debtor_n they_o be_v for_o if_o the_o gentile_n have_v be_v partaker_n of_o their_o spiritual_a thing_n their_o duty_n be_v also_o to_o minister_n unto_o they_o in_o carnal_a thing_n act_n 2.44_o 45._o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n and_o part_v they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v and_o 4.32_o neither_o say_v any_o of_o they_o that_o ought_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v be_v his_o own_o but_o they_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a 6._o in_o all_o change_n and_o condition_n they_o be_v constant_a still_o one_o and_o the_o same_o not_o sickle_n or_o variable_a some_o time_n for_o one_o thing_n sometime_o for_o another_o act_v 2.42_o and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o in_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n 46.47_o and_o they_o continue_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n with_o one_o accord_n and_o 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will_v be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v these_o few_o general_a consideration_n as_o introductory_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o what_o be_v further_o intend_v 1._o be_v it_o know_v to_o you_o that_o immediate_o upon_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o persecute_a state_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v so_o in_o their_o time_n but_o not_o as_o afterward_o when_o there_o be_v public_a law_n and_o edict_n make_v against_o the_o profession_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n providence_n so_o order_v it_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v some_o respite_n till_o the_o gospel_n and_o church_n have_v some_o plantation_n 2._o the_o time_n of_o this_o persecute_a condition_n be_v three_o hundred_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o 3._o the_o instrument_n who_o the_o devil_n make_v use_v of_o for_o this_o diabolical_a service_n be_v the_o heathen_a emperor_n of_o rome_n rev._n 12.3_o the_o party_n there_o combat_v against_o michael_n and_o his_o angel_n christ_n and_o his_o people_n be_v thus_o describe_v a_o great_a red_a dragon_n have_v seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n and_o seven_o crown_n upon_o his_o head_n a_o dragon_n because_o of_o his_o power_n red_a because_o of_o his_o cruelty_n have_v seven_o head_n i_o e._n seven_o several_a sort_n of_o government_n in_o rome_n heathenish_a as_o also_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o seven_o hill_n have_v ten_o head_n with_o seven_o crown_n thereupon_o to_o distinguish_v rome-heathen_a from_o rome-antichristian_a rev._n 13.1_o that_o have_v not_o only_o seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n but_o also_o crown_n upon_o the_o horn_n to_o intimate_v that_o antichrist_n make_v kingdom_n of_o those_o that_o be_v but_o province_n during_o the_o dragon_n reign_n under_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n 4._o have_v peruse_v several_a writer_n of_o great_a note_n both_o for_o godliness_n and_o learning_n upon_o that_o transcendant_o high_a mystical_a scripture_n of_o the_o revelation_n it_o be_v most_o probable_a as_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o they_o guess_v right_o who_o assert_v that_o the_o seal_n chap._n 6._o hold_v forth_o this_o state_n of_o the_o church_n during_o the_o first_o three_o century_n of_o which_o ch._n 12._o to_o verse_n 13._o seem_v to_o be_v explicatory_a 5._o in_o treat_v of_o this_o subject_n i_o shall_v be_v necessitate_v to_o make_v use_n of_o history_n to_o which_o i_o require_v no_o more_o of_o you_o but_o a_o historical_a faith_n i_o account_v it_o a_o great_a mercy_n that_o every_o age_n have_v have_v some_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o care_n it_o have_v be_v to_o transmit_v to_o posterity_n the_o memorable_a act_n of_o divine_a providence_n to_o his_o people_n psal_n 145.4_o one_o generation_n shall_v praise_v thy_o work_n to_o another_o and_o shall_v declare_v thy_o mighty_a act_n i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o glorious_a honour_n of_o thy_o majesty_n and_o of_o thy_o wondrous_a work_n 1._o god_n be_v good_a to_o they_o in_o give_v forth_o this_o incomparable_a rich_a and_o rare_a monument_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o john_n the_o divine_a the_o principal_a scope_n and_o intendment_n whereof_o be_v 1._o to_o forewarn_v they_o of_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o suffer_a time_n that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v but_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o encounter_v therewith_o 2._o that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o their_o suffering_n will_v be_v by_o who_o and_o of_o what_o continuance_n 3._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v comfort_v and_o encourage_v under_o all_o especial_o upon_o this_o twofold_a consideration_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o suffering_n shall_v befall_v you_o but_o according_a to_o the_o predetermination_n and_o fore-appointment_n of_o a_o wise_a god_n and_o love_a father_n 2._o let_v the_o church_n trouble_v be_v what_o they_o will_v they_o shall_v have_v a_o glorious_a and_o a_o assure_a issue_n see_v this_o be_v the_o good_a end_n of_o
heavenly-minded_n and_o insist_v much_o on_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v make_v the_o christian_n dead_a to_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o such_o a_o one_o be_v polycarpus_n who_o thus_o answer_v the_o proconsul_n press_v he_o to_o deny_v christ_n these_o eighty_o six_o year_n i_o have_v serve_v a_o good_a master_n and_o why_o shall_v i_o now_o deny_v he_o at_o another_o time_n thus_o i_o do_v even_o long_o for_o the_o tooth_n of_o the_o devour_a beast_n they_o will_v only_o grind_v we_o in_o a_o mill_n that_o we_o may_v be_v wheat_n fit_a for_o our_o master_n table_n and_o ignatius_n thus_o i_o covet_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v see_v with_o bodily_a eye_n so_o that_o i_o may_v but_o enjoy_v jesus_n christ_n let_v the_o fire_n the_o cross_n the_o beast_n the_o break_n of_o bone_n convulsion_n of_o member_n bruise_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o devil_n seize_v upon_o i_o provide_v i_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n 2._o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o 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against_o jew_n and_o gentile_n 5._o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n against_o heretic_n 4._o as_o they_o strenuous_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n against_o all_o enemy_n so_o they_o labour_v mighty_o to_o keep_v the_o church_n at_o peace_n among_o themselves_o especial_o irenaeus_n and_o polycarpus_n who_o keep_v the_o western_a and_o eastern_a church_n in_o concord_n notwithstanding_o of_o their_o difference_n about_o keep_v of_o easter_n the_o one_o plead_v it_o shall_v be_v keep_v on_o the_o sabbath_n the_o other_o on_o the_o same_o day_n that_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a do_v observe_v let_v it_o fall_v to_o be_v the_o sabbath_n or_o ay_o other_o day_n of_o the_o week_n in_o this_o pacificatory_a work_n they_o prevail_v much_o and_o be_v very_o successful_a till_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o excommunicate_v they_o of_o the_o east_n anno_fw-la 200_o 5._o they_o be_v such_o as_o do_v with_o all_o seriousness_n call_v aloud_o upon_o the_o church_n to_o consider_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o they_o in_o that_o estate_n rev._n 6._o at_o the_o open_n of_o every_o seal_n they_o call_v thus_o come_v and_o see_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v prophesy_v of_o before_o 2._o come_v and_o see_v i._n e._n consider_v that_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o befall_v you_o by_o chance_n or_o fortune_n but_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o all_o these_o providential_a occurrence_n 3._o come_v and_o see_v that_o persecutor_n be_v limit_v they_o can_v go_v beyond_o their_o commission_n no_o further_o than_o providence_n permit_v a_o horse_n and_o a_o rider_n be_v the_o type_n of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o four_o first_o seal_n to_o signify_v that_o the_o reins_o of_o persecutor_n be_v not_o upon_o their_o own_o neck_n but_o be_v wise_o order_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o skillkful_a rider_n 4._o come_v and_o see_v your_o own_o sin_n as_o the_o procure_a cause_n of_o all_o these_o persecution_n and_o punishment_n inflict_v upon_o you_o cyprian_n lib._n 4._o epist_n 4._o quicquid_fw-la patimur_fw-la peccata_fw-la nostra_fw-la meruere_fw-la dum_fw-la viam_fw-la domini_fw-la non_fw-la tenemus_fw-la nee_n data_fw-la nobis_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la caelestia_fw-la mandata_fw-la servamus_fw-la fecit_fw-la dominus_fw-la noster_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la patris_fw-la at_o nos_fw-la non_fw-la facimus_fw-la domini_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la patrimonio_fw-la &_o lucro_fw-la student_n superbiam_fw-la sectantes_fw-la aemulationi_fw-la ac_fw-la dissentioni_fw-la vacantes_fw-la there_o be_v these_o particular_a sin_n which_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v among_o they_o 1._o in_o general_n they_o do_v not_o walk_v so_o close_o with_o god_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v nor_o do_v they_o study_v exactness_n in_o keep_v the_o command_v of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o christ_n 2._o they_o do_v with_o two_o much_o eagerness_n pursue_v after_o the_o world_n 3._o they_o be_v proud_a 4._o there_o be_v emulation_n dissension_n envy_n and_o division_n among_o they_o 5._o they_o be_v not_o so_o plainhearted_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o deal_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v simplicitatis_fw-la &_o fidei_fw-la negligentis_fw-la 6._o they_o deny_v themselves_o of_o the_o world_n in_o word_n only_o but_o not_o in_o deed_n saeculo_fw-la verbis_fw-la solis_fw-la &_o non_fw-la factis_fw-la renunciante_n 7._o every_o one_o seek_v to_o please_v himself_o displease_v other_o unusquisque_fw-la sibi_fw-la placentes_fw-la &_o aliis_fw-la non_fw-la placentes_fw-la 5._o come_v and_o see_v the_o end_n of_o god_n in_o all_o this_o 1._o it_o be_v to_o declare_v his_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n he_o can_v away_o with_o sin_n in_o any_o how_o near_o or_o dear_a so_o ever_o to_o he_o 2._o to_o humble_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n 3._o to_o exercise_v their_o grace_n 4._o to_o discover_v hypocrite_n 5._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v sufficient_o confirm_v and_o commend_v to_o after_o age_n and_o succeed_a generation_n after_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o so_o many_o there_o need_v no_o new_a miracle_n to_o make_v we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n 6._o that_o they_o may_v be_v pattern_n to_o we_o in_o point_n of_o suffer_v demeaning_a ourselves_o as_o they_o do_v 6._o come_v and_o see_v the_o end_n of_o god_n in_o delay_v so_o long_o to_o give_v they_o deliverance_n 1._o because_o wicked_a man_n have_v not_o yet_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sin_n 2._o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o honour_v some_o more_o of_o his_o servant_n with_o the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n rev._n 6.10_o and_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v rest_v for_o a_o little_a season_n until_o their_o fellow_n servant_n also_o and_o brethren_n that_o shall_v be_v kill_v as_o they_o be_v shall_v be_v fulfil_v when_o the_o scroll_n of_o they_o that_o god_n have_v mark_v out_o for_o suffering_n be_v make_v up_o than_o they_o may_v expect_v deliverance_n history_n do_v relate_v that_o in_o these_o pure_a primitive_a time_n before_o the_o apostasy_n of_o rome_n all_o their_o minister_n be_v martyr_n till_o sylvester_n the_o first_o in_o constantine_n day_n 4._o god_n be_v very_o good_a to_o his_o people_n in_o those_o day_n in_o give_v they_o now_o and_o then_o some_o breathe_a time_n and_o respite_n from_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n as_o after_o domitian_n death_n they_o be_v not_o trouble_v for_o one_o whole_a year_n time_n under_o commodus_n and_o heliogabalus_n they_o be_v free_a from_o persecution_n after_o decius_n they_o have_v peace_n for_o forty_o year_n together_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o their_o suffering_n be_v little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o under_o some_o that_o be_v otherwise_o most_o notorious_o wicked_a and_o they_o suffer_v great_o from_o some_o that_o be_v otherwise_o moral_o good_a magistrate_n to_o wit_n hadrian_n that_o be_v call_v restaurator_n orbis_n and_o trajan_n call_v
god_n in_o transmit_v this_o prophetical_a piece_n of_o holy_a writ_n to_o we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o lantern_n to_o our_o foot_n to_o direct_v our_o step_n in_o a_o dark_a place_n let_v we_o not_o slight_v this_o good_a providence_n so_o as_o not_o at_o all_o to_o peruse_v it_o only_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n study_v sobriety_n self-denial_n humility_n and_o spirituality_n in_o your_o perusal_n and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a danger_n otherwise_o there_o may_v and_o will_v rev._n 3.1_o 3._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o keep_v these_o thing_n 2._o god_n good_a providence_n so_o order_v it_o that_o their_o suffering_n be_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n rev._n 6.9_o they_o be_v slay_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n which_o they_o hold_v their_o testimony_n be_v this_o the_o devil_n be_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v nor_o any_o other_o creature_n whatsoever_o this_o enrage_v the_o dragon_n who_o be_v then_o worship_v to_o raise_v a_o persecution_n against_o they_o rev._n 12.7_o their_o testimony_n be_v that_o their_o present_a way_n of_o worship_n though_o practise_v by_o the_o emperor_n and_o establish_v by_o the_o public_a law_n of_o the_o empire_n yet_o it_o be_v idolatrous_a sinful_a and_o detestable_a to_o god_n this_o enrage_v the_o emperor_n against_o they_o they_o testify_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o senate_n of_o rome_n refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v his_o divinity_n till_o first_o by_o some_o act_n or_o law_n of_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o approve_v of_o and_o ratify_v rom._n 1.21_o 22._o herein_o the_o roman_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n when_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n from_o all_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o suffer_v in_o a_o very_a righteous_a cause_n 2._o from_o this_o also_o that_o they_o refuse_v conformity_n to_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o will_v not_o do_v any_o the_o least_o thing_n that_o may_v but_o seem_v to_o honour_v their_o idol_n though_o much_o solicit_v thereunto_o both_o by_o promise_n of_o great_a reward_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o threaten_n of_o sore_a punishment_n on_o the_o other_o eustachius_n a_o christian_a soldier_n with_o his_o whole_a family_n be_v put_v to_o death_n though_o otherwise_o he_o have_v do_v great_a service_n mere_o because_o he_o will_v not_o on_o the_o day_n of_o triumph_n sacrifice_n with_o the_o emperor_n dioclesian_n own_o wife_n be_v a_o christian_n suffer_v on_o the_o same_o account_n marcus_n arethusius_n not_o only_o refuse_v to_o build_v the_o idol_n temple_n which_o himself_o have_v pull_v down_o but_o also_o choose_v death_n rather_o than_o to_o contribute_v one_o farthing_n towards_o it_o they_o will_v not_o deliver_v up_o their_o bibles_n they_o will_v not_o give_v so_o much_o as_o a_o clout_n or_o rag_n they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o throw_v a_o little_a incense_n on_o their_o altar_n a_o certain_a christian_a soldier_n will_v needs_o carry_v his_o garland_n in_o his_o hand_n when_o his_o fellow_n do_v wear_v it_o on_o their_o head_n in_o testimony_n of_o honour_n to_o their_o idol_n 3._o they_o suffer_v because_o they_o will_v not_o persecute_v their_o fellow_n christian_n a_o memorable_a instance_n be_v of_o that_o christian_a legion_n of_o soldier_n who_o after_o a_o excellent_a oration_n make_v by_o mauritius_n their_o commander_n to_o the_o emperor_n maximinianus_fw-la after_o they_o have_v be_v twice_o decimate_v be_v afterward_o all_o of_o they_o slay_v upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o fall_v upon_o their_o fellow_n 4._o that_o they_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n may_v appear_v from_o the_o many_o false_a calumny_n and_o accusation_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o rev._n 12.10_o when_o the_o dragon_n in_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n have_v his_o deadly_a wound_n it_o be_v thus_o express_v the_o accuser_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v cast_v down_o 1._o they_o be_v accuse_v for_o be_v enemy_n to_o civil_a government_n upon_o a_o twofold_a account_n 1._o because_o of_o their_o nonconformity_n to_o such_o edict_n of_o the_o empire_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 2_o because_o they_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n that_o in_o matter_n of_o conference_n and_o worship_n they_o acknowledge_v no_o sovereignty_n nor_o law_n but_o he_o trajan_n persecution_n do_v arise_v upon_o euaristus_n exercise_v of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n without_o dependence_n upon_o the_o civil_a power_n the_o emperor_n domitian_n do_v diligent_o search_v for_o all_o that_o be_v any_o kin_n to_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n least_o happy_o some_o of_o they_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o his_o crown_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v enemy_n to_o magistrate_n and_o civil_a government_n be_v a_o notorious_a falseshood_n both_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n do_v abundant_o testify_v for_o sometime_o when_o there_o be_v many_o hundred_o of_o they_o burn_v in_o church_n and_o thousand_o of_o they_o that_o be_v soldier_n in_o arm_n able_a enough_o to_o defend_v themselves_o destroy_v they_o choose_v to_o suffer_v rather_o than_o sinful_o to_o make_v resistance_n 2._o they_o be_v most_o abominable_o slander_v by_o magician_n idolatrous_a priest_n jew_n and_o other_o apostate_n christian_n as_o guilty_a of_o the_o most_o horrid_a sin_n that_o can_v be_v name_v at_o their_o meeting_n to_o wit_n incest_n adultery_n drunkenness_n inhumanity_n 3._o whatever_o plague_n be_v inflict_v upon_o persecutor_n the_o blame_n of_o all_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o christian_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v the_o only_a cause_n thereof_o whereas_o indeed_o it_o be_v their_o own_o sin_n of_o persecute_v god_n people_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o occasion_v all_o their_o judgement_n 4._o that_o they_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n may_v appear_v from_o the_o law_n which_o be_v make_v against_o they_o to_o wit_v these_o 1._o that_o all_o their_o bibles_n shall_v be_v deliver_v up_o and_o destroy_v 2._o that_o they_o shall_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o religious_a exercise_n unless_o it_o be_v man_n apart_o and_o woman_n apart_o and_o so_o woman_n be_v to_o teach_v woman_n contrary_a to_o christ_n law_n 3._o that_o no_o minister_n shall_v meet_v together_o in_o any_o synod_n or_o otherwise_o and_o that_o wherever_o they_o be_v apprehend_v they_o shall_v be_v carry_v away_o to_o prison_n the_o law_n make_v by_o julian_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o christianity_n be_v these_o 1._o that_o no_o child_n of_o christian_n shall_v be_v train_v up_o in_o school_n that_o so_o be_v ignorant_a they_o may_v be_v incapacitate_v to_o plead_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o that_o none_o shall_v be_v benefice_v with_o any_o place_n civil_a or_o military_a but_o they_o that_o will_v sacrifice_v to_o idol_n 3._o that_o no_o minister_n shall_v have_v any_o maintenance_n 4._o mere_o in_o spite_n to_o the_o christian_n he_o enact_v a_o toleration_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o religion_n whence_o the_o jew_n be_v encourage_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o temple_n that_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n against_o which_o god_n do_v so_o miraculous_o appear_v from_o heaven_n above_o and_o earthquake_n beneath_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o stone_n leave_v upon_o another_o according_a to_o what_o be_v prophesy_v by_o christ_n matth._n 24.2_o 3._o god_n be_v good_a to_o they_o in_o this_o respect_n that_o during_o their_o persecute_a estate_n he_o furnish_v they_o with_o minister_n and_o other_o singular_o qualify_v for_o the_o service_n and_o suffering_n of_o that_o day_n as_o may_v appear_v 1._o by_o compare_v rev._n 6.1_o 3_o 5_o 7._o with_o 4.7_o by_o the_o beast_n which_o cry_v come_v and_o see_v at_o the_o open_n of_o the_o seal_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v signify_v the_o first_o be_v like_o a_o lion_n i._n e._n they_o do_v deliver_v their_o master_n message_n and_o do_v his_o work_n with_o a_o undaunted_a lion_n like_o courage_n and_o boldness_n the_o second_o be_v like_o a_o calf_n i._n e._n they_o be_v fit_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o patience_n and_o meekness_n content_o to_o undergo_v the_o yoke_n of_o hard_a labour_n and_o sore_a pressure_n the_o three_o have_v the_o face_n of_o a_o man_n i._n e._n they_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n in_o all_o their_o administration_n the_o four_o like_o a_o fly_a eagle_n i._n e._n some_o of_o they_o do_v soar_v aloft_o in_o search_v into_o and_o discover_v of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n they_o be_v very_a
princeps_fw-la optimus_fw-la insomuch_o that_o it_o afterward_o become_v proverbial_a in_o congratulate_v new_a emperor_n with_o this_o salutation_n foelicior_fw-la augusto_fw-la melior_fw-la trajano_n so_o also_o under_o antoninus_n pius_fw-la and_o severus_n morality_n without_o grace_n be_v sometime_o a_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n than_o open_a atheism_n and_o profaneness_n however_o let_v the_o person_n and_o instrument_n under_o who_o they_o have_v respite_n be_v what_o they_o will_v all_o be_v still_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o do_v accomplish_v and_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v by_o such_o wonderful_a mean_n some_o whereof_z be_v these_o 1._o antoninus_n pius_n be_v take_v off_o from_o persecute_v they_o by_o that_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o providence_n in_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o a_o legion_n of_o soldier_n that_o be_v christian_n whereby_o his_o whole_a army_n in_o a_o great_a strait_n for_o rain_n be_v abundant_o refresh_v and_o his_o enemy_n miraculous_o defeat_v god_n from_o heaven_n fight_v with_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n against_o they_o for_o which_o that_o legion_n be_v call_v legio_n fulminatrix_fw-la the_o thunder_a legion_n this_o wrought_v so_o upon_o the_o emperor_n that_o present_o he_o command_v the_o christian_n shall_v neither_o be_v seek_v for_o nor_o punish_v if_o present_v but_o that_o their_o accuser_n shall_v be_v punish_v for_o say_v he_o my_o own_o safety_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o my_o empire_n depend_v upon_o their_o prayer_n 2._o aurelianus_n have_v issue_v forth_o a_o edict_n against_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o terrify_v with_o thunder_n that_o he_o recall_v it_o 3._o alexander_n severus_n be_v persuade_v by_o his_o mother_n mammea_n to_o show_v they_o favour_n she_o hear_v of_o the_o learning_n of_o origin_n send_v for_o he_o and_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o 4._o hadrian_n persecution_n be_v something_o mitigate_v by_o the_o apology_n which_o be_v present_v to_o he_o by_o aristides_n and_o quadratus_n 5._o antoninus_n pius_n be_v make_v to_o relent_v by_o justin_n martyr_n apologetic_n 6._o under_o trajan_n the_o persecution_n be_v stay_v by_o plinius_n secundus_fw-la who_o write_v to_o the_o emperor_n concern_v their_o innocence_n that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n charge_v upon_o they_o in_o regard_n the_o law_n of_o their_o god_n be_v very_o strict_a against_o such_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o use_v to_o meet_v before_o day_n to_o sing_v psalm_n and_o to_o worship_n one_o call_v jesus_n 5._o god_n goodness_n to_o they_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o remarkable_a judgement_n which_o he_o bring_v upon_o most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o their_o great_a persecutor_n i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o summary_n survey_v of_o the_o tragical_a end_n of_o all_o of_o they_o throughout_o the_o ten_o persecution_n the_o first_o be_v under_o nero_n anno_fw-la 67._o who_o be_v hate_v of_o man_n and_o pursue_v by_o the_o senate_n of_o rome_n kill_v himself_o second_o under_o domitian_n anno_fw-la 90._o his_o wife_n and_o friend_n find_v a_o roll_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n which_o he_o have_v mark_v out_o for_o suffering_n and_o their_o own_o among_o the_o rest_n they_o kill_v he_o three_o under_o trajan_n anno._n 100_o who_o be_v all_o his_o life_n time_n vex_v with_o great_a trouble_n and_o commotion_n and_o at_o last_o cut_v off_o by_o a_o strange_a disease_n four_o under_o hadrian_n and_o antoninus_n pius_n anno_fw-la 126._o hadrian_n die_v in_o great_a horror_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v he_o that_o cry_v out_o o_o animula_fw-la vagula_fw-la blandula_fw-la pius_n die_v of_o a_o fever_n in_o three_o day_n after_o he_o sicken_v five_o under_o antoninus_n philosophus_fw-la and_o verus_fw-la i_o find_v nothing_o record_v of_o their_o death_n but_o antoninus_n know_v much_o trouble_n in_o his_o life-time_n from_o the_o german_n samaritan_n avidius_n cassius_n and_o other_o six_o under_o severus_n anno_fw-la 208._o he_o be_v slay_v at_o york_n by_o the_o northern_a man_n and_o scot_n and_o in_o his_o time_n a_o certain_a judge_n that_o pronounce_v sentence_n against_o agapetus_n a_o holy_a martyr_n fall_v from_o the_o bench_n and_o die_v sudden_o seven_o under_o maximinus_n anno_fw-la 236._o he_o be_v kill_v by_o his_o own_o son_n and_z soldiers_z in_o his_o tent_n at_o the_o siege_n of_o aquileia_n eight_o under_o decius_n anno_fw-la 251._o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o scythian_n or_o goth_n he_o throw_v himself_o into_o a_o pit_n where_o he_o end_v his_o life_n and_o his_o body_n can_v never_o be_v find_v nine_o under_o gallus_n and_o volusianus_n anno_fw-la 258._o a_o sad_a pestilence_n in_o his_o time_n be_v slay_v by_o aemilianus_n one_o of_o his_o own_o captain_n together_o with_o his_o son_n valerianus_n be_v overcome_v by_o the_o persian_n sopor_fw-la tread_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o take_v horse_n the_o last_o be_v under_o dioclesian_n and_o maximinian_n anno_fw-la 300._o both_o of_o they_o in_o one_o day_n divest_v themselves_o of_o the_o imperial_a dignity_n and_o choose_v to_o live_v in_o den_n and_o cave_n dioclesian_n afterward_o poison_v himself_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v see_v constantine_n and_o maximinianus_fw-la hang_v himself_o 6._o god_n be_v good_a in_o give_v they_o a_o glorious_a deliverance_n from_o this_o their_o persecute_a state_n and_o that_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o constantine_n where_o these_o passage_n of_o providence_n be_v remarkable_a 1._o he_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o immediate_a call_n from_o heaven_n both_o to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o also_o to_o go_v against_o that_o persecute_v tyrant_n maxentius_n witness_v the_o voice_n which_o he_o hear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o christ_n thou_o shall_v overcome_v eusebius_n that_o live_v in_o his_o time_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o hear_v himself_o relate_v this_o confirm_v it_o with_o a_o oath_n 2._o god_n preserve_v he_o for_o this_o service_n from_o the_o treacherous_a design_n of_o his_o father_n in_o law_n maximinianus_fw-la his_o wife_n have_v discover_v it_o to_o he_o 3._o maxentius_n have_v make_v a_o device_n to_o drown_v he_o and_o his_o man_n when_o he_o pass_v over_o a_o bridge_n by_o which_o maxentius_n himself_o be_v afterward_o drown_v and_o he_o escape_v for_o which_o the_o christian_n sing_v psal_n 9.16_o and_o 7.15_o 4._o having_n give_v himself_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n he_o obtain_v victory_n over_o maximinus_n and_o licinius_n and_o though_o licinius_n have_v once_o great_o reproach_v christ_n and_o christianity_n yet_o be_v bring_v to_o condign_a punishment_n he_o be_v make_v to_o confess_v that_o great_a be_v the_o christian_n god_n and_o great_a be_v constantine_n god_n let_v we_o make_v some_o application_n of_o the_o premise_n in_o these_o few_o particular_n 1._o this_o call_v upon_o we_o high_o to_o esteem_v of_o the_o glorious_a truth_n of_o christ_n in_o regard_n they_o have_v be_v seal_v and_o witness_v to_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o so_o many_o million_o of_o martyr_n o_o how_o wonderful_a be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o will_v take_v such_o a_o course_n to_o commend_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o we_o who_o know_v but_o they_o of_o that_o age_n suffer_v that_o we_o and_o other_o may_v at_o least_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v excuse_v 2._o though_o they_o excuse_v we_o so_o far_o that_o the_o church_n be_v never_o like_a to_o be_v in_o a_o persecute_a state_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n together_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o age_n in_o which_o this_o or_o other_o particular_a person_n can_v promise_v a_o exemption_n from_o persecution_n to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o sound_v a_o alarm_n to_o we_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o great_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n to_o prepare_v for_o persecution_n lay_v in_o a_o stock_n of_o suffer_a grace_n before_o that_o so_o it_o may_v never_o surprise_v you_o unaware_o but_o come_v when_o it_o will_v you_o may_v be_v ready_a for_o it_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o persecution_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n a_o inseparable_a concomitant_a of_o the_o plain_a and_o faithful_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n matth._n 10.34_o 35._o 2._o it_o be_v never_o better_o with_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n than_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n there_o be_v never_o a_o more_o glorious_a lustre_n and_o beauty_n upon_o ordinance_n minister_n never_o more_o lively_a and_o spiritual_a the_o conversation_n of_o christian_n never_o more_o in_o heaven_n and_o the_o number_n of_o convert_v never_o more_o increase_v 3._o be_v confirm_v in_o this_o that_o the_o speciality_n of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n to_o his_o people_n may_v very_o well_o stand_v with_o their_o be_v in_o a_o persecute_a condition_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v always_o say_v true_o god_n be_v good_a to_o israel_n 3._o in_o all_o your_o suffering_n set_v the_o martyr_n of_o