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 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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 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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
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 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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
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
every_o impartial_a reader_n who_o must_v and_o that_o every_o man_n for_o himself_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o what_o he_o read_v even_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o which_o this_o be_v single_o commit_v e._n b._n from_o my_o place_n of_o present_a restraint_n the_o 27_o day_n of_o the_o seven_o month_n 1662._o 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 chap._n i._n concern_v the_o christian_a religion_n how_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v plant_v establish_v nor_o defend_v by_o weapon_n nor_o by_o violence_n and_o how_o it_o do_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o force_n of_o conscience_n a_o certain_a chancellor_n speak_v before_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n at_o orleans_n in_o praise_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n say_v that_o those_o that_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v the_o same_o by_o weapon_n do_v against_o their_o call_v which_o be_v say_v he_o to_o suffer_v violence_n and_o not_o to_o do_v it_o herein_o differ_v we_o say_v chrisostomus_n from_o the_o heathen_a who_o do_v force_n and_o compel_v by_o violence_n but_o the_o christian_n they_o be_v patient_a and_o forbear_n neither_o have_v our_o religion_n have_v her_o beginning_n with_o weapon_n say_v he_o neither_o have_v it_o be_v maintain_v by_o weapon_n it_o be_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o persecute_v other_o to_o death_n about_o their_o religion_n but_o it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v their_o condition_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n themselves_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n moreover_o say_v he_o the_o shed_n of_o blood_n about_o religion_n be_v a_o evident_a token_n of_o antichrist_n relig._n uryl_n pag._n 192._o that_o religion_n which_o go_v about_o to_o set_v up_o a_o sect_n which_o seek_v not_o peace_n but_o speak_v against_o all_o and_o will_v suffer_v none_o equal_a with_o it_o but_o will_v be_v alone_a master_n and_o exercise_v lordship_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o other_o and_o with_o the_o civil_a power_n persecute_v those_o that_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n by_o shed_v their_o blood_n banish_v of_o they_o and_o spoil_v of_o their_o good_n or_o with_o war_n and_o fight_v establish_v their_o own_o such_o do_v thereby_o show_v that_o they_o be_v no_o right_a shepherd_n of_o the_o true_a christian_n but_o rather_o wolf_n caines_n ishmaelite_n and_o esauhites_n who_o hand_n be_v against_o all_o and_o every_o man_n hand_n against_o they_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v otherwise_o call_v the_o christian_a church_n say_v a_o certain_a writer_n have_v no_o earthly_a king_n no_o temporal_a magistrate_n nor_o governor_n for_o the_o lord_n alone_o be_v king_n in_o his_o kingdom_n as_o he_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n so_o he_o have_v commit_v that_o to_o none_o to_o govern._n this_o king_n govern_v with_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n here_o be_v none_o compel_v for_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a freedom_n and_o willingness_n there_o be_v no_o violence_n or_o contention_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o by_o the_o figure_n of_o solomon_n temple_n where_o no_o hammer_n no_o axe_n or_o iron_n instrument_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v but_o there_o be_v love_n and_o unity_n peace_n and_o mercy_n among_o all_o his_o child_n that_o be_v certain_a say_z one_o that_o all_o religion_n be_v vain_a without_o true_a godliness_n and_o it_o be_v little_a matter_n of_o what_o opinion_n any_o man_n be_v in_o different_a point_n of_o religion_n while_o he_o lead_v a_o ungodly_a life_n and_o through_o that_o doctaine_n which_o he_o profess_v be_v not_o better_v but_o bitter_v against_o his_o fellow_n christian_n and_o hate_v judge_v and_o persecute_v he_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v among_o they_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a the_o state_n of_o holland_n have_v confess_v that_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o government_n of_o a_o land_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o further_o they_o say_v that_o they_o abominate_v force_v of_o conscience_n otherwise_o then_o with_o good_a doctrine_n good_a work_n and_o entreaty_n a_o certain_a turkish_a ambassador_n complain_v to_o the_o king_n emmanuel_n of_o portugal_n of_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n for_o his_o compel_v by_o violence_n the_o moor_n in_o his_o dominion_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o religion_n say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a neither_o for_o the_o christian_n nor_o yet_o for_o the_o mahomet_n to_o compel_v any_o man_n so_o as_o that_o he_o shall_v forsake_v that_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o have_v be_v educate_v and_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v silent_a to_o see_v such_o thing_n to_o the_o injury_n and_o desolation_n of_o people_n in_o the_o general_n but_o must_v testify_v that_o it_o be_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n osorius_n declare_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o according_a to_o the_o law_n nor_o according_a to_o religion_n to_o compel_v the_o jew_n and_o moor_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o determine_v to_o restrain_v the_o free_a mind_n for_o he_o affirm_v it_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n neither_o aught_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v anno_fw-la 1455._o the_o turk_n write_v a_o letter_n to_o the_o pope_n calixtus_n the_o three_o wherein_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v a_o great_a prophet_n yet_o say_v he_o he_o have_v not_o command_v that_o any_o shall_v compel_v people_n by_o violence_n and_o weapon_n to_o believe_v his_o law_n haywardus_fw-la say_fw-la that_o the_o best_a writer_n of_o that_o time_n do_v agree_v in_o one_o opinion_n and_o with_o tertulliano_n lactantio_n cassiodoro_n josepho_n etc._n etc._n that_o people_n must_v inform_v man_n to_o embrace_v religion_n with_o reason_n and_o not_o compel_v they_o by_o violence_n i_o have_v for_o a_o long_a season_n determine_v say_v one_o of_o the_o king_n of_o france_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n which_o without_o peace_n say_v he_o i_o can_v do_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reform_v or_o convert_v people_n by_o violence_n i_o be_o king_n as_o a_o shepherd_n say_v he_o and_o will_v not_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o my_o sheep_n but_o will_v gather_v they_o through_o the_o mildness_n and_o goodness_n of_o a_o king_n and_o not_o through_o the_o power_n of_o tyranny_n and_o i_o will_v give_v they_o of_o the_o reform_a religion_n right_a liberty_n to_o live_v and_o dwell_v free_a without_o be_v examine_v perplex_a molest_a or_o compel_v to_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n for_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n etc._n etc._n vide_fw-la chron._n vande_n onderg_n 2._o deel_n page_n 1514._o and_o as_o concern_v the_o plant_n nourish_a and_o defend_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o upright_a and_o sincere_a teacher_n further_o say_v he_o it_o concern_v the_o magistrate_n to_o defend_v and_o protect_v the_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a people_n who_o be_v persecute_v rob_a prison_v and_o tyrannical_o use_v experience_n have_v sufficient_o manifest_v both_o in_o france_n germany_n bohemia_n and_o in_o the_o low-countries_n and_o elsewhere_o that_o to_o make_v war_n about_o religion_n or_o thereby_o to_o establish_v and_o defend_v it_o be_v a_o absolute_a perverse_a and_o destructive_a mean_n and_o that_o which_o be_v total_o against_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n yet_o notwithstanding_o some_o cry_v up_o weapon_n weapon_n but_o alas_o have_v we_o not_o see_v that_o weapon_n be_v stir_v up_o against_o weapon_n and_o what_o be_v this_o reconcile_a slaughter_n with_o slaughter_n and_o blood_n with_o blood_n but_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_a chap._n ii_o concern_v the_o true_a and_o false_a church_n the_o gospel_n and_o religion_n as_o also_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o carnal_a weapon_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n the_o church_n that_o be_v disperse_v through_o the_o world_n have_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n her_o head_n and_o be_v strengthen_v not_o with_o resist_v but_o with_o suffer_v and_o patience_n for_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o preach_v with_o sword_n and_o a_o arm_a hand_n but_o with_o exhortation_n and_o persuasion_n hist._n eccl._n lib._n 4_o chap._n 26._o barnardus_n say_v the_o church_n must_v not_o persecute_v as_o wolf_n but_o be_v persecute_v like_a as_o the_o sheep_n be_v of_o the_o wolf_n and_o in_o this_o calamity_n of_o the_o world_n they_o stand_v as_o palm-tree_n through_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o grow_v and_o increase_v so_o that_o some_o have_v esteem_v sanguis_fw-la martirum_fw-la est_fw-la
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
but_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o with_o prayer_n be_v they_o to_o resist_v the_o evil_a spirit_n and_o all_o its_o temptation_n and_o with_o long_o suffer_v learn_v to_o overcome_v they_o all_o the_o chronicle_n testify_v how_o that_o theodosius_n persecute_v no_o man_n neither_o do_v he_o constrain_v any_o to_o hold_v fellowship_n with_o he_o but_o permit_v every_o man_n to_o meet_v in_o his_o own_o house_n or_o at_o his_o own_o meeting_n and_o he_o be_v a_o very_a meek_a man_n do_v thereby_o to_o wit_n through_o meekness_n soon_o bring_v his_o subject_n to_o obedience_n than_o by_o war_n neither_o will_v he_o force_v the_o conscience_n of_o his_o subject_n relig._n uriih_o pag._n 6._o john_n taulerius_fw-la speak_v also_o much_o in_o his_o sermon_n book_n of_o the_o tribulation_n oppression_n and_o great_a suffer_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v to_o expect_v here_o but_o not_o that_o he_o shall_v cause_v any_o of_o they_o to_o suffer_v the_o burgemeesteren_n of_o amsterdam_n testify_v that_o no_o man_n have_v power_n to_o bind_v another_o man_n conscience_n let_v he_o be_v who_o he_o will_v say_v they_o for_o this_o power_n pertain_v only_o to_o god_n under_o who_o command_n and_o power_n the_o conscience_n be_v anno_fw-la 1617._o erasmus_n say_v that_o though_o they_o take_v our_o money_n and_o good_n they_o can_v therefore_o hurt_v our_o salvation_n they_o afflict_v we_o much_o with_o prison_n but_o they_o do_v not_o thereby_o separate_v we_o from_o god_n moreover_o the_o lord_n say_v if_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o one_o city_n fly_v unto_o another_o thereby_o do_v he_o teach_v say_v eras_n that_o persecute_v christian_n shall_v not_o expel_v weapon_n with_o weapon_n but_o rather_o fly_v before_o weapon_n for_o if_o peter_n be_v reprove_v because_o he_o draw_v his_o sword_n against_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a for_o his_o harmless_a lord_n wherefore_o then_o shall_v a_o christian_a man_n for_o the_o future_a revenge_n wrong_v with_o wrong_n when_o it_o be_v do_v unto_o he_o in_o de_fw-fr krijgdes_n urede_fw-la fol._n 63._o lactantius_n say_v we_o christian_n desire_v not_o that_o any_o man_n against_o his_o will_n shall_v serve_v our_o god_n who_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n neither_o be_v we_o likewise_o angry_a if_o he_o be_v not_o serve_v for_o we_o believe_v say_v he_o that_o his_o majesty_n may_v as_o well_o revenge_v their_o despising_n as_o he_o do_v the_o injury_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o suffer_v such_o shameful_a thing_n we_o keep_v silent_a refer_v vengeance_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v not_o like_v unto_o those_o who_o will_v be_v esteem_v defender_n of_o their_o god_n who_o be_v full_a of_o wrath_n against_o those_o that_o do_v not_o honour_v they_o rel._n uriih_o pag._n 17._o we_o be_v assure_v say_v cyprianus_n that_o they_o that_o persecute_v we_o shall_v not_o remain_v long_o unpunished_a and_o the_o great_a injury_n which_o they_o have_v do_v the_o more_o manifest_a revenge_n will_v come_v upon_o they_o though_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o ancient_a time_n yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o which_o of_o late_o have_v happen_v may_v serve_v for_o a_o sufficient_a warn_v to_o wit_n that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n say_v he_o so_o grievious_a and_o terrible_a a_o revenge_n be_v already_o come_v upon_o persecutor_n merula_n pag._n 214._o when_o cyprianus_n be_v threaten_v to_o be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o land_n except_o he_o will_v renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o reply_v to_o those_o that_o threaten_v he_o and_o say_v he_o that_o carry_v christ_n shut_v up_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o mind_n can_v be_v no_o exile_n or_o banish_a man_n for_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o afterward_o he_o be_v much_o urge_v by_o the_o governor_n to_o betray_v his_o brethren_n to_o which_o he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_n condescend_v and_o when_o the_o governor_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o emperor_n have_v forbid_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o meet_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n than_o he_o give_v the_o governor_n to_o understand_v that_o he_o be_v prepare_v to_o die_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n moreover_o say_v cyprianus_n have_v we_o not_o see_v that_o the_o martyr_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o look_v upon_o their_o torment_n with_o cruel_a eye_n neither_o do_v they_o threaten_v tyrant_n but_o be_v more_o sorrowful_a for_o their_o blindness_n than_o for_o their_o own_o suffer_v anno_fw-la 1567._o petrus_n viretus_fw-la say_fw-la that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o soon_o break_v the_o violence_n of_o tyranny_n than_o the_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o better_a mean_n to_o take_v away_o the_o sharpness_n of_o their_o sword_n say_v he_o and_o to_o quench_v and_o extinguish_v their_o fire_n than_o through_o faith_n constancy_n and_o prayer_n chap._n xv._n augustinus_n testimony_n how_o ambrose_n be_v threaten_v how_o private_a meeting_n can_v not_o be_v prevent_v by_o proclamation_n etc._n etc._n how_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o continue_v their_o meeting_n and_o how_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n more_o than_o the_o emperor_n or_o the_o king_n augustinus_n testify_v that_o when_o emperor_n be_v in_o error_n than_o do_v they_o make_v law_n for_o to_o defend_v error_n against_o the_o truth_n yet_o ambrose_n will_v not_o obey_v the_o emperor_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n and_o his_o command_n wherefore_o the_o emperor_n threaten_v that_o he_o will_v cut_v off_o his_o head_n then_o say_v ambrose_n i_o will_v suffer_v as_o a_o bishop_n do_v thou_o as_o become_v a_o executioner_n or_o hangman_n apoph_n fol._n 144._o the_o chronicle_n testify_v how_o that_o in_o time_n past_a private_a meeting_n can_v never_o be_v hinder_v through_o rigorous_a proclamation_n strict_a order_n and_o execution_n nor_o yet_o sect_n of_o sinister_a opinion_n but_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o they_o be_v forbid_v by_o order_n and_o persecute_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o they_o act_v against_o the_o order_n bor._n 111.6.91_o moreover_o it_o show_v how_o the_o martyr_n in_o tribulation_n be_v most_o accuse_v because_o they_o continue_v their_o meeting_n contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o king_n int_n martel_n lib._n 5._o pag._n 456._o this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a say_v a_o certain_a wise_a man_n that_o they_o continue_v their_o meeting_n together_o in_o the_o name_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o king_n prince_n and_o magistrate_n by_o their_o proclamation_n and_o order_n command_v the_o contrary_a for_o after_o the_o apostle_n through_o many_o peril_n of_o his_o life_n have_v preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o synagogue_n school_n and_o market_n and_o be_v resist_v by_o open_a violence_n and_o forbid_v to_o preach_v any_o more_o in_o that_o name_n he_o notwithstanding_o after_o that_o keep_v meeting_n in_o private_a house_n when_o he_o preach_v grotius_n testify_v how_o that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o that_o they_o that_o do_v cruel_o handle_v such_o as_o keep_v their_o meeting_n not_o to_o gormandise_v or_o play_v the_o glutton_n nor_o to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n but_o as_o school_n of_o virtue_n be_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o aught_o to_o be_v punish_v vide_fw-la grot._n lib._n 2._o pag._n 445._o the_o history_n show_v how_o that_o heretofore_o some_o say_v as_o other_o do_v now_o that_o new_a thing_n as_o new_a opinion_n etc._n etc._n be_v always_o to_o be_v fear_v especial_o great_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n but_o say_v the_o author_n man_n need_v not_o fear_v that_o doctrine_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o bring_n of_o people_n to_o piety_n and_o honesty_n neither_o need_v man_n be_v afraid_a of_o the_o meeting_n of_o honest_a peaceable_a people_n who_o seek_v not_o to_o keep_v themselves_o private_a except_o that_o they_o be_v thereunto_o constrain_v concern_v who_o i_o may_v say_v say_v he_o as_o augustus_n say_v concern_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o domineer_v nor_o to_o be_v excessive_a in_o eat_v and_o drink_v nor_o yet_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n etc._n etc._n anno_fw-la 1560._o in_o scotland_n it_o be_v decree_v and_o conclude_v that_o people_n shall_v in_o all_o thing_n obey_v the_o magistrate_n religion_n only_o except_v hist._n georg._n fol._n 697._o lucernus_fw-la say_fw-la he_o that_o command_v any_o thing_n wherewith_o he_o bind_v the_o conscience_n that_o be_v a_o antichrist_n ind_n bennse_fw-fr disp._n fol._n 71._o therefore_o say_v erasmus_n if_o that_o at_o any_o time_n evangelical_n godliness_n require_v that_o people_n must_v contemn_v their_o command_n that_o must_v be_v do_v with_o such_o moderation_n as_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v through_o any_o hate_n against_o