first_o and_o foremost_a because_o our_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o 2._o isaia_n 59_o 1._o 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 advauncement_n of_o god_n his_o glory_n and_o for_o the_o augment_v and_o increase_n 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 the_o brother_n of_o martha_n and_o marie_n 15._o john_n 11.14_o 15._o 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 afterwards_o 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 and_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 all_o the_o while_n that_o they_o be_v keep_v captive_n and_o prisoner_n there_o throughout_o exod._n 14._o throughout_o but_o they_o never_o have_v so_o great_a a_o occasion_n to_o feat_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 foureteen_v chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la 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 etc._n 1._o sam._n 27._o 1_o etc._n etc._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 enemis_fw-fr yea_o in_o the_o court_n of_o king_n achish_n throughout_o isaih_n 37._o throughout_o where_o he_o find_v himself_o in_o extreme_a danger_n 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 zennacherib_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 and_o deliver_v to_o the_o assyrian_n pity_n etc._n mark_n 6.47_o etc._n etc._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 and_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 four_o watch_n of_o the_o night_n wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o loose_v our_o courage_n and_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 and_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 and_o beat_v down_o even_o then_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 for_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o needy_a 5._o psal_n 12._o 5._o 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 19.20.22_o psal_n 34.7.17_o 19.20.22_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o deliver_v they_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 all_o 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 call_v upon_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n 14.15_o psal_n 50._o 15._o psal_n 9_o 14.15_o 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 psal_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 luke_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 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 acts._n 12.7_o act_n 5.19_o and_o we_o have_v many_o example_n hereof_o in_o the_o scripture_n 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 and_o shadtach_v meshach_n &_o abednego_n out_o of_o the_o burn_a flame_n and_o oven_n when_o he_o deliver_v from_o death_n susanna_n already_o condemn_v when_o he_o set_v jerusalem_n at_o liberty_n when_o he_o bring_v saint_n peter_n out_o of_o prison_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n and_o at_o this_o day_n although_o we_o see_v not_o angel_n visible_o round_o about_o we_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o cease_v not_o by_o experience_n to_o feel_v god_n aid_n and_o succour_n and_o that_o after_o many_o sort_n yea_o extraordinary_a we_o know_v also_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v in_o zacharias_n 2.8_o zacha._n 2.8_o to_o wit_n he_o that_o touch_v you_o shall_v touch_v the_o apple_n of_o my_o eye_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o indeed_o jesus_n christ_n account_v the_o persecution_n which_o man_n bend_v against_o his_o church_n as_o bend_v against_o his_o very_o own_o person_n which_o appear_v by_o the_o reproof_n that_o he_o give_v saint_n paul_n say_v saul_n saul_n 4.9_o acts._n 4.9_o wherefore_o do_v thou_o persecute_v i_o who_o will_v ever_o have_v look_v for_o such_o assistance_n and_o help_n as_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o his_o church_n in_o our_o time_n be_v there_o at_o any_o time_n more_o furious_a and_o rage_a persecution_n be_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n church_n ever_o great_a they_o spare_v not_o wisdom_n nor_o counsel_n nor_o power_n nor_o diligence_n nor_o man_n nor_o money_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o poor_a church_n may_v be_v altogether_o cast_v down_o and_o make_v ruinous_a but_o behold_v the_o prudencie_n the_o counsel_n the_o might_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v far_o above_o all_o that_o which_o set_v itself_o against_o his_o greatness_n yea_o he_o work_v miraculous_o by_o hide_a close_a and_o secret_a mean_n insomuch_o that_o all_o the_o height_n of_o the_o world_n be_v confound_v &_o overthrow_v for_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v there_o be_v no_o wisdom_n neither_o
second_o that_o the_o bishop_n and_o priest_n which_o have_v succeed_v these_o reverend_a pope_n and_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_a 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 and_o so_o must_v these_o place_n 1._o 5._o 1._o tim_n 5.22_o titus_n 1._o 5._o timot._fw-la 5.22_o and_z titus_n 1.5_o of_o necessity_n be_v understand_v seconde_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 23_o act_n 14._o 23_o as_o saint_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 3._o leo._n epist_n 87_o &_o 90._o nicol._n dist_n 23._o can._n in_o nomine_fw-la cypri_n lib._n 3._o epist_n 3._o 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 and_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 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 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 for_o as_o concern_v that_o which_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o loadicea_n ordain_v 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 &_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_o 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 wtal_a 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 and_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 hereunto_o accord_v that_o which_o cyprian_n say_v 4_o cyp._n li._n 1._o ep_v 4_o 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 and_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_o 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 wherein_o orosius_n demand_v 65._o q._n qrosii_n dial._n quast_n 65._o 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 bishopplike_a 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 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 12._o council_n laodic_n can._n 12._o 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 and_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 it_o 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 quin._n tum_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 &_o long_a now_o after_o right_a examination_n &_o lawful_a election_n or_o choice_n which_o be_v two_o very_a essential_a point_n and_o command_v by_o god_n law_n with_o which_o none_o in_o the_o world_n may_v dispense_v there_o come_v in_o the_o three_o place_n the_o imposition_n or_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n which_o be_v a_o ceremony_n by_o which_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v lawful_o choose_v be_v offer_v and_o dedicate_v as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n but_o let_v we_o now_o examine_v the_o romishe_a priest_n vocation_n first_o i_o ask_v whether_o the_o election_n which_o be_v make_v amongst_o they_o be_v defer_v and_o put_v over_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o the_o church_n yea_o or_o no_o every_o man_n see_v what_o place_n and_o authority_n they_o give_v to_o their_o resignation_n as_o they_o call_v they_o to_o their_o permutation_n collation_n presentation_n donation_n etc._n etc._n and_o also_o how_o the_o magistrate_n and_o great_a man_n give_v bishopprickes_n abbotshippe_n personage_n vicarage_n and_o other_o benefice_n as_o it_o please_v themselves_o if_o the_o pastoure_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o right_o they_o that_o usurp_v the_o place_n of_o true_a pastoure_n indeed_o meddle_v in_o the_o election_n than_o it_o appertain_v to_o the_o pope_n alone_o to_o choose_v the_o cardinal_n the_o bishop_n and_o archishop_n and_o to_o give_v the_o great_a and_o the_o fat_a benefice_n and_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n to_o choose_v the_o simple_a or_o single_a priest_n and_o to_o bestow_v or_o give_v the_o other_o inferior_a and_o less_o benefice_n and_o where_o be_v then_o the_o holy_a consent_n and_o agreement_n amongst_o the_o pastor_n which_o be_v of_o necessity_n require_v in_o the_o election_n secondarilie_o be_v the_o people_n call_v to_o it_o or_o be_v the_o people_n advertise_v or_o forewarn_v to_o bring_v thither_o and_o give_v their_o advice_n and_o consent_v thereto_o every_o one_o know_v that_o this_o be_v not_o perform_v three_o as_o concern_v they_o who_o they_o choose_v what_o serious_a or_o earnest_a examination_n make_v they_o either_o of_o their_o manner_n or_o of_o their_o doctrine_n sometime_o they_o choose_v infant_n and_o child_n at_o no_o hand_n fit_a or_o meet_v to_o exercise_v the_o least_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v sometime_o they_o choose_v man_n altogether_o ignorant_a
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 ful_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 volater_n laur._n valla._n antonius_n archiep._n cusan_a cardinal_n raphael_n volater_n who_o live_v about_o the_o year_n 1440._o also_o antonius_n archbishop_n of_o florence_n in_o his_o history_n cardinal_n cusanus_fw-la 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 raphel_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 avouch_v or_o acknowledge_v for_o the_o high_a or_o chief_a bishop_n etc._n cypri_n lib._n 1._o epi._n 1._o &_o 2._o cypri_n lib_n 2._o epi._n 1._o etc._n etc._n s._n cyprian_n write_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o cornelius_n stephanus_n and_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 cypria_n tract_n 3_o de_fw-fr 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 bishopprike_n whereof_o every_o bishop_n in_o his_o own_o charge_n hold_v a_o whole_a and_o sound_a portion_n 3._o cypria_n in_o synod_n carthis_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 recite_v 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 saint_n jerome_n in_o a_o epistle_n to_o euagrius_n say_v thus_o euagr._fw-la hierom._n ad_fw-la euagr._fw-la 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 chry._n hom_n 43._o in_o saint_n mat._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_o 32.34_o 36_o 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 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 237._o gregor_n ad_fw-la eugenio_n epi._n 237._o 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 will_v hear_v s._n peter_n say_v 5.3_o 1._o pete_n 5.3_o 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 primae_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 not_o be_v call_v the_o prince_n or_o chief_a of_o priest_n or_o the_o high_a priest_n or_o any_o such_o other_o like_o thing_n but_o only_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o seat_n and_o that_o he_o himself_o shall_v not_o be_v call_v universal_a bishop_n which_o last_o clause_n peter_n crabbe_n the_o compiler_n or_o gatherer_n of_o the_o tome_n of_o the_o council_n have_v leave_v out_o either_o by_o deceit_n or_o negligence_n i_o know_v not_o whither_o you_o see_v testimony_n in_o owe_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o most_o approve_a old_a doctor_n and_o such_o as_o be_v best_a worthy_a of_o credit_n by_o which_o you_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o this_o rule_n or_o authority_n over_o all_o church_n be_v not_o in_o their_o time_n attribute_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o church_n themselves_o have_v not_o any_o superiority_n or_o authority_n one_o of_o they_o over_o another_o but_o that_o they_o be_v all_o associate_v and_o unite_v together_o that_o some_o obtain_v not_o neither_o more_o or_o less_o power_n then_o othersome_a yea_o we_o read_v that_o when_o the_o romishe_a bishop_n will_v sometime_o have_v usurp_v more_o authority_n than_o do_v appertain_v unto_o he_o other_o bishop_n do_v strong_o and_o steadfast_o resist_v he_o which_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n follow_v that_o socrates_n a_o ecclesiastical_a historiographer_n write_v in_o his_o second_o book_n and_o fifteen_o chapter_n and_o sozomenus_n in_o his_o third_o book_n and_o eight_o chapter_n a_o certain_a man_n name_v athanasius_n and_o one_o paulinus_n be_v depose_v from_o their_o charge_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o with_o the_o metropolitan_a will_v needs_o complain_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o easy_o give_v they_o letter_n by_o which_o he_o do_v place_v they_o again_o in_o their_o first_o office_n and_o do_v greevouslye_o reproove_v and_o chide_v they_o who_o have_v put_v they_o there_o from_o but_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n take_v this_o in_o such_o sort_n that_o they_o obtain_v of_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n that_o letter_n shall_v
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 nor_o but_o that_o the_o church_n over_o which_o he_o bear_v rule_v 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 by_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 roken_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 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 in_o deed_n accord_n 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 and_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 and_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 which_o be_v there_o commit_v 5.21_o 1._o cor._n 10.14_o 1._o joh._n 5.21_o to_o which_o we_o may_v not_o at_o any_o hand_n stick_v cleave_v or_o consent_v whatsoever_o appearance_n and_o show_n 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 for_o saint_n paul_n say_v 3.8_o rom._n 3.8_o 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 and_o way_n open_v to_o have_v our_o foresay_a child_n baptize_v in_o the_o reform_v church_n without_o any_o abuse_n error_n superstition_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 and_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 romishe_a 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 and_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 and_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 romishe_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 &_o the_o manifest_a idolatry_n which_o bear_v sway_n at_o this_o present_a in_o the_o romish_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 and_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 overthrewe_v the_o table_n of_o the_o money_n changer_n 2.14_o joh._n 2.14_o and_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 levit._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 or_o seek_v new_a place_n to_o offer_v their_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n in_o but_o to_o come_v and_o to_o stay_v themselves_o within_o the_o court_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o of_o the_o temple_n jesus_n christ_n will_v not_o despise_v this_o place_n but_o we_o know_v that_o whatsoever_o corruption_n be_v there_o no_o faithful_a man_n be_v enforce_v to_o cleave_v or_o stick_v to_o any_o superstitious_a manner_n or_o custom_n which_o be_v not_o practise_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o as_o all_o there_o be_v full_a of_o superstition_n and_o manifest_a idolatry_n so_o they_o will_v constrain_v and_o enforce_v the_o faithful_a by_o fire_n and_o sword_n to_o consent_v thereto_o and_o to_o pollute_v and_o defile_v themselves_o therewith_o against_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o god_n express_v forbid_v last_o to_o what_o point_n do_v jesus_n christ_n bring_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o the_o high_a priest_n scribe_n and_o pharisee_n show_v themselves_o great_a mad_a man_n not_o do_v their_o duty_n towards_o it_o do_v he_o not_o take_v his_o vineyard_n from_o these_o husbandman_n who_o do_v not_o give_v he_o the_o fruit_n which_o belong_v unto_o he_o and_o commit_v the_o same_o unto_o other_o that_o be_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n to_o yield_v he_o fruit_n in_o their_o season_n even_o so_o likewise_o have_v the_o lord_n do_v therewith_o in_o the_o popedom_n he_o have_v not_o destroy_v his_o church_n but_o have_v only_o change_v the_o estate_n thereof_o take_v it_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o popish_a priest_n and_o place_v it_o again_o under_o the_o government_n and_o charge_n of_o other_o guider_n and_o leader_n who_o can_v see_v more_o clear_o and_o be_v of_o better_a trust_n as_o it_o be_v speak_v in_o saint_n matthew_n 22.40_o mat._n 22.40_o under_o the_o similitude_n or_o parable_n of_o the_o vineyard_n to_o conclude_v if_o they_o ask_v what_o shall_v become_v then_o of_o our_o predecessor_n who_o die_v in_o the_o faith_n
establish_v at_o rome_n 10._o corne._n tacitus_n lib._n 10._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 and_o burn_v they_o all_o alive_a and_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 and_o saint_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 12._o emperor_n who_o be_v appoint_v emperor_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 83._o and_o reign_v 15._o year_n and_o 6._o month_n he_o be_v so_o life_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 and_o lord_n and_o cause_v image_n of_o his_o own_o person_n to_o be_v make_v of_o gold_n and_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 and_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 and_o about_o the_o fourteen_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_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 insomuch_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 nineteen_o 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 and_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 disspite_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 throughout_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 and_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 somewhat_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 cap._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 ceataine_a province_n to_o wit_n of_o bethinia_n and_o as_o tertullian_n say_v he_o be_v appoint_v to_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 fourteen_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 to_o the_o aforesaid_a emperor_n to_o advertise_v he_o or_o to_o give_v he_o to_o understande_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 and_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 a_o other_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 otherside_n the_o injustice_n of_o tyrant_n and_o because_o they_o do_v lively_o set_v out_o unto_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 flee_z 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 in_o register_v 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 to_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 aught_o to_o be_v punish_v or_o no._n but_o behold_v what_o way_n and_o mean_v i_o have_v hitherto_o hold_v and_o take_v touch_v they_o which_o be_v accuse_v before_o i_o as_o christian_n i_o have_v ask_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v christian_n threaten_v they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o trial_n and_o examination_n and_o if_o some_o persevere_v i_o have_v decree_v and_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v lead_v to_o punishment_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o at_o all_o that_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v which_o they_o will_v confess_v but_o that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o punish_v such_o stubborness_n and_o indurate_a obstinacy_n there_o have_v be_v some_o lead_n with_o such_o a_o like_a kindle_a folly_n and_o because_o they_o be_v citizen_n of_o rome_n i_o have_v decree_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v send_v back_o again_o to_o rome_n in_o process_n of_o time_n as_o it_o common_o fall_v out_o the_o mischief_n be_v spread_v abroad_o and_o diverse_a kind_n be_v come_v up_o some_o have_v publish_v a_o little_a book_n without_o the_o author_n name_n contain_v the_o name_n of_o diverse_a which_o deny_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n or_o so_o to_o have_v be_v i_o have_v make_v they_o call_v upon_o the_o god_n i_o speak_v first_o and_o they_o after_o i_o and_o see_v that_o they_o offer_v wine_n &_o incense_n to_o your_o image_n which_o i_o cause_v too_o be_v bring_v thither_o with_o the_o image_n of_o the_o god_n and_o beside_o this_o that_o they_o curse_a christ_n i_o have_v decree_v to_o let_v they_o go_v at_o liberty_n &_o special_o because_o some_o say_v that_o those_o which_o be_v christian_n in_o deed_n can_v be_v induce_v or_o draw_v to_o this_o for_o any_o force_n or_o violence_n which_o you_o can_v do_v to_o they_o some_o be_v disclose_v by_o the_o accuser_n have_v first_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o immediate_o have_v deny_v that_o they_o be_v such_o yea_o indeed_o that_o they_o have_v be_v christian_n though_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o any_o more_o othersome_a say_v that_o it_o be_v but_o little_a above_o three_o year_n since_o they_o be_v such_o but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v so_o no_o more_o other_o some_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o long_a time_n yea_o some_o that_o it_o be_v above_o xx_o year_n all_o worship_v your_o image_n &_o the_o picture_n and_o image_n of_o the_o god_n these_o also_o curse_a christ_n moreover_o they_o affirm_v that_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n or_o chief_a either_o of_o their_o fault_n or_o of_o their_o error_n that_o they_o have_v a_o certain_a day_n appoint_v wherein_o they_o assemble_v themselves_o before_o day_n and_o do_v sing_v altogether_o a_o song_n or_o psalm_n unto_o christ_n as_o unto_o god_n and_o it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n they_o bind_v themselves_o by_o a_o oath_n not_o to_o commit_v any_o offence_n but_o it_o be_v do_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v not_o commit_v any_o theft_n robbery_n or_o adultery_n lest_o they_o shall_v break_v their_o faith_n promise_v and_o give_v and_o shall_v deny_v that_o which_o be_v give_v they_o to_o keep_v and_o this_o be_v do_v they_o be_v accustom_v to_o depart_v every_o one_o about_o his_o business_n &_o afterward_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o again_o to_o take_v their_o refection_n in_o common_a and_o one_o with_o another_o and_o yet_o without_o do_v any_o manner_n of_o evil_a now_o than_o they_o cease_v after_o my_o edict_n and_o proclamation_n by_o which_o according_a to_o your_o decree_n i_o have_v forbid_v to_o keep_v any_o assembly_n or_o conventicle_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o have_v i_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v this_o by_o the_o examination_n of_o 2._o maiden_n which_o some_o say_v have_v serve_v such_o people_n but_o i_o have_v not_o find_v any_o other_o thing_n save_v a_o certain_a perverse_a superstition_n &_o therefore_o put_v of_o to_o be_v instruct_v therein_o i_o have_v have_v my_o recourse_n to_o you_o sir_n to_o have_v counsel_n thereof_o for_o it_o seem_v unto_o i_o that_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n meet_v and_o worthy_a to_o be_v consult_v of_o principal_o by_o reason_n of_o of_o the_o multitude_n &_o great_a number_n of_o they_o which_o be_v in_o danger_n for_o diverse_a of_o all_o condition_n and_o estate_n old_a and_o young_a man_n and_o woman_n be_v common_o in_o danger_n &_o so_o will_v be_v for_o the_o contagion_n and_o infection_n of_o this_o superstition_n be_v spread_v abroad_o not_o only_o in_o city_n but_o also_o in_o town_n village_n &_o field_n &_o it_o seem_v that_o it_o can_v or_o will_v be_v easy_o stay_v &_o correct_v and_o very_o we_o perceive_v that_o they_o begin_v to_o frequent_v and_o repair_v to_o the_o temple_n whereunto_o they_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o come_v &_o that_o they_o give_v themselves_o to_o celebrate_v the_o divine_a service_n which_o be_v long_a time_n omit_v and_o that_o many_o beast_n be_v sell_v to_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n whereas_o heretofore_o there_o be_v few_o buyer_n find_v by_o this_o we_o may_v easy_o conjecture_v what_o a_o multitude_n of_o man_n may_v come_v to_o amendment_n if_o we_o will_v give_v they_o leisure_n to_o repent_v themselves_o and_o this_o be_v the_o content_n of_o pliny_n his_o letter_n to_o trajan_n now_o follow_v the_o answer_n my_o friend_n secundus_fw-la pliny_n traianns_n answer_n to_o pliny_n thou_o have_v do_v that_o which_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o man_n who_o have_v be_v accuse_v before_o these_o christian_n for_o we_o can_v not_o general_o establish_v and_o ordain_v any_o matter_n which_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a form_n let_v there_o be_v no_o more_o information_n and_o inquire_v make_v of_o they_o but_o if_o any_o accuse_v they_o let_v they_o be_v punish_v yet_o so_o notwithstanding_o that_o he_o which_o shall_v deny_v that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o shall_v declare_v the_o same_o by_o effect_n to_o wit_n in_o make_v supplication_n and_o prayer_n to_o our_o god_n although_o that_o in_o time_n heretofore_o he_o have_v be_v suspect_v do_v obtain_v pardon_n by_o this_o repentance_n and_o as_o touch_v the_o book_n which_o be_v publish_v &_o set_v out_o without_o the_o autours_n name_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v place_n or_o to_o be_v account_v among_o crime_n or_o fault_n for_o that_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a example_n &_o also_o it_o have_v not_o be_v begin_v in_o our_o time_n 2._o euseb_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 33._o tertull._n apolo_n cap._n 2._o behold_v the_o two_o letter_n whereof_o eusebius_n make_v mention_n in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n allege_v tertullian_n in_o his_o apologetico_fw-la which_o tertullian_n censure_v the_o emperor_n answer_n speak_v after_o this_o manner_n o_o sentence_n confuse_a and_o darken_v by_o necessity_n which_o decree_v that_o inquiry_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v of_o they_o because_o they_o seem_v innocent_a people_n &_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v as_o culpable_a and_o guilty_a it_o use_v pardon_n &_o cruelty_n it_o dissemble_v &_o punish_v wherefore_o o_o emperor_n do_v thou_o abuse_v thyself_o in_o thy_o charge_n and_o censure_n if_o thou_o condemn_v christian_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o make_v and_o put_v in_o also_o information_n against_o they_o or_o if_o thou_o make_v and_o put_v in_o no_o information_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o condemn_v they_o the_o four_o persecution_n be_v under_o marcus_n antonius_n verus_fw-la the_o xvi_o emperor_n who_o be_v create_v in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 162._o he_o be_v otherwise_o call_v of_o the_o historiographer_n marcus_n aurelius_n verus_n and_o surname_v the_o philosopher_n he_o govern_v the_o empire_n the_o space_n of_o xviii_o or_o nineteeen_o year_n his_o virtue_n be_v great_a and_o wonderful_a yet_o the_o true_a virtue_n be_v want_v in_o he_o to_o wit_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o look_v by_o how_o much_o more_o he_o be_v gentle_a towards_o his_o own_o by_o so_o much_o he_o be_v the_o more_o rude_a and_o severe_a against_o the_o christian_n as_o a_o stoical_a man_n &_o nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o from_o his_o infancy_n with_o the_o priest_n of_o satia_fw-la his_o law_n &_o edict_n declare_v how_o cruel_a he_o be_v towards_o the_o christian_n for_o in_o the_o book_n of_o digest_v we_o find_v such_o a_o writing_n or_o law_n that_o he_o
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 horrible_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 wrong_n full_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 emperor_n 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 apologet._n tertul._n ad_fw-la scapu_n &_o in_o apologet._n 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 soldier_n &_o warlike_a company_n he_o be_v cruel_a barbarous_a and_o rude_a move_v great_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n but_o namely_o and_o chiefl_o against_o the_o doctor_n teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n suppose_v that_o when_o these_o man_n who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v discomfit_v the_o people_n will_v thereby_o be_v easy_o turn_v away_o eusebius_n say_v 28._o euseb_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 28._o that_o this_o emperor_n be_v not_o kindle_v and_o set_v on_o fire_n to_o execute_v this_o cruelty_n but_o only_o for_o hatred_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o alexander_n stock_n and_o house_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o christian_n but_o he_o have_v not_o any_o great_a leisure_n or_o time_n to_o exercise_v his_o cruelty_n for_o before_o he_o have_v reign_v three_o whole_a year_n he_o be_v slay_v of_o his_o soldier_n and_o with_o he_o his_o son_n who_o be_v nineteen_o year_n old_a and_o their_o body_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o river_n the_o seven_o persecution_n be_v under_o the_o emperor_n decius_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 247._o eusebius_n recite_v 39_o euseb_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 39_o that_o this_o persecution_n be_v move_v by_o decius_n because_o he_o mean_v evil_a to_o philippus_n his_o predecessor_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o a_o other_o place_n he_o say_v 41._o euseb_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 41._o that_o dionysius_n the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n write_v unto_o fabianus_n the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n that_o his_o persecution_n be_v not_o move_v or_o stir_v up_o by_o the_o emperor_n decius_n but_o only_o confirm_v by_o a_o certain_a ordinance_n and_o decree_n which_o he_o make_v after_o it_o have_v be_v a_o whole_a year_n before_o stir_v up_o by_o the_o pagan_n who_o be_v provoke_v thereunto_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o certain_a stir_n and_o uproar_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o this_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v a_o terrible_a &_o cruel_a
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 he_o say_v also_o 136._o vincen._n in_o spec_fw-la lib._n 12._o cap._n 136._o that_o at_o trieres_n which_o be_v a_o city_n situate_v by_o the_o river_n morsella_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 sabellicus_n recite_v sabellie_n sabellie_n 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 henr._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 rehearse_v 41_o otto_n phrisi_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 41_o that_o mauricius_n a_o conductor_n or_o captain_n of_o a_o christian_a legion_n be_v slay_v and_o with_o he_o 1666._o person_n of_o his_o own_o people_n and_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 tem_fw-la chroni_n martin_n fasicul_n tem_fw-la the_o chronicle_n of_o martin_n and_o the_o book_n which_o be_v entitle_v fasiculus_fw-la temporum_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 cap._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 he_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 afterward_o with_o all_o cruelty_n constrain_v and_o enforce_v to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n â—_o otherwise_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v 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 tendinge_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 captain_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 niceph._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_a 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 west_n by_o maximianus_n and_o as_o concern_v the_o fashion_n and_o manner_n of_o torment_n 3.6.7.8.9_o euseb_n lib._n 8._o cap._n 3.6.7.8.9_o they_o be_v sundry_a and_o diverse_a yea_o and_o very_o strange_a 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 downward_o 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 villainous_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 they_o cut_v of_o their_o hand_n their_o care_n and_o other_o member_n they_o roast_v they_o upon_o the_o coal_n not_o to_o the_o end_n to_o make_v they_o die_v sodeine_o or_o quick_o but_o to_o torment_v they_o more_o long_o they_o prick_v they_o under_o their_o nail_n at_o their_o finger_n end_n and_o toe_n with_o reed_n and_o other_o sharp_a instrument_n they_o pour_v upon_o they_o boil_a lead_n they_o fley_v they_o all_o alive_a and_o afterwards_o cast_v upon_o they_o vinagre_n and_o salt_n 8._o sabel_n en._n 7._o cap._n 8._o and_o so_o kill_v they_o most_o cruel_o in_o sum_n there_o be_v so_o many_o martyr_n so_o many_o death_n so_o many_o sort_n or_o punishment_n in_o this_o general_a persecution_n and_o these_o so_o cruel_a villainous_a and_o horrible_a that_o there_o be_v no_o tongue_n which_o can_v suffice_v to_o rehearse_v the_o same_o but_o above_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o this_o persecution_n as_o eusebius_n recite_v come_v through_o the_o just_a 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 and_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 another_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 and_o charity_n lift_v up_o themselves_o one_o against_o another_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_n 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 ro_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 or_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 afterwards_o almost_o every_o day_n assault_v &_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 sylvester_n the_o first_o of_o that_o name_n who_o be_v constitute_v and_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 matyrdome_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 notwithstanding_o there_o be_v also_o certain_a cruel_a emperor_n under_o who_o 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 apostata_fw-la 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 indeed_o 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 sum_n 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 evil_n for_o your_o galilean_a have_v so_o command_v you_o valens_n socrates_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 13._o &_o 1â—_n valens_n socrates_n recite_v all_o this_o 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 and_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 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 8._o socrat._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 18._o sozom._n lib._n 16._o 8._o 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 mesopotamia_n a_o temple_n of_o s._n thomas_n whereto_o the_o christian_n do_v common_o come_v and_o where_o in_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 and_o be_v ready_a and_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 and_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 and_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 foresay_a provost_n understand_v these_o thing_n he_o marvel_v at_o the_o courage_n and_o boldness_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o return_v towards_o the_o emperor_n declare_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_a to_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_v 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 and_o send_v into_o banishment_n we_o may_v indeed_o 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 church_n point_n to_o be_v mark_v touch_v the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n but_o touch_v this_o matter_n of_o 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 point_n be_v that_o persecution_n and_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 i_o be_o the_o lord_n that_o form_n the_o light_n 45.7_o isaiah_n 45.7_o &_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 in_o a_o city_n 39.9_o psalm_n 39.9_o and_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o do_v it_o and_o david_n i_o shall_v have_v be_v dumb_a and_o not_o have_v open_v my_o mouth_n 19_o 1._o pet._n 4_o 19_o because_o thou_o do_v it_o so_o do_v saint_n peter_n conclude_v let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v their_o soul_n unto_o he_o in_o well_o do_v as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n hereunto_o job_n have_v regard_v also_o when_o he_o say_v 1.21_o job._n 1.21_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v it_o bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 39.9_o psal_n 39.9_o and_o david_n say_v as_o i_o have_v ere_o while_o allege_v i_o shall_v have_v be_v dumb_a and_o not_o have_v open_v my_o mouth_n because_o thou_o do_v it_o also_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v rail_v upon_o and_o as_o it_o be_v curse_v by_o shimei_n suffer_v he_o say_v he_o to_o curse_v david_n 16.10_o 2._o sam._n 16.10_o for_o he_o curse_v even_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v bid_v he_o curse_n david_n who_o dare_v then_o say_v wherefore_o have_v thou_o do_v so_o hereunto_o likewise_o jesus_n christ_n have_v regard_n 11._o john_n 9_o 11._o when_o he_o say_v unto_o pilate_n thou_o can_v have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o against_o i_o except_o it_o be_v give_v thou_o from_o above_o now_o this_o point_n or_o matter_n contain_v three_o argument_n and_o reason_n to_o comfort_v we_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o cross_n and_o trouble_n the_o first_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o in_o or_o under_o the_o power_n of_o fortune_n or_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n the_o second_o that_o god_n do_v just_o and_o for_o good_a cause_n afflict_v we_o for_o as_o he_o be_v faithful_a and_o righteous_a in_o all_o his_o work_n so_o he_o do_v not_o send_v or_o lay_v upon_o we_o any_o affliction_n but_o that_o which_o we_o have_v indeed_o deserve_v 16.25_o mat._n 10.19.26.28_o etc._n etc._n psalm_n 33.4_o