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humble_v themselves_o by_o abstinence_n as_o to_o the_o quantity_n and_o quality_n of_o their_o food_n they_o know_v very_o well_o by_o the_o unction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o we_o know_v by_o too_o sad_a experience_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n be_v leave_v to_o fast_o when_o they_o please_v will_v please_v to_o fast_o seldom_o or_o never_o at_o all_o nay_o moreover_o it_o follow_v hence_o that_o the_o institution_n of_o set-day_n of_o abstinence_n be_v not_o only_o well_o worthy_a of_o the_o apostle_n but_o also_o that_o it_o can_v well_o be_v understand_v how_o they_o can_v be_v faithful_a to_o their_o charge_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o neglect_v by_o the_o proviso_n of_o such_o a_o ordination_n to_o propagate_v to_o all_o generation_n a_o universal_a practice_n of_o fast_v among_o christian_n for_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v so_o fervorous_a both_o in_o piety_n to_o god_n and_o in_o 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jesus_n do_v actual_o and_o indeed_o ordain_v the_o christian_a lent_n fast._n for_o be_v it_o a_o likely_a story_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n fast_v as_o seldom_o and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o our_o non_fw-mi conformist_n do_v only_o defer_v their_o good_a flesh-meal_n till_o three_o a_o clock_n in_o the_o afternoon_n for_o five_o or_o six_o time_n a_o year_n but_o when_o christian_n in_o after-age_n grow_v cold_a in_o all_o christian_a exercise_n they_o fall_v to_o abstinence_n from_o flesh_n content_v themselves_o with_o less_o nourish_v and_o less_o savoury_a viand_n towards_o the_o evening_n three_o day_n every_o quarter_n and_o forty_o day_n every_o year_n beside_o the_o eve_n of_o several_a festivity_n and_o two_o day_n of_o abstinence_n every_o week_n be_v this_o i_o say_v a_o likely_a story_n or_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o much_o more_o likely_a that_o the_o holy_a apostle_n all_o over_o the_o world_n teach_v their_o first_o convert_v both_o by_o 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extraordivary_n fervour_n but_o without_o any_o extrinsical_a law_n oblige_v they_o hereunto_o upon_o any_o set-day_n or_o time_n but_o in_o after-generation_n the_o primitive_a inward_a fervour_n be_v lose_v do_v christian_n general_o fast_a seldom_o and_o very_o remissly_a which_o their_o pastor_n observe_v and_o watch_v for_o their_o soul_n good_a do_v they_o hereupon_o ordain_v lend_v and_o other_o fast_a day_n as_o a_o extrinsical_a help_n to_o recover_v in_o their_o languish_a flock_n the_o primitive_a christian_a practice_n of_o fast_v according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n the_o law_n be_v not_o make_v for_o the_o just_a man_n but_o for_o the_o unjust_a 1_o tim._n 1._o 8._o this_o may_v not_o without_o some_o probability_n be_v surmise_a be_v it_o not_o contrary_a to_o all_o ecclesiastical_a history_n which_o make_v mention_n of_o lent_n in_o the_o most_o primitive_a time_n as_o i_o shall_v say_v hereafter_o but_o efficacious_o to_o prove_v the_o holy_a fast_a of_o lent_n be_v teach_v the_o christian_a world_n by_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n i_o confess_v i_o be_v not_o present_v when_o st._n peter_n or_o s._n paul_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v to_o their_o first_o convert_v the_o observation_n of_o lent_n neither_o be_v you_o present_a i_o believe_v when_o s._n paul_n write_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o yet_o i_o persuade_v myself_o you_o think_v you_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v any_o reasonable_a man_n that_o he_o do_v write_v it_o then_o why_o may_v not_o i_o be_v able_a also_o to_o prove_v satisfactory_o that_o the_o holy_a apostle_n do_v teach_v the_o observation_n of_o lent_n though_o i_o be_v not_o present_a at_o any_o of_o their_o sermon_n or_o exhortation_n to_o that_o purpose_n or_o perhaps_o will_v you_o say_v you_o matter_n not_o who_o write_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n have_v diligent_o read_v and_o peruse_v it_o you_o fear_v not_o with_o all_o confidence_n to_o aver_v whosoever_o write_v this_o letter_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o holy_a ghost_n indict_v it_o i_o know_v it_o by_o its_o very_a stile_n and_o its_o other_o intrinsical_a virtue_n there_o be_v a_o divine_a character_n stamp_v upon_o it_o by_o which_o i_o clear_o distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o human_a write_n and_o this_o suffice_v i_o to_o make_v i_o receive_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o manner_n but_o this_o will_v be_v small_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o pagan_a who_o doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o that_o holy_a epistle_n unless_o you_o can_v make_v he_o also_o discern_v that_o sacred_a impress_n which_o you_o say_v you_o so_o clear_o distinguish_v take_v heed_n you_o do_v not_o mistake_v it_o be_v education_n i_o fear_v have_v make_v both_o you_o and_o i_o bear_v that_o reverence_n we_o do_v to_o that_o and_o whatsoever_o else_o portion_n of_o holy_a writ_n we_o receive_v have_v we_o be_v educate_v in_o judaisme_n in_o all_o likelihood_n we_o shall_v have_v as_o little_o regard_v the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o do_v now_o mahomet_n koran_n i_o can_v tell_v you_o also_o that_o i_o know_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o lent_n itself_o it_o must_v be_v institute_v and_o first_o teach_v by_o missionant_n send_v from_o heaven_n and_o enumerate_v the_o singular_a benefit_n that_o accrue_v to_o a_o devout_a soul_n religious_o observe_v of_o it_o i_o can_v moreover_o make_v even_o you_o or_o any_o other_o non-observer_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o myself_o see_v it_o must_v needs_o at_o first_o come_v from_o a_o good_a spirit_n that_o wish_a mankind_n well_o for_o that_o it_o so_o strange_o conduce_v to_o the_o perfect_a of_o human_a nature_n and_o to_o the_o adorn_v of_o it_o with_o many_o excellent_a virtue_n for_o example_n if_o i_o fast_o to_o afflict_v and_o humble_v myself_o before_o god_n almighty_a for_o my_o sin_n my_o fast_n be_v a_o act_n of_o repentance_n if_o i_o eat_v
less_o myself_o that_o i_o may_v have_v the_o more_o to_o give_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o necessity_n my_o fast_a be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n if_o i_o fast_o the_o better_a to_o dispose_v myself_o for_o prayer_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o religious_a devotion_n if_o i_o fast_o judge_v myself_o not_o worthy_a of_o any_o delicacy_n nor_o of_o my_o fill_n of_o even_o the_o course_v fare_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o humility_n and_o dispose_v my_o soul_n moreover_o as_o little_a to_o affect_v fine_a clothes_n or_o stately_a dwelling_n as_o i_o do_v good_a victual_n and_o consequent_o moderate_v my_o desire_n of_o money_n and_o riches_n which_o be_v not_o desirable_a by_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o for_o these_o or_o such_o like_a use_n if_o i_o fast_o that_o i_o may_v be_v better_a able_a to_o pay_v my_o debt_n or_o provide_v my_o child_n portition_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o christian_n paternal_a piety_n if_o to_o moderate_v my_o inordinate_a appetite_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o temperance_n in_o fine_a it_o be_v hard_a to_o name_v a_o virtue_n which_o fast_v do_v not_o strange_o help_v to_o procure_v maintain_v and_o increase_v and_o after_o all_o this_o can_v either_o pagan_a or_o christian_n deny_v the_o holy_a fast_a of_o lent_n to_o have_v a_o divine_a character_n stamp_v upon_o it_o and_o must_v it_o be_v still_o stigmatise_v with_o the_o ignominious_a brand_n of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n but_o how_o do_v i_o know_v assure_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n teach_v the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o fast_a in_o lent_n be_o i_o able_a to_o produce_v a_o grand_a jury_n of_o so_o many_o venerable_a old_a man_n who_o have_v be_v miraculous_o keep_v alive_a ever_o since_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o avouch_v as_o much_o upon_o solemn_a oath_n no_o not_o i_o how_o do_v i_o then_o know_v it_o have_v a_o angel_n appear_v to_o i_o and_o tell_v i_o as_o much_o no._n how_o then_o why_o how_o do_v the_o israelite_n who_o live_v above_o two_o thousand_o year_n after_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sabbath_n know_v that_o god_n almighty_n command_v their_o first_o father_n adam_n to_o keep_v it_o holy_a they_o have_v no_o book_n of_o it_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v write_v above_o two_o thousand_o year_n after_o by_o moses_n i_o conceive_v they_o know_v it_o thus_o adam_n instant_o upon_o god-almighties_a command_n set_v himself_o religious_o to_o observe_v that_o day_n and_o teach_v his_o child_n to_o do_v so_o also_o his_o child_n practise_v and_o teach_v their_o child_n downward_o till_o moses_n his_o day_n nor_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o that_o first_o holy_a day_n because_o it_o be_v not_o transmit_v and_o recommend_v to_o they_o by_o a_o book_n nor_o will_v it_o have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o any_o one_o then_o to_o have_v pretend_v how_o can_v they_o be_v certain_a that_o some_o of_o their_o ancestor_n betwixt_o they_o and_o adam_n have_v not_o of_o their_o own_o head_n superstitious_o devise_v a_o religious_a observation_n of_o that_o day_n before_o all_o other_o unless_o they_o can_v have_v produce_v some_o positive_a evidence_n of_o such_o a_o innovation_n in_o like_a manner_n i_o say_v concern_v the_o holy_a fast_o of_o lent_n the_o holy_a apostle_n first_o teach_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o several_a country_n where_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n their_o convert_v fell_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o teach_v their_o child_n in_o like_a manner_n and_o so_o one_o generation_n another_o till_o our_o present_a day_n and_o this_o all_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n now_o unless_o nonconformist_n can_v show_v when_o this_o burdensome_a precept_n of_o fasting-lent_n be_v impose_v upon_o christendom_n since_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n i_o can_v see_v how_o they_o can_v more_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o this_o obligation_n than_o can_v the_o israelite_n excuse_v themselves_o from_o the_o keep_n of_o saturday_n sabbath_n which_o be_v ordain_v two_o thousand_o year_n before_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o there_o be_v also_o as_o yet_o no_o write_v word_n of_o god_n at_o all_o for_o any_o such_o observation_n but_o what_o proof_n can_v be_v bring_v that_o all_o intermediate_v generation_n since_o the_o apostle_n in_o several_a christian_a country_n have_v keep_v lent_n a_o much_o strong_a than_o jacob_n can_v bring_v to_o prove_v to_o his_o child_n that_o saturday-sabbath_n have_v be_v keep_v ever_o since_o adam_n he_o can_v only_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o present_a generation_n that_o so_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o their_o father_n and_o grandfather_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o tradition_n among_o they_o of_o a_o late_a beginning_n of_o such_o a_o observation_n write_a record_n divine_a or_o human_a he_o have_v none_o ay_o beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o of_o the_o present_a age_n in_o several_a christian_a country_n who_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v immemorial_o from_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n among_o they_o religious_o observe_v lent_n will_v produce_v by_o and_o by_o record_n of_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n stand_v for_o its_o apostolical_a institution_n but_o positive_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v lend_v i_o argue_v thus_o two_o hundred_o year_n ago_o england_n france_n spain_n germany_n italy_n and_o all_o the_o eastern_a church_n universal_o fast_v lent_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o record_n and_o annal_n of_o our_o own_o and_o those_o other_o christian_a country_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n teach_v lend_v to_o their_o first_o convert_v both_o in_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a world_n where_o they_o preach_v for_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o so_o many_o several_a country_n king_n and_o subject_n priest_n and_o people_n can_v by_o chance_n fall_v upon_o the_o yearly_a practice_n of_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n forty_o 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no_o such_o observance_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v pure_a ignorance_n in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o primitive_a father_n that_o make_v so_o many_o waver_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o apostolical_a institution_n of_o lent_n in_o which_o if_o they_o be_v well_o conversant_a they_o can_v not_o possible_o doubt_v of_o it_o further_o not_o only_o two_o hundred_o year_n ago_o but_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n ago_o lent_n be_v universal_o observe_v in_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n both_o in_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n as_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o pious_a work_n of_o the_o prime_a pillar_n and_o pastor_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o century_n of_o christianity_n nor_o do_v the_o opposer_n of_o lent_n deny_v so_o much_o and_o therefore_o appeal_v to_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n for_o which_o time_n and_o for_o which_o only_o they_o pretend_v the_o christian_a worship_n be_v untainted_a and_o not_o infect_v with_o the_o superstitious_a observation_n of_o lent_n and_o no_o doubt_n they_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o think_v so_o charitable_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o for_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n be_v all_o over_o the_o world_n seek_v after_o to_o death_n for_o their_o religion_n that_o they_o will_v have_v a_o care_n to_o keep_v that_o religion_n unspotted_a and_o teach_v the_o same_o faithful_o to_o their_o posterity_n which_o they_o be_v all_o ready_a every_o day_n to_o die_v for_o and_o many_o of_o they_o actual_o do_v die_v for_o beside_o what_o a_o reproach_n will_v it_o be_v to_o our_o b._n saviour_n that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v universal_o overrun_v with_o superstition_n within_o 300._o year_n after_o his_o death_n and_o yet_o moses_n shall_v be_v able_a so_o to_o establish_v a_o religion_n as_o it_o
shall_v be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n untainted_a for_o many_o generation_n especial_o when_o our_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v so_o firm_o settle_v and_o find_v his_o church_n that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o it_o but_o methinks_v our_o adversary_n may_v extend_v their_o charity_n to_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o four_o five_o and_o six_o century_n and_o not_o think_v they_o will_v have_v so_o little_a regard_n to_o the_o religion_n teach_v they_o and_o seal_v to_o they_o by_o their_o ancestor_n with_o their_o dear_a blood_n as_o immediate_o to_o change_v and_o corrupt_v it_o and_o by_o it_o so_o alter_v and_o corrupt_v infect_v themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v to_o all_o generation_n with_o a_o dangerous_a superstition_n and_o will-worship_n let_v we_o suppose_v then_o that_o for_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n of_o christianity_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o england_n italy_n greece_n and_o other_o country_n observe_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o lent-fast_a and_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v possible_a the_o four_o age_n can_v not_o only_o bring_v it_o in_o all_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o bring_v it_o in_o so_o secret_o and_o covert_o that_o the_o prime_a doctor_n of_o the_o five_o age_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v that_o this_o new_a burden_n be_v superad_v to_o chriâ—tianity_n by_o their_o immediate_a progenitor_n but_o shall_v be_v very_o persuade_v that_o such_o a_o observation_n have_v immemorial_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n descend_v to_o they_o from_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n the_o apostle_n and_o yet_o its_o evident_a that_o the_o five_o age_n do_v not_o only_o keep_v lend_v but_o also_o keep_v it_o as_o a_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o the_o prime_a christian_a doctor_n of_o that_o age_n have_v leave_v it_o upon_o record_n in_o their_o diserved_o admire_a work_n that_o they_o keep_v this_o holy-fast_a as_o a_o observance_n teach_v they_o by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n hear_v their_o own_o word_n st._n hierom_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o marcelia_n we_o fast_o one_o lent_n quadragesimam_fw-la within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o whole_a year_n according_a to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o season_n fit_a for_o we_o the_o montanist_n keep_v three_o lent_n in_o the_o year_n as_o if_o three_o saviour_n have_v suffer_v now_o if_o for_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o observance_n by_o christian_n at_o rome_n but_o if_o in_o the_o four_o century_n some_o bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o some_o provincial_n or_o general_a council_n or_o christian_a emperor_n have_v first_o introduce_v it_o can_v a_o priest_n of_o rome_n and_o one_o well_o verse_v in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n as_o s._n hierom_n be_v err_v so_o gross_o as_o to_o mistake_v so_o new_a a_o institution_n for_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n that_o be_v for_o a_o observance_n teach_v the_o city_n of_o rome_n from_o father_n to_o son_n from_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o greek_a church_n hear_v the_o testmimony_n of_o theophilus_n patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n to_o the_o patriarch_n of_o which_o see_v it_o be_v entrust_v by_o the_o first_o general_n council_n that_o they_o shall_v yearly_o signify_v beforehand_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o their_o own_o the_o true_a time_n of_o easter_n in_o his_o first_o paschal_n epistle_n he_o write_v thus_o let_v we_o cure_v the_o divers_a wound_n of_o vice_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o may_v we_o enter_v the_o fast_n at_o hand_n begin_v lend_v the_o 30_o day_n of_o the_o month_n mechir_n as_o it_o be_v our_o february_n the_o egyptian_n reckon_v 30._o day_n in_o every_o month_n the_o week_n of_o the_o salutary_a pasch_fw-mi on_o the_o 5_o day_n of_o the_o month_n pharmuth_n or_o april_n and_o end_v the_o fast_n according_a to_o the_o evangelical_n tradition_n on_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o saturday_n be_v the_o ten_o of_o pharmuth_n and_o on_o the_o next_o lord_n day_n the_o 11_o of_o the_o same_o month_n let_v we_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n the_o like_a he_o say_v in_o his_o second_o paschal_n epistle_n and_o again_o he_o say_v according_a to_o the_o evangelical_n tradition_n i_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o s._n cyril_n patriarch_n of_o the_o same_o alexandria_n in_o the_o next_o age_n in_o his_o 20_o homily_n de_fw-fr festis_fw-la paschalibus_fw-la so_o to_o let_v we_o keep_v a_o pure_a fast_n begin_v the_o holy_a lent_n from_o such_o a_o day_n end_v also_o the_o fast_n on_o the_o seven_o day_n of_o pharmuth_n late_o in_o the_o evening_n according_a to_o the_o tradition_n apostolical_a the_o same_o s._n cyril_n in_o 19_o other_o of_o his_o homily_n cite_v by_o b._n gunning_n de_fw-fr festis_fw-la paschalibus_fw-la preach_v in_o so_o many_o several_a year_n refer_v the_o same_o fast_n of_o lent_n to_o tradition_n appointment_n or_o instruction_n evangelical_n the_o law_n of_o abstain_v in_o lent_n be_v always_o in_o the_o church_n say_v the_o above-cited_n theophilus_n alexandrinus_n now_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o these_o two_o learned_a patriarch_n to_o who_o by_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n be_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o signify_v the_o due_a time_n of_o lent_n and_o easter_n have_v the_o holy_a fast_o of_o lent_n be_v so_o late_o bring_v in_o by_o some_o universal_a ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a authority_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o think_v and_o tell_v all_o the_o world_n also_o that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o teach_v to_o end_v lend_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n from_o the_o apostle_n let_v it_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o the_o four_o century_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o general_n council_n though_o for_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o custom_n among_o christian_n to_o fast_o lend_v may_v make_v a_o law_n of_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n for_o 40._o day_n before_o easter_n and_o command_v the_o whole_a christian_a world_n to_o obey_v it_o but_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v the_o impudence_n to_o annex_v to_o such_o a_o ordination_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o fast_a by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o all_o must_v needs_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o first_o ordainer_n of_o such_o a_o observance_n nor_o can_v they_o possible_o impose_v upon_o their_o posterity_n such_o a_o belief_n but_o their_o posterity_n must_v needs_o know_v that_o such_o a_o custom_n be_v no_o ancient_a than_o their_o immediate_a progenitor_n which_o be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o s._n hierom_n and_o other_o learned_a doctor_n in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o century_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o keep_v lend_v by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n if_o the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v not_o the_o first_o teacher_n of_o it_o but_o some_o particular_a preacher_n or_o a_o general_n council_n or_o some_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a power_n since_o the_o first_o opposer_n of_o lent_n though_o they_o have_v the_o impiety_n to_o call_v it_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o impudence_n to_o say_v they_o have_v be_v so_o teach_v to_o call_v it_o from_o father_n to_o son_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n but_o pretend_v their_o ancestor_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n have_v be_v in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n but_o they_o by_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o writer_n of_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n find_v there_o be_v no_o such_o observance_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o like_a manner_n have_v the_o keep_n of_o lent_n be_v a_o innovation_n the_o first_o introducer_n of_o it_o must_v have_v plead_v for_o it_o in_o the_o four_o or_o other_o century_n as_o the_o opposer_n of_o it_o in_o this_o latter_a age_n plead_v against_o it_o they_o must_v not_o have_v say_v abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n in_o the_o holy_a time_n of_o lent_n for_o so_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o do_v from_o father_n to_o son_n from_o the_o apostle_n for_o every_o one_o will_v have_v know_v this_o to_o be_v a_o notorious_a lie_n but_o they_o must_v have_v pretend_v to_o have_v more_o light_a than_o their_o immediate_a progenitor_n and_o have_v say_v the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n use_v such_o abstinence_n but_o fervour_n of_o piety_n decay_v the_o world_n for_o some_o century_n have_v lay_v aside_o that_o holy_a but_o troublesome_a mortification_n and_o they_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o almighty_a god_n to_o retrieve_v that_o religious_a primitive_a custom_n but_o no_o ecclesiastical_a history_n in_o so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o christian_a country_n in_o the_o world_n make_v mention_n of_o any_o such_o manner_n of_o introduce_v the_o holy_a fast_o of_o lent_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a wheresoever_o lent_n be_v observe_v the_o observer_n
defend_v the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o they_o may_v break_v in_o piece_n your_o argument_n hitherto_o s._n augustin_n l._n 1._o &_o 2._o contra_fw-la julianum_fw-la i_o think_v fit_a to_o adjoyn_v this_o reflection_n of_o s._n austen_n though_o superabundant_a to_o the_o force_n of_o my_o argument_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o lent-fast_a be_v general_o practise_v in_o the_o four_o and_o 5_o century_n both_o by_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n and_o so_o much_o evident_o follow_v from_o the_o authority_n above_o cite_v for_o though_o some_o may_v be_v so_o self-conceited_a as_o to_o confess_v that_o s._n hierom_n s._n ambrose_n s._n basil_n s._n crysostom_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n greek_n and_o latin_a deem_v the_o observation_n of_o lent_n to_o be_v a_o pious_a christian_a practice_n but_o they_o with_o humble_a submission_n judge_v it_o to_o be_v superstition_n will-worship_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n yet_o few_o i_o think_v but_o have_v so_o much_o regard_n for_o these_o primitive_a doctor_n as_o to_o allow_v they_o so_o much_o judgement_n as_o to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o their_o several_a church_n in_o their_o day_n and_o so_o much_o fidelity_n as_o to_o write_v the_o truth_n as_o to_o that_o particular_a which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o purport_n of_o my_o discourse_n unless_o you_o can_v think_v that_o these_o holy_a father_n be_v of_o one_o faith_n &_o their_o flock_n which_o reverence_n they_o as_o sts._n of_o another_o for_o the_o four_o and_o 5_o age_n practise_v fast_v in_o lent_n not_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o piety_n begin_v by_o themselves_o but_o commend_v to_o they_o by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n it_o not_o only_o follow_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v first_o begin_v by_o their_o immediate_a progenito_n which_o have_v it_o be_v they_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o but_o also_o that_o it_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v first_o teach_v the_o world_n by_o the_o apostle_n for_o if_o the_o first_o convert_v of_o the_o apostle_n all_o over_o the_o world_n have_v not_o only_o be_v teach_v no_o such_o observation_n but_o also_o have_v be_v positive_o instruct_v to_o look_v upon_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a kind_n of_o meat_n as_o superstition_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n and_o with_o all_o have_v be_v charge_v not_o to_o receive_v any_o other_o doctrine_n though_o preach_v to_o they_o by_o a_o angel_n send_v from_o heaven_n and_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n teach_v their_o child_n the_o same_o they_o have_v learn_v as_o none_o can_v doubt_v but_o they_o do_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o four_o century_n shall_v most_o tenacious_o adhere_v to_o this_o principle_n of_o admit_v no_o new_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n but_o to_o hold_v fast_o to_o what_o be_v deliver_v they_o by_o their_o ancestor_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o yet_o shall_v themselves_o superstitious_o abstain_v from_o meat_n and_o not_o pretend_v scripture_n for_o it_o neither_o but_o apostolical_a tradition_n but_o have_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o four_o century_n abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n on_o pretext_n of_o scripture_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n understand_v by_o they_o or_o upon_o account_n of_o some_o decree_n of_o a_o general_n council_n or_o law_n of_o some_o emperor_n make_v in_o the_o second_o or_o three_o century_n or_o pretend_v to_o follow_v some_o person_n or_o person_n raise_v up_o by_o god_n in_o the_o three_o age_n to_o teach_v the_o christian_a world_n a_o more_o strict_a observance_n it_o may_v well_o be_v conceive_v how_o the_o four_o age_n may_v abstain_v from_o meat_n upon_o a_o religious_a account_n though_o no_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v teach_v the_o world_n by_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o quite_o contrary_a and_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v all_o well_o put_v together_o i_o think_v it_o be_v efficacious_o conclude_v against_o all_o opposer_n of_o lent-fast_a that_o it_o be_v teach_v the_o world_n by_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o tippet_n or_o a_o surplice_n i_o be_o argue_v for_o but_o a_o practice_n which_o if_o right_o observe_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v all_o the_o world_n saint_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o more_o abundant_a satisfaction_n of_o my_o reader_n i_o shall_v now_o adjoyn_v positive_a evidence_n out_o of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n that_o the_o holy_a fast_o of_o lent_n be_v practise_v in_o those_o most_o pure_a and_o primitive_a time_n s._n denys_n b._n of_o alexandria_n who_o live_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o age_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o basilides_n the_o bishop_n record_v the_o fast_a before_o easter_n as_o universal_a as_o the_o joy_n and_o feast_n of_o easter_n it_o will_v be_v confess_v say_v he_o of_o all_o agreeable_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o begin_v the_o feast_n viz._n of_o easter_n and_o joy_v until_o that_o time_n humble_v our_o soul_n in_o fast_n they_o true_o which_o make_v too_o much_o haste_n and_o before_o well_o towards_o midnight_n break_v their_o fast_a we_o blame_v as_o regardless_o and_o not_o master_n of_o their_o appetite_n give_v over_o the_o race_n a_o little_a before_o the_o goal_n such_o indeed_o as_o be_v much_o wear_v by_o the_o fast_n and_o towards_o the_o end_n as_o it_o be_v faint_a we_o easy_o pardon_v if_o they_o eat_v soon_o and_o in_o the_o same_o epistle_n he_o mention_n in_o special_a manner_n the_o six_o day_n of_o fast_n to_o wit_n those_o of_o the_o last_o week_n not_o alike_o observe_v of_o all_o origen_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o same_o age._n hom._n 10._o in_o leviticum_n habemus_fw-la quadragesimae_fw-la dies_fw-la etc._n etc._n we_o have_v the_o day_n of_o lent_n consecrate_a to_o fast_v we_o have_v the_o four_o and_o six_o day_n of_o the_o week_n on_o which_o we_o solemn_o fast._n and_o certain_o a_o christian_n have_v liberty_n to_o fast_o at_o all_o time_n but_o not_o out_o of_o a_o superstitious_a observation_n but_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o continency_n the_o first_o general_n council_n of_o nice_a hold_v a_o little_a after_o the_o year_n 300._o do_v not_o first_o ordain_v the_o keep_n of_o lent_n but_o in_o the_o six_o canon_n make_v mention_n of_o it_o as_o a_o time_n know_v to_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o in_o that_o canon_n the_o father_n ordain_v that_o two_o provincial-council_n shall_v be_v celebrate_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o every_o province_n every_o year_n one_o of_o they_o ante_fw-la dies_fw-la quadragesimae_fw-la etc._n etc._n before_o the_o day_n of_o lent_n to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o contest_v if_o any_o such_o be_v be_v make_v up_o a_o pure_a and_o solemn_a gift_n may_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n now_o how_o shall_v lent_n be_v observe_v all_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n so_o early_o before_o any_o general_a council_n what_o other_o universal_a cause_n can_v there_o be_v of_o so_o universal_a a_o observation_n 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interpose_v also_o yourselves_o the_o half-fast_n of_o the_o station_n and_o yourselves_o other_o while_n also_o as_o each_o please_v live_v on_o mere_a bread_n and_o water_n the_o same_o tertullian_n before_o he_o be_v a_o montanist_n testify_v in_o his_o book_n of_o prayer_n c._n ult_n sic_fw-la &_o die_fw-la paschae_fw-la etc._n etc._n so_o also_o on_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n suffering_n whereon_o be_v observe_v the_o common_a and_o as_o it_o be_v public_a religion_n of_o fast_v in_o the_o same_o age_n s._n telesphorus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o first_o institute_v lent-fast_a as_o zanchy_a observe_v l_o 1._o m_o 4m_n praeceptum_fw-la cite_v by_o b._n gunning_n in_o his_o appendix_n but_o only_o add_v certain_a day_n to_o be_v observe_v over_o and_o above_o by_o the_o clergy_n his_o word_n be_v certain_o telesphorus_n etc._n etc._n assure_o telesphorus_n who_o be_v the_o seven_o bishop_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o a_o martyr_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 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the_o philippian_n his_o word_n be_v do_v not_o contemn_v lent_n for_o it_o contain_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o conversation_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v you_o despise_v passion-week_n fast_o upon_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n give_v what_o you_o leave_v to_o the_o poor_a philo_z the_o jew_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o religious_a say_v eusebius_n l._n 2._o c._n 16_o 17._o describe_v the_o religious_a life_n of_o certain_a apostolical_a person_n of_o the_o hebrew_n nation_n at_o alexandria_n have_v not_o only_o see_v they_o but_o accurate_o take_v knowledge_n of_o they_o describe_v there_o such_o their_o conversation_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n only_o and_o he_o add_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o religious_a fasting_n say_v he_o which_o have_v descend_v down_o accurate_o the_o same_o even_o unto_o our_o time_n which_o more_o eminent_o be_v exercise_v in_o fast_n and_o whole_a night_n watch_n and_o attention_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o 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strength_n to_o humble_v themselves_o by_o more_o and_o more_o rigorous_a abstinence_n they_o have_v seek_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o cheat_v those_o penitential_a day_n hear_v not_o i_o but_o s._n basil_n above_o concern_v those_o who_o because_o a_o five-day_n fast_o be_v at_o hand_n will_v make_v themselves_o drink_v the_o day_n before_o si_fw-mi cras_fw-la venias_fw-la vinum_fw-la obolens_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o come_v to_o morrow_n smell_v of_o wine_n and_o its_o putrid_a and_o corrupt_a crudity_n how_o shall_v i_o impute_v to_o thou_o thy_o drunken_a surfeit_n for_o a_o fast._n in_o which_o order_n shall_v i_o place_v thâ—e_n among_o drunkard_n or_o among_o faster_n but_o in_o what_o order_n think_v you_o will_v the_o holy_a father_n have_v place_v those_o who_o not_o bare_o smell_v of_o wine_n drink_v to_o excess_n the_o day_n before_o but_o upon_o the_o very_a fastingday_n itself_o drink_v their_o skin_n full_a of_o wine_n have_v we_o a_o deep_a sense_n how_o 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proverb_n thou_o speak_v to_o one_o who_o know_v the_o truth_n to_o wit_n to_o god_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o go_v to_o then_o tell_v mâ—_n can_v thou_o not_o fast_o and_o can_v thou_o fill_v thyself_o with_o variety_n of_o meat_n can_v thou_o surcharge_n thy_o body_n with_o the_o weight_n of_o victual_n but_o we_o know_v physician_n be_v wont_a to_o prescribe_v to_o such_o as_o be_v infirm_a not_o abundance_n of_o food_n but_o a_o spare_a diet_n and_o abstinence_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v then_o that_o you_o can_v feast_v but_o pretend_v you_o can_v not_o fast_o whether_o be_v it_o more_o easy_a to_o the_o belly_n to_o pass_v over_o the_o night_n with_o a_o slender_a refection_n or_o to_o lie_v oppress_v with_o abundance_n of_o meat_n yea_o indeed_o not_o to_o lie_v but_o stretch_v and_o groan_v continual_o to_o turn_v now_o to_o this_o side_n and_o now_o to_o that_o but_o what_o moderation_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v shall_v we_o do_v well_o to_o use_v upon_o fasting-day_n consult_v god_n and_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o such_o as_o understand_v the_o right_a exercise_n and_o great_a benefit_n of_o true_a fast_n in_o three_o word_n be_v content_v with_o one_o temperate_a meal_n take_v as_o late_o as_o your_o health_n and_o other_o circumstance_n will_v permit_v drink_v no_o strong_a drink_n or_o very_o spare_o and_o this_o only_a at_o your_o meal_n and_o though_o you_o shall_v take_v some_o small_a matter_n at_o night_n even_o such_o a_o abstinence_n will_v not_o want_v its_o singular_a spiritual_a advantage_n so_o you_o exercise_v it_o not_o mere_o in_o a_o customary_a manner_n but_o for_o good_a christian_a end_n with_o sincerity_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o your_o health_n and_o strength_n three_o be_v sure_a to_o join_v with_o the_o exterior_a mortification_n of_o your_o body_n the_o interior_a humiliation_n of_o your_o soul_n by_o a_o hearty_a sorrow_n and_o contrition_n for_o your_o sin_n though_o you_o give_v your_o whole_a estate_n to_o the_o poor_a if_o you_o want_v charity_n it_o will_v avail_v you_o nothing_o and_o though_o you_o make_v your_o body_n a_o mere_a skeleton_n by_o rigorous_a fast_n and_o abstinence_n if_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o true_o penitent_a and_o sorry_a for_o your_o sin_n all_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n a_o break_a and_o a_o humble_a heart_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n which_o god-almighty_a will_n by_o no_o mean_n despise_v but_o if_o contrition_n of_o heart_n be_v want_v all_o exterior_a mortification_n will_v be_v reject_v and_o it_o be_v want_v of_o this_o which_o make_v fast_v and_o other_o voluntary_a austerity_n and_o involuntary_a cross_n seem_v hard_a and_o intolerable_a unto_o we_o a_o soul_n deep_o humble_v with_o a_o intimate_a sense_n of_o its_o desert_n for_o its_o manifold_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n think_v all_o meat_n all_o clothes_n all_o lodging_n and_o whatsoever_o accommodation_n too_o good_a for_o it_o but_o as_o exterior_a act_n of_o charity_n beget_v and_o increase_v true_a charity_n in_o our_o heart_n so_o exterior_a penitential_a work_n be_v apt_a to_o beget_v and_o increase_v interior_a penitential_a sorrow_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o though_o the_o interior_a of_o charity_n repentance_n and_o other_o virtue_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o main_a thing_n we_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o yet_o all_o interior_a pretence_n to_o any_o virtue_n which_o show_v not_o themselves_o in_o exterior_a act_n be_v to_o be_v suspect_v as_o counterfeit_n what_o st._n austin_n say_v of_o charity_n be_v no_o less_o true_a of_o repentance_n or_o any_o other_o virtue_n amor_fw-la si_fw-la est_fw-la etc._n etc._n love_n if_o it_o be_v in_o we_o it_o will_v be_v work_v if_o it_o do_v not_o work_v it_o be_v not_o in_o we_o if_o it_o be_v great_a it_o will_v work_v great_a thing_n repentance_n if_o it_o be_v in_o we_o it_o will_v be_v work_v by_o fast_v and_o other_o penitential_a work_n if_o it_o work_v not_o it_o be_v not_o in_o we_o if_o it_o be_v great_a it_o will_v work_v great_a thing_n christian_n virtue_n with_o their_o exterior_a act_n be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o some_o rich_a wine_n in_o a_o cask_n or_o vessel_n a_o rich_a wine_n without_o a_o cask_n or_o vessel_n to_o contain_v it_o can_v be_v present_v a_o bare_a cask_n present_v without_o the_o rich_a liquor_n in_o it_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v joel_n 2._o 12._o therefore_o also_o now_o say_v the_o lord_n turn_v you_o even_o to_o i_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n with_o fast_v and_o with_o weep_v and_o with_o mourn_v four_o take_v heed_n of_o corrupt_v the_o mortification_n of_o your_o fast_n by_o excess_n in_o other_o joyance_n holy_a daniel_n in_o his_o three_o week_n fast_o abstain_v not_o only_o from_o pleasant_a food_n but_o also_o from_o anoint_v of_o himself_o ch._n 10._o v._n 3._o i_o eat_v no_o pleasant_a bread_n neither_o come_v flesh_n nor_o wine_n in_o my_o mouth_n neither_o do_v i_o anoint_v myself_o at_o all_o till_o three_o week_n be_v fulfil_v vtamur_fw-la ergo_fw-la parcius_fw-la verbis_fw-la cibis_fw-la &_o potibus_fw-la somnio_fw-la jocis_fw-la &_o arctius_fw-la perstemus_fw-la in_o custodia_fw-la let_v we_o be_v more_o spare_v not_o only_o in_o our_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o also_o in_o our_o word_n sleep_v and_o recreation_n and_o keep_v a_o more_o vigilant_a watch_n over_o ourselves_o that_o in_o nothing_o we_o exceed_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v manifest_a for_o one_o great_a end_n of_o fast_v be_v by_o that_o exterior_a mortification_n to_o beget_v or_o increase_v interior_a contrition_n and_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n for_o sin_n it_o manifest_o follow_v if_o we_o serious_o design_v the_o end_n of_o fast_v we_o ought_v careful_o to_o moderate_v all_o other_o joyance_n however_o in_o themselves_o lawful_a and_o at_o another_o time_n laudable_a which_o