it_o and_o gather_v out_o the_o stone_n of_o it_o and_o have_v plant_v it_o with_o the_o best_a plant_n and_o build_v a_o tower_n in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o and_o make_v a_o wine_n press_v therein_o look_v that_o it_o shall_v bring_v forth_o grape_n but_o in_o steed_n of_o grape_n it_o bring_v forth_o wild_a grape_n and_o now_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o i_o will_v do_v to_o my_o vineyard_n i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o hedge_n thereof_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v eat_v up_o i_o will_v break_v the_o wall_n thereof_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v tread_v down_o and_o i_o will_v lay_v it_o waste_v 24.3.4.5_o isaiah_n 24.3.4.5_o etc._n etc._n and_o again_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v clean_o empty_v and_o utter_o spoil_v the_o earth_n shall_v lament_v and_o vade_v away_o for_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o have_v transgress_v the_o law_n they_o have_v change_v the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v break_v the_o everlasting_a covenaunt_n therefore_o shall_v the_o curse_n devour_v the_o earth_n for_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o have_v do_v wicked_o and_o therefore_o shall_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n burn_v and_o few_o man_n shall_v be_v leave_v therein_o etc._n jerem._n 25.8.9_o etc._n etc._n also_o in_o jeremiah_n because_o you_o have_v not_o hear_v my_o word_n behold_v i_o will_v send_v and_o take_v to_o i_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o north_n and_o nabuchadnezzar_n the_o king_n of_o babel_n my_o servant_n and_o i_o will_v bring_v they_o against_o this_o land_n and_o against_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o and_o against_o all_o these_o nation_n round_o about_o and_o i_o will_v destroy_v they_o and_o make_v they_o a_o astonishment_n a_o hiss_a and_o a_o continual_a desolation_n in_o this_o place_n 10.5_o isaiah_n 10.5_o the_o lord_n call_v nabuchadnezzar_n his_o servant_n as_o in_o a_o other_o place_n he_o call_v saneherib_n or_o ashur_n the_o rod_n of_o his_o wrath_n because_o he_o serve_v himself_o with_o prince_n tyrant_n and_o wicked_a magistrate_n and_o use_v they_o that_o he_o may_v by_o they_o punish_v the_o ungodliness_n and_o unthankfulness_n of_o his_o people_n 59.2_o isaiah_n 59.2_o wherefore_o isaiah_n speak_v excellent_o well_o that_o our_o iniquity_n have_v make_v a_o division_n or_o separate_v between_o god_n and_o us._n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v afflict_v and_o persecute_v we_o ought_v to_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n by_o that_o mean_a punish_v we_o as_o we_o in_o deed_n have_v right_o deserve_v it_o yet_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o we_o have_v to_o consider_v and_o weigh_v a_o other_o cause_n for_o which_o the_o world_n persecute_v we_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n unto_o we_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o cross_n and_o martyrdom_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o world_n in_o persecute_v we_o look_v not_o to_o our_o sin_n but_o to_o that_o religion_n which_o we_o make_v profession_n of_o which_o religion_n in_o deed_n the_o world_n reject_v and_o persecute_v because_o it_o know_v not_o the_o author_n thereof_o and_o because_o it_o be_v altogether_o contrary_a to_o his_o manner_n and_o perverse_a and_o wicked_a order_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n even_o as_o jesus_n christ_n have_v foretell_v the_o same_o and_o make_v his_o disciple_n to_o see_v it_o 3.19.20_o john_n 3.19.20_o when_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o man_n that_o evil_a do_v hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v 15.20.21_o john_n 15.20.21_o also_o if_o they_o have_v persecute_v i_o they_o will_v persecute_v you_o also_o but_o all_o these_o thing_n will_v they_o do_v unto_o you_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n because_o they_o have_v not_o know_v he_o that_o send_v i_o 17.14_o john_n 17.14_o and_o again_o father_n i_o have_v give_v they_o thy_o word_n and_o the_o world_n have_v hate_v they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o world_n hereby_o we_o may_v see_v that_o the_o right_n and_o very_a cause_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o plain_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o word_n of_o god_n as_o saint_n paul_n say_v that_o that_o all_o they_o which_o will_v live_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n or_o godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n 3.12_o 2._o timo._n 3.12_o shall_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o also_o what_o shall_v be_v our_o consolation_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o cross_n if_o this_o point_n be_v not_o socrates_n socrates_n the_o answer_n which_o socrates_n make_v to_o his_o wife_n be_v very_o apt_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o purpose_n she_o lament_v because_o they_o put_v he_o to_o death_n wrongful_o but_o he_o be_v somewhat_o move_v answer_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o he_o to_o die_v a_o innocent_a &_o without_o cause_n than_o if_o he_o have_v offend_v but_o how_o much_o great_a matter_n and_o just_a cause_n have_v we_o of_o comfort_n and_o joy_n see_v we_o know_v that_o god_n of_o his_o unspeakable_a gentleness_n goodness_n &_o mercy_n bury_v all_o our_o sin_n give_v we_o over_o or_o leave_v we_o but_o for_o a_o time_n to_o suffer_v unjust_a persecution_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o bear_v the_o cross_n with_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v communicate_v also_o and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o glory_n with_o he_o the_o punishment_n saint_n augustine_n have_v say_v make_v not_o a_o martyr_n but_o the_o cause_n august_n august_n and_o the_o devil_n have_v as_o well_o his_o witness_n and_o martyr_n as_o jesus_n christ_n have_v he_o in_o former_a time_n there_o be_v heretic_n which_o brag_v much_o and_o boast_a wondrous_o under_o the_o shadow_n &_o colour_v that_o man_n persecute_v they_o and_o at_o this_o day_n the_o anabaptist_n do_v in_o that_o behalf_n the_o very_a self_n same_o thing_n yea_o and_o that_o so_o far_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o account_v themselves_o bless_v and_o happy_a 5.10_o math._n 5.10_o but_o we_o must_v mark_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v bless_a be_v they_o thus_o say_v jesus_n christ_n which_o suffer_v persecution_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 6.22_o luk._n 6.22_o bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n hate_v you_o &_o when_o they_o separate_v you_o &_o revile_v you_o &_o put_v out_o your_o name_n as_o evil_a for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n sake_n if_o you_o be_v rail_v upon_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n say_v saint_n peter_n 4.14.15.16_o 1._o pet._n 4.14.15.16_o bless_v be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o you_o which_o on_o their_o part_n be_v evil_a speak_v of_o but_o on_o your_o part_n be_v glorify_v but_o let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n or_o as_o a_o thief_n or_o as_o a_o evil_a doer_n or_o as_o a_o covetous_a person_n of_o other_o man_n good_n or_o as_o a_o busy_a body_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n but_o if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o let_v he_o glorify_v god_n in_o this_o behalf_n and_o this_o be_v the_o mark_n or_o badge_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n discern_v the_o lord_n true_a martyr_n from_o other_o that_o suffer_v for_o the_o wicked_a man_n and_o ungodlie_a person_n do_v in_o deed_n suffer_v persecution_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o they_o can_v boast_v themselves_o for_o all_o that_o to_o be_v true_a martyr_n neither_o by_o consequent_a that_o they_o be_v bless_v for_o they_o suffer_v not_o for_o righteousness_n sake_n neither_o to_o maintain_v god_n truth_n as_o do_v the_o martyr_n and_o witness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n moreover_o we_o ought_v to_o mark_v that_o our_o good_a god_n show_v we_o great_a grace_n and_o advaunce_v we_o to_o singular_a honour_n when_o he_o vouchsafe_v we_o meet_v and_o worthy_a to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n when_o as_o he_o may_v very_o just_o if_o he_o will_v have_v pursue_v we_o with_o rigour_n nay_o if_o he_o will_v have_v proceed_v against_o we_o by_o justice_n have_v punish_v we_o with_o all_o kind_n and_o sort_n of_o affliction_n send_v they_o to_o we_o and_o lay_v the_o same_o upon_o us._n wherein_o he_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o if_o a_o king_n shall_v take_v from_o the_o gibbet_n or_o gallow_n some_o man_n who_o have_v right_o deserve_v to_o be_v bind_v thereto_o and_o hang_v thereon_o and_o yet_o will_v set_v and_o appoint_v he_o among_o the_o chief_a captain_n of_o his_o order_n that_o he_o may_v go_v to_o war_n and_o employ_v he_o for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o defence_n of_o his_o crown_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n for_o who_o or_o
be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n perfect_v so_o long_o as_o she_o travel_v and_o fight_v in_o this_o world_n which_o mayor_n i_o prove_v thus_o first_o if_o the_o church_n be_v without_o spot_n in_o this_o world_n in_o vain_a have_v our_o saviour_n christ_n teach_v it_o always_o to_o pray_v 6.12_o matth._n 6.12_o forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n and_o sin_n but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v not_o without_o good_a cause_n give_v we_o such_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n wherefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o this_o world_n without_o spot_n yea_o rather_o that_o she_o have_v continual_a need_n always_o for_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o she_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o sanctify_a and_o obtain_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o all_o her_o sin_n second_o those_o which_o be_v with_o out_o spot_n and_o wrinkle_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o any_o wash_n because_o they_o have_v no_o need_n thereof_o but_o the_o faithful_a although_o they_o be_v wash_v have_v notwithstanding_o need_v yet_o of_o wash_v still_o as_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o declare_v it_o unto_o we_o 13.10_o john_n 13.10_o when_o he_o say_v he_o that_o be_v wash_v need_v not_o save_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n for_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o the_o foot_n he_o mean_v a_o continual_a sanctification_n it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o in_o this_o world_n without_o spot_n 1.2_o 1._o cor._n 1.2_o three_o saint_n paul_n cease_v not_o to_o adorn_v and_o beautify_v the_o corinthian_n with_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n who_o notwithstanding_o greevous_o abuse_v the_o holy_a supper_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v amongst_o they_o division_n and_o partakinge_n which_o be_v not_o small_a fault_n yea_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o doubt_n also_o touch_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a also_o he_o name_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o galathian_o 1.2_o galat._n 1.2_o the_o church_n although_o that_o poor_a people_n be_v deceive_v by_o false_a prophet_n and_o carry_v away_o to_o a_o other_o gospel_n contrary_a unto_o that_o which_o he_o have_v preach_v unto_o they_o these_o place_n do_v manifest_o declare_v that_o the_o church_n be_v never_o so_o pure_a and_o perfect_a in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o it_o have_v always_o need_v to_o be_v more_o &_o more_o purge_v &_o sanctify_v which_o thing_n s._n paul_n show_v yet_o more_o plain_o &_o open_o when_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o thessalonian_o for_o he_o call_v they_o the_o church_n 5.23_o 1._o thes_n 1.1_o 1._o thes_n 5.23_o and_o yet_o he_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o they_o that_o he_o will_v sanctify_v they_o through_o out_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o novatians_n donatist_n and_o anabaptiste_n who_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o this_o point_n be_v not_o without_o their_o reply_n for_o first_o they_o allege_v unto_o we_o that_o which_o s._n paul_n write_v unto_o the_o ephesian_n 5.25.26.27_o ephe._n 5.25.26.27_o that_o jesus_n christ_n give_v himself_o for_o his_o church_n that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v it_o and_o cleanse_v it_o that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o unto_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v holy_a &_o without_o blame_n but_o we_o want_v not_o a_o answer_n also_o saint_n paul_n consider_v the_o church_n not_o in_o herself_o but_o in_o jesus_n christ_n her_o head_n which_o she_o take_v hold_v of_o by_o faith_n so_o she_o be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o wrinkle_n and_o unblameable_a by_o reason_n not_o of_o her_o own_o righteousness_n but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n righteousness_n whereof_o she_o be_v make_v partaker_n because_o it_o please_v god_n to_o impute_v and_o reckon_v the_o same_o unto_o she_o for_o which_o cause_n also_o it_o be_v in_o a_o other_o place_n 1.30_o 1._o cor._n 1.30_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v make_v of_o god_n the_o father_n unto_o we_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n moreover_o we_o may_v say_v that_o saint_n paul_n speak_v of_o sanctification_n or_o holiness_n promise_v and_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o full_o accomplish_v as_o though_o he_o call_v &_o say_v the_o church_n to_o be_v without_o spot_n not_o that_o it_o be_v so_o here_o below_o on_o the_o earth_n but_o because_o that_o one_o day_n it_o shall_v so_o be_v above_o in_o heaven_n 34._o augu._n lib._n de_fw-la nuptiis_fw-la &_o concupise_v cap._n 34._o and_o after_o this_o sort_n saint_n augustine_n understand_v it_o jesus_n christ_n say_v he_o cleanse_v his_o church_n by_o the_o wash_n of_o christian_n to_o make_v it_o unto_o himself_o without_o spott_n or_o wrinkle_n not_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v they_o allege_v moreover_o that_o which_o saint_n john_n say_v 3.6.9_o 1._o joh._n 3.6.9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o whereunto_o i_o answer_v by_o a_o distinction_n those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o faithful_a sin_v not_o that_o be_v to_o say_v serve_v not_o sin_n or_o rather_o sin_n do_v not_o reign_v in_o they_o because_o they_o do_v withdraw_v themselves_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v or_o be_v enable_v from_o sin_n and_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n give_v themselves_o to_o holiness_n of_o life_n that_o they_o may_v glorify_v god_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n saint_n john_n take_v it_o and_o speak_v it_o again_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_n that_o be_v to_o say_v can_v not_o live_v so_o holy_o but_o that_o oftentimes_o they_o stumble_v and_o fall_v into_o sin_n for_o although_o they_o be_v sanctify_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o relic_n and_o remnaunte_n of_o nature_n corrupt_v which_o yet_o rest_v and_o remain_v in_o they_o every_o day_n they_o turn_v aside_o from_o the_o right_a way_n and_o sin_n in_o this_o sense_n s._n john_n mean_v not_o that_o which_o he_o say_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o for_o so_o he_o shall_v speak_v against_o himself_o have_v before_o say_v if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n 1.8.10_o 1._o joh._n 1.8.10_o we_o deceive_v our_o self_n and_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o yea_o we_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o his_o word_n be_v not_o in_o us._n so_o it_o be_v then_o that_o though_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o contrariety_n between_o these_o two_o to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v sinner_n and_o saint_n both_o together_o yet_o all_o agree_v together_o very_o well_o for_o every_o man_n if_o we_o consider_v he_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n according_a to_o which_o he_o be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n he_o be_v a_o sinner_n worthy_a of_o death_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o christian_a and_o faithful_a man_n he_o be_v holy_a so_o that_o he_o sin_v not_o that_o be_v to_o say_v serve_v not_o sin_n and_o his_o imperfection_n be_v hide_v and_o cover_v because_o that_o they_o be_v not_o impute_v unto_o he_o and_o moreover_o the_o lord_n jesus_n make_v he_o partaker_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o so_o be_v a_o sinner_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n he_o be_v notwithstanding_o repute_v and_o account_v holy_a &_o just_a before_o god_n but_o that_o which_o we_o have_v hitherto_o speak_v touch_v or_o concern_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n particular_o we_o may_v also_o well_o say_v touch_v the_o church_n consider_v in_o she_o own_o body_n that_o it_o shall_v never_o here_o be_v purge_v from_o all_o filthiness_n because_o that_o so_o long_o as_o she_o shall_v be_v on_o earth_n there_o shall_v be_v in_o her_o wicked_a one_o mingle_v with_o good_a one_o which_o thing_n jesus_n christ_n have_v declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n by_o two_o similitude_n etc._n matth._n 13.24.25_o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o first_o he_o say_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o church_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o man_n which_o sow_v good_a seed_n in_o his_o field_n but_o while_o man_n sleep_v there_o come_v his_o enemy_n &_o sow_a tare_n amongst_o the_o wheat_n and_o go_v his_o way_n and_o when_o the_o blade_n be_v spring_v up_o and_o have_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n than_o appear_v the_o tare_n also_o then_o come_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o household_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o master_n sow_v thou_o not_o etc._n etc._n and_o will_v present_o have_v go_v and_o gather_v they_o up_o but_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o lest_o while_o they_o go_v about_o to_o gather_v the_o tare_n they_o pluck_v up_o also_o with_o they_o the_o wheat_n therefore_o he_o will_v that_o they_o may_v both_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n the_o reaper_n shall_v gather_v the_o tare_n and_o bind_v they_o in_o sheaf_n to_o burn_v they_o but_o they_o shall_v gather_v the_o good_a
and_o oven_n when_o he_o deliver_v from_o death_n susanna_n already_o condemn_v when_o he_o set_v jerusalem_n at_o liberty_n when_o he_o bring_v saint_n peter_n out_o of_o prison_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n and_o at_o this_o day_n although_o we_o see_v not_o angel_n visible_o round_a about_o we_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o cease_v not_o by_o experience_n to_o feel_v god_n aid_n and_o succour_n and_o that_o after_o many_o sort_n yea_o extraordinary_a we_o know_v also_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v in_o zacharias_n 2.8_o zachari_fw-la 2.8_o to_o wit_n he_o that_o touch_v you_o shall_v touch_v the_o apple_n of_o my_o eye_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o in_o deed_n jesus_n christ_n account_v the_o persecution_n which_o man_n bend_v against_o his_o church_n as_o bend_v against_o his_o very_o own_o person_n which_o appear_v by_o the_o reproof_n that_o he_o give_v saint_n paul_n 9.4_o act._n 9.4_o say_v saul_n saul_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o persecute_v i_o who_o will_v ever_o have_v look_v for_o such_o assistance_n and_o help_n as_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o his_o church_n in_o our_o time_n be_v there_o at_o any_o time_n more_o furious_a and_o rage_a persecution_n be_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n church_n ever_o great_a they_o spare_v not_o wisdom_n nor_o counsel_n nor_o power_n nor_o diligence_n nor_o man_n nor_o money_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o poor_a church_n may_v be_v altogether_o cast_v down_o and_o make_v ruinous_a but_o behold_v the_o prudencie_n the_o counsel_n the_o might_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v far_o above_o all_o that_o which_o set_v itself_o against_o his_o greatness_n yea_o he_o work_v miraculous_o by_o hide_a close_a and_o secret_a mean_n insomuch_o that_o all_o the_o height_n of_o the_o world_n be_v confound_v and_o overthrow_v for_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v 21.30_o prou._n 21.30_o there_o be_v no_o wisdom_n neither_o understanding_n nor_o counsel_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o a_o other_o place_n it_o be_v say_v 5.12.13_o psal_n 33.10_o job._n 5.12.13_o the_o lord_n break_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o bring_v to_o naught_o the_o devise_n of_o the_o people_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v stand_v for_o ever_o and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n through_o out_o all_o age_n to_o be_v short_a we_o see_v that_o the_o church_n have_v in_o time_n heretofore_o be_v very_o apt_o and_o fit_o represent_v 15.17_o gene._n 15.17_o by_o a_o lamp_n or_o firebrand_n shine_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o dark_a or_o smoke_a furnaise_n even_o as_o the_o vision_n thereof_o be_v give_v and_o show_v to_o abraham_n whereof_o the_o reason_n be_v assign_v and_o show_v because_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v that_o his_o people_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n also_o by_o the_o burn_a bush_n which_o yet_o consume_v not_o 3.2_o exod._n 3.2_o as_o moses_n also_o see_v the_o vision_n thereof_o for_o as_o the_o bush_n be_v keep_v safe_a and_o sound_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o flame_n so_o the_o church_n have_v always_o be_v preserve_v by_o and_o through_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n although_o the_o tyrant_n and_o wicked_a man_n have_v seek_v to_o set_v it_o on_o fire_n &_o utterlie_o to_o destroy_v it_o the_o seven_o point_n that_o the_o church_n increase_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n this_o be_v see_v from_o the_o time_n wherein_o under_o the_o emperor_n the_o church_n be_v persecute_v for_o look_v by_o how_o much_o they_o inforce_v themselves_o utter_o to_o extinguish_v and_o put_v out_o the_o truth_n by_o so_o much_o the_o faithful_a one_o be_v ready_a and_o prepare_v to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o the_o act_n it_o be_v say_v 4.3.4_o act._n 4.3.4_o that_o when_o the_o persecutor_n lay_v hand_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v put_v they_o in_o prison_n many_o of_o they_o that_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n at_o their_o mouth_n leave_v not_o of_o for_o all_o that_o to_o believe_v but_o that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v increase_v till_o it_o come_v to_o be_v about_o five_o thousand_o person_n also_o 11.19.20.21_o act._n 11.19.20.21_o that_o they_o which_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o because_o of_o the_o affliction_n that_o arise_v about_o steven_n walk_v throughout_o till_o they_o come_v unto_o phenice_n and_o cyprus_n and_o antiochia_n and_o that_o some_o of_o they_o which_o be_v man_n of_o cyprus_n and_o cyrene_n when_o they_o be_v come_v into_o antiochia_n speak_v unto_o the_o grecian_n and_o preach_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o that_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o so_o that_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n saint_n paul_n speak_v after_o this_o manner_n unto_o the_o philippian_n 1.12.13.14_o philip._n 1.12.13.14_o i_o will_v you_o understand_v brethren_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o have_v come_v unto_o i_o be_v turn_v rather_o to_o the_o further_a of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o my_o band_n in_o christ_n be_v famous_a throughout_o all_o the_o judgement_n hall_n and_o in_o all_o other_o place_n insomuch_o that_o many_o of_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n be_v bolden_v through_o my_o band_n and_o dare_v more_o frank_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o david_n have_v prophesy_v touch_v christ_n when_o he_o say_v be_v thou_o ruler_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o thy_o enemy_n lily_n psal_n 110.20_o the_o church_n compare_v to_o a_o palm_n tree_n to_o rose_n and_o to_o lily_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v like_a unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o palm_n tree_n and_o like_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o rose_n and_o lily_n for_o even_o as_o the_o palm_n tree_n the_o more_o it_o be_v lade_v and_o press_v down_o the_o more_o it_o grow_v &_o stretch_v out_o or_o sprede_v his_o bough_n in_o length_n and_o breadth_n so_o the_o church_n the_o more_o she_o be_v persecute_v and_o afflict_a the_o more_o force_n courage_n and_o liveliness_n she_o take_v to_o herself_o also_o as_o rose_n and_o lily_n be_v accustom_v to_o flourish_v among_o thorn_n so_o this_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n to_o the_o church_n to_o flourish_v and_o to_o increase_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n vineyard_n the_o church_n compare_v to_o a_o vine_n or_o vineyard_n justinus_n compare_v the_o church_n also_o to_o a_o vine_n or_o vineyard_n when_o he_o speak_v thus_o in_o a_o speech_n with_o tryphon_n they_o every_o day_n perceive_v say_v he_o that_o we_o which_o believe_v in_o christ_n 14._o justinus_n martyr_n de_fw-fr veritate_fw-la christiana_n religionis_fw-la to_o in_fw-la 2_o pag._n 224._o lin_v 14._o can_v be_v astonish_v or_o amaze_v by_o any_o man_n or_o any_o manner_n of_o way_n let_v they_o cut_v of_o our_o head_n let_v they_o crucify_v we_o let_v they_o cast_v we_o to_o wild_a beast_n let_v they_o torment_v we_o with_o fire_n faggot_n and_o any_o other_o torment_n the_o more_o they_o do_v torment_v we_o the_o more_o do_v the_o number_n of_o christian_n grow_v and_o increase_v no_o otherwise_o than_o when_o man_n priune_n and_o dress_v a_o vine_n or_o vineyard_n they_o do_v it_o to_o make_v it_o more_o fruitful_a and_o plentiful_a for_o the_o vine_n or_o vinyard_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n be_v his_o own_o people_n these_o be_v in_o that_o place_n almost_o justinus_n his_o own_o word_n and_o very_o we_o learn_v by_o our_o own_o experience_n that_o so_o many_o cruel_a persecution_n murder_n and_o slaughter_n of_o the_o martyr_n have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v so_o many_o seal_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o seal_v therein_o the_o holy_a gospel_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o a_o good_a doctor_n have_v very_o right_o say_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n the_o eight_o point_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n for_o which_o the_o church_n be_v afflict_v and_o persecute_v of_o the_o wicked_a we_o may_v very_o well_o say_v and_o right_o confess_v that_o we_o do_v just_o deserve_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o sin_n we_o have_v commit_v to_o be_v afflict_v by_o god_n and_o persecute_v of_o the_o world_n etc._n levit._fw-la 26.14.15_o etc._n etc._n for_o we_o read_v in_o leviticus_fw-la how_o god_n threaten_v his_o people_n to_o send_v upon_o they_o war_n plague_n pestilence_n famine_n and_o other_o his_o rod_n if_o they_o yield_v not_o themselves_o obedient_a unto_o his_o commandment_n etc._n isaiah_n 5.2.3_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o isaiah_n he_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n you_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n say_v he_o and_o you_o man_n of_o judah_n judge_v i_o pray_v you_o between_o i_o and_o my_o vineyard_n what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v any_o more_o to_o my_o vinyarde_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v unto_o it_o i_o have_v hedge_v
unto_o the_o last_o day_n 34.20_o psal_n 34.20_o he_o will_v keep_v the_o remembrance_n of_o we_o for_o ever_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v any_o manner_n of_o way_n fade_v away_o or_o darken_v he_o will_v keep_v our_o body_n to_o the_o very_a bone_n thereof_o 19.25_o job._n 19.25_o against_o the_o day_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o all_o flesh_n and_o will_v at_o the_o last_o crown_v we_o with_o eternal_a life_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o own_o blood_n o_o death_n then_o 15.55_o 1._o cor._n 15.55_o where_o be_v thy_o sting_n o_o grave_n where_o be_v thy_o victory_n certain_o we_o have_v very_o much_o wherewith_o to_o comfort_v ourselves_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o when_o we_o hear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n say_v unto_o we_o 9.23_o luke_n 9.23_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o and_o follow_v i_o we_o ought_v to_o learn_v how_o and_o after_o what_o sort_n it_o behove_v we_o to_o bear_v affliction_n for_o first_o by_o these_o word_n let_v he_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n jesus_n christ_n mean_v that_o we_o shall_v willing_o bow_v down_o our_o shoulder_n under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o shall_v subject_v ourselves_o with_o a_o free_a heart_n and_o courage_n to_o bear_v the_o same_o yea_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v if_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o behalf_n we_o can_v yield_v and_o perform_v any_o service_n to_o god_n 3._o acts._n 5.41_o rom._n 5._o 3._o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v second_o when_o he_o add_v daily_o he_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v never_o at_o the_o end_n of_o our_o strive_n until_o we_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v our_o continual_a exercise_n that_o when_o we_o shall_v have_v endure_v and_o suffer_v sundry_a persecution_n we_o shall_v prepare_v and_o dispose_v ourselves_o to_o suffer_v they_o again_o and_o other_o new_a beside_o they_o know_v as_o we_o have_v ere_o while_o allege_v that_o he_o which_o shall_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v .._o 10.22_o mat._n 10.22_o wherefore_o they_o abuse_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o think_v that_o they_o have_v right_o and_o due_o discharge_v their_o duty_n if_o they_o have_v stand_v fast_o in_o the_o time_n of_o one_o persecution_n or_o of_o two_o for_o it_o be_v not_o with_o the_o first_o flight_n that_o we_o fly_v to_o the_o joy_n of_o paradise_n and_o jesus_n christ_n command_v we_o not_o any_o thing_n here_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v not_o first_o of_o all_o show_v we_o the_o way_n thereto_o see_v that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o under_o the_o cross_n but_o that_o all_o his_o life_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o a_o perpetual_a combat_n and_o strive_v against_o affliction_n etc._n 2._o corin._n 11.14_o etc._n etc._n and_o saint_n paul_n although_o he_o may_v have_v set_v out_o his_o labour_n his_o peril_n his_o prisoning_n his_o beat_n his_o shipwrack_n and_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o other_o affliction_n notwithstanding_o he_o say_v yet_o that_o he_o be_v altogether_o ready_a to_o suffer_v not_o only_o to_o be_v bind_v and_o put_v in_o prison_n but_o also_o willing_o 24._o act_n 20.23_o 24._o and_o without_o any_o grief_n to_o die_v for_o christ_n cause_n o_o how_o great_a be_v this_o honour_n to_o give_v up_o our_o life_n for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o wage_n or_o soldiership_n of_o some_o eathly_a prince_n make_v no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o forsake_v their_o own_o parent_n and_o their_o good_n that_o they_o may_v go_v to_o his_o service_n yea_o it_o trouble_v they_o not_o much_o to_o hazard_v and_o give_v up_o their_o own_o life_n to_o maintain_v his_o quarrel_n and_o cause_n which_o very_o often_o be_v unjust_a &_o wicked_a and_o shall_v we_o which_o have_v such_o a_o prince_n as_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v who_o die_v for_o we_o poor_a and_o miserable_a sinner_n shall_v we_o i_o say_v doubt_n to_o leave_v all_o thing_n yea_o to_o adventure_n and_o yield_v up_o our_o own_o life_n to_o maintain_v his_o cause_n &_o his_o quarrel_n which_o be_v so_o just_a and_o upright_o special_o see_v he_o have_v power_n to_o render_v and_o give_v the_o same_o again_o unto_o we_o afterward_o moreover_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v as_o we_o have_v already_o touch_v the_o same_o ought_v to_o strengthen_v and_o encourage_v we_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o affliction_n as_o we_o see_v saint_n paul_n full_o resolve_v and_o settle_a himself_o thereupon_o when_o he_o say_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 17.18_o 2._o cor._n 4._o 17.18_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n cause_v unto_o we_o a_o far_o most_o excellent_a and_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n while_o we_o look_v not_o on_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o on_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v 12._o 2._o tim._n 2.11_o 12._o be_v eternal_a and_o to_o timothy_n it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o do_v we_o think_v to_o have_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n without_o have_v first_o fight_v as_o our_o great_a captain_n do_v do_v we_o think_v to_o reign_v with_o the_o prince_n of_o life_n on_o high_a in_o heaven_n without_o have_v first_o suffer_v and_o bear_v trouble_n with_o he_o in_o this_o world_n if_o man_n take_v the_o earth_n from_o we_o let_v we_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n 7.55.56_o act_n 7.55.56_o which_o be_v open_a for_o we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o saint_n steeven_n if_o they_o put_v we_o to_o death_n let_v we_o look_v to_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n who_o also_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o 14.8.9_o rom._n 14.8.9_o to_o the_o end_n that_o if_o we_o die_v we_o shall_v die_v unto_o he_o that_o afterwards_o we_o may_v be_v raise_v up_o in_o glory_n as_o he_o be_v 3.21_o phill._n 3.21_o if_o our_o abject_a and_o base_a body_n be_v despise_v and_o dishonour_v let_v we_o look_v to_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n like_v unto_o which_o our_o body_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o the_o last_o day_n to_o be_v short_a if_o we_o weep_v and_o wail_v in_o this_o wonderful_a heap_n and_o sea_n of_o misery_n 5.1_o 2._o cor._n 5.1_o be_v in_o this_o world_n stranger_n pilgrim_n &_o passenger_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o when_o we_o shall_v once_o come_v to_o our_o celestial_a and_o heavenly_a city_n which_o we_o now_o wait_v and_o hope_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v rejoice_v with_o a_o joy_n which_o can_v be_v comprehend_v and_o that_o with_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o holy_a angel_n prophet_n apostle_n and_o martyr_n 21.4_o revela_fw-la 21.4_o for_o the_o lord_n will_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o our_o eye_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o death_n neither_o sorrow_n neither_o cry_v neither_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o more_o pain_n then_o shall_v we_o feel_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n which_o we_o have_v endure_v and_o suffer_v in_o this_o world_n then_o shall_v we_o know_v how_o much_o we_o be_v bless_v 21.4_o reve._n 21.4_o that_o have_v suffer_v for_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v make_v our_o robe_n white_a in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n 13.12_o 1._o john_n 3.2_o 1._o cor._n 13.12_o then_o shall_v we_o behold_v god_n even_o as_o he_o be_v and_o shall_v know_v he_o perfect_o as_o he_o know_v we_o and_o we_o shall_v live_v and_o reign_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v by_o this_o meditation_n encourage_v the_o faithful_a when_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o you_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o afliction_n of_o my_o hand_n 10.34.35_o hebr._n 10.34.35_o &_o suffer_v with_o joy_n the_o spoil_n of_o your_o good_n know_v in_o yourselves_o how_o that_o you_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o endure_a substance_n cast_v not_o away_o therefore_o your_o confidence_n which_o have_v great_a recompense_n and_o reward_v but_o shall_v we_o now_o think_v or_o suppose_v that_o we_o lose_v our_o life_n when_o we_o shall_v have_v abandon_v forsake_a and_o as_o it_o be_v give_v up_o the_o same_o unto_o tyrant_n for_o god_n cause_n and_o matter_n 5.12_o mat._n 5.12_o shall_v we_o judge_v that_o we_o die_v upon_o imagination_n and_o as_o it_o be_v foolish_a and_o insensible_a mad_a people_n as_o in_o deed_n the_o world_n suppose_v see_v jesus_n christ_n have_v promise_v
and_o lawful_a succession_n of_o the_o chair_n or_o place_n be_v on_o our_o side_n for_o there_o the_o ordinary_a bishop_n have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o preach_v it_o so_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o dispute_v of_o their_o vocation_n no_o more_o then_o for_o the_o call_n of_o the_o priest_n which_o be_v at_o this_o present_a in_o the_o romish_a church_n call_v by_o the_o pope_n but_o even_o only_o of_o their_o doctrine_n chap._n vi_o that_o the_o church_n have_v be_v always_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v now_o and_o shall_v be_v even_o unto_o the_o world_n end_n but_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v or_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o great_a number_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o the_o church_n have_v her_o beginning_n where_o the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n throughout_o all_o the_o world_n at_o which_o time_n the_o disciple_n be_v first_o name_v christian_n in_o antiochia_n but_o that_o she_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n even_o from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n adam_n and_o hevah_n for_o in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o god_n begin_v to_o be_v serve_v on_o the_o earth_n have_v bless_v they_o and_o commend_v unto_o they_o his_o service_n and_o after_o their_o fall_n have_v preach_v unto_o they_o repentance_n and_o assurance_n of_o victory_n against_o the_o serpent_n through_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n but_o the_o world_n increase_v the_o church_n also_o be_v augment_v serve_v god_n for_o as_o s._n paul_n say_v god_n create_v the_o world_n 17.26_o act._n 17.26_o &_o have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o man_n that_o they_o may_v seek_v and_o serve_v he_o and_o he_o himself_o say_v in_o isaiah_n this_o people_n have_v i_o form_v for_o myself_o 43.21_o isai_n 43.21_o they_o shall_v rehearse_v and_o show_v forth_o my_o praise_n god_n then_o create_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o from_o the_o beginning_n a_o church_n through_o free_a adoption_n to_o this_o end_n that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v due_o praise_v by_o convenient_a fit_a and_o meet_v witness_n for_o so_o excellent_a a_o work_n for_o this_o cause_n also_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o plant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v 61.3_o isai_n 61.3_o isaiah_n 61.3_o moreover_o this_o church_n notwithstanding_o the_o sharp_a and_o hard_a persecution_n which_o it_o have_v suffer_v have_v not_o yet_o cease_v always_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o present_a and_o shall_v be_v unto_o the_o world_n end_n for_o as_o david_n say_v the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n etc._n psa_fw-la 132.13_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o church_n and_o have_v desire_v it_o for_o his_o seat_n it_o have_v be_v say_v he_o my_o rest_n for_o ever_o 28.20_o matt._n 28.20_o jesus_n christ_n also_o have_v promise_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v with_o they_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o chief_o saint_n paul_n have_v declare_v and_o set_v out_o the_o perpetuity_n and_o continuance_n of_o the_o church_n when_o he_o assure_v we_o 3.21_o ephes_n 3.21_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o church_n through_o jesus_n christ_n throughout_o all_o generation_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o they_o then_o be_v overmuch_o past_a shame_n which_o limit_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o church_n to_o a_o certain_a time_n as_o those_o of_o who_o saint_n augustine_n speak_v 54_o august_n de_fw-fr civitat_fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n 18._o ca._n 54_o who_o dare_v bold_o affirm_v that_o the_o christian_n religion_n shall_v not_o last_v but_o 365._o year_n they_o likewise_o do_v abuse_n and_o deceive_v themselves_o which_o think_v that_o by_o the_o assault_n which_o they_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n they_o be_v able_a to_o beat_v it_o down_o consume_v it_o &_o whole_o take_v it_o away_o out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v without_o a_o church_n etc._n psal_n 100.1_o etc._n etc._n have_v not_o he_o himself_o promise_v that_o his_o son_n shall_v reign_v and_o bear_v rule_n for_o ever_o over_o all_o his_o enemy_n very_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o spouse_n or_o wife_n of_o christ_n be_v become_v or_o make_v so_o mighty_a and_o strong_a through_o her_o husband_n that_o be_v even_o one_o body_n with_o he_o she_o be_v more_o forcible_a and_o mighty_a in_o her_o weakness_n than_o all_o the_o world_n in_o his_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n but_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v once_o heretofore_o we_o will_v hereafter_o speak_v more_o ample_o and_o large_o of_o the_o church_n force_n and_o power_n in_o persecution_n to_o be_v short_a amongst_o so_o many_a and_o so_o diverse_a change_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n god_n always_o preserve_v his_o church_n and_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o nothing_o in_o all_o the_o world_n be_v durable_a and_o perpetual_a but_o she_o not_o that_o she_o be_v always_o flourish_v or_o have_v a_o continuance_n which_o follow_v all_o by_o one_o thread_n that_o be_v come_v altogether_o but_o because_o that_o god_n not_o mind_v that_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o in_o the_o world_n do_v always_o in_o his_o church_n raise_v up_o some_o of_o who_o he_o be_v sincere_o and_o pure_o serve_v now_o when_o the_o question_n be_v to_o discern_v the_o true_a church_n from_o the_o false_a some_o there_o be_v that_o stay_n themselves_o upon_o the_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n but_o they_o be_v very_o far_o from_o their_o right_a reckon_n or_o account_n for_o god_n measure_v not_o his_o church_n by_o the_o number_n 18.20_o matt._n 18.20_o he_o love_v his_o faithful_a people_n &_o keep_v himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o although_o they_o be_v a_o very_a small_a number_n on_o the_o otherside_n he_o hate_v those_o that_o do_v despise_v it_o and_o disdain_v they_o though_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o indeed_o on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n the_o false_a and_o bastardly_a church_n be_v rather_o find_v than_o the_o true_a and_o lawful_a one_o and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o let_v we_o first_o mark_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o multitude_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o stay_v and_o cleave_v to_o the_o little_a flock_n 23.2_o exod._n 23.2_o thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a neither_o agree_v in_o a_o controversy_n to_o decline_v after_o many_o and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n 7.13.14_o matth._n 7.13.14_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n for_o it_o be_v the_o wide_a gate_n and_o broad_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o destruction_n &_o many_o there_o be_v which_o go_v in_o thereat_o because_o the_o gate_n be_v straight_o and_o the_o way_n narrow_a that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o fear_v not_o little_a flock_n 12.32_o luk._n 12.32_o for_o it_o be_v your_o father_n pleasure_n to_o give_v you_o a_o kingdom_n we_o see_v by_o these_o place_n that_o the_o great_a number_n be_v not_o always_o the_o best_a neither_o the_o sound_a and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v find_v rather_o amongst_o the_o small_a number_n then_o among_o the_o multitude_n second_o let_v we_o note_v the_o reason_n follow_v which_o be_v take_v from_o example_n that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n touch_v this_o very_a matter_n on_o which_o side_n be_v the_o church_n 11.7_o gene._n 7.1_o heb._n 11.7_o when_o noah_n alone_o with_o his_o little_a family_n which_o be_v not_o in_o all_o but_o eight_o person_n follow_v the_o true_a religion_n god_n approve_v he_o &_o by_o his_o faith_n condemn_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n on_o which_o side_n be_v the_o church_n 19.10_o 1._o kin._n 19.10_o when_o elijah_n say_v o_o lord_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v forsake_v thy_o covenant_n they_o have_v destroy_v thy_o altar_n and_o slay_v thy_o prophet_n with_o the_o sword_n and_o i_o be_o leave_v altogether_o alone_o and_o yet_o they_o seek_v my_o soul_n to_o take_v it_o away_o on_o which_o side_n be_v the_o church_n when_o the_o four_o hundred_o prophet_n deceive_v ahab_n 22.8_o â—_o king_n 22.8_o and_o michaiah_n be_v alone_o and_o contemn_a do_v yet_o notwithstanding_o resist_v they_o and_o speak_v the_o truth_n on_o which_o side_n be_v the_o church_n when_o jeremiah_n be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o say_v 4.9_o jere._n 4.9_o in_o that_o day_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o king_n shall_v perish_v and_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o of_o the_o priest_n shall_v be_v astonish_v 10.18_o jere._n 10.18_o and_o the_o prophet_n shall_v wonder_v and_o that_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n resist_v he_o lay_v crime_n unto_o his_o charge_n and_o imagine_a mischief_n against_o he_o on_o which_o side_n be_v the_o church_n when_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n 26.3_o
matth._n 26.3_o and_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n assemble_v themselves_o together_o into_o the_o hall_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n name_v caiaphas_n and_o hold_v a_o council_n how_o they_o may_v take_v jesus_n christ_n by_o subtlety_n and_o put_v he_o to_o death_n certain_o by_o these_o example_n it_o be_v plain_o prove_v that_o if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o allege_v the_o multitude_n &_o the_o great_a number_n for_o to_o underproppe_v and_o uphold_v a_o church_n the_o false_a and_o bastardly_a church_n shall_v ever_o prevail_v in_o the_o matter_n &_o get_v the_o better_a in_o that_o respect_n because_o that_o the_o number_n which_o cleave_v to_o it_o and_o follow_v and_o maintain_v it_o be_v always_o the_o great_a 128._o august_n in_o psalm_n 128._o let_v we_o add_v here_o a_o sentence_n of_o saint_n augustine_n from_o the_o time_n say_v he_o that_o the_o saint_n have_v begin_v to_o be_v the_o church_n have_v be_v and_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n sometime_o it_o be_v in_o abel_n alone_o who_o be_v slay_v by_o his_o wicked_a brother_n cain_n sometime_o it_o be_v in_o henoch_n alone_o who_o be_v reject_v of_o the_o ungodlie_a sometime_o it_o be_v in_o the_o only_a house_n of_o noah_n and_o he_o bear_v with_o or_o suffer_v all_o they_o that_o perish_v in_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o ark_n swim_v upon_o the_o flood_n be_v save_v and_o set_v upon_o the_o dry_a land_n sometime_o in_o one_o only_a abraham_n of_o who_o we_o know_v thus_o much_o that_o he_o suffer_v many_o thing_n by_o the_o wicked_a sometime_o in_o lott_n alone_o and_o in_o his_o only_a house_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sodomite_n who_o iniquity_n and_o ungodliness_n he_o endure_v and_o suffer_v so_o long_o till_o god_n draw_v he_o as_o it_o be_v by_o violence_n from_o among_o they_o sometime_o in_o the_o only_a israelite_n torment_v by_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n by_o these_o word_n that_o appear_v very_o well_o to_o be_v true_a and_o right_a which_o i_o have_v say_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v or_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o great_a number_n the_o faithful_a then_o shall_v not_o at_o this_o day_n be_v offend_v though_o they_o be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n despise_v and_o cast_v out_o as_o the_o filth_n and_o ofscouring_n of_o the_o world_n for_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n 15.19_o john_n 15.19_o but_o that_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o draw_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n therefore_o behold_v do_v the_o world_n hate_v they_o they_o shall_v not_o doubt_n that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o with_o they_o though_o that_o it_o be_v assault_v and_o persecute_v of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o man_n and_o those_o the_o mighty_a of_o great_a reputation_n and_o high_a exalt_v and_o namely_o of_o the_o pope_n cardinal_n bishop_n 1.27.28.29_o 1_o cor._n 1.27.28.29_o parish_n priest_n abbot_n and_o other_o of_o the_o clergy_n of_o rome_n who_o indeed_o ought_v to_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v it_o for_o so_o it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a thing_n &_o the_o weak_a or_o feeble_a thing_n to_o confound_v the_o strong_a and_o the_o vile_a and_o despise_a thing_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o to_o bring_v to_o naught_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o the_o end_n that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v rejoice_v in_o his_o presence_n 2.7_o psal_n 118.22_o matt._n 21.42_o 1._o pet._n 2.7_o and_o on_o the_o otherside_n the_o prophecy_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v whole_o accomplish_v touch_v the_o stone_n which_o the_o builder_n begin_v long_o ago_o to_o reject_v and_o which_o even_o at_o this_o day_n they_o do_v also_o refuse_v although_o it_o be_v the_o master_n stone_n or_o chief_a stone_n of_o the_o corner_n in_o zion_n elect_v &_o precious_a in_o they_o which_o stay_v themselves_o thereon_o and_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o but_o some_o will_v say_v wherefore_o then_o be_v it_o that_o god_n have_v heretofore_o suffer_v so_o many_o people_n in_o so_o many_o age_n and_o time_n to_o be_v seduce_v and_o deceive_v yea_o wherefore_o do_v he_o at_o this_o day_n suffer_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o darkeness_n of_o error_n and_o ignorance_n very_o it_o be_v not_o our_o part_n to_o take_v upon_o we_o either_o to_o discover_v or_o curious_o to_o search_v the_o secret_a cause_n of_o god_n eternal_a judgement_n neither_o yet_o to_o lay_v or_o cast_v upon_o he_o the_o fault_n of_o our_o naughtiness_n and_o ungodliness_n for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o he_o do_v most_o just_o govern_v and_o guide_v all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v do_v injury_n or_o wrong_n to_o any_o man_n what_o so_o ever_o he_o do_v 2.3_o psal_n 51.5_o ephe._n 2.3_o see_v that_o we_o be_v all_o conceive_a and_o bear_v in_o iniquity_n and_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n guilty_a of_o death_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o therefore_o saint_n paul_n in_o few_o word_n dissolve_v this_o difficulty_n content_v himself_o to_o allege_v the_o only_a will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n without_o ascend_v or_o go_v up_o high_o so_o much_o as_o one_o step_n 17.30_o act._n 14_o 1â—_n act._n 17.30_o god_n say_v he_o in_o time_n pass_v have_v suffer_v all_o the_o gentile_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n nevertheless_o he_o leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a etc._n etc._n and_o again_o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n god_n regard_v not_o but_o now_o he_o admonish_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v notwithstanding_o also_o we_o may_v right_o say_v that_o god_n suffer_v satan_n to_o have_v so_o much_o power_n and_o might_n in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v bear_v sway_n &_o reign_v over_o the_o great_a part_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o through_o his_o just_a judgement_n punish_v man_n for_o their_o unthankfulness_n and_o unfaithfulnesse_n for_o it_o be_v not_o good_a reason_n that_o those_o which_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o god_n neither_o receive_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v offer_v they_o and_o who_o also_o even_o willing_o and_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n have_v despise_v and_o refuse_v their_o own_o salvation_n be_v it_o not_o meet_v i_o say_v that_o such_o shall_v be_v seduce_v &_o deceive_v through_o the_o subtlety_n and_o sleight_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o at_o the_o last_o cast_v from_o god_n and_o through_o his_o just_a judgement_n punish_v according_a as_o their_o ungodliness_n &_o unthankfulness_n deserve_v saint_n paul_n write_v unto_o the_o thessalonian_o show_v and_o put_v down_o this_o reason_n when_o he_o say_v 2.10_o 2._o thess_n 2.10_o that_o because_o that_o they_o which_o perish_v receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v lie_n that_o all_o they_o may_v be_v damn_v which_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n this_o also_o fall_v sometime_o and_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o gentile_n for_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n rom._n 1.20_o etc._n etc._n god_n make_v manifest_a unto_o they_o his_o godhead_n and_o his_o power_n and_o although_o this_o be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o preach_v of_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o creature_n in_o which_o his_o glory_n be_v in_o such_o sort_n manifest_v and_o show_v that_o a_o man_n may_v well_o say_v they_o have_v in_o some_o sense_n a_o tongue_n as_o it_o be_v to_o show_v set_v forth_o and_o rehearse_v the_o great_a power_n and_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n but_o what_o thereof_o these_o straggler_n &_o strayer_n have_v know_v god_n do_v not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n neither_o yield_v he_o thanks_n but_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o discourse_n and_o so_o forth_o as_o saint_n paul_n show_v of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n who_o will_v then_o at_o this_o day_n say_v that_o god_n have_v do_v they_o wrong_n when_o he_o give_v they_o over_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o filthiness_n and_o their_o own_o villainous_a affection_n through_o a_o spirit_n destitute_a and_o unfurnished_a of_o all_o judgement_n to_o commit_v thing_n at_o no_o hand_n convenient_a or_o seemly_a he_o punish_v they_o after_o this_o manner_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n and_o his_o own_o most_o just_a righteousness_n the_o same_o fall_v also_o in_o time_n heretofore_o upon_o the_o poor_a and_o miserable_a jew_n for_o behold_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o of_o his_o own_o free_a will_n present_v and_o offer_v himself_o unto_o they_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v they_o in_o the_o
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 &_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_z 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 &_o declare_v himself_o dark_o &_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 4.2_o malach._n 4.2_o signify_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 restriction_n or_o strain_v it_o into_o a_o narrow_a room_n he_o plain_o declare_v that_o he_o promise_v to_o his_o child_n such_o a_o knowledge_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v any_o more_o learner_n of_o the_o a.b.c._n neither_o young_a scholar_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n for_o these_o word_n know_v the_o lord_n denote_v &_o point_v out_o the_o first_o rudiment_n or_o instruction_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o well_o weigh_v &_o mark_v how_o rude_a gross_a and_o ignorant_a the_o old_a father_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v little_a child_n etc._n gal._n 4.1_o etc._n etc._n even_o as_o saint_n paul_n say_v and_o as_o yet_o in_o their_o a.b.c._n but_o god_n have_v show_v unto_o we_o a_o far_o great_a grace_n because_o that_o we_o have_v a_o more_o manifest_a clear_a and_o shine_a light_n to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o this_o cause_n jesus_n christ_n say_v 20.23.24_o matth._n 13.16.17_o luk._n 20.23.24_o bless_a be_v your_o eye_n for_o they_o see_v and_o your_o ear_n for_o they_o hear_v for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o many_o king_n prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o see_v and_o have_v not_o see_v they_o and_o to_o hear_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o hear_v &_o have_v not_o hear_v they_o in_o sum_n the_o lord_n promise_v here_o that_o his_o people_n shall_v not_o be_v find_v gross_a and_o ignorant_a under_o the_o new_a covenant_n or_o testament_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v need_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o beginning_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o take_v this_o place_n in_o this_o sense_n how_o shall_v we_o expound_v a_o other_o of_o isaiah_n 2.2.3_o isai_n 2.2.3_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o he_o say_v it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o last_o day_n that_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v prepare_v in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o the_o hill_n and_o all_o nation_n shall_v flow_v unto_o it_o and_o many_o people_n shall_v go_v and_o say_v come_v and_o let_v we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o jaacob_n &_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o his_o way_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o prophesi_v even_o as_o jeremiah_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a through_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o one_o of_o they_o say_v every_o one_o shall_v not_o teach_v his_o neighbour_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v the_o lord_n the_o other_o say_v the_o people_n shall_v run_v together_o and_o say_v come_v let_v we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v teach_v we_o his_o way_n how_o shall_v we_o make_v these_o two_o place_n agree_v see_v that_o both_o of_o they_o prophecy_n of_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n very_o jeremiah_n mean_v that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v in_o such_o sort_n lighten_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o need_n of_o the_o rudiment_n or_o first_o instruction_n of_o religion_n neither_o to_o be_v so_o teach_v as_o the_o old_a people_n be_v by_z the_o shadow_n &_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n and_o as_o touch_v isaiah_n he_o mean_v that_o under_o the_o same_o new_a testament_n the_o people_n shall_v though_o they_o be_v well_o advance_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o point_n of_o christian_n doctrine_n notwithstanding_o diligent_o endeavour_n more_o &_o more_o to_o advance_v themselves_o &_o grow_v forward_o therein_o and_o that_o for_o that_o purpose_n they_o shall_v continual_o exhort_v one_o a_o other_o to_z the_o end_n they_o may_v better_o profit_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n 2.28.49_o joel._n 2.28.49_o the_o four_o argument_n it_o be_v write_v in_o joel_n at_o that_o time_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o your_o son_n and_o your_o daughter_n shall_v prophesy_v your_o old_a man_n shall_v dream_v dream_n and_o your_o young_a man_n shall_v see_v vision_n and_o also_o at_o that_o time_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o the_o servant_n &_o upon_o the_o maid_n now_o by_o this_o promise_n the_o charge_n &_o office_n to_o teach_v be_v without_o any_o difference_n lay_v upon_o all_o upon_o father_n &_o child_n upon_o son_n &_o upon_o daughter_n upon_o old_a folk_n and_o upon_o young_a upon_o servant_n and_o maid_n wherefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o argument_n or_o reason_n but_o a_o mere_a cavil_v it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o prophecy_n ought_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o kingdom_n &_o come_v of_o jesus_n christ_n &_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v shall_v then_o be_v common_a both_o to_o man_n &_o woman_n to_o old_a and_o young_a &_o to_o be_v short_a to_o all_o estate_n but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o be_v to_o be_v mark_v that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v here_o by_o comparison_n use_v a_o figure_n common_o call_v hyperbole_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o manner_n of_o speech_n very_o excessive_a because_o of_o our_o wearisomnes_n slackness_n and_o negligence_n for_o he_o do_v not_o present_o promise_v that_o all_o under_o the_o gospel_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o this_o gift_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o old_a people_n under_o the_o law_n for_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o estate_n &_o condition_n of_o the_o old_a church_n with_o the_o singular_a treasure_n which_o god_n have_v pour_v out_o and_o give_v unto_o his_o people_n after_o the_o manifestation_n and_o reveal_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o this_o latter_a time_n the_o lord_n have_v spread_v abroad_o and_o pour_v out_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n that_o be_v to_o say_v almost_o upon_o all_o man_n when_o as_o under_o the_o law_n a_o very_a small_a number_n be_v partaker_n thereof_o wherefore_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n this_o particle_n or_o word_n all_o be_v not_o here_o take_v in_o his_o proper_a signification_n as_o though_o it_o be_v simple_o and_o altogether_o universal_a but_o be_v indefinite_a and_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o all_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o people_n and_o not_o to_o every_o singular_a person_n as_o in_o this_o sentence_n of_o s._n paul_n where_o it_o be_v say_v 2.4_o
and_o john_n who_o be_v covetous_a and_o greedy_a of_o worldly_a honour_n and_o desire_v to_o live_v at_o their_o case_n and_o rest_n etc._n mark_n 10.35_o etc._n etc._n demand_v of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v unto_o they_o to_o sit_v in_o his_o glory_n the_o one_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o at_o his_o left_a but_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o altogether_o the_o contrary_a that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v to_o walk_v here_o below_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o hand_n to_o battle_n or_o fight_n yea_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o thorn_n and_o to_o be_v torment_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n &_o wicked_a man_n his_o instrument_n yea_o so_o much_o the_o more_o by_o how_o much_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v and_o labour_n sincere_o to_o serve_v god_n which_o thing_n also_o jesus_n christ_n have_v well_o and_o sufficient_o declare_v to_o the_o abovesaid_a son_n of_o zebedeus_n when_o he_o answer_v they_o 38._o mark_n 10._o 38._o you_o know_v not_o what_o you_o ask_v can_v you_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n that_o i_o shall_v drink_v of_o and_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n wherewith_o i_o shall_v be_v baptize_v mean_v thereby_o that_o the_o common_a state_n &_o condition_n of_o christian_n be_v this_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v exercise_v in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o cross_n &_o tribulation_n before_o that_o they_o can_v be_v crown_v and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n wherefore_o the_o church_n be_v call_v militant_a or_o warfaring_a so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v here_o below_o on_o the_o earth_n even_o as_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n and_o for_o this_o very_a self_n same_o cause_n also_o etc._n mark_n 4.36_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o little_a ship_n altogether_o toss_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o bellows_n or_o surge_n and_o of_o the_o tempest_n of_o the_o sea_n also_o to_o ground_n continual_o plough_v over_o 129.3_o psal_n 129.3_o and_o through_o which_o 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 s._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 and_o in_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 3.12_o 2_o tim._n 3.12_o shall_v suffer_v persecution_n jesus_n christ_n say_v also_o unto_o his_o disciple_n 15.20_o john_n 15.20_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 16.1.2_o john_n 16.1.2_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 if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o will_v come_v after_o i_o 16.24_o matth._n 16.24_o let_v he_o forsake_v himself_o &_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o time_n and_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 estate_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 129.1_o psal_n 129.1_o they_o have_v often_o afflict_v i_o from_o my_o youth_n &_o have_v do_v i_o a_o thousand_o evil_n as_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 8.44_o john_n 8.44_o envious_a &_o a_o false_a and_o privy_a accuser_n &_o war_n have_v always_o continue_v between_o the_o woman_n seed_n &_o the_o serpent_n seed_n and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n join_v &_o put_v together_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a nature_n 6.14.15_o gene._n 3.15_o 2._o cor._n 6.14.15_o 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 three_o cap._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 &_o the_o wicked_a shall_v suffer_v one_o with_o another_o &_o agree_v together_o 3.19.20_o john_n 3.19.20_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 &_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 enimite_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 esaw_n go_v about_o to_o oppress_v &_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 s._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 scribe_n &_o pharisee_n nor_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n with_o the_o infideles_fw-la &_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 &_o for_o good_a cause_n s._n james_n say_v that_o the_o amity_n of_o the_o world_n 4.4_o james._n 4.4_o 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 15.19_o john_n 15.19_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n also_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 then_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 certain_a 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 bethlehem_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 reproove_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 &_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o principal_a blower_n of_o the_o fire_n and_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 &_o reign_v three_o year_n ten_o month_n and_o
eight_o day_n &_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 philippi_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 crue_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 afterward_o he_o so_o disorder_a 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 that_o this_o emperor_n be_v the_o first_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o tertul._n apolog._n cap._n 5._o 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 &_o principalie_v against_o the_o church_n which_o be_v establish_v at_o rome_n 15._o corne._n tacitus_n lib._n 15._o and_o cornelius_n tacitus_n declare_v that_o the_o occasion_n which_o nero_n take_v to_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o be_v this_o that_o he_o command_v secret_o to_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o city_n of_o rome_n that_o he_o may_v see_v some_o form_n or_o image_n as_o it_o be_v which_o may_v represent_v &_o set_v out_o unto_o he_o the_o fire_n of_o troy_n and_o so_o the_o fire_n continue_v in_o the_o city_n six_o day_n space_n which_o make_v such_o a_o destruction_n that_o he_o become_v hereby_o very_o odious_a among_o the_o people_n and_o see_v that_o he_o can_v not_o put_v out_o this_o hatred_n and_o wait_v of_o he_o to_o do_v he_o some_o mischief_n for_o all_o the_o good_a turn_n which_o he_o can_v do_v to_o the_o people_n he_o find_v out_o this_o devise_n to_o sow_v abroad_o this_o bruit_n rumour_n and_o report_n that_o it_o be_v the_o christian_n who_o have_v be_v the_o blower_n of_o that_o fire_n and_o the_o author_n of_o that_o destruction_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o he_o begin_v to_o persecute_v they_o and_o to_o put_v they_o to_o death_n both_o because_o they_o be_v as_o he_o say_v the_o blower_n of_o that_o fire_n and_o also_o because_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o confession_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v they_o to_o die_v his_o upholder_n put_v upon_o their_o back_n the_o skin_n of_o wild_a beast_n that_o they_o may_v be_v tear_v and_o rend_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o piece_n with_o dog_n where_o also_o they_o crucify_v they_o &_o burn_v they_o all_o alive_a &_o although_o the_o day_n fail_v they_o yet_o they_o burn_v they_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o give_v light_n to_o the_o night_n this_o first_o persecution_n begin_v about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 66._o the_o x._o year_n of_o nero_n his_o reign_n &_o last_v 4._o year_n &_o somewhat_o more_o until_o the_o death_n of_o that_o tyrant_n some_o say_v &_o eusebius_n amongst_o those_o recite_v it_o that_o this_o nero_n about_o the_o end_n of_o his_o day_n or_o reign_v cause_v s._n peter_n &_o s._n paul_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n the_o 2._o persecution_n be_v under_o domitian_n the_o twelve_o emperor_n who_o be_v appoint_v emperor_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 83._o &_o reign_v xv_o year_n and_o vi_fw-la month_n he_o be_v so_o lift_v up_o in_o cruelty_n and_o pride_n that_o he_o will_v have_v his_o subject_n call_v he_o god_n &_o lord_n &_o cause_v image_n of_o his_o own_o person_n to_o be_v make_v of_o gold_n &_o silver_n he_o ordain_v as_o his_o father_n vespasian_n have_v do_v before_o he_o that_o inquiry_n shall_v be_v make_v against_o the_o race_n of_o david_n &_o that_o they_o which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v thereof_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o he_o fear_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n &_o about_o the_o 14._o year_n of_o his_o reign_n &_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 97._o he_o cause_v by_o a_o edict_n to_o be_v publish_v and_o proclaim_v a_o cruel_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n insomuche_o that_o the_o church_n be_v miserable_o and_o a_o long_a time_n torment_v under_o he_o the_o three_o persecution_n be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trajan_n the_o fourteen_o emperor_n who_o be_v appoint_v emperor_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 100_o who_o govern_v the_o empire_n nienteene_v year_n six_o month_n and_o fifteen_o day_n he_o be_v great_o praise_v of_o the_o historiographer_n as_o a_o courteous_a and_o gentle_a prince_n and_o some_o say_v that_o he_o be_v so_o renown_v and_o famous_a by_o reason_n of_o his_o justice_n &_o courtesy_n that_o ever_o after_o so_o often_o as_o any_o be_v create_v emperor_n the_o people_n yield_v this_o bless_a exclamation_n outcry_n and_o consent_n be_v he_o more_o happy_a than_o augustus_n and_o better_a than_o trajan_n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n and_o mark_v the_o occasion_n that_o he_o take_v so_o to_o do_v he_o be_v bring_v up_o from_o his_o infancy_n in_o the_o paganish_a and_o heathenish_a superstition_n by_o reason_n whereof_o he_o disdain_v and_o despise_a christian_n religion_n because_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o superstition_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v about_o he_o certain_a courtier_n which_o be_v blower_n of_o that_o fire_n in_o he_o &_o augment_v that_o disdain_n and_o despite_n in_o he_o insomuch_o that_o diverse_a historiographer_n record_n that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o much_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n incline_v to_o shed_v blood_n as_o deceive_v and_o stir_v up_o thereto_o by_o his_o councillor_n and_o principal_o by_o the_o pagane_n priest_n 20._o freculph_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 20._o who_o as_o freculphus_n witness_v give_v good_a store_n of_o silver_n to_o the_o governor_n and_o bribe_v free_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o will_v put_v the_o christian_n to_o death_n as_o their_o deadly_a enemy_n some_o add_v that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v very_o much_o increase_v whereupon_o many_o inconvenience_n may_v come_v to_o the_o roman_a empire_n if_o the_o danger_n be_v not_o prevent_v which_o also_o be_v a_o cause_n that_o trajan_n be_v the_o more_o inflame_v and_o kindle_v against_o they_o as_o also_o sabellicus_n write_v sabellicus_n sabellicus_n that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n be_v more_o suspect_v of_o this_o emperor_n than_o the_o religion_n after_o this_o sort_n than_o do_v they_o accuse_v the_o christian_n of_o sedition_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o for_o these_o cause_n they_o be_v cruel_o persecute_v insomuch_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o pliny_n the_o second_o have_v write_v secund_a plinius_n secund_a that_o public_a commandment_n be_v send_v from_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o province_n by_o which_o every_o governor_n be_v enforce_v too_o persecute_v and_o so_o the_o persecution_n be_v spread_v abroad_o through_o out_o all_o the_o place_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o at_o that_o time_n contain_v not_o only_a europe_n but_o also_o a_o great_a part_n of_o asia_n &_o africa_n and_o the_o say_a persecution_n endure_v about_o fourteen_o year_n but_o yet_o in_o such_o order_n that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o trajan_n it_o be_v some_o what_o less_o sharp_a but_o afterward_o it_o flame_v out_o and_o burst_v forth_o more_o and_o more_o 2._o tertul._n apologi_fw-la capt_n 2._o now_o the_o say_a pliny_n the_o second_o have_v at_o that_o time_n the_o government_n of_o a_o certain_a province_n to_o wit_n of_o bethina_fw-la and_o as_o tertullian_n say_v he_o be_v appoint_v too_o persecute_v the_o christian_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 112._o and_o of_o trajan_n the_o xiiii_o year_n wherefore_o he_o be_v astonish_v with_o the_o great_a number_n of_o martyr_n