of_o faith_n nor_o liable_a to_o compulsion_n either_o in_o belief_n or_o in_o practice_n far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o in_o the_o event_n as_o it_o be_v from_o my_o intention_n to_o derogate_v from_o the_o just_a authority_n of_o any_o of_o those_o creed_n or_o confession_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v receive_v by_o our_o church_n upon_o clear_a agreement_n with_o the_o scripture_n nor_o shall_v i_o therefore_o unless_o some_o man_n impertinence_n and_o indiscretion_n hereafter_o oblige_v i_o pretend_v to_o any_o further_a knowledge_n of_o what_o in_o those_o particular_n appear_v in_o the_o ancient_a history_n but_o certain_o if_o any_o creed_n have_v be_v necessary_a or_o at_o the_o least_o necessary_a to_o have_v be_v impose_v our_o saviour_n himself_o will_v not_o have_v leave_v his_o church_n destitute_a in_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o moment_n or_o however_o after_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o his_o departure_n be_v descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n for_o so_o it_o be_v then_o be_v assemble_v in_o a_o legitimate_a council_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o will_v have_v seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o they_o to_o have_v save_v the_o council_n of_o nice_a that_o labour_n or_o at_o least_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 2._o and_o 4._o who_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o paradise_n and_o hear_v unspeakable_a word_n which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o utter_v have_v thereby_o a_o much_o better_a opportunity_n than_o athanasius_n to_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n will_v not_o have_v be_v want_v through_o the_o abundance_n of_o that_o revelation_n to_o form_v a_o creed_n for_o the_o church_n sufficient_a to_o have_v put_v that_o business_n beyond_o controversy_n especial_o see_v heresy_n be_v spring_v up_o so_o early_o and_o he_o foresee_v other_o and_o therefore_o do_v prescribe_v the_o method_n how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o but_o no_o creed_n that_o i_o read_v of_o shall_v any_o sort_n of_o man_n presume_v to_o interpret_v those_o word_n which_o to_o he_o be_v unspeakable_a by_o a_o gibberish_n of_o their_o impose_v and_o force_v every_o man_n to_o cant_n after_o they_o what_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o utter_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n speak_v articulate_o enough_o in_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o creed_n as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v useful_a and_o most_o necessary_a if_o it_o be_v but_o to_o press_v we_o to_o the_o read_n of_o they_o to_o illustrate_v one_o place_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o another_o to_o inculcate_v those_o duty_n which_o be_v therein_o require_v quicken_a we_o both_o to_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o show_v within_o what_o bound_n they_o be_v both_o circumscribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o it_o become_v every_o man_n to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n and_o account_v of_o his_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v it_o without_o officious_o gratify_v those_o who_o demand_v it_o only_o to_o take_v advantage_n and_o the_o more_o christian_n can_v agree_v in_o one_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o better_a but_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v ever_o the_o more_o for_o a_o creed_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o those_o day_n when_o creed_n be_v most_o plenty_n and_o in_o â—ashion_n and_o every_o one_o have_v they_o at_o their_o finger_n end_n it_o be_v the_o bible_n that_o bring_v in_o the_o reformation_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n will_v not_o stick_v to_o take_v two_o or_o three_o creed_n for_o a_o need_n rather_o than_o want_v a_o live_n and_o if_o a_o man_n have_v not_o a_o good_a swallow_n it_o be_v but_o wrap_v they_o up_o in_o a_o liturgy_n like_o a_o wafer_n and_o the_o whole_a dose_n will_v go_v down_o current_o especial_o if_o he_o wink_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o give_v his_o assent_n and_o consent_v without_o ever_o look_v on_o they_o but_o without_o jest_v for_o the_o matter_n be_v too_o serious_a every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o therefore_o to_o use_v all_o help_n possible_a for_o his_o best_a satisfaction_n hear_v confer_v read_v pray_v for_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o he_o be_v his_o own_o expositor_n his_o own_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n bishop_n and_o diocese_n his_o own_o council_n and_o his_o conscience_n excuse_v or_o condemn_v he_o according_o he_o escape_v or_o incur_v his_o own_o internal_a anathema_n so_o that_o when_o it_o come_v once_o to_o a_o creed_n make_v and_o impose_v by_o other_o man_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o divine_a faith_n the_o case_n grow_v very_o delicate_a while_o he_o can_v apprehend_v though_o the_o imposer_n may_v that_o all_o therein_o be_v clear_o contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o may_v fear_v be_v catch_v in_o the_o expression_n to_o oblige_v himself_o to_o a_o latitude_n or_o restriction_n further_o than_o comport_v with_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o judgement_n a_o christian_a of_o honour_n when_o it_o come_v to_o this_o once_o will_v weigh_v every_o word_n every_o syllable_n nay_o further_o if_o he_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a business_n of_o this_o council_n of_o nice_a be_v but_o one_o single_a letter_n of_o the_o alphabet_n about_o the_o insert_v or_o omit_v of_o a_o jota_n there_o must_v be_v either_o that_o exactness_n in_o the_o form_n of_o such_o a_o creed_n as_o i_o dare_v say_v no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o be_v or_o ever_o will_v be_v able_a to_o modulate_v or_o else_o this_o scrupulous_a private_a judgement_n must_v be_v admit_v or_o otherwise_o all_o creed_n become_v mere_a instrument_n of_o equivocation_n or_o persecution_n and_o i_o must_v confess_v when_o i_o have_v sometime_o consider_v with_o myself_o the_o dulness_n of_o the_o non-conformists'_a and_o the_o acuteness_n on_o the_o contrary_a of_o the_o episcoparian_o and_o the_o conscientiousness_n of_o both_o i_o have_v think_v that_o our_o church_n may_v safe_o wave_v the_o difference_n with_o they_o about_o ceremony_n and_o try_v it_o upon_o the_o creed_n which_o be_v both_o the_o more_o honourable_a way_n and_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o method_n of_o the_o ancient_a council_n and_o yet_o perhaps_o may_v do_v their_o business_n as_o effectual_o for_o one_o that_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o good_a earnest_n when_o a_o creed_n be_v impose_v will_v soon_o eat_v fire_n thatn_o take_v it_o against_o his_o judgement_n there_o have_v be_v martyr_n for_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v manly_a in_o they_o but_o how_o much_o more_o will_v man_n be_v so_o for_o reason_n religionated_a and_o christianize_v but_o it_o be_v a_o inhuman_a and_o unchristian_a thing_n of_o those_o faith-stretcher_n whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o either_o put_v man_n person_n or_o their_o conscience_n upon_o the_o torture_n or_o rack_v they_o to_o the_o length_n of_o their_o notion_n whereas_o the_o berean_o be_v make_v gentleman_n and_o ennoble_v by_o patent_n in_o the_o act_n because_o they_o will_v not_o credit_v paul_n himself_o who_o write_n now_o make_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n until_o they_o have_v search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o therefore_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v and_o therefore_o although_o where_o there_o be_v such_o creed_n christian_n may_v for_o peace_n and_o conscience-sake_n acquiesce_v while_o there_o appear_v nothing_o in_o they_o flat_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o a_o man_n in_o particular_a he_o will_v look_v very_o well_o about_o he_o and_o not_o take_v they_o upon_o any_o humane_a authority_n the_o great_a pretence_n to_o authority_n be_v in_o a_o council_n but_o what_o then_o shall_v all_o christian_n therefore_o take_v their_o formulary_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o belief_n upon_o trust_n as_o write_v in_o table_n of_o stone_n like_o the_o commandment_n deliver_v from_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v obey_v in_o the_o instant_n not_o consider_v because_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o bishop_n be_v meet_v in_o abraham_n great_a hall_n of_o which_o most_o must_v be_v servant_n and_o some_o child_n and_o they_o have_v resolve_v upon_o it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n no_o a_o good_a christian_a will_v not_o can_v atturn_v and_o indenture_n his_o conscience_n over_o to_o be_v represent_v by_o other_o it_o be_v not_o as_o in_o secular_a matter_n where_o the_o state_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v depute_v by_o their_o fellow_n subject_n to_o transact_v for_o they_o so_o in_o spiritual_a or_o suppose_v it_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a as_o in_o the_o polish_v constitution_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v obligatory_a as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v one_o dissenter_n where_o no_o
if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n you_o can_v overthrow_v it_o lest_o you_o be_v find_v fight_v with_o god_n so_o that_o his_o opinion_n ground_v upon_o his_o best_a experience_n be_v that_o the_o otherwise_o unblameable_a sect_n of_o christianity_n may_v safe_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o god_n providence_n under_o a_o free_a toleration_n of_o the_o magistrate_n the_o second_o be_v gallio_n act_v 18._o a_o roman_a and_o deputy_n of_o achaia_n the_o jew_n at_o corinth_n hurry_v paul_n before_o his_o tribunal_n lay_v the_o usual_a charge_n against_o he_o that_o he_o persuade_v man_n to_o worship_n god_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n which_o gallio_n look_v upon_o as_o so_o slight_a and_o without_o his_o cognizance_n that_o although_o most_o judge_n be_v willing_a to_o increase_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o their_o court_n he_o drive_v they_o away_o save_v paul_n the_o labour_n of_o a_o defence_n and_o tell_v they_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o wrong_n or_o wicked_a lewdness_n reason_n will_v that_o he_o shall_v bear_v with_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o question_n of_o word_n and_o name_n and_o of_o your_o law_n look_v you_o to_o it_o i_o will_v be_v judge_n of_o no_o such_o matter_n and_o when_o he_o have_v so_o say_v paul_n be_v release_v but_o the_o greek_n that_o be_v present_a take_v barnabas_n and_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_v beat_v sosthâ—nes_v the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o ringleader_n of_o the_o accuser_n his_o judgement_n therefore_o be_v that_o to_o punish_v christian_n mere_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n unless_o they_o be_v malefactor_n otherwise_o be_v a_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o magistrate_n province_n and_o altogether_o unreasonable_a the_o three_o case_n be_v no_o less_o remarkable_a for_o one_o demetrius_n that_o be_v a_o silversmith_n by_o trade_n and_o make_v shrine_n for_o diana_n stir_v up_o all_o the_o freeman_n of_o his_o company_n against_o paul_n and_o indeed_o he_o state_v the_o maâ—ter_n very_o fair_o and_o honest_o 〈◊〉_d thâ—_n true_a reason_n of_o most_o of_o these_o persecution_n you_o know_v that_o by_o this_o craft_n we_o have_v our_o wealth_n but_o that_o by_o paul_n be_v preach_v that_o thâ—y_a 〈◊〉_d no_o gâ—ds_n which_o â—re_n make_v with_o hand_n not_o only_o our_o câ—aft_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o but_o aâ—s_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o great_a 〈◊〉_d and_o her_o magnificence_n who_o all_o asaâ—_n and_o the_o world_n 〈…〉_z shall_v be_v despise_v and_o destroy_v and_o it_o be_v considerable_a that_o 〈…〉_z yet_o foment_v as_o it_o usual_o the_o ephesiaâ—s_v on_o against_o the_o apostle_n and_o his_o follower_n 〈◊〉_d when_o they_o have_v bring_v alexander_n one_o of_o paul_n companion_n into_o the_o of_o ephesus_z more_o temperate_a and_o wiâ—e_a than_o some_o will_v have_v be_v in_o that_o office_n will_v not_o make_v any_o inquisition_n upon_o the_o matter_n nor_o put_v alexander_n upon_o his_o trial_n and_o defence_n but_o although_o he_o himself_o can_v not_o have_v bear_v that_o office_n without_o be_v a_o great_a dianist_n as_o he_o declare_v too_o in_o his_o discourse_n he_o tell_v the_o people_n they_o have_v bring_v those_o man_n which_o be_v neither_o robber_n of_o church_n nor_o blasphemer_n of_o their_o goddess_n for_o that_o judge_n will_v not_o condemn_v man_n by_o any_o inference_n or_o exposition_n of_o old_a statute_n which_o long_o after_o be_v iulian_n practice_n and_o since_o imitate_v and_o therefore_o if_o demetrius_n and_o his_o craftsman_n have_v any_o matter_n against_o they_o the_o law_n be_v open_a and_o it_o shall_v be_v determine_v in_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n but_o that_o the_o whole_a city_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o that_o uproar_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n whereby_o they_o may_v give_v account_n of_o that_o concourse_n and_o by_o this_o he_o plain_o enough_o signify_v that_o if_o paul_n and_o his_o companion_n have_v steal_v the_o church-plate_n they_o may_v well_o be_v indict_v but_o that_o demetrius_n have_v no_o more_o reason_n in_o law_n against_o they_o than_o a_o chandler_n may_v have_v have_v if_o by_o paul_n preach_a wax_n taper_n as_o well_o as_o silver_n candlestick_n have_v grow_v out_o of_o fashion_n that_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n that_o the_o justice_n of_o government_n look_v to_o but_o that_o while_o christianity_n be_v according_a to_o its_o own_o principle_n carry_v on_o quiet_o it_o may_v so_o fall_v that_o the_o disturber_n of_o it_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o riot_n and_o their_o great_a city_n of_o ephesus_n deserve_v to_o be_v fine_v for_o it_o and_o take_v this_o to_o have_v be_v so_o he_o dismiss_v the_o assembly_n act_v 19_o after_o these_o testimony_n which_o i_o have_v collect_v out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n as_o of_o great_a authority_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v one_o or_o two_o more_o out_o of_o the_o same_o book_n wherein_o paul_n likewise_o be_v concern_v before_o heathen_a magistrate_n of_o great_a eminence_n act_v 23._o ananias_n the_o highpriest_n these_o always_o be_v the_o man_n have_v countenance_v and_o instigate_v the_o jew_n to_o a_o conspiracy_n in_o which_o paul_n life_n be_v endanger_v and_o aim_v at_o lysias_n the_o chief_a captain_n of_o jerusalem_n interpose_n and_o send_v he_o away_o to_o foelix_n then_o governor_n of_o judaea_n signify_v by_o letter_n that_o he_o have_v be_v accuse_v only_o of_o question_n of_o their_o law_n but_o he_o find_v nothing_o to_o be_v lay_v to_o his_o charge_n worthy_a of_o death_n or_o of_o bond_n whereof_o foelix_n also_o though_o the_o highpriest_n be_v so_o zealous_a in_o the_o prosecution_n that_o he_o take_v the_o journey_n on_o purpose_n and_o have_v instruct_v a_o exquisite_a orator_n tertullus_n to_o harangue_n paul_n out_o of_o his_o life_n as_o a_o pestilent_a fellow_n a_o mover_n of_o sedition_n and_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n not_o omit_v even_o to_o charge_n lysias_n for_o reseve_v he_o by_o great_a violence_n from_o be_v murder_v by_o they_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v of_o the_o contrary_a upon_o full_a hear_n that_o he_o give_v he_o his_o liberty_n and_o a_o centurion_n for_o his_o guard_n with_o command_n that_o none_o of_o his_o acquaintance_n shall_v be_v debar_v from_o come_v and_o minister_a to_o he_o but_o be_v indeed_o to_o leave_v his_o government_n afterward_o leave_v he_o in_o prison_n partly_o to_o show_v the_o jew_n and_o their_o high_a priest_n another_o piece_n of_o complaisant_a policy_n which_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o pay_v well_o for_o see_v the_o other_o reason_n be_v because_o though_o he_o have_v send_v for_o paul_n the_o often_o an_o commune_v with_o he_o in_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v have_v give_v he_o money_n to_o be_v discharge_v there_o come_v nothing_o of_o it_o which_o be_v so_o base_a a_o thing_n in_o so_o great_a a_o minister_n that_o the_o mean_a justice_n of_o the_o peace_n in_o england_n will_v scarce_o have_v the_o face_n to_o do_v so_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n but_o his_o successor_n festus_n have_v call_v agrippa_n and_o berenice_n to_o hear_v the_o cause_n they_o all_o three_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v all_o on_o the_o jew_n old_a calumny_n and_o impertinence_n but_o that_o paul_n have_v do_v nothing_o worthy_a of_o death_n or_o of_o bond_n and_o may_v have_v be_v set_v free_a but_o that_o have_v appeal_v to_o caesar_n he_o must_v be_v transmit_v to_o he_o in_o safe_a custody_n such_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o upon_o who_o the_o emperor_n then_o rely_v for_o the_o government_n and_o security_n of_o their_o province_n and_o so_o gross_a be_v thâ—ir_n heathen_a understanding_n that_o they_o can_v not_o yet_o comprehend_v how_o quietness_n be_v sedition_n or_o the_o innocence_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n can_v be_v subject_a to_o forfeiture_n or_o penalty_n nay_o when_o paul_n appear_v even_o before_o nero_n himself_o and_o bid_v none_o to_o stand_v by_o he_o but_o all_o forsake_v he_o he_o be_v by_o that_o emperor_n acquit_v and_o permit_v a_o long_a time_n to_o follow_v the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n it_o be_v true_a that_o afterward_o this_o nero_n have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v the_o first_o of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n that_o persecute_a christianity_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apologetic_n say_v we_o glory_v in_o have_v such_o a_o one_o the_o first_o beginner_n and_o author_n of_o our_o punishment_n for_o there_o be_v none_o that_o have_v read_v of_o he_o but_o must_v understand_v some_o great_a good_a to_o have_v be_v in_o that_o doctrine_n otherwise_o nero_n will_v not_o have_v condemn_v it_o and_o thence_o forward_a christianity_n for_o about_o three_o hundred_o year_n lay_v subject_a to_o persecution_n for_o the_o gentile_a
reckon_v that_o it_o be_v as_o state_v a_o quarrel_n betwixt_o the_o homoousian_o and_o the_o homoiousian_o as_o that_o between_o the_o house_n of_o york_n and_o lancaster_n and_o thâ—â—â—_n a_o rose_n now_o a_o emperor_n of_o one_o line_n and_o then_o again_o of_o the_o other_o but_o among_o all_o the_o bishop_n there_o be_v not_o one_o morton_n who_o industrious_a brain_n can_v or_o will_v for_o some_o man_n always_o reap_v by_o division_n make_v up_o the_o fatal_a breach_n 〈◊〉_d the_o two_o creed_n by_o this_o mean_v every_o creed_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o a_o test._n and_o under_o that_o pretence_n the_o dextrous_a bishop_n step_v by_o step_n hook_v within_o thâ—ir_a verge_n all_o the_o business_n and_o power_n that_o can_v be_v catch_v in_o those_o turbulâ—nces_n where_o they_o mudle_v the_o water_n and_o fish_v after_o by_o this_o mean_n they_o stalk_v on_o first_o to_o a_o spiritual_a kind_n of_o dominion_n and_o from_o that_o encroach_v upon_o and_o into_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n a_o bishop_n now_o grow_v terrible_a and_o whereas_o a_o simple_a layman_n may_v have_v fright_v the_o devil_n with_o the_o first_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o i_o defy_v thou_o satan_n one_o creed_n can_v not_o protect_v he_o from_o a_o bishop_n and_o it_o require_v a_o much_o long_o and_o a_o double_a and_o treble_a confession_n unless_o himself_o will_v be_v deliver_v over_o to_o satan_n by_o a_o anathema_n but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o ecclesiastical_a sentence_n at_o first_o with_o which_o they_o mark_v out_o such_o as_o sin_v against_o they_o and_o then_o whoop_v and_o hallow_a on_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o hunt_v they_o down_o for_o their_o spiritual_a pleasure_n they_o creep_v at_o first_o by_o court_n insinuation_n and_o flattery_n into_o the_o prince_n favour_n till_o those_o generous_a creature_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v back_v and_o ride_v by_o they_o who_o will_v take_v as_o much_o of_o a_o free_a horse_n as_o possible_a but_o in_o persecution_n the_o clergy_n as_o yet_o wise_o interpose_v the_o magistrate_n betwixt_o themselves_o and_o the_o people_n not_o care_v to_o their_o end_n be_v attain_v how_o odious_a they_o render_v he_o and_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n hitherto_o they_o stand_v crouch_v and_o shot_n either_o over_o the_o emperor_n back_n or_o under_o his_o belly_n but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o become_v bold_a and_o open-faced_a and_o persecute_v before_o the_o sun_n at_o midday_n bishop_n grow_v woâ—se_v but_o bishopric_n every_o day_n better_o and_o better_o there_o be_v now_o no_o eusebius_n leave_v to_o refuse_v the_o bishopric_n of_o antiochia_n who_o therefore_o constantine_n tell_v that_o he_o deserve_v the_o bishopric_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o that_o modesty_n they_o be_v not_o such_o fool_n as_o ammonius_n parate_v i_o warrant_v you_o in_o the_o time_n of_o theodosius_n he_o socr._n l._n 6._o c._n 30._o be_v seize_v upon_o by_o some_o that_o will_v needs_o make_v he_o a_o bishop_n when_o he_o can_v not_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o contrary_a cut_v off_o one_o of_o his_o ear_n tell_v they_o that_o now_o shall_v he_o himself_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o bishop_n he_o be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o priesthood_n incapable_a â—ut_fw-la when_o they_o observe_v that_o those_o thing_n only_o oblige_v the_o jewish_a priesthood_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o consider_v whether_o a_o priest_n be_v sound_a or_o perfect_a in_o limb_n of_o body_n but_o only_o that_o he_o be_v entire_a in_o his_o manner_n they_o return_v to_o seize_v on_o he_o again_o but_o when_o he_o see_v they_o come_v he_o swear_v with_o a_o solemn_a oath_n that_o if_o to_o consecrate_v he_o a_o bishop_n they_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o he_o he_o will_v cut_v out_o his_o tongue_n also_o whereupon_o they_o fear_v he_o will_v do_v it_o desist_v what_o shall_v have_v be_v the_o matter_n that_o a_o man_n so_o learned_a and_o holy_a shall_v have_v such_o a_o aversion_n to_o be_v promote_v in_o his_o own_o order_n that_o rather_o than_o yield_v to_o be_v a_o compel_a or_o compel_a bishop_n he_o will_v inflict_v upon_o himself_o as_o severe_a a_o martyrdom_n as_o any_o persecutor_n can_v have_v do_v for_o he_o sure_o he_o see_v something_o more_o in_o the_o very_a constitution_n than_o some_o do_v at_o present_a but_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o example_n too_o rigid_a and_o neither_o fit_a to_o have_v be_v do_v nor_o to_o be_v imitate_v as_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n for_o far_o from_o this_o they_o follow_v the_o precedent_n rather_o of_o damasus_n and_o vâ—sinus_n which_o last_o socr._n l._n 4._o c._n 24._o in_o valentinian_n time_n persuade_v certain_a obscure_a and_o object_v bishop_n for_o there_o be_v it_o seem_v of_o all_o sort_n and_o size_n to_o create_v he_o bishop_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o then_o so_o early_o he_o and_o damasus_n who_o be_v much_o the_o better_a man_n wage_v war_n for_o the_o bishopric_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o pagan_a writer_n who_o make_v remark_n for_o this_o and_o other_o thing_n upon_o their_o christianity_n and_o to_o the_o bloodshed_n and_o death_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o christian_a people_n but_o this_o last_o i_o mention_v only_o as_o a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a essay_n in_o that_o time_n of_o what_o it_o come_v to_o in_o the_o several_a age_n after_n which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o when_o the_o bishop_n be_v give_v give_v themselves_o over_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n luxury_n pride_n ignorance_n superstition_n covetousness_n and_o monopolise_v of_o all_o secular_a employment_n and_o authority_n nothing_o can_v escape_v they_o they_o meddle_v trouble_v themselves_o and_o other_o with_o many_o thing_n every_o thing_n forget_v that_o one_o only_o needful_a insomuch_o that_o i_o can_v not_o avoid_v wonder_v often_o that_o among_o so_o many_o church_n that_o with_o paganick_n rite_n they_o dedicate_v to_o saint_n mary_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o none_o to_o saint_n martha_n but_o above_o all_o imposition_n and_o cruelty_n become_v inherent_a to_o they_o and_o the_o power_n of_o persecution_n be_v grow_v so_o good_a and_o desirable_a a_o thing_n that_o they_o thoâ—ght_v the_o magistrate_n scarce_o worthy_a to_o be_v trust_v with_o it_o long_o and_o a_o mere_a novice_n at_o it_o and_o either_o wrest_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n or_o gentle_o ease_v he_o of_o that_o and_o his_o other_o burden_n of_o government_n the_o suffering_n of_o the_o laity_n be_v become_v the_o royalty_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o be_v very_o careful_a christian_n the_o bishop_n that_o noâ—_n a_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n might_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n because_o he_o have_v foreâ—old_a how_o man_n shall_v be_v persecute_v for_o his_o name_n sake_n they_o undertake_v to_o see_v it_o do_v â—â—â—ectually_o in_o their_o own_o province_n and_o out_o of_o pure_a zeal_n of_o do_v he_o the_o more_o service_n of_o this_o kind_n enlarge_v studious_o their_o diocese_n beyond_o all_o proportion_n like_o nostradamus_n his_o son_n that_o to_o fulfil_v his_o father_n prediction_n of_o a_o city_n in_o fraâ—ce_n that_o shall_v be_v burn_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n set_v â—t_a on_o fire_n all_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n in_o those_o age_n may_v be_v derive_v from_o they_o while_o they_o warm_v themselves_o at_o the_o flame_n and_o like_o lord_n of_o misrule_n keep_v a_o perpetual_a christmas_n what_o in_o the_o bishop_n name_n be_v the_o matter_n how_o come_v it_o about_o that_o christianity_n which_o approve_v itself_o under_o all_o persecuion_n to_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n and_o merit_v their_o favour_n so_o faâ—_n till_o at_o last_o it_o regular_o succeed_v to_o the_o monarchy_n shall_v under_o those_o of_o their_o own_o profession_n be_v more_o distress_a be_v there_o some_o christian_n then_o too_o that_o fear_v still_o lâ—ft_a man_n shall_v be_v christian_n and_o for_o who_o it_o be_v necessary_a not_o for_o the_o gospel_n reason_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v heresy_n let_v we_o collect_v a_o little_a now_o also_o in_o the_o conclusion_n what_o at_o first_o be_v not_o particularise_v how_o the_o reason_n of_o state_n and_o measure_n of_o government_n stand_v under_o the_o roman_a emperor_n in_o aspect_n to_o they_o i_o omit_v tiberius_n mention_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o essay_n trajaâ—e_o after_o have_v persecute_v they_o and_o have_v use_v pliny_n the_o second_o in_o his_o province_n to_o that_o purpose_n upon_o his_o relation_n that_o they_o live_v in_o conformity_n to_o all_o law_n but_o that_o which_o forbid_v their_o worship_n and_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v blameless_a and_o good_a man_n strait_o by_o his_o edict_n command_v that_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v far_o inquire_v after_o hadrian_n in_o his_o edict_n to_o minâ—tius_n fundanus_n proâ—consull_n of_o
christian_a religion_n and_o thereby_o defeat_v the_o flatter_a bishop_n which_o sort_n of_o man_n say_v he_o witty_o do_v not_o worship_v gâ—d_v but_o the_o imperial_a purple_a it_o be_v the_o same_o themistius_n that_o only_o out_o of_o a_o upright_a natural_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n make_v that_o excellent_a oration_n afterward_o to_o valens_n which_o be_v in_o print_n exhort_v he_o to_o cease_v persecution_n wherein_o he_o chance_v upon_o and_o improve_v the_o same_o notion_n with_o constantine_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o wonder_v at_o the_o dissent_v in_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v very_o small_a if_o compare_v with_o the_o multitude_n and_o crowd_n of_o opinion_n among_o the_o gentile_a philosopher_n for_o there_o be_v at_o least_o three_o hundred_o difference_n and_o a_o very_a great_a dissension_n among_o they_o there_o be_v about_o their_o resolution_n unto_o which_o each_o several_a sect_n be_v as_o it_o be_v necessary_o bind_v up_o and_o oblige_v and_o that_o god_n seem_v to_o intend_v more_o to_o illustrate_v his_o own_o glory_n by_o that_o diverse_a and_o unequal_a variety_n of_o opinion_n to_o the_o end_n every_o each_o one_o may_v therefore_o so_o much_o the_o more_o reverence_n his_o divine_a majesty_n because_o it_o be_v not_o pâ—ssible_a for_o any_o one_o accurate_o to_o know_v he_o and_o this_o have_v a_o good_a effect_n upon_o valens_n for_o the_o mitigate_a in_o some_o measure_n his_o severity_n against_o his_o fellow_n christian_n so_o that_o after_o have_v cast_v about_o in_o this_o summary_n again_o whereby_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o according_a to_o natural_a right_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o all_o sober_a heathen_a governor_n christianity_n as_o a_o religion_n be_v whole_o exempt_a from_o the_o magistrate_n jurisdiction_n or_o law_n far_o than_o any_o particular_a person_n among_o they_o immoral_o transgress_v as_o other_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o human_a society_n i_o can_v but_o return_v to_o the_o question_n with_o which_o i_o begin_v what_o be_v the_o matter_n how_o come_v it_o about_o that_o christianity_n which_o approve_v itself_o under_o all_o persecution_n to_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n and_o merit_v their_o favour_n so_o far_o till_o at_o last_o it_o regular_o succeed_v to_o the_o monarchy_n shall_v under_o those_o of_o their_o own_o profession_n be_v more_o distress_a but_o the_o answer_n be_v now_o much_o short_a and_o certain_a and_o i_o will_v adventure_v bold_o to_o say_v the_o true_a and_o single_a cause_n then_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n against_o reason_n for_o what_o power_n have_v the_o emperor_n by_o grow_a christian_n more_o than_o those_o have_v before_o they_o none_o what_o obligation_n be_v christian_a subject_n under_o to_o the_o magistrate_n more_o than_o before_o none_o but_o the_o magistrate_n christian_a authority_n be_v what_o the_o apostle_n describe_v it_o while_o heathen_a not_o to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o good_a work_n but_o to_o evil_n what_o new_a power_n have_v the_o bishop_n acquire_v whereby_o they_o turn_v every_o pontificate_n into_o a_o caiaphat_n none_o neither_o 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o have_v they_o be_v apostle_n the_o lord_n have_v but_o give_v they_o authority_n for_o edification_n not_o for_o destruction_n they_o of_o all_o other_o aught_o to_o have_v preach_v to_o the_o magistrate_n the_o terrible_a denunciation_n in_o scripture_n against_o usurp_v upon_o and_o persecute_v of_o christian_n they_o of_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o have_v lay_v before_o they_o the_o horrible_a example_n of_o god_n ordinary_a justice_n against_o those_o that_o exercise_v persecution_n but_o provide_v they_o can_v be_v the_o swearer_n of_o the_o prince_n to_o do_v all_o due_a allegiance_n to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n however_o they_o come_v by_o they_o they_o will_v give_v they_o as_o much_o scope_n as_o he_o please_v in_o matter_n of_o christianity_n and_o will_v be_v the_o first_o to_o solicit_v he_o to_o break_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o ply_v he_o with_o hot_a place_n of_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o oppression_n and_o persecution_n in_o civil_n and_o spiritual_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a business_n how_o this_o unchristian_a tyranny_n come_v and_o can_v entitle_v itself_o among_o christian_n against_o the_o christian_a privilege_n be_v only_o the_o case_n in_o zech._n 13._o 6._o 7._o and_o one_o shall_v say_v unto_o he_o what_o be_v these_o wound_n in_o thy_o hand_n then_o he_o shall_v answer_v those_o with_o which_o i_o be_v wound_v in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o friend_n because_o they_o be_v all_o christian_n they_o think_v forsooth_o they_o may_v make_v the_o bold_a with_o they_o make_v bold_a with_o christ_n and_o wound_v he_o again_o in_o the_o hand_n and_o foot_n of_o his_o member_n because_o they_o be_v friend_n they_o may_v use_v they_o more_o coarse_o and_o abuse_v they_o against_o all_o common_a civility_n in_o their_o own_o house_n which_o be_v a_o protection_n to_o stranger_n and_o all_o this_o to_o the_o end_n that_o a_o bishop_n may_v sit_v with_o the_o prince_n in_o junto_n to_o consult_v wise_o how_o to_o preserve_v he_o from_o those_o people_n that_o never_o mean_v he_o any_o harm_n and_o to_o secure_v he_o from_o the_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n of_o man_n that_o seek_v nor_o think_v any_o thing_n more_o but_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o religious_a christian_a worship_n it_o be_v indeed_o as_o ridiculous_a a_o thing_n to_o the_o pagan_n to_o see_v that_o work_n as_o it_o be_v afterward_o in_o england_n to_o stranger_n where_o papist_n and_o protestant_n go_v both_o to_o wrack_n at_o the_o same_o instant_n in_o the_o same_o market_n and_o when_o erasmn_v say_v witty_o quid_fw-la agitur_fw-la in_o angliâ—_n consulitur_fw-la he_o may_v have_v add_v though_o not_o so_o elegant_o comburiturâ—_n de_fw-fr religione_fw-la because_o they_o know_v that_o christian_a worship_n be_v free_a by_o christ_n institution_n they_o procure_v the_o magistrate_n to_o make_v law_n in_o it_o concern_v thing_n necessary_a as_o the_o heathen_a persecutor_n julian_n introduce_v some_o border_a pagan_a ceremony_n and_o argue_v with_o themselves_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v soz._n l._n 5._o c._n 16._o that_o if_o christian_n shall_v obey_v those_o law_n they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o bring_v they_o about_o to_o something_o further_a which_o they_o have_v design_v but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o then_o they_o may_v proceed_v against_o they_o without_o any_o hope_n of_o pardon_n as_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o represent_v they_o as_o turbulent_a and_o dangerous_a to_o the_o government_n indeed_o whatsoever_o the_o animadverter_n say_v of_o the_o act_n of_o scditious_a conventicle_n here_o in_o england_n as_o if_o it_o be_v anvil_v after_o another_o of_o the_o roman_a senate_n the_o christian_n of_o those_o age_n have_v all_o the_o fine_a tool_n of_o persecution_n out_o of_o iulian_n shop_n and_o study_v he_o then_o as_o curious_o as_o some_o do_v now_o machiavelli_n these_o bishop_n it_o be_v who_o because_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n be_v incomparible_a with_o the_o power_n that_o they_o assume_v and_o the_o vice_n they_o practise_v have_v no_o way_n to_o render_v themselves_o necessary_a or_o tolerable_a to_o prince_n but_o by_o make_v true_a piety_n difficult_a by_o innovate_a law_n to_o revenge_v themselves_o upon_o it_o and_o by_o turn_v makebate_n between_o prince_n and_o people_n instil_v danger_n of_o which_o themselves_o be_v the_o author_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o have_v awaken_v this_o jealousy_n once_o in_o the_o magistrate_n against_o religion_n they_o make_v both_o the_o secular_a and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n so_o uneasy_a to_o he_o that_o most_o prince_n begin_v to_o look_v upon_o their_o subject_n as_o their_o enemy_n and_o to_o imagine_v a_o reason_n of_o state_n different_a from_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o people_n and_o therefore_o to_o weaken_v themselves_o by_o seek_v unnecessary_a and_o grievous_a support_n to_o their_o authority_n whereas_o if_o man_n can_v have_v refrain_v this_o cunning_a and_o from_o thence_o forcible_a govern_n of_o christianity_n leave_v it_o to_o its_o own_o simplicity_n and_o due_a liberty_n but_o cause_v they_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o keep_v the_o king_n and_o christ_n peace_n among_o themselves_o and_o towards_o other_o all_o the_o ill_a that_o can_v have_v come_v of_o it_o will_v have_v be_v that_o such_o kind_n of_o bishop_n shall_v have_v prove_v less_o implemental_a but_o the_o good_a that_o must_v have_v thence_o rise_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o the_o church_n then_o and_o ever_o after_o will_v have_v be_v inexpressible_a but_o this_o discourse_n have_v run_v in_o a_o manner_n whole_o upon_o the_o imposition_n of_o creed_n may_v seem_v not_o to_o concern_v and_o i_o desire_v that_o it_o may_v not_o