and_o whilst_o they_o aggravate_v i._n e._n make_v thing_n worse_a and_o worse_o by_o word_n these_o thing_n viz._n contention_n threaten_n mutual_a i._n e._n that_o which_o pass_v one_o from_o another_o hatred_n and_o enmity_n and_o every_o one_o proceed_v in_o ambition_n i._n e._n pride_n or_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o sovereignty_n much_o like_a tyranny_n itself_o then_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o jeremiah_n make_v the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n obscure_a and_o overthrow_v from_o above_o the_o glory_n of_o israel_n and_o remember_v not_o his_o footstool_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o wrath._n of_o dioclesian_n proclamation_n against_o the_o christian_n 3._o in_o the_o nineteen_o year_n of_o dioclesian_n reign_n proclamation_n be_v there_o proclamation_n publish_v in_o which_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v make_v even_o with_o the_o ground_n the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o burn_v they_o shall_v be_v abolish_v i._n e._n disannul_v or_o destroy_v such_o as_o be_v in_o honour_n and_o estimation_n shall_v be_v contemn_v and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o family_n if_o they_o retain_v or_o hold_v the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o their_o freedom_n and_o such_o be_v the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o edict_n but_o in_o the_o proclamation_n which_o immediate_o follow_v after_o it_o be_v add_v that_o the_o pastor_n i._n e._n shepherd_n throughout_o all_o parish_n first_o shall_v be_v imprison_v next_o with_o all_o mean_n possible_a constrain_v to_o sacrifice_n afterward_o some_o endure_v bitter_a torment_n other_o faint_v for_o fear_n and_o at_o the_o first_o onset_n or_o first_o violent_a assault_n be_v quite_o discourage_v some_o be_v torture_v and_o launch_v with_o more_o intolerable_a pain_n some_o fail_v of_o the_o purpose_a end_n some_o be_v find_v constant_a and_o perfect_a yet_o the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n triumph_v and_o labour_v to_o bring_v their_o purpose_n to_o effect_v concern_v the_o persecution_n 6._o the_o persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n grow_v so_o exceed_o great_a that_o some_o after_o many_o torment_v endure_v be_v broil_v to_o death_n some_o be_v hang_v and_o some_o be_v behead_v and_o about_o that_o time_n some_o of_o the_o emperor_n palace_n happen_v to_o be_v on_o fire_n and_o when_o the_o christian_n be_v take_v in_o suspicion_n to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o by_o the_o emperor_n commandment_n the_o whole_a troop_n general_o of_o all_o the_o godly_a there_o at_o that_o time_n be_v execute_v whereof_o some_o with_o the_o sword_n be_v behead_v other_o burn_v with_o fire_n other_o carried_z in_o a_o boat_n and_o throw_v into_o the_o deep_a sea_n and_o such_o be_v the_o practice_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o persecution_n at_o nicomedia_n afterward_o the_o emperor_n command_v all_o the_o pastor_n throughout_o every_o church_n to_o be_v imprison_v and_o keep_v in_o hold_n multitude_n be_v enclose_v or_o shut_v up_o and_o the_o prison_n of_o old_a appoint_a and_o ordain_v for_o murderer_n digger_n of_o sepulcher_n and_o rifler_n of_o grave_n be_v then_o replenish_v with_o bishop_n minister_n deacon_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o there_o christian_n be_v no_o room_n in_o prison_n for_o such_o as_o be_v condemn_v for_o heinous_a offence_n again_o when_o the_o former_a edict_n have_v take_v place_n there_o follow_v other_o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o such_o as_o sacrifice_v be_v set_v at_o liberty_n and_o such_o as_o resist_v be_v command_v to_o be_v torment_v with_o a_o thousand_o kind_n of_o torment_n concern_v the_o roman_a empire_n 14._o before_o the_o roman_a empire_n wage_v battle_n against_o we_o say_v eusebius_n in_o the_o space_n the_o emperor_n favour_v we_o and_o maintain_v peace_n it_o may_v not_o sufficient_o be_v declare_v how_o prosperous_o the_o commonwealth_n flourish_v and_o abound_v note_n with_o goodness_n etc._n etc._n and_o whenas_o the_o empire_n after_o this_o sort_n increase_v without_o offence_n and_o daily_o be_v enlarge_v they_o have_v no_o soon_o remove_v peace_n from_o among_o we_o but_o they_o stir_v up_o battle_n as_o can_v not_o be_v reconcile_v not_o full_o two_o year_n after_o this_o hurlyburly_n i._n e._n tumult_n or_o stir_n there_o be_v such_o a_o change_n happen_v unto_o the_o whole_a empire_n which_o turn_v all_o upside_o down_o for_o no_o small_a disease_n overtake_v the_o chief_a emperor_n and_o bereave_v i._n e._n deprive_v he_o of_o his_o wit_n afterward_o the_o empire_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o part_n the_o which_o be_v never_o remember_v to_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v before_o that_o time_n not_o long_o after_o constantius_n the_o emperor_n pass_v all_o other_o throughout_o his_o life-time_n in_o clemency_n and_o goodness_n towards_o his_o subject_n when_o he_o die_v his_o son_n constantine_n supply_v his_o room_n in_o his_o life_n he_o be_v most_o benign_a among_o all_o the_o emperor_n who_o alone_o of_o all_o the_o emperor_n in_o our_o time_n govern_v most_o glorious_o and_o honourable_o during_o the_o whole_a term_n of_o his_o reign_n show_v humanity_n and_o bountifulness_n unto_o all_o man_n etc._n etc._n the_o dissimulation_n of_o maxentius_n 15._o maxentius_n who_o exercise_v tyranny_n at_o rome_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o reign_n dissemble_v our_o faith_n egregious_o i._n e._n some_o time_n base_o creep_v into_o credit_n by_o flatter_v the_o people_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o he_o command_v his_o commonalty_n or_o vulgar_a people_n to_o cease_v from_o persecute_v of_o the_o christian_n whereby_o he_o may_v pretend_v a_o show_n of_o piety_n i._n e._n godliness_n and_o seem_v tractable_a and_o more_o benign_a i._n e._n favourable_a than_o his_o ancestor_n that_o go_v before_o he_o but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n he_o be_v not_o indeed_o find_v the_o same_o which_o man_n take_v he_o for_o and_o hope_v he_o will_v be_v for_o he_o fall_v into_o all_o kind_n of_o enormity_n i._n e._n he_o go_v out_o of_o rule_n or_o measure_n omit_v no_o heinous_a offence_n how_o detestable_a and_o lascivious_a soever_o it_o be_v unessay_v i._n e._n untried_a wherefore_o all_o both_o high_a primate_fw-la i._n e._n archbishop's_n and_o inferior_a people_n tremble_v for_o fear_n of_o he_o be_v oppress_v with_o his_o intolerable_a tyranny_n yet_o neither_o by_o silence_n neither_o by_o suffer_v this_o grievous_a servitude_n i._n e._n bondage_n or_o base_a estate_n can_v they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o bloody_a slaughter_n and_o imbrue_a murder_n of_o this_o tyrant_n concern_v maximinus_n and_o his_o proclamation_n in_o 18._o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n it_o seem_v his_o behaviour_n towards_o the_o christian_n be_v very_o cruel_a and_o the_o persecution_n long_o and_o tedious_a in_o his_o day_n which_o continue_v for_o 12_o year_n he_o exceed_v many_o in_o hypocrisy_n superstition_n idolatry_n oppression_n prodigality_n in_o drunkenness_n lechery_n etc._n etc._n wherefore_o a_o plague_n light_v on_o he_o which_o take_v root_n in_o his_o flesh_n tyrant_n and_o afterward_o proceed_v even_o unto_o his_o soul_n at_o length_n be_v thus_o torment_v and_o lie_v in_o this_o miserable_a condition_n he_o begin_v to_o ponder_v with_o himself_o the_o rash_a enterprise_n he_o have_v practise_v against_o the_o holy_a worshipper_n of_o god_n wherefore_o return_v unto_o himself_o first_o he_o confess_v his_o sin_n unto_o god_n next_o call_v unto_o he_o such_o as_o then_o be_v about_o he_o he_o give_v commandment_n that_o with_o all_o speed_n they_o shall_v cease_v from_o persecute_v the_o christian_n and_o that_o by_o the_o commandment_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o emperor_n they_o shall_v build_v again_o their_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o his_o proclamation_n be_v publish_v throughout_o the_o city_n contain_v a_o reâ—…antation_n of_o these_o thing_n former_o prejudicial_a unto_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o three_o year_n of_o our_o persecution_n under_o 22._o the_o reign_n of_o maximinus_n the_o second_o hurly-bur_o be_v raise_v against_o we_o and_o the_o tyrant_n letter_n be_v then_o first_o of_o all_o bring_v to_o urbanus_fw-la charge_v all_o the_o people_n of_o what_o degree_n or_o call_v soever_o that_o they_o shall_v sacrifice_v unto_o their_o god_n the_o magistrate_n also_o throughout_o every_o city_n busy_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o and_o that_o the_o beadle_n throughout_o all_o the_o city_n of_o câ—…sarea_n shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o precedent_n edict_n summon_v the_o father_n the_o mother_n and_o their_o child_n to_o appear_v at_o the_o idol_n temple_n and_o that_o the_o tribune_n shall_v likewise_o out_o of_o a_o scroll_n i._n e._n a_o piece_n of_o paper_n or_o parchment_n which_o may_v be_v call_v a_o bill_n call_v every_o one_o by_o his_o name_n by_o reason_n whereof_o there_o be_v no_o where_o but_o heaviness_n sob_v and_o sigh_v and_o apphianus_n go_v cheerful_o unto_o the_o precedent_n as_o he_o be_v sacrifice_v and_o bold_o take_v hold_v on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o stay_v
and_o one_o that_o well_o remember_v his_o word_n to_o deliver_v they_o in_o write_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o have_v hear_v peter_n preach_v before_o which_o thing_n when_o he_o have_v signify_v to_o peter_n he_o neither_o forbid_v he_o nor_o command_v he_o to_o do_v it_o john_n last_o of_o all_o see_v in_o the_o other_o evangelist_n the_o humanity_n of_o christ_n set_v forth_o at_o large_a write_v be_v entreat_v of_o his_o friend_n and_o move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n write_v chief_o of_o his_o divinity_n bishop_n be_v divide_v about_o a_o lay-man_n preach_v 19_o origen_n be_v entreat_v of_o the_o bishop_n to_o dispute_v in_o the_o open_a church_n and_o to_o expound_v the_o holy_a scripture_n before_o he_o be_v call_v to_o the_o ministry_n which_o may_v evident_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o they_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o fact_n unto_o demetrius_n concern_v he_o after_o this_o manner_n he_o lay_v this_o down_o in_o his_o letter_n that_o there_o be_v never_o such_o a_o practice_n hear_v of_o that_o there_o can_v no_o where_o the_o like_a precedent_n be_v find_v that_o layman_n i._n e._n such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o clergy_n in_o presence_n of_o bishop_n have_v teach_v in_o the_o church_n we_o answer_v know_v not_o for_o what_o cause_n he_o report_v a_o manifest_a untruth_n whenas_o there_o may_v be_v find_v such_o as_o in_o open_a assembly_n have_v teach_v the_o people_n yea_o whenas_o they_o be_v present_a learned_a man_n that_o can_v profit_v the_o people_n and_o moreover_o holy_a bishop_n at_o that_o time_n also_o exhort_v they_o to_o preach_v as_o several_a may_v be_v instance_a dionysius_n bistop_v of_o alexandria_n report_v in_o his_o 40._o epistle_n the_o constancy_n of_o such_o as_o be_v martyr_a at_o alexandria_n under_o decius_n as_o follow_v dionysius_n unto_o rabius_fw-la bishop_n of_o antioch_n this_o persecution_n be_v not_o begin_v by_o the_o emperor_n edict_n i._n e._n proclamation_n or_o decree_n but_o one_o whole_a year_n before_o for_o there_o come_v unto_o this_o city_n a_o certain_a soothsayer_n and_o inventor_n of_o mischief_n who_o move_v and_o stir_v up_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o heathen_a against_o we_o and_o excite_v i._o e._n stir_v up_o they_o to_o defend_v the_o superstition_n of_o their_o native_a soil_n by_o who_o they_o be_v thus_o provoke_v and_o have_v win_v to_o their_o side_n such_o as_o be_v of_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o perpetrate_v i._n e._n to_o commit_v any_o unlawful_a thing_n all_o impious_a act_n they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o only_a worship_n of_o devil_n and_o our_o slaughter_n be_v piety_n i._n e._n godliness_n itself_o first_o then_o they_o apprehend_v a_o certain_a minister_n and_o command_v he_o to_o utter_v blaspemy_n who_o for_o disobedience_n therein_o be_v beat_v with_o club_n his_o face_n and_o eye_n they_o prick_v with_o stone_v sharp_a quill_n afterward_o they_o lead_v he_o forth_o and_o stone_v he_o to_o death_n again_o they_o bring_v into_o the_o temple_n of_o idol_n a_o faithful_a woman_n name_v quinta_fw-la and_o constrain_v she_o to_o worship_n who_o contrary_v and_o abhorry_v their_o idol_n have_v her_o foot_n bind_v cruelty_n together_o and_o by_o they_o trail_v and_o lug_v all_o along_o the_o street_n which_o be_v pave_v with_o sharp_a stone_n and_o withal_o be_v beat_v against_o millstone_n and_o sore_o scourge_v she_o be_v bring_v forth_o to_o the_o place_n and_o execute_v which_o be_v do_v they_o all_o almost_o with_o one_o accord_n violent_o rush_v into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o and_o the_o wicked_a lead_v the_o heady_a multitude_n unto_o their_o neighbour_n house_n who_o they_o know_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o well-disposed_a and_o they_o destroy_v spoil_v steal_v and_o bear_v away_o the_o precious_a jewel_n but_o the_o vile_a the_o base_a and_o the_o wooden_a stuff_n they_o throw_v out_o into_o the_o street_n and_o burn_v it_o to_o ash_n show_v forth_o thereby_o a_o resemblance_n or_o spectacle_n of_o a_o city_n take_v and_o ransack_v by_o the_o enemy_n but_o the_o brethren_n take_v it_o in_o good_a part_n and_o very_o cheerful_o suffer_v they_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o good_n much_o like_a unto_o they_o of_o who_o paul_n have_v testify_v so_o great_a be_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o heathen_a that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v for_o we_o to_o pass_v no_o not_o the_o common_a highway_n nor_o any_o by_o passage_n either_o by_o day_n or_o night_n they_o cry_v out_o all_o and_o exclaim_v every_o where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o choice_n but_o either_o to_o utter_v blasphemy_n or_o to_o be_v draw_v and_o burn_v at_o a_o stake_n but_o in_o the_o end_n this_o sedition_n and_o civil_a war_n overtake_v the_o seditious_a person_n themselves_o and_o turn_v upon_o they_o the_o selfsame_a crue_o which_o they_o before_o have_v practise_v upon_o we_o so_o that_o for_o a_o little_a season_n we_o refresh_v ourselves_o their_o fury_n wherewith_o they_o rage_v against_o we_o be_v somewhat_o abate_v but_o a_o while_n after_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o imperial_a sceptre_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o which_o beforetime_n have_v be_v very_o favourable_a unto_o we_o but_o now_o threaten_v great_a mischief_n to_o ensue_v and_o the_o emperor_n edict_n or_o proclamation_n be_v proclaim_v and_o that_o most_o dreadful_a say_v of_o our_o saviour_n christian_n prognosticate_v i._o e._n foretold_a long_v before_o then_o take_v place_n that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_a themselves_o shall_v have_v be_v offend_v then_o do_v all_o tremble_n and_o quake_n for_o fear_n some_o forthwith_o of_o the_o mighty_a sort_n flee_v away_o doubt_v what_o will_v befall_v they_o some_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n be_v carry_v away_o with_o their_o worldly_a affair_n some_o be_v persuade_v by_o their_o neighbour_n and_o be_v call_v by_o their_o name_n be_v present_a at_o their_o profane_a and_o impious_a sacrifice_n some_o wax_v pale_a and_o tremble_v not_o as_o though_o they_o will_v sacrifice_v but_o like_a to_o become_v sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n i._n e._n offering_n to_o the_o idol_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n deride_v they_o for_o they_o seem_v manifest_o to_o be_v timorous_a both_o to_o die_v and_o also_o to_o sacrifice_n some_o go_v stout_o to_o their_o altar_n and_o affirm_v bold_o that_o they_o never_o be_v christian_n some_o other_o there_o be_v that_o hold_v with_o both_o side_n some_o flee_v and_o some_o be_v take_v whereof_o divers_a endure_v fetter_n and_o imprisonment_n othersome_a after_o long_a imprisonment_n before_o they_o come_v unto_o the_o tribunal_n i._n e._n judgement_n seat_n renounce_v i._o e._n forsake_v or_o deny_v their_o faith_n yea_o some_o deny_v christ_n after_o they_o have_v endure_v torment_n but_o julianus_n and_o cronion_n who_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o lord_n with_o a_o sound_a faith_n be_v burn_v to_o ash_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n which_o compass_v they_o round_o about_o whenas_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o a_o certain_a soldier_n rebuke_v such_o as_o revile_v they_o wherefore_o they_o exclaim_v against_o he_o so_o that_o he_o be_v bring_v forth_o in_o that_o great_a skirmish_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v behead_v dioscorus_n a_o young_a man_n of_o fifteen_o year_n old_a with_o other_o be_v commit_v first_o of_o all_o the_o judge_n take_v the_o young_a man_n in_o hand_n with_o sufferer_n fair_a speech_n as_o though_o he_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v afterward_o with_o torment_n as_o though_o he_o be_v soon_o terrify_v but_o he_o for_o all_o his_o persuasion_n will_v neither_o bow_v at_o his_o flattery_n or_o break_v at_o his_o threat_n the_o rest_n after_o they_o have_v endure_v cruel_a rend_n and_o dis-jointing_a of_o their_o bodily_a member_n he_o command_v to_o be_v burn_v with_o fire_n but_o dioscorus_n he_o set_v at_o liberty_n wonder_v at_o his_o gracious_a countenance_n which_o give_v a_o glitter_a shine_n and_o the_o wise_a answer_n which_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n say_v he_o will_v grant_v he_o long_o space_n to_o repent_v and_o remember_v himself_o for_o his_o tender_a year_n sake_n moreover_o nemesion_n a_o egyptian_a be_v accuse_v of_o theft_n whereof_o after_o he_o have_v open_o purge_v and_o clear_v himself_o before_o the_o centursion_n i._n e._n captain_n of_o 100_o man_n again_o he_o be_v accuse_v of_o christianity_n wherefore_o he_o be_v bind_v and_o bring_v before_o the_o precedent_n i._n e._n a_o ruler_n or_o judge_n but_o the_o most_o cruel_a and_o unjust_a judge_n deliver_v he_o among_o the_o thief_n to_o be_v twice_o more_o grievous_o torment_v and_o vex_v there_o stand_v before_o the_o tribunal-seat_n certain_a compassion_n soldier_n and_o together_o with_o they_o old_a theophilus_n who_o when_o any_o of_o the_o christian_n come_v to_o hear_v the_o sentence_n or_o judgement_n and_o then_o be_v
who_o can_v not_o bow_v to_o the_o god_n of_o the_o heathen_a no_o more_o than_o the_o true_a christian_n now_o can_v bow_v to_o the_o corrupt_a will_n of_o ambitious_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n and_o though_o the_o innocent_a suffer_v therefore_o for_o the_o present_a yet_o for_o their_o sake_n will_v the_o lord_n shorten_v the_o day_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o he_o do_v the_o day_n of_o that_o persecute_v emperor_n the_o seven_o persecution_n in_o the_o year_n 253._o do_v the_o seven_o persecution_n arise_v under_o the_o emperor_n decius_n who_o with_o excessive_a cruelty_n do_v persecute_v the_o christian_n in_o this_o persecution_n several_a of_o the_o bishop_n be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o chief_a among_o the_o christian_n do_v they_o torture_v with_o many_o torment_n and_o the_o house_n of_o the_o christian_n they_o plunder_v and_o that_o which_o the_o plunderer_n do_v not_o esteem_v that_o they_o burn_v in_o this_o persecution_n many_o suffer_v martyrdom_n some_o be_v burn_v some_o behead_v woman_n so_o well_o as_o man_n some_o be_v whip_v to_o death_n and_o some_o soldier_n for_o encourage_v these_o martyr_n in_o their_o suffer_v be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o this_o terrible_a persecution_n several_a depart_v from_o the_o faith_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o torment_n trial_n yet_o afterward_o come_v to_o be_v restore_v again_o the_o suffer_v of_o the_o christian_n be_v great_a under_o this_o emperor_n but_o his_o day_n be_v also_o shorten_v for_o he_o have_v not_o reign_v two_o year_n but_o be_v catch_v in_o a_o whag_a of_o mire_n where_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o check_n or_o reproof_n for_o his_o cruelty_n note_n thus_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_n that_o live_v godly_a in_o christ-iesus_n suffer_v persecution_n according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v 2_o tim._n 3_o 12._o and_o many_o now_o that_o live_v godly_a and_o righteous_o do_v suffer_v not_o only_o the_o imprisonment_n of_o their_o body_n but_o also_o the_o spoil_v of_o their_o good_n which_o have_v be_v spoil_v both_o by_o priest_n and_o people_n who_o have_v sometime_o as_o it_o be_v plunder_v their_o house_n for_o their_o dishonest_a gain_n and_o they_o have_v show_v themselves_o in_o their_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o heathen_a than_o the_o suffer_a christian_n who_o suffer_v their_o house_n to_o be_v plunder_v but_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o they_o then_o plunder_v the_o house_n of_o any_o but_o with_o patience_n suffer_v the_o plunder_v of_o their_o good_n and_o in_o this_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v be_v the_o christian_n that_o be_v so_o not_o in_o name_n only_o but_o in_o nature_n find_v in_o these_o perilous_a time_n again_o have_v not_o some_o soldier_n be_v turn_v out_o of_o their_o place_n yea_o and_o bring_v into_o suffer_v for_o countenance_v and_o favour_v the_o sober_a innocent_a true_a christian_n among_o who_o some_o for_o fear_n of_o suffer_v may_v in_o some_o respect_n desert_n the_o truth_n as_o some_o faithless_a one_o among_o the_o ancient_a christian_n do_v yet_o we_o know_v certain_o there_o be_v a_o remnant_n that_o can_v bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n but_o will_v choose_v rather_o to_o die_v the_o death_n which_o many_o ancient_a christian_n suffer_v than_o they_o will_v forsake_v the_o lord_n truth_n or_o transgress_v his_o righteous_a law_n by_o break_v his_o command_n the_o eight_o persecution_n in_o the_o year_n 259._o do_v the_o eight_o persecution_n arise_v under_o the_o emperor_n valerianus_n who_o put_v forth_o a_o proclamation_n against_o the_o christian_n wherein_o he_o forbid_v their_o meeting_n and_o when_o this_o proclamation_n or_o order_n be_v not_o observe_v then_o do_v there_o follow_v a_o great_a persecution_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o which_o there_o be_v very_o many_o put_v to_o death_n and_o some_o be_v banish_v and_o they_o convert_v of_o the_o heathen_a in_o the_o place_n to_o which_o they_o be_v banish_v but_o the_o emperor_n under_o who_o the_o christian_n thus_o suffer_v do_v not_o go_v unreproved_a for_o his_o cruelty_n for_o he_o be_v take_v prisoner_n by_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n who_o make_v use_v of_o he_o for_o a_o footstool_n when_o he_o get_v up_o upon_o his_o horse_n etc._n etc._n note_n have_v it_o not_o happen_v so_o in_o england_n that_o by_o the_o king_n proclamation_n the_o meeting_n of_o the_o true_a christian_n have_v be_v forbid_v and_o when_o that_o they_o observe_v the_o king_n proclamation_n no_o more_o than_o the_o ancient_a christian_n observe_v the_o emperor_n have_v not_o a_o great_a persecution_n follow_v have_v not_o many_o of_o the_o prison_n he_o sill_v with_o they_o partly_o because_o they_o can_v not_o swear_v and_o partly_o because_o they_o continue_a their_o meeting_n when_o they_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o king_n proclamation_n as_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o christian_n 19_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o therefore_o do_v the_o heathen_a with_o much_o rigour_n pronounce_v these_o word_n unto_o the_o christian_n your_o religion_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n and_o do_v not_o antichristians_a the_o like_a when_o they_o abuse_v they_o in_o their_o meeting_n and_o break_v they_o up_o with_o much_o violence_n do_v they_o not_o also_o pronounce_v these_o word_n with_o much_o rigour_n your_o meeting_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o king_n proclamation_n etc._n etc._n and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o true_a christian_n now_o have_v choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v bond_n and_o imprisonment_n yea_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n and_o what_o not_o then_o they_o will_v renounce_v the_o faith_n deny_v their_o religion_n or_o forsak_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o it_o do_v therefore_o appear_v that_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v find_v in_o they_o now_o which_o be_v heretofore_o in_o the_o ancient_a christian_n who_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n then_o to_o forsake_v he_o for_o who_o cause_n they_o suffer_v yet_o we_o see_v their_o persecutor_n do_v not_o always_o go_v unreproved_a oh_o that_o other_o king_n prince_n and_o magistrate_n will_v take_v warning_n from_o that_o which_o happen_v to_o these_o persecute_v emperor_n the_o nine_o persecution_n in_o the_o year_n 273._o do_v the_o nine_o persecution_n arise_v under_o the_o emperor_n aurelianus_n but_o this_o persecution_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o the_o other_o because_o he_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o death_n soon_o after_o he_o have_v determine_v the_o same_o yet_o in_o this_o persecution_n be_v felix_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n put_v to_o death_n with_o several_a other_o here_o and_o there_o in_o divers_a place_n note_n often_o do_v the_o lord_n frustate_n the_o purpose_n and_o determination_n of_o such_o as_o conspire_v mischief_n against_o his_o people_n yea_o have_v we_o not_o see_v sundry_a power_n overturn_v in_o england_n and_o parliment_n break_v up_o and_o counsel_n if_o not_o committee_n also_o shatter_v to_o piece_n when_o they_o have_v be_v determine_v to_o do_v wicked_o so_o that_o sometime_o they_o have_v not_o have_v power_n to_o bring_v that_o forth_o which_o they_o have_v conceive_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o birth_n so_o mighty_o have_v the_o lord_n confound_v their_o conspiracy_n and_o bring_v their_o device_n to_o nought_o and_o this_o the_o true_a christian_n have_v conclude_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n do_v which_o they_o have_v behold_v and_o which_o thing_n have_v be_v indeed_o marvellous_a in_o their_o eye_n the_o ten_o persecution_n in_o the_o year_n 302._o begin_v the_o ten_o persecution_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o exceed_v all_o that_o have_v be_v before_o it_o not_o only_o in_o cruelty_n but_o in_o continuance_n for_o it_o continue_v 12_o year_n eusebius_n who_o live_v at_o that_o time_n write_v of_o it_o at_o large_a in_o his_o eclesiastical_a history_n say_v it_o be_v occasion_v through_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v come_v into_o great_a reputation_n and_o be_v put_v in_o place_n of_o office_n to_o rule_v in_o country_n and_o city_n but_o through_o their_o prosperity_n and_o voluptuousness_n brotherly_a love_n come_v to_o decrease_v haughtyness_n and_o pride_n get_v up_o and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n a_o insolent_a authority_n begin_v to_o get_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o at_o that_o time_n the_o emperor_n diocletianus_n give_v forth_o a_o proclamation_n wherein_o he_o command_v that_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v be_v pull_v down_o and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n burn_v and_o that_o the_o christian_n shall_v be_v turn_v out_o of_o their_o place_n with_o other_o such_o like_a thing_n after_o that_o there_o come_v another_o order_n that_o they_o shall_v cause_v the_o chief_a of_o of_o the_o church_n to_o offer_v unto_o idol_n or_o else_o they_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o
prayer_n a_o counsel_n hold_v at_o caesar_n augusta_n accurse_v such_o as_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o eat_v it_o not_o in_o the_o church_n a_o general_n counsel_n be_v call_v at_o constantinople_n which_o decree_v that_o mary_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o mother_n of_o god_n anno_fw-la 583._o the_o first_o and_o second_o synod_n be_v call_v at_o lion_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o schism_n i._n e._n division_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n raise_v in_o the_o church_n six_o synod_n be_v hold_v at_o rome_n touch_v the_o election_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o church_n good_n etc._n etc._n malum_fw-la consilium_fw-la consultori_fw-la pessimum_fw-la these_o thing_n have_v i_o think_v good_a here_o to_o recapitulate_v or_o brief_o to_o rehearse_v to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o great_a apostasy_n so_o often_o speak_v of_o may_v be_v evident_o manifest_a to_o all_o and_o the_o great_a fall_n and_o revolution_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n for_o when_o they_o assemble_v together_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v such_o discord_n and_o division_n such_o strife_n and_o aâ—…tipathy_n such_o brawl_a and_o contention_n in_o their_o general_a assembly_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o counsel_n before_o mention_v neither_o do_v they_o manifest_v such_o a_o bitter_a spirit_n of_o enmity_n and_o discord_n when_o they_o choose_v mathias_n in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n nor_o yet_o when_o they_o choose_v the_o seven_o disciple_n act_n 1._o chap._n 6._o moreover_o when_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o brethren_n be_v assemble_v together_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v best_a to_o be_v do_v touch_v the_o doctrine_n sow_v by_o certain_a that_o come_v from_o judea_n which_o teach_v the_o brethren_n say_v that_o except_o they_o be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v after_o they_o have_v debate_v the_o matter_n they_o decree_v with_o one_o accord_n 15._o to_o send_v choose_v man_n unto_o the_o gentile_n and_o to_o enjoin_v they_o to_o abstain_v from_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o blood_n from_o that_o which_o be_v strangle_v and_o from_o fornication_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o out_o of_o spite_n condemn_v or_o excommunicate_v those_o of_o judea_n and_o hold_v they_o forthwith_o for_o acursed_a because_o of_o their_o error_n like_v as_o the_o apostatise_v bishop_n and_o clergy_n man_n have_v do_v one_o with_o another_o and_o one_o unto_o another_o as_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v before_o rehearse_v again_o when_o paul_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n he_o go_v 21._o with_o the_o brethren_n unto_o james_n where_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v assemble_v and_o there_o they_o determine_v what_o they_o think_v best_a to_o be_v do_v and_o decree_v that_o paul_n shall_v purify_v himself_o according_a unto_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n these_o counsel_n or_o general_a assembly_n oâ—…_n the_o apostle_n and_o brethren_n the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o brethren_n decree_v the_o celebration_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o easter_n or_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v make_v priest_n till_o they_o be_v thirty_o year_n old_a neither_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o brawl_v about_o man_n and_o agree_v upon_o nothing_o nor_o yet_o that_o they_o order_v lesson_n to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n between_o certain_a psalm_n neither_o do_v it_o appear_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o decree_v that_o lent_n shall_v be_v righteous_o observe_v and_o that_o the_o priest_n shall_v not_o marry_v nor_o yet_o that_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptize_v neither_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o decree_v that_o the_o clergy_n shall_v wear_v a_o different_a attire_n from_o other_o man_n or_o that_o such_o divine_a service_n as_o the_o metropolitan_a like_v of_o shall_v be_v retain_v i_o say_v it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o apostle_n and_o brethren_n decree_v these_o or_o such_o like_a thing_n in_o their_o counsel_n but_o that_o since_o the_o apostle_n day_n they_o have_v be_v decree_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o counsel_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o apostasy_n and_o yet_o at_o this_o day_n many_o of_o they_o be_v teach_v for_o doctrine_n though_o they_o be_v but_o the_o tradition_n of_o fallible_a synod_n and_o counsel_n as_o i_o have_v show_v inclinemus_fw-la igitur_fw-la aurum_fw-la verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la in_o cord_n &_o non_fw-la ex_fw-la conciliis_fw-la contendentium_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la non_fw-la ex_fw-la disputationibus_fw-la novitiis_fw-la non_fw-la ex_fw-la forensibus_fw-la &_o manicipalibus_fw-la gestis_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o nostris_fw-la cordibus_fw-la veritatem_fw-la quaeramus_fw-la the_o judgement_n of_o some_o notable_a man_n concern_v synod_n i._n e._n general_a or_o universal_a assembly_n â—…nd_v counsel_n together_o with_o their_o effect_n i._o in_o the_o day_n of_o berardus_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v pollute_v with_o many_o superstition_n and_o baudaert_n say_v that_o the_o bishop_n be_v rather_o biter_n of_o sheep_n then_o true_a shepherd_n and_o upon_o a_o time_n when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o counsel_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o have_v see_v how_o unchristian_o they_o deal_v he_o say_v sometime_o i_o have_v admire_v that_o among_o the_o little_a number_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n there_o be_v a_o traitor_n but_o now_o do_v i_o wonder_v much_o more_o that_o among_o this_o great_a number_n of_o so_o many_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n that_o one_o upright_a disciple_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v find_v apop_n chr._n lib._n 13._o pag._n 260._o daar_n geen_v godureesendheid_n bij_fw-la en_fw-fr be_v daar_n be_v it_o ho_o geleerder_n ho_o verkeerder_n where_o there_o be_v neither_o god_n fear_n nor_o godliness_n there_o be_v the_o more_o learn'dess_n the_o more_o perverseness_n two_o gregorius_n theologus_fw-la who_o live_v about_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o determine_v never_o to_o come_v at_o synod_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o observe_v that_o always_o there_o come_v more_o evil_a than_o good_a out_o of_o they_o for_o the_o ambitiousness_n and_o contention_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v above_o measure_n say_v he_o anno_fw-la 300._o iii_o the_o reform_a protestant_n testify_v that_o synod_n and_o counsel_n which_o strive_v upon_o the_o earth_n may_v err_v and_o with_o the_o most_o voice_n conclude_v lie_n in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o point_n according_a to_o what_o experience_n in_o all_o age_n have_v teach_v eub._n ch_n 28_o 29_o etc._n etc._n iu_o d._n calvin_n testify_v that_o prophet_n and_o pastor_n the_o church_n counsel_n have_v err_v and_o that_o god_n have_v often_o discover_v that_o in_o counsel_n which_o be_v humane_a to_o the_o end_n that_o people_n shall_v not_o rely_v or_o depend_v too_o much_o upon_o man_n instit._n 4._o ix_o ch_n 3._o v._o boudaert_n say_v in_o gilterland_n synod_n soffragia_fw-la non_fw-la ponderanda_fw-la sed_fw-la numeranda_fw-la esie_n i._n e._n that_o voice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v ponder_v but_o number_v but_o say_v he_o if_o the_o church_n reign_v in_o this_o manner_n or_o deal_n with_o voice_n shall_v not_o the_o most_o evil_a surprise_v the_o best_a which_o be_v the_o least_o for_o be_v it_o not_o so_o most_o common_o and_o when_o that_o the_o shepherd_n come_v to_o be_v change_v into_o wolf_n be_v not_o the_o innocent_a harmless_a sheep_n then_o in_o pitiful_a danger_n especial_o say_v he_o when_o ruler_n of_o city_n be_v stir_v up_o by_o passionate_a priest_n vi_o d._n pareus_n say_v often_o have_v the_o truth_n suffer_v wrong_v in_o synod_n because_o all_o that_o be_v assemble_v agree_v in_o one_o error_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n come_v often_o time_n to_o be_v abandon_v and_o with_o silence_n pass_v by_o iren._n 57_o p._n vii_o it_o have_v be_v say_v the_o church_n judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o this_o say_n shall_v the_o papist_n church_n judge_v of_o the_o the_o doctrine_n of_o popery_n the_o lutheran_n the_o calvinist_n the_o anabaptist_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o but_o what_o such_o a_o judgement_n be_v this_o otherwise_o than_o that_o which_o be_v daily_o practise_v by_o their_o one_o condemn_a another_o and_o every_o one_o maintain_v his_o own_o sect_n so_o say_v hilarius_n what_o unity_n or_o edification_n be_v there_o in_o such_o work_n and_o in_o so_o much_o follow_v partial_a counsel_n or_o conference_n none_o at_o all_o say_v he_o viii_o beza_n declare_v express_o that_o the_o church_n and_o counsel_n may_v err_v and_o that_o they_o have_v often_o err_v and_o that_o the_o devil_n in_o some_o old_a counsel_n have_v sit_v as_o precedent_n in_o they_o ix_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n say_v we_o see_v 71._o that_o particular_n have_v not_o only_o err_v but_o general_a counsel_n for_o shepherd_n may_v also_o be_v devour_v
ready_a to_o shrink_v so_o struggle_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o burst_v within_o themselves_o they_o nod_v with_o their_o countenance_n and_o beckon_v with_o their_o hand_n exhort_v they_o to_o constancy_n with_o many_o sign_n and_o gesture_n of_o the_o body_n the_o which_o when_o the_o multitude_n in_o compass_n have_v perceive_v before_o that_o any_o lay_v hand_n on_o they_o prevent_v their_o do_n they_o step_v forth_o before_o the_o bar_n and_o proclaim_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n so_o that_o the_o precedent_n and_o his_o assistant_n be_v amaze_v and_o the_o christian_n upon_o who_o the_o sentence_n have_v pass_v be_v thereby_o embolden_v to_o suffer_v and_o the_o judge_n marvellous_o afraid_a these_o therefore_o depart_v from_o the_o tribunal_n i._n e._n judgement_n seat_v cheerful_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o faith_n god_n glorious_o triumph_v in_o they_o ischyrion_n martyr_v by_o his_o master_n 41._o many_o other_o say_v dionysius_n throughout_o the_o city_n and_o village_n be_v quarter_v and_o dismember_v by_o the_o ethnic_n i._n e._n heathen_n whereof_o for_o example_n sake_n i_o will_v rehearse_v one_o zeal_n isohrion_n be_v a_o noble-man_n hire_a servant_n and_o by_o office_n his_o stoward_a be_v command_v by_o his_o master_n to_o do_v sacrifice_n and_o when_o he_o obey_v not_o he_o be_v contumelious_o i._n e._n reproachful_o revile_v the_o heathen_a master_n see_v his_o christian_a servant_n so_o constant_a pâ—…rsisting_v in_o his_o former_a opinion_n take_v a_o great_a cudgel_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o beat_v his_o body_n and_o bowel_n till_o breath_n depart_v what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o which_o wander_v in_o the_o desert_n and_o waste_v mountain_n consume_v with_o famine_n and_o hunger_n and_o cold_a and_o disease_n spoil_v by_o thief_n and_o devour_v by_o beast_n who_o blessedness_n and_o victory_n they_o that_o remain_v alive_a be_v able_a to_o testify_v these_o thing_n brother_n i_o write_v not_o in_o vain_a but_o that_o thou_o may_v understand_v what_o and_o how_o great_a evil_n and_o mischief_n have_v happen_v among_o we_o whereof_o they_o know_v more_o which_o among_o all_o other_o have_v feel_v most_o of_o novatus_n his_o heresy_n and_o impiety_n 42._o there_o be_v a_o certain_a priest_n of_o rome_n that_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o pride_n become_v himself_o the_o author_n and_o ringleader_n of_o his_o own_o heretical_a sect_n to_o wit_n of_o such_o as_o through_o their_o swell_a pride_n do_v call_v themselves_o kathrous_a i._n e._n puritan_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o synod_n i._n e._n a_o general_n or_o universal_a assembly_n gather_v together_o at_o rome_n of_o threescore_o bishop_n beside_o many_o minister_n and_o deacon_n and_o it_o be_v decree_v that_o novatus_n together_o with_o such_o as_o swell_v and_o consent_v unto_o his_o unnatural_a opinion_n repugnant_a i._n e._n disagree_v or_o contrary_a to_o brotherly_a love_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o banish_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o novatus_n long_v of_o old_a after_o a_o bishopric_n and_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v conceal_v his_o own_o peevish_a desire_n he_o use_v the_o cloak_n of_o arrogancy_n i._n e._n pride_n or_o loftiness_n who_o choose_v two_o man_n of_o a_o desperate_a condition_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o heresy_n these_o be_v simple_a man_n not_o know_v their_o crafty_a and_o malicious_a fetch_n they_o be_v unclosed_a by_o such_o lewd_a person_n as_o be_v suborn_v i._n e._n be_v bring_v in_o for_o false_a witness_n for_o the_o purpose_n and_o aâ—…ut_o ten_o a_o clock_n when_o they_o be_v somewhat_o tipsy_a i._n e._n wanton_a or_o somewhat_o drink_v with_o wine_n and_o well_o cram_v with_o victual_n be_v constrain_v to_o create_v he_o bishop_n with_o imaginative_a or_o devise_v and_o frivolous_a i._n e._n vain_a lay_v on_o of_o hand_n the_o which_o crafty_o and_o subtle_o not_o compatible_a for_o his_o person_n he_o challenge_v unto_o himself_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o die_v and_o desirous_a of_o life_n in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n deny_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o priest_n and_o when_o he_o be_v entreat_v by_o the_o deacon_n and_o admonish_v to_o come_v forth_o of_o the_o house_n wherein_o he_o have_v enclose_v himself_o and_o to_o minister_v unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o brethren_n which_o want_v he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o yield_v to_o the_o deacon_n that_o he_o go_v away_o and_o depart_v in_o a_o chafe_v say_v that_o he_o will_v playno_o long_a the_o priest_n but_o addict_v himself_o unto_o another_o trade_n of_o philosophy_n it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o when_o he_o distribute_v the_o oblation_n to_o people_n that_o he_o cause_v they_o to_o swear_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o will_v never_o forsake_v he_o a_o epistle_n of_o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n unto_o novatus_n 44._o dionysius_n unto_o the_o brother_n novatus_n send_v greeting_n if_o thou_o be_v constrain_v against_o thy_o will_n as_o thou_o say_v thou_o will_v declare_v the_o same_o if_o thou_o return_v willing_o thou_o shall_v have_v suffer_v rather_o any_o thing_n than_o to_o have_v rend_v asunder_o the_o church_n of_o god_n neither_o be_v this_o martyrdom_n which_o be_v suffer_v for_o not_o sever_a and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o less_o glory_n than_o that_o which_o be_v tolerate_v i._n e._n suffer_v for_o denial_n of_o sacrifice_n unto_o devil_n yea_o in_o judgement_n it_o be_v of_o far_o great_a glory_n for_o in_o the_o one_o martyrdom_n be_v suffer_v for_o one_o soul_n in_o the_o other_o for_o the_o universal_a church_n i._n e._n the_o church_n in_o general_n or_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o if_o thou_o either_o persuade_v the_o brethren_n or_o constrain_v they_o to_o return_v to_o unity_n this_o notable_a act_n will_v be_v far_o great_a than_o the_o fault_n that_o go_v before_o and_o the_o one_o will_v be_v impute_v i._n e._n lay_v to_o his_o charge_n the_o other_o will_v be_v commend_v if_o thou_o can_v not_o persuade_v the_o rebellious_a and_o disobedient_a save_v at_o leastwise_o thy_o own_o soul_n i_o desire_v thy_o health_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o thy_o embrace_a peace_n and_o unity_n the_o seven_o book_n of_o eusebius_n concern_v origen_n origin_n be_v say_v to_o have_v suffer_v much_o affliction_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v famous_a eloquent_a 1._o train_v in_o the_o church_n even_o from_o his_o youth_n up_o but_o through_o envy_n he_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o ruler_n and_o magistrate_n and_o through_o the_o despiteful_a subtlety_n and_o crafty_a invention_n of_o satan_n he_o be_v bring_v into_o great_a slander_n and_o blemish_n of_o infamy_n they_o say_v that_o the_o author_n of_o iniquity_n devise_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v work_v the_o feat_n that_o be_v they_o prepare_v a_o ethiopian_a or_o foul_a black-moor_n beastly_a to_o abuse_v his_o body_n but_o he_o not_o be_v willing_a to_o away_o with_o neither_o willing_a to_o hear_v of_o so_o horrible_a a_o act_n break_v out_o into_o loud_a speech_n and_o exclaim_v at_o both_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v give_v he_o in_o choice_n rather_o than_o the_o one_o he_o will_v do_v the_o other_o the_o choice_n be_v that_o either_o a_o black-moor_n shall_v play_v the_o sodomite_n with_o he_o or_o he_o himself_o shall_v fall_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n and_o in_o the_o end_n he_o consent_v to_o sacrifice_n whereof_o when_o they_o have_v put_v frankincense_n crifice_v in_o his_o hand_n they_o throw_v it_o into_o the_o fire_n upon_o the_o altar_n by_o this_o mean_n he_o be_v by_o the_o judge_n put_v from_o martyrdom_n and_o also_o banish_v the_o church_n after_o that_o he_o be_v entreat_v by_o the_o priest_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o bestow_v a_o sermon_n upon_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n after_o great_a entreaty_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n constrain_v by_o the_o priest_n he_o rise_v up_o take_v the_o bible_n open_v it_o and_o happen_v upon_o this_o parcel_n of_o scripture_n unto_o the_o ungodly_a say_v god_n why_o do_v thou_o preach_v my_o law_n and_o take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n when_o he_o have_v thus_o read_v he_o clasp_v the_o book_n guilty_a sit_v down_o and_o burst_v out_o into_o tear_n together_o with_o all_o the_o audience_n i._n e._n the_o assembly_n of_o people_n which_o weep_v with_o he_o he_o live_v till_o he_o be_v threescore_o and_o nine_o year_n old_a and_o after_o his_o fall_n he_o write_v his_o lamentation_n out_o of_o which_o i_o have_v draw_v this_o follow_a extract_n o_o you_o saint_n and_o bless_a of_o god_n with_o waterish_a eye_n and_o wet_a cheek_n soak_v in_o dâ—…lour_n i._n e._n sorrow_n and_o pain_n i_o beseech_v you_o to_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o mercy-seat_n of_o god_n for_o i_o miserable_a sinner_n woe_n be_v
service_n which_o please_v every_o man_n best_o wherefore_o we_o have_v decree_v to_o publish_v this_o edict_n whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v manifest_a unto_o all_o man_n that_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o as_o many_o as_o will_v follow_v that_o opinion_n and_o religion_n by_o this_o our_o gracious_a gift_n and_o letter_n patent_n i._n e._n writ_n or_o commission_n from_o the_o prince_n as_o every_o one_o list_v and_o be_v delight_v so_o to_o use_v that_o grant_v religion_n which_o he_o please_v and_o after_o his_o own_o manner_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o beside_o this_o also_o be_v permit_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o may_v build_v place_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o lord_n last_o of_o all_o that_o this_o our_o gift_n may_v be_v the_o great_a we_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o decree_v that_o also_o that_o if_o any_o house_n or_o manor_n i._n e._n farm-house_n without_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o city_n heretofore_o belong_v unto_o the_o christian_n title_n by_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o ancestor_n have_v pass_v unto_o the_o crown_n either_o present_o enjoy_v by_o any_o city_n or_o otherwise_o sell_v or_o give_v to_o any_o man_n for_o a_o reward_n all_o these_o we_o have_v command_v they_o shall_v be_v revoke_v to_o the_o ancient_a right_n of_o the_o christian_n whereby_o all_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o providence_n in_o this_o behalf_n these_o word_n of_o the_o tyrant_n not_o one_o year_n be_v full_o pass_v follow_v the_o edict_n or_o proclamation_n which_o against_o the_o christian_n be_v engrave_v in_o pillar_n afterward_o he_o be_v smite_v of_o god_n with_o a_o plague_n from_o above_o and_o his_o flesh_n waste_v persecution_n by_o a_o invisible_a fire_n so_o that_o it_o consume_v and_o drop_v away_o and_o lose_v all_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o old_a form_n be_v become_v like_o a_o paint_a image_n dry_v up_o of_o a_o long_a time_n his_o eye_n pass_v their_o bound_n leave_v he_o blind_a at_o length_n he_o confess_v he_o suffer_v those_o thing_n just_o and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n foelix_fw-la quem_fw-la faciunt_fw-la aliena_fw-la pericula_fw-la cantum_fw-la happy_a be_v he_o who_o other_o man_n harm_n do_v make_v to_o beware_v the_o ten_o book_n of_o eusebius_n the_o heathen_a be_v glad_a of_o the_o christian_n success_n the_o emperor_n favour_v they_o much_o the_o heathen_a be_v deliver_v and_o rid_v of_o the_o former_a mischief_n confess_v diverse_o that_o the_o only_a true_a god_n be_v the_o defender_n of_o the_o godly_a christian_n but_o unto_o we_o there_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a joy_n say_v eusebius_n which_o with_o incessant_a hope_n do_v depend_v upon_o christ_n the_o anoint_v of_o god_n moreover_o the_o most_o puissant_a i._n e._n mighty_a emperor_n by_o their_o often_o constitution_n i._n e._n appointment_n publish_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n have_v amplify_v and_o enlarge_v the_o thing_n grant_v to_o we_o by_o the_o free_a bountifulness_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o bishop_n also_o there_o come_v favourable_a letter_n from_o the_o emperor_n dignity_n be_v bestow_v sum_v of_o money_n and_o present_n be_v send_v they_o the_o edict_n of_o constantine_n and_o licinnius_n touch_v christian_a religion_n and_o the_o liberty_n thereof_o weigh_v with_o ourselves_o say_v they_o that_o of_o old_a the_o liberty_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hinder_v and_o every_o one_o have_v licence_n after_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n we_o have_v present_o command_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v handle_v the_o holy_a affair_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o that_o the_o christian_n shall_v retain_v their_o faith_n of_o their_o former_a opinion_n and_o wont_a service_n whenas_o with_o prosperous_a success_n we_o come_v to_o milan_n and_o inquire_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o the_o commodity_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n these_o among_o many_o other_o thing_n seem_v expedient_a yea_o before_o all_o other_o we_o purpose_v to_o decree_v wherein_o the_o reverence_n and_o service_n due_a to_o god_n be_v comprise_v i._o e._n contain_v that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o which_o we_o may_v grant_v unto_o the_o christian_n altogether_o free_a choice_n to_o embrace_v what_o service_n and_o ceremony_n please_v they_o best_o to_o the_o end_n the_o divinity_n of_o the_o celestial_a i._n e._n heavenly_a affair_n now_o every_o where_o receive_v may_v in_o some_o part_n be_v please_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o all_o our_o subject_n then_o according_a unto_o this_o our_o pleasure_n we_o have_v decree_v with_o sound_n and_o most_o right_a judgement_n grant_v that_o licence_n any_o liberty_n be_v henceforth_o deny_v unto_o none_o at_o all_o of_o choose_v and_o follow_v the_o christian_a service_n or_o religion_n but_o that_o this_o liberty_n be_v grant_v unto_o every_o one_o to_o addict_v his_o mind_n unto_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o think_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o the_o end_n that_o god_n may_v grant_v unto_o we_o his_o wont_a care_n and_o goodness_n and_o now_o whosoever_o free_o and_o firm_o be_v dispose_v to_o retain_v the_o christian_a religion_n let_v he_o do_v it_o without_o all_o molestation_n or_o grievance_n and_o because_o that_o we_o have_v grant_v liberty_n to_o use_v their_o observance_n and_o religion_n if_o so_o please_v any_o it_o manifest_o avail_v for_o the_o tranquillity_n i._n e._n ease_n and_o quietness_n of_o our_o time_n that_o every_o one_o have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v and_o worship_v what_o god_n please_v he_o best_o this_o have_v we_o do_v lest_o aught_o of_o our_o do_n seem_v prejudicial_a unto_o any_o service_n or_o religion_n and_o because_o the_o say_a christian_n be_v know_v not_o only_o to_o have_v enjoy_v the_o place_n of_o their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n but_o also_o certain_a other_o peculiar_a i._n e._n proper_a not_o to_o every_o one_o private_o but_o belong_v by_o right_a unto_o their_o whole_a society_n see_v that_o thou_o command_v all_o those_o according_a unto_o the_o decree_n mention_v before_o to_o be_v restore_v unto_o the_o christian_n afterward_o the_o emperor_n summon_v a_o synod_n i._n e._n a_o general_n or_o universal_a assembly_n of_o bishop_n to_o meet_v at_o rome_n for_o the_o unite_n and_o reconcile_n call_v of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o seem_v unto_o he_o very_o grievous_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o his_o province_n a_o multitude_n of_o people_n prone_a i._n e._n incline_v unto_o the_o worse_o and_o disagree_v and_o that_o among_o bishop_n there_o shall_v be_v variance_n money_o grant_v unto_o minister_n by_o the_o emperor_n 6._o constantine_n the_o emperor_n unto_o decilianus_fw-la bishop_n of_o carthage_n send_v greeting_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o please_v we_o to_o administer_v something_o for_o expense_n sake_n unto_o some_o certain_a minister_n of_o the_o approve_a and_o most_o holy_a religion_n throughout_o all_o the_o province_n of_o africa_n i_o have_v signify_v unto_o ursus_n that_o he_o shall_v cause_v three_o thousand_o pole_n of_o silve_n i._n e._n certain_a weight_n one_o contain-in_a 222_o pound_n and_o six_o ounce_n the_o other_o weigh_v 208_o penny_n to_o be_v tell_v unto_o thy_o fidelity_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o understand_v that_o some_o troublesome_a person_n be_v suppose_v to_o pervert_v by_o some_o lewd_a corruption_n to_o people_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o catholic_n i._n e._n universal_a church_n wherefore_o if_o thou_o perceive_v such_o man_n to_o persist_v in_o their_o folly_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o judge_n and_o make_v they_o privy_a thereof_o that_o they_o consider_v of_o these_o as_o i_o charge_v they_o when_o they_o be_v present_a a_o copy_n of_o the_o epistle_n by_o the_o which_o the_o emperor_n free_v the_o bishop_n from_o pay_v tax_n or_o tribute_n 7._o we_o greet_v you_o most_o honourable_a anilinus_n because_o it_o appear_v diverse_o that_o if_o the_o religion_n wherein_o great_a estimation_n of_o holiness_n be_v maintain_v be_v set_v at_o nought_o great_a danger_n will_v ensue_v to_o the_o public_a affair_n and_o again_o if_o the_o same_o be_v orderly_o handle_v and_o maintain_v great_a prosperity_n and_o special_a felicity_n i._n e._n happiness_n will_v follow_v unto_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o all_o man_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n exhibit_v i._n e._n give_v the_o same_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o we_o that_o those_o man_n which_o labour_v in_o this_o godly_a religion_n with_o due_a holiness_n and_o diligent_a observation_n of_o this_o law_n shall_v receive_v recompense_n of_o their_o travel_n wherefore_o our_o pleasure_n be_v that_o they_o of_o the_o province_n commit_v to_o thy_o charge_n who_o we_o common_o term_v clergyman_n i._n e._n bishop_n deacon_n and_o priest_n etc._n etc._n be_v whole_o free_a and_o exempt_a i._n e._n free_a from_o any_o service_n or_o payment_n from_o all_o public_a burden_n lest_o by_o any_o error_n or_o curse_a swerve_v they_o be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o
at_o eliberis_n in_o spain_n in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n decree_v that_o the_o usurer_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v that_o taper_n i._n e._n candle_n shall_v not_o burn_v in_o the_o day_n time_n in_o church_n yard_n that_o image_n shall_v be_v banish_v the_o church_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v paint_v upon_o the_o wall_n to_o be_v worship_v etc._n etc._n but_o be_v not_o usurer_n now_o admit_v without_o any_o scruple_n to_o be_v member_n both_o of_o the_o papist_n and_o also_o of_o the_o protestant_n church_n and_o be_v not_o image_n errect_v in_o their_o masshouses_n which_o they_o call_v church_n and_o many_o paint_a upon_o their_o wall_n and_o in_o their_o glasswindow_n the_o vanity_n and_o evil_n of_o which_o this_o aforesaid_a counsel_n see_v and_o therefore_o be_v they_o prohibit_v then_o though_o they_o be_v practise_v and_o uphold_v now_o by_o the_o apostatise_v christian_n anno_fw-la 340._o the_o counsel_n of_o gragra_n condemn_v the_o heretical_a opinion_n of_o tustathius_fw-la and_o allow_v the_o marriage_n of_o the_o priest_n a_o counsel_n hold_v at_o carthage_n decree_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o rebaptise_v and_o that_o clergiman_n shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o temporal_a affair_n a_o counsel_n of_o arrian_n bishop_n meet_v at_o antioch_n where_o they_o endeavour_v to_o abrogate_v i._n e._n to_o take_v away_o abolish_v or_o disannul_v the_o nicene_n creed_n thus_o like_o the_o builder_n of_o babel_n be_v they_o divide_v for_o that_o which_o one_o synod_n decree_v and_o set_v up_o that_o do_v another_o synod_n abolish_v and_o throw_v down_o anno_fw-la 350._o a_o general_n counsel_n be_v summon_v at_o sardis_n for_o the_o hear_n of_o they_o who_o the_o arrian_n have_v exile_v i._n e._n banish_v the_o counsel_n restore_v they_o and_o depose_v i._o e._n put_v down_o their_o accuser_n and_o condemn_v the_o arrian_n and_o confirm_v the_o nicene_n creed_n anno_fw-la 355._o a_o counsel_n of_o arian_n hold_v at_o sermium_fw-la scourge_v among_o they_o osius_n and_o make_v he_o subscribe_v unto_o atheism_n i._n e._n the_o damnable_a opinion_n of_o the_o atheist_n but_o the_o like_a be_v never_o do_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o never_o seek_v to_o bring_v any_o from_o atiheism_n or_o to_o atiheism_n by_o scourge_v but_o â—…ather_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v scourge_v by_o jew_n and_o atheist_n a_o general_n counsel_n be_v summon_v to_o meet_v at_o millian_n where_o the_o east_n and_o west_n chruch_v brawl_v about_o athanasius_n and_o dissolve_v the_o counsel_n agree_v upon_o nothing_o the_o meletian_o assemble_v at_o antioch_n where_o they_o lay_v down_o the_o macedonian_n opinion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n jump_v between_o the_o arian_n and_o the_o true_a christian_n where_o they_o prove_v themselves_o neuter_n i_o e._n a_o indiferent_a party_n not_o on_o the_o one_o side_n nor_o the_o other_o anno_fw-la 368._o a_o counsel_n at_o laodicea_n decree_v that_o the_o laity_n or_o common_a people_n shall_v not_o choose_v the_o priest_n that_o lissons_n shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n between_o certain_a psalm_n and_o service_n shall_v be_v morning_n and_o evening_n that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v read_v with_o other_o scripture_n on_o the_o sunday_n that_o lent_n shall_v be_v observe_v righteous_o without_o solemnize_n the_o feast_n of_o the_o martyr_n and_o that_o christian_n shall_v not_o dance_v at_o bride_n house_n etc._n etc._n a_o counsel_n be_v call_v at_o illytini_fw-la where_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n i._n e._n three_o join_v in_o one_o be_v confess_v a_o counsel_n hold_v at_o valentia_n in_o france_n decree_v priest_n shall_v not_o marry_v the_o first_o counsel_n hold_v at_o toledo_n in_o spain_n decree_v that_o priest_n shall_v marry_v therefore_o one_o of_o those_o counsel_n have_v err_v though_o the_o papist_n say_v they_o can_v not_o err_v there_o be_v a_o council_n hold_v at_o chalcedon_n where_o chrysotom_n be_v condemn_v of_o spite_n and_o for_o no_o other_o crime_n a_o counsel_n be_v call_v at_o cyprus_n where_o through_o the_o spite_n of_o theophilus_n bishop_n of_o origen_n be_v condemn_v the_o three_o counsel_n hold_v at_o carthage_n decree_v that_o the_o cletgy_n in_o their_o yeir_n of_o discretion_n shall_v either_o marry_v or_o vow_v chastity_n and_o that_o the_o chief_a bishop_n shall_v not_o be_v call_v prince_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o high_a prlesâ—…_n but_o only_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o chief_a see_v i._n e._n seat_n if_o the_o counsel_n err_v not_o in_o decree_a this_o decree_n the_o pope_n have_v err_v since_o who_o have_v be_v call_v the_o prince_n of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o have_v be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o place_n of_o the_o everlasting_a king_n upon_o earth_n unto_o who_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v give_v and_o who_o all_o nation_n shall_v serve_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o may_v the_o pope_n through_o arrogancy_n err_v so_o well_o as_o counsel_n which_o have_v err_v so_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o both_o pope_n and_o counsel_n which_o be_v err_v from_o the_o spirit_n be_v fallible_a and_o have_v err_v as_o do_v and_o may_v more_o full_o appear_v anno_fw-la 417._o a_o counsel_n hold_v at_o hippo_n decree_v that_o bishop_n and_o priest_n shall_v look_v well_o to_o their_o child_n that_o the_o head_n bishop_n of_o the_o head_n see_v shall_v not_o be_v call_v the_o chief_a priest_n and_o that_o no_o scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n but_o canonical_a i._n e._n approve_a by_o exact_a rule_n the_o counsel_n hold_v at_o taurinum_n be_v hold_v for_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o clergy_n which_o then_o be_v corrupt_v but_o since_o much_o more_o the_o counsel_n of_o matta_n condemn_v the_o pelagian_n and_o donatist_n and_o conclude_v that_o infant_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v the_o counsel_n of_o agatha_n decree_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v make_v priest_n before_o he_o be_v 30_o year_n old_a and_o that_o the_o clergy_n shall_v wear_v such_o attire_n as_o become_v their_o profession_n with_o many_o other_o constitution_n the_o first_o and_o second_o counsel_n hold_v at_o vasio_n decree_v that_o in_o such_o church_n where_o preacher_n be_v not_o deacon_n shall_v read_v homily_n i._n e._n sermon_n or_o speech_n a_o counsel_n hold_v at_o carpentoracte_n decree_v that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v not_o paul_v the_o parish_n that_o iâ—…_n not_o to_o rob_v pillage_n or_o take_v money_n from_o they_o by_o extortion_n or_o deceit_n it_o will_v be_v good_a that_o every_o bishop_n now_o in_o be_v observe_v well_o this_o decree_n and_o keep_v clear_a of_o poul_n their_o parishioner_n by_o extortion_n and_o deceit_n which_o many_o of_o their_o forefather_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o it_o be_v expect_v now_o by_o many_o that_o they_o who_o have_v of_o late_o be_v install_v will_n in_o this_o particular_a follow_v their_o example_n rather_o than_o the_o apostle_n who_o cover_v no_o man_n bishopric_n nor_o benefice_n no_o man_n tithe_n nor_o augmentation_n no_o man_n gold_n silver_n nor_o apparel_n etc._n etc._n a_o counsel_n hold_v at_o venice_n decree_v that_o no_o clergy_n man_n shall_v be_v at_o wedding_n dinner_n dance_n and_o hear_n of_o wanton_a sonnet_n or_o vain_a song_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o bishop_n of_o africa_n come_v together_o by_o the_o commandment_n of_o honoricus_n the_o arrian_n where_o his_o heresy_n be_v confirm_v and_o 444_o bishop_n exile_v or_o banish_v anno_fw-la 492._o a_o synod_n of_o 70_o bishop_n be_v call_v together_o at_o rome_n where_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n i._n e._n such_o as_o be_v approve_v by_o exact_a rule_n be_v sever_v from_o such_o as_o be_v apocrypha_fw-la i._n e._n doubtful_a or_o not_o well_o know_v a_o synod_n meet_v at_o epaunis_fw-la and_o decree_v that_o no_o clergy_n man_n shall_v either_o hunt_v or_o hawk_n that_o throughout_o the_o province_n such_o divine_a service_n as_o the_o metropolitan_a i._n e._n chief_a city_n or_o archbishop_n like_v of_o shall_v be_v retain_v it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o though_o this_o uniformity_n be_v thus_o decree_v by_o the_o synod_n in_o the_o apostasy_n that_o through_o the_o province_n such_o divine_a service_n as_o the_o chief_a city_n or_o archbishop_n like_v of_o shall_v be_v retain_v yet_o the_o apostle_n decree_v no_o such_o thing_n that_o the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o counsel_n hold_v at_o aurelia_n decree_v that_o lent_n shall_v be_v solemn_o keep_v before_o easter_n the_o rogation_n or_o gang_n week_n with_o the_o emberday_n about_o the_o ascension_n a_o counsel_n hold_v a_o gerundia_fw-la in_o spain_n decree_v that_o every_o province_n shall_v observe_v one_o order_n of_o divine_a service_n that_o baptism_n shall_v be_v minister_v only_o at_o easter_n and_o whitsuntide_n and_o at_o other_o time_n if_o necessity_n so_o require_v and_o that_o the_o lord_n prayer_n shall_v be_v say_v at_o evening_n and_o morning_n
school_n of_o learning_n but_o bring_v up_o to_o a_o trade_n to_o catch_v fish_n and_o mend_v net_n most_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v take_v from_o the_o mean_a trade_n and_o all_o of_o they_o paul_n except_v unfurnished_v of_o all_o art_n of_o learning_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o liberal_a and_o ingenious_a education_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o be_v design_v to_o rund_n down_o the_o world_n and_o to_o overturn_v the_o learning_n of_o the_o prudent_a certain_o have_v humane_a wisdom_n be_v to_o manage_v the_o business_n it_o will_v have_v take_v quit_v other_o measure_n and_o choose_v out_o the_o profound_a rabbin_n the_o accute_a philosopher_n the_o smooth_a orator_n such_o as_o will_v have_v be_v most_o lik_o by_o strength_n of_o reason_n and_o art_n of_o rhetoric_n to_o have_v triumph_v over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o grapple_v with_o the_o stubbornness_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o baffle_v the_o the_o fine_a notion_n and_o speculation_n of_o the_o greek_n but_o it_o be_v otherways_o it_o be_v plain_o evident_a that_o they_o teach_v christianity_n by_o a_o divine_a power_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o discourse_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n word_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 27._o 28._o that_o god_n choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a the_o weak_a to_o confound_v those_o that_o be_v mighty_a in_o the_o enumeration_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o the_o evangelist_n constant_o place_n peter_n in_o the_o front_n and_o matthew_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o be_v he_o be_v the_o first_o call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n his_o age_n also_o and_o the_o gravity_n of_o his_o person_n more_o particular_o qualify_a he_o for_o a_o primar_n of_o order_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n yea_o our_o lord_n choose_v he_o to_o be_v his_o more_o intimate_a companion_n who_o he_o admit_v more_o familiar_o than_o the_o rest_n in_o all_o the_o most_o secret_n passage_n and_o transaction_n of_o his_o life_n peter_n preach_v such_o a_o sermon_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n the_o effect_n of_o which_o be_v so_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a there_o be_v that_o day_n add_v to_o the_o church_n no_o less_o than_o three_o thousand_o soul_n a_o quit_v and_o plentiful_a harvest_n and_o though_o the_o convert_v so_o vast_a a_o multitude_n may_v just_o challenge_v a_o place_n among_o the_o great_a miracle_n yet_o the_o apostle_n begin_v now_o more_o particular_n act_n 3._o 1_o to_o exercise_v their_o miraculous_a power_n and_o peter_n and_o john_n go_v up_o to_o the_o temple_n about_o the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n they_o find_v a_o poor_a impotent_a cripple_n who_o though_o above_o forty_o year_n old_a have_v be_v lame_a from_o his_o birth_n lie_v at_o the_o beautiful_a gate_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o ask_v a_o alm_n of_o they_o peter_z careless_o look_v on_o he_o tell_v he_o he_o have_v no_o money_n to_o give_v he_o but_o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o that_o which_o be_v much_o better_o restore_v he_o to_o his_o health_n and_o lift_v he_o up_o by_o the_o hand_n command_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n to_o rise_v up_o and_o walk_v the_o word_n be_v no_o soon_o say_v than_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v while_o peter_n be_v this_o work_a miracle_n and_o discourse_v to_o the_o people_n in_o one_o place_n we_o may_v suppose_v that_o john_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o in_o another_o and_o the_o success_n be_v answerable_a there_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v no_o few_o than_o five_o thousand_o bring_v over_o to_o the_o faith_n act_v 4._o 4._o while_o the_o apostle_n be_v thus_o preach_v the_o priest_n and_o saducee_n who_o hate_v christianity_n intimate_v to_o the_o magistrate_n the_o danger_n thereof_o seize_v on_o the_o apostle_n and_o cast_v they_o into_o prison_n act_v 4._o 1._o the_o next_o day_n they_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n and_o be_v ask_v by_o what_o power_n and_o authority_n they_o have_v do_v this_o peter_z resolute_o answer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o they_o themselves_o have_v crucify_a and_o god_n have_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o make_v head_n of_o the_o corner_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o expect_v salvation_n but_o by_o he_o etc._n etc._n great_a be_v the_o boldness_n of_o the_o apostle_n admire_v at_o by_o the_o sanhedrim_n itself_o especial_o when_o this_o be_v the_o very_a court_n that_o have_v so_o late_o sentence_v and_o condemn_v their_o master_n the_o council_n command_v they_o to_o preach_v no_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o peter_n and_o john_n reply_v that_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n yield_v obedience_n thereunto_o appeal_n to_o themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o fit_a that_o they_o shall_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o they_o and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o testify_v what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v the_o church_n exceed_o multply_v by_o these_o mean_n and_o that_o so_o great_a a_o company_n most_o whereof_o be_v poor_a may_v be_v maitain_v they_o general_o sell_v their_o estate_n and_o bring_v their_o money_n to_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v by_o they_o dispose_v in_o one_o common_a treasury_n and_o thence_o distribute_v according_a to_o the_o several_a exigent_n of_o the_o church_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o dreadful_a instance_n ananias_n and_o his_o wife_n act_v 5._o 1._o saphire_n have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o free_a and_o generous_a spirit_n of_o those_o time_n and_o have_v consecrate_a and_o devote_v their_o estate_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o according_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o money_n but_o as_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o charitable_a person_n so_o be_v they_o loathe_v whole_o to_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o the_o divine_a providence_n by_o let_v go_v all_o at_o once_o and_o therefore_o private_o withhold_v part_n of_o what_o they_o have_v divote_v and_o bring_v the_o rest_n lay_v it_o all_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n hope_v thereby_o they_o may_v a_o deceive_v the_o apostle_n though_o immediate_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n peter_n at_o his_o first_o come_v in_o treat_v ananias_n with_o these_o sharp_a inquiry_n why_o he_o shall_v suffer_v satan_n to_o fill_v his_o heart_n with_o so_o big_a a_o wickedness_n as_o by_o keep_v back_o his_o estate_n to_o think_v to_o dceive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o before_o it_o be_v sell_v it_o be_v holy_a at_o his_o one_o dispose_v and_o after_o it_o be_v perfect_o in_o his_o own_o power_n full_o to_o have_v perform_v his_o vow_n so_o that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o interpretation_n then_o that_o herein_o he_o have_v not_o only_o abuse_v and_o injure_a man_n but_o mock_v god_n and_o what_o in_o he_o lay_v lie_v too_o and_o cheat_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o they_o know_v be_v privy_a to_o the_o most_o secret_a thought_n and_o propose_v of_o his_o heart_n this_o be_v no_o soon_o say_v but_o sudden_o to_o the_o great_a terror_n and_o amazement_n of_o all_o that_o be_v present_a ananias_n be_v arrest_v with_o a_o stroke_n from_o heaven_n and_o fall_v down_o dead_a to_o the_o ground_n not_o long_o after_o his_o wife_n come_v in_o who_o peter_n entertain_v with_o the_o same_o severe_a reproof_n wherewith_o he_o have_v her_o husband_n add_v that_o the_o like_a sad_a fate_n and_o doom_n shall_v immediate_o seize_v she_o who_o thereupon_o drapt_v down_o dead_a as_o she_o have_v be_v copartner_n with_o he_o in_o the_o sin_n become_v sherer_n with_o he_o in_o the_o punishment_n a_o instance_n of_o great_a severity_n fill_v all_o that_o hear_v it_o with_o fear_n and_o terror_n and_o become_v a_o seasonable_a prevention_n of_o that_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n wherewith_o many_o may_v possible_o think_v to_o have_v impose_v upon_o the_o church_n this_o severe_a case_n be_v 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design_v and_o decree_v our_o liberty_n the_o officer_n return_v the_o next_o morning_n acquaint_v the_o council_n who_o much_o wonder_v at_o it_o send_v for_o they_o and_o ask_v they_o how_o they_o dare_v propagate_v that_o doctrine_n they_o have_v so_o strict_o command_v they_o not_o to_o preach_v peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o must_v in_o this_o case_n obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n so_o vex_v be_v the_o the_o council_n with_o his_o answer_n that_o they_o begin_v to_o cosider_v how_o to_o cut_v they_o off_o but_o gamaliel_n a_o grave_n and_o learned_a senator_n prevent_v it_o by_o command_v the_o apostle_n to_o withdraw_v and_o then_o bid_v the_o council_n take_v heed_n what_o they_o do_v put_v they_o in_o mind_n that_o several_a persiâ—…ns_n have_v heretofore_o raise_v party_n and_o faction_n in_o great_a number_n but_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o let_v these_o man_n alone_o for_o if_o their_o 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he_o be_v no_o question_n scourge_v according_a to_o custom_n and_o have_v salute_v his_o brethren_n more_o especial_o paul_n he_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o prison_n and_o lead_v to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o vatican_n mount_n near_o to_o tybur_n to_o be_v execute_v the_o death_n he_o be_v adjudge_v to_o be_v crucifiction_n but_o he_o entreat_v the_o officer_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v crucify_a the_o common_a way_n but_o may_v suffer_v with_o his_o head_n downward_o affirm_v he_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o suffer_v in_o the_o same_o posture_n as_o his_o lord_n suffer_v as_o chrysostom_n gloss_n to_o be_v set_v in_o the_o ready_a posture_n of_o travel_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n his_o body_n be_v take_v from_o the_o cross_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v embalm_v by_o marcellinus_n the_o presbyter_n after_o the_o jew_n manner_n and_o be_v then_o bury_v in_o the_o vatican_n near_o the_o triumphant_a way_n the_o description_n of_o his_o person_n his_o body_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o 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of_o the_o old_a patriarch_n jacob_n who_o thus_o provisy_v of_o he_o benjamen_n shall_v raven_n as_o a_o wolf_n in_o the_o morning_n he_o shall_v devour_v the_o prey_n and_o at_o night_n he_o shall_v divide_v the_o spoil_v this_o prophetical_a character_n tertullian_n and_o other_o will_v have_v to_o be_v accomplish_v in_o our_o apostle_n as_o a_o raven_a wolf_n in_o the_o morning_n devour_v his_o prey_n that_o be_v as_o a_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o his_o life_n destroy_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n in_o the_o evening_n devide_v the_o spoil_v that_o be_v in_o his_o decline_a age_n as_o doctor_n of_o the_o nation_n feed_v and_o distribute_v to_o christ_n sheep_n we_o find_v he_o describe_v in_o scripture_n by_o two_o name_n the_o one_o saul_n a_o name_n common_a in_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamen_n his_o other_o be_v paul_n asume_v to_o he_o as_o some_o think_v at_o his_o conversion_n to_o denote_v his_o humility_n in_o his_o youth_n he_o be_v bring_v 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