15._o for_o he_o be_v a_o choose_a vessel_n unto_o i_o to_o bear_v my_o name_n before_o the_o gentile_n and_o king_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n worthy_a to_o be_v noated_a to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v careful_o look_v unto_o ourselves_o that_o we_o take_v not_o upon_o we_o to_o judge_v of_o any_o man_n rash_o and_o before_o the_o time_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o the_o true_a mark_n thereof_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o company_n of_o all_o those_o who_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v to_o be_v of_o christ_n flock_n as_o indeed_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v amongst_o who_o notwithstanding_o many_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o seed_n whereof_o jesus_n christ_n make_v mention_v in_o the_o 13._o chapter_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o s._n matthew_n and_o by_o that_o which_o he_o say_v that_o all_o they_o which_o say_v unto_o he_o lord_n lord_n 20.16_o math._n 13.24_o matth._n 7.21_o matt._n 20.16_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n also_o that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v also_o by_o that_o saint_n paul_n say_v 9.6_o rom._n 9.6_o that_o all_o they_o which_o be_v of_o israel_n be_v not_o therefore_o israel_n and_o s._n john_n they_o go_v out_o from_o amongst_o we_o 2.19_o john_n 2.19_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v have_v continue_v with_o us._n we_o have_v a_o example_n hereof_o in_o judas_n as_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o witness_v the_o same_o in_o saint_n joh._n here_o then_o we_o have_v to_o mark_v this_o 6.70.13.18_o john_n 6.70.13.18_o that_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christian_n religion_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n furthermore_o this_o church_n be_v know_v by_o she_o own_o proper_a mark_n which_o be_v two_o very_o principal_a and_o substantial_a the_o first_o be_v the_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n with_o a_o right_n and_o common_a consent_n thereto_o there_o be_v never_o yet_o any_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o uphold_v maintain_v and_o point_v out_o by_o some_o doctrine_n so_o we_o see_v that_o the_o gentile_n have_v have_v their_o service_n hymn_n song_n &_o praise_n unto_o their_o god_n the_o jew_n have_v the_o bark_n or_o husk_n of_o the_o law_n and_o their_o own_o thalmude_n the_o turk_n have_v the_o alcoran_n of_o their_o mahumet_n and_o the_o heretic_n also_o boast_v themselves_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o be_v false_a sign_n or_o mark_n but_o the_o true_a church_n have_v for_o her_o first_o and_o principal_a mark_n the_o word_n of_o god_n pure_o preach_v to_o the_o which_o the_o church_n consent_v &_o conform_v herself_o as_o we_o prove_v it_o plain_o by_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n 10.27_o john_n 10.27_o jesus_n christ_n say_v my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o and_o saint_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n 2.20_o ephe._n 2.20_o you_o be_v say_v he_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o indeed_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o by_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o christ_n himself_o affirm_v 5.39_o john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n diligent_o for_o they_o be_v they_o which_o bear_v witness_v of_o i_o ought_v we_o not_o then_o by_o the_o same_o scripture_n to_o be_v guide_v and_o lead_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a and_o right_a church_n this_o matter_n the_o ancient_a father_n respect_v when_o they_o teach_v the_o the_o true_a church_n ought_v to_o show_v and_o declare_v itself_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o saint_n augustine_n say_v there_o be_v great_a disputation_n between_o we_o and_o the_o donatist_n 2._o contra_fw-la pitilia_fw-la cap._n 2._o to_o know_v where_o the_o church_n be_v what_o be_v then_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v herein_o shall_v we_o search_v it_o out_o in_o our_o own_o word_n or_o rather_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n thereof_o very_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o be_v truth_n and_o know_v very_o well_o his_o own_o body_n for_o the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o and_o again_o 166._o 2._o tim._n 2.19_o cont._n pitili_n cap._n 3._o aug._n epist_n 166._o i_o will_v not_o show_v or_o declare_v the_o church_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n also_o by_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o we_o have_v learned_a christ_n by_o the_o scripture_n likewise_o we_o have_v learn_v to_o know_v the_o church_n we_o have_v these_o scripture_n common_a amongst_o we_o wherefore_o then_o do_v we_o not_o retain_v and_o hold_v in_o they_o both_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o chrysostome_n say_v 24._o supr_fw-la matth._n exposit_n 2._o homil._n 49._o cap._n 24._o he_o that_o will_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n by_o what_o mean_a can_v he_o know_v it_o in_o such_o and_o so_o great_a a_o confusion_n of_o outward_a show_n if_o it_o be_v not_o only_o by_o the_o scripture_n 7._o lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr jacob_n cap._n 7._o saint_n ambrose_n say_v also_o the_o true_a and_o catholic_a church_n be_v there_o where_o god_n himself_o appear_v and_o speak_v to_o his_o servant_n by_o his_o own_o word_n the_o other_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o lawful_a administration_n of_o sacrament_n 11._o cont._n faustum_n manich._n lib._n 9_o cap._n 11._o saint_n augustine_n have_v sometime_o say_v that_o man_n can_v not_o unite_v or_o knit_v themselves_o together_o in_o any_o religion_n what_o so_o ever_o be_v it_o true_a or_o false_a but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o some_o sacrament_n or_o visible_a sign_n so_o the_o gentile_n have_v their_o sacrament_n and_o sacrifice_n the_o jew_n have_v circumcision_n and_o some_o other_o outward_a sign_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o the_o true_a church_n have_v for_o the_o second_o of_o her_o mark_n her_o own_o sacrament_n institute_v by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n thereof_o that_o be_v to_o say_v baptism_n and_o the_o holy_a supper_n and_o thereunto_o must_v be_v refer_v that_o which_o saint_n augustine_n say_v the_o lord_n have_v unite_v or_o knit_v together_o the_o new_a people_n that_o be_v 1._o ad_fw-la inquisit_a januar._n ca._n 1._o the_o people_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v few_o in_o number_n easy_a in_o observation_n and_o very_o great_a in_o signification_n to_o wit_n by_o baptism_n consecrate_v or_o administer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o by_o the_o communicate_v or_o partake_v of_o his_o body_n and_o of_o his_o blood_n beside_o saint_n paul_n do_v in_o like_a sort_n right_o teach_v we_o this_o when_o he_o say_v first_o of_o baptism_n 12.13_o 1._o cor._n 12.13_o that_o we_o be_v all_o baptise_a by_o one_o spirit_n into_o one_o body_n and_o afterward_o of_o the_o supper_n we_o that_o be_v many_o 10.17_o 1._o cor._n 10.17_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n because_o we_o all_o be_v partaker_n of_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o bread_n mean_v thereby_o that_o these_o two_o sacrament_n be_v in_o such_o sort_n the_o two_o common_a sign_n of_o the_o church_n that_o by_o the_o same_o we_o be_v visible_o gather_v together_o into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v there_o be_v account_v in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o household_n servant_n and_o contain_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n withal_o the_o faithful_a and_o by_o consequent_a draw_v take_v and_o separate_v from_o all_o other_o people_n &_o profane_a nation_n chap._n four_o whether_o these_o true_a mark_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o romish_a catholik_o these_o than_o be_v the_o two_o certain_a and_o infallible_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n by_o which_o man_n must_v examine_v all_o assembly_n that_o pretend_v the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o church_n lest_o otherwise_o they_o be_v seduce_v and_o deceive_v wherefore_o if_o a_o man_n will_v know_v whether_o the_o true_a church_n be_v among_o the_o romish_a catholic_n or_o no_o we_o need_v not_o have_v recourse_n to_o any_o other_o proof_n or_o touchstone_n then_o this_o only_a but_o it_o shall_v behoove_v we_o to_o hold_v and_o to_o keep_v in_o memory_n one_o foundation_n or_o sure_a ground_n to_o wit_n that_o these_o two_o mark_n must_v always_o be_v retain_v and_o keep_v in_o their_o purity_n without_o be_v any_o manner_n of_o way_n
a_o treaty_n of_o the_o church_n contain_v a_o true_a discourse_n to_o know_v the_o true_a church_n by_o and_o to_o discern_v it_o from_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o all_o other_o false_a assembly_n or_o counterfeit_a congregation_n write_a by_o m._n bertrande_fw-fr de_fw-fr loque_n of_o dolphinee_n and_o dedicate_v unto_o my_o lord_n the_o viscount_n of_o turenne_n and_o faithful_o translate_v out_o of_o french_a into_o english_a by_o t._n w._n imprint_v at_o london_n for_o richard_n langton_n dwell_v in_o swythins_n lane_n and_o there_o they_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v 1581._o the_o sum_n of_o the_o chapter_n contain_v in_o this_o present_a treatise_n touch_v the_o diverse_a signification_n and_o chapter_n 1_v take_n of_o this_o word_n church_n and_o how_o the_o church_n be_v common_o distinguish_v pag._n 1._o of_o the_o catholic_a and_o universal_a church_n which_o chapter_n 2_o be_v one_o although_o there_o be_v diverse_a particular_n thereof_o pag._n 7._o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o the_o true_a mark_n chapter_n 3_o thereof_o pag._n 14._o whether_o the_o true_a mark_n of_o the_o church_n be_v chapter_n 4_o to_o be_v find_v amongst_o the_o romish_a catholic_n pag._n 19_o of_o the_o call_n &_o succession_n of_o pastor_n pag._n 24._o chapter_n 5_o that_o the_o church_n have_v always_o be_v from_o the_o chapter_n 6_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v unto_o the_o end_n thereof_o but_o yet_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v regard_v or_o acknowledge_v for_o the_o great_a number_n sake_n pag._n 55._o that_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o chapter_n 7_o church_n and_o not_o saint_n peter_n neither_o any_o pope_n pag._n 68_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o true_a and_o chapter_n 8_o catholic_a church_n and_o whether_o we_o do_v well_o to_o withdraw_v and_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o it_o pag._n 102_o chapter_n 9_o touch_v the_o degree_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n where_o also_o speech_n be_v have_v of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o pope_n clergy_n and_o of_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o true_a pastor_n pag._n 128._o chapter_n 10_o whether_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v always_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n and_o how_o much_o man_n may_v attribute_v or_o give_v thereto_o pa._n 160._o chapter_n 11_o of_o the_o sanctity_n or_o holiness_n of_o the_o church_n page_n 184._o chapter_n 12_o whether_o the_o church_n may_v err_v pag._n 197._o chapter_n 13_o whether_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o be_v to_o say_v whether_o the_o holy_a scripture_n depend_v on_o the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 213._o chapter_n 14_o of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n pag_n 234._o chapter_n 15_o whether_o it_o helong_v to_o the_o church_n to_o make_v law_n and_o if_o she_o make_v some_o how_o far_o the_o faithful_a aught_o to_o obey_v she_o pag._n 258_o chapter_n 16_o concern_v the_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 274._o ¶_o to_o the_o most_o noble_a lord_n my_o lord_n henry_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr tour_n viscount_n of_o turenne_n county_n of_o monfort_n baron_n of_o mongacon_n oliergues_n bonsolz_n faith_n seruissac_n croc_n etc._n etc._n captain_n of_o five_o hundred_o man_n at_o arm_n of_o the_o king_n army_n my_o lord_n 30._o lactan._n lib._n 4._o de_fw-la vera_fw-la sapient_a cap._n 30._o lactantius_n have_v very_o proper_o and_o fit_o call_v the_o church_n the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n the_o house_n and_o dwell_a place_n of_o faith_n &_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n adjoin_v withal_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o which_o enter_v not_o into_o this_o temple_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o go_v out_o thereof_o he_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o life_n and_o from_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o even_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o universal_a flood_n none_o can_v be_v save_v which_o be_v out_o of_o noah_n his_o ark_n 23._o genesis_n 7.20_o 23._o so_o without_o the_o church_n there_o be_v neither_o hope_n nor_o faith_n nor_o grace_n nor_o salvation_n which_o thing_n also_o the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n do_v very_o well_o declare_v and_o mean_v when_o be_v purpose_v to_o excommunicate_v some_o and_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n 20_o 2._o cor._n 5._o 3.5_o 1._o tim._n 1._o 20_o he_o say_v he_o must_v deliver_v they_o unto_o satan_n for_o as_o jesus_n christ_n reign_v in_o the_o church_n so_o satan_n reign_v without_o the_o same_o and_o as_o they_o which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n have_v jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o head_n be_v in_o very_o good_a state_n &_o bless_a so_o they_o which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o devil_n for_o thejr_a head_n can_v but_o be_v wicked_a and_o accurse_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v both_o in_o isaiah_n &_o in_o joel_n that_o in_o zion_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n there_o shall_v be_v salvation_n 2.32_o isaiah_n 46.13_o joel._n 2.32_o there_o be_v mean_v by_o zion_n and_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o also_o by_o the_o word_n heaven_n there_o be_v mean_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o apocalips_n when_o s._n john_n say_v i_o hear_v a_o great_a &_o loud_a voice_n 12.10_o reve._n 12.10_o say_v now_o be_v salvation_n in_o heaven_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o read_v that_o when_o god_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v utter_o root_v out_o some_o from_o the_o heavenly_a life_n he_o denounce_v against_o they_o and_o threaten_v 9_o ezech._n 13._o 9_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o council_n &_o assembly_n of_o his_o people_n neither_o write_v in_o the_o role_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o david_n very_o well_o know_v and_o feel_v this_o when_o sometime_o be_v in_o exile_n all_o grief_n and_o adversity_n be_v unto_o he_o tolerable_a and_o as_o a_o man_n will_v say_v easy_a to_o bear_v except_v this_o that_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o and_o want_v the_o solemn_a assembly_n wherein_o man_n make_v public_a declaration_n and_o protestation_n of_o god_n religion_n and_o service_n wherefore_o bewail_v his_o condition_n because_o he_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o visible_a church_n he_o be_v also_o shut_v out_o from_o access_n or_o come_n to_o the_o tabernacle_n by_o the_o cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n of_o his_o enemy_n he_o cry_v out_o earnest_o and_o say_v 84.1.2.4.10_o psalm_n 84.1.2.4.10_o o_o lord_n of_o host_n how_o amiable_a be_v thy_o tabernacle_n my_o soul_n long_v yea_o &_o faint_v for_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o flesh_n leap_v for_o joy_n in_o the_o live_a god_n and_o a_o little_a after_o bless_a be_v they_o which_o dwell_v in_o thy_o house_n they_o will_v ever_o praise_v thou_o for_o a_o day_n in_o thy_o court_n be_v better_o than_o a_o thousand_o other_o where_o i_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o door_n keeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n then_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o thereby_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o man_n which_o bestow_v their_o life_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v but_o a_o day_n long_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o church_n and_o among_o faithful_a people_n be_v far_o more_o bless_v than_o they_o who_o live_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o long_o out_o of_o god_n house_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o out_o of_o who_o company_n their_o religion_n be_v banish_v to_o which_o purpose_n also_o belong_v that_o 27.4_o psalm_n 27.4_o which_o the_o same_o prophet_n sing_v a_o other_o psalm_n one_o thing_n have_v i_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o will_v require_v even_o that_o i_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o visit_v his_o temple_n 106.45_o psal_n 106.45_o and_o again_o when_o he_o say_v remember_v or_o have_v mercy_n on_o i_o o_o lord_n with_o the_o favour_n and_o good_a will_n of_o the_o people_n and_o visit_v i_o with_o thy_o salvation_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o thy_o choose_a once_o &_o rejoice_v in_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o people_n and_o glory_n with_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o for_o this_o very_a cause_n and_o occasion_n 11.24.25_o heb._n 11.24.25_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n commend_v and_o praise_v moses_n when_o he_o say_v that_o by_o faith_n he_o be_v come_v to_o age_n refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n his_o daughter_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v adversity_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n then_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o short_a season_n wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v that_o god_n shall_v govern_v we_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o end_n to_o make_v we_o enjoy_v and_o possess_v
and_o lawful_a succession_n of_o the_o chair_n or_o place_n be_v on_o our_o side_n for_o there_o the_o ordinary_a bishop_n have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o preach_v it_o so_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o dispute_v of_o their_o vocation_n no_o more_o then_o for_o the_o call_n of_o the_o priest_n which_o be_v at_o this_o present_a in_o the_o romish_a church_n call_v by_o the_o pope_n but_o even_o only_o of_o their_o doctrine_n chap._n vi_o that_o the_o church_n have_v be_v always_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v now_o and_o shall_v be_v even_o unto_o the_o world_n end_n but_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v or_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o great_a number_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o the_o church_n have_v her_o beginning_n where_o the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n throughout_o all_o the_o world_n at_o which_o time_n the_o disciple_n be_v first_o name_v christian_n in_o antiochia_n but_o that_o she_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n even_o from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n adam_n and_o hevah_n for_o in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o god_n begin_v to_o be_v serve_v on_o the_o earth_n have_v bless_v they_o and_o commend_v unto_o they_o his_o service_n and_o after_o their_o fall_n have_v preach_v unto_o they_o repentance_n and_o assurance_n of_o victory_n against_o the_o serpent_n through_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n but_o the_o world_n increase_v the_o church_n also_o be_v augment_v serve_v god_n for_o as_o s._n paul_n say_v god_n create_v the_o world_n 17.26_o act._n 17.26_o &_o have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o man_n that_o they_o may_v seek_v and_o serve_v he_o and_o he_o himself_o say_v in_o isaiah_n this_o people_n have_v i_o form_v for_o myself_o 43.21_o isai_n 43.21_o they_o shall_v rehearse_v and_o show_v forth_o my_o praise_n god_n then_o create_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o from_o the_o beginning_n a_o church_n through_o free_a adoption_n to_o this_o end_n that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v due_o praise_v by_o convenient_a fit_a and_o meet_v witness_n for_o so_o excellent_a a_o work_n for_o this_o cause_n also_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o plant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v 61.3_o isai_n 61.3_o isaiah_n 61.3_o moreover_o this_o church_n notwithstanding_o the_o sharp_a and_o hard_a persecution_n which_o it_o have_v suffer_v have_v not_o yet_o cease_v always_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o present_a and_o shall_v be_v unto_o the_o world_n end_n for_o as_o david_n say_v the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n etc._n psa_fw-la 132.13_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o church_n and_o have_v desire_v it_o for_o his_o seat_n it_o have_v be_v say_v he_o my_o rest_n for_o ever_o 28.20_o matt._n 28.20_o jesus_n christ_n also_o have_v promise_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v with_o they_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o chief_o saint_n paul_n have_v declare_v and_o set_v out_o the_o perpetuity_n and_o continuance_n of_o the_o church_n when_o he_o assure_v we_o 3.21_o ephes_n 3.21_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o church_n through_o jesus_n christ_n throughout_o all_o generation_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o they_o then_o be_v overmuch_o past_a shame_n which_o limit_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o church_n to_o a_o certain_a time_n as_o those_o of_o who_o saint_n augustine_n speak_v 54_o august_n de_fw-fr civitat_fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n 18._o ca._n 54_o who_o dare_v bold_o affirm_v that_o the_o christian_n religion_n shall_v not_o last_v but_o 365._o year_n they_o likewise_o do_v abuse_n and_o deceive_v themselves_o which_o think_v that_o by_o the_o assault_n which_o they_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n they_o be_v able_a to_o beat_v it_o down_o consume_v it_o &_o whole_o take_v it_o away_o out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v without_o a_o church_n etc._n psal_n 100.1_o etc._n etc._n have_v not_o he_o himself_o promise_v that_o his_o son_n shall_v reign_v and_o bear_v rule_n for_o ever_o over_o all_o his_o enemy_n very_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o spouse_n or_o wife_n of_o christ_n be_v become_v or_o make_v so_o mighty_a and_o strong_a through_o her_o husband_n that_o be_v even_o one_o body_n with_o he_o she_o be_v more_o forcible_a and_o mighty_a in_o her_o weakness_n than_o all_o the_o world_n in_o his_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n but_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v once_o heretofore_o we_o will_v hereafter_o speak_v more_o ample_o and_o large_o of_o the_o church_n force_n and_o power_n in_o persecution_n to_o be_v short_a amongst_o so_o many_a and_o so_o diverse_a change_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n god_n always_o preserve_v his_o church_n and_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o nothing_o in_o all_o the_o world_n be_v durable_a and_o perpetual_a but_o she_o not_o that_o she_o be_v always_o flourish_v or_o have_v a_o continuance_n which_o follow_v all_o by_o one_o thread_n that_o be_v come_v altogether_o but_o because_o that_o god_n not_o mind_v that_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o in_o the_o world_n do_v always_o in_o his_o church_n raise_v up_o some_o of_o who_o he_o be_v sincere_o and_o pure_o serve_v now_o when_o the_o question_n be_v to_o discern_v the_o true_a church_n from_o the_o false_a some_o there_o be_v that_o stay_n themselves_o upon_o the_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n but_o they_o be_v very_o far_o from_o their_o right_a reckon_n or_o account_n for_o god_n measure_v not_o his_o church_n by_o the_o number_n 18.20_o matt._n 18.20_o he_o love_v his_o faithful_a people_n &_o keep_v himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o although_o they_o be_v a_o very_a small_a number_n on_o the_o otherside_n he_o hate_v those_o that_o do_v despise_v it_o and_o disdain_v they_o though_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o indeed_o on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n the_o false_a and_o bastardly_a church_n be_v rather_o find_v than_o the_o true_a and_o lawful_a one_o and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o let_v we_o first_o mark_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o multitude_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o stay_v and_o cleave_v to_o the_o little_a flock_n 23.2_o exod._n 23.2_o thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a neither_o agree_v in_o a_o controversy_n to_o decline_v after_o many_o and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n 7.13.14_o matth._n 7.13.14_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n for_o it_o be_v the_o wide_a gate_n and_o broad_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o destruction_n &_o many_o there_o be_v which_o go_v in_o thereat_o because_o the_o gate_n be_v straight_o and_o the_o way_n narrow_a that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o fear_v not_o little_a flock_n 12.32_o luk._n 12.32_o for_o it_o be_v your_o father_n pleasure_n to_o give_v you_o a_o kingdom_n we_o see_v by_o these_o place_n that_o the_o great_a number_n be_v not_o always_o the_o best_a neither_o the_o sound_a and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v find_v rather_o amongst_o the_o small_a number_n then_o among_o the_o multitude_n second_o let_v we_o note_v the_o reason_n follow_v which_o be_v take_v from_o example_n that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n touch_v this_o very_a matter_n on_o which_o side_n be_v the_o church_n 11.7_o gene._n 7.1_o heb._n 11.7_o when_o noah_n alone_o with_o his_o little_a family_n which_o be_v not_o in_o all_o but_o eight_o person_n follow_v the_o true_a religion_n god_n approve_v he_o &_o by_o his_o faith_n condemn_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n on_o which_o side_n be_v the_o church_n 19.10_o 1._o kin._n 19.10_o when_o elijah_n say_v o_o lord_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v forsake_v thy_o covenant_n they_o have_v destroy_v thy_o altar_n and_o slay_v thy_o prophet_n with_o the_o sword_n and_o i_o be_o leave_v altogether_o alone_o and_o yet_o they_o seek_v my_o soul_n to_o take_v it_o away_o on_o which_o side_n be_v the_o church_n when_o the_o four_o hundred_o prophet_n deceive_v ahab_n 22.8_o â—_o king_n 22.8_o and_o michaiah_n be_v alone_o and_o contemn_a do_v yet_o notwithstanding_o resist_v they_o and_o speak_v the_o truth_n on_o which_o side_n be_v the_o church_n when_o jeremiah_n be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o say_v 4.9_o jere._n 4.9_o in_o that_o day_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o king_n shall_v perish_v and_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o of_o the_o priest_n shall_v be_v astonish_v 10.18_o jere._n 10.18_o and_o the_o prophet_n shall_v wonder_v and_o that_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n resist_v he_o lay_v crime_n unto_o his_o charge_n and_o imagine_a mischief_n against_o he_o on_o which_o side_n be_v the_o church_n when_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n 26.3_o
for_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v spread_v abroad_o all_o the_o doctrine_n with_o their_o blood_n where_o saint_n peter_n suffer_v such_o a_o death_n as_o the_o lord_n himself_o do_v where_o paul_n be_v crown_v with_o martyrdom_n where_o john_n the_o apostle_n be_v put_v into_o burn_v or_o flame_a oil_n &_o yet_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o same_o without_o any_o hurt_n or_o blister_n and_o afterwards_o send_v into_o exile_n let_v we_o look_v upon_o that_o which_o she_o learn_v and_o that_o which_o she_o teach_v and_o what_o concord_n and_o agreement_n she_o have_v have_v with_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n she_o have_v acknowledge_v confess_v and_o allow_v one_o only_a god_n the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n &_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n marie_n she_o have_v believe_v also_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh_n she_o have_v receive_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n with_o the_o write_n as_o well_o of_o the_o evangelist_n as_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o thence_o she_o draw_v or_o fetch_v faith_n she_o mark_v she_o with_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o she_o clothe_v they_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n she_o nourish_v they_o with_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n she_o exhort_v by_o martrydome_n and_o she_o receive_v not_o any_o person_n against_o such_o instruction_n behold_v tertullian_n his_o word_n wherefore_o we_o have_v not_o forsake_v this_o ancient_a church_n of_o rome_n but_o the_o new_a and_o particular_a romish_a church_n which_o since_o have_v lift_v up_o herself_o which_o advouch_v the_o pope_n for_o her_o head_n and_o allow_v he_o for_o the_o vicar_n of_o jesus_n christ_n on_o earth_n which_o worship_v he_o and_o obey_v his_o law_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god._n for_o she_o have_v degenerate_v and_o go_v out_o of_o kind_n and_o have_v lose_v all_o her_o authority_n even_o as_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o say_a church_n have_v sometime_o foretell_v write_v to_o saint_n cyprian_n say_v 1.8_o cyprian_a lib._n 2._o epist_n 7._o rom._n 1.8_o that_o the_o praise_n that_o saint_n paul_n give_v to_o that_o church_n to_o wit_n that_o their_o faith_n be_v spread_v abroad_o and_o publish_v throughout_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v turn_v to_o their_o shame_n &_o dispraise_v if_o they_o go_v out_o of_o kind_n &_o become_v bastard_n and_o if_o they_o continue_v not_o to_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o departure_n from_o she_o we_o have_v declare_v the_o obedience_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o god_n who_o have_v command_v we_o to_o do_v so_o say_v go_v out_o of_o babylon_n my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o counsel_n of_o saint_n ambrose_n who_o say_v if_o there_o be_v any_o church_n which_o refuse_v the_o faith_n and_o keep_v not_o the_o foundation_n or_o groundworke_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v we_o must_v leave_v she_o lest_o she_o bring_v with_o her_o the_o infection_n of_o error_n and_o unbelief_n this_o he_o have_v write_v upon_o the_o nine_o chapter_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o saint_n luke_n but_o some_o will_v say_v you_o account_v the_o reform_a church_n of_o germany_n for_o the_o true_a church_n though_o you_o find_v there_o many_o thing_n to_o be_v amend_v as_o concern_v the_o supper_n itself_o and_o some_o other_o ceremony_n why_o they_o make_v you_o not_o the_o like_a account_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o answer_n that_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o there_o be_v some_o controversy_n between_o the_o german_n and_o we_o touch_v some_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o essential_a or_o substantial_a point_n thereof_o i_o call_v they_o essential_a or_o substantial_a point_n that_o be_v so_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n that_o if_o man_n err_v in_o one_o point_n the_o same_o can_v subsiste_v or_o stand_v for_o even_o in_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o holy_a supper_n we_o all_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o difference_n be_v not_o but_o in_o that_o consubstantiation_n which_o they_o maintain_v which_o be_v not_o of_o such_o great_a importance_n and_o weight_n as_o transubstantiation_n which_o the_o romish_n pretend_v which_o even_o in_o that_o one_o point_n overthrow_v and_o utter_o bring_v to_o nothing_o godliness_n put_v a_o idol_n of_o bread_n in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n &_o make_v of_o the_o creature_n a_o creator_n &_o a_o christ_n subject_n to_o corruption_n rase_v from_o the_o foundation_n &_o turn_v topsy_n turuie_o as_o we_o say_v that_o which_o concern_v the_o propriety_n the_o nature_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o body_n all_o which_o abomination_n and_o idolatry_n the_o german_n that_o be_v reform_v do_v detest_v and_o set_v themselves_o against_o as_o well_o as_o we_o but_o if_o some_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v divorce_n as_o it_o be_v and_o separation_n between_o the_o german_n and_o we_o will_v allege_v that_o the_o foresay_a german_n have_v not_o the_o like_a opinion_n of_o we_o that_o we_o have_v of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o hold_v and_o account_v we_o for_o heretic_n as_o may_v be_v see_v and_o prove_v by_o certain_a write_n which_o they_o have_v set_v abroad_o and_o publish_v we_o answer_v that_o the_o passion_n affection_n and_o heat_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n who_o have_v write_v somewhat_o more_o free_o they_o they_o shall_v ought_v not_o so_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o esteem_v that_o theruppon_o they_o will_v make_v a_o general_a conclusion_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o so_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o division_n between_o all_o they_o and_o us._n for_o albeit_o there_o be_v some_o diversity_n between_o they_o &_o we_o in_o this_o point_n touch_v the_o supper_n and_o in_o some_o certain_a ceremony_n yet_o unity_n do_v not_o therefore_o cease_v to_o continue_v and_o remain_v always_o amongst_o us._n 22._o socrat._n lib._n 5_o cap._n 22._o socrates_n who_o write_v the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n say_v thus_o there_o be_v not_o any_o religion_n which_o observe_v the_o same_o ceremony_n though_o it_o do_v receive_v and_o admit_v one_o and_o the_o self_n doctrine_n touch_v ceremony_n and_o indeed_o they_o which_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n sometime_o differ_v amongst_o themselves_o touch_v some_o ceremony_n and_o observation_n irenaeus_n write_v to_o victor_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n 26._o euseb_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 26._o rehearse_v that_o there_o be_v great_a diversity_n in_o the_o church_n touch_v fast_v and_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o easter_n afterward_o he_o add_v notwithstanding_o though_o there_o be_v diversity_n amongst_o all_o these_o touch_v ceremony_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v that_o they_o do_v always_o agree_v with_o we_o and_o the_o discord_n or_o difference_n about_o fast_v do_v not_o break_v the_o concord_n or_o unity_n of_o faith_n so_o then_o follow_v these_o place_n we_o affirm_v that_o we_o leave_v not_o of_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o company_n of_o the_o reform_a german_n for_o the_o true_a church_n although_o that_o we_o be_v not_o in_o every_o point_n and_o thorough_o agree_v with_o they_o touch_v some_o matter_n consider_v in_o the_o supper_n and_o some_o ceremony_n observe_v amongst_o they_o and_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n teach_v we_o this_o as_o saint_n paul_n have_v give_v we_o a_o good_a example_n thereof_o 1.2_o 1._o cor._n 1.2_o 2._o cor._n 1.1_o galat._n 1.2_o when_o he_o call_v the_o corinthian_n and_o the_o galathian_o saint_n and_o faithful_a one_o and_o give_v unto_o they_o in_o general_a the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n although_o there_o be_v amongst_o they_o great_a and_o grievous_a fault_n as_o well_o in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n as_o in_o their_o own_o life_n and_o manner_n this_o be_v that_o also_o which_o he_o have_v set_v forth_o in_o a_o other_o place_n say_v that_o all_o they_o which_o hold_v and_o keep_v the_o foundation_n do_v not_o always_o build_v gold_n and_o silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n but_o hay_n &_o stubble_n but_o some_o say_v why_o follow_v you_o not_o the_o same_o rule_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o answer_v that_o in_o the_o ceremony_n &_o service_n of_o the_o romishe_a church_n the_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o there_o observe_v &_o keep_v but_o the_o whole_a service_n of_o god_n be_v amongst_o they_o corrupt_v and_o falsify_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o with_o out_o offend_a god_n apply_v or_o frame_v ourselves_o unto_o they_o and_o saint_n augustine_n have_v give_v we_o this_o lesson_n teach_v we_o how_o far_o we_o may_v communicate_v in_o the_o ceremony_n and_o service_n of_o other_o church_n januarium_fw-la
may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n 2.14_o 2._o cor._n 2.14_o also_o that_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v spiritual_o discern_v that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o the_o efficacy_n move_v and_o work_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n wherefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n teach_v we_o and_o make_v we_o to_o discern_v between_o these_o book_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v without_o gainsay_v and_o the_o other_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o reject_v and_o refuse_v some_o perhaps_o will_v say_v that_o this_o article_n or_o point_n be_v dangerous_a because_o that_o heretic_n oftentimes_o brag_v that_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v not_o indeed_o and_o we_o know_v how_o they_o have_v always_o endeavour_v to_o make_v their_o doctrine_n of_o authority_n and_o credit_n through_o their_o inward_a revelation_n which_o they_o have_v imagine_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o we_o can_v easy_o answer_v this_o to_o wit_n that_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o can_v easy_o avoid_v all_o danger_n if_o we_o use_v and_o follow_v the_o remedy_n which_o s._n john_n do_v furnish_v we_o withal_o when_o he_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n 4.1_o 1._o joh._n 4.1_o but_o to_o try_v and_o prove_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no._n and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o mean_a and_o way_n of_o this_o trial_n and_o examination_n even_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o we_o see_v that_o thereby_o the_o man_n of_o berea_n 17.11_o act._n 17.11_o do_v prove_v s._n paul_n his_o spirit_n and_o doctrine_n and_o to_o this_o mean_a do_v chrysostome_n send_v we_o when_o he_o say_v thus_o many_o boast_n of_o the_o spirit_n spiritu_fw-la chrysost_n de_fw-fr sanct_n &_o adorand_n spiritu_fw-la but_o they_o which_o bring_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o do_v false_o pretend_v the_o same_o as_o christ_n witness_v that_o he_o speak_v not_o of_o himself_o because_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n in_o like_a manner_n if_o any_o under_o the_o title_n and_o name_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v bring_v unto_o we_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n let_v we_o not_o believe_v it_o for_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o accomplishment_n and_o fulfil_v of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n so_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o how_o can_v we_o by_o this_o way_n or_o mean_v discern_v and_o know_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o say_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o shall_v propound_v and_o set_v forth_o unto_o we_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o no_o after_o two_o sort_n or_o by_o two_o mean_n you_o shall_v know_v this_o first_o if_o it_o tend_v to_o this_o end_n to_o exalt_v establish_v and_o set_v up_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 7.18_o joh._n 7.18_o for_o as_o jesus_n christ_n say_v he_o that_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v true_a and_o no_o unrighteousness_n be_v in_o he_o second_o if_o it_o be_v conformable_a and_o agreeable_a 12.6_o rom._n 12.6_o to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o it_o agree_v and_o accord_v well_o with_o the_o head_n &_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v more_o large_o heretofore_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n the_o second_o thing_n that_o i_o answer_v touch_v the_o foresay_a reason_n of_o the_o romish_a catholic_n be_v that_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o be_v not_o necessary_a neither_o well_o ground_v when_o they_o say_v that_o the_o church_n yield_v testimony_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v commend_v the_o same_o unto_o we_o that_o therefore_o the_o certainty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n &_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o we_o have_v but_o a_o little_a while_n ago_o allege_v out_o of_o alfonsus_n de_fw-fr castro_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a not_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o church_n which_o bear_v witness_n thereof_o but_o because_o of_o itself_o and_o his_o own_o credit_n the_o apostle_n yield_v testimony_n 1.8_o joh._n 15.17_o act._n 1.8_o and_o bare_a witness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v therefore_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n his_o authority_n do_v depend_v of_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o goldsmith_n tri_v the_o gold_n and_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o pure_a and_o that_o which_o be_v naughty_a mettle_n but_o do_v he_o therefore_o by_o his_o trial_n and_o proof_n make_v that_o the_o gold_n be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n a_o parliament_n receive_v some_o edict_n or_o law_n which_o come_v from_o the_o king_n that_o it_o may_v be_v publish_v and_o proclaim_v inquirie_n be_v diligent_o make_v whether_o it_o come_v from_o the_o king_n or_o no_o afterwards_o all_o know_v that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o king_n what_o do_v the_o parliament_n then_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o allow_v the_o edict_n that_o it_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o that_o it_o bear_v witness_v to_o it_o and_o commend_v and_o set_v out_o the_o same_o yea_o and_o if_o need_v be_v interprete_v it_o according_a to_o the_o king_n intent_n and_o meaning_n but_o do_v the_o parliament_n for_o all_o this_o cause_v it_o or_o make_v it_o to_o be_v the_o king_n law_n do_v it_o give_v authority_n to_o it_o have_v it_o any_o authority_n to_o change_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o or_o to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o it_o or_o to_o clip_v or_o take_v any_o thing_n what_o so_o ever_o away_o from_o it_o it_o be_v certain_a no._n even_o so_o stand_v the_o case_n with_o the_o church_n for_o although_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a testimony_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o at_o any_o hand_n give_v it_o authority_n as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n hang_v upon_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o the_o church_n acknowledge_v and_o allow_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o it_o &_o the_o doctrine_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n she_o do_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o her_o pastor_n 10.5_o joh._n 10.5_o &_o discern_v &_o know_v it_o from_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n now_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o discern_v the_o pastor_n voice_n from_o astranger_n and_o add_v authority_n &_o credit_n thereto_o bring_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o according_a to_o truth_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v such_o or_o such_o that_o be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a the_o second_o reason_n be_v the_o church_n be_v more_o ancient_a than_o the_o scripture_n for_o in_o the_o time_n of_o adam_n abel_n seth_n noah_n abraham_n isaac_n jaacob_n there_o be_v no_o scripture_n for_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o penman_n or_o writer_n of_o matter_n concern_v religion_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v a_o church_n wherefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n first_o and_o foremost_a i_o answer_v that_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v none_o at_o all_o for_o grant_v it_o that_o one_o thing_n be_v more_o ancient_a and_o old_a than_o a_o other_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o for_o all_o that_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o credit_n otherwise_o we_o must_v infer_v that_o moses_n have_v more_o authority_n than_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o law_n more_o than_o the_o gospel_n second_o as_o touch_v the_o antecedent_n or_o former_a proposition_n i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v sophistical_a captious_a and_o full_a of_o deceit_n for_o albeit_o that_o in_o these_o first_o time_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o scripture_n which_o the_o father_n be_v use_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v because_o it_o be_v write_v and_o engrave_v in_o the_o father_n heart_n and_o moreover_o sound_v very_o clear_o in_o the_o church_n which_o word_n be_v in_o good_a time_n bring_v and_o commit_v to_o writing_n first_o by_o moses_n and_o afterward_o by_o other_o and_o thereupon_o call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n wherefore_o see_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o god_n word_n be_v nothing_o but_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n it_o follow_v very_o well_o that_o if_o our_o first_o father_n have_v have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o have_v have_v also_o in_o substance_n the_o holy_a scripture_n 5._o aug._n count_n epist_n fundamen_fw-la cap._n 5._o the_o three_o reason_n s._n augustine_n have_v say_v i_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n do_v not_o move_v
eight_o day_n &_o under_o claudius_n also_o his_o successor_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n how_o the_o church_n be_v toss_v and_o persecute_v in_o asia_n antiochia_n pisidia_n iconium_n lystra_n galatia_n ephesus_n macedonia_n philippi_n thessalonia_n corinthus_n berrhoe_n rome_n and_o many_o other_o place_n but_o all_o these_o persecution_n be_v as_o yet_o particular_a and_o but_o in_o some_o one_o place_n or_o other_o god_n moderate_v and_o mitigate_a the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o govern_v after_o a_o wonderful_a sort_n his_o church_n in_o those_o emperor_n day_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v more_o bless_o and_o plentiful_o grow_v but_o omit_v these_o let_v we_o speak_v of_o the_o ten_o great_a and_o general_a persecution_n as_o they_o be_v call_v by_o which_o the_o church_n be_v eager_o assault_v and_o crue_o torment_v on_o all_o side_n the_o first_o persecution_n be_v under_o nero_n the_o sixth_o emperor_n who_o be_v call_v claudius_n domitius_n nero._n he_o be_v ordain_v emperor_n in_o the_o year_n 57_o after_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o reign_v xiiii_o year_n seven_o month_n and_o certain_a day_n and_o some_o say_v that_o the_o five_o first_o year_n he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n but_o that_o afterward_o he_o so_o disorder_a himself_o and_o fall_v into_o such_o excess_n by_o incest_n murder_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n that_o hardly_o there_o be_v as_o yet_o any_o other_o emperor_n to_o be_v find_v who_o be_v defile_v with_o such_o filthiness_n tertullian_n rehearse_v in_o his_o apologetico_fw-la that_o this_o emperor_n be_v the_o first_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o tertul._n apolog._n cap._n 5._o look_v say_v he_o into_o your_o history_n and_o register_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o nero_n be_v the_o first_o which_o exercise_v cruelty_n against_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v under_o the_o emperor_n authority_n &_o principalie_v against_o the_o church_n which_o be_v establish_v at_o rome_n 15._o corne._n tacitus_n lib._n 15._o and_o cornelius_n tacitus_n declare_v that_o the_o occasion_n which_o nero_n take_v to_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o be_v this_o that_o he_o command_v secret_o to_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o city_n of_o rome_n that_o he_o may_v see_v some_o form_n or_o image_n as_o it_o be_v which_o may_v represent_v &_o set_v out_o unto_o he_o the_o fire_n of_o troy_n and_o so_o the_o fire_n continue_v in_o the_o city_n six_o day_n space_n which_o make_v such_o a_o destruction_n that_o he_o become_v hereby_o very_o odious_a among_o the_o people_n and_o see_v that_o he_o can_v not_o put_v out_o this_o hatred_n and_o wait_v of_o he_o to_o do_v he_o some_o mischief_n for_o all_o the_o good_a turn_n which_o he_o can_v do_v to_o the_o people_n he_o find_v out_o this_o devise_n to_o sow_v abroad_o this_o bruit_n rumour_n and_o report_n that_o it_o be_v the_o christian_n who_o have_v be_v the_o blower_n of_o that_o fire_n and_o the_o author_n of_o that_o destruction_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o he_o begin_v to_o persecute_v they_o and_o to_o put_v they_o to_o death_n both_o because_o they_o be_v as_o he_o say_v the_o blower_n of_o that_o fire_n and_o also_o because_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o confession_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v they_o to_o die_v his_o upholder_n put_v upon_o their_o back_n the_o skin_n of_o wild_a beast_n that_o they_o may_v be_v tear_v and_o rend_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o piece_n with_o dog_n where_o also_o they_o crucify_v they_o &_o burn_v they_o all_o alive_a &_o although_o the_o day_n fail_v they_o yet_o they_o burn_v they_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o give_v light_n to_o the_o night_n this_o first_o persecution_n begin_v about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 66._o the_o x._o year_n of_o nero_n his_o reign_n &_o last_v 4._o year_n &_o somewhat_o more_o until_o the_o death_n of_o that_o tyrant_n some_o say_v &_o eusebius_n amongst_o those_o recite_v it_o that_o this_o nero_n about_o the_o end_n of_o his_o day_n or_o reign_v cause_v s._n peter_n &_o s._n paul_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n the_o 2._o persecution_n be_v under_o domitian_n the_o twelve_o emperor_n who_o be_v appoint_v emperor_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 83._o &_o reign_v xv_o year_n and_o vi_fw-la month_n he_o be_v so_o lift_v up_o in_o cruelty_n and_o pride_n that_o he_o will_v have_v his_o subject_n call_v he_o god_n &_o lord_n &_o cause_v image_n of_o his_o own_o person_n to_o be_v make_v of_o gold_n &_o silver_n he_o ordain_v as_o his_o father_n vespasian_n have_v do_v before_o he_o that_o inquiry_n shall_v be_v make_v against_o the_o race_n of_o david_n &_o that_o they_o which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v thereof_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o he_o fear_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n &_o about_o the_o 14._o year_n of_o his_o reign_n &_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 97._o he_o cause_v by_o a_o edict_n to_o be_v publish_v and_o proclaim_v a_o cruel_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n insomuche_o that_o the_o church_n be_v miserable_o and_o a_o long_a time_n torment_v under_o he_o the_o three_o persecution_n be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trajan_n the_o fourteen_o emperor_n who_o be_v appoint_v emperor_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 100_o who_o govern_v the_o empire_n nienteene_v year_n six_o month_n and_o fifteen_o day_n he_o be_v great_o praise_v of_o the_o historiographer_n as_o a_o courteous_a and_o gentle_a prince_n and_o some_o say_v that_o he_o be_v so_o renown_v and_o famous_a by_o reason_n of_o his_o justice_n &_o courtesy_n that_o ever_o after_o so_o often_o as_o any_o be_v create_v emperor_n the_o people_n yield_v this_o bless_a exclamation_n outcry_n and_o consent_n be_v he_o more_o happy_a than_o augustus_n and_o better_a than_o trajan_n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n and_o mark_v the_o occasion_n that_o he_o take_v so_o to_o do_v he_o be_v bring_v up_o from_o his_o infancy_n in_o the_o paganish_a and_o heathenish_a superstition_n by_o reason_n whereof_o he_o disdain_v and_o despise_a christian_n religion_n because_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o superstition_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v about_o he_o certain_a courtier_n which_o be_v blower_n of_o that_o fire_n in_o he_o &_o augment_v that_o disdain_n and_o despite_n in_o he_o insomuch_o that_o diverse_a historiographer_n record_n that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o much_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n incline_v to_o shed_v blood_n as_o deceive_v and_o stir_v up_o thereto_o by_o his_o councillor_n and_o principal_o by_o the_o pagane_n priest_n 20._o freculph_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 20._o who_o as_o freculphus_n witness_v give_v good_a store_n of_o silver_n to_o the_o governor_n and_o bribe_v free_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o will_v put_v the_o christian_n to_o death_n as_o their_o deadly_a enemy_n some_o add_v that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v very_o much_o increase_v whereupon_o many_o inconvenience_n may_v come_v to_o the_o roman_a empire_n if_o the_o danger_n be_v not_o prevent_v which_o also_o be_v a_o cause_n that_o trajan_n be_v the_o more_o inflame_v and_o kindle_v against_o they_o as_o also_o sabellicus_n write_v sabellicus_n sabellicus_n that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n be_v more_o suspect_v of_o this_o emperor_n than_o the_o religion_n after_o this_o sort_n than_o do_v they_o accuse_v the_o christian_n of_o sedition_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o for_o these_o cause_n they_o be_v cruel_o persecute_v insomuch_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o pliny_n the_o second_o have_v write_v secund_a plinius_n secund_a that_o public_a commandment_n be_v send_v from_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o province_n by_o which_o every_o governor_n be_v enforce_v too_o persecute_v and_o so_o the_o persecution_n be_v spread_v abroad_o through_o out_o all_o the_o place_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o at_o that_o time_n contain_v not_o only_a europe_n but_o also_o a_o great_a part_n of_o asia_n &_o africa_n and_o the_o say_a persecution_n endure_v about_o fourteen_o year_n but_o yet_o in_o such_o order_n that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o trajan_n it_o be_v some_o what_o less_o sharp_a but_o afterward_o it_o flame_v out_o and_o burst_v forth_o more_o and_o more_o 2._o tertul._n apologi_fw-la capt_n 2._o now_o the_o say_a pliny_n the_o second_o have_v at_o that_o time_n the_o government_n of_o a_o certain_a province_n to_o wit_n of_o bethina_fw-la and_o as_o tertullian_n say_v he_o be_v appoint_v too_o persecute_v the_o christian_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 112._o and_o of_o trajan_n the_o xiiii_o year_n wherefore_o he_o be_v astonish_v with_o the_o great_a number_n of_o martyr_n
soldier_n &_o warlike_a company_n he_o be_v cruel_a barbarous_a and_o rude_a move_v great_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n but_o namely_o and_o chiefl_o against_o the_o doctor_n teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n suppose_v that_o when_o these_o man_n who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v discomfit_v the_o people_n will_v thereby_o be_v easy_o turn_v away_o eusebius_n say_v 28._o euseb_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 28._o that_o this_o emperor_n be_v not_o kindle_v and_o set_v on_o fire_n to_o execute_v this_o cruelty_n but_o only_o for_o hatred_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o alexander_n stock_n and_o house_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o christian_n but_o he_o have_v not_o any_o great_a leisure_n or_o time_n to_o exercise_v his_o cruelty_n for_o before_o he_o have_v reign_v three_o whole_a year_n he_o be_v slay_v of_o his_o soldier_n and_o with_o he_o his_o son_n who_o be_v nineteen_o year_n old_a and_o their_o body_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o river_n the_o seven_o persecution_n be_v under_o the_o emperor_n decius_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 247._o eusebius_n recite_v 39_o euseb_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 39_o that_o this_o persecution_n be_v move_v by_o decius_n because_o he_o mean_v evil_a to_o philippus_n his_o predecessor_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o a_o other_o place_n he_o say_v 41._o euseb_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 41._o that_o dionysius_n the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n write_v unto_o fabianus_n the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n that_o his_o persecution_n be_v not_o move_v or_o stir_v up_o by_o the_o emperor_n decius_n but_o only_o confirm_v by_o a_o certain_a ordinance_n and_o decree_n which_o he_o make_v after_o it_o have_v be_v a_o whole_a year_n before_o stir_v up_o by_o the_o pagan_n who_o be_v provoke_v thereunto_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o certain_a stir_n and_o uproar_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o this_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v a_o terrible_a &_o cruel_a persecution_n against_o the_o poor_a christian_n 29._o nicepborus_fw-la li._n 5._o cap._n 29._o insomuch_o as_o nicephorus_n say_v that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o count_v the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n as_o to_o number_v all_o they_o which_o suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o this_o persecution_n &_o that_o not_o in_o one_o place_n or_o two_o alone_a but_o almost_o through_o all_o the_o world_n and_o as_o touch_v the_o kind_n of_o punishment_n which_o they_o use_v against_o the_o christian_n we_o may_v easy_o judge_v how_o diverse_a and_o many_o they_o be_v by_o the_o extract_n which_o euse_n have_v make_v eusebius_n eusebius_n out_o of_o dionysius_n his_o write_n touch_v the_o martyr_n of_o alexandria_n for_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o boil_a pitch_n of_o ston_a of_o throw_v or_o cast_v sharp_a reed_n against_o their_o face_n and_o eye_n of_o train_n they_o upon_o the_o pavemente_n of_o the_o street_n of_o dash_v or_o crush_a they_o against_o the_o stone_n of_o beat_v and_o whip_v of_o burn_v of_o pierce_v the_o inward_n or_o bowel_n with_o point_a or_o sharp_a percer_n of_o cut_v of_o head_n and_o of_o cast_v they_o down_o headlong_o from_o high_a place_n saint_n cyprian_n also_o recite_v 25._o cyprian_a lib._n 3._o epist_n 25._o that_o certain_a be_v condemn_v to_o dig_v mettle_n in_o the_o mine_n and_o vincentius_n in_o his_o mirror_n or_o glass_n specul_fw-la vincentius_n in_o specul_fw-la add_v the_o tear_n of_o they_o a_o sunder_o with_o cord_n of_o iron_n burn_v lamp_n put_v and_o set_v to_o the_o martyr_n side_n the_o rage_n of_o wild_a beast_n hang_v and_o strangle_v and_o a_o other_o sort_n of_o torture_n or_o torment_n call_v chevalet_n when_o they_o rack_v they_o in_o piece_n with_o wild_a horse_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o persecutor_n go_v so_o far_o astray_o that_o they_o take_v away_o the_o christian_n good_n bring_v and_o lead_v the_o common_a people_n into_o the_o christian_n house_n to_o pill_n and_o sack_v they_o as_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v in_o some_o mutiny_n stir_v or_o sedition_n as_o we_o may_v behold_v in_o the_o write_n of_o dionysius_n send_v to_o fabianus_n which_o say_v thus_o that_o so_o long_o as_o this_o persecution_n last_v all_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v enforce_v to_o flee_v into_o the_o mountain_n &_o into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o to_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o as_o vagabound_v or_o stray_a people_n whereof_o some_o die_v with_o hunger_n thirst_n cold_a and_o diverse_a sort_n of_o sickness_n and_o disease_n other_o some_o be_v devour_v by_o wild_a beast_n other_o some_o slay_v by_o thief_n and_o robber_n and_o other_o take_v by_o the_o barbarian_n and_o lead_v away_o as_o slave_n the_o eight_o persecution_n be_v under_o licincius_n valerian_n and_o galen_n his_o son_n who_o be_v create_v emperor_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 255._o and_o reign_v fifteen_o year_n galen_n reign_v together_o with_o his_o father_n five_o or_o six_o year_n and_o the_o rest_n above_o 10._o euseb_n lib._n 7._o cap._n 10._o eusebius_n record_v this_o of_o the_o foresay_a valerian_n that_o in_o the_o beginning_n he_o be_v peaceable_a and_o quiet_a towards_o the_o man_n of_o god_n and_o guide_v by_o a_o very_a good_a amiable_a friendly_a and_o love_a affection_n that_o he_o show_v himself_o familiar_a towards_o the_o faithful_a and_o entreat_v they_o curteouslie_o and_o gentle_o that_o his_o court_n be_v full_a of_o christian_a people_n and_o become_v a_o church_n of_o god_n but_o that_o the_o master_n and_o principal_a of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o magiacen_n or_o sorcerer_n of_o egypt_n do_v afterwards_o persuade_v he_o to_o persecute_v and_o put_v to_o death_n the_o saint_n who_o as_o they_o say_v let_v and_o hinder_v the_o enchanter_n and_o their_o inchauntmente_n of_o which_o valerian_n be_v a_o earnest_a lover_n so_o under_o his_o authority_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o province_n do_v in_o every_o place_n execute_v a_o cruel_a persecution_n and_o the_o foresay_a eusebius_n add_v 11._o euseb_n lib._n 7._o cap._n 11._o that_o dionysius_n write_v these_o word_n of_o the_o cruelty_n exercise_v in_o alexandria_n this_o shall_v be_v a_o thing_n superfluous_a and_o more_o than_o need_v to_o recite_v the_o name_n of_o our_o martyr_n see_v that_o the_o number_n be_v almost_o infinite_a and_o there_o be_v diverse_a which_o be_v unknown_a to_o i_o but_o yet_o know_v this_o that_o amongst_o they_o there_o be_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n man_n woman_n young_a old_a mother_n daughter_n soldier_n handicrafte_n man_n to_o be_v short_a of_o all_o condition_n and_o of_o all_o age_n as_o touch_v the_o name_n of_o torment_n the_o historiographer_n do_v rehearse_v they_o to_o be_v diverse_a sort_n they_o reckon_v the_o whip_n wild_a beast_n fire_n the_o sword_n tearing_z and_o rent_v a_o sunder_o of_o body_n long_o keep_v they_o in_o dark_a prison_n where_o they_o make_v the_o martyr_n to_o wither_v and_o dry_v away_o with_o grief_n and_o pininge_n forbid_v any_o to_o go_v to_o visit_v they_o lay_v to_o they_o flame_v &_o burn_a rod_n of_o iron_n to_o burn_v they_o plummet_n or_o ball_n of_o lead_n to_o kill_v they_o the_o drawinge_n with_o horse_n blow_n with_o great_a staff_n hurl_v they_o headlong_o into_o diverse_a torture_n or_o torment_n name_v chevalet_n bear_n and_o wild_a bull_n rostinge_n upon_o girdiron_n hot_a oven_n banishment_n violent_a take_v away_o of_o good_n and_o beside_o certain_a other_o torment_n the_o nine_o persecution_n be_v under_o aurelian_a who_o be_v create_v emperor_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 273._o and_o reign_v six_o year_n speculo_fw-la vincentius_n in_o speculo_fw-la vincentius_n in_o his_o mirror_n or_o glass_n lay_v out_o and_o rehearse_v at_o large_a a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o faithful_a which_o he_o say_v suffer_v martyrdom_n under_o this_o emperor_n and_o add_v that_o he_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v diligent_o seek_v out_o in_o diverse_a place_n &_o at_o the_o last_o put_v they_o to_o death_n in_o france_n and_o italy_n but_o by_o the_o write_n of_o other_o author_n worthy_a credit_n it_o appear_v that_o aurelian_a do_v nothing_o else_o but_o think_v upon_o before_o hand_n and_o devise_v this_o persecution_n and_o do_v not_o execute_v it_o for_o eutropius_n vopiscus_n and_o eusebius_n in_o his_o chronicle_n have_v write_v that_o after_o this_o emperor_n have_v decree_v the_o persecution_n he_o be_v sudden_o very_o much_o astonish_v with_o the_o destruction_n which_o will_v have_v come_v thereof_o and_o very_o quick_o after_o he_o be_v slay_v 30._o euseb_n lib._n 7._o cap._n 30._o and_o eusebius_n in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n speak_v of_o he_o after_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v true_a that_o aurelian_a be_v then_o such_o a_o one_o towards_o we_o that_o be_v to_o say_v gentle_a courteous_a and_o a_o friend_n to_o christian_n but_o in_o