the_o testimony_n of_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n who_o in_o their_o generation_n have_v testify_v against_o that_o horrible_a evil_n of_o force_v of_o conscience_n and_o persecution_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n who_o testimony_n may_v be_v seasonable_a and_o suitable_a for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o england_n whether_o of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o timely_a warn_v to_o they_o all_o of_o defile_v their_o hand_n with_o that_o horrible_a filthy_a thing_n which_o be_v already_o in_o part_n commit_v in_o the_o land_n compose_v together_o and_o translate_v into_o english_a by_o a_o live_a witness_n against_o the_o aforesaid_a evil_n william_n caton_n god_n shall_v persuade_v japhet_n and_o he_o shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem_n and_o canaan_n shall_v be_v his_o servant_n gen._n 9.27_o and_o they_o overcome_v he_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n rev._n 12.11_o print_v in_o the_o year_n 1662._o to_o the_o reader_n friend_z in_o these_o latter_a day_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v raise_v up_o many_o witness_n who_o faithful_o bear_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o eternal_a truth_n against_o the_o many_o evil_n which_o superabound_v in_o the_o world_n but_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o faithful_a witness_n have_v be_v heretofore_o reject_v by_o the_o world_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o servant_n now_o contemn_v and_o set_v at_o nought_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a of_o this_o world_n who_o now_o with_o their_o power_n and_o wisdom_n resist_v the_o almighty_a as_o in_o age_n and_o generation_n past_a which_o thing_n i_o serious_o observe_v it_o enter_v into_o my_o heart_n to_o manifest_v the_o testimony_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n who_o heretofore_o have_v be_v renown_a in_o their_o generation_n to_o my_o countryman_n to_o the_o end_n that_o both_o the_o wise_a and_o simple_a noble_a and_o ignoble_a among_o they_o may_v see_v and_o perceive_v how_o that_o the_o almighty_a even_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v so_o far_o open_v the_o understanding_n of_o many_o as_o that_o he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o see_v the_o evil_a of_o that_o horrible_a evil_n viz._n of_o force_v of_o conscience_n which_o noisome_a and_o hurtful_a thing_n have_v be_v testify_v against_o by_o emperor_n and_o king_n and_o by_o other_o potentate_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o by_o experience_n have_v find_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o and_o likewise_o it_o have_v be_v witness_v against_o by_o many_o wise_a and_o eminent_a learned_a man_n in_o their_o several_a generation_n even_o as_o it_o be_v now_o testify_v against_o by_o the_o servant_n and_o handmaid_n of_o the_o most_o high_a which_o be_v evident_o manifest_v by_o this_o follow_a treatise_n it_o have_v be_v long_o upon_o i_o to_o produce_v this_o to_o our_o native_a country_n and_o to_o publish_v these_o testimony_n in_o its_o own_o language_n that_o its_o inhabitant_n may_v understand_v how_o other_o kingdom_n and_o country_n have_v be_v depopulate_v and_o spoil_v through_o their_o persist_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a evil_n and_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v warn_v from_o run_v headlong_o in_o that_o evil_a course_n unto_o perdition_n and_o thereby_o incur_v desolation_n upon_o the_o land_n and_o hasten_v the_o lord_n judgement_n upon_o its_o inhabitant_n much_o i_o may_v have_v add_v to_o the_o further_o demonstrate_v of_o this_o evil_n but_o be_v there_o be_v so_o much_o write_v already_o concern_v it_o and_o so_o much_o testify_v daily_o against_o it_o and_o that_o i_o be_v not_o desirous_a to_o make_v a_o great_a volumn_n but_o choose_v much_o rather_o such_o a_o compendious_a abstract_n as_o this_o therefore_o have_v i_o only_o insert_v their_o testimony_n without_o any_o paraphrase_v upon_o they_o which_o i_o leave_v unto_o thy_o just_a judgement_n sometime_o i_o have_v instance_a the_o chronicle_n or_o history_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v more_o at_o large_a and_o sometime_o i_o have_v not_o for_o i_o believe_v that_o very_o few_o of_o they_o be_v extant_a in_o our_o english_a language_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o among_o a_o thousand_o in_o england_n that_o do_v know_v the_o chronology_n out_o of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v extract_v if_o that_o thou_o courteous_a reader_n do_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n peruse_v this_o brief_a treatise_n then_o may_v thou_o reap_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o my_o labour_n of_o love_n the_o effect_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v leave_v unto_o the_o lord_n who_o power_n i_o know_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o effectual_a w._n c._n palatine_n in_o germany_n the_o 29_o of_o the_o first_o month_n call_v march_n 1662._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o have_v be_v the_o fervent_a labour_n and_o travel_v of_o my_o youth_n to_o seek_v for_o and_o to_o follow_v after_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n and_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o very_a temper_n of_o my_o spirit_n until_o this_o day_n to_o affect_v justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n have_v delight_v my_o soul_n in_o what_o person_n and_o among_o what_o people_n soever_o as_o i_o have_v see_v the_o same_o and_o perfect_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n inward_o and_o outward_o in_o all_o the_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n i_o have_v long_v after_o and_o according_a to_o that_o light_n and_o knowledge_n commit_v to_o i_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o follow_v that_o i_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o perfection_n thereof_o to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o patience_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o thing_n when_o god_n himself_o shall_v bring_v they_o forth_o in_o the_o world_n and_o give_v his_o choose_a people_n the_o possession_n of_o the_o same_o as_o the_o lot_n of_o their_o inheritance_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n and_o the_o accomplish_n of_o this_o end_n i_o have_v have_v my_o portion_n of_o affliction_n among_o many_o other_o and_o i_o have_v suffer_v somewhat_o in_o body_n and_o spirit_n in_o my_o day_n if_o possible_o this_o may_v be_v obtain_v in_o the_o end_n to_o wit_n free_a open_a public_a and_o perfect_a liberty_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n in_o duty_n and_o worship_n to_o godward_o in_o and_o through_o the_o whole_a world_n this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o end_n of_o that_o long_o travel_a journey_n which_o once_o obtain_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n for_o all_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n suffer_v and_o endure_v in_o the_o way_n and_o save_v my_o hope_n and_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n concern_v this_o thing_n the_o heart_n will_v faint_v the_o spirit_n fail_v and_o the_o soul_n be_v weary_a and_o nothing_o can_v comfort_v my_o life_n thus_o it_o be_v not_o only_o with_o i_o but_o with_o many_o more_o like_a mind_a who_o be_v all_o traveller_n mourner_n and_o disconsolate_a till_o the_o lord_n appear_v bring_v with_o he_o perfect_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o all_o his_o people_n now_o oppress_v and_o impose_v upon_o with_o grievous_a burden_n of_o force_n and_o violence_n concern_v worship_n and_o duty_n to_o godward_o under_o which_o soul_n groan_v spirit_n grieve_v life_n mourn_v and_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v slay_v in_o all_o nation_n through_o the_o world_n and_o the_o soul_n spirit_n life_n and_o holy_a seed_n cry_v unto_o god_n day_n and_o night_n and_o be_v pour_v out_o before_o he_o how_o long_a lord_n how_o long_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v that_o person_n peoples_n and_o nation_n shall_v offer_v service_n obedience_n and_o worship_n to_o thou_o according_a to_o thy_o teach_v and_o as_o they_o be_v lead_v and_o persuade_v by_o thy_o spirit_n free_a service_n and_o worship_n and_o without_o force_n be_v that_o which_o god_n only_o accept_v and_o by_o which_o he_o be_v glorify_v it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o true_a worship_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n duty_n and_o service_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o free_a spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n in_o this_o only_o be_v he_o delight_v and_o all_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o concern_v which_o be_v by_o force_n through_o imposition_n be_v neither_o please_v to_o he_o nor_o save_v to_o the_o soul_n but_o abomination_n in_o his_o sight_n as_o iniquity_n which_o his_o soul_n hate_v and_o a_o vexation_n of_o guilt_n unto_o the_o righteous_a soul_n hence_o may_v it_o be_v say_v woe_n unto_o impose_v worship_n and_o service_n which_o be_v force_v by_o outward_a power_n it_o grieve_v and_o vex_v the_o god_n of_o
heaven_n unto_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n and_o it_o wound_n and_o oppress_v the_o immortal_a soul_n unto_o death_n and_o damnation_n sure_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a purpose_n of_o god_n in_o order_n of_o creation_n who_o make_v and_o ordain_v mankind_n free_a from_o bondage_n and_o never_o bring_v he_o forth_o into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o subject_v slave_n to_o the_o will_n of_o another_o man_n in_o thing_n temporal_a much_o less_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o relate_v to_o eternity_n and_o this_o work_n of_o impose_v by_o force_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n worship_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n of_o one_o man_n upon_o another_o or_o of_o some_o person_n over_o all_o be_v certain_o a_o act_n of_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n lay_v as_o a_o grievous_a yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n one_o of_o another_o and_o subject_v one_o another_o in_o oppression_n not_o unto_o the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o creator_n but_o unto_o the_o evil_a will_n of_o mortal_a perish_v and_o sinful_a creature_n and_o this_o differ_v from_o and_o contrary_n to_o the_o pure_a and_o perfect_a order_n and_o decree_n of_o creation_n which_o be_v bless_v altogether_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v degenerate_v by_o corruption_n and_o err_v through_o temptation_n from_o that_o pure_a and_o holy_a order_n of_o creation_n either_o in_o thing_n worldly_a or_o divine_a be_v in_o the_o curse_n and_o opposition_n against_o the_o holy_a creator_n and_o so_o be_v this_o thing_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o treat_v imposition_n upon_o conscience_n in_o matter_n divine_a and_o temporal_a force_v exercise_v in_o spiritual_a case_n be_v the_o high_a product_n of_o degeneration_n and_o the_o great_a degression_n from_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o creation_n for_o without_o controversy_n the_o creator_n himself_o reserve_v and_o retain_v in_o his_o alone_a only_a power_n the_o privilege_n of_o supremacy_n in_o and_o over_o the_o inward_a man_n in_o all_o the_o matter_n immortal_a that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o only_a lord_n in_o that_o case_n and_o give_v spiritual_a law_n to_o command_v and_o force_v thereby_o to_o exercise_v the_o soul_n and_o heart_n in_o fear_n love_n faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v be_v serve_v as_o the_o lord_n over_o all_o most_o chief_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a spiritual_a and_o immortal_a man_n this_o power_n of_o supremacy_n i_o say_v he_o reserve_v and_o retain_v in_o himself_o in_o the_o creation_n to_o exercise_v over_o mankind_n and_o do_v not_o commit_v this_o privilege_n to_o any_o other_o wherefore_o without_o controversy_n it_o be_v a_o usurpation_n of_o the_o creator_n rightful_a dominion_n it_o be_v a_o rob_n of_o he_o of_o his_o dignity_n and_o prerogative_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o violence_n do_v against_o his_o sovereignty_n a_o audacious_a intrude_a into_o his_o proper_a right_n and_o a_o violate_v of_o the_o law_n and_o decree_n of_o creation_n for_o one_o person_n or_o one_o people_n to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o power_n authority_n and_o government_n over_o other_o person_n and_o peoples_n in_o command_v and_o impose_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a over_o their_o conscience_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o abomination_n against_o the_o creator_n both_o in_o the_o cause_n and_o end_v of_o it_o that_o he_o will_v arise_v and_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o it_o and_o he_o will_v ease_v himself_o of_o all_o such_o his_o adversary_n again_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o love_n unity_n fellowship_n and_o concord_n among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o order_n of_o creation_n which_o god_n appoint_v to_o be_v among_o they_o and_o by_o impose_v in_o matter_n of_o spiritual_a concern_v as_o aforesaid_a that_o love_n unity_n fellowship_n and_o concord_n among_o man_n decree_v in_o creation_n be_v break_v and_o confound_v and_o disannul_v among_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o and_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n hate_v and_o contend_v one_o with_o another_o neighbour_n and_o brethren_n can_v agree_v but_o fall_v into_o strife_n one_o against_o another_o king_n and_o their_o subject_n ruler_n and_o their_o people_n be_v in_o discord_n debate_n disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n one_o contrary_a to_o another_o by_o reason_n that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o worship_n and_o duty_n to_o godward_o be_v want_v in_o the_o world_n and_o imposition_n and_o force_n by_o outward_a authority_n in_o that_o case_n be_v prevail_a and_o in_o power_n and_o thus_o the_o law_n of_o love_n unity_n and_o concord_n decree_v in_o creation_n be_v violate_v despise_a and_o make_v void_a and_o hatred_n division_n strife_n and_o discord_n intraduce_v in_o its_o room_n and_o abound_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o visible_a action_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n through_o the_o world_n to_o the_o woeful_a effect_n of_o kill_v persecute_v and_o destroy_v one_o another_o nation_n of_o nation_n neighbour_n of_o neighbour_n and_o king_n of_o their_o subject_n occasion_v and_o ground_v upon_o this_o thing_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o same_o to_o wit_n impose_v by_o force_n upon_o conscience_n in_o matter_n divine_a wherefore_o not_o only_o against_o god_n be_v this_o evil_n extend_v to_o dishonour_v and_o disgrace_v he_o as_o be_v show_v but_o against_o man_n also_o be_v this_o evil_a and_o mischief_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o reach_v forth_o as_o you_o have_v see_v and_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n be_v violate_v both_o in_o respect_n of_o creator_n and_o creature_n it_o be_v in_o its_o cause_n and_o ground_n so_o evil_a in_o its_o work_n and_o effect_n so_o wicked_a and_o mischievous_a and_o in_o its_o end_n so_o provoke_v and_o damnable_a and_o all_o this_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o man_n that_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o comprehend_v the_o height_n and_o depth_n thereof_o though_o my_o spirit_n from_o a_o child_n have_v often_o enter_v into_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o thing_n with_o mourning_n and_o sorrow_n because_o of_o it_o and_o with_o testimony_n and_o abhorrance_n against_o it_o and_o at_o this_o hour_n i_o be_o a_o sufferer_n in_o body_n and_o spirit_n because_o of_o the_o same_o carnal_a imposition_n upon_o conscience_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n woe_n unto_o it_o my_o soul_n hate_v and_o my_o god_n will_v plague_n in_o his_o season_n if_o i_o shall_v study_v in_o search_v to_o find_v out_o and_o to_o describe_v all_o the_o evil_n mischief_n and_o woeful_a inconvenience_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o gulf_n out_o of_o which_o they_o ascend_v i_o may_v make_v this_o epistle_n a_o large_a volumn_n but_o since_o that_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o write_v about_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v now_o contract_v this_o with_o the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v work_v until_o he_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n yea_o this_o imposition_n upon_o conscience_n opposite_a to_o perfect_a liberty_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o be_v the_o only_a main_n material_a support_v prop_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n throughout_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n and_o whosoever_o as_o be_v friend_n hereunto_o they_o be_v friend_n to_o he_o and_o they_o love_v his_o way_n and_o be_v subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o be_v rebellious_a against_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o kingdom_n they_o be_v enemy_n wherefore_o my_o heart_n and_o soul_n say_v within_o i_o will_v to_o god_n i_o have_v such_o a_o gift_n of_o demonstration_n by_o pen_n or_o tongue_n and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v so_o forcible_a and_o efficacious_a to_o awaken_v every_o soul_n to_o a_o abhorrance_n and_o dislike_n of_o that_o spirit_n principle_n and_o practice_n of_o imposition_n upon_o conscience_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o total_a turn_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n which_o consist_v of_o falsehood_n darkness_n sin_n and_o enmity_n of_o bondage_n oppression_n and_o cruel_a imposition_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n jesus_n which_o consist_v of_o truth_n light_n and_o righteousness_n of_o freedom_n and_o perfect_a liberty_n in_o soul_n and_o spirit_n which_o kingdom_n and_o government_n the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v promote_v and_o exalt_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o must_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n according_a to_o promise_n it_o have_v ever_o be_v my_o judgement_n that_o want_v of_o liberty_n and_o free_a exercise_n of_o conscience_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o the_o contrary_a impose_v by_o worldly_a power_n and_o it_o remain_v still_o with_o i_o that_o this_o be_v one_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o woeful_a distraction_n in_o kingdom_n of_o the_o unsetledness_n in_o state_n and_o of_o many_o evil_a consequence_n abound_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o also_o the_o cause_n wherefore_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v angry_a and_o provoke_v
against_o they_o and_o for_o which_o cause_n he_o will_v smite_v and_o wound_v confound_v and_o overturn_v kingdom_n power_n and_o authority_n even_o till_o he_o reign_v who_o right_a it_o be_v who_o only_o and_o alone_o will_v rule_v in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o soul_n spirit_n and_o conscience_n through_o the_o teach_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o though_o much_o opposition_n and_o great_a contention_n have_v be_v make_v against_o this_o in_o the_o world_n in_o which_o man_n have_v strive_v against_o their_o own_o good_a and_o welfare_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o day_n and_o it_o hasten_v to_o come_v in_o power_n when_o imposition_n upon_o conscience_n by_o outward_a worldly_a force_n in_o case_n divine_a will_v be_v banish_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o exile_v into_o the_o pit_n of_o never-rising_a obscurity_n and_o darkness_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o violence_n of_o it_o and_o from_o all_o its_o miserable_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n then_o shall_v the_o heritage_n of_o the_o lord_n rejoice_v in_o joy_n unspeakable_a be_v deliver_v from_o the_o oppression_n under_o which_o she_o have_v long_o mourn_v travel_v and_o groan_v in_o deep_a distress_n then_o shall_v nation_n delight_v in_o amity_n one_o with_o another_o then_o shall_v neighbour_n rejoice_v in_o society_n one_o among_o another_o and_o then_o shall_v king_n and_o ruler_n love_v their_o subject_n and_o people_n free_o and_o people_n shall_v obey_v and_o serve_v their_o ruler_n with_o a_o willing_a and_o cheerful_a heart_n and_o mind_n hereby_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v glorify_v and_o all_o people_n become_v bless_v amity_n love_n unity_n and_o concord_n and_o the_o first_o creation_n order_n and_o decree_n will_v be_v restore_v between_o god_n and_o his_o creature_n and_o also_o between_o man_n and_o man_n in_o holy_a covenant_n and_o this_o matter_n to_o wit_n concern_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n have_v be_v of_o these_o late_a year_n in_o great_a debate_n and_o contest_v among_o man_n in_o these_o nation_n and_o some_o have_v be_v of_o one_o judgement_n and_o other_o of_o a_o contrary_a about_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o contention_n have_v arisen_a very_o high_a even_o unto_o blood_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o and_o be_v yet_o remain_v undetermined_a in_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o many_o people_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v resolve_v in_o every_o heart_n through_o conviction_n by_o sound_a argument_n of_o truth_n and_o divine_a reason_n and_o man_n ought_v then_o to_o obey_v the_o same_o according_a to_o inward_a spiritual_a conviction_n and_o this_o case_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o carnal_a weapon_n forcible_o compel_v people_n in_o the_o case_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o conquest_n in_o a_o violent_a way_n of_o outward_a power_n and_o since_o that_o this_o be_v a_o case_n dubious_a whether_o free_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o worship_n or_o imposition_n about_o the_o same_o be_v most_o worthy_a i_o therefore_o upon_o this_o necessity_n call_v upon_o i_o with_o my_o willingness_n to_o assist_v in_o such_o a_o work_n will_v add_v my_o mite_n and_o grain_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n towards_o the_o resolve_v of_o such_o a_o dubious_a and_o needful_a case_n and_o have_v take_v this_o opportunity_n and_o occasion_n thus_o to_o declare_v my_o mind_n and_o shall_v leave_v the_o effect_n hereof_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o only_o be_v wise_a to_o work_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v by_o whosoever_o he_o please_v for_o he_o never_o yet_o limit_v himself_o to_o any_o one_o instrument_n in_o the_o bring_n forth_o and_o accomplish_v his_o purpose_n however_o no_o man_n be_v to_o dispute_v the_o leading_n and_o command_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o to_o measure_v his_o obedience_n to_o he_o by_o either_o object_v or_o real_a consequence_n in_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v that_o warrant_n to_o wit_n the_o leading_n of_o god_n under_o the_o commission_n of_o which_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n do_v act_n in_o their_o obedience_n and_o dispute_v not_o the_o authority_n nor_o the_o consequence_n but_o leave_v the_o issue_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o he_o that_o command_v the_o total_a sum_n of_o this_o matter_n to_o wit_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v very_o large_a and_o require_v multitude_n of_o word_n and_o many_o argument_n to_o unfold_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o the_o evil_a cause_n work_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o contrary_a but_o at_o this_o time_n i_o shall_v contract_v the_o sum_n into_o &_o state_n it_o in_o this_o total_a head_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o perfect_a reason_n justice_n and_o equity_n and_o that_o without_o all_o exception_n that_o every_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n be_v permit_v in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o conscience_n without_o any_o kind_n of_o force_n put_v upon_o he_o by_o any_o man_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o follow_v that_o religion_n and_o to_o live_v in_o such_o faith_n and_o perform_v such_o worship_n to_o god_n as_o he_o dare_v trust_v his_o own_o soul_n withal_o and_o give_v account_v thereof_o before_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o dreadful_a judgement_n my_o judgement_n be_v on_o the_o affirmative_a part_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n and_o it_o be_v my_o judgement_n in_o the_o fear_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v perfect_o reasonable_a just_a and_o equal_a that_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v permit_v his_o liberty_n in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o that_o without_o any_o force_n impose_v upon_o he_o to_o the_o contrary_a to_o follow_v that_o religion_n and_o live_v in_o that_o faith_n and_o perform_v that_o worship_n to_o god_n with_o which_o he_o dare_v trust_v his_o own_o soul_n to_o the_o salvation_n thereof_o and_o the_o contrary_n be_v unreasonable_a unjust_a and_o unequal_a and_o this_o may_v be_v amplify_v in_o a_o large_a manner_n upon_o occasion_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o my_o judgement_n alone_o nor_o the_o false_a fancy_n of_o a_o single_a person_n but_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o judgement_n of_o many_o more_o and_o that_o not_o of_o fool_n altogether_o but_o of_o the_o wise_a not_o only_o of_o some_o few_o man_n of_o our_o age_n but_o of_o many_o age_n past_a who_o principle_n be_v for_o the_o toleration_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n in_o matter_n spiritual_a as_o in_o this_o small_a treatise_n follow_v more_o at_o large_a appear_v to_o which_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o particular_a and_o to_o second_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o judgement_n i_o do_v refer_v the_o serious_a and_o well_o considerate_a reader_n in_o which_o small_a piece_n he_o may_v find_v the_o judgement_n of_o divers_a person_n assert_v by_o their_o own_o say_n concern_v the_o very_a case_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o what_o esteem_v some_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o religious_a man_n have_v have_v of_o the_o same_o for_o this_o follow_a piece_n to_o which_o i_o be_o now_o preface_a be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o certain_a sum_n of_o brief_a collection_n of_o the_o say_n of_o emperor_n king_n and_o potentate_n of_o former_a age_n contract_v into_o this_o short_a method_n for_o the_o better_a intelligence_n of_o all_o that_o be_v inquire_v about_o this_o occasion_n and_o such_o be_v my_o affection_n to_o the_o present_a contraction_n collect_v that_o i_o wish_v that_o all_o the_o ruler_n and_o prince_n of_o our_o age_n through_o the_o world_n will_v serious_o read_v and_o right_o study_v the_o same_o and_o improve_v it_o to_o their_o own_o advantage_n in_o practise_v the_o say_n of_o their_o grave_a and_o wise_a progenitor_n and_o oh_o that_o they_o will_v engross_v this_o small_a piece_n in_o their_o record_n and_o enclose_v it_o in_o their_o closet_n and_o use_v the_o same_o as_o counsel_n and_o instruction_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o premise_n the_o effect_n of_o it_o may_v prove_v happy_a to_o they_o if_o their_o present_a practice_n will_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o intimation_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o this_o small_a piece_n happy_o arrive_v the_o harbour_n of_o my_o hand_n through_o the_o tedious_a industry_n of_o the_o collector_n and_o through_o other_o passage_n of_o tempestuous_a danger_n which_o it_o lay_v liable_a unto_o i_o have_v transport_v it_o over_o a_o serious_a view_n and_o be_o affect_v with_o it_o unto_o my_o commendation_n and_o approof_n first_o of_o the_o matter_n itself_o and_o second_o of_o its_o author_n pain_n and_o industry_n in_o form_v of_o it_o into_o this_o method_n in_o which_o it_o now_o appear_v both_o of_o which_o i_o can_v but_o commend_v and_o do_v also_o herewith_o recommend_v to_o the_o view_n consideration_n and_o instruction_n of_o
every_o impartial_a reader_n who_o must_v and_o that_o every_o man_n for_o himself_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o what_o he_o read_v even_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o which_o this_o be_v single_o commit_v e._n b._n from_o my_o place_n of_o present_a restraint_n the_o 27_o day_n of_o the_o seven_o month_n 1662._o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n who_o in_o their_o generation_n have_v testify_v against_o that_o horrible_a evil_n of_o force_v of_o conscience_n and_o persecution_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n chap._n i._n concern_v the_o christian_a religion_n how_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v plant_v establish_v nor_o defend_v by_o weapon_n nor_o by_o violence_n and_o how_o it_o do_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o force_n of_o conscience_n a_o certain_a chancellor_n speak_v before_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n at_o orleans_n in_o praise_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n say_v that_o those_o that_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v the_o same_o by_o weapon_n do_v against_o their_o call_v which_o be_v say_v he_o to_o suffer_v violence_n and_o not_o to_o do_v it_o herein_o differ_v we_o say_v chrisostomus_n from_o the_o heathen_a who_o do_v force_n and_o compel_v by_o violence_n but_o the_o christian_n they_o be_v patient_a and_o forbear_n neither_o have_v our_o religion_n have_v her_o beginning_n with_o weapon_n say_v he_o neither_o have_v it_o be_v maintain_v by_o weapon_n it_o be_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o persecute_v other_o to_o death_n about_o their_o religion_n but_o it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v their_o condition_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n themselves_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n moreover_o say_v he_o the_o shed_n of_o blood_n about_o religion_n be_v a_o evident_a token_n of_o antichrist_n relig._n uryl_n pag._n 192._o that_o religion_n which_o go_v about_o to_o set_v up_o a_o sect_n which_o seek_v not_o peace_n but_o speak_v against_o all_o and_o will_v suffer_v none_o equal_a with_o it_o but_o will_v be_v alone_a master_n and_o exercise_v lordship_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o other_o and_o with_o the_o civil_a power_n persecute_v those_o that_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n by_o shed_v their_o blood_n banish_v of_o they_o and_o spoil_v of_o their_o good_n or_o with_o war_n and_o fight_v establish_v their_o own_o such_o do_v thereby_o show_v that_o they_o be_v no_o right_a shepherd_n of_o the_o true_a christian_n but_o rather_o wolf_n caines_n ishmaelite_n and_o esauhites_n who_o hand_n be_v against_o all_o and_o every_o man_n hand_n against_o they_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v otherwise_o call_v the_o christian_a church_n say_v a_o certain_a writer_n have_v no_o earthly_a king_n no_o temporal_a magistrate_n nor_o governor_n for_o the_o lord_n alone_o be_v king_n in_o his_o kingdom_n as_o he_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n so_o he_o have_v commit_v that_o to_o none_o to_o govern._n this_o king_n govern_v with_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n here_o be_v none_o compel_v for_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a freedom_n and_o willingness_n there_o be_v no_o violence_n or_o contention_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o by_o the_o figure_n of_o solomon_n temple_n where_o no_o hammer_n no_o axe_n or_o iron_n instrument_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v but_o there_o be_v love_n and_o unity_n peace_n and_o mercy_n among_o all_o his_o child_n that_o be_v certain_a say_z one_o that_o all_o religion_n be_v vain_a without_o true_a godliness_n and_o it_o be_v little_a matter_n of_o what_o opinion_n any_o man_n be_v in_o different_a point_n of_o religion_n while_o he_o lead_v a_o ungodly_a life_n and_o through_o that_o doctaine_n which_o he_o profess_v be_v not_o better_v but_o bitter_v against_o his_o fellow_n christian_n and_o hate_v judge_v and_o persecute_v he_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v among_o they_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a the_o state_n of_o holland_n have_v confess_v that_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o government_n of_o a_o land_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o further_o they_o say_v that_o they_o abominate_v force_v of_o conscience_n otherwise_o then_o with_o good_a doctrine_n good_a work_n and_o entreaty_n a_o certain_a turkish_a ambassador_n complain_v to_o the_o king_n emmanuel_n of_o portugal_n of_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n for_o his_o compel_v by_o violence_n the_o moor_n in_o his_o dominion_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o religion_n say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a neither_o for_o the_o christian_n nor_o yet_o for_o the_o mahomet_n to_o compel_v any_o man_n so_o as_o that_o he_o shall_v forsake_v that_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o have_v be_v educate_v and_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v silent_a to_o see_v such_o thing_n to_o the_o injury_n and_o desolation_n of_o people_n in_o the_o general_n but_o must_v testify_v that_o it_o be_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n osorius_n declare_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o according_a to_o the_o law_n nor_o according_a to_o religion_n to_o compel_v the_o jew_n and_o moor_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o determine_v to_o restrain_v the_o free_a mind_n for_o he_o affirm_v it_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n neither_o aught_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v anno_fw-la 1455._o the_o turk_n write_v a_o letter_n to_o the_o pope_n calixtus_n the_o three_o wherein_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v a_o great_a prophet_n yet_o say_v he_o he_o have_v not_o command_v that_o any_o shall_v compel_v people_n by_o violence_n and_o weapon_n to_o believe_v his_o law_n haywardus_fw-la say_fw-la that_o the_o best_a writer_n of_o that_o time_n do_v agree_v in_o one_o opinion_n and_o with_o tertulliano_n lactantio_n cassiodoro_n josepho_n etc._n etc._n that_o people_n must_v inform_v man_n to_o embrace_v religion_n with_o reason_n and_o not_o compel_v they_o by_o violence_n i_o have_v for_o a_o long_a season_n determine_v say_v one_o of_o the_o king_n of_o france_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n which_o without_o peace_n say_v he_o i_o can_v do_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reform_v or_o convert_v people_n by_o violence_n i_o be_o king_n as_o a_o shepherd_n say_v he_o and_o will_v not_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o my_o sheep_n but_o will_v gather_v they_o through_o the_o mildness_n and_o goodness_n of_o a_o king_n and_o not_o through_o the_o power_n of_o tyranny_n and_o i_o will_v give_v they_o of_o the_o reform_a religion_n right_a liberty_n to_o live_v and_o dwell_v free_a without_o be_v examine_v perplex_a molest_a or_o compel_v to_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n for_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n etc._n etc._n vide_fw-la chron._n vande_n onderg_n 2._o deel_n page_n 1514._o and_o as_o concern_v the_o plant_n nourish_a and_o defend_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o upright_a and_o sincere_a teacher_n further_o say_v he_o it_o concern_v the_o magistrate_n to_o defend_v and_o protect_v the_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a people_n who_o be_v persecute_v rob_a prison_v and_o tyrannical_o use_v experience_n have_v sufficient_o manifest_v both_o in_o france_n germany_n bohemia_n and_o in_o the_o low-countries_n and_o elsewhere_o that_o to_o make_v war_n about_o religion_n or_o thereby_o to_o establish_v and_o defend_v it_o be_v a_o absolute_a perverse_a and_o destructive_a mean_n and_o that_o which_o be_v total_o against_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n yet_o notwithstanding_o some_o cry_v up_o weapon_n weapon_n but_o alas_o have_v we_o not_o see_v that_o weapon_n be_v stir_v up_o against_o weapon_n and_o what_o be_v this_o reconcile_a slaughter_n with_o slaughter_n and_o blood_n with_o blood_n but_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_a chap._n ii_o concern_v the_o true_a and_o false_a church_n the_o gospel_n and_o religion_n as_o also_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o carnal_a weapon_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n the_o church_n that_o be_v disperse_v through_o the_o world_n have_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n her_o head_n and_o be_v strengthen_v not_o with_o resist_v but_o with_o suffer_v and_o patience_n for_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o preach_v with_o sword_n and_o a_o arm_a hand_n but_o with_o exhortation_n and_o persuasion_n hist._n eccl._n lib._n 4_o chap._n 26._o barnardus_n say_v the_o church_n must_v not_o persecute_v as_o wolf_n but_o be_v persecute_v like_a as_o the_o sheep_n be_v of_o the_o wolf_n and_o in_o this_o calamity_n of_o the_o world_n they_o stand_v as_o palm-tree_n through_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o grow_v and_o increase_v so_o that_o some_o have_v esteem_v sanguis_fw-la martirum_fw-la est_fw-la
will_v have_v such_o punish_v and_o put_v to_o death_n as_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o they_o and_o conform_v unto_o they_o another_o sort_n there_o be_v that_o be_v meek_a patient_n gentle_a and_o humble_a who_o bear_v all_o thing_n and_o hope_v all_o thing_n and_o will_v compel_v none_o to_o their_o religion_n brassius_fw-la say_fw-la that_o they_o that_o have_v a_o right_a evangelical_n doctrine_n and_o faith_n persecute_v none_o but_o be_v persecute_v themselves_o it_o be_v true_a paul_n say_v we_o shall_v reject_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n but_o he_o say_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v banish_v he_o out_o of_o the_o city_n or_o country_n consider_v once_o say_v adrianus_n and_o see_v if_o the_o heretic_n have_v not_o always_o persecute_v the_o righteous_a but_o where_o do_v you_o find_v that_o false_a prophet_n and_o false_a teacher_n have_v be_v persecute_v of_o the_o world_n which_o do_v always_o love_v that_o which_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o vilify_v curse_n kill_v and_o murder_n that_o which_o christ_n have_v choose_v for_o that_o which_o he_o choose_v be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n and_o now_o be_v christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n say_v he_o esteem_v of_o the_o world_n as_o heretic_n seducer_n uprore-maker_n and_o the_o seducer_n heretic_n and_o they_o that_o rise_v up_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o anoint_v they_o be_v by_o the_o world_n call_v christian_n the_o true_a christian_n have_v be_v always_o persecute_v of_o the_o world_n not_o because_o they_o have_v deserve_v it_o but_o because_o they_o have_v not_o be_v conformable_a to_o their_o false_a doctrine_n false_a sacrament_n their_o vanity_n and_o superstition_n it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o false_a teacher_n say_v a_o certain_a writer_n to_o cry_v out_o against_o those_o that_o teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o they_o for_o say_v they_o they_o make_v tumult_n among_o the_o people_n and_o this_o with_o other_o thing_n they_o charge_v upon_o those_o that_o reprove_v they_o when_o they_o themselves_o be_v the_o most_o tumultuous_a for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o the_o magistrate_n and_o people_n to_o persecution_n and_o shed_n of_o blood_n there_o will_v not_o be_v such_o tumult_n among_o the_o people_n moreover_o the_o contention_n and_o tumult_n that_o be_v among_o man_n proceed_v not_o from_o they_o that_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n but_o from_o such_o as_o will_v not_o suffer_v that_o but_o with_o violence_n will_v usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o other_o the_o history_n do_v testify_v how_o that_o the_o malady_n wherewith_o several_a emperor_n king_n and_o prince_n have_v be_v perplex_v can_v nor_o be_v cure_v nor_o perfect_a peace_n and_o rest_v enjoy_v nor_o true_a obedience_n and_o subjection_n maintain_v to_o magistracy_n except_o they_o give_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o their_o subject_n wherefore_o some_o of_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v thereunto_o persuade_v by_o their_o subject_n anno_fw-la 1601._o in_o the_o land_n of_o cleave_v there_o be_v a_o notable_a reformation_n and_o toleration_n in_o religion_n for_o there_o it_o be_v decree_v that_o from_o henceforth_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v adjudge_v unfit_a for_o place_n of_o office_n for_o his_o different_a judgement_n in_o religion_n which_o do_v occasion_n much_o trust_v and_o peace_n and_o do_v free_a the_o people_n from_o all_o persecution_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n it_o have_v be_v former_o say_v that_o when_o a_o prince_n come_v so_o far_o that_o between_o two_o party_n he_o defend_v one_o party_n with_o weapon_n and_o oppress_v the_o other_o with_o weapon_n that_o then_o he_o get_v the_o name_n of_o a_o tyrant_n and_o rob_v the_o land_n of_o its_o welfare_n and_o through_o his_o own_o power_n weaken_v his_o own_o might_n and_o make_v the_o same_o open_a for_o a_o enemy_n merck-tyck_a page_n 57_o chap._n iu._n the_o evil_a effect_n of_o force_v of_o the_o conscience_n what_o it_o be_v their_o folly_n show_v that_o will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n to_o force_v people_n how_o the_o old_a father_n and_o ancient_a christian_n heretofore_o have_v witness_v against_o it_o and_o what_o other_o mean_v they_o use_v this_o do_v most_o history_n testify_v viz._n that_o the_o distraction_n uproar_n and_o many_o more_o inconvenience_n have_v be_v chief_o occasion_v through_o severe_a proclamation_n cruel_a proceed_n and_o persecution_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o force_v of_o conscience_n which_o be_v plenteous_o to_o be_v find_v in_o several_a chronicle_n but_o especial_o in_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o tyrant_n print_v at_o hoorn_v in_o north_n holland_n anno_fw-la 1620._o force_v of_o conscience_n be_v say_v to_o be_v this_o to_o wit_n when_o any_o compel_v man_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n or_o to_o abstain_v from_o such_o exercise_n as_o they_o in_o conscience_n esteem_v to_o be_v profitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n one_o of_o these_o two_o be_v that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v force_v of_o conscience_n against_o which_o the_o martyr_n since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v testify_v and_o have_v manifest_v it_o clear_o to_o be_v a_o unfitting_a thing_n as_o may_v be_v show_v at_o large_a out_o of_o history_n book_n of_o martyr_n apology_n remonstration_n etc._n etc._n maximilian_n the_o emperor_n tell_v hendricus_fw-la the_o king_n of_o france_n that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n so_o great_a in_o his_o account_n as_o to_o do_v violence_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o that_o those_o that_o go_v about_o to_o conquer_v the_o same_o think_v to_o gain_v heaven_n do_v often_o lose_v that_o they_o have_v upon_o earth_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o many_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o the_o magistrate_n compel_v by_o force_n and_o violence_n the_o unwilling_a to_o the_o faith_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v come_v of_o themselves_o as_o they_o imagine_v but_o say_v erasmus_n most_o man_n be_v so_o dispose_v that_o they_o will_v rather_o be_v lead_v then_o compel_v and_o that_o by_o entreaty_n more_o may_v be_v obtain_v than_o through_o cruelty_n those_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o drawing_n of_o the_o father_n say_v a_o wise_a man_n will_v have_v magistrate_n to_o draw_v by_o violence_n such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o remain_v ignorant_a of_o the_o drawing_n of_o the_o father_n but_o also_o other_o that_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n they_o will_v have_v draw_v to_o their_o dead_a invention_n as_o if_o they_o will_v conform_v so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v punish_v but_o i_o suppose_v say_v he_o that_o those_o that_o will_v otherwise_o come_v of_o themselves_o voluntary_o through_o punishment_n be_v terrify_v away_o as_o the_o fish_n in_o the_o water_n that_o come_v voluntary_o to_o the_o bait_n and_o net_n but_o when_o people_n will_v compel_v they_o they_o fly_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o can_v geneva_n savoy_n and_o other_o place_n witness_v say_v the_o author_n chrisostomus_n say_v that_o in_o heavenly_a matter_n people_n must_v use_v no_o violence_n for_o say_v he_o these_o that_o use_v violence_n estrange_v man_n most_o of_o all_o from_o their_o religion_n instance_v a_o example_n in_o west-india_n of_o the_o spaniard_n torment_v a_o casique_fw-la or_o lord_n so_o call_v and_o one_o of_o the_o clergy_n seek_v by_o his_o preach_a to_o convert_v he_o to_o the_o faith_n tell_v he_o of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n etc._n etc._n then_o he_o ask_v the_o clergyman_n where_o he_o and_o the_o spaniard_n shall_v be_v he_o say_v in_o heaven_n then_o say_v the_o other_o let_v i_o continue_v in_o hell_n not_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v with_o such_o cruel_a people_n bartolomeus_fw-la delas_n casas_fw-la lactantius_n dixit_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la opus_fw-la vi_fw-la et_fw-la injura_fw-la quia_fw-la religio_fw-la cogi_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la verbis_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la verberibus_fw-la ve_z agenda_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la sit_fw-la voluntas_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la tam_fw-la voluntarium_fw-la quam_fw-la religio_fw-la in_fw-la quasi_fw-la animus_n sacrificantis_fw-la aversus_fw-la est_fw-la jam_fw-la sublata_fw-la jam_fw-la nulla_fw-la est_fw-la augustinus_n say_v he_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o emperor_n compel_v any_o by_o violence_n contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n and_o he_o with_o chrisostomus_n together_o with_o several_a other_o of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n infer_v from_o the_o 13_o of_o matthew_n that_o man_n shall_v do_v no_o violence_n to_o heretic_n neither_o compel_v any_o to_o the_o free_a faith_n see_v god_n will_v have_v a_o willing_a unforced_a heart_n chron._n van_fw-mi de_fw-mi urijh_o der_fw-mi rel._n 2._o deel_n pag._n 17._o there_o be_v some_o in_o a_o certain_a national_a synod_n that_o do_v much_o endeavour_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o compel_v all_o people_n by_o fines_n
or_o other_o politic_a punishment_n to_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o sermon_n but_o other_o bare_a testimony_n against_o such_o politic_a correction_n as_o to_o punish_v by_o fine_n imprisonment_n etc._n etc._n which_o they_o esteem_v unfitting_a to_o be_v introduce_v into_o the_o church_n be_v they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o christian_a long-suffering_a and_o meekness_n and_o for_o the_o which_o they_o have_v no_o example_n neither_o in_o the_o old_a nor_o new_a testament_n anno_fw-la 1619._o calvin_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n give_v to_o understand_v that_o to_o exercise_v authority_n over_o one_o faith_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a just_a nor_o tolerable_a yea_o say_v he_o it_o be_v tyranny_n in_o the_o church_n for_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v free_a from_o all_o subjection_n of_o man_n though_o some_o be_v yet_o of_o that_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o compel_v people_n contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n by_o corporal_a punishment_n yea_o even_o to_o the_o death_n for_o to_o make_v they_o keep_v silent_a or_o confess_v thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o mind_n yet_o most_o of_o the_o old_a father_n have_v allege_v that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o touch_v the_o conscience_n as_o to_o force_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n merck-teyck_a chap._n 4._o 2_o deel_n pag._n 132._o the_o ancient_a christian_n do_v not_o approve_v of_o any_o external_n compulsion_n but_o only_o by_o entreat_v by_o good_a live_n with_o exhortation_n doctrine_n information_n and_o endeavour_n they_o labour_v to_o convince_v people_n and_o through_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n they_o seek_v to_o bring_v people_n captive_a so_o under_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o the_o like_a mean_n now_o do_v not_o prevail_v than_o no_o humane_a invention_n through_o do_v violence_n will_v for_o that_o will_v rather_o make_v they_o worse_o as_o heretofore_o it_o have_v do_v the_o most_o violence_n that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o man_n can_v compel_v or_o change_v the_o vain_a infidelity_n of_o the_o mind_n how_o shall_v that_o then_o possible_o move_v or_o alter_v they_o that_o be_v unmovable_o establish_v in_o the_o eternal_a truth_n who_o will_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a be_v bring_v to_o receive_v thing_n that_o be_v damnable_a nor_o to_o forsake_v that_o which_o they_o esteem_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n chap._n v._n a_o chancellor_n testimony_n their_o folly_n that_o will_v force_v man_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o how_o just_a liberty_n will_v preserve_v unity_n and_o how_o they_o that_o force_v other_o will_v not_o be_v force_v tthe_o chancellor_n of_o france_n say_v in_o the_o great_a assembly_n of_o the_o three_o state_n before_o the_o king_n first_o that_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o heresy_n second_o that_o evil_a remedy_n have_v strengthen_v the_o same_o three_o that_o the_o weapon_n of_o love_n prayer_n and_o information_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v fit_a for_o such_o a_o battle_n four_o that_o a_o good_a life_n preach_v more_o than_o word_n five_o that_o the_o sword_n can_v do_v little_a against_o the_o spirit_n except_o it_o be_v to_o undo_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o the_o comm._n fol._n 132._o be_v they_o not_o carnal_a and_o violent_a ishmaelite_n say_v one_o who_o will_v violent_o force_v rational_a man_n often_o to_o humane_a and_o damnable_a opinion_n as_o horse_n and_o mule_n and_o not_o with_o kindness_n entreat_v and_o only_o instruct_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o invite_v to_o the_o needful_a spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o true_a worship_n as_o reasonable_a and_o free_a man_n humani_fw-la juris_fw-la et_fw-la naturalis_fw-la potestatis_fw-la est_fw-la unicuique_fw-la quod_fw-la putaverit_fw-la colere_fw-la nec_fw-la alij_fw-la prodest_fw-la aut_fw-la obest_fw-la alterius_fw-la religio_fw-la sed_fw-la nec_fw-la religionis_fw-la est_fw-la cogere_fw-la religionem_fw-la que_fw-la sponte_fw-la non_fw-la vi_fw-la suscipi_fw-la debeat_fw-la erasmus_n say_v the_o divine_v not_o rely_v upon_o that_o power_n wherewith_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v arm_v they_o make_v violence_n their_o refuge_n as_o if_o man_n may_v be_v compel_v to_o believe_v otherwise_o than_o their_o opinion_n when_o several_a of_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o low-country_n request_v of_o the_o prince_n and_o state_n that_o they_o will_v introduce_v ordinance_n and_o discipline_n according_a to_o their_o opinion_n but_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o state_n reject_v their_o request_n esteem_v they_o prejuditial_a both_o to_o religion_n and_o policy_n when_o they_o observe_v the_o divers_a opinion_n that_o be_v among_o the_o people_n conclude_v it_o be_v the_o best_a as_o many_o politician_n have_v do_v to_o preserve_v unity_n among_o the_o people_n to_o give_v liberty_n at_o all_o and_o to_o compel_v none_o anno_fw-la 1608._o edict_n fol._n 27._o it_o have_v also_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o that_o force_v of_o conscience_n have_v make_v many_o hypocrite_n but_o no_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n therefore_o ought_v man_n to_o strive_v with_o the_o word_n and_o disputation_n and_o to_o conquer_v with_o reason_n say_v augustinus_n lest_o that_o we_o make_v they_o hypocritical_o catholic_n who_o before_o we_o have_v know_v to_o be_v manifest_a heretic_n anno_fw-la 1200._o the_o chronicle_n do_v show_v how_o that_o they_o that_o be_v and_o have_v be_v but_o seem_o religious_a do_v common_o join_v themselves_o to_o that_o religion_n or_o sect_n which_o be_v the_o uppermost_a whereby_o they_o may_v live_v in_o ease_n honour_n and_o fullness_n and_o get_v profit_n and_o preferment_n through_o place_n and_o office_n instance_v how_o that_o in_o england_n there_o be_v they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o king_n hendrick_n and_o edward_n that_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v protestant_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o queen_n marry_o papist_n and_o persecute_v other_o to_o death_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o day_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n get_v again_o in_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n and_o then_o persecute_v the_o papist_n vide_fw-la the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o overthrow_n of_o tyrant_n pag._n 1502._o arennius_n affirm_v that_o all_o force_v of_o conscience_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o forbid_v of_o the_o exercise_n which_o be_v esteem_v by_o one_o or_o another_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a right_a nor_o fit_v he_o also_o affirm_v that_o through_o diversity_n of_o religion_n the_o kingdom_n shall_v not_o be_v bring_v into_o any_o disturbance_n the_o ancient_a reform_a protestant_n term_v that_o force_v of_o conscience_n when_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o leave_v off_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n say_v car_fw-fr nous_fw-fr privant_fw-la de_fw-fr nostre_fw-fr religion_n on_o nous_fw-fr tiendroit_fw-fr en_fw-fr une_fw-fr continuele_n mort_fw-fr corporelle_fw-fr &_o spirituelle_fw-fr i._n e._n for_o to_o deprive_v we_o of_o our_o religion_n be_v to_o keep_v we_o in_o a_o perpetual_a corporal_n and_o spiritual_a death_n add_v thereunto_o how_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o be_v put_v to_o death_n than_o be_v bereave_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n etc._n etc._n many_o have_v testify_v and_o many_o do_v testify_v that_o force_v of_o conscience_n be_v a_o wicked_a destructive_a mean_n both_o for_o soul_n and_o body_n against_o which_o the_o martyr_n that_o have_v suffer_v have_v universal_o bear_v testimony_n now_o say_v a_o certain_a wise_a man_n let_v these_o consider_v who_o do_v so_o much_o stir_v up_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o force_v free_a mind_n against_o their_o conscience_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v force_v by_o violence_n against_o their_o conscience_n to_o embrace_v the_o pope_n faith_n of_o rome_n with_o all_o its_o superstition_n or_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o and_o that_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n let_v such_o then_o judge_n say_v he_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o be_v force_v against_o one_o conscience_n to_o any_o form_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n if_o any_o dare_v speak_v free_o what_o he_o beleive_v and_o think_v in_o his_o heart_n say_v castellio_n he_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o think_v and_o believe_v that_o such_o forcer_n be_v absolute_a tyrant_n and_o that_o whereunto_o they_o press_v he_o be_v not_o good_a and_o if_o former_o he_o have_v any_o inclination_n thereunto_o that_o he_o through_o such_o violence_n come_v whole_o to_o abhor_v it_o the_o ancient_a protestant_n testify_v that_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v defend_v with_o cruelty_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n chap._n vi_o a_o shift_n of_o the_o pope_n a_o humane_a invention_n how_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n and_o true_a church_n subsist_v and_o be_v defend_v by_o spiritual_a weapon_n and_o how_o persecution_n answer_v not_o the_o end_n of_o persecutor_n the_o history_n show_v how_o that_o this_o be_v one_o