of_o the_o old_a religion_n in_o the_o day_n time_n and_o open_o this_o political_a regard_n be_v one_o grand_a motive_n for_o the_o permission_n of_o the_o open_a practice_n of_o all_o religion_n that_o so_o their_o vanity_n or_o impiety_n may_v be_v notorious_a to_o all_o beside_o hereby_o they_o prevent_v all_o private_a complotment_n against_o the_o state_n all_o practice_n that_o be_v bestial_a or_o repugnant_a to_o morality_n nihil_fw-la est_fw-la scil_n velandis_fw-la fraudibus_fw-la &_o sceleribus_fw-la tam_fw-la idoneum_fw-la quam_fw-la privatae_fw-la amicitiae_fw-la privatique_fw-la congressus_fw-la qui_fw-la merito_fw-la dominantibus_fw-la suspecti_fw-la nam_fw-la 2._o ab_fw-la nullo_n genere_fw-la non_fw-la aeque_fw-la summum_fw-la periculum_fw-la est_fw-la si_fw-la coetus_fw-la &_o concilia_fw-la &_o secretas_fw-la consultationes_fw-la esse_fw-la sinas_fw-la quod_fw-la cato_n apud_fw-la livium_n lib._n 34_o dicebat_fw-la sic_fw-la &_o olim_fw-la 9_o jam_fw-la prospectum_fw-la nequa_n sacra_fw-la fierent_fw-la in_o operto_fw-la livius_n lib._n 39_o sic_fw-la tiberius_n ut_fw-la suetonius_n memorat_fw-la cap._n 63._o haruspice_n secreto_n &_o sine_fw-la testibus_fw-la consuli_fw-la vetuit_fw-la hinc_fw-la est_fw-la igitur_fw-la ista_fw-la nunc_fw-la sacrificiorum_fw-la etc._n etc._n nocturnorum_fw-la 7._o prohibitio_fw-la nempe_fw-la quia_fw-la seeleri_fw-la favere_fw-la tenebrae_fw-la videntur_fw-la unde_fw-la illa_fw-la apud_fw-la horatium_fw-la improba_fw-la vota_fw-la noctem_fw-la peccatis_fw-la &_o fraudibus_fw-la obiice_fw-la nubem_fw-la notumque_fw-la illud_fw-la prudentii_fw-la nec_fw-la testae_fw-la quisquam_fw-la lumine_fw-la peccare_fw-la constant_a potest_fw-la item_n tacitus_n lib._n 14._o quod_fw-la perditissimus_fw-la cuique_fw-la per_fw-la diem_fw-la concupiverit_fw-la per_fw-la tenebras_fw-la audeat_fw-la eaque_fw-la ratione_fw-la fingunt_fw-la poetae_fw-la noctem_fw-la generasse_fw-la dolos_fw-la fraudem_fw-la mendacia_fw-la constantine_n have_v thus_o prohibit_v all_o private_a cenventicle_n and_o secret_a meeting_n and_o empower_v those_o of_o any_o religion_n or_o sect_n public_o to_o profess_v and_o hold_v their_o assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o mutual_a instruction_n the_o empire_n yield_v we_o this_o prospect_n of_o affair_n the_o old_a religion_n or_o heathenism_n 1._o continue_v in_o its_o former_a lustre_n the_o temple_n revenue_n pontifical_a office_n and_o solemnity_n all_o or_o most_o remain_v in_o be_v and_o under_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o emperor_n as_o appear_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o law_n in_o the_o theodosian_a code_n all_o the_o great_a office_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o the_o senate_n and_o army_n be_v equal_o to_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o christian_n the_o jew_n be_v in_o a_o very_a flourish_a condition_n under_o their_o hierarchy_n of_o patriarch_n primat_n presbyter_n and_o ruler_n of_o synagogue_n gothofredi_n all_o which_o be_v by_o constantine_n exempt_v from_o all_o personal_a and_o civil_a charge_n which_o carry_v much_o of_o trouble_n and_o expense_n and_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o their_o function_n as_o to_o the_o christian_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o all_o sect_n have_v their_o liberty_n of_o profession_n and_o their_o particular_a church-government_n under_o their_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o in_o 325._o when_o constantine_n do_v summon_v 1._o a_o general_a council_n at_o nice_a against_o arius_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o eastern_a church_n do_v avow_v that_o there_o convene_v 2048_o bishop_n of_o several_a sect_n who_o have_v tender_v their_o confession_n apart_o unto_o the_o emperor_n he_o fix_v upon_o that_o of_o the_o 318._o perhaps_o not_o all_o bishop_n and_o those_o compose_v that_o council_n and_o enact_v its_o decree_n whereunto_o the_o primitive_a emperor_n and_o father_n so_o often_o refer_v themselves_o as_o to_o those_o that_o be_v schismatic_n and_o heretic_n of_o separate_a church_n among_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n the_o emperor_n constantine_n do_v thus_o demean_v himself_o whereas_o the_o law_n of_o the_o empire_n during_o his_o predecessor_n gothofredi_n have_v not_o exempt_v the_o christian_a clergy_n from_o the_o trouble_n and_o expense_n of_o civil_a office_n constantine_n do_v free_v the_o catholic_n clergy_n from_o that_o burden_n leave_v the_o heretic_n subject_a thereunto_o many_o of_o which_o office_n be_v such_o as_o any_o christian_n can_v hardly_o comply_v with_o as_o the_o attendance_n upon_o and_o defray_v of_o the_o lustral_a sacrifice_n the_o watch_n and_o ward_n for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o pagan_a temple_n the_o discharge_n of_o such_o employment_n do_v contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n who_o have_v not_o the_o opportunity_n thereby_o either_o to_o qualify_v themselves_o or_o to_o mind_v their_o church_n or_o to_o avoid_v many_o evident_a scandal_n which_o the_o catholic_n enjoy_v whereas_o the_o christian_a church_n under_o his_o predecessor_n gothofredi_n be_v incapable_a of_o any_o legacy_n or_o public_a endowment_n by_o the_o imperial_a law_n he_o continue_v the_o say_v heretic_n under_o those_o law_n and_o make_v the_o catholic_n church_n exempt_a from_o they_o the_o land_n which_o be_v give_v either_o by_o the_o emperor_n his_o gothofredi_n mother_n helena_n or_o the_o charity_n of_o other_o unto_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v exempt_v by_o he_o while_o the_o church_n be_v poor_a for_o when_o it_o seem_v rich_a enough_o neither_o be_v this_o priviviledge_n valid_a nor_o can_v it_o receive_v legacy_n from_o widow_n etc._n etc._n from_o tax_n and_o tribute_n as_o it_o be_v his_o care_n that_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n shall_v be_v man_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o exemplary_a life_n and_o charity_n so_o do_v 5._o he_o likewise_o provide_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v universal_o reverence_v by_o his_o officer_n throughout_o the_o empire_n their_o bishop_n their_o presbyter_n their_o church_n be_v mention_v with_o peculiar_a eulogy_n and_o veneration_n in_o all_o imperial_a decree_n whereas_o the_o heretic_n be_v either_o simple_o name_v or_o with_o a_o addition_n of_o detestation_n and_o infamy_n and_o after_o that_o the_o nicene_n council_n have_v reduce_v the_o church_n into_o some_o form_n under_o a_o special_a regulation_n and_o distinct_a creed_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o arian_n then_o do_v constantine_n by_o this_o general_a law_n exclude_v all_o sectary_n and_o heretic_n from_o participate_v of_o those_o privilege_n which_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o catholic_n and_o the_o follower_n of_o meletius_n and_o arius_n be_v particular_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o constitution_n who_o till_o then_o have_v enjoy_v the_o privilege_n due_a to_o catholic_n cod._n theodos._n lib._n 16_o tit_n 5_o lege_fw-la 1._o a._n d._n 326._o those_o privilege_n which_o be_v indulge_v upon_o the_o account_n ibid._n of_o religion_n aught_o to_o avail_v only_o such_o as_o adhere_v unto_o the_o catholic_n law_n it_o be_v our_o will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o the_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n shall_v not_o reap_v any_o benefit_n thereby_o but_o be_v also_o liable_a unto_o several_a duty_n and_o office_n notwithstanding_o the_o precedent_a decree_n it_o be_v but_o equitable_a that_o i_o inform_v the_o inquisitive_a reader_n that_o the_o force_n of_o they_o do_v not_o extend_v unto_o the_o sèct_n of_o the_o novatian_o these_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o schismatic_n who_o about_o the_o year_n 250._o do_v separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n as_o have_v general_o apostatise_v and_o lapse_v unto_o paganism_n during_o the_o persecution_n under_o decius_n they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o which_o have_v be_v martyr_n or_o confessor_n in_o those_o calamitous_a time_n and_o will_v not_o communicate_v with_o nor_o be_v ordain_v by_o those_o bishop_n of_o italy_n who_o have_v revolt_a from_o the_o faith_n and_o be_v return_v again_o and_o admit_v of_o other_o that_o have_v lapse_v upon_o easy_a term_n they_o have_v a_o hierarchy_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n within_o themselves_o derive_v from_o those_o that_o have_v not_o apostazty_v they_o be_v very_o severe_a in_o their_o discipline_n for_o they_o do_v exclude_v from_o their_o communion_n though_o not_o from_o hope_n of_o mercy_n with_o god_n such_o as_o do_v fall_v into_o apostasy_n or_o other_o enormous_a crime_n 8._o they_o call_v themselves_o cathari_n or_o puritan_n and_o their_o follower_n such_o as_o continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v strict_a in_o their_o conversation_n oxthodox_n and_o zealous_a in_o their_o religion_n but_o so_o averse_a from_o the_o mix_a congregation_n and_o the_o relaxed_a discipline_n of_o the_o catholic_n that_o they_o rebaptise_v such_o as_o come_v unto_o their_o church_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n yet_o so_o great_a a_o respect_n have_v constantine_n and_o the_o nicene_n father_n for_o this_o sect_n that_o a_o bishop_n of_o they_o acesius_n have_v his_o place_n in_o that_o general_n council_n and_o a_o canon_n be_v there_o make_v whereby_o such_o as_o come_v over_o from_o they_o unto_o the_o catholic_n shall_v immediate_o be_v admit_v to_o communion_n according_a to_o the_o rank_n they_o hold_v during_o their_o novatianism_n as_o layman_n presbyter_n
or_o bishop_n and_o constantine_n in_o the_o year_n follow_v that_o council_n make_v this_o decree_n in_o favour_n of_o they_o cod._n theodos._n lib._n 16._o tit_n 5._o lege_fw-la 2._o we_o have_v not_o find_v that_o the_o novatian_o have_v be_v so_o absolute_o condemn_v heretofore_o as_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o grant_v unto_o they_o their_o request_n we_o do_v therefore_o enact_v that_o they_o shall_v without_o let_v or_o molestation_n possess_v the_o meeting-house_n appertain_v unto_o their_o church_n and_o their_o burying-place_n that_o be_v such_o as_o they_o have_v either_o buy_v or_o otherwise_o acquire_v to_o themselves_o since_o their_o separation_n but_o care_v aught_o to_o be_v take_v that_o they_o do_v not_o usurp_v any_o of_o those_o which_o before_o their_o schism_n do_v appertain_v unto_o the_o church_n retain_v a_o perpetual_a sanctity_n give_v at_o spoletum_n on_o the_o calends_o of_o october_n constantine_n a._n 7._o and_o constantius_n coss._n 326._o the_o sect_n of_o the_o novatian_o begin_v abont_v eighty_o year_n before_o this_o law_n and_o upon_o their_o separation_n they_o do_v build_v to_o citatam_fw-la themselves_o sundry_a church_n oratory_n and_o caemitery_n or_o burying-place_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n against_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n already_o recite_v some_o begin_v to_o disquiet_v the_o novatian_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o those_o place_n for_o public_a worship_n which_o they_o have_v purchase_v by_o ready_a money_n or_o other_o legal_a title_n as_o if_o they_o be_v declare_v heretic_n and_o know_v schismatic_n it_o be_v true_a that_o eusebius_n do_v produce_v a_o law_n of_o constantine_n wherein_o the_o novatian_o be_v mention_v 65._o first_o before_o valentinian_o marcionist_n and_o paulian_o and_o the_o assembly_n of_o they_o and_o of_o all_o other_o that_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n be_v prohibit_v the_o same_o be_v record_v by_o sozomen_n and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o they_o have_v be_v condemn_v 30._o by_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n long_v before_o and_o other_o the_o nicene_n council_n seem_v to_o have_v determine_v they_o to_o be_v schismatic_n and_o the_o emperor_n himself_o in_o that_o council_n 7._o do_v testify_v unto_o acesius_n when_o he_o there_o defend_v his_o separation_n how_o much_o he_o dislike_v they_o but_o yet_o constantine_n can_v not_o find_v that_o these_o novatian_o be_v so_o rigorous_o to_o be_v censure_v or_o condemn_v as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o their_o public_a church_n and_o caemitery_n and_o with_o this_o do_v sozomen_n agree_v who_o contulit_fw-la have_v compare_v the_o usage_n which_o the_o heretic_n meet_v with_o under_o constantine_n he_o express_o say_v that_o their_o condition_n be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o that_o of_o the_o other_o heretic_n and_o that_o the_o law_n of_o constantine_n be_v not_o execute_v against_o they_o their_o ruler_n be_v man_n otherwise_o of_o peaceable_a spirit_n and_o unblameable_a life_n and_o be_v orthodox_n as_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n they_o receive_v no_o great_a prejudice_n by_o that_o imperial_a constitution_n especial_o since_o it_o be_v not_o the_o intention_n of_o constantine_n rigorous_o to_o put_v in_o execution_n that_o penal_a law_n but_o only_o to_o show_v his_o regard_n for_o the_o catholic_n and_o his_o aversion_n from_o heresy_n and_o schism_n as_o also_o to_o terrify_v the_o fanatical_a factious_a and_o turbulent_a whilst_o he_o willing_o suspend_v all_o severe_a proceed_n against_o the_o conscientious_a and_o moderate_a such_o as_o acesius_n and_o his_o follower_n be_v in_o these_o proceed_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a we_o may_v observe_v sundry_a thing_n which_o carry_v a_o parallel_n to_o the_o intention_n and_o procedure_v of_o his_o majesty_n 1._o the_o general_a declaration_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n 2._o the_o prohibition_n of_o private_a and_o clandestine_v conventicle_n 3_o the_o reservation_n of_o all_o public_a revenue_n and_o endowment_n untothe_v catholic_n 4_o the_o declaration_n of_o hisspecial_a favour_n unto_o and_o design_n of_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o orthodox_n christendom_n catholic_n 5._o upon_o the_o know_a wickedness_n of_o certain_a sect_n as_o the_o valentinian_o cataphryges_n etc._n etc._n which_o couldnot_v have_v be_v evident_a but_o by_o give_v they_o a_o open_a toleration_n at_o first_o his_o penal_a law_n against_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n indefinite_o he_o reckon_v the_o most_o orthodox_n of_o schismatic_n with_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o profligate_v heretic_n 6._o his_o relaxation_n and_o suspension_n of_o all_o those_o penal_a law_n as_o to_o the_o novatian_o yet_o withal_o declare_v that_o their_o separation_n be_v a_o discidium_fw-la or_o schism_n that_o the_o catholic_n or_o orthodox_n church_n be_v ecclesiae_fw-la perpetuae_fw-la sanctitatis_fw-la 17._o that_o they_o shall_v not_o attempt_v any_o way_n to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o pulpit_n or_o church_n of_o the_o catholic_n this_o be_v the_o posture_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a in_o who_o reign_n we_o have_v nothing_o further_a to_o consider_v beside_o the_o great_a progress_n of_o the_o orthodox_n church_n and_o the_o decay_n of_o paganism_n and_o heresy_n unless_o it_o be_v some_o rigorous_a proceed_n of_o his_o against_o the_o donatist_n and_o arian_n the_o sect_n of_o the_o donatist_n begin_v about_o the_o year_n 311._o the_o 1._o people_n of_o carthage_n have_v elect_v into_o their_o bishopric_n which_o be_v vacant_a caecilianus_n who_o be_v ordain_v by_o one_o felix_n the_o primate_n of_o numidia_n call_v secundus_fw-la be_v greivous_o offend_v that_o caecilianus_n have_v be_v consecrate_v by_o any_o but_o himself_o 2._o and_o join_v with_o many_o other_o bishop_n to_o depose_v he_o for_o that_o he_o have_v be_v ordain_v by_o some_o who_o have_v deliver_v up_o their_o bibles_n in_o the_o diocletian-persecution_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o deacon_n have_v prohibit_v victual_n to_o be_v bring_v unto_o the_o confessor_n in_o prison_n seventy_o bishop_n agree_v upon_o his_o condemnation_n elect_v and_o ordain_v majorinus_n bishop_n of_o carthage_n and_o renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o caecilianus_n who_o refuse_v to_o appear_v and_o vindicate_v himself_o before_o they_o hereupon_o arise_v a_o great_a schism_n in_o africa_n and_o the_o people_n of_o carthage_n divide_v against_o their_o bishop_n caecilianus_n the_o proconsul_n anulinus_n inform_v constantine_n thereof_o who_o remit_v the_o examination_n and_o decision_n of_o the_o matter_n unto_o a_o council_n at_o rome_n there_o caecilia_n we_o be_v acquit_v and_o communicate_v with_o the_o roman_a clergy_n the_o donatist_n will_v not_o be_v conclude_v by_o this_o arrest_n the_o emperor_n refer_v the_o trial_n unto_o the_o gallicane_n bishop_n at_o aâ—…les_n these_o likewise_o acquit_v caecilianus_n and_o receive_v he_o into_o their_o communion_n the_o donatist_n will_v not_o thus_o be_v satisfy_v whereupon_o the_o emperor_n be_v angry_a command_v both_o party_n before_o he_o at_o rome_n the_o donatist_n do_v appear_v but_o caecilianus_n fail_v whereupon_o the_o donatist_n desire_v that_o he_o may_v be_v sentence_v as_o guilty_a but_o the_o emperor_n do_v refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o they_o therein_o command_v both_o party_n to_o appear_v at_o milan_n the_o donatist_n hereupon_o conclude_v that_o the_o emperor_n be_v partial_a in_o the_o case_n and_o some_o of_o they_o withdraw_v from_o court_n into_o africa_n the_o rest_n be_v seize_v upon_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o constantine_n and_o reserve_v as_o prisoner_n until_o the_o audience_n at_o milan_n upon_o a_o mature_a hear_n of_o both_o side_n constantine_n pronounce_v caecilianus_n to_o be_v innocent_a and_o the_o donatist_n to_o have_v calumniate_v he_o those_o schismatic_n be_v very_o angry_a at_o this_o judgement_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o rail_v upon_o he_o as_o corrupt_v by_o the_o insinuation_n of_o hosius_n a_o bishop_n much_o reverence_v by_o the_o emperor_n and_o a_o friend_n unto_o caecilianus_n those_o which_o have_v flee_v before_o unto_o africa_n defame_v the_o emperor_n and_o those_o about_o he_o and_o such_o tumult_n be_v raise_v in_o those_o part_n as_o that_o the_o civil_a peace_n be_v endanger_v and_o domitius_n celsus_n together_o 17._o with_o the_o other_o imperial_a officer_n find_v it_o difficult_a to_o allay_v those_o sedition_n the_o orthodox_n clergy_n be_v perpetual_o affront_v injure_v and_o oppress_v by_o the_o numerous_a and_o prevail_a donatist_n optati_fw-la flee_v unto_o the_o emperor_n for_o protection_n who_o write_v unto_o all_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n and_o people_n this_o letter_n constantine_n aug._n unto_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o people_n appertain_v unto_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o africa_n you_o understand_v very_o well_o that_o i_o have_v do_v all_o thing_n that_o our_o faith_n require_v our_o wisdom_n can_v and_o our_o purity_n enable_v we_o to_o do_v by_o way_n of_o moderation_n and_o amicable_a mean_n that_o according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o law_n the_o holy_a peace_n
be_v to_o be_v see_v a_o orthodox_n bishop_n sometime_o two_o as_o in_o the_o schism_n of_o meletius_n and_o paulinus_n at_o antioch_n a_o arian_n apollinarist_n and_o macedonian_a bishop_n all_o of_o they_o have_v recover_v the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v 5._o take_v from_o they_o some_o of_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n be_v fame_v for_o their_o condescension_n and_o desire_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o that_o they_o proffer_a unto_o the_o arian_n bishop_n who_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o great_a church_n and_o revenue_n that_o if_o they_o will_v consent_v unto_o a_o union_n of_o congregation_n &_o worship_n the_o church_n shall_v be_v joint_o administer_v by_o both_o the_o arian_n retain_v the_o precedence_n the_o goth_n notwithstanding_o this_o indulgence_n do_v so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o overrun_v thracia_n scythia_n mysia_n even_o as_o far_o as_o the_o gate_n of_o constantinople_n and_o gratian_n find_v the_o western_a empire_n so_o unsettle_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o almain_n that_o he_o can_v not_o attend_v unto_o the_o war_n of_o the_o east_n nor_o yet_o intrust_v the_o young_a valentinian_n with_o such_o a_o burden_n hereupon_o he_o make_v theodosius_n his_o copartner_n in_o the_o government_n and_o send_v he_o unto_o the_o east_n reserve_v unto_o himself_o the_o government_n of_o france_n spain_n and_o britain_n and_o unto_o his_o brother_n italy_n illyricum_n 379._o and_o africa_n in_o the_o year_n 379._o theodosius_n be_v no_o soon_o acknowledge_v emperor_n but_o he_o march_v against_o the_o enemy_n and_o in_o macedonia_n gain_v sundry_a victory_n over_o they_o and_o teturn_v triumphant_a in_o the_o end_n of_o 380_o unto_o constantinople_n where_o he_o find_v that_o the_o principal_a church_n and_o their_o revenue_n be_v at_o that_o time_n and_o have_v be_v so_o during_o 40_o year_n possess_v by_o the_o arian_n and_o so_o be_v almost_o all_o 7._o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n whilst_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n exercise_v 5._o their_o religion_n in_o obscure_a conventicle_n theodosius_n be_v a_o spaniard_n descend_v from_o christian_a parent_n educate_v in_o the_o nicene_n faith_n and_o baptize_v by_o acholius_n or_o ascholius_n a_o most_o holy_a and_o worthy_a bishop_n at_o thessolonica_n zealous_a for_o the_o same_o doctrine_n the_o emperor_n determine_v to_o cause_v the_o council_n of_o nice_a to_o be_v universal_o receive_v in_o the_o east_n but_o consider_v how_o long_o those_o heresy_n have_v infest_a those_o country_n how_o numerous_a and_o potent_a the_o heretic_n be_v the_o splendour_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o arian_n church_n the_o magnificence_n of_o their_o service_n and_o the_o poverty_n of_o the_o catholic_n he_o think_v it_o most_o prudential_a to_o proceed_v by_o degree_n and_o not_o to_o attempt_v so_o great_a a_o work_n at_o once_o the_o bloody_a battle_n which_o he_o have_v fight_v the_o conquest_n which_o he_o have_v make_v over_o those_o barbarous_a goth_n huns_n and_o alan_n have_v gain_v he_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soldiery_n and_o general_a love_n of_o the_o country_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o exploit_n have_v imprint_v awe_n and_o reverence_n for_o he_o in_o the_o most_o remote_a part_n and_o any_o declaration_n from_o such_o a_o emperor_n will_v have_v great_a influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whereupon_o he_o publish_v this_o manifesto_n cod._n theodos._n lib._n 16._o tit_n 1._o lege_fw-la 2._o the_o emppp._n gratianus_n valentinianus_n and_o theodosius_n a._n a._n a._n unto_o the_o people_n of_o the_o city_n of_o constantinople_n we_o will_v and_o require_v that_o all_o those_o people_n who_o be_v subject_a unto_o the_o moderate_a government_n of_o our_o clemency_n shall_v profess_v and_o live_v in_o that_o religion_n which_o the_o successive_a tradition_n unto_o this_o day_n show_v to_o have_v be_v at_o first_o teach_v the_o roman_n by_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n and_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o pope_n damasus_n do_v adhere_v unto_o and_o which_o be_v own_v by_o peter_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n a_o person_n of_o apostolical_a sanctity_n that_o according_a to_o the_o apostolical_a discipline_n and_o evangelical_n doctrine_n we_o may_v all_o believe_v the_o unity_n of_o godhead_n together_o with_o the_o equal_a majesty_n and_o sacred_a â—…rinity_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n they_o that_o follow_v this_o creed_n we_o command_v to_o assume_v constant_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_n christian_n but_o those_o other_o extravagant_a and_o mad_a fellow_n let_v they_o be_v account_v infamous_a heretic_n let_v not_o their_o conventicle_n be_v term_v church_n and_o let_v they_o expect_v due_a punishment_n from_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n from_o we_o according_a as_o divine_a providence_n shall_v direct_v our_o counsel_n give_v at_o thessolonica_n gratian_n v._o and_o theodosius_n 1_o a._n a._n coss._n anno_fw-la dom._n 310._o this_o be_v promulgate_v he_o go_v to_o constantinople_n and_o there_o send_v to_o the_o arian_n bishop_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o re-establish_a the_o union_n and_o concord_n of_o the_o church_n by_o subscribe_v unto_o the_o nicene_n creed_n but_o demophilus_n refuse_v to_o conform_v the_o emperor_n command_v he_o since_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v his_o 19_o factiousness_n to_o leave_v his_o church_n a._n d._n 380._o the_o which_o he_o do_v and_o retire_v into_o the_o suburb_n where_o the_o arian_n ever_o after_o as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v do_v hold_v their_o assembly_n after_o this_o the_o emperor_n resolve_v to_o call_v a_o synod_n at_o constantinople_n and_o to_o essay_n if_o he_o can_v by_o party_n draw_v off_o the_o sectary_n and_o heretic_n unto_o the_o catholic_n church_n whereupon_o he_o most_o amicable_o invite_v 36_o of_o the_o macedonian_n bishop_n thereunto_o and_o 150_o catholic_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o macedonian_n and_o catholic_n 8._o do_v not_o seem_v great_a or_o irreconcilable_a and_o they_o be_v man_n of_o a_o mortify_v life_n and_o popular_a sanctity_n but_o they_o decline_v all_o accommodation_n whereupon_o he_o issue_v out_o a_o decree_n forbid_v any_o sectary_n or_o heretic_n to_o retain_v any_o public_a church_n or_o hold_v any_o meeting_n within_o any_o city_n a._n d._n 381._o 3._o but_o that_o all_o church_n there_o shall_v be_v surrender_v up_o to_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n by_o his_o order_n a_o second_o convention_n of_o bishop_n be_v hold_v and_o strict_a order_n be_v give_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n and_o such_o person_n be_v the_o bishop_n he_o choose_v for_o their_o exemplary_a life_n sound_a doctrine_n and_o pious_a government_n that_o the_o people_n and_o generality_n reverence_v they_o and_o be_v ready_o dispose_v to_o follow_v such_o man_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o most_o expedite_a way_n to_o the_o emperor_n favour_n honour_n and_o riches_n after_o this_o he_o make_v another_o essay_n to_o unite_v the_o several_a sect_n and_o heresy_n into_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o the_o project_n succeed_v not_o whereupon_o he_o make_v several_a rigorous_a decree_n against_o they_o forbid_v they_o to_o ordain_v any_o new_a bishop_n to_o hold_v any_o assembly_n in_o city_n or_o country_n deprive_v 12._o they_o of_o the_o franchise_n of_o citizen_n and_o of_o the_o liberty_n to_o make_v any_o will_n or_o testament_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n out_o law_v they_o but_o these_o law_n be_v by_o he_o suspendâ—…d_a and_o not_o put_v in_o execution_n for_o it_o be_v the_o method_n of_o theodosius_n to_o enforce_v his_o law_n with_o grievous_a penalty_n but_o not_o to_o execute_v they_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o persecute_v his_o subject_n but_o to_o affright_v they_o into_o the_o same_o sentiment_n with_o himself_o concern_v the_o deity_n and_o he_o do_v particular_o commend_v those_o who_o voluntary_o do_v embrace_v the_o nicene_n faith_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n let_v we_o consider_v how_o theodosius_a deal_v with_o the_o novatian_o for_o if_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o cathelick_n if_o to_o condemn_v their_o church_n as_o dâ—…filed_a and_o impure_a if_o to_o re-baptise_a such_o as_o revolt_v thence_o to_o novatianisme_n can_v be_v sufficient_a incentives_n for_o penal_a law_n then_o be_v these_o man_n liable_a thereunto_o and_o conclude_v under_o their_o rigour_n it_o be_v unanimous_o avow_v that_o the_o novatian_a bishop_n be_v all_o this_o time_n high_o value_v and_o consult_v with_o by_o theodosius_n and_o nectarius_n his_o bishop_n of_o constantinople_n it_o be_v 10._o also_o affirm_v that_o the_o novatian_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o the_o city_n but_o permit_v to_o hold_v their_o assembly_n there_o and_o the_o emperor_n admire_v the_o harmony_n of_o their_o confession_n with_o that_o 1._o of_o the_o catholic_n do_v enact_v that_o they_o shall_v secure_o retain_v their_o oratory_n and_o that_o their_o church_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o same_o privilege_n which_o those_o of_o the_o catholic_n do_v as_o
prudence_n and_o piety_n there_o be_v not_o any_o of_o their_o project_n no_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o sum_v together_o which_o may_v compare_v with_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o majesty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o preserve_n at_o present_a and_o resetling_a for_o the_o future_a the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o the_o primitive_a emperor_n do_v publish_v their_o own_o judgement_n concern_v the_o orthodox_n church_n thereby_o to_o insinuate_v unto_o their_o subject_n which_o way_n they_o wish_v and_o desire_v they_o to_o conform_v their_o opinion_n if_o they_o do_v extend_v several_a privilege_n and_o emolument_n of_o revenue_n and_o legacy_n unto_o the_o catholic_n which_o the_o sectary_n be_v not_o to_o receive_v behold_v what_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n do_v declare_v in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o declare_v our_o express_a resolution_n mean_v and_o intention_n to_o be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v preserve_v and_o remain_v entire_a in_o its_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o government_n as_o now_o it_o stand_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o that_o this_o be_v take_v to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o basis_n rule_n and_o standard_n of_o the_o general_n and_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o orthodox_n conformable_a clergy_n do_v receive_v and_o enjoy_v the_o revenue_n belong_v thereunto_o and_o that_o no_o person_n though_o of_o a_o different_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n shall_v be_v exempt_a from_o pay_v his_o tithe_n or_o other_o due_n whatsoever_o hitherto_o the_o ancient_a politic_n concur_v with_o the_o modern_a prudence_n of_o his_o majesty_n yet_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n above_o what_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v that_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o conformist_n be_v better_o settle_v and_o great_a by_o far_a then_o the_o nicene_n father_n than_o the_o hillary_n the_o basil_n and_o the_o nazianzen_n can_v pretend_v unto_o and_o the_o power_n and_o dignity_n which_o our_o bishop_n hold_v as_o spiritual_a lord_n not_o to_o mention_v their_o influence_n upon_o the_o subordinate_a clergy_n have_v nothing_o parallel_v to_o it_o in_o the_o four_o first_o century_n except_o we_o shall_v seek_v for_o particular_a instance_n in_o rome_n and_o alexandria_n paratitlo_n here_o be_v no_o pagan_a pontifices_fw-la sacerdotales_fw-la agrorum_fw-la hierophantae_fw-la etc._n etc._n to_o rival_n much_o less_o transcend_v they_o no_o jewish_a patriarch_n primate_fw-la archisynagogi_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o equal_a they_o in_o title_n and_o be_v to_o be_v respect_v and_o exempt_v by_o franchisement_n equal_a unto_o they_o the_o common_a school_n and_o university_n be_v paratitlo_n not_o now_o as_o athens_n in_o the_o time_n of_o nazianzen_n and_o general_o the_o professor_n and_o sophistae_fw-la devote_a to_o gentilism_n but_o manage_v by_o the_o church_n the_o parliament_n as_o of_o old_a the_o senate_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o paynim_n or_o arian_n etc._n etc._n those_o which_o sway_n in_o our_o council_n and_o in_o the_o magistracy_n be_v now_o no_o such_o kind_n of_o man_n as_o heretofore_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v that_o if_o the_o orthodox_n church_n do_v advance_v itself_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n amid_o those_o circumstance_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o take_v that_o antiquity_n for_o its_o pattern_n as_o to_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n shall_v be_v ruin_v amid_o much_o better_a condition_n his_o majesty_n do_v further_a add_v that_o no_o person_n shall_v be_v capable_a of_o hold_v any_o benefice_n live_v or_o ecclesiastical_a dignity_n or_o preferment_n of_o any_o kind_n in_o this_o our_o kingdom_n of_o england_n who_o be_v not_o exact_o conformable_a this_o be_v conform_v unto_o the_o precedent_n of_o constantine_n theodosius_n etc._n etc._n who_o do_v require_v a_o exact_a subscription_n to_o the_o niâ—…ene_a council_n thus_o athanasius_n and_o s._n hilary_n etc._n etc._n urge_v a_o unalterable_a conformity_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o bishop_n at_o nice_a from_o thence_o the_o father_n never_o will_v reeede_v africâ_fw-la and_o when_o the_o emperor_n constantius_n at_o the_o council_n of_o sirmium_n ariminum_n etc._n etc._n have_v form_v sundry_a comprehensional_a creed_n whereunto_o both_o arian_n and_o catholic_n might_n save_v their_o sundry_a judgement_n subscribe_v the_o best_a of_o the_o father_n total_o reject_v the_o contrivance_n and_o those_o which_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n for_o the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n have_v assent_v thereunto_o do_v soon_o repent_v themselves_o for_o thereby_o the_o orthodox_n church_n receive_v extraordinary_a prejudice_n the_o nicene_n father_n and_o the_o catholic_n seem_v to_o have_v condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o their_o chief_a prelate_n and_o of_o themselves_o in_o make_v so_o great_a a_o schism_n and_o fulminate_v out_o anathema_n against_o their_o brethren_n for_o needless_a word_n and_o form_n which_o the_o church_n may_v want_v and_o which_o they_o now_o expunge_v the_o arian_n triumph_v every_o where_o as_o victor_n the_o whole_a world_n seem_v to_o follow_v they_o and_o the_o rest_n appear_v to_o be_v just_o exile_v and_o scorn_v who_o have_v raise_v such_o division_n and_o animosity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n about_o trifle_n hereupon_o the_o comprehension_n be_v utter_o dissolve_v and_o never_o resume_v again_o in_o old_a christendom_n as_o the_o most_o foolish_a and_o impracticable_a design_n that_o can_v be_v upon_o this_o precedent_n do_v the_o d._n of_o saxony_n rather_o proceed_v by_o a_o special_a form_n of_o concord_n then_o by_o any_o general_n and_o comprehensional_a course_n â—…hus_o do_v the_o calvinist_n in_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n the_o romanist_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n q._n elizabeth_n in_o her_o subscription_n thus_o have_v all_o wise_a prince_n do_v except_o charles_n v._n who_o by_o a_o ill-favoured_a interim_n try_v the_o other_o way_n but_o with_o so_o bad_a success_n that_o it_o be_v no_o precedent_n for_o his_o majesty_n how_o orthodox_n soever_o the_o novatian_o be_v yet_o be_v they_o rank_v always_o among_o the_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n nor_o do_v the_o church_n ever_o project_v a_o comprehension_n for_o they_o it_o be_v true_a the_o primitive_a emperor_n do_v grant_v they_o the_o same_o privilege_n with_o the_o catholic_n which_o i_o believe_v do_v help_v to_o continue_v their_o schism_n so_o long_o but_o herein_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o majesty_n seem_v more_o clear_a and_o elevate_v in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o embolden_v any_o pretender_n unto_o orthodoxy_n to_o be_v schismatic_n by_o communicate_v with_o they_o his_o public_a favour_n etc._n etc._n equal_a emolument_n with_o the_o true_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o we_o do_v now_o reckon_v all_o separatist_n whatever_o under_o the_o name_n of_o nonconformist_n albeit_o they_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o novatian_o basilidian_o and_o manichee_n so_o do_v the_o ancient_a prudence_n esteem_v they_o all_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o preferment_n if_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o public_a church_n be_v not_o motive_n sufficient_a to_o make_v some_o man_n proselyte_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v rational_a to_o think_v that_o the_o be_v indiscriminate_o mix_v in_o such_o a_o loathsome_a company_n and_o character_n may_v operate_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o to_o abate_v of_o their_o preciseness_n it_o follow_v we_o do_v in_o the_o next_o place_n declare_v our_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o be_v that_o the_o execution_n of_o all_o and_o all_o manner_n of_o penal_a law_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a against_o whatsoever_o sort_n of_o nonconformist_n or_o recusant_n be_v immediate_o suspend_v and_o they_o be_v hereby_o suspend_v his_o majesty_n herein_o write_v after_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o penal_a law_n be_v suspend_v the_o default_n the_o heresy_n the_o schism_n be_v not_o authenticated_a the_o punishment_n be_v take_v off_o the_o guilt_n be_v not_o none_o be_v encourage_v hereby_o unto_o separation_n but_o indulge_v if_o he_o do_v separate_v they_o be_v still_o nonconformist_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o be_v still_o recusant_n as_o to_o the_o law_n they_o may_v assemble_v public_o but_o it_o be_v under_o 1â—_n this_o ignominious_a denomination_n what_o power_n proper_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n be_v entire_o reserve_v unto_o it_o by_o his_o majesty_n ecclesia_fw-la enim_fw-la jus_o judicii_fw-la habet_fw-la imperii_fw-la minimè_fw-la they_o be_v spiritual_a father_n and_o judge_n their_o authority_n their_o censure_n be_v not_o suspend_v the_o parliamentary_a and_o secular_a law_n be_v invalidate_v for_o a_o season_n which_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o ancient_a proceed_n it_o be_v not_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v not_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v though_o such_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o encounter_v a_o heresy_n or_o schism_n
do_v the_o festival_n of_o bacchus_n or_o as_o it_o be_v usual_a to_o proceed_v against_o traitor_n i_o think_v i_o may_v now_o put_v a_o period_n unto_o the_o discourse_n about_o indulgence_n which_o i_o have_v so_o manage_v as_o become_v a_o son_n and_o a_o friend_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o well_o as_o a_o lover_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o his_o native_a country_n i_o have_v not_o debate_v the_o point_n of_o prerogative_n in_o particular_a partly_o because_o what_o be_v say_v heretofore_o about_o the_o deity_n be_v true_a concern_v these_o god_n on_o earth_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o tell_v even_o the_o truth_n concern_v their_o essence_n partly_o because_o i_o can_v not_o do_v it_o without_o offend_v if_o not_o prejudice_v the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o convenient_a or_o seasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v minutely_o inquire_v whether_o all_o the_o power_n which_o be_v own_v to_o be_v in_o the_o pope_n at_o the_o lateran_n council_n be_v vest_v in_o k._n henry_n viii_o or_o to_o examine_v strict_o what_o the_o purport_n of_o those_o word_n be_v that_o the_o king_n of_o this_o realm_n shall_v be_v take_v accept_v and_o repute_v the_o only_a supreme_a head_n on_o earth_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n call_v anglicana_n ecclesia_fw-la and_o shall_v have_v and_o enjoy_v annex_v and_o unite_v unto_o the_o imperial_a crown_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o well_o the_o title_n and_o stile_n thereof_o as_o all_o honour_n dignity_n preeminence_n jurisdiction_n privilege_n authority_n immunity_n profit_n and_o commodity_n to_o the_o say_a dignity_n of_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o same_o church_n belong_v and_o appertain_v our_o law_n do_v likewise_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o king_n be_v the_o only_a and_o undoubted_a supreme_a headof_n the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n to_o who_o by_o holy_a scripture_n all_o authority_n and_o power_n be_v whole_o give_v to_o hear_v and_o determine_v all_o manner_n of_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a which_o passage_n whosoever_o shall_v discreet_o consider_v he_o will_v esteem_v of_o these_o arcana_fw-la imperii_fw-la as_o matter_n which_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v search_v into_o that_o affect_v the_o tranquillity_n of_o these_o realm_n to_o exemplify_v this_o further_o do_v not_o q._n elizabeth_n dispense_v with_o the_o act_n for_o come_v to_o church_n and_o connive_v at_o the_o popish_a service_n in_o private_a house_n in_o a_o manner_n without_o punishment_n although_o it_o be_v prohibit_v by_o the_o law_n under_o a_o pecuniary_a mulct_n this_o indulgence_n she_o use_v for_o thirteen_o year_n and_o when_o the_o statute_n be_v make_v against_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o bull_n agnus_n dei_n and_o hallow_v grain_n etc._n etc._n privy_a token_n of_o papal_a obedience_n or_o to_o reconcile_v any_o man_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o man_n in_o full_a six_o year_n proceed_v against_o by_o that_o law_n what_o import_v it_o whither_o a_o law_n be_v suspend_v by_o practice_n or_o declaration_n her_o reign_n do_v afford_v some_o instance_n of_o toleration_n as_o also_o do_v the_o primitive_a time_n which_o i_o have_v decline_v to_o mention_v but_o yet_o they_o be_v instance_n of_o what_o a_o prince_n may_v do_v upon_o reason_n of_o state_n and_o against_o which_o i_o have_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o father_n bishop_n or_o lawyer_n that_o have_v protest_v i_o think_v to_o put_v a_o end_n here_o unto_o this_o preface_n which_o be_v grow_v prolix_a beyond_o my_o intention_n but_o i_o meet_v late_o with_o a_o book_n write_v by_o a_o english_a lawyer_n in_o 1640._o and_o tender_v to_o the_o parliament_n which_o require_v some_o animadversion_n thereupon_o the_o case_n be_v about_o ship-money_n but_o there_o be_v a_o excursion_n against_o the_o english_a sovereignty_n of_o the_o british_a sea_n the_o which_o since_o i_o have_v so_o perspicuous_o assert_v against_o the_o dutch_a it_o seem_v necessary_a that_o i_o do_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v betray_v by_o the_o english_a i_o be_o sorry_a to_o find_v a_o sort_n of_o civil_a war_n betwixt_o the_o temple_n and_o a_o faction_n in_o lincolns-inn_n and_o i_o wonder_v who_o have_v suggest_v unto_o the_o dutch_a those_o principle_n of_o refuse_v the_o flag_n and_o deny_v our_o right_n on_o the_o sea_n until_o i_o find_v this_o book_n to_o have_v give_v they_o a_o pretext_n thereunto_o if_o i_o be_v any_o thing_n sharp_a in_o my_o reflection_n thereon_o i_o may_v be_v pâ—…doned_v since_o those_o assertion_n be_v less_o to_o be_v endure_v in_o a_o english_a man_n then_o in_o a_o 1640._o hollander_n after_o the_o write_n of_o selden_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o find_v a_o subject_a of_o the_o king_n of_o great_a britain_n that_o doubt_n whether_o the_o sea_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o king_n dominion_n and_o add_v but_o grant_v the_o sea_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o king_n dominion_n to_o some_o purpose_n how_o be_v it_o a_o part_n essential_a or_o equal_o valuable_a or_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o fate_n of_o the_o land_n depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o sea_n france_n subsist_v without_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o why_o may_v not_o we_o as_o well_o want_v the_o same_o if_o england_n quite_o spend_v itself_o and_o pour_v out_o all_o its_o treasure_n to_o preserve_v the_o seignory_n of_o the_o sea_n it_o be_v not_o certain_a to_o exceed_v the_o naval_a force_n of_o france_n spain_n holland_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o it_o content_v late_a itself_o with_o its_o ancient_a strength_n of_o ship_n it_o may_v remain_v as_o safe_a as_o it_o have_v former_o do_v nay_o i_o can_v see_v that_o either_o necessity_n of_o ruin_n or_o necessity_n of_o dishonour_n can_v be_v true_o pretend_v out_o of_o this_o that_o france_n spain_n or_o holland_n etc._n etc._n be_v too_o potent_a at_o sea_n for_o us._n the_o dominion_n of_o the_o sea_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o mere_a right_n or_o as_o a_o honour_n or_o as_o a_o profit_n to_o we_o as_o a_o right_n it_o be_v a_o theme_n fit_a for_o scholar_n to_o whet_v their_o wit_n upon_o then_o for_o christian_n to_o fight_v and_o spill_v blood_n about_o and_o since_o it_o do_v not_o manifest_o appear_v how_o or_o when_o it_o be_v first_o purchase_v or_o by_o what_o law_n convey_v unto_o we_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o only_o as_o matter_n of_o wit_n and_o disputation_n as_o it_o be_v a_o honour_n to_o make_v other_o strike_v sail_n to_o we_o as_o they_o pass_v it_o be_v a_o glory_n fit_a for_o woman_n and_o child_n to_o wonder_v at_o then_o for_o statesman_n to_o contend_v about_o it_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o a_o chaplet_n of_o flower_n not_o to_o a_o diadem_n of_o gold_n but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o profit_n unto_o we_o to_o fence_v and_o enclose_v the_o sea_n its_o matter_n of_o moment_n yet_o it_o concern_v we_o no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v other_o nation_n by_o too_o insolent_a contestation_n hereupon_o we_o may_v provoke_v god_n and_o dishonour_v ourselves_o we_o may_v more_o probable_o incense_v our_o friend_n then_o quell_v our_o enemy_n we_o may_v make_v the_o land_n a_o slave_n to_o the_o sea_n rather_o than_o the_o sea_n a_o servant_n to_o the_o land_n i_o mention_v this_o passage_n to_o show_v the_o frenzy_n which_o possess_v the_o heà d_n of_o many_o that_o will_v be_v repute_v patriot_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o english_a nation_n in_o 1636_o etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v some_o fatal_a period_n among_o these_o northern_a region_n when_o the_o inhabitant_n do_v become_v so_o brutal_a and_o prejudicate_v that_o no_o obligation_n of_o reason_n prudence_n or_o conscience_n and_o religion_n can_v prevail_v over_o their_o passion_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v instigate_v by_o the_o boutefeus_n of_o the_o law_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o obedience_n at_o another_o time_n it_o will_v have_v seem_v strange_a that_o a_o common-lawyer_n shall_v doubt_v whither_o the_o sea_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o king_n dominion_n whereas_o our_o law_n and_o parliament_n have_v always_o decree_v it_o to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o one_o of_o that_o robe_n shall_v controvert_v our_o right_n thereunto_o or_o scruple_n how_o it_o be_v purchase_v since_o in_o vulgar_a title_n the_o common_a law_n look_v no_o far_a than_o prescription_n and_o in_o explication_n thereof_o they_o be_v not_o so_o nice_a as_o the_o civilian_n â—…or_n by_o the_o civil_a law_n there_o be_v require_v a_o just_a title_n which_o the_o common_a law_n require_v not_o and_o bona_fw-la fides_fw-la which_o the_o common_a 4._o law_n require_v not_o and_o continual_a possession_n which_o the_o common_a law_n only_o require_v and_o this_o he_o may_v have_v see_v prove_v in_o mr._n selden_n and_o sir_n john_n borough_n
his_o official_o to_o infest_v they_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o orthodox_n christian_n julian_n at_o their_o petition_n have_v resettled_n they_o in_o their_o land_n church_n and_o bishopric_n and_o their_o specious_a zeal_n together_o with_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o suffering_n have_v create_v in_o the_o people_n such_o a_o reverence_n for_o they_o that_o they_o prevail_v every_o be_v in_o that_o province_n they_o rebaptise_v such_o as_o they_o convert_v from_o the_o catholic_n and_o esteem_v none_o to_o be_v true_a church_n but_o they_o the_o pagan_n be_v very_o numerous_a and_o powerful_a at_o rome_n in_o asrick_n and_o elsewhere_o retain_v most_o of_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o their_o rural_a and_o city_n pontificate_n valentinian_n behold_v the_o posture_n of_o the_o empire_n decree_v unto_o his_o subject_n a_o universal_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o though_o he_o do_v always_o antiocheno_fw-la manifest_v his_o own_o judgement_n and_o kindness_n unto_o those_o of_o the_o nicene_n faith_n yet_o do_v not_o he_o molest_v those_o of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n such_o be_v his_o demeanour_n unto_o the_o arian_n and_o to_o the_o pagan_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o remove_v the_o altar_n of_o victory_n which_o stand_v at_o the_o entry_n into_o the_o senate_n and_o where_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v and_o the_o christian_a senator_n be_v compel_v to_o assist_v with_o their_o presence_n he_o do_v indeed_o prohibit_v nocturnal_a 30._o sacrifice_n but_o none_o else_o the_o first_o law_n of_o his_o concern_v this_o indulgence_n be_v lose_v but_o this_o follow_v sufficient_o speak_v his_o proceed_n cod._n theodos._n lib._n 9_o tit_n 16._o lege_fw-la 9_o the_o emppp._n valentinianus_n valens_n &_o gratianus_n a_o a_o a._n unto_o the_o senate_n i_o do_v judge_v that_o augury_n or_o soothsay_a be_v not_o to_o be_v rank_v among_o those_o maleficia_fw-la or_o execrable_a sorcery_n which_o be_v prohibit_v nor_o do_v i_o esteem_v either_o that_o or_o any_o other_o religion_n gothofredi_n tolerate_v by_o my_o ancestor_n to_o be_v a_o crime_n those_o law_n which_o i_o enact_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o empire_n do_v attest_v this_o to_o be_v my_o sense_n i_o do_v thereby_o permit_v every_o man_n to_o pursue_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o please_v he_o nor_o do_v woe_n regrâ—…hend_v augury_n but_o allow_v the_o innocent_a use_n thereof_o give_v at_o trier_n gratian_n a._n 11._o &_o probus_n coss._n anno_fw-la dom._n 371._o the_o charactr_n which_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n give_v of_o he_o after_o his_o death_n be_v this_o his_o reign_n be_v famous_a for_o the_o moderation_n 3â—…_n use_v therein_o the_o emperor_n carry_v himself_o with_o a_o even_a hand_n amid_o that_o diversity_n of_o religion_n neither_o do_v he_o molest_v any_o one_o nor_o command_v that_o he_o shall_v believe_v and_o worship_v thus_o or_o thus_o neither_o do_v he_o by_o any_o menace_a edict_n gothofredi_n incline_v or_o â—…ffright_v his_o subject_n to_o embrace_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o prince_n but_o he_o leave_v the_o several_a party_n untouched_a as_o he_o find_v they_o as_o for_o valens_n he_o do_v give_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n unto_o all_o but_o the_o orthodox_n church_n who_o bishop_n he_o depose_v banish_a and_o put_v to_o death_n punish_v their_o follower_n by_o fines_n imprisonment_n 7._o etc._n etc._n he_o tolerate_v all_o other_o sect_n and_o religion_n even_o unto_o open_a paganism_n except_o the_o novatian_o who_o be_v subject_v to_o like_a persecution_n with_o the_o catholic_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o to_o extirpate_v by_o violence_n a_o inveterate_a and_o numerous_a sect_n that_o emperor_n have_v atcheive_v his_o design_n but_o at_o last_o he_o find_v division_n discontent_n and_o tumult_n to_o increase_v at_o home_n and_o danger_n to_o threaten_v he_o from_o abroad_o and_o by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o themistius_n a_o pagan_a philosopher_n senator_n of_o constantinople_n and_o favourite_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a emperor_n of_o his_o age_n he_o stay_v his_o fury_n and_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o adhere_v unto_o what_o religion_n he_o please_v without_o any_o menace_n or_o penalty_n valentem_fw-la unto_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o all_o ecclesiastical_a immunity_n and_o privilege_n be_v limit_v by_o he_o unto_o the_o arian_n and_o some_o say_v he_o do_v continue_v to_o send_v into_o exile_n the_o orthodox_n clergy_n but_o whither_o all_o or_o some_o and_o whither_o 37._o upon_o a_o civil_a or_o religious_a account_n it_o be_v uncertain_a but_o themistius_n do_v aver_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o do_v not_o by_o his_o persecution_n make_v any_o convert_v unto_o arianism_n but_o atheism_n and_o bring_v man_n rather_o to_o worship_v the_o imperial_a diadem_n than_o the_o true_a god_n valenâ—…inian_n have_v two_o son_n gratian_n and_o valentinian_n the_o young_a their_o father_n die_v anno_fw-la dom._n 375._o gratian_n be_v 375._o immediate_o proclaim_v emperor_n and_o though_o young_a valentinian_n be_v at_o that_o time_n augustus_n yet_o do_v not_o he_o share_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o empire_n until_o the_o death_n of_o valens_n it_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o learned_a gothofredus_n that_o during_o the_o reign_n of_o jovian_a valentinian_n the_o elder_a and_o gratian_n there_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v one_o law_n against_o paganism_n in_o order_n unto_o its_o 7._o suppression_n he_o do_v remove_v the_o altar_n of_o victory_n from_o the_o senate-house_n he_o do_v withdraw_v those_o public_a revenue_n and_o confiscate_v the_o land_n which_o appertain_v unto_o the_o priest_n and_o vestal_n but_o neither_o eject_v the_o pagan_n out_o of_o the_o senate_n and_o chief_n command_v military_a or_o civil_a nor_o do_v he_o shut_v up_o or_o despoil_v their_o temple_n and_o altar_n or_o render_v they_o incapable_a 7._o of_o donation_n and_o legacy_n in_o which_o last_o point_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o law_n make_v by_o valentinian_n in_o 370._o the_o pagan_a priest_n and_o temple_n be_v in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o the_o church_n of_o the_o catholic_n neither_o do_v he_o prohibit_v the_o pagan_a ceremony_n but_o that_o the_o public_a sacrifice_n be_v continue_v at_o rome_n until_o 391._o as_o to_o the_o heretical_a christian_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o while_o he_o rule_v only_o in_o the_o west_n that_o he_o do_v make_v severe_a law_n against_o all_o heretic_n that_o they_o shall_v forbear_v their_o assembly_n in_o city_n and_o country_n and_o that_o all_o their_o meeting-place_n or_o church_n shall_v be_v confiscate_v the_o first_o law_n in_o 370._o be_v not_o record_v but_o the_o second_o run_v thus_o cod._n theodos._n lib._n 16_o tit_n 5._o lege_fw-la 4._o the_o emppp._n valens_n gratian_n and_o valentinian_n a._n a._n a._n unto_o hesperius_n p_o f._n p._n we_o do_v heretofore_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n gothofredi_n that_o the_o heretical_a meeting_n may_v cease_v ordain_v that_o wheresoever_o any_o assembly_n be_v hold_v in_o city_n or_o country_n different_a from_o those_o of_o our_o religion_n all_o such_o place_n shall_v be_v decree_n seize_v upon_o and_o sell_v notwithstanding_o any_o pretence_n to_o the_o contrary_a as_o if_o they_o be_v mere_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n whither_o the_o connivance_n and_o dissemble_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o the_o refractoriness_n of_o those_o profane_a person_n shall_v hinder_v the_o execution_n thereof_o the_o same_o death_n shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o those_o that_o give_v the_o occasion_n give_v at_o trier_n on_o the_o ten_o of_o the_o calends_o of_o may._n valens_n and_o valentinian_n be_v coss._n a._n d._n 308._o but_o notwithstanding_o that_o this_o penal_a law_n be_v so_o strict_a and_o so_o rigorous_o enforce_v in_o the_o same_o year_n when_o valens_n be_v dead_a the_o whole_a empire_n devolve_v unto_o gratian_n and_o he_o embark_v in_o a_o war_n with_o the_o arian_n goth_n in_o the_o east_n either_o out_o of_o reason_n of_o state_n to_o create_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o he_o among_o 4._o his_o new_a subject_n to_o prevent_v foreign_a correspondency_n with_o his_o enemy_n or_o the_o better_a to_o recall_v those_o from_o among_o the_o goth_n who_o be_v banish_v or_o flee_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o fury_n of_o valens_n or_o other_o motive_n as_o dislike_a the_o proceed_n of_o his_o uncle_n in_o banish_v such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o his_o judgement_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n he_o by_o a_o law_n bear_v date_n at_o sirmium_n do_v recall_v from_o banishment_n all_o those_o that_o be_v exile_v for_o religion_n and_o give_v they_o free_a leave_n to_o profess_v what_o religion_n they_o please_v and_o to_o assemble_v public_o in_o their_o separate_a church_n except_v the_o manichee_n photinian_o and_o eunomian_o hereupon_o many_o orthodox_n bishop_n do_v return_v to_o their_o sea_n and_o in_o the_o same_o town_n there_o