church_n although_o that_o poor_a people_n be_v deceive_v by_o false_a prophet_n and_o carry_v away_o to_o another_o gospel_n contrary_a unto_o that_o which_o he_o have_v preach_v unto_o they_o these_o place_n do_v manifestlye_o declare_v that_o the_o church_n be_v never_o so_o pure_a and_o perfect_a in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o it_o have_v always_o need_v to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o purge_v and_o sanctify_a which_o thing_n saint_n paul_n show_v yet_o more_o plain_o and_o open_o when_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o thessalonian_o for_o he_o call_v they_o the_o church_n 5.23_o 1._o thes_n 1.1_o 1_o thes_n 5.23_o and_o yet_o he_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o they_o that_o he_o will_v sanctify_v they_o throughout_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o novatians_n donatist_n and_o anabaptiste_n who_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o this_o point_n be_v not_o without_o their_o reply_n for_o first_o they_o allege_v unto_o we_o that_o which_o s._n paul_n write_v unto_o the_o ephesian_n that_o jesus_n christ_n give_v himself_o for_o his_o church_n 27._o ephe._n 5.25_o 26._o 27._o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v it_o and_o cleanse_v it_o that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o unto_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n but_o we_o want_v not_o a_o answer_n also_o saint_n paul_n consider_v the_o church_n not_o in_o herself_o but_o in_o jesus_n christ_n her_o head_n which_o she_o take_v hold_v of_o by_o faith_n so_o she_o be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o wrinkle_n and_o unblameable_a by_o reason_n not_o of_o her_o own_o righteousness_n but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n righteousness_n whereof_o she_o be_v make_v partaker_n because_o it_o please_v god_n to_o impute_v and_o reckon_v the_o same_o unto_o she_o for_o which_o cause_n also_o it_o be_v in_o another_o place_n 1.30_o 1._o cor._n 1.30_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v make_v of_o god_n the_o father_n unto_o we_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n moreover_o we_o may_v say_v that_o s._n paul_n speak_v of_o sanctification_n or_o holiness_n promise_v and_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o full_o accomplish_v as_o though_o he_o call_v and_o say_v the_o church_n to_o be_v without_o spot_n not_o that_o it_o be_v so_o here_o below_o on_o the_o earth_n but_o because_o that_o one_o day_n it_o shall_v so_o be_v above_o in_o heaven_n and_o after_o this_o sort_n saint_n augustine_n understand_v it_o 34._o august_n lib._n de_fw-fr nuptiis_fw-la &_o concupisc_fw-la cap._n 34._o jesus_n christ_n say_v he_o cleanse_v his_o church_n by_o the_o wash_n of_o christian_n to_o make_v it_o unto_o himself_o without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n not_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v they_o allege_v moreover_o that_o which_o saint_n john_n say_v 3.6.9_o 1._o job._n 3.6.9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o whereunto_o i_o answer_v by_o a_o distinction_n those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o faithful_a sin_v not_o that_o be_v to_o say_v serve_v not_o sin_n or_o rather_o sin_n do_v not_o reign_v in_o they_o because_o they_o do_v withdraw_v themselves_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v or_o be_v enable_v from_o sin_n and_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n give_v themselves_o to_o holiness_n of_o life_n that_o they_o may_v glorify_v god._n and_o in_o this_o sense_n saint_n john_n take_v it_o and_o speak_v it_o again_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_n that_o be_v to_o say_v can_v not_o do_v live_v so_o holy_o but_o that_o oftentimes_o they_o stumble_v &_o fall_v into_o sin_n for_o although_o they_o be_v sanctify_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o relic_n and_o remnaunte_n of_o nature_n corrupt_v which_o yet_o rest_v and_o remain_v in_o they_o every_o day_n they_o turn_v aside_o from_o the_o right_a way_n and_o sin_n in_o this_o sense_n saint_n john_n mean_v not_o that_o which_o he_o say_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o for_o so_o he_o shall_v speak_v against_o himself_o have_v before_o say_v 1.8.10_o 1._o joh._n 1.8.10_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o yea_o we_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o his_o word_n be_v not_o in_o us._n so_o it_o be_v then_o that_o though_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o contrariety_n between_o those_o two_o to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v sinner_n and_o saint_n both_o together_o yet_o all_o agree_v together_o very_o well_o for_o everye_o man_n if_o we_o consider_v he_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n according_a to_o which_o he_o be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n he_o be_v a_o sinner_n worthy_a of_o death_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o christian_a and_o faithful_a man_n he_o be_v holy_a so_o that_o he_o sin_v not_o that_o be_v to_o say_v serve_v not_o sin_n and_o his_o imperfection_n be_v hide_v and_o cover_v because_o that_o they_o be_v not_o impute_v unto_o he_o and_o moreover_o the_o lord_n jesus_n make_v he_o partaker_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o so_o be_v a_o sinner_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n he_o be_v notwithstanding_o repute_v and_o account_v holy_a &_o just_a before_o god_n but_o that_o which_o we_o have_v hitherto_o speak_v touch_v or_o concern_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n particular_o we_o may_v also_o well_o say_v touch_v the_o church_n consider_v in_o she_o own_o body_n that_o it_o shall_v never_o here_o be_v purge_v from_o all_o filthiness_n because_o that_o so_o long_o as_o she_o shall_v be_v on_o earth_n there_o shall_v be_v in_o her_o wicked_a one_o mingle_v with_o good_a one_o which_o thing_n jesus_n christ_n have_v declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n by_o two_o similitude_n etc._n mat._n 13.24.25_o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o first_o he_o say_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o church_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o man_n which_o sow_v good_a seed_n in_o his_o field_n but_o while_o man_n sleep_v there_o come_v his_o enemy_n and_o sow_v tare_n amongst_o the_o wheat_n and_o go_v his_o way_n and_o when_o the_o blade_n be_v spring_v up_o and_o have_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n than_o appear_v the_o tare_n also_o then_o come_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o household_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o master_n sow_v thou_o not_o &c._n &c._n and_o will_v present_o have_v go_v and_o gather_v they_o up_o but_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o lest_o while_o they_o go_v about_o to_o gather_v the_o tare_n they_o pluck_v up_o also_o with_o they_o the_o wheat_n therefore_o he_o will_v that_o they_o may_v both_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n the_o reaper_n shall_v gather_v the_o tare_n and_o bind_v they_o in_o sheaf_n to_o burn_v they_o but_o they_o shall_v gather_v the_o good_a corn_n into_o the_o lord_n barn_n afterward_o he_o expound_v the_o say_a similitude_n say_v he_o that_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o the_o field_n be_v the_o world_n etc._n mat._n 13_o 3â—_n etc._n etc._n the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o tare_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o enemy_n that_o sow_v they_o be_v the_o devil_n the_o harvest_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o reaper_n be_v the_o angel_n as_o then_o say_v he_o the_o tare_n be_v gather_v and_o burn_v in_o the_o fire_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v send_v forth_o his_o angel_n and_o they_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n all_o thing_n that_o offend_v and_o they_o which_o do_v iniquity_n and_o shall_v cast_v they_o into_o a_o furnace_n of_o fire_n there_o shall_v be_v wail_v &_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n then_o shall_v the_o just_a man_n shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n in_o the_o second_o similitude_n he_o say_v 48._o mat._n 13.47_o 48._o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o draw_v net_n cast_v into_o the_o sea_n that_o gather_v of_o all_o kind_n of_o thing_n which_o when_o it_o be_v full_a the_o fisher_n draw_v to_o land_n on_o the_o shore_n and_o put_v the_o good_a by_o they_o self_n into_o their_o vessel_n and_o cast_v the_o bad_a away_o and_o afterwards_o he_o give_v the_o exposition_n thereof_o so_o shall_v it_o be_v say_v he_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 50._o mat._n 13.49_o 50._o the_o angel_n shall_v go_v forth_o and_o sever_v the_o wicked_a from_o among_o the_o just_a and_o shall_v cast_v they_o into_o a_o furnace_n of_o fire_n where_o shall_v be_v wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n by_o these_o two_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 saint_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 3.12_o 2._o tim._n 3.12_o and_o in_o the_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 shall_v suffer_v persecution_n jesus_n christ_n say_v also_o unto_o his_o disciple_n 20._o john_n 15._o 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 2_o john_n 16.1_o 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 24_o â—at_a 1â—_n 24_o if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o forsake_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n &_o follow_v i_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o time_n &_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 state_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 1._o psal_n 129_o 1._o they_o have_v often_o afflict_v i_o from_o my_o youth_n and_o have_v do_v i_o a_o thousand_o evil_n at_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 44._o john_n 8._o 44._o envious_a and_o a_o false_a and_o privy_a accuser_n and_o war_n have_v always_o continue_v 6.14.15_o gen._n 3.15_o 2._o cor._n 6.14.15_o between_o the_o woman_n seed_n and_o the_o serpent_n seed_n and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n join_v and_o put_v together_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a nature_n 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 3._o chapter_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 and_o the_o wicked_a shall_v suffer_v one_o with_o another_o &_o agree_v together_o 19.20_o joh._n â—_o 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 and_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 enmity_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 esau_n go_v about_o to_o oppress_v and_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 saint_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 scribes_z and_o pharisee_n nor_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n with_o the_o infidel_n and_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 and_o for_o good_a cause_n saint_n james_n say_v 4.4_o james._n 4.4_o that_o the_o amity_n of_o the_o world_n 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 and_o for_o this_o cause_n also_o 15.19_o john_n 15.19_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 they_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 cetaine_v 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 bethelehem_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 reprove_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 and_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o principal_a blower_n of_o the_o fire_n &_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 and_o reign_v three_o year_n ten_o month_n and_o eight_o day_n and_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 phillippi_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 cruel_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 afterwards_o he_o so_o disorder_v 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 5._o tertul._n apolog_fw-la cap._n 5._o that_o this_o emperor_n be_v the_o first_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n 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 and_o principal_o against_o the_o church_n which_o be_v
establish_v at_o rome_n 10._o corne._n tacitus_n lib._n 10._o and_o cornelius_n tacitus_n declare_v that_o the_o occasion_n which_o nero_n take_v to_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o be_v this_o that_o he_o command_v secret_o to_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o city_n of_o rome_n that_o he_o may_v see_v some_o form_n or_o image_n as_o it_o be_v which_o may_v represent_v &_o set_v out_o unto_o he_o the_o fire_n of_o troy_n and_o so_o the_o fire_n continue_v in_o the_o city_n six_o day_n space_n which_o make_v such_o a_o destruction_n that_o he_o become_v hereby_o very_o odious_a among_o the_o people_n and_o see_v that_o he_o can_v not_o put_v out_o this_o hatred_n and_o wait_v of_o he_o to_o do_v he_o some_o mischief_n for_o all_o the_o good_a turn_n which_o he_o can_v do_v to_o the_o people_n he_o find_v out_o this_o devise_n to_o sow_v abroad_o this_o bruit_n rumour_n and_o report_n that_o it_o be_v the_o christian_n who_o have_v be_v the_o blower_n of_o that_o fire_n and_o the_o author_n of_o that_o destruction_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o he_o begin_v to_o persecute_v they_o and_o to_o put_v they_o to_o death_n both_o because_o they_o be_v as_o he_o say_v the_o blower_n of_o that_o fire_n and_o also_o because_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o confession_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v they_o to_o die_v his_o upholder_n put_v upon_o their_o back_n the_o skin_n of_o wild_a beast_n that_o they_o may_v be_v tear_v and_o rend_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o piece_n with_o dog_n where_o also_o they_o crucify_v they_o and_o burn_v they_o all_o alive_a and_o although_o the_o day_n fail_v they_o yet_o they_o burn_v they_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o give_v light_n to_o the_o night_n this_o first_o persecution_n begin_v about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 66._o the_o x._o year_n of_o nero_n his_o reign_n &_o last_v 4._o year_n &_o somewhat_o more_o until_o the_o death_n of_o that_o tyrant_n some_o say_v &_o eusebius_n amongst_o those_o recite_v it_o that_o this_o nero_n about_o the_o end_n of_o his_o day_n or_o reign_v cause_v s._n peter_n and_o saint_n paul_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n the_o 2._o persecution_n be_v under_o domitian_n the_o 12._o emperor_n who_o be_v appoint_v emperor_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 83._o and_o reign_v 15._o year_n and_o 6._o month_n he_o be_v so_o life_v up_o in_o cruelty_n and_o pride_n that_o he_o will_v have_v his_o subject_n call_v he_o god_n and_o lord_n and_o cause_v image_n of_o his_o own_o person_n to_o be_v make_v of_o gold_n and_o silver_n he_o ordain_v as_o his_o father_n vespasian_n have_v do_v before_o he_o that_o inquiry_n shall_v be_v make_v against_o the_o race_n of_o david_n and_o that_o they_o which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v thereof_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o he_o fear_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o about_o the_o fourteen_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 97._o he_o cause_v by_o a_o edict_n to_o be_v publish_v and_o proclaim_v a_o cruel_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n insomuch_o that_o the_o church_n be_v miserable_o and_o a_o long_a time_n torment_v under_o he_o the_o three_o persecution_n be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trajan_n the_o fourteen_o emperor_n who_o be_v appoint_v emperor_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 100_o who_o govern_v the_o empire_n nineteen_o year_n six_o month_n and_o fifteen_o day_n he_o be_v great_o praise_v of_o the_o historiographer_n as_o a_o courteous_a and_o gentle_a prince_n and_o some_o say_v that_o he_o be_v so_o renown_v and_o famous_a by_o reason_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o courtesy_n that_o ever_o after_o so_o often_o as_o any_o be_v create_v emperor_n the_o people_n yield_v this_o bless_a exclamation_n outcry_n and_o consent_n be_v he_o more_o happy_a than_o augustus_n and_o better_a than_o trajan_n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n and_o mark_v the_o occasion_n that_o he_o take_v so_o to_o do_v he_o be_v bring_v up_o from_o his_o infancy_n in_o the_o paganish_a and_o heathenish_a superstition_n by_o reason_n whereof_o he_o disdain_v and_o despise_a christian_n religion_n because_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o superstition_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v about_o he_o certain_a courtier_n which_o be_v blower_n of_o that_o fire_n in_o he_o &_o augment_v that_o disdain_n and_o disspite_n in_o he_o insomuch_o that_o diverse_a historiographer_n record_n that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o much_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n incline_v to_o shed_v blood_n as_o deceive_v and_o stir_v up_o thereto_o by_o his_o councillor_n and_o principal_o by_o the_o pagane_n priest_n 20._o freculph_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 20._o who_o as_o freculphus_n witness_v give_v good_a store_n of_o silver_n to_o the_o governor_n and_o bribe_v free_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o will_v put_v the_o christian_n to_o death_n as_o their_o deadly_a enemy_n some_o add_v that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v very_o much_o increase_v whereupon_o many_o inconvenience_n may_v come_v to_o the_o roman_a empire_n if_o the_o danger_n be_v not_o prevent_v which_o also_o be_v a_o cause_n that_o trajan_n be_v the_o more_o inflame_v and_o kindle_v against_o they_o as_o also_o sabellicus_n write_v sabellicus_n sabellicus_n that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n be_v more_o suspect_v of_o this_o emperor_n than_o the_o religion_n after_o this_o sort_n than_o do_v they_o accuse_v the_o christian_n of_o sedition_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o for_o these_o cause_n they_o be_v cruel_o persecute_v insomuch_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o pliny_n the_o second_o have_v write_v secund_a plinius_n secund_a that_o public_a commandment_n be_v send_v from_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o province_n by_o which_o every_o governor_n be_v enforce_v too_o persecute_v and_o so_o the_o persecution_n be_v spread_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o the_o place_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o at_o that_o time_n contain_v not_o only_a europe_n but_o also_o a_o great_a part_n of_o asia_n and_o africa_n and_o the_o say_a persecution_n endure_v about_o fourteen_o year_n but_o yet_o in_o such_o order_n that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o trajan_n it_o be_v somewhat_o less_o sharp_a but_o afterward_o it_o flame_v out_o and_o burst_v forth_o more_o and_o more_o 2._o tertul._n apologi_fw-la cap._n 2._o now_o the_o say_a pliny_n the_o second_o have_v at_o that_o time_n the_o government_n of_o a_o ceataine_a province_n to_o wit_n of_o bethinia_n and_o as_o tertullian_n say_v he_o be_v appoint_v to_o persecute_v the_o christian_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 112._o and_o of_o trajan_n the_o fourteen_o year_n wherefore_o he_o be_v astonish_v with_o the_o great_a number_n of_o martyr_n which_o be_v every_o day_n put_v to_o death_n do_v write_v a_o letter_n to_o the_o aforesaid_a emperor_n to_o advertise_v he_o or_o to_o give_v he_o to_o understande_v of_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o his_o province_n and_o to_o have_v his_o advice_n and_o counsel_n touch_v that_o which_o he_o be_v to_o do_v in_o time_n to_o come_v to_o who_o the_o emperor_n make_v answer_v by_o a_o other_o letter_n declare_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v he_o to_o understande_v his_o intent_n and_o purpose_n and_o because_o that_o in_o these_o letter_n we_o may_v see_v on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o innocence_n of_o the_o faithful_a people_n and_o on_o the_o otherside_n the_o injustice_n of_o tyrant_n and_o because_o they_o do_v lively_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n and_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o those_o which_o persecute_v they_o and_o may_v by_o this_o mean_v stand_v the_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v in_o very_o good_a flee_z for_o instruction_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v good_a and_o expedient_a that_o we_o in_o register_v they_o and_o put_v they_o down_o here_o now_o follow_v pliny_n his_o letter_n which_o he_o send_v to_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n even_o as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o his_o own_o book_n sir_n trajan_n pliny_n the_o second_o his_o letter_n to_o trajan_n i_o be_o accustom_v to_o declare_v unto_o your_o majesty_n all_o the_o affair_n and_o matter_n whereof_o i_o be_o in_o doubt_n for_o who_o can_v better_a correct_v my_o dulness_n or_o instruct_v my_o ignorance_n i_o be_v never_o yet_o present_a at_o the_o trial_n of_o christian_n and_o proceed_n against_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o know_v not_o what_o information_n they_o put_v in_o against_o they_o or_o for_o what_o cause_n they_o punish_v they_o and_o i_o have_v be_v in_o great_a doubt_n to_o wit_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n to_o be_v make_v of_o age_n or_o
christian_n call_v the_o legion_n of_o thebes_n in_o egypt_n which_o be_v all_o cut_n in_o piece_n because_o they_o will_v not_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n as_o the_o emperor_n have_v command_v he_o say_v also_o 136._o vincen._n in_o spec_fw-la lib._n 12._o cap._n 136._o that_o at_o trieres_n which_o be_v a_o city_n situate_v by_o the_o river_n morsella_n one_o rictionarius_n exercise_v so_o great_a cruelty_n that_o the_o river_n be_v read_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v slay_v and_o beside_o that_o he_o send_v post_n up_o and_o down_o hither_o and_o thither_o with_o decree_n and_o express_a commission_n to_o this_o end_n that_o in_o whatsoever_o place_n any_o christian_a be_v find_v they_o shall_v present_o put_v he_o to_o death_n sabellicus_n recite_v sabellie_n sabellie_n that_o in_o the_o city_n of_o alexandria_n peter_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o say_a place_n be_v behead_v beside_o more_o than_o three_o hundred_o other_o henry_n of_o erforde_n erford_n henr._n erford_n make_v mention_n of_o gereon_o bishop_n of_o colen_n who_o as_o he_o say_v be_v also_o behead_v with_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o companion_n otto_n of_o phrysingia_n rehearse_v 41_o otto_n phrisi_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 41_o that_o mauricius_n a_o conductor_n or_o captain_n of_o a_o christian_a legion_n be_v slay_v and_o with_o he_o 1666._o person_n of_o his_o own_o people_n and_o that_o victor_n be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o city_n of_o troy_n which_o be_v now_o call_v panthus_n with_o 366._o of_o his_o companion_n or_o fellow_n tem_fw-la chroni_n martin_n fasicul_n tem_fw-la the_o chronicle_n of_o martin_n and_o the_o book_n which_o be_v entitle_v fasiculus_fw-la temporum_fw-la do_v witness_n that_o so_o many_o christian_n as_o be_v in_o england_n be_v all_o put_v to_o death_n 3._o euseb_n lib._n 8._o cap._n 3._o eusebius_n say_v that_o by_o the_o edict_n of_o these_o emperor_n commandment_n be_v give_v that_o the_o temple_n shall_v be_v raze_v and_o pull_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n he_o holy_a scripture_n burn_v and_o all_o christian_n persevere_v in_o their_o religion_n make_v infamous_a and_o deprive_v of_o all_o their_o liberty_n and_o of_o all_o their_o office_n and_o dignity_n also_o that_o all_o prelate_n bishop_n and_o pastor_n shall_v be_v in_o every_o place_n straight_o imprison_v and_o afterward_o with_o all_o cruelty_n constrain_v and_o enforce_v to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n â—_o otherwise_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n 11._o euseb_n lib._n 8._o cap._n 11._o he_o say_v also_o that_o the_o emperor_n have_v send_v certain_a commandment_n to_o a_o certain_a city_n of_o phrigia_n the_o commandment_n tendinge_v to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v offer_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n and_o shall_v worship_v their_o image_n they_o not_o mind_v to_o obey_v be_v all_o christian_n yea_o even_o the_o magistrate_n the_o treasurer_n and_o the_o captain_n the_o city_n be_v besiege_v and_o all_o it_o with_o all_o the_o people_n therein_o be_v burn_v together_o nicephorus_n write_v 6._o niceph._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 6._o that_o in_o one_o city_n at_o once_o there_o be_v burn_v in_o one_o temple_n on_o christ_n birth_n day_n twenty_o thousand_o person_n by_o the_o commandment_n of_o maximianus_n to_o be_v short_a the_o persecution_n be_v in_o every_o place_n so_o cruel_a and_o so_o sharp_a that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v almost_o extinguish_v and_o put_v out_o as_o well_o in_o the_o east_n by_o dioclesian_n as_o in_o the_o west_n by_o maximianus_n and_o as_o concern_v the_o fashion_n and_o manner_n of_o torment_n 3.6.7.8.9_o euseb_n lib._n 8._o cap._n 3.6.7.8.9_o they_o be_v sundry_a and_o diverse_a yea_o and_o very_o strange_a they_o do_v beat_v the_o christian_n with_o rod_n they_o rack_v they_o they_o murder_v they_o they_o burn_v they_o they_o throw_v they_o by_o thousand_o into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n they_o cast_v they_o to_o wild_a beast_n as_o leopard_n bear_n lion_n bullock_n and_o bull_n provoke_v against_o they_o by_o fire_n and_o sharp_a prick_v or_o goad_n they_o hang_v they_o on_o gibbettes_n they_o put_v they_o to_o death_n on_o cross_n they_o tie_v they_o to_o post_n with_o their_o head_n downward_o they_o lift_v they_o upon_o fork_n upon_o the_o which_o they_o keep_v they_o alive_a until_o famine_n and_o hunger_n cause_v they_o to_o die_v they_o spoil_v they_o all_o naked_a and_o they_o tie_v they_o by_o one_o of_o their_o foot_n and_o lift_v they_o up_o into_o the_o air_n which_o be_v a_o cruel_a and_o villainous_a spectacle_n special_o in_o the_o woman_n so_o cruel_o handle_v they_o tie_v they_o to_o branch_n and_o to_o tree_n and_o they_o make_v man_n bow_v down_o the_o strong_a bough_n to_o draw_v and_o tear_v in_o sunder_o the_o member_n of_o the_o poor_a faithful_a people_n who_o be_v tie_v thereto_o they_o behead_v they_o they_o choke_v they_o with_o smoke_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o little_a fire_n they_o cut_v of_o their_o hand_n their_o care_n and_o other_o member_n they_o roast_v they_o upon_o the_o coal_n not_o to_o the_o end_n to_o make_v they_o die_v sodeine_o or_o quick_o but_o to_o torment_v they_o more_o long_o they_o prick_v they_o under_o their_o nail_n at_o their_o finger_n end_n and_o toe_n with_o reed_n and_o other_o sharp_a instrument_n they_o pour_v upon_o they_o boil_a lead_n they_o fley_v they_o all_o alive_a and_o afterwards_o cast_v upon_o they_o vinagre_n and_o salt_n 8._o sabel_n en._n 7._o cap._n 8._o and_o so_o kill_v they_o most_o cruel_o in_o sum_n there_o be_v so_o many_o martyr_n so_o many_o death_n so_o many_o sort_n or_o punishment_n in_o this_o general_a persecution_n and_o these_o so_o cruel_a villainous_a and_o horrible_a that_o there_o be_v no_o tongue_n which_o can_v suffice_v to_o rehearse_v the_o same_o but_o above_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o this_o persecution_n as_o eusebius_n recite_v come_v through_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n 1._o euseb_n lib._n 8._o cap._n 1._o because_o that_o the_o christian_n abuse_v the_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o serve_v he_o withal_o become_v slow_a and_o sluggish_a full_a of_o hypocrisy_n and_o false_a show_n and_o dissemble_a seditious_a contentious_a person_n pursue_v one_o another_o for_o small_a injury_n &_o that_o through_o deadly_a hatred_n the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n inflame_v with_o envy_n hatred_n and_o ill_a will_n puff_v up_o with_o ambition_n and_o pride_n have_v also_o reject_v the_o rule_n of_o godliness_n and_o charity_n lift_v up_o themselves_o one_o against_o another_o provoke_v and_o outrageous_o threaten_v one_o a_o other_o insomuch_o that_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o hold_v and_o possess_v the_o seat_n of_o tyrant_n than_o of_o prelate_n a_o example_n certain_o which_o ought_v very_o well_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o humility_n and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o remain_v and_o abide_v unite_v and_o join_v together_o one_o 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they_o as_o with_o the_o first_o &_o notwithstanding_o he_o yet_o indevor_v to_o undersigne_v subscribe_v and_o ratify_v that_o decree_n but_o he_o feel_v that_o his_o right_a hand_n shake_v and_o tremble_v 40._o socrat._n lib._n 4_o cap._n 36._o theod._n lib._n 4._o cap_n 36._o sozomen_n lib._n 7._o cap._n 40._o and_o then_o be_v fear_v he_o care_v the_o paper_n but_o short_o after_o he_o die_v wicked_o for_o in_o a_o certain_a battle_n which_o he_o have_v against_o the_o goth_n who_o rebel_v against_o he_o be_v enforce_v thereto_o through_o famine_n &_o hunger_n he_o be_v hurt_v with_o a_o arrow_n wherefore_o he_o flee_v &_o withdraw_v himself_o into_o a_o small_a graunge_a or_o farm_n house_n in_o the_o field_n with_o some_o of_o his_o people_n &_o be_v close_o or_o hide_a there_o the_o goth_n set_v fire_n on_o it_o not_o know_v that_o valens_n be_v therein_o and_o there_o he_o be_v burn_v all_o alive_a and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o which_o shall_v come_v after_o may_v have_v 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church_n be_v common_o distinguish_v man_n be_v accustom_v to_o say_v that_o every_o word_n which_o may_v be_v take_v in_o many_o sense_n and_o in_o diverse_a signification_n shall_v rather_o be_v distinguish_v then_o define_v for_o a_o man_n can_v not_o otherwise_o right_o declare_v the_o nature_n virtue_n and_o disposition_n of_o any_o thing_n unless_o he_o be_v first_o resolve_v of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v for_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o this_o word_n church_n be_v of_o that_o sort_n be_v a_o greek_a word_n which_o signify_v a_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n &_o be_v take_v or_o derive_v from_o a_o word_n which_o in_o that_o tongue_n signify_v to_o call_v or_o to_o cause_n to_o come_v it_o be_v meet_v and_o necessary_a that_o before_o we_o give_v the_o definition_n thereof_o we_o declare_v after_o how_o many_o sort_n man_n use_v to_o take_v it_o 1_o now_o man_n sometime_o take_v it_o for_o a_o company_n or_o assembly_n of_o wicked_a person_n 22.16_o psal_n 22.16_o as_o psalm_n 22.16_o the_o church_n or_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o wicked_a have_v enclose_v i_o and_o in_o psalm_n 26.5_o psal_n 26.5_o 26.5_o i_o have_v hate_v the_o church_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o company_n for_o there_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n text_n two_o word_n which_o the_o greek_n have_v turn_v synagogue_n and_o church_n which_o do_v signify_v as_o much_o as_o a_o company_n troop_n or_o assembly_n 2_o sometime_o it_o be_v put_v for_o the_o assembly_n of_o citizen_n and_o burgess_n of_o a_o town_n in_o which_o meeting_n they_o entreat_v of_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a affair_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n and_o so_o do_v saint_n luke_n use_v it_o act_n 19.32.39_o 19.32.39_o act._n 19.32.39_o 3_o it_o be_v also_o take_v for_o the_o place_n whether_o the_o assembly_n be_v call_v together_o as_o judeth_n 6._o 6.16_o judeth_n 6.16_o verse_n 16._o and_o they_o call_v together_o all_o the_o ancient_n of_o the_o city_n and_o all_o their_o youth_n run_v together_o to_o the_o church_n or_o assembly_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o the_o place_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n 4_o also_o for_o the_o senate_n or_o consistory_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v for_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v indeed_o the_o conductour_n and_o guider_n thereof_o as_o when_o jesus_n christ_n say_v tell_v the_o church_n matth._n mat._n 19.17_o chrysostom_n hom._n 62._o upon_o matth._n that_o be_v to_o say_v even_o as_o chrysostome_n also_o expound_v it_o the_o pastor_n leader_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n according_a where_o unto_o we_o see_v that_o saint_n john_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o consistory_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o which_o it_o be_v sometime_o determine_v to_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n every_o one_o that_o will_v confess_v jesus_n christ_n 9.22_o joh._n 9.22_o he_o say_v general_o that_o the_o jew_n make_v this_o decree_n although_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o consistory_n only_o 5_o but_o in_o the_o question_n or_o matter_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o company_n and_o assembly_n of_o faithful_a people_n which_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o true_a &_o pure_a religion_n of_o god_n of_o this_o church_n speak_v s._n paul_n when_o he_o say_v to_o the_o pastor_n thereof_o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n 20.28_o act._n 20.28_o whereof_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n but_o here_o we_o must_v observe_v certain_a distinction_n for_o even_o in_o this_o signification_n the_o church_n be_v common_o distinguish_v into_o three_o sort_n first_o it_o be_v call_v triumphant_a or_o else_o militant_a the_o church_n
triumphant_a be_v the_o company_n of_o bless_a spirit_n who_o have_v get_v victory_n through_o jesus_n christ_n against_o their_o enemy_n the_o devil_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n sin_n death_n and_o hell_n triumph_n at_o this_o present_a on_o high_a in_o heaven_n praise_v god_n and_o celebrate_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n with_o all_o joyfulness_n we_o have_v a_o goodly_a description_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o revelation_n 7.9.10_o reve._n 7.9.10_o cap._n 7.9.10_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v the_o assembly_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a people_n who_o as_o yet_o on_o earth_n fight_v under_o the_o banner_n or_o standard_n of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n against_o the_o foresay_a enemy_n who_o armour_n or_o weapon_n be_v set_v out_o by_o s._n paul_n in_o the_o ephesian_n etc._n eph._n 6.13.14_o etc._n etc._n chap._n 6._o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o lord_n will_v that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v here_o below_o we_o shall_v be_v without_o affliction_n but_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v continual_o in_o the_o battle_n and_o always_o trouble_v and_o torment_v through_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n yea_o so_o much_o the_o more_o by_o how_o much_o we_o shall_v earnest_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v he_o in_o all_o godliness_n and_o holiness_n 14.22_o act._n 14.22_o this_o matter_n also_o be_v already_o conclude_v that_o by_o many_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n whereunto_o do_v appertain_v also_o 3.12_o joh._n 15.20.16.2_o 2._o tim._n 3.12_o the_o sentence_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o s._n paul_n joh._n 15_o 20._o joh._n 16.2_o 2._o tim._n 3.12_o but_o hereafter_o we_o will_v speak_v more_o large_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o church_n the_o second_o distinction_n be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v call_v either_o catholic_a that_o be_v to_o say_v universal_a or_o general_a be_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n and_o comprehend_v universal_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o elect_a people_n of_o god_n or_o else_o particular_a which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o universal_a for_o we_o use_v to_o call_v they_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n which_o be_v limit_v within_o a_o certain_a number_n and_o enclose_v in_o certain_a place_n be_v as_o it_o be_v say_v before_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a such_o in_o former_a time_n be_v the_o church_n of_o corinthus_n rome_n ephesus_n &_o such_o be_v at_o this_o day_n the_o church_n of_o france_n germany_n england_n switzerland_n and_o other_o place_n of_o all_o which_o together_o consist_v the_o universal_a which_o notwithstanding_o be_v but_o one_o as_o anon_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o three_o distinction_n be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v sometime_o say_v to_o be_v invisible_a and_o sometime_o visible_a the_o invisible_a church_n be_v streit_o and_o narrow_o consider_v and_o be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o before_o we_o call_v catholic_a or_o universal_a comprehend_v only_o the_o faithful_a and_o elect_a in_o which_o number_n they_o also_o be_v to_o be_v account_v that_o be_v already_o dead_a the_o visible_a church_n be_v consider_v more_o large_o and_o comprehend_v all_o they_o which_o be_v call_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v of_o christ_n flock_n 64._o augustine_n in_o psal_n 64._o s._n augustine_n use_v this_o distinction_n in_o his_o writing_n for_o write_v upon_o the_o 64._o psalm_n he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n which_o be_v signify_v by_o jerusalem_n take_v beginning_n from_o abel_n and_o babylon_n from_o cain_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o his_o book_n of_o baptism_n against_o the_o donatist_n chap._n 16._o 6._o august_n lib._n 1_o cont_n donatist_n cap._n 1_o 6._o take_v the_o church_n in_o a_o more_o general_a signification_n he_o say_v that_o the_o same_o which_o beget_v engender_v and_o bring_v forth_o able_a enoch_n noah_n abraham_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v also_o begette_v engender_v and_o bring_v forth_o cain_n ishmael_n dathan_n and_o other_o such_o like_a but_o we_o must_v more_o narrow_o and_o deep_o search_v this_o matter_n &_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v which_o do_v proper_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o well_o catholic_a and_o invisible_a as_o to_o the_o other_o which_o i_o say_v be_v visible_a but_o first_o of_o the_o catholic_a and_o invisible_a church_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o catholic_a and_o invisible_a church_n which_o indeed_o be_v but_o one_o albeit_o it_o have_v many_o particular_a part_n and_o member_n by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v before_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o gather_v &_o make_v a_o good_a &_o certain_a definition_n of_o the_o church_n wherefore_o first_o we_o say_v that_o the_o catholic_a and_o invisible_a church_n be_v the_o company_n of_o all_o faithful_a people_n scatter_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n who_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o everlasting_a life_n with_o this_o definition_n agree_v that_o which_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o that_o which_o saint_n paul_n say_v to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o company_n of_o all_o those_o 1.2_o 1._o cor._n 1.2_o that_o be_v sanctify_v through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o call_v to_o be_v saint_n do_v call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o every_o place_n the_o church_n than_o be_v not_o a_o house_n of_o wood_n or_o of_o stone_n build_v by_o man_n hand_n but_o the_o congregation_n commonalty_n and_o fellowship_n of_o all_o those_o which_o follow_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n which_o matter_n also_o we_o may_v confirm_v by_o these_o reason_n follow_v 9.14_o gal._n 1.13_o act._n 9.14_o first_o s._n paul_n confess_v that_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n &_o ananias_n say_v that_o he_o have_v authority_n from_o the_o high_a priest_n to_o bind_v all_o those_o that_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v christian_n here_o we_o see_v that_o saint_n paul_n call_v those_o the_o church_n who_o ananias_n name_v christian_n or_o such_o as_o do_v call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 12.27_o eph._n 1.23_o 1._o cor._n 12.27_o secondary_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o company_n of_o faithful_a people_n be_v also_o call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a 10.16_o joh._n 10.16_o thirdlie_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o call_v the_o church_n a_o sheepfolde_a whereunto_o sheep_n apperteine_a and_o belong_v but_o by_o sheep_n be_v mean_v the_o elect_a as_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o be_v say_v math._n 25._o the_o church_n than_o be_v nothing_o else_o 32.3â—_n mat._n 25_o 32.3â—_n but_o the_o sheepfold_a or_o congregation_n of_o the_o elect_a four_o the_o ancient_a writer_n have_v so_o declare_v it_o 122._o august_n in_o psal_n 122._o and_o set_v it_o out_o for_o behold_v how_o saint_n augustine_n have_v speak_v thereof_o all_o faithful_a christian_n say_v he_o be_v the_o church_n and_o chrysostome_n stroma_fw-la homil._n 20._o the_o expul_n ipsius_fw-la lib._n 7._o de_fw-la stroma_fw-la the_o church_n say_v he_o consist_v not_o in_o wall_n but_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o faithful_a people_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n say_v also_o i_o call_v the_o church_n not_o the_o place_n or_o the_o temple_n but_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o elect_a this_o church_n be_v call_v catholic_a or_o universal_a for_o three_o reason_n first_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o place_n for_o it_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o one_o certain_a place_n as_o city_n province_n or_o kingdom_n but_o be_v disperse_v and_o scatter_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o the_o world_n 28.18_o mat._n 28.18_o even_o as_o jesus_n christ_n have_v say_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o as_o the_o second_o psalm_n show_v that_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o the_o end_n and_o coast_n of_o the_o earth_n 2.8_o psal_n 2.8_o be_v by_o the_o father_n appoint_v to_o his_o son_n for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o therefore_o also_o do_v jesus_n christ_n send_v forth_o his_o disciple_n through_o out_o all_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n 28.29_o mat._n 28.29_o wherefore_o donatus_n err_v when_o he_o go_v about_o to_o tie_v the_o church_n to_o a_o certain_a corner_n of_o africa_n only_o the_o romishe_a catholic_n also_o do_v at_o this_o day_n abuse_v themselves_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o tie_v it_o to_o rome_n alone_o for_o though_o it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o true_a church_n whereof_o we_o will_v speak_v in_o a_o whole_a &_o plain_a chapter_n afterwards_o yet_o it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o a_o particular_a church_n &_o at_o no_o hand_n the_o universal_a church_n whereof_o we_o speak_v they_o also_o be_v likewise_o deceive_v who_o think_v to_o chase_v and_o