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
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
lord_n table_n where_o they_o make_v their_o offering_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o when_o poor_a and_o rich_a have_v their_o meal_n together_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v ever_o account_v part_n of_o the_o deacon_n office_n as_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o to_o distribute_v the_o money_n give_v for_o their_o relief_n and_o maintenance_n so_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n which_o be_v consecrate_v by_o the_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n the_o deacon_n deliver_v the_o sacramental_a element_n to_o the_o people_n beside_o this_o they_o be_v wont_n also_o to_o preach_v and_o to_o baptize_v and_o be_v employ_v in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o public_a service_n especial_o in_o guide_v and_o direct_v of_o the_o people_n the_o number_n of_o they_o in_o any_o one_o place_n be_v usual_o restrain_v to_o seven_o this_o be_v the_o number_n original_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o which_o may_v not_o be_v alter_v although_o the_o city_n be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o numerous_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o last_o canon_n of_o the_o neocaesarean_a council_n as_o the_o presbyter_n be_v to_o the_o bishop_n so_o the_o deacon_n be_v to_o the_o presbyter_n to_o be_v assistant_n to_o they_o and_o to_o give_v they_o all_o due_a respect_n and_o reverence_n and_o therefore_o when_o some_o of_o they_o begin_v to_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o to_o distribute_v the_o sacrament_n before_o the_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n and_o to_o take_v place_n among_o the_o presbyter_n the_o council_n of_o nice_a take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o bold_a and_o saucy_a usurpation_n 18._o severe_o command_v they_o to_o know_v their_o place_n and_o to_o contain_v themselves_o within_o their_o own_o bound_n and_o measure_n and_o neither_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o sacrament_n but_o in_o their_o order_n nor_o to_o sit_v down_o before_o the_o presbyter_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o their_o leave_n and_o command_v as_o it_o be_v express_v by_o the_o laodicean_n synod_n 20._o according_o the_o first_o council_n of_o arles_n forbid_v the_o deacon_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o themselves_o 18._o but_o to_o reserve_v the_o honour_n to_o the_o presbyter_n out_o of_o the_o body_n of_o these_o deacon_n there_o be_v usual_o one_o choose_v to_o overlook_v the_o rest_n the_o archdeacon_n a_o office_n suppose_v to_o have_v be_v of_o good_a antiquity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o great_a authority_n especial_o in_o after_o time_n be_v general_o style_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o bishop_n to_o inspect_v all_o part_n and_o place_n of_o his_o diocese_n this_o be_v he_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v call_v the_o cardinal_n deacon_n episc_n who_o as_o onuphrius_n tell_v we_o be_v at_o first_o but_o one_o 24._o though_o the_o number_n increase_v afterward_o while_o church_n be_v little_a and_o the_o service_n not_o many_o the_o deacon_n themselves_o be_v able_a to_o discharge_v they_o but_o as_o these_o increase_v so_o do_v their_o labour_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o take_v in_o some_o inferior_a officer_n under_o they_o this_o give_v be_v to_o subdeacons_n who_o be_v to_o be_v assistant_n to_o the_o deacon_n as_o the_o deacon_n to_o the_o presbyter_n vid._n and_o he_o to_o the_o bishop_n one_o great_a part_n of_o his_o work_n be_v to_o wait_v at_o the_o church-door_n in_o the_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n balsam_n to_o usher_v in_o and_o to_o bring_v out_o the_o several_a order_n of_o the_o catechuman_n and_o penitent_n that_o none_o may_v mistake_v their_o proper_a station_n and_o that_o no_o confusion_n or_o disorder_n may_v arise_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o congregation_n when_o he_o be_v first_o take_v in_o i_o can_v find_v but_o he_o be_v mention_v in_o a_o epistle_n of_o the_o roman_a clergy_n to_o they_o of_o carthage_n about_o s._n cyprian_n retirement_n epist_n and_o elsewhere_o very_a often_o in_o cyprian_n epistle_n 8._o where_o he_o also_o speak_v of_o the_o acolythus_n 41._o what_o his_o proper_a business_n be_v be_v not_o so_o certain_a by_o some_o his_o office_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v this_o to_o follow_v as_o the_o world_n imply_v or_o to_o go_v along_o with_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o honourable_a attendant_n to_o be_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o minister_v to_o he_o and_o to_o be_v a_o companion_n and_o witness_n of_o his_o honest_a and_o unblameable_a conversation_n in_o case_n any_o evil_a fame_n shall_v arise_v that_o may_v endeavour_v to_o blast_v his_o reputation_n but_o by_o other_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v a_o taper-bearer_n to_o carry_v the_o light_n which_o be_v set_v up_o at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o four_o council_n of_o carthage_n 6._o where_o at_o his_o ordination_n he_o be_v appoint_v to_o receive_v at_o the_o archdeacon_n hand_n a_o candlestick_n with_o a_o taper_n that_o he_o may_v know_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o place_n to_o light_v up_o the_o light_n in_o the_o church_n this_o might_n very_o well_o be_v in_o those_o time_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o office_n of_o acolythus_n be_v in_o use_n long_o before_o that_o custom_n of_o set_v up_o light_n at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n by_o cyprian_a also_o be_v mention_v the_o office_n of_o the_o exorcist_n 146._o who_o business_n be_v to_o attend_v the_o catechuman_n and_o the_o energumeni_fw-la or_o such_o as_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o devil_n for_o after_o the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o cast_v out_o devil_n begin_v to_o cease_v or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o be_v so_o common_a as_o it_o be_v these_o possess_a person_n use_v to_o come_v to_o the_o outpart_n of_o the_o church_n where_o a_o person_n be_v appoint_v to_o exorcise_v they_o i.e._n to_o pray_v over_o they_o in_o such_o prayer_n as_o be_v peculiar_o compose_v for_o those_o occasion_n and_o this_o he_o do_v in_o the_o public_a name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o people_n also_o at_o the_o same_o time_n pray_v within_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o possess_v person_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n without_o any_o such_o charm_n and_o conjuration_n and_o other_o unchristian_a form_n and_o rite_n which_o by_o degree_n creep_v into_o this_o office_n and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n beside_o to_o the_o exorcist_n office_n it_o belong_v to_o instruct_v the_o catechuman_n and_o to_o train_v they_o up_o in_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o exorcist_n be_v by_o harmenopulus_n explain_v by_o catechist_n 9_o and_o to_o exorcise_v say_v balsamon_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d graec._n to_o instruct_v unbeliever_n 16._o next_o to_o the_o exorcist_n be_v the_o lector_fw-la or_o reader_n mention_v frequent_o by_o s._n cyprian_a who_o business_n be_v to_o stand_v near_o the_o ambo._fw-la or_o pulpit_n 26._o and_o to_o read_v those_o portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v read_v as_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o divine_a service_n laod._n this_o office_n julian_n who_o be_v afterward_o emperor_n when_o a_o young_a student_n at_o nicomedia_n take_v upon_o he_o and_o become_v a_o reader_n in_o that_o church_n h._n which_o he_o do_v only_o to_o blind_v his_o cousin_n constantius_n 166._o who_o begin_v to_o suspect_v he_o as_o incline_v to_o paganism_n to_o which_o he_o open_o revolt_v afterward_o and_o become_v a_o bitter_a and_o virulent_a enemy_n to_o christian_n make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o those_o scripture_n which_o he_o have_v once_o private_o study_v and_o public_o read_v to_o the_o people_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o may_v be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o ostiarii_fw-la or_o doorkeeper_n answerable_a to_o the_o nethinim_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n who_o be_v to_o attend_v the_o church_n door_n at_o time_n of_o public_a meeting_n to_o keep_v out_o notorious_a heretic_n jew_n and_o gentile_n from_o enter_v into_o the_o christian_a assembly_n it_o doubtless_o take_v its_o rise_n in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n christian_n then_o be_v force_v to_o keep_v their_o meeting_n as_o private_a and_o clancular_a as_o they_o can_v and_o to_o guard_v their_o assembly_n with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n lest_o some_o jew_n or_o infidel_n steal_v in_o shall_v have_v go_v and_o accuse_v they_o before_o the_o magistrate_n what_o other_o officer_n there_o be_v or_o whether_o any_o at_o all_o in_o those_o time_n in_o and_o about_o the_o church_n will_v not_o be_v worth_a our_o labour_n to_o inquire_v to_o these_o office_n they_o be_v set_v apart_o by_o solemn_a rite_n of_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n a_o ceremony_n so_o far_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v
e._n under_o instruction_n in_o order_n to_o their_o baptism_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o heinous_a crime_n under_o the_o censure_n and_o suspension_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o yet_o pass_v through_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o the_o penitent_n may_v not_o communicate_v and_o be_v therefore_o command_v to_o depart_v the_o church_n when_o the_o rest_n go_v to_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o look_v upon_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o the_o high_a and_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o religion_n they_o think_v they_o can_v never_o take_v care_n enough_o in_o the_o dispense_n of_o it_o according_o who_o ever_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o any_o scandalous_a fault_n be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n debar_v the_o communion_n a_o short_a or_o a_o long_a time_n and_o sometime_o all_o their_o life_n not_o to_o be_v reconcile_v and_o take_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n till_o they_o have_v continue_v their_o repentance_n to_o their_o deathbed_n as_o for_o those_o person_n that_o can_v not_o be_v present_a either_o through_o distance_n of_o place_n sickness_n or_o any_o other_o just_a cause_n the_o eucharist_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v send_v home_o to_o they_o some_o little_a piece_n of_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n dip_v in_o the_o sacramental_a cup_n which_o be_v usual_o carry_v by_o the_o deacon_n or_o some_o inferior_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n by_o any_o other_o person_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o serapion_n of_o who_o dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n relate_v 246._o that_o have_v be_v all_o his_o life_n a_o good_a man_n at_o last_o lapse_v in_o a_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o though_o he_o oft_o desire_a reconciliation_n yet_o none_o will_v communicate_v with_o he_o not_o long_o after_o he_o be_v seize_v upon_o by_o a_o mortal_a sickness_n deprive_v of_o the_o use_n of_o his_o speech_n and_o sense_n but_o come_v to_o himself_o after_o four_o day_n he_o send_v his_o nephew_n a_o little_a boy_n late_o at_o night_n for_o one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n to_o come_v to_o he_o the_o minister_n be_v at_o that_o time_n sick_a but_o consider_v the_o exigence_n of_o the_o case_n gives_z the_o boy_z a_o little_a piece_n of_o the_o eucharist_n bid_v he_o to_o moisten_v it_o with_o a_o little_a water_n and_o so_o give_v it_o he_o in_o his_o mouth_n which_o he_o do_v and_o immediate_o the_o old_a man_n cheerful_o depart_v this_o life_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o those_o who_o have_v lapse_v into_o idolatry_n be_v to_o undergo_v a_o very_a long_a time_n of_o penance_n and_o be_v not_o many_o time_n admit_v to_o the_o communion_n till_o they_o be_v near_o their_o death_n and_o because_o it_o sometime_o happen_v that_o they_o be_v overtake_v with_o sudden_a death_n before_o the_o sacrament_n can_v be_v administer_v to_o they_o thence_o a_o custom_n spring_v up_o to_o give_v it_o they_o after_o they_o be_v dead_a which_o they_o do_v doubtless_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o they_o may_v give_v some_o kind_n of_o evidence_n that_o those_o person_n die_v in_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n 6_o though_o this_o usage_n be_v afterward_o by_o many_o council_n abrogate_a and_o lay_v aside_o 83._o i_o take_v no_o notice_n in_o this_o place_n of_o their_o give_v the_o eucharist_n to_o new-baptized_n infant_n the_o case_n be_v so_o common_o know_v and_o obvious_a in_o those_o early_a time_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o christian_n either_o to_o carry_v or_o to_o have_v send_v to_o they_o some_o part_n of_o the_o eucharist_n which_o they_o keep_v in_o some_o decent_a place_n in_o their_o house_n against_o all_o emergent_a occasion_n especial_o to_o fortify_v and_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o to_o increase_v kindness_n and_o amity_n with_o one_o another_o 6._o whence_o one_o that_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o church-antiquity_n conjecture_n that_o when_o ever_o they_o entertain_v friend_n or_o stranger_n they_o use_v before_o every_o meal_n first_o to_o give_v they_o some_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n as_o be_v the_o great_a badge_n the_o strong_a band_n of_o true_a love_n and_o friendship_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o these_o parcel_n of_o the_o sacramental_a element_n there_o be_v wont_n at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o communion_n to_o be_v piece_n of_o bread_n which_o remain_v of_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v solemn_o bless_v by_o the_o bishop_n may_v be_v give_v to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o right_a to_o be_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o to_o the_o catechuman_n and_o such_o like_a and_o be_v to_o they_o instead_o of_o the_o sacrament_n these_o piece_n be_v proper_o call_v eulogiae_fw-la because_o set_v apart_o by_o solemn_a benediction_n and_o be_v send_v up_o and_o down_o the_o town_n and_o village_n round_o about_o to_o testify_v and_o represent_v their_o mutual_a union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o one_o another_o nay_o and_o sometime_o from_o church_n in_o one_o country_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o another_o which_o be_v also_o do_v by_o the_o eucharist_n itself_o for_o so_o irenaeus_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o pope_n victor_n tell_v we_o 193._o that_o the_o minister_n of_o church_n though_o differ_v in_o some_o little_a circumstance_n do_v yet_o use_v to_o send_v the_o eucharist_n to_o one_o another_o which_o custom_n be_v also_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o zonaras_n but_o because_o the_o carry_v the_o sacramental_a element_n up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n be_v think_v not_o so_o well_o to_o consist_v with_o the_o reverence_n and_o veneration_n that_o be_v due_a to_o this_o solemn_a ordinance_n therefore_o it_o be_v abolish_v by_o the_o laodicean_n synod_n 〈◊〉_d and_o these_o eulogiae_fw-la or_o piece_n of_o bread_n appoint_v at_o easter_n to_o be_v send_v up_o and_o down_o in_o their_o room_n for_o the_o time_n the_o next_o circumstance_n when_o they_o meet_v together_o for_o this_o solemn_a action_n it_o be_v in_o general_a at_o their_o public_a assembly_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n always_o or_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n beside_o other_o day_n and_o especial_o saturday_n on_o which_o day_n all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n those_o of_o rome_n only_o and_o alexandria_n except_v use_v to_o celebrate_v this_o sacrament_n 286._o as_o the_o historian_n inform_v we_o what_o time_n of_o the_o day_n they_o take_v to_o do_v it_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o certain_a our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n celebrate_v it_o at_o night_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o jewish_a passover_n but_o whether_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o immediate_a successor_n punctual_o observe_v this_o circumstance_n may_v be_v doubt_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n which_o s._n paul_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v solemnize_v in_o the_o morning_n loc._n the_o apostle_n call_v it_o a_o supper_n as_o chrysostom_n think_v not_o because_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o evening_n but_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o time_n when_o our_o lord_n do_v institute_v those_o holy_a mystery_n 102._o tertullian_n assure_v we_o in_o his_o time_n it_o be_v do_v in_o tempore_fw-la victus_fw-la about_o suppertime_n as_o all_o understand_v he_o and_o very_o often_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o day_n when_o they_o hold_v their_o religious_a assembly_n of_o which_o pliny_n also_o take_v notice_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o the_o emperor_n 10._o for_o in_o those_o time_n of_o persecution_n 97._o when_o they_o be_v hunt_v out_o by_o the_o inquisitive_a malice_n of_o their_o enemy_n they_o be_v glad_a of_o the_o remote_a corner_n the_o most_o unseasonable_a hour_n when_o they_o can_v meet_v to_o perform_v the_o joint_a office_n of_o religion_n but_o this_o communicate_v at_o evening_n or_o at_o night_n either_o last_v only_o during_o the_o extreme_a heat_n of_o persecution_n or_o at_o least_o wear_v off_o apace_o for_o cyprian_a express_o plead_v against_o it_o caecil_n affirm_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o morning_n 104._o and_o so_o indeed_o in_o a_o short_a time_n it_o prevail_v over_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n except_o in_o some_o place_n of_o egypt_n near_o alexandria_n 287._o of_o which_o socrates_n tell_v we_o that_o after_o they_o have_v sufficient_o feast_v themselves_o in_o the_o evening_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n under_o this_o circumstance_n of_o time_n we_o may_v take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v how_o oft_o in_o those_o day_n they_o usual_o meet_v at_o this_o table_n and_o at_o first_o while_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v yet_o warm_a and_o vigorous_a and_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n passionate_o inflame_v with_o the_o
proconsul_n that_o as_o bad_o as_o they_o be_v use_v yet_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o overthrow_n and_o expulsion_n of_o the_o common_a enemy_n for_o seasonable_a shower_n and_o either_o for_o the_o remove_n or_o mitigate_a public_a evil_n beg_v of_o god_n day_n and_o night_n with_o the_o great_a instance_n and_o importunity_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o their_o persecutor_n endeavour_v to_o pacify_v and_o propitiate_v god_n who_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o age_n nor_o be_v they_o thus_o kind_a and_o good_a nature_a thus_o submissive_a and_o patient_a for_o want_v of_o power_n and_o because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o help_v it_o 30._o tertullian_n answer_v in_o this_o case_n that_o if_o they_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o return_v evil_a for_o evil_n they_o can_v in_o one_o night_n with_o a_o few_o firebrand_n plentiful_o revenge_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v no_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a party_n and_o that_o they_o need_v not_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o little_a art_n of_o skulk_a revenge_n be_v able_a to_o appear_v in_o the_o capacity_n of_o open_a enemy_n that_o though_o but_o of_o yesterday_n stand_v yet_o they_o have_v fill_v all_o place_n all_o office_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o what_o war_n be_v not_o they_o able_a to_o manage_v who_o can_v so_o willing_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o be_v slay_v do_v not_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n oblige_v they_o to_o be_v kill_v rather_o than_o to_o kill_v nay_o that_o they_o need_v not_o take_v up_o arm_n and_o rebel_n for_o their_o party_n be_v so_o numerous_a that_o shall_v they_o but_o agree_v together_o to_o leave_v the_o roman_a empire_n and_o to_o go_v into_o some_o remote_a corner_n of_o the_o world_n the_o loss_n of_o so_o many_o member_n will_v utter_o ruin_v it_o and_o they_o will_v stand_v amaze_v and_o affright_v at_o that_o solitude_n and_o desolation_n that_o will_v ensue_v upon_o it_o and_o have_v more_o enemy_n than_o loyal_a subject_n leave_v among_o they_o whereas_o now_o they_o have_v the_o few_o enemy_n for_o have_v so_o many_o christian_n the_o christian_n than_o oppose_v not_o their_o enemy_n with_o the_o point_n of_o their_o sword_n but_o with_o solid_a argument_n and_o mild_a entreaty_n 94._o thus_o when_o julian_n the_o emperor_n urge_v his_o army_n which_o be_v almost_o whole_o make_v up_o of_o christian_n to_o wicked_a counsel_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o idolatry_n they_o withstand_v he_o only_o with_o prayer_n and_o tear_n account_v this_o say_v my_o author_n to_o be_v the_o only_a remedy_n against_o persecution_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o resist_v or_o rebel_n that_o they_o can_v quiet_o die_v at_o the_o emperor_n command_n even_o when_o they_o have_v power_n lie_v at_o their_o foot_n i_o can_v in_o this_o place_n omit_v the_o memorable_a instance_n of_o the_o thebaean_a legion_n be_v so_o exceed_o apposite_a and_o pertinent_a to_o my_o purpose_n etc._n and_o so_o remarkable_a as_o no_o age_n can_v furnish_v out_o such_o another_o instance_n i_o shall_v set_v down_o the_o story_n entire_o out_o of_o the_o author_n himself_o the_o account_n of_o their_o martyrdom_n write_v by_o eucherius_n bishop_n of_o lion_n who_o assure_v we_o he_o receive_v the_o relation_n from_o very_o credible_a hand_n 1618._o and_o it_o be_v thus_o maximianus_n caesar_n who_o dioclesian_n have_v late_o take_v to_o be_v his_o colleague_n in_o the_o empire_n a_o bad_a man_n and_o a_o bitter_a persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n be_v send_v into_o france_n to_o suppress_v a_o mutiny_n and_o rebellion_n rise_v there_o to_o strengthen_v his_o army_n there_o be_v add_v to_o it_o a_o band_n of_o christian_n call_v the_o thebaean_a legion_n consist_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o roman_n of_o six_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o sixty_o six_o faithful_a expert_a and_o resolute_a soldier_n come_v to_o octodurus_n a_o place_n in_o savoy_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n he_o cause_v his_o army_n to_o come_v together_o and_o command_v they_o under_o a_o great_a penalty_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o altar_n of_o their_o god_n that_o they_o will_v unanimous_o fight_v against_o their_o enemy_n and_o persecute_v the_o christian_n as_o enemy_n to_o the_o god_n which_o the_o thebaean_a legion_n no_o soon_o understand_v but_o they_o present_o withdraw_v to_o agaunum_n a_o place_n eight_o mile_n off_o call_v at_o this_o day_n s._n mauritzs_n from_o mauricius_n the_o commander_n of_o the_o legion_n a_o place_n equal_o pleasant_a and_o strong_a be_v encompass_v about_o with_o craggy_a and_o inaccessible_a rock_n to_o avoid_v if_o it_o may_v be_v the_o wicked_a and_o sacrilegious_a command_n and_o to_o refresh_v themselves_o tire_v with_o so_o long_a a_o march_n but_o the_o emperor_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o army_n as_o they_o come_v to_o swear_v quick_o miss_v the_o legion_n and_o be_v angry_a send_v officer_n to_o they_o to_o require_v they_o forthwith_o to_o do_v it_o who_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v command_v to_o do_v be_v tell_v by_o the_o messenger_n that_o all_o the_o soldier_n have_v offer_v sacrifice_n and_o have_v take_v the_o forementioned_a oath_n and_o that_o caesar_n command_v they_o to_o return_v present_o and_o do_v the_o like_a to_o who_o the_o head_n of_o the_o legion_n mild_o answer_v that_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o leave_v octodurus_n because_o they_o have_v hear_v they_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o sacrifice_v that_o be_v christian_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v defile_v with_o the_o altar_n of_o devil_n they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o worship_v the_o live_a god_n and_o to_o keep_v that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v entertain_v in_o the_o east_n to_o the_o last_o hour_n of_o their_o life_n that_o as_o they_o be_v a_o legion_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o any_o service_n of_o the_o war_n but_o to_o return_v to_o he_o to_o commit_v sacrilege_n as_o he_o command_v they_o can_v not_o yield_v with_o this_o answer_n the_o messenger_n return_v and_o tell_v the_o emperor_n that_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n who_o be_v transport_v with_o anger_n begin_v thus_o to_o vent_v his_o passion_n do_v my_o soldier_n think_v thus_o to_o sleight_v my_o royal_a order_n and_o the_o holy_a rite_n of_o my_o religion_n have_v they_o only_o despise_v the_o imperial_a majesty_n it_o will_v have_v call_v for_o public_a vengeance_n but_o together_o with_o the_o contempt_n of_o i_o a_o affront_n be_v offer_v to_o heaven_n and_o the_o roman_a religion_n be_v as_o much_o despise_v as_o i_o be_o let_v the_o obstinate_a soldier_n know_v that_o i_o be_o not_o only_o able_a to_o vindicate_v myself_o but_o to_o revenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o my_o god_n let_v my_o faithful_a servant_n make_v haste_n and_o dispatch_v every_o ten_o man_n according_a as_o the_o fatal_a lot_n shall_v fall_v upon_o he_o by_o this_o equal_a death_n let_v those_o who_o lot_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o die_v first_o know_v how_o able_a maximian_n be_v severe_o to_o revenge_n both_o himself_o and_o his_o god_n with_o that_o the_o command_n be_v give_v the_o executioner_n send_v the_o emperor_n pleasure_n make_v know_v and_o every_o ten_o man_n be_v put_v to_o death_n who_o cheerful_o offer_v their_o neck_n to_o the_o executioner_n and_o the_o only_a contention_n among_o they_o be_v who_o shall_v first_o undergo_v that_o glorious_a death_n this_o do_v the_o legion_n be_v command_v to_o return_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o army_n whereupon_o mauritius_n the_o general_n of_o the_o legion_n call_v it_o a_o little_a aside_o thus_o bespeak_v they_o i_o congratulate_v most_o excellent_a fellow-soldier_n your_o courage_n and_o valour_n that_o for_o the_o love_n of_o religion_n the_o command_n of_o caesar_n have_v make_v no_o impression_n upon_o you_o you_o have_v see_v your_o fellow-soldier_n with_o mind_n full_a of_o joy_n undergo_a a_o glorious_a death_n how_o much_o afraid_a be_v i_o lest_o be_v arm_v and_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o such_o to_o do_v so_o you_o shall_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o defend_v they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o hinder_v their_o happy_a funeral_n see_v i_o be_o encompass_v round_o with_o the_o body_n of_o my_o fellow-soldier_n who_o the_o dismal_a executioner_n have_v tear_v from_o my_o side_n i_o be_o besprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n my_o clothes_n die_v with_o the_o relic_n of_o their_o sacred_a blood_n and_o shall_v i_o doubt_v to_o follow_v their_o death_n who_o example_n i_o so_o much_o congratulate_v and_o admire_v shall_v i_o concern_v myself_o to_o think_v what_o the_o emperor_n command_v who_o be_v equal_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o law_n of_o mortality_n with_o myself_o i_o remember_v we_o once_o take_v this_o military_a oath_n that_o with_o the_o utmost_a hazard_n of_o our_o
life_n we_o will_v defend_v the_o commonwealth_n this_o we_o then_o engage_v to_o the_o emperor_n though_o no_o heavenly_a kingdom_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o and_o if_o we_o can_v promise_v this_o out_o of_o devotion_n to_o a_o military_a service_n what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v when_o christ_n promise_v so_o much_o to_o they_o that_o engage_v with_o he_o let_v we_o willing_o expose_v our_o life_n to_o this_o most_o precious_a death_n let_v we_o show_v a_o masculine_a courage_n and_o a_o unviolated_a faith_n methinks_v i_o see_v those_o bless_a soul_n stand_v before_o christ_n tribunal_n who_o the_o emperor_n officer_n just_o now_o banish_v out_o of_o their_o body_n that_o be_v the_o true_a glory_n which_o will_v recompense_v the_o shortness_n of_o this_o life_n with_o a_o bless_a eternity_n let_v we_o by_o the_o messenger_n unanimous_o return_v this_o answer_n to_o the_o emperor_n we_o acknowledge_v caesar_n that_o we_o be_v your_o soldier_n and_o take_v up_o arm_n for_o defence_n of_o the_o empire_n nor_o do_v we_o ever_o base_o betray_v our_o trust_n or_o forsake_v our_o station_n or_o deserve_v that_o the_o brand_n either_o of_o fear_n or_o cowardice_n shall_v be_v set_v upon_o we_o nor_o shall_v we_o stick_v now_o to_o obey_v your_o command_n do_v not_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n wherein_o we_o have_v be_v instruct_v forbid_v we_o to_o worship_v devil_n and_o to_o approach_v the_o pollute_a altar_n of_o the_o god_n we_o understand_v you_o be_v resolve_v either_o to_o defile_v we_o with_o sacrilegious_a worship_n or_o to_o terrify_v we_o with_o a_o decimation_n spare_v any_o further_a search_n concern_v we_o know_v we_o be_v all_o christian_n our_o body_n we_o yield_v subject_a to_o your_o power_n but_o our_o soul_n we_o reserve_v entire_a for_o christ_n the_o author_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o they_o this_o be_v no_o soon_o speak_v and_o universal_o agree_v to_o by_o the_o legion_n but_o it_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o emperor_n who_o exasperate_v with_o such_o a_o generous_a resolution_n command_v a_o second_o decimation_n which_o be_v immediate_o execute_v and_o the_o rest_n as_o before_o command_v to_o return_v to_o octodurus_n hereupon_o exuperius_n the_o ensign_n catch_v up_o his_o colour_n thus_o address_v himself_o to_o they_o you_o see_v i_o most_o excellent_a fellow-soldier_n hold_v these_o ensign_n of_o secular_a warfare_n but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o arm_n that_o i_o call_v you_o to_o these_o be_v not_o the_o war_n to_o which_o i_o excite_v your_o courage_n and_o valour_n it_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o fight_v that_o we_o be_v to_o choose_v they_o be_v not_o these_o sword_n that_o must_v make_v our_o way_n into_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o undaunted_a mind_n a_o invincible_a defence_n a_o maintain_v the_o faith_n which_o we_o have_v give_v to_o god_n to_o the_o very_a last_o let_v the_o dismal_a executioner_n go_v and_o carry_v this_o message_n to_o his_o bloody_a master_n and_o tell_v he_o thus_o we_o be_v o_o emperor_n your_o soldier_n but_o withal_o which_o we_o free_o confess_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o you_o we_o owe_v military_a service_n to_o he_o innocency_n from_o you_o we_o have_v receive_v wage_n for_o our_o labour_n from_o he_o we_o have_v our_o very_a life_n and_o being_n we_o can_v herein_o obey_v the_o emperor_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v god_n the_o author_n of_o our_o life_n yea_o and_o of_o you_o too_o whether_o you_o will_v or_o no._n nor_o be_v it_o sir_n any_o despair_n which_o be_v always_o stout_a in_o great_a strait_n that_o make_v we_o thus_o resolute_a against_o you_o we_o have_v you_o see_v arm_n and_o yet_o make_v no_o resistance_n choose_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o overcome_v and_o desirous_a rather_o to_o perish_v innocent_a than_o to_o live_v rebellious_a and_o revengeful_a if_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o appoint_v we_o to_o any_o great_a and_o severe_a torment_n we_o be_v ready_a for_o they_o christian_n we_o be_v and_o therefore_o can_v persecute_v those_o that_o be_v so_o you_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v the_o unconquerable_a courage_n of_o this_o legion_n we_o throw_v down_o our_o arm_n your_o officer_n will_v find_v our_o right_a hand_n naked_a but_o our_o breast_n arm_v with_o a_o true_a catholic_n faith_n kill_v we_o and_o trample_v on_o we_o we_o undaunted_o yield_v our_o neck_n to_o the_o executioner_n sword_n these_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o pleasant_a to_o we_o while_o set_v light_n by_o your_o sacrilegious_a attempt_n we_o hasten_v apace_o to_o the_o heavenly_a crown_n maximianus_n be_v tell_v this_o and_o despair_v now_o to_o break_v their_o constancy_n command_v his_o whole_a army_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o cut_v they_o off_o which_o they_o do_v according_o without_o any_o difference_n of_o age_n or_o person_n mangle_v their_o body_n and_o then_o take_v the_o spoil_n the_o emperor_n have_v so_o appoint_v that_o whoever_o kill_v any_o of_o the_o legion_n shall_v have_v the_o spoil_n of_o he_o who_o he_o kill_v and_o thus_o they_o die_v with_o their_o sword_n in_o their_o hand_n when_o they_o may_v have_v preserve_v their_o life_n especial_o in_o a_o place_n so_o advantageous_a by_o force_n of_o arm_n or_o to_o be_v sure_o have_v sell_v they_o at_o the_o dear_a rate_n this_o story_n i_o have_v be_v willing_a to_o set_v down_o the_o more_o at_o large_a because_o so_o remarkable_a in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n and_o contain_v the_o most_o unparalleled_a instance_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o submission_n next_o to_o that_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o i_o think_v be_v ever_o know_v to_o the_o world_n menol._n this_o be_v the_o account_n of_o those_o noble_a martyr_n 〈◊〉_d only_o to_o prevent_v mistake_v we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o there_o be_v another_o mauritius_n commander_n of_o a_o legion_n in_o the_o east_n mention_v in_o the_o greek_a menology_n who_o together_o with_o seventy_o of_o his_o soldier_n be_v condemn_v by_o and_o suffer_v under_o his_o self_n same_o emperor_n maximianus_n 4._o for_o refuse_v to_o do_v sacrifice_n their_o martyrdom_n be_v record_v by_o simeon_n metaphrastes_n but_o the_o account_n quite_o different_a both_o as_o to_o person_n and_o thing_n from_o that_o which_o be_v here_o relate_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v see_v the_o injustice_n of_o that_o charge_n which_o the_o heathen_n sometime_o lay_v upon_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o be_v disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o enemy_n to_o civil_a government_n a_o indictment_n so_o pure_o false_a and_o without_o any_o shadow_n of_o a_o real_a pretence_n to_o cover_v it_o that_o the_o ingenious_a heathen_a in_o minutius_n foelix_fw-la though_o rake_v up_o all_o the_o calumny_n he_o can_v find_v and_o put_v the_o deep_a die_n upon_o every_o charge_n which_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n can_v put_v upon_o it_o yet_o have_v not_o the_o face_n so_o much_o as_o once_o to_o mention_v it_o but_o however_o as_o groundless_a as_o it_o be_v they_o be_v frequent_o charge_v with_o it_o sometime_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o dis-loyalty_n and_o treason_n either_o because_o they_o will_v not_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n or_o not_o sacrifice_v for_o his_o safety_n or_o not_o worship_v the_o emperor_n as_o divi_z or_o god_n or_o not_o celebrate_v their_o festival_n in_o the_o same_o way_n with_o other_o for_o the_o first_o their_o refuse_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n we_o have_v hear_v before_o what_o tertullian_n answer_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o give_v divine_a honour_n to_o devil_n to_o the_o second_o their_z not_o sacrifice_v for_o the_o emperor_n safety_n the_o answer_n that_o none_o sacrifice_v to_o so_o good_a purpose_n as_o they_o 27._o for_o that_o they_o offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o the_o true_a live_v and_o eternal_a god_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o emperor_n that_o god_n who_o the_o emperor_n themselves_o do_v above_o all_o other_o desire_n shall_v be_v propitious_a and_o favourable_a to_o they_o as_o from_o who_o they_o know_v they_o derive_v their_o government_n for_o the_o three_o their_o refuse_v to_o own_o the_o emperor_n for_o god_n vid._n he_o tell_v they_o they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o partly_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v in_o say_v so_o 76._o partly_o because_o they_o dare_v not_o by_o do_v it_o mock_v and_o deride_v the_o emperor_n nay_o that_o he_o himself_o will_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v style_v god_n if_o he_o remember_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n it_o be_v man_n interest_n to_o yield_v to_o god_n that_o the_o title_n of_o emperor_n be_v great_a enough_o and_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v call_v god_n without_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v emperor_n 30._o that_o he_o be_v therefore_o great_a because_o less_o than_o heaven_n and_o that_o if_o he_o will_v needs_o