21.8_o likewise_o in_o the_o revelation_n it_o be_v say_v that_o idolater_n together_o with_o dog_n iâ—_n chanter_n harlot_n and_o liar_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n moreover_o our_o saviour_n christ_n teach_v concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n agreeable_o to_o the_o law_n say_v it_o be_v write_v 4._o math._n 4._o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v by_o which_o word_n he_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a to_o worship_v any_o creature_n with_o the_o worship_n that_o be_v due_a unto_o god_n and_o further_o that_o all_o religious_a kneel_v &_o adoration_n be_v to_o be_v yield_v to_o god_n only_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o ancient_a commandment_n that_o so_o command_v god_n to_o be_v worship_v 20.4_o exod._n 20.4_o as_o it_o forbid_v by_o way_n of_o religion_n &_o to_o worship_n with_o religious_a worship_n the_o likeness_n of_o any_o creature_n either_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n or_o in_o the_o water_n under_o the_o earth_n against_o the_o transgressor_n of_o which_o commandment_n the_o lord_n declare_v himself_o most_o provoke_v to_o vengeance_n in_o compare_v his_o anger_n to_o the_o anger_n of_o aiealous_a man_n that_o will_v not_o be_v pacify_v by_o any_o mean_n but_o will_v be_v avenge_v upon_o the_o adulterer_n likewise_o in_o that_o he_o add_v further_o a_o terrible_a commination_n against_o idolater_n who_o he_o there_o declare_v to_o hold_v for_o his_o enemy_n and_o such_o as_o hate_v he_o in_o threaten_v to_o visit_v that_o be_v to_o punish_v their_o sin_n in_o their_o child_n and_o also_o in_o their_o child_n child_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o generation_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o apostle_n john_n exhort_v all_o christian_n to_o beware_v of_o idol_n say_v 5.21_o 1_o john_n 5.21_o little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n or_o take_v you_o heed_n and_o beware_v of_o image_n 10.14_o 1_o cor._n 10.14_o so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n say_v my_o belove_a fly_n from_o idolatry_n 1.9_o 1_o thes_n 1.9_o likewise_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o all_o his_o ministry_n seek_v to_o withdraw_v as_o the_o corinthian_n and_o the_o thessalonian_o so_o all_o other_o gentile_n from_o the_o service_n of_o idol_n to_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n 17.16_o act_n 17.16_o for_o which_o cause_n also_o be_v at_o athens_n and_o grieve_v in_o spirit_n to_o see_v their_o city_n whole_o addict_v to_o the_o service_n of_o idol_n do_v most_o zealous_o endeavour_v both_o in_o the_o synogogue_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o the_o market_n place_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o in_o the_o high_a court_n of_o justice_n to_o dissuade_v they_o from_o those_o vain_a and_o impious_a service_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o worship_v only_o the_o true_a god_n the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o which_o end_n also_o in_o another_o place_n he_o show_v that_o true_a christian_n because_o they_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o idol_n say_v what_o participation_n have_v justice_n with_o iniquity_n 6.14.15_o 2_o cor._n 6.14.15_o or_o what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n or_o what_o communion_n can_v christ_n have_v with_o belial_n or_o what_o part_n can_v a_o faithful_a man_n have_v with_o a_o infidel_n or_o what_o agreement_n can_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n have_v with_o idol_n wherefore_o go_v you_o out_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o separate_v yourselves_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v no_o uncleanc_fw-la thing_n and_o then_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o and_o i_o will_v be_v your_o father_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n almighty_n this_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v concern_v the_o worship_v of_o god_n only_o and_o the_o avoid_n with_o all_o zealous_a detestation_n the_o service_n of_o idol_n and_o image_n and_o relic_n and_o of_o any_o creature_n now_o in_o time_n past_a contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n our_o church_n be_v full_a of_o idol_n and_o image_n and_o such_o religious_a adoration_n and_o service_n be_v yield_v and_o do_v unto_o they_o adoration_n in_o bodily_a gesture_n of_o uncover_v the_o head_n unto_o they_o of_o kiss_v they_o and_o bow_v the_o body_n and_o the_o knee_n unto_o they_o and_o such_o like_a service_n in_o cover_v they_o with_o garment_n adorn_v they_o with_o ornament_n incense_a of_o they_o burn_v candle_n before_o they_o bestow_v gift_n upon_o they_o make_v vow_n and_o go_v of_o pilgrimage_n unto_o they_o with_o other_o such_o like_a service_n but_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v we_o mercy_n stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o renown_a prince_n to_o reform_v such_o enormity_n as_o many_o virtuous_a king_n of_o judah_n have_v do_v the_o like_a before_o they_o and_o have_v cause_v the_o temple_n and_o church_n to_o be_v cleanse_v from_o all_o such_o idol_n and_o idolatry_n straight_o charge_v and_o command_v all_o their_o subject_n abandon_v all_o these_o vain_a and_o most_o impious_a service_n to_o idol_n to_o worship_v the_o true_a and_o live_a god_n and_o to_o yield_v religious_a adoration_n and_o service_n to_o he_o only_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o all_o place_n yet_o subject_a to_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n the_o temple_n be_v full_a of_o image_n yea_o private_a house_n public_a street_n and_o highway_n and_o nothing_o either_o so_o private_a or_o so_o public_a where_o these_o idol_n be_v not_o by_o which_o comparison_n it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o our_o religion_n in_o england_n for_o this_o point_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o divine_a service_n be_v that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o full_a of_o idolatry_n but_o some_o think_v to_o avoid_v all_o that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v against_o idol_n and_o idolatry_n by_o a_o distinction_n or_o two_o for_o which_o end_n distinguish_v between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o say_v that_o this_o latter_a only_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v forbid_v to_o be_v give_v to_o creature_n but_o the_o former_a that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v give_v to_o some_o creature_n yea_o &_o to_o some_o also_o a_o high_a worship_n which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o distinction_n can_v serve_v to_o excuse_v the_o worship_n &_o service_n do_v to_o image_n by_o such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o people_n ignorant_a of_o this_o distinction_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o in_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v keep_v from_o idolatry_n by_o it_o but_o will_v be_v in_o continual_a danger_n to_o pass_v the_o bound_n of_o worship_n prescribe_v and_o to_o give_v to_o their_o image_n the_o honour_n of_o almighty_a god_n but_o the_o scripture_n make_v no_o such_o distinction_n at_o all_o but_o indifferent_o use_v both_o these_o alike_o to_o note_v the_o sernice_a and_o servant_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n likewise_o the_o apostle_n paul_n call_v himself_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d rom._n 1.1_o gal._n 1.10_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d likewise_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o the_o apostle_n call_v themselves_o by_o the_o same_o word_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o have_v be_v turn_v to_o god_n from_o idol_n 〈◊〉_d act_n 2.29_o 1_o thes_n 1.9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o serve_v the_o true_a and_o live_a god_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n in_o diverse_a other_o place_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o distinction_n have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n moreover_o by_o the_o same_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o such_o service_n as_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n ordain_v to_o be_v do_v to_o their_o image_n be_v such_o as_o be_v due_a to_o god_n only_o and_o for_o yield_v whereof_o to_o image_n their_o worshipper_n be_v charge_v with_o idolatry_n this_o be_v prove_v by_o that_o the_o law_n speak_v of_o all_o similitude_n of_o thing_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o nor_o serve_v they_o and_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o king_n 19.18_o 1_o king_n 19.18_o 19_o ver_fw-la 18._o it_o be_v say_v i_o have_v leave_v 7000._o in_o israel_n which_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n and_o who_o mouth_n have_v not_o kiss_v he_o 11.4_o ro._n 11.4_o further_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o king_n chap._n 18._o ver_fw-la 14._o it_o be_v write_v of_o the_o virtuous_a and_o zealous_a king_n ezekias_n
fable_n nor_o old_a wife_n tale_n be_v read_v unto_o they_o as_o they_o be_v read_v unto_o the_o people_n under_o the_o pope_n government_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o legend_n of_o saint_n and_o namely_o legenda_fw-la aurea_fw-la that_o be_v the_o golden_a legend_n contain_v a_o report_n of_o the_o live_v and_o miracle_n of_o saint_n but_o howsoever_o they_o have_v name_v it_o a_o golden_a book_n yet_o some_o of_o their_o own_o writer_n of_o best_a judgement_n as_o ludovicus_n vine_n censure_v it_o for_o a_o book_n write_v by_o a_o man_n of_o a_o leaden_a heart_n which_o be_v for_o the_o baseness_n of_o the_o report_n that_o be_v without_o wit_n or_o reason_n and_o of_o a_o brazen_a forehead_n which_o be_v for_o the_o shameless_a and_o impudent_a boldness_n report_v thing_n so_o fabulous_a and_o incredible_a it_o need_v not_o to_o prove_v this_o by_o sundry_a particular_n this_o be_v plain_a by_o strange_a devise_n and_o report_n concern_v person_n that_o never_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v by_o any_o story_n of_o credit_n as_o of_o st._n george_n st._n christopher_n st._n catherine_n and_o such_o like_a fiction_n device_n for_o instruction_n of_o life_n as_o esop_n fable_n be_v for_o moral_n it_o be_v likewise_o manifest_a in_o many_o other_o of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v and_o be_v mention_v by_o historiographer_n but_o the_o report_v there_o make_v of_o they_o be_v so_o incredible_a so_o fabulous_a so_o homely_a and_o so_o ridiculous_a as_o they_o be_v not_o tolerable_a to_o be_v read_v in_o any_o most_o base_a company_n much_o less_o in_o the_o eclesiasticall_a assembly_n of_o a_o people_n profess_v to_o come_v together_o to_o learn_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o offer_v unto_o he_o their_o service_n and_o prayer_n now_o that_o such_o thing_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n be_v manifest_a because_o the_o lord_n forbid_v to_o add_v to_o his_o word_n 4.2_o deut._n 4.2_o and_o he_o have_v give_v no_o commandment_n of_o hear_v any_o but_o his_o own_o son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v 17.5_o math._n 17.5_o hear_v you_o he_o the_o scripture_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v the_o only_a light_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o be_v direct_v by_o in_o thing_n concern_v his_o service_n 19_o psal_n 19_o for_o of_o they_o only_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v a_o lantern_n unto_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o our_o step_n that_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n rom._n 15.4_o that_o by_o patience_n and_o consolation_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v have_v hope_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o likewise_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n wise_a to_o salvation_n by_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o final_o that_o they_o be_v of_o use_n for_o doctrine_n reproof_n reformation_n and_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n 14_o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o 1_o tim._n 1.4_o &_o 4.7_o 2_o tim._n 4.3_o 4._o tit._n â—_o 14_o that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v make_v perfect_a and_o full_o accomplish_v for_o every_o good_a work_n and_o duty_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a part_n there_o be_v express_a charge_n give_v not_o to_o attend_v to_o fable_n which_o be_v also_o call_v profane_a fable_n jewish_a fable_n and_o old_a wife_n tale_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n give_v so_o much_o great_a charge_n because_o he_o do_v foresee_v and_o prophesy_v that_o such_o time_n will_v come_v in_o the_o church_n that_o man_n will_v turn_v away_o their_o ear_n from_o hear_v sound_a doctrine_n and_o will_v turn_v they_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o tale_n and_o fable_n and_o as_o this_o part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v then_o foreshow_v so_o after_o it_o mighty_o prevail_v and_o yet_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o not_o of_o many_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o justin_n martyr_n report_v to_o the_o emperor_n antonirus_n the_o order_n of_o divine_a service_n use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o time_n say_v that_o they_o read_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o after_o have_v exhortation_n make_v unto_o they_o ground_v upon_o the_o same_o likewise_o tertullian_n declare_v after_o his_o report_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n apologet_v lib._n apologet_v that_o they_o meet_v together_o also_o to_o hear_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o say_v he_o with_o such_o holy_a voice_n mean_v the_o scripture_n we_o feed_v our_o faith_n raise_v our_o hope_n fasten_v our_o confidence_n and_o strengthen_v good_a order_n by_o often_o mention_v of_o the_o precept_n and_o further_a faith_n that_o they_o have_v also_o exhortation_n and_o reproof_n and_o exercise_v of_o divine_a censure_n after_o when_o by_o process_n of_o time_n such_o corruption_n enter_v as_o that_o other_o writing_n beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n begin_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n 47._o 2._o coun._n of_o carthage_n ca._n 47._o a_o council_n hold_v at_o carthage_n for_o the_o reform_n of_o such_o disorder_n ordain_v that_o nothing_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n notwithstanding_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n so_o prevail_v with_o time_n that_o in_o the_o church_n subject_n to_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o life_n and_o miracle_n of_o saint_n most_o sottish_a and_o foolish_a fable_n and_o tale_n be_v public_o read_v in_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o people_n wherein_o it_o can_v be_v utter_v what_o wrong_o be_v do_v to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o church_n what_o have_v chaff_n to_o do_v with_o wheat_n say_v the_o prophet_n jeremy_n chap._n 23.28_o jer._n 23.28_o 23._o verse_n 28._o for_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v that_o his_o people_n shall_v be_v feed_v with_o his_o holy_a word_n as_o with_o the_o fine_a wheat_n yea_o as_o with_o manna_n the_o bread_n of_o heaven_n and_o they_o withhold_v it_o from_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o shut_v up_o under_o a_o strange_a language_n feed_v the_o people_n with_o such_o fable_n and_o folly_n as_o with_o chaff_n yea_o as_o with_o draff_n more_o fit_a for_o swine_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v also_o a_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n at_o which_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v be_v refresh_v with_o comfort_n but_o they_o fill_v up_o those_o spring_n of_o life_n 2.13_o jer._n 2.13_o and_o send_v they_o to_o drink_v at_o pit_n of_o their_o own_o digging_n which_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o filthy_a channel_n of_o the_o street_n to_o fetch_v their_o drink_n there_o shall_v not_o a_o people_n ask_v counsel_n of_o their_o god_n shall_v they_o go_v for_o counsel_n from_o the_o live_n to_o the_o dead_a consult_v they_o with_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n say_v the_o prophet_n esay_n they_o which_o advise_v otherwise_o 20_o esay_n 8.19_o 20_o be_v there_o any_o spark_n of_o light_n in_o any_o of_o they_o now_o to_o consult_v with_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n inspiration_n be_v to_o consult_v with_o god_n neither_o be_v there_o now_o any_o other_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o consult_v with_o god_n but_o by_o his_o holy_a word_n therefore_o all_o other_o mean_n to_o consult_v be_v forbid_v and_o repute_v as_o if_o a_o man_n that_o use_v they_o do_v ask_v counsel_n as_o saul_n pretend_v of_o the_o dead_a i_o come_v unto_o you_o say_v our_o saviour_n in_o my_o father_n name_n and_o you_o do_v not_o receive_v i_o but_o if_o one_o come_v to_o you_o in_o his_o own_o name_n 5.43_o joh._n 5.43_o you_o will_v receive_v he_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o those_o that_o receive_v not_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n except_o it_o be_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o read_v fable_n and_o tale_n to_o the_o people_n in_o a_o speech_n which_o they_o all_o understand_v it_o be_v a_o marvel_n that_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o this_o enormity_n unto_o this_o day_n but_o that_o in_o stead_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n that_o convert_v and_o comfort_v the_o soul_n they_o read_v to_o the_o people_n such_o ridiculous_a folly_n as_o pervert_v and_o destroy_v the_o soul_n but_o howsoever_o they_o do_v thus_o high_o dishonour_n god_n herein_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v that_o our_o religion_n in_o england_n in_o this_o point_n also_o of_o read_v god_n word_n and_o not_o ridiculous_a tale_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n chap._n v._o of_o preach_v in_o england_n as_o we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n public_o read_v in_o
prophet_n which_o have_v foreshow_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o themselves_o to_o have_v murder_v christ_n that_o just_a and_o righteous_a person_n four_o by_o his_o constant_a testimony_n that_o he_o behold_v the_o heaven_n open_a and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n stand_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n final_o by_o his_o die_v in_o the_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o all_o which_o reason_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o steven_n die_v for_o no_o other_o cause_n then_o only_o for_o profess_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o send_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n and_o this_o faith_n our_o church_n in_o england_n by_o god_n mercy_n do_v constant_o profess_v with_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o hould_v it_o most_o honourable_a to_o die_v forbear_v witness_n to_o that_o most_o holy_a faith_n which_o be_v so_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o steven_n who_o head_n first_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o wear_v the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n dye_v for_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n profess_v in_o england_n &_o not_o for_o the_o mass_n nor_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n nor_o any_o other_o popish_a corruption_n of_o christian_a faith_n whatsoever_o the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o apostle_n james_n who_o herod_n slay_v with_o the_o sword_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o that_o it_o be_v say_v 12.1.2.3_o act._n 12.1.2.3_o that_o herod_n vex_v certain_a of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o he_o see_v that_o the_o kill_n of_o james_n have_v please_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o apprehend_v and_o commit_v of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o like_a sort_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o like_a cause_n appear_v of_o all_o the_o persecution_n both_o of_o the_o disciple_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n wherefore_o upon_o occasion_n the_o apostle_n paul_n profess_v say_v i_o be_o ready_a not_o only_o to_o be_v bind_v 21.13_o act._n 21.13_o but_o also_o to_o die_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o revelation_n the_o like_a testimony_n be_v give_v of_o antipas_n where_o it_o be_v write_v i_o know_v thy_o work_n 2.13_o reve._n 2.13_o and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v namely_o where_o satan_n throne_n be_v i_o know_v that_o thou_o hold_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n no_o not_o in_o the_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n my_o faithful_a martyr_n be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v of_o other_o christian_a martyr_n who_o name_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o like_a appear_v both_o by_o the_o prophecy_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o suffering_n in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o revelation_n it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o 10_o verse_n fear_v nothing_o of_o that_o thou_o be_v to_o suffer_v behold_v the_o devil_n will_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n that_o you_o may_v be_v try_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v affliction_n for_o ten_o day_n be_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n in_o the_o sixth_o chapter_n verse_n the_o nine_o where_o the_o first_o seal_n be_v open_v it_o be_v say_v i_o see_v under_o the_o altar_n the_o soul_n of_o those_o which_o have_v be_v slay_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n which_o they_o maintain_v after_o to_o they_o cry_v to_o god_n to_o revenge_v their_o blood_n it_o be_v in_o the_o eleven_o verse_n answer_v that_o they_o shall_v rest_v yet_o a_o little_a time_n until_o their_o fellow_n servant_n &_o their_o brethren_n may_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v to_o be_v slay_v as_o well_o as_o they_o in_o the_o chapter_n cleaventh_fw-mi from_o the_o three_o verse_n to_o the_o twelve_o be_v foreshow_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o two_o witness_n which_o bare_a witness_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 1260_o day_n final_o in_o chap_n 20_o 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in_o their_o hand_n now_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o prophecy_n that_o have_v be_v fulfil_v unto_o this_o time_n do_v likewise_o declare_v that_o the_o christian_a martyr_n which_o have_v suffer_v hitherto_o have_v suffer_v death_n for_o profess_v that_o they_o worship_v only_o the_o true_a god_n that_o have_v make_v heaven_n &_o earth_n &_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o refuse_v to_o worship_v the_o pagan_a emperor_n idol_n and_o the_o idol_n of_o the_o heathen_a that_o live_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n the_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n hereof_o be_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o apologetical_a and_o other_o writing_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n by_o the_o history_n of_o eusebius_n &_o other_o writer_n of_o ecclesiastical_a story_n &_o namely_o of_o martyr_n likewise_o by_o aurelius_n prudentius_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o martyr_n and_o other_o of_o like_a argument_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o writer_n 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province_n by_o their_o proceed_n in_o judgement_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o crier_n proclaim_v that_o they_o which_o suffer_v death_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n by_o a_o writing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o a_o table_n of_o such_o their_o profession_n which_o be_v bear_v before_o the_o martyr_n and_o final_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o their_o judge_n for_o such_o cause_n only_o adiud_v they_o to_o suffer_v diverse_a sundry_a kind_n of_o exquisite_a torment_n and_o cruel_a death_n to_o prove_v this_o by_o the_o particular_a report_n of_o all_o the_o martyr_n that_o suffer_v in_o that_o time_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o great_a constantine_n will_v be_v two_o long_a but_o we_o may_v take_v a_o few_o for_o example_n among_o those_o that_o be_v report_v to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o that_o time_n here_o may_v be_v remember_v polycarpus_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n a_o tree_n that_o bear_v much_o fruit_n according_a to_o his_o name_n and_o like_o the_o date_n or_o almond_n tree_n which_o the_o more_o it_o be_v press_v be_v the_o more_o fruitful_a for_o of_o he_o it_o be_v write_v that_o after_o horrible_a threaten_n of_o wild_a beast_n and_o of_o fire_n grow_v in_o constancy_n and_o persevere_v steadfast_o in_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o refuse_v to_o worship_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o heathen_a the_o crier_n by_o commandment_n proclaim_v and_o cry_v thrice_o polycarpus_n have_v confess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o christian_a likewise_o the_o people_n cry_v out_o upon_o he_o this_o be_v that_o teacher_n of_o asia_n the_o father_n of_o the_o christian_n the_o overthrower_n of_o our_o god_n which_o have_v teach_v many_o that_o our_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v
for_o these_o cause_v polycarpus_n dye_v as_o a_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n who_o he_o say_v he_o have_v serve_v 86_o year_n and_o have_v find_v he_o always_o his_o good_a master_n and_o gracious_a lord_n he_o will_v not_o now_o deny_v he_o attalus_n another_o martyr_n be_v lead_v about_o the_o amphitheatre_n and_o a_o table_n bear_v before_o he_o wherein_o it_o be_v write_v this_o be_v attalus_n the_o christian_n it_o be_v write_v of_o one_o saphyra_n a_o virgin_n of_o antioch_n that_o as_o a_o fair_a sapphire_n a_o gem_n a_o jewel_n of_o great_a price_n carry_v her_o holy_a profession_n without_o any_o stain_n be_v command_v to_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o god_n of_o the_o heathen_a she_o gracious_o answer_v that_o she_o be_v a_o christian_a and_o worship_v almighty_a god_n who_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v no_o god_n but_o devil_n for_o which_o worthy_a profession_n she_o be_v behead_v happy_a faelicitas_fw-la according_a 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fire_n then_o turn_v to_o her_o child_n she_o say_v my_o dear_a son_n persevere_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o confession_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o expect_v you_o with_o all_o his_o saint_n fight_v for_o your_o soul_n and_o show_v yourselves_o faithful_a in_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n thus_o for_o worship_v of_o christ_n and_o refuse_v to_o worship_v idol_n this_o happy_a mother_n have_v see_v she_o seven_o son_n first_o slay_v with_o sundry_a death_n and_o die_v seven_o time_n in_o they_o at_o the_o last_o be_v also_o crown_v with_o martyrdom_n and_o receive_v to_o everlasting_a felicity_n these_o few_o example_n of_o almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n may_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o the_o martyr_n which_o suffer_v under_o the_o heathen_a roman_a enperour_n to_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a which_o be_v 300_o year_n and_o more_o suffer_v all_o for_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o refuse_v to_o worship_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o heathen_a roman_a emperor_n which_o be_v thus_o declare_v hereby_o be_v that_o prove_v for_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n after_o christ_n which_o be_v desire_v that_o be_v that_o the_o martyr_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n die_v for_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n together_o with_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o christiandome_n do_v profess_v for_o both_o these_o be_v in_o our_o church_n so_o profess_v as_o we_o hold_v it_o most_o honourable_a to_o die_v in_o maintenance_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o refuse_v to_o worship_v any_o idol_n either_o of_o old_a rome_n that_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o heathen_a man_n or_o of_o new_a rome_n that_o adore_v the_o image_n of_o christian_a man_n for_o though_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o heathen_a and_o of_o a_o christian_a man_n be_v exceed_o great_a yet_o in_o worship_v of_o they_o both_o religious_o and_o much_o more_o in_o so_o worship_v their_o image_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n but_o such_o image_n be_v idol_n alike_o and_o the_o worshipper_n of_o they_o be_v in_o like_a sort_n idolater_n but_o this_o disputation_n belong_v to_o another_o place_n that_o which_o be_v here_o to_o be_v debate_v be_v that_o see_v our_o church_n in_o england_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o abhor_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o heathen_a as_o all_o reform_a church_n do_v that_o all_o the_o martyr_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n dye_v for_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v now_o profess_a in_o england_n after_o the_o time_n that_o constantine_n the_o great_a have_v prevail_v against_o his_o enemy_n the_o heathen_a prince_n which_o be_v partaker_n with_o he_o in_o the_o empire_n the_o persecution_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o former_a manner_n cease_v in_o all_o the_o roman_a empire_n except_v the_o short_a time_n of_o julian_n the_o apostata_fw-la for_o notwithstanding_o that_o there_o be_v grievous_a trouble_n which_o the_o true_a christian_n suffer_v also_o after_o especial_o by_o the_o arrian_n and_o also_o by_o some_o other_o heretic_n and_o schismatickes_n in_o their_o sundry_a country_n yet_o be_v there_o not_o any_o universal_a persecution_n unto_o death_n in_o any_o degree_n like_o the_o former_a for_o the_o cause_n above_o mention_v or_o by_o the_o heathen_a within_o the_o church_n there_o arise_v indeed_o great_a trouble_n general_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o emperor_n that_o favour_v the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n and_o by_o the_o arian_n bishop_n and_o other_o of_o that_o heresy_n solicit_v authority_n with_o all_o importunacy_n against_o athanasius_n and_o other_o that_o maintain_v the_o sound_a orthodox_n and_o holy_a faith_n of_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n in_o which_o worthy_a cause_n whatsoever_o be_v suffer_v by_o any_o and_o namely_o by_o athanasius_n worthy_a to_o be_v immortal_a and_o to_o 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