two_o witness_n and_o they_o shall_v prophesy_v a_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o threescore_o day_n in_o which_o place_n s._n john_n foretell_v the_o general_a corruption_n of_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o last_o time_n yet_o so_o that_o withal_o he_o give_v we_o to_o understande_v that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o service_n to_o continue_v so_o corrupt_v and_o bastardly_a but_o that_o he_o will_v reform_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o to_o her_o former_a perfection_n and_o soundness_n and_o that_o for_o this_o purpose_n he_o will_v raise_v and_o stir_v up_o witness_n of_o his_o own_o to_o prophesy_v and_o speak_v against_o so_o grievous_a a_o corruption_n and_o how_o shall_v this_o be_v do_v by_o use_v a_o extraordinary_a manner_n 9.49_o luk._n 9.49_o we_o may_v also_o very_a well_o apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o example_n of_o he_o who_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v hinder_v he_o because_o he_o do_v not_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n as_o they_o do_v but_o jesus_n christ_n say_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o forbid_v he_o not_o or_o hinder_v he_o for_o faith_n he_o he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v with_o us._n it_o be_v very_o true_a in_o deed_n that_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a vocation_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v light_o approve_v but_o it_o be_v also_o as_o true_a that_o it_o â—ught_v not_o as_o light_o to_o be_v condemn_v but_o we_o have_v a_o certain_a and_o manifest_a testimony_n 8.5_o act._n 6.5_o &_o 8.5_o of_o this_o extraordinary_a vocation_n in_o philip._n for_o he_o be_v only_o ordain_v a_o deacon_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v afterwards_o extraordinary_o call_v by_o god_n to_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n beside_o the_o first_o restorer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o our_o age_n or_o time_n who_o be_v extraordinary_o call_v be_v not_o to_o be_v reprove_v or_o blame_v for_o rashness_n for_o as_o in_o a_o city_n besiege_v by_o the_o enemy_n or_o assault_v with_o fire_n when_o they_o which_o be_v ordinary_o call_v for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o defence_n thereof_o and_o to_o give_v order_n in_o the_o danger_n of_o fire_n shall_v be_v themselves_o the_o first_o enemy_n and_o putter_n to_o of_o fire_n if_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o certain_a citizen_n have_v other_o charge_n or_o office_n in_o the_o city_n or_o else_o if_o they_o be_v but_o private_a and_o particular_a person_n will_v come_v and_o set_v up_o themselves_o and_o employ_v themselves_o in_o run_v to_o the_o breach_n and_o fire_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v preserve_v the_o city_n so_o far_o of_o be_v it_o that_o they_o deserve_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v reprehend_v as_o traitor_n and_o unfaithful_a person_n that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o a_o fact_n so_o courteous_a &_o gentle_a yea_o so_o profitable_a to_o the_o country_n they_o be_v great_o to_o be_v praise_v as_o very_o good_a citizen_n and_o true_a friend_n and_o preserver_n of_o the_o country_n so_o when_o the_o ordinary_a savegarde_n or_o keeper_n of_o god_n own_o house_n have_v declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v enemy_n thereof_o and_o putter_n too_o of_o fire_n to_o overthrow_v and_o mar_v all_o they_o that_o be_v afterwards_o advance_v and_o set_v forewarde_n themselves_o to_o resist_v they_o and_o to_o maintain_v the_o right_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o say_a house_n yea_o although_o they_o have_v have_v no_o manner_n of_o ordinary_a vocation_n but_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n have_v only_o feel_v themselves_o extraordinarilye_o call_v for_o to_o execute_v such_o a_o office_n or_o charge_n so_o far_o of_o be_v it_o that_o either_o they_o may_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v blame_v that_o contrariwise_o they_o deserve_v honour_n and_o great_a praise_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v here_o to_o be_v note_v that_o albeit_o all_o be_v not_o enjoin_v or_o command_v to_o preach_v as_o well_o as_o all_o be_v command_v to_o oppose_v or_o set_v themselves_o against_o false_a prophet_n yet_o by_o consequent_a it_o follow_v very_o well_o that_o if_o any_o do_v advance_v or_o set_v forward_o themselves_o to_o oppose_v or_o set_v themselves_o against_o false_a prophet_n they_o have_v do_v nothing_o against_o their_o vocation_n or_o call_n add_v also_o that_o even_o those_o which_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v extraordinary_o call_v have_v faithful_o acquit_v and_o behave_v themselves_o in_o their_o charge_n in_o preach_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v receive_v and_o allow_v of_o the_o people_n that_o vocation_n of_o they_o which_o before_o be_v extraordinary_a have_v cease_v yea_o must_v cease_v and_o afterward_o be_v become_v ordinary_a and_o as_o concern_v miracle_n we_o will_v short_o answer_v thereto_o let_v the_o romishe_a catholic_n show_v what_o miracle_n isaiah_n amos_n obadiah_n nahum_n zechariah_n and_o many_o other_o prophet_n do_v who_o god_n do_v extraordinary_o stir_v up_o where_o they_o which_o have_v the_o order_n and_o government_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n abuse_v the_o same_o next_o let_v they_o consider_v 12.39_o mat._n 12.39_o that_o it_o appertain_v to_o a_o evil_a &_o adulterous_a generation_n to_o demand_v and_o seek_v sign_n as_o jesus_n christ_n say_v three_o that_o miracle_n may_v seduce_v and_o deceive_v for_o we_o read_v that_o false_a prophet_n seducer_n 24.24_o deut._n 13.1_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 24.24_o and_o deceiver_n have_v sometime_o do_v they_o thereby_o to_o deceive_v man_n and_o to_o make_v approve_v their_o false_a doctrine_n 2.9_o 2._o thes_n 2.9_o and_o to_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v their_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o by_o miracle_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o vocation_n and_o doctrine_n but_o rather_o on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o the_o vocation_n and_o doctrine_n we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o miracle_n and_o sign_n the_o other_o thing_n which_o we_o answer_v touch_v the_o vocation_n and_o call_n of_o our_o first_o minister_n be_v that_o we_o may_v very_o well_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o romishe_a catholic_n if_o we_o will_v allege_v that_o those_o minister_n themselves_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o a_o ordinary_a vocation_n be_v in_o deed_n call_v in_o their_o time_n by_o the_o pope_n and_o by_o he_o establish_v and_o set_v in_o their_o charge_n and_o therefore_o by_o consequent_a have_v authority_n and_o right_n to_o go_v up_o into_o the_o pulpit_n and_o to_o teach_v in_o the_o church_n as_o luther_n zwinglius_fw-la oecolampadius_n bucer_n and_o before_o they_o wickliff_n and_o john_n hus._n also_o that_o in_o england_n sweden_n and_o denmark_n the_o right_a 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 romishe_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 when_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 26._o act._n 17_o 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 they_o shall_v rehearse_v and_o show_v forth_o my_o praise_n 2d_o isai_n 48_o 2d_o 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
jesus_n christ_n say_v 16._o luk._n 10._o 16._o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o and_o saint_n paul_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n declare_v right_o well_o in_o what_o authority_n reverence_n and_o account_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n when_o he_o say_v that_o god_n have_v commit_v unto_o the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n 5.18_o 2._o cor._n 5.18_o the_o embassage_n or_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o write_v to_o the_o thessalonian_o 13_o 1._o thess_n 2._o 13_o we_o thank_v god_n without_o cease_v that_o when_o you_o receive_v of_o we_o the_o word_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o god_n you_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o also_o work_v in_o you_o that_o believe_v it_o be_v for_o the_o very_a self_n same_o reason_n that_o speak_v unto_o the_o roman_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o the_o minister_n he_o say_v 8.18_o rom._n 8.18_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o to_o the_o corinthian_n that_o though_o the_o word_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foolishness_n 1â—_n 1._o cor._n 1_o 1â—_n yet_o it_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o we_o which_o obtain_v salvation_n now_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v so_o call_v by_o saint_n paul_n because_o it_o be_v the_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a instrument_n which_o god_n use_v to_o save_v us._n and_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v call_v also_o by_o isaiah_n 1._o isa_n 53._o 1._o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o sum_n we_o ought_v diligent_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o and_o to_o regard_v that_o which_o s._n paul_n say_v unto_o the_o corinthian_n 9â—_n 1._o cor._n 3_o 9â—_n we_o together_o be_v god_n labourer_n you_o be_v god_n husbandry_n and_o god_n building_n in_o so_o much_o that_o we_o always_o set_v before_o we_o two_o thing_n when_o the_o question_n or_o dispute_n shall_v be_v touch_v the_o ministry_n that_o be_v to_o say_v on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o minister_n that_o shall_v speak_v and_o preach_v unto_o we_o and_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n unto_o we_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n god_n who_o work_v inward_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o indeed_o accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v in_o we_o that_o which_o the_o minister_n speak_v unto_o we_o and_o do_v outward_o represent_v and_o show_v unto_o us._n as_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a example_n thereof_o in_o the_o 16._o of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v say_v 14._o act._n 16._o 14._o that_o as_o s._n paul_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o lydia_n a_o seller_n of_o purple_a god_n be_v he_o alone_a which_o open_v her_o heart_n that_o she_o attain_v unto_o and_o understand_v the_o thing_n which_o paul_n speak_v chap_n xi_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v heretofore_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o company_n of_o faithful_a people_n which_o be_v also_o call_v the_o communion_n or_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n &_o holy_a one_o the_o church_n therefore_o be_v holy_a because_o it_o be_v compact_v or_o make_v of_o saint_n or_o holy_a one_o but_o here_o we_o must_v mark_v four_o point_n the_o first_o be_v how_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n we_o be_v call_v saint_n or_o holy_a one_o it_o be_v not_o as_o the_o idiot_n or_o ignorant_a people_n understande_v it_o who_o by_o saint_n mean_v none_o other_o but_o those_o which_o be_v already_o dead_a and_o so_o canonize_v by_o the_o pope_n or_o else_o the_o priest_n and_o friar_n clad_v in_o white_a or_o black_a and_o gird_v with_o a_o rope_n but_o by_o saint_n we_o understande_v they_o who_o be_v elect_v from_o before_o all_o everlastingnes_n of_o time_n be_v in_o their_o time_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o time_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v they_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v sanctify_v by_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o clothe_v with_o true_a faith_n now_o such_o be_v all_o true_a christian_n and_o faithful_a people_n the_o second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v saint_n or_o holy_a one_o 8.21_o psa_fw-la 51.5_o &c_n &c_n gen._n 8.21_o neither_o of_o our_o own_o nature_n for_o by_o our_o own_o nature_n all_o we_o be_v altogether_o corrupt_v and_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n but_o we_o be_v saint_n 17.19_o rom._n 8.6_o &c_n &c_n ephe._n 2.3_o joh._n 17.19_o because_o jesus_n christ_n have_v sanctify_v we_o as_o he_o himself_o say_v in_o saint_n john_n for_o their_o sake_n i_o sanctify_v myself_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v sanctify_v through_o the_o truth_n now_o he_o have_v sanctify_v we_o by_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o effect_n be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n 1.4_o rom._n 1.4_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o saint_n paul_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v 5.25.26.27_o ephe._n 5.25.26.27_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v redeem_v his_o church_n and_o have_v sanctify_v it_o that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o unto_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n now_o this_o sanctification_n of_o holiness_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v first_o by_o the_o imputation_n or_o account_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n unto_o we_o for_o he_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o father_n 1._o 1._o cor._n 1._o to_o be_v our_o sanctification_n second_o by_o the_o purge_n or_o cleanse_v of_o our_o filthiness_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o saint_n paul_n declare_v it_o in_o the_o corinthian_n when_o he_o say_v 6.5.10.11_o 1._o cor._n 6.5.10.11_o be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o wantoness_n nor_o bugger_n nor_o thief_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o drunkard_n nor_o railer_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o indeed_o saint_n paul_n in_o a_o other_o place_n show_v that_o filthiness_n be_v oppose_v and_o set_v against_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n when_o he_o say_v to_o the_o roman_n 6.19_o rom._n 6.19_o as_o you_o have_v give_v your_o member_n servant_n to_o uncleanness_n and_o iniquity_n to_o commit_v iniquity_n so_o now_o give_v your_o member_n servant_n unto_o righteousness_n in_o holiness_n also_o to_o the_o thessalonian_o â—_o 1._o thess_n 4._o â—_o god_n have_v not_o call_v we_o unto_o uncleanness_n but_o unto_o holiness_n the_o third_o point_n be_v that_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o church_n 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 mat._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 these_o which_o be_v without_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 joh._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 nor_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 partake_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 1.2_o gal._n 1.2_o also_o he_o name_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o galathian_o the_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 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
understanding_n 21.30_o pro._n 21.30_o 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 13_o psal_n 33.10_o job._n 5.13_o 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 17._o gene._n 15._o 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 furnace_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 3.2_o exod._n 3.2_o also_o by_o the_o burn_a bush_n which_o yet_o consume_v not_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 &_o wicked_a man_n have_v seek_v to_o set_v it_o on_o fire_n and_o utter_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 acts._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 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 steeven_n 11.19.20.21_o acts._n 11.19.20.21_o 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 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 1.12.13.14_o philip._n 1.12.13.14_o be_v turn_v rather_o to_o the_o furtherance_n 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 the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_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 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 and_o stretch_v out_o or_o spread_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 justinus_n compare_v the_o church_n also_o to_o a_o vine_n or_o vineyard_n 14._o the_o church_n compare_v to_o a_o vine_n or_o vineyard_n justin_n martyr_n de_fw-fr verita_fw-la te_fw-la christianae_fw-la religio_fw-la tom_fw-mi 2._o pag._n 224._o lin_v 14._o when_o he_o speak_v thus_o in_o the_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 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_fw-mi 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 prune_v 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 vineyard_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 and_o in_o isaiah_n etc._n isaiah_n 5.2_o â—_o etc._n etc._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 vineyard_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v unto_o it_o i_o have_v hedge_v 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 4.5_o isaiah_n 24.3_o 4.5_o etc._n etc._n and_o again_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v clean_o empty_v &_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 covenant_n therefore_o the_o curse_n shall_v 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 jere._n 25._o 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 hyssing_n and_o a_o continual_a desolation_n in_o this_o place_n 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 sanecherib_n 10.5_o isaiah_n 10.5_o 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 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 59.2_o isaiah_n 59.2_o 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 indeed_o 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 indeed_o 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 20._o joh._n 3.19_o 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 the_o light_n 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 21._o john_n 15.20_o 21._o lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v 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 and_o again_o 17.14_o john_n 17.14_o father_n i_o have_v give_v they_o thy_o word_n &_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 &_o word_n of_o god_n as_o s._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 tim._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 and_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 but_o we_o must_v mark_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v 5.10_o mat._n 5.10_o 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 luke_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_n 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 â—6_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 14.15_o â—6_n 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_o 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 ungodlye_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 they_o self_n 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 &_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 we_o 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 &_o of_o his_o kingdom_n for_o who_o or_o what_o be_v we_o poor_a worm_n of_o the_o earth_n dwell_v here_o in_o filthiness_n and_o corruption_n and_o infect_v with_o so_o many_o spot_v as_o nothing_o more_o than_o we_o yea_o we_o be_v abominable_a sinner_n who_o have_v right_o deserve_v not_o only_o by_o tyrant_n in_o this_o life_n to_o be_v persecute_v in_o our_o good_n and_o body_n but_o also_o to_o be_v for_o ever_o lose_v drown_v and_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o devil_n possession_n in_o hell_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o god_n have_v vouchsave_v we_o worthy_a of_o this_o honour_n to_o use_v our_o life_n and_o our_o death_n to_o withstand_v his_o enemy_n and_o to_o maintain_v and_o advance_v his_o glory_n by_o our_o martyrdom_n if_o we_o have_v but_o so_o much_o as_o one_o drop_n of_o good_a judgement_n and_o be_v push_v on_o forward_o with_o as_o little_a right_a zeal_n as_o may_v be_v to_o serve_v our_o god_n shall_v not_o this_o kindle_v and_o inflame_v we_o in_o a_o singular_a and_o wonderful_a desire_n to_o employ_v &_o bestow_v ourselves_o in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o honour_n whatsoever_o assault_n shall_v be_v set_v before_o we_o and_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o strong_a and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n that_o we_o may_v suffer_v &_o abide_v the_o same_o courageous_o and_o cheerful_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o nine_o point_n what_o be_v the_o end_n which_o god_n respect_v and_o regard_v in_o the_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o his_o faithful_a people_n whereof_o we_o will_v mark_v and_o put_v down_o eight_o first_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n may_v be_v advance_v for_o it_o be_v say_v 16.4_o prou._n 16.4_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v all_o thing_n for_o his_o own_o sake_n and_o glory_n yea_o even_o the_o wicked_a for_o the_o day_n of_o evil_a when_o the_o disciple_n ask_v jesus_n christ_n
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 erewhile_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 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 cor._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 shipwreck_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 20.23.24_o acts._n 20.23.24_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 earthly_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 and_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 aught_o 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 4.17.18_o 2._o cor._n 4.17.18_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 2.11.12_o 2_o tim._n 2.11.12_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 &_o rise_v again_o 9_o rom._n 14.8_o 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 for_o the_o lord_n will_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o our_o eye_n 4._o revel_v 21._o 4._o 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 10.34.35_o heb._n 10.34.35_o when_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o you_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o my_o band_n and_o suffer_v with_o joy_n the_o spoil_n of_o your_o good_n know_v in_o your_o self_n 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 &_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 indeed_o the_o world_n suppose_v see_v jesus_n christ_n have_v promise_v we_o so_o great_a a_o reward_n and_o hire_v in_o heaven_n shall_v we_o say_v that_o our_o death_n be_v wicked_a and_o accurse_v when_o he_o himself_o by_o his_o sacred_a and_o holy_a 14.13_o reve._n 14.13_o mouth_n have_v pronounce_v the_o same_o bless_a or_o else_o that_o when_o we_o die_v for_o christ_n jesus_n his_o name_n we_o shall_v be_v curse_v when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n pronounce_v we_o bless_v wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o stay_v ourselves_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v so_o much_o blind_v that_o she_o see_v not_o life_n in_o death_n neither_o blessedness_n in_o the_o curse_n but_o let_v we_o behold_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o be_v full_o resolve_v of_o this_o that_o the_o way_n and_o mean_a to_o make_v we_o conformeable_a and_o like_a to_o our_o head_n jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o carry_v and_o bear_v with_o patience_n our_o cross_n after_o he_o for_o as_o s._n paul_n say_v we_o must_v suffer_v with_o jesus_n christ_n 8.17_o rom._n 8.17_o that_o we_o may_v also_o be_v glorify_v with_o he_o the_o eleven_o point_n what_o be_v the_o end_n which_o persecutor_n have_v have_v church_n example_n of_o the_o punishement_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n against_o the_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n experience_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o never_o any_o tyrant_n with_o who_o it_o go_v well_o at_o the_o last_o in_o band_v and_o set_v himself_o against_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o also_o a_o faithful_a testimony_n and_o a_o assure_a witness_n thereof_o as_o also_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n itself_o god_n have_v will_v and_o appoint_v that_o the_o issue_n and_o end_n of_o the_o persecutor_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v put_v in_o order_n and_o declare_v by_o write_v for_o a_o testimony_n of_o his_o wrath_n &_o
may_v be_v glorify_v isaiah_n 61.3_o 61.3_o isai_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 that_o be_v to_o say_v etc._n psal_n 132.13_o etc._n etc._n the_o church_n and_o have_v desire_v it_o for_o his_o seat_n â—it_n have_v be_v say_v he_o my_o rest_n for_o ever_o jesus_n christ_n also_o have_v promise_v his_o disciple_n 28.20_o mat._n 28.20_o 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 54_o aug._n de_fw-fr civi_fw-la that_fw-mi dei_fw-la lib._n 18._o ca._n 54_o as_o those_o of_o who_o saint_n augustine_n speak_v 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 10._o 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_o 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 he_o love_v his_o faithful_a people_n and_o keep_v himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o 18.20_o mat._n 18.20_o although_o they_o be_v a_o very_a small_a number_n on_o the_o other_o side_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_v 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 &_o cleave_v to_o the_o little_a flock_n thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a 7.13.14_o exod._n 23.2_o mat._n 7.13.14_o 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 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 therebe_n 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 luke_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 numbr_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 10_o 1_o kin._n 19_o 10_o when_o elijah_n say_v o_o lord_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v forsake_v they_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 1._o kin._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 in_o that_o day_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o king_n shall_v perish_v 4.9_o jere._n 4.9_o and_o the_o heart_n of_o prince_n and_o of_o the_o priest_n shall_v be_v astonish_v and_o the_o prophet_n shall_v wonder_v and_o that_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n resist_v he_o 10.18_o jere_n 10.18_o lay_v crime_n unto_o his_o charge_n and_o imagine_a mischief_n against_o he_o 26.3_o math._n 26.3_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 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 &_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 and_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 psal_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