eight_o day_n &_o under_o claudius_n also_o his_o successor_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n how_o the_o church_n be_v toss_v and_o persecute_v in_o asia_n antiochia_n pisidia_n iconium_n lystra_n galatia_n ephesus_n macedonia_n philippi_n thessalonia_n corinthus_n berrhoe_n rome_n and_o many_o other_o place_n but_o all_o these_o persecution_n be_v as_o yet_o particular_a and_o but_o in_o some_o one_o place_n or_o other_o god_n moderate_v and_o mitigate_a the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o govern_v after_o a_o wonderful_a sort_n his_o church_n in_o those_o emperor_n day_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v more_o bless_o and_o plentiful_o grow_v but_o omit_v these_o let_v we_o speak_v of_o the_o ten_o great_a and_o general_a persecution_n as_o they_o be_v call_v by_o which_o the_o church_n be_v eager_o assault_v and_o crue_o torment_v on_o all_o side_n the_o first_o persecution_n be_v under_o nero_n the_o sixth_o emperor_n who_o be_v call_v claudius_n domitius_n nero._n he_o be_v ordain_v emperor_n in_o the_o year_n 57_o after_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o reign_v xiiii_o year_n seven_o month_n and_o certain_a day_n and_o some_o say_v that_o the_o five_o first_o year_n he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n but_o that_o afterward_o he_o so_o disorder_a himself_o and_o fall_v into_o such_o excess_n by_o incest_n murder_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n that_o hardly_o there_o be_v as_o yet_o any_o other_o emperor_n to_o be_v find_v who_o be_v defile_v with_o such_o filthiness_n tertullian_n rehearse_v in_o his_o apologetico_fw-la that_o this_o emperor_n be_v the_o first_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o tertul._n apolog._n cap._n 5._o look_v say_v he_o into_o your_o history_n and_o register_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o nero_n be_v the_o first_o which_o exercise_v cruelty_n against_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v under_o the_o emperor_n authority_n &_o principalie_v against_o the_o church_n which_o be_v establish_v at_o rome_n 15._o corne._n tacitus_n lib._n 15._o and_o cornelius_n tacitus_n declare_v that_o the_o occasion_n which_o nero_n take_v to_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o be_v this_o that_o he_o command_v secret_o to_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o city_n of_o rome_n that_o he_o may_v see_v some_o form_n or_o image_n as_o it_o be_v which_o may_v represent_v &_o set_v out_o unto_o he_o the_o fire_n of_o troy_n and_o so_o the_o fire_n continue_v in_o the_o city_n six_o day_n space_n which_o make_v such_o a_o destruction_n that_o he_o become_v hereby_o very_o odious_a among_o the_o people_n and_o see_v that_o he_o can_v not_o put_v out_o this_o hatred_n and_o wait_v of_o he_o to_o do_v he_o some_o mischief_n for_o all_o the_o good_a turn_n which_o he_o can_v do_v to_o the_o people_n he_o find_v out_o this_o devise_n to_o sow_v abroad_o this_o bruit_n rumour_n and_o report_n that_o it_o be_v the_o christian_n who_o have_v be_v the_o blower_n of_o that_o fire_n and_o the_o author_n of_o that_o destruction_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o he_o begin_v to_o persecute_v they_o and_o to_o put_v they_o to_o death_n both_o because_o they_o be_v as_o he_o say_v the_o blower_n of_o that_o fire_n and_o also_o because_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o confession_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v they_o to_o die_v his_o upholder_n put_v upon_o their_o back_n the_o skin_n of_o wild_a beast_n that_o they_o may_v be_v tear_v and_o rend_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o piece_n with_o dog_n where_o also_o they_o crucify_v they_o &_o burn_v they_o all_o alive_a &_o although_o the_o day_n fail_v they_o yet_o they_o burn_v they_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o give_v light_n to_o the_o night_n this_o first_o persecution_n begin_v about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 66._o the_o x._o year_n of_o nero_n his_o reign_n &_o last_v 4._o year_n &_o somewhat_o more_o until_o the_o death_n of_o that_o tyrant_n some_o say_v &_o eusebius_n amongst_o those_o recite_v it_o that_o this_o nero_n about_o the_o end_n of_o his_o day_n or_o reign_v cause_v s._n peter_n &_o s._n paul_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n the_o 2._o persecution_n be_v under_o domitian_n the_o twelve_o emperor_n who_o be_v appoint_v emperor_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 83._o &_o reign_v xv_o year_n and_o vi_fw-la month_n he_o be_v so_o lift_v up_o in_o cruelty_n and_o pride_n that_o he_o will_v have_v his_o subject_n call_v he_o god_n &_o lord_n &_o cause_v image_n of_o his_o own_o person_n to_o be_v make_v of_o gold_n &_o silver_n he_o ordain_v as_o his_o father_n vespasian_n have_v do_v before_o he_o that_o inquiry_n shall_v be_v make_v against_o the_o race_n of_o david_n &_o that_o they_o which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v thereof_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o he_o fear_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n &_o about_o the_o 14._o year_n of_o his_o reign_n &_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 97._o he_o cause_v by_o a_o edict_n to_o be_v publish_v and_o proclaim_v a_o cruel_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n insomuche_o that_o the_o church_n be_v miserable_o and_o a_o long_a time_n torment_v under_o he_o the_o three_o persecution_n be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trajan_n the_o fourteen_o emperor_n who_o be_v appoint_v emperor_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 100_o who_o govern_v the_o empire_n nienteene_v year_n six_o month_n and_o fifteen_o day_n he_o be_v great_o praise_v of_o the_o historiographer_n as_o a_o courteous_a and_o gentle_a prince_n and_o some_o say_v that_o he_o be_v so_o renown_v and_o famous_a by_o reason_n of_o his_o justice_n &_o courtesy_n that_o ever_o after_o so_o often_o as_o any_o be_v create_v emperor_n the_o people_n yield_v this_o bless_a exclamation_n outcry_n and_o consent_n be_v he_o more_o happy_a than_o augustus_n and_o better_a than_o trajan_n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n and_o mark_v the_o occasion_n that_o he_o take_v so_o to_o do_v he_o be_v bring_v up_o from_o his_o infancy_n in_o the_o paganish_a and_o heathenish_a superstition_n by_o reason_n whereof_o he_o disdain_v and_o despise_a christian_n religion_n because_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o superstition_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v about_o he_o certain_a courtier_n which_o be_v blower_n of_o that_o fire_n in_o he_o &_o augment_v that_o disdain_n and_o despite_n in_o he_o insomuch_o that_o diverse_a historiographer_n record_n that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o much_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n incline_v to_o shed_v blood_n as_o deceive_v and_o stir_v up_o thereto_o by_o his_o councillor_n and_o principal_o by_o the_o pagane_n priest_n 20._o freculph_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 20._o who_o as_o freculphus_n witness_v give_v good_a store_n of_o silver_n to_o the_o governor_n and_o bribe_v free_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o will_v put_v the_o christian_n to_o death_n as_o their_o deadly_a enemy_n some_o add_v that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v very_o much_o increase_v whereupon_o many_o inconvenience_n may_v come_v to_o the_o roman_a empire_n if_o the_o danger_n be_v not_o prevent_v which_o also_o be_v a_o cause_n that_o trajan_n be_v the_o more_o inflame_v and_o kindle_v against_o they_o as_o also_o sabellicus_n write_v sabellicus_n sabellicus_n that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n be_v more_o suspect_v of_o this_o emperor_n than_o the_o religion_n after_o this_o sort_n than_o do_v they_o accuse_v the_o christian_n of_o sedition_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o for_o these_o cause_n they_o be_v cruel_o persecute_v insomuch_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o pliny_n the_o second_o have_v write_v secund_a plinius_n secund_a that_o public_a commandment_n be_v send_v from_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o province_n by_o which_o every_o governor_n be_v enforce_v too_o persecute_v and_o so_o the_o persecution_n be_v spread_v abroad_o through_o out_o all_o the_o place_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o at_o that_o time_n contain_v not_o only_a europe_n but_o also_o a_o great_a part_n of_o asia_n &_o africa_n and_o the_o say_a persecution_n endure_v about_o fourteen_o year_n but_o yet_o in_o such_o order_n that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o trajan_n it_o be_v some_o what_o less_o sharp_a but_o afterward_o it_o flame_v out_o and_o burst_v forth_o more_o and_o more_o 2._o tertul._n apologi_fw-la capt_n 2._o now_o the_o say_a pliny_n the_o second_o have_v at_o that_o time_n the_o government_n of_o a_o certain_a province_n to_o wit_n of_o bethina_fw-la and_o as_o tertullian_n say_v he_o be_v appoint_v too_o persecute_v the_o christian_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 112._o and_o of_o trajan_n the_o xiiii_o year_n wherefore_o he_o be_v astonish_v with_o the_o great_a number_n of_o martyr_n
and_o john_n who_o be_v covetous_a and_o greedy_a of_o worldly_a honour_n and_o desire_v to_o live_v at_o their_o case_n and_o rest_n etc._n mark_n 10.35_o etc._n etc._n demand_v of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v unto_o they_o to_o sit_v in_o his_o glory_n the_o one_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o at_o his_o left_a but_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o altogether_o the_o contrary_a that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v to_o walk_v here_o below_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o hand_n to_o battle_n or_o fight_n yea_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o thorn_n and_o to_o be_v torment_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n &_o wicked_a man_n his_o instrument_n yea_o so_o much_o the_o more_o by_o how_o much_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v and_o labour_n sincere_o to_o serve_v god_n which_o thing_n also_o jesus_n christ_n have_v well_o and_o sufficient_o declare_v to_o the_o abovesaid_a son_n of_o zebedeus_n when_o he_o answer_v they_o 38._o mark_n 10._o 38._o you_o know_v not_o what_o you_o ask_v can_v you_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n that_o i_o shall_v drink_v of_o and_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n wherewith_o i_o shall_v be_v baptize_v mean_v thereby_o that_o the_o common_a state_n &_o condition_n of_o christian_n be_v this_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v exercise_v in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o cross_n &_o tribulation_n before_o that_o they_o can_v be_v crown_v and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n wherefore_o the_o church_n be_v call_v militant_a or_o warfaring_a so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v here_o below_o on_o the_o earth_n even_o as_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n and_o for_o this_o very_a self_n same_o cause_n also_o etc._n mark_n 4.36_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o little_a ship_n altogether_o toss_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o bellows_n or_o surge_n and_o of_o the_o tempest_n of_o the_o sea_n also_o to_o ground_n continual_o plough_v over_o 129.3_o psal_n 129.3_o and_o through_o which_o man_n make_v the_o plough_n continual_o to_o go_v to_o rend_v or_o cleave_v it_o &_o to_o turn_v it_o upside_o down_o therefore_o also_o s._n paul_n say_v in_o the_o act_n 14.22_o act._n 14.22_o that_o by_o many_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o in_o 2._o epistle_n to_o tim._n all_o those_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n 3.12_o 2_o tim._n 3.12_o shall_v suffer_v persecution_n jesus_n christ_n say_v also_o unto_o his_o disciple_n 15.20_o john_n 15.20_o remember_v the_o word_n that_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o great_a than_o his_o master_n if_o they_o have_v persecute_v i_o 16.1.2_o john_n 16.1.2_o they_o will_v persecute_v you_o also_o also_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v they_o shall_v excommunicate_v you_o yea_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n and_o this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o god_n will_v have_v his_o church_n to_o glorify_v he_o here_o below_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o deed_n the_o first_o lesson_n that_o jesus_n christ_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n be_v touch_v this_o matter_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o persecution_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o will_v come_v after_o i_o 16.24_o matth._n 16.24_o let_v he_o forsake_v himself_o &_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o time_n and_o age_n do_v sufficient_o show_v unto_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n whether_o we_o consider_v somewhat_o narrow_o as_o well_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o state_n of_o that_o which_o come_v afterward_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n insomuch_o that_o it_o may_v right_o say_v 129.1_o psal_n 129.1_o they_o have_v often_o afflict_v i_o from_o my_o youth_n &_o have_v do_v i_o a_o thousand_o evil_n as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o psalm_n for_o even_o from_o the_o beginning_n the_o devil_n have_v always_o be_v like_o to_o himself_o that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o liar_n a_o murderer_n 8.44_o john_n 8.44_o envious_a &_o a_o false_a and_o privy_a accuser_n &_o war_n have_v always_o continue_v between_o the_o woman_n seed_n &_o the_o serpent_n seed_n and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n join_v &_o put_v together_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a nature_n 6.14.15_o gene._n 3.15_o 2._o cor._n 6.14.15_o how_o can_v any_o man_n make_v agreement_n between_o god_n and_o the_o devil_n between_o christ_n and_o belial_n between_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o unbeliever_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o three_o cap._n of_o s._n john_n show_v a_o reason_n to_o declare_v why_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o good_a &_o the_o wicked_a shall_v suffer_v one_o with_o another_o &_o agree_v together_o 3.19.20_o john_n 3.19.20_o to_o wit_n that_o all_o the_o work_n which_o the_o world_n do_v be_v wicked_a and_o therefore_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v discover_v &_o lay_v open_a by_o the_o light_n it_o hate_v the_o light_n and_o love_v darkness_n from_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n enimite_n between_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n have_v take_v and_o have_v their_o original_n and_o first_o foundation_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o cain_n slay_v his_o brother_n abel_n that_o lot_n the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v hate_v of_o the_o sodomite_n that_o ishmael_n mock_v isaac_n and_o persecute_v he_o that_o esaw_n go_v about_o to_o oppress_v &_o kill_v jacob_n even_o from_o his_o youth_n that_o joseph_n have_v his_o own_o brethren_n for_o his_o enemy_n that_o the_o prophet_n can_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o wicked_a king_n nor_o s._n john_n baptist_n with_o the_o incestuous_a herode_fw-la nor_o jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o high_a priest_n scribe_n &_o pharisee_n nor_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n with_o the_o infideles_fw-la &_o unbeliever_n of_o their_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v mere_a folly_n to_o suppose_v and_o think_v that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n can_v ever_o be_v belove_v of_o the_o world_n whereupon_o by_o good_a right_n &_o for_o good_a cause_n s._n james_n say_v that_o the_o amity_n of_o the_o world_n 4.4_o james._n 4.4_o be_v the_o enmity_n of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o will_v be_v a_o friend_n of_o the_o world_n make_v himself_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n 15.19_o john_n 15.19_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n also_o jesus_n christ_n have_v say_v to_o his_o disciple_n if_o you_o be_v of_o this_o world_n the_o world_n will_v love_v his_o own_o but_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o i_o have_v choose_v and_o separate_v you_o out_o of_o this_o world_n therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o to_o be_v short_a if_o we_o will_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v without_o persecution_n then_o of_o necessity_n must_v it_o be_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v without_o hatred_n the_o devil_n without_o envy_n and_o our_o nature_n without_o vice_n or_o sin_n but_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v specify_v and_o declare_v certain_a thing_n church_n a_o discourse_n of_o the_o ten_o great_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n let_v we_o examine_v as_o it_o be_v one_o by_o one_o the_o ten_o persecution_n which_o come_v upon_o it_o after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n under_o the_o emperor_n whereof_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n make_v mention_v true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o augustus_n the_o second_o emperor_n the_o church_n be_v much_o persecute_v under_o the_o great_a herode_fw-la who_o think_v to_o put_v to_o death_n the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o very_a cradle_n command_v man_n to_o slay_v all_o the_o babe_n and_o little_a child_n of_o bethlehem_n and_o of_o all_o the_o border_n thereof_o from_o two_o year_n old_a and_o under_o also_o under_o tiberius_n the_o three_o emperor_n by_o herode_fw-la antipas_n the_o tetrarch_n of_o galilee_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o first_o herode_fw-la who_o take_v away_o his_o brother_n phillip_n wife_n and_o put_v to_o death_n john_n baptist_n because_o he_o reproove_v he_o for_o that_o sin_n and_o offence_n and_o by_o pilate_n also_o who_o condemn_v and_o cause_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n on_o the_o cross_n jesus_n christ_n the_o high_a priest_n scribes_z pharise_n &_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o principal_a blower_n of_o the_o fire_n and_o chief_a persecutor_n moreover_o under_o caius_n caligula_n that_o horrible_a monster_n who_o be_v appoint_v the_o four_o emperor_n in_o the_o nine_o and_o thirty_o year_n after_o christ_n birth_n &_o reign_v three_o year_n ten_o month_n and_o
also_o it_o have_v not_o be_v begin_v in_o our_o time_n 2._o euseb_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 33._o tertull._n apolo_n cap._n 2._o behold_v the_o two_o letter_n whereof_o eusebius_n make_v mention_n in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n allege_v tertullian_n in_o his_o apologetico_fw-la which_o tertullian_n censure_v the_o emperor_n answer_n speak_v after_o this_o manner_n o_o sentence_n confuse_a and_o darken_v by_o necessity_n which_o decree_v that_o inquiry_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v of_o they_o because_o they_o seem_v innocent_a people_n &_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v as_o culpable_a and_o guilty_a it_o use_v pardon_n &_o cruelty_n it_o dissemble_v &_o punish_v wherefore_o o_o emperor_n do_v thou_o abuse_v thyself_o in_o thy_o charge_n and_o censure_n if_o thou_o condemn_v christian_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o make_v and_o put_v in_o also_o information_n against_o they_o or_o if_o thou_o make_v and_o put_v in_o no_o information_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o condemn_v they_o the_o four_o persecution_n be_v under_o marcus_n antonius_n verus_fw-la the_o xvi_o emperor_n who_o be_v create_v in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 162._o he_o be_v otherwise_o call_v of_o the_o historiographer_n marcus_n aurelius_n verus_n and_o surname_v the_o philosopher_n he_o govern_v the_o empire_n the_o space_n of_o xviii_o or_o nineteeen_o year_n his_o virtue_n be_v great_a and_o wonderful_a yet_o the_o true_a virtue_n be_v want_v in_o he_o to_o wit_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o look_v by_o how_o much_o more_o he_o be_v gentle_a towards_o his_o own_o by_o so_o much_o he_o be_v the_o more_o rude_a and_o severe_a against_o the_o christian_n as_o a_o stoical_a man_n &_o nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o from_o his_o infancy_n with_o the_o priest_n of_o satia_fw-la his_o law_n &_o edict_n declare_v how_o cruel_a he_o be_v towards_o the_o christian_n for_o in_o the_o book_n of_o digest_v we_o find_v such_o a_o writing_n or_o law_n that_o he_o make_v that_o those_o which_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n shall_v be_v banish_v and_o send_v into_o the_o isle_n 62._o euseb_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 62._o eusebius_n recite_v certain_a thing_n take_v out_o of_o the_o apology_n of_o melitus_n the_o bishop_n of_o sardis_n among_o which_o be_v this_o also_o to_o be_v show_v that_o the_o faithful_a people_n suffer_v persecution_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o new_a edict_n which_o be_v publish_v in_o asia_n wherewith_o the_o slanderer_n make_v themselves_o strong_a be_v provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o pill_n and_o rob_v the_o faithful_a in_o every_o place_n wheresoever_o they_o find_v they_o and_o to_o steal_v away_o the_o good_n of_o the_o poor_a innocent_n 1_o euseb_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 1_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o vienna_n and_o of_o lion_n city_n of_o france_n send_v to_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o asia_n &_o phrigia_n of_o which_o eusebius_n make_v mention_v speak_v of_o a_o writing_n or_o law_n of_o the_o emperor_n send_v too_o the_o governor_n of_o france_n by_o which_o he_o ordain_v that_o they_o shall_v put_v to_o death_n the_o christian_n persevere_v and_o continue_v in_o their_o confession_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v let_v the_o other_o go_v which_o will_v abjure_v forswear_v and_o forsake_v the_o same_o as_o touch_v the_o crime_n and_o fault_n whereof_o the_o christian_n be_v accuse_v the_o foresay_a epistle_n recite_v that_o the_o pagan_n provoke_v yea_o constrain_v they_o to_o confess_v strange_a matter_n and_o behold_v what_o it_o say_v some_o be_v find_v amongst_o we_o which_o be_v weak_a who_o be_v vanquish_v by_o satan_n and_o very_o much_o fear_v torment_n which_o they_o see_v the_o saint_n suffer_v and_o abide_v be_v also_o push_v on_o by_o the_o soldier_n have_v allege_v against_o we_o that_o in_o our_o banquet_n we_o shall_v eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o little_a child_n as_o be_v use_v in_o thiest_n his_o banquet_n and_o that_o we_o commit_v whoredom_n and_o hortible_a incest_n like_o oedipus_n and_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o name_n yea_o &_o that_o so_o execrable_a &_o abominable_a that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o think_v that_o man_n shall_v ever_o have_v commit_v such_o act_n and_o as_o concern_v the_o torment_n the_o self_n same_o epistle_n rehearse_v they_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v spy_v and_o watch_v both_o within_o their_o house_n and_o without_o that_o man_n cry_v out_o against_o they_o in_o all_o public_a and_o open_a place_n that_o they_o do_v beat_v and_o whip_v they_o draw_v they_o up_o and_o down_o stone_v they_o pilled_a and_o take_v away_o their_o good_n and_o imprison_v they_o that_o they_o apply_v and_o lay_v unto_o they_o burn_v blade_n of_o iron_n that_o they_o shut_v they_o together_o in_o a_o instrument_n of_o torture_n and_o torment_v even_o unto_o the_o five_o hole_n that_o they_o put_v they_o into_o obscure_a and_o dark_a dungeon_n that_o they_o strangle_v they_o within_o the_o prison_n that_o they_o cast_v they_o to_o beast_n that_o they_o put_v they_o with_o in_o cauldron_n of_o iron_n to_o burn_v they_o that_o they_o hang_v they_o on_o gibbet_n that_o they_o cast_v they_o to_o bull_n which_o may_v pierce_v and_o gore_v they_o with_o their_o horn_n and_o such_o other_o like_o thing_n the_o 5._o persecution_n be_v under_o severus_n xxi_o emperor_n who_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o empire_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 196._o he_o reign_v 18._o year_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v some_o what_o peaceable_a from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o emperor_n commodus_n who_o be_v the_o xviii_o emperor_n &_o create_v about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 182._o until_o severus_n come_v who_o in_o the_o ix_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n which_o be_v after_o eusebius_n account_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 205._o move_v &_o stir_v up_o a_o terrible_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o province_n and_o country_n and_o some_o think_v that_o he_o be_v move_v thereto_o rather_o by_o the_o vice_n &_o fault_n which_o the_o furious_a common_a people_n do_v very_o false_o and_o wrongful_o lay_v to_o the_o christian_n charge_n then_o to_o say_v that_o of_o himself_o he_o have_v his_o heart_n inflame_v against_o they_o tertullian_n who_o be_v in_o his_o time_n say_v scapul_fw-la tertullian_n ad_fw-la scapul_fw-la that_o he_o show_v himself_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n not_o only_o courteous_a gentle_a and_o full_a of_o beneficence_n liberality_n and_o good_a will_n but_o also_o do_v open_o resist_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o people_n yet_o eusebius_n prove_v by_o diverse_a example_n of_o the_o martyr_n that_o this_o emperout_a be_v a_o terrible_a persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o crime_n false_o object_v &_o allege_v against_o the_o christian_n apologes_fw-la tertul._n ad_fw-la scapu_n &_o in_o apologes_fw-la tertullian_n recite_v diverse_a of_o they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o sedition_n and_o treason_n that_o they_o have_v blame_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o emperor_n his_o honour_n that_o they_o be_v murderer_n church_n robber_n incestuous_a person_n killer_n of_o infant_n which_o they_o do_v eat_v the_o flesh_n be_v raw_a that_o they_o commit_v whoredom_n without_o have_v respect_n with_o who_o after_o that_o they_o have_v put_v out_o the_o candle_n with_o which_o filthiness_n the_o gnostici_fw-la be_v in_o deed_n spot_v also_o that_o they_o worship_v the_o head_n of_o a_o ass_n in_o the_o steed_n of_o god_n that_o they_o worship_v the_o sun_n that_o they_o be_v in_o nothing_o profitable_a for_o other_o that_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a crime_n that_o they_o lay_v against_o they_o or_o upon_o they_o be_v this_o that_o they_o despise_v the_o god_n which_o other_o man_n worship_v and_o touch_v the_o sort_n and_o manner_n of_o torment_n we_o may_v gather_v it_o out_o of_o that_o which_o eusebius_n have_v write_v of_o it_o eusebius_n eusebius_n that_o some_o be_v buffet_v and_o beat_v other_o some_o behead_v other_o burn_v other_o have_v boil_v pitch_n pour_v over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o their_o body_n and_o so_o they_o be_v by_o little_a and_o little_o burn_v and_o put_v to_o death_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o that_o all_o their_o good_n be_v peel_v away_o rob_v and_o confiscate_v the_o sixth_o persecution_n be_v under_o julius_n maximianus_n the_o xxvi_o emperor_n who_o succeed_v alexander_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 237._o &_o reign_v only_o about_o three_o year_n he_o be_v a_o shepherd_n in_o his_o young_a age_n but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o great_a and_o mighty_a man_n be_v a_o soldier_n he_o be_v create_v emperor_n without_o any_o authority_n of_o the_o senate_n but_o by_o the_o only_a good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o
a_o hour_n he_o yield_v up_o the_o ghost_n severus_n be_v bless_v and_o happy_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o reign_n severus_n severus_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v move_v persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n then_o immediate_o his_o prosperity_n begin_v also_o to_o fail_v and_o he_o be_v distract_v and_o draw_v hither_o and_o thither_o by_o many_o danger_n and_o diverse_a civil_a war_n platina_n platina_n as_o platina_n say_v and_o as_o touch_v his_o end_n although_o he_o be_v not_o slay_v or_o that_o his_o blood_n be_v not_o shed_v victor_n victor_n notwithstanding_o as_o victor_n have_v leave_v it_o in_o writing_n feel_v a_o vehement_a grief_n in_o all_o his_o member_n and_o special_o in_o his_o foot_n he_o ask_v and_o desire_v that_o some_o will_v give_v he_o poison_v to_o cause_v he_o to_o die_v and_o so_o with_o a_o hasty_a and_o headlong_a death_n he_o finish_v his_o day_n in_o england_n maximinus_n maximinus_n maximinus_n after_o he_o have_v begin_v his_o persecution_n be_v so_o overcover_v with_o shame_n that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o emperor_n more_o miserable_a than_o he_o the_o senate_n of_o rome_n in_o despite_n of_o he_o capitolinus_n this_o be_v find_v write_v in_o aurelius_n victor_n and_o capitolinus_n choose_v other_o emperor_n while_o he_o live_v his_o soldier_n revolt_v from_o he_o in_o africa_n and_o at_o the_o last_o after_o that_o he_o have_v reign_v whole_a three_o year_n he_o be_v slay_v by_o his_o own_o soldier_n be_v threescore_o year_n old_a and_o with_o his_o own_o son_n be_v nienteene_v year_n old_a and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o death_n be_v terrible_a and_o fearful_a for_o he_o be_v cut_v in_o piece_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o river_n and_o this_o scoff_n or_o taunt_n trot_v and_o be_v rise_v in_o the_o soldier_n mouth_n that_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o keep_v no_o not_o a_o little_a dog_n of_o a_o naughty_a race_n or_o kind_n afterwards_o all_o those_o favourer_n which_o be_v join_v with_o he_o and_o all_o those_o which_o have_v be_v his_o familiar_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n be_v slay_v draw_v up_o and_o down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o iake_v and_o privy_n decius_n decius_n concern_v the_o emperor_n decius_n behold_v that_o which_o we_o find_v of_o his_o end_n nauclerus_fw-la rehearse_v that_o he_o be_v drown_v nauclerus_fw-la nauclerus_fw-la and_o that_o his_o body_n be_v never_o find_v pomponius_n have_v write_v pomponius_n pomponius_n that_o in_o a_o wicked_a war_n against_o the_o goth_n he_o be_v swallow_v up_o of_o a_o whirlpool_n into_o which_o he_o throw_v himself_o headlong_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v not_o fall_v into_o his_o enemy_n hand_n fasciculus_fw-la temporum_fw-la say_v tempo_fw-la fasciculus_fw-la tempo_fw-la that_o he_o be_v slay_v in_o war_n &_o his_o son_n also_o which_o also_o be_v in_o like_a sort_n put_v down_o &_o set_v forth_o by_o eusebius_n say_v that_o before_o he_o have_v reign_v two_o year_n 1._o eusebius_n lib._n 7._o cap._n 1._o he_o be_v miserable_o slay_v together_o with_o his_o child_n the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n likewise_o horrible_a be_v declare_v in_o &_o against_o valerian_n valerianus_n valerianus_n punish_v he_o for_o the_o christian_n blood_n which_o be_v spill_v by_o his_o appointment_n and_o commandment_n for_o we_o read_v in_o the_o xxiii_o book_n of_o volateranus_fw-la 23_o volateran_n lib._n 23_o and_o in_o other_o history_n writer_n that_o he_o alittle_o before_o he_o begin_v to_o persecute_v the_o christian_n go_v to_o make_v war_n against_o the_o persian_n and_o that_o in_o battle_n he_o be_v take_v by_o sapores_fw-la the_o king_n of_o the_o say_a persian_n who_o handle_v he_o so_o uncourteous_o and_o entreat_v he_o so_o chourlish_o that_o so_o often_o as_o this_o king_n sapores_fw-la will_v get_v up_o on_o horse_n back_o he_o use_v the_o back_n of_o this_o poor_a slave_n to_o help_v he_o to_o mount_v up_o and_o so_o this_o emperor_n spend_v his_o old_a age_n in_o this_o so_o miserable_a servitude_n and_o bondage_n eusebuis_n eusebuis_n eusebius_n in_o the_o oration_n or_o sermon_n which_o he_o make_v to_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n say_v that_o sapores_fw-la at_o the_o last_o cause_v valerian_n to_o be_v fley_v and_o these_o be_v his_o word_n and_o thou_o also_o valerian_n because_o thou_o do_v exercise_v so_o great_a cruelty_n of_o murder_n against_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n have_v be_v declare_v on_o thou_o when_o be_v captive_a and_o bind_v and_o lead_v with_o thy_o imperial_a ornament_n have_v at_o the_o last_o thy_o skin_n pull_v off_o by_o the_o commandment_n of_o sapores_fw-la king_n of_o the_o persian_n and_o salt_v thou_o have_v set_v up_o somewhat_o as_o a_o perpetual_a remembrance_n of_o thy_o wickedness_n 27._o henric._n erdford_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 27._o some_o say_v that_o claudius_n valerius_n his_o lieutenant_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o devil_n &_o that_o his_o tongue_n be_v cut_v out_o of_o his_o head_n and_o chap_v in_o piece_n and_o that_o at_o the_o last_o he_o be_v choke_v aurelian_a aurelian_a aurelian_a be_v not_o exempt_v from_o god_n punishment_n for_o as_o he_o begin_v his_o persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n a_o thunderbolt_n fall_v nigh_o unto_o he_o wherewith_o he_o be_v sudden_o afraid_a as_o we_o have_v say_v heretofore_o but_o he_o become_v not_o the_o better_a for_o that_o wherefore_o pursue_v his_o enterprise_n and_o attempt_v soon_o after_o he_o be_v slay_v by_o his_o own_o people_n go_v the_o second_o time_n to_o war_n against_o the_o illyrian_n and_o this_o be_v do_v between_o constantinople_n &_o heracleas_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 272._o some_o affirm_v also_o of_o his_o lieutenant_n antiochus_n 29._o henric._n erdford_n li._n 6._o ca._n 29._o that_o while_o they_o be_v torment_v agapitus_n the_o martyr_n he_o sudden_o fall_v from_o his_o seat_n where_o he_o sit_v in_o judgement_n cry_v as_o though_o he_o dispair_v that_o he_o burn_v in_o his_o bowel_n &_o that_o he_o die_v cry_v out_o after_o that_o sort_n diocletian_n and_o maximianus_n herculien_n maximianus_n diocletian_n and_o maximianus_n have_v reign_v twenty_o year_n together_o and_o very_o much_o torment_v the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o the_o ten_o persecution_n which_o they_o move_v against_o it_o at_o the_o last_o come_v to_o so_o great_a a_o change_n and_o alteration_n of_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o to_o such_o wilfulness_n and_o madness_n 23_o nicepho_n lib._n 7._o cap._n 20._o euseb_n lib._n 8._o ca._n 13_o volaterra_fw-la lib._n 23_o both_o two_o of_o they_o that_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o history_n for_o despite_n which_o they_o have_v against_o christ_n because_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o establish_v and_o blot_v out_o his_o name_n be_v let_v by_o the_o constancy_n courage_n and_o may_v of_o the_o noble_a martyr_n they_o depose_v themselves_o from_o the_o empire_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o government_n of_o galerius_n and_o constantius_n diocletian_n withdraw_v himself_o to_o nicomedia_n and_o maximianus_n to_o milan_n and_o both_o of_o they_o afterwards_o live_v as_o private_a man_n dioclesian_n live_v certain_a year_n after_o but_o at_o the_o last_o have_v receive_v threaten_v letter_n from_o constantine_n and_o licinius_n because_o he_o will_v not_o be_v at_o a_o marriage_n banquet_n or_o feast_n they_o have_v also_o invite_v and_o bid_v he_o thereto_o and_o fear_v a_o shameful_a death_n he_o drink_v poison_n and_o die_v when_o he_o be_v seventie_o three_o year_n old_a this_o be_v recite_v and_o report_v by_o the_o roman_a historiographer_n themselves_o volateranus_fw-la aurelius_n victor_n pomponius_n laetus_n volateranus_fw-la aurelius_n victor_n and_o pomponius_n laetus_n volateran_n and_o certain_a other_o say_v that_o after_o his_o death_n he_o be_v deify_v that_o be_v to_o say_v put_v placed_z and_o establish_v in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o good_n cronic_n naveleâ—us_fw-la vespergensis_fw-la in_o svo_fw-la cronic_n and_o as_o concern_v maximianus_n heculien_n the_o history_n writer_n say_v that_o maxentius_n his_o son_n have_v be_v ordain_v create_v and_o call_v emperor_n at_o rome_n the_o father_n take_v courage_n to_o he_o again_o &_o purpose_v in_o his_o mind_n to_o recover_v the_o empire_n from_o which_o he_o have_v depose_v himself_o together_o with_o diocletian_n in_o this_o hope_n he_o come_v to_o rome_n and_o assay_v all_o the_o power_n he_o have_v to_o put_v down_o and_o cast_v out_o his_o son_n but_o he_o be_v drive_v back_o and_o withstand_v by_o the_o city_n and_o go_v from_o thence_o towards_o constantine_n his_o son_n in_o law_n think_v to_o come_v upon_o he_o at_o unaware_o to_o catch_v he_o by_o treason_n and_o so_o to_o kill_v he_o but_o his_o treason_n be_v discover_v he_o flee_v away_o and_o be_v pursue_v he_o be_v slay_v by_o constantine_n nigh_o unto_o marsilles_n as_o vincentius_n recite_v it_o in_o