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 19.32.39_o act._n 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 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 19.17_o matt._n 19.17_o as_o when_o jesus_n christ_n say_v tell_v the_o church_n matth._n 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 whereunto_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 20.28_o act._n 20.28_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n 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 the_o church_n in_o the_o revelation_n 7.9.10_o reu._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 ephes_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 15.20_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_z 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 august_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 1.6_o august_n li._n 1._o count_n donatist_n cap._n 1.6_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 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 and_o make_v a_o good_a and_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 ephe._n 1.23_o 1._o cor._n 12.27_o secondarilie_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 sheepefolde_a whereunto_o sheep_n appertein_a and_o
be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n perfect_v so_o long_o as_o she_o travel_v and_o fight_v in_o this_o world_n which_o mayor_n i_o prove_v thus_o first_o if_o the_o church_n be_v without_o spot_n in_o this_o world_n in_o vain_a have_v our_o saviour_n christ_n teach_v it_o always_o to_o pray_v 6.12_o matth._n 6.12_o forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n and_o sin_n but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v not_o without_o good_a cause_n give_v we_o such_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n wherefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o this_o world_n without_o spot_n yea_o rather_o that_o she_o have_v continual_a need_n always_o for_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o she_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o sanctify_a and_o obtain_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o all_o her_o sin_n second_o those_o which_o be_v with_o out_o spot_n and_o wrinkle_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o any_o wash_n because_o they_o have_v no_o need_n thereof_o but_o the_o faithful_a although_o they_o be_v wash_v have_v notwithstanding_o need_v yet_o of_o wash_v still_o as_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o declare_v it_o unto_o we_o 13.10_o john_n 13.10_o when_o he_o say_v he_o that_o be_v wash_v need_v not_o save_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n for_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o the_o foot_n he_o mean_v a_o continual_a sanctification_n it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o in_o this_o world_n without_o spot_n 1.2_o 1._o cor._n 1.2_o three_o saint_n paul_n cease_v not_o to_o adorn_v and_o beautify_v the_o corinthian_n with_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n who_o notwithstanding_o greevous_o abuse_v the_o holy_a supper_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v amongst_o they_o division_n and_o partakinge_n which_o be_v not_o small_a fault_n yea_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o doubt_n also_o touch_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a also_o he_o name_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o galathian_o 1.2_o galat._n 1.2_o the_o 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 a_o other_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 manifest_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 &_o more_o purge_v &_o sanctify_v which_o thing_n s._n paul_n show_v yet_o more_o plain_o &_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 through_o out_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 5.25.26.27_o ephe._n 5.25.26.27_o that_o jesus_n christ_n give_v himself_o for_o his_o church_n 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 &_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 a_o other_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 saint_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 &_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 34._o augu._n lib._n de_fw-la nuptiis_fw-la &_o concupise_v cap._n 34._o and_o after_o this_o sort_n saint_n augustine_n understand_v it_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 spott_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 joh._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 live_v so_o holy_o but_o that_o oftentimes_o they_o stumble_v and_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 s._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 if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n 1.8.10_o 1._o joh._n 1.8.10_o we_o deceive_v our_o self_n 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 these_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 every_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 matth._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 &_o sow_a 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 etc._n etc._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
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
the_o advauncement_n grow_v &_o proceed_v of_o his_o kingdom_n he_o do_v somewhat_o estrange_v himself_o from_o we_o insomuch_o that_o be_v already_o almost_o win_v by_o some_o counsellor_n he_o move_v persecution_n against_o we_o &_o great_a bruit_n or_o noise_n be_v thereof_o he_o among_o us._n notwithstanding_o even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o persecute_v we_o and_o have_v as_o it_o be_v subscribe_v to_o the_o decree_n which_o they_o be_v to_o publish_v against_o we_o a_o certain_a vengeance_n and_o wrath_n send_v from_o god_n sudden_o overtake_v he_o which_o cause_v this_o pernicious_a and_o hurtful_a cruelty_n to_o cease_v the_o ten_o persecution_n be_v under_o dioclesian_n and_o maximianus_n hercules_n dioclesian_n be_v establish_v emperor_n about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 288._o and_o associate_a unto_o he_o maximianus_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o empire_n he_o reign_v twenty_o year_n pomponius_n laetus_n in_o the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o roman_a story_n recite_v that_o dioclesian_n forget_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n and_o name_v himself_o the_o brother_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n as_o though_o there_o have_v be_v in_o he_o some_o divine_a or_o heavenly_a majesty_n make_v a_o edict_n and_o law_n by_o which_o he_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v worship_v he_o as_o god_n and_o that_o all_o without_o difference_n of_o what_o race_n and_o condition_n soever_o they_o be_v shall_v kiss_v his_o foot_n and_o for_o this_o end_n he_o have_v shoe_n stuff_v and_o beset_v with_o gold_n and_o precious_a stone_n the_o selfsame_o pomponius_n say_v also_o that_o maximianus_n be_v open_o cruel_a rage_a terrible_a to_o behold_v without_o faith_n or_o trustiness_n now_o this_o persecution_n which_o they_o move_v against_o the_o christian_n last_v ten_o year_n and_o be_v the_o great_a and_o cruel_a of_o all_o 2._o vincentius_n in_o specul_fw-la lib._n 12._o cap._n 2._o vincentius_n in_o his_o glass_n speak_v of_o a_o whole_a legion_n of_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 136_o vincen._n in_o specul_fw-la lib._n 12._o cap._n 136_o he_o say_v also_o that_o at_o trieres_n which_o be_v a_o city_n situate_v by_o the_o river_n mosella_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 sabellie_n sabellie_n sabellicus_n recite_v 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 henric._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 reheatse_v 41._o otto_n phryse_v lib._n 3._o cap._n 41._o that_o mauricius_n a_o conductour_n or_o capitaine_n of_o a_o christian_n legion_n be_v slay_v &_o with_o he_o 1666._o person_n of_o his_o own_o people_n &_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 martin_n chroni_n martin_n the_o chronicle_n of_o martin_n &_o the_o book_n which_o be_v entitle_v fasiculus_fw-la temporum_fw-la tempor_fw-la fasicul_n tempor_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 ca._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 the_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 afterwards_o with_o all_o cruelty_n constrain_v and_o enforce_v to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n otherwise_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o 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 tend_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 capitaine_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 nicepho_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_n 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 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 they_o be_v sundry_a and_o diverse_a yea_o and_o very_o strange_a 3.6.7.8.9_o euseb_n lib._n 8_o cap._n 3.6.7.8.9_o 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 downwarde_a 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 vilainous_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 ear_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 sudden_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 &_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 sabellic_n eunead_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 of_o punishment_n in_o this_o general_a persecution_n and_o these_o so_o cruel_a vilainous_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 &_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 a_o other_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 &_o charity_n lift_v up_o themselves_o one_o against_o a_o other_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
the_o man_n that_o endure_v temptation_n for_o when_o he_o be_v try_v he_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n which_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o 1.6.7_o 1._o pet._n 1.6.7_o wherein_o you_o rejoice_v though_o now_o for_o a_o season_n if_o need_v require_v you_o be_v in_o heaviness_n through_o manifold_a temptation_n that_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o faith_n be_v much_o more_o precious_a than_o gold_n that_o perish_v though_o it_o be_v try_v with_o fire_n may_v be_v find_v unto_o your_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n 4.14_o 1._o pet._n 4.14_o if_o you_o be_v rail_v upon_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n bless_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n &_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o you_o which_o on_o their_o part_n be_v ill_o speak_v of_o but_o on_o your_o part_n glorify_v 12._o mat._n 5._o 10.11_o 12._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o suffer_v persecution_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_a against_o you_o for_o my_o sake_n false_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n 8.28_o roma_fw-it 8.28_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o the_o best_a unto_o they_o that_o love_n god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o be_v call_v according_a unto_o his_o unchaungeable_a purpose_n 2.27_o phil._n 2.27_o in_o nothing_o fear_v your_o adversary_n which_o be_v to_o they_o a_o token_n of_o destruction_n but_o to_o you_o a_o token_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o of_o god_n all_o the_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n which_o you_o suffer_v be_v a_o manifest_a token_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n 1.5.6.7_o 2._o thess_n 1.5.6.7_o that_o you_o may_v be_v count_v worthy_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o the_o which_o you_o also_o suffer_v for_o it_o be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o recompense_v tribulation_n to_o they_o that_o trouble_v you_o and_o to_o you_o which_o be_v trouble_v deliveraunce_n and_o rest_n with_o we_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v show_v himself_o from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n this_o be_v a_o true_a say_n 1â—_n 2._o timo._n 11_o 1â—_n that_o if_o we_o die_v with_o christ_n we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o and_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o now_o out_o of_o these_o place_n we_o gather_v a_o very_a great_a and_o singular_a comfort_n cross_n a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o faithful_a patient_o and_o courageous_o to_o bear_v their_o cross_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o ignominy_n or_o shame_n in_o the_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n which_o we_o suffer_v for_o jesus_n christ_n sake_n but_o that_o they_o be_v a_o good_a and_o sweet_a smelling_n savour_n before_o god_n because_o he_o approove_v and_o allow_v our_o obedience_n when_o that_o by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o ourselves_o we_o do_v most_o willing_o present_v and_o offer_v ourselves_o unto_o he_o moreover_o our_o combat_n and_o fight_v shall_v not_o be_v without_o good_a hire_n for_o rest_n and_o quietness_n be_v set_v out_o unto_o we_o in_o our_o pain_n and_o travail_n and_o eternal_a life_n in_o our_o death_n of_o which_o it_o be_v write_v 116.15_o psal_n 116.15_o precious_a before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o death_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o this_o our_o good_a god_n behold_v from_o above_o our_o good_a will_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n which_o we_o make_v and_o yield_v and_o that_o as_o he_o aid_v our_o strength_n and_o power_n so_o also_o that_o he_o will_v crown_v our_o victory_n and_o reward_v in_o we_o all_o that_o which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o we_o and_o will_v honour_v that_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v begin_v and_o make_v perfect_a in_o us._n in_o sum_n by_o these_o persecution_n we_o advance_v and_o thrust_v forward_o ourselves_o to_o go_v to_o the_o true_a and_o eternal_a dwell_v place_n of_o the_o martyr_n that_o we_o may_v there_o clear_o behold_v god_n and_o that_o there_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o glory_n as_o all_o the_o affliction_n &_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a life_n even_o as_o sainte_n paul_n say_v be_v not_o worthy_a of_o 2.9_o rom._n 8.18_o isaiah_n 6.4_o 1._o cor._n 2.9_o for_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v neither_o the_o ear_n have_v hear_v neither_o come_v into_o man_n heart_n be_v they_o which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o fear_v they_o which_o kill_v the_o body_n 10.28_o mat._n 10.28_o but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul_n but_o let_v we_o rather_o fear_v he_o which_o be_v able_a to_o to_o destroy_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o hell_n 10.32.33_o mat._n 10.32.33_o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n say_v jesus_n christ_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o that_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v loose_v it_o 10.39_o mat._n 10.39_o and_o he_o that_o lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n shall_v save_v it_o let_v we_o know_v and_o understand_v this_o that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n it_o have_v be_v thus_o ordain_v and_o determine_v that_o all_o which_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n 3.12_o 2._o tim._n 3.12_o and_o that_o by_o many_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o at_o the_o beginning_n the_o righteous_a abel_n be_v slay_v and_o put_v to_o death_n and_o after_o he_o all_o the_o righteous_a person_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n send_v by_o god_n whereof_o some_o be_v deliver_v and_o cast_v to_o wild_a beast_n other_o die_v in_o prison_n through_o famine_n other_o be_v hang_v and_o strangle_v other_o dig_v into_o earth_n &_o bury_v quick_a therein_o other_o drown_v burn_a behead_v break_v and_o ground_n as_o it_o be_v to_o piece_n dismember_v roast_a boil_a singe_v and_o saw_v flay_v all_o alive_a stone_v whip_v etc._n etc._n and_o be_v there_o any_o which_o be_v able_a to_o describe_v and_o set_v out_o all_o the_o torment_n which_o the_o tyrant_n as_o well_o under_o the_o old_a as_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n judge_v the_o christian_n worthy_a of_o now_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v set_v out_o unto_o we_o a_o example_n in_o himself_o teach_v we_o that_o none_o shall_v come_v to_o his_o kingdom_n but_o they_o which_o have_v follow_v he_o by_o his_o own_o way_n 16.24_o mat._n 16.24_o wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o be_v faint_a heart_a for_o the_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n which_o shall_v come_v unto_o we_o but_o let_v we_o show_v ourselves_o strong_a and_o constant_a and_o let_v we_o through_o a_o certain_a spiritual_a power_n and_o force_n pursue_v &_o that_o even_o to_o the_o end_n the_o way_n into_o which_o we_o be_v enter_v if_o the_o wave_n billow_n and_o surge_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o this_o world_n lift_v up_o themselves_o and_o rise_v against_o we_o to_o swallow_v we_o up_o and_o to_o overwhelm_v we_o if_o our_o enemy_n in_o great_a company_n and_o band_n compass_v we_o on_o every_o side_n and_o assault_v we_o let_v we_o cry_v with_o the_o apostle_n 8.25_o mat._n 8.25_o master_n or_o lord_n save_o we_o and_o he_o will_v deliver_v we_o out_o of_o all_o danger_n if_o death_n fear_v we_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o jesus_n christ_n in_o die_v have_v bring_v this_o to_o pass_v that_o death_n be_v not_o death_n unto_o we_o but_o a_o very_a ready_a way_n to_o guide_v &_o lead_v we_o to_o life_n &_o eternal_a glory_n if_o the_o world_n continue_v his_o assault_n against_o we_o yea_o dubble_v they_o and_o trebble_v they_o as_o you_o will_v say_v 2.5_o mat._n 10.22_o 2._o timo._n 2.5_o let_v we_o call_v to_o our_o remembrance_n that_o he_o which_o endure_v unto_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o if_o any_o man_n strive_v for_o a_o mastery_n 112.6_o mat._n 28.20_o mat._n 10.28_o 2._o tim._n 1.12_o psal_n 112.6_o he_o be_v not_o crown_v except_o he_o strive_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v our_o protector_n and_o defender_n who_o have_v promise_v we_o to_o be_v with_o we_o always_o even_o until_o the_o world_n end_n if_o we_o die_v for_o he_o &_o for_o his_o sake_n he_o will_v keep_v our_o soul_n 10.7_o pro._n 10.7_o and_o that_o which_o we_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o shall_v be_v very_o sure_a in_o his_o hand_n even_o
unto_o the_o last_o day_n 34.20_o psal_n 34.20_o he_o will_v keep_v the_o remembrance_n of_o we_o for_o ever_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v any_o manner_n of_o way_n fade_v away_o or_o darken_v he_o will_v keep_v our_o body_n to_o the_o very_a bone_n thereof_o 19.25_o job._n 19.25_o against_o the_o day_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o all_o flesh_n and_o will_v at_o the_o last_o crown_v we_o with_o eternal_a life_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o own_o blood_n o_o death_n then_o 15.55_o 1._o cor._n 15.55_o where_o be_v thy_o sting_n o_o grave_n where_o be_v thy_o victory_n certain_o we_o have_v very_o much_o wherewith_o to_o comfort_v ourselves_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o when_o we_o hear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n say_v unto_o we_o 9.23_o luke_n 9.23_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o and_o follow_v i_o we_o ought_v to_o learn_v how_o and_o after_o what_o sort_n it_o behove_v we_o to_o bear_v affliction_n for_o first_o by_o these_o word_n let_v he_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n jesus_n christ_n mean_v that_o we_o shall_v willing_o bow_v down_o our_o shoulder_n under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o shall_v subject_v ourselves_o with_o a_o free_a heart_n and_o courage_n to_o bear_v the_o same_o yea_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v if_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o behalf_n we_o can_v yield_v and_o perform_v any_o service_n to_o god_n 3._o acts._n 5.41_o rom._n 5._o 3._o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v second_o when_o he_o add_v daily_o he_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v never_o at_o the_o end_n of_o our_o strive_n until_o we_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v our_o continual_a exercise_n that_o when_o we_o shall_v have_v endure_v and_o suffer_v sundry_a persecution_n we_o shall_v prepare_v and_o dispose_v ourselves_o to_o suffer_v they_o again_o and_o other_o new_a beside_o they_o know_v as_o we_o have_v ere_o while_o allege_v that_o he_o which_o shall_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v .._o 10.22_o mat._n 10.22_o wherefore_o they_o abuse_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o think_v that_o they_o have_v right_o and_o due_o discharge_v their_o duty_n if_o they_o have_v stand_v fast_o in_o the_o time_n of_o one_o persecution_n or_o of_o two_o for_o it_o be_v not_o with_o the_o first_o flight_n that_o we_o fly_v to_o the_o joy_n of_o paradise_n and_o jesus_n christ_n command_v we_o not_o any_o thing_n here_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v not_o first_o of_o all_o show_v we_o the_o way_n thereto_o see_v that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o under_o the_o cross_n but_o that_o all_o his_o life_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o a_o perpetual_a combat_n and_o strive_v against_o affliction_n etc._n 2._o corin._n 11.14_o etc._n etc._n and_o saint_n paul_n although_o he_o may_v have_v set_v out_o his_o labour_n his_o peril_n his_o prisoning_n his_o beat_n his_o shipwrack_n and_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o other_o affliction_n notwithstanding_o he_o say_v yet_o that_o he_o be_v altogether_o ready_a to_o suffer_v not_o only_o to_o be_v bind_v and_o put_v in_o prison_n but_o also_o willing_o 24._o act_n 20.23_o 24._o and_o without_o any_o grief_n to_o die_v for_o christ_n cause_n o_o how_o great_a be_v this_o honour_n to_o give_v up_o our_o life_n for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o wage_n or_o soldiership_n of_o some_o eathly_a prince_n make_v no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o forsake_v their_o own_o parent_n and_o their_o good_n that_o they_o may_v go_v to_o his_o service_n yea_o it_o trouble_v they_o not_o much_o to_o hazard_v and_o give_v up_o their_o own_o life_n to_o maintain_v his_o quarrel_n and_o cause_n which_o very_o often_o be_v unjust_a &_o wicked_a and_o shall_v we_o which_o have_v such_o a_o prince_n as_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v who_o die_v for_o we_o poor_a and_o miserable_a sinner_n shall_v we_o i_o say_v doubt_n to_o leave_v all_o thing_n yea_o to_o adventure_n and_o yield_v up_o our_o own_o life_n to_o maintain_v his_o cause_n &_o his_o quarrel_n which_o be_v so_o just_a and_o upright_o special_o see_v he_o have_v power_n to_o render_v and_o give_v the_o same_o again_o unto_o we_o afterward_o moreover_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v as_o we_o have_v already_o touch_v the_o same_o ought_v to_o strengthen_v and_o encourage_v we_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o affliction_n as_o we_o see_v saint_n paul_n full_o resolve_v and_o settle_a himself_o thereupon_o when_o he_o say_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 17.18_o 2._o cor._n 4._o 17.18_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n cause_v unto_o we_o a_o far_o most_o excellent_a and_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n while_o we_o look_v not_o on_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o on_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v 12._o 2._o tim._n 2.11_o 12._o be_v eternal_a and_o to_o timothy_n it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o do_v we_o think_v to_o have_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n without_o have_v first_o fight_v as_o our_o great_a captain_n do_v do_v we_o think_v to_o reign_v with_o the_o prince_n of_o life_n on_o high_a in_o heaven_n without_o have_v first_o suffer_v and_o bear_v trouble_n with_o he_o in_o this_o world_n if_o man_n take_v the_o earth_n from_o we_o let_v we_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n 7.55.56_o act_n 7.55.56_o which_o be_v open_a for_o we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o saint_n steeven_n if_o they_o put_v we_o to_o death_n let_v we_o look_v to_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n who_o also_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o 14.8.9_o rom._n 14.8.9_o to_o the_o end_n that_o if_o we_o die_v we_o shall_v die_v unto_o he_o that_o afterwards_o we_o may_v be_v raise_v up_o in_o glory_n as_o he_o be_v 3.21_o phill._n 3.21_o if_o our_o abject_a and_o base_a body_n be_v despise_v and_o dishonour_v let_v we_o look_v to_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n like_v unto_o which_o our_o body_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o the_o last_o day_n to_o be_v short_a if_o we_o weep_v and_o wail_v in_o this_o wonderful_a heap_n and_o sea_n of_o misery_n 5.1_o 2._o cor._n 5.1_o be_v in_o this_o world_n stranger_n pilgrim_n &_o passenger_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o when_o we_o shall_v once_o come_v to_o our_o celestial_a and_o heavenly_a city_n which_o we_o now_o wait_v and_o hope_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v rejoice_v with_o a_o joy_n which_o can_v be_v comprehend_v and_o that_o with_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o holy_a angel_n prophet_n apostle_n and_o martyr_n 21.4_o revela_fw-la 21.4_o for_o the_o lord_n will_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o our_o eye_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o death_n neither_o sorrow_n neither_o cry_v neither_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o more_o pain_n then_o shall_v we_o feel_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n which_o we_o have_v endure_v and_o suffer_v in_o this_o world_n then_o shall_v we_o know_v how_o much_o we_o be_v bless_v 21.4_o reve._n 21.4_o that_o have_v suffer_v for_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v make_v our_o robe_n white_a in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n 13.12_o 1._o john_n 3.2_o 1._o cor._n 13.12_o then_o shall_v we_o behold_v god_n even_o as_o he_o be_v and_o shall_v know_v he_o perfect_o as_o he_o know_v we_o and_o we_o shall_v live_v and_o reign_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v by_o this_o meditation_n encourage_v the_o faithful_a when_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o you_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o afliction_n of_o my_o hand_n 10.34.35_o hebr._n 10.34.35_o &_o suffer_v with_o joy_n the_o spoil_n of_o your_o good_n know_v in_o yourselves_o how_o that_o you_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o endure_a substance_n cast_v not_o away_o therefore_o your_o confidence_n which_o have_v great_a recompense_n and_o reward_v but_o shall_v we_o now_o think_v or_o suppose_v that_o we_o lose_v our_o life_n when_o we_o shall_v have_v abandon_v forsake_a and_o as_o it_o be_v give_v up_o the_o same_o unto_o tyrant_n for_o god_n cause_n and_o matter_n 5.12_o mat._n 5.12_o shall_v we_o judge_v that_o we_o die_v upon_o imagination_n and_o as_o it_o be_v foolish_a and_o insensible_a mad_a people_n as_o in_o deed_n the_o world_n suppose_v see_v jesus_n christ_n have_v promise_v
his_o mirror_n or_o glass_n the_o thirteen_o book_n 2._o vincentius_n in_o specul_fw-la lib._n 13._o cap._n 2._o marcel_n histo_fw-la 2._o and_o second_o chapter_n notwithstanding_o that_o book_n which_o be_v call_v the_o sea_n of_o history_n say_v that_o be_v take_v at_o the_o forename_a marsilles_n he_o there_o hang_v himself_o with_o a_o halter_n be_v threscore_a year_n old_a behold_v a_o summarie_n and_o short_a description_n of_o the_o horrible_a punishment_n which_o the_o lord_n send_v upon_o the_o ten_o emperor_n under_o who_o and_o in_o who_o day_n the_o ten_o great_a persecution_n against_o the_o church_n fall_v out_o and_o be_v commit_v now_o as_o the_o emperor_n which_o succeed_v those_o do_v not_o all_o withhold_v themselves_o from_o persecute_v the_o poor_a christian_n so_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v not_o shorten_v but_o that_o punishment_n and_o vengeance_n be_v execute_v upon_o the_o persecutor_n for_o that_o which_o saint_n cyprian_a say_v in_o the_o apology_n or_o defence_n he_o make_v against_o demetrianus_n the_o governor_n demetrianum_n cyprianus_n contra_fw-la demetrianum_n be_v very_o true_a to_o wit_n that_o very_o hardly_o there_o be_v any_o man_n at_o any_o time_n who_o through_o wickedness_n lift_v up_o himself_o against_o the_o christian_n but_o that_o incontinent_o thereupon_o god_n vengeance_n and_o justice_n follow_v he_o and_o pursue_v he_o therefore_o 23_o galerius_n volaterran_n li._n 23_o galerius_n a_o cruel_a emperor_n or_o rather_o in_o deed_n a_o tyrant_n have_v very_o well_o try_v and_o prove_v the_o same_o for_o have_v continue_v and_o increase_v the_o persecution_n begin_v by_o diocletian_n and_o have_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o punishment_n torment_v the_o christian_n both_o cruel_o and_o furious_o at_o the_o last_o have_v reign_v thirteen_o year_n not_o be_v able_a to_o abide_v the_o torment_n and_o pain_n of_o a_o certain_a sickness_n wherewith_o he_o be_v take_v and_o hold_v through_o impatiency_n he_o slay_v himself_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o some_o say_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o sickness_n he_o put_v his_o physician_n to_o death_n because_o they_o can_v not_o heal_v he_o of_o which_o one_o declare_v &_o say_v that_o his_o disease_n proceed_v from_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n the_o death_n of_o julian_n the_o apostata_fw-la apostata_fw-la julian_n the_o apostata_fw-la may_v very_o well_o also_o testify_v what_o end_n the_o persecucutor_n of_o god_n child_n may_v look_v &_o wait_v for_o for_o the_o history_n declare_v 23._o theoderit_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 25._o volaterran_n lib._n 23._o that_o he_o continue_v the_o war_n against_o the_o persian_n which_o be_v begin_v by_o the_o emperor_n his_o predecessor_n and_o upon_o the_o way_n have_v make_v a_o vow_n again_o to_o shed_v and_o spill_v the_o christian_n blood_n and_o namely_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o make_v they_o or_o set_v they_o out_o open_o as_o a_o show_n in_o some_o solemn_a place_n if_o he_o come_v again_o victorious_a and_o a_o conqueror_n as_o he_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o desert_n and_o wilderness_n he_o and_o his_o army_n wander_v up_o and_o down_o together_o without_o guide_n or_o lead_n he_o be_v sudden_o take_v and_o strike_v with_o a_o stroke_n either_o of_o a_o arrow_n or_o a_o sword_n or_o of_o some_o other_o weapon_n for_o none_o know_v as_o the_o historiographer_n say_v wherewith_o or_o how_o he_o be_v strike_v and_o so_o die_v in_o despair_n have_v not_o as_o then_o reign_v twelve_o whole_a year_n he_o cry_v out_o with_o a_o horrible_a blasphemy_n keep_v and_o hold_v his_o blood_n which_o gush_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o cast_v it_o into_o the_o air_n say_v o_o galilean_a for_o so_o in_o desspite_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o call_v christ_n at_o the_o last_o thou_o have_v overcome_v thou_o have_v overcome_v 19_o valens_n theod._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 19_o valens_n also_o do_v very_o well_o feel_v &_o know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n vengeance_n in_o his_o miserable_a death_n it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o arrian_n a_o certain_a season_n after_o that_o he_o hearken_v unto_o the_o instruction_n of_o basil_n and_o receive_v it_o but_o straight_a way_n he_o return_v to_o his_o former_a natural_a disposition_n and_o assault_v and_o set_v upon_o basil_n and_o when_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o he_o can_v not_o persuade_v he_o to_o join_v or_o take_v part_n with_o the_o arrian_n he_o command_v that_o a_o law_n and_o decree_n shall_v be_v make_v for_o his_o banishment_n and_o when_o he_o be_v mind_v to_o subscribe_v the_o say_a decree_n the_o pen_n be_v find_v bruise_v after_o a_o sudden_a and_o marvelous_a manner_n so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o therewith_o make_v a_o stroke_n only_o or_o sign_n of_o a_o letter_n they_o bring_v unto_o he_o the_o second_o pen_n yea_o even_o the_o third_o and_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o they_o as_o with_o the_o first_o and_o notwithstanding_o he_o yet_o endeavour_v to_o undersigne_v subscribe_v &_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 socrates_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 36._o theodoret._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 tear_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 and_o hunger_n he_o be_v hurt_v with_o a_o arrow_n wherefore_o he_o flee_v and_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 and_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 a_o more_o evident_a testimony_n that_o this_o be_v in_o deed_n a_o punishment_n send_v from_o god_n and_o that_o also_o in_o this_o wicked_a person_n there_o may_v always_o be_v have_v a_o example_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n he_o remain_v without_o any_o burial_n at_o all_o but_o when_o will_v it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o end_n if_o we_o will_v large_o pursue_v and_o recite_v the_o catalogue_n or_o beadrole_n as_o you_o will_v say_v of_o tyrant_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o for_o a_o just_a recompense_n of_o their_o cruelty_n have_v be_v punish_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o die_v miserable_o we_o shall_v not_o want_v example_n of_o former_a age_n neither_o yet_o of_o our_o time_n for_o god_n have_v always_o have_v care_n over_o his_o church_n maintain_v it_o and_o punish_v the_o riotte_n and_o murder_n commit_v against_o it_o yea_o he_o will_v always_o maintain_v it_o and_o will_v exercise_v and_o execute_v his_o justice_n upon_o they_o which_o will_v oppress_v it_o because_o he_o account_v it_o as_o dear_a 8._o zachari_fw-la 2._o 8._o as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n which_o shall_v bring_v unto_o we_o a_o singular_a comfort_n and_o instruction_n for_o it_o serve_v well_o to_o comfort_v we_o when_o we_o understand_v that_o we_o have_v a_o keeper_n and_o defender_n in_o heaven_n who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o affliction_n will_v not_o forsake_v we_o no_o not_o then_o when_o it_o seem_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n conspire_v and_o arise_v against_o us._n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o ought_v to_o receive_v and_o take_v instruction_n thereby_o because_o that_o we_o hear_v that_o god_n take_v vengeance_n in_o his_o good_a time_n and_o as_o please_v himself_o upon_o they_o which_o persecute_v his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v spoil_v ourselves_o of_o and_o cast_v far_o from_o we_o all_o particular_a affection_n or_o motion_n of_o revengement_n and_o shall_v leave_v the_o judgement_n of_o our_o cause_n unto_o god_n to_o who_o alone_o as_o he_o say_v vengeance_n to_o repay_v the_o same_o 12.19_o deut._n 32.35_o rom._n 12.19_o do_v belong_v when_o he_o shall_v see_v good_a and_o meet_a and_o notwithstanding_o the_o tyrant_n and_o persecutor_n have_v to_o learn_v by_o the_o above_o say_a example_n to_o have_v in_o horror_n and_o wonderful_a fear_n the_o great_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o to_o know_v that_o albeit_o god_n do_v for_o a_o time_n defer_v and_o put_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o those_o which_o raging_o and_o furious_o fall_v upon_o his_o well-beloved_a saint_n yet_o such_o be_v not_o for_o all_o that_o any_o whit_n the_o more_o bless_a the_o fury_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n as_o one_o have_v say_v walk_v and_o go_v very_o soft_o history_n valerius_n maximus_n in_o his_o history_n but_o after_o it_o have_v be_v long_a time_n defer_v or_o foreslow_v it_o do_v at_o the_o last_o