the_o testimony_n of_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n who_o in_o their_o generation_n have_v testify_v against_o that_o horrible_a evil_n of_o force_v of_o conscience_n and_o persecution_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n who_o testimony_n may_v be_v seasonable_a and_o suitable_a for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o england_n whether_o of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o timely_a warn_v to_o they_o all_o of_o defile_v their_o hand_n with_o that_o horrible_a filthy_a thing_n which_o be_v already_o in_o part_n commit_v in_o the_o land_n compose_v together_o and_o translate_v into_o english_a by_o a_o live_a witness_n against_o the_o aforesaid_a evil_n william_n caton_n god_n shall_v persuade_v japhet_n and_o he_o shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem_n and_o canaan_n shall_v be_v his_o servant_n gen._n 9.27_o and_o they_o overcome_v he_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n rev._n 12.11_o print_v in_o the_o year_n 1662._o to_o the_o reader_n friend_z in_o these_o latter_a day_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v raise_v up_o many_o witness_n who_o faithful_o bear_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o eternal_a truth_n against_o the_o many_o evil_n which_o superabound_v in_o the_o world_n but_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o faithful_a witness_n have_v be_v heretofore_o reject_v by_o the_o world_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o servant_n now_o contemn_v and_o set_v at_o nought_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a of_o this_o world_n who_o now_o with_o their_o power_n and_o wisdom_n resist_v the_o almighty_a as_o in_o age_n and_o generation_n past_a which_o thing_n i_o serious_o observe_v it_o enter_v into_o my_o heart_n to_o manifest_v the_o testimony_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n who_o heretofore_o have_v be_v renown_a in_o their_o generation_n to_o my_o countryman_n to_o the_o end_n that_o both_o the_o wise_a and_o simple_a noble_a and_o ignoble_a among_o they_o may_v see_v and_o perceive_v how_o that_o the_o almighty_a even_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v so_o far_o open_v the_o understanding_n of_o many_o as_o that_o he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o see_v the_o evil_a of_o that_o horrible_a evil_n viz._n of_o force_v of_o conscience_n which_o noisome_a and_o hurtful_a thing_n have_v be_v testify_v against_o by_o emperor_n and_o king_n and_o by_o other_o potentate_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o by_o experience_n have_v find_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o and_o likewise_o it_o have_v be_v witness_v against_o by_o many_o wise_a and_o eminent_a learned_a man_n in_o their_o several_a generation_n even_o as_o it_o be_v now_o testify_v against_o by_o the_o servant_n and_o handmaid_n of_o the_o most_o high_a which_o be_v evident_o manifest_v by_o this_o follow_a treatise_n it_o have_v be_v long_o upon_o i_o to_o produce_v this_o to_o our_o native_a country_n and_o to_o publish_v these_o testimony_n in_o its_o own_o language_n that_o its_o inhabitant_n may_v understand_v how_o other_o kingdom_n and_o country_n have_v be_v depopulate_v and_o spoil_v through_o their_o persist_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a evil_n and_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v warn_v from_o run_v headlong_o in_o that_o evil_a course_n unto_o perdition_n and_o thereby_o incur_v desolation_n upon_o the_o land_n and_o hasten_v the_o lord_n judgement_n upon_o its_o inhabitant_n much_o i_o may_v have_v add_v to_o the_o further_o demonstrate_v of_o this_o evil_n but_o be_v there_o be_v so_o much_o write_v already_o concern_v it_o and_o so_o much_o testify_v daily_o against_o it_o and_o that_o i_o be_v not_o desirous_a to_o make_v a_o great_a volumn_n but_o choose_v much_o rather_o such_o a_o compendious_a abstract_n as_o this_o therefore_o have_v i_o only_o insert_v their_o testimony_n without_o any_o paraphrase_v upon_o they_o which_o i_o leave_v unto_o thy_o just_a judgement_n sometime_o i_o have_v instance_a the_o chronicle_n or_o history_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v more_o at_o large_a and_o sometime_o i_o have_v not_o for_o i_o believe_v that_o very_o few_o of_o they_o be_v extant_a in_o our_o english_a language_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o among_o a_o thousand_o in_o england_n that_o do_v know_v the_o chronology_n out_o of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v extract_v if_o that_o thou_o courteous_a reader_n do_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n peruse_v this_o brief_a treatise_n then_o may_v thou_o reap_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o my_o labour_n of_o love_n the_o effect_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v leave_v unto_o the_o lord_n who_o power_n i_o know_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o effectual_a w._n c._n palatine_n in_o germany_n the_o 29_o of_o the_o first_o month_n call_v march_n 1662._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o have_v be_v the_o fervent_a labour_n and_o travel_v of_o my_o youth_n to_o seek_v for_o and_o to_o follow_v after_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n and_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o very_a temper_n of_o my_o spirit_n until_o this_o day_n to_o affect_v justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n have_v delight_v my_o soul_n in_o what_o person_n and_o among_o what_o people_n soever_o as_o i_o have_v see_v the_o same_o and_o perfect_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n inward_o and_o outward_o in_o all_o the_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n i_o have_v long_v after_o and_o according_a to_o that_o light_n and_o knowledge_n commit_v to_o i_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o follow_v that_o i_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o perfection_n thereof_o to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o patience_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o thing_n when_o god_n himself_o shall_v bring_v they_o forth_o in_o the_o world_n and_o give_v his_o choose_a people_n the_o possession_n of_o the_o same_o as_o the_o lot_n of_o their_o inheritance_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n and_o the_o accomplish_n of_o this_o end_n i_o have_v have_v my_o portion_n of_o affliction_n among_o many_o other_o and_o i_o have_v suffer_v somewhat_o in_o body_n and_o spirit_n in_o my_o day_n if_o possible_o this_o may_v be_v obtain_v in_o the_o end_n to_o wit_n free_a open_a public_a and_o perfect_a liberty_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n in_o duty_n and_o worship_n to_o godward_o in_o and_o through_o the_o whole_a world_n this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o end_n of_o that_o long_o travel_a journey_n which_o once_o obtain_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n for_o all_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n suffer_v and_o endure_v in_o the_o way_n and_o save_v my_o hope_n and_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n concern_v this_o thing_n the_o heart_n will_v faint_v the_o spirit_n fail_v and_o the_o soul_n be_v weary_a and_o nothing_o can_v comfort_v my_o life_n thus_o it_o be_v not_o only_o with_o i_o but_o with_o many_o more_o like_a mind_a who_o be_v all_o traveller_n mourner_n and_o disconsolate_a till_o the_o lord_n appear_v bring_v with_o he_o perfect_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o all_o his_o people_n now_o oppress_v and_o impose_v upon_o with_o grievous_a burden_n of_o force_n and_o violence_n concern_v worship_n and_o duty_n to_o godward_o under_o which_o soul_n groan_v spirit_n grieve_v life_n mourn_v and_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v slay_v in_o all_o nation_n through_o the_o world_n and_o the_o soul_n spirit_n life_n and_o holy_a seed_n cry_v unto_o god_n day_n and_o night_n and_o be_v pour_v out_o before_o he_o how_o long_a lord_n how_o long_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v that_o person_n peoples_n and_o nation_n shall_v offer_v service_n obedience_n and_o worship_n to_o thou_o according_a to_o thy_o teach_v and_o as_o they_o be_v lead_v and_o persuade_v by_o thy_o spirit_n free_a service_n and_o worship_n and_o without_o force_n be_v that_o which_o god_n only_o accept_v and_o by_o which_o he_o be_v glorify_v it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o true_a worship_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n duty_n and_o service_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o free_a spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n in_o this_o only_o be_v he_o delight_v and_o all_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o concern_v which_o be_v by_o force_n through_o imposition_n be_v neither_o please_v to_o he_o nor_o save_v to_o the_o soul_n but_o abomination_n in_o his_o sight_n as_o iniquity_n which_o his_o soul_n hate_v and_o a_o vexation_n of_o guilt_n unto_o the_o righteous_a soul_n hence_o may_v it_o be_v say_v woe_n unto_o impose_v worship_n and_o service_n which_o be_v force_v by_o outward_a power_n it_o grieve_v and_o vex_v the_o god_n of_o
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
into_o wolf_n or_o wild_a beast_n and_o use_v fleshly_a weapon_n then_o will_v you_o exclude_v yourselves_o out_o of_o his_o call_n and_o forsake_v his_o banner_n and_o then_o will_v he_o not_o be_v your_o captain_n often_o do_v chrisostomus_n show_v how_o that_o the_o true_a christian_n may_v not_o put_v any_o heretic_n to_o death_n nor_o with_o violence_n force_v he_o to_o the_o faith_n manifest_v how_o it_o be_v against_o the_o scripture_n reason_n and_o equity_n that_o people_n shall_v put_v man_n to_o death_n because_o of_o their_o opinion_n or_o ignorance_n who_o otherwise_o be_v of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o conversation_n aug._n diligite_fw-la homines_fw-la interficite_fw-la errores_fw-la sine_fw-la sevitia_fw-la pro_fw-la veritate_fw-la certate_fw-la where_o have_v thou_o ever_o read_v in_o thy_o day_n say_v menno_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o christ_n or_o the_o apostle_n ever_o cry_v out_o to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o their_o power_n against_o they_o that_o will_v not_o hear_v their_o doctrine_n nor_o obey_v their_o word_n i_o know_v certain_o say_v he_o that_o where_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v banish_v with_o the_o sword_n there_o be_v not_o the_o right_a knowledge_n spiritual_a word_n nor_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v invocare_fw-la brachium_fw-la seculare_fw-la it_o be_v not_o christian-like_a but_o tyrannical_a say_v d._n philipsen_n to_o banish_v and_o persecute_v people_n about_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o they_o that_o so_o do_v be_v certain_o of_o the_o pharisaical_a generation_n to_o who_o stephen_n say_v you_o stiff-necked_a and_o uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o ear_n you_o do_v always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 7.51_o 52._o when_o a_o king_n or_o a_o prince_n give_v forth_o a_o law_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o murderer_n be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n than_o all_o the_o people_n that_o own_o and_o obey_v this_o law_n will_v do_v their_o best_a in_o help_v to_o put_v they_o death_n who_o they_o know_v assure_o to_o be_v murderer_n even_o so_o say_v a_o certain_a writer_n when_o the_o bishop_n presbyter_n or_o any_o other_o write_v or_o publish_v that_o people_n ought_v to_o put_v heretic_n to_o death_n then_o must_v it_o need_v follow_v say_v he_o that_o the_o papist_n shall_v do_v their_o best_a to_o put_v the_o protestant_n to_o death_n and_o the_o protestant_n the_o papist_n the_o episcopal_a man_n the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o presbyterian_o the_o episcopal_a man_n for_o every_o sect_n suppose_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o right_a believer_n and_o the_o rest_n they_o esteem_v to_o be_v heretic_n and_o then_o shall_v mannasseh_n with_o ephraim_n and_o ephraim_n with_o mannasseh_n rise_v up_o against_o the_o jew_n yet_o shall_v not_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v appease_v castellius_n testify_v how_o that_o some_o of_o the_o divine_n so_o call_v when_o they_o meddle_v with_o heretic_n they_o judge_v they_o all_o to_o be_v apostate_n false_a prophet_n and_o blasphemer_n to_o the_o end_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v the_o more_o vilify_v and_o oppress_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o which_o say_v he_o have_v be_v the_o manner_n of_o all_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n but_o who_o can_v produce_v a_o law_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o require_v heretic_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n it_o be_v true_a say_v he_o there_o be_v law_n against_o blasphemer_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o heretic_n be_v blasphemer_n for_o who_o will_v believe_v that_o all_o these_o who_o at_o this_o day_n be_v crll_v heretic_n be_v blasphemer_n and_o ungodly_a man_n who_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o believe_v the_o pope_n who_o judge_v the_o protestant_n to_o be_v blasphemer_n because_o they_o differ_v from_o he_o in_o point_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o therefore_o be_v blasphemer_n and_o that_o the_o baptist_n be_v blasphemer_n because_o they_o differ_v from_o he_o in_o their_o baptism_n aeontius_fw-la say_fw-la it_o can_v be_v that_o a_o heretic_n shall_v reject_v his_o error_n when_o he_o will_v except_o that_o some_o reason_n constrain_v he_o thereunto_o wherefore_o then_o say_v he_o do_v you_o trouble_v such_o a_o miserable_a man_n for_o to_o make_v he_o lie_v and_o to_o provoke_v he_o more_o and_o more_o to_o sin_n against_o the_o lord_n sure_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o invention_n of_o satan_n say_v he_o for_o to_o force_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o deny_v christ_n for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n further_n say_v he_o people_n must_v seek_v to_o conquer_v such_o man_n not_o through_o threaten_n but_o it_o must_v be_v through_o the_o power_n of_o certain_a testimony_n and_o live_a manifestation_n chap._n xi_o the_o pope_n counsel_n and_o entreaty_n the_o sad_a effect_n of_o cruel_a proclamation_n how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n to_o persecute_v under_o what_o pretence_n the_o true_a believer_n have_v suffer_v and_o how_o persecution_n can_v effect_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o it_o be_v intend_v heresy_n be_v a_o greek_a word_n and_o signify_v a_o sect_n or_o a_o opinion_n and_o they_o that_o do_v stiff-necked_o cleave_v unto_o evil_a sect_n be_v call_v by_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o latin_n pertinaces_fw-la and_o by_o we_o be_v they_o call_v heretic_n now_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o accuse_v a_o man_n of_o be_v a_o heretic_n and_o of_o retain_v opinion_n contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n but_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a thing_n sufficient_o to_o prove_v and_o manifest_v the_o same_o for_o all_o the_o martyr_n that_o have_v suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v accuse_v with_o be_v heretic_n even_o as_o the_o innocent_a lamb_n be_v of_o christ_n that_o suffer_v now_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n be_v accuse_v at_o this_o day_n pope_n paul_n the_o three_o counsel_v and_o entreat_v the_o emperor_n charles_n and_o king_n ferdinandus_n to_o compel_v the_o protestant_n to_o forsake_v their_o error_n anno_fw-la 1545._o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a suffer_v and_o sorrow_n say_v a_o certain_a wise_a man_n bring_v upon_o such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n than_o there_o may_v by_o compel_v they_o through_o punishment_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n or_o to_o leave_v off_o such_o a_o exercise_n as_o they_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o conscience_n be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n the_o history_n do_v show_v how_o that_o in_o the_o low-countries_n there_o be_v betwixt_o eighteen_o and_o nineteen_o thousand_o man_n put_v to_o death_n upon_o their_o resist_n of_o the_o inquisition_n be_v bring_v into_o those_o part_n moreover_o the_o chronicle_n testify_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o charles_n the_o emperor_n there_o be_v above_o fifty_o thousand_o man_n put_v to_o death_n by_o proclamation_n some_o proclamation_n do_v forbid_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n peoples_n hold_v any_o fellowship_n with_o they_o that_o flee_v or_o be_v banish_v about_o religion_n or_o of_o assist_v they_o with_o money_n or_o provision_n yea_o one_o be_v hang_v say_v the_o chronicle_n because_o he_o entertain_v his_o own_o son_n merck-tyck_a pag._n 77._o now_o if_o any_o emperor_n king_n prince_z or_o superior_n shall_v through_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o divine_n or_o clergy_n go_v the_o same_o way_n that_o this_o emperor_n charles_n go_v with_o his_o son_n king_n philip_n who_o be_v destroy_v with_o their_o land_n and_o people_n who_o may_v not_o so_o true_o as_o certain_o prophesy_v and_o warn_v such_o power_n who_o wilful_o take_v such_o a_o course_n say_v the_o author_n that_o they_o also_o will_v bring_v themselves_o with_o their_o land_n religion_n and_o subject_n to_o ruin_n m._n publ._n alienis_fw-la malis_fw-la cautior_fw-la seneca_n 21._o some_o be_v and_o have_v be_v of_o that_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o people_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o severe_o punish_v than_o heretic_n blasphemer_n and_o contemner_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o say_v erasmus_n be_v it_o a_o great_a transgression_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n than_o to_o be_v a_o murderer_n of_o father_n or_o mother_n etc._n etc._n but_o such_o thing_n shall_v the_o devil_n raise_v up_o against_o the_o gospel_n and_o oftentimes_o they_o be_v call_v heretic_n who_o do_v so_o little_o contemn_v religion_n that_o they_o will_v die_v for_o their_o religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o appear_v say_v he_o that_o they_o be_v no_o despiser_n of_o religion_n who_o be_v so_o give_v up_o to_o suffer_v for_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n likewise_o he_o appear_v to_o be_v free_a from_o blasphemy_n who_o will_v rather_o die_v than_o by_o embrace_v error_n will_v be_v free_v from_o death_n or_o persecution_n such_o appear_v to_o be_v free_a from_o blaspheme_v god_n willing_o and_o as_o concern_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n
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
they_o but_o through_o a_o godly_a zeal_n vide_fw-la exod._n 1.16_o 17_o 21._o consider_v how_o that_o the_o command_v of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v above_o the_o command_v of_o man_n obey_v your_o master_n say_v he_o but_o not_o against_o god_n to_o who_o you_o be_v more_o bind_v than_o unto_o man_n daniel_n keep_v himself_o innocent_a before_o god_n and_o the_o king_n notwithstanding_o his_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o king_n command_n concern_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o his_o religion_n dan._n 6.22_o but_o say_v some_o the_o power_n will_v not_o suffer_v this_o new_a doctrine_n i_o know_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v well_o suffer_v it_o where_o it_o fundamental_o manifest_v itself_o say_v vrbanus_n regnis_fw-la yet_o though_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o every_o true_a christian_a know_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o keep_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o may_v say_v he_o without_o contempt_n of_o authority_n let_v pass_v that_o worldly_a command_n and_o of_o this_o will_v the_o spiritual_a law_n admit_v for_o it_o do_v not_o become_v the_o emperor_n nor_o the_o king_n to_o determine_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o divine_a command_n nor_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o exangelical_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n truth_n and_o if_o that_o they_o command_v any_o evil_n then_o must_v we_o give_v they_o this_o answer_n we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n act_n 5.29_o but_o in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o against_o the_o command_n of_o god_n we_o will_v be_v subject_a yet_o when_o the_o emperor_n or_o king_n command_v one_o thing_n and_o god_n another_o and_o that_o we_o obey_v god_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n we_o desire_v herein_o to_o be_v excuse_v by_o the_o emperor_n and_o king_n if_o they_o threaten_v imprisonment_n for_o disobedience_n he_o threaten_v hell_n vide_fw-la his_o epistle_n of_o twofold_a righteousness_n fol._n 6_o 7._o anno_fw-la 1532._o chap._n xvi_o how_o it_o do_v not_o become_v the_o magistrate_n to_o force_v the_o conscience_n nor_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o what_o dangerous_a consequence_n it_o will_v be_v if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v proceed_v against_o heretic_n according_a to_o his_o own_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n castellius_n testify_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o other_o magistrate_n than_o christ_n alone_o and_o they_o that_o he_o not_o with_o the_o sword_n but_o with_o his_o word_n arm_v and_o send_v forth_o the_o ancient_a protestant_n testify_v how_o that_o the_o most_o of_o the_o old_a father_n affirm_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o meddle_v with_o the_o conscience_n to_o force_v and_o compel_v that_o to_o believe_v see_v that_o the_o temporal_a sword_n be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n to_o punish_v thief_n murderer_n and_o other_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n but_o as_o concern_v religion_n and_o that_o which_o pertain_v unto_o the_o soul_n the_o only_a spiritual_a sword_n the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v and_o ought_v herein_o to_o remedy_n separate_v the_o zeal_n and_o religion_n which_o do_v defend_v man_n from_o tumult_n and_o disturb_v of_o government_n neither_o do_v it_o belong_v to_o any_o man_n to_o ordain_v other_o law_n for_o punishment_n beside_o those_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o therefore_o be_v it_o so_o high_o forbid_v to_o add_v or_o diminish_v deut._n 4.2_o chap._n 12.32_o rev._n 22.18_o for_o no_o law_n but_o god_n bind_v the_o conscience_n merck-tyck_a pag._n 245._o moreover_o it_o have_v be_v former_o testify_v that_o they_o do_v very_o unchristian_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n introduce_v a_o new_a authority_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n isa._n 10.12_o psal._n 94.20_o 21._o acontius_n testify_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o office_n of_o a_o magistrate_n to_o be_v a_o judge_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o same_o to_o use_v his_o power_n violent_o and_o that_o in_o particular_a he_o shall_v do_v contrary_a to_o his_o office_n if_o that_o he_o use_v his_o power_n to_o please_v any_o man_n as_o that_o when_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o religion_n to_o some_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o draw_v out_o his_o sword_n against_o those_o who_o the_o other_o accuse_v as_o heretic_n or_o give_v the_o weapon_n into_o their_o hand_n now_o how_o guilty_a he_o that_o thus_o do_v will_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v you_o judge_v alcmerus_fw-la testify_v that_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o he_o alone_o shall_v judge_v of_o faith_n and_o unbelief_n therefore_o be_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o prince_n say_v he_o to_o judge_v any_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n while_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o manifest_a transgression_n of_o any_o know_v civil_a law_n as_o theft_n murder_n etc._n etc._n for_o they_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o body_n and_o not_o of_o the_o soul_n rel._n uriih_o 2_o deel_n pag._n 52._o through_o what_o impudence_n dare_v you_o judge_v they_o to_o death_n say_v castellius_n that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v teach_v you_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n of_o which_o you_o be_v most_o ignorant_a i_o believe_v you_o will_v say_v you_o do_v not_o these_o thing_n alone_o from_o your_o own_o judgement_n but_o through_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a who_o have_v teach_v you_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o put_v to_o death_n and_o very_o it_o be_v so_o say_v he_o for_o i_o see_v that_o your_o learned_a man_n do_v enjoin_v you_o not_o to_o put_v any_o to_o death_n about_o religion_n but_o according_a to_o their_o judgement_n w._n teelingh_n testify_v that_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v not_o to_o rest_v upon_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o thereupon_o to_o proceed_v be_v that_o the_o church_n may_v err_v and_o that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a follow_v de_fw-fr hevige_fw-fr end_n huestige_fw-fr kerckelijcbre_fw-fr luijden_n i._n e._n the_o vehement_a and_o hasty_a clergy_n in_o eubul_n 252.254_o 256_o folly_n the_o lord_n of_o pleffy_n refer_v the_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o politic_a magistrate_n nor_o not_o alone_o to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a clergy_n neither_o only_a to_o they_o both_o no_o but_o to_o all_o man_n vide_fw-la his_o trac_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 80_o 130_o 147._o experience_n have_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hurtful_a thing_n to_o compel_v all_o people_n to_o dance_v after_o the_o magistrate_n pipe_n say_v a_o certain_a writer_n for_o where_o it_o have_v be_v so_o oh_o what_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n thereof_o but_o most_o common_o a_o universal_a delusion_n of_o the_o subject_n with_o a_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o the_o true_a prophet_n for_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o man_n be_v never_o the_o best_a as_o also_o the_o great_a number_n of_o emperor_n and_o king_n be_v not_o very_o holy_a but_o often_o have_v show_v themselves_o say_v he_o to_o be_v very_o wicked_a merck-tyck_a pag._n 307._o the_o lord_n have_v express_o declare_v say_v one_o that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v no_o fit_a judge_n to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n and_o that_o the_o use_n of_o such_o jurisdiction_n be_v forbid_v he_o for_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n know_v a_o heretic_n but_o by_o know_v the_o cause_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v a_o heretic_n and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v so_o interpret_v the_o law_n as_o that_o he_o think_v those_o heretic_n may_v be_v forgive_v who_o have_v not_o endeavour_v to_o counsel_v other_o and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n who_o persevere_v in_o teach_v other_o and_o be_v resolve_v so_o to_o do_v shall_v man_n than_o be_v in_o safety_n and_o their_o credit_n and_o welfare_n preserve_v certain_o no_o for_o so_o often_o as_o the_o truth_n shall_v false_o be_v scandalize_v with_o the_o name_n of_o heresy_n through_o the_o order_n of_o the_o magistrate_n so_o often_o shall_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v thereby_o bring_v into_o suffer_v for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o who_o god_n have_v manifest_v his_o truth_n to_o hide_v their_o talon_n in_o the_o earth_n through_o silence_n and_o dissimulation_n vide_fw-la arg._n des_fw-fr sat._n lib._n 3._o pag._n 184._o idem_fw-la pag._n 94_o 95._o with_o what_o clear_a example_n can_v the_o magistrate_n be_v exhort_v not_o to_o depend_v upon_o any_o man_n judgement_n then_o that_o concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v so_o careless_o give_v over_o not_o only_o according_a to_o the_o
opposition_n defence_n or_o reply_n how_o can_v such_o clear_v themselves_o from_o be_v of_o those_o who_o will_v be_v holy_a than_o other_o and_o how_o can_v they_o reprove_v that_o great_a wickedness_n in_o the_o papist_n of_o cut_v out_o people_n tongue_n or_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o power_n of_o speak_v while_o they_o do_v the_o same_o though_o in_o another_o manner_n castel_n call_v chap._n 19_o with_o diligence_n do_v they_o hinder_v so_o much_o as_o they_o can_v any_o book_n be_v write_a or_o print_v against_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v make_v manifest_a and_o if_o they_o be_v print_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v sell_v but_o burn_v and_o moreover_o if_o any_o have_v they_o such_o be_v to_o be_v banish_v and_o esteem_v as_o heretic_n merck-tyck_a pag._n 315._o if_o that_o some_o have_v power_n according_a to_o their_o will_n say_v one_o all_o shall_v final_o be_v esteem_v and_o hold_v for_o blasphemer_n and_o heretic_n that_o reprove_v any_o divine_a of_o any_o error_n or_o that_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n chron._n vande_n rel._n uriih_o 223._o but_o say_v the_o duke_n of_o saexon_n it_o will_v tend_v to_o much_o praise_n if_o they_o by_o their_o do_n and_o authority_n do_v bring_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o this_o controversy_n may_v not_o be_v end_v with_o arm_n or_o weapon_n but_o that_o a_o orderly_a course_n may_v be_v maintain_v which_o will_v heal_v the_o sickness_n reconcile_v the_o church_n or_o people_n and_o do_v no_o violence_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o men._n vide_fw-la john_n sleid._n chron._n lib._n 10._o god_n mercy_n and_o judgement_n rational_o show_v to_o england_n hear_v o_o england_n and_o consider_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v in_o thou_o and_o suffer_v i_o a_o little_a to_o reason_n with_o thou_o thou_o choice_a of_o the_o nation_n and_o much_o renown_v among_o god_n people_n in_o thou_o have_v the_o light_n glory_n and_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n appear_v in_o thou_o have_v the_o standard_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v set_v up_o in_o thou_o have_v the_o acceptable_a day_n of_o salvation_n and_o deliverance_n be_v proclaim_v in_o thou_o have_v many_o prophet_n and_o handmaid_n be_v bring_v forth_o which_o have_v go_v out_o of_o thou_o into_o other_o nation_n and_o thou_o have_v be_v as_o a_o nursery_n unto_o they_o in_o thou_o have_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n be_v preach_v free_o both_o in_o thy_o steeple-house_n market_n highway_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n in_o thou_o have_v the_o way_n of_o life_n peace_n and_o everlasting_a salvation_n be_v make_v manifest_a yea_o in_o thou_o have_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n thy_o creator_n do_v many_o notable_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n and_o what_o will_v thou_o now_o undo_v thyself_o by_o resist_v the_o lord_n by_o rebel_a against_o he_o and_o by_o choose_v thy_o own_o way_n by_o fulfil_v thy_o own_o lust_n and_o by_o satisfy_v thy_o own_o desire_n by_o persecute_v and_o shameful_o entreat_v the_o servant_n and_o handmaid_n of_o the_o most_o high_a of_o which_o thing_n thou_o will_v not_o have_v become_v so_o high_o guilty_a have_v thou_o not_o rebel_v against_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v arisen_a in_o thou_o and_o resist_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o counsel_n which_o be_v break_v forth_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o many_o beside_o myself_o lament_v over_o thou_o and_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o have_v be_v fill_v with_o sorrow_n and_o heaviness_n by_o reason_n of_o thy_o degeneration_n and_o apostasy_n by_o reason_n of_o thy_o violence_n and_o cruelty_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o thy_o persecution_n and_o oppression_n oh_o alas_o for_o thou_o how_o shall_v thou_o avoid_v the_o wrath_n that_o be_v to_o come_v or_o escape_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o thy_o destruction_n will_v be_v of_o thyself_o and_o thy_o iniquity_n the_o cause_n of_o thy_o judgement_n but_o hear_v and_o consider_v and_o suffer_v i_o to_o reason_v a_o little_a with_o thou_o be_v thy_o king_n reduce_v out_o of_o his_o deplorable_a suffering_n in_o forragin_v part_n and_o peaceable_o introduce_v into_o thou_o to_o connive_v at_o the_o grievous_a suffer_v of_o the_o innocent_a in_o thou_o have_v thy_o parliament_n and_o council_n be_v break_v to_o piece_n and_o with_o contempt_n seclude_v to_o the_o end_n that_o other_o may_v come_v in_o to_o make_v act_n and_o law_n for_o the_o bind_v and_o force_v of_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o lord_n dear_a child_n be_v thy_o bishop_n reinstall_v to_o exercise_v lordship_n over_o god_n heritage_n and_o to_o augment_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o afflict_a in_o thou_o be_v thy_o judge_n and_o justice_n together_o with_o many_o inferior_a officer_n turn_v out_o of_o their_o place_n that_o other_o who_o be_v more_o debauch_a might_n come_v in_o to_o oppress_v and_o persecute_v the_o harmless_a more_o than_o heretofore_o in_o thou_o be_v thy_o high_a notional_a pretend_a gift_a priest_n eject_v that_o they_o that_o be_v more_o lewd_a and_o profane_a may_v be_v bring_v in_o yet_o great_a havoc_n and_o spoil_n to_o make_v of_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o their_o substance_n than_o their_o predecessor_n do_v in_o summa_fw-la be_v that_o notable_a overturning_a and_o remarkable_a change_n which_o of_o late_o happen_v in_o thou_o to_o this_o end_n or_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o to_o manifest_v the_o power_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o his_o wonderful_a work_n in_o thou_o that_o thy_o inhabitant_n may_v know_v that_o he_o alone_o will_v rule_v not_o alone_o in_o thou_o but_o in_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n moreover_o consider_v whether_o or_o no_o it_o have_v be_v for_o thy_o profit_n and_o honour_n to_o have_v so_o many_o of_o the_o lord_n servant_n and_o handmaid_n in_o thy_o goal_n dungeon_n and_o house_n of_o correction_n and_o so_o many_o drunkard_n and_o swearer_n cozenner_n and_o cheater_n at_o liberty_n in_o thy_o city_n town_n and_o village_n be_v it_o for_o thy_o honour_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o thy_o inhabitant_n soul_n that_o covetous_a and_o proud_a man_n yea_o such_o as_o god_n never_o send_v shall_v have_v their_o free_a liberty_n to_o preach_v in_o thou_o for_o their_o heir_n and_o that_o the_o true_a messenger_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o preach_v free_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o holes_n and_o dungeon_n thereby_o to_o silence_v they_o or_o to_o prevent_v they_o from_o spread_v god_n truth_n abroad_o in_o thou_o be_v it_o for_o thy_o profit_n and_o advantage_n that_o faithful_a and_o discreet_a merchant_n trusty_a and_o laborious_a tradesman_n diligent_a and_o expert_a mariner_n careful_a and_o industrious_a husbandman_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o their_o liberty_n about_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o thereby_o consequent_o obstruct_v from_o get_v a_o comfortable_a livelihood_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o family_n how_o think_v thou_o shall_v they_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v all_o the_o custom_n tax_n due_n right_n and_o assessment_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v require_v in_o thou_o of_o thy_o inhabitant_n how_o shall_v they_o possible_o discharge_v those_o i_o say_v if_o they_o do_v not_o enjoy_v their_o liberty_n and_o the_o privilege_n of_o freeborn_a englishman_n and_o if_o they_o thereby_o come_v to_o be_v impoverish_v what_o will_v their_o impoverishment_n enrich_v thou_o or_o who_o be_v there_o in_o thou_o that_o will_v willing_o relieve_v and_o maintain_v such_o if_o external_a poverty_n shall_v overtake_v they_o be_v it_o not_o therefore_o better_a for_o thou_o to_o let_v they_o enjoy_v their_o liberty_n notwithstanding_o their_o different_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n provide_v that_o they_o live_v peaceable_o in_o the_o kingdom_n that_o through_o diligence_n and_o industry_n they_o may_v win_v or_o gain_v their_o own_o bread_n though_o with_o the_o sweat_n of_o their_o brow_n that_o the_o land_n may_v so_o much_o the_o better_o yield_v her_o increase_n and_o that_o trade_n in_o thou_o may_v not_o decay_v to_o the_o impoverish_v of_o many_o more_o family_n who_o livelihood_n depend_v upon_o their_o trade_n which_o can_v scarce_o go_v well_o when_o the_o father_n or_o master_n of_o it_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o prison_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o couscience_n which_o thing_n i_o know_v will_v tend_v to_o the_o lay_n of_o thou_o waste_n and_o to_o the_o depopulate_v of_o thou_o even_o as_o many_o part_n of_o germany_n and_o other_o country_n have_v be_v lay_v waste_n and_o ruin_v which_o desolation_n have_v have_v its_o rise_n from_o such_o difference_n in_o part_n as_o seem_v to_o arise_v in_o thou_o which_o in_o process_n of_o time_n may_v produce_v the_o like_a effect_n if_o god_n in_o his_o mercy_n through_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n do_v not_o direct_v they_o though_o this_o brief_a hint_n which_o i_o signify_v hereof_o to_o thou_o may_v be_v little_o regard_v by_o thou_o yet_o when_o thou_o have_v feel_v the_o smart_n of_o it_o then_o may_v thou_o lament_v it_o as_o other_o place_n have_v do_v and_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v tell_v thou_o before_o it_o come_v upon_o thou_o and_o this_o shall_v i_o add_v further_a viz._n if_o thy_o land_n open_v her_o mouth_n to_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n after_o which_o it_o seem_v to_o thirst_v already_o then_o expect_v thou_o the_o come_n of_o the_o overflow_a scourge_n sudden_o which_o have_v be_v heavy_a upon_o other_o country_n who_o have_v pollute_v themselves_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n follower_n from_o which_o horrible_a thing_n the_o lord_n deliver_v thou_o though_o i_o be_o not_o within_o thy_o territory_n yet_o my_o spirit_n be_v present_a with_o the_o suffer_a seed_n in_o thy_o dominion_n for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o which_o my_o soul_n have_v often_o intercee_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o know_v assure_o that_o in_o true_a and_o entire_a love_n to_o thou_o have_v i_o lay_v these_o thing_n before_o thou_o for_o thy_o inhabitant_n my_o countryman_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n w._n c._n germany_n the_o 17_o of_o the_o 11_o month_n 1661._o but_o transcribe_v in_o amsterdam_n the_o second_o month_n 1662._o finis_fw-la