authority_n but_o then_o as_o du_n pin_n well_o observe_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o ancient_n know_v nothing_o of_o it_o nor_o be_v the_o act_n we_o now_o have_v quote_v by_o any_o before_o the_o time_n of_o etherius_fw-la beforementioned_a and_o yet_o how_o they_o can_v have_v escape_v the_o search_n of_o the_o primitive_a father_n have_v they_o be_v extant_a in_o their_o day_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v 34._o but_o much_o less_o be_v the_o credit_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o pretend_a work_n of_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n which_o as_o alexander_n confess_v two_o very_a great_a critic_n of_o his_o own_o communion_n to_o have_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o that_o holy_a man_n so_o have_v a_o three_o very_o late_o give_v such_o reason_n to_o show_v that_o the_o write_n now_o extant_a under_o his_o name_n can_v not_o have_v be_v compose_v by_o he_o as_o aught_o to_o satisfy_v every_o consider_a man_n of_o their_o imposture_n for_o not_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o what_o occur_v every_o where_o in_o those_o discourse_n utter_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n that_o that_o dionysius_n live_v can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o have_v such_o considerable_a book_n as_o these_o be_v write_v by_o he_o none_o of_o the_o ancient_n of_o the_o first_o iv_o century_n shall_v have_v hear_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o or_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o they_o do_v know_v of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n that_o live_v after_o and_o yet_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o though_o they_o have_v so_o often_o occasion_n to_o have_v do_v it_o as_o eusebius_n and_o st._n jerome_n not_o to_o name_v any_o other_o have_v 35._o in_o short_a one_o of_o the_o first_o time_n that_o we_o hear_v of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o severian_n and_o catholic_n about_o the_o year_n d._n xxx.ii_n when_o the_o former_a produce_v they_o in_o favour_n of_o their_o error_n and_o the_o latter_a reject_v they_o as_o book_n utter_o unknown_a to_o all_o antiquity_n and_o therefore_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o they_o 36._o it_o be_v therefore_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v that_o after_o so_o many_o argument_n as_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v how_o little_o right_o these_o treatise_n have_v to_o such_o a_o primitive_a antiquity_n nevertheless_o not_o only_a natalis_n alexander_n but_o a_o man_n of_o much_o better_a judgement_n i_o mean_v emanuel_n schelstrat_n the_o late_a learned_a keeper_n of_o the_o vatican_n library_n shall_v still_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v write_v or_o by_o what_o author_n be_v very_o uncertain_a but_o as_o bishop_n pearson_n suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v first_o set_v forth_o about_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o eusebius_n life_n so_o dr._n cave_n conjecture_n that_o the_o elder_a apollinarius_n may_v very_o probable_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o other_o there_o be_v who_o place_n they_o yet_o late_a and_o suspect_v pope_n gregory_n the_o great_a to_o have_v have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o forgery_n and_o indeed_o the_o argument_n which_o our_o very_a learned_a mr._n dodwell_n bring_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v original_o write_v by_o one_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v not_o without_o their_o just_a weight_n but_o whatever_o become_v of_o this_o thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o book_n be_v not_o write_v before_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o iv_o the_o century_n and_o therefore_o be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o present_a undertake_n 37._o and_o now_o have_v take_v such_o a_o view_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o present_a design_n of_o all_o those_o other_o piece_n which_o have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o apostolical_a write_n beside_o what_o be_v either_o here_o collect_v or_o have_v be_v before_o publish_v in_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o suppose_v i_o may_v with_o good_a ground_n conclude_v that_o the_o little_a i_o have_v now_o put_v together_o be_v all_o that_o can_v with_o any_o certainty_n be_v depend_v upon_o of_o the_o most_o primitive_a father_n and_o therefore_o that_o from_o these_o next_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o draw_v the_o best_a account_n we_o can_v of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ._n chap._n x._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n and_o the_o deference_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o it_o this_o be_v show_v from_o the_o follow_a consideration_n one_a that_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n and_o instruct_v by_o they_o two_o they_o be_v man_n of_o a_o eminent_a character_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v teach_v in_o it_o three_o they_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o to_o oppose_v such_o as_o go_v about_o to_o corrupt_v it_o four_o they_o be_v man_n not_o only_o of_o a_o perfect_a piety_n but_o of_o great_a courage_n and_o constancy_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o can_v be_v suspect_v to_o have_v have_v any_o design_n to_o prevaricate_v in_o this_o matter_n 5th_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o large_a portion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o as_o such_o can_v hardly_o err_v in_o what_o they_o deliver_v as_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n and_o 6thly_a their_o write_n be_v approve_v by_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n which_o can_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o its_o approbation_n of_o they_o but_o second_o and_o to_o proceed_v yet_o far_o the_o follow_a collection_n pretend_v to_o a_o just_a esteem_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o perfection_n as_o it_o be_v a_o entire_a collection_n of_o what_o remain_v to_o we_o of_o the_o apostolical_a father_n but_o yet_o much_o more_o from_o the_o respect_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o author_n themselves_o who_o write_n be_v here_o put_v together_o 2._o if_o first_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o the_o contemporary_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n some_o of_o they_o breed_v up_o under_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o and_o the_o rest_n instruct_v by_o those_o great_a man_n who_o he_o commission_v to_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o endue_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o what_o they_o deliver_v to_o we_o must_v be_v without_o controversy_n the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o what_o they_o have_v themselves_o receive_v from_o their_o own_o mouth_n this_o be_v the_o least_o deference_n we_o can_v pay_v to_o they_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o faithful_a deliverer_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o most_o early_a time_n when_o heresy_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o so_o open_o break_v out_o in_o it_o nor_o the_o true_a faith_n so_o dangerous_o corrupt_v with_o the_o mixture_n of_o those_o erroneous_a opinion_n which_o afterward_o more_o fatal_o infect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n into_o so_o many_o party_n and_o faction_n so_o that_o here_o then_o we_o may_v read_v with_o security_n and_o let_v i_o add_v with_o respect_n too_o and_o not_o doubt_v but_o what_o these_o holy_a man_n deliver_v to_o we_o be_v as_o certain_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o we_o have_v receive_v it_o like_v they_o from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n 3._o but_o second_o the_o author_n of_o the_o follow_a piece_n have_v not_o only_o the_o advantage_n of_o live_v in_o the_o apostolical_a time_n and_o of_o hear_v the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o converse_v with_o they_o but_o they_o be_v of_o a_o very_a eminent_a character_n in_o the_o church_n too_o man_n raise_v up_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o honour_n and_o authority_n in_o some_o of_o the_o most_o famous_a church_n of_o the_o world_n choose_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o preside_v in_o their_o own_o proper_a see_v at_o rome_n at_o antioch_n at_o smyrna_n one_o of_o they_o set_v apart_o by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v the_o companion_n of_o the_o great_a st._n paul_n in_o his_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o most_o part_n commend_v for_o their_o rare_a endowment_n in_o the_o inspire_a write_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n deliver_v to_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v very_o careful_o instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v have_v
his_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n can_v so_o proper_o belong_v as_o to_o he_o and_o who_o therefore_o the_o generality_n of_o learned_a man_n both_o of_o the_o ancient_a and_o present_a time_n without_o scruple_n conclude_v to_o have_v be_v refer_v to_o in_o that_o passage_n 5._o i_o shall_v not_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o what_o be_v report_v by_o some_o concern_v his_o noble_a birth_n and_o family_n of_o his_o study_n at_o athens_n and_o of_o the_o occasion_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n which_o they_o tell_v we_o be_v wrought_v by_o s._n peter_n who_o he_o meet_v with_o barnabas_n at_o caesarea_n and_o who_o their_o first_o declare_v to_o he_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o incline_v he_o to_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o it_o all_o which_o be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o just_o doubt_v of_o by_o many_o i_o shall_v choose_v rather_o to_o observe_v that_o whatever_o his_o condition_n be_v before_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a he_o be_v hold_v in_o no_o small_a reputation_n after_o but_o merit_v such_o a_o character_n from_o the_o ancient_a father_n as_o be_v hardly_o give_v to_o any_o beside_o the_o apostle_n nay_o some_o of_o they_o doubt_v not_o in_o plain_a term_n to_o call_v he_o a_o apostle_n and_o though_o s._n hierome_n dare_v not_o go_v so_o far_o as_o that_o yet_o he_o give_v he_o another_o title_n but_o little_a short_a of_o it_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o apostolical_a man_n and_o as_o ruffinus_n add_v almost_o a_o apostle_n 6._o to_o declare_v more_o particular_o how_o he_o spend_v the_o first_o part_n of_o his_o life_n after_o his_o conversion_n be_v neither_o necessary_a to_o the_o design_n i_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n nor_o can_v any_o certain_a account_n be_v give_v of_o it_o only_o as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o general_n that_o he_o be_v s._n peter_n disciple_n so_o it_o may_v not_o be_v improbable_a that_o for_o some_o time_n he_o attend_v his_o motion_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o direction_n 7._o but_o whatever_o he_o be_v or_o wherever_o he_o labour_v before_o in_o this_o i_o think_v antiquity_n be_v absolute_o agree_v that_o he_o at_o last_o come_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o be_v place_v in_o that_o see_v by_o the_o express_a direction_n of_o one_o or_o both_o the_o apostle_n s._n peter_n and_o s._n paul_n thou_o who_o he_o succeed_v or_o at_o what_o time_n to_o fix_v his_o entrance_n on_o that_o great_a charge_n be_v a_o point_n that_o i_o suppose_v will_v never_o be_v agree_v upon_o among_o learned_a men._n if_o any_o can_v have_v settle_v this_o matter_n beyond_o dispute_n it_o have_v without_o question_n be_v do_v by_o those_o of_o our_o own_o nation_n who_o as_o they_o have_v the_o late_a search_v with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n into_o it_o so_o never_o be_v there_o any_o better_o qualify_v for_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o but_o as_o their_o mutual_a disagreement_n after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o fix_v this_o point_n show_v that_o one_o of_o they_o must_v have_v be_v mistake_v so_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v sufficient_o satisfy_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v consider_v the_o high_a character_n they_o have_v so_o just_o obtain_v both_o by_o their_o learning_n and_o judgement_n in_o these_o kind_n of_o disquisition_n that_o they_o be_v point_n not_o to_o be_v determine_v and_o that_o he_o who_o shall_v do_v the_o best_a upon_o they_o may_v only_o be_v say_v to_o have_v make_v a_o good_a guest_n in_o a_o subject_a too_o hard_o for_o any_o at_o this_o distance_n to_o decide_v 8._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o less_o controversy_n among_o learned_a man_n concern_v the_o death_n of_o s._n clement_n than_o there_o have_v be_v about_o the_o order_n and_o time_n of_o his_o succession_n to_o his_o bishopric_n that_o he_o live_v in_o expectation_n of_o martyrdom_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o have_v undergo_v it_o shall_v it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o have_v call_v he_o to_o it_o the_o epistle_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o sufficient_o show_v we_o but_o that_o he_o do_v glorify_v god_n by_o those_o particular_a suffering_n which_o some_o have_v pretend_v be_v i_o confess_v to_o i_o a_o matter_n of_o some_o doubt_n for_o first_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o ruffinus_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o author_n we_o have_v that_o speak_v of_o he_o as_o a_o martyr_n neither_o eusebius_n who_o be_v usual_o very_o exact_a in_o his_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o father_n yet_o near_a his_o time_n as_o irenaeus_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n tertullian_n etc._n etc._n take_v any_o notice_n of_o it_o and_o for_o the_o account_n which_o some_o other_o have_v yet_o more_o late_o give_v we_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o death_n beside_o that_o in_o some_o part_n of_o it_o it_o be_v altogether_o fabulous_a it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o that_o as_o our_o learned_a mr._n dodwell_n have_v observe_v the_o first_o rise_v of_o it_o may_v have_v be_v owe_v to_o their_o confound_a flavius_z clemens_n the_o roman_a consul_n with_o clement_a bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o do_v indeed_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o faith_n about_o the_o time_n of_o which_o they_o speak_v and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o who_o character_n such_o as_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o emperor_n and_o banishment_n into_o pontus_n they_o manifest_o ascribe_v to_o he_o 9_o however_o see_v eusebius_n refer_v his_o death_n to_o the_o three_o year_n of_o trajan_n famous_a for_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o may_v thereby_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v that_o clement_n also_o then_o suffer_v among_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o simeon_n metaphrastes_n have_v give_v a_o long_a and_o particular_a account_n of_o his_o condemnation_n to_o the_o mine_n first_o and_o then_o of_o his_o death_n follow_v thereupon_o as_o i_o shall_v not_o determine_v any_o thing_n against_o it_o so_o they_o who_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v what_o be_v usual_o say_v concern_v the_o passion_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n may_v abundant_o satisfy_v their_o curiosity_n in_o this_o particular_a from_o the_o accurate_a collection_n of_o dr._n cave_n in_o the_o life_n of_o this_o saint_n and_o which_o be_v too_o long_o to_o be_v transcribe_v into_o the_o present_a discourse_n 10._o and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o short_a concern_v s._n clement_n himself_o as_o for_o the_o epistle_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o to_o the_o corinthian_n i_o have_v already_o take_v notice_n how_o great_a a_o value_n be_v put_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o most_o primitive_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o a_o mighty_a commendation_n have_v be_v leave_v we_o of_o it_o by_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n nor_o indeed_o do_v it_o at_o all_o come_v short_a of_o the_o high_a praise_n which_o they_o have_v give_v to_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n compose_v with_o such_o a_o admirable_a spirit_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n of_o zeal_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o concern_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a exhortation_n deliver_v with_o the_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o speech_n and_o yet_o press_v many_o time_n with_o such_o move_a eloquence_n too_o that_o i_o can_v imagine_v what_o can_v have_v be_v desire_v in_o such_o a_o epistle_n more_o proper_a for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v compose_v what_o can_v have_v be_v write_v more_o become_v a_o apostolical_a age_n and_o the_o pen_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a bishop_n of_o it_o 11._o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v by_o those_o who_o shall_v now_o think_v fit_a to_o peruse_v it_o there_o be_v a_o few_o thing_n which_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o i_o in_o this_o place_n to_o observe_v concern_v it_o 12._o and_o the_o first_o be_v the_o occasion_n that_o be_v give_v for_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n for_o however_o we_o have_v no_o particular_a account_n what_o it_o be_v yet_o may_v we_o from_o the_o subject_a of_o it_o give_v a_o very_a probable_a guest_n at_o it_o when_o st._n paul_n write_v his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o two_o great_a thing_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v especial_o call_v for_o it_o be_v the_o division_n of_o that_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o of_o their_o vain_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o the_o great_a mistake_n that_o be_v get_v in_o among_o they_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o future_a resurrection_n but_o though_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o by_o his_o write_n and_o authority_n do_v for_o the_o present_a put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o one_o and_o set_v they_o right_o as_o to_o the_o other_o yet_o it_o seem_v after_o his_o death_n they_o begin_v again_o to_o fall_v not_o only_o
our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o now_o five_o and_o to_o advance_v yet_o high_a these_o writer_n be_v not_o only_o thus_o qualify_v by_o these_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o deliver_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o we_o but_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n too_o so_o that_o what_o they_o teach_v we_o it_o not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o mere_a traditionary_a relation_n of_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o but_o rather_o as_o a_o authoritative_a declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o we_o though_o indeed_o as_o much_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n as_o their_o gift_n and_o assistance_n be_v less_o than_o they_o 12._o for_o 1_o st_z that_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n with_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v endue_v and_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o tell_v we_o be_v in_o those_o day_n distribute_v to_o other_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o unto_o they_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o church_n after_o their_o departure_n we_o have_v the_o express_a assurance_n of_o justin_n martyr_n one_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n after_o those_o i_o have_v here_o subjoin_v to_o assure_v we_o they_o be_v communicate_v not_o only_o to_o man_n but_o woman_n and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o he_o speak_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o he_o can_v undeniable_o have_v make_v out_o we_o find_v he_o boast_v of_o it_o against_o trypho_n the_o jew_n and_o urge_v it_o as_o a_o unanswerable_a argument_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christianity_n and_o against_o the_o jew_n from_o who_o these_o gift_n have_v a_o long_a time_n be_v depart_v and_o even_o in_o the_o father_n who_o write_n be_v here_o put_v together_o there_o appear_v sufficient_a indication_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o these_o extraordinary_a power_n 13._o this_o st._n clement_n manifest_o declare_v in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o in_o that_o church_n not_o only_o have_v such_o gift_n but_o be_v even_o proud_a and_o conceit_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o let_v a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n i._n e._n such_o a_o faith_n by_o which_o he_o be_v able_a to_o work_v miracle_n let_v he_o be_v powerful_a to_o utter_v mystical_a knowledge_n for_o to_o that_o his_o expression_n manifest_o refer_v let_v he_o be_v wise_a in_o discern_v of_o speech_n another_o gift_n common_a in_o those_o time_n but_o still_o say_v he_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o he_o seem_v to_o excel_v other_o viz._n upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o extraordinary_a endowment_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o will_v it_o behoove_v he_o to_o be_v humble-minded_n and_o to_o seek_v what_o be_v profitable_a to_o all_o man_n and_o not_o to_o his_o own_o advantage_n and_o st._n ignatius_n not_o only_o suppose_v that_o such_o gift_n may_v be_v in_o other_o but_o plain_o intimate_v that_o he_o himself_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o large_a portion_n of_o they_o 14._o which_o be_v so_o we_o can_v doubt_v 2_o dly_a but_o that_o as_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a both_o the_o apostle_n be_v careful_a to_o set_v those_o in_o the_o chief_a place_n of_o honour_n and_o authority_n in_o their_o several_a church_n who_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a for_o their_o gift_n and_o that_o god_n be_v also_o please_v to_o grant_v to_o such_o person_n a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a portion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o better_a discharge_n of_o those_o eminent_a place_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v 15._o concern_v the_o former_a of_o these_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o st._n paul_n act_n vi_fw-la that_o when_o the_o apostle_n think_v it_o necessary_a to_o establish_v a_o new_a order_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n that_o may_v take_v care_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o who_o be_v of_o a_o high_a rank_n can_v not_o find_v leisure_n to_o attend_v to_o though_o their_o ministry_n be_v of_o the_o low_a nature_n and_o which_o require_v much_o lesser_a capacity_n in_o those_o who_o be_v to_o discharge_v it_o than_o they_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o instruct_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o particular_o lay_v it_o down_o to_o the_o brethren_n as_o one_o of_o the_o qualification_n that_o be_v to_o be_v require_v in_o those_o who_o they_o choose_v for_o that_o purpose_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v man_n well_o approve_v of_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o of_o wisdom_n vers._n 3._o and_o of_o one_o of_o they_o viz._n st._n stephen_n it_o be_v particular_o observe_v vers._n 8._o that_o he_o be_v full_a of_o faith_n and_o power_n and_o do_v sign_n and_o great_a wonder_n among_o the_o people_n and_o when_o the_o jew_n dispute_v against_o he_o we_o read_v vers._n 10._o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wisdom_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v 16._o now_o if_o such_o be_v the_o care_n which_o they_o take_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o low_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v certain_o much_o more_o careful_a not_o to_o admit_v any_o into_o the_o high_a rank_n of_o honour_n and_o authority_n in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v in_o a_o yet_o more_o eminent_a manner_n endue_v with_o the_o same_o gift_n hence_o st._n clement_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v prove_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o out_o of_o they_o set_v bishop_n and_o pastor_n over_o such_o as_o shall_v believe_v and_o by_o which_o we_o must_v understand_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n and_o very_o probable_o they_o be_v both_o mean_v by_o it_o either_o that_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o their_o own_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n one_o use_n of_o which_o be_v to_o discern_v and_o try_v the_o spirit_n of_o other_o in_o choose_v person_n fit_o qualify_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o else_o that_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o those_o who_o they_o pitch_v upon_o they_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o such_o a_o employ_v and_o therefore_o choose_v they_o out_o for_o it_o and_o the_o other_o clement_n yet_o more_o plain_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o st._n john_n be_v return_v from_o his_o banishment_n in_o patmos_n go_v about_o the_o country_n near_o unto_o ephesus_n both_o to_o form_n and_o settle_v church_n where_o he_o see_v occasion_n and_o to_o admit_v into_o the_o order_n of_o the_o clergy_n such_o as_o be_v mark_v out_o to_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n 17._o and_o then_o for_o the_o other_o thing_n observe_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o very_a imposition_n of_o hand_n do_v in_o those_o day_n confer_v the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o st._n paul_n intimate_v in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch._n four_o 14_o where_o he_o exhort_v he_o to_o stir_v up_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o gift_n i._n e._n the_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o say_v he_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o my_o hand_n 2_o tim._n i_o 6_o and_o will_v you_o know_v how_o this_o ceremony_n of_o set_v he_o apart_o for_o such_o a_o service_n come_v to_o endue_v he_o with_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n the_o same_o apostle_n will_v tell_v you_o 1_o tim._n four_o 14_o that_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o by_o prophecy_n with_o or_o through_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n upon_o he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v god_n who_o by_o his_o prophet_n have_v before_o design_v and_o mark_v he_o out_o for_o that_o great_a office_n 1_o tim._n i_o 18_o upon_o the_o actual_a admission_n of_o he_o into_o it_o by_o the_o outward_a rite_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o upon_o the_o solemn_a prayer_n that_o be_v then_o withal_o make_v for_o he_o do_v bestow_v the_o gift_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n upon_o he_o 18._o now_o this_o as_o will_v it_o afford_v we_o just_a cause_n to_o conclude_v that_o those_o holy_a man_n who_o write_n we_o have_v here_o collect_v be_v doubtless_o endue_v with_o a_o very_a large_a portion_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o frequency_n of_o those_o endowment_n in_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o live_v or_o the_o extraordinary_a strictness_n and_o piety_n of_o their_o life_n or_o the_o greatness_n of_o those_o station_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o church_n or_o last_o the_o judgement_n which_o the_o apostle_n who_o call_v they_o to_o those_o high_a
office_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n enable_v to_o make_v of_o they_o so_o 3_o dly_a if_o we_o look_v to_o those_o account_n which_o still_o remain_v to_o we_o of_o they_o they_o will_v plain_o show_v we_o that_o they_o be_v endue_v and_o that_o in_o a_o very_a singular_a manner_n with_o this_o power_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n 19_o of_o barnabas_n the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o bear_v witness_n that_o he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o faith_n act_v xi_o 24_o hermas_n be_v another_o of_o who_o st._n paul_n himself_o make_v mention_v rom._n xuj_o 14_o as_o a_o early_a convert_n to_o christianity_n and_o what_o extraordinary_a revelation_n he_o have_v and_o how_o he_o foretell_v the_o trouble_n that_o be_v to_o come_v upon_o the_o church_n his_o follow_a vision_n sufficient_o declare_v 20_o clement_n be_v not_o only_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o same_o apostle_n but_o with_o this_o advantageous_a character_n too_o that_o he_o be_v the_o fellow-labourer_n of_o that_o great_a man_n and_o have_v his_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n phil._n four_o 3_o and_o when_o we_o shall_v consider_v to_o how_o much_o lesser_a and_o worse_a man_n these_o gift_n be_v usual_o communicate_v at_o that_o time_n we_o can_v hardly_o think_v that_o so_o excellent_a a_o man_n and_o the_o companion_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n employ_v first_o in_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o he_o and_o then_o set_v to_o govern_v one_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a church_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v be_v destitute_a of_o it_o 21._o as_o for_o st._n ignatius_n i_o have_v before_o observe_v that_o he_o have_v this_o gift_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o it_o warn_v the_o philadelphian_o against_o fall_v into_o those_o division_n which_o he_o foresee_v be_v about_o to_o rise_v up_o among_o they_o 22._o polycarp_n not_o only_o prophesy_v of_o his_o own_o death_n but_o speak_v often_o time_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o have_v this_o witness_n from_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o smyrna_n that_o nothing_o of_o all_o that_o he_o foretell_v ever_o fail_v of_o come_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o his_o prediction_n 23._o it_o remain_v then_o that_o the_o holy_a man_n who_o write_n be_v here_o subjoin_v be_v not_o only_o instruct_v by_o such_o as_o be_v inspire_a but_o be_v themselves_o inspire_a too_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o not_o mistake_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o what_o they_o deliver_v to_o we_o as_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o do_v of_o it_o by_o consequence_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o their_o write_n though_o not_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o which_o we_o call_v in_o a_o singular_a manner_n the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o neither_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o call_v in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o way_n to_o the_o write_n of_o they_o nor_o endue_v with_o so_o eminent_a a_o portion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o nor_o have_v their_o write_n be_v judge_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o inspire_a age_n of_o it_o when_o they_o be_v so_o much_o better_o qualify_v than_o we_o be_v now_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o kind_n of_o write_n to_o be_v of_o equal_a dignity_n with_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n yet_o worthy_a of_o a_o much_o great_a respect_n than_o any_o composure_n that_o have_v be_v make_v since_o however_o man_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v afterward_o write_v with_o more_o art_n and_o to_o have_v show_v a_o much_o great_a stock_n of_o humane_a learning_n than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v not_o only_o in_o the_o follow_a piece_n but_o even_o in_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n itself_o 24._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o consideration_n more_o the_o better_a to_o show_v the_o true_a deference_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o treatise_n here_o collect_v and_o that_o be_v sixthly_a that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o write_v by_o such_o man_n as_o i_o have_v say_v instruct_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o judge_v worthy_a by_o they_o both_o for_o their_o knowledge_n and_o their_o integrity_n to_o govern_v some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o last_o endue_v with_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n to_o be_v much_o respect_v by_o we_o but_o be_v moreover_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n in_o those_o first_o age_n as_o piece_n of_o a_o very_a great_a value_n which_o can_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o its_o judgement_n of_o they_o 25._o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n clement_n be_v a_o long_a time_n read_v public_o with_o the_o other_o scripture_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a make_v a_o part_n of_o their_o bible_n and_o be_v number_v among_o the_o sacred_a write_n however_o final_o separate_v from_o they_o and_o not_o only_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n but_o our_o most_o ancient_a alexandrian_a manuscript_n give_v the_o same_o place_n to_o the_o second_o that_o it_o do_v to_o the_o first_o of_o they_o and_o epiphanius_n after_o both_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o wont_a to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n 26._o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n polycarp_n with_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n be_v not_o only_o very_o high_o approve_v of_o by_o particular_a person_n but_o like_o those_o of_o st._n clement_n be_v read_v public_o too_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o for_o those_o of_o ignatius_n beside_o that_o we_o find_v a_o mighty_a value_n put_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n they_o be_v seal_v to_o we_o by_o this_o character_n of_o st._n polycarp_n that_o they_o be_v such_o epistle_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v great_o profit_v for_o say_v he_o they_o treat_v of_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o edification_n in_o the_o lord_n 27._o the_o epistle_n of_o barnabas_n be_v not_o only_o quote_v with_o great_a honour_n by_o those_o of_o the_o next_o age_n to_o he_o but_o as_o i_o have_v before_o show_v be_v express_o call_v catholic_n and_o canonical_a and_o in_o the_o ancient_a stichometry_n of_o cotelerius_fw-la we_o find_v it_o place_v the_o very_a next_o to_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n judas_n and_o no_o difference_n put_v between_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o 28._o and_o for_o the_o book_n of_o hermas_n both_o eusebius_n and_o st._n i_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v also_o use_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o stichometry_n i_o before_o mention_v it_o be_v place_v in_o the_o very_a next_o rank_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o in_o some_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a manuscript_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v it_o write_v in_o the_o same_o volume_n with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v esteem_v of_o the_o same_o value_n and_o authority_n with_o they_o 29._o so_o that_o now_o than_o we_o must_v either_o say_v that_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n be_v so_o little_a careful_a of_o what_o be_v teach_v in_o it_o as_o to_o allow_v such_o book_n to_o be_v public_o read_v in_o its_o congregation_n the_o doctrine_n whereof_o it_o do_v not_o approve_v or_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o follow_a piece_n be_v deliver_v to_o we_o not_o only_o by_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o contain_v the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o must_v be_v look_v upon_o to_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o what_o be_v then_o think_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 30._o now_o how_o much_o this_o add_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o discourse_n may_v easy_o be_v conclude_v from_o what_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v for_o since_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o those_o time_n the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v bestow_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n though_o upon_o they_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a degree_n but_o also_o upon_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o common_a christian_n too_o since_o one_o particular_a design_n of_o these_o gift_n be_v for_o the_o discern_v of_o prophecy_n to_o judge_n of_o what_o be_v propose_v by_o any_o to_o the_o church_n or_o write_v for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o what_o be_v universal_o approve_v of_o and_o allow_v not_o by_o a_o few_o learned_a man_n but_o by_o
the_o whole_a church_n in_o those_o day_n what_o be_v permit_v to_o be_v public_o read_v to_o the_o faithful_a for_o their_o comfort_n and_o instruction_n must_v by_o this_o mean_n have_v receive_v a_o more_o than_o humane_a approbation_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o though_o not_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o book_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o we_o as_o strict_o canonical_a yet_o as_o stand_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o ecclesiastical_a write_n and_o as_o contain_v the_o true_a and_o pure_a faith_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o least_o error_n intermix_v with_o it_o chap._n xi_o of_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o of_o the_o use_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o them_o that_o in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n there_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o a_o good_a account_n both_o of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostolical_a time_n this_o show_v in_o several_a particular_n what_o they_o teach_v concern_v god_n the_o father_n our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o angel_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n concern_v the_o two_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o they_o what_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o these_o treatise_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o communicate_v with_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o it_o of_o schismatic_n heretic_n and_o apostate_n of_o their_o public_a assemble_v for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o those_o meeting_n of_o several_a other_o instance_n of_o their_o discipline_n particular_o of_o their_o fast_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o care_n which_o their_o bishop_n have_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o the_o respect_n that_o be_v pay_v to_o they_o of_o their_o martyr_n and_o the_o veneration_n which_o they_o think_v due_a to_o they_o of_o their_o practical_a instruction_n and_o how_o severe_a their_o morality_n be_v show_v in_o several_a particular_n that_o upon_o the_o whole_a we_o may_v here_o see_v what_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n then_o be_v and_o still_o ought_v to_o be_v 1._o and_o now_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n what_o deference_n we_o ought_v to_o pay_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o holy_a man_n who_o write_n i_o have_v here_o collect_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v which_o they_o deliver_v to_o we_o what_o account_v we_o find_v in_o they_o of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o time_n in_o which_o they_o live_v 2._o it_o will_v be_v endless_a for_o i_o to_o go_v about_o to_o make_v a_o just_a catalogue_n of_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o follow_a piece_n and_o i_o have_v already_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n perform_v it_o in_o the_o index_n which_o i_o have_v for_o that_o purpose_n subjoin_v to_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o here_o consider_v only_o a_o few_o particular_n in_o such_o point_n as_o may_v seem_v most_o worthy_a to_o be_v remark_v and_o by_o they_o as_o by_o a_o short_a specimen_fw-la show_n how_o the_o judicious_a reader_n may_v himself_o improve_v it_o into_o a_o more_o particular_a history_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a state_n of_o it_o 3._o and_o 1_o st_z for_o what_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o time_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o point_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o know_v by_o we_o that_o be_v not_o very_o plain_o deliver_v in_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o follow_a piece_n 4._o here_o we_o may_v read_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v the_o first_o article_n of_o all_o of_o our_o creed_n god_n the_o father_n that_o he_o be_v one_o almighty_a invisible_a the_o creator_n and_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v omniscient_a immense_a neither_o to_o be_v comprehend_v within_o any_o bound_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v perfect_o conceive_v by_o we_o that_o his_o providence_n be_v over_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o can_v none_o of_o we_o flee_v from_o he_o or_o escape_v his_o knowledge_n that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o fear_v he_o to_o love_v he_o and_o fear_v he_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o evil._n 5._o if_o from_o thence_o we_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n here_o we_o shall_v find_v all_o that_o either_o our_o creed_n teach_v we_o to_o profess_v concern_v he_o or_o that_o any_o christian_a need_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o exist_v not_o only_o before_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o from_o all_o eternity_n that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o be_v himself_o also_o god_n that_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n he_o take_v upon_o he_o our_o nature_n and_o become_v man_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v crucify_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n that_o he_o suffer_v for_o our_o salvation_n and_o be_v raise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a not_o only_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o father_n but_o by_o his_o own_o also_o that_o he_o be_v our_o highpriest_n and_o protector_n now_o and_o shall_v come_v again_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o judge_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o come_n unto_o god_n but_o by_o he_o insomuch_o that_o even_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o die_v before_o his_o appear_v be_v yet_o save_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n that_o we_o be_v now_o 6._o as_o for_o what_o concern_v the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a godhead_n he_o be_v here_o set_v out_o to_o we_o not_o only_o as_o a_o person_n but_o as_o distinct_a from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o to_o show_v what_o kind_n of_o spirit_n he_o be_v we_o may_v here_o see_v he_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o worship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n 7._o and_o now_o i_o be_o mention_v the_o holy_a spirit_n let_v i_o add_v that_o we_o may_v here_o see_v what_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v concern_v all_o the_o other_o spirit_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n how_o the_o holy_a angel_n minister_v unto_o we_o but_o especial_o then_o when_o we_o have_v most_o need_n of_o they_o at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n and_o that_o though_o the_o devil_n may_v attack_v we_o and_o use_v all_o his_o art_n to_o draw_v we_o away_o from_o our_o duty_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o we_o be_v overcome_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o 8._o but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o creed_n and_o the_o article_n of_o it_o here_o we_o may_v far_o see_v both_o what_o a_o great_a obligation_n there_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o keep_v up_o a_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o what_o be_v that_o true_a fellowship_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v with_o those_o who_o be_v go_v before_o we_o to_o heaven_n that_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o though_o never_o so_o glorious_o exalt_v by_o god_n but_o in_o love_n and_o remembrance_n in_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o their_o excellency_n and_o in_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o join_v with_o hearty_a endeavour_n of_o our_o own_o to_o imitate_v their_o perfection_n 9_o and_o whilst_o we_o do_v this_o we_o be_v here_o assure_v of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n too_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o that_o not_o only_o of_o those_o which_o we_o commit_v before_o our_o baptism_n but_o of_o all_o such_o as_o we_o shall_v chance_v to_o fall_v into_o after_o if_o we_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o 10._o as_o for_o the_o next_o point_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v not_o only_o assert_v but_o at_o large_a prove_v too_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n there_o we_o may_v see_v not_o only_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o future_a resurrection_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o very_a same_o body_n in_o which_o we_o go_v down_o into_o the_o grave_a and_o that_o be_v raise_v we_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o christ_n according_a to_o our_o work_n and_o be_v either_o unspeakable_o reward_v or_o exceed_o punish_v and_o that_o to_o all_o eternity_n 11._o if_o from_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n we_o go_v on_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n here_o we_o have_v set_v out_o to_o we_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o our_o baptism_n and_o
belong_v to_o we_o continue_v in_o sin_n lest_o we_o also_o become_v partaker_n of_o their_o evil_a do_n 31._o here_o we_o be_v teach_v not_o only_o to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o our_o word_n and_o action_n but_o of_o our_o very_a thought_n and_o desire_n which_o must_v not_o only_o not_o be_v indulge_v in_o any_o instance_n of_o sin_n but_o not_o be_v suffer_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o wander_v on_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n wanton_a or_o irregular_a 32._o if_o we_o will_v hearken_v to_o these_o holy_a man_n we_o must_v learn_v not_o only_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o if_o it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n to_o endure_v patient_o whatever_o he_o shall_v send_v upon_o we_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o trouble_v and_o affliction_n be_v not_o only_o send_v upon_o we_o to_o punish_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n but_o as_o monitor_n too_o to_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o they_o 33._o to_o convince_v we_o the_o more_o effectual_o of_o this_o we_o be_v here_o show_v the_o mighty_a danger_n of_o riches_n especial_o where_o man_n heart_n be_v in_o any_o degree_n set_v upon_o they_o and_o how_o very_o hardly_o such_o person_n shall_v be_v save_v we_o be_v teach_v what_o use_v we_o shall_v make_v of_o our_o abundance_n that_o so_o it_o may_v not_o prove_v a_o snare_n to_o we_o but_o especial_o we_o be_v show_v the_o great_a advantage_n of_o almsgiving_n to_o this_o end_n and_o what_o mighty_a engagement_n there_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o 34._o and_o then_o as_o for_o our_o life_n we_o be_v here_o tell_v that_o a_o christian_n must_v not_o only_o be_v good_a but_o exemplary_a he_o must_v show_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o profession_n by_o a_o suitable_a conversation_n and_o be_v know_v by_o his_o action_n rather_o than_o by_o his_o word_n 35._o he_o must_v pray_v for_o all_o man_n even_o for_o his_o very_a enemy_n nay_o for_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n for_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n for_o those_o of_o who_o there_o be_v but_o little_a hope_n that_o they_o will_v ever_o come_v to_o repentance_n or_o that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o grace_n so_o to_o do_v 36._o he_o must_v be_v kind_a and_o charitable_a to_o all_o man_n free_a from_o envy_n and_o contention_n he_o must_v neither_o raise_v any_o difference_n among_o his_o brethren_n nor_o follow_v any_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o to_o this_o end_n he_o must_v careful_o observe_v those_o duty_n which_o relate_v to_o his_o neighbour_n as_o well_o as_o those_o he_o be_v to_o pay_v to_o god_n he_o must_v obey_v magistrate_n must_v respect_v the_o age_a must_v have_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o all_o men._n be_v he_o a_o husband_n a_o parent_n or_o a_o child_n he_o must_v then_o be_v sure_a to_o exercise_v himself_o in_o the_o several_a duty_n become_v those_o several_a relation_n in_o short_a in_o the_o follow_a write_n we_o may_v see_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o our_o self_n what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o avoid_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n both_o see_v all_o our_o action_n now_o and_o will_v reward_v or_o punish_v we_o for_o they_o hereafter_o to_o all_o eternity_n 37._o and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o short_a prospect_n of_o what_o be_v more_o large_o contain_v in_o the_o follow_a collection_n i_o need_v not_o say_v either_o how_o useful_a a_o variety_n of_o matter_n it_o be_v or_o how_o worthy_a to_o be_v know_v by_o all_o of_o we_o but_o sure_o i_o be_o whosoever_o shall_v take_v the_o pain_n impartial_o to_o compare_v what_o be_v here_o find_v with_o the_o sacred_a write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n may_v be_v able_a both_o with_o clearness_n and_o certainty_n to_o understand_v whatever_o be_v requisite_a to_o his_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o that_o with_o much_o more_o satisfaction_n and_o security_n too_o than_o from_o many_o volume_n of_o our_o late_a writer_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n spend_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n and_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o obscure_v rather_o than_o explain_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o intelligible_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o these_o discourse_n be_v write_v and_o the_o simplicity_n of_o style_n use_v in_o they_o that_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n use_v no_o affectation_n of_o humane_a eloquence_n but_o deliver_v themselves_o with_o the_o great_a plainness_n that_o they_o be_v able_a this_o manner_n of_o write_v the_o best_a and_o most_o proper_a for_o instruction_n a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o present_a collection_n and_o the_o translation_n that_o be_v here_o make_v of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n 1._o there_o be_v yet_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o i_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o discourse_n here_o subjoin_v and_o that_o be_v four_o concern_v the_o manner_n after_o which_o they_o be_v write_v and_o that_o true_a primitive_a simplicity_n which_o appear_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v one_o property_n of_o truth_n that_o as_o it_o do_v not_o need_v any_o disguise_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o seek_v any_o vain_a ornament_n of_o humane_a eloquence_n to_o recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o approbation_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v tender_v when_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n they_o do_v it_o not_o with_o excellency_n of_o speech_n nor_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n they_o give_v such_o convince_a proof_n of_o their_o divine_a mission_n as_o force_v all_o indifferent_a person_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o authority_n and_o they_o think_v it_o after_o that_o too_o mean_v a_o thing_n to_o endeavour_v to_o catch_v man_n ear_n when_o without_o any_o such_o art_n they_o have_v before_o captivate_v their_o reason_n and_o force_v they_o to_o confess_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v 3._o and_o the_o same_o be_v the_o method_n of_o those_o holy_a father_n who_o succeed_v they_o they_o know_v the_o excellency_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o mighty_a influence_n which_o the_o revelation_n it_o make_v of_o the_o future_a state_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o consider_v man_n and_o therefore_o they_o content_v themselves_o to_o lay_v these_o thing_n before_o they_o in_o a_o plain_a and_o simple_a manner_n and_o with_o such_o a_o affect_a sincerity_n as_o be_v beyond_o all_o the_o high_a rhetoric_n in_o the_o world_n 4._o let_v not_o then_o the_o reader_n be_v surprise_v if_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n he_o meet_v with_o none_o of_o those_o ornament_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o recommend_v the_o write_n of_o other_o to_o his_o perusal_n but_o rather_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o he_o have_v here_o to_o do_v with_o man_n who_o be_v above_o such_o a_o care_n their_o business_n be_v to_o instruct_v not_o to_o please_v to_o speak_v to_o man_n heart_n and_o conscience_n not_o to_o their_o fancy_n and_o they_o know_v that_o this_o be_v evermore_o best_a do_v by_o a_o plain_a and_o unaffected_a discourse_n by_o solid_a rule_n and_o substantial_a motive_n not_o by_o vain_a word_n which_o if_o they_o satisfy_v a_o man_n at_o the_o present_a yet_o seldom_o leave_v any_o last_a impression_n behind_o they_o 5._o but_o of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n and_o of_o the_o discourse_n themselves_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o perhaps_o too_o much_o though_o yet_o i_o think_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o prepare_v the_o english_a reader_n for_o who_o i_o be_o now_o chief_o concern_v to_o a_o useful_a perusal_n of_o they_o as_o for_o the_o present_a collection_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o of_o this_o kind_n that_o be_v ever_o set_v forth_o in_o our_o own_o language_n nor_o be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o follow_a piece_n ever_o that_o i_o know_v of_o before_o translate_v into_o it_o 6._o i_o confess_v when_o i_o consider_v the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o such_o a_o work_n and_o the_o high_a esteem_n which_o not_o only_o the_o ancient_a father_n but_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o all_o age_n have_v have_v of_o the_o treatise_n here_o collect_v together_o i_o have_v sometime_o wonder_v that_o among_o so_o many_o thing_n as_o have_v of_o late_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o english_a tongue_n none_o have_v yet_o hitherto_o undertake_v such_o a_o task_n as_o this_o but_o when_o i_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n i_o soon_o find_v out_o what_o may_v perhaps_o have_v be_v one_o reason_n of_o it_o since_o can_v i_o have_v foresee_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o work_n i_o much_o question_n whether_o i_o shall_v ever_o have_v be_v persuade_v to_o go_v about_o
all_o that_o he_o be_v in_o great_a honour_n and_o renown_n with_o god_n and_o be_v a_o precedent_n prince_n of_o great_a authority_n and_o powerful_a in_o his_o office_n to_o he_o only_o be_v the_o power_n of_o repentance_n commit_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v he_o not_o seem_v to_o thou_o to_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n but_o you_o despise_v his_o goodness_n and_o the_o modesty_n which_o he_o show_v towards_o you_o ii_o i_o say_v unto_o he_o sir_n ask_v he_o since_o the_o time_n that_o he_o come_v into_o my_o house_n whether_o i_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n disorderly_a or_o have_v offend_v he_o in_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v say_v he_o that_o thou_o have_v do_v nothing_o disorderly_a neither_o will_v thou_o hereafter_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o i_o speak_v these_o thing_n with_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v persevere_v for_o he_o have_v give_v i_o a_o good_a account_n concern_v thou_o but_o thou_o shall_v speak_v these_o thing_n to_o other_o that_o they_o who_o either_o have_v repent_v or_o shall_v repent_v may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o thou_o and_o he_o may_v give_v i_o as_o good_a a_o account_n of_o they_o also_o and_o i_o may_v do_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o lord_n i_o answer_v sir_n i_o declare_v to_o all_o man_n the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n and_o i_o hope_v that_o all_o who_o love_v they_o and_o have_v before_o sin_v when_o they_o shall_v hear_v these_o thing_n will_v willing_o repent_v and_o so_o recover_v life_n continue_v therefore_o say_v he_o in_o this_o ministry_n and_o perfect_v it_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v fulfil_v the_o command_n of_o this_o shepherd_n shall_v live_v and_o shall_v have_v great_a honour_n both_o here_o and_o with_o the_o lord_n but_o they_o that_o shall_v not_o keep_v his_o command_n flee_v from_o their_o life_n and_o be_v adversary_n unto_o it_o and_o they_o that_o follow_v not_o his_o command_n shall_v deliver_v themselves_o unto_o death_n and_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o his_o own_o blood_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o keep_v these_o commandment_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v a_o cure_n for_o all_o thy_o sin_n iii_o moreover_o i_o have_v send_v these_o virgin_n to_o dwell_v with_o thou_o for_o i_o have_v see_v that_o they_o be_v very_o kind_a to_o thou_o thou_o shall_v therefore_o have_v they_o for_o thy_o helper_n that_o thou_o may_v the_o better_o keep_v the_o command_n which_o have_v be_v give_v thou_o for_o these_o command_n can_v be_v keep_v without_o these_o virgin_n and_o thou_o see_v how_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v with_o thou_o and_o i_o will_v also_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o depart_n from_o thy_o house_n only_o do_v thou_o purify_v thy_o house_n for_o they_o will_v ready_o dwell_v in_o a_o clean_a house_n for_o they_o be_v clean_a and_o chaste_a and_o industrious_a and_o all_o of_o they_o have_v grace_n with_o the_o lord_n if_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v have_v thy_o house_n pure_a they_o will_v abide_v with_o thou_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v never_o so_o little_o pollute_v they_o will_v immediate_o depart_v from_o thy_o house_n for_o these_o virgin_n can_v endure_v any_o manner_n of_o pollution_n i_o say_v unto_o he_o sir_n i_o hope_v that_o i_o shall_v so_o please_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v always_o delight_v to_o dwell_v in_o my_o house_n and_o as_o he_o to_o who_o you_o have_v commit_v i_o make_v no_o complaint_n of_o i_o so_o neither_o shall_v they_o complain_v then_o he_o say_v to_o that_o shepherd_n i_o see_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n will_v live_v and_o keep_v these_o commandment_n and_o place_v these_o virgin_n in_o a_o pure_a habitation_n when_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o deliver_v i_o again_o to_o that_o shepherd_n and_o call_v the_o virgin_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o see_v that_o you_o will_v ready_o dwell_v in_o this_o man_n house_n i_o commend_v he_o and_o his_o house_n to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v not_o at_o all_o depart_n from_o his_o house_n and_o they_o willing_o hear_v these_o word_n iv._o than_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o go_v on_o manful_o in_o thy_o ministry_n declare_v to_o all_o man_n the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v grace_n in_o this_o ministry_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v walk_v in_o these_o command_n shall_v live_v and_o be_v happy_a in_o his_o life_n but_o he_o that_o shall_v neglect_v they_o shall_v not_o live_v and_o shall_v be_v unhappy_a in_o his_o life_n say_v unto_o all_o that_o whosoever_o can_v do_v what_o be_v right_a cease_v not_o to_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o good_a work_n for_o i_o will_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o inconvenience_n they_o lie_v under_o for_o he_o that_o want_v and_o suffer_v inconvenience_n in_o his_o daily_a life_n be_v in_o great_a torment_n and_o necessity_n whosoever_o therefore_o deliver_v such_o a_o soul_n from_o necessity_n get_v great_a joy_n unto_o himself_o for_o he_o that_o be_v grieve_v with_o such_o inconvenience_n be_v equal_o torment_v as_o if_o he_o be_v in_o chain_n and_o many_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o calamity_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v they_o have_v choose_v even_o to_o destroy_v themselves_o he_o therefore_o that_o know_v the_o calamity_n of_o such_o a_o man_n and_o do_v not_o free_v he_o from_o it_o commit_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o his_o blood_n wherefore_o exercise_n yourselves_o in_o good_a work_n as_o many_o as_o have_v receive_v ability_n from_o the_o lord_n lest_o whilst_o you_o delay_v to_o do_v they_o the_o building_n of_o the_o tower_n be_v finish_v because_o for_o your_o sake_n the_o building_n be_v stop_v except_o therefore_o you_o shall_v make_v haste_n to_o do_v well_o the_o tower_n shall_v be_v finish_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v no_o place_n in_o it_o and_o after_o he_o have_v thus_o speak_v with_o i_o he_o rise_v up_o from_o the_o bed_n and_o depart_v take_v the_o shepherd_n and_o virgin_n with_o he_o howbeit_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o that_o he_o will_v send_v back_o the_o shepherd_n and_o virgin_n unto_o my_o house_n amen_n the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n clement_n to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o content_n chap._n i._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o entertain_v a_o worthy_a opinion_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o to_o do_v the_o utmost_a of_o what_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o express_v the_o value_n we_o put_v upon_o it_o by_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n ii_o that_o god_n have_v before_o prophesy_v by_o isaiah_n that_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v save_v iii_o iu._n that_o this_o aught_o to_o engage_v such_o especial_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o live_v well_o without_o which_o they_o will_v still_o miscarry_v v._o that_o whilst_o we_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o other_o world_n we_o need_v not_o fear_v what_o can_v befall_v we_o in_o this_o vi_o that_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n nor_o if_o we_o follow_v the_o interest_n of_o this_o present_a world_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o escape_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o vii_o the_o consideration_n of_o which_o ought_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n viii_o and_o that_o present_o know_v that_o now_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n be_v the_o only_a time_n for_o repentance_n ix_o we_o shall_v rise_v and_o be_v judge_v in_o those_o body_n in_o which_o we_o now_o be_v therefore_o we_o must_v live_v well_o in_o they_o x._o that_o we_o ought_v as_o we_o value_v our_o own_o interest_n to_o live_v well_o however_o few_o seem_v to_o mind_v what_o real_o be_v for_o their_o advantage_n xi_o and_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o with_o any_o vain_a imagination_n as_o if_o no_o punishment_n shall_v remain_v for_o we_o if_o we_o do_v evil_a or_o good_a happen_v to_o we_o hereafter_o if_o we_o behave_v our_o self_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v see_v god_n will_v certain_o judge_v we_o and_o render_v to_o all_o of_o we_o according_a to_o our_o work_n and_o how_o soon_o this_o may_v be_v we_o can_v none_o of_o we_o tell_v the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n clement_n to_o the_o corinthian_n i._n bretrhen_fw-ge we_o ought_v so_o to_o think_v of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o of_o god_n as_o of_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a nor_o shall_v we_o think_v mean_o any_o less_o of_o our_o salvation_n for_o if_o we_o think_v mean_o mean_o of_o it_o we_o shall_v hope_v only_o to_o receive_v mean_o some_o small_a benefit_n by_o it_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v thing_n do_v so_o we_o shall_v sin_v not_o know_v consider_v from_o whence_o we_o have_v be_v call_v and_o by_o who_o and_o to_o what_o place_n and_o how_o