judgement_n of_o his_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a enemy_n but_o also_o according_a to_o their_o desire_n take_v he_o say_v pilate_n and_o judge_v he_o according_a to_o your_o law_n pag._n 100_o david_n say_v that_o heaven_n be_v give_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o earth_n unto_o the_o child_n of_o man_n that_o be_v god_n have_v give_v man_n power_n over_o earthly_a matter_n and_o over_o whatsoever_o belong_v unto_o earthly_a matter_n but_o over_o heavenly_a matter_n and_o these_o thing_n which_o appertain_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n have_v only_a dominion_n over_o vred_a hand_n tot_fw-la col._n fol._n 137_o 195._o regula_n sit_fw-la morte_fw-la non_fw-la puniendos_fw-la sed_fw-la judex_fw-la videat_fw-la et_fw-la ponderet_fw-la chap._n xvii_o how_o the_o truth_n be_v oppress_v through_o sum_n usurpation_n how_o the_o protestant_n have_v be_v hinder_v from_o print_v of_o their_o book_n the_o unjustness_n of_o the_o thing_n how_o it_o have_v be_v the_o papist_n do_v who_o will_v neither_o suffer_v disputation_n nor_o book_n against_o themselves_o the_o cause_n why_o and_o how_o unjust_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o one_o shall_v usurp_v authority_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n etc._n etc._n not_o without_o reason_n be_v man_n offend_v say_v calvine_n when_o they_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n lie_v oppress_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o that_o none_o dare_v appear_v to_o help_v and_o defend_v the_o same_o and_o that_o error_n be_v so_o strong_o maintain_v with_o the_o cloak_n of_o lawful_a judgement_n that_o there_o be_v no_o freedom_n to_o reprove_v and_o amend_v the_o same_o neither_o will_v they_o that_o have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n suffer_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v speak_v that_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o institution_n and_o if_o one_o reprove_v or_o rebuke_v they_o and_o teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o what_o they_o teach_v then_o do_v they_o account_v that_o to_o be_v uproarish_a when_o they_o themselves_o be_v the_o most_o tumultuous_a decl._n chap._n 14_o 15._o further_o he_o add_v that_o if_o they_o themselves_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o the_o mighty_a to_o shed_v blood_n there_o will_v never_o arise_v so_o many_o uproar_n among_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v luther_n opinion_n that_o those_o that_o stir_v up_o the_o prince_n to_o persecute_v about_o religion_n they_o raise_v the_o uproar_v thesaur_n pag._n 679._o likewise_o the_o reform_a protestant_n complain_v of_o be_v forbid_v to_o print_v book_n and_o to_o sell_v they_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o chronicle_n which_o thing_n the_o prince_n of_o orange_n hold_v for_o unfitting_a a_o force_v of_o conscience_n a_o quench_n of_o prophecy_n and_o a_o oppress_a of_o the_o truth_n bor._n chron._n second_o part_n fol._n 48.47_o the_o papist_n counsel_v the_o emperor_n the_o prince_n and_o state_n that_o they_o shall_v obstruct_v write_v and_o print_n of_o book_n as_o also_o dispute_v and_o preach_v otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o the_o interpretation_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o disperser_n of_o such_o book_n shall_v be_v punish_v vide_fw-la history_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o trent_n pag._n 42_o 43._o when_o tacitus_n have_v declare_v how_o that_o the_o lord_n father_n have_v think_v it_o good_a to_o burn_v the_o book_n of_o cremutius_n cordus_n some_o of_o which_o be_v afterward_o bring_v to_o light_n he_o say_v he_o must_v laugh_v at_o the_o folly_n of_o those_o who_o think_v by_o their_o present_a power_n they_o can_v extinguish_v the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o from_o age_n to_o come_v for_o most_o common_o the_o contrary_n happen_v and_o when_o man_n reprove_v the_o glorious_a understanding_n their_o honour_n and_o renown_n be_v not_o thereby_o diminish_v but_o rather_o augment_v further_n say_v he_o all_o king_n that_o have_v use_v great_a tyranny_n in_o such_o case_n have_v thereby_o bring_v contempt_n upon_o themselves_o and_o more_o honour_n and_o esteem_v to_o the_o other_o vide_fw-la annales_n lib._n 3._o pag._n 22._o the_o emperor_n nero_n cause_v the_o book_n of_o f._n veientio_n who_o reprove_v the_o priest_n and_o the_o council_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o while_o they_o be_v to_o be_v get_v notwithstanding_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v seek_v and_o read_v but_o afterward_o people_n be_v permit_v to_o have_v they_o and_o to_o read_v they_o nota._n when_o such_o write_n say_v he_o be_v little_o esteem_v they_o perish_v of_o themselves_o but_o when_o man_n be_v angry_a than_o they_o come_v to_o be_v the_o more_o manifest_a for_o the_o difficulty_n in_o procure_v of_o they_o sharpen_v the_o desire_n kindle_v the_o zeal_n and_o bring_v the_o matter_n into_o more_o esteem_n pol._n 4._o lipsi_fw-la 6._o lib._n fol._n 354._o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n say_v that_o it_o sound_v strange_a in_o their_o ear_n that_o man_n be_v come_v to_o the_o forbid_v of_o book_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o according_a to_o their_o right_n and_o privilege_n a_o thing_n say_v they_o for_o which_o people_n have_v just_o exclaim_v against_o the_o popish_a government_n for_o liberty_n herein_o chief_o consist_v viz._n that_o every_o one_o may_v free_o speak_v his_o judgement_n and_o heretofore_o it_o have_v be_v esteem_v a_o mark_n of_o tyranny_n when_o people_n may_v not_o speak_v their_o thought_n vide_fw-la their_z remonst_z anno_fw-la 1582._o very_o say_v they_o further_a reason_v which_o oppose_v all_o tyranny_n teach_v we_o in_o the_o general_n that_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o light_n constrain_v therefore_o be_v it_o tyrannical_a to_o forbid_v good_a book_n as_o the_o apostate_n julianus_n do_v the_o king_n of_o spain_n with_o other_o of_o the_o popish_a prince_n will_v not_o suffer_v different_a religion_n in_o their_o dominion_n nor_o yet_o disputation_n about_o religion_n neither_o will_v they_o suffer_v any_o book_n that_o speak_v in_o the_o least_o against_o their_o order_n and_o religion_n this_o do_v many_o reprove_v in_o the_o papist_n and_o yet_o will_v glad_o have_v it_o so_o themselves_o they_o fear_v say_v lactantius_n that_o be_v conquer_v by_o we_o they_o shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o give_v we_o the_o hand_n whereby_o they_o sufficient_o manifest_v the_o desperation_n of_o their_o corrupt_a reason_n see_v they_o dare_v not_o search_v nor_o enter_v into_o dispute_n with_o any_o because_o they_o know_v they_o shall_v soon_o be_v overcome_v and_o so_o not_o search_v they_o expel_v wisdom_n and_o set_v violence_n in_o its_o place_n and_o be_v they_o endeavour_v to_o judge_v those_o as_o be_v guilty_a who_o they_o know_v well_o to_o be_v guiltless_a yet_o will_v they_o not_o suffer_v their_o innocency_n to_o be_v make_v manifest_a as_o if_o it_o be_v more_o unreasonable_a to_o manifest_v innocency_n than_o to_o condemn_v they_o that_o have_v not_o be_v hear_v but_o as_o i_o have_v say_v say_v he_o they_o fear_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v if_o they_o hear_v and_o therefore_o torture_n kill_v and_o banish_v they_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n that_o be_v righteous_a men._n lactant._n lib._n 5._o chap._n 1._o certain_o say_v acontius_n if_o the_o shepherd_n once_o get_v it_o so_o far_o as_o that_o none_o may_v oppose_v they_o then_o will_v they_o force_v the_o poor_a people_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o receive_v whatsoever_o they_o will_v then_o woe_n be_v to_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n and_o woe_n be_v to_o all_o honest_a people_n if_o it_o once_o come_v again_o so_o far_o that_o the_o just_a and_o equal_a defence_n against_o the_o learned_a shall_v be_v esteem_v calumny_n wickedness_n and_o crimen_fw-la laesae_fw-la ma_fw-la estatis_fw-la arg._n des_fw-fr sit_v lib._n 3._o fol._n 97._o for_o the_o pope_n innocentius_n the_o three_o make_v a_o law_n that_o he_o that_o presume_v to_o blaspheme_n the_o pope_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n neither_o be_v any_o to_o speak_v against_o he_o nor_o against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o any_o man_n likewise_o a_o synod_n at_o rome_n make_v a_o decree_n that_o none_o in_o the_o world_n shall_v speak_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o cruel_o do_v they_o persecute_v those_o that_o do_v contrary_a to_o their_o decree_n merul._n pag._n 783_o 787_o 741_o 748._o at_o geneva_n it_o be_v also_o forbid_v by_o a_o proclamation_n that_o any_o shall_v speak_v against_o calvin_n and_o his_o doctrine_n an._n 1553._o anno_fw-la 1619._o there_o be_v several_a of_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o low-country_n that_o think_v it_o needful_a that_o some_o order_n be_v take_v for_o the_o prevent_n and_o disperse_v of_o such_o book_n as_o they_o think_v unfitting_a if_o that_o one_o church_n or_o teacher_n say_v castel_n be_v only_o tolerate_v to_o reprove_v vilify_v and_o false_o to_o accuse_v all_o other_o and_o that_o without_o permit_v any_o
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 creature_n and_o this_o differ_v from_o and_o contrary_n to_o the_o pure_a and_o perfect_a order_n and_o decree_n of_o creation_n which_o be_v bless_v altogether_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v degenerate_v by_o corruption_n and_o err_v through_o temptation_n from_o that_o pure_a and_o holy_a order_n of_o creation_n either_o in_o thing_n worldly_a or_o divine_a be_v in_o the_o curse_n and_o opposition_n against_o the_o holy_a creator_n and_o so_o be_v this_o thing_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o treat_v imposition_n upon_o conscience_n in_o matter_n divine_a and_o temporal_a force_v exercise_v in_o spiritual_a case_n be_v the_o high_a product_n of_o degeneration_n and_o the_o great_a degression_n from_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o creation_n for_o without_o controversy_n the_o creator_n himself_o reserve_v and_o retain_v in_o his_o alone_a only_a power_n the_o privilege_n of_o supremacy_n in_o and_o over_o the_o inward_a man_n in_o all_o the_o matter_n immortal_a that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o only_a lord_n in_o that_o case_n and_o give_v spiritual_a law_n to_o command_v and_o force_v thereby_o to_o exercise_v the_o soul_n and_o heart_n in_o fear_n love_n faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v be_v serve_v as_o the_o lord_n over_o all_o most_o chief_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a spiritual_a and_o immortal_a man_n this_o power_n of_o supremacy_n i_o say_v he_o reserve_v and_o retain_v in_o himself_o in_o the_o creation_n to_o exercise_v over_o mankind_n and_o do_v not_o commit_v this_o privilege_n to_o any_o other_o wherefore_o without_o controversy_n it_o be_v a_o usurpation_n of_o the_o creator_n rightful_a dominion_n it_o be_v a_o rob_n of_o he_o of_o his_o dignity_n and_o prerogative_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o violence_n do_v against_o his_o sovereignty_n a_o audacious_a intrude_a into_o his_o proper_a right_n and_o a_o violate_v of_o the_o law_n and_o decree_n of_o creation_n for_o one_o person_n or_o one_o people_n to_o assume_v to_o 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 mourning_n and_o sorrow_n because_o of_o it_o and_o with_o testimony_n and_o abhorrance_n against_o it_o and_o at_o this_o hour_n i_o be_o a_o sufferer_n in_o body_n and_o spirit_n because_o of_o the_o same_o carnal_a imposition_n upon_o conscience_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n woe_n unto_o it_o my_o soul_n hate_v and_o my_o god_n will_v plague_n in_o his_o season_n if_o i_o shall_v study_v in_o search_v to_o find_v out_o and_o to_o describe_v all_o the_o evil_n mischief_n and_o woeful_a inconvenience_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o gulf_n out_o of_o which_o they_o ascend_v i_o may_v make_v this_o epistle_n a_o large_a volumn_n but_o since_o that_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o write_v about_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v now_o contract_v this_o with_o the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v work_v until_o he_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n yea_o this_o imposition_n upon_o conscience_n opposite_a to_o perfect_a liberty_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o 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
every_o impartial_a reader_n who_o must_v and_o that_o every_o man_n for_o himself_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o what_o he_o read_v even_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o which_o this_o be_v single_o commit_v e._n b._n from_o my_o place_n of_o present_a restraint_n the_o 27_o day_n of_o the_o seven_o month_n 1662._o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n who_o in_o their_o generation_n have_v testify_v against_o that_o horrible_a evil_n of_o force_v of_o conscience_n and_o persecution_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n chap._n i._n concern_v the_o christian_a religion_n how_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v plant_v establish_v nor_o defend_v by_o weapon_n nor_o by_o violence_n and_o how_o it_o do_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o force_n of_o conscience_n a_o certain_a chancellor_n speak_v before_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n at_o orleans_n in_o praise_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n say_v that_o those_o that_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v the_o same_o by_o weapon_n do_v against_o their_o call_v which_o be_v say_v he_o to_o suffer_v violence_n and_o not_o to_o do_v it_o herein_o differ_v we_o say_v chrisostomus_n from_o the_o heathen_a who_o do_v force_n and_o compel_v by_o violence_n but_o the_o christian_n they_o be_v patient_a and_o forbear_n neither_o have_v our_o religion_n have_v her_o beginning_n with_o weapon_n say_v he_o neither_o have_v it_o be_v maintain_v by_o weapon_n it_o be_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o persecute_v other_o to_o death_n about_o their_o religion_n but_o it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v their_o condition_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n themselves_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n moreover_o say_v he_o the_o shed_n of_o blood_n about_o religion_n be_v a_o evident_a token_n of_o antichrist_n relig._n uryl_n pag._n 192._o that_o religion_n which_o go_v about_o to_o set_v up_o a_o sect_n which_o seek_v not_o peace_n but_o speak_v against_o all_o and_o will_v suffer_v none_o equal_a with_o it_o but_o will_v be_v alone_a master_n and_o exercise_v lordship_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o other_o and_o with_o the_o civil_a power_n persecute_v those_o that_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n by_o shed_v their_o blood_n banish_v of_o they_o and_o spoil_v of_o their_o good_n or_o with_o war_n and_o fight_v establish_v their_o own_o such_o do_v thereby_o show_v that_o they_o be_v no_o right_a shepherd_n of_o the_o true_a christian_n but_o rather_o wolf_n caines_n ishmaelite_n and_o esauhites_n who_o hand_n be_v against_o all_o and_o every_o man_n hand_n against_o they_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v otherwise_o call_v the_o christian_a church_n say_v a_o certain_a writer_n have_v no_o earthly_a king_n no_o temporal_a magistrate_n nor_o governor_n for_o the_o lord_n alone_o be_v king_n in_o his_o kingdom_n as_o he_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n so_o he_o have_v commit_v that_o to_o none_o to_o govern._n this_o king_n govern_v with_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n here_o be_v none_o compel_v for_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a freedom_n and_o willingness_n there_o be_v no_o violence_n or_o contention_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o by_o the_o figure_n of_o solomon_n temple_n where_o no_o hammer_n no_o axe_n or_o iron_n instrument_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v but_o there_o be_v love_n and_o unity_n peace_n and_o mercy_n among_o all_o his_o child_n that_o be_v certain_a say_z one_o that_o all_o religion_n be_v vain_a without_o true_a godliness_n and_o it_o be_v little_a matter_n of_o what_o opinion_n any_o man_n be_v in_o different_a point_n of_o religion_n while_o he_o lead_v a_o ungodly_a life_n and_o through_o that_o doctaine_n which_o he_o profess_v be_v not_o better_v but_o bitter_v against_o his_o fellow_n christian_n and_o hate_v judge_v and_o persecute_v he_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v among_o they_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a the_o state_n of_o holland_n have_v confess_v that_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o government_n of_o a_o land_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o further_o they_o say_v that_o they_o abominate_v force_v of_o conscience_n otherwise_o then_o with_o good_a doctrine_n good_a work_n and_o entreaty_n a_o certain_a turkish_a ambassador_n complain_v to_o the_o king_n emmanuel_n of_o portugal_n of_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n for_o his_o compel_v by_o violence_n the_o moor_n in_o his_o dominion_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o religion_n say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a neither_o for_o the_o christian_n nor_o yet_o for_o the_o mahomet_n to_o compel_v any_o man_n so_o as_o that_o he_o shall_v forsake_v that_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o have_v be_v educate_v and_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v silent_a to_o see_v such_o thing_n to_o the_o injury_n and_o desolation_n of_o people_n in_o the_o general_n but_o must_v testify_v that_o it_o be_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n osorius_n declare_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o according_a to_o the_o law_n nor_o according_a to_o religion_n to_o compel_v the_o jew_n and_o moor_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o determine_v to_o restrain_v the_o free_a mind_n for_o he_o affirm_v it_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n neither_o aught_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v anno_fw-la 1455._o the_o turk_n write_v a_o letter_n to_o the_o pope_n calixtus_n the_o three_o wherein_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v a_o great_a prophet_n yet_o say_v he_o he_o have_v not_o command_v that_o any_o shall_v compel_v people_n by_o violence_n and_o weapon_n to_o believe_v his_o law_n haywardus_fw-la say_fw-la that_o the_o best_a writer_n of_o that_o time_n do_v agree_v in_o one_o opinion_n and_o with_o tertulliano_n lactantio_n cassiodoro_n josepho_n etc._n etc._n that_o people_n must_v inform_v man_n to_o embrace_v religion_n with_o reason_n and_o not_o compel_v they_o by_o violence_n i_o have_v for_o a_o long_a season_n determine_v say_v one_o of_o the_o king_n of_o france_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n which_o without_o peace_n say_v he_o i_o can_v do_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reform_v or_o convert_v people_n by_o violence_n i_o be_o king_n as_o a_o shepherd_n say_v he_o and_o will_v not_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o my_o sheep_n but_o will_v gather_v they_o through_o the_o mildness_n and_o goodness_n of_o a_o king_n and_o not_o through_o the_o power_n of_o tyranny_n and_o i_o will_v give_v they_o of_o the_o reform_a religion_n right_a liberty_n to_o live_v and_o dwell_v free_a without_o be_v examine_v perplex_a molest_a or_o compel_v to_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n for_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n etc._n etc._n vide_fw-la chron._n vande_n onderg_n 2._o deel_n page_n 1514._o and_o as_o concern_v the_o plant_n nourish_a and_o defend_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o upright_a and_o sincere_a teacher_n further_o say_v he_o it_o concern_v the_o magistrate_n to_o defend_v and_o protect_v the_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a people_n who_o be_v persecute_v rob_a prison_v and_o tyrannical_o use_v experience_n have_v sufficient_o manifest_v both_o in_o france_n germany_n bohemia_n and_o in_o the_o low-countries_n and_o elsewhere_o that_o to_o make_v war_n about_o religion_n or_o thereby_o to_o establish_v and_o defend_v it_o be_v a_o absolute_a perverse_a and_o destructive_a mean_n and_o that_o which_o be_v total_o against_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n yet_o notwithstanding_o some_o cry_v up_o weapon_n weapon_n but_o alas_o have_v we_o not_o see_v that_o weapon_n be_v stir_v up_o against_o weapon_n and_o what_o be_v this_o reconcile_a slaughter_n with_o slaughter_n and_o blood_n with_o blood_n but_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_a chap._n ii_o concern_v the_o true_a and_o false_a church_n the_o gospel_n and_o religion_n as_o also_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o carnal_a weapon_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n the_o church_n that_o be_v disperse_v through_o the_o world_n have_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n her_o head_n and_o be_v strengthen_v not_o with_o resist_v but_o with_o suffer_v and_o patience_n for_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o preach_v with_o sword_n and_o a_o arm_a hand_n but_o with_o exhortation_n and_o persuasion_n hist._n eccl._n lib._n 4_o chap._n 26._o barnardus_n say_v the_o church_n must_v not_o persecute_v as_o wolf_n but_o be_v persecute_v like_a as_o the_o sheep_n be_v of_o the_o wolf_n and_o in_o this_o calamity_n of_o the_o world_n they_o stand_v as_o palm-tree_n through_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o grow_v and_o increase_v so_o that_o some_o have_v esteem_v sanguis_fw-la martirum_fw-la est_fw-la
semen_fw-mi ecclesiae_fw-la i._n e._n the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n to_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n for_o say_v he_o as_o one_o be_v put_v to_o death_n there_o come_v ten_o in_o his_o stead_n luther_n say_v that_o the_o hypocrite_n church_n be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o its_o manner_n who_o image_n and_o figure_n be_v esau_n yet_o she_o boast_v of_o god_n and_o will_v be_v account_v his_o church_n but_o live_v whole_o according_a to_o the_o world_n further_a say_v he_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o defend_v by_o a_o fleshly_a arm_n which_o wicked_a bishop_n especial_o use_v and_o cry_v unto_o thaesau_n pag._n 622._o as_o heretofore_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n persecute_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n even_o so_o be_v it_o now_o etc._n etc._n consider_v these_o word_n of_o paul_n say_v castellio_n ishmael_n that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n persecute_v isaac_n who_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n even_o so_o now_o do_v the_o fleshly_a persecute_v the_o spiritual_a but_o abel_n do_v not_o persecure_a cain_n nor_o let_v the_o sodomite_n nor_o david_n saul_n nor_o the_o true_a prophet_n the_o false_a nor_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharesee_v although_o some_o of_o they_o may_v have_v do_v it_o yet_o nevertheless_o they_o do_v it_o not_o so_o be_v it_o at_o this_o day_n though_o the_o number_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v but_o small_a who_o be_v persecute_v of_o the_o wicked_a yet_o sometime_o they_o may_v injury_n their_o persecutor_n but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v that_o that_o they_o be_v rather_o helpful_a to_o they_o and_o do_v seek_v their_o salvation_n the_o false_a church_n be_v ground_v more_o upon_o man_n then_o upon_o christ_n and_o she_o persecute_v those_o that_o live_v righteous_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o reprove_v she_o for_o her_o fail_n damascenus_n say_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n but_o do_v not_o conquer_v its_o opposer_n with_o weapon_n arm_n or_o fight_v but_o a_o few_o unlearned_a confound_v the_o wise_a one_o of_o the_o world_n oh_o say_v boudaert_n that_o the_o bishop_n be_v so_o well_o experience_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o will_v rather_o with_o reason_n seek_v to_o bring_v they_o that_o go_v astray_o to_o the_o right_a way_n then_o to_o compel_v they_o by_o corporal_a punishment_n to_o adhere_v unto_o their_o elect._n it_o be_v impossible_a say_v luther_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v or_o shall_v stand_v without_o bloodshede_v for_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o enemy_n of_o god_n church_n be_v also_o a_o liar_n and_o a_o murderer_n yet_o the_o church_n have_v always_o increase_v in_o blood_n say_v he_o in_o the_o colloq_fw-la sanguine_a mundata_fw-la est_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la sanguine_a cepit_fw-la sanguine_a succrevit_fw-la sanguine_fw-la finis_fw-la erit_fw-la jan_n monliu_o the_o bishop_n of_o valence_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v a_o error_n to_o molest_v the_o public_a peace_n with_o weapon_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n a_o thing_n say_v he_o which_o have_v be_v always_o abhor_v by_o the_o ancient_n for_o war_n and_o compulsary_a punishment_n have_v never_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v to_o unity_n for_o war_n and_o cruelty_n tend_v to_o the_o destroy_v both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n even_o of_o those_o who_o peradventure_o may_v otherwise_o have_v be_v gain_v through_o love_n and_o gentleness_n for_o that_o counsel_n which_o tend_v to_o cruelty_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o disease_n yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o such_o bishop_n to_o plead_v for_o weapon_n as_o have_v lose_v the_o spiritual_a sword_n of_o peter_n and_o therefore_o say_v he_o do_v they_o now_o make_v that_o sword_n their_o defence_n which_o he_o draw_v against_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n chron._n vande_n rel._n uriih_o pag._n 123_o 124._o anno_fw-la 1579._o the_o state_n of_o holland_n say_v that_o this_o they_o observe_v find_v it_o by_o true_a experience_n viz._n that_o gewelt_v end_n wapenen_fw-ge luttel_n helpen_v tot_o verbreijdinghe_a end_n behoudenisse_fw-la der_fw-mi religien_n i_o e._n that_o violence_n and_o weapon_n avail_v little_a in_o spread_v and_o maintain_v religion_n and_o further_o say_v they_o as_o we_o will_v not_o have_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v violence_n to_o our_o conscience_n neither_o will_v we_o do_v violence_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o do_v that_o to_o another_o which_o we_o will_v not_o have_v another_o to_o do_v unto_o we_o the_o prince_n of_o orange_n say_v we_o be_v not_o so_o unexperienced_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v that_o all_o those_o tie_n of_o conscience_n wreathe_v or_o turn_v of_o man_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o bind_v man_n before_o god_n people_n shall_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a nor_o therefore_o take_v up_o arm_n say_v he_o because_o that_o many_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n be_v become_v of_o another_o opinion_n and_o simple_o declare_v themselves_o yea_o against_o the_o will_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o thing_n the_o history_n do_v testify_v not_o to_o be_v new_a but_o that_o such_o difference_n have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n in_o many_o monarchy_n heretofore_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n do_v the_o state_n of_o holland_n testify_v viz._n how_o that_o difference_n in_o doctrine_n be_v not_o strange_a in_o the_o church_n but_o say_v they_o it_o be_v better_a rectify_v through_o forbearance_n then_o through_o division_n ind_n apolog._n 1581._o fol._n 15._o chap._n iii_o concern_v cruel_a law_n against_o heretic_n how_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n heretofore_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o tumult_n the_o necessity_n of_o just_a liberty_n and_o the_o good_a effect_n thereof_o in_o the_o year_n 553._o the_o pope_n palagius_n institute_v first_o of_o all_o that_o heretic_n and_o apostate_n shall_v be_v force_v by_o external_a compulsion_n etc._n etc._n clemens_n the_o five_o make_v law_n that_o heretic_n shall_v be_v burn_v gerandus_fw-la naviomagus_n show_v how_o that_o the_o law_n for_o put_v of_o heretic_n to_o death_n come_v not_o by_o the_o free_a will_n of_o the_o emperor_n but_o through_o the_o earnest_n importune_v of_o bloodthirsty_a bishop_n who_o constant_a recourse_n be_v a_o burden_n to_o the_o emperor_n so_o that_o final_o they_o obtain_v what_o they_o desire_v but_o when_o the_o clergy_n can_v not_o prevail_v with_o one_o emperor_n they_o exclude_v he_o out_o of_o italy_n excommunicate_v he_o bring_v he_o in_o suspicion_n free_v the_o subject_n from_o the_o oath_n and_o stir_v they_o up_o against_o the_o power_n and_o thus_o have_v the_o clergy_n handle_v when_o they_o can_v not_o have_v their_o will_n and_o it_o may_v be_v plenteous_o manifest_v out_o of_o the_o history_n how_o that_o it_o have_v be_v bloodthirsty_a bishop_n with_o other_o of_o the_o clergy_n that_o have_v provoke_v king_n and_o the_o potentate_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o cruelty_n and_o who_o have_v counsel_v they_o to_o make_v bloody_a law_n like_o the_o bishop_n nestorius_n who_o in_o his_o sermon_n speak_v unto_o the_o emperor_n and_o say_v o_o emperor_n give_v i_o a_o land_n cleanse_v of_o heretic_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o heaven_n help_v i_o against_o the_o heretic_n and_o i_o will_v help_v thou_o to_o subdue_v the_o persian_n thy_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o upright_a and_o sincere_a teacher_n have_v seek_v the_o defence_n or_o help_n of_o the_o emperor_n or_o king_n against_o heretic_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o banish_n and_o persecute_v to_o death_n about_o religion_n come_v not_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o rather_o from_o the_o heathen_a and_o from_o arius_n nestorius_n palagius_n and_o their_o proselyte_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a man_n that_o complain_v unto_o the_o prince_n of_o orange_n say_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o hurtful_a and_o noisome_a plague_n have_v reign_v and_o have_v the_o dominion_n in_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o divine_n and_o clergy_n have_v assume_v more_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o themselves_o yea_o and_o have_v take_v it_o by_o force_n then_o ever_o god_n the_o father_n give_v they_o and_o the_o aforesaid_a prince_n observe_v how_o they_o seek_v to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o to_o bring_v people_n in_o subjection_n to_o their_o law_n and_o institution_n there_o be_v some_o teacher_n say_v a_o certain_a wise_a man_n that_o be_v exceed_o cruel_a angry_a passionate_a full_a of_o covetousness_n and_o pride_n who_o judge_n and_o reject_v all_o thing_n but_o their_o own_o and_o