defend_v the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o they_o may_v break_v in_o piece_n your_o argument_n hitherto_o s._n augustin_n l._n 1._o &_o 2._o contra_fw-la julianum_fw-la i_o think_v fit_a to_o adjoyn_v this_o reflection_n of_o s._n austen_n though_o superabundant_a to_o the_o force_n of_o my_o argument_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o lent-fast_a be_v general_o practise_v in_o the_o four_o and_o 5_o century_n both_o by_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n and_o so_o much_o evident_o follow_v from_o the_o authority_n above_o cite_v for_o though_o some_o may_v be_v so_o self-conceited_a as_o to_o confess_v that_o s._n hierom_n s._n ambrose_n s._n basil_n s._n crysostom_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n greek_n and_o latin_a deem_v the_o observation_n of_o lent_n to_o be_v a_o pious_a christian_a practice_n but_o they_o with_o humble_a submission_n judge_v it_o to_o be_v superstition_n will-worship_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n yet_o few_o i_o think_v but_o have_v so_o much_o regard_n for_o these_o primitive_a doctor_n as_o to_o allow_v they_o so_o much_o judgement_n as_o to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o their_o several_a church_n in_o their_o day_n and_o so_o much_o fidelity_n as_o to_o write_v the_o truth_n as_o to_o that_o particular_a which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o purport_n of_o my_o discourse_n unless_o you_o can_v think_v that_o these_o holy_a father_n be_v of_o one_o faith_n &_o their_o flock_n which_o reverence_n they_o as_o sts._n of_o another_o for_o the_o four_o and_o 5_o age_n practise_v fast_v in_o lent_n not_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o piety_n begin_v by_o themselves_o but_o commend_v to_o they_o by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n it_o not_o only_o follow_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v first_o begin_v by_o their_o immediate_a progenito_n which_o have_v it_o be_v they_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o but_o also_o that_o it_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v first_o teach_v the_o world_n by_o the_o apostle_n for_o if_o the_o first_o convert_v of_o the_o apostle_n all_o over_o the_o world_n have_v not_o only_o be_v teach_v no_o such_o observation_n but_o also_o have_v be_v positive_o instruct_v to_o look_v upon_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a kind_n of_o meat_n as_o superstition_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n and_o with_o all_o have_v be_v charge_v not_o to_o receive_v any_o other_o doctrine_n though_o preach_v to_o they_o by_o a_o angel_n send_v from_o heaven_n and_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n teach_v their_o child_n the_o same_o they_o have_v learn_v as_o none_o can_v doubt_v but_o they_o do_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o four_o century_n shall_v most_o tenacious_o adhere_v to_o this_o principle_n of_o admit_v no_o new_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n but_o to_o hold_v fast_o to_o what_o be_v deliver_v they_o by_o their_o ancestor_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o yet_o shall_v themselves_o superstitious_o abstain_v from_o meat_n and_o not_o pretend_v scripture_n for_o it_o neither_o but_o apostolical_a tradition_n but_o have_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o four_o century_n abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n on_o pretext_n of_o scripture_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n understand_v by_o they_o or_o upon_o account_n of_o some_o decree_n of_o a_o general_n council_n or_o law_n of_o some_o emperor_n make_v in_o the_o second_o or_o three_o century_n or_o pretend_v to_o follow_v some_o person_n or_o person_n raise_v up_o by_o god_n in_o the_o three_o age_n to_o teach_v the_o christian_a world_n a_o more_o strict_a observance_n it_o may_v well_o be_v conceive_v how_o the_o four_o age_n may_v abstain_v from_o meat_n upon_o a_o religious_a account_n though_o no_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v teach_v the_o world_n by_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o quite_o contrary_a and_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v all_o well_o put_v together_o i_o think_v it_o be_v efficacious_o conclude_v against_o all_o opposer_n of_o lent-fast_a that_o it_o be_v teach_v the_o world_n by_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o tippet_n or_o a_o surplice_n i_o be_o argue_v for_o but_o a_o practice_n which_o if_o right_o observe_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v all_o the_o world_n saint_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o more_o abundant_a satisfaction_n of_o my_o reader_n i_o shall_v now_o adjoyn_v positive_a evidence_n out_o of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n that_o the_o holy_a fast_o of_o lent_n be_v practise_v in_o those_o most_o pure_a and_o primitive_a time_n s._n denys_n b._n of_o alexandria_n who_o live_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o age_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o basilides_n the_o bishop_n record_v the_o fast_a before_o easter_n as_o universal_a as_o the_o joy_n and_o feast_n of_o easter_n it_o will_v be_v confess_v say_v he_o of_o all_o agreeable_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o begin_v the_o feast_n viz._n of_o easter_n and_o joy_v until_o that_o time_n humble_v our_o soul_n in_o fast_n they_o true_o which_o make_v too_o much_o haste_n and_o before_o well_o towards_o midnight_n break_v their_o fast_a we_o blame_v as_o regardless_o and_o not_o master_n of_o their_o appetite_n give_v over_o the_o race_n a_o little_a before_o the_o goal_n such_o indeed_o as_o be_v much_o wear_v by_o the_o fast_n and_o towards_o the_o end_n as_o it_o be_v faint_a we_o easy_o pardon_v if_o they_o eat_v soon_o and_o in_o the_o same_o epistle_n he_o mention_n in_o special_a manner_n the_o six_o day_n of_o fast_n to_o wit_n those_o of_o the_o last_o week_n not_o alike_o observe_v of_o all_o origen_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o same_o age._n hom._n 10._o in_o leviticum_n habemus_fw-la quadragesimae_fw-la dies_fw-la etc._n etc._n we_o have_v the_o day_n of_o lent_n consecrate_a to_o fast_v we_o have_v the_o four_o and_o six_o day_n of_o the_o week_n on_o which_o we_o solemn_o fast._n and_o certain_o a_o christian_n have_v liberty_n to_o fast_o at_o all_o time_n but_o not_o out_o of_o a_o superstitious_a observation_n but_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o continency_n the_o first_o general_n council_n of_o nice_a hold_v a_o little_a after_o the_o year_n 300._o do_v not_o first_o ordain_v the_o keep_n of_o lent_n but_o in_o the_o six_o canon_n make_v mention_n of_o it_o as_o a_o time_n know_v to_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o in_o that_o canon_n the_o father_n ordain_v that_o two_o provincial-council_n shall_v be_v celebrate_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o every_o province_n every_o year_n one_o of_o they_o ante_fw-la dies_fw-la quadragesimae_fw-la etc._n etc._n before_o the_o day_n of_o lent_n to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o contest_v if_o any_o such_o be_v be_v make_v up_o a_o pure_a and_o solemn_a gift_n may_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n now_o how_o shall_v lent_n be_v observe_v all_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n so_o early_o before_o any_o general_a council_n what_o other_o universal_a cause_n can_v there_o be_v of_o so_o universal_a a_o observation_n but_o the_o first_o teach_v of_o the_o apostle_n or_o if_o such_o a_o practice_n have_v be_v superstitious_a and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n how_o come_v so_o venerable_a and_o holy_a a_o council_n not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o if_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o such_o scripture_n as_o false_o understand_v be_v allege_v against_o it_o by_o nonconformist_n in_o the_o second_o age_n tertullian_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr jejunio_n c._n 1_o 2._o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o sentiment_n of_o some_o one_o particular_a man_n but_o of_o all_o catholic_n christian_n who_o be_v by_o he_o contumelious_o call_v psychici_fw-la that_o the_o pascal_n fast_o be_v constitute_v by_o god_n and_o observe_v by_o the_o apostle_n his_o word_n be_v nam_fw-la quod_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o as_o to_o what_o appertain_v to_o fast_n they_o oppose_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a day_n constitute_v by_o god_n they_o sure_o think_v that_o in_o the_o gospel_n those_o day_n be_v determine_v for_o fast_n in_o which_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v take_v away_o and_o those_o day_n only_o be_v now_o the_o legitimate_a day_n of_o christian_a fast_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o thus_o the_o apostle_n observe_v the_o rule_n of_o fast_v impose_v no_o other_o yoke_n of_o certain_a or_o set-fast_n to_o be_v keep_v of_o all_o in_o common_a and_o c._n 13._o you_o prescribe_v against_o we_o that_o the_o solemn_a time_n for_o this_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v already_o constitute_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o tradition_n of_o our_o elder_n and_o that_o no_o further_o observance_n be_v to_o be_v superad_v for_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o innovation_n maintain_v this_o your_o ground_n if_o you_o can_v for_o lo_o i_o convince_v you_o even_o yourselves_o fast_v beside_o the_o paschal_n fast_o those_o day_n in_o which_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v take_v away_o
of_o it_o profess_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n to_o have_v observe_v it_o from_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n among_o they_o and_o wheresoever_o lent_n be_v not_o observe_v its_o non-observer_n do_v profess_v only_o from_o such_o a_o time_n to_o have_v not_o observe_v it_o and_o their_o ancestor_n before_o that_o time_n for_o divers_a generation_n ever_o since_o they_o can_v well_o tell_v when_o have_v blind_o observe_v it_o whence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o observation_n of_o lent_n be_v the_o ancient_a christian_a practice_n and_o its_o nonobservance_n a_o novelty_n and_o indeed_o have_v the_o keep_n of_o lent_n be_v a_o novelty_n and_o not_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n its_o observance_n be_v so_o burdensome_a and_o contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o beside_o as_o its_o opposer_n say_v superstitious_a also_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v introduce_v not_o into_o one_o but_o into_o all_o the_o christian_a country_n of_o both_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o with_o a_o small_a industry_n of_o its_o introducer_n and_o without_o great_a opposition_n both_o from_o good_a man_n for_o its_o superstition_n and_o from_o bad_a man_n for_o its_o troublesomeness_n to_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o no_o ecclesiastical_a history_n though_o far_o lesser_a matter_n be_v record_v make_v mention_n of_o any_o such_o opposition_n make_v against_o lent_n in_o its_o first_o bring_v in_o or_o how_o or_o by_o who_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o even_o into_o so_o much_o as_o one_o particular_a diocese_n but_o all_o record_n testify_v that_o the_o prime_a doctor_n both_o of_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n in_o the_o five_o and_o six_o century_n have_v be_v most_o religious_a observer_n and_o zealous_a defender_n of_o it_o which_o certain_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v have_v lend_v be_v a_o superstitious_a novelty_n and_o not_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n and_o indeed_o whosoever_o mature_o consider_v the_o genius_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o christian_a doctor_n and_o bishop_n for_o the_o first_o five_o hundred_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n will_v find_v it_o impossible_a for_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n to_o impose_v a_o novelty_n upon_o they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o seem_a zelots_n of_o our_o age_n pretender_n to_o new_a light_n but_o their_o profession_n be_v not_o to_o correct_v antiquity_n but_o faithful_o to_o deliver_v to_o posterity_n what_o they_o immemorial_o from_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n and_o their_o great_a answer_n to_o introducer_n of_o new_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n be_v nihil_fw-la novandum_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la traditum_fw-la est_fw-la we_o must_v innovate_v nothing_o but_o stick_v close_o to_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o our_o forefather_n do_v a_o montanus_n upon_o pretext_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n endeavour_v to_o impose_v upon_o christian_n the_o observation_n of_o three_o lent_n in_o the_o year_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n reply_n by_o one_o of_o her_o prime_a doctor_n s._n hierom_n we_o fast_v one_o lend_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o whole_a year_n according_a to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o montanist_n keep_v three_o lent_n in_o the_o year_n as_o if_o three_o saviour_n have_v suffer_v for_o other_o instance_n i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o golden_a treatise_n of_o s._n vincentius_n lerinensis_n against_o innovation_n as_o for_o pretender_n to_o discover_v new_a truth_n by_o read_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v easy_o conceivable_a how_o such_o person_n may_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o subtle_a sophister_n and_o lead_v into_o superstitious_a practice_n and_o make_v to_o believe_v erroneous_a doctrine_n to_o wit_n by_o bad_a and_o new_a interpretation_n of_o good_a and_o ancient_a scripture_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n how_o shall_v a_o teacher_n of_o novelty_n deceive_v a_o country_n which_o be_v resolve_v to_o hold_v fast_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o immediate_a progenitor_n who_o receive_v the_o same_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n by_o a_o uninterrupted_a delivery_n from_o father_n to_o son_n from_o the_o apostle_n let_v he_o pretend_v scripture_n and_o bring_v a_o thousand_o place_n out_o of_o the_o law_n psalm_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n what_o will_v the_o reply_n be_v the_o scripture_n you_o allege_v we_o reverence_n and_o have_v ever_o be_v teach_v to_o reverence_n they_o as_o divine_a but_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o interpret_v and_o understand_v they_o in_o another_o manner_n and_o sense_n than_o you_o allege_v they_o let_v he_o pretend_v authority_n of_o doctor_n as_o learned_a as_o origen_n or_o as_o holy_a as_o cyprian_a nay_o if_o he_o will_v a_o whole_a provincial-council_n as_o numerous_a as_o that_o in_o africa_n which_o determine_v rebaptisation_a of_o person_n baptise_a by_o heretic_n they_o reply_v we_o must_v not_o innovate_v we_o must_v hold_v to_o what_o be_v teach_v we_o by_o our_o ancestor_n what_o mean_v then_o to_o make_v person_n thus_o dispose_v to_o leave_v their_o ancient_a faith_n and_o practice_n and_o admit_v of_o a_o novelty_n you_o must_v prove_v to_o they_o that_o you_o and_o they_o and_o other_o christian_n in_o several_a country_n have_v be_v teach_v so_o to_o believe_v by_o your_o immediate_a predecessor_n and_o uninterrupted_o from_o father_n to_o son_n from_o the_o apostle_n but_o than_o you_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o novelty_n contrary_a to_o the_o supposition_n apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o our_o present_a controversy_n now_o that_o the_o study_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o five_o century_n be_v not_o to_o deliver_v to_o posterity_n doctrine_n of_o her_o own_o devise_v but_o careful_o to_o keep_v what_o she_o have_v receive_v from_o her_o fore-elders_a and_o faithful_o to_o teach_v her_o child_n what_o she_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o her_o father_n be_v manifest_a out_o of_o s._n vincent_n cite_v above_o who_o live_v in_o that_o age_n and_o testify_v that_o often_o ask_v of_o very_a many_o his_o contemporary_n famous_a for_o their_o sanctity_n and_o learning_n how_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n from_o the_o falsity_n of_o heretical_a pravity_n he_o always_o receive_v this_o answer_n in_o a_o manner_n from_o they_o all_o that_o if_o he_o desire_v to_o remain_v sound_n in_o his_o faith_n he_o must_v fortify_v it_o first_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o then_o with_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v as_o he_o explicate_v himself_o afterward_o he_o must_v examine_v what_o have_v always_o all_o over_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o by_o all_o christian_a doctor_n or_o in_o a_o manner_n by_o all_o be_v believe_v and_o hold_v to_o that_o against_o all_o novelty_n though_o defend_v by_o private_a doctor_n never_o so_o holy_a or_o never_o so_o learned_a or_o produce_v never_o so_o many_o scripture_n for_o themselves_o if_o interpret_v after_o a_o new_a manner_n but_o say_v the_o same_o s._n vincent_n chap._n 2._o here_o perhaps_o some_o body_n may_v ask_v see_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_a and_o be_v itself_o sufficient_a and_o more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o all_o thing_n what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o add_v to_o it_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n understanding_n of_o it_o because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o depth_n be_v not_o by_o all_o take_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sense_n for_o photinus_n expound_v it_o one_o way_n sabellius_n another_o donatus_n another_o arrius_n another_o and_o chap._n 41._o he_o tell_v we_o how_o the_o three_o general_n council_n hold_v in_o his_o day_n at_o ephesus_n proceed_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n condemn_v nestorius_n for_o the_o father_n of_o that_o christian_a synod_n in_o number_n about_o 200._o have_v consult_v the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o predecessor_n the_o eminent_a doctor_n of_o the_o oriental_a and_o western_a church_n s._n peter_n of_o alexandria_n s._n athanasius_n s._n theophilus_n s._n gregory_n nazianzen_n s._n basil_n s._n gregory_n nyssen_n s._n felix_n s._n julius_n s._n cyprian_n s._n ambrose_n concern_v their_o controversy_n in_o debate_n they_o resolve_v to_o hold_v their_o doctrine_n to_o follow_v their_o counsel_n to_o believe_v their_o testimony_n to_o obey_v their_o judgement_n quae_fw-la tandem_fw-la etc._n etc._n what_o be_v at_o length_n say_v s._n vincent_n the_o voice_n and_o vote_n of_o they_o all_o but_o that_o what_o be_v ancient_o deliver_v shall_v be_v keep_v what_o be_v of_o late_o invent_v shall_v be_v explode_v after_o which_o we_o admire_v and_o proclaim_v the_o great_a humility_n and_o sanctity_n of_o that_o council_n in_o which_o so_o many_o priest_n in_o a_o manner_n also_o the_o great_a part_n
shall_v be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n untainted_a for_o many_o generation_n especial_o when_o our_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v so_o firm_o settle_v and_o find_v his_o church_n that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o it_o but_o methinks_v our_o adversary_n may_v extend_v their_o charity_n to_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o four_o five_o and_o six_o century_n and_o not_o think_v they_o will_v have_v so_o little_a regard_n to_o the_o religion_n teach_v they_o and_o seal_v to_o they_o by_o their_o ancestor_n with_o their_o dear_a blood_n as_o immediate_o to_o change_v and_o corrupt_v it_o and_o by_o it_o so_o alter_v and_o corrupt_v infect_v themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v to_o all_o generation_n with_o a_o dangerous_a superstition_n and_o will-worship_n let_v we_o suppose_v then_o that_o for_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n of_o christianity_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o england_n italy_n greece_n and_o other_o country_n observe_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o lent-fast_a and_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v possible_a the_o four_o age_n can_v not_o only_o bring_v it_o in_o all_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o bring_v it_o in_o so_o secret_o and_o covert_o that_o the_o prime_a doctor_n of_o the_o five_o age_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v that_o this_o new_a burden_n be_v superad_v to_o chriâ—tianity_n by_o their_o immediate_a progenitor_n but_o shall_v be_v very_o persuade_v that_o such_o a_o observation_n have_v immemorial_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n descend_v to_o they_o from_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n the_o apostle_n and_o yet_o its_o evident_a that_o the_o five_o age_n do_v not_o only_o keep_v lend_v but_o also_o keep_v it_o as_o a_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o the_o prime_a christian_a doctor_n of_o that_o age_n have_v leave_v it_o upon_o record_n in_o their_o diserved_o admire_a work_n that_o they_o keep_v this_o holy-fast_a as_o a_o observance_n teach_v they_o by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n hear_v their_o own_o word_n st._n hierom_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o marcelia_n we_o fast_o one_o lent_n quadragesimam_fw-la within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o whole_a year_n according_a to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o season_n fit_a for_o we_o the_o montanist_n keep_v three_o lent_n in_o the_o year_n as_o if_o three_o saviour_n have_v suffer_v now_o if_o for_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o observance_n by_o christian_n at_o rome_n but_o if_o in_o the_o four_o century_n some_o bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o some_o provincial_n or_o general_a council_n or_o christian_a emperor_n have_v first_o introduce_v it_o can_v a_o priest_n of_o rome_n and_o one_o well_o verse_v in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n as_o s._n hierom_n be_v err_v so_o gross_o as_o to_o mistake_v so_o new_a a_o institution_n for_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n that_o be_v for_o a_o observance_n teach_v the_o city_n of_o rome_n from_o father_n to_o son_n from_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o greek_a church_n hear_v the_o testmimony_n of_o theophilus_n patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n to_o the_o patriarch_n of_o which_o see_v it_o be_v entrust_v by_o the_o first_o general_n council_n that_o they_o shall_v yearly_o signify_v beforehand_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o their_o own_o the_o true_a time_n of_o easter_n in_o his_o first_o paschal_n epistle_n he_o write_v thus_o let_v we_o cure_v the_o divers_a wound_n of_o vice_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o may_v we_o enter_v the_o fast_n at_o hand_n begin_v lend_v the_o 30_o day_n of_o the_o month_n mechir_n as_o it_o be_v our_o february_n the_o egyptian_n reckon_v 30._o day_n in_o every_o month_n the_o week_n of_o the_o salutary_a pasch_fw-mi on_o the_o 5_o day_n of_o the_o month_n pharmuth_n or_o april_n and_o end_v the_o fast_n according_a to_o the_o evangelical_n tradition_n on_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o saturday_n be_v the_o ten_o of_o pharmuth_n and_o on_o the_o next_o lord_n day_n the_o 11_o of_o the_o same_o month_n let_v we_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n the_o like_a he_o say_v in_o his_o second_o paschal_n epistle_n and_o again_o he_o say_v according_a to_o the_o evangelical_n tradition_n i_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o s._n cyril_n patriarch_n of_o the_o same_o alexandria_n in_o the_o next_o age_n in_o his_o 20_o homily_n de_fw-fr festis_fw-la paschalibus_fw-la so_o to_o let_v we_o keep_v a_o pure_a fast_n begin_v the_o holy_a lent_n from_o such_o a_o day_n end_v also_o the_o fast_n on_o the_o seven_o day_n of_o pharmuth_n late_o in_o the_o evening_n according_a to_o the_o tradition_n apostolical_a the_o same_o s._n cyril_n in_o 19_o other_o of_o his_o homily_n cite_v by_o b._n gunning_n de_fw-fr festis_fw-la paschalibus_fw-la preach_v in_o so_o many_o several_a year_n refer_v the_o same_o fast_n of_o lent_n to_o tradition_n appointment_n or_o instruction_n evangelical_n the_o law_n of_o abstain_v in_o lent_n be_v always_o in_o the_o church_n say_v the_o above-cited_n theophilus_n alexandrinus_n now_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o these_o two_o learned_a patriarch_n to_o who_o by_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n be_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o signify_v the_o due_a time_n of_o lent_n and_o easter_n have_v the_o holy_a fast_o of_o lent_n be_v so_o late_o bring_v in_o by_o some_o universal_a ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a authority_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o think_v and_o tell_v all_o the_o world_n also_o that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o teach_v to_o end_v lend_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n from_o the_o apostle_n let_v it_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o the_o four_o century_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o general_n council_n though_o for_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o custom_n among_o christian_n to_o fast_o lend_v may_v make_v a_o law_n of_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n for_o 40._o day_n before_o easter_n and_o command_v the_o whole_a christian_a world_n to_o obey_v it_o but_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v the_o impudence_n to_o annex_v to_o such_o a_o ordination_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o fast_a by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o all_o must_v needs_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o first_o ordainer_n of_o such_o a_o observance_n nor_o can_v they_o possible_o impose_v upon_o their_o posterity_n such_o a_o belief_n but_o their_o posterity_n must_v needs_o know_v that_o such_o a_o custom_n be_v no_o ancient_a than_o their_o immediate_a progenitor_n which_o be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o s._n hierom_n and_o other_o learned_a doctor_n in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o century_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o keep_v lend_v by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n if_o the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v not_o the_o first_o teacher_n of_o it_o but_o some_o particular_a preacher_n or_o a_o general_n council_n or_o some_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a power_n since_o the_o first_o opposer_n of_o lent_n though_o they_o have_v the_o impiety_n to_o call_v it_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o impudence_n to_o say_v they_o have_v be_v so_o teach_v to_o call_v it_o from_o father_n to_o son_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n but_o pretend_v their_o ancestor_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n have_v be_v in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n but_o they_o by_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o writer_n of_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n find_v there_o be_v no_o such_o observance_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o like_a manner_n have_v the_o keep_n of_o lent_n be_v a_o innovation_n the_o first_o introducer_n of_o it_o must_v have_v plead_v for_o it_o in_o the_o four_o or_o other_o century_n as_o the_o opposer_n of_o it_o in_o this_o latter_a age_n plead_v against_o it_o they_o must_v not_o have_v say_v abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n in_o the_o holy_a time_n of_o lent_n for_o so_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o do_v from_o father_n to_o son_n from_o the_o apostle_n for_o every_o one_o will_v have_v know_v this_o to_o be_v a_o notorious_a lie_n but_o they_o must_v have_v pretend_v to_o have_v more_o light_a than_o their_o immediate_a progenitor_n and_o have_v say_v the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n use_v such_o abstinence_n but_o fervour_n of_o piety_n decay_v the_o world_n for_o some_o century_n have_v lay_v aside_o that_o holy_a but_o troublesome_a mortification_n and_o they_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o almighty_a god_n to_o retrieve_v that_o religious_a primitive_a custom_n but_o no_o ecclesiastical_a history_n in_o so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o christian_a country_n in_o the_o world_n make_v mention_n of_o any_o such_o manner_n of_o introduce_v the_o holy_a fast_o of_o lent_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a wheresoever_o lent_n be_v observe_v the_o observer_n
observance_n which_o be_v preparatory_a to_o the_o great_a feast_n which_o be_v follow_v with_o the_o 50._o day_n solemnity_n thus_o philo_n contemporary_a of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o hebrew_n christian_n in_o and_o about_o alexandria_n where_o s._n mark_n be_v set_v bishop_n by_o s._n peter_n i_o omit_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o 68_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o that_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n do_v not_o unanimous_o agree_v that_o those_o canon_n at_o least_o all_o of_o they_o be_v make_v by_o the_o apostle_n although_o the_o six_o general_n council_n celebrate_v above_o a_o 1000_o year_n ago_o receive_v and_o approve_v 85._o of_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o be_v very_o ancient_a bishop_n gunning_n think_v they_o be_v make_v in_o the_o second_o century_n by_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o in_o that_o age_n be_v common_o as_o he_o say_v call_v apostle_n the_o 68â—h_n canon_n run_v thus_o if_o any_o bishop_n or_o priest_n or_o deacon_n or_o lector_fw-la or_o cantor_n shall_v not_o fast_o the_o sacred_a lent_n quadragesimam_fw-la before_o easter_n or_o wednesday_n or_o friday_n let_v he_o be_v depose_v unless_o he_o be_v hinder_v by_o weakness_n of_o body_n but_o if_o he_o be_v a_o laic_a let_v he_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o communion_n indeed_o the_o canon_n do_v not_o seem_v first_o to_o institute_v lend_v but_o rather_o suppose_v it_o and_o urge_v its_o observance_n by_o inflict_v a_o penalty_n upon_o non-observer_n all_o which_o make_v for_o my_o design_a purpose_n for_o who_o can_v so_o early_o except_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o such_o a_o institution_n when_o as_o yet_o there_o have_v be_v no_o general_n council_n except_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o have_v we_o no_o scripture_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o lent_n fast_n we_o have_v scripture_n that_o our_o b._n saviour_n fast_v 40._o day_n and_o we_o have_v also_o in_o scripture_n that_o if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o be_v in_o christ_n he_o ought_v to_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v moreover_o we_o have_v yet_o more_o express_a scripture_n as_o interpret_v not_o by_o some_o one_o or_o two_o father_n but_o by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o catholic_n christian_n as_o bishop_n gunning_n well_o observe_v out_o of_o tertullian_n cite_v above_o they_o that_o be_v the_o catholic_n christians_o who_o be_v call_v by_o he_o psychici_fw-la sure_o think_v that_o in_o the_o gospel_n those_o day_n be_v determine_v for_o fast_n in_o which_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v take_v away_o and_o a_o little_a after_o the_o paschal_n fast_o those_o day_n in_o which_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v take_v away_o those_o word_n then_o of_o our_o b._n lord_n in_o excuse_n of_o his_o disciple_n not_o fast_v whilst_o he_o be_v with_o they_o can_v you_o make_v the_o child_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n fast_o while_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o but_o the_o day_n will_v come_v when_o the_o bridegroom_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o then_o shall_v they_o fast_v in_o those_o day_n those_o word_n i_o say_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o second_o century_n be_v intend_v by_o our_o b._n saviour_n to_o signify_v that_o christian_n after_o his_o departure_n shall_v fast_o yearly_o upon_o good-friday_n the_o day_n of_o his_o death_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pascal_n or_o lent-fast_a those_o day_n in_o which_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v take_v away_o i_o add_v whether_o those_o word_n in_o those_o day_n do_v in_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n signify_v lent-fast_a or_o no_o it_o be_v evident_a have_v not_o the_o primitive_a christian_n fast_v lend_v they_o will_v never_o have_v interpret_v our_o lord_n word_n as_o they_o do_v which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n to_o wit_n to_o evince_v that_o the_o most_o primitive_a pure_a church_n do_v fast_a lent_n and_o beside_o according_a to_o common_a sense_n who_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o understand_v aright_o our_o b._n saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n word_n they_o who_o live_v in_o the_o next_o age_n to_o they_o or_o we_o who_o live_v sixteen_o hundred_o year_n after_o do_v we_o or_o any_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n understand_v our_o write_a law_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n a_o crafty_a witty_a lawyer_n can_v wrest_v they_o to_o signify_v or_o according_o as_o they_o have_v be_v immemorial_o understand_v since_o the_o first_o make_v of_o they_o and_o as_o case_n and_o dispute_n have_v by_o our_o learned_a judge_n be_v decide_v by_o they_o moreov_a suppose_v but_o only_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o who_o sake_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v right_o understand_v they_o and_o let_v after_o generation_n interpret_v the_o same_o scripture_n in_o the_o sense_n they_o be_v interpret_v by_o their_o ancestor_n and_o let_v this_o be_v their_o great_a enquiry_n how_o their_o fore-elders_a understand_v they_o and_o its_o impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o be_v misunderstand_a but_o leave_v their_o interpretation_n to_o every_o private_a man_n sentiment_n and_o you_o open_v a_o gap_n to_o all_o innovation_n and_o heresy_n as_o bishop_n gunning_n judicious_o observe_v reason_n say_v he_o pag._n 23._o and_o experience_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o all_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ancient_a and_o modern_a the_o house_n of_o wisdom_n counsel_n reverend_a father_n and_o writer_n and_o our_o church_n in_o particular_a have_v direct_v and_o command_v we_o not_o to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n in_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n to_o the_o church_n rule_n of_o believe_v and_o do_v but_o as_o we_o find_v it_o interpret_v by_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o those_o before_o they_o for_o that_o the_o leave_v of_o every_o man_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o any_o text_n upon_o any_o device_n out_o of_o his_o own_o head_n to_o the_o sound_n of_o any_o new_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n as_o necessary_a there_o from_o or_o to_o the_o oppose_a any_o constant_o receive_v doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church-vniversal_a for_o in_o other_o matter_n they_o may_v happy_o with_o leave_n quiet_o abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n leave_v all_o bold_a innovator_n which_o can_v draw_v any_o disciple_n after_o they_o to_o be_v as_o much_o lawgiver_n to_o the_o church_n by_o their_o uncontrollable_a law_n interpret_n as_o any_o pope_n or_o enthusiast_n can_v or_o need_v pretend_v to_o be_v and_o have_v be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o ground_n of_o most_o heresy_n and_o schism_n bring_v into_o the_o church_n by_o man_n who_o depart_v from_o the_o teach_n and_o stable_a interpretation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o instability_n and_o science_n false_o so_o call_v pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o and_o other_o their_z obstinate_a follower_n destruction_n and_o indeed_o he_o who_o have_v so_o much_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n as_o to_o prefer_v his_o own_o seem_a sense_n of_o holy_a scripture_n before_o the_o sense_n which_o holy_a father_n and_o christian._n doctor_n unanimous_o attest_v to_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o fore-elders_a be_v next_o dispose_v to_o vilify_v and_o reject_v the_o whole_a letter_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n upon_o pretext_n of_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o the_o letter_n now_o common_o own_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o christian_a doctor_n be_v indeed_o that_o letter_n which_o be_v leave_v the_o world_n by_o the_o apostle_n but_o if_o a_o yearly_a religious_a observation_n of_o the_o holy_a fast_o of_o lent_n be_v of_o such_o singular_a benefit_n and_o spiritual_a advantage_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o if_o also_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n do_v recommend_v such_o a_o observation_n to_o the_o several_a country_n by_o they_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o none_o of_o all_o their_o write_n which_o have_v come_v to_o our_o hand_n make_v express_a mention_n of_o it_o hear_v bishop_n gunning_n p._n 138._o ritual_a observance_n be_v visible_a and_o as_o it_o be_v legible_a in_o the_o universal_a church_n constant_a practice_n need_v not_o to_o be_v set_v down_o in_o her_o write_a rule_n or_o those_o which_o be_v therein_o set_v down_o not_o necessary_o so_o evident_o but_o that_o they_o may_v need_v the_o interpretation_n of_o such_o the_o church_n practice_n and_o indeed_o whoever_o will_v impartial_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o wonder_v that_o all_o the_o ritual_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o express_o declare_v in_o they_o that_o he_o will_v rather_o wonder_v there_o be_v so_o much_o in_o they_o of_o the_o exterior_a rite_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o there_o be_v have_v any_o
of_o the_o sacred_a christian_a penman_n write_v a_o book_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v the_o whole_a manner_n of_o christian_a worship_n like_o moses_n his_o exodus_fw-la or_o leviticus_n we_o may_v reasonable_o have_v expect_v a_o account_n what_o day_n christian_n be_v to_o set_v apart_o for_o fast_v or_o religious_a feast_v what_o garment_n they_o be_v to_o use_v in_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n etc._n etc._n buâ—_n they_o only_o as_o be_v manifest_a write_v book_n for_o other_o intent_n and_o purpose_n by_o way_n of_o history_n for_o example_n or_o moral_a exhortation_n and_o make_v mention_n only_o by_o the_o by_o of_o some_o of_o our_o christian_a rite_n as_o they_o occur_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a then_o to_o expect_v in_o their_o say_a write_n a_o express_a clear_a mention_n of_o every_o christian_a ceremonial_a observance_n the_o four_o gospel_n be_v a_o history_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n life_n and_o death_n who_o live_v as_o to_o the_o external_a rite_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o so_o we_o can_v reasonable_o in_o any_o of_o they_o expect_v what_o fast_v or_o festival_n day_n we_o christian_n be_v to_o observe_v indeed_o have_v the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v intend_v as_o a_o exact_a narration_n how_o the_o apostle_n live_v as_o to_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n what_o day_n they_o keep_v holy_a and_o what_o they_o fast_v etc._n etc._n we_o may_v reasonable_o have_v expect_v some_o mention_n there_o of_o lent_n and_o easter_n but_o that_o holy_a book_n make_v mention_n only_o of_o some_o few_o particular_a passage_n of_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o apostle_n life_n the_o apostle_n may_v well_o keep_v lend_v and_o easter_n too_o and_o teach_v they_o also_o to_o their_o first_o convert_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o profound_a silence_n of_o they_o in_o the_o book_n of_o their_o act_n as_o for_o s._n john_n prophetical_a book_n it_o be_v no_o way_n proper_a in_o it_o to_o speak_v of_o easter_n or_o lent_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v certain_a epistle_n or_o letter_n of_o spiritual_a counsel_n write_v by_o s._n paul_n or_o some_o other_o apostle_n to_o particular_a person_n or_o whole_a city_n already_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a way_n of_o worship_n but_o why_o they_o shall_v needs_o make_v mention_n therein_o of_o lent_n i_o understand_v not_o unless_o perchance_o the_o person_n they_o write_v unto_o have_v be_v deficient_a in_o observe_v of_o it_o but_o do_v not_o s._n paul_n express_o decry_v the_o keep_n of_o lent_n in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n and_o tell_v the_o christian_n he_o write_v to_o he_o be_v afraid_a he_o have_v labour_v in_o vain_a among_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o superstitious_a observation_n of_o day_n and_o time_n gal._n 4._o v._n 9_o 10._o how_o be_v you_o convert_v again_o to_o weak_a and_o beggarly_a element_n which_o you_o will_v serve_v again_o you_o observe_v day_n and_o month_n and_o time_n and_o year_n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o you_o lest_o i_o shall_v have_v labour_v among_o you_o in_o vain_a be_v then_o the_o holy_a apostle_n afraid_a lest_o the_o galatian_n shall_v leave_v christianity_n and_o return_n to_o judaisme_n or_o pagaism_n because_o of_o their_o observe_v lend_v in_o memory_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n fast_a 40._o day_n or_o easter_n in_o memory_n of_o his_o resurrection_n be_v this_o a_o likely_a story_n or_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a from_o the_o context_n of_o their_o return_v again_o to_o weak_a and_o poor_a element_n that_o because_o of_o their_o return_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o jewish_a day_n command_v by_o moses_n or_o pagan_a day_n in_o honour_n of_o jupiter_n mars_n etc._n etc._n he_o be_v afraid_a they_o will_v relinquish_v the_o gospel_n by_o they_o receive_v and_o become_v jew_n again_o or_o pagan_n but_o do_v not_o the_o same_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 4._o tell_v we_o express_o that_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a m_o 〈…〉_z the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n and_o that_o nothing_o which_o god_n have_v make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v reject_v by_o we_o but_o eat_v with_o thankfulness_n now_o the_o spi_n 〈…〉_z eth_z express_o that_o in_o the_o late_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o 〈…〉_z heed_n to_o seduce_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v 〈…〉_z hypocrisy_n have_v their_o conscience_n scare_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n foâ—_n 〈◊〉_d to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n which_o god_n 〈…〉_z to_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v and_o know_v the_o truth_n for_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o nothing_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n that_o we_o may_v right_o understand_v these_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n we_o must_v reflect_v that_o upon_o a_o double_a account_n we_o may_v abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n or_o drink_n first_o we_o may_v abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n as_o think_v they_o out_o of_o error_n and_o superstition_n natural_o unclean_a and_o unholy_a and_o to_o teach_v abstinence_n from_o certain_a creature_n upon_o such_o a_o account_n be_v deserve_o call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n and_o with_o this_o heresy_n the_o manichaean_n be_v charge_v by_o s._n austin_n and_o other_o father_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v such_o like_a abstainer_n from_o certain_a creature_n be_v manifest_a by_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v why_o christian_n shall_v not_o abstain_v upon_o such_o a_o account_n to_o wit_n because_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o consequent_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o as_o in_o themselves_o evil_a and_o unclean_a second_o we_o may_v abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n or_o drink_v as_o less_o suitable_a to_o a_o time_n of_o humiliation_n or_o appease_v of_o almighty_a god_n for_o our_o sin_n by_o penitential_a work_n of_o fast_v weep_v and_o mourn_v or_o for_o some_o other_o spiritual_a end_n and_o such_o a_o abstinence_n as_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v prohibit_v by_o s._n paul_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v commend_v not_o only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o also_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v upon_o earth_n thus_o s._n tymothy_n abstain_v from_o wine_n continual_o for_o mortification_n so_o that_o s._n paul_n think_v fit_a to_o exhort_v he_o not_o always_o to_o drink_v water_n but_o to_o make_v use_n of_o a_o little_a wine_n for_o his_o stomack-sake_n and_o frequent_a infirmity_n whereas_o have_v it_o be_v superstition_n to_o abstain_v from_o certain_a creature_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o religious_a account_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v dissuade_v he_o from_o his_o abstinence_n by_o tell_v he_o such_o a_o abstinence_n from_o the_o good_a creature_n of_o god_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n will-worship_n etc._n etc._n eat_v flesh_n and_o drink_v wine_n be_v very_o lawful_a and_o laudable_a when_o do_v in_o their_o due_a and_o proper_a season_n but_o be_v no_o way_n suitable_a to_o day_n or_o time_n when_o i_o be_o call_v upon_o by_o my_o lawful_a superior_n to_o appease_v god_n almightys_n anger_n for_o my_o own_o and_o other_o sin_n by_o fast_v weep_v and_o mourn_v hear_v not_o i_o but_o the_o holy_a prophet_n isa._n ch_n 22._o v._n 12_o 13_o 14._o and_o in_o that_o way_n do_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o host_n call_v to_o weep_v and_o to_o mourning_n and_o to_o baldness_n and_o to_o gird_v with_o sackcloth_n and_o behold_v joy_n and_o gladness_n slay_v ox_n and_o kill_a sheep_n eat_v flesh_n and_o drink_a wine_n let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o tomorrow_o we_o shall_v die_v and_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o my_o ear_n by_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n sure_o this_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v purge_v from_o you_o till_o you_o die_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o host_n now_o they_o seem_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v a-sleep_o as_o dead_a who_o hear_v not_o god_n almighty_a cry_v out_o unto_o they_o and_o call_v they_o to_o fast_v weep_v and_o mourn_v this_o holy_a and_o penitential_a time_n of_o lent_n after_o all_o the_o authority_n above-cited_n for_o its_o apostolical_a institution_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o abound_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o wickedness_n among_o we_o and_o the_o heavy_a spiritual_a plague_n of_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o insensibility_n of_o divine_a thing_n which_o have_v seize_v upon_o we_o and_o no_o doubt_n call_v aloud_o for_o penitential_a humiliation_n but_o if_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n upon_o a_o religious_a account_n be_v true_a christian_a piety_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o s._n paul_n rom._n 14._o v._n 2._o one_o believe_v that_o he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n another_o who_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n and_o v_o 6._o he_o that_o eat_v
fast_n and_o whatsoever_o most_o severe_a mortification_n in_o exchange_n for_o its_o intolerable_a eternal_a torment_n and_o no_o less_o glad_o and_o willing_o ought_v we_o to_o do_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n never_o so_o troublesome_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o prevent_v our_o fall_n into_o the_o same_o state_n of_o immutable_a unsufferable_a misery_n often_o and_o serious_o to_o think_v of_o this_o to_o wit_n that_o except_o we_o repent_v with_o fast_v weep_v and_o mourn_v we_o must_v perish_v and_o that_o eternal_o will_v make_v the_o most_o rigorous_a severity_n seem_v gentle_a and_o easy_a otherwhile_o let_v we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o eternal_a joyful_a easter_n a_o religious_a devout_a lent-fast_a will_v end_v in_o and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o great_a s._n paul_n the_o suffering_n of_o this_o time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o future_a glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o whatsoever_o we_o can_v suffer_v by_o fast_v or_o whatsoever_o other_o christian_a severity_n in_o this_o our_o time_n upon_o this_o earth_n be_v light_n &_o easy_a if_o compare_v with_o the_o immense_a weight_n of_o eternal_a glory_n which_o expect_v we_o in_o the_o other_o life_n courage_n therefore_o o_o my_o soul._n sigh_v pray_v and_o fast_o heaven_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o si_fw-mi credis_fw-la omne_fw-la patere_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la pateris_fw-la non_fw-la credis_fw-la etc._n etc._n o_o christian_a man_n say_v the_o divine_a s._n crysostom_n if_o thou_o believe_v be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v all_o thing_n if_o thou_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o suffer_v thou_o do_v not_o believe_v for_o such_o and_o so_o great_a thing_n be_v promise_v we_o that_o rather_o than_o fall_v short_a of_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o suffer_v a_o thousand_o death_n undoubted_o a_o few_o lent-fast_n immortality_n glory_n a_o kingdom_n a_o eternal_a kingdom_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o to_o which_o kingdom_n he_o who_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o it_o fast_v 40._o day_n and_o 40._o night_n bring_v all_o devout_a imitator_n of_o his_o quadragesimal_n fast._n amen_o finis_fw-la a_o postscript_n if_o any_o one_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o prove_v of_o lent_n to_o be_v a_o apostolical_a institution_n by_o the_o unanimous_a tradition_n of_o all_o christian_a country_n they_o be_v desire_v to_o reflect_v first_o how_o they_o will_v triumph_n have_v they_o a_o like_a tradition_n but_o even_o of_o one_o country_n for_o a_o non_fw-fr observance_n of_o set-fast_n and_o second_o how_o that_o all_o christian_a church_n agree_v that_o a_o sacred_a reverence_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v apostolical_a by_o a_o true_o universal_a unanimous_a tradition_n but_o the_o dispute_n betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o church_n of_o england_n be_v whether_o certain_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n be_v indeed_o always_o every_o where_o by_o all_o or_o in_o a_o manner_n by_o all_o christian_a doctor_n acknowledge_v as_o apostolical_a i_o say_v by_o all_o or_o in_o a_o manner_n by_o all_o for_o as_o bishop_n gunning_n well_o observe_v p._n 132._o he_o will_v in_o a_o dangerous_a degree_n disserve_v our_o common_a christianity_n who_o will_v reject_v some_o book_n of_o h._n scripture_n the_o epistle_n for_o example_n of_o s._n james_n and_o s._n judas_n or_o something_o for_o be_v a_o tradition_n apostolical_a for_o the_o positive_a possible_a rejection_n of_o some_o one_o socrates_n or_o other_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n or_o some_o one_o or_o a_o few_o father_n against_o the_o know_a generality_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o ancient_a writer_n and_o immemorial_n witness_n or_o practice_n of_o whole_a christian_a country_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v manifest_a especial_o in_o our_o present_a particular_a matter_n of_o practice_n have_v the_o h._n apostle_n for_o example_n in_o the_o several_a country_n they_o convert_v to_o christianity_n teach_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n on_o fasting-day_n nor_o no_o set-fast_n on_o friday_n or_o lent_n but_o have_v positive_o teach_v that_o to_o observe_v solemn_a set-fast_n be_v legal_a as_o the_o heretic_n aerius_n and_o that_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n be_v vain_a and_o unprofitable_a as_o the_o heretic_n jovinian_a according_a to_o s._n aug._n l._n de_fw-fr ser._n n._n 35._o &_o 82._o that_o some_o one_o or_o a_o few_o pretender_n to_o christianity_n shall_v either_o be_v ignorant_a what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n or_o will_v wilful_o teach_v otherwise_o than_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v be_v no_o wonder_n but_o that_o all_o the_o several_a christian_a country_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v make_v a_o distinction_n of_o day_n and_o meat_n and_o this_o ever_o since_o they_o be_v christian_n they_o positive_o unanimous_o attest_v as_o much_o and_o all_o their_o most_o ancient_a record_n partly_o positive_o witness_v the_o same_o partly_o be_v silent_a as_o to_o any_o innovation_n and_o yet_o no_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v teach_v they_o but_o rather_o the_o quite_o contrary_a by_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n among_o they_o this_o be_v impossible_a and_o whoever_o go_v about_o to_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o universal_a tradition_n right_o understand_v invalidate_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v all_o reveal_v religion_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v assure_o any_o book_n as_o to_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o to_o be_v divine_a revelation_n but_o by_o such_o a_o tradition_n concern_v this_o see_v bishop_n gunning_n above_o christo_fw-la jejunanti_fw-la gloria_fw-la