of_o the_o pope_n maxim_n viz._n that_o when_o he_o see_v the_o spiritual_a weapon_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o he_o then_o do_v he_o fly_v unto_o the_o carnal_a therewith_o to_o help_v himself_o int_n duiiâ—se_n 244._o and_o other_o have_v be_v and_o be_v of_o that_o opinion_n that_o religion_n can_v not_o be_v preserve_v without_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n therefore_o understand_v they_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v cry_v unto_o for_o help_v as_o many_o do_v now_o but_o ireneus_fw-la philaletius_fw-la say_fw-la that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o humane_a invention_n of_o the_o natural_a understanding_n which_o will_v glad_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a say_v he_o the_o state_n of_o holland_n say_v that_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n who_o do_v perfect_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n have_v no_o external_n sword_n nither_o do_v they_o call_v unto_o any_o civil_a power_n for_o protection_n but_o they_o use_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o live_a word_n of_o god_n with_o which_o they_o defend_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n vide_fw-la urede_fw-la handel_n van_fw-mi colen_n pag._n 198._o barnardus_n say_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v spiritul_n and_o as_o it_o be_v build_v by_o spiritual_a virtue_n so_o be_v it_o spread_v preserve_v and_o establish_v with_o spiritual_a weapon_n for_o its_o enemy_n be_v and_o be_v spiritual_a eph._n 6.11_o &_o 2.2_o lactantius_n say_v if_o you_o will_v with_o blood_n with_o evil_a and_o with_o torment_n defend_v the_o worship_n it_o shall_v not_o thereby_o be_v defend_v but_o pollute_v lib._n 5._o chap._n 20._o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o the_o assistance_n of_o emperor_n king_n prince_n nor_o lord_n but_o have_v even_o the_o whole_a world_n against_o they_o say_v a_o certain_a wise_a man_n wherefore_o how_o can_v this_o stir_v up_o and_o instigate_a of_o magistrate_n be_v evangelical_n or_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n or_o how_o can_v this_o work_n of_o tumultuous_a teacher_n bring_v honour_n to_o god_n word_n and_o his_o truth_n who_o have_v heretofore_o defend_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o defend_v by_o pilate_n or_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o apostle_n no_o church_n what_o coercive_a power_n or_o outward_a protection_n have_v they_o or_o what_o external_a power_n or_o outward_a defence_n have_v their_o church_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o can_v the_o true_a church_n now_o subsist_v with_o that_o which_o she_o have_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o who_o have_v suffer_v much_o persecution_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n have_v be_v thereby_o strengthen_v and_o have_v therein_o multiply_v therefore_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o fruit_n of_o persecute_v to_o death_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o persecutor_n castellius_n say_v that_o paul_n strive_v with_o spiritual_a weapon_n and_o thereby_o overcome_v hundred_o but_o we_o alas_o say_v he_o be_v together_o by_o hundred_o to_o put_v to_o death_n one_o single_a man_n and_o appear_v for_o christ_n with_o fleshly_a weapon_n to_o the_o end_n that_o people_n may_v understand_v that_o we_o be_v strip_v of_o the_o spiritual_a weapon_n and_o will_v have_v a_o fleshly_a christ._n but_o see_v the_o apostle_n who_o plant_v the_o church_n be_v satisfy_v with_o their_o spiritual_a weapon_n it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o they_o who_o make_v use_v of_o carnal_a weapon_n confide_v not_o sufficient_o in_o the_o spiritual_a which_o they_o will_v confide_v in_o no_o doubt_n if_o they_o have_v they_o see_v they_o be_v alsufficient_a as_o shall_v appear_v at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v conquer_v antichrist_n his_o great_a enemy_n with_o no_o other_o weapon_n then_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n constantinus_n the_o emperor_n say_v that_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o he_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v be_v excusable_a before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v leave_v every_o one_o to_o his_o own_o understanding_n according_a to_o the_o account_n he_o will_v give_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n hereto_o may_v we_o stir_v up_o people_n say_v he_o not_o compel_v they_o beseech_v they_o to_o come_v into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_n but_o to_o do_v violence_n to_o they_o we_o will_v not_o in_o no_o wise_a nota_fw-la herein_o be_v constantinus_n much_o commend_v because_o that_o he_o tolerate_v every_o one_o to_o believe_v and_o to_o serve_v god_n as_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n esteem_v his_o gentleness_n and_o mercy_n more_o available_a then_o severe_a proclamation_n and_o in_o this_o particular_a he_o be_v not_o deceive_v sabast._n frank._n chron._n fol._n 127._o the_o christian_a religion_n say_v the_o state_n of_o holland_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o which_o god_n do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o wicked_a soldier_n nor_o of_o bow_n nor_o of_o sword_n but_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o shepherd_n that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o further_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o their_o intention_n to_o compel_v any_o to_o their_o religion_n etc._n etc._n chap._n vii_o how_o the_o inquisitioner_n and_o clergy_n have_v stir_v up_o the_o power_n to_o persecute_v and_o what_o fair_a pretence_n persecutor_n have_v have_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o root_v out_o the_o tare_n before_o the_o time_n and_o wherein_o the_o ancient_a protestant_n have_v be_v more_o noble_a than_o the_o clergy_n now_o it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n with_o many_o to_o accuse_v those_o with_o trouble_v of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o with_o disturb_v of_o the_o public_a peace_n say_v a_o certain_a wise_a man_n who_o teach_v otherwise_o than_o the_o church_n or_o who_o speak_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o clergy_n or_o dispute_v with_o any_o of_o their_o restless_a priest_n or_o hold_v their_o meeting_n apart_o though_o it_o be_v in_o all_o civility_n and_o stillness_n in_o like_a manner_n have_v the_o inquisitioner_n and_o the_o clergy_n say_v he_o stir_v up_o the_o emperor_n the_o king_n of_o spain_n and_o of_o france_n to_o terrible_a persecution_n lay_v it_o upon_o their_o conscience_n to_o quit_v themselves_o severe_o against_o the_o heretic_n if_o they_o will_v escape_v the_o lord_n reproof_n though_o most_o of_o their_o subject_n and_o land_n shall_v perish_v and_o when_o the_o clergy_n have_v prevail_v with_o they_o than_o they_o declare_v in_o their_o proclamation_n and_o edict_n that_o their_o intent_n be_v only_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o heretic_n soul_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o people_n be_v draw_v to_o any_o curse_a error_n or_o sect_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v continue_v in_o subjection_n and_o in_o the_o old_a observation_n of_o the_o mother_n the_o h._n church_n and_o h._n christian_n faith_n and_o sacrament_n as_o appear_v from_o their_o proclamation_n annis_n 1538_o 1546_o 1560_o 1564._o erasmus_n say_v how_o that_o sometime_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o those_o who_o with_o more_o fury_n then_o with_o good_a understanding_n carry_v on_o matter_n do_v sometime_o not_o only_o root_v out_o the_o wheat_n with_o the_o tare_n which_o christ_n have_v forbid_v but_o also_o in_o place_n of_o root_v out_o the_o tare_n do_v root_v out_o the_o wheat_n see_v they_o judge_v before_o they_o have_v understanding_n or_o will_v make_v that_o odious_a which_o be_v well_o speak_v by_o pervert_v of_o it_o and_o they_o will_v have_v that_o to_o be_v a_o zeal_n for_o religion_n and_o a_o detest_a of_o heresy_n when_o it_o be_v the_o only_a destroy_n of_o godliness_n and_o unity_n chron._n van_fw-mi de_fw-fr rel._n urijh_o 2_o deel_n pag._n 33._o augustinus_n say_v some_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n while_o they_o go_v about_o to_o root_v out_o the_o tare_n before_o the_o time_n and_o through_o this_o error_n of_o blindness_n say_v he_o be_v they_o themselves_o separate_v so_o much_o the_o more_o from_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ._n retnaldus_fw-la testify_v that_o he_o who_o with_o imprison_v and_o persecute_v seek_v to_o spread_v the_o gospel_n and_o grease_v his_o hand_n with_o blood_n shall_v much_o rather_o be_v look_v upon_o for_o a_o wild_a hunter_n than_o a_o preacher_n or_o a_o defender_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n erasmus_n say_v that_o the_o world_n have_v common_a law_n for_o to_o punish_v offender_n but_o the_o christian_a meekness_n must_v rather_o use_v diligence_n to_o reform_v man_n then_o to_o judge_v they_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o reformation_n say_v the_o chron._n the_o church_n glory_v of_o the_o truth_n weapon_n and_o desire_v that_o those_o that_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v concern_v their_o doctrine_n shall_v free_o reprove_v they_o and_o they_o will_v defend_v the_o same_o with_o
heaven_n unto_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n and_o it_o wound_n and_o oppress_v the_o immortal_a soul_n unto_o death_n and_o damnation_n sure_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a purpose_n of_o god_n in_o order_n of_o creation_n who_o make_v and_o ordain_v mankind_n free_a from_o bondage_n and_o never_o bring_v he_o forth_o into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o subject_v slave_n to_o the_o will_n of_o another_o man_n in_o thing_n temporal_a much_o less_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o relate_v to_o eternity_n and_o this_o work_n of_o impose_v by_o force_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n worship_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n of_o one_o man_n upon_o another_o or_o of_o some_o person_n over_o all_o be_v certain_o a_o act_n of_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n lay_v as_o a_o grievous_a yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n one_o of_o another_o and_o subject_v one_o another_o in_o oppression_n not_o unto_o the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o creator_n but_o unto_o the_o evil_a will_n of_o mortal_a perish_v and_o sinful_a creature_n and_o this_o differ_v from_o and_o contrary_n to_o the_o pure_a and_o perfect_a order_n and_o decree_n of_o creation_n which_o be_v bless_v altogether_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v degenerate_v by_o corruption_n and_o err_v through_o temptation_n from_o that_o pure_a and_o holy_a order_n of_o creation_n either_o in_o thing_n worldly_a or_o divine_a be_v in_o the_o curse_n and_o opposition_n against_o the_o holy_a creator_n and_o so_o be_v this_o thing_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o treat_v imposition_n upon_o conscience_n in_o matter_n divine_a and_o temporal_a force_v exercise_v in_o spiritual_a case_n be_v the_o high_a product_n of_o degeneration_n and_o the_o great_a degression_n from_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o creation_n for_o without_o controversy_n the_o creator_n himself_o reserve_v and_o retain_v in_o his_o alone_a only_a power_n the_o privilege_n of_o supremacy_n in_o and_o over_o the_o inward_a man_n in_o all_o the_o matter_n immortal_a that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o only_a lord_n in_o that_o case_n and_o give_v spiritual_a law_n to_o command_v and_o force_v thereby_o to_o exercise_v the_o soul_n and_o heart_n in_o fear_n love_n faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v be_v serve_v as_o the_o lord_n over_o all_o most_o chief_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a spiritual_a and_o immortal_a man_n this_o power_n of_o supremacy_n i_o say_v he_o reserve_v and_o retain_v in_o himself_o in_o the_o creation_n to_o exercise_v over_o mankind_n and_o do_v not_o commit_v this_o privilege_n to_o any_o other_o wherefore_o without_o controversy_n it_o be_v a_o usurpation_n of_o the_o creator_n rightful_a dominion_n it_o be_v a_o rob_n of_o he_o of_o his_o dignity_n and_o prerogative_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o violence_n do_v against_o his_o sovereignty_n a_o audacious_a intrude_a into_o his_o proper_a right_n and_o a_o violate_v of_o the_o law_n and_o decree_n of_o creation_n for_o one_o person_n or_o one_o people_n to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o power_n authority_n and_o government_n over_o other_o person_n and_o peoples_n in_o command_v and_o impose_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a over_o their_o conscience_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o abomination_n against_o the_o creator_n both_o in_o the_o cause_n and_o end_v of_o it_o that_o he_o will_v arise_v and_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o it_o and_o he_o will_v ease_v himself_o of_o all_o such_o his_o adversary_n again_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o love_n unity_n fellowship_n and_o concord_n among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o order_n of_o creation_n which_o god_n appoint_v to_o be_v among_o they_o and_o by_o impose_v in_o matter_n of_o spiritual_a concern_v as_o aforesaid_a that_o love_n unity_n fellowship_n and_o concord_n among_o man_n decree_v in_o creation_n be_v break_v and_o confound_v and_o disannul_v among_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o and_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n hate_v and_o contend_v one_o with_o another_o neighbour_n and_o brethren_n can_v agree_v but_o fall_v into_o strife_n one_o against_o another_o king_n and_o their_o subject_n ruler_n and_o their_o people_n be_v in_o discord_n debate_n disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n one_o contrary_a to_o another_o by_o reason_n that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o worship_n and_o duty_n to_o godward_o be_v want_v in_o the_o world_n and_o imposition_n and_o force_n by_o outward_a authority_n in_o that_o case_n be_v prevail_a and_o in_o power_n and_o thus_o the_o law_n of_o love_n unity_n and_o concord_n decree_v in_o creation_n be_v violate_v despise_a and_o make_v void_a and_o hatred_n division_n strife_n and_o discord_n intraduce_v in_o its_o room_n and_o abound_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o visible_a action_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n through_o the_o world_n to_o the_o woeful_a effect_n of_o kill_v persecute_v and_o destroy_v one_o another_o nation_n of_o nation_n neighbour_n of_o neighbour_n and_o king_n of_o their_o subject_n occasion_v and_o ground_v upon_o this_o thing_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o same_o to_o wit_n impose_v by_o force_n upon_o conscience_n in_o matter_n divine_a wherefore_o not_o only_o against_o god_n be_v this_o evil_n extend_v to_o dishonour_v and_o disgrace_v he_o as_o be_v show_v but_o against_o man_n also_o be_v this_o evil_a and_o mischief_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o reach_v forth_o as_o you_o have_v see_v and_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n be_v violate_v both_o in_o respect_n of_o creator_n and_o creature_n it_o be_v in_o its_o cause_n and_o ground_n so_o evil_a in_o its_o work_n and_o effect_n so_o wicked_a and_o mischievous_a and_o in_o its_o end_n so_o provoke_v and_o damnable_a and_o all_o this_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o man_n that_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o comprehend_v the_o height_n and_o depth_n thereof_o though_o my_o spirit_n from_o a_o child_n have_v often_o enter_v into_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o thing_n with_o mourning_n and_o sorrow_n because_o of_o it_o and_o with_o testimony_n and_o abhorrance_n against_o it_o and_o at_o this_o hour_n i_o be_o a_o sufferer_n in_o body_n and_o spirit_n because_o of_o the_o same_o carnal_a imposition_n upon_o conscience_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n woe_n unto_o it_o my_o soul_n hate_v and_o my_o god_n will_v plague_n in_o his_o season_n if_o i_o shall_v study_v in_o search_v to_o find_v out_o and_o to_o describe_v all_o the_o evil_n mischief_n and_o woeful_a inconvenience_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o gulf_n out_o of_o which_o they_o ascend_v i_o may_v make_v this_o epistle_n a_o large_a volumn_n but_o since_o that_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o write_v about_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v now_o contract_v this_o with_o the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v work_v until_o he_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n yea_o this_o imposition_n upon_o conscience_n opposite_a to_o perfect_a liberty_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o be_v the_o only_a main_n material_a support_v prop_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n throughout_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n and_o whosoever_o as_o be_v friend_n hereunto_o they_o be_v friend_n to_o he_o and_o they_o love_v his_o way_n and_o be_v subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o be_v rebellious_a against_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o kingdom_n they_o be_v enemy_n wherefore_o my_o heart_n and_o soul_n say_v within_o i_o will_v to_o god_n i_o have_v such_o a_o gift_n of_o demonstration_n by_o pen_n or_o tongue_n and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v so_o forcible_a and_o efficacious_a to_o awaken_v every_o soul_n to_o a_o abhorrance_n and_o dislike_n of_o that_o spirit_n principle_n and_o practice_n of_o imposition_n upon_o conscience_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o total_a turn_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n which_o consist_v of_o falsehood_n darkness_n sin_n and_o enmity_n of_o bondage_n oppression_n and_o cruel_a imposition_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n jesus_n which_o consist_v of_o truth_n light_n and_o righteousness_n of_o freedom_n and_o perfect_a liberty_n in_o soul_n and_o spirit_n which_o kingdom_n and_o government_n the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v promote_v and_o exalt_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o must_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n according_a to_o promise_n it_o have_v ever_o be_v my_o judgement_n that_o want_v of_o liberty_n and_o free_a exercise_n of_o conscience_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o the_o contrary_a impose_v by_o worldly_a power_n and_o it_o remain_v still_o with_o i_o that_o this_o be_v one_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o woeful_a distraction_n in_o kingdom_n of_o the_o unsetledness_n in_o state_n and_o of_o many_o evil_a consequence_n abound_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o also_o the_o cause_n wherefore_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v angry_a and_o provoke_v
against_o they_o and_o for_o which_o cause_n he_o will_v smite_v and_o wound_v confound_v and_o overturn_v kingdom_n power_n and_o authority_n even_o till_o he_o reign_v who_o right_a it_o be_v who_o only_o and_o alone_o will_v rule_v in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o soul_n spirit_n and_o conscience_n through_o the_o teach_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o though_o much_o opposition_n and_o great_a contention_n have_v be_v make_v against_o this_o in_o the_o world_n in_o which_o man_n have_v strive_v against_o their_o own_o good_a and_o welfare_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o day_n and_o it_o hasten_v to_o come_v in_o power_n when_o imposition_n upon_o conscience_n by_o outward_a worldly_a force_n in_o case_n divine_a will_v be_v banish_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o exile_v into_o the_o pit_n of_o never-rising_a obscurity_n and_o darkness_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o violence_n of_o it_o and_o from_o all_o its_o miserable_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n then_o shall_v the_o heritage_n of_o the_o lord_n rejoice_v in_o joy_n unspeakable_a be_v deliver_v from_o the_o oppression_n under_o which_o she_o have_v long_o mourn_v travel_v and_o groan_v in_o deep_a distress_n then_o shall_v nation_n delight_v in_o amity_n one_o with_o another_o then_o shall_v neighbour_n rejoice_v in_o society_n one_o among_o another_o and_o then_o shall_v king_n and_o ruler_n love_v their_o subject_n and_o people_n free_o and_o people_n shall_v obey_v and_o serve_v their_o ruler_n with_o a_o willing_a and_o cheerful_a heart_n and_o mind_n hereby_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v glorify_v and_o all_o people_n become_v bless_v amity_n love_n unity_n and_o concord_n and_o the_o first_o creation_n order_n and_o decree_n will_v be_v restore_v between_o god_n and_o his_o creature_n and_o also_o between_o man_n and_o man_n in_o holy_a covenant_n and_o this_o matter_n to_o wit_n concern_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n have_v be_v of_o these_o late_a year_n in_o great_a debate_n and_o contest_v among_o man_n in_o these_o nation_n and_o some_o have_v be_v of_o one_o judgement_n and_o other_o of_o a_o contrary_a about_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o contention_n have_v arisen_a very_o high_a even_o unto_o blood_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o and_o be_v yet_o remain_v undetermined_a in_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o many_o people_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v resolve_v in_o every_o heart_n through_o conviction_n by_o sound_a argument_n of_o truth_n and_o divine_a reason_n and_o man_n ought_v then_o to_o obey_v the_o same_o according_a to_o inward_a spiritual_a conviction_n and_o this_o case_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o carnal_a weapon_n forcible_o compel_v people_n in_o the_o case_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o conquest_n in_o a_o violent_a way_n of_o outward_a power_n and_o since_o that_o this_o be_v a_o case_n dubious_a whether_o free_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o worship_n or_o imposition_n about_o the_o same_o be_v most_o worthy_a i_o therefore_o upon_o this_o necessity_n call_v upon_o i_o with_o my_o willingness_n to_o assist_v in_o such_o a_o work_n will_v add_v my_o mite_n and_o grain_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n towards_o the_o resolve_v of_o such_o a_o dubious_a and_o needful_a case_n and_o have_v take_v this_o opportunity_n and_o occasion_n thus_o to_o declare_v my_o mind_n and_o shall_v leave_v the_o effect_n hereof_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o only_o be_v wise_a to_o work_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v by_o whosoever_o he_o please_v for_o he_o never_o yet_o limit_v himself_o to_o any_o one_o instrument_n in_o the_o bring_n forth_o and_o accomplish_v his_o purpose_n however_o no_o man_n be_v to_o dispute_v the_o leading_n and_o command_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o to_o measure_v his_o obedience_n to_o he_o by_o either_o object_v or_o real_a consequence_n in_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v that_o warrant_n to_o wit_n the_o leading_n of_o god_n under_o the_o commission_n of_o which_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n do_v act_n in_o their_o obedience_n and_o dispute_v not_o the_o authority_n nor_o the_o consequence_n but_o leave_v the_o issue_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o he_o that_o command_v the_o total_a sum_n of_o this_o matter_n to_o wit_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v very_o large_a and_o require_v multitude_n of_o word_n and_o many_o argument_n to_o unfold_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o the_o evil_a cause_n work_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o contrary_a but_o at_o this_o time_n i_o shall_v contract_v the_o sum_n into_o &_o state_n it_o in_o this_o total_a head_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o perfect_a reason_n justice_n and_o equity_n and_o that_o without_o all_o exception_n that_o every_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n be_v permit_v in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o conscience_n without_o any_o kind_n of_o force_n put_v upon_o he_o by_o any_o man_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o follow_v that_o religion_n and_o to_o live_v in_o such_o faith_n and_o perform_v such_o worship_n to_o god_n as_o he_o dare_v trust_v his_o own_o soul_n withal_o and_o give_v account_v thereof_o before_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o dreadful_a judgement_n my_o judgement_n be_v on_o the_o affirmative_a part_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n and_o it_o be_v my_o judgement_n in_o the_o fear_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v perfect_o reasonable_a just_a and_o equal_a that_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v permit_v his_o liberty_n in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o that_o without_o any_o force_n impose_v upon_o he_o to_o the_o contrary_a to_o follow_v that_o religion_n and_o live_v in_o that_o faith_n and_o perform_v that_o worship_n to_o god_n with_o which_o he_o dare_v trust_v his_o own_o soul_n to_o the_o salvation_n thereof_o and_o the_o contrary_n be_v unreasonable_a unjust_a and_o unequal_a and_o this_o may_v be_v amplify_v in_o a_o large_a manner_n upon_o occasion_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o my_o judgement_n alone_o nor_o the_o false_a fancy_n of_o a_o single_a person_n but_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o judgement_n of_o many_o more_o and_o that_o not_o of_o fool_n altogether_o but_o of_o the_o wise_a not_o only_o of_o some_o few_o man_n of_o our_o age_n but_o of_o many_o age_n past_a who_o principle_n be_v for_o the_o toleration_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n in_o matter_n spiritual_a as_o in_o this_o small_a treatise_n follow_v more_o at_o large_a appear_v to_o which_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o particular_a and_o to_o second_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o judgement_n i_o do_v refer_v the_o serious_a and_o well_o considerate_a reader_n in_o which_o small_a piece_n he_o may_v find_v the_o judgement_n of_o divers_a person_n assert_v by_o their_o own_o say_n concern_v the_o very_a case_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o what_o esteem_v some_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o religious_a man_n have_v have_v of_o the_o same_o for_o this_o follow_a piece_n to_o which_o i_o be_o now_o preface_a be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o certain_a sum_n of_o brief_a collection_n of_o the_o say_n of_o emperor_n king_n and_o potentate_n of_o former_a age_n contract_v into_o this_o short_a method_n for_o the_o better_a intelligence_n of_o all_o that_o be_v inquire_v about_o this_o occasion_n and_o such_o be_v my_o affection_n to_o the_o present_a contraction_n collect_v that_o i_o wish_v that_o all_o the_o ruler_n and_o prince_n of_o our_o age_n through_o the_o world_n will_v serious_o read_v and_o right_o study_v the_o same_o and_o improve_v it_o to_o their_o own_o advantage_n in_o practise_v the_o say_n of_o their_o grave_a and_o wise_a progenitor_n and_o oh_o that_o they_o will_v engross_v this_o small_a piece_n in_o their_o record_n and_o enclose_v it_o in_o their_o closet_n and_o use_v the_o same_o as_o counsel_n and_o instruction_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o premise_n the_o effect_n of_o it_o may_v prove_v happy_a to_o they_o if_o their_o present_a practice_n will_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o intimation_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o this_o small_a piece_n happy_o arrive_v the_o harbour_n of_o my_o hand_n through_o the_o tedious_a industry_n of_o the_o collector_n and_o through_o other_o passage_n of_o tempestuous_a danger_n which_o it_o lay_v liable_a unto_o i_o have_v transport_v it_o over_o a_o serious_a view_n and_o be_o affect_v with_o it_o unto_o my_o commendation_n and_o approof_n first_o of_o the_o matter_n itself_o and_o second_o of_o its_o author_n pain_n and_o industry_n in_o form_v of_o it_o into_o this_o method_n in_o which_o it_o now_o appear_v both_o of_o which_o i_o can_v but_o commend_v and_o do_v also_o herewith_o recommend_v to_o the_o view_n consideration_n and_o instruction_n of_o
to_o judge_v of_o what_o more_o assurance_n shall_v they_o have_v than_o the_o magistrate_n who_o through_o their_o strong_a importune_v blind_o persecute_v the_o heretic_n and_o have_v martyr_v and_o put_v to_o death_n most_o of_o the_o christian_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n say_v he_o how_o can_v they_o then_o more_o than_o the_o magistrate_n judge_v of_o such_o hide_a mystery_n as_o before_o mention_v vide_fw-la synopsis_fw-la disp._n 57_o thes._n chap._n 20._o chap._n xiii_o the_o necessity_n of_o just_a and_o equal_a liberty_n how_o expedient_a it_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o see_v before_o one_o judge_n how_o the_o persecute_v clergy_n do_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n how_o life_n and_o conversation_n have_v not_o be_v so_o much_o look_v at_o as_o difference_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o how_o prejudicial_a it_o will_v be_v for_o christian_n if_o their_o counsel_n be_v follow_v that_o stir_v up_o man_n to_o persecute_v aremnus_fw-la say_fw-la the_o profitableness_n of_o the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n require_v a_o firm_a and_o entire_a union_n of_o all_o the_o citizen_n and_o subject_n now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o firm_a union_n say_v he_o except_o that_o all_o the_o citizen_n and_o subject_n enjoy_v equality_n and_o that_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o inequality_n among_o they_o in_o that_o particular_a be_v and_o have_v be_v of_o most_o politician_n call_v one_o pestilence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n anno_fw-la 1575._o com._n do_v fol._n 79._o qui_fw-la autem_fw-la partem_fw-la civium_fw-la consulunt_fw-la partem_fw-la negligunt_fw-la rem_fw-la pernitiosissimam_fw-la in_o civitatem_fw-la inducunt_fw-la cicero_n in_o offi_n when_o the_o king_n lodewick_n of_o france_n be_v much_o importune_v by_o the_o cardinal_n and_o bishop_n to_o put_v several_a people_n to_o death_n in_o his_o dominion_n who_o be_v accuse_v of_o much_o odious_a heresy_n the_o king_n say_v if_o i_o be_v to_o begin_v a_o war_n with_o the_o turk_n or_o the_o devil_n i_o will_v first_o hear_v they_o and_o afterward_o he_o send_v legaten_v to_o examine_v the_o matter_n and_o when_o he_o find_v they_o to_o be_v such_o in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o worship_n that_o he_o break_v out_o with_o a_o oath_n and_o say_v these_o man_n be_v better_a than_o i_o with_o my_o catholic_n urede_a hand_n van_fw-mi colen_n fol._n 39_o the_o jew_n scribe_n and_o pharisee_n exclaim_v against_o christ_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o say_v if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v a_o evil_a doer_n we_o will_v not_o have_v deliver_v he_o up_o unto_o thou_o and_o then_o they_o accuse_v he_o of_o pervert_v the_o nation_n of_o forbid_v the_o people_n to_o give_v tribute_n to_o caesar_n of_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n of_o cast_v out_o devil_n through_o beelzebub_n and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o they_o have_v a_o law_n and_o that_o by_o that_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o die_v etc._n etc._n luke_n 23.2_o 5._o john_n 18.30_o mark_n 3.21_o john_n 19.6_o 7._o thus_o do_v they_o seek_v to_o deceive_v pilate_n who_o be_v unexperienced_a in_o their_o law_n even_o as_o the_o clergy_n now_o say_v a_o certain_a writer_n stir_v up_o the_o magistrate_n with_o their_o lie_n seek_v to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v a_o law_n by_o which_o heretic_n ought_v to_o be_v persecute_v and_o put_v to_o death_n and_o by_o their_o sophistical_a art_n say_v he_o can_v they_o prevail_v with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o that_o final_o they_o to_o continue_v their_o friend_n and_o the_o emperor_n or_o the_o king_n deliver_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n as_o pilate_n do_v christ_n who_o say_v take_v he_o and_o judge_v he_o according_a to_o your_o law_n etc._n etc._n certain_o say_v one_o where_o christ_n be_v now_o make_v manifest_a there_o be_v also_o iudas_n to_o be_v find_v the_o world_n be_v no_o better_a nor_o holy_a than_o it_o be_v but_o rather_o worse_a and_o therefore_o do_v the_o truth_n now_o suffer_v under_o the_o name_n of_o heresy_n say_v he_o as_o heretofore_o for_o now_o in_o these_o day_n man_n do_v little_a regard_n life_n or_o conversation_n but_o present_o fall_v upon_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n persecute_v and_o shameful_o entreat_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o doctrine_n though_o their_o life_n be_v never_o so_o good_a say_v he_o but_o indeed_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v otherwise_o and_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n to_o instruct_v those_o that_o err_v and_o not_o to_o put_v man_n to_o death_n for_o their_o error_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a great_a error_n condonabiles_fw-la sunt_fw-la quidem_fw-la piorum_fw-la hominum_fw-la errores_fw-la sicut_fw-la et_fw-la non_fw-la quivis_fw-la corporis_fw-la morbus_fw-la uxitialis_fw-la est_fw-la certain_o it_o be_v unchristianlike_a yea_o unnatural_a that_o any_o shall_v judge_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o obstinate_a heretic_n who_o live_v a_o good_a life_n and_o be_v of_o a_o upright_a mind_n and_o who_o can_v comprehend_v the_o matter_n otherwise_o than_o he_o understand_v it_o and_o thereupon_o be_v he_o resolve_v to_o suffer_v whatsoever_o may_v come_v but_o when_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o charge_n against_o his_o life_n then_o rail_v they_o against_o his_o doctrine_n like_v as_o the_o persecutor_n of_o daniel_n say_v we_o shall_v have_v nothing_o against_o he_o except_o it_o be_v concern_v his_o worship_n and_o as_o amazia_n the_o priest_n of_o bethel_n inform_v the_o king_n against_o amos_n and_o accuse_v he_o of_o uproar_v and_o tell_v he_o that_o the_o land_n can_v not_o bear_v all_o his_o word_n amos_n 7.10_o dan._n 6.5_o act_n 24._o jer._n 26.8_o 9_o 11._o if_o one_o sect_n shall_v rise_v up_o against_o another_o to_o the_o destroy_v one_o of_o another_o which_o must_v needs_o follow_v if_o their_o counsel_n be_v follow_v who_o will_v have_v heretic_n put_v to_o death_n than_o when_o they_o have_v destroy_v one_o another_o consider_v then_o what_o a_o door_n there_o will_v be_v open_v for_o the_o turk_n and_o for_o other_o barbarous_a people_n for_o they_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o remainder_n and_o then_o to_o tyrannize_v over_o they_o but_o as_o lactantius_n say_v even_o as_o they_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o religion_n itself_o so_o be_v they_o deceive_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o protection_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v defend_v with_o kill_v but_o with_o exhort_v not_o with_o cruelty_n but_o with_o patience_n not_o with_o wickedness_n but_o by_o faith_n for_o they_o that_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v their_o worship_n with_o torment_n they_o rather_o pollute_v it_o than_o defend_v it_o chap._n fourteen_o several_a testimony_n against_o persecution_n and_o force_v of_o conscience_n of_o the_o liberty_n among_o the_o heathen_a how_o meekness_n be_v better_a than_o war_n how_o the_o christian_n meeting_n be_v forbid_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n stephanus_n king_n of_o poland_n say_v it_o belong_v not_o to_o i_o to_o reform_v the_o conscience_n i_o have_v always_o glad_o give_v that_o over_o to_o god_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v i_o do_v now_o and_o also_o for_o the_o future_a i_o will_v suffer_v the_o weed_n to_o grow_v until_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n for_o i_o know_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v but_o small_a therefore_o say_v he_o when_o some_o be_v proceed_v in_o persecution_n ego_fw-la sum_fw-la rex_fw-la populorum_fw-la non_fw-la conscientiarum_fw-la i._n e._n i_o be_o king_n of_o the_o people_n and_o not_o of_o their_o conscience_n he_o also_o affirm_v that_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v plant_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n chron._n van_fw-mi de_fw-fr rel._n urijh_o 2_o deel_n tindallus_fw-la apud_fw-la foxium_fw-la in_fw-la act_v et_fw-la monument_n be_v say_v the_o new-testament_n of_o christ_n suffer_v no_o law_n of_o compel_v but_o alone_o of_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v pag._n 1338._o timestius_fw-la exhort_v the_o emperor_n to_o cease_v from_o persecution_n beseech_v he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v cruel_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o discord_n or_o defference_n of_o the_o christian_n doctrine_n see_v there_o be_v such_o a_o multitude_n of_o sect_n among_o the_o heathen_a and_o that_o every_o one_o continue_v in_o his_o own_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o mean_v and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o rest_n the_o prince_n of_o orange_n testify_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o land_n shall_v be_v keep_v in_o peace_n except_o there_o be_v a_o free_a toleration_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n anno_fw-la 1579._o swinckfeild_n testify_v that_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o do_v not_o become_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o new-testament_n in_o no_o wise_a to_o force_v with_o violence_n and_o tyranny_n the_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n