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
of_o war_n therefore_o have_v neither_o christ_n himself_z nor_o his_o apostle_n teach_v man_n to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o they_o that_o be_v reprobate_v from_o the_o faith_n as_o if_o that_o be_v a_o external_a mean_n for_o to_o rout_n out_o error_n for_o the_o receive_n or_o spread_v of_o religion_n which_o be_v through_o fear_n of_o weapon_n be_v more_o like_a unto_o mahometism_n than_o unto_o the_o christian_a religion_n stephanus_n the_o king_n of_o poland_n say_v our_o desire_n be_v that_o all_o the_o city_n and_o inhabitant_n do_v praise_v one_o god_n unanimous_o but_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n offence_n shall_v come_v therefore_o will_v not_o we_o compel_v any_o to_o believe_v say_v he_o but_o will_v keep_v peace_n and_o concord_n among_o the_o contentious_a that_o contend_v about_o religion_n and_o defend_v every_o one_o in_o his_o religion_n chronicle_n of_o the_o tyrant_n second_o p._n pag._n 1326._o chap._n ix_o how_o judas_n proselyte_n now_o do_v follow_v his_o footstep_n how_o confusion_n and_o uproar_v be_v not_o occasion_v in_o a_o land_n through_o a_o just_a toleration_n but_o rather_o through_o want_n of_o it_o and_o how_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v banish_v about_o religion_n the_o history_n show_v how_o that_o some_o of_o the_o clergy_n have_v say_v that_o the_o prince_n ought_v to_o kiss_v the_o son_n and_o to_o use_v their_o power_n for_o to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v religion_n against_o all_o her_o enemy_n though_o their_o land_n shall_v therefore_o be_v spoil_v but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v never_o teach_v any_o man_n so_o to_o kiss_v he_o though_o he_o be_v so_o unkind_o kiss_v of_o judas_n as_o many_o betrayer_n do_v yet_o in_o his_o member_n yet_o notwithstanding_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o seek_v to_o deliver_v judas_n over_o to_o the_o magistrate_n but_o judas_n seek_v to_o deliver_v christ_n over_o to_o they_o and_o so_o do_v judas_n child_n at_o this_o day_n deliver_v the_o true_a christian_n who_o they_o false_o call_v heretic_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o earthly_a power_n and_o though_o some_o say_v that_o people_n of_o different_a opinion_n can_v live_v together_o in_o a_o kingdom_n without_o continual_a contention_n and_o therefore_o say_v they_o must_v that_o be_v prevent_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n but_o what_o though_o there_o be_v virtue_n and_o filthiness_n in_o a_o kingdom_n good_a and_o bad_a man_n which_o be_v one_o contrary_a to_o the_o other_o one_o must_v not_o therefore_o say_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o prevent_v it_o bring_v a_o whole_a kingdom_n or_o land_n into_o confusion_n by_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n one_o against_o another_o again_o the_o true_a church_n say_v he_o have_v never_o help_v herself_o with_o persecution_n neither_o do_v she_o use_v any_o other_o sword_n than_o god_n word_n which_o she_o have_v and_o keep_v the_o command_n of_o god_n prepare_v herself_o for_o to_o bear_v the_o cross_n and_o to_o suffer_v persecution_n but_o not_o to_o bring_v suffer_v upon_o other_o moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o dutchland_n poland_n and_o in_o the_o low-countrye_n more_o religion_n than_o one_o be_v suffer_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o continual_a uproar_n and_o tumult_n as_o some_o imagine_v such_o toleration_n will_v occasion_v in_o a_o kingdom_n therefore_o may_v we_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o toleration_n of_o more_o religion_n than_o one_o which_o produce_v uproar_v in_o a_o kingdom_n but_o rather_o the_o untowardness_n and_o perverseness_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v to_o obstruct_v this_o toleration_n camerarius_fw-la say_fw-la that_o it_o be_v groundless_a and_o irrational_a to_o say_v that_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n do_v disturb_v the_o polity_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o polity_n be_v disturb_v when_o any_o man_n with_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o opinion_n be_v not_o content_v but_o will_v molest_v and_o trouble_v other_o but_o some_o say_v that_o every_o one_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n under_o who_o they_o live_v and_o to_o follow_v they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o punishment_n who_o do_v it_o not_o but_o let_v such_o know_v say_v the_o author_n that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o hereby_o condemn_v the_o first_o reform_a protestant_n but_o also_o the_o true_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n yea_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o the_o martyr_n and_o so_o justify_v their_o persecutor_n and_o murderer_n if_o not_o then_o may_v not_o the_o magistrate_n now_o oppress_v a_o church_n or_o a_o religion_n as_o many_o of_o the_o disorderly_a clergy_n will_v glad_o see_v say_v he_o and_o make_v the_o magistrate_n believe_v and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v how_o that_o among_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v many_o sect_n as_o the_o pharisee_n essean_n galilean_n saducee_v samaritan_n etc._n etc._n who_o retain_v many_o unwholesome_a opinion_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o persecute_v as_o now_o the_o false_a christian_n do_v persecute_v one_o another_o the_o history_n show_v how_o that_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o none_o ought_v to_o banish_v any_o about_o religion_n that_o pay_v tribute_n yea_o that_o the_o peaceable_a jew_n and_o heathen_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o land_n where_o they_o be_v bear_v for_o that_o which_o they_o have_v they_o possess_v through_o that_o right_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o banish_v people_n be_v say_v to_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o command_v of_o love_n for_o king_n and_o prince_n so_o well_o as_o other_o ought_v to_o do_v unto_o other_o as_o they_o will_v have_v other_o to_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v banish_v out_o of_o their_o dominion_n than_o shall_v not_o they_o banish_v other_o and_o innocency_n become_v they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o who_o ought_v to_o do_v evil_a to_o no_o man_n les_fw-fr prince_n qui_fw-fr se_fw-fr sont_fw-fr gouvernez_n par_fw-fr douceur_fw-fr &_o clemence_n conjointe_v a_o justice_n &_o qui_fw-fr ont_fw-fr use_n de_fw-fr moderation_n &_o debonnairete_a en_fw-fr vers_fw-la leur_fw-fr subjets_fw-fr ont_fw-fr tousjours_fw-fr grandement_fw-fr prosperè_fw-la &_o longuement_fw-fr regne_fw-la mais_n au_fw-fr contraire_fw-fr les_fw-fr prince_n cruel_n inique_n perfide_n &_o oppresseurs_fw-fr de_fw-fr leur_fw-fr subjets_fw-fr sont_fw-fr incontinent_a tombez_fw-fr eux_fw-fr &_o leur_fw-fr estate_n en_fw-fr peril_n â—â—_o en_fw-fr totale_a ruin_n etc._n etc._n par_fw-fr n._n m._n anno_fw-la 1576._o those_o prince_n that_o have_v rule_v by_o gentleness_n and_o clemency_n add_v to_o justice_n and_o have_v exercise_v moderation_n and_o meekness_n towards_o their_o subject_n always_o great_o prosper_v and_o reign_v long_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o prince_n that_o have_v be_v cruel_a unjust_a perfidious_a and_o oppressor_n of_o their_o subject_n have_v soon_o fall_v they_o and_o their_o estate_n into_o danger_n or_o total_a ruin_n n._n m._n 1576._o chap._n x._o the_o severity_n of_o a_o popish_a synod_n the_o disposition_n of_o the_o right_a christian_n how_o heresy_n be_v not_o slay_v through_o the_o death_n of_o heretic_n and_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o the_o law_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o put_n of_o heretic_n to_o death_n in_o a_o general_n synod_n hold_v at_o rome_n it_o be_v forbid_v man_n to_o hold_v any_o fellowship_n with_o those_o they_o term_v enemy_n of_o religion_n neither_o be_v they_o in_o any_o thing_n to_o assist_v they_o which_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o preserve_n of_o their_o life_n and_o great_a thing_n be_v promise_v they_o that_o persecute_v such_o and_o inflict_v punishment_n to_o the_o utmost_a upon_o they_o vide_fw-la merula_n pag._n 772._o but_o the_o true_a christian_n persecute_v no_o man_n about_o religion_n socrat._v lib._n 4._o chap._n 3._o for_o the_o right_a christian_n do_v always_o deal_v merciful_o with_o they_o that_o be_v heretic_n indeed_o and_o not_o tyrannical_o by_o shed_v of_o their_o blood_n but_o heretic_n and_o infidel_n have_v be_v always_o cruel_a towards_o the_o christian_n with_o persecute_v of_o they_o to_o death_n when_o man_n with_o the_o truth_n say_v one_o slay_v the_o lie_n of_o heretic_n than_o their_o body_n remain_v alive_a and_o their_o soul_n come_v to_o be_v cure_v but_o when_o man_n put_v heretic_n to_o death_n they_o do_v not_o slay_v the_o heresy_n but_o rather_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n veritus_fw-la say_fw-la see_v christ_n be_v a_o lamb_n who_o you_o profess_v to_o be_v your_o head_n and_o captain_n than_o it_o behove_v you_o to_o be_v sheep_n and_o to_o use_v the_o same_o weapon_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o for_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o shepherd_n of_o wolf_n and_o wild_a beast_n but_o only_o of_o sheep_n wherefore_o if_o you_o lose_v the_o nature_n of_o sheep_n say_v he_o and_o be_v change_v
that_o have_v be_v always_o so_o meek_a that_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a to_o find_v a_o example_n of_o a_o lamb_n devour_v of_o a_o wolf_n as_o of_o that_o put_v a_o heretic_n to_o death_n by_o the_o sword_n and_o they_o in_o who_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v be_v mind_v like_o he_o but_o as_o concern_v persecutor_n while_o in_o the_o new-testament_n they_o find_v nothing_o but_o meekness_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o persecution_n say_v he_o therefore_o be_v they_o necessitate_v to_o fly_v unto_o the_o old_a by_o which_o they_o suffiient_o manifest_v who_o spirit_n child_n they_o be_v this_o do_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o martyr_n testify_v with_o their_o innocent_a blood_n how_o that_o the_o true_a believer_n have_v suffer_v as_o heretic_n blasphemer_n uproar-maker_n contemner_n of_o religion_n and_o seducer_n etc._n etc._n yet_o it_o be_v a_o fast_a and_o certain_a rule_n say_v the_o history_n that_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n have_v place_n that_o there_o must_v all_o consultation_n of_o persecution_n cease_v then_o much_o more_o the_o thing_n itself_o know_v that_o their_o weapon_n be_v whole_o spiritual_a even_o as_o god_n and_o his_o whole_a kingdom_n be_v which_o must_v be_v use_v and_o feel_v and_o keep_v the_o authority_n for_o there_o be_v say_v he_o weapon_n of_o love_n of_o prayer_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o patience_n whereby_o the_o inward_a understanding_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n may_v be_v bring_v unto_o the_o right_a way_n but_o what_o be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n with_o fleshly_a weapon_n alas_o say_v he_o in_o no_o wise_a fit_v but_o like_v unto_o the_o world_n which_o run_v on_o in_o the_o broad_a way_n to_o destruction_n moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a enough_o for_o in_o the_o whole_a europa_n experience_n have_v learn_v it_o that_o the_o cruel_a condemn_v banish_v persecute_v and_o put_v heretic_n to_o death_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v a_o absolute_a contrary_a mean_n for_o to_o rout_n out_o heretic_n for_o to_o unite_v the_o divide_a christendom_n and_o to_o quiet_v its_o disturbance_n and_o it_o have_v also_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o external_n peace_n and_o unity_n can_v and_o may_v be_v better_o preserve_v in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n through_o forbearance_n and_o by_o suffer_v of_o contrary_a opinion_n through_o love_n and_o christian_a meekness_n than_o by_o banish_v and_o persecute_v people_n to_o death_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n chap._n xii_o when_o the_o bishop_n begin_v to_o seek_v the_o help_n of_o the_o magistrate_n how_o it_o then_o minister_v offence_n what_o punishment_n the_o church_n heretofore_o have_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o heretic_n and_o how_o difficult_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o magistrate_n to_o judge_v aright_o in_o matter_n of_o heresy_n erasmus_n testify_v that_o for_o above_o 400._o year_n the_o bishop_n do_v not_o seek_v the_o help_n of_o the_o emperor_n against_o the_o heretic_n and_o when_o they_o do_v seek_v it_o against_o the_o insufferable_a wickedness_n of_o the_o donatisten_v it_o do_v not_o please_v the_o good_a party_n that_o they_o shall_v then_o seek_v the_o help_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o they_o then_o judge_v that_o it_o become_v not_o the_o bishop_n to_o use_v any_o other_o weapon_n or_o to_o have_v any_o other_o help_v than_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n although_o the_o evil_a be_v incurable_a yet_o will_v they_o have_v exclude_v it_o by_o excommunication_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o great_a judgement_n or_o punishment_n that_o then_o the_o church_n have_v now_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v manifest_v his_o will_n by_o that_o which_o be_v leave_v upon_o record_n and_o which_o be_v deliver_v by_o his_o apostle_n who_o have_v show_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v carry_v ourselves_o 1._o towards_o they_o that_o resist_v the_o truth_n 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 25._o chap._n 3.6.8_o chap._n 4.15_o 2._o towards_o backsliders_a 1_o tim._n 1.20_o 3._o towards_o they_o that_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n 2_o tim._n 2.16_o 18._o 4._o towards_o they_o that_o teach_v what_o they_o ought_v not_o titus_n 1.11_o 13._o 5._o towards_o they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n rom._n 16.17_o 6._o towards_o false_a prophet_n mat._n 7.15_o chap._n 16.11_o 12._o 7._o towards_o they_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a 2_o thes._n 3.6_o 8._o towards_o pharisaical_a hypocrite_n that_o have_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o not_o the_o power_n luke_n 12.1_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o 9_o towards_o false_a brethren_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o 10._o towards_o heretic_n titus_n 3.10_o 11._o towards_o fornicator_n and_o idolater_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o 12._o towards_o the_o disobedient_a 2_o thess._n 3.14_o 13._o towards_o the_o stiffnecked_n mat._n 18.17_o thus_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o severe_a punishment_n in_o prison_n or_o by_o banishment_n or_o by_o have_v their_o good_n spoil_v or_o by_o be_v put_v to_o death_n nay_o but_o he_o have_v rather_o command_v 1._o that_o with_o meekness_n we_o shall_v instruct_v 2_o tim._n 24.25_o 2._o deliver_v unto_o satan_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o 3._o sharp_o to_o rebuke_v tit._n 1.11_o 13._o 4._o to_o avoid_v they_o rom._n 16.17_o 2_o thes._n 3.6_o 2_o joh._n 10.11_o 5._o to_o beware_v of_o they_o mat._n 7.15_o 6._o to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o 7._o to_o reject_v they_o tit._n 3.10_o 2_o tim._n 4.15_o 8._o to_o let_v they_o alone_o mat._n 15.14_o 9_o to_o esteem_v they_o as_o heathen_n or_o publican_n mat._n 18.17_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o law_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v for_o their_o punishment_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o fruit_n hereafter_o mention_v may_v be_v bring_v forth_o for_o god_n will_v not_o as_o many_o blood_n thirsty_a man_n that_o they_o shall_v die_v and_o perish_v but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v that_o they_o all_o shall_v repent_v 2_o pet_n 3.9_o 2_o tim._n 2.25_o that_o they_o cease_v from_o man_n tradition_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a 2_o thes._n 3.14_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o that_o they_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n tit._n 1.13_o that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v 1_o cor._n 5.5_o for_o the_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v the_o apostle_n be_v to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n 2_o cor._n 13.10_o erasmus_n say_v the_o christian_a meekness_n must_v satisfy_v itself_o with_o these_o punishment_n to_o stone_n that_o be_v the_o jew_n work_n but_o the_o true_a christian_n work_n be_v to_o heal._n ambrose_n say_v that_o heretic_n be_v only_o to_o be_v punish_v by_o excommunication_n and_o not_o to_o be_v beat_n and_o persecute_v for_o so_o do_v the_o heathen_a say_v he_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o ignatius_n say_v you_o shall_v separate_v yourselves_o from_o they_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n in_o haereticis_fw-la coercendis_fw-la quatenus_fw-la progredi_fw-la liceat_fw-la ubi_fw-la nominatius_fw-la eos_fw-la ultimo_fw-la supplicio_fw-la affici_fw-la non_fw-la deberi_fw-la aperte_fw-la demonstratur_fw-la christlinge_n impressum_fw-la anno_fw-la 1577._o sectio_fw-la 2._o chrisostomus_n say_v that_o he_o be_v not_o such_o a_o fool_n as_o that_o he_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v his_o judge_n who_o be_v his_o open_a enemy_n for_o it_o be_v against_o all_o right_a and_o reason_n that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o accuser_n and_o witness_v shall_v also_o be_v judge_n every_o one_o say_v he_o will_v be_v judge_n over_o another_o yet_o none_o acknowledge_v the_o other_o to_o be_v his_o judge_n tell_v i_o then_o you_o wise_a man_n who_o will_v have_v the_o heretic_n punish_v or_o persecute_v to_o death_n by_o the_o magistrate_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o judge_n the_o magistrate_n the_o church_n or_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v speak_v against_o and_o how_o shall_v the_o magistrate_n be_v assure_v of_o the_o odiousness_n of_o the_o blasphemy_n and_o crime_n and_o how_o shall_v the_o magistrate_n know_v certain_o who_o be_v punishable_a sismaticks_n apostate_n false_a teacher_n heretic_n and_o seducer_n who_o they_o be_v that_o set_v up_o a_o sect_n or_o a_o church_n who_o believe_v well_o or_o evil_a who_o teach_v according_a too_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n who_o be_v move_v of_o god_n or_o by_o his_o own_o zeal_n who_o do_v according_a to_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o contrary_n who_o be_v wound_v and_o judge_v in_o themselves_o and_o who_o be_v not_o and_o who_o be_v obstinate_a and_o stiff-necked_a heretic_n or_o constant_a upright_a christian_n but_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v refer_v this_o to_o the_o divine_n or_o clergy_n say_v he_o
semen_fw-mi ecclesiae_fw-la i._n e._n the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n to_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n for_o say_v he_o as_o one_o be_v put_v to_o death_n there_o come_v ten_o in_o his_o stead_n luther_n say_v that_o the_o hypocrite_n church_n be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o its_o manner_n who_o image_n and_o figure_n be_v esau_n yet_o she_o boast_v of_o god_n and_o will_v be_v account_v his_o church_n but_o live_v whole_o according_a to_o the_o world_n further_a say_v he_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o defend_v by_o a_o fleshly_a arm_n which_o wicked_a bishop_n especial_o use_v and_o cry_v unto_o thaesau_n pag._n 622._o as_o heretofore_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n persecute_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n even_o so_o be_v it_o now_o etc._n etc._n consider_v these_o word_n of_o paul_n say_v castellio_n ishmael_n that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n persecute_v isaac_n who_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n even_o so_o now_o do_v the_o fleshly_a persecute_v the_o spiritual_a but_o abel_n do_v not_o persecure_a cain_n nor_o let_v the_o sodomite_n nor_o david_n saul_n nor_o the_o true_a prophet_n the_o false_a nor_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharesee_v although_o some_o of_o they_o may_v have_v do_v it_o yet_o nevertheless_o they_o do_v it_o not_o so_o be_v it_o at_o this_o day_n though_o the_o number_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v but_o small_a who_o be_v persecute_v of_o the_o wicked_a yet_o sometime_o they_o may_v injury_n their_o persecutor_n but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v that_o that_o they_o be_v rather_o helpful_a to_o they_o and_o do_v seek_v their_o salvation_n the_o false_a church_n be_v ground_v more_o upon_o man_n then_o upon_o christ_n and_o she_o persecute_v those_o that_o live_v righteous_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o reprove_v she_o for_o her_o fail_n damascenus_n say_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n but_o do_v not_o conquer_v its_o opposer_n with_o weapon_n arm_n or_o fight_v but_o a_o few_o unlearned_a confound_v the_o wise_a one_o of_o the_o world_n oh_o say_v boudaert_n that_o the_o bishop_n be_v so_o well_o experience_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o will_v rather_o with_o reason_n seek_v to_o bring_v they_o that_o go_v astray_o to_o the_o right_a way_n then_o to_o compel_v they_o by_o corporal_a punishment_n to_o adhere_v unto_o their_o elect._n it_o be_v impossible_a say_v luther_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v or_o shall_v stand_v without_o bloodshede_v for_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o enemy_n of_o god_n church_n be_v also_o a_o liar_n and_o a_o murderer_n yet_o the_o church_n have_v always_o increase_v in_o blood_n say_v he_o in_o the_o colloq_fw-la sanguine_a mundata_fw-la est_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la sanguine_a cepit_fw-la sanguine_a succrevit_fw-la sanguine_fw-la finis_fw-la erit_fw-la jan_n monliu_o the_o bishop_n of_o valence_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v a_o error_n to_o molest_v the_o public_a peace_n with_o weapon_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n a_o thing_n say_v he_o which_o have_v be_v always_o abhor_v by_o the_o ancient_n for_o war_n and_o compulsary_a punishment_n have_v never_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v to_o unity_n for_o war_n and_o cruelty_n tend_v to_o the_o destroy_v both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n even_o of_o those_o who_o peradventure_o may_v otherwise_o have_v be_v gain_v through_o love_n and_o gentleness_n for_o that_o counsel_n which_o tend_v to_o cruelty_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o disease_n yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o such_o bishop_n to_o plead_v for_o weapon_n as_o have_v lose_v the_o spiritual_a sword_n of_o peter_n and_o therefore_o say_v he_o do_v they_o now_o make_v that_o sword_n their_o defence_n which_o he_o draw_v against_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n chron._n vande_n rel._n uriih_o pag._n 123_o 124._o anno_fw-la 1579._o the_o state_n of_o holland_n say_v that_o this_o they_o observe_v find_v it_o by_o true_a experience_n viz._n that_o gewelt_v end_n wapenen_fw-ge luttel_n helpen_v tot_o verbreijdinghe_a end_n behoudenisse_fw-la der_fw-mi religien_n i_o e._n that_o violence_n and_o weapon_n avail_v little_a in_o spread_v and_o maintain_v religion_n and_o further_o say_v they_o as_o we_o will_v not_o have_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v violence_n to_o our_o conscience_n neither_o will_v we_o do_v violence_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o do_v that_o to_o another_o which_o we_o will_v not_o have_v another_o to_o do_v unto_o we_o the_o prince_n of_o orange_n say_v we_o be_v not_o so_o unexperienced_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v that_o all_o those_o tie_n of_o conscience_n wreathe_v or_o turn_v of_o man_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o bind_v man_n before_o god_n people_n shall_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a nor_o therefore_o take_v up_o arm_n say_v he_o because_o that_o many_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n be_v become_v of_o another_o opinion_n and_o simple_o declare_v themselves_o yea_o against_o the_o will_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o thing_n the_o history_n do_v testify_v not_o to_o be_v new_a but_o that_o such_o difference_n have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n in_o many_o monarchy_n heretofore_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n do_v the_o state_n of_o holland_n testify_v viz._n how_o that_o difference_n in_o doctrine_n be_v not_o strange_a in_o the_o church_n but_o say_v they_o it_o be_v better_a rectify_v through_o forbearance_n then_o through_o division_n ind_n apolog._n 1581._o fol._n 15._o chap._n iii_o concern_v cruel_a law_n against_o heretic_n how_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n heretofore_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o tumult_n the_o necessity_n of_o just_a liberty_n and_o the_o good_a effect_n thereof_o in_o the_o year_n 553._o the_o pope_n palagius_n institute_v first_o of_o all_o that_o heretic_n and_o apostate_n shall_v be_v force_v by_o external_a compulsion_n etc._n etc._n clemens_n the_o five_o make_v law_n that_o heretic_n shall_v be_v burn_v gerandus_fw-la naviomagus_n show_v how_o that_o the_o law_n for_o put_v of_o heretic_n to_o death_n come_v not_o by_o the_o free_a will_n of_o the_o emperor_n but_o through_o the_o earnest_n importune_v of_o bloodthirsty_a bishop_n who_o constant_a recourse_n be_v a_o burden_n to_o the_o emperor_n so_o that_o final_o they_o obtain_v what_o they_o desire_v but_o when_o the_o clergy_n can_v not_o prevail_v with_o one_o emperor_n they_o exclude_v he_o out_o of_o italy_n excommunicate_v he_o bring_v he_o in_o suspicion_n free_v the_o subject_n from_o the_o oath_n and_o stir_v they_o up_o against_o the_o power_n and_o thus_o have_v the_o clergy_n handle_v when_o they_o can_v not_o have_v their_o will_n and_o it_o may_v be_v plenteous_o manifest_v out_o of_o the_o history_n how_o that_o it_o have_v be_v bloodthirsty_a bishop_n with_o other_o of_o the_o clergy_n that_o have_v provoke_v king_n and_o the_o potentate_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o cruelty_n and_o who_o have_v counsel_v they_o to_o make_v bloody_a law_n like_o the_o bishop_n nestorius_n who_o in_o his_o sermon_n speak_v unto_o the_o emperor_n and_o say_v o_o emperor_n give_v i_o a_o land_n cleanse_v of_o heretic_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o heaven_n help_v i_o against_o the_o heretic_n and_o i_o will_v help_v thou_o to_o subdue_v the_o persian_n thy_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o upright_a and_o sincere_a teacher_n have_v seek_v the_o defence_n or_o help_n of_o the_o emperor_n or_o king_n against_o heretic_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o banish_n and_o persecute_v to_o death_n about_o religion_n come_v not_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o rather_o from_o the_o heathen_a and_o from_o arius_n nestorius_n palagius_n and_o their_o proselyte_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a man_n that_o complain_v unto_o the_o prince_n of_o orange_n say_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o hurtful_a and_o noisome_a plague_n have_v reign_v and_o have_v the_o dominion_n in_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o divine_n and_o clergy_n have_v assume_v more_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o themselves_o yea_o and_o have_v take_v it_o by_o force_n then_o ever_o god_n the_o father_n give_v they_o and_o the_o aforesaid_a prince_n observe_v how_o they_o seek_v to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o to_o bring_v people_n in_o subjection_n to_o their_o law_n and_o institution_n there_o be_v some_o teacher_n say_v a_o certain_a wise_a man_n that_o be_v exceed_o cruel_a angry_a passionate_a full_a of_o covetousness_n and_o pride_n who_o judge_n and_o reject_v all_o thing_n but_o their_o own_o and_o