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religion_n christian_a miracle_n true_a 3,451 5 6.0239 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A43790 Dissertation concerning the antiquity of churches wherein is shewn, that the Christians in the two first centuries, had no such publick separate places for worship, as the papists generally, and some Protestants also presume, and plead for. Hill, Joseph, 1625-1707. 1698 (1698) Wing H1999; ESTC R19760 56,800 78

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be_v stone_v c._n 14._o he_o and_o silas_n whip_v and_o imprison_v by_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n c._n 16._o persecute_a at_o thessalonica_n c._n 17._o a_o tumult_n against_o paul_n etc._n etc._n c._n 19_o he_o say_v bond_n and_o affliction_n wait_v for_o he_o in_o every_o city_n and_o that_o grievous_a wolf_n shall_v enter_v among_o they_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n c._n 20._o and_o what_o persecution_n he_o suffer_v at_o jerusalem_n not_o only_o from_o the_o rabble_n but_o the_o chief_a both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o roman_n may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n most_o of_o his_o epistle_n be_v write_v in_o bond_n and_o it_o be_v general_o say_v that_o he_o suffer_v at_o rome_n under_o nero_n as_o peter_n many_o say_v do_v also_o and_o st._n john_n banishment_n into_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n be_v certain_a as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o the_o emperor_n domitian_n and_o hospinian_n have_v observe_v that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n till_o bishop_n sylvester_n and_o the_o emperor_n constantine_n for_o above_o 300_o year_n not_o one_o of_o all_o those_o 30_o bishop_n of_o rome_n
but_o suffer_v martyrdom_n but_o fuller_n add_v that_o the_o same_o public_a calamity_n be_v usual_o common_a to_o the_o jew_n with_o the_o christian_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o keep_v their_o synagogue_n why_o may_v not_o these_o their_o church_n mede_n also_o urge_v this_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n because_o the_o jew_n religion_n be_v no_o more_o the_o empire_n than_o the_o christian_n both_o which_o we_o deny_v for_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o persecutor_n and_o the_o christian_n the_o persecute_v they_o usual_o stir_v up_o and_o incense_a the_o gentile_n against_o these_o as_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n testify_v and_o st._n paul_n 1_o thes_n 2.14_o 15_o 16._o nor_o have_v the_o christian_n then_o any_o church_n as_o the_o jew_n have_v synagogue_n though_o they_o have_v in_o some_o city_n separate_a meeting_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n but_o neither_o scripture_n nor_o history_n mention_n any_o public_a church_n for_o 200_o year_n and_o afterward_o when_o they_o have_v some_o oratory_n we_o read_v of_o course_n take_v for_o demolish_n they_o but_o not_o much_o less_o at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n these_o have_v be_v long_o before_o public_o tolerate_v in_o many_o place_n to_o the_o jew_n where_o they_o reside_v and_o they_o have_v now_o renounce_v christ_n the_o devil_n and_o heathen_a emperor_n have_v no_o cause_n to_o disquiet_v they_o but_o make_v use_v of_o they_o in_o oppose_a christianity_n as_o julian_n we_o know_v employ_v they_o for_o build_v again_o their_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o despite_v the_o christian_n and_o no_o religion_n be_v more_o hate_a of_o a_o natural_a man_n than_o the_o true_a all_o other_o be_v prefer_v before_o this_o mr._n mede_n in_o answer_v the_o objection_n against_o his_o opinion_n endeavour_n to_o enervate_a this_o of_o persecution_n two_o way_n 1._o by_o assert_v that_o the_o great_a persecution_n as_o the_o five_o last_o of_o the_o ten_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o three_o century_n wherein_o it_o be_v grant_v the_o christian_n have_v some_o oratory_n and_o therefore_o why_o not_o in_o the_o two_o former_a see_v their_o persecution_n be_v not_o continual_a nor_o of_o long_a duration_n but_o though_o we_o grant_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o abundance_n of_o bloodshed_n the_o last_o be_v the_o cruel_a yet_o be_v there_o always_o such_o as_o hinder_v both_o the_o erect_n and_o appropriate_a church_n and_o public_o assemble_v the_o law_n and_o emperor_n be_v their_o enemy_n content_v themselves_o to_o meet_v as_o they_o can_v with_o the_o most_o safety_n in_o secret_a and_o though_o their_o persecution_n be_v not_o constant_a yet_o be_v they_o constant_o liable_a thereunto_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 8.36_o for_o thy_o sake_n we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o we_o be_v account_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n history_n also_o show_v we_o their_o suffering_n be_v more_o continual_a and_o less_o interrupt_v in_o the_o two_o first_o than_o three_o century_n wherein_o after_o a_o sore_a storm_n under_o valerian_n they_o enjoy_v a_o comfortable_a calm_n under_o his_o son_n galienus_n who_o restore_v to_o they_o their_o cemetery_n and_o all_o other_o place_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v such_o a_o favour_n or_o toleration_n as_o we_o read_v not_o of_o in_o the_o two_o first_o age_n 2._o mr._n mede_n argue_v from_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o christian_n have_v oratory_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o persian_a which_o we_o deny_v for_o it_o be_v the_o roman_a empire_n only_o that_o be_v represent_v under_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o red_a dragon_n with_o 7_o head_n and_o 10_o horn_n make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v we_o now_o deal_v with_o a_o matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o credibility_n but_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o history_n which_o ascertain_v the_o persecution_n under_o the_o roman_a emperor_n for_o 300_o year_n but_o mention_n little_a or_o none_o at_o all_o under_o the_o persian_a monarch_n during_o that_o time_n though_o afterward_o as_o sozomen_n l._n 2._o c._n 8._o relate_v by_o saporez_n which_o be_v long_o before_o isdigerdis_n who_o be_v contemporary_a with_o theodosius_n nor_o do_v the_o church_n of_o persia_n prejudice_n our_o opinion_n see_v they_o be_v but_o by_o mr._n mede_n acknowledgement_n in_o constantine_n time_n before_o which_o there_o be_v some_o church_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n for_o dioclesian_n his_o predecessor_n make_v a_o edict_n for_o the_o demolish_n they_o have_v thus_o vindicate_v our_o argument_n from_o several_a attack_n we_o may_v further_o enforce_v it_o both_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o former_a age_n and_o also_o our_o own_o the_o israelite_n in_o egypt_n though_o they_o dwell_v together_o a_o long_a time_n at_o least_o yet_o we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o temple_n they_o build_v there_o and_o when_o they_o be_v in_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n though_o we_o read_v of_o their_o build_a house_n jer._n 29._o yet_o nothing_o of_o synagogue_n pass_v on_o from_o the_o heathenish_a to_o the_o popish_a persecution_n former_a and_o latter_a where_o at_o this_o day_n in_o italy_n france_n spain_n and_o portugal_n be_v any_o church_n build_v or_o public_a meeting-place_n for_o protestant_n nay_o even_o the_o lutheran_n will_v not_o allow_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n the_o story_n of_o the_o german_a church_n under_o johannes_n a_o lasco_n who_o flee_v from_o london_n to_o avoid_v the_o persecution_n under_o queen_n mary_n to_o the_o lutheran_n and_o how_o barbarous_o treat_v be_v well_o know_v and_o lamentable_a to_o consider_v and_o the_o same_o spirit_n continue_v so_o that_o the_o dutch_a church_n at_o hamburg_n go_v to_o altena_n and_o the_o english_a be_v confine_v to_o their_o own_o house_n sweden_n be_v expel_v they_o and_o several_a prince_n persecute_v they_o nor_o need_v we_o go_v so_o far_o the_o experience_n of_o these_o three_o kingdom_n be_v sufficient_a where_o although_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v not_o from_o the_o heathen_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n nor_o from_o papist_n as_o the_o waldenses_n of_o old_a and_o all_o dissenter_n from_o they_o general_o ever_o since_o or_o any_o protestant_n of_o a_o different_a denomination_n nor_o to_o death_n but_o only_a fine_n or_o imprisonment_n etc._n etc._n yet_o who_o go_v about_o to_o build_v any_o public_a place_n for_o worship_n or_o have_v such_o till_o a_o toleration_n be_v grant_v they_o who_o can_v imagine_v any_o so_o mad_a as_o to_o build_v or_o buy_v public_a place_n where_o their_o enemy_n be_v ruler_n and_o have_v all_o civil_a power_n in_o their_o hand_n will_v not_o only_o shut_v they_o up_o or_o demolish_v they_o but_o also_o severe_o punish_v such_o presumption_n sect_n 3._o our_o second_o argument_n be_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o sufficient_a testimony_n from_o scripture_n of_o the_o christian_n have_v any_o public_a appropriate_a place_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o from_o authentic_a author_n of_o any_o such_o the_o two_o first_o century_n nor_o let_v any_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o argumentum_fw-la ab_fw-la autoritate_fw-la non_fw-la valet_fw-la negative_a a_o argument_n from_o authority_n negative_o be_v of_o no_o force_n for_o in_o religion_n scripture_n so_o argue_v not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o our_o duty_n because_o never_o command_v but_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o history_n as_o hebr._n 7.14_o our_o lord_n spring_v out_o of_o juda_n of_o which_o tribe_n moses_n speak_v nothing_o concern_v priesthood_n whence_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o our_o saviour_n never_o go_v further_o into_o the_o temple_n not_o be_v a_o priest_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n than_o the_o outward_a court_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o many_o hundred_o year_n ago_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v general_o use_v and_o receive_v as_o baronius_n use_v it_o in_o a_o like_a case_n a._n d._n 48._o and_o other_o also_o frequent_o for_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v what_o be_v do_v so_o long_o since_o but_o by_o history_n now_o in_o all_o the_o diligent_a searcher_n into_o antiquity_n as_o eusebius_n hierom_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o other_o ancient_a father_n and_o author_n we_o find_v no_o footstep_n of_o any_o public_a church_n the_o two_o first_o century_n but_o many_o against_o they_o for_o the_o scripture_n whosoever_o read_v the_o apostle_n act_n which_o contain_v their_o history_n about_o 32_o year_n will_v find_v the_o church_n assembly_n still_o in_o private_a house_n as_o c._n 12._o v._n 12._o so_o c._n 20._o v._n 8._o and_o to_o the_o very_a last_o c._n 28._o v._n 29_o 30._o so_o also_o in_o their_o epistle_n and_o the_o all_o place_n be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o holiness_n yet_o not_o of_o conveniency_n so_o that_o according_a thereto_o no_o doubt_n they_o
comfortable_a calm_n aurelian_n edict_n make_v for_o persecution_n be_v never_o sign_v by_o he_o god_n have_v terrify_v he_o with_o lightning_n as_o eutropius_n and_o vopiscus_n affirm_v and_o so_o stop_v his_o wicked_a tyranny_n but_o alas_o instead_o of_o be_v better_v they_o extreme_o degenerate_v so_o that_o eusebius_n say_v god_n send_v that_o direful_a storm_n of_o persecution_n on_o they_o under_o dioclesian_n for_o the_o corruptness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n maximè_fw-la vero_fw-la ecclesiasticorum_fw-la in_fw-la quorum_fw-la vultu_fw-la simulationem_fw-la in_o cord_n dolum_fw-la verbis_fw-la fallaciam_fw-la cernere_fw-la licuit_fw-la livore_fw-la superbia_fw-la inimicitiis_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la certantes_fw-la tyrannidem_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la sacerdotium_fw-la sapere_fw-la videbantur_fw-la christianae_n pietatis_fw-la omnino_fw-la obliti_fw-la divina_fw-la mysteria_fw-la profanabant_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la celebrabant_fw-la which_o i_o forbear_v to_o english_a those_o that_o please_v may_v read_v more_o in_o fox_n martyrology_n in_o the_o 9th_o primitive_a persecution_n though_o he_o misreckon_v it_o there_o have_v be_v no_o general_a persecution_n in_o aurelian_n reign_n who_o as_o he_o himself_o say_v rather_o intend_v than_o move_v persecution_n but_o for_o their_o wickedness_n follow_v the_o 10_o when_o their_o church_n be_v demolish_v their_o bible_n burn_a their_o person_n punish_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o cruelty_n neither_o courtier_n nor_o friend_n not_o the_o empress_n prisca_n nor_o daughter_n valeria_n spare_v his_o decree_n be_v aut_fw-la deos_fw-la gentilium_fw-la aut_fw-la mortem_fw-la eligerent_fw-la that_o the_o christian_n shall_v choose_v either_o the_o heathen_a god_n or_o death_n of_o this_o ten_o and_o great_a persecution_n eusebius_n in_o his_o 8_o book_n of_o history_n lactantius_n de_fw-fr mortibus_fw-la persecutorum_fw-la from_o 7_o to_o 49_o chap._n with_o the_o note_n in_o latin_a of_o 1693_o which_o be_v 10_o time_n large_a than_o the_o text._n and_o fox_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o martyrology_n from_o eusebius_n and_o several_a other_o have_v write_v large_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o transcribe_v but_o dismiss_v with_o this_o short_a remark_n that_o of_o all_o the_o 10_o general_a persecution_n this_o last_o which_o be_v the_o forest_n and_o continue_v above_o ten_o year_n only_o reach_v england_n wherein_o albanus_n first_o and_o very_o many_o after_o seal_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n with_o their_o blood_n so_o that_o christianity_n be_v almost_o with_o the_o scripture_n and_o church_n destroy_v throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n though_o short_o after_o revive_v by_o the_o bless_a constantine_n have_v now_o examine_v all_o our_o adversary_n witness_n we_o leave_v the_o impartial_a reader_n to_o judge_v of_o their_o validity_n and_o whether_o they_o prove_v the_o christian_n to_o have_v have_v any_o public_a appropriate_a place_n for_o worship_n in_o the_o two_o first_o century_n which_o though_o undoubted_o most_o sit_v and_o convenient_a always_o yet_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n man_n must_v do_v as_o they_o may_v and_o meet_v as_o secret_o as_o they_o can_v and_o be_v constrain_v often_o to_o change_v their_o meeting_n place_n and_o when_o private_a house_n will_v not_o serve_v for_o secrecy_n to_o seek_v out_o vault_n under_o ground_n where_o they_o may_v worship_v god_n and_o yet_o not_o even_o in_o the_o most_o secret_a and_o retire_a place_n without_o fear_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o danger_n of_o their_o life_n which_o show_v our_o happiness_n in_o this_o regard_n above_o they_o who_o be_v much_o better_a than_o we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o scruple_n that_o i_o can_v imagine_v remain_v and_o that_o be_v though_o these_o place_n be_v private_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v as_o mede_n term_v they_o appropriate_a to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o his_o first_o argument_n for_o his_o opinion_n which_o immediate_o follow_v from_o their_o worship_v towards_o the_o east_n imply_v that_o he_o take_v they_o for_o public_a and_o purposely_o build_v according_o for_o that_o end_n and_o 2_o who_o ever_o diligent_o peruse_v his_o treatise_n will_v see_v that_o he_o find_v their_o appropriation_n as_o also_o their_o holiness_n of_o which_o in_o the_o next_o dissertation_n on_o their_o consecration_n or_o as_o he_o sometime_o call_v it_o dedication_n now_o if_o we_o consider_v when_o this_o begin_v platina_n in_o vitis_fw-la pontif._n tell_v we_o that_o telesphorus_n have_v suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o antomus_fw-la pius_fw-la which_o be_v about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 142._o hyginus_n a_o athenian_a succeed_v he_o who_o ordain_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o use_n of_o those_o witness_n we_o common_o call_v godfather_n and_o godmother_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v then_o i_o confess_v more_o necessary_a by_o reason_n the_o generality_n of_o those_o among_o who_o the_o christian_n live_v be_v heathen_n and_o therefore_o in_o case_n the_o parent_n on_o who_o it_o be_v incumbent_n to_o see_v they_o child_n educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n come_v to_o die_v they_o that_o be_v sponsor_n may_v take_v care_n to_o see_v they_o bring_v up_o therein_o which_o institution_n as_o likewise_o confirmation_n be_v now_o degenerate_v into_o a_o mere_a formality_n few_o regard_v their_o solemn_a engagement_n make_v for_o that_o end_n and_o 2._o he_o ordain_v also_o templorum_fw-la consecrationes_fw-la the_o consecration_n of_o temple_n that_o or_o church_n be_v the_o usual_a name_n give_v to_o all_o place_n for_o god_n worship_n in_o after_o age_n so_o that_o consecration_n be_v but_o introduce_v in_o the_o second_o century_n if_o mede_n take_v it_o in_o the_o usual_a sense_n his_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v appropriate_a place_n for_o christian_a worship_n both_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o ever_o since_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o live_v so_o long_o but_o if_o he_o take_v it_o for_o a_o private_a house_n or_o some_o room_n therein_o where_o the_o church_n meet_v together_o as_o he_o seem_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o by_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n then_o whensoever_o any_o owner_n thereof_o give_v leave_v for_o the_o christian_n to_o assemble_v therein_o their_o permission_n be_v a_o consecration_n thereof_o whereby_o they_o appropriate_v the_o same_o to_o the_o church_n use_v and_o so_o according_a to_o his_o tenet_n employ_v they_o no_o more_o for_o their_o own_o civil_a use_n be_v appropriate_a to_o a_o sacred_a or_o else_o some_o pious_a christian_n give_v their_o house_n as_o he_o think_v and_o dedicate_v they_o to_o the_o church_n for_o a_o meeting_n place_n by_o which_o dedication_n it_o be_v appropriate_v but_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v reasonable_o imagine_v consider_v 1._o that_o we_o read_v of_o several_a that_o sell_v their_o possession_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o poor_a but_o we_o read_v of_o none_o that_o give_v their_o house_n to_o the_o church_n for_o meeting_n in_o 2._o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n increase_v many_o house_n be_v requisite_a to_o contain_v they_o as_o we_o have_v former_o observe_v 3._o how_o often_o in_o those_o bloody_a persecutious_a they_o be_v force_v to_o shift_v their_o meeting-place_n to_o shun_v the_o loss_n of_o their_o estate_n liberty_n and_o life_n we_o may_v easy_o conclude_v and_o last_o have_v any_o either_o grant_v or_o give_v any_o house_n or_o certain_a place_n for_o such_o a_o use_n as_o therein_o constant_o to_o assemble_v they_o have_v thereby_o without_o all_o doubt_n be_v quick_o discover_v certain_o disperse_v and_o often_o time_n most_o severe_o punish_v so_o that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o to_o question_v the_o readiness_n of_o many_o that_o be_v able_a nor_o their_o pious_a liberality_n so_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v their_o prudence_n the_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o what_o be_v most_o conducible_a to_o their_o preservation_n that_o they_o may_v not_o run_v themselves_o on_o the_o rock_n of_o destruction_n sect_n 9_o our_o opponent_n beside_o the_o authority_n mention_v produce_v several_a argument_n for_o their_o opinion_n whereof_o 3_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o mede_n which_o we_o shall_v now_o consider_v first_o it_o be_v certain_a say_v he_o that_o in_o their_o sacred_a assembly_n christian_n use_v then_o to_o worship_n and_o pray_v towards_o the_o east_n which_o how_o it_o can_v be_v do_v with_o any_o order_n and_o conveniency_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v conceive_v unless_o we_o suppose_v the_o place_n wherein_o they_o worship_v to_o have_v be_v situate_v and_o accommodate_v according_o that_o be_v choose_v and_o appoint_v to_o that_o end_n this_o he_o have_v touch_v on_o before_o from_o tertullian_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 3d_o century_n for_o which_o no_o authority_n be_v vouch_v but_o that_o only_a of_o the_o forge_a apstolical_a constitution_n false_o ascribe_v to_o clemens_n here_o
distinction_n of_o place_n can_v be_v prove_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o strange_a inference_n that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o different_a place_n for_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o church_n member_n in_o gregory_n time_n which_o be_v about_o 250_o year_n after_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o there_o be_v such_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o ever_o since_o as_o our_o adversary_n will_v persuade_v we_o but_o they_o must_v have_v strong_a reason_n than_o these_o before_o they_o gain_v our_o assent_n for_o who_o see_v not_o that_o such_o distinction_n of_o place_n be_v more_o sit_v for_o time_n of_o peace_n than_o persecution_n such_o as_o be_v most_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n of_o christianity_n wherein_o man_n must_v be_v content_a to_o do_v as_o they_o may_v and_o can_v see_v they_o can_v do_v as_o they_o desire_v the_o three_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o proseucha_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o religion_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o empire_n as_o the_o christian_n and_o yet_o in_o their_o dispersion_n among_o the_o gentile_n have_v appropriate_a place_n for_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o who_o can_v believe_v that_o such_o a_o pattern_n shall_v not_o invite_v the_o christian_n to_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o same_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o induce_v they_o but_o that_o of_o ordinary_a conveniency_n this_o reason_n suppose_v the_o christian_n may_v do_v as_o the_o jew_n who_o build_v they_o synagogue_n in_o those_o city_n where_o they_o reside_v have_v a_o legal_a toleration_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n whereas_o the_o law_n of_o the_o empire_n be_v against_o the_o christian_n which_o make_v i_o wonder_v such_o learned_a man_n as_o fuller_n mede_n and_o other_o that_o can_v not_o but_o know_v so_o much_o shall_v produce_v this_o plea_n for_o their_o opinion_n just_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v argue_v the_o jew_n in_o many_o popish_a country_n build_v and_o enjoy_v their_o synagogue_n who_o religion_n be_v more_o contrary_a to_o popery_n than_o the_o protestant_n and_o therefore_o the_o protestant_n shall_v follow_v their_o example_n and_o build_v themselves_o church_n for_o their_o public_a worship_n to_o which_o the_o answer_n be_v easy_a that_o so_o they_o will_v if_o they_o have_v the_o like_a toleration_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o build_v up_o that_o which_o the_o magistrate_n will_v throw_v down_o and_o they_o shall_v never_o enjoy_v but_o instead_o thereof_o be_v more_o persecute_v and_o punish_v whence_o in_o several_a great_a city_n where_o there_o be_v some_o protestant_n minister_n be_v send_v they_o which_o they_o call_v sub_fw-la cruse_n or_o under_o the_o cross_n of_o persecution_n as_o the_o learned_a professor_n hornbeck_n be_v in_o his_o young_a year_n in_o collen_n where_o i_o have_v see_v the_o 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as_o he_o do_v adrianople_n by_o his_o other_o yet_o make_v miserable_a havoc_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o country_n for_o this_o be_v not_o by_o persecution_n but_o by_o open_a war_n with_o they_o for_o 6_o year_n together_o which_o they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o the_o occasion_n be_v say_v to_o be_v quod_fw-la mutilare_fw-la genitalia_fw-la vetarentur_fw-la arma_fw-la corripuerant_fw-la that_o be_v forbid_a circumcision_n they_o take_v up_o arms._n instead_o of_o humble_o address_v for_o a_o revocation_n they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o warlike_a opposition_n be_v also_o set_v agog_o by_o bencochab_n who_o give_v himself_o out_o for_o their_o messiah_n in_o which_o war_n this_o their_o false_a messiah_n be_v slay_v and_o more_o thousand_o of_o the_o jew_n than_o the_o number_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n as_o their_o rabbin_n report_v or_o as_o our_o historian_n five_o hundred_o thousand_o and_o a_o thousand_o of_o their_o village_n burn_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n sect_n 10._o have_v now_o answer_v their_o reason_n we_o shall_v proceed_v to_o lay_v down_o several_a consideration_n for_o the_o corroborate_n our_o assertion_n which_o amount_v not_o to_o a_o demonstration_n i_o confess_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o public_a place_n erect_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o two_o first_o century_n yet_o compare_v with_o our_o adversary_n argument_n will_v render_v our_o cause_n much_o more_o probable_a and_o weigh_v down_o they_o so_o clear_o as_o to_o satisfy_v all_o unprejudiced_a reader_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o religion_n when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n after_o his_o resurrection_n send_v forth_o his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n in_o which_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o man_n jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o who_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v whether_o be_v the_o more_o implacable_a enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o as_o for_o the_o jew_n what_o calumny_n and_o tumult_n do_v they_o raise_v against_o the_o christian_n not_o only_o in_o judea_n but_o wheresoever_o they_o reside_v accuse_v their_o doctrine_n as_o blasphemous_a their_o person_n as_o factious_a and_o seditious_a and_o set_v up_o a_o new_a king_n instead_o of_o caesar_n and_o where_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o persecute_v they_o they_o stir_v up_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o empire_n to_o do_v it_o as_o we_o find_v frequent_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o as_o to_o the_o gentile_n what_o ignorance_n wickedness_n and_o abominable_a idolatry_n they_o live_v in_o scripture_n have_v abundant_o declare_v god_n have_v in_o time_n past_o suffer_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o the_o gentile_n rather_o than_o as_o we_o translate_v it_o all_o nation_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n act_n 14.16_o for_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n make_v know_v to_o they_o but_o the_o gentile_n way_n be_v in_o gross_a idolatry_n set_v up_o to_o themselves_o multiplicity_n of_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v and_o serve_v although_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o they_o hold_v one_o supreme_a who_o they_o call_v jove_n contract_v from_o jehova_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o father_n both_o of_o man_n and_o go_n and_o this_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o religion_n be_v so_o ancient_a even_o from_o time_n immemorial_n and_o so_o universal_a in_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o gentile_n that_o none_o can_v imagine_v but_o the_o gospel_n which_o oppose_v and_o condemn_v this_o wherever_o it_o come_v shall_v have_v the_o utmost_a opposition_n and_o its_o publisher_n and_o professor_n persecution_n rather_o than_o a_o toleration_n or_o permission_n to_o set_v up_o a_o religion_n in_o public_a destructive_a of_o their_o own_o 2._o consider_v the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_a monarchy_n which_o be_v then_o at_o the_o height_n have_v conquer_a the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o western_a nation_n both_o in_o europe_n and_o africa_n and_o eastward_o as_o far_o as_o euphrates_n in_o which_o especial_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v though_o it_o be_v carry_v also_o into_o the_o remote_a part_n elsewhere_o over_o which_o the_o roman_a eagle_n never_o stretch_v her_o wing_n in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n tacitus_n report_v hist_o l._n 11._o there_o be_v not_o few_o than_o 6944000._o and_o what_o vast_a nation_n be_v then_o subject_a to_o its_o empire_n be_v sufficient_o know_v and_o what_o numerous_a army_n they_o constant_o keep_v up_o all_o which_o power_n be_v unanimous_a for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o idol_n and_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n against_o all_o man_n and_o mean_n that_o will_v defame_v they_o or_o tend_v to_o their_o demolition_n 3._o consider_v also_o that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o great_a power_n to_o oppose_v christianity_n but_o also_o the_o great_a intellectual_a
help_n and_o mean_n learning_n be_v then_o in_o its_o full_a meridian_n of_o glory_n they_o have_v subtle_a philosopher_n for_o defend_v their_o religion_n and_o as_o good_a argument_n for_o its_o verity_n as_o bellarmine_n and_o the_o papist_n allege_v for_o they_o such_o as_o antiquity_n universality_n extent_n succession_n of_o their_o priest_n prosperity_n and_o the_o like_a they_o have_v eloquent_a orator_n to_o plead_v their_o own_o and_o implead_v tertullus_n like_v the_o christian_a religion_n beside_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o priest_n and_o those_o employ_v for_o the_o train_n they_o up_o in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n whereby_o they_o become_v prejudice_v to_o the_o utmost_a against_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n especial_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n thereof_o either_o as_o to_o the_o credenda_fw-la or_o agenda_fw-la thing_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v enjoin_v therein_o for_o sinner_n to_o be_v save_v by_o a_o crucify_a jesus_n may_v well_o to_o the_o carnal_a and_o unbelieving_a jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v a_o stumble_a block_n and_o account_v foolishness_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o other_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n strange_a doctrine_n and_o thing_n so_o contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o self-denial_n mortification_n suffer_v joyful_o persecution_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n may_v well_o be_v account_v hard_a saying_n not_o to_o be_v bear_v but_o rather_o deride_v and_o reject_v as_o indeed_o they_o be_v general_o by_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o let_v any_o here_o object_n mahometism_n for_o that_o be_v set_v up_o when_o the_o empire_n be_v break_v to_o piece_n under_o heraclius_n by_o the_o irruption_n of_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n and_o in_o arabia_n among_o a_o ignorant_a people_n where_o few_o christian_n be_v and_o no_o learning_n but_o ready_a to_o embrace_v any_o innovation_n and_o receive_v any_o impression_n of_o 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suffer_v their_o god_n to_o be_v dishonour_v or_o their_o rite_n of_o worship_n how_o ridiculous_a soever_o to_o be_v defame_v by_o any_o among_o they_o though_o foreigner_n they_o can_v not_o hinder_v do_v as_o the_o roman_n the_o jew_n and_o egyptian_n especial_o i_o shall_v not_o abuse_v the_o reader_n be_v patience_n in_o cite_v history_n and_o poet_n for_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o well_o know_v nor_o how_o they_o always_o provide_v by_o their_o law_n security_n for_o their_o own_o and_o prohibition_n and_o penalty_n against_o other_o religion_n the_o roman_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o 12_o table_n forbid_v nequis_fw-la alios_fw-la inducat_fw-la deos_fw-la sed_fw-la patriam_fw-la sive_fw-la romanam_fw-la religionem_fw-la sequatur_fw-la that_o none_o shall_v introduce_v other_o god_n but_o follow_v the_o country_n or_o roman_a religion_n and_o that_o under_o severe_a penalty_n of_o which_o cicero_n l._n 2._o de_fw-la legibus_fw-la large_o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o law_n alone_o many_o christian_n be_v extreme_o punish_v by_o the_o praetor_n and_o precedent_n of_o province_n and_o put_v to_o death_n without_o any_o edict_n from_o the_o emperor_n though_o where_o these_o be_v add_v to_o enforce_v their_o execution_n persecution_n be_v much_o more_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a and_o this_o appear_v plain_o by_o pliny_n epistle_n to_o trajan_n who_o have_v condemn_v and_o execute_v many_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o empire_n deter_v at_o length_n by_o the_o multitude_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v consult_v the_o emperor_n what_o he_o shall_v do_v in_o that_o case_n the_o emperor_n have_v power_n to_o suspend_v execution_n though_o not_o to_o abrogate_v the_o law_n which_o senatus_n populusque_fw-la &_o principes_fw-la romani_fw-la decreverant_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la christiani_n the_o roman_a senate_n people_n and_o prince_n have_v decree_v as_o that_o no_o christian_n be_v tolerate_v another_o early_a law_n make_v by_o the_o senate_n mention_v by_o eusebius_n 5.21_o non_fw-la debere_fw-la demitti_fw-la christianos_n qui_fw-la semel_fw-la ad_fw-la tribunal_n venissent_fw-la nisi_fw-la propositum_fw-la mutent_fw-la that_o the_o christian_n which_o once_o come_v to_o public_a trial_n shall_v not_o be_v dismiss_v except_o they_o change_v their_o religion_n 5._o consider_v the_o policy_n of_o the_o state_n which_o be_v against_o tollerate_v any_o diverse_a religion_n among_o they_o and_o much_o more_o a_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o as_o the_o christian_n which_o whole_o change_v the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n account_v their_o deity_n idol_n and_o their_o devotion_n gross_a idolatry_n which_o be_v therefore_o judge_v dangerous_a for_o raise_v tumult_n and_o commotion_n among_o the_o people_n which_o may_v end_v in_o civil_a war_n for_o religion_n so_o that_o they_o unanimous_o conclude_v it_o best_o for_o the_o public_a safety_n to_o extirpate_v christianity_n and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o yea_o so_o jealous_a be_v they_o that_o all_o society_n or_o convention_n be_v forbid_v as_o appear_v by_o 42._o &_o 43._o epist_n plinij_fw-la l._n 10._o and_o much_o more_o of_o christian_n as_o ep._n 98._o acquaint_v trajan_n how_o the_o christian_n forbear_v post_fw-la edictum_fw-la meum_fw-la quo_fw-la secundum_fw-la mandata_fw-la tua_fw-la hetaerias_fw-la esse_fw-la vetueram_fw-la after_o my_o edict_n whereby_o i_o forbid_v according_a to_o your_o command_n all_o convention_n of_o societies_n this_o consideration_n of_o state-policy_n have_v be_v the_o great_a argument_n and_o engine_n in_o all_o age_n for_o persecution_n insomuch_o that_o some_o christian_a writer_n of_o politic_n upon_o this_o account_n justify_v the_o heathen_n and_o popish_a inquisition_n though_o s._n james_n call_v this_o wisdom_n earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a quite_o contrary_a to_o that_o from_o above_o which_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n and_o oh_o that_o it_o have_v not_o prevail_v among_o protestant_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n and_o his_o peaceable_a gospel_n which_o they_o profess_v it_o be_v far_o more_o tolerable_a in_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v only_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o their_o guide_n as_o the_o roman_n who_o yet_o tolerate_v the_o nation_n they_o conquer_a to_o retain_v their_o religion_n not_o only_a gentilism_n but_o judaisme_n also_o both_o in_o judea_n and_o in_o their_o dispersion_n in_o the_o roman_a territory_n the_o jew_n have_v before_o submit_v to_o the_o roman_a government_n and_o become_v their_o tributary_n when_o subdue_v by_o pompey_n by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o christian_n come_v from_o jerusalem_n and_o pass_v in_o the_o empire_n a_o while_n at_o the_o first_o for_o jew_n who_o synagogue_n they_o use_v then_o to_o frequent_v pass_v undiscerned_a without_o persecution_n till_o afterward_o that_o they_o be_v discover_v and_o then_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n become_v their_o implacable_a enemy_n those_o frequent_o stir_v up_o these_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o act_n to_o persecute_v they_o for_o they_o both_o account_v they_o setter_n up_o of_o a_o strange_a god_n and_o religion_n in_o their_o worship_a christ_n who_o they_o both_o take_v for_o a_o mere_a man_n who_o their_o ancestor_n have_v crucify_a and_o that_o the_o gospel_n tend_v to_o overturn_v both_o their_o religion_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o will_v yet_o more_o evident_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o in_o the_o next_o place_n follow_v 6._o consider_v the_o many_o and_o grievous_a false_a accusation_n bring_v against_o the_o christian_n which_o great_o incense_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n against_o they_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o atheism_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n as_o kill_v and_o eat_v child_n incest_n and_o impure_a mixture_n magic_a and_o every_o evil_a almost_o that_o may_v render_v they_o odious_a which_o may_v be_v read_v in_o the_o primitive_a father_n greek_n and_o latin_a in_o their_o apology_n for_o christianity_n
both_o acknowledge_v they_o though_o but_o in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v improbable_a that_o christian_n in_o all_o place_n have_v they_o lactan._n l._n 4._o mention_n a_o conventicle_n pull_v down_o and_o l._n 5._o c._n 21._o of_o one_o burn_v in_o phrygia_n with_o all_o the_o people_n therein_o and_o l._n 5._o c._n 2._o of_o a_o temple_n of_o god_n demolish_v for_o about_o his_o time_n in_o the_o forth_o century_n begin_v the_o christian_n to_o use_v the_o word_n temple_n for_o the_o place_n of_o christian_a assembly_n which_o former_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o gentile_n temple_n they_o call_v oratory_n assembly_n congregation_n collect_v or_o gather_n together_o church_n and_o sometime_o also_o station_n as_o bellarmin_n and_o vedelius_fw-la former_o mention_v and_o bauldrus_n in_o his_o note_n on_o lactantius_n de_fw-fr mortibus_fw-la persecutorum_fw-la and_o spanhem_n have_v show_v nor_o say_v we_o that_o lactantius_n tax_v the_o heathen_n bare_o for_o their_o building_n but_o for_o their_o error_n in_o think_v god_n be_v better_o serve_v in_o temple_n than_o without_o and_o that_o the_o more_o glorious_a they_o be_v their_o service_n be_v more_o grateful_a to_o god_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n tota_fw-la in_o animo_fw-la colentis_fw-la est_fw-la be_v all_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o worshipper_n and_o this_o appear_v all_o along_o in_o his_o book_n l._n 2._o c._n 6._o l._n 5._o c._n 19_o and_o l._n 6._o c._n 1._o and_o 25._o also_o chrysostom_n homil._n 36._o on_o 1_o corinth_n say_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n house_n be_v church_n mean_v private_a house_n no_o doubt_n and_o isidore_n pelusiota_n his_o scholar_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o positive_a l._n 2._o epist_n 246._o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o the_o church_n abound_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n there_o be_v no_o temple_n though_o we_o now_o be_v adorn_v more_o than_o be_v meet_v and_o have_v distinguish_v between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n and_o the_o place_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sacrifice_n and_o altar_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o council_n and_o place_n of_o their_o convention_n conclude_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v no_o artificial_a church_n these_o with_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n be_v follow_v by_o many_o of_o the_o learned_a in_o after_o age_n gerhard_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lutheran_n for_o learning_n c._n 2._o §_o 9_o de_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la say_v exit_fw-la act_v apostolicis_fw-la &_o seriptoribus_fw-la vetustioribus_fw-la constat_fw-la quod_fw-la christiani_n apostolorum_fw-la tempore_fw-la nondum_fw-la habuerunt_fw-la publica_n templa_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o privatis_fw-la domibus_fw-la convenerunt_fw-la that_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o ancient_a writer_n that_o the_o christian_n have_v no_o public_a temple_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o meet_v in_o private_a house_n the_o learned_a jesuit_n justinian_n in_o his_o excellent_a comment_n on_o the_o epistle_n on_o 1_o cor._n 11.18_o say_v the_o christian_a assembly_n be_v first_o in_o privatis_fw-la domibus_fw-la in_o private_a house_n afterward_o in_o oratoriis_fw-la &_o ecclesiis_fw-la in_o oratory_n and_o church_n plain_o distinguish_v oratory_n from_o private_a house_n and_o show_v by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n they_o meet_v very_o often_o in_o vault_n and_o burying-place_n our_o renown_a bishop_n pearson_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o creed_n p._n 337._o have_v say_v act_n 11.26_o and_o 1_o cor._n 11.18_o seem_v to_o take_v the_o church_n for_o the_o place_n in_o the_o follow_a page_n say_v it_o be_v not_o certain_a the_o apostle_n use_v they_o in_o that_o sense_n nor_o that_o there_o be_v any_o house_n set_v apart_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n which_o then_o can_v be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n and_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n thus_o continue_v without_o public_a oratory_n or_o church_n be_v conclude_v by_o vedelius_fw-la in_o ignat._n ultra_fw-la ducentissimum_fw-la annum_fw-la nullum_fw-la oratoriorum_fw-la publicorum_fw-la vestigium_fw-la apparet_fw-la that_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n in_o antiquity_n of_o any_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n for_o above_o the_o first_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n spanhemius_fw-la in_o hist_n saeculo_fw-la 2d_o o._n that_o templa_fw-la adhuc_fw-la christianis_fw-la nulla_fw-la ex_fw-la silentio_fw-la veterum_fw-la &_o conditione_n temporum_fw-la liquet_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o the_o christian_n have_v no_o temple_n in_o the_o second_o century_n be_v apparent_a from_o the_o ancient_a writer_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o and_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o time_n by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n so_o also_o cuperus_n in_o his_o ep._n ad_fw-la p._n voet._n among_o the_o note_n on_o lactantius_n de_fw-fr mortibus_fw-la persecutorum_fw-la i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o testimony_n for_o this_o that_o the_o christian_n have_v not_o any_o public_a place_n to_o assemble_v in_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o ever_o after_o as_o our_o adversary_n affirm_v have_v show_v the_o opinion_n of_o clem._n alexandrinus_n eusebius_n and_o other_o concern_v temple_n in_o my_o first_o dissertation_n but_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n propose_v which_o will_v further_o clear_v this_o controversy_n in_o show_v what_o time_n and_o in_o what_o kind_n of_o place_n they_o assemble_v during_o their_o persecution_n under_o the_o heathen_n sect_n 14._o first_o how_o careful_a the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v of_o keep_v their_o assembly_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o private_a as_o possible_a appear_v by_o their_o hold_v they_o frequent_o in_o the_o night_n of_o which_o we_o have_v unquestionable_a witness_n pliny_n in_o his_o ep._n to_o trajan_n write_v se_fw-la de_fw-la sacris_fw-la corum_fw-la nihil_fw-la aliud_fw-la comperisse_fw-la quam_fw-la caetus_fw-la antelucanos_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o he_o find_v nothing_o concern_v their_o religious_a worship_n but_o that_o they_o hold_v their_o meeting_n in_o the_o night_n before_o daylight_n wherein_o they_o sing_v hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o god_n etc._n etc._n the_o same_o be_v record_v in_o tertullian_n apol._n c._n 2._o euseb_n hist_o l._n 3._o c._n 32._o and_o hiecrom_o in_o chron._n euseb_n gerh._n vossius_fw-la in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o forementioned_a epistle_n say_v it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o so_o to_o assemble_v in_o the_o night_n because_o of_o the_o continual_a persecution_n they_o be_v under_o persecutio_fw-la totis_fw-la sae●●lis_fw-la duravit_fw-la ut_fw-la passim_fw-la necesse_fw-la fuerit_fw-la conveniri_fw-la noctu_fw-la tertullian_n l._n 2._o ad_fw-la vxorem_fw-la dissuade_v she_o from_o marry_v a_o infidel_n bring_v this_o as_o one_o argument_n that_o he_o will_v not_o willing_o suffer_v she_o to_o leave_v he_o in_o bed_n to_o frequent_v the_o nocturnal_a assembly_n of_o christian_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a quis_fw-la nocturnis_fw-la convocationibus_fw-la si_fw-la ita_fw-la oportuerit_fw-la à_fw-fr latere_fw-la svo_fw-la eximi_fw-la libenter_fw-la feret_fw-la and_o the_o learned_a heraldus_n in_o his_o note_n on_o tertullian_n de_fw-fr corona_n militis_fw-la say_v that_o the_o christian_n often_o assemble_v in_o the_o night_n saepius_fw-la noctu_fw-la congregatos_fw-la and_o so_o do_v several_a other_o whence_o the_o learned_a derive_v that_o ceremony_n of_o burn_a wax_n candle_n before_o the_o shrine_v of_o saint_n even_o in_o the_o day_n time_n as_o be_v usual_a in_o all_o the_o popish_a country_n to_o retain_v that_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n meet_v in_o the_o night_n and_o usual_o in_o the_o bury_v place_n of_o the_o decease_a christian_n second_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o place_n the_o primitive_a christian_n hold_v their_o assembly_n in_o for_o worship_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o the_o private_a possible_a that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v discover_v so_o that_o celsus_n p._n 4_o and_o 5._o in_o origen_n make_v this_o his_o very_a first_o objection_n against_o the_o christian_n in_o general_a and_o not_o of_o that_o time_n only_o that_o they_o hold_v their_o meeting_n in_o private_a and_o obscure_a place_n the_o which_o none_o ever_o doubt_v of_o or_o deny_v that_o be_v not_o stranger_n in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n or_o antiquity_n wherein_o this_o be_v so_o frequent_o mention_v alexander_n hales_n write_v of_o the_o whole_a time_n in_o general_n relate_v by_o g._n biel_n on_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o mass_n lect._n 13._o ab_fw-la episcopatu_fw-la petri_n apostoli_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la tempus_fw-la sylvestri_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o from_o peter_n to_o sylvester_n persecution_n rage_v the_o episcopal_a station_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v uncertain_a but_o wheresoever_o the_o present_a necessity_n