the_o rich_a and_o most_o noble_a gift_n and_o to_o diffuse_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o bounty_n over_o all_o part_n of_o his_o empire_n and_o his_o example_n herein_o it_o seem_v be_v follow_v by_o most_o of_o his_o successor_n who_o use_v upon_o this_o solemnity_n by_o their_o imperial_a order_n to_o release_v all_o prisoner_n unless_o such_o as_o be_v in_o for_o more_o heavy_a and_o notorious_a crime_n high_a treason_n murder_n rape_n incest_n and_o the_o like_a and_o chrysostom_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o letter_n of_o theodosius_n the_o great_a send_v at_o this_o time_n throughout_o the_o empire_n 1._o wherein_o he_o do_v not_o only_o command_v that_o all_o prisoner_n shall_v be_v release_v and_o pardon_v but_o wish_v he_o be_v able_a to_o recall_v those_o that_o be_v already_o execute_v and_o to_o restore_v they_o to_o life_n again_o and_o because_o by_o the_o negligence_n and_o remissness_n of_o messenger_n or_o any_o accident_n those_o imperial_a letter_n may_v sometime_o happen_v to_o come_v too_o late_o therefore_o valentinian_n the_o young_a provide_v by_o a_o stand_a law_n 8._o that_o whether_o order_n come_v or_o not_o the_o judge_n shall_v dispense_v the_o accustom_a indulgence_n and_o upon_o easter_n day_n in_o the_o morning_n cause_n all_o prison_n to_o be_v open_a the_o chain_n to_o be_v knock_v off_o and_o the_o person_n set_v at_o liberty_n the_o next_o feast_n considerable_a in_o those_o primitive_a time_n be_v that_o of_o whitsunday_n or_o pentecost_n a_o feast_n of_o great_a eminency_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o law_n deliver_v at_o mount_n sinai_n at_o that_o time_n and_o for_o the_o gather_n and_o bring_v in_o of_o their_o harvest_n and_o of_o no_o less_o note_n among_o christian_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o christian_n in_o the_o visible_a appearance_n of_o fiery_a cleave_a tongue_n which_o happen_v upon_o that_o day_n and_o those_o miraculous_a power_n then_o confer_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v observe_v with_o the_o same_o respect_n to_o easter_n that_o the_o jew_n do_v with_o respect_n to_o their_o passover_n viz._n as_o the_o word_n import_v just_a fifty_o day_n after_o it_o reckon_v from_o the_o second_o day_n of_o that_o festival_n it_o seem_v to_o some_o to_o have_v commence_v from_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o christianity_n not_o only_o because_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o church_n be_v assemble_v upon_o that_o day_n but_o because_o s._n paul_n make_v so_o much_o haste_n to_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n which_o they_o understand_v of_o his_o great_a desire_n to_o keep_v it_o there_o as_o a_o christian_a feast_n 16._o but_o the_o argument_n seem_v to_o i_o no_o way_n conclusive_a for_o the_o apostle_n may_v desire_v to_o be_v there_o at_o that_o time_n both_o because_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o because_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o fit_a opportunity_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o jew_n who_o from_o all_o part_n flock_v thither_o to_o the_o feast_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n use_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o all_o their_o great_a and_o solemn_a feast_n but_o however_o this_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a the_o observation_n of_o it_o be_v ancient_a it_o be_v mention_v by_o irenaeus_n in_o a_o book_n which_o he_o write_v concern_v easter_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o question_n and_o response_n in_o j._n martyr_n tell_v we_o 115._o by_o tertullian_n and_o after_o he_o by_o origen_n more_o than_o once_o 94._o this_o feast_n be_v by_o we_o style_v whitsunday_n 392._o partly_o because_o of_o those_o vast_a diffusion_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o upon_o this_o day_n be_v shed_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o order_n to_o the_o enlighten_v of_o the_o world_n but_o principal_o because_o this_o as_o also_o easter_n be_v the_o state_v time_n for_o baptism_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n those_o who_o be_v baptize_v put_v on_o white_a garment_n in_o token_n of_o that_o pure_a and_o innocent_a course_n of_o life_n they_o have_v now_o engage_v in_o of_o which_o more_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n this_o white_a garment_n they_o wear_v till_o the_o next_o sunday_n after_o and_o then_o lay_v it_o aside_o whence_o the_o octave_n or_o sunday_n after_o easter_n come_v to_o be_v style_v dominica_n in_o albis_n the_o sunday_n in_o white_a it_o be_v then_o that_o the_o new-baptized_n put_v off_o their_o white_a garment_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n the_o whole_a space_n of_o fifty_o day_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n go_v often_o under_o the_o name_n of_o pentecost_n and_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n account_v festival_n max._n as_o tertullian_n inform_v we_o and_o the_o forty_o three_o canon_n of_o the_o illiberitan_n council_n seem_v to_o intimate_v during_o this_o whole_a time_n baptism_n be_v confer_v 223._o all_o fast_n be_v suspend_v and_o count_v unlawful_a they_o pray_v stand_v as_o they_o do_v every_o lord_n day_n and_o at_o this_o time_n read_v over_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o their_o suffering_n and_o miracle_n be_v record_v as_o we_o learn_v from_o a_o law_n of_o the_o young_a theodosius_n 5_o wherein_o this_o custom_n be_v mention_v and_o more_o plain_o from_o s._n chrysostom_n 73._o who_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o a_o homily_n on_o purpose_n act._n where_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n why_o that_o book_n which_o contain_v those_o action_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v do_v after_o pentecost_n 5._o shall_v yet_o be_v read_v before_o it_o when_o as_o at_o all_o other_o time_n those_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v read_v which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o season_n because_o the_o apostle_n miracle_n be_v the_o grand_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o those_o miracle_n record_v in_o that_o book_n it_o be_v therefore_o most_o proper_a to_o be_v read_v next_o to_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o resurrection_n epiphany_n succeed_v this_o word_n be_v of_o old_a promiscuous_o use_v either_o for_o the_o feast_n of_o christ_n nativity_n or_o for_o that_o which_o we_o now_o proper_o call_v by_o that_o name_n afterward_o the_o title_n become_v distinct_a that_o of_o christ_n birth_n or_o as_o we_o now_o term_v it_o christmas-day_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o nativity_n 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n 613._o two_o name_n import_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o nazianzen_n note_v for_o the_o antiquity_n of_o it_o the_o first_o footstep_n i_o find_v of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o second_o century_n though_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v celebrate_v before_o mention_v by_o theophilus_n bishop_n of_o caesaria_n about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o emperor_n commodus_n but_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o decretal_a epistle_n vero_fw-la it_o be_v somewhat_o elder_a than_o that_o pope_n telesphorus_n who_o live_v under_o antoninus_n pius_fw-la ordain_v divine_a service_n to_o be_v celebrate_v and_o a_o angelical_a hymn_n to_o be_v sing_v the_o night_n before_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o saviour_n however_o that_o it_o be_v keep_v before_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n we_o have_v this_o sad_a instance_n 6._o that_o when_o the_o persecution_n rage_v under_o dioclesian_n who_o then_o keep_v his_o court_n at_o nicomedia_n among_o other_o act_n of_o barbarous_a cruelty_n do_v there_o find_v multitude_n of_o christian_n young_a and_o old_a meet_v together_o in_o the_o temple_n upon_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n nativity_n to_o celebrate_v that_o festival_n he_o command_v the_o church_n door_n to_o be_v shut_v up_o and_o fire_n to_o be_v put_v to_o it_o which_o in_o a_o short_a time_n reduce_v they_o and_o the_o church_n to_o ash_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v whether_o it_o be_v always_o observe_v upon_o the_o same_o day_n that_o we_o keep_v it_o now_o the_o twenty_o five_o of_o december_n it_o seem_v probable_a that_o for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o east_n it_o be_v keep_v in_o january_n under_o the_o name_n and_o at_o the_o general_a time_n of_o the_o epiphania_fw-la till_o receive_v more_o light_a in_o the_o case_n from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o west_n they_o change_v it_o to_o this_o day_n sure_o i_o be_o s._n chrysostom_n in_o a_o homily_n on_o purpose_n about_o this_o very_a thing_n affirm_v 31._o that_o it_o be_v not_o above_o ten_o year_n since_o in_o that_o church_n i._n e._n antioch_n it_o begin_v first_o to_o be_v observe_v upon_o that_o day_n 417._o and_o there_o offer_v several_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a day_n of_o christ_n nativity_n the_o feast_n of_o epiphany_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v keep_v on_o the_o six_o of_o january_n and_o have_v that_o name_n from_o a_o
of_o the_o expiation_n of_o his_o crime_n embrace_v christianity_n be_v tell_v 534._o that_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o cleanse_v from_o all_o fin_n and_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o any_o close_v with_o it_o pardon_n will_v be_v grant_v to_o the_o most_o profligate_v offender_n as_o if_o christianity_n have_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o receptacle_n and_o sanctuary_n for_o rogue_n and_o villain_n where_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v be_v wicked_a under_o hope_n of_o pardon_n but_o how_o false_a and_o groundless_a especial_o as_o urge_v and_o intend_v by_o they_o this_o impious_a charge_n be_v appear_v from_o the_o whole_a design_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o more_o than_o ordinary_a vein_n of_o piety_n and_o strictness_n that_o be_v conspicuous_a in_o the_o life_n of_o its_o first_o professor_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o this_o treatise_n give_v abundant_a evidence_n to_o this_o representation_n of_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n i_o have_v add_v some_o account_n concern_v the_o ancient_a rite_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v meet_v with_o something_o that_o do_v not_o jump_v with_o his_o own_o humour_n he_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o have_v more_o discretion_n than_o to_o quarrel_v with_o i_o for_o set_v down_o thing_n as_o i_o find_v they_o but_o in_o this_o part_n i_o have_v say_v the_o less_o partly_o because_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n i_o primary_o design_v partly_o because_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o in_o just_a discourse_n in_o some_o few_o instance_n i_o have_v remark_v the_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o more_o i_o can_v easy_o have_v add_v but_o that_o i_o studious_o avoid_v controversy_n it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o design_n to_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n in_o disputable_a case_n especial_o the_o more_o abstruse_a and_o intricate_a speculation_n of_o theology_n but_o what_o be_v their_o practice_n and_o by_o what_o rule_n and_o measure_n they_o do_v govern_v and_o conduct_v their_o life_n the_o truth_n be_v their_o creed_n in_o the_o first_o age_n be_v short_a and_o simple_a op_n their_o faith_n lie_v then_o as_o erasmus_n observe_v not_o so_o much_o in_o nice_a and_o numerous_a article_n as_o in_o a_o good_a and_o a_o holy_a life_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n i_o have_v add_v a_o chronological_a index_n of_o the_o author_n according_a to_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v live_v with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o edition_n of_o their_o work_n make_v use_v of_o in_o this_o treatise_n which_o i_o do_v not_o that_o i_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o tell_v the_o world_n either_o what_o or_o how_o many_o book_n i_o have_v a_o piece_n of_o vanity_n of_o which_o have_v i_o be_v guilty_a it_o have_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o have_v furnish_v out_o a_o much_o large_a catalogue_n but_o i_o do_v it_o partly_o to_o gratify_v the_o request_n of_o the_o bookseller_n partly_o because_o i_o conceive_v it_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o unuseful_a to_o the_o reader_n the_o index_n to_o give_v some_o light_n to_o the_o quotation_n by_o know_v when_o the_o author_n live_v especial_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o thing_n do_v in_o or_o near_o his_o own_o time_n and_o which_o must_v otherwise_o have_v be_v do_v at_o every_o turn_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o book_n and_o because_o there_o be_v some_o write_n frequent_o make_v use_v of_o in_o this_o book_n the_o author_n whereof_o in_o this_o index_n can_v be_v reduce_v to_o no_o certain_a date_n especial_o those_o call_v the_o apostolical_a canon_n and_o constitution_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o here_o brief_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o first_o for_o the_o canon_n as_o i_o be_o far_o from_o their_o opinion_n who_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o apostle_n so_o i_o think_v their_o great_a antagonist_n mr._n daillé_n bend_v the_o stick_n as_o much_o too_o far_o the_o other_o way_n not_o allow_v they_o a_o be_v in_o the_o world_n till_o the_o year_n 500_o or_o a_o little_a before_o the_o truth_n doubtless_o lie_v between_o these_o two_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o many_o passage_n in_o tertullian_n cyprian_n and_o other_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o most_o early_a age_n of_o christianity_n frequent_a synod_n and_o council_n for_o settle_v the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n though_o their_o determination_n under_o that_o notion_n be_v not_o extant_a at_o this_o day_n part_v of_o these_o synodical_a decree_n so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o concern_v the_o rite_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n we_o may_v conceive_v some_o person_n of_o learning_n and_o judgement_n gather_v together_o probable_o about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o three_o century_n and_o put_v they_o especial_o the_o first_o fifty_o for_o i_o look_v not_o upon_o the_o whole_a eighty_o five_o as_o of_o equal_a value_n and_o authority_n if_o not_o into_o the_o same_o into_o some_o such_o form_n and_o method_n wherein_o we_o now_o have_v they_o still_v they_o ecclesiastical_a or_o apostolical_a canon_n not_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v compose_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o either_o because_o contain_v thing_n consonant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o because_o make_v up_o of_o usage_n and_o tradition_n suppose_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o they_o or_o last_o because_o make_v by_o ancient_a and_o apostolic_a man_n that_o many_o if_o not_o all_o of_o these_o canon_n be_v some_o considerable_a time_n extant_a before_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v from_o two_o or_o three_o passage_n among_o many_o other_o 3._o s._n basil_n give_v rule_n about_o discipline_n appoint_v a_o deacon_n guilty_a of_o fornication_n to_o be_v depose_v and_o thrust_v down_o into_o the_o rank_n of_o laic_n and_o that_o in_o that_o capacity_n he_o may_v receive_v the_o communion_n there_o be_v say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o ancient_a canon_n that_o they_o that_o be_v depose_v shall_v only_o fall_v under_o this_o kind_n of_o punishment_n the_o ancient_n as_o i_o suppose_v follow_v herein_o that_o command_n thou_o shall_v not_o punish_v twice_o for_o the_o same_o fault_n this_o balsamon_n join_v with_o the_o twenty_o five_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o treat_v of_o the_o very_a same_o affair_n and_o indeed_o it_o can_v in_o probability_n be_v mean_v of_o any_o other_o partly_o because_o there_o be_v no_o ancient_a canon_n that_o we_o know_v of_o in_o s._n basils_n time_n about_o this_o business_n but_o that_o partly_o because_o the_o same_o sentence_n be_v apply_v as_o the_o reason_n both_o in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o s._n basils_n canon_n thou_o shall_v not_o punish_v twice_o for_o the_o same_o fault_n which_o clear_o show_v whence_o basil_n have_v it_o and_o what_o he_o understand_v by_o his_o ancient_a canon_n 5._o theodoret_n record_v a_o letter_n of_o alexander_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n to_o another_o of_o the_o same_o name_n bishop_n of_o constantinople_n this_o letter_n be_v write_v a_o little_a before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a where_o speak_v of_o some_o bishop_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o arian_n who_o he_o have_v excommunicate_v into_o communion_n he_o tell_v he_o that_o herein_o they_o have_v do_v what_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n do_v not_o allow_v evident_o refer_v to_o the_o twelve_o and_o thirteen_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o state_n the_o case_n about_o one_o bishop_n receive_v those_o into_o communion_n who_o have_v be_v excommunicate_v by_o another_o 518._o to_o this_o let_v i_o add_v that_o constantine_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o eusebius_n commend_v he_o for_o refuse_v to_o leave_v his_o own_o bishopric_n to_o go_v over_o to_o that_o of_o antioch_n to_o which_o he_o be_v choose_v especial_o because_o herein_o he_o have_v exact_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o have_v keep_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostolical_a and_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n mean_v doubtless_o the_o fourteen_o apostolic_a canon_n which_o treat_v about_o such_o remove_n nay_o learned_a man_n both_o former_o and_o of_o late_o have_v observe_v divers_a passage_n in_o the_o nicene_n canon_n themselves_o which_o plain_o respect_v these_o canon_n as_o may_v be_v make_v appear_v notwithstanding_o what_o daillé_n have_v except_v against_o it_o be_v this_o a_o proper_a place_n to_o discourse_v of_o it_o this_o for_o the_o canon_n for_o the_o constitution_n they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v compose_v by_o s._n clemens_n at_o the_o instance_n and_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o this_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a
but_o to_o look_v after_o a_o woman_n with_o wanton_a and_o unchaste_a desire_n our_o lord_n say_v justin_n martyr_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o whosoever_o look_v after_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o 62._o have_v already_o commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o that_o if_o our_o right_a eye_n offend_v we_o we_o must_v pluck_v it_o out_o as_o therefore_o humane_a law_n condemn_v two_o wife_n so_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o master_n they_o be_v sinner_n who_o look_v upon_o a_o woman_n with_o unfit_a desire_n after_o she_o for_o not_o only_o he_o that_o real_o commit_v adultery_n be_v reject_v by_o he_o but_o even_o he_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o not_o only_o our_o action_n but_o our_o very_a thought_n be_v open_a unto_o god_n 36._o so_o athenagoras_n so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o any_o promiscuous_a embrace_n that_o we_o be_v not_o permit_v the_o freedom_n of_o a_o unchaste_a look_n for_o whoever_o say_v our_o lord_n look_v after_o a_o woman_n to_o desire_v she_o have_v play_v the_o adulterer_n with_o she_o in_o his_o heart_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o allow_v to_o use_v our_o eye_n to_o any_o other_o purpose_n than_o those_o for_o which_o god_n create_v they_o viz._n to_o be_v light_n to_o the_o body_n to_o abuse_v they_o to_o wantonness_n be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o adultery_n for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o know_v they_o be_v make_v for_o other_o end_n and_o can_v but_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o man_n under_o such_o limitation_n to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o chaste_a and_o sober_a for_o we_o have_v not_o to_o deal_v with_o humane_a law_n under_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v wicked_a and_o yet_o escape_v but_o our_o discipline_n be_v deliver_v by_o god_n himself_o we_o have_v a_o law_n which_o make_v our_o self_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o righteousness_n towards_o other_o according_o therefore_o to_o the_o difference_n of_o age_n we_o account_v some_o as_o son_n and_o daughter_n other_o as_o brethren_n and_o sister_n the_o more_o age_a we_o honour_v in_o the_o place_n of_o parent_n those_o therefore_o who_o we_o account_v as_o sister_n or_o as_o ally_v to_o we_o in_o any_o other_o relation_n we_o reckon_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v chaste_a and_o incorrupt_a four_o they_o plead_v that_o this_o objection_n will_v easy_o vanish_v if_o they_o will_v but_o consider_v what_o a_o strange_a change_n and_o alteration_n be_v in_o this_o very_a case_n wrought_v upon_o person_n at_o their_o first_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n immediate_o become_v quite_o of_o another_o spirit_n and_o temper_n from_o what_o they_o be_v before_o we_o who_o before_o time_n say_v justin_n martyr_n speak_v of_o the_o convert_n power_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n do_v please_v ourselves_o in_o fornication_n and_o uncleanness_n 62._o do_v now_o sole_o embrace_v temperance_n and_o chastity_n what_o a_o innumerable_a company_n can_v i_o name_v of_o those_o who_o have_v leave_v their_o luxury_n and_o intemperance_n and_o come_v over_o to_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n for_o christ_n come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o chaste_a and_o righteous_a they_o need_v it_o not_o but_o the_o wicked_a 41._o the_o incontinent_a and_o the_o unrighteous_a to_o repentance_n and_o in_o his_o other_o apology_n he_o give_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o woman_n who_o have_v together_o with_o her_o husband_n live_v a_o very_a vicious_a and_o debauch_a course_n of_o life_n after_o her_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n become_v strict_o chaste_a and_o sober_a and_o not_o content_a with_o this_o she_o urge_v her_o husband_n also_o to_o do_v the_o like_o lay_v before_o he_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o persuade_v he_o both_o by_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o he_o obstinate_o refuse_v it_o beget_v a_o quarrel_n between_o they_o which_o still_o ripen_v into_o a_o wide_a breach_n till_o it_o become_v matter_n of_o public_a cognizance_n and_o be_v a_o occasion_n for_o justin_n martyr_n to_o write_v that_o excellent_a apology_n for_o the_o christian_n 43._o upon_o this_o account_n tertullian_n just_o condemn_v the_o madness_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o their_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n against_o christianity_n that_o they_o will_v hate_v their_o near_a relation_n mere_o for_o be_v christian_n though_o they_o see_v how_o much_o they_o be_v every_o way_n better_v by_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n the_o father_n disinherit_n his_o son_n of_o who_o now_o he_o have_v no_o cause_n leave_v to_o complain_v but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a the_o master_n imprison_v his_o servant_n though_o now_o he_o have_v find_v he_o useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o he_o but_o what_o be_v more_o especial_o to_o the_o purpose_n he_o tell_v we_o of_o some_o husband_n he_o know_v who_o though_o before_o so_o infinite_o jealous_a of_o their_o wife_n and_o possible_o not_o without_o reason_n that_o a_o mouse_n can_v not_o stir_v in_o the_o room_n but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o gallant_a creep_v to_o their_o bed_n yet_o when_o upon_o their_o turn_a christian_n they_o become_v so_o eminent_o reserve_v chaste_a and_o modest_a that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o foundation_n for_o suspicion_n their_o jealousy_n be_v convert_v into_o hatred_n and_o they_o vow_v they_o have_v rather_o their_o wife_n shall_v be_v strumpet_n than_o christian_n so_o obstinate_o say_v he_o do_v man_n stand_v in_o their_o own_o light_n and_o contend_v against_o those_o advantage_n which_o they_o may_v reap_v by_o christianity_n this_o argument_n from_o the_o powerful_a and_o successful_a influence_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n origen_n frequent_o make_v use_v of_o 21._o they_o must_v needs_o say_v he_o confess_v the_o excellency_n and_o divinity_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n whoever_o do_v but_o look_v into_o the_o life_n of_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o it_o compare_v their_o former_a course_n of_o life_n with_o that_o which_o they_o now_o lead_v and_o consider_v in_o what_o impurity_n lust_n and_o wickedness_n every_o one_o of_o they_o wallow_v before_o they_o embrace_v this_o doctrine_n but_o since_o that_o they_o entertain_v it_o how_o much_o more_o grave_a moderate_a and_o constant_a be_v they_o become_v insomuch_o that_o some_o of_o they_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n of_o a_o more_o transcendent_a purity_n and_o that_o they_o may_v worship_n god_n with_o a_o chaste_a mind_n deny_v themselves_o even_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o lawful_a bed_n the_o same_o he_o affirm_v elsewhere_o 365._o that_o those_o who_o the_o gentile_n scorn_v as_o the_o most_o rude_a and_o sottish_a person_n be_v once_o initiate_v into_o the_o faith_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n be_v so_o far_o from_o lasciviousness_n filthiness_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o uncleanness_n that_o like_a priest_n whole_o devote_v to_o god_n they_o altogether_o abstain_v even_o from_o allow_a embrace_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o they_o as_o some_o of_o the_o best_a among_o the_o gentile_n have_v do_v to_o use_v art_n and_o medicine_n to_o keep_v they_o chaste_a nor_o guardian_n set_v over_o they_o to_o preserve_v their_o virginity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a to_o expel_v and_o drive_v out_o all_o irregular_a appetite_n and_o desire_n 36._o this_o also_o tertullian_n observe_v as_o the_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n above_o that_o of_o the_o best_a philosopher_n that_o whenas_o democritus_n be_v force_v to_o put_v out_o his_o eye_n because_o not_o able_a to_o defend_v himself_o from_o the_o charm_n of_o beauty_n a_o christian_a can_v look_v upon_o a_o woman_n with_o chaste_a unseduced_a eye_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n inward_o blind_a as_o to_o any_o temptation_n from_o his_o lust_n with_o such_o a_o mighty_a force_n do_v the_o gospel_n come_v and_o captivate_v man_n heart_n into_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o truth_n thence_o lactantius_n make_v this_o triumphant_a challenge_n 328._o where_o discourse_v of_o the_o prevalency_n which_o the_o command_n of_o god_n have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o daily_a experience_n do_v demonstrate_v give_v i_o say_v he_o a_o man_n that_o be_v angry_a furious_a and_o passionate_a and_o with_o a_o few_o word_n from_o god_n i_o will_v render_v he_o as_o meek_a and_o quiet_a as_o a_o lamb_n give_v i_o one_o that_o be_v lustful_a filthy_a and_o vicious_a and_o you_o shall_v see_v he_o sober_a chaste_a and_o continent_n the_o same_o he_o instance_n in_o most_o other_o vice_n so_o great_a say_v he_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o be_v infuse_v into_o the_o breast_n of_o a_o man_n it_o will_v soon_o expel_v that_o folly_n which_o be_v the_o grand_a parent_n of_o all_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n the_o innocency_n of_o christian_n stand_v thus_o clear_a from_o
of_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n above_o that_o of_o the_o best_a philosopher_n aristoteles_n fly_v for_o fear_n of_o suffer_v for_o his_o opinion_n the_o cowardly_a silence_n of_o jamblichus_n his_o scholar_n this_o resolution_n of_o they_o confess_v by_o heathen_n apollo_n oracle_n in_o the_o case_n of_o porphyrie_n wife_n galen_n the_o constancy_n of_o christian_n to_o their_o religion_n proverbial_a when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n send_v out_o his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n he_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v like_a to_o attend_v their_o message_n but_o withal_o bid_v they_o arm_v themselves_o with_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n and_o not_o to_o regard_v the_o scoff_v and_o reproach_n the_o misery_n and_o suffering_n that_o may_v fall_v upon_o they_o not_o to_o fear_v they_o that_o can_v only_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o to_o make_v a_o free_a and_o bold_a confession_n of_o his_o name_n before_o the_o world_n and_o cheerful_o to_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o and_o s._n paul_n though_o himself_o then_o in_o chain_n at_o rome_n exhort_v the_o christian_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o their_o adversary_n it_o be_v give_v they_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o also_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n which_o make_v it_o very_o necessary_a for_o they_o to_o have_v their_o foot_n shod_a with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o certain_o if_o ever_o true_a courage_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n appear_v in_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v in_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n who_o with_o such_o a_o generous_a and_o unterrified_a mind_n defy_v danger_n and_o torment_n own_a and_o glory_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n against_o all_o the_o threat_n reproach_n and_o persecution_n which_o the_o worst_a of_o their_o adversary_n can_v make_v against_o they_o we_o shall_v first_o see_v what_o account_n their_o apologist_n give_v of_o it_o even_o before_o their_o enemy_n and_o then_o how_o they_o make_v it_o good_a in_o their_o life_n and_o action_n justin_n martyr_n speak_v of_o the_o successful_a propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n 83._o immediate_o upon_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n say_v he_o go_v forth_o from_o jerusalem_n preach_v the_o powerful_a word_n in_o every_o place_n although_o it_o be_v capital_a either_o to_o preach_v or_o to_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n which_o yet_o we_o do_v everywhere_o embrace_v and_o teach_v which_o if_o you_o as_o enemy_n still_o go_v on_o to_o obstruct_v the_o worst_a you_o can_v do_v be_v but_o to_o kill_v we_o whereby_o you_o will_v do_v we_o no_o great_a harm_n but_o will_v purchase_v to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o those_o that_o unjust_o persecute_v we_o and_o persist_v impenitent_a in_o their_o proceed_n the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a flame_n and_o when_o trypho_n the_o jew_n have_v charge_v christianity_n for_o a_o idle_a story_n 2â—6_n and_o the_o christian_n for_o no_o better_a than_o fool_n to_o quit_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o it_o the_o martyr_n answer_v that_o this_o proceed_v from_o his_o ignorance_n and_o a_o implicit_a assent_n to_o the_o absurd_a and_o malicious_a insinuation_n of_o their_o rabbin_n who_o understand_v very_o little_a of_o the_o scripture_n that_o will_v he_o but_o admit_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o christianity_n he_o will_v quick_o understand_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o how_o little_a reason_n they_o have_v to_o quit_v their_o profession_n although_o man_n do_v sufficient_o scorn_v and_o reproach_v they_o for_o it_o and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n endeavour_v to_o force_v they_o to_o renounce_v and_o forsake_v it_o notwithstanding_o all_o which_o d._n they_o choose_v rather_o to_o die_v and_o cheerful_o undergo_v it_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o what_o god_n have_v promise_v through_o christ_n he_o will_v infallible_o make_v good_a to_o they_o 337_o and_o discourse_v afterward_o of_o the_o same_o matter_n as_o for_o we_o say_v he_o that_o have_v entertain_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n yourselves_o know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v none_o throughout_o the_o world_n that_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v or_o affright_v we_o out_o of_o our_o profession_n nothing_o be_v plain_o than_o that_o though_o our_o head_n be_v expose_v to_o sword_n and_o axe_n our_o body_n fasten_v to_o the_o cross_n though_o throw_v to_o wild_a beast_n harrass_v out_o with_o chain_n fire_n and_o all_o other_o instrument_n of_o torment_n yet_o do_v we_o not_o start_v from_o our_o profession_n nay_o the_o more_o these_o thing_n happen_v to_o we_o the_o fast_a other_o flock_n over_o to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o become_v pious_a and_o devout_a follower_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o this_o case_n as_o with_o a_o vine_n which_o be_v prune_v and_o trim_v and_o its_o luxurious_a excrescence_n pare_v off_o bring_v forth_o more_o fruitful_a and_o flourish_a branch_n 349_o how_o little_o he_o value_v any_o danger_n in_o competition_n with_o the_o truth_n he_o tell_v his_o adversary_n he_o may_v know_v by_o this_o that_o he_o will_v not_o stifle_v and_o conceal_v it_o although_o they_o shall_v immediate_o tear_v he_o in_o piece_n for_o it_o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o see_v his_o countryman_n the_o samaritan_n seduce_v by_o the_o imposture_n of_o simon_n magus_n who_o they_o hold_v to_o be_v a_o god_n above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n he_o can_v not_o but_o by_o a_o address_n make_v his_o complaint_n to_o caesar_n not_o regard_v the_o hazard_n and_o trouble_n that_o may_v ensue_v upon_o it_o tertullian_n give_v the_o heathen_n a_o account_n of_o that_o christ_n who_o they_o worship_v 21._o tell_v they_o they_o may_v well_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a for_o that_o no_o man_n may_v lie_v for_o his_o religion_n to_o dissemble_v in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o deny_v a_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o christian_n who_o own_a and_o stand_v to_o it_o with_o their_o last_o drop_n of_o blood_n we_o speak_v it_o say_v he_o and_o we_o speak_v it_o open_o areâ—earing_v â—earing_z our_o flesh_n and_o shed_v our_o blood_n we_o cry_v aloud_o that_o we_o worship_n god_n through_o christ_n so_o full_o be_v they_o satisfy_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o to_o be_v ready_a rather_o a_o thousand_o time_n to_o die_v than_o to_o deny_v it_o nor_o be_v these_o mere_o big_a word_n with_o which_o the_o christian_n vapoured_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o enemy_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o make_v they_o good_a by_o act_v suitable_a to_o these_o profession_n and_o protestation_n they_o do_v not_o then_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o espouse_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n unless_o they_o public_o testify_v it_o to_o the_o world_n whereof_o this_o instance_n among_o other_o 137._o victorinus_n a_o rhetorician_n of_o rome_n a_o man_n of_o so_o great_a note_n and_o fame_n that_o he_o have_v obtain_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o public_a statue_n but_o a_o zealous_a defender_n of_o paganism_n and_o idolatry_n have_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o which_o be_v convince_v he_o come_v to_o simplician_n and_o private_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a which_o the_o other_o refuse_v to_o believe_v unless_o he_o see_v he_o testify_v it_o in_o the_o public_a church_n to_o which_o victorinus_n return_v with_o a_o little_a scorn_n what_o be_v they_o then_o the_o wall_n that_o make_v a_o christian_a this_o answer_n he_o as_o oft_o return_v as_o the_o other_o urge_v a_o public_a confession_n for_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o disoblige_v his_o great_a friend_n who_o he_o know_v will_v fall_v foul_a upon_o he_o till_o by_o read_v and_o meditation_n he_o gather_v courage_n and_o fear_v that_o christ_n will_v deny_v he_o before_o the_o holy_a angel_n if_o he_o shall_v refuse_v to_o confess_v he_o before_o man_n he_o become_v sensible_a of_o his_o fault_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o vanity_n and_o folly_n and_o call_v to_o simplician_n let_v we_o go_v say_v he_o into_o the_o church_n i_o will_v now_o become_v a_o christian_a which_o when_o he_o have_v do_v and_o have_v be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n he_o offer_v himself_o to_o baptism_n and_o be_v to_o make_v the_o accustom_a confession_n of_o his_o faith_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n offer_v he_o the_o liberty_n of_o do_v it_o in_o a_o more_o private_a way_n as_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v for_o those_o who_o
of_o a_o second_o wickedness_n like_v to_o that_o which_o they_o commit_v against_o socrates_n and_o lest_o they_o again_o offend_v against_o the_o majesty_n of_o philosophy_n it_o be_v alas_o not_o kindness_n to_o the_o athenian_n but_o cowardice_n and_o fear_n of_o punishment_n make_v he_o so_o hasty_o pack_v up_o and_o be_v go_v and_o leave_v his_o opinion_n behind_o he_o to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v 33._o nay_o eunapius_n himself_o confess_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n when_o paganism_n begin_v to_o go_v down_o the_o wind_n and_o christianity_n to_o be_v advance_v and_o honour_v their_o best_a philosopher_n the_o great_a scholar_n of_o jamblichus_n take_v sanctuary_n at_o a_o mysterious_a secrecy_n and_o wise_o keep_v their_o dogmata_fw-la and_o opinion_n to_o themselves_o seal_v up_o under_o a_o profound_a and_o religious_a silence_n no_o they_o be_v the_o christian_n only_o the_o very_o mean_a of_o who_o dare_v stand_v by_o and_o 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the_o air_n than_o to_o reduce_v his_o wife_n from_o those_o wicked_a sentiment_n she_o have_v take_v in_o and_o this_o be_v so_o common_a and_o notorious_a that_o it_o become_v in_o a_o manner_n proverbial_a whence_o that_o of_o galen_n when_o he_o will_v express_v how_o pertinacious_o the_o philosopher_n adhere_v to_o those_o sentiment_n they_o have_v once_o drink_v in_o 3._o and_o how_o very_o hard_a and_o almost_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o convince_v they_o soon_o say_v he_o may_v a_o man_n undeceive_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o christian_a and_o make_v they_o renounce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n or_o of_o christ_n than_o philosopher_n and_o physician_n that_o be_v once_o addict_v to_o their_o several_a sect_n chap._n vii_o of_o their_o exemplary_a patience_n under_o suffering_n christianity_n likely_a to_o engage_v its_o follower_n in_o suffering_n and_o why_o continual_a edict_n put_v forth_o against_o christian_n the_o form_n of_o those_o imperial_a order_n exemplify_v out_o of_o 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carriage_n under_o these_o suffering_n sedate_v and_o calm_v meek_a and_o patient_a their_o refuse_v to_o make_v use_n of_o opportunity_n to_o avoid_v suffer_v whether_o they_o may_v fly_v and_o withdraw_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n allow_v and_o practise_v in_o some_o case_n two_o instanced_a in_o where_o person_n be_v of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a use_n and_o eminency_n where_o they_o be_v weak_a for_o the_o present_a and_o not_o like_a to_o hold_v out_o prove_v by_o particular_a instance_n their_o cheerful_a offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o their_o enemy_n confess_v by_o the_o relation_n of_o their_o judge_n and_o bitter_a adversary_n tiberianus_n arrius_n antoninus_n lucian_n the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o martyrdom_n in_o ignatius_n laurentius_n origen_n and_o other_o when_o unjust_o condemn_v their_o judge_n thank_v for_o condemn_v they_o their_o glory_v in_o suffering_n and_o be_v crucify_v babylas_n the_o martyr_n chain_n bury_v with_o he_o no_o 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question_n and_o that_o they_o have_v much_o rather_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o their_o religion_n than_o to_o have_v their_o life_n spare_v to_o they_o by_o which_o mean_n they_o become_v conqueror_n choose_v rather_o to_o part_v with_o their_o life_n than_o to_o do_v what_o you_o impose_v upon_o they_o let_v i_o advise_v you_o say_v he_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o despond_v with_o every_o earthquake_n that_o happen_v to_o you_o to_o compare_v yourselves_o with_o they_o they_o in_o all_o their_o danger_n be_v secure_o confident_a in_o their_o god_n while_o you_o at_o such_o a_o time_n neglect_v the_o god_n and_o have_v little_a or_o no_o regard_n either_o to_o other_o rite_n or_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o immortal_a deity_n but_o banish_v the_o christian_n that_o worship_v he_o and_o persecute_v they_o unto_o death_n so_o forcible_o do_v the_o majesty_n of_o truth_n extort_v a_o confession_n from_o its_o great_a enemy_n the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o part._n primitive_a christianity_n 3_o or_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n part_n iii_o of_o their_o religion_n as_o respect_v other_o man_n chap._n i._n of_o their_o justice_n and_o honesty_n christian_n religion_n admirable_o provide_v for_o moral_a righteousness_n do_v as_o you_o will_v be_v do_v by_o the_o great_a law_n of_o christ_n this_o rule_n high_o prize_v by_o severus_n the_o emperor_n the_o first_o christian_n account_v honesty_n and_o a_o upright_a carriage_n a_o main_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n their_o candour_n and_o simplicity_n in_o their_o word_n abhor_v lie_n and_o mental_a reservation_n though_o it_o may_v save_v their_o life_n their_o veracity_n such_o as_o no_o need_n to_o be_v put_v to_o their_o oath_n some_o few_o of_o the_o father_n against_o all_o swear_n allow_v by_o the_o great_a part_n in_o weighty_a case_n that_o they_o take_v oath_n prove_v from_o athanasius_n and_o their_o take_v the_o sacramentum_fw-la 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of_o righteousness_n under_o which_o he_o comprehend_v all_o that_o duty_n and_o respect_n wherein_o we_o stand_v oblige_v to_o other_o whereof_o we_o shall_v consider_v these_o follow_a instance_n their_o justice_n and_o integrity_n in_o matter_n of_o commerce_n and_o traffic_n their_o mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n to_o one_o another_o their_o unity_n and_o peaceableness_n and_o their_o submission_n and_o subjection_n to_o civil_a government_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o their_o just_a and_o upright_a carriage_n in_o their_o outward_a deal_n one_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n be_v to_o establish_v and_o ratify_v that_o great_a principle_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o prime_n and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o nature_n to_o hurt_v no_o man_n and_o to_o render_v to_o every_o one_o his_o due_a to_o teach_v we_o to_o carry_v ourselves_o as_o become_v we_o in_o our_o relation_n towards_o man_n next_o to_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n the_o gospel_n oblige_v we_o to_o be_v righteous_a to_o man_n sincere_a and_o upright_a in_o all_o our_o deal_n not_o go_v beyond_o nor_o defraud_v one_o another_o in_o any_o matter_n to_o put_v away_o lie_v and_o to_o speak_v truth_n to_o each_o other_o as_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o christian_a brotherhood_n and_o society_n it_o settle_v that_o golden_a rule_n as_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o all_o just_a and_o equitable_a commerce_n that_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o we_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v even_o do_v so_o to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n than_o which_o as_o no_o rule_n can_v have_v be_v more_o equitable_a in_o itself_o so_o none_o can_v possible_o have_v be_v contrive_v more_o short_a and_o plain_a and_o more_o accommodate_v to_o the_o common_a case_n of_o humane_a life_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a excellent_a precept_n alexander_n severus_n the_o roman_a emperor_n have_v so_o great_a a_o honour_n for_o our_o saviour_n 568._o that_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o build_v a_o temple_n to_o he_o and_o to_o receive_v he_o into_o the_o number_n of_o their_o god_n and_o though_o he_o be_v overrule_v in_o this_o by_o some_o who_o have_v consult_v the_o oracle_n tell_v he_o that_o if_o it_o be_v do_v all_o man_n will_v become_v christian_n and_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o god_n will_v be_v leave_v naked_a and_o empty_a yet_o in_o his_o most_o private_a chapel_n he_o have_v the_o image_n of_o christ_n among_o those_o of_o many_o noble_a hero_n and_o deify_v person_n 540._o to_o who_o he_o pay_v religious_a adoration_n every_o morning_n and_o particular_o for_o this_o precept_n 577._o that_o what_o we_o will_v not_o have_v do_v to_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o do_v to_o other_o which_o his_o own_o historian_n confess_v he_o learn_v either_o from_o the_o jew_n or_o christian_n but_o most_o certain_o from_o the_o christian_n in_o who_o mouth_n it_o so_o often_o be_v and_o in_o who_o gospel_n it_o be_v so_o plain_o write_v he_o so_o high_o value_v it_o that_o in_o all_o public_a punishment_n he_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v proclaim_v by_o a_o common_a crier_n nay_o be_v so_o huge_o fond_a on_o it_o that_o he_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v write_v upon_o the_o wall_n of_o his_o palace_n and_o upon_o all_o his_o public_a building_n that_o if_o possible_a every_o room_n in_o his_o court_n and_o every_o place_n in_o the_o city_n may_v be_v a_o silent_a chancery_n and_o court_n of_o equity_n so_o vast_a a_o reverence_n have_v the_o very_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o gospel_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o it_o so_o admirable_o provide_v for_o the_o advance_v of_o civil_a righteousness_n and_o justice_n among_o man_n which_o however_o it_o have_v be_v slight_v by_o some_o even_o among_o christian_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o moral_a principle_n yet_o without_o it_o all_o other_o religion_n be_v but_o vain_a it_o be_v a_o strange_a piece_n of_o folly_n for_o any_o to_o dream_v of_o be_v godly_a without_o be_v honest_a or_o to_o think_v of_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o the_o first_o while_o a_o man_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o second_o table_n sure_o i_o be_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a look_v upon_o honesty_n and_o a_o upright_a carriage_n as_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o that_o to_o speak_v truth_n to_o keep_v their_o word_n to_o perform_v oath_n and_o promise_n to_o act_v sincere_o in_o all_o their_o deal_n be_v as_o sacred_a and_o as_o dear_a to_o they_o as_o their_o life_n and_o being_n speech_n be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o mutual_a commerce_n and_o traffic_n shall_v be_v the_o first_o instance_n of_o their_o integrity_n they_o ever_o use_v the_o great_a candour_n and_o simplicity_n in_o express_v their_o mind_n to_o one_o another_o not_o pretend_v what_o be_v false_a nor_o conceal_v what_o be_v true_a yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o be_v the_o usual_a
measure_n of_o their_o transaction_n a_o lie_v they_o abhor_v as_o bad_a in_o all_o as_o monstrous_a in_o a_o christian_a as_o direct_o opposite_a to_o that_o truth_n to_o which_o they_o have_v consign_v and_o deliver_v up_o themselves_o in_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o tell_v one_o though_o it_o be_v to_o save_v their_o life_n 26._o when_o the_o heathen_n charge_v they_o with_o folly_n and_o madness_n that_o they_o will_v so_o resolute_o suffer_v when_o a_o parcel_n of_o fair_a word_n may_v make_v way_n for_o they_o to_o escape_v tell_v they_o it_o be_v but_o do_v or_o say_v as_o they_o be_v bid_v and_o that_o they_o may_v secure_v their_o conscience_n by_o mental_a reservation_n tertullian_n let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o reject_v the_o motion_n with_o the_o high_a scorn_n as_o the_o plain_a artifice_n and_o invention_n of_o the_o devil_n when_o we_o be_v most_o severe_o examine_v say_v justin_n martyr_n we_o never_o deny_v ourselves_o 43._o count_v it_o impious_a in_o any_o thing_n to_o dissemble_v or_o deny_v the_o truth_n as_o we_o know_v the_o contrary_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o though_o we_o can_v as_o they_o tell_v the_o emperor_n when_o question_v 57_o evade_v or_o deny_v it_o yet_o we_o scorn_v to_o live_v upon_o any_o term_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v force_v to_o maintain_v our_o life_n by_o lie_n and_o falsehood_n this_o honest_a and_o ingenuous_a simplicity_n they_o practise_v to_o that_o exactness_n and_o accuracy_n that_o for_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v put_v to_o his_o oath_n be_v account_v a_o disparagement_n to_o his_o fidelity_n and_o truth_n 728._o so_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o approve_v himself_o and_o be_v try_v say_v he_o in_o this_o i.e._n the_o christian_a weigh_v of_o piety_n and_o religion_n be_v far_o from_o be_v forward_o either_o to_o lie_v or_o swear_v for_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o determinative_a assertion_n with_o a_o calling_n god_n to_o witness_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o how_o shall_v any_o one_o that_o be_v faithful_a so_o far_o render_v himself_o unfaithful_a or_o unworthy_a of_o belief_n as_o to_o need_v a_o oath_n and_o not_o rather_o make_v the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n a_o testimony_n to_o he_o as_o firm_a and_o positive_a as_o a_o oath_n and_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o assertion_n by_o the_o constant_a and_o immutable_a tenor_n of_o his_o word_n and_o action_n it_o be_v enough_o therefore_o as_o he_o present_o after_o add_v for_o every_o good_a man_n either_o by_o way_n of_o affirmation_n or_o denial_n to_o give_v this_o assurance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o speak_v true_o to_o satisfy_v any_o that_o apprehend_v not_o the_o certainty_n of_o what_o he_o say_v for_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v without_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v such_o a_o conversation_n as_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o belief_n so_o as_o no_o oath_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o he_o and_o towards_o himself_o and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n to_o preserve_v such_o a_o even_a and_o equitable_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o voluntary_a justice_n this_o and_o much_o more_o he_o discourse_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n for_o this_o and_o some_o other_o reason_n but_o especial_o from_o some_o mistaken_a place_n of_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n hold_v all_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n unlawful_a but_o beside_o that_o those_o few_o that_o do_v be_v not_o herein_o constant_a to_o themselves_o the_o far_o great_a part_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o understand_v the_o prohibition_n either_o of_o swear_v by_o creature_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o our_o saviour_n and_o s._n james_n principal_o aim_v at_o or_o of_o light_n rash_a and_o false_a swear_n for_o otherwise_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v not_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o take_v a_o oath_n in_o serious_a and_o necessary_a case_n be_v most_o evident_a â—28_n athanasius_n speak_v of_o his_o accuser_n who_o he_o desire_v may_v be_v put_v to_o their_o oath_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v be_v to_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v and_o this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o form_n of_o swear_v which_o we_o christian_n be_v wont_a to_o use_v and_o indeed_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o argument_n it_o will_v be_v plain_a enough_o from_o hence_o that_o they_o serve_v in_o the_o war_n and_o frequent_o bear_v arm_n even_o under_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n which_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o can_v not_o do_v without_o first_o take_v a_o military_a oath_n to_o be_v true_a to_o their_o general_n and_o to_o die_v rather_o than_o desert_n their_o station_n 33._o and_o this_o vegetius_n a_o heathen_a author_n though_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o young_a valentinian_n express_o report_v of_o they_o that_o when_o their_o name_n be_v enter_v upon_o the_o muster-roll_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o take_v a_o oath_n the_o particular_a form_n whereof_o he_o there_o set_v down_o viz._n that_o they_o swear_v by_o god_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o emperor_n which_o next_o to_o god_n be_v to_o be_v love_v and_o honour_v by_o mankind_n this_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o that_o account_n which_o tertullian_n have_v long_o before_o give_v of_o the_o christian_n 28._o when_o be_v accuse_v by_o their_o enemy_n of_o high_a treason_n among_o other_o reason_n because_o they_o refuse_v to_o swear_v by_o their_o emperor_n he_o answer_v that_o though_o they_o will_v not_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n their_o genii_fw-la or_o tutelar_a deity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o devil_n yet_o they_o do_v swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n safety_n a_o thing_n more_o august_n and_o venerable_a than_o all_o the_o genii_fw-la in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o emperor_n they_o own_o god_n institution_n and_o authority_n &_o will_v therefore_o have_v that_o to_o be_v safe_a which_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o according_o account_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n but_o for_o the_o daemon_n or_o genii_fw-la say_v he_o we_o use_v adjurare_fw-la to_o adjure_v they_o so_o as_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o man_n non_fw-la dejerare_fw-la not_o to_o swear_v by_o they_o and_o thereby_o confer_v the_o honour_n of_o divinity_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o deny_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o fortune_n of_o the_o emperor_n because_o among_o the_o heathen_n she_o be_v account_v a_o deity_n and_o honour_v with_o religious_a worship_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o they_o refuse_v not_o to_o ensure_v and_o ratify_v their_o faith_n by_o the_o formality_n of_o a_o oath_n to_o which_o that_o they_o may_v add_v the_o great_a reverence_n and_o solemnity_n they_o be_v wont_n many_o time_n to_o take_v it_o at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o case_n of_o novatus_n and_o his_o follower_n 245._o for_o take_v their_o hand_n wherein_o they_o hold_v the_o sacramental_a element_n within_o his_o own_o he_o cause_v they_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o will_v not_o desert_v he_o but_o because_o this_o may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v only_o the_o artifice_n of_o a_o heretic_n to_o bind_v his_o follower_n the_o fast_o to_o his_o party_n 15._o s._n chrysostom_n though_o himself_o no_o good_a friend_n to_o take_v oath_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o it_o be_v customary_a to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o swear_v upon_o the_o communion_n table_n 179._o take_v the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n into_o their_o hand_n the_o same_o appear_v from_o the_o case_n propose_v to_o gregory_n nazianzen_n by_o theodore_n bishop_n of_o tyana_n 908._o and_o by_o the_o instance_n of_o evagrius_n vid._n nazianzen_n archdeacon_n at_o constantinople_n who_o have_v it_o reveal_v to_o he_o in_o a_o vision_n that_o some_o person_n lay_v in_o wait_n for_o he_o 2._o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o must_v present_o be_v go_v the_o person_n that_o reveal_v it_o assure_v he_o he_o will_v knock_v off_o those_o fetter_n that_o be_v upon_o he_o if_o he_o will_v swear_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o holy_a gospel_n that_o he_o will_v immediate_o depart_v which_o be_v according_o do_v and_o as_o their_o caution_n be_v great_a in_o take_v of_o a_o oath_n so_o their_o care_n be_v no_o less_o in_o make_v of_o it_o good_a they_o know_v that_o in_o this_o solemn_a transaction_n they_o do_v in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n call_v in_o god_n as_o a_o witness_n of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o a_o revenger_n in_o case_n of_o falsehood_n and_o the_o violation_n of_o it_o this_o make_v they_o great_o afraid_a of_o perjury_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o
they_o know_v the_o seller_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o true_a price_n and_o value_n and_o that_o if_o he_o do_v he_o will_v not_o part_v with_o it_o at_o such_o a_o price_n to_o this_o purpose_n s._n augustine_n tell_v we_o he_o know_v a_o man_n probable_o he_o mean_v himself_o 407._o though_o out_o of_o modesty_n he_o conceal_v it_o who_o have_v a_o book_n offer_v he_o to_o be_v sell_v by_o one_o that_o understand_v not_o the_o price_n of_o it_o at_o a_o very_a small_a underrate_v take_v the_o book_n but_o give_v he_o the_o full_a price_n according_a to_o its_o just_a rate_n and_o value_n which_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o the_o seller_n ask_v for_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o such_o case_n advantage_n can_v honest_o be_v take_v of_o man_n weakness_n or_o mistake_n because_o no_o man_n if_o he_o understand_v the_o true_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o his_o commodity_n can_v be_v suppose_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o it_o at_o a_o too-und_a rate_n and_o if_o they_o be_v thus_o far_o from_o crafty_o overreach_v much_o more_o from_o secret_o or_o open_o invade_v of_o what_o be_v another_o right_n and_o property_n no_o cheat_v or_o cozenage_n no_o act_n of_o dishonesty_n and_o deceit_n be_v allow_v or_o practise_v among_o they_o or_o if_o any_o such_o be_v discover_v they_o be_v immediate_o protest_v against_o by_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o christian_n cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n giving_z cyprian_n a_o account_n of_o novatus_n the_o heretic_n and_o his_o companion_n vid._n tell_v he_o of_o one_o nicostratus_n that_o not_o only_o cheat_v his_o lady_n and_o patroness_n sequent_a who_o estate_n and_o revenue_n he_o manage_v but_o carry_v away_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v chief_a deacon_n the_o portion_n and_o maintenance_n of_o poor_a widow_n and_o orphan_n a_o crime_n say_v he_o reserve_v for_o perpetual_a punishment_n i.e._n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o world_n be_v too_o great_a for_o any_o in_o this_o whereupon_o he_o be_v force_v to_o fly_v from_o rome_n into_o africa_n to_o avoid_v the_o shame_n and_o prosecution_n of_o his_o rapine_n and_o sacrilege_n though_o when_o he_o come_v there_o they_o do_v not_o only_o refuse_v to_o admit_v he_o into_o communion_n but_o open_o expose_v the_o wickedness_n of_o he_o and_o his_o confederate_n to_o the_o abhorrency_n of_o all_o man_n by_o which_o may_v appear_v the_o falsity_n of_o that_o charge_n of_o sacrilege_n which_o the_o gentile_n bring_v against_o the_o christian_n to_o which_o though_o certain_o it_o primary_o respect_v their_o declare_a enmity_n against_o the_o idolatrous_a temple_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o heathen_n yet_o tertullian_n answer_v you_o look_v upon_o we_o say_v he_o as_o sacrilegious_a person_n 69._o and_o yet_o never_o find_v any_o of_o we_o guilty_a of_o wrong_n or_o injury_n of_o any_o rapine_n and_o violence_n much_o less_o of_o sacrilege_n and_o impiety_n no_o they_o be_v your_o own_o party_n that_o swear_v by_o and_o worship_v your_o god_n and_o yet_o rob_v their_o temple_n that_o be_v no_o christian_n and_o yet_o be_v find_v to_o be_v sacrilegious_a and_o afterward_o he_o add_v this_o further_a vindication_n of_o they_o 71._o as_o for_o we_o say_v he_o we_o deny_v not_o any_o pledge_n that_o be_v leave_v with_o we_o we_o adulterate_a no_o man_n marriagebed_n we_o pious_o educate_v and_o train_v up_o orphan_n and_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o indigent_a and_o render_v no_o man_n evil_a for_o evil_n if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o dissemble_v our_o religion_n let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o we_o disow_v they_o for_o be_v of_o our_o party_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v worse_o think_v of_o for_o other_o fault_n or_o why_o shall_v a_o christian_a answer_n for_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o concern_v his_o own_o religion_n which_o no_o man_n in_o so_o long_a a_o time_n have_v prove_v to_o be_v cruel_a or_o incestuous_a nay_o when_o we_o be_v burn_v and_o most_o severe_o deal_v with_o it_o be_v for_o the_o great_a innocency_n honesty_n justice_n modesty_n for_o our_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o our_o piety_n to_o the_o live_v god_n and_o that_o these_o be_v not_o a_o parcel_n of_o good_a word_n which_o the_o christian_n speak_v in_o their_o own_o behalf_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o testimony_n which_o pliny_n who_o be_v far_o from_o be_v partial_a to_o they_o give_v of_o they_o for_o be_v command_v by_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n to_o give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o the_o christian_n he_o tell_v he_o that_o after_o the_o strict_a examination_n which_o he_o can_v make_v even_o of_o those_o that_o have_v renounce_v christianity_n 10._o he_o find_v this_o to_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o 290._o that_o they_o use_v harmless_o to_o meet_v to_o worship_n christ_n and_o at_o those_o meeting_n to_o bind_v themselves_o by_o a_o sacrament_n or_o a_o oath_n that_o they_o will_v not_o do_v any_o wickedness_n that_o thy_o might_n be_v firmly_a oblige_v not_o to_o commit_v theft_n robbery_n adultery_n not_o to_o falsify_v their_o word_n or_o to_o deny_v any_o thing_n wherewith_o they_o be_v entrust_v when_o it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o gregory_n bishop_n of_o neocaesarea_n in_o a_o canonical_a epistle_n 120._o which_o he_o write_v to_o rectify_v several_a disorder_n and_o irregularity_n which_o have_v happen_v among_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o part_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o inroad_n and_o devastation_n which_o the_o goth_n and_o other_o barbarous_a nation_n have_v make_v among_o they_o do_v among_o other_o thing_n especial_o take_v notice_n how_o uncomely_a in_o itself_o how_o unsuitable_a to_o christian_n it_o be_v to_o covet_v and_o to_o grasp_v what_o be_v another_o man_n how_o inhuman_a to_o spoil_v the_o oppress_a and_o to_o enrich_v ourselves_o by_o the_o blood_n and_o ruin_n of_o our_o miserable_a brethren_n and_o whereas_o some_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o plead_v they_o do_v not_o steal_v but_o only_o take_v up_o what_o they_o find_v he_o tell_v they_o this_o excuse_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n that_o whatever_o they_o have_v find_v of_o their_o neighbour_n nay_o though_o it_o be_v their_o enemy_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o restore_v it_o much_o more_o to_o their_o brethren_n who_o be_v fellow-sufferer_n with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n other_o think_v it_o warrant_v enough_o to_o keep_v what_o they_o find_v though_o belong_v to_o other_o have_v be_v such_o deep_a loser_n themselves_o but_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o be_v to_o justify_v one_o wickedness_n with_o another_o and_o because_o the_o goth_n have_v be_v enemy_n to_o they_o they_o will_v become_v goth_n and_o barbarian_n unto_o other_o nor_o do_v they_o only_o keep_v themselves_o from_o do_v injury_n to_o other_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v they_o all_o the_o right_a all_o the_o kindness_n that_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n especial_o to_o vindicate_v the_o poor_a and_o helpless_a from_o the_o power_n and_o violence_n of_o those_o that_o be_v too_o mighty_a for_o they_o 8._o therefore_o when_o the_o father_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o sardis_n take_v notice_n that_o some_o bishop_n use_v to_o go_v to_o court_n upon_o by-errand_n and_o private_a design_n of_o their_o own_o they_o ordain_v that_o no_o bishop_n shall_v go_v to_o court_n unless_o either_o immediate_o summon_v by_o the_o emperor_n letter_n or_o that_o their_o assistance_n be_v require_v to_o help_v the_o oppress_a to_o right_a widow_n and_o orphan_n and_o to_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o unjust_a grasp_n of_o potent_a and_o merciless_a oppressor_n and_o that_o in_o these_o case_n they_o shall_v be_v ready_a either_o by_o themselves_o or_o some_o depute_a by_o they_o to_o present_v their_o petition_n to_o plead_v their_o cause_n and_o to_o lend_v they_o all_o the_o assistance_n they_o be_v able_a to_o afford_v i_o shall_v not_o in_o this_o place_n have_v take_v any_o notice_n how_o 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great_a peace_n and_o friendship_n the_o difference_n of_o the_o observotion_n not_o at_o all_o hinder_v the_o agreement_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v agree_v among_o they_o by_o common_a consent_n say_v sozomen_n speak_v of_o this_o passage_n that_o in_o keep_v this_o festival_n they_o shall_v each_o follow_v their_o own_o custom_n 734._o but_o by_o no_o mean_n break_v the_o peace_n and_o communion_n that_o be_v between_o they_o for_o they_o reckon_v it_o say_v he_o a_o very_a foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a thing_n that_o they_o shall_v fall_v out_o for_o a_o few_o rite_n and_o custom_n who_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o religion_n the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n have_v too_o deep_o imbibe_v that_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o to_o fall_v out_o about_o every_o nice_a and_o trifle_a circumstance_n no_o when_o highly_o provoke_v and_o affront_v they_o can_v forbear_v and_o forgive_v their_o 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lugdunensis_n the_o injustice_n of_o the_o charge_n bring_v against_o they_o by_o the_o heathen_n of_o be_v enemy_n to_o civil_a government_n accuse_v of_o treason_n of_o their_o refuse_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n their_o deny_v to_o sacrifice_v for_o the_o emperor_n safety_n and_o why_o they_o do_v so_o their_o refuse_v to_o own_o the_o emperor_n for_o god_n and_o why_o their_o not_o observe_v the_o solemn_a festival_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o accuse_v of_o sedition_n and_o hold_v unlawful_a combination_n a_o account_n of_o the_o collegia_fw-la and_o society_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n christianity_n forbid_v upon_o that_o account_n the_o christian_a assembly_n no_o unlawful_a convention_n a_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o unlawful_a faction_n forbid_v by_o the_o roman_a law_n their_o confident_a challenge_v their_o enemy_n to_o make_v good_a one_o charge_v of_o disturbance_n or_o rebellion_n against_o they_o their_o law_n and_o principle_n quite_o contrary_a the_o heathen_n themselves_o guilty_a of_o rebellion_n and_o faction_n not_o the_o christian_n the_o testimony_n give_v they_o by_o julian_n the_o emperor_n a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n in_o this_o affair_n their_o principle_n and_o policy_n in_o this_o matter_n bellarmin_n position_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o depose_v infidel_n and_o heretical_a prince_n and_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v it_o not_o to_o nero_n dioclesian_n etc._n etc._n only_o because_o they_o want_v power_n censure_v and_o refute_v this_o contrary_a to_o the_o avow_v principle_n of_o honest_a heathen_n how_o much_o christian_a religion_n transcribe_v into_o the_o life_n of_o its_o professor_n contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n not_o only_o in_o their_o single_a and_o private_a capacity_n but_o as_o to_o the_o public_a welfare_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o to_o the_o common_a interest_n and_o convenience_n of_o mankind_n we_o have_v already_o discover_v in_o several_a instance_n now_o because_o magistracy_n and_o civil_a government_n be_v the_o great_a support_n and_o instrument_n of_o external_a peace_n and_o happiness_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n consider_v how_o eminent_a the_o first_o christian_n be_v for_o their_o submission_n and_o subjection_n to_o civil_a government_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v scarce_a any_o particular_a instance_n wherein_o primitive_a christianity_n do_v more_o triumph_n in_o the_o world_n than_o in_o their_o exemplary_a obedience_n to_o the_o power_n and_o magistrate_n under_o which_o they_o live_v honour_v their_o person_n revere_v their_o power_n pay_v their_o tribute_n obey_v their_o law_n where_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o they_o be_v submit_v to_o the_o most_o cruel_a penalty_n they_o lay_v upon_o they_o with_o the_o great_a calmness_n and_o serenity_n of_o soul_n the_o truth_n be_v one_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n be_v to_o secure_v the_o interest_n of_o civil_a authority_n our_o saviour_n have_v express_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v to_o give_v unto_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n as_o well_o as_o unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o his_o apostle_n speak_v as_o plain_o as_o word_n can_v speak_v it_o let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n for_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n whosoever_o therefore_o resist_v the_o power_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n wherefore_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n for_o for_o this_o cause_n pay_v you_o tribute_n also_o for_o they_o be_v god_n minister_n attend_v continual_o upon_o this_o 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and_o power_n and_o to_o obey_v magistrate_n