forget_v we_o as_o we_o hear_v the_o complaint_n of_o saint_n touch_v that_o matter_n in_o the_o scripture_n how_o long_o will_v thou_o forget_v i_o o_o lord_n say_v david_n 13.1_o psalm_n 13.1_o how_o long_o will_v thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n from_o i_o and_o again_o up_o why_o sleep_v thou_o o_o lord_n 24_o psalm_n 44.23_o 24_o awake_a he_o not_o far_o of_o for_o ever_o wherefore_o hide_v thou_o thy_o face_n and_o forget_v our_o misery_n &_o our_o affliction_n and_o habacu_fw-la o_o lord_n 1.2.13_o haba_n 1.2.13_o say_v he_o how_o long_o shall_v i_o cry_v &_o thou_o will_v not_o hear_v even_o cry_v out_o unto_o thou_o for_o violence_n and_o thou_o will_v not_o help_v thou_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n and_o can_v not_o see_v evil_a thou_o can_v not_o behold_v wickedness_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o look_v upon_o the_o transgressor_n and_o hold_v thy_o tongue_n when_o the_o wicked_a devour_v the_o man_n that_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o he_o but_o god_n sleep_v not_o at_o any_o hand_n even_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o one_o of_o the_o psalm_n 121.4_o psalm_n 121.4_o behold_v he_o that_o keep_v israel_n will_v neither_o slumber_v nor_o sleep_n neither_o do_v he_o forget_v we_o as_o he_o himself_o assure_v we_o by_o his_o prophet_n isaiah_n when_o he_o say_v 15_o isaiah_n 49_o 15_o can_v a_o woman_n forget_v her_o child_n or_o will_v she_o not_o pity_v the_o fruit_n of_o her_o womb_n but_o though_o she_o shall_v forget_v yet_o will_v not_o i_o forget_v thou_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o in_o deed_n god_n do_v not_o at_o any_o time_n forget_v his_o mercy_n no_o not_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o anger_n 10.13_o haba_n 3.2_o 1._o corin._n 10.13_o neither_o do_v he_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o our_o strength_n wherefore_o then_o be_v it_o that_o he_o do_v not_o send_v we_o succour_v and_o aid_v without_o delay_n thereby_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o oppression_n it_o be_v first_o and_o foremost_a because_o our_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o 59.1.2_o isayah_n 59.1.2_o behold_v say_v the_o prophet_n the_o lord_n hand_n be_v not_o shorten_v that_o it_o can_v save_v neither_o his_o ear_n heavy_a that_o it_o can_v hear_v but_o your_o iniquity_n have_v separate_v between_o you_o and_o your_o god_n and_o your_o sin_n have_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o you_o that_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v second_o because_o that_o serve_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n his_o glory_n and_o for_o the_o augment_v &_o increase_v of_o our_o faith_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o be_v write_v touch_v the_o sickness_n and_o death_n of_o lazarus_n 11.14.15_o john_n 11.14.15_o the_o brother_n of_o martha_n &_o mary_n this_o sickness_n say_v jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o to_o death_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v thereby_o and_o after_o ward_n lazarus_n be_v dead_a say_v he_o and_o i_o be_o glad_a for_o your_o sake_n that_o i_o be_v not_o there_o that_o you_o may_v believe_v and_o to_o this_o last_o point_n be_v refer_v that_o which_o s._n paul_n say_v we_o receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n in_o ourselves_o 1.9_o 2._o cor._n 1.9_o because_o we_o shall_v not_o trust_v in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o god_n which_o raise_v the_o dead_a the_o five_o point_n that_o affliction_n &_o danger_n increase_v even_o then_o when_o the_o deliverance_n be_v nigh_o example_n hereof_o be_v set_v out_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o israelite_n be_v marvellous_o torment_v in_o egypt_n throughout_o exod._n 14._o throughout_o all_o the_o while_n that_o they_o be_v keep_v captive_n &_o prisoner_n there_o but_o they_o never_o have_v so_o great_a a_o occasion_n to_o fear_n neither_o be_v they_o at_o any_o time_n so_o press_v yea_o oppress_a as_o when_o god_n bring_v they_o out_o of_o their_o captivity_n and_o bondage_n to_o make_v they_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o to_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o xiiii_o chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la etc._n 1._o sam._n 27._o 1._o etc._n etc._n david_n before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o enjoy_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v promise_v he_o by_o god_n be_v constrain_v to_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o country_n and_o to_o seek_v a_o place_n of_o refuge_n and_o comfort_n amongst_o the_o philistine_n his_o enemy_n yea_o in_o the_o court_n of_o king_n achish_n where_o he_o find_v himself_o in_o extreme_a danger_n throughout_o isaiah_n 37._o throughout_o yea_o more_o great_a then_o at_o any_o time_n before_o he_o have_v escape_v then_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n send_v from_o he_o to_o remove_v the_o siege_n of_o zenacherib_n from_o before_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o so_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o deliver_v king_n ezekias_n and_o the_o people_n which_o be_v within_o when_o for_o the_o great_a oppression_n thereof_o they_o be_v hold_v &_o keep_v in_o so_o narrow_o &_o short_a that_o they_o be_v at_o the_o point_n or_o very_o nigh_o to_o see_v the_o city_n render_v &_o deliver_v etc._n mark_v 6.47_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o assyrian_n pity_n and_o mercy_n jesus_n christ_n do_v very_o well_o behold_v that_o his_o disciple_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n in_o the_o ship_n which_o be_v toss_v to_o &_o fro_o with_o the_o outrage_n or_o violence_n of_o the_o wind_n and_o tempest_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o come_v not_o unto_o they_o to_o succour_v they_o but_o about_o the_o 4._o watch_n of_o the_o night_n wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o loose_v our_o courage_n &_o stomach_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a persecution_n and_o affliction_n which_o can_v come_v for_o when_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o help_n and_o aid_v on_o man_n side_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o they_o do_v fail_v we_o &_o that_o it_o seem_v that_o all_o be_v do_v with_o we_o and_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v altogether_o wear_v out_o consume_v &_o beat_v down_o even_o than_o will_v god_n perform_v his_o own_o work_n he_o alone_o succour_v we_o to_o the_o end_n that_o unto_o he_o alone_o also_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o deliverance_n may_v be_v whole_o and_o absolute_o refer_v the_o sixth_o point_n that_o god_n through_o his_o power_n keep_v and_o defend_v his_o church_n against_o the_o violence_n &_o assault_n of_o tyrant_n and_o persecutor_n and_o deliver_v the_o same_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n when_o time_n be_v therefore_o thereto_o tend_v and_o belong_v these_o promise_n the_o lord_n know_v to_o deliver_v the_o godly_a out_o of_o temptation_n 2.9_o 2_o pet._n 2.9_o &_o to_o reserve_v the_o unjust_a until_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v punish_v 12.5_o psal_n 12.5_o for_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o needy_a and_o for_o the_o sigh_n of_o the_o poor_a i_o will_v up_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o will_v set_v at_o liberty_n he_o who_o the_o wicked_a have_v snare_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n pitch_v round_o about_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o deliver_v they_o 19.20.22_o psal_n 34.7.17_o 19.20.22_o the_o righteous_a cry_n and_o the_o lord_n hear_v they_o &_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o all_o their_o trouble_n great_a be_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o lord_n deliver_v he_o out_o of_o they_o al._n he_o keep_v all_o his_o bone_n not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v break_v the_o lord_n redeem_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o none_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o shall_v perish_v 9.14.15_o psalm_n 50.15_o psa_n 9.14.15_o call_v upon_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n so_o will_v i_o deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o and_o again_o because_o he_o have_v love_v i_o therefore_o will_v i_o deliver_v he_o i_o will_v exalt_v he_o because_o he_o have_v know_v my_o name_n he_o shall_v call_v upon_o i_o and_o i_o will_v hear_v he_o i_o will_v be_v with_o he_o in_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v he_o and_o glorify_v he_o 125.2_o psalm_n 125.2_o as_o the_o mountain_n be_v about_o jerusalem_n so_o be_v the_o lord_n about_o his_o people_n from_o hence_o forth_o and_o for_o ever_o 16.18_o mat._n 16.18_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o overcome_v it_o 12.32_o luk._n 12.32_o fear_v not_o little_a flock_n for_o it_o be_v your_o father_n pleasure_n to_o give_v you_o the_o kingdom_n and_o we_o have_v many_o example_n hereof_o in_o the_o scripture_n 5.19_o exod._n 14._o throughout_o dan._n 3._o daniel_n 6._o throughout_o isaiah_n 37_o throughout_o act_n 12.7_o act_n 5.19_o as_o when_o god_n bring_v the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n when_o he_o deliver_v daniel_n out_o of_o the_o lion_n den_n &_o shadrach_n messiach_n &_o abednego_n out_o of_o the_o burn_a flame_n
be_v accuse_v of_o many_o crime_n by_o the_o roman_n he_o be_v drive_v away_o and_o in_o his_o place_n be_v ordain_v the_o bishop_n of_o sabina_n call_v silvester_n the_o three_o who_o likewise_o be_v depose_v and_o put_v down_o because_o he_o be_v a_o idiot_n ignorant_a and_o unprofitable_a and_o the_o say_a benedict_n recover_v the_o seat_n again_o from_o whence_o through_o covetousness_n he_o put_v himself_o down_o and_o ordain_v in_o his_o place_n john_n the_o archdeacon_n of_o saint_n john_n port_n latin_n who_o be_v name_v gregory_n the_o sixth_o to_o who_o he_o sell_v the_o popeship_n for_o very_a much_o money_n pay_v downright_a platina_n johannes_n maior_n mare_fw-la historiarum_fw-la nauclerus_fw-la platina_n as_o witness_v johannes_n maior_n the_o sea_n of_o history_n nauclerus_fw-la platina_n &_o the_o same_o gregory_n be_v pope_n be_v judge_v as_o well_o by_o the_o clergy_n as_o by_o the_o people_n to_o be_v a_o murderer_n and_o a_o symoniakal_a person_n what_o be_v silvester_n the_o second_o platina_n say_v that_o be_v a_o friar_n he_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o devil_n upon_o condition_n that_o he_o will_v aid_v and_o help_v he_o to_o obtain_v that_o which_o he_o desire_v and_o so_o by_o that_o mean_v he_o come_v to_o be_v pope_n what_o be_v eugenius_n the_o four_o he_o by_o the_o definitive_a sentence_n of_o the_o council_n of_o basil_n be_v condemn_v for_o a_o schismatic_n rebel_n and_o stubborn_a person_n and_o so_o depose_v and_o one_o aimus_n duke_n of_o savoie_n substitute_v in_o his_o place_n in_o the_o year_n 1439._o the_o 16._o of_o novemb._n notwithstanding_o he_o be_v support_v &_o uphold_v by_o the_o favour_n of_o certain_a prince_n abode_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o popedom_n and_o aimus_n his_o election_n pass_v into_o smoke_n and_o be_v of_o no_o force_n or_o value_n but_o without_o pass_v to_o any_o other_o example_n for_o this_o can_v not_o be_v do_v but_o in_o long_a time_n may_v we_o now_o affirm_v first_o that_o in_o all_o the_o time_n of_o these_o pope_n there_o have_v not_o be_v some_o interruption_n or_o breach_n of_o personal_a succession_n in_o the_o seat_n of_o rome_n very_o we_o must_v confess_v it_o unless_o a_o man_n will_v say_v that_o heretic_n and_o notorious_a schismatics_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n second_o that_o the_o bishop_n &_o priest_n which_o have_v succeed_v these_o reverend_a pope_n &_o other_o which_o be_v create_v and_o establish_v by_o they_o have_v have_v a_o good_a and_o lawful_a succession_n let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o vocation_n or_o calling_n whereupon_o the_o succession_n itself_o depend_v we_o affirm_v that_o our_o call_n be_v without_o comparison_n more_o certain_a &_o more_o lawful_a then_o be_v that_o of_o the_o bishop_n &_o priest_n of_o the_o romish_n church_n for_o the_o better_a proof_n whereof_o let_v we_o mark_v what_o thing_n be_v requisite_a to_o a_o right_n and_o lawful_a call_n first_o right_a and_o authority_n to_o choose_v appertain_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o that_o not_o to_o one_o alone_a but_o to_o diverse_a lawful_o assemble_v at_o which_o election_n notwithstanding_o one_o ought_v to_o bear_v rule_n to_o guide_v and_o govern_v the_o action_n and_o to_o avoid_v all_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n 1.5_o 1._o tim._n 5.22_o titus_n 1.5_o and_o so_o must_v these_o place_n 1._o timoth._n 5.22_o and_z titus_n 1.5_o of_o necessity_n be_v understand_v second_o the_o election_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v without_o the_o plain_a and_o express_v consent_n of_o the_o people_n 14.23_o act._n 14.23_o as_o s._n luke_n show_v the_o same_o by_o example_n act._n 14.23_o and_o as_o heretofore_o the_o church_n have_v ordain_v it_o even_o from_o leo_n his_o time_n nomine_fw-la leo._n epist_n 87_o &_o 90._o nicol._n dist_n 23._o can._n in_o nomine_fw-la yea_o nicolas_n the_o second_o have_v write_v that_o it_o be_v a_o manner_n and_o fashion_n which_o be_v meet_v necessary_a &_o needful_a to_o keep_v in_o the_o election_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n 3._o cyprian_n lib._n 3._o epist_n 3._o yea_o saint_n cyprian_n write_v to_o anthony_n rehearse_v that_o cornelius_n be_v after_o such_o sort_n and_o manner_n ordain_v bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o as_o concern_v that_o which_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n ordain_v permittendum_fw-la council_n laodic_n can._n 13._o dist_n 63_o can_n non_fw-fr est_fw-fr permittendum_fw-la that_o the_o election_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o pastor_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v by_o the_o people_n that_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o people_n alone_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o election_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v confuse_o and_o without_o good_a order_n three_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v shall_v be_v well_o and_o due_o examine_v touch_v both_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n which_o s._n paul_n have_v give_v therefore_o etc._n 1._o tim._n 3.1.2_o tit._n 1.5.6.7_o etc._n etc._n write_v to_o timothy_n &_o titus_n for_o the_o bishop_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o very_o good_a life_n and_o holy_a conversation_n so_o that_o the_o very_a stranger_n themselves_o &_o such_o as_o be_v without_o may_v not_o just_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o reproach_n or_o upbraid_v himself_o withal_o also_o he_o must_v not_o be_v a_o young_a scholar_n but_o able_a &_o sufficient_a in_o doctrine_n &_o knowledge_n to_o teach_v such_o as_o be_v apt_a to_o learn_v &_o to_o convince_v yea_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v speak_v against_o the_o truth_n 4._o cyprian_n lib._n 1._o epist_n 4._o hereunto_o accord_v that_o which_o cyprian_n say_v we_o must_v faithful_o keep_v say_v he_o &_o diligent_o hold_v that_o which_o have_v be_v leave_v unto_o we_o by_o divine_a &_o apostolical_a tradition_n that_o we_o may_v keep_v it_o also_o among_o ourselves_o yea_o &_o that_o in_o a_o manner_n throughout_o all_o province_n touch_v the_o vocation_n &_o call_v of_o bishop_n to_o wit_n that_o all_z the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n near_o unto_o the_o place_n where_o the_o election_n be_v to_o be_v make_v do_v meet_v together_o &_o that_o they_o choose_v the_o bishop_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n which_o do_v full_o know_v the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o every_o one_o and_o that_o also_o agree_v hereunto_o which_o be_v speak_v by_o saint_n augustine_n in_o a_o certain_a dialogue_n between_o he_o and_o orosius_n 65._o q._n orosij_n dial._n quaest_n 65._o wherein_o orosius_n demand_v how_o may_v we_o know_v they_o which_o be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o saint_n augustine_n answer_v know_v that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n which_o have_v not_o be_v choose_v by_o commendation_n or_o flattery_n of_o some_o small_a number_n of_o man_n and_o desire_v not_o to_o bear_v rule_n and_o give_v not_o any_o money_n to_o achieve_v or_o get_v the_o bishop_n like_o dignity_n and_o honour_n but_o which_o be_v praise_v and_o commend_v by_o his_o holy_a life_n and_o good_a manner_n and_o also_o by_o the_o work_n or_o deed_n belong_v to_o a_o pastor_n and_o by_o the_o approbation_n and_o allowance_n of_o all_o the_o people_n we_o read_v also_o 12._o council_n laodic_n can._n 12._o that_o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v choose_v bishop_n but_o they_o which_o have_v a_o long_a time_n be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o a_o good_a life_n &_o of_o holy_a conversation_n and_o who_o have_v also_o be_v well_o prove_v &_o try_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o good_a work_n and_o in_o the_o first_o council_n of_o paris_n 8._o council_n parisi_n can._n 8._o be_v be_v decree_v that_o no_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v against_o the_o will_n of_o the_o citizen_n of_o the_o city_n but_o only_o he_o which_o shall_v be_v choose_v by_o the_o full_a will_n and_o consent_v of_o the_o people_n and_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o not_o by_o the_o commandment_n of_o any_o prince_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o condition_n against_o the_o will_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n he_o that_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o ordain_v and_o that_o shall_v come_v to_o this_o honour_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n or_o prince_n let_v he_o be_v drive_v out_o and_o depose_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n 10._o conc._n quintum_fw-la anicl_n can._n 10._o in_o the_o five_o council_n of_o orleans_n let_v not_o any_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o bishop_n neither_o by_o buy_v purchase_v or_o reward_n but_o let_v the_o election_n be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o king_n will_v the_o clergy_n the_o people_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n there_o be_v almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o like_a canon_n in_o the_o counsel_n which_o if_o we_o will_v put_v down_o here_o we_o shall_v be_v overtedious_a and_o long_a now_o after_o right_a examination_n &_o lawful_a election_n or_o choice_n
caesar_n wherefore_o see_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v distinguish_v the_o office_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n silvester_n do_v very_o ill_a to_o confound_v and_o jumble_v they_o together_o in_o his_o own_o person_n yea_o also_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a canon_n to_o this_o purpose_n etc._n distinct_a 96._o can._n quum_fw-la ad_fw-la nico._n etc._n etc._n avouch_v and_o allege_v under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o pope_n and_o that_o these_o office_n be_v distinguish_v by_o jesus_n christ_n if_o so_o be_v that_o constantine_n give_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o west_n part_n to_o silvester_n they_o must_v say_v that_o silvester_n possess_v the_o same_o and_o leave_v it_o to_o his_o successor_n and_o that_o if_o his_o successor_n do_v not_o any_o long_o hold_v it_o they_o must_v say_v that_o they_o have_v be_v thrust_v and_o drive_v out_o of_o the_o possession_n thereof_o but_o let_v they_o show_v if_o they_o can_v any_o matter_n touch_v this_o point_n in_o the_o history_n very_o so_o far_o be_v it_o that_o silvester_n &_o those_o which_o succeed_v he_o even_o unto_o hildebrand_n who_o be_v name_v gregory_n the_o seven_o &_o be_v create_v pope_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n one_o thousand_o seventie_o four_o do_v hold_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o west_n that_o indeed_o they_o have_v not_o rule_v or_o authority_n over_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n but_o do_v peaceable_o and_o quiet_o acknowledge_v the_o emperor_n for_o their_o lord_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o law_n neither_o be_v there_o at_o any_o time_n a_o pope_n choose_v or_o create_v without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o emperor_n the_o charge_n come_v in_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o foresay_a gregory_n it_o be_v about_o five_o hundred_o year_n ago_o since_o the_o pope_n have_v by_o little_a &_o little_o encroach_v upon_o the_o empire_n &_o have_v at_o the_o last_o bring_v into_o their_o subjection_n the_o city_n of_o rome_n and_o since_o they_o do_v accomplish_v that_o there_o be_v not_o pass_v about_o a_o hundred_o threescore_o and_o nine_o year_n or_o there_o about_o i_o hold_v myself_o content_v to_o have_v set_v down_o and_o declare_v this_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o way_n he_o that_o will_v more_o full_o see_v the_o falsehood_n &_o subtlety_n which_o be_v in_o the_o device_n of_o this_o donation_n or_o gift_n may_v read_v they_o which_o have_v confute_v the_o same_o etc._n marsili_n etc._n etc._n as_o marsilius_n of_o padua_n in_o his_o book_n which_o he_o entitle_v the_o defender_n of_o peace_n who_o live_v about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1324._o moreover_o laurentius_n valla_n valla._n laur._n valla._n who_o live_v about_o the_o year_n 1440._o archiep._n antonius_n archiep._n also_o antonius_n archbishop_n of_o floremce_n in_o his_o history_n cardinal_n cusanus_fw-la cardinal_n cusanê°_n cardinal_n in_o his_o three_o book_n &_o second_o chapter_n who_o send_v his_o opinion_n to_o the_o council_n of_o basill_n about_o the_o year_n 1460._o volater_n raphael_n volater_n raphael_n volateran_n who_o live_v about_o the_o year_n 1500._o moreover_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o liberius_n and_o felix_n 37._o niceph._n lib._n 9_o cap._n 37._o both_o two_o together_o at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n govern_v the_o seat_n apostolical_a and_o do_v in_o common_a the_o duty_n of_o a_o bishop_n at_o rome_n 15._o sozo_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 15._o and_o that_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o by_o the_o ordinance_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o syrmia_n which_o of_o these_o two_o than_o be_v at_o that_o time_n the_o only_a and_o universal_a head_n of_o all_o the_o church_n but_o let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n advouch_v or_o acknowledge_v for_o the_o high_a or_o chief_a bishop_n s._n cyprian_n write_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o cornelius_n stephanus_n etc._n cypria_n lib._n 1_o epi._n 1._o &_o 2._o cypria_n lib._n 2._o epi._n 1._o etc._n etc._n &_o some_o other_o do_v not_o in_o any_o sort_n call_v they_o either_o pope_n or_o universal_a bishop_n but_o brethren_n and_o fellow_n praelat_fw-la cipria_fw-la tract_n 3._o de_fw-la simpli_fw-la praelat_fw-la he_o himself_o say_v in_o a_o other_o place_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o but_o one_o bishopric_n whereof_o every_o bishop_n in_o his_o own_o charge_n hold_v a_o whole_a and_o sound_o portion_n 3._o cypria_n in_o synod_n carthu_n august_n recitat_fw-la haec_fw-la verba_fw-la lib._n 3._o the_o baptism_n contra_fw-la donatist_n cap._n 3._o and_o again_o none_o of_o we_o say_v he_o be_v appoint_v bishop_n of_o bishop_n to_o enforce_v his_o fellow_n by_o tyrannous_a terror_n upon_o necessity_n to_o obey_v he_o polycarpus_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n come_v to_o rome_n in_o the_o time_n of_o anicetus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n not_o to_o frame_v some_o appellation_n before_o he_o neither_o yet_o to_o kiss_v his_o foot_n or_o to_o receive_v his_o decree_n but_o to_o confer_v with_o he_o touch_v the_o feast_n of_o easter_n and_o he_o allege_v for_o himself_o the_o authority_n and_o custom_n of_o s._n john_n and_o of_o other_o apostle_n of_o christ_n but_o anicetus_n do_v not_o allege_v either_o s._n peter_n authority_n or_o his_o own_o but_o only_o say_v that_o it_o stand_v he_o in_o hand_n to_o observe_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o elder_n which_o be_v his_o predecessor_n neither_o do_v he_o constrain_v polycarpus_n to_o do_v the_o like_a or_o excommunicate_v he_o therefore_o and_o polycarpus_n on_o his_o side_n do_v not_o think_v he_o have_v commit_v any_o offence_n in_o not_o consent_v with_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n touch_v the_o feast_n of_o easter_n which_o he_o will_v of_o a_o surety_n have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v acknowledge_v he_o for_o the_o head_n or_o for_o the_o vicar_n of_o jesus_n christ_n constitute_v and_o place_v in_o that_o office_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n irenaeus_n 26._o euseb_n lib._n 5_o cap._n 26._o of_o who_o we_o have_v speak_v a_o little_a before_o call_v soter_n anicetus_n higinus_n pius_n telesphorus_n xistus_fw-la elder_n as_o eusebius_n in_o his_o five_o book_n and_o six_o and_o twenty_o chapter_n dionysius_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o corinthian_n write_v to_o the_o roman_n call_v soter_n not_o pope_n of_o rome_n or_o high_a prelate_n but_o bishop_n mark_v what_o he_o say_v soter_n your_o good_a bishop_n have_v not_o only_o observe_v this_o custom_n but_o also_o have_v augment_v it_o 23._o euseb_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 23._o eusebius_n have_v extract_v or_o take_v this_o out_o of_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o say_a dionysius_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 3._o euagr._fw-la hierom._n ad_fw-la euagr._fw-la saint_n jerome_n in_o a_o epistle_n to_o euagrius_n say_v thus_o if_o a_o man_n dispute_v or_o reason_n of_o authority_n the_o world_n be_v great_a than_o a_o city_n in_o what_o place_n soever_o the_o bishop_n be_v whether_o at_o rome_n or_o at_o eugubium_n or_o at_o constantinople_n or_o at_o alexandria_n or_o else_o where_o they_o be_v all_o of_o equal_a ministry_n and_o degree_n chrysostome_n 23._o chrys_n hom_n 43._o in_o saint_n matt._n ca._n 23._o whosoever_o say_v he_o shall_v among_o the_o bishop_n desire_n primacy_n on_o earth_n shall_v find_v confusion_n in_o heaven_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v affect_v or_o seek_v to_o be_v the_o first_o shall_v not_o be_v count_v amongst_o the_o servant_n of_o christ._n 24.28.29.30_o gregor_n lib._n 4._o epist_n 16.32.34.36.38.39_o gregor_n lib._n 6._o epist_n 24.28.29.30_o s._n gregory_n in_o diverse_a of_o his_o epistle_n say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o antichrist_n that_o will_v attribute_v or_o give_v unto_o he_o the_o title_n of_o universal_a bishop_n but_o above_o all_o he_o put_v down_o a_o notable_a sentence_n in_o the_o two_o hundred_o and_o seven_o and_o thirty_o epistle_n to_o eugenius_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n 237._o gregor_n ad_fw-la eugenio_n epist_n 237._o say_v if_o christ_n have_v send_v thou_o thou_o shall_v judge_v that_o thou_o be_v come_v not_o to_o be_v serve_v but_o to_o serve_v the_o true_a successor_n of_o saint_n paul_n will_v say_v with_o s._n paul_n not_o that_o we_o have_v lordship_n over_o your_o faith_n but_o that_o we_o be_v aid_v and_o comfort_v with_o your_o joy_n saint_n peter_n heir_n 5.3_o â—_o peter_n 5.3_o will_v hear_v s._n peter_n say_v not_o as_o though_o you_o be_v lord_n over_o the_o lord_n heritage_n but_o be_v make_v ensample_n to_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n which_o be_v hold_v about_o the_o time_n of_o pope_n syricius_n in_o the_o 26._o etc._n conci_fw-la cart._n tertium_fw-la can_v 26._o &_o habet_fw-la distinct_a 99_o ca._n prima_fw-la sedis_fw-la etc._n etc._n canon_n which_o be_v also_o allege_a distinct_a 99_o the_o father_n ordain_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n shall_v
force_n notwithstanding_o the_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n likewise_o he_o have_v by_o his_o providence_n bring_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o shall_v remain_v amongst_o they_o other_o remnant_n also_o as_o the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o apostle_n creed_n the_o commandment_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n lest_o the_o church_n shall_v utter_o perish_v and_o as_o sometime_o building_n be_v pull_v down_o in_o such_o sort_n that_o the_o foundation_n remain_v and_o some_o show_n of_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n so_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o suffer_v that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o raze_v or_o destroy_v by_o antichrist_n that_o nothing_o of_o the_o building_n shall_v remain_v and_o although_o that_o he_o may_v take_v vengeance_n of_o the_o unthankefulnes_n of_o man_n who_o despise_v his_o word_n he_o have_v suffer_v such_o a_o horrible_a shake_n and_o fall_n to_o be_v make_v yet_o it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n that_o some_o part_n or_o portion_n thereof_o shall_v remain_v as_o a_o sign_n token_n and_o mark_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v not_o abolish_v wherefore_o when_o we_o refuse_v simple_o to_o grant_v unto_o the_o papist_n the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n we_o do_v not_o therefore_o utter_o deny_v they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o any_o church_n amongst_o they_o but_o we_o only_a reason_n of_o the_o true_a and_o right_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n which_o import_v a_o fellowship_n as_o well_o in_o the_o doctrine_n as_o in_o all_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o christianity_n 2.4_o daniel_n 9.27_o 2._o thess_n 2.4_o daniel_n and_o s._n paul_n have_v foretell_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n we_o say_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o that_o execrable_a abominable_a and_o curse_a kingdom_n at_o the_o least_o he_o be_v so_o in_o the_o west_n church_n now_o see_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o seat_n of_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n thereby_o be_v mean_v that_o his_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v such_o as_o shall_v not_o altogether_o abolish_v the_o name_n either_o of_o christ_n or_o of_o his_o church_n hereby_o therefore_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o the_o church_n over_o which_o he_o bear_v rule_n by_o his_o tyranny_n remain_v church_n still_o but_o we_o say_v that_o he_o have_v profane_v they_o by_o his_o ungodliness_n and_o so_o poison_v they_o with_o his_o false_a doctrine_n that_o there_o appear_v amongst_o they_o a_o picture_n or_o image_n of_o babylon_n rather_o than_o of_o the_o holy_a city_n of_o god_n to_o conclude_v we_o say_v that_o they_o be_v church_n first_o because_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v miraculous_o preserve_v amongst_o they_o the_o remnant_n of_o his_o people_n though_o they_o be_v poor_o and_o thin_o scatter_v abroad_o second_o because_o there_o remain_v amongst_o they_o some_o mark_n and_o token_n of_o the_o church_n special_o these_o token_n the_o power_n and_o effectualness_n whereof_o can_v not_o be_v abolish_v neither_o by_o the_o craft_n of_o the_o devil_n neither_o by_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n because_o the_o mark_n which_o we_o have_v principal_o to_o regard_v in_o this_o dispute_n or_o question_n be_v blot_v out_o there_o we_o say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o amongst_o they_o a_o right_a show_n and_o lawful_a form_n of_o a_o church_n neither_o in_o any_o of_o their_o particular_a assembly_n neither_o in_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o caluine_n but_o though_o we_o may_v indeed_o accord_v and_o agree_v to_o this_o that_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o baptism_n which_o it_o have_v yet_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o infer_v thereupon_o that_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o take_v &_o hold_v it_o for_o the_o true_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o other_o point_n of_o doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v altogether_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o concern_v baptism_n albeit_o they_o add_v many_o vain_a and_o superstitious_a ceremony_n minister_v in_o a_o tongue_n unknown_a to_o the_o people_n and_o not_o understand_v of_o they_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o substance_n remain_v &_o that_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a or_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o form_n as_o we_o have_v show_v now_o if_o one_o will_v demand_v why_o then_o suffer_v we_o not_o our_o infant_n to_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o romish_a church_n there_o to_o be_v baptize_v see_v that_o the_o baptism_n which_o be_v there_o minister_v be_v good_a i_o answer_v that_o we_o suffer_v it_o not_o because_o god_n have_v give_v we_o grace_n to_o know_v the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n 5.21_o 1._o cor._n 10.14_o 1._o john_n 5.21_o which_o be_v there_o commit_v to_o which_o we_o may_v not_o at_o any_o hand_n stick_v cleave_v or_o consent_v what_o soever_o appearance_n and_o show_v of_o good_a we_o suppose_v may_v come_v thereby_o either_o to_o we_o or_o to_o our_o child_n 3.8_o rom._n 3.8_o for_o saint_n paul_n say_v that_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o look_v unto_o ourselves_o not_o to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v thereof_o and_o also_o because_o that_o through_o god_n grace_n and_o goodness_n we_o have_v a_o mean_a &_o way_n open_v to_o have_v our_o foresay_a child_n baptize_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n without_o any_o abuse_n error_n supperstition_n or_o idolatry_n they_o will_v say_v yet_o further_o that_o jesus_n christ_n cease_v not_o to_o approve_v &_o allow_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o his_o time_n though_o it_o have_v in_o it_o store_n of_o error_n which_o he_o well_o declare_v when_o he_o be_v there_o present_a at_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o feast_n wherefore_o then_o do_v not_o we_o approve_v also_o the_o romish_n church_n although_o it_o have_v error_n in_o it_o for_o if_o a_o church_n shall_v for_o some_o abuse_n fault_n or_o error_n lose_v the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a church_n where_o shall_v we_o then_o find_v one_o alone_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o we_o hold_v not_o that_o a_o true_a church_n lose_v the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a church_n for_o some_o abuse_n or_o error_n therein_o for_o s._n paul_n leave_v not_o of_o to_o name_v the_o faithful_a people_n of_o corinthus_n the_o church_n although_o he_o blame_v and_o reprove_v they_o for_o many_o error_n and_o corruption_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o manner_n but_o also_o concern_v their_o doctrine_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o that_o particular_a church_n be_v never_o so_o perfect_a in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o they_o be_v oftentimes_o subject_a to_o error_n and_o go_v astray_o but_o we_o right_o hold_v and_o affirm_v that_o the_o romish_a church_n aught_o to_o lose_v the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a church_n because_o she_o have_v degenerate_v and_o go_v out_o of_o kind_n from_o the_o ancient_a and_o catholic_a church_n for_o the_o true_a ancient_a &_o catholic_a church_n cleave_v to_o her_o only_a head_n and_o husband_n jesus_n christ_n she_o believe_v his_o word_n &_o follow_v he_o she_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o without_o commit_v adultery_n with_o idol_n which_o the_o romishe_a church_n do_v not_o which_o thing_n we_o have_v a_o little_a while_n ago_o show_v second_o as_o concern_v that_o that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v approve_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o his_o time_n we_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o there_o be_v very_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o estate_n of_o that_o church_n then_o as_o it_o be_v and_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o behold_v it_o at_o this_o day_n for_o the_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n as_o well_o of_o doctrine_n as_o of_o sacrament_n and_o the_o manifest_a idolatry_n which_o bear_v sway_n at_o this_o present_a in_o the_o romishe_a church_n be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v because_o that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v not_o have_v make_v much_o a_o do_v to_o beat_v down_o the_o idol_n &_o to_o reform_v other_o abuse_n if_o they_o have_v have_v place_n there_o as_o he_o overthrow_v the_o table_n of_o the_o money_n chaunger_n 2.14_o john_n 2.14_o &_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n those_o that_o there_o sell_v open_o sheep_n and_o dove_n moreover_o jesus_n christ_n will_v not_o reject_v or_o disallow_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o that_o the_o time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v wherein_o he_o shall_v put_v a_o end_n unto_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n 12.13_o leviti_fw-la 17.3_o deut._n 12.13_o wherefore_o for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o faithful_a have_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n whereby_o it_o be_v appoint_v they_o not_o to_o search_v
eight_o day_n &_o under_o claudius_n also_o his_o successor_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n how_o the_o church_n be_v toss_v and_o persecute_v in_o asia_n antiochia_n pisidia_n iconium_n lystra_n galatia_n ephesus_n macedonia_n philippi_n thessalonia_n corinthus_n berrhoe_n rome_n and_o many_o other_o place_n but_o all_o these_o persecution_n be_v as_o yet_o particular_a and_o but_o in_o some_o one_o place_n or_o other_o god_n moderate_v and_o mitigate_a the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o govern_v after_o a_o wonderful_a sort_n his_o church_n in_o those_o emperor_n day_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v more_o bless_o and_o plentiful_o grow_v but_o omit_v these_o let_v we_o speak_v of_o the_o ten_o great_a and_o general_a persecution_n as_o they_o be_v call_v by_o which_o the_o church_n be_v eager_o assault_v and_o crue_o torment_v on_o all_o side_n the_o first_o persecution_n be_v under_o nero_n the_o sixth_o 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church_n which_o be_v establish_v at_o rome_n 15._o corne._n tacitus_n lib._n 15._o and_o cornelius_n tacitus_n declare_v that_o the_o occasion_n which_o nero_n take_v to_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o be_v this_o that_o he_o command_v secret_o to_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o city_n of_o rome_n that_o he_o may_v see_v some_o form_n or_o image_n as_o it_o be_v which_o may_v represent_v &_o set_v out_o unto_o he_o the_o fire_n of_o troy_n and_o so_o the_o fire_n continue_v in_o the_o city_n six_o day_n space_n which_o make_v such_o a_o destruction_n that_o he_o become_v hereby_o very_o odious_a among_o the_o people_n and_o see_v that_o he_o can_v not_o put_v out_o this_o hatred_n and_o wait_v of_o he_o to_o do_v he_o some_o mischief_n for_o all_o the_o good_a turn_n which_o he_o can_v do_v to_o the_o people_n he_o find_v out_o this_o devise_n to_o sow_v abroad_o this_o bruit_n rumour_n and_o report_n that_o it_o be_v the_o christian_n who_o have_v be_v the_o blower_n of_o that_o fire_n and_o the_o author_n of_o that_o destruction_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o he_o begin_v to_o persecute_v they_o and_o to_o put_v they_o to_o death_n both_o because_o they_o be_v as_o he_o say_v the_o blower_n of_o that_o fire_n and_o also_o because_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o confession_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v they_o to_o die_v his_o upholder_n put_v upon_o their_o back_n the_o skin_n of_o wild_a beast_n that_o they_o may_v be_v tear_v and_o rend_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o piece_n with_o dog_n where_o also_o they_o crucify_v they_o &_o burn_v they_o all_o alive_a &_o although_o the_o day_n fail_v they_o yet_o they_o burn_v they_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o give_v light_n to_o the_o night_n this_o first_o persecution_n begin_v about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 66._o the_o x._o year_n of_o nero_n his_o reign_n &_o last_v 4._o year_n &_o somewhat_o more_o until_o the_o death_n of_o that_o tyrant_n some_o say_v &_o eusebius_n amongst_o those_o recite_v it_o that_o this_o nero_n about_o the_o end_n of_o his_o day_n or_o reign_v cause_v s._n peter_n &_o s._n paul_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n the_o 2._o persecution_n be_v under_o domitian_n the_o twelve_o emperor_n who_o be_v appoint_v emperor_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 83._o &_o reign_v xv_o year_n and_o vi_fw-la month_n he_o be_v so_o lift_v up_o in_o cruelty_n and_o pride_n that_o he_o will_v have_v his_o subject_n call_v he_o god_n &_o lord_n &_o cause_v image_n of_o his_o own_o person_n to_o be_v make_v of_o gold_n &_o silver_n he_o ordain_v as_o his_o father_n vespasian_n have_v do_v before_o he_o that_o inquiry_n shall_v be_v make_v against_o the_o race_n of_o david_n &_o that_o they_o which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v thereof_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o he_o fear_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n &_o about_o the_o 14._o year_n of_o his_o reign_n &_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 97._o he_o cause_v by_o a_o edict_n to_o be_v publish_v and_o proclaim_v a_o cruel_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n insomuche_o that_o the_o church_n be_v miserable_o and_o a_o long_a time_n torment_v under_o he_o the_o three_o persecution_n be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trajan_n the_o fourteen_o emperor_n who_o be_v appoint_v emperor_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 100_o who_o govern_v the_o empire_n nienteene_v year_n six_o month_n and_o fifteen_o day_n he_o be_v great_o praise_v of_o the_o historiographer_n as_o a_o courteous_a and_o gentle_a prince_n and_o some_o say_v that_o he_o be_v so_o renown_v and_o famous_a by_o reason_n of_o his_o justice_n &_o courtesy_n that_o ever_o after_o so_o often_o as_o any_o be_v create_v emperor_n the_o people_n yield_v this_o bless_a exclamation_n outcry_n and_o consent_n be_v he_o more_o happy_a than_o augustus_n and_o better_a than_o trajan_n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n and_o mark_v the_o occasion_n that_o he_o take_v so_o to_o do_v he_o be_v bring_v up_o from_o his_o infancy_n in_o the_o paganish_a and_o heathenish_a superstition_n by_o reason_n whereof_o he_o disdain_v and_o despise_a christian_n religion_n because_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o superstition_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v about_o he_o certain_a courtier_n which_o be_v blower_n of_o that_o fire_n in_o he_o &_o augment_v that_o disdain_n and_o despite_n in_o he_o insomuch_o that_o diverse_a historiographer_n record_n that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o much_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n incline_v to_o shed_v blood_n as_o deceive_v and_o stir_v up_o thereto_o by_o his_o councillor_n and_o principal_o by_o the_o pagane_n priest_n 20._o freculph_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 20._o who_o as_o freculphus_n witness_v give_v good_a store_n of_o silver_n to_o the_o governor_n and_o bribe_v free_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o will_v put_v the_o christian_n to_o death_n as_o their_o deadly_a enemy_n some_o add_v that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v very_o much_o increase_v whereupon_o many_o inconvenience_n may_v come_v to_o the_o roman_a empire_n if_o the_o danger_n be_v not_o prevent_v which_o also_o be_v a_o cause_n that_o trajan_n be_v the_o more_o inflame_v and_o kindle_v against_o they_o as_o also_o sabellicus_n write_v sabellicus_n sabellicus_n that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n be_v more_o suspect_v of_o this_o emperor_n than_o the_o religion_n after_o this_o sort_n than_o do_v they_o accuse_v the_o christian_n of_o sedition_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o for_o these_o cause_n they_o be_v cruel_o persecute_v insomuch_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o pliny_n the_o second_o have_v write_v secund_a plinius_n secund_a that_o public_a commandment_n be_v send_v from_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o province_n by_o which_o every_o governor_n be_v enforce_v too_o persecute_v and_o so_o the_o persecution_n be_v spread_v abroad_o through_o out_o all_o the_o place_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o at_o that_o time_n contain_v not_o only_a europe_n but_o also_o a_o great_a part_n of_o asia_n &_o africa_n and_o the_o say_a persecution_n endure_v about_o fourteen_o year_n but_o yet_o in_o such_o order_n that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o trajan_n it_o be_v some_o what_o less_o sharp_a but_o afterward_o it_o flame_v out_o and_o burst_v forth_o more_o and_o more_o 2._o tertul._n apologi_fw-la capt_n 2._o now_o the_o say_a pliny_n the_o second_o have_v at_o that_o time_n the_o government_n of_o a_o certain_a province_n to_o wit_n of_o bethina_fw-la and_o as_o tertullian_n say_v he_o be_v appoint_v too_o persecute_v the_o christian_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 112._o and_o of_o trajan_n the_o xiiii_o year_n wherefore_o he_o be_v astonish_v with_o the_o great_a number_n of_o martyr_n
which_o be_v every_o day_n put_v to_o death_n do_v write_v a_o letter_n too_o the_o aforesaid_a emperor_n to_o advertise_v he_o or_o to_o give_v he_o to_o understand_v of_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o his_o province_n and_o to_o have_v his_o advice_n &_o counsel_n touch_v that_o which_o he_o be_v to_o do_v in_o time_n to_o come_v to_o who_o the_o emperor_n make_v answer_v by_o another_o letter_n declare_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v he_o to_o understande_v his_o intent_n and_o purpose_n and_o because_o that_o in_o these_o letter_n we_o may_v see_v on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o innocence_n of_o the_o faithful_a people_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o injustice_n of_o tyrant_n and_o because_o they_o do_v lively_o set_v out_o untoo_o we_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n and_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o those_o which_o persecute_v they_o and_o may_v by_o this_o mean_v stand_v the_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v in_o very_o good_a steed_n for_o instruction_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v good_a and_o expedient_a that_o we_o inregister_n they_o and_o put_v they_o down_o here_o now_o follow_v pliny_n his_o letter_n which_o he_o send_v to_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n even_o as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o his_o own_o book_n sir_n trajan_n pliny_n the_o second_o his_o letter_n to_o trajan_n i_o be_o accustom_v to_o declare_v unto_o your_o majesty_n all_o the_o affair_n and_o matter_n whereof_o i_o be_o in_o doubt_n for_o who_o can_v better_a correct_v my_o dulness_n or_o instruct_v my_o ignorance_n i_o be_v never_o yet_o present_a at_o the_o trial_n of_o christian_n and_o proceed_n against_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o know_v not_o what_o information_n they_o put_v in_o against_o they_o or_o for_o what_o cause_n they_o punish_v they_o and_o i_o have_v be_v in_o great_a doubt_n to_o wit_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n too_o be_v make_v of_o age_n or_o whether_o those_o which_o be_v very_o young_a do_v not_o in_o some_o thing_n differ_v from_o these_o which_o be_v more_o strong_a or_o whether_o we_o shall_v pardon_v they_o which_o repent_v or_o whether_o this_o may_v stand_v a_o man_n in_o any_o steed_n that_o have_v be_v a_o christian_n to_o be_v so_o no_o more_o and_o although_o the_o name_n import_v no_o wickedness_n yet_o i_o doubt_v whether_o the_o wickedness_n tie_v to_o the_o name_n ought_v to_o be_v punish_v or_o no._n but_o behold_v what_o way_n and_o mean_v i_o have_v hitherto_o hold_v and_o take_v touch_v they_o which_o be_v accuse_v before_o i_o as_o christian_n i_o have_v ask_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v christian_n threaten_v they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o trial_n and_o examination_n and_o if_o some_o persevere_v i_o have_v decree_v and_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v lead_v to_o punishment_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o at_o all_o that_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v which_o they_o will_v confess_v but_o that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o punish_v such_o stubborness_n &_o indurate_a obstinacy_n there_o have_v be_v some_o lead_n with_o such_o a_o like_a kindle_a folly_n and_o because_o they_o be_v citizen_n of_o rome_n i_o have_v decree_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v send_v back_o again_o to_o rome_n in_o process_n of_o time_n as_o it_o common_o fall_v out_o the_o mischief_n be_v spread_v abroad_o &_o diverse_a kind_n be_v come_v up_o some_o have_v publish_v a_o little_a book_n without_o the_o author_n name_n contain_v the_o name_n of_o diverse_a which_o deny_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n or_o so_o to_o have_v be_v i_o have_v make_v they_o call_v upon_o the_o god_n i_o speak_v first_o and_o they_o after_o i_o and_o see_v that_o they_o offer_v wine_n &_o incense_n to_o your_o image_n which_o i_o cause_v too_o be_v bring_v thither_o with_o the_o image_n of_o the_o god_n and_o beside_o this_o that_o they_o curse_a christ_n i_o have_v decree_v to_o let_v they_o go_v at_o liberty_n &_o special_o because_o some_o say_v that_o those_o which_o be_v christian_n in_o deed_n can_v be_v induce_v or_o draw_v to_o this_o for_o any_o force_n or_o violence_n which_o you_o can_v do_v to_o they_o some_o be_v disclose_v by_o the_o accuser_n have_v first_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o immediate_o have_v deny_v that_o they_o be_v such_o yea_o indeed_o that_o they_o have_v be_v christian_n though_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o any_o more_o othersome_a say_v that_o it_o be_v but_o little_a above_o three_o year_n since_o they_o be_v such_o but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v so_o no_o more_o other_o some_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o long_a time_n yea_o some_o that_o it_o be_v above_o xx_o year_n all_o worship_v your_o image_n &_o the_o picture_n and_o image_n of_o the_o god_n these_o also_o curse_a christ_n moreover_o they_o affirm_v that_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n or_o chief_a either_o of_o their_o fault_n or_o of_o their_o error_n that_o they_o have_v a_o certain_a day_n appoint_v wherein_o they_o assemble_v themselves_o before_o day_n and_o do_v sing_v altogether_o a_o song_n or_o psalm_n unto_o christ_n as_o unto_o god_n and_o it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n they_o bind_v themselves_o by_o a_o oath_n not_o to_o commit_v any_o offence_n but_o it_o be_v do_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v not_o commit_v any_o theft_n robbery_n or_o adultery_n lest_o they_o shall_v break_v their_o faith_n promise_v and_o give_v and_o shall_v deny_v that_o which_o be_v give_v they_o to_o keep_v and_o this_o be_v do_v they_o be_v accustom_v to_o depart_v every_o one_o about_o his_o business_n &_o afterward_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o again_o to_o take_v their_o refection_n in_o common_a and_o one_o with_o another_o and_o yet_o without_o do_v any_o manner_n of_o evil_a now_o than_o they_o cease_v after_o my_o edict_n and_o proclamation_n by_o which_o according_a to_o your_o decree_n i_o have_v forbid_v to_o keep_v any_o assembly_n or_o conventicle_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o have_v i_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v this_o by_o the_o examination_n of_o 2._o maiden_n which_o some_o say_v have_v serve_v such_o people_n but_o i_o have_v not_o find_v any_o other_o thing_n save_v a_o certain_a perverse_a superstition_n &_o therefore_o put_v of_o to_o be_v instruct_v therein_o i_o have_v have_v my_o recourse_n to_o you_o sir_n to_o have_v counsel_n thereof_o for_o it_o seem_v unto_o i_o that_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n meet_v and_o worthy_a to_o be_v consult_v of_o principal_o by_o reason_n of_o of_o the_o multitude_n &_o great_a number_n of_o they_o which_o be_v in_o danger_n for_o diverse_a of_o all_o condition_n and_o estate_n old_a and_o young_a man_n and_o woman_n be_v common_o in_o danger_n &_o so_o will_v be_v for_o the_o contagion_n and_o infection_n of_o this_o superstition_n be_v spread_v abroad_o not_o only_o in_o city_n but_o also_o in_o town_n village_n &_o field_n &_o it_o seem_v that_o it_o can_v or_o will_v be_v easy_o stay_v &_o correct_v and_o very_o we_o perceive_v that_o they_o begin_v to_o frequent_v and_o repair_v to_o the_o temple_n whereunto_o they_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o come_v &_o that_o they_o give_v themselves_o to_o celebrate_v the_o divine_a service_n which_o be_v long_a time_n omit_v and_o that_o many_o beast_n be_v sell_v to_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n whereas_o heretofore_o there_o be_v few_o buyer_n find_v by_o this_o we_o may_v easy_o conjecture_v what_o a_o multitude_n of_o man_n may_v come_v to_o amendment_n if_o we_o will_v give_v they_o leisure_n to_o repent_v themselves_o and_o this_o be_v the_o content_n of_o pliny_n his_o letter_n to_o trajan_n now_o follow_v the_o answer_n my_o friend_n secundus_fw-la pliny_n traianus_n answer_n to_o pliny_n thou_o have_v do_v that_o which_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o man_n who_o have_v be_v accuse_v before_o these_o christian_n for_o we_o can_v not_o general_o establish_v and_o ordain_v any_o matter_n which_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a form_n let_v there_o be_v no_o more_o information_n and_o inquire_v make_v of_o they_o but_o if_o any_o accuse_v they_o let_v they_o be_v punish_v yet_o so_o notwithstanding_o that_o he_o which_o shall_v deny_v that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o shall_v declare_v the_o same_o by_o effect_n to_o wit_n in_o make_v supplication_n and_o prayer_n to_o our_o god_n although_o that_o in_o time_n heretofore_o he_o have_v be_v suspect_v do_v obtain_v pardon_n by_o this_o repentance_n and_o as_o touch_v the_o book_n which_o be_v publish_v &_o set_v out_o without_o the_o autours_n name_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v place_n or_o to_o be_v account_v among_o crime_n or_o fault_n for_o that_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a example_n &_o
also_o it_o have_v not_o be_v begin_v in_o our_o time_n 2._o euseb_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 33._o tertull._n apolo_n cap._n 2._o behold_v the_o two_o letter_n whereof_o eusebius_n make_v mention_n in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n allege_v tertullian_n in_o his_o apologetico_fw-la which_o tertullian_n censure_v the_o emperor_n answer_n speak_v after_o this_o manner_n o_o sentence_n confuse_a and_o darken_v by_o necessity_n which_o decree_v that_o inquiry_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v of_o they_o because_o they_o seem_v innocent_a people_n &_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v as_o culpable_a and_o guilty_a it_o use_v pardon_n &_o cruelty_n it_o dissemble_v &_o punish_v wherefore_o o_o emperor_n do_v thou_o abuse_v thyself_o in_o thy_o charge_n and_o censure_n if_o thou_o condemn_v christian_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o make_v and_o put_v in_o also_o information_n against_o they_o or_o if_o thou_o make_v and_o put_v in_o no_o information_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o condemn_v they_o the_o four_o persecution_n be_v under_o marcus_n antonius_n verus_fw-la the_o xvi_o emperor_n who_o be_v create_v in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 162._o he_o be_v otherwise_o call_v of_o the_o historiographer_n marcus_n aurelius_n verus_n and_o surname_v the_o philosopher_n he_o govern_v the_o empire_n the_o space_n of_o xviii_o or_o nineteeen_o year_n his_o virtue_n be_v great_a and_o wonderful_a yet_o the_o true_a virtue_n be_v want_v in_o he_o to_o wit_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o look_v by_o how_o much_o more_o he_o be_v gentle_a towards_o his_o own_o by_o so_o much_o he_o be_v the_o more_o rude_a and_o severe_a against_o the_o christian_n as_o a_o stoical_a man_n &_o nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o from_o his_o infancy_n with_o the_o priest_n of_o satia_fw-la his_o law_n &_o edict_n declare_v how_o cruel_a he_o be_v towards_o the_o christian_n for_o in_o the_o book_n of_o digest_v we_o find_v such_o a_o writing_n or_o law_n that_o he_o make_v that_o those_o which_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n shall_v be_v banish_v and_o send_v into_o the_o isle_n 62._o euseb_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 62._o eusebius_n recite_v certain_a thing_n take_v out_o of_o the_o apology_n of_o melitus_n the_o bishop_n of_o sardis_n among_o which_o be_v this_o also_o to_o be_v show_v that_o the_o faithful_a people_n suffer_v persecution_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o new_a edict_n which_o be_v publish_v in_o asia_n wherewith_o the_o slanderer_n make_v themselves_o strong_a be_v provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o pill_n and_o rob_v the_o faithful_a in_o every_o place_n wheresoever_o they_o find_v they_o and_o to_o steal_v away_o the_o good_n of_o the_o poor_a innocent_n 1_o euseb_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 1_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o vienna_n and_o of_o lion_n city_n of_o france_n send_v to_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o asia_n &_o phrigia_n of_o which_o eusebius_n make_v mention_v speak_v of_o a_o writing_n or_o law_n of_o the_o emperor_n send_v too_o the_o governor_n of_o france_n by_o which_o he_o ordain_v that_o they_o shall_v put_v to_o death_n the_o christian_n persevere_v and_o continue_v in_o their_o confession_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v let_v the_o other_o go_v which_o will_v abjure_v forswear_v and_o forsake_v the_o same_o as_o touch_v the_o crime_n and_o fault_n whereof_o the_o christian_n be_v accuse_v the_o foresay_a epistle_n recite_v that_o the_o pagan_n provoke_v yea_o constrain_v they_o to_o confess_v strange_a matter_n and_o behold_v what_o it_o say_v some_o be_v find_v amongst_o we_o which_o be_v weak_a who_o be_v vanquish_v by_o satan_n and_o very_o much_o fear_v torment_n which_o they_o see_v the_o saint_n suffer_v and_o abide_v be_v also_o push_v on_o by_o the_o soldier_n have_v allege_v against_o we_o that_o in_o our_o banquet_n we_o shall_v eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o little_a child_n as_o be_v use_v in_o thiest_n his_o banquet_n and_o that_o we_o commit_v whoredom_n and_o hortible_a incest_n like_o oedipus_n and_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o name_n yea_o &_o that_o so_o execrable_a &_o abominable_a that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o think_v that_o man_n shall_v ever_o have_v commit_v such_o act_n and_o as_o concern_v the_o torment_n the_o self_n same_o epistle_n rehearse_v they_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v spy_v and_o watch_v both_o within_o their_o house_n and_o without_o that_o man_n cry_v out_o against_o they_o in_o all_o public_a and_o open_a place_n that_o they_o do_v beat_v and_o whip_v they_o draw_v they_o up_o and_o down_o stone_v they_o pilled_a and_o take_v away_o their_o good_n and_o imprison_v they_o that_o they_o apply_v and_o lay_v unto_o they_o burn_v blade_n of_o iron_n that_o they_o shut_v they_o together_o in_o a_o instrument_n of_o torture_n and_o torment_v even_o unto_o the_o five_o hole_n that_o they_o put_v they_o into_o obscure_a and_o dark_a dungeon_n that_o they_o strangle_v they_o within_o the_o prison_n that_o they_o cast_v they_o to_o beast_n that_o they_o put_v they_o with_o in_o cauldron_n of_o iron_n to_o burn_v they_o that_o they_o hang_v they_o on_o gibbet_n that_o they_o cast_v they_o to_o bull_n which_o may_v pierce_v and_o gore_v they_o with_o their_o horn_n and_o such_o other_o like_o thing_n the_o 5._o persecution_n be_v under_o severus_n xxi_o emperor_n who_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o empire_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 196._o he_o reign_v 18._o year_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v some_o what_o peaceable_a from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o emperor_n commodus_n who_o be_v the_o xviii_o emperor_n &_o create_v about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 182._o until_o severus_n come_v who_o in_o the_o ix_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n which_o be_v after_o eusebius_n account_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 205._o move_v &_o stir_v up_o a_o terrible_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o province_n and_o country_n and_o some_o think_v that_o he_o be_v move_v thereto_o rather_o by_o the_o vice_n &_o fault_n which_o the_o furious_a common_a people_n do_v very_o false_o and_o wrongful_o lay_v to_o the_o christian_n charge_n then_o to_o say_v that_o of_o himself_o he_o have_v his_o heart_n inflame_v against_o they_o tertullian_n who_o be_v in_o his_o time_n say_v scapul_fw-la tertullian_n ad_fw-la scapul_fw-la that_o he_o show_v himself_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n not_o only_o courteous_a gentle_a and_o full_a of_o beneficence_n liberality_n and_o good_a will_n but_o also_o do_v open_o resist_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o people_n yet_o eusebius_n prove_v by_o diverse_a example_n of_o the_o martyr_n that_o this_o emperout_a be_v a_o terrible_a persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o crime_n false_o object_v &_o allege_v against_o the_o christian_n apologes_fw-la tertul._n ad_fw-la scapu_n &_o in_o apologes_fw-la tertullian_n recite_v diverse_a of_o they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o sedition_n and_o treason_n that_o they_o have_v blame_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o emperor_n his_o honour_n that_o they_o be_v murderer_n church_n robber_n incestuous_a person_n killer_n of_o infant_n which_o they_o do_v eat_v the_o flesh_n be_v raw_a that_o they_o commit_v whoredom_n without_o have_v respect_n with_o who_o after_o that_o they_o have_v put_v out_o the_o candle_n with_o which_o filthiness_n the_o gnostici_fw-la be_v in_o deed_n spot_v also_o that_o they_o worship_v the_o head_n of_o a_o ass_n in_o the_o steed_n of_o god_n that_o they_o worship_v the_o sun_n that_o they_o be_v in_o nothing_o profitable_a for_o other_o that_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a crime_n that_o they_o lay_v against_o they_o or_o upon_o they_o be_v this_o that_o they_o despise_v the_o god_n which_o other_o man_n worship_v and_o touch_v the_o sort_n and_o manner_n of_o torment_n we_o may_v gather_v it_o out_o of_o that_o which_o eusebius_n have_v write_v of_o it_o eusebius_n eusebius_n that_o some_o be_v buffet_v and_o beat_v other_o some_o behead_v other_o burn_v other_o have_v boil_v pitch_n pour_v over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o their_o body_n and_o so_o they_o be_v by_o little_a and_o little_o burn_v and_o put_v to_o death_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o that_o all_o their_o good_n be_v peel_v away_o rob_v and_o confiscate_v the_o sixth_o persecution_n be_v under_o julius_n maximianus_n the_o xxvi_o emperor_n who_o succeed_v alexander_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 237._o &_o reign_v only_o about_o three_o year_n he_o be_v a_o shepherd_n in_o his_o young_a age_n but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o great_a and_o mighty_a man_n be_v a_o soldier_n he_o be_v create_v emperor_n without_o any_o authority_n of_o the_o senate_n but_o by_o the_o only_a good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o
the_o advauncement_n grow_v &_o proceed_v of_o his_o kingdom_n he_o do_v somewhat_o estrange_v himself_o from_o we_o insomuch_o that_o be_v already_o almost_o win_v by_o some_o counsellor_n he_o move_v persecution_n against_o we_o &_o great_a bruit_n or_o noise_n be_v thereof_o he_o among_o us._n notwithstanding_o even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o persecute_v we_o and_o have_v as_o it_o be_v subscribe_v to_o the_o decree_n which_o they_o be_v to_o publish_v against_o we_o a_o certain_a vengeance_n and_o wrath_n send_v from_o god_n sudden_o overtake_v he_o which_o cause_v this_o pernicious_a and_o hurtful_a cruelty_n to_o cease_v the_o ten_o persecution_n be_v under_o dioclesian_n and_o maximianus_n hercules_n dioclesian_n be_v establish_v emperor_n about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 288._o and_o associate_a unto_o he_o maximianus_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o empire_n he_o reign_v twenty_o year_n pomponius_n laetus_n in_o the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o roman_a story_n recite_v that_o dioclesian_n forget_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n and_o name_v himself_o the_o brother_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n as_o though_o there_o have_v be_v in_o he_o some_o divine_a or_o heavenly_a majesty_n make_v a_o edict_n and_o law_n by_o which_o he_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v worship_v he_o as_o god_n and_o that_o all_o without_o difference_n of_o what_o race_n and_o condition_n soever_o they_o be_v shall_v kiss_v his_o foot_n and_o for_o this_o end_n he_o have_v shoe_n stuff_v and_o beset_v with_o gold_n and_o precious_a stone_n the_o selfsame_o pomponius_n say_v also_o that_o maximianus_n be_v open_o cruel_a rage_a terrible_a to_o behold_v without_o faith_n or_o trustiness_n now_o this_o persecution_n which_o they_o move_v against_o the_o christian_n last_v ten_o year_n and_o be_v the_o great_a and_o cruel_a of_o all_o 2._o vincentius_n in_o specul_fw-la lib._n 12._o cap._n 2._o vincentius_n in_o his_o glass_n speak_v of_o a_o whole_a legion_n of_o christian_n call_v the_o legion_n of_o thebes_n in_o egypt_n which_o be_v all_o cut_n in_o piece_n because_o they_o will_v not_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n as_o the_o emperor_n have_v command_v 136_o vincen._n in_o specul_fw-la lib._n 12._o cap._n 136_o he_o say_v also_o that_o at_o trieres_n which_o be_v a_o city_n situate_v by_o the_o river_n mosella_n one_o rictionarius_n exercise_v so_o great_a cruelty_n that_o the_o river_n be_v read_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v slay_v and_o beside_o that_o he_o send_v post_n up_o and_o down_o hither_o and_o thither_o with_o decree_n and_o express_a commission_n to_o this_o end_n that_o in_o whatsoever_o place_n any_o christian_a be_v find_v they_o shall_v present_o put_v he_o to_o death_n sabellie_n sabellie_n sabellicus_n recite_v that_o in_o the_o city_n of_o alexandria_n peter_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o say_a place_n be_v behead_v beside_o more_o than_o three_o hundred_o other_o henry_n of_o erforde_n erford_n henric._n erford_n make_v mention_n of_o gereon_o bishop_n of_o colen_n who_o as_o he_o say_v be_v also_o behead_v with_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o companion_n otto_n of_o phrysingia_n reheatse_v 41._o otto_n phryse_v lib._n 3._o cap._n 41._o that_o mauricius_n a_o conductour_n or_o capitaine_n of_o a_o christian_n legion_n be_v slay_v &_o with_o he_o 1666._o person_n of_o his_o own_o people_n &_o that_o victor_n be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o city_n of_o troy_n which_o be_v now_o call_v panthus_n with_o 366._o of_o his_o companion_n or_o fellow_n martin_n chroni_n martin_n the_o chronicle_n of_o martin_n &_o the_o book_n which_o be_v entitle_v fasiculus_fw-la temporum_fw-la tempor_fw-la fasicul_n tempor_fw-la do_v witness_n that_o so_o many_o christian_n as_o be_v in_o england_n be_v all_o put_v to_o death_n 3._o euseb_n lib._n 8._o ca._n 3._o eusebius_n say_v that_o by_o the_o edict_n of_o these_o emperor_n commandment_n be_v give_v that_o the_o temple_n shall_v be_v raze_v and_o pull_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n the_o holy_a scripture_n burn_v and_o all_o christian_n persevere_v in_o their_o religion_n make_v infamous_a and_o deprive_v of_o all_o their_o liberty_n and_o of_o all_o their_o office_n and_o dignity_n also_o that_o all_o prelate_n bishop_n and_o pastor_n shall_v be_v in_o every_o place_n straight_o imprison_v and_o afterwards_o with_o all_o cruelty_n constrain_v and_o enforce_v to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n otherwise_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o to_o death_n 11._o euseb_n lib._n 8._o cap._n 11._o he_o say_v also_o that_o the_o emperor_n have_v send_v certain_a commandment_n to_o a_o certain_a city_n of_o phrigia_n the_o commandment_n tend_v to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v offer_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n and_o shall_v worship_v their_o image_n they_o not_o mind_v to_o obey_v be_v all_o christian_n yea_o even_o the_o magistrate_n the_o treasurer_n and_o the_o capitaine_n the_o city_n be_v besiege_v and_o all_o it_o with_o all_o the_o people_n therein_o be_v burn_v together_o nicephorus_n write_v 6._o nicepho_n lib._n 7._o cap._n 6._o that_o in_o one_o city_n at_o once_o there_o be_v burn_v in_o one_o temple_n on_o christ_n birth_n day_n twenty_o thousand_o person_n by_o the_o commandment_n of_o maximianus_n to_o be_v short_a the_o persecution_n be_v in_o every_o place_n so_o cruel_a and_o so_o sharp_a that_o the_o christian_n faith_n be_v almost_o extinguish_v and_o put_v out_o as_o well_o in_o the_o east_n by_o dioclesian_n as_o in_o the_o the_o west_n by_o maximianus_n and_o as_o concern_v the_o fashion_n and_o manner_n of_o torment_n they_o be_v sundry_a and_o diverse_a yea_o and_o very_o strange_a 3.6.7.8.9_o euseb_n lib._n 8_o cap._n 3.6.7.8.9_o they_o do_v beat_v the_o christian_n with_o rod_n they_o rack_v they_o they_o murder_v they_o they_o burn_v they_o they_o throw_v they_o by_o thousand_o into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n they_o cast_v they_o to_o wild_a beast_n as_o leopard_n bear_n lion_n bullock_n and_o bull_n provoke_v against_o they_o by_o fire_n and_o sharp_a prick_v or_o goad_n they_o hang_v they_o on_o gibbettes_n they_o put_v they_o to_o death_n on_o cross_n they_o tie_v they_o to_o post_n with_o their_o head_n downwarde_a they_o lift_v they_o upon_o fork_n upon_o the_o which_o they_o keep_v they_o alive_a until_o famine_n and_o hunger_n cause_v they_o to_o die_v they_o spoil_v they_o all_o naked_a and_o they_o tie_v they_o by_o one_o of_o their_o foot_n and_o lift_v they_o up_o into_o the_o air_n which_o be_v a_o cruel_a and_o vilainous_a spectacle_n special_o in_o the_o woman_n so_o cruel_o handle_v they_o tie_v they_o to_o branch_n and_o to_o tree_n and_o they_o make_v man_n bow_v down_o the_o strong_a bough_n to_o draw_v and_o tear_v in_o sunder_o the_o member_n of_o the_o poor_a faithful_a people_n who_o be_v tie_v thereto_o they_o behead_v they_o they_o choke_v they_o with_o smoke_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o little_a fire_n 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judgement_n of_o god_n 1._o euseb_n lib._n 8._o cap._n 1._o because_o that_o the_o christian_n abuse_v the_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o serve_v he_o withal_o become_v slow_a &_o sluggish_a full_a of_o hypocrisy_n and_o false_a show_n and_o dissemble_a seditious_a contentious_a person_n pursue_v one_o a_o other_o for_o small_a injury_n &_o that_o through_o deadly_a hatred_n the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n inflame_v with_o envy_n hatred_n and_o ill_a will_n puff_v up_o with_o ambition_n and_o pride_n have_v also_o reject_v the_o rule_n of_o godliness_n &_o charity_n lift_v up_o themselves_o one_o against_o a_o other_o provoke_v and_o outrageous_o threaten_v one_o a_o other_o insomuch_o that_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o hold_v and_o possess_v the_o seat_n of_o tyrant_n than_o of_o prelate_n a_o example_n certain_o which_o ought_v very_o well_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o
humility_n and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o remain_v and_o abide_v unite_v and_o join_v together_o one_o of_o we_o with_o a_o other_o diligent_o keep_v through_o the_o band_n of_o peace_n that_o spiritual_a unity_n which_o god_n command_v we_o if_o we_o will_v live_v in_o tranquillity_n and_o enjoy_v some_o rest_n here_o below_o on_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o perverse_a and_o crooked_a generation_n and_o thus_o much_o touch_v the_o ten_o great_a and_o general_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v be_v able_a to_o gather_v they_o out_o of_o the_o historiographer_n but_o as_o we_o have_v before_o note_v that_o before_o this_o the_o church_n be_v persecute_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o emperor_n augustus_n tiberius_n caligula_n and_o claudius_n so_o we_o have_v to_o mark_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o other_o emperor_n who_o reign_v between_o the_o time_n of_o who_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o general_a persecution_n the_o faithful_a people_n and_o christian_n do_v not_o so_o live_v at_o their_o ease_n but_o that_o every_o day_n some_o new_a assault_n be_v make_v against_o they_o and_o lay_v upon_o they_o and_o after_o these_o emperor_n yet_o be_v not_o the_o church_n in_o rest_n but_o be_v afterward_o almost_o every_o day_n assault_v and_o torment_v as_o for_o example_n under_o galerius_n a_o cruel_a tyrant_n who_o increase_v the_o persecution_n begin_v by_o dioclesian_n and_o under_o certain_a other_o now_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o from_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o rome_n unto_o silvester_n the_o first_o of_o that_o name_n who_o be_v constitute_v &_o set_v up_o in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 314._o there_o be_v thirty_o and_o two_o bishop_n of_o rome_n all_o they_o suffer_v martyrdom_n since_o that_o time_n the_o other_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o most_o part_n yea_o almost_o all_o have_v due_o govern_v and_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o charge_n and_o office_n and_o in_o steed_n of_o the_o vow_n of_o martyrdom_n which_o their_o predecessor_n have_v they_o have_v usurp_v another_o very_a trim_a haunt_n they_o themselves_o make_v themselves_o in_o steed_n of_o the_o pagane_n emperor_n tyrant_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o notwitstand_v there_o be_v also_o certain_a cruel_a emperor_n under_o who_o apostata_fw-la julian_n the_o apostata_fw-la or_o in_o who_o day_n the_o church_n suffer_v very_o much_o julian_n the_o apostata_fw-la about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 363._o reign_a emperor_n about_o two_o year_n he_o ordain_v that_o the_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v receive_v to_o warfare_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v any_o temporal_a office_n touch_v criminal_a judgement_n mean_v thereby_o any_o authority_n to_o judge_v touch_v life_n and_o death_n say_v he_o in_o deed_n mock_v they_o that_o by_o their_o law_n it_o be_v forbid_v to_o use_v the_o sword_n he_o make_v a_o law_n by_o which_o the_o good_n of_o the_o galilean_n for_o so_o he_o call_v the_o christian_n shall_v be_v confiscate_v say_v that_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o poverty_n he_o ordain_v and_o set_v a_o certain_a punishment_n by_o money_n upon_o they_o which_o will_v not_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o thereby_o find_v the_o mean_a to_o get_v and_o catch_v a_o great_a some_o of_o money_n and_o when_o the_o christian_n complain_v thereof_o it_o belong_v to_o you_o will_v he_o say_v to_o suffer_v evilles_n for_o your_o galilean_a have_v so_o command_v you_o socrates_n recite_v all_o this_o valens_n socrates_n lib._n 3._o cap_n 13._o &_o 14._o valens_n in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 13._o &_o 14._o valens_n be_v create_v emperor_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 366._o reign_v fifteen_o year_n he_o send_v many_o bishop_n elder_n and_o deacon_n into_o exile_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v greevous_o torment_v &_o use_v great_a cruelty_n against_o the_o christian_a church_n touch_v which_o we_o will_v note_v and_o put_v down_o a_o history_n meet_v to_o be_v remember_v 16.8_o socrat._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 18._o sozom._n lib._n 16.8_o which_o fall_v out_o about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 380_o whereof_o socrates_n the_o historiographer_n and_o sozomen_n both_o make_v mention_n there_o be_v say_v they_o in_o the_o city_n of_o edessa_n in_o mesopo_n tamia_fw-la a_o temple_n of_o s._n thomas_n whereto_o the_o christian_n do_v common_o come_v and_o wherein_o they_o have_v their_o ordinary_a assembly_n which_o thing_n the_o emperor_n valens_n see_v and_o know_v that_o this_o multitude_n detest_v his_o heresy_n he_o give_v the_o provost_n of_o the_o city_n a_o blow_n with_o his_o hand_n because_o he_o have_v not_o give_v order_n to_o drive_v from_o thence_o the_o say_a christian_n now_o this_o provost_n have_v receive_v that_o blow_n &_o be_v ready_a &_o at_o the_o point_n to_o execute_v the_o emperor_n commandment_n against_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n not_o will_v also_o to_o commit_v so_o great_a a_o murder_n against_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n secret_o advertise_v they_o and_o give_v they_o intelligence_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v find_v but_o none_o will_v yield_v to_o his_o counsel_n not_o fear_v any_o threaten_n insomuch_o that_o on_o the_o morrow_n all_o assemble_v themselves_o &_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a place_n as_o they_o be_v accustom_v then_o as_o the_o provost_n of_o that_o city_n go_v with_o a_o great_a company_n of_o soldier_n to_o the_o say_a temple_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o emperor_n commandment_n a_o poor_a woman_n hold_v a_o little_a child_n of_o she_o by_o the_o hand_n make_v haste_n to_o go_v to_o martyrdom_n with_o her_o brethren_n and_o with_o the_o haste_n which_o she_o make_v she_o break_v the_o rank_n and_o row_n of_o the_o soldier_n wherewith_o the_o provost_n be_v angry_a and_o much_o move_v cause_v the_o say_a woman_n to_o come_v unto_o he_o to_o who_o he_o say_v o_o curse_a woman_n whither_o run_v thou_o so_o unorderly_o thither_o say_v she_o whither_o all_o the_o other_o make_v haste_n to_o go_v do_v not_o thou_o say_v he_o understande_v that_o the_o provost_n go_v thither_o to_o murder_n and_o kill_v all_o those_o that_o he_o shall_v find_v there_o i_o understand_v it_o say_v she_o very_o well_o &_o therefore_o i_o make_v haste_n that_o i_o may_v be_v find_v with_o they_o and_o whither_o lead_v thou_o this_o little_a child_n say_v he_o the_o woman_n say_v thither_o also_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o likewise_o may_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n when_o the_o foresaid_a provost_n understand_v these_o thing_n he_o marvel_v at_o the_o courage_n &_o boldness_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o return_v towards_o the_o emperor_n declate_v unto_o he_o that_o all_o be_v prepare_v and_o ready_a to_o endure_v and_o suffer_v death_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a or_o meet_v too_o put_v to_o death_n in_o so_o little_a time_n so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o people_n by_o which_o word_n he_o persuade_v valens_n to_o moderate_a and_o stay_v his_o wrath_n and_o so_o the_o aforesaid_a faithful_a people_n of_o edessa_n escape_v death_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v say_v in_o another_o place_n that_o they_o be_v afterwards_o throw_v out_o of_o the_o city_n &_o send_v into_o banishment_n we_o may_v in_o deed_n easy_o bring_v forth_o in_o this_o place_n many_o other_o example_n of_o persecution_n under_o the_o emperor_n but_o then_o this_o discourse_n or_o treatise_n will_v be_v overlong_o and_o also_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o great_a persecution_n have_v sithence_o the_o abovenamed_a fall_v upon_o the_o poor_a church_n by_o they_o that_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o governor_n thereof_o who_o have_v on_o their_o side_n worldly_a king_n and_o prince_n who_o also_o give_v they_o all_o and_o show_v they_o all_o favour_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o martyr_n both_o in_o former_a age_n and_o also_o in_o our_o time_n do_v yield_v sufficient_a credit_n and_o witness_n thereof_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o insert_v or_o allege_v in_o this_o place_n any_o example_n thereof_o but_o touch_v this_o matter_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n church_n point_n to_o be_v mark_v touch_v the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v to_o observe_v and_o mark_v certain_a point_n the_o first_o reason_n be_v that_o persecution_n &_o affliction_n come_v not_o without_o the_o providence_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v these_o place_n 45.7_o isaiah_n 45.7_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n that_o form_n the_o light_n and_o create_v darkness_n i_o make_v peace_n and_o create_v evil_a i_o the_o lord_n do_v all_o these_o thing_n 3.6_o amos._n 3.6_o this_o be_v in_o isaiah_n and_o amos_n say_v shall_v there_o be_v evil_a