the_o munster_n anabaptist_n have_v their_o good_a effect_n most_o man_n be_v severe_a censurer_n of_o the_o same_o sin_n in_o other_o which_o they_o do_v indulge_v and_o allow_v in_o themselves_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o separatist_n among_o we_o who_o when_o he_o shall_v impartial_o consider_v the_o grievous_a and_o continue_a trouble_n of_o the_o african_a church_n occasion_v by_o the_o schism_n of_o the_o donatist_n who_o upon_o false_a or_o frivolous_a pretence_n first_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o then_o raise_v party_n to_o oppose_v it_o false_o accuse_v condemn_a persecute_v and_o murder_v their_o father_n and_o brethren_n affront_a the_o magistrate_n despise_v their_o law_n raise_v tumult_n and_o army_n and_o pronounce_v they_o martyr_n that_o die_v in_o rebellion_n i_o say_v there_o be_v not_o any_o but_o will_v ready_o condemn_v these_o though_o he_o have_v be_v seduce_v to_o join_v with_o such_o as_o have_v practise_v the_o same_o or_o 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shall_v commit_v he_o will_v have_v think_v it_o a_o slander_n though_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o prophet_n 2_o king_n 8.12_o and_o if_o such_o as_o have_v give_v themselves_o up_o to_o divide_v principle_n do_v but_o consider_v how_o easy_o they_o may_v be_v teach_v to_o act_v over_o the_o same_o tragical_a scene_n of_o sacrilege_n rapine_n and_o blood_n when_o their_o master_n shall_v get_v power_n and_o opportunity_n agreeable_a to_o their_o malice_n which_o both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a sectary_n have_v do_v before_o they_o they_o may_v find_v just_a cause_n to_o grow_v jealous_a of_o themselves_o though_o they_o have_v yet_o the_o sheep_n clothing_n on_o they_o and_o to_o suspect_v their_o teacher_n though_o transform_v into_o angel_n of_o light_n for_o the_o minister_n of_o satan_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o attempt_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o abuse_a zeal_n of_o her_o seduce_a child_n which_o he_o can_v not_o effect_v by_o the_o cruelty_n of_o her_o profess_a enemy_n to_o undeceive_v such_o person_n and_o render_v schism_n and_o faction_n as_o odious_a and_o pernicious_a as_o the_o scripture_n do_v describe_v they_o and_o both_o the_o history_n of_o former_a age_n and_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o our_o own_o do_v demonstrate_v they_o to_o have_v be_v and_o that_o all_o who_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n may_v agree_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o live_v in_o unity_n with_o their_o brethren_n and_o in_o due_a obedience_n to_o their_o lawful_a governor_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n be_v the_o only_a design_n and_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o si_fw-la sapitis_fw-la benè_fw-la &_o recte_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la sapitis_fw-la vestri_fw-la curam_fw-la gessisse_fw-la non_fw-la poenitebit_fw-la quia_fw-la etsi_fw-la cor_fw-la vestrum_fw-la ad_fw-la pacem_fw-la non_fw-la convertitur_fw-la pax_fw-la nostra_fw-la ad_fw-la cor_fw-la nostrum_fw-la convertetur_fw-la august_n ad_fw-la petil._n l._n 3._o imprimatur_fw-la g._n james_n r.p.d._n hen._n episc_n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la dom._n the_o history_n of_o the_o donatist_n when_o dioclesian_n as_o a_o romish_a wolf_n have_v worry_v and_o scatter_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o exhaust_v river_n of_o that_o precious_a blood_n he_o perceive_v that_o he_o can_v neither_o diminish_v their_o number_n nor_o abate_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o primitive_a spirit_n which_o like_o a_o rock_n do_v not_o only_o stand_v firm_a but_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o fluctus_fw-la decumanos_fw-la most_o impetuous_a wave_n of_o the_o great_a persecution_n 300_o ann._n 300_o the_o tyrant_n think_v therefore_o of_o a_o more_o probable_a way_n to_o extinguish_v that_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o withdraw_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o according_o in_o the_o nineteenth_o year_n of_o his_o empire_n like_o another_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n who_o do_v mosaicis_fw-la libris_fw-la bellum_fw-la indicere_fw-la he_o publish_v his_o edict_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v be_v level_v with_o the_o ground_n the_o ornament_n seize_v to_o his_o use_n the_o holy_a scripture_n consume_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o all_o that_o profess_a christianity_n be_v deprive_v of_o all_o liberty_n office_n and_o dignity_n unless_o they_o will_v offer_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o heathen_a go_n immediate_o upon_o publish_v this_o edict_n his_o officer_n do_v general_o become_v inquisitor_n and_o strict_o require_v all_o the_o christian_n to_o deliver_v up_o the_o utensil_n of_o their_o church_n and_o the_o testament_n of_o their_o lord_n to_o be_v consume_v in_o the_o fire_n which_o if_o any_o refuse_v they_o themselves_o be_v condemn_v to_o the_o flame_n among_o other_o confessor_n fellix_fw-la deacon_n of_o autramitum_fw-la be_v summon_v by_o the_o inquisitor_n 40._o optarus_n p._n 40._o to_o deliver_v up_o the_o ornament_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o evangelical_n book_n which_o be_v in_o his_o custody_n whereupon_o he_o hide_v himself_o with_o mensurius_n bishop_n of_o carthage_n whereof_o the_o officer_n be_v inform_v they_o require_v mensurius_n to_o deliver_v he_o up_o or_o to_o appear_v on_o a_o set_a day_n at_o the_o emperor_n court_n to_o answer_v the_o contempt_n where_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o episcoporum_fw-la domus_fw-la nè_fw-la in_o persecutionibus_fw-la fas_fw-la erat_fw-la violare_fw-la the_o bishop_n house_n even_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n be_v account_v as_o a_o sanctuary_n by_o the_o very_a heathen_a mensurius_n be_v too_o much_o a_o christian_n to_o betray_v his_o brother_n and_o therefore_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o emperor_n sentence_n and_o to_o appear_v at_o the_o appoint_a time_n but_o in_o the_o interim_n he_o be_v careful_a to_o secure_v the_o good_n belong_v to_o his_o church_n and_o in_o those_o day_n as_o the_o christian_n have_v church_n call_v basilicas_fw-la so_o those_o church_n have_v their_o ornament_n st._n august_n contr_n cresconium_fw-la say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o cirta_n in_o the_o time_n of_o dioclesian_n have_v two_o chalice_n of_o gold_n six_o cup_n of_o silver_n and_o a_o silver_n candlestick_n yet_o the_o treasury_n of_o those_o church_n be_v much_o exhaust_v in_o those_o day_n it_o be_v the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o those_o primitive_a christian_n to_o sell_v their_o plate_n and_o ornament_n to_o redeem_v the_o life_n or_o to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o persecute_a brethren_n mensurius_n therefore_o cause_v a_o inventory_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n to_o be_v make_v and_o commit_v the_o treasury_n itself_o to_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o elder_n as_o optatus_n say_v he_o leave_v the_o inventory_n with_o a_o ancient_a woman_n 41._o p._n 41._o who_o he_o have_v always_o find_v faithful_a charge_v she_o to_o preserve_v it_o for_o his_o successor_n if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o account_v he_o worthy_a of_o martyrdom_n argenti_n martyrdom_n erant_fw-la in_o illâ_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la quamplurima_fw-la ornamenta_fw-la auri_fw-la &_o argenti_n st._n augustine_n say_v there_o be_v in_o that_o church_n very_o many_o ornament_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n concern_v the_o death_n of_o mensurius_n we_o have_v no_o certain_a account_n in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n only_o we_o find_v the_o bishopric_n of_o carthage_n to_o be_v void_a short_o after_o and_o dioclesian_n languish_v under_o a_o surfeit_n of_o christian_a blood_n resign_v his_o empire_n to_o maxentius_n who_o be_v overthrow_v sometime_o after_o by_o constantine_n as_o also_o maximinus_n another_o tyrant_n by_o licinius_n and_o thereupon_o constantius_n the_o father_n of_o constantine_n though_o he_o be_v then_o in_o england_n be_v proclaim_v emperor_n but_o he_o die_v in_o york_n and_o so_o the_o whole_a empire_n be_v devolve_v on_o constantine_n who_o by_o his_o mother_n helena_n have_v be_v from_o his_o childhood_n instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o baronius_n observe_v to_o be_v true_a notwithstanding_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o ancient_a writer_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o
the_o history_n of_o the_o donatist_n by_o thomas_n long_o b._n d._n and_o prebendary_a of_o st._n peter_n exon_n mutato_fw-la nomine_fw-la de_fw-la te_fw-la anglia_fw-it narratur_fw-la london_n print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1677._o to_o the_o reverend_a george_n cary_n d._n d._n and_o dean_n of_o exeter_z reverend_a sir_n although_o i_o be_o no_o conjurer_n yet_o i_o suspect_v i_o have_v do_v enough_o to_o raise_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o donatist_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o that_o it_o may_v exceed_v my_o skill_n to_o allay_v they_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v thus_o seasonable_o i_o hope_v take_v sanctuary_n under_o your_o name_n for_o i_o have_v observe_v that_o some_o consecrate_a person_n as_o well_o as_o place_n be_v not_o haunt_v with_o such_o spectres_n and_o though_o such_o apparition_n have_v be_v very_o affright_v &_o vexatious_a to_o man_n of_o weak_a judgement_n &_o waver_a mind_n yet_o some_o person_n who_o have_v arm_v themselves_o with_o constant_a integrity_n to_o god_n and_o resolve_v loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n have_v be_v least_o obnoxious_a to_o their_o power_n and_o malice_n as_o good_a soldier_n that_o keep_v their_o rank_n be_v not_o so_o much_o expose_v to_o the_o hazard_n of_o war_n as_o they_o who_o fear_n make_v they_o sneak_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o this_o through_o god_n good_a providence_n be_v your_o security_n in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o confusion_n wherein_o notwithstanding_o the_o busy_a emissary_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n you_o do_v not_o only_o shine_v as_o a_o bright_a example_n of_o christian_a resolution_n sound_a doctrine_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o do_v real_o influence_n a_o great_a part_n of_o your_o neighbour_a clergy_n the_o sense_n whereof_o have_v oblige_v i_o to_o this_o public_a acknowledgement_n by_o which_o i_o can_v hope_v to_o add_v to_o your_o reputation_n but_o to_o provide_v for_o my_o own_o quiet_a against_o such_o unjust_a and_o unsavoury_a reflection_n as_o guilty_a person_n be_v prone_a to_o make_v from_o who_o i_o appeal_v to_o your_o more_o righteous_a judgement_n whether_o i_o have_v do_v they_o wrong_n or_o no._n sure_a i_o be_o i_o intend_v they_o none_o for_o i_o only_o present_v they_o with_o a_o glass_n wherein_o if_o they_o see_v their_o own_o defect_n they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o glass_n but_o with_o those_o vice_n which_o cause_n the_o reflection_n socrates_n l._n 2._o c._n 15._o of_o the_o tripartite_a history_n tell_v we_o that_o constantine_n to_o shame_v the_o arian_n provide_v by_o a_o edict_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v porphyrian_o ut_fw-la quorum_fw-la mores_fw-la imitati_fw-la sunt_fw-la eorum_fw-la nomine_fw-la perfruantur_fw-la that_o they_o may_v be_v know_v by_o his_o name_n who_o manner_n they_o do_v imitate_v and_o a_o great_a than_o constantine_n do_v the_o like_a by_o the_o jew_n john_n 8.44_o you_o be_v of_o your_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o his_o lust_n you_o will_v do_v every_o man_n be_v public_a profession_n and_o practice_n be_v the_o plain_a character_n to_o teach_v we_o what_o party_n he_o be_v of_o they_o who_o through_o pride_n and_o discontent_n raise_v and_o propagate_v new_a opinion_n that_o they_o may_v head_n a_o faction_n and_o take_v pet_n at_o the_o preferment_n of_o better_a man_n vex_v their_o governor_n despise_v their_o authority_n persecute_v their_o innocent_a brethren_n and_o foment_v division_n in_o a_o well_o establish_v church_n be_v as_o manifest_o act_v and_o animate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o donatus_n as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o transmigration_n of_o soul_n sic_fw-la oculos_fw-la sic_fw-la ille_fw-la manus_fw-la sic_fw-la ora_fw-la gerebat_fw-la as_o old_a donatus_n do_v so_o do_v his_o race_n cast_v up_o their_o eye_n and_o hand_n with_o downcast_a face_n in_o vain_a therefore_o do_v such_o pretend_v as_o with_o great_a confidence_n they_o do_v that_o they_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o those_o primitive_a christian_n who_o suffer_v under_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n for_o they_o in_o the_o worst_a time_n obey_v their_o lawful_a governor_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o they_o may_v not_o disobey_v god_n and_o constant_o adhere_v to_o their_o bibles_n their_o bishop_n and_o their_o brethren_n account_v all_o such_o traditores_fw-la i.e._n traytâ—rs_n as_o forsake_v either_o such_o pretence_n therefore_o do_v make_v odious_a representation_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o their_o generation_n as_o factious_a and_o seditious_a as_o the_o late_a donatist_n in_o we_o and_o as_o ill_a reflection_n do_v they_o cast_v on_o their_o christian_a governor_n as_o if_o they_o be_v very_a persecutor_n but_o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o for_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v how_o exact_o every_o scene_n of_o that_o horrid_a tragedy_n which_o be_v first_o act_v in_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n have_v be_v act_v over_o and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v overacted_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o who_o destroy_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o its_o defender_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a offspring_n of_o those_o donatist_n who_o so_o perpetual_o vex_v the_o good_a constantine_n and_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n or_o that_o the_o present_a sectary_n who_o so_o tenacious_o adhere_v to_o the_o principle_n and_o follow_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o that_o bring_v such_o confusion_n on_o the_o land_n in_o the_o former_a age_n be_v their_o proper_a successor_n however_o it_o be_v advise_o do_v by_o their_o apologist_n to_o make_v their_o pamphlet_n swell_v with_o the_o frequent_a mention_n of_o the_o indulgence_n of_o some_o of_o the_o emperor_n to_o peaceable_a christian_n but_o pass_v by_o the_o many_o strict_a edict_n of_o the_o most_o christian_n and_o pious_a emperor_n against_o such_o as_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n some_o of_o which_o i_o have_v transcribe_v for_o their_o better_a information_n at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o history_n and_o shall_v only_o acquaint_v they_o here_o with_o that_o success_n which_o sozomen_n l._n 3._o c._n 11._o of_o the_o tripartite_a history_n observe_v to_o follow_v on_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o they_o who_o speak_v of_o the_o law_n of_o constantine_n against_o such_o as_o deny_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o his_o day_n the_o emperor_n say_v my_o author_n strict_o command_v that_o their_o meeting-place_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o they_o not_o permit_v to_o assemble_v in_o private_a house_n or_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o law_n i_o suppose_v say_v sozomen_n the_o memorial_n of_o heresy_n be_v utter_o destroy_v for_o after_o this_o law_n they_o can_v meet_v neither_o public_o in_o the_o church_n nor_o secret_o be_v observe_v and_o forbid_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n doubtless_o those_o bishop_n and_o clergyman_n be_v no_o persecutor_n they_o do_v what_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o by_o a_o seasonable_a restraint_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a principle_n preserve_v the_o true_a christian_n in_o peace_n and_o certain_o the_o present_a bishop_n will_v be_v defective_a in_o a_o special_a duty_n of_o their_o function_n which_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n in_o peace_n and_o unity_n if_o they_o shall_v tolerate_v such_o as_o seek_v to_o scatter_v and_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o they_o st._n hierome_n who_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o have_v be_v no_o friend_n to_o that_o office_n do_v yet_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o best_a remedy_n against_o schism_n i_o shall_v entreat_v your_o patience_n while_o i_o mention_v a_o passage_n or_o two_o of_o that_o father_n which_o have_v be_v torture_v to_o speak_v against_o episcopacy_n but_o do_v so_o far_o commend_v its_o usefulness_n and_o assert_v its_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n as_o may_v suffice_v to_o silence_v all_o its_o adversary_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o 1_o titus_n he_o say_v antequam_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinctu_fw-la etc._n etc._n before_o such_o time_n as_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o devil_n faction_n be_v make_v in_o religion_n and_o the_o people_n begin_v to_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n but_o afterward_o when_o every_o one_o account_v those_o who_o he_o have_v baptize_v to_o be_v his_o own_o and_o not_o christ_n it_o be_v decree_v in_o the_o whole_a christian_n world_n that_o one_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n unto_o who_o the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v belong_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o schism_n may_v be_v take_v away_o will_v you_o know_v when_o this_o be_v do_v and_o by_o who_o panormitan_n will_v
tell_v you_o li._n decret_a de_fw-fr consuetud_fw-la c._n 4._o immediate_o after_o christ_n death_n all_o the_o presbyter_n rule_v in_o common_a but_o after_o a_o while_n the_o apostle_n cause_v that_o bishop_n shall_v be_v create_v for_o the_o appease_n of_o schism_n if_o any_o shall_v not_o agree_v that_o this_o be_v st._n hierome_n sense_n let_v he_o compare_v that_o passage_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o evagrius_n 85_o quod_fw-la autem_fw-la posteà _fw-la that_o after_o this_o i_o in_o the_o apostle_n age_n as_o appear_v both_o by_o what_o go_v before_o and_o by_o what_o follow_v concern_v st._n mark_n one_o be_v choose_v and_o set_v over_o the_o rest_n be_v do_v for_o a_o remedy_n against_o schism_n lest_o every_o one_o draw_v a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o himself_o shall_v destroy_v the_o whole_a for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n from_o the_o day_n of_o st._n mark_v the_o evangelist_n unto_o heraclas_n and_o dionysius_n bishop_n there_o the_o presbyter_n choose_v one_o of_o their_o number_n and_o set_v he_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n call_v he_o bishop_n and_o in_o his_o dialogue_n ad_fw-la luciferianos_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la salus_fw-la in_o summi_fw-la sacerdotis_fw-la dignitate_fw-la pendet_fw-la cvi_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la exhort_v &_o ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la eminens_fw-la detur_fw-la potestas_fw-la tot_fw-la in_o ecclesiis_fw-la efficientur_fw-la schismata_fw-la quot_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la so_o then_o st._n hierome_n testimony_n be_v express_v for_o the_o antiquity_n of_o bishop_n for_o as_o to_o the_o original_a institution_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o discourse_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n particular_o in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n in_o st._n mark_n be_v day_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n ever_o since_o the_o people_n begin_v to_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o of_o apollo_n for_o the_o end_n of_o which_o controversy_n one_o be_v prefer_v above_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o scholiast_n tell_v we_o on_o titus_n 1._o that_o apollo_n be_v the_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o bishop_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o same_o be_v decree_v in_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v on_o their_o dignity_n to_o who_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o eminent_a and_o peerless_a power_n give_v by_o all_o there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n as_o there_o be_v priest_n and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a duty_n of_o they_o though_o it_o be_v now_o account_v their_o crime_n to_o prevent_v the_o growth_n of_o schism_n in_o their_o several_a church_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v according_a to_o my_o mean_a capacity_n endeavour_v in_o these_o paper_n wherein_o i_o have_v only_o apply_v that_o gentle_a remedy_n which_o have_v be_v approve_v by_o ancient_n and_o modern_a divine_n who_o agree_v that_o the_o mean_n to_o confute_v schism_n be_v to_o reduce_v it_o to_o its_o first_o original_a for_o howsoever_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o factious_a person_n be_v in_o love_n with_o their_o own_o they_o can_v but_o abhor_v the_o action_n of_o their_o progenitor_n and_o now_o reverend_a sir_n if_o i_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o your_o name_n i_o know_v that_o as_o your_o judgement_n will_v discern_v it_o so_o your_o candour_n will_v pardon_v it_o since_o nothing_o have_v move_v i_o to_o this_o attempt_n but_o my_o duty_n to_o the_o church_n and_o my_o particular_a esteem_n of_o your_o great_a merit_n who_o be_v a_o chief_a ornament_n of_o the_o same_o for_o though_o you_o have_v be_v place_v in_o a_o eminent_a station_n yet_o that_o you_o have_v rather_o honour_v that_o dignity_n than_o be_v dignify_v by_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o that_o know_v you_o and_o not_o only_o the_o private_a opinion_n of_o your_o humble_a servant_n tho._n long_n exon_n febr._n 1._o 1676_o 7._o the_o preface_n it_o have_v be_v sometime_o know_v that_o when_o divers_a learned_a physician_n after_o all_o their_o regular_a method_n of_o physic_n have_v give_v over_o their_o patient_n as_o desperate_a a_o mean_a empirick_n by_o a_o easy_a and_o gentle_a application_n have_v effect_v the_o cure_n and_o have_v often_o consider_v with_o myself_o how_o fruitless_a and_o ineffectual_a the_o many_o excellent_a discourse_n and_o unanswerable_a argument_n of_o such_o as_o have_v oppose_v the_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n have_v be_v and_o that_o the_o contumacious_a humour_n still_o spread_v itself_o to_o the_o infection_n and_o ruin_n of_o many_o precious_a soul_n i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v expedient_a to_o apply_v another_o remedy_n viz._n a_o true_a representation_n of_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o such_o schismatic_n as_o have_v be_v condemn_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n such_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o present_a separation_n may_v reflect_v on_o their_o own_o deformity_n and_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o their_o divide_v practice_n some_o woman_n who_o have_v be_v too_o well_o conceit_v of_o their_o beauty_n when_o they_o have_v unaware_o behold_v in_o a_o clear_a glass_n the_o deform_v and_o destructive_a effect_n of_o a_o loathsome_a disease_n have_v be_v so_o surprise_v with_o the_o change_n that_o be_v visible_o make_v on_o their_o face_n that_o they_o have_v immediate_o fall_v sick_a and_o dye_v and_o who_o know_v but_o when_o those_o fanciful_a person_n who_o be_v so_o high_o conceit_v of_o their_o purity_n and_o tenderness_n of_o their_o conscience_n shall_v be_v convince_v as_o by_o a_o serious_a reflection_n on_o this_o history_n of_o the_o donatist_n they_o may_v be_v what_o unclean_a spot_n and_o visible_a defect_n the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o separation_n from_o a_o well_o establish_v church_n have_v contract_v they_o may_v immediate_o grow_v sick_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o mortification_n of_o they_o that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o learned_a man_n that_o the_o cardinal_n baronius_n have_v raise_v more_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o reform_a church_n by_o his_o annal_n than_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n by_o all_o his_o argument_n and_o indeed_o upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o relation_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o primitive_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v true_a the_o contrary_a whereof_o have_v be_v sufficient_o evince_v by_o bishop_n jewel_n and_o many_o other_o he_o have_v do_v more_o to_o prove_v our_o church_n guilty_a both_o of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n than_o all_o the_o polemical_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n according_o when_o it_o shall_v appear_v by_o the_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o those_o person_n who_o hold_v the_o same_o opinion_n and_o follow_v the_o same_o practice_n as_o some_o in_o this_o present_a age_n do_v be_v frequent_o condemn_v by_o the_o best_a christian_a emperor_n and_o catholic_n council_n as_o schismatical_a and_o dangerous_a and_o upon_o what_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a ground_n they_o have_v run_v themselves_o into_o such_o great_a confusion_n as_o have_v overturn_v all_o thing_n sacred_a and_o well_o settle_v in_o church_n and_o state_n it_o may_v be_v rational_o hope_v that_o though_o the_o most_o cogent_a argument_n have_v not_o persuade_v they_o â—et_z such_o horrible_a spectres_n may_v affright_v they_o from_o their_o sullen_a and_o unchristian_a apartment_n and_o make_v they_o choose_v to_o live_v rather_o with_o peaceable_a and_o humble_a christian_n in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o present_a church_n than_o among_o such_o turbulent_a spirit_n as_o revive_v the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o condemn_a schismatic_n and_o it_o be_v both_o a_o more_o civil_a and_o facile_a way_n of_o insinuate_a instruction_n and_o reproof_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o such_o as_o be_v averse_a from_o plain_a deal_n to_o teach_v they_o by_o pertinent_a instance_n and_o example_n by_o historical_a allusion_n and_o wise_a apologue_n such_o as_o the_o parable_n of_o tree_n use_v by_o jotham_n and_o of_o the_o ewe-lamb_n by_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n and_o this_o method_n be_v familiar_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n especial_o when_o he_o will_v convince_v the_o pharisee_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o unthankful_a husbandman_n luke_n 21.33_o and_o divers_a other_o wherein_o he_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v worse_o than_o those_o who_o persecute_v the_o prophet_n by_o their_o malice_n against_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o v._o 45._o it_o be_v say_v they_o perceive_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o late_a usurpation_n the_o history_n of_o andronicus_n the_o unfortunate_a politician_n of_o massonello_n and_o
the_o congregation_n that_o join_v with_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v apostate_n gaudentius_n one_o of_o their_o faction_n undertake_v to_o maintain_v that_o the_o article_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v figmentum_fw-la humanum_fw-la a_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o donatus_n who_o give_v the_o name_n to_o the_o faction_n use_v all_o diligence_n to_o gain_v the_o face_n and_o reputation_n of_o a_o church_n to_o the_o separate_a brethren_n to_o which_o end_n he_o teach_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o their_o communion_n shall_v make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o error_n and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o their_o new_a pastor_n shall_v be_v rebaptise_v for_o by_o these_o mean_n he_o know_v he_o shall_v secure_v as_o many_o as_o come_v to_o his_o communion_n without_o any_o fear_n of_o their_o return_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n they_o add_v exorcism_n which_o be_v still_o retain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o form_n of_o word_n maledicte_n exi_fw-la foras_fw-la come_v forth_o thou_o wicked_a spirit_n whereby_o as_o optatus_n observe_v they_o do_v blaspheme_v the_o bless_a trinity_n in_o who_o name_n they_o have_v be_v former_o baptize_v the_o catholic_n bishop_n be_v not_o remiss_a in_o the_o vindication_n of_o cecilian_a but_o prevail_v with_o zenophilus_n a_o man_n of_o consular_a dignity_n to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o cecilian_a and_o majorinus_n and_o in_o the_o inquiry_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n it_o be_v affirm_v by_o one_o nundinarius_n a_o deacon_n who_o be_v sometime_o privy_a to_o the_o transaction_n of_o that_o party_n that_o most_o of_o those_o who_o oppose_v cecilian_n be_v traditor_n and_o particular_o that_o sylvanus_n who_o they_o make_v bishop_n of_o cirta_n have_v betray_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o some_o ornament_n of_o his_o church_n and_o sacrilegious_o withhold_v what_o be_v devote_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o poor_a for_o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o his_o own_o party_n who_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o particular_n and_o of_o a_o great_a sum_n of_o money_n quadringinta_fw-la folles_fw-la 352._o baronius_n vol._n 3._o p._n 352._o each_o follis_n weigh_v three_o pound_n and_o half_a of_o silver_n send_v by_o lucilla_n and_o divide_v among_o the_o chief_a of_o that_o party_n to_o condemn_v cecilian_a and_o to_o advance_v majorinus_n into_o his_o chair_n and_o that_o victor_n who_o have_v be_v by_o occupation_n a_o â—uller_n give_v twenty_o folles_fw-la to_o be_v ordain_v a_o priest_n and_o all_o this_o nundinarius_n affirm_v to_o be_v true_a as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o thus_o the_o schism_n be_v begin_v by_o erect_v altar_n contra_fw-la altar_n a_o presbyter_n or_o mock-bishop_n against_o cecilian_a the_o lawful_a bishop_n of_o carthage_n but_o the_o first_o invader_n of_o this_o holy_a office_n be_v short-lived_a for_o about_o the_o year_n 306._o majorinus_n the_o mock-bishop_n die_v and_o none_o be_v think_v so_o fit_a to_o succeed_v he_o as_o donatus_n who_o henceforth_o give_v the_o denomination_n to_o the_o schism_n which_o be_v no_o long_o pars_fw-la majorini_n but_o parson_n donati_n for_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lay_v he_o do_v not_o only_o rebaptise_a particular_a person_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v no_o long_o know_v by_o the_o appellation_n of_o christian_a or_o catholic_n but_o donatist_n and_o now_o he_o take_v on_o he_o a_o power_n to_o silence_n and_o depose_v the_o catholic_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n or_o to_o impose_v such_o penance_n on_o they_o as_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o to_o prevent_v any_o prejudice_n that_o may_v arise_v to_o his_o party_n by_o the_o restimony_n pf_fw-fr nundinarius_n which_o be_v by_o zenophilus_n certify_v to_o the_o emperor_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o complain_v first_o and_o to_o cast_v the_o odium_n of_o the_o schism_n and_o all_o the_o sad_a consequence_n thereof_o upon_o cecilian_a who_o he_o accuse_v to_o be_v a_o traditor_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n desire_v transmarine_a bishop_n to_o be_v appoint_v judge_n in_o the_o case_n the_o petition_n be_v to_o this_o effect_n rogamus_fw-la te_fw-la o_o constantine_n we_o entreat_v thou_o o_o constantine_n most_o gracious_a emperor_n who_o father_n never_o exercise_v persecution_n that_o your_o piety_n will_v appoint_v we_o judge_n from_o france_n because_o that_o country_n be_v free_a from_o this_o dissension_n this_o petition_n be_v subscribe_v by_o lucianus_n dignus_n nassutius_n capito_n fidentius_fw-la and_o the_o other_o bishop_n of_o the_o party_n of_o donatus_n the_o good_a emperor_n be_v much_o grieve_v to_o hear_v of_o these_o difference_n which_o he_o have_v rather_o may_v have_v be_v determine_v among_o themselves_o than_o be_v bring_v to_o his_o court_n where_o be_v many_o heathen_a that_o will_v rejoice_v at_o they_o or_o to_o trouble_v foreign_a church_n with_o they_o however_o he_o grant_v their_o desire_n and_o appoint_v marinus_n maternus_n and_o rheticius_n three_o bishop_n of_o france_n to_o who_o he_o adjoin_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o determine_v the_o cause_n and_o send_v his_o epistle_n to_o meltiades_n bishop_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v record_v by_o eusebius_n l._n 10._o c._n 5._o the_o epistle_n be_v as_o follow_v whereas_o i_o have_v receive_v from_o anilinus_n lieutenant_n of_o africa_n many_o letter_n signify_v that_o cecilian_a bishop_n of_o carthage_n be_v accuse_v by_o divers_a of_o his_o colleague_n it_o be_v grievous_a to_o i_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v dissension_n among_o the_o bishop_n before_o the_o people_n who_o be_v so_o prone_a to_o evil_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o i_o that_o cecilian_n himself_o with_o ten_o of_o his_o accuser_n and_o ten_o other_o who_o he_o shall_v choose_v on_o his_o behalf_n do_v sail_n to_o rome_n where_o i_o have_v appoint_v meltiades_n bishop_n of_o rome_n together_o with_o rheticius_n marinus_n and_o maternus_n bishop_n of_o france_n to_o hear_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o difference_n in_o question_n you_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o i_o will_v have_v you_o suffer_v no_o schism_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n the_o great_a god_n preserve_v you_o these_o bishop_n meet_v at_o rome_n in_o the_o house_n of_o fausta_n in_o the_o lateran_n meltiades_n take_v to_o his_o assistance_n fifteen_o italian_a bishop_n to_o assist_v for_o the_o expedition_n of_o the_o cause_n these_o with_o great_a deliberation_n hear_v all_o that_o be_v object_v against_o cecilian_a donatus_n himself_o be_v present_a the_o bishop_n also_o agree_v to_o take_v public_a notary_n for_o the_o more_o orderly_a and_o speedy_a dispatch_n that_o the_o examination_n and_o proof_n in_o this_o cause_n may_v be_v reduce_v into_o public_a acts._n the_o first_o thing_n that_o be_v inquire_v be_v who_o be_v the_o accuser_n and_o what_o witness_n be_v present_a to_o give_v evidence_n against_o cecilian_a to_o which_o the_o party_n of_o donatus_n answer_v that_o their_o accusation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o libel_n which_o they_o have_v present_v to_o the_o emperor_n and_o by_o he_o be_v transmit_v to_o they_o which_o they_o desire_v may_v be_v read_v one_o of_o the_o libel_n be_v superscribe_v thus_o libellus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la catholicae_fw-la etc._n etc._n a_o libel_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o they_o call_v their_o faction_n contain_v the_o crime_n whereof_o cecilian_n be_v accuse_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o libel_n be_v not_o particular_o mention_v by_o any_o author_n nor_o be_v ecclesiastical_a writer_n agree_v concern_v the_o charge_n then_o in_o question_n those_o who_o in_o this_o last_o century_n have_v defend_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n say_v that_o nothing_o come_v in_o question_n beside_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o schism_n on_o pretence_n that_o cecilian_n himself_o be_v a_o traditor_n and_o hereby_o they_o hope_v to_o avoid_v the_o appeal_n which_o be_v make_v from_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o pope_n to_o the_o emperor_n because_o say_v they_o the_o question_n discuss_v afterward_o in_o the_o council_n of_o arles_n be_v of_o a_o divers_a nature_n from_o those_o at_o rome_n but_o of_o this_o hereafter_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o donatist_n have_v stuff_v their_o libel_n with_o more_o than_o a_o single_a accusation_n some_o particular_n whereof_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n the_o libel_n be_v read_v it_o be_v demand_v who_o be_v cecilian_n accuser_n they_o answer_v the_o people_n of_o carthage_n it_o be_v reply_v that_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n assemble_v in_o a_o tumultuary_a manner_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o condemn_v any_o and_o therefore_o the_o bishop_n order_v