A33359:169
Diocesan churches not yet discovered in the primitive times
Diocesan churches not yet discovered in the primitive times, or, A defence of the answer to Dr. Stillingfleets allegations out of antiquity for such churches against the exceptions offered in the preface to a late treatise called A vindication of the primitive church, where what is further produced out of Scripture and ancient authors for diocesan churches is also discussed.Diocesan churches not yet discovered in the primitive times, or, A defence of the answer to Dr. Stillingfleets allegations out of antiquity for such churches against the exceptions offered in the preface to a late treatise called A vindication of the primitive church, where what is further produced out of Scripture and antient authors for diocesan churches is also discussed.
London: printed for Thomas Parkhurst, 1682
Diocesan Churches not yet discovered in the Primitive times.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Before we leave Alexandria I am to take notice of what is said by our Author, to part of a Letter writ by a Friend to M. B. concerning this City and the number of Christians therein in Constantius his time. The Writer of it observes a gross abuse put upon him in the Vindicator's Answer to it, and desires his defence may be here inserted. It contains an argument to confirm what was concluded from th•• passage in Athanasius here insisted on, that the Catholics then could meet in one place. After that passage and to this purpose M. B. introduced it, as is very apparentl. This our Author seems to observe when he begins with it; he adds, says he, to this of Athanasius (the very passage mentioned) another argument given him by a learned Friendm. And after he hath done with itn, because M. B. has endeavoured to represent the Church of Alexandria so inconsiderable even in Constantius his days, &c. And yet, how it comes to pass I know not, it is quite out of his thoughts while he is examining it. He was so hasty for confuting, that he stays not to take notice what he was to confute, though the intent of it be most plain and obvious, both by the occasion and words of the Letter: But Forces that sense on it, and makes that the design of it; which I was far from thinking, would ever come into any man's Fancy, when he was awake. The words of the Letter are these; The City of Alexandria, says Strabo, is like a Soldiers Cloak, &c. and by computation about ten miles in compass, a 3d. or 4th. part of this was taken up with ⟨p. 46⟩public buildings, Temples and Royal Palaces; thus is two miles and an half or three and a quarter taken up. He answers, I will not say this learned friend hath imposed on M. B. but there is a very great mistake betwixt them.
Before we leave Alexandria I am to take notice of what is said by our Author, to part of a Letter writ by a Friend to M. B. concerning this City and the number of Christians therein in Constantius his time. The Writer of it observes a gross abuse put upon him in the Vindicator's Answer to it, and desires his defence may be here inserted. It contains an argument to confirm what was concluded from th passage in Athanasius here insisted on, that the Catholicks then could meet in one place. After that passage and to this purpose M. B. introduced it, as is very apparent