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
we_o be_v here_o we_o must_v worship_v god_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o present_a state_n and_o consequent_o of_o necessity_n have_v some_o definite_a and_o particular_a time_n to_o do_v it_o in_o now_o that_o man_n may_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o a_o float_a uncertainty_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n man_n have_v be_v guide_v by_o the_o very_a dictate_v of_o nature_n to_o pitch_v upon_o some_o certain_a season_n wherein_o to_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o to_o perform_v the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n what_o and_o how_o many_o be_v the_o public_a festival_n institute_v and_o observe_v either_o among_o jew_n or_o gentile_n i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o for_o the_o ancient_a christian_n they_o ever_o have_v their_o peculiar_a season_n their_o solemn_a and_o state_v time_n of_o meet_v together_o to_o perform_v the_o common_a duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n of_o which_o because_o the_o lordsday_n challenge_v the_o precedency_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o that_o and_o be_v unconcern_v in_o all_o the_o controversy_n which_o in_o the_o late_a time_n be_v raise_v about_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o note_v some_o instance_n of_o the_o piety_n of_o christian_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o day_n which_o i_o have_v observe_v in_o pass_v through_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n for_o the_o name_n of_o this_o day_n of_o public_a worship_n it_o be_v sometime_o especial_o by_o justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n call_v sunday_n because_o it_o happen_v upon_o that_o day_n of_o the_o week_n which_o by_o the_o heathen_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o sun_n and_o therefore_o as_o be_v best_o know_v to_o they_o the_o father_n common_o make_v use_v of_o it_o in_o their_o apology_n to_o the_o heathen_a governor_n this_o title_n continue_v after_o the_o world_n become_v christian_n and_o seldom_o it_o be_v that_o it_o pass_v under_o any_o other_o name_n in_o the_o imperial_a edict_n of_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n but_o the_o more_o proper_a and_o prevail_a name_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o die_v dominica_n the_o lordsday_n as_o it_o be_v call_v by_o s._n john_n himself_o 10._o as_o be_v that_o day_n of_o the_o week_n whereon_o our_o lord_n make_v his_o triumphant_a return_n from_o the_o dead_a 99_o this_o justin_n martyr_n assure_v we_o be_v the_o true_a original_n of_o the_o title_n upon_o sunday_n say_v he_o we_o all_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o as_o be_v the_o first_o day_n wherein_o god_n part_v the_o darkness_n from_o the_o rude_a chaos_n create_v the_o world_n and_o the_o same_o day_n whereon_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a for_o he_o be_v crucify_v the_o day_n before_o saturday_n and_o the_o day_n after_o which_o be_v sunday_n he_o appear_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n by_o this_o mean_n observe_v a_o kind_n of_o analogy_n and_o proportion_n with_o the_o jewish_a sabbath_n which_o have_v be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o as_o that_o day_n be_v keep_v as_o a_o commemoration_n of_o god_n sabbath_n or_o rest_v from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n so_o be_v this_o set_v apart_o to_o religious_a use_n as_o the_o solemn_a memorial_n of_o christ_n rest_v from_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n in_o this_o world_n complete_v upon_o the_o day_n of_o his_o resurrection_n which_o bring_v into_o my_o mind_n that_o custom_n of_o they_o so_o universal_o common_a in_o those_o day_n that_o whereas_o at_o other_o time_n they_o kneel_v at_o prayer_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n they_o always_o pray_v stand_v as_o be_v express_o affirm_v both_o by_o justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n 98._o the_o reason_n of_o which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o author_n of_o the_o question_n and_o answer_n in_o j._n martyr_n 102._o it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v be_v put_v in_o mind_n both_o of_o our_o fall_n by_o sin_n 468._o &_o our_o resurrection_n or_o restitution_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n that_o for_o six_o day_n we_o pray_v upon_o our_o knee_n be_v in_o token_n of_o our_o fall_n by_o sin_n but_o that_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n we_o do_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n do_v symbolical_o represent_v our_o resurrection_n by_o which_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v deliver_v from_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o power_n of_o death_n this_o he_o there_o tell_v we_o be_v a_o custom_n derive_v from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o which_o he_o cite_v irenaeus_n in_o his_o book_n concern_v easter_n and_o this_o custom_n be_v maintain_v with_o so_o much_o vigour_n that_o when_o some_o begin_v to_o neglect_v it_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a take_v notice_n of_o it_o 20._o and_o ordain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o constant_a uniformity_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o at_o such_o other_o time_n as_o be_v usual_a man_n shall_v stand_v when_o they_o make_v their_o prayer_n to_o god_n so_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a do_v they_o think_v it_o to_o do_v all_o possible_a honour_n to_o that_o day_n on_o which_o christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v all_o along_o in_o the_o sacred_a story_n that_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n do_v especial_o assemble_v upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o whatever_o they_o may_v do_v at_o other_o time_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o passage_n that_o intimate_v that_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v their_o more_o solemn_a time_n of_o meeting_n on_o this_o day_n it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o when_o our_o saviour_n first_o appear_v to_o they_o and_o so_o again_o the_o next_o week_n after_o on_o this_o day_n they_o be_v assemble_v when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o visible_o come_v down_o upon_o they_o when_o peter_n preach_v that_o excellent_a sermon_n convert_v and_o baptize_v three_o thousand_o soul_n thus_o when_o s._n paul_n be_v take_v his_o leave_n at_o troas_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o disciple_n come_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n i.e._n as_o almost_o all_o agree_v to_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n he_o preach_v to_o they_o 2._o sufficient_o intimate_v that_o upon_o that_o day_n it_o be_v their_o usual_a custom_n to_o meet_v in_o that_o manner_n and_o elsewhere_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o like_a case_n to_o other_o church_n concern_v their_o contribution_n to_o the_o poor_a suffer_a brethren_n he_o bid_v they_o lay_v it_o aside_o upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n which_o seem_v plain_o to_o respect_v their_o religious_a assembly_n upon_o that_o day_n for_o than_o it_o be_v that_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n deposit_v something_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n the_o christian_n constant_o observe_v this_o day_n meet_v together_o for_o prayer_n expound_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o scripture_n celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n upon_o the_o day_n call_v sunday_n say_v j._n martyr_n all_o of_o we_o that_o live_v either_o in_o city_n or_o country_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n 98_o and_o what_o they_o then_o do_v 10._o he_o there_o describe_v 97._o of_o which_o afterward_o this_o doubtless_o pliny_n mean_v when_o give_v trajan_n a_o account_n of_o the_o christian_n he_o tell_v he_o that_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v together_o to_o worship_n christ_n stato_fw-la die_fw-la upon_o a_o set_v certain_a day_n by_o which_o he_o can_v be_v reasonable_o understand_v to_o design_n no_o other_o but_o the_o lord_n day_n for_o though_o they_o probable_o meet_v at_o other_o time_n yet_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o only_a either_o because_o the_o christian_n who_o he_o have_v examine_v have_v not_o tell_v he_o of_o their_o meeting_n at_o other_o time_n or_o because_o this_o be_v their_o most_o public_a and_o solemn_a convention_n and_o which_o in_o a_o manner_n swallow_v up_o the_o rest_n by_o the_o violent_a persecution_n of_o those_o time_n the_o christian_n be_v force_v to_o meet_v together_o before_o day_n so_o pliny_n in_o the_o same_o place_n tell_v the_o emperor_n 168._o that_o they_o assemble_v before_o daylight_n to_o sing_v their_o morning_n hymn_n to_o christ_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o tertullian_n so_o often_o mention_n their_o nocturnal_a convocation_n for_o put_v the_o case_n that_o his_o wife_n after_o his_o decease_n shall_v marry_v with_o a_o gentile-husband_n among_o other_o inconvenience_n he_o ask_v she_o whether_o she_o think_v he_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o let_v she_o rise_v from_o his_o bed_n to_o go_v to_o their_o night
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
the_o emperor_n themselves_o to_o show_v what_o veneration_n they_o have_v for_o this_o time_n command_v all_o suit_n and_o process_n at_o law_n to_o cease_v tribunal-door_n to_o be_v shut_v up_o and_o prisoner_n to_o be_v set_v free_a imitate_v herein_o their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n who_o by_o his_o death_n at_o this_o time_n deliver_v we_o from_o the_o prison_n and_o the_o chain_n of_o sin_n meaning_n herein_o those_o law_n of_o theodosius_n gratian_n and_o valentinian_n which_o we_o late_o mention_v we_o proceed_v now_o to_o inquire_v what_o other_o festival_n there_o be_v in_o those_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o i_o find_v to_o be_v chief_o these_o easter_n whitsuntide_n and_o epiphany_n which_o comprehend_v two_o christmas_n and_o epiphany_n proper_o so_o call_v i_o reckon_v they_o not_o in_o their_o proper_a order_n but_o as_o i_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v take_v place_n in_o the_o church_n of_o these_o easter_n challenge_v the_o precedence_n both_o for_o its_o antiquity_n and_o the_o great_a stir_n about_o it_o that_o in_o and_o from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n beside_o the_o weekly_a return_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n there_o have_v be_v always_o observe_v a_o anniversary_n festival_n in_o memory_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o have_v any_o insight_n into_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n all_o the_o dispute_n be_v about_o the_o particular_a time_n when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v which_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o as_o famous_a a_o controversy_n as_o any_o that_o in_o those_o age_n exercise_v the_o christian_a world_n the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n be_v brief_o this_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o less_o keep_v their_o easter_n upon_o the_o same_o day_n whereon_o the_o jew_n celebrate_v their_o passover_n viz._n upon_o the_o 14._o day_n of_o the_o first_o month_n which_o always_o begin_v with_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o moon_n most_o answer_a to_o our_o march_n and_o this_o they_o do_v upon_o what_o day_n of_o the_o week_n soever_o it_o fall_v and_o hence_o be_v style_v quartodeciman_n because_o keep_v easter_n quarta_fw-la decima_fw-la luna_fw-la upon_o the_o 14._o day_n after_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o appearance_n of_o the_o moon_n the_o other_o church_n and_o especial_o those_o of_o the_o west_n do_v not_o follow_v this_o custom_n but_o keep_v easter_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n follow_v the_o day_n of_o the_o jewish_a passover_n partly_o the_o more_o to_o honour_v the_o day_n and_o partly_o to_o distinguish_v between_o jew_n and_o christian_n the_o asiatic_n plead_v for_o themselves_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n polycarpus_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n who_o have_v live_v and_o converse_v with_o they_o have_v keep_v it_o upon_o that_o day_n together_o with_o s._n john_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n 193._o as_o irenaeus_n who_o himself_o know_v polycarpus_n and_o doubtless_o have_v it_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n speak_v in_o a_o letter_n about_o this_o very_a thing_n though_o himself_o be_v of_o the_o other_o side_n 191._o and_o polycrates_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n instance_n not_o only_o in_o s._n john_n but_o s._n philip_n the_o apostle_n who_o himself_n and_o his_o whole_a family_n use_v so_o to_o keep_v it_o from_o who_o it_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o in_o a_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a observance_n through_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o place_n some_o whereof_o he_o there_o enumerate_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o seven_o bishop_n of_o that_o place_n in_o a_o constant_a succession_n have_v be_v his_o kinsman_n and_o himself_o the_o eight_o and_o that_o it_o have_v never_o be_v keep_v by_o they_o upon_o any_o other_o day_n this_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o understand_v as_o if_o s._n john_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v institute_v this_o festival_n and_o command_v it_o to_o be_v observe_v upon_o that_o day_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o do_v it_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n accommodate_v their_o practice_n in_o a_o matter_n indifferent_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o jewish_a convert_v who_o number_n in_o those_o part_n be_v very_o great_a as_o they_o have_v do_v before_o in_o several_a other_o case_n and_o particular_o in_o observe_v the_o sabbath_n or_o saturday_n the_o other_o church_n also_o say_v eusebius_n have_v for_o their_o patronage_n a_o apostolical_a tradition_n 190._o or_o at_o least_o pretend_a it_o and_o be_v the_o much_o more_o numerous_a party_n this_o difference_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o great_a bustle_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n stickle_v hard_a to_o impose_v their_o custom_n upon_o the_o eastern_a church_n whereupon_o polycarpus_n come_v over_o to_o rome_n to_o confer_v with_o anicetus_n who_o be_v then_o bishop_n about_o it_o 127._o and_o though_o they_o can_v not_o agree_v the_o matter_n yet_o they_o part_v fair_o after_o this_o pope_n victor_n renew_v the_o quarrel_n and_o be_v so_o fierce_a and_o peremptory_a in_o the_o case_n that_o he_o either_o actual_o do_v 1._o or_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n incline_v rather_o to_o think_v probable_o to_o mollify_v the_o odium_fw-la of_o the_o fact_n severe_o threaten_v to_o excommunicate_v those_o eastern_a church_n for_o stand_v out_o against_o it_o this_o rash_a and_o bold_a attempt_n be_v ill_o resent_v by_o the_o sober_a and_o moderate_a man_n of_o his_o own_o party_n who_o write_v to_o he_o about_o it_o and_o particular_o irenaeus_n a_o man_n as_o eusebius_n note_n true_o answer_v his_o name_n both_o in_o his_o temper_n and_o his_o life_n quiet_a and_o peaceable_a who_o grave_o reprove_v he_o for_o rent_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o trouble_v so_o many_o famous_a church_n for_o observe_v the_o custom_n derive_v to_o they_o from_o their_o ancestor_n with_o much_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o the_o asian_a bishop_n little_o regard_v what_o be_v either_o say_v or_o do_v at_o rome_n and_o still_o go_v on_o in_o their_o old_a course_n though_o by_o the_o diligent_a practice_n of_o the_o other_o party_n they_o lose_v ground_n but_o yet_o still_o make_v shift_n to_o keep_v the_o cause_n on_o foot_n till_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n 17._o who_o find_v this_o controversy_n among_o other_o much_o to_o disquiet_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n do_v for_o this_o and_o some_o other_o reason_n summon_v the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a by_o who_o this_o question_n be_v solemn_o determine_v easter_n ordain_v to_o be_v keep_v upon_o one_o and_o the_o same_o day_n throughout_o the_o world_n not_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o upon_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o this_o decree_n ratify_v and_o publish_v by_o the_o imperial_a letter_n to_o all_o the_o church_n the_o eve_n of_o vigil_n or_o this_o festival_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v celebrate_v with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a pomp_n with_o solemn_a watch_n pasch_fw-mi with_o multitude_n of_o light_a torch_n both_o in_o the_o church_n and_o their_o own_o private_a house_n 676._o so_o as_o to_o turn_v the_o night_n itself_o into_o day_n and_o with_o the_o general_a resort_n and_o confluence_n of_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n both_o magistrate_n and_o people_n this_o custom_n of_o light_n at_o that_o time_n be_v 536._o if_o not_o begin_v at_o least_o much_o augment_v by_o constantine_n who_o set_v up_o lamp_n and_o torch_n in_o all_o place_n as_o well_o within_o the_o church_n as_o without_o that_o through_o the_o whole_a city_n the_o night_n seem_v to_o outvie_v the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n and_o this_o they_o do_v as_o nazianzen_n intimate_v as_o a_o prodromus_n or_o forerunner_n of_o that_o great_a light_n 677._o even_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o next_o day_n arise_v upon_o the_o world_n 304._o for_o the_o feast_n itself_o the_o same_o father_n call_v it_o the_o holy_a and_o famous_a passover_n a_o day_n which_o be_v the_o queen_n of_o day_n the_o festival_n of_o festival_n and_o which_o as_o far_o excel_v all_o other_o even_o of_o those_o which_o be_v institute_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o sun_n go_v beyond_o the_o other_o star_n a_o time_n it_o be_v famous_a for_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n every_o one_o both_o of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n strive_v to_o contribute_v liberal_o to_o the_o poor_a a_o duty_n as_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n observe_v very_o congruous_a and_o suitable_a to_o that_o happy_a season_n 57_o for_o what_o more_o fit_a than_o that_o such_o as_o beg_v relief_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o rejoice_v at_o that_o time_n when_o we_o remember_v the_o common_a fountain_n of_o our_o mercy_n therefore_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o morning_n of_o this_o day_n appear_v supra_fw-la but_o constantine_n use_v to_o arise_v and_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o bestow_v
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