have_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n by_o justice_n to_o put_v all_o those_o to_o death_n or_o any_o other_o offendor_n because_o jesus_n christ_n have_v forbid_v we_o to_o revenge_v evil_a and_o for_o that_o he_o have_v command_v all_o christian_n to_o suffer_v all_o injury_n patient_o this_o be_v a_o strange_a charity_n the_o shepherd_n for_o pity_n and_o compassion_n he_o take_v on_o the_o wolf_n he_o dare_v not_o hunt_v they_o from_o his_o flock_n but_o suffer_v they_o to_o devour_v his_o sheep_n and_o take_v more_o pity_n of_o the_o poor_a wolf_n then_o of_o his_o sheep_n and_o to_o be_v charitable_a towards_o the_o wolf_n will_v be_v more_o cruel_a to_o the_o sheep_n than_o the_o wolf_n themselves_o but_o when_o all_o shall_v be_v well_o examine_v i_o sect._n sect._n fear_v much_o that_o the_o disease_n of_o our_o flesh_n proceed_v not_o so_o much_o from_o fear_n that_o it_o have_v of_o offence_n as_o for_o fear_n of_o death_n wherefore_o without_o seek_v reason_n any_o further_a to_o prove_v this_o i_o ask_v but_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n of_o those_o which_o love_n rather_o to_o cloak_v their_o infirmity_n with_o his_o veil_n of_o fear_n they_o have_v to_o offend_v then_o flat_o to_o confess_v it_o i_o ask_v then_o in_o conscience_n if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n &_o in_o such_o liberty_n that_o they_o dare_v bold_o confess_v that_o they_o understand_v whether_o for_o fear_n of_o offence_n they_o dare_v not_o speak_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o whether_o they_o will_v join_v themselves_o with_o idolater_n and_o keep_v they_o company_n in_o all_o their_o sacrifice_n &_o ceremony_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a they_o will_v not_o or_o else_o be_v they_o very_o evil_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n wherein_o we_o may_v bear_v with_o the_o weak_a and_o wherein_o sect._n sect._n we_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o advise_v to_o take_v from_o they_o all_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n if_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o i_o shall_v eat_v flesh_n or_o not_o eat_v i_o may_v well_o use_v my_o liberty_n if_o by_o eat_v i_o know_v i_o may_v alienate_v &_o drive_v any_o poor_a ignorant_a man_n from_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o abstayn_v may_v draw_v he_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n sure_o i_o ought_v to_o abstain_v and_o to_o have_v more_o regard_n to_o the_o edify_a of_o he_o then_o to_o my_o liberty_n consider_v that_o the_o apostle_n say_v knowledge_n puff_v up_o and_o charity_n do_v edify_v for_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v i_o to_o eat_v flesh_n or_o to_o abstain_v some_o day_n rather_o than_o other_o but_o have_v leave_v that_o to_o my_o choice_n on_o condition_n that_o i_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o the_o edyfi_v of_o my_o neighbour_n but_o when_o question_n arise_v of_o any_o thing_n sect._n sect._n which_o god_n have_v express_o command_v or_o forbid_v we_o must_v no_o long_o there_o deliberate_a or_o take_v counsel_n or_o dispute_v whether_o we_o must_v do_v it_o or_o no_o for_o it_o rest_v no_o long_o in_o our_o power_n nor_o our_o judgement_n for_o the_o council_n be_v already_o take_v either_o we_o must_v do_v it_o or_o determine_v to_o make_v war_n with_o god_n and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n have_v express_o forbid_v and_o with_o grievous_a threaten_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o honour_v nor_o worship_n image_n nor_o strange_a god_n nor_o yet_o bow_v to_o they_o nor_o do_v any_o homage_n to_o they_o nor_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n neither_o by_o hypocrisy_n nor_o of_o purpose_n wherefore_o we_o ought_v to_o beware_v thereof_o if_o that_o we_o fear_v to_o incur_v the_o displeasure_n of_o indignation_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o rather_o to_o choose_v the_o bodily_a death_n or_o if_o we_o have_v do_v otherwise_o we_o must_v crave_v mercy_n and_o pardon_n of_o god_n with_o tear_n and_o weep_a as_o peter_n do_v i_o know_v well_o that_o some_o wise_a man_n which_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o teach_v other_o and_o confess_v sect._n sect._n jesus_n christ_n private_o but_o deny_v he_o open_o tell_v the_o faithful_a that_o if_o they_o dissemble_v not_o they_o shall_v put_v themselves_o in_o great_a danger_n &_o other_o with_o they_o &_o can_v no_o long_o serve_v in_o the_o church_n but_o shall_v leave_v it_o in_o great_a trouble_n it_o seem_v that_o such_o man_n will_v govern_v the_o church_n by_o their_o wisdom_n and_o not_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v govern_v of_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n do_v we_o think_v we_o can_v find_v a_o jesus_n christ_n who_o we_o may_v serve_v without_o cross_n without_o persecution_n and_o without_o thorn_n think_v we_o to_o find_v a_o jesus_n christ_n so_o delicate_a &_o soft_a as_o velvet_n where_o shall_v we_o find_v that_o the_o holy_a apostle_n &_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n jesus_n have_v consent_v to_o or_o allow_v either_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n the_o idolatry_n &_o abomination_n of_o the_o pagan_n to_o avoid_v danger_n &_o persecution_n for_o fear_n to_o trouble_v the_o church_n in_o deed_n such_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o circumstion_n who_o do_v great_o molest_v &_o trouble_v s._n 3._o gal._n 5._o phi._n 1._o 3._o paul_n for_o they_o endeavour_v to_o please_v man_n because_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n which_o they_o will_v not_o bear_v as_o s._n paul_n do_v after_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o man_n s._n paul_n be_v a_o great_a troubler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o through_o out_o all_o place_n where_o he_o be_v he_o be_v persecute_v always_o drive_v away_o banish_v or_o imprison_v because_o of_o he_o and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o he_o preach_v many_o good_a and_o faithful_a man_n have_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o those_o both_o body_n and_o good_n and_o many_o have_v be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o many_o town_n &_o country_n move_v &_o trouble_v if_o s._n paul_n will_v have_v dissemble_v support_v and_o approve_v their_o error_n abuse_n and_o superstition_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n without_o speak_v so_o plain_o and_o reprove_v and_o condemn_v they_o so_o open_o both_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n he_o may_v well_o have_v avoid_v all_o those_o inconvenience_n shall_v we_o then_o condemn_v he_o as_o undiscrete_a rash_a arrogant_a and_o one_o that_o be_v mad_a but_o if_o he_o have_v do_v otherwise_o and_o if_o he_o have_v please_v man_n he_o have_v not_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o have_v be_v a_o traitor_n to_o 1._o gal._n 1._o his_o church_n if_o for_o his_o own_o bodily_a ease_n and_o to_o procure_v the_o same_o to_o other_o he_o have_v hide_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n this_o great_a apostle_n ought_v in_o deed_n to_o have_v fear_v sect._n sect._n as_o much_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v find_v lack_n of_o he_o if_o any_o harm_n shall_v come_v to_o he_o as_o of_o any_o of_o we_o for_o there_o have_v be_v far_o great_a loss_n yet_o do_v not_o that_o hinder_v he_o from_o execute_v his_o office_n according_a to_o the_o charge_n give_v he_o he_o will_v not_o appoint_v rule_n and_o limit_n to_o god_n but_o he_o follow_v the_o rule_n &_o limit_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v unto_o he_o commit_v himself_o &_o all_o thing_n else_o to_o his_o providence_n for_o he_o know_v that_o all_o day_n and_o all_o the_o heir_n of_o our_o head_n be_v count_v and_o that_o nothing_o shall_v befall_v unto_o we_o but_o by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n who_o win_v determine_v nothing_o but_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o salvation_n if_o he_o will_v that_o we_o suffer_v &_o die_v for_o his_o name_n our_o bound_n our_o trouble_n yea_o our_o death_n shall_v do_v better_a service_n perhaps_o to_o his_o church_n than_o our_o life_n if_o he_o call_v we_o out_o of_o this_o world_n he_o will_v send_v other_o into_o his_o harness_a if_o man_n be_v not_o altogether_o unworthy_a thereof_o if_o it_o please_v he_o that_o we_o live_v and_o serve_v long_o in_o his_o church_n he_o be_v mighty_a and_o wise_a enough_o to_o keep_v we_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o shall_v please_v he_o wtout_o our_o dream_a &_o invent_v mean_n contrary_a to_o his_o will_n wherefore_o as_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o tempt_v god_n nor_o procure_v harm_n or_o danger_n to_o ourselves_o so_o ought_v we_o not_o for_o fear_v thereof_o seek_v strange_a mean_n nor_o do_v that_o he_o have_v forbid_v and_o to_o agree_v with_o idolater_n but_o some_o will_v reply_v hereupon_o why_o then_o do_v s._n paul_n write_v that_o he_o make_v himself_o the_o sect._n sect._n servant_n to_o all_o and_o that_o to_o the_o jew_n he_o be_v a_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o gentile_n a_o gentile_a let_v we_o 16._o mat._n
not_o do_v like_o the_o cowardly_a soldier_n who_o will_v kill_v all_o as_o they_o sit_v at_o table_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o business_n to_o give_v blow_n they_o be_v the_o first_o that_o fie_o away_o and_o cause_v other_o to_o be_v afraid_a and_o go_v hide_v themselves_o if_o we_o be_v true_o faithful_a it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o confess_v jesus_n christ_n open_o and_o that_o we_o die_v rather_o as_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o martyr_n do_v then_o to_o forsake_v he_o and_o commit_v idolatry_n superstition_n or_o any_o act_n that_o have_v any_o appearance_n of_o it_o if_o jesus_n christ_n have_v once_o many_o such_o champion_n which_o will_v be_v prodigal_a of_o themselves_o and_o life_n with_o so_o holy_a a_o prodigality_n as_o they_o be_v antichrist_n will_v soon_o be_v overthrow_v jesus_n christ_n shall_v short_o reign_v over_o all_o the_o earth_n or_o death_n will_v diminish_v and_o kill_v more_o of_o our_o enemy_n than_o the_o death_n of_o samson_n kill_v of_o the_o philistian_o we_o see_v what_o happen_v in_o the_o 27._o jud._n 27._o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o dainty_a as_o we_o be_v and_o have_v be_v so_o fearful_a of_o their_o skin_n the_o religion_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o be_v so_o much_o increase_v in_o so_o small_a a_o time_n 18._o luk._n 18._o but_o it_o be_v hear_v especial_o in_o our_o time_n wherein_o faith_n almost_o fail_v upon_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o find_v man_n of_o such_o faith_n and_o constancy_n what_o remedy_n be_v there_o then_o herein_o if_o we_o can_v sect._n sect._n not_o come_v to_o this_o high_a degree_n and_o to_o this_o christian_n persecution_n of_o the_o martyr_n and_o if_o we_o dare_v not_o open_o confess_v jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o danger_n of_o our_o life_n and_o we_o feel_v not_o in_o ourselves_o such_o constancy_n to_o suffer_v death_n for_o his_o name_n let_v we_o come_v at_o the_o least_o to_o the_o next_o degree_n let_v we_o be_v secret_a scholar_n with_o nichodemus_n and_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o if_o we_o show_v not_o ourselves_o so_o open_o yet_o at_o the_o least_o let_v we_o do_v no_o dishonour_n to_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o consent_n unto_o his_o adversary_n in_o partake_v at_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n &_o if_o we_o find_v ourselves_o weak_a them_z nichodemus_n &_o if_o we_o for_o fear_n of_o lose_v our_o good_n our_o estimation_n &_o life_n we_o be_v constrain_v too_o much_o to_o dissemble_v and_o to_o communicate_v with_o idolater_n yet_o at_o the_o least_o let_v we_o not_o justify_v but_o condenne_v ourselves_o in_o that_o wherein_o we_o fail_v let_v we_o acknowledge_v our_o over_o great_a infirmity_n &_o the_o over_o burn_a love_n that_o we_o bear_v to_o ourselves_o &_o to_o the_o good_n and_o dignity_n of_o this_o world_n more_fw-mi they_o to_o jesus_n christ_n &_o his_o word_n let_v we_o acknowledge_v in_o what_o evil_a &_o bondage_n we_o be_v let_v we_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v a_o punishment_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o because_o of_o our_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n &_o babylon_n let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v increase_v our_o faith_n to_o overcome_v our_o infirmity_n and_o let_v we_o confess_v our_o fault_n and_o sin_n unto_o he_o and_o ask_v he_o pardon_v and_o mercy_n for_o the_o same_o let_v we_o weep_v and_o wail_v under_o this_o heavy_a burden_n and_o under_o this_o great_a tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n which_o press_v we_o so_o sore_o let_v we_o ask_v aid_n succour_n and_o deliverance_n at_o his_o hand_n rather_o than_o to_o excuse_v and_o justify_v ourselves_o and_o so_o much_o to_o please_v ourselves_o and_o he_o will_v see_v our_o tear_n and_o hear_v our_o sigh_n and_o groan_n by_o which_o he_o will_v be_v move_v to_o pity_v and_o compassion_n for_o to_o deliver_v and_o succour_v we_o as_o he_o be_v move_v by_o the_o like_a of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n but_o in_o the_o mean_v time_n those_o which_o remain_v in_o sect._n sect._n such_o misery_n so_o overcome_v by_o the_o infirmity_n of_o their_o flesh_n that_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o communicate_v with_o idolater_n what_o excuse_n can_v they_o have_v see_v they_o know_v well_o they_o do_v evil_a do_v they_o not_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v a_o question_n that_o some_o will_v make_v and_o a_o doubt_n that_o torment_v many_o conscience_n if_o all_o sin_n that_o we_o commit_v know_v that_o we_o do_v evil_a be_v sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o shall_v commit_v few_o the_o be_v not_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o adultery_n &_o murder_n of_o david_n and_o the_o denial_n blasphemy_n and_o perjury_n of_o saint_n peter_n shall_v be_v sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o that_o be_v forbid_v of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v a_o other_o thing_n to_o sin_n of_o certain_a malice_n and_o in_o despite_n of_o god_n and_o in_o contempt_n of_o his_o word_n and_o to_o sin_n through_o ignorance_n or_o through_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o displease_v we_o and_o we_o can_v overcome_v it_o but_o we_o must_v not_o so_o far_o stretch_v out_o this_o skin_n sect._n sect._n of_o man_n infirmity_n that_o we_o will_v whole_o cover_v &_o defend_v ourselves_o &_o by_o it_o give_v ourselves_o to_o understand_v that_o sin_n be_v not_o sin_n for_o in_o stead_n of_o lesson_v the_o sin_n we_o may_v aggravate_v it_o and_o may_v well_o make_v it_o irremissible_a as_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o hypocrite_n &_o the_o contemner_n and_o mocker_n of_o god_n and_o between_o the_o blasphemer_n which_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v almost_o cozen_v german_n we_o see_v also_o by_o experience_n that_o from_o one_o of_o the_o degree_n man_n fall_v into_o the_o other_o for_o many_o of_o those_o which_o become_v atheist_n and_o epicure_n and_o man_n without_o god_n which_o have_v at_o the_o first_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o now_o blaspheme_v it_o they_o be_v fall_v into_o these_o pit_n by_o degree_n for_o they_o have_v feign_v to_o themselves_o a_o jesus_n christ_n after_o their_o own_o fancy_n without_o amend_v their_o life_n and_o without_o any_o repentance_n they_o have_v dally_v with_o he_o and_o have_v make_v it_o a_o art_n to_o blaspheme_v he_o wherefore_o they_o have_v altogether_o lose_v he_o and_o god_n with_o he_o who_o without_o he_o we_o can_v have_v and_o therefore_o sin_n be_v no_o more_o to_o they_o sin_n nor_o blasphemy_n blasphemy_n for_o jesus_n christ_n be_v no_o more_o to_o they_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o god_n to_o they_o god_n let_v we_o learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n by_o other_o sect._n sect._n loss_n and_o to_o flee_v such_o curse_n and_o fury_n of_o god_n let_v we_o beware_v that_o see_v jesus_n christ_n have_v drive_v that_o wicked_a spirit_n out_o of_o our_o body_n that_o wherewith_o he_o threaten_v the_o jew_n befall_v not_o unto_o we_o that_o be_v that_o he_o return_v not_o thither_o with_o seven_o other_o worse_a than_o the_o first_o and_o that_o the_o latter_a thing_n be_v not_o worse_o than_o the_o first_o for_o it_o follow_v not_o if_o all_o sin_n be_v not_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o as_o great_a and_o as_o wicked_a the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o that_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o sin_n sufficient_a to_o bring_v we_o to_o eternal_a damnation_n if_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n take_v not_o pity_v of_o we_o and_o do_v pardon_v they_o unto_o we_o let_v we_o not_o think_v that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o confess_v they_o and_o to_o pray_v every_o day_n o_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n reproove_v we_o not_o nor_o correct_v we_o in_o thy_o anger_n and_o fury_n lead_v not_o we_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a i_o condemn_v not_o david_n nor_o s._n peter_n as_o sect._n sect._n touch_v their_o person_n nor_o the_o israelite_n which_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o nabuchodonozer_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o i_o condemn_v they_o for_o reprobate_n but_o i_o allow_v not_o therefore_o the_o murder_n of_o david_n nor_o the_o denial_n of_o s._n peter_n nor_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o israelite_n but_o do_v condemn_v they_o as_o sin_n grievous_a and_o great_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o worthy_a of_o eternal_a death_n if_o god_n of_o his_o grace_n have_v not_o pardon_v they_o yet_o because_o the_o person_n acknowledge_v their_o fault_n and_o ask_v he_o mercy_n for_o the_o same_o their_o sin_n be_v not_o impute_v unto_o they_o i_o have_v also_o like_o
receive_v it_o and_o when_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o ceremony_n sacrifice_n and_o sacrament_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o faithful_a or_o infidel_n we_o bound_v ourselves_o &_o swear_v unto_o that_o religion_n by_o which_o we_o communicate_v with_o they_o we_o have_v then_o trim_o say_v that_o our_o meaning_n be_v far_o other_o for_o god_n allow_v no_o sophistry_n he_o can_v call_v thing_n by_o but_o their_o name_n fraud_n and_o deceit_n be_v somewhat_o more_o honest_a amongst_o man_n then_o manifest_a theft_n yet_o be_v it_o account_v before_o god_n for_o theft_n in_o deed_n what_o name_n so_o ever_o man_n give_v it_o wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o think_v that_o by_o our_o goodly_a show_n our_o idolatry_n be_v so_o excuse_v that_o it_o be_v not_o idolatrye_a and_o a_o true_a kind_n of_o renounce_v christ_n jesus_n although_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o somewhat_o more_o allowable_a then_o to_o deny_v he_o open_o s._n peter_n deny_v christ_n with_o his_o mouth_n he_o say_v he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o and_o do_v we_o make_v any_o more_o of_o he_o what_o speech_n do_v our_o work_n utter_v else_o but_o the_o same_o of_o s._n peter_n where_o unto_o tend_v our_o idolatry_n and_o outward_a hipocrysy_n but_o to_o let_v infidel_n understand_v that_o we_o be_v not_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n jesus_n &_o that_o we_o know_v neither_o he_o nor_o his_o gospel_n to_o reply_v that_o we_o do_v it_o not_o with_o the_o hart_n but_o sect._n sect._n the_o heart_n be_v far_o otherwise_o so_o be_v even_o the_o heart_n of_o s._n peter_n it_o grieve_v he_o great_o to_o deny_v christ_n jesus_n but_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n &_o fear_n of_o death_n overcome_v the_o christian_n constancy_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v in_o he_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o excuse_v he_o but_o that_o he_o sin_v great_o and_o we_o be_v less_o to_o be_v excuse_v than_o he_o for_o he_o deny_v not_o jesus_n christ_n for_o fear_n of_o lose_v his_o worldly_a good_n or_o for_o any_o light_a cause_n as_o we_o customablie_o do_v but_o for_o fear_n of_o death_n he_o go_v not_o to_o present_v himself_o willing_o to_o renounce_v he_o as_o we_o do_v he_o go_v not_o to_o the_o bishops_n house_n nor_o to_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o law_n to_o please_v they_o or_o other_o of_o the_o jew_n or_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v he_o be_v of_o their_o company_n or_o that_o he_o have_v no_o acquaintance_n or_o familiarity_n with_o jesus_n as_o they_o do_v which_o frequent_a the_o temple_n of_o idol_n he_o go_v thither_o to_o stand_v faithful_o unto_o he_o as_o he_o have_v promise_v &_o for_o the_o love_n and_o affection_n he_o bear_v to_o he_o yet_o be_v he_o catch_v and_o see_v how_o his_o master_n be_v handle_v among_o the_o murderer_n and_o view_v the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v fear_v death_n which_o be_v manifest_o before_o his_o face_n &_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o flesh_n for_o he_o be_v so_o trouble_v that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o say_v or_o do_v for_o that_o he_o see_v not_o jesus_n christ_n then_o but_o as_o a_o poor_a miserable_a creature_n forsake_v of_o all_o man_n for_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o such_o knowledge_n of_o his_o divinity_n nor_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o abundant_o as_o he_o have_v after_o but_o we_o that_o confess_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v set_v sect._n sect._n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n his_o father_n above_o all_o the_o heaven_n we_o tarry_v not_o till_o our_o adversary_n urge_v we_o and_o press_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o tyrant_n constrain_v we_o to_o renounce_v he_o but_o immediate_o of_o our_o own_o accord_n &_o voluntary_o we_o go_v to_o the_o assembly_n of_o idolater_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n know_v well_o that_o we_o must_v needs_o dishonour_v jesus_n christ_n with_o they_o &_o how_o much_o the_o more_z they_o mark_v &_o behold_v we_o so_o much_o the_o more_fw-it we_o show_v ourselves_o plentiful_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o blasphemy_n &_o idolatry_n there_o be_v not_o so_o small_a a_o idol_n whereunto_o we_o do_v not_o reverence_v whereunto_o we_o do_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n fear_v to_o be_v account_v true_a scholar_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o ancient_a christian_n do_v so_o light_o esteem_v sect._n sect._n these_o matter_n as_o we_o do_v but_o they_o think_v it_o so_o vile_a so_o detestable_a &_o unworthy_a a_o thing_n for_o a_o christian_n that_o hardly_o they_o will_v account_v they_o for_o brethren_n &_o christian_n which_o have_v not_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o torment_n and_o which_o like_v better_a to_o forsake_v and_o forswear_v christ_n jesus_n then_o to_o suffer_v death_n at_o the_o least_o those_o which_o account_v their_o life_n more_o dear_a to_o they_o then_o the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ_n hardly_o can_v they_o ever_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o the_o idolater_n and_o infidel_n that_o those_o who_o they_o persecute_v for_o christian_n shall_v make_v only_o the_o least_o show_n only_o in_o the_o world_n to_o allow_v their_o do_n and_o to_o honour_v their_o idol_n by_o outward_a token_n they_o care_v not_o what_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o that_o they_o may_v only_o draw_v one_o word_n from_o their_o mouth_n or_o cause_v they_o to_o show_v forth_o some_o gesture_n which_o they_o may_v draw_v to_o their_o advantage_n to_o boast_v that_o they_o have_v make_v they_o to_o abjure_v but_o the_o flesh_n will_v reply_v that_o if_o it_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o sect._n sect._n it_o shall_v put_v itself_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v persecute_v &_o to_o cause_v other_o to_o be_v persecute_v &_o shall_v stir_v up_o great_a offence_n near_o be_v goodly_a reason_n of_o man_n wisdom_n and_o very_o fit_a for_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o school_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v i_o be_o in_o company_n of_o adulterer_n which_o go_v into_o a_o brothel_n house_n and_o fear_v to_o offend_v they_o i_o enter_v in_o with_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o company_n but_o some_o will_v reply_v again_o that_o the_o brothel_n house_n and_o idol_n temple_n be_v not_o all_o one_o but_o much_o worse_o for_o what_o be_v idolatry_n and_o superstition_n else_o but_o adultery_n and_o fornication_n with_o strange_a god_n &_o the_o temple_n of_o idol_n what_o be_v they_o else_o but_o brothel_a house_n of_o satan_n wherein_o we_o violate_v the_o faith_n promise_v to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o wherein_o we_o give_v ourselves_o over_o as_o whoremonger_n and_o adulterer_n unto_o strange_a god_n and_o to_o the_o devil_n as_o to_o our_o lover_n i_o know_v not_o how_o we_o may_v speak_v this_o more_o civil_o if_o we_o will_v not_o correct_v the_o speech_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v utter_v by_o his_o prophet_n which_o common_o use_v these_o 16._o exo._n 16._o kind_n of_o speech_n when_o they_o preach_v against_o the_o idolatrye_a of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n but_o a_o man_n may_v yet_o reply_v although_o the_o body_n be_v there_o yet_o we_o consent_v not_o in_o heart_n and_o yet_o we_o avoid_v offence_n and_o persecution_n dina_n the_o daughter_n of_o jacob_n who_o the_o son_n of_o the_o king_n of_o sichem_n ravish_v consent_v not_o in_o heart_n to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o adulterer_n yet_o be_v she_o not_o altogether_o without_o fault_n she_o be_v for_o all_o that_o corrupt_a and_o count_v for_o a_o harlot_n for_o if_o she_o have_v remain_v in_o her_o father_n house_n without_o wander_v abroad_o to_o go_v see_v the_o daughter_n of_o the_o country_n she_o may_v have_v avoid_v that_o great_a inconvenience_n whereby_o she_o fall_v into_o great_a dishonour_n and_o be_v cause_n of_o great_a evil_n which_o of_o we_o all_o will_v be_v content_a if_o his_o wife_n sect._n sect._n after_o she_o have_v yield_v her_o body_n to_o a_o adulterer_n shall_v make_v he_o this_o answer_n say_v although_o he_o have_v his_o pleasure_n of_o i_o yet_o be_v it_o against_o my_o will_n but_o because_o i_o see_v myself_o among_o adulterer_n fear_v to_o be_v spoil_v &_o that_o they_o will_v cut_v my_o purse_n or_o take_v away_o my_o gown_n or_o my_o kercheife_n i_o consent_v to_o their_o will_n but_o i_o do_v it_o unwilling_o to_o avoid_v that_o they_o may_v do_v i_o no_o displeasure_n and_o for_o the_o fear_n i_o have_v to_o offend_v and_o anger_v they_o have_v not_o the_o husband_n good_a cause_n to_o say_v what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v in_o the_o brothel_n house_n why_o wente_v thou_o thither_o have_v not_o it_o be_v better_o for_o thou_o to_o have_v lose_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v all_o thy_o jewel_n thy_o raiment_n yea_o thy_o life_n than_o thy_o chastity_n &_o soul_n and_o to_o offend_v god_n who_o command_v we_o to_o choose_v
find_v some_o way_n to_o support_v sect._n sect._n the_o infirmity_n of_o flesh_n in_o this_o case_n and_o to_o please_v it_o a_o little_a in_o these_o great_a temptation_n for_o it_o may_v be_v if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o danger_n whether_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o weak_a &_o frail_a more_o strong_a &_o constant_a than_o those_o who_o we_o prove_v god_n know_v who_o give_v strength_n and_o constancy_n to_o who_o it_o please_v he_o without_o who_o we_o all_o be_v nothing_o but_o i_o dispute_v not_o now_o what_o constancy_n or_o inconstancy_n may_v be_v in_o i_o or_o some_o other_o &_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o dispute_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n &_o what_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v judge_v by_o the_o scripture_n for_o to_o flatter_v ourselves_o &_o to_o lie_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v gain_v nothing_o for_o all_o our_o colour_n and_o excuse_n although_o they_o please_v our_o flesh_n shall_v nothing_o avail_v we_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n if_o they_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o his_o word_n which_o we_o must_v not_o corrupt_v and_o pervert_v to_o make_v it_o serve_v our_o affection_n and_o to_o allow_v our_o infirmity_n and_o incredulity_n as_o good_a what_o then_o have_v we_o to_o do_v do_v not_o nichodemus_n go_v to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o night_n dare_v 3._o sect._n joh._n 3._o he_o confess_v he_o public_o be_v he_o therefore_o condemn_v as_o i_o can_v altogether_o excuse_v nichodemus_n as_o though_o he_o have_v not_o at_o that_o time_n some_o incredulity_n and_o infirmity_n in_o he_o so_o i_o wish_v that_o if_o we_o have_v not_o more_o faith_n and_o constancy_n than_o he_o that_o we_o be_v not_o worse_o but_o at_o the_o least_o like_a unto_o he_o saint_n john_n do_v not_o write_v in_o the_o commendation_n of_o the_o chief_a of_o jerusalem_n that_o 2._o joh._n 2._o they_o do_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n but_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o confess_v he_o because_o they_o fear_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o that_o they_o love_v more_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n if_o nichodemus_n go_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o night_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o blaspheme_v he_o and_o deny_v he_o by_o day_n if_o at_o the_o first_o he_o confess_v he_o not_o open_o and_o maynteyn_v his_o cause_n public_o yet_o do_v he_o not_o consent_v to_o his_o death_n nor_o suffer_v for_o 7._o luk._n 23._o joh._n 9_o joh._n 7._o his_o part_n that_o any_o shall_v do_v he_o harm_v or_o displeasure_n but_o he_o always_o maynteyn_v his_o cause_n in_o that_o he_o can_v he_o declare_v himself_o with_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n to_o be_v one_o of_o his_o disciple_n 19_o mat._n 27._o luk._n 13._o joh._n 19_o when_o all_o his_o disciple_n forsake_v he_o he_o make_v public_a confession_n of_o he_o in_o the_o great_a danger_n he_o can_v be_v in_o and_o when_o he_o have_v more_o cause_n of_o fear_n and_o offence_n then_o ever_o he_o have_v they_o demand_v the_o body_n of_o pilate_n to_o bury_v it_o will_v god_n that_o we_o have_v many_o such_o nichodemians_n sect._n sect._n yâ—_z wereso_fw-es fearful_a that_o they_o will_v show_v themselves_o always_o at_o need_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v more_o worthy_a praise_n than_o a_o company_n of_o rash_a head_n which_o play_v the_o hardy_a man_n at_o the_o beginning_n &_o make_v great_a show_n but_o they_o fail_v at_o need_n and_o for_o a_o thing_n of_o nothing_o deny_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o gospel_n and_o will_v not_o lose_v one_o heir_n of_o their_o head_n for_o it_o or_o then_o a_o company_n of_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o will_v cover_v themselves_o with_o the_o example_n of_o nichodemus_n and_o in_o a_o counsel_n or_o company_n of_o adversary_n they_o dare_v not_o open_v their_o mouth_n to_o utter_v one_o word_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o truth_n nichodemus_n do_v far_o otherwise_o how_o fearful_a soever_o he_o have_v be_v before_o but_o these_o man_n will_v consent_v rather_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o innocent_a and_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a they_o will_v condemn_v they_o themselves_o for_o fear_v of_o be_v suspect_v neither_o nichodemus_n nor_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n will_v have_v do_v that_o for_o their_o life_n no_o not_o a_o good_a pagan_a which_o have_v any_o love_n to_o justice_n and_o equity_n yet_o be_v this_o the_o order_n of_o many_o which_o will_v arm_v themselves_o with_o nichodemus_n but_o such_o man_n may_v have_v better_a occasion_n to_o allege_v the_o example_n of_o pilate_n in_o their_o behalf_n &_o to_o accompany_v themselves_o with_o he_o for_o they_o take_v more_o of_o he_o then_o of_o nichodemus_n so_o then_o as_o i_o can_v condemn_v the_o true_a nichodemians_n although_o that_o faith_n and_o constancy_n sect._n sect._n be_v not_o such_o in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v require_v in_o a_o true_a christian_a so_o can_v i_o not_o allow_v those_o which_o in_o all_o thing_n agree_v with_o the_o idolater_n and_o renounce_v jesus_n christ_n without_o any_o stay_n and_o then_o will_v excuse_v and_o defend_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v enough_o of_o one_o evil_a without_o add_v two_o it_o suffice_v once_o to_o have_v blaspheme_v jesus_n christ_n without_o blaspheme_v he_o again_o in_o affirm_v that_o blasphemy_n be_v not_o blasphemy_n and_o in_o go_v about_o to_o induce_v other_o to_o blaspheme_v he_o with_o we_o that_o we_o may_v have_v mo_z companion_n with_o we_o to_o cover_v our_o wickedness_n be_v it_o not_o rather_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o good_a christian_n 15._o sect._n psal_n 136._o exo._n 16._o act._n 15._o to_o confess_v his_o infirmity_n &_o sin_n &_o weep_v with_o the_o captive_n of_o babylon_n &_o egypt_n they_o to_o defend_v his_o evil_n and_o to_o lie_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o ananias_n and_o sacharia_n do_v we_o not_o see_v the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o flesh_n whence_o come_v these_o delay_n and_o excuse_n but_o of_o this_o flesh_n which_o be_v so_o delicate_a that_o it_o can_v suffer_v the_o thorn_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o glorious_a that_o it_o can_v suffer_v to_o be_v reproove_v and_o condemn_v and_o therefore_o must_v she_o forge_v herself_o a_o new_a jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o may_v not_o diminish_v any_o of_o her_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n nor_o her_o glory_n and_o arrogancy_n but_o may_v entertain_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o with_o her_o carnal_a jesus_n christ_n which_o he_o have_v feign_v to_o herself_o for_o the_o flesh_n be_v altogether_o contrary_a to_o saint_n paul_n who_o will_v not_o glory_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o his_o tribulation_n and_o infirmity_n but_o he_o abhor_v and_o detest_v they_o for_o she_o have_v not_o well_o note_v the_o lesson_n that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n as_o it_o have_v be_v already_o say_v who_o so_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n he_o must_v carry_v his_o cross_n every_o day_n and_o follow_v i_o then_o he_o add_v a_o comparison_n to_o teach_v we_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o prefer_v ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n he_o instruct_v we_o to_o do_v like_o a_o wise_a prince_n who_o before_o he_o give_v his_o defy_v unto_o his_o enemy_n and_o join_v battle_n with_o he_o he_o examine_v his_o force_n and_o riches_n to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v strong_a enough_o to_o resist_v he_o to_o the_o intent_n he_o be_v not_o shame_v and_o confound_v if_o after_o he_o have_v begin_v he_o be_v constrain_v to_o leave_v all_o and_o fly_v or_o yield_v himself_o to_o his_o enemy_n he_o will_v also_o that_o we_o take_v example_n of_o the_o wise_a builder_n who_o before_o he_o begin_v his_o building_n he_o reckon_v whether_o he_o shall_v have_v money_n and_o stuff_n enough_o to_o furnish_v he_o therein_o that_o after_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n he_o be_v not_o constrain_v to_o cease_v off_o and_o to_o leave_v his_o enterprise_n and_o in_o the_o end_n be_v mock_v by_o this_o he_o give_v we_o to_o understande_v that_o if_o sect._n sect._n we_o will_v fight_v under_o his_o banner_n and_o lay_v hand_n to_o the_o building_n of_o his_o house_n we_o must_v prepare_v ourselves_o to_o work_v not_o to_o rest_v and_o to_o fight_v not_o to_o sleep_v and_o to_o receive_v blow_n rather_o than_o benefit_n also_o he_o give_v we_o to_o understande_v that_o in_o beginning_n we_o must_v prepare_v ourselves_o to_o go_v forward_o and_o that_o we_o must_v not_o forsake_v his_o banner_n nor_o our_o captain_n when_o we_o hear_v the_o larom_n sound_v and_o the_o assault_n be_v give_v we_o must_v