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
or_o other_o politic_a punishment_n to_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o sermon_n but_o other_o bare_a testimony_n against_o such_o politic_a correction_n as_o to_o punish_v by_o fine_n imprisonment_n etc._n etc._n which_o they_o esteem_v unfitting_a to_o be_v introduce_v into_o the_o church_n be_v they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o christian_a long-suffering_a and_o meekness_n and_o for_o the_o which_o they_o have_v no_o example_n neither_o in_o the_o old_a nor_o new_a testament_n anno_fw-la 1619._o calvin_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n give_v to_o understand_v that_o to_o exercise_v authority_n over_o one_o faith_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a just_a nor_o tolerable_a yea_o say_v he_o it_o be_v tyranny_n in_o the_o church_n for_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v free_a from_o all_o subjection_n of_o man_n though_o some_o be_v yet_o of_o that_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o compel_v people_n contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n by_o corporal_a punishment_n yea_o even_o to_o the_o death_n for_o to_o make_v they_o keep_v silent_a or_o confess_v thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o mind_n yet_o most_o of_o the_o old_a father_n have_v allege_v that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o touch_v the_o conscience_n as_o to_o force_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n merck-teyck_a chap._n 4._o 2_o deel_n pag._n 132._o the_o ancient_a christian_n do_v not_o approve_v of_o any_o external_n compulsion_n but_o only_o by_o entreat_v by_o good_a live_n with_o exhortation_n doctrine_n information_n and_o endeavour_n they_o labour_v to_o convince_v people_n and_o through_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n they_o seek_v to_o bring_v people_n captive_a so_o under_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o the_o like_a mean_n now_o do_v not_o prevail_v than_o no_o humane_a invention_n through_o do_v violence_n will_v for_o that_o will_v rather_o make_v they_o worse_o as_o heretofore_o it_o have_v do_v the_o most_o violence_n that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o man_n can_v compel_v or_o change_v the_o vain_a infidelity_n of_o the_o mind_n how_o shall_v that_o then_o possible_o move_v or_o alter_v they_o that_o be_v unmovable_o establish_v in_o the_o eternal_a truth_n who_o will_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a be_v bring_v to_o receive_v thing_n that_o be_v damnable_a nor_o to_o forsake_v that_o which_o they_o esteem_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n chap._n v._n a_o chancellor_n testimony_n their_o folly_n that_o will_v force_v man_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o how_o just_a liberty_n will_v preserve_v unity_n and_o how_o they_o that_o force_v other_o will_v not_o be_v force_v tthe_o chancellor_n of_o france_n say_v in_o the_o great_a assembly_n of_o the_o three_o state_n before_o the_o king_n first_o that_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o heresy_n second_o that_o evil_a remedy_n have_v strengthen_v the_o same_o three_o that_o the_o weapon_n of_o love_n prayer_n and_o information_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v fit_a for_o such_o a_o battle_n four_o that_o a_o good_a life_n preach_v more_o than_o word_n five_o that_o the_o sword_n can_v do_v little_a against_o the_o spirit_n except_o it_o be_v to_o undo_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o the_o comm._n fol._n 132._o be_v they_o not_o carnal_a and_o violent_a ishmaelite_n say_v one_o who_o will_v violent_o force_v rational_a man_n often_o to_o humane_a and_o damnable_a opinion_n as_o horse_n and_o mule_n and_o not_o with_o kindness_n entreat_v and_o only_o instruct_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o invite_v to_o the_o needful_a spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o true_a worship_n as_o reasonable_a and_o free_a man_n humani_fw-la juris_fw-la et_fw-la naturalis_fw-la potestatis_fw-la est_fw-la unicuique_fw-la quod_fw-la putaverit_fw-la colere_fw-la nec_fw-la alij_fw-la prodest_fw-la aut_fw-la obest_fw-la alterius_fw-la religio_fw-la sed_fw-la nec_fw-la religionis_fw-la est_fw-la cogere_fw-la religionem_fw-la que_fw-la sponte_fw-la non_fw-la vi_fw-la suscipi_fw-la debeat_fw-la erasmus_n say_v the_o divine_v not_o rely_v upon_o that_o power_n wherewith_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v arm_v they_o make_v violence_n their_o refuge_n as_o if_o man_n may_v be_v compel_v to_o believe_v otherwise_o than_o their_o opinion_n when_o several_a of_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o low-country_n request_v of_o the_o prince_n and_o state_n that_o they_o will_v introduce_v ordinance_n and_o discipline_n according_a to_o their_o opinion_n but_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o state_n reject_v their_o request_n esteem_v they_o prejuditial_a both_o to_o religion_n and_o policy_n when_o they_o observe_v the_o divers_a opinion_n that_o be_v among_o the_o people_n conclude_v it_o be_v the_o best_a as_o many_o politician_n have_v do_v to_o preserve_v unity_n among_o the_o people_n to_o give_v liberty_n at_o all_o and_o to_o compel_v none_o anno_fw-la 1608._o edict_n fol._n 27._o it_o have_v also_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o that_o force_v of_o conscience_n have_v make_v many_o hypocrite_n but_o no_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n therefore_o ought_v man_n to_o strive_v with_o the_o word_n and_o disputation_n and_o to_o conquer_v with_o reason_n say_v augustinus_n lest_o that_o we_o make_v they_o hypocritical_o catholic_n who_o before_o we_o have_v know_v to_o be_v manifest_a heretic_n anno_fw-la 1200._o the_o chronicle_n do_v show_v how_o that_o they_o that_o be_v and_o have_v be_v but_o seem_o religious_a do_v common_o join_v themselves_o to_o that_o religion_n or_o sect_n which_o be_v the_o uppermost_a whereby_o they_o may_v live_v in_o ease_n honour_n and_o fullness_n and_o get_v profit_n and_o preferment_n through_o place_n and_o office_n instance_v how_o that_o in_o england_n there_o be_v they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o king_n hendrick_n and_o edward_n that_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v protestant_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o queen_n marry_o papist_n and_o persecute_v other_o to_o death_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o day_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n get_v again_o in_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n and_o then_o persecute_v the_o papist_n vide_fw-la the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o overthrow_n of_o tyrant_n pag._n 1502._o arennius_n affirm_v that_o all_o force_v of_o conscience_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o forbid_v of_o the_o exercise_n which_o be_v esteem_v by_o one_o or_o another_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a right_a nor_o fit_v he_o also_o affirm_v that_o through_o diversity_n of_o religion_n the_o kingdom_n shall_v not_o be_v bring_v into_o any_o disturbance_n the_o ancient_a reform_a protestant_n term_v that_o force_v of_o conscience_n when_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o leave_v off_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n say_v car_fw-fr nous_fw-fr privant_fw-la de_fw-fr nostre_fw-fr religion_n on_o nous_fw-fr tiendroit_fw-fr en_fw-fr une_fw-fr continuele_n mort_fw-fr corporelle_fw-fr &_o spirituelle_fw-fr i._n e._n for_o to_o deprive_v we_o of_o our_o religion_n be_v to_o keep_v we_o in_o a_o perpetual_a corporal_n and_o spiritual_a death_n add_v thereunto_o how_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o be_v put_v to_o death_n than_o be_v bereave_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n etc._n etc._n many_o have_v testify_v and_o many_o do_v testify_v that_o force_v of_o conscience_n be_v a_o wicked_a destructive_a mean_n both_o for_o soul_n and_o body_n against_o which_o the_o martyr_n that_o have_v suffer_v have_v universal_o bear_v testimony_n now_o say_v a_o certain_a wise_a man_n let_v these_o consider_v who_o do_v so_o much_o stir_v up_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o force_v free_a mind_n against_o their_o conscience_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v force_v by_o violence_n against_o their_o conscience_n to_o embrace_v the_o pope_n faith_n of_o rome_n with_o all_o its_o superstition_n or_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o and_o that_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n let_v such_o then_o judge_n say_v he_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o be_v force_v against_o one_o conscience_n to_o any_o form_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n if_o any_o dare_v speak_v free_o what_o he_o beleive_v and_o think_v in_o his_o heart_n say_v castellio_n he_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o think_v and_o believe_v that_o such_o forcer_n be_v absolute_a tyrant_n and_o that_o whereunto_o they_o press_v he_o be_v not_o good_a and_o if_o former_o he_o have_v any_o inclination_n thereunto_o that_o he_o through_o such_o violence_n come_v whole_o to_o abhor_v it_o the_o ancient_a protestant_n testify_v that_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v defend_v with_o cruelty_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n chap._n vi_o a_o shift_n of_o the_o pope_n a_o humane_a invention_n how_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n and_o true_a church_n subsist_v and_o be_v defend_v by_o spiritual_a weapon_n and_o how_o persecution_n answer_v not_o the_o end_n of_o persecutor_n the_o history_n show_v how_o that_o this_o be_v one_o
opposition_n defence_n or_o reply_n how_o can_v such_o clear_v themselves_o from_o be_v of_o those_o who_o will_v be_v holy_a than_o other_o and_o how_o can_v they_o reprove_v that_o great_a wickedness_n in_o the_o papist_n of_o cut_v out_o people_n tongue_n or_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o power_n of_o speak_v while_o they_o do_v the_o same_o though_o in_o another_o manner_n castel_n call_v chap._n 19_o with_o diligence_n do_v they_o hinder_v so_o much_o as_o they_o can_v any_o book_n be_v write_a or_o print_v against_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v make_v manifest_a and_o if_o they_o be_v print_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v sell_v but_o burn_v and_o moreover_o if_o any_o have_v they_o such_o be_v to_o be_v banish_v and_o esteem_v as_o heretic_n merck-tyck_a pag._n 315._o if_o that_o some_o have_v power_n according_a to_o their_o will_n say_v one_o all_o shall_v final_o be_v esteem_v and_o hold_v for_o blasphemer_n and_o heretic_n that_o reprove_v any_o divine_a of_o any_o error_n or_o that_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n chron._n vande_n rel._n uriih_o 223._o but_o say_v the_o duke_n of_o saexon_n it_o will_v tend_v to_o much_o praise_n if_o they_o by_o their_o do_n and_o authority_n do_v bring_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o this_o controversy_n may_v not_o be_v end_v with_o arm_n or_o weapon_n but_o that_o a_o orderly_a course_n may_v be_v maintain_v which_o will_v heal_v the_o sickness_n reconcile_v the_o church_n or_o people_n and_o do_v no_o violence_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o men._n vide_fw-la john_n sleid._n chron._n lib._n 10._o god_n mercy_n and_o judgement_n rational_o show_v to_o england_n hear_v o_o england_n and_o consider_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v in_o thou_o and_o suffer_v i_o a_o little_a to_o reason_n with_o thou_o thou_o choice_a of_o the_o nation_n and_o much_o renown_v among_o god_n people_n in_o thou_o have_v the_o light_n glory_n and_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n 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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 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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
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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themselves_o power_n authority_n and_o government_n over_o other_o person_n and_o peoples_n in_o command_v and_o impose_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a over_o their_o conscience_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o abomination_n against_o the_o creator_n both_o in_o the_o cause_n and_o end_v of_o it_o that_o he_o will_v arise_v and_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o it_o and_o he_o will_v ease_v himself_o of_o all_o such_o his_o adversary_n again_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o love_n unity_n fellowship_n and_o concord_n among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o order_n of_o creation_n which_o god_n appoint_v to_o be_v among_o they_o and_o by_o impose_v in_o matter_n of_o spiritual_a concern_v as_o aforesaid_a that_o love_n unity_n fellowship_n and_o concord_n among_o man_n decree_v in_o creation_n be_v break_v and_o confound_v and_o disannul_v among_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o and_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n hate_v and_o contend_v one_o with_o another_o neighbour_n and_o brethren_n can_v agree_v but_o fall_v into_o strife_n one_o against_o another_o king_n and_o their_o subject_n ruler_n and_o their_o people_n be_v in_o discord_n debate_n disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n one_o contrary_a to_o another_o by_o reason_n that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o worship_n and_o duty_n to_o godward_o be_v want_v in_o the_o world_n and_o imposition_n and_o force_n by_o outward_a authority_n in_o that_o case_n be_v prevail_a and_o in_o power_n and_o thus_o the_o law_n of_o love_n unity_n and_o concord_n decree_v in_o creation_n be_v violate_v despise_a and_o make_v void_a and_o hatred_n division_n strife_n and_o discord_n intraduce_v in_o its_o room_n and_o abound_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o visible_a action_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n through_o the_o world_n to_o the_o woeful_a effect_n of_o kill_v persecute_v and_o destroy_v one_o another_o nation_n of_o nation_n neighbour_n of_o neighbour_n and_o king_n of_o their_o subject_n occasion_v and_o ground_v upon_o this_o thing_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o same_o to_o wit_n impose_v by_o force_n upon_o conscience_n in_o matter_n divine_a wherefore_o not_o only_o against_o god_n be_v this_o evil_n extend_v to_o dishonour_v and_o disgrace_v he_o as_o be_v show_v but_o against_o man_n also_o be_v this_o evil_a and_o mischief_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o reach_v forth_o as_o you_o have_v see_v and_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n be_v violate_v both_o in_o respect_n of_o creator_n and_o creature_n it_o be_v in_o its_o cause_n and_o ground_n so_o evil_a in_o its_o work_n and_o effect_n so_o wicked_a and_o mischievous_a and_o in_o its_o end_n so_o provoke_v and_o damnable_a and_o all_o this_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o man_n that_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o comprehend_v the_o height_n and_o depth_n thereof_o though_o my_o spirit_n from_o a_o child_n have_v often_o enter_v into_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o thing_n with_o 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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
against_o they_o and_o for_o which_o cause_n he_o will_v smite_v and_o wound_v confound_v and_o overturn_v kingdom_n power_n and_o authority_n even_o till_o he_o reign_v who_o right_a it_o be_v who_o only_o and_o alone_o will_v rule_v in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o soul_n spirit_n and_o conscience_n through_o the_o teach_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o though_o much_o opposition_n and_o great_a contention_n have_v be_v make_v against_o this_o in_o the_o world_n in_o which_o man_n have_v strive_v against_o their_o own_o good_a and_o welfare_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o day_n and_o it_o hasten_v to_o come_v in_o power_n when_o imposition_n upon_o conscience_n by_o outward_a worldly_a force_n in_o case_n divine_a will_v be_v banish_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o exile_v into_o the_o pit_n of_o never-rising_a obscurity_n and_o darkness_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o violence_n of_o it_o and_o from_o all_o its_o miserable_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n then_o shall_v the_o heritage_n of_o the_o lord_n rejoice_v in_o joy_n unspeakable_a be_v deliver_v from_o the_o oppression_n under_o which_o she_o have_v long_o mourn_v travel_v and_o groan_v in_o deep_a distress_n then_o shall_v nation_n delight_v in_o amity_n one_o with_o another_o then_o shall_v neighbour_n rejoice_v in_o society_n one_o among_o another_o and_o then_o shall_v king_n and_o ruler_n love_v their_o subject_n and_o people_n free_o and_o people_n shall_v obey_v and_o serve_v their_o ruler_n with_o a_o willing_a and_o cheerful_a heart_n and_o mind_n hereby_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v glorify_v and_o all_o people_n become_v bless_v amity_n love_n unity_n and_o concord_n and_o the_o first_o creation_n order_n and_o decree_n will_v be_v restore_v between_o god_n and_o his_o creature_n and_o also_o between_o man_n and_o man_n in_o holy_a covenant_n and_o this_o matter_n to_o wit_n concern_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n have_v be_v of_o these_o late_a year_n in_o great_a debate_n and_o contest_v among_o man_n in_o these_o nation_n and_o some_o have_v be_v of_o one_o judgement_n and_o other_o of_o a_o contrary_a about_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o contention_n have_v arisen_a very_o high_a even_o unto_o blood_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o and_o be_v yet_o remain_v undetermined_a in_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o many_o people_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v resolve_v in_o every_o heart_n through_o conviction_n by_o sound_a argument_n of_o truth_n and_o divine_a reason_n and_o man_n ought_v then_o to_o obey_v the_o same_o according_a to_o inward_a spiritual_a conviction_n and_o this_o case_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o carnal_a weapon_n forcible_o compel_v people_n in_o the_o case_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o conquest_n in_o a_o violent_a way_n of_o outward_a power_n and_o since_o that_o this_o be_v a_o case_n dubious_a whether_o free_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o worship_n or_o imposition_n about_o the_o same_o be_v most_o worthy_a i_o therefore_o upon_o this_o necessity_n call_v upon_o i_o with_o my_o willingness_n to_o assist_v in_o such_o a_o work_n will_v add_v my_o mite_n and_o grain_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n towards_o the_o resolve_v of_o such_o a_o dubious_a and_o needful_a case_n and_o have_v take_v this_o opportunity_n and_o occasion_n thus_o to_o declare_v my_o mind_n and_o shall_v leave_v the_o effect_n hereof_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o only_o be_v wise_a to_o work_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v by_o whosoever_o he_o please_v for_o he_o never_o yet_o limit_v himself_o to_o any_o one_o instrument_n in_o the_o bring_n forth_o and_o accomplish_v his_o purpose_n however_o no_o man_n be_v to_o dispute_v the_o leading_n and_o command_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o to_o measure_v his_o obedience_n to_o he_o by_o either_o object_v or_o real_a consequence_n in_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v that_o warrant_n to_o wit_n the_o leading_n of_o god_n under_o the_o commission_n of_o which_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n do_v act_n in_o their_o obedience_n and_o dispute_v not_o the_o authority_n nor_o the_o consequence_n but_o leave_v the_o issue_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o he_o that_o command_v the_o total_a sum_n of_o this_o matter_n to_o wit_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v very_o large_a and_o require_v multitude_n of_o word_n and_o many_o argument_n to_o unfold_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o the_o evil_a cause_n work_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o contrary_a but_o at_o this_o time_n i_o shall_v contract_v the_o sum_n into_o &_o state_n it_o in_o this_o total_a head_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o perfect_a reason_n justice_n and_o equity_n and_o that_o without_o all_o exception_n that_o every_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n be_v permit_v in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o conscience_n without_o any_o kind_n of_o force_n put_v upon_o he_o by_o any_o man_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o follow_v that_o religion_n and_o to_o live_v in_o such_o faith_n and_o perform_v such_o worship_n to_o god_n as_o he_o dare_v trust_v his_o own_o soul_n withal_o and_o give_v account_v thereof_o before_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o dreadful_a judgement_n my_o judgement_n be_v on_o the_o affirmative_a part_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n and_o it_o be_v my_o judgement_n in_o the_o fear_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v perfect_o reasonable_a just_a and_o equal_a that_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v permit_v his_o liberty_n in_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o that_o without_o any_o force_n impose_v upon_o he_o to_o the_o contrary_a to_o follow_v that_o religion_n and_o live_v in_o that_o faith_n and_o perform_v that_o worship_n to_o god_n with_o which_o he_o dare_v trust_v his_o own_o soul_n to_o the_o salvation_n thereof_o and_o the_o contrary_n be_v unreasonable_a unjust_a and_o unequal_a and_o this_o may_v be_v amplify_v in_o a_o large_a manner_n upon_o occasion_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o my_o judgement_n alone_o nor_o the_o false_a fancy_n of_o a_o single_a person_n but_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o judgement_n of_o many_o more_o and_o that_o not_o of_o fool_n altogether_o but_o of_o the_o wise_a not_o only_o of_o some_o few_o man_n of_o our_o age_n but_o of_o many_o age_n past_a who_o principle_n be_v for_o the_o toleration_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n in_o matter_n spiritual_a as_o in_o this_o small_a treatise_n follow_v more_o at_o large_a appear_v to_o which_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o particular_a and_o to_o second_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o judgement_n i_o do_v refer_v the_o serious_a and_o well_o considerate_a reader_n in_o which_o small_a piece_n he_o may_v find_v the_o judgement_n of_o divers_a person_n assert_v by_o their_o own_o say_n concern_v the_o very_a case_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o what_o esteem_v some_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o religious_a man_n have_v have_v of_o the_o same_o for_o this_o follow_a piece_n to_o which_o i_o be_o now_o preface_a be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o certain_a sum_n of_o brief_a collection_n of_o the_o say_n of_o emperor_n king_n and_o potentate_n of_o former_a age_n contract_v into_o this_o short_a method_n for_o the_o better_a intelligence_n of_o all_o that_o be_v inquire_v about_o this_o occasion_n and_o such_o be_v my_o affection_n to_o the_o present_a contraction_n collect_v that_o i_o wish_v that_o all_o the_o ruler_n and_o prince_n of_o our_o age_n through_o the_o world_n will_v serious_o read_v and_o right_o study_v the_o same_o and_o improve_v it_o to_o their_o own_o advantage_n in_o practise_v the_o say_n of_o their_o grave_a and_o wise_a progenitor_n and_o oh_o that_o they_o will_v engross_v this_o small_a piece_n in_o their_o record_n and_o enclose_v it_o in_o their_o closet_n and_o use_v the_o same_o as_o counsel_n and_o instruction_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o premise_n the_o effect_n of_o it_o may_v prove_v happy_a to_o they_o if_o their_o present_a practice_n will_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o intimation_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o this_o small_a piece_n happy_o arrive_v the_o harbour_n of_o my_o hand_n through_o the_o tedious_a industry_n of_o the_o collector_n and_o through_o other_o passage_n of_o tempestuous_a danger_n which_o it_o lay_v liable_a unto_o i_o have_v transport_v it_o over_o a_o serious_a view_n and_o be_o affect_v with_o it_o unto_o my_o commendation_n and_o approof_n first_o of_o the_o matter_n itself_o and_o second_o of_o its_o author_n pain_n and_o industry_n in_o form_v of_o it_o into_o this_o method_n in_o which_o it_o now_o appear_v both_o of_o which_o i_o can_v but_o commend_v and_o do_v also_o herewith_o recommend_v to_o the_o view_n consideration_n and_o instruction_n of_o
the_o holy_a scripture_n exhort_v people_n in_o their_o pulpit_n and_o free_o proffer_v to_o confer_v or_o dispute_v with_o any_o and_o every_o one_o have_v then_o freedom_n but_o now_o will_v not_o the_o clergy_n say_v the_o same_o author_n be_v speak_v against_o who_o sit_v at_o ease_n in_o pride_n idleness_n and_o fullness_n and_o if_o any_o do_v speak_v against_o they_o they_o will_v so_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v cause_v such_o to_o suffer_v charge_v they_o with_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o with_o rail_a word_n will_v evade_v enter_v into_o a_o sober_a discourse_n thereby_o manifest_v the_o badness_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o the_o guiltiness_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o then_o seek_v to_o defend_v themselves_o more_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n then_o with_o god_n word_n and_o godly_a testimony_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n prejudice_v other_o by_o procure_v their_o own_o rest_n and_o peace_n but_o sure_o this_o be_v neither_o just_a right_a nor_o equal_a further_a say_v he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n those_o man_n will_v have_v a_o triumphant_a church_n upon_o the_o earth_n but_o no_o suffering_n neither_o will_v they_o suffer_v any_o trouble_n difficulty_n or_o opposition_n but_o do_v make_v the_o magistrate_n believe_v that_o such_o thing_n incur_v trouble_n uproar_v disturbance_n etc._n etc._n yet_o nevertheless_o some_o of_o the_o clergy_n themselves_o have_v put_v forth_o sundry_a treatise_n wherein_o they_o show_v how_o that_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o land_n may_v be_v preserve_v though_o several_a religion_n in_o the_o land_n be_v tolerate_v quand_fw-fr à _fw-fr la_fw-fr permission_n de_fw-fr s'assembler_n es_fw-la temple_n sire_n aucunc_fw-la division_n &_o tumulte_n ne'n_o adviendra_fw-fr entre_fw-fr vous_fw-fr subject_n mais_fw-fr bien_fw-fr un_fw-fr repos_fw-la public_a &_o extinction_n de_fw-fr toute_fw-fr sedition_n populaire_n as_o touch_v the_o permit_v the_o assemble_v together_o in_o temple_n no_o manner_n of_o division_n or_o tumult_n can_v from_o hence_o arise_v among_o your_o subject_n but_o rather_o a_o public_a rest_n and_o extinguish_n of_o all_o popular_a sedition_n for_o the_o chronicle_n also_o show_v how_o that_o the_o disturbance_n and_o trouble_n come_v not_o through_o those_o that_o live_v orderly_o according_a to_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o according_o exercise_v their_o religion_n in_o stillness_n but_o through_o those_o who_o will_v not_o suffer_v this_o nor_o bear_v other_o but_o seek_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n and_o to_o exercise_v lordship_n over_o other_o and_o therefore_o do_v they_o raise_v up_o persecution_n but_o the_o state_n of_o holland_n testify_v that_o waer_fw-mi vervolginghen_fw-mi ziju_fw-mi datter_fw-ge der_fw-ge all_o in_o roere_o be_v maer_fw-mi waer_fw-mi geen_fw-mi en_fw-fr sijn_fw-fr all_o sijnd_a verscheijden_n religien_n that_fw-mi der_fw-ge all_fw-ge saelren_fw-ge stilder_n sijn_o so_o â—olr_v in_o onse_fw-fr vijden_n be_v bevonden_v i._n e._n that_o where_o there_o be_v persecution_n there_o be_v all_o in_o distraction_n but_o where_o there_o be_v none_o though_o there_o be_v several_a religion_n there_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o quiet_a as_o have_v be_v evident_a in_o our_o day_n say_v they_o vide_fw-la urede_fw-la handel_n van_fw-mi coln_n fol._n 53._o chap._n viii_o concern_v obedience_n to_o magistrate_n the_o vanity_n and_o evil_n of_o force_v of_o conscience_n certain_a mixim_n assert_v by_o many_o wise_a man_n how_o violence_n become_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n neither_o have_v christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n teach_v it_o nor_o practise_v it_o calvin_n say_v that_o those_o that_o be_v set_v over_o we_o must_v be_v obey_v if_o that_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v not_o thereby_o disobey_v but_o if_o they_o lead_v we_o from_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o presumptuous_o strive_v against_o the_o lord_n then_o must_v they_o not_o be_v regard_v say_v he_o to_o the_o end_n that_o god_n with_o his_o authority_n may_v retain_v the_o pre-eminence_n the_o state_n of_o holland_n testify_v that_o subject_n be_v not_o oblige_v in_o all_o thing_n whether_o right_a or_o unright_a to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o prince_n int_n plac_fw-la anno_fw-la 1581._o 2._o deel_n fol._n 12._o prince_n of_o orange_n be_v command_v by_o the_o king_n when_o he_o depart_v out_o of_o zealand_n to_o put_v many_o sober_a people_n to_o death_n who_o be_v suspect_v concern_v their_o religion_n but_o therein_o he_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o king_n know_v he_o can_v not_o do_v it_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o also_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n moreover_o say_v a_o certain_a writer_n the_o truth_n with_o sad_a experience_n have_v learn_v we_o and_o plain_o show_v we_o that_o force_v of_o conscience_n and_o persecute_v about_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o in_o vain_a but_o a_o direct_a contrary_a mean_n and_o a_o cause_n of_o sect_n and_o disturbance_n and_o of_o many_o evil_n as_o the_o chroncle_n of_o germany_n france_n and_o the_o low_a country_n do_v abundant_o testify_v the_o state_n of_o holland_n also_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o find_v out_o mean_v of_o any_o good_a and_o certain_a peace_n otherwise_o then_o by_o tollerate_v more_o than_o one_o religion_n experientia_fw-la satis_fw-la edocti_fw-la sumus_fw-la ferrum_fw-la flammas_fw-la exilum_fw-la proscriptiones_fw-la irritasse_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la sannasse_n morbum_fw-la menti_fw-la inhaerentem_fw-la the_o king_n of_o france_n be_v move_v with_o great_a zeal_n say_v a_o certain_a bishop_n to_o ordain_v great_a torment_n and_o punishment_n for_o the_o heretic_n think_v thereby_o to_o root_v out_o their_o opinion_n and_o to_o unite_v the_o people_n together_o in_o one_o opinion_n but_o in_o his_o determination_n say_v he_o he_o be_v deceive_v so_o be_v also_o duke_n d'alba_fw-la who_o for_o five_o or_o six_o year_n together_o endeavour_v with_o exceed_v great_a tyranny_n to_o maintain_v the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n in_o the_o low-countrye_n in_o haet_n 36._o van_fw-mi de_fw-fr standt_fw-ge der_fw-ge rel._n fol._n 190._o now_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a persecution_n that_o be_v and_o have_v be_v about_o religion_n these_o follow_a maxim_n be_v assert_v and_o own_a by_o most_o man_n 1._o that_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o relgion_n ought_v to_o be_v free_a 3._o that_o no_o religion_n by_o violence_n can_v be_v imprint_v in_o the_o heart_n 4._o that_o force_v make_v man_n hypocrite_n 5._o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o preserve_v the_o land_n in_o peace_n without_o give_v liberty_n for_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o religion_n 6._o that_o in_o one_o land_n or_o city_n there_o may_v be_v well_o more_o religion_n than_o one_o 7._o that_o it_o be_v a_o seed_n of_o contention_n and_o uproar_v among_o the_o people_n when_o man_n contrary_a to_o promise_n and_o to_o what_o they_o ought_v resist_v one_o another_o in_o their_o religion_n 8._o and_o that_o prohibit_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o religion_n tend_v open_o or_o manifest_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o man_n which_o happen_v when_o one_o party_n with_o violence_n seek_v to_o root_v out_o another_o religion_n nevertheless_o say_v the_o author_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o foolish_a zealot_n will_v obstinate_o run_v on_o in_o that_o destructive_a path_n of_o force_a conscience_n and_o thereby_o bereave_v other_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n fredericus_fw-la the_o king_n of_o bohemia_n say_v that_o in_o these_o last_o time_n there_o be_v many_o different_a opinion_n rise_v among_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n but_o according_a to_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o according_a to_o the_o settle_a foundation_n of_o doctrine_n say_v he_o man_n will_v not_o be_v urge_v compel_v or_o force_v in_o their_o conscience_n for_o when_o such_o force_n have_v be_v attempt_v it_o have_v have_v a_o evil_a end_n and_o in_o the_o chief_a kingdom_n and_o province_n there_o have_v be_v a_o remarkable_a change_n make_v for_o through_o this_o mean_n city_n come_v to_o be_v more_o ruin_v than_o benefit_v vide_fw-la his_o declaration_n print_v in_o the_o hagne_n anno_fw-la 1619._o it_o do_v in_o no_o wise_n become_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o new-testament_n to_o deal_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n by_o force_n violence_n and_o tyranny_n say_v a_o wise_a man_n or_o thereunto_o to_o help_v counsel_n or_o advise_v but_o with_o prayer_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n lambertus_n testify_v say_v true_o thing_n be_v not_o well_o neither_o do_v man_n right_a when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o remove_v heretic_n and_o error_n with_o weapon_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n ought_v not_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o uncertain_a effect_n
that_o have_v be_v always_o so_o meek_a that_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a to_o find_v a_o example_n of_o a_o lamb_n devour_v of_o a_o wolf_n as_o of_o that_o put_v a_o heretic_n to_o death_n by_o the_o sword_n and_o they_o in_o who_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v be_v mind_v like_o he_o but_o as_o concern_v persecutor_n while_o in_o the_o new-testament_n they_o find_v nothing_o but_o meekness_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o persecution_n say_v he_o therefore_o be_v they_o necessitate_v to_o fly_v unto_o the_o old_a by_o which_o they_o suffiient_o manifest_v who_o spirit_n child_n they_o be_v this_o do_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o martyr_n testify_v with_o their_o innocent_a blood_n how_o that_o the_o true_a believer_n have_v suffer_v as_o heretic_n blasphemer_n uproar-maker_n contemner_n of_o religion_n and_o seducer_n etc._n etc._n yet_o it_o be_v a_o fast_a and_o certain_a rule_n say_v the_o history_n that_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n have_v place_n that_o there_o must_v all_o consultation_n of_o persecution_n cease_v then_o much_o more_o the_o thing_n itself_o know_v that_o their_o weapon_n be_v whole_o spiritual_a even_o as_o god_n and_o his_o whole_a kingdom_n be_v which_o must_v be_v use_v and_o feel_v and_o keep_v the_o authority_n for_o there_o be_v say_v he_o weapon_n of_o love_n of_o prayer_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o patience_n whereby_o the_o inward_a understanding_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n may_v be_v bring_v unto_o the_o right_a way_n but_o what_o be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n with_o fleshly_a weapon_n alas_o say_v he_o in_o no_o wise_a fit_v but_o like_v unto_o the_o world_n which_o run_v on_o in_o the_o broad_a way_n to_o destruction_n moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a enough_o for_o in_o the_o whole_a europa_n experience_n have_v learn_v it_o that_o the_o cruel_a condemn_v banish_v persecute_v and_o put_v heretic_n to_o death_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v a_o absolute_a contrary_a mean_n for_o to_o rout_n out_o heretic_n for_o to_o unite_v the_o divide_a christendom_n and_o to_o quiet_v its_o disturbance_n and_o it_o have_v also_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o external_n peace_n and_o unity_n can_v and_o may_v be_v better_o preserve_v in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n through_o forbearance_n and_o by_o suffer_v of_o contrary_a opinion_n through_o love_n and_o christian_a meekness_n than_o by_o banish_v and_o persecute_v people_n to_o death_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n chap._n xii_o when_o the_o bishop_n begin_v to_o seek_v the_o help_n of_o the_o magistrate_n how_o it_o then_o minister_v offence_n what_o punishment_n the_o church_n heretofore_o have_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o heretic_n and_o how_o difficult_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o magistrate_n to_o judge_v aright_o in_o matter_n of_o heresy_n erasmus_n testify_v that_o for_o above_o 400._o year_n the_o bishop_n do_v not_o seek_v the_o help_n of_o the_o emperor_n against_o the_o heretic_n and_o when_o they_o do_v seek_v it_o against_o the_o insufferable_a wickedness_n of_o the_o donatisten_v it_o do_v not_o please_v the_o good_a party_n that_o they_o shall_v then_o seek_v the_o help_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o they_o then_o judge_v that_o it_o become_v not_o the_o bishop_n to_o use_v any_o other_o weapon_n or_o to_o have_v any_o other_o help_v than_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n although_o the_o evil_a be_v incurable_a yet_o will_v they_o have_v exclude_v it_o by_o excommunication_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o great_a judgement_n or_o punishment_n that_o then_o the_o church_n have_v now_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v manifest_v his_o will_n by_o that_o which_o be_v leave_v upon_o record_n and_o which_o be_v deliver_v by_o his_o apostle_n who_o have_v show_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v carry_v ourselves_o 1._o towards_o they_o that_o resist_v the_o truth_n 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 25._o chap._n 3.6.8_o chap._n 4.15_o 2._o towards_o backsliders_a 1_o tim._n 1.20_o 3._o towards_o they_o that_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n 2_o tim._n 2.16_o 18._o 4._o towards_o they_o that_o teach_v what_o they_o ought_v not_o titus_n 1.11_o 13._o 5._o towards_o they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n rom._n 16.17_o 6._o towards_o false_a prophet_n mat._n 7.15_o chap._n 16.11_o 12._o 7._o towards_o they_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a 2_o thes._n 3.6_o 8._o towards_o pharisaical_a hypocrite_n that_o have_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o not_o the_o power_n luke_n 12.1_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o 9_o towards_o false_a brethren_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o 10._o towards_o heretic_n titus_n 3.10_o 11._o towards_o fornicator_n and_o idolater_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o 12._o towards_o the_o disobedient_a 2_o thess._n 3.14_o 13._o towards_o the_o stiffnecked_n mat._n 18.17_o thus_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o severe_a punishment_n in_o prison_n or_o by_o banishment_n or_o by_o have_v their_o good_n spoil_v or_o by_o be_v put_v to_o death_n nay_o but_o he_o have_v rather_o command_v 1._o that_o with_o meekness_n we_o shall_v instruct_v 2_o tim._n 24.25_o 2._o deliver_v unto_o satan_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o 3._o sharp_o to_o rebuke_v tit._n 1.11_o 13._o 4._o to_o avoid_v they_o rom._n 16.17_o 2_o thes._n 3.6_o 2_o joh._n 10.11_o 5._o to_o beware_v of_o they_o mat._n 7.15_o 6._o to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o 7._o to_o reject_v they_o tit._n 3.10_o 2_o tim._n 4.15_o 8._o to_o let_v they_o alone_o mat._n 15.14_o 9_o to_o esteem_v they_o as_o heathen_n or_o publican_n mat._n 18.17_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o law_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v for_o their_o punishment_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o fruit_n hereafter_o mention_v may_v be_v bring_v forth_o for_o god_n will_v not_o as_o many_o blood_n thirsty_a man_n that_o they_o shall_v die_v and_o perish_v but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v that_o they_o all_o shall_v repent_v 2_o pet_n 3.9_o 2_o tim._n 2.25_o that_o they_o cease_v from_o man_n tradition_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a 2_o thes._n 3.14_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o that_o they_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n tit._n 1.13_o that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v 1_o cor._n 5.5_o for_o the_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v the_o apostle_n be_v to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n 2_o cor._n 13.10_o erasmus_n say_v the_o christian_a meekness_n must_v satisfy_v itself_o with_o these_o punishment_n to_o stone_n that_o be_v the_o jew_n work_n but_o the_o true_a christian_n work_n be_v to_o heal._n ambrose_n say_v that_o heretic_n be_v only_o to_o be_v punish_v by_o excommunication_n and_o not_o to_o be_v beat_n and_o persecute_v for_o so_o do_v the_o heathen_a say_v he_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o ignatius_n say_v you_o shall_v separate_v yourselves_o from_o they_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n in_o haereticis_fw-la coercendis_fw-la quatenus_fw-la progredi_fw-la liceat_fw-la ubi_fw-la nominatius_fw-la eos_fw-la ultimo_fw-la supplicio_fw-la affici_fw-la non_fw-la deberi_fw-la aperte_fw-la demonstratur_fw-la christlinge_n impressum_fw-la anno_fw-la 1577._o sectio_fw-la 2._o chrisostomus_n say_v that_o he_o be_v not_o such_o a_o fool_n as_o that_o he_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v his_o judge_n who_o be_v his_o open_a enemy_n for_o it_o be_v against_o all_o right_a and_o reason_n that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o accuser_n and_o witness_v shall_v also_o be_v judge_n every_o one_o say_v he_o will_v be_v judge_n over_o another_o yet_o none_o acknowledge_v the_o other_o to_o be_v his_o judge_n tell_v i_o then_o you_o wise_a man_n who_o will_v have_v the_o heretic_n punish_v or_o persecute_v to_o death_n by_o the_o magistrate_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o judge_n the_o magistrate_n the_o church_n or_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v speak_v against_o and_o how_o shall_v the_o magistrate_n be_v assure_v of_o the_o odiousness_n of_o the_o blasphemy_n and_o crime_n and_o how_o shall_v the_o magistrate_n know_v certain_o who_o be_v punishable_a sismaticks_n apostate_n false_a teacher_n heretic_n and_o seducer_n who_o they_o be_v that_o set_v up_o a_o sect_n or_o a_o church_n who_o believe_v well_o or_o evil_a who_o teach_v according_a too_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n who_o be_v move_v of_o god_n or_o by_o his_o own_o zeal_n who_o do_v according_a to_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o contrary_n who_o be_v wound_v and_o judge_v in_o themselves_o and_o who_o be_v not_o and_o who_o be_v obstinate_a and_o stiff-necked_a heretic_n or_o constant_a upright_a christian_n but_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v refer_v this_o to_o the_o divine_n or_o clergy_n say_v he_o
to_o judge_v of_o what_o more_o assurance_n shall_v they_o have_v than_o the_o magistrate_n who_o through_o their_o strong_a importune_v blind_o persecute_v the_o heretic_n and_o have_v martyr_v and_o put_v to_o death_n most_o of_o the_o christian_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n say_v he_o how_o can_v they_o then_o more_o than_o the_o magistrate_n judge_v of_o such_o hide_a mystery_n as_o before_o mention_v vide_fw-la synopsis_fw-la disp._n 57_o thes._n chap._n 20._o chap._n xiii_o the_o necessity_n of_o just_a and_o equal_a liberty_n how_o expedient_a it_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o see_v before_o one_o judge_n how_o the_o persecute_v clergy_n do_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n how_o life_n and_o conversation_n have_v not_o be_v so_o much_o look_v at_o as_o difference_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o how_o prejudicial_a it_o will_v be_v for_o christian_n if_o their_o counsel_n be_v follow_v that_o stir_v up_o man_n to_o persecute_v aremnus_fw-la say_fw-la the_o profitableness_n of_o the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n require_v a_o firm_a and_o entire_a union_n of_o all_o the_o citizen_n and_o subject_n now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o firm_a union_n say_v he_o except_o that_o all_o the_o citizen_n and_o subject_n enjoy_v equality_n and_o that_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o inequality_n among_o they_o in_o that_o particular_a be_v and_o have_v be_v of_o most_o politician_n call_v one_o pestilence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n anno_fw-la 1575._o com._n do_v fol._n 79._o qui_fw-la autem_fw-la partem_fw-la civium_fw-la consulunt_fw-la partem_fw-la negligunt_fw-la rem_fw-la pernitiosissimam_fw-la in_o civitatem_fw-la inducunt_fw-la cicero_n in_o offi_n when_o the_o king_n lodewick_n of_o france_n be_v much_o importune_v by_o the_o cardinal_n and_o bishop_n to_o put_v several_a people_n to_o death_n in_o his_o dominion_n who_o be_v accuse_v of_o much_o odious_a heresy_n the_o king_n say_v if_o i_o be_v to_o begin_v a_o war_n with_o the_o turk_n or_o the_o devil_n i_o will_v first_o hear_v they_o and_o afterward_o he_o send_v legaten_v to_o examine_v the_o matter_n and_o when_o he_o find_v they_o to_o be_v such_o in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o worship_n that_o he_o break_v out_o with_o a_o oath_n and_o say_v these_o man_n be_v better_a than_o i_o with_o my_o catholic_n urede_a hand_n van_fw-mi colen_n fol._n 39_o the_o jew_n scribe_n and_o pharisee_n exclaim_v against_o christ_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o say_v if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v a_o evil_a doer_n we_o will_v not_o have_v deliver_v he_o up_o unto_o thou_o and_o then_o they_o accuse_v he_o of_o pervert_v the_o nation_n of_o forbid_v the_o people_n to_o give_v tribute_n to_o caesar_n of_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n of_o cast_v out_o devil_n through_o beelzebub_n and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o they_o have_v a_o law_n and_o that_o by_o that_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o die_v etc._n etc._n luke_n 23.2_o 5._o john_n 18.30_o mark_n 3.21_o john_n 19.6_o 7._o thus_o do_v they_o seek_v to_o deceive_v pilate_n who_o be_v unexperienced_a in_o their_o law_n even_o as_o the_o clergy_n now_o say_v a_o certain_a writer_n stir_v up_o the_o magistrate_n with_o their_o lie_n seek_v to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v a_o law_n by_o which_o heretic_n ought_v to_o be_v persecute_v and_o put_v to_o death_n and_o by_o their_o sophistical_a art_n say_v he_o can_v they_o prevail_v with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o that_o final_o they_o to_o continue_v their_o friend_n and_o the_o emperor_n or_o the_o king_n deliver_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n as_o pilate_n do_v christ_n who_o say_v take_v he_o and_o judge_v he_o according_a to_o your_o law_n etc._n etc._n certain_o say_v one_o where_o christ_n be_v now_o make_v manifest_a there_o be_v also_o iudas_n to_o be_v find_v the_o world_n be_v no_o better_a nor_o holy_a than_o it_o be_v but_o rather_o worse_a and_o therefore_o do_v the_o truth_n now_o suffer_v under_o the_o name_n of_o heresy_n say_v he_o as_o heretofore_o for_o now_o in_o these_o day_n man_n do_v little_a regard_n life_n or_o conversation_n but_o present_o fall_v upon_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n persecute_v and_o shameful_o entreat_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o doctrine_n though_o their_o life_n be_v never_o so_o good_a say_v he_o but_o indeed_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v otherwise_o and_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n to_o instruct_v those_o that_o err_v and_o not_o to_o put_v man_n to_o death_n for_o their_o error_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a great_a error_n condonabiles_fw-la sunt_fw-la quidem_fw-la piorum_fw-la hominum_fw-la errores_fw-la sicut_fw-la et_fw-la non_fw-la quivis_fw-la corporis_fw-la morbus_fw-la uxitialis_fw-la est_fw-la certain_o it_o be_v unchristianlike_a yea_o unnatural_a that_o any_o shall_v judge_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o obstinate_a heretic_n who_o live_v a_o good_a life_n and_o be_v of_o a_o upright_a mind_n and_o who_o can_v comprehend_v the_o matter_n otherwise_o than_o he_o understand_v it_o and_o thereupon_o be_v he_o resolve_v to_o suffer_v whatsoever_o may_v come_v but_o when_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o charge_n against_o his_o life_n then_o rail_v they_o against_o his_o doctrine_n like_v as_o the_o persecutor_n of_o daniel_n say_v we_o shall_v have_v nothing_o against_o he_o except_o it_o be_v concern_v his_o worship_n and_o as_o amazia_n the_o priest_n of_o bethel_n inform_v the_o king_n against_o amos_n and_o accuse_v he_o of_o uproar_v and_o tell_v he_o that_o the_o land_n can_v not_o bear_v all_o his_o word_n amos_n 7.10_o dan._n 6.5_o act_n 24._o jer._n 26.8_o 9_o 11._o if_o one_o sect_n shall_v rise_v up_o against_o another_o to_o the_o destroy_v one_o of_o another_o which_o must_v needs_o follow_v if_o their_o counsel_n be_v follow_v who_o will_v have_v heretic_n put_v to_o death_n than_o when_o they_o have_v destroy_v one_o another_o consider_v then_o what_o a_o door_n there_o will_v be_v open_v for_o the_o turk_n and_o for_o other_o barbarous_a people_n for_o they_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o remainder_n and_o then_o to_o tyrannize_v over_o they_o but_o as_o lactantius_n say_v even_o as_o they_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o religion_n itself_o so_o be_v they_o deceive_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o protection_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v defend_v with_o kill_v but_o with_o exhort_v not_o with_o cruelty_n but_o with_o patience_n not_o with_o wickedness_n but_o by_o faith_n for_o they_o that_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v their_o worship_n with_o torment_n they_o rather_o pollute_v it_o than_o defend_v it_o chap._n fourteen_o several_a testimony_n against_o persecution_n and_o force_v of_o conscience_n of_o the_o liberty_n among_o the_o heathen_a how_o meekness_n be_v better_a than_o war_n how_o the_o christian_n meeting_n be_v forbid_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n stephanus_n king_n of_o poland_n say_v it_o belong_v not_o to_o i_o to_o reform_v the_o conscience_n i_o have_v always_o glad_o give_v that_o over_o to_o god_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v i_o do_v now_o and_o also_o for_o the_o future_a i_o will_v suffer_v the_o weed_n to_o grow_v until_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n for_o i_o know_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v but_o small_a therefore_o say_v he_o when_o some_o be_v proceed_v in_o persecution_n ego_fw-la sum_fw-la rex_fw-la populorum_fw-la non_fw-la conscientiarum_fw-la i._n e._n i_o be_o king_n of_o the_o people_n and_o not_o of_o their_o conscience_n he_o also_o affirm_v that_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v plant_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n chron._n van_fw-mi de_fw-fr rel._n urijh_o 2_o deel_n tindallus_fw-la apud_fw-la foxium_fw-la in_fw-la act_v et_fw-la monument_n be_v say_v the_o new-testament_n of_o christ_n suffer_v no_o law_n of_o compel_v but_o alone_o of_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v pag._n 1338._o timestius_fw-la exhort_v the_o emperor_n to_o cease_v from_o persecution_n beseech_v he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v cruel_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o discord_n or_o defference_n of_o the_o christian_n doctrine_n see_v there_o be_v such_o a_o multitude_n of_o sect_n among_o the_o heathen_a and_o that_o every_o one_o continue_v in_o his_o own_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o mean_v and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o rest_n the_o prince_n of_o orange_n testify_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o land_n shall_v be_v keep_v in_o peace_n except_o there_o be_v a_o free_a toleration_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n anno_fw-la 1579._o swinckfeild_n testify_v that_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o do_v not_o become_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o new-testament_n in_o no_o wise_a to_o force_v with_o violence_n and_o tyranny_n the_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n
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