be_v hold_v take_v or_o acknowledge_v for_o any_o other_o then_o apostolical_a pro_fw-la consanguinitate_fw-la dictrinae_fw-la say_v he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v for_o the_o nighnesse_n in_o blood_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o maintain_v keep_v and_o hold_v with_o the_o church_n which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o ordain_v and_o set_v up_o s._n augustine_n write_v to_o one_o generosus_fw-la 156._o aug._n open_fw-mi 156._o do_v so_o extol_v the_o succession_n and_o continual_a order_n of_o pastor_n that_o he_o name_v thirty_o bishop_n of_o rome_n put_v anastasius_n for_o the_o nine_o and_o thirty_o but_o he_o add_v even_o present_o or_o immediate_o after_o in_o all_o this_o rank_n or_o band_n there_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v one_o donatist_n and_o against_o the_o manichee_n he_o write_v thus_o 4._o epist_n fundament_n cap._n 4._o there_o be_v very_o many_o thing_n which_o hold_v and_o keep_v i_o in_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n the_o consent_n of_o people_n and_o nation_n the_o authority_n which_o be_v begin_v by_o miracle_n nourish_v through_o hope_n augment_v by_o charity_n and_o confirm_v by_o antiquity_n moreover_o the_o succession_n of_o pastor_n even_o from_o the_o seat_n of_o saint_n peter_n to_o he_o that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n present_a and_o a_o little_a after_o but_o on_o your_o part_n say_v he_o to_o the_o manichee_n you_o allege_v or_o bring_v forth_o no_o such_o thing_n but_o only_o you_o retain_v or_o stand_v to_o a_o promise_n of_o truth_n which_o indeed_o if_o it_o do_v declare_v itself_o so_o evident_o that_o a_o man_n can_v not_o any_o more_o doubt_n thereof_o i_o confess_v &_o consent_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o antiquity_n succession_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n s_o hierome_n habetur_fw-la hierom._n epi._n 1._o ad_fw-la heliod_n &_o habetur_fw-la they_o be_v not_o say_v he_o the_o son_n and_o child_n of_o holy_a man_n that_o hold_v and_o possess_v the_o place_n of_o holy_a man_n but_o they_o which_o follow_v their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_v their_o work_v can._n distinct._n 40._o can._n and_o chrysostome_n in_o a_o certain_a place_n there_o be_v say_v he_o many_o elder_n and_o few_o elder_n many_o in_o name_n and_o few_o in_o deed_n behold_v my_o brethren_n how_o you_o be_v place_v and_o set_v in_o the_o chair_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o chair_n or_o place_n that_o make_v a_o elder_a but_o the_o elder_a the_o chair_n or_o place_n behold_v after_o what_o manner_n and_o sort_n the_o ancient_a writer_n have_v speak_v but_o will_v we_o know_v in_o one_o word_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o what_o value_n be_v the_o most_o common_a and_o old_a succession_n that_o a_o man_n can_v suppose_v if_o the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n be_v want_v s._n paul_n teach_v it_o we_o 1.8_o gal._n 1.8_o write_v to_o the_o galathian_o when_o he_o say_v if_o we_o ourselves_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v unto_o you_o otherwise_o then_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v moreover_o i_o will_v glad_o demand_v of_o the_o romish_a catholic_n for_o what_o cause_n they_o hold_v not_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n for_o true_a church_n they_o will_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v because_o that_o succession_n be_v not_o on_o their_o side_n for_o they_o want_v not_o that_o but_o it_o be_v on_o their_o side_n even_o as_o old_a and_o ancient_a at_o the_o least_o as_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n wherefore_o they_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v amongst_o they_o to_o wit_n because_o they_o hold_v not_o the_o pope_n for_o their_o head_n because_o they_o deny_v purgatory_n because_o their_o minister_n be_v marry_v because_o they_o celebrate_v and_o minister_v the_o holy_a supper_n with_o leaven_a bread_n because_o they_o give_v both_o kind_n to_o the_o people_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n now_o if_o as_o touch_v the_o east_n church_n the_o papist_n judge_v of_o the_o church_n not_o by_o succession_n but_o by_o doctrine_n wherefore_o do_v they_o when_o they_o dispute_v with_o we_o stay_v themselves_o rather_o upon_o succession_n then_o upon_o the_o doctrine_n see_v that_o the_o question_n in_o controversy_n between_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n secondary_o touch_v the_o matter_n of_o succession_n we_o say_v that_o if_o we_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o sift_v of_o the_o succession_n of_o pope_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o shall_v easy_o find_v that_o if_o man_n will_v theredy_o judge_v of_o their_o vocation_n or_o calling_n it_o shall_v not_o serve_v their_o turn_n very_o much_o or_o stand_v they_o in_o any_o great_a stead_n for_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v that_o they_o have_v oftentimes_o succeed_v tyrant_n schismatics_n excommunicate_a person_n and_o bishop_n or_o pope_n not_o lawful_o call_v for_o what_o be_v gregory_n the_o seven_o who_o be_v name_v before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o pope_n doom_n hildebrand_n vrspergensis_n vrspergensis_n vrspergensis_n witness_v that_o he_o usurp_v the_o papal_a seat_n through_o tyranny_n and_o not_o by_o a_o lawful_a vocation_n and_o the_o council_n hold_v at_o worm_n wormat_n council_n wormat_n in_o the_o year_n 1080._o say_v also_o of_o the_o say_v hildebrand_n that_o he_o be_v not_o choose_v by_o god_n but_o that_o he_o do_v without_o shame_n thrust_v in_o himself_o thither_o by_o deceit_n and_o money_n and_o that_o he_o overthrewe_v the_o ecclesiastical_a order_n that_o he_o be_v a_o offensive_a person_n a_o mover_n of_o debate_n and_o a_o observer_n of_o divination_n &_o dream_n yea_o a_o manifest_a necromancer_n or_o conjurer_n what_o be_v the_o woman_n pope_n joan_n about_o the_o year_n 854_o platina_n platina_n platina_n in_o her_o life_n say_v that_o she_o be_v a_o english_a woman_n who_o in_o her_o youth_n follow_v and_o accompany_v a_o young_a scholar_n in_o study_n and_o profit_v so_o well_o therein_o that_o at_o rome_n she_o be_v esteem_v amongst_o the_o most_o skilful_a and_o learned_a for_o which_o cause_n she_o be_v exalt_v to_o be_v pope_n they_o suppose_v she_o have_v be_v a_o man_n but_o she_o be_v find_v great_a with_o child_n and_o at_o the_o last_o deliver_v in_o a_o open_a street_n and_o as_o they_o be_v go_v in_o solemn_a procession_n upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o those_o that_o carry_v she_o where_o also_o she_o die_v what_o be_v benedict_n the_o nine_o the_o story_n writer_n declare_v that_o after_o he_o be_v accuse_v of_o many_o crime_n by_o the_o roman_n he_o be_v drive_v away_o and_o in_o his_o place_n be_v ordain_v the_o bishop_n of_o sabina_n call_v silvester_n the_o third_o who_o likewise_o be_v depose_v and_o put_v down_o because_o he_o be_v a_o idiot_n ignorant_a and_o unprofitable_a and_o the_o say_a benedicte_n recover_v the_o seat_n again_o from_o whence_o through_o covetousness_n he_o put_v himself_o down_o and_o ordain_v in_o his_o place_n john_n the_o archdeacon_n of_o saint_n john_n port_n latin_a who_o be_v name_v gregory_n the_o sixth_o to_o who_o he_o sell_v the_o popeship_n for_o very_a much_o money_n pay_v downright_o platina_n johannes_n maior_n mare_fw-la historiarum_fw-la nauclerus_fw-la platina_n as_o witness_v johannes_n maior_n the_o sea_n of_o history_n nauclerus_fw-la platina_n and_o the_o same_o gregory_n be_v pope_n be_v judge_v as_o well_o by_o the_o clergy_n as_o by_o the_o people_n to_o be_v a_o murderer_n and_o a_o symoniakal_a person_n what_o be_v silvester_n the_o second_o platina_n say_v that_o be_v a_o friar_n he_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o devil_n upon_o condition_n that_o he_o will_v aid_v &_o help_v he_o to_o obtain_v that_o which_o he_o desire_v &_o so_o by_o that_o mean_v he_o come_v to_o be_v pope_n what_o be_v eugenius_n the_o four_o he_o by_o the_o definitive_a sentence_n of_o the_o council_n of_o basill_n be_v condemn_v for_o a_o schismatic_n rebel_n and_o stubborn_a person_n and_o so_o depose_v and_o one_o aimus_n duke_n of_o savoie_n substitute_v in_o his_o place_n in_o the_o year_n 1439._o the_o 16._o of_o novemb._n notwithstanding_o he_o be_v support_v and_o uphold_v by_o the_o favour_n of_o certain_a prince_n abode_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o popedom_n and_o aimus_n his_o election_n pass_v into_o smoke_n and_o be_v of_o no_o force_n or_o value_n but_o without_o pass_v to_o any_o other_o example_n for_o this_o can_v not_o be_v do_v but_o in_o long_a time_n may_v we_o now_o affirm_v first_o that_o in_o all_o the_o time_n of_o these_o pope_n there_o have_v not_o be_v some_o interruption_n or_o breach_n of_o personal_a succession_n in_o the_o seat_n of_o rome_n very_o we_o must_v confess_v it_o unless_o a_o man_n will_v say_v that_o heretic_n and_o notorious_a schismatics_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n
boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a bishop_n &_o pastor_n see_v they_o be_v not_o call_v by_o christ_n to_o such_o office_n &_o that_o they_o do_v not_o any_o manner_n of_o way_n exercise_v duty_n &_o charge_n according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o commandememt_fw-mi of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n the_o x._o chap._n whether_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v always_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n and_o how_o much_o man_n ought_v to_o attribute_v or_o give_v unto_o it_o after_o that_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o diverse_a degree_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n &_o of_o their_o charge_n and_o office_n it_o shall_v be_v very_o meet_a and_o requisite_a that_o we_o declare_v whether_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v always_o necessary_a and_o needful_a in_o the_o church_n or_o no._n for_o there_o be_v some_o which_o do_v despise_v it_o and_o utter_o disallow_v the_o same_o as_o though_o it_o be_v superfluous_a unprofitable_a and_o vain_a who_o argument_n and_o reason_n we_o must_v first_o examine_v and_o afterward_o we_o will_v allege_v and_o bring_v forth_o our_o reason_n and_o warrant_n against_o they_o their_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v our_o inward_a doctor_n 16.13_o 1._o john_n 1.20_o john_n 16.13_o who_o teach_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o lead_v or_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o truth_n it_o follow_v then_o that_o we_o have_v not_o any_o need_n of_o the_o outward_a ministry_n neither_o that_o any_o do_v teach_v we_o with_o the_o lively_a or_o live_a voice_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o consequent_a be_v false_a and_o that_o the_o argument_n be_v captious_a and_o sophistical_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o insufficient_a number_n or_o reckon_n of_o cause_n for_o there_o be_v three_o very_a right_a cause_n by_o which_o we_o be_v guide_v and_o lead_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o first_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o second_o be_v the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o three_o be_v our_o will_n but_o yet_o regenerate_v agree_v with_o these_o two_o now_o of_o these_o three_o cause_n or_o mean_v we_o be_v not_o to_o despise_v any_o one_o see_v that_o god_n by_o they_o will_v accomplish_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v his_o own_o work_n in_o us._n wherefore_o although_o it_o he_o the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o lighten_v we_o within_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v notwitstanding_n that_o the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o unprofitable_a because_o that_o god_n use_v the_o same_o as_o a_o inferior_a or_o secondary_a mean_n for_o the_o above_o name_v effect_n and_o purpose_n and_o indeed_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n do_v then_o show_v and_o bring_v forth_o their_o effect_n &_o power_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n join_v he_o withal_o by_o the_o which_o only_o the_o ear_n be_v pierce_v the_o heart_n open_v the_o affection_n touch_v and_o the_o will_v dispose_v and_o prepare_v thereby_o to_o give_v a_o entrance_n to_o the_o outward_a ministry_n insomuch_o that_o if_o this_o inward_a master_n or_o teacher_n do_v fail_v we_o the_o outward_a ministry_n can_v no_o more_o profit_v our_o soul_n than_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n help_v blind_a eye_n or_o than_o a_o voice_n which_o sound_v loud_a profit_v deaf_a ear_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n the_o outward_a ministry_n be_v not_o unprofitable_a or_o vain_a when_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v join_v therewith_o work_v within_o but_o be_v full_a of_o virtue_n efficacy_n and_o power_n even_o as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o bless_v it_o the_o second_o argument_n be_v those_o which_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o have_v not_o need_v that_o any_o shall_v teach_v they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o outward_a ministry_n but_o the_o faithful_a know_v all_o thing_n as_o s._n john_n say_v 2.20.27_o 1._o joh._n 2.20.27_o and_o have_v no_o need_n that_o any_o shall_v teach_v they_o it_o follow_v they_o that_o the_o faithful_a have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o outward_a ministry_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o place_n of_o s._n john_n be_v very_o ill_a &_o perverse_o apply_v for_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o faithful_a to_o who_o he_o write_v know_v all_o thing_n first_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v before_o say_v in_o the_o 14._o verse_n to_o wit_n 2.14_o 1._o john_n 2.14_o that_o they_o know_v the_o father_n for_o he_o that_o know_v the_o father_n certain_o know_v all_o because_o the_o father_n be_v know_v in_o his_o son_n in_o who_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n 2.3_o col._n 2.3_o as_o say_v saint_n paul_n and_o therefore_o also_o the_o same_o apostle_n declare_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 2.2_o 1._o cor._n 2.2_o that_o he_o esteem_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n among_o they_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v second_o when_o he_o say_v that_o they_o know_v all_o thing_n it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o young_a scholar_n rude_a &_o ignorant_a but_o expert_a &_o well_o skill_v in_o the_o matter_n which_o he_o propound_v &_o set_v forth_o unto_o they_o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o set_v out_o these_o point_n to_o they_o as_o though_o they_o be_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o they_o but_o that_o he_o do_v only_o bring_v these_o thing_n to_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v remember_v they_o as_o s._n peter_n write_v unto_o the_o faithful_a 1.12_o 2._o pet._n 1.12_o i_o will_v not_o be_v negligent_a say_v he_o to_o put_v you_o always_o in_o remembrance_n of_o these_o thing_n though_o that_o you_o have_v knowledge_n and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o present_a truth_n final_o when_o he_o say_v that_o they_o have_v no_o need_n that_o any_o shall_v teach_v they_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v read_v alone_o by_o itself_o but_o aught_o to_o be_v join_v with_o that_o which_o follow_v to_o wit_n 27_o 1._o john_n 2._o 27_o but_o as_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o of_o all_o thing_n &_o it_o be_v true_a and_o be_v not_o lie_v as_o if_o he_o will_v say_v you_o have_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v always_o true_a and_o no_o manner_n of_o way_n a_o liar_n you_o than_o have_v not_o need_v that_o any_o shall_v teach_v you_o some_o other_o matter_n as_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o do_v which_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n man_n invention_n but_o if_o any_o do_v teach_v you_o that_o he_o follow_v that_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v teach_v you_o in_o who_o doctrine_n it_o behove_v you_o always_o to_o abide_v the_o three_o argument_n the_o lord_n say_v thus_o and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n 31.34_o jere._n 31.34_o and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a of_o they_o this_o promise_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n &_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n ought_v not_o any_o more_o to_o have_v place_n now_o in_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o application_n of_o the_o place_n of_o jeremie_n be_v altogether_o contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o first_o and_o foremost_a the_o lord_n make_v comparison_n between_o the_o old_a people_n and_o the_o new_a mean_v not_o any_o other_o thing_n but_o that_o under_o the_o gospel_n he_o will_v send_v unto_o his_o people_n so_o great_a a_o light_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n that_o his_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v common_a &_o familiar_a to_o all_o whereas_o under_o the_o law_n he_o manifest_v and_o declare_v himself_o dark_o and_o that_o under_o certain_a shadow_n &_o figure_n as_o indeed_o the_o ancient_a people_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o which_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o so_o familiar_o plain_o and_o perfect_o teach_v as_o we_o be_v at_o this_o day_n by_o reason_n whereof_o also_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n call_v jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n â—_o malac._n 4._o â—_o signifi_v thereby_o that_o the_o father_n under_o the_o law_n have_v indeed_o some_o light_n but_o yet_o not_o such_o a_o light_n as_o we_o through_o his_o goodness_n have_v at_o this_o day_n furthermore_o we_o must_v mark_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o say_v simple_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n &_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n but_o he_o add_v say_v know_v the_o lord_n by_o which_o
any_o hand_n away_o with_o or_o abide_v his_o presence_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o by_o those_o that_o when_o he_o be_v mind_v to_o publish_v and_o to_o give_v his_o law_n the_o people_n themselves_o be_v astonish_v with_o his_o greatness_n &_o majesty_n say_v unto_o moses_n 5.29.29_o exod._n 20.16_o deut._n 5.29.29_o talk_v thou_o with_o we_o &_o we_o will_v hear_v but_o let_v not_o the_o lord_n talk_v with_o we_o lest_o we_o die_v and_o god_n accept_v this_o their_o request_n say_v unto_o moses_n i_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o this_o people_n which_o they_o have_v speak_v unto_o thou_o they_o have_v well_o say_v all_o that_o they_o have_v speak_v oh_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o they_o to_o fear_v i_o and_o to_o keep_v all_o my_o commandment_n always_o that_o it_o may_v go_v well_o with_o they_o and_o with_o their_o child_n for_o ever_o go_v say_v unto_o they_o return_v into_o your_o tent_n but_o stand_v thou_o here_o with_o i_o &_o i_o will_v tell_v thou_o all_o the_o commandment_n &_o the_o ordinance_n 5.30.31_o deut._n 5.30.31_o &_o the_o law_n which_o thou_o shall_v teach_v they_o that_o they_o may_v do_v they_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o god_n yield_v unto_o this_o people_n their_o request_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o may_v be_v teach_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n and_o since_o that_o time_n it_o be_v yet_o his_o good_a pleasure_n to_o have_v continue_v and_o that_o unto_o the_o end_n this_o manner_n of_o instruct_v and_o teach_v his_o church_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n which_o order_n man_n themselves_o do_v require_v and_o choose_v in_o so_o much_o that_o when_o god_n himself_o send_v jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n 2.16_o mark_n 1.38_o heb._n 2.16_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n he_o appoint_v he_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o not_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n but_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o he_o may_v be_v like_a unto_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n yet_o without_o sin_n and_o christ_n himself_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n commit_v unto_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v man_n as_o we_o the_o office_n and_o charge_n to_o teach_v us._n 14.15_o act._n 14.15_o and_o since_o that_o time_n this_o order_n have_v continue_v and_o be_v common_a and_o ordinary_a in_o the_o church_n and_o can_v not_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n that_o god_n do_v teach_v we_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n as_o by_o his_o instrument_n which_o be_v most_o profitable_a etc._n act._n 8.27_o etc._n etc._n familiar_a and_o easy_a to_o us._n the_o eunuch_n of_o candace_n queen_n of_o the_o ethiopian_n tead_o in_o his_o chariot_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o no_o doubt_n the_o lord_n can_v very_o well_o have_v instruct_v he_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o secret_a virtue_n and_o power_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n but_o yet_o he_o delight_v rather_o to_o have_v it_o do_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o philip_n and_o like_v better_a thereof_o etc._n act._n 10.1.2_o etc._n etc._n cornelius_n the_o centurion_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v be_v more_o full_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v send_v back_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o angel_n to_o saint_n peter_n he_o shall_v tell_v thou_o say_v the_o angel_n what_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v yea_o saint_n paul_n himself_o although_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o he_o with_o his_o own_o mouth_n be_v yet_o notwithstanding_o send_v back_o as_o it_o be_v to_o ananias_n etc._n act._n 9.3.4_o etc._n etc._n that_o he_o may_v be_v instruct_v and_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v baptize_v wherefore_o they_o that_o do_v cast_v from_o they_o or_o disallow_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n hang_v upon_o and_o look_v for_o angelical_a and_o divine_a revelation_n to_o instruct_v they_o do_v not_o only_o deceive_v themselves_o but_o also_o violate_v and_o break_v the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o his_o church_n for_o our_o salvation_n now_o there_o remain_v to_o see_v and_o know_v how_o much_o we_o ought_v to_o defer_v and_o give_v to_o the_o ministry_n for_o if_o they_o be_v deceive_v which_o despise_v it_o and_o do_v not_o their_o duty_n in_o that_o behalf_n which_o they_o ought_v they_o be_v deceive_v also_o which_o attribute_n or_o give_v over_o much_o unto_o it_o wherefore_o we_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o give_v to_o it_o either_o more_o or_o less_o than_o that_o which_o belong_v thereto_o &_o that_o as_o it_o be_v good_a reason_n that_o the_o authority_n and_o credit_n thereof_o shall_v be_v reserve_v unto_o itself_o safe_a and_o sound_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v good_a heed_n of_o this_o that_o we_o pull_v not_o from_o god_n the_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o for_o this_o purpose_n and_o point_n we_o must_v diligent_o observe_v and_o mark_v this_o distinction_n sometime_o man_n be_v compare_v with_o god_n when_o the_o minister_n be_v mention_v or_o speak_v of_o and_o then_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o and_o that_o his_o labour_n or_o work_n be_v altogether_o unprofitable_a as_o when_o saint_n paul_n say_v 3.7_o 1._o cor._n 3.7_o neither_o be_v he_o that_o plant_v any_o thing_n neither_o be_v he_o that_o water_v but_o god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n for_o what_o can_v man_n have_v in_o himself_o if_o he_o will_v enter_v into_o this_o to_o part_n or_o divide_v a_o matter_n between_o god_n and_o himself_o we_o must_v therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o this_o not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o to_o think_v that_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v be_v tie_v and_o bind_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n as_o though_o without_o it_o god_n can_v not_o work_v in_o man_n heart_n even_o as_o shall_v please_v himself_o as_o we_o see_v that_o they_o of_o the_o romishe_a church_n suppose_v and_o think_v as_o appear_v in_o this_o that_o they_o spare_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o in_o child_n die_v without_o baptism_n administer_v by_o man_n it_o can_v be_v save_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o they_o which_o receive_v the_o outward_a sign_n from_o the_o minister_n hand_n receive_v by_o and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v tie_v to_o those_o sign_n but_o god_n say_v by_o his_o prophet_n that_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o 43.25_o jere._n 31._o 33._o ezech._n 11._o 19_o jere._n 32.40_o isai_n 43.25_o to_o write_v his_o law_n in_o man_n heart_n to_o take_v away_o from_o they_o their_o stony_a heart_n and_o to_o give_v they_o heart_n of_o flesh_n to_o renew_v within_o they_o a_o new_a spirit_n to_o put_v his_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o short_o that_o it_o be_v he_o alone_o 5.21_o luk._n 5.21_o to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o pardon_v sin_n and_o to_o save_v and_o we_o hear_v that_o which_o saint_n paul_n say_v that_o it_o appertain_v to_o god_n 3.7_o 1_o cor._n 3.7_o to_o give_v the_o increase_n to_o that_o which_o the_o minister_n plant_v &_o water_n and_o jesus_n christ_n 65_o joh._n 6.44_o 65_o that_o none_o can_v come_v unto_o he_o except_o his_o father_n draw_v he_o sometime_o also_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o man_n without_o compare_v god_n and_o he_o together_o and_o then_o in_o respect_n that_o god_n use_v his_o ministry_n to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o work_n by_o that_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o god_n as_o when_o it_o be_v say_v 3._o 1._o cor._n 3._o that_o the_o minister_n plant_v and_o build_v church_n 1.23_o 1._o cor._n 3.6_o philemon_n 10_o luk._n 1.16_o joh._n 20._o 23._o jude._n 1.23_o that_o they_o beget_v man_n and_o win_v they_o to_o god_n that_o they_o turn_v man_n heart_n that_o they_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n that_o they_o save_v all_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o that_o they_o be_v the_o instrument_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o bring_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o pass_v by_o for_o then_o the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o that_o which_o man_n do_v by_o his_o own_o virtue_n and_o power_n but_o of_o that_o which_o god_n work_v by_o the_o hand_n and_o ministry_n of_o man_n wherefore_o god_n be_v always_o the_o efficient_a or_o work_a cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o man_n together_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o he_o propound_v and_o preach_v unto_o we_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o instrument_n and_o minister_n wherewith_o god_n serve_v himself_o or_o which_o he_o use_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o work_n whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o which_o despise_v and_o reject_v the_o ministry_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v do_v despise_v and_o reject_v god_n himself_o for_o this_o cause_n
wherefore_o whatsoever_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o conformable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n and_o agree_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o ought_v to_o receive_v the_o same_o without_o any_o scruple_n or_o doubt_n but_o if_o they_o propound_v unto_o we_o and_o set_v out_o thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o we_o ought_v and_o we_o may_v without_o any_o difficulty_n or_o danger_n reject_v and_o refuse_v they_o as_o suspect_v and_o dangerous_a doctrine_n for_o as_o saint_n jerome_n have_v sometime_o say_v jerem._n hieron_n in_o 9_o cap._n jerem._n we_o ought_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o error_n of_o our_o father_n and_o predecessor_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n who_o teach_v us._n 5._o gerson_n par_fw-fr 1._o the_o exam_n doctrine_n abbas_n panormita_n epist_n de_fw-fr electia_fw-la one_o &_o elect_v potest_fw-la cap._n 5._o whereupon_o also_o gerson_n and_o panormitan_n have_v conclude_v that_o in_o matter_n which_o concern_v faith_n the_o pope_n and_o his_o bishop_n may_v not_o determine_v and_o decree_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o if_o a_o general_a council_n shall_v come_v so_o far_o as_o to_o decline_v and_o go_v aside_o either_o through_o malice_n or_o through_o ignorance_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o simple_a man_n allege_v in_o that_o council_n the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v rather_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o yield_v unto_o then_o all_o they_o let_v we_o enter_v or_o come_v now_o to_o our_o advice_n and_o let_v we_o bring_v forth_o and_o allege_v our_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n may_v err_v the_o first_o reason_n be_v this_o that_o great_a company_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n which_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o who_o god_n have_v make_v a_o covenant_n and_o have_v make_v they_o bind_v unto_o he_o by_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o benefit_n and_o good_a turn_n &_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o sacrament_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v visible_a sign_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o great_a company_n i_o say_v be_v a_o very_a goodly_a and_o a_o very_a excellent_a church_n but_o they_o be_v vile_o deceive_v and_o err_v foul_o when_o forsake_v the_o commandment_n they_o make_v unto_o themselves_o a_o golden_a calf_n offer_v and_o give_v unto_o it_o that_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o yea_o and_o aaron_n himself_o the_o high_a priest_n do_v not_o so_o constant_o and_o bold_o withstand_v they_o as_o he_o ought_v but_o rather_o consent_v thereto_o indeed_o wherefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n may_v err_v and_o be_v deceive_v the_o second_o reason_n the_o church_n in_o old_a time_n do_v offer_v and_o give_v the_o holy_a supper_n to_o little_a infant_n stay_v and_o ground_v themselves_o upon_o the_o place_n of_o saint_n john_n except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 9.15_o john_n 9.15_o &_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o and_o this_o custom_n be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o time_n of_o pope_n innocent_a saint_n cyprian_n and_o saint_n augustine_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o their_o write_n but_o now_o this_o be_v not_o any_o more_o use_v for_o child_n which_o can_v not_o prove_v and_o examine_v themselves_o be_v not_o at_o this_o day_n receive_v to_o the_o partake_n of_o the_o sacrament_n wherefore_o the_o church_n in_o old_a time_n have_v err_v or_o else_o it_o err_v now_o but_o if_o we_o will_v answer_v that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o change_v such_o custom_n and_o manner_n i_o reply_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o now_o the_o question_n be_v not_o here_o of_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o use_n but_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o constant_a and_o not_o subject_a to_o any_o change_n as_o to_o say_v that_o to_o day_n it_o have_v one_o sense_n and_o understanding_n &_o to_o morrow_n another_o wherefore_o if_o the_o place_n of_o s._n john_n command_v to_o give_v the_o supper_n to_o little_a infant_n of_o necessity_n as_o the_o forename_a ancient_a father_n have_v understand_v and_o expound_v the_o same_o the_o church_n have_v â—one_n well_o in_o time_n heretofore_o to_o follow_v that_o commandment_n and_o at_o this_o time_n it_o err_v in_o not_o follow_v it_o any_o long_o or_o else_o if_o the_o say_a place_n be_v not_o to_o be_v refer_v proper_o unto_o the_o holy_a supper_n neither_o command_v to_o distribute_v and_o give_v the_o sacrament_n to_o infant_n but_o it_o be_v of_o necessity_n require_v that_o he_o to_o who_o we_o must_v administer_v the_o say_a sacrament_n have_v knowledge_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v himself_o according_a to_o saint_n paul_n doctrine_n 1.2_o 1._o cor._n 1.2_o as_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o pure_a and_o only_a truth_n it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o church_n have_v in_o former_a time_n err_v to_o admit_v little_a infant_n to_o the_o holy_a supper_n and_o that_o at_o this_o day_n it_o do_v well_o to_o practice_v the_o contrary_n the_o three_o reason_n if_o the_o church_n can_v not_o err_v saint_n paul_n have_v without_o cause_n fear_v 11.28_o 1._o cor._n 11.28_o lest_o the_o corinthian_n who_o he_o call_v a_o church_n shall_v through_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o serpent_n be_v corrupt_v 11.3_o 2._o cor._n 11.3_o and_o turn_v away_o from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o indeed_o in_o vain_a shall_v he_o have_v call_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o corinthian_n and_o galathian_o 1.2_o gala._n 1.2_o church_n which_o yet_o notwithstanding_o err_v in_o doctrine_n in_o faith_n in_o manner_n and_o in_o life_n but_o saint_n paul_n do_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o without_o cause_n or_o in_o vain_a otherwise_o saint_n paul_n himself_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v wherefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n may_v err_v the_o four_o reason_n those_o that_o can_v err_v have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o church_n have_v need_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n for_o jesus_n christ_n give_v it_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n have_v command_v it_o to_o demand_v and_o ask_v of_o god_n 6.12_o mat._n 6.12_o forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n wherefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n may_v err_v the_o five_o reason_n the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o old_a time_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v oftentimes_o reprove_v of_o error_n by_o the_o prophet_n which_o thing_n declare_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o this_o world_n without_o will_n and_o deed_n to_o err_v but_o to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v not_o be_v overlong_o in_o recite_v by_o piecemeal_o and_o as_o it_o be_v one_o by_o one_o all_o the_o sentence_n which_o make_v mention_v of_o the_o fall_v of_o the_o church_n let_v man_n read_v that_o which_o be_v write_v thereof_o in_o these_o place_n touch_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n see_v isaiah_n 1._o verse_n 21._o to_o the_o 24._o verse_n isaiah_n isaiah_n isaiah_n 3._o for_o 8.9_o isaiah_n 5.13_o isaiah_n 30._o verse_n 9_o to_o the_o 13._o ver_fw-la isaiah_n 59_o for_o 2._o unto_o the_o 17._o ver_fw-la isai_n 64._o ver_fw-la 6.7_o jere._n 2_o ver_fw-la 5._o jeremiah_n jeremiah_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chap._n jere._n 3._o ver_fw-la 2.3.20_o jere._n 4._o ver_fw-la 22._o jeremiah_n 5._o for_o 1._o unto_o the_o 15._o ver_fw-la and_o afterward_o from_o the_o 19_o ver_fw-la to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n jere._n 6._o ver_fw-la 7._o unto_o the_o 11._o ver_fw-la jeremiah_n 8._o for_o 4._o unto_o the_o 11._o ver_fw-la jeremiah_n 9_o for_o 3._o unto_o the_o 17._o ver_fw-la jeremiah_n 13._o verse_n 10._o unto_o the_o 15._o verse_n jeremiah_n 22._o even_o unto_o the_o end_n jeremiah_n 16._o ver_fw-la 11.12_o jeremiah_n 18_o ver_fw-la 13._o unto_o the_o 18._o ver_fw-la ezechiel_n 5._o for_o 6._o unto_o the_o 12._o ezechiel_n ezechiel_n ver_fw-la ezechiel_n 22._o for_o 3._o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n ezechiel_n 33._o ver_fw-la 24._o unto_o the_o 30._o deutro_n deutro_n ver_fw-la deuteronomie_n 32._o for_o 5.6.32.33_o touch_v the_o ingratitude_n and_o unthankfulness_n of_o the_o church_n see_v isaiah_n 1._o for_o 2.5_o isaiah_n isaiah_n isaiah_n 5.47_o isaiah_n 43._o ver_fw-la 21._o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n isaiah_n 17._o for_o 10.11_o hosea_n jeremiah_n ezechiel_n zachariah_n deuteron_n hosea_n isaiah_n 63._o for_o 9.10_o jerem._n 2._o for_o 6.9.21.22_o jeremiah_n 12._o for_o â—_o ezechiel_n 16._o for_o 15._o unto_o the_o 24._o ver_fw-la zachariah_n 11._o for_o 8._o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n deuteronomie_n 32._o for_o 15.18.23_o hosea_n 12._o for_o 1.9_o hosea_n 13._o for_o 6._o malachi_n 1._o ver_fw-la 2.8_o touch_v the_o obstinacy_n and_o rebellion_n of_o the_o church_n isaiah_n isaiah_n see_v isaiah_n 1._o for_o 5._o unto_o the_o 7._o ver_fw-la isaiah_n â—_o ver_fw-la
man_n make_v the_o plough_n continual_o to_o go_v to_o rend_v or_o cleave_v it_o &_o to_o turn_v it_o upside_o down_o therefore_o also_o saint_n paul_n say_v in_o the_o act_n 14.22_o act._n 14.22_o that_o by_o many_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 3.12_o 2._o tim._n 3.12_o and_o in_o the_o 2._o epistle_n to_o tim._n all_o those_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n jesus_n christ_n say_v also_o unto_o his_o disciple_n 20._o john_n 15._o 20._o remember_v the_o word_n that_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o great_a than_o his_o master_n if_o they_o have_v persecute_v i_o 2_o john_n 16.1_o 2_o they_o will_v persecute_v you_o also_o also_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v they_o shall_v excommunicate_v you_o yea_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n and_o this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o god_n will_v have_v his_o church_n to_o glorify_v he_o here_o below_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o deed_n the_o first_o lesson_n that_o jesus_n christ_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n be_v touch_v this_o matter_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o persecution_n 24_o â—at_a 1â—_n 24_o if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o forsake_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n &_o follow_v i_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o time_n &_o age_n do_v sufficient_o show_v unto_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n whether_o we_o consider_v somewhat_o narrow_o as_o well_o the_o state_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o state_n of_o that_o which_o come_v afterward_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n insomuch_o that_o it_o may_v right_o say_v 1._o psal_n 129_o 1._o they_o have_v often_o afflict_v i_o from_o my_o youth_n and_o have_v do_v i_o a_o thousand_o evil_n at_o be_v say_v in_o the_o psalm_n for_o even_o from_o the_o beginning_n the_o devil_n have_v always_o be_v like_o to_o himself_o that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o liar_n a_o murderer_n 44._o john_n 8._o 44._o envious_a and_o a_o false_a and_o privy_a accuser_n and_o war_n have_v always_o continue_v 6.14.15_o gen._n 3.15_o 2._o cor._n 6.14.15_o between_o the_o woman_n seed_n and_o the_o serpent_n seed_n and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n join_v and_o put_v together_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a nature_n how_o can_v any_o man_n make_v agreement_n between_o god_n and_o the_o devil_n between_o christ_n and_o belial_n between_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o unbeliever_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o 3._o chapter_n of_o s._n john_n show_v a_o reason_n to_o declare_v why_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o good_a and_o the_o wicked_a shall_v suffer_v one_o with_o another_o &_o agree_v together_o 19.20_o joh._n â—_o 19.20_o to_o wit_n that_o all_o the_o work_n which_o the_o world_n do_v be_v wicked_a and_o therefore_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v discover_v and_o lay_v open_a by_o the_o light_n it_o hate_v the_o light_n and_o love_v darkness_n from_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n enmity_n between_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n have_v take_v and_o have_v their_o original_n and_o first_o foundation_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o cain_n slay_v his_o brother_n abel_n that_o lot_n the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v hate_v of_o the_o sodomite_n that_o ishmael_n mock_v isaac_n and_o persecute_v he_o that_o esau_n go_v about_o to_o oppress_v and_o kill_v jacob_n even_o from_o his_o youth_n that_o joseph_n have_v his_o own_o brethren_n for_o his_o enemy_n that_o the_o prophet_n can_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o wicked_a king_n nor_o saint_n john_n baptist_n with_o the_o incestuous_a herode_fw-la nor_o jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o high_a priest_n scribes_z and_o pharisee_n nor_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n with_o the_o infidel_n and_o unbeliever_n of_o their_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v mere_a folly_n to_o suppose_v and_o think_v that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n can_v ever_o be_v belove_v of_o the_o world_n whereupon_o by_o good_a right_n and_o for_o good_a cause_n saint_n james_n say_v 4.4_o james._n 4.4_o that_o the_o amity_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o enmity_n of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o will_v be_v a_o friend_n of_o the_o world_n make_v himself_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n also_o 15.19_o john_n 15.19_o jesus_n christ_n have_v say_v to_o his_o disciple_n if_o you_o be_v of_o this_o world_n the_o world_n will_v love_v his_o own_o but_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o i_o have_v choose_v and_o separate_v you_o out_o of_o this_o world_n therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o to_o be_v short_a if_o we_o will_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v without_o persecution_n they_o of_o necessity_n must_v it_o be_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v without_o hatred_n the_o devil_n without_o envy_n and_o our_o nature_n without_o vice_n or_o sin_n but_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v specify_v and_o declare_v cetaine_v thing_n church_n a_o discourse_n of_o the_o ten_o great_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n let_v we_o examine_v as_o it_o be_v one_o by_o one_o the_o ten_o persecution_n which_o come_v upon_o it_o after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n under_o the_o emperor_n whereof_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n make_v mention_v true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o augustus_n the_o second_o emperor_n the_o church_n be_v much_o persecute_v under_o the_o great_a herode_fw-la who_o think_v to_o put_v to_o death_n the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o very_a cradle_n command_v man_n to_o slay_v all_o the_o babe_n and_o little_a child_n of_o bethelehem_n and_o of_o all_o the_o border_n thereof_o from_o two_o year_n old_a and_o under_o also_o under_o tiberius_n the_o three_o emperor_n by_o herode_fw-la antipas_n the_o tetrarch_n of_o galilee_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o first_o herode_fw-la who_o take_v away_o his_o brother_n phillip_n wife_n and_o put_v to_o death_n john_n baptist_n because_o he_o reprove_v he_o for_o that_o sin_n and_o offence_n and_o by_o pilate_n also_o who_o condemn_v and_o cause_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n on_o the_o cross_n jesus_n christ_n the_o high_a priest_n scribes_z pharise_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o principal_a blower_n of_o the_o fire_n &_o chief_a persecutor_n moreover_o under_o caius_n caligula_n that_o horrible_a monster_n who_o be_v appoint_v the_o four_o emperor_n in_o the_o nine_o and_o thirty_o year_n after_o christ_n birth_n and_o reign_v three_o year_n ten_o month_n and_o eight_o day_n and_o under_o claudius_n also_o his_o successor_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n how_o the_o church_n be_v toss_v and_o persecute_v in_o asia_n antiochia_n pisidia_n iconium_n lystra_n galatia_n ephesus_n macedonia_n phillippi_n thessalonia_n corinthus_n berrhoe_n rome_n and_o many_o other_o place_n but_o all_o these_o persecution_n be_v as_o yet_o particular_a and_o but_o in_o some_o one_o place_n or_o other_o god_n moderate_v and_o mitigate_a the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o govern_v after_o a_o wonderful_a sort_n his_o church_n in_o those_o emperor_n day_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v more_o bless_o and_o plentiful_o grow_v but_o omit_v these_o let_v we_o speak_v of_o the_o ten_o great_a and_o general_a persecution_n as_o they_o be_v call_v by_o which_o the_o church_n be_v eager_o assault_v and_o cruel_o torment_v on_o all_o side_n the_o first_o persecution_n be_v under_o nero_n the_o sixth_o emperor_n who_o be_v call_v claudius_n domitius_n nero._n he_o be_v ordain_v emperor_n in_o the_o year_n 57_o after_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o reign_v xiiii_o year_n seven_o month_n and_o certain_a day_n and_o some_o say_v that_o the_o five_o first_o year_n he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n but_o that_o afterwards_o he_o so_o disorder_v himself_o and_o fall_v into_o such_o excess_n by_o incest_n murder_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n that_o hardly_o there_o be_v as_o yet_o any_o other_o emperor_n to_o be_v find_v who_o be_v defile_v with_o such_o filthiness_n tertullian_n rehearse_v in_o his_o apologetico_fw-la 5._o tertul._n apolog_fw-la cap._n 5._o that_o this_o emperor_n be_v the_o first_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n look_v say_v he_o into_o your_o history_n and_o register_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o nero_n be_v the_o first_o which_o exercise_v cruelty_n against_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v under_o the_o emperor_n authority_n and_o principal_o against_o the_o church_n which_o be_v
whether_o those_o which_o be_v very_o young_a do_v not_o in_o some_o thing_n differ_v from_o these_o which_o be_v more_o strong_a or_o whether_o we_o shall_v pardon_v they_o which_o repent_v or_o whether_o this_o may_v stand_v a_o man_n in_o any_o steed_n that_o have_v be_v a_o christian_n to_o be_v so_o no_o more_o and_o although_o the_o name_n import_v no_o wickedness_n yet_o i_o doubt_v whether_o the_o wickedness_n tie_v to_o the_o name_n aught_o to_o be_v punish_v or_o no._n but_o behold_v what_o way_n and_o mean_v i_o have_v hitherto_o hold_v and_o take_v touch_v they_o which_o be_v accuse_v before_o i_o as_o christian_n i_o have_v ask_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v christian_n threaten_v they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o trial_n and_o examination_n and_o if_o some_o persevere_v i_o have_v decree_v and_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v lead_v to_o punishment_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o at_o all_o that_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v which_o they_o will_v confess_v but_o that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o punish_v such_o stubborness_n and_o indurate_a obstinacy_n there_o have_v be_v some_o lead_n with_o such_o a_o like_a kindle_a folly_n and_o because_o they_o be_v citizen_n of_o rome_n i_o have_v decree_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v send_v back_o again_o to_o rome_n in_o process_n of_o time_n as_o it_o common_o fall_v out_o the_o mischief_n be_v spread_v abroad_o and_o diverse_a kind_n be_v come_v up_o some_o have_v publish_v a_o little_a book_n without_o the_o author_n name_n contain_v the_o name_n of_o diverse_a which_o deny_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n or_o so_o to_o have_v be_v i_o have_v make_v they_o call_v upon_o the_o god_n i_o speak_v first_o and_o they_o after_o i_o and_o see_v that_o they_o offer_v wine_n &_o incense_n to_o your_o image_n which_o i_o cause_v too_o be_v bring_v thither_o with_o the_o image_n of_o the_o god_n and_o beside_o this_o that_o they_o curse_a christ_n i_o have_v decree_v to_o let_v they_o go_v at_o liberty_n &_o special_o because_o some_o say_v that_o those_o which_o be_v christian_n in_o deed_n can_v be_v induce_v or_o draw_v to_o this_o for_o any_o force_n or_o violence_n which_o you_o can_v do_v to_o they_o some_o be_v disclose_v by_o the_o accuser_n have_v first_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o immediate_o have_v deny_v that_o they_o be_v such_o yea_o indeed_o that_o they_o have_v be_v christian_n though_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o any_o more_o othersome_a say_v that_o it_o be_v but_o little_a above_o three_o year_n since_o they_o be_v such_o but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v so_o no_o more_o other_o some_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o long_a time_n yea_o some_o that_o it_o be_v above_o xx_o year_n all_o worship_v your_o image_n &_o the_o picture_n and_o image_n of_o the_o god_n these_o also_o curse_a christ_n moreover_o they_o affirm_v that_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n or_o chief_a either_o of_o their_o fault_n or_o of_o their_o error_n that_o they_o have_v a_o certain_a day_n appoint_v wherein_o they_o assemble_v themselves_o before_o day_n and_o do_v sing_v altogether_o a_o song_n or_o psalm_n unto_o christ_n as_o unto_o god_n and_o it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n they_o bind_v themselves_o by_o a_o oath_n not_o to_o commit_v any_o offence_n but_o it_o be_v do_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v not_o commit_v any_o theft_n robbery_n or_o adultery_n lest_o they_o shall_v break_v their_o faith_n promise_v and_o give_v and_o shall_v deny_v that_o which_o be_v give_v they_o to_o keep_v and_o this_o be_v do_v they_o be_v accustom_v to_o depart_v every_o one_o about_o his_o business_n &_o afterward_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o again_o to_o take_v their_o refection_n in_o common_a and_o one_o with_o another_o and_o yet_o without_o do_v any_o manner_n of_o evil_a now_o than_o they_o cease_v after_o my_o edict_n and_o proclamation_n by_o which_o according_a to_o your_o decree_n i_o have_v forbid_v to_o keep_v any_o assembly_n or_o conventicle_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o have_v i_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v this_o by_o the_o examination_n of_o 2._o maiden_n which_o some_o say_v have_v serve_v such_o people_n but_o i_o have_v not_o find_v any_o other_o thing_n save_v a_o certain_a perverse_a superstition_n &_o therefore_o put_v of_o to_o be_v instruct_v therein_o i_o have_v have_v my_o recourse_n to_o you_o sir_n to_o have_v counsel_n thereof_o for_o it_o seem_v unto_o i_o that_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n meet_v and_o worthy_a to_o be_v consult_v of_o principal_o by_o reason_n of_o of_o the_o multitude_n &_o great_a number_n of_o they_o which_o be_v in_o danger_n for_o diverse_a of_o all_o condition_n and_o estate_n old_a and_o young_a man_n and_o woman_n be_v common_o in_o danger_n &_o so_o will_v be_v for_o the_o contagion_n and_o infection_n of_o this_o superstition_n be_v spread_v abroad_o not_o only_o in_o city_n but_o also_o in_o town_n village_n &_o field_n &_o it_o seem_v that_o it_o can_v or_o will_v be_v easy_o stay_v &_o correct_v and_o very_o we_o perceive_v that_o they_o begin_v to_o frequent_v and_o repair_v to_o the_o temple_n whereunto_o they_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o come_v &_o that_o they_o give_v themselves_o to_o celebrate_v the_o divine_a service_n which_o be_v long_a time_n omit_v and_o that_o many_o beast_n be_v sell_v to_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n whereas_o heretofore_o there_o be_v few_o buyer_n find_v by_o this_o we_o may_v easy_o conjecture_v what_o a_o multitude_n of_o man_n may_v come_v to_o amendment_n if_o we_o will_v give_v they_o leisure_n to_o repent_v themselves_o and_o this_o be_v the_o content_n of_o pliny_n his_o letter_n to_o trajan_n now_o follow_v the_o answer_n my_o friend_n secundus_fw-la pliny_n traianns_n answer_n to_o pliny_n thou_o have_v do_v that_o which_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o man_n who_o have_v be_v accuse_v before_o these_o christian_n for_o we_o can_v not_o general_o establish_v and_o ordain_v any_o matter_n which_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a form_n let_v there_o be_v no_o more_o information_n and_o inquire_v make_v of_o they_o but_o if_o any_o accuse_v they_o let_v they_o be_v punish_v yet_o so_o notwithstanding_o that_o he_o which_o shall_v deny_v that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o shall_v declare_v the_o same_o by_o effect_n to_o wit_n in_o make_v supplication_n and_o prayer_n to_o our_o god_n although_o that_o in_o time_n heretofore_o he_o have_v be_v suspect_v do_v obtain_v pardon_n by_o this_o repentance_n and_o as_o touch_v the_o book_n which_o be_v publish_v &_o set_v out_o without_o the_o autours_n name_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v place_n or_o to_o be_v account_v among_o crime_n or_o fault_n for_o that_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a example_n &_o also_o it_o have_v not_o be_v begin_v in_o our_o time_n 2._o euseb_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 33._o tertull._n apolo_n cap._n 2._o behold_v the_o two_o letter_n whereof_o eusebius_n make_v mention_n in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n allege_v tertullian_n in_o his_o apologetico_fw-la which_o tertullian_n censure_v the_o emperor_n answer_n speak_v after_o this_o manner_n o_o sentence_n confuse_a and_o darken_v by_o necessity_n which_o decree_v that_o inquiry_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v of_o they_o because_o they_o seem_v innocent_a people_n &_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v as_o culpable_a and_o guilty_a it_o use_v pardon_n &_o cruelty_n it_o dissemble_v &_o punish_v wherefore_o o_o emperor_n do_v thou_o abuse_v thyself_o in_o thy_o charge_n and_o censure_n if_o thou_o condemn_v christian_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o make_v and_o put_v in_o also_o information_n against_o they_o or_o if_o thou_o make_v and_o put_v in_o no_o information_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o condemn_v they_o the_o four_o persecution_n be_v under_o marcus_n antonius_n verus_fw-la the_o xvi_o emperor_n who_o be_v create_v in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 162._o he_o be_v otherwise_o call_v of_o the_o historiographer_n marcus_n aurelius_n verus_n and_o surname_v the_o philosopher_n he_o govern_v the_o empire_n the_o space_n of_o xviii_o or_o nineteeen_o year_n his_o virtue_n be_v great_a and_o wonderful_a yet_o the_o true_a virtue_n be_v want_v in_o he_o to_o wit_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o look_v by_o how_o much_o more_o he_o be_v gentle_a towards_o his_o own_o by_o so_o much_o he_o be_v the_o more_o rude_a and_o severe_a against_o the_o christian_n as_o a_o stoical_a man_n &_o nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o from_o his_o infancy_n with_o the_o priest_n of_o satia_fw-la his_o law_n &_o edict_n declare_v how_o cruel_a he_o be_v towards_o the_o christian_n for_o in_o the_o book_n of_o digest_v we_o find_v such_o a_o writing_n or_o law_n that_o he_o