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20 Num. xvii. 5[and Jude II.]

21 [What would Cyprian have said to Boniface III., A.D. 607, and to Nicholas, A.D. 858? The former attempted to set up a universal throne: the latter founded the papacy on the forged Decretals.]

22 Num. xvi. 26.

23 Hos. ix. 4.

24 "Within the very barriers of the Church;" v. l.

25 John xx. 21-23.

26 [Here comes into view the question of clinic baptism and of the exceptional mode of sprinkling or affusion. On which let the ex treme modesty of our author be a check to me. Elucidation XX.

27 Ezek. xxxvi. 25, 26.

28 Num. xix. 8, 12, 13.

29 Num. viii. 5-7.

30 Num. xix. 9.

31 The Oxford translator has given this name as "Socrates" here, but, as it appears, by an oversight only; for the original text has "Soranus," who is described as "of Ephesus, under Trojan and Adrian, a well-instructed author in methodical medicine," just as the translator describes Socrates. [Elucidation XX.]

32 The exact meaning of this sentence is very doubtful.

33 [ We may think this fanciful in argument: but this absorption of all Scripture, by primitive believers, into the analogy of faith, is not to be despised. See St. Paul's example, Gal. iv. 21.]

34 1 Cor. x. 1, 2, 6.

35 [ Acts xvi. 16and Acts xix. 15. We must not overlook such Scriptures in judging the exorcisms of the primitive Church.]

36 [Clinics, nevertheless, were treated by canonical law as less fit for Holy Orders. See Canon XII., Neo-Caesarea. Thomassin.]

37 Rom. xiv. 12, 13.

1 Oxford ed.: Ep. 1xxvi. We gather that this was written in exile from these words, "If the limits of the place appointed me did not restrain me, banished as I am on account of the confession of the Name." a.d. 693.

2 [Compare vol. iii. p. 693.]

3 Scil.: "of the cross." [Fanciful in logic, but our author may be indulged in his rhetoric. It was suited to the times.]

4 [i.e., of the stocks.]

5 [As of convict criminals. An honourable tonsure.]

6 Phil. iii. 21.

7 [This is very strong language, and absolutely disproves transubstantiation and "the eucharistic God" of Dufresne, Med., iii.]

8 Ps. li. 18.

9 Rom. xii. 1, 2.

10 Ps. cxvi. 12, 13, 15.

11 Matt. x. 19, 2.

12 Luke xxi. 14, 15.

13 Matt. v. 19.

14 [No one can read these obiter dicta of our author without assurance that the martyrs were a numerous army, beyond what is generally allowed. "A noble army, men and boys" (Heber).]

15 Rom. viii. 18.

16 [See next letter. I cannot conceive of any Christian as not profoundly touched and edified by this eloquent and scripturral letter of a martyr to martyrs in a period of fiery trial. They truly believed what is written, "to die is gain." Phil. i. 21.]

1 Oxford ed.: Ep. lxxvii. A.D. 257.

2 This is confirmed in Epistle lxxix., where mention is made of one mine in particular.

3 Otherwise, "the sinews of the common enemy cut in two, his carcase was trodden under foot." [ Rom. xvi. 20.]

4 [ A graphic idea of mine-tortures is here afforded.]

1 Oxford ed.: Ep. 1xxviii. A. D. 257.

2 [These acolytes were of Greek name, but of Western usage only. They were a sort of candidates for Orders; and our Moravian brethren retain this ministry and the name, to this day.]

3 Or, "united."

4 Or, "patiently bear."

5 [This always means in prayers and at the Lord's Supper, in the common intercessions. Scudamore, Not. Euch., p. 327.]

1 Oxford ed.: Ep. 1xxix. A.D. 257.

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