n so_o in_o the_o persecution_n under_o maximinus_n 350._o one_o of_o the_o commander_n that_o then_o reside_v at_o damascus_n lay_v hold_v of_o a_o few_o light_a inconsiderable_a woman_n in_o the_o market_n and_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o rack_n force_v the_o wretch_n public_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v former_o be_v christian_n and_o that_o they_o know_v all_o their_o villainy_n that_o in_o their_o religious_a meeting_n they_o commit_v the_o most_o beastly_a action_n and_o indeed_o what_o ever_o else_o he_o will_v have_v they_o say_v that_o may_v disgrace_v christianity_n this_o confession_n of_o they_o he_o cause_v to_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o public_a record_n and_o then_o transmit_v it_o to_o the_o emperor_n by_o who_o command_n it_o be_v immediate_o publish_v in_o all_o city_n and_o place_n of_o the_o empire_n so_o industrious_o do_v the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n bend_v all_o the_o nerve_n of_o their_o power_n and_o subtlety_n though_o in_o vain_a either_o whole_o to_o suppress_v or_o at_o least_o to_o dishearten_v and_o baâ—â—le_v out_o the_o christian_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o virtue_n no_o less_o remarkable_a in_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n chap._n vi_o of_o their_o readiness_n and_o constancy_n in_o profess_v their_o religion_n their_o courage_n and_o undauntedness_n in_o profess_v the_o truth_n though_o reproach_v and_o persecute_v their_o open_a and_o resolute_a own_n it_o to_o the_o face_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n the_o story_n of_o victorinus_n the_o rhetorician_n convert_v by_o simplician_n the_o free_a and_o impartial_a answer_n of_o maris_n to_o julian_n of_o basil_n to_o the_o arrian_n governor_n polycarp'_v refuse_v to_o fly_v when_o officer_n be_v send_v to_o apprehend_v he_o his_o resolute_a carriage_n before_o the_o proconsul_n the_o like_a of_o cyprian_a no_o torment_n can_v make_v they_o deny_v christ_n woman_n unconquerable_a the_o excellent_a instance_n of_o blandina_fw-la and_o other_o divers_a voluntary_o offer_v themselves_o other_o offer_v to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o christians_n though_o with_o the_o immediate_a hazard_n of_o their_o life_n this_o boldness_n and_o resolution_n note_v as_o a_o argument_n