strengthen_v the_o faithful_a people_n conscience_n at_o this_o time_n in_o which_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o devil_n the_o enemy_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o our_o salvation_n be_v unchain_v and_o untie_v and_o that_o all_o the_o world_n be_v kindele_v with_o rage_n and_o set_v on_o fire_n with_o fury_n and_o conspire_v with_o he_o furious_o to_o rush_v upon_o the_o poor_a church_n set_v out_o and_o make_v a_o show_n against_o it_o of_o all_o that_o that_o cruelty_n can_v devise_v wherefore_o i_o show_v what_o be_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n &_o that_o she_o have_v always_o have_v such_o a_o virtue_n of_o patience_n and_o so_o great_a constancy_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o cross_n that_o tyrant_n have_v rather_o leave_v to_o persecute_v she_o then_o that_o she_o have_v fail_v and_o fall_v away_o by_o their_o torment_n insomuch_o that_o she_o have_v abide_v invincible_a and_o unconquered_a against_o the_o vehemency_n &_o violence_n of_o so_o many_o horrible_a combat_n as_o she_o be_v to_o sustain_v and_o endure_v and_o out_o of_o all_o they_o have_v bring_v a_o famous_a victory_n and_o most_o glorious_a crown_n in_o sum_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v always_o find_v place_n and_o passage_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o fire_n sword_n torment_n fury_n outcry_n and_o horrible_a scatteringe_n abroad_o which_o be_v make_v against_o he_o as_o touch_v the_o fruit_n and_o profit_n which_o may_v come_v of_o this_o little_a labour_n i_o dare_v not_o affirm_v any_o thing_n thereof_o except_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o you_o my_o lord_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o take_v as_o much_o pleasure_n to_o hear_v i_o discourse_v in_o write_v upon_o this_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n as_o you_o common_o do_v when_o you_o hear_v i_o speak_v either_o particular_o to_o yourself_o or_o public_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o my_o charge_n and_o office_n and_o yet_o if_o you_o regard_v that_o which_o be_v i_o without_o doubt_n the_o fruit_n will_v be_v none_o but_o if_o you_o consider_v the_o argument_n and_o the_o large_a lay_v out_o of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o this_o present_a treaty_n i_o assure_v myself_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o unprofitable_a and_o that_o they_o which_o shall_v read_v the_o same_o will_v not_o repent_v themselves_o thereof_o furthermore_o i_o stay_v myself_o my_o lord_n upon_o your_o accustom_a goodness_n through_o which_o you_o disdain_v not_o or_o dislike_v any_o thing_n which_o come_v from_o your_o servant_n offer_v and_o dedicate_v unto_o you_o this_o little_a book_n most_o humble_o beseech_v you_o to_o accept_v it_o and_o to_o take_v it_o well_o that_o it_o come_v out_o into_o light_n under_o the_o inscription_n of_o your_o name_n and_o to_o receive_v it_o with_o such_o gentleness_n and_o courtesy_n as_o you_o have_v be_v accustom_v to_o love_v virtue_n and_o favour_n christian_n religion_n and_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n thereof_o for_o i_o hope_v that_o if_o you_o receive_v and_o take_v it_o well_o that_o your_o name_n shall_v procure_v it_o more_o grace_n and_o like_n and_o shall_v get_v it_o more_o authority_n and_o purchase_v it_o more_o favour_n among_o all_o because_o that_o thing_n dedicate_v to_o great_a personage_n be_v better_o receive_v of_o the_o low_a sort_n although_o the_o thing_n of_o themselves_o be_v oftentimes_o very_o base_a and_o of_o small_a account_n and_o value_n and_o also_o as_o touch_v myself_o i_o be_v glad_o mind_v to_o declare_v and_o show_v by_o this_o slender_a mean_n a_o testimony_n of_o the_o obedience_n which_o i_o owe_v you_o and_o for_o the_o singular_a &_o earnest_a desire_n which_o i_o have_v to_o do_v you_o the_o most_o humble_a &_o acceptable_a service_n that_o i_o can_v in_o the_o lord_n who_o i_o beseech_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n to_o maintain_v you_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o lady_n the_o countess_n your_o sister_n in_o his_o most_o holy_a and_o most_o worthy_a keep_n and_o to_o preserve_v you_o both_o in_o a_o bless_a and_o long_a life_n augment_v and_o increase_v in_o you_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n wherewith_o he_o have_v so_o plentiful_o deck_v &_o liberal_o enrich_v you_o from_o turenne_n this_o twenty-five_o of_o march_n 1577._o your_o most_o humble_a and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n bertrand_n de_fw-fr loque_fw-la a_o treaty_n of_o the_o church_n contain_v a_o true_a discourse_n in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v clear_o behold_v and_o see_v what_o be_v the_o nature_n form_n government_n and_o guide_v of_o the_o true_a church_n together_o with_o the_o infallible_a mark_n and_o token_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v know_v it_o and_o discern_v the_o same_o from_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o all_o other_o false_a and_o counterfeit_a congregation_n cap._n i._n of_o the_o diverse_a signification_n and_o acception_n of_o this_o word_n church_n and_o how_o the_o church_n be_v common_o distinguish_v man_n be_v accustom_v to_o say_v that_o every_o word_n which_o may_v be_v take_v in_o many_o sense_n and_o in_o diverse_a signification_n shall_v rather_o be_v distinguish_v then_o define_v for_o a_o man_n can_v not_o otherwise_o right_o declare_v the_o nature_n virtue_n and_o disposition_n of_o any_o thing_n unless_o he_o be_v first_o resolve_v of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v for_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o this_o word_n church_n be_v of_o that_o sort_n be_v a_o greek_a word_n which_o signify_v a_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n &_o be_v take_v or_o derive_v from_o a_o word_n which_o in_o that_o tongue_n signify_v to_o call_v or_o to_o cause_n to_o come_v it_o be_v meet_v and_o necessary_a that_o before_o we_o give_v the_o definition_n thereof_o we_o declare_v after_o how_o many_o sort_n man_n use_v to_o take_v it_o 1_o now_o man_n sometime_o take_v it_o for_o a_o company_n or_o assembly_n of_o wicked_a person_n 22.16_o psal_n 22.16_o as_o psalm_n 22.16_o the_o church_n or_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o wicked_a have_v enclose_v i_o and_o in_o psalm_n 26.5_o psal_n 26.5_o 26.5_o i_o have_v hate_v the_o church_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o company_n for_o there_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n text_n two_o word_n which_o the_o greek_n have_v turn_v synagogue_n and_o church_n which_o do_v signify_v as_o much_o as_o a_o company_n troop_n or_o assembly_n 2_o sometime_o it_o be_v put_v for_o the_o assembly_n of_o citizen_n and_o burgess_n of_o a_o town_n in_o which_o meeting_n they_o entreat_v of_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a affair_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n and_o so_o do_v saint_n luke_n use_v it_o act_n 19.32.39_o 19.32.39_o act._n 19.32.39_o 3_o it_o be_v also_o take_v for_o the_o place_n whether_o the_o assembly_n be_v call_v together_o as_o judeth_n 6._o 6.16_o judeth_n 6.16_o verse_n 16._o and_o they_o call_v together_o all_o the_o ancient_n of_o the_o city_n and_o all_o their_o youth_n run_v together_o to_o the_o church_n or_o assembly_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o the_o place_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n 4_o also_o for_o the_o senate_n or_o consistory_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v for_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v indeed_o the_o conductour_n and_o guider_n thereof_o as_o when_o jesus_n christ_n say_v tell_v the_o church_n matth._n mat._n 19.17_o chrysostom_n hom._n 62._o upon_o matth._n that_o be_v to_o say_v even_o as_o chrysostome_n also_o expound_v it_o the_o pastor_n leader_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n according_a where_o unto_o we_o see_v that_o saint_n john_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o consistory_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o which_o it_o be_v sometime_o determine_v to_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n every_o one_o that_o will_v confess_v jesus_n christ_n 9.22_o joh._n 9.22_o he_o say_v general_o that_o the_o jew_n make_v this_o decree_n although_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o consistory_n only_o 5_o but_o in_o the_o question_n or_o matter_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o company_n and_o assembly_n of_o faithful_a people_n which_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o true_a &_o pure_a religion_n of_o god_n of_o this_o church_n speak_v s._n paul_n when_o he_o say_v to_o the_o pastor_n thereof_o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n 20.28_o act._n 20.28_o whereof_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n but_o here_o we_o must_v observe_v certain_a distinction_n for_o even_o in_o this_o signification_n the_o church_n be_v common_o distinguish_v into_o three_o sort_n first_o it_o be_v call_v triumphant_a or_o else_o militant_a the_o church_n
a_o excellent_a and_o plain_a discourse_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o the_o godly_a may_v know_v and_o discern_v the_o true_a church_n from_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o all_o other_o false_a and_o counterfeit_a church_n as_o well_o for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n as_o discipline_n etc._n etc._n write_a in_o french_a by_o m._n bartrand_n de_fw-fr loque_n a_o godly_a minister_n of_o dolphenine_a and_o faithful_o translate_v into_o english_a by_o m.t.w._n see_v and_o allow_v imprint_v at_o london_n for_o thomas_n man._n 1582._o ¶_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o chapter_n contain_v in_o this_o present_a treatise_n chapter_n 1_o touch_v the_o diverse_a signification_n and_o takinge_n of_o this_o word_n church_n and_o how_o the_o church_n be_v common_o distinguish_v pag._n 1._o chap._n 2._o of_o the_o catholic_a &_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v one_o although_o there_o be_v diverse_a particular_n thereof_o pag._n 7._o chap._n 3._o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o the_o true_a mark_n thereof_o pag._n 14_o chap._n 4._o whether_o the_o true_a mark_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v amongst_o the_o romish_a catholic_n pag._n 19_o chap._n 5._o of_o the_o call_n &_o succession_n of_o pastor_n pa._n 24._o chap._n 6._o that_o the_o church_n have_v always_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v unto_o the_o end_n thereof_o but_o yet_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v regard_v or_o acknowledge_v for_o the_o great_a number_n sake_n pag._n 55._o chap._n 7._o that_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o saint_n peter_n neither_o any_o pope_n pag._n 68_o chap._n 8._o whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o true_a and_o catholic_a church_n and_o whether_o we_o do_v well_o to_o withdraw_v or_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o it_o pag._n 102._o chap._n 9_o touch_v the_o degree_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n where_o also_o speech_n be_v have_v of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o pope_n clergy_n and_o of_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o true_a pastor_n pag._n 128._o chap._n 10._o whether_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v always_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n and_o how_o much_o man_n may_v attribute_v or_o give_v thereto_o pag._n 160._o chap._n 11._o of_o the_o sanctify_v or_o holiness_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 184._o chap._n 12._o whether_o the_o church_n may_v err_v pag._n 197._o chap._n 13._o whether_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o be_v to_o say_v whether_o the_o holy_a scripture_n depend_v on_o the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 213._o chap._n 14._o of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 234._o chap._n 15._o whether_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n to_o make_v law_n and_o if_o she_o make_v some_o how_o far_o the_o faithful_a aught_o to_o obey_v she_o pag._n 25â—_n chap._n 16._o concern_v the_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 274._o ¶_o to_o the_o most_o noble_a lord_n my_o lord_n henry_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr tour_n viscount_n of_o turenne_n county_n of_o monfert_n baron_n of_o mongacon_n oriergues_n bonsolz_n faith_n seruissac_n croc_n etc._n etc._n captain_n of_o five_o hundred_o man_n at_o arm_n of_o the_o king_n army_n my_o lord_n 30._o lactan._n lib._n 4_o de_fw-la vera_fw-la sapient_a cap._n 30._o lactantius_n have_v very_o proper_o and_o fit_o call_v the_o church_n the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n the_o house_n and_o dwell_a place_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n adjoin_v withal_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o which_o enter_v not_o into_o this_o temple_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o go_v out_o thereof_o he_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o life_n and_o from_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o even_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o universal_a flood_n none_o can_v be_v save_v which_o be_v out_o of_o noah_n his_o ark_n 7.20.23_o gene._n 7.20.23_o so_o without_o the_o church_n there_o be_v neither_o hope_n nor_o faith_n nor_o grace_n nor_o salvation_n which_o thing_n also_o the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n do_v very_o well_o declare_v and_o mean_v when_o be_v purpose_v to_o excommunicate_v some_o and_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n 1.20_o 2._o cor._n 5_o 3.5_o 1._o tim._n 1.20_o he_o say_v he_o must_v deliver_v they_o unto_o satan_n for_o as_o jesus_n christ_n reign_v in_o the_o church_n so_o satan_n reign_v without_o the_o same_o and_o as_o they_o which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n have_v jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o head_n be_v in_o very_o good_a state_n &_o bless_a so_o they_o which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o devil_n for_o their_o head_n can_v but_o be_v wicked_a and_o accurse_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v both_o in_o isaiah_n &_o in_o joel_n that_o in_o zion_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n there_o shall_v be_v salvation_n 2.32_o isaia_n 46.13_o joel._n 2.32_o there_o be_v mean_v by_o zion_n and_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o also_o by_o the_o word_n heaven_n there_o be_v mean_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o apocalips_n when_o s._n john_n say_v i_o hear_v a_o great_a and_o loud_a voice_n 12.10_o reve._n 12.10_o say_v now_o be_v salvation_n in_o heaven_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o read_v that_o when_o god_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v utter_o root_v out_o some_o from_o the_o heavenly_a life_n he_o denounce_v against_o they_o and_o threaten_v 13.9_o ezech._n 13.9_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o counsel_n &_o assembly_n of_o his_o people_n neither_o write_v in_o the_o role_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o david_n very_o well_o know_v and_o feel_v this_o when_o sometime_o be_v in_o exile_n all_o grief_n and_o adversity_n be_v unto_o he_o tolerable_a and_o as_o a_o man_n will_v say_v easy_a to_o beat_v except_v this_o that_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o and_o want_v the_o solemn_a assembly_n wherein_o man_n make_v public_a declaration_n and_o protestation_n of_o god_n religion_n and_o service_n wherefore_o be_v wail_v his_o condition_n because_o he_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o visible_a church_n he_o be_v also_o shut_v out_o from_o access_n or_o come_n to_o the_o tabernacle_n by_o the_o cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n of_o his_o enemy_n he_o cry_v out_o earnest_o and_o say_v o_o lord_n of_o host_n how_o amiable_a be_v thy_o tabernacle_n 84.1.2.4.10_o psalm_n 84.1.2.4.10_o my_o soul_n long_v yea_o &_o faint_v for_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o flesh_n leap_v for_o joy_n in_o the_o live_a god_n and_o a_o little_a after_o bless_a be_v they_o which_o dwell_v in_o thy_o house_n they_o will_v ever_o praise_v thou_o for_o a_o day_n in_o thy_o court_n be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o other_o wheis_n i_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o door_n keeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n then_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o thereby_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o man_n which_o bestow_v their_o life_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v but_o a_o day_n long_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o church_n &_o among_o faithful_a people_n be_v far_o more_o bless_v than_o they_o who_o live_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o long_o out_o of_o god_n house_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o out_o of_o who_o company_n their_o religion_n be_v banish_v to_o which_o purpose_n also_o belong_v that_o which_o the_o same_o prophet_n sing_v in_o a_o other_o psalm_n 27.4_o psalm_n 27.4_o one_o thing_n have_v i_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o will_v require_v even_o that_o i_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o visit_v his_o temple_n and_o again_o when_o he_o say_v 106.45_o psal_n 106.45_o remember_v or_o have_v mercy_n on_o i_o o_o lord_n with_o the_o favour_n and_o good_a will_n of_o the_o people_n and_o visit_v i_o with_o thy_o salvation_n that_o i_o may_v set_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o thy_o choose_a one_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o people_n and_o glory_n with_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o for_o this_o very_a cause_n and_o occasion_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n commend_v &_o praise_v moses_n 11.24.25_o heb._n 11.24.25_o when_o he_o say_v that_o by_o faith_n he_o be_v come_v to_o age_n refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n his_o daughter_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v adversity_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n then_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o short_a season_n wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v that_o god_n shall_v govern_v we_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o end_n to_o make_v we_o enjoy_v and_o possess_v his_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a good_a thing_n
their_o god_n the_o jew_n have_v the_o bark_n or_o husk_n of_o the_o law_n and_o their_o own_o thalmude_n the_o turk_n have_v the_o alcoran_n of_o their_o mahumet_n and_o the_o heretic_n also_o boast_v themselves_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o be_v false_a sign_n or_o mark_n but_o the_o true_a church_n have_v for_o her_o first_o and_o principal_a mark_n the_o word_n of_o god_n pure_o preach_v to_o the_o which_o the_o church_n consent_v &_o conform_v herself_o as_o we_o prove_v it_o plain_o by_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n jesus_n christ_n say_v my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n 10.27_o joh._n 10.27_o and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o and_o saint_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n you_o be_v say_v he_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n 2.20_o eph._n 2.20_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o indeed_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o by_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o christ_n himself_o affirm_v search_v the_o scripture_n diligent_o for_o they_o be_v they_o which_o bear_v witness_v of_o i_o 5.39_o joh._n 5.39_o ought_v we_o not_o then_o by_o the_o same_o scripture_n to_o be_v guide_v and_o lead_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a and_o right_a church_n this_o matter_n the_o ancient_a father_n respect_v when_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o true_a church_n ought_v to_o show_v and_o declare_v itself_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o contra_fw-la pitilia_fw-la cap._n 2._o as_o saint_n augustine_n say_v there_o be_v great_a disputation_n between_o we_o and_o the_o donatist_n to_o know_v where_o the_o church_n be_v what_o be_v then_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v herein_o shall_v we_o search_v it_o out_o in_o our_o own_o word_n or_o rather_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n thereof_o very_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o be_v truth_n and_o know_v very_o well_o his_o own_o body_n 2.19_o 2._o tim._n 2.19_o for_o the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o and_o again_o i_o will_v not_o show_v or_o declare_v the_o church_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 166._o cont._n pitili_n cap._n 3._o aug._n epist_n 166._o also_o by_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o we_o have_v learned_a christ_n by_o the_o scripture_n likewise_o we_o have_v learn_v to_o know_v the_o church_n we_o have_v these_o scripture_n common_a amongst_o we_o wherefore_o then_o do_v we_o not_o retain_v and_o hold_v in_o they_o both_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o chrysostome_n say_v 7._o supr_fw-la matth._n exposit_n 2._o hom._n 49._o cap._n 24._o lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr jaco._n cap._n 7._o he_o that_o will_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n by_o what_o mean_a can_v he_o know_v it_o in_o such_o and_o so_o great_a a_o confusion_n of_o outward_a show_n if_o it_o be_v not_o only_o by_o the_o scripture_n saint_n ambrose_n say_v also_o the_o true_a and_o catholic_a church_n be_v there_o where_o god_n himself_o appear_v and_o speak_v to_o his_o servant_n by_o his_o own_o word_n the_o other_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o lawful_a administration_n of_o sacrament_n 11._o cont._n faustum_n manich._n lib._n 9_o cap._n 11._o saint_n augustine_n have_v sometime_o say_v that_o man_n can_v not_o unite_v or_o knit_v themselves_o together_o in_o any_o religion_n whatsoever_o be_v it_o true_a or_o false_a but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o some_o sacrament_n or_o visible_a sign_n so_o the_o gentile_n have_v their_o sacrament_n and_o sacrifice_n the_o jew_n have_v circumcision_n and_o some_o other_o outward_a sign_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o the_o true_a church_n have_v for_o the_o second_o of_o her_o mark_n her_o own_o sacrament_n institute_v by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n thereof_o that_o be_v to_o say_v baptism_n and_o the_o holy_a supper_n and_o thereunto_o must_v be_v refer_v that_o which_o saint_n augustine_n say_v 1_o ad_fw-la inquisit_a januar._n cap._n 1_o the_o lord_n have_v unite_v or_o knit_v together_o the_o new_a people_n that_o be_v the_o people_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v few_o in_o number_n easy_a in_o observation_n and_o very_o great_a in_o signification_n to_o wit_n by_o baptism_n consecrate_v or_o administer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o by_o the_o communicate_v or_o partake_v of_o his_o body_n and_o of_o his_o blood_n beside_o saint_n paul_n do_v in_o like_a sort_n right_o teach_v we_o this_o 12.13_o 1._o cor._n 12.13_o when_o he_o say_v first_o of_o baptism_n that_o we_o be_v all_o baptise_a by_o one_o spirit_n into_o one_o body_n and_o afterward_o of_o the_o supper_n we_o that_o be_v many_o 10.17_o 1._o cor._n 10.17_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n because_o we_o all_o be_v partaker_n of_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o bread_n mean_v thereby_o that_o these_o two_o sacrament_n be_v in_o such_o sort_n the_o two_o common_a sign_n of_o the_o church_n that_o by_o the_o same_o we_o be_v visible_o gather_v together_o into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v there_o be_v account_v in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o household_n servant_n and_o contain_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n withal_o the_o faithful_a and_o by_o consequent_a draw_v take_v and_o separate_v from_o all_o other_o people_n &_o profane_a nation_n chap._n four_o whether_o these_o true_a mark_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v amongst_o the_o romish_a catholik_o these_o than_o be_v the_o two_o certain_a &_o infallible_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n by_o which_o man_n must_v examine_v all_o assembly_n that_o pretend_v the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o church_n jest_n otherwise_o they_o be_v seduce_v and_o deceive_v wherefore_o if_o a_o man_n will_v know_v whether_o the_o true_a church_n be_v among_o the_o romish_a catholic_n or_o no_o we_o need_v not_o have_v recourse_n to_o any_o other_o proof_n or_o touchstone_n then_o this_o only_a but_o it_o shall_v behoove_v we_o to_o hold_v and_o to_o keep_v in_o memory_n one_o foundation_n or_o sure_a ground_n to_o wit_n that_o these_o two_o mark_n must_v always_o be_v retain_v and_o keep_v in_o their_o purity_n without_o be_v any_o manner_n of_o way_n falsify_v or_o corrupt_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o doctrine_n must_v be_v pure_a and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n sound_a and_o lawful_a for_o indeed_o in_o outward_a show_n they_o will_v make_v man_n believe_v that_o these_o two_o mark_n be_v to_o be_v find_v amongst_o the_o romish_a catholic_n but_o when_o all_o shall_v be_v right_o and_o due_o examine_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o for_o all_o that_o on_o their_o side_n for_o as_o concern_v the_o word_n it_o be_v not_o preach_v by_o they_o right_o or_o pure_o but_o as_o s._n hilary_n say_v they_o make_v a_o sense_n upon_o the_o scripture_n and_o take_v it_o not_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o leaden_a rule_n which_o man_n common_o call_v regula_n lesbian_n apply_v it_o to_o their_o own_o intentes_fw-la and_o purpose_n and_o not_o submit_v their_o own_o purpose_n to_o it_o touch_v this_o matter_n it_o be_v needful_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o all_o exposition_n of_o holy_a scripture_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o two_o principal_a head_n or_o end_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v conformable_a or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o analogy_n &_o proportion_n of_o faith_n for_o touch_v the_o first_o jesus_n christ_n say_v he_o that_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n 7.18_o john_n 7.18_o be_v true_a now_o without_o doubt_n when_o the_o romish_a catholic_n extol_v man_n free_a will_n &_o ascribe_v unto_o man_n some_o merit_n for_o his_o work_n they_o snatch_v and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o violence_n pull_v away_o from_o god_n some_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o and_o so_o by_o consequent_a when_o they_o serve_v themselves_o with_o certain_a piece_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o which_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v not_o therein_o excuse_v themselves_o but_o that_o they_o corrupt_v and_o falsify_v the_o scripture_n declare_v themselves_o hereby_o right_a heretic_n indeed_o for_o as_o s._n jerome_n say_v who_o so_o ever_o expound_v the_o scripture_n otherwise_o then_o the_o sense_n &_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n require_v galat._n in_o epist_n ad_fw-la galat._n although_o he_o have_v not_o withdraw_v or_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o
make_v that_o those_o which_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n shall_v be_v banish_v and_o send_v into_o the_o isle_n 62._o euseb_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 62._o eusebius_n recite_v certain_a thing_n take_v out_o of_o the_o apology_n of_o melitus_n the_o bishop_n of_o sardis_n among_o which_o be_v this_o also_o to_o be_v show_v that_o the_o faithful_a people_n suffer_v persecution_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o new_a edict_n which_o be_v publish_v in_o asia_n wherewith_o the_o slanderer_n make_v themselves_o strong_a be_v provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o pill_n and_o rob_v the_o faithful_a in_o every_o place_n wheresoever_o they_o find_v they_o and_o to_o steal_v away_o the_o good_n of_o the_o poor_a innocent_n 1_o euseb_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 1_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o vienna_n and_o of_o lion_n city_n of_o france_n send_v to_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o asia_n &_o phrigia_n of_o which_o eusebius_n make_v mention_v speak_v of_o a_o writing_n or_o law_n of_o the_o emperor_n send_v too_o the_o governor_n of_o france_n by_o which_o he_o ordain_v that_o they_o shall_v put_v to_o death_n the_o christian_n persevere_v and_o continue_v in_o their_o confession_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v let_v the_o other_o go_v which_o will_v abjure_v forswear_v and_o forsake_v the_o same_o as_o touch_v the_o crime_n and_o fault_n whereof_o the_o christian_n be_v accuse_v the_o foresay_a epistle_n recite_v that_o the_o pagan_n provoke_v yea_o constrain_v they_o to_o confess_v strange_a matter_n and_o behold_v what_o it_o say_v some_o be_v find_v amongst_o we_o which_o be_v weak_a who_o be_v vanquish_v by_o satan_n and_o very_o much_o fear_v torment_n which_o they_o see_v the_o saint_n suffer_v and_o abide_v be_v also_o push_v on_o by_o the_o soldier_n have_v allege_v against_o we_o that_o in_o our_o banquet_n we_o shall_v eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o little_a child_n as_o be_v use_v in_o thiest_n his_o banquet_n and_o that_o we_o commit_v whoredom_n and_o horrible_a incest_n like_o oedipus_n and_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o name_n yea_o &_o that_o so_o execrable_a &_o abominable_a that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o think_v that_o man_n shall_v ever_o have_v commit_v such_o act_n and_o as_o concern_v the_o torment_n the_o self_n same_o epistle_n rehearse_v they_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v spy_v and_o watch_v both_o within_o their_o house_n and_o without_o that_o man_n cry_v out_o against_o they_o in_o all_o public_a and_o open_a place_n that_o they_o do_v beat_v and_o whip_v they_o draw_v they_o up_o and_o down_o stone_v they_o pilled_a and_o take_v away_o their_o good_n and_o imprison_v they_o that_o they_o apply_v and_o lay_v unto_o they_o burn_v blade_n of_o iron_n that_o they_o shut_v they_o together_o in_o a_o instrument_n of_o torture_n and_o torment_v even_o unto_o the_o five_o hole_n that_o they_o put_v they_o into_o obscure_a and_o dark_a dungeon_n that_o they_o strangle_v they_o within_o the_o prison_n that_o they_o cast_v they_o to_o beast_n that_o they_o put_v they_o with_o in_o cauldron_n of_o iron_n to_o burn_v they_o that_o they_o hang_v they_o on_o gibbet_n that_o they_o cast_v they_o to_o bull_n which_o may_v pierce_v and_o gore_v they_o with_o their_o horn_n and_o such_o other_o like_o thing_n the_o 5._o persecution_n be_v under_o severus_n xxi_o emperor_n who_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o empire_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 196._o he_o reign_v 18._o year_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v some_o what_o peaceable_a from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o emperor_n commodus_n who_o be_v the_o xviii_o emperor_n &_o create_v about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 182._o until_o severus_n come_v who_o in_o the_o ix_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n which_o be_v after_o eusebius_n account_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 205._o move_v &_o stir_v up_o a_o terrible_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o province_n and_o country_n and_o some_o think_v that_o he_o be_v move_v thereto_o rather_o by_o the_o vice_n &_o fault_n which_o the_o furious_a common_a people_n do_v very_o false_o and_o wrong_n full_o lay_v to_o the_o christian_n charge_n then_o to_o say_v that_o of_o himself_o he_o have_v his_o heart_n inflame_v against_o they_o tertullian_n who_o be_v in_o his_o time_n say_v scapul_fw-la tertullian_n ad_fw-la scapul_fw-la that_o he_o show_v himself_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n not_o only_o courteous_a gentle_a and_o full_a of_o beneficence_n liberality_n and_o good_a will_n but_o also_o do_v open_o resist_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o people_n yet_o eusebius_n prove_v by_o diverse_a example_n of_o the_o martyr_n that_o this_o emperor_n be_v a_o terrible_a persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o crime_n false_o object_v &_o allege_v against_o the_o christian_n apologet._n tertul._n ad_fw-la scapu_n &_o in_o apologet._n tertullian_n recite_v diverse_a of_o they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o sedition_n and_o treason_n that_o they_o have_v blame_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o emperor_n his_o honour_n that_o they_o be_v murderer_n church_n robber_n incestuous_a person_n killer_n of_o infant_n which_o they_o do_v eat_v the_o flesh_n be_v raw_a that_o they_o commit_v whoredom_n without_o have_v respect_n with_o who_o after_o that_o they_o have_v put_v out_o the_o candle_n with_o which_o filthiness_n the_o gnostici_fw-la be_v in_o deed_n spot_v also_o that_o they_o worship_v the_o head_n of_o a_o ass_n in_o the_o steed_n of_o god_n that_o they_o worship_v the_o sun_n that_o they_o be_v in_o nothing_o profitable_a for_o other_o that_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a crime_n that_o they_o lay_v against_o they_o or_o upon_o they_o be_v this_o that_o they_o despise_v the_o god_n which_o other_o man_n worship_v and_o touch_v the_o sort_n and_o manner_n of_o torment_n we_o may_v gather_v it_o out_o of_o that_o which_o eusebius_n have_v write_v of_o it_o eusebius_n eusebius_n that_o some_o be_v buffet_v and_o beat_v other_o some_o behead_v other_o burn_v other_o have_v boil_v pitch_n pour_v over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o their_o body_n and_o so_o they_o be_v by_o little_a and_o little_o burn_v and_o put_v to_o death_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o that_o all_o their_o good_n be_v peel_v away_o rob_v and_o confiscate_v the_o sixth_o persecution_n be_v under_o julius_n maximianus_n the_o xxvi_o emperor_n who_o succeed_v alexander_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 237._o &_o reign_v only_o about_o three_o year_n he_o be_v a_o shepherd_n in_o his_o young_a age_n but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o great_a and_o mighty_a man_n be_v a_o soldier_n he_o be_v create_v emperor_n without_o any_o authority_n of_o the_o senate_n but_o by_o the_o only_a good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o soldier_n &_o warlike_a company_n he_o be_v cruel_a barbarous_a and_o rude_a move_v great_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n but_o namely_o and_o chiefl_o against_o the_o doctor_n teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n suppose_v that_o when_o these_o man_n who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v discomfit_v the_o people_n will_v thereby_o be_v easy_o turn_v away_o eusebius_n say_v 28._o euseb_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 28._o that_o this_o emperor_n be_v not_o kindle_v and_o set_v on_o fire_n to_o execute_v this_o cruelty_n but_o only_o for_o hatred_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o alexander_n stock_n and_o house_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o christian_n but_o he_o have_v not_o any_o great_a leisure_n or_o time_n to_o exercise_v his_o cruelty_n for_o before_o he_o have_v reign_v three_o whole_a year_n he_o be_v slay_v of_o his_o soldier_n and_o with_o he_o his_o son_n who_o be_v nineteen_o year_n old_a and_o their_o body_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o river_n the_o seven_o persecution_n be_v under_o the_o emperor_n decius_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 247._o eusebius_n recite_v 39_o euseb_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 39_o that_o this_o persecution_n be_v move_v by_o decius_n because_o he_o mean_v evil_a to_o philippus_n his_o predecessor_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o a_o other_o place_n he_o say_v 41._o euseb_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 41._o that_o dionysius_n the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n write_v unto_o fabianus_n the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n that_o his_o persecution_n be_v not_o move_v or_o stir_v up_o by_o the_o emperor_n decius_n but_o only_o confirm_v by_o a_o certain_a ordinance_n and_o decree_n which_o he_o make_v after_o it_o have_v be_v a_o whole_a year_n before_o stir_v up_o by_o the_o pagan_n who_o be_v provoke_v thereunto_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o certain_a stir_n and_o uproar_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o this_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v a_o terrible_a &_o cruel_a
which_o he_o give_v not_o but_o unto_o his_o child_n alone_o the_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n and_o by_o consequent_a if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v and_o make_v bless_v we_o ought_v to_o hold_v and_o keep_v ourselves_o firm_a sure_a and_o well_o stay_v in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o force_n of_o tyrant_n no_o violence_n of_o storm_n and_o tempest_n no_o persecution_n of_o enemy_n no_o promise_n no_o threaten_n nor_o to_o be_v short_a any_o thing_n else_o which_o may_v turn_v we_o away_o or_o cause_v we_o to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o it_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o we_o see_v what_o controversy_n and_o disputation_n there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n amongst_o man_n touch_v the_o point_n or_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v true_o which_o lactantius_n say_v to_o wit_n that_o every_o company_n of_o heretic_n suppose_v that_o they_o be_v true_a christian_n 10_o lact._n de_fw-fr vera_fw-la sapien_fw-fr ca._n 10_o and_o their_o church_n be_v the_o catholic_a church_n as_o we_o know_v that_o parmenianus_n the_o donatist_n say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o church_n but_o among_o his_o sort_n and_o company_n insomuch_o that_o sundry_a of_o this_o age_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o drop_v away_o and_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o feign_a name_n and_o visardlike_a title_n of_o the_o church_n abide_v harden_v in_o their_o superstition_n and_o blind_v in_o error_n make_v no_o account_n 20._o august_n ad_fw-la catecum_fw-la cap._n 20._o of_o saint_n augustine_n his_o advertisement_n and_o counsel_n who_o speak_v thus_o this_o catholic_a church_n be_v our_o true_a mother_n yea_o she_o be_v our_o faithful_a and_o chaste_a mother_n deck_v within_o with_o the_o dignity_n and_o worthiness_n of_o her_o husband_n and_o not_o colour_v or_o paint_v without_o with_o lie_v and_o falsehood_n and_o afterwards_o he_o add_v let_v we_o look_v well_o to_o ourselves_o that_o the_o strange_a and_o false_a name_n of_o the_o church_n turn_v we_o not_o away_o from_o this_o mother_n of_o we_o and_o that_o the_o outward_a show_n or_o borrow_v bare_a title_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o deceive_v us._n there_o be_v some_o other_o who_o remain_v astonish_v as_o it_o be_v and_o doubtful_a not_o know_v to_o which_o part_n to_o turn_v neither_o on_o which_o side_n to_o set_v themselves_o in_o order_n see_v the_o romishe_a church_n arm_v with_o great_a force_n and_o authority_n maintain_v and_o uphold_v by_o great_a personage_n clothe_v with_o diverse_a ornament_n outward_a apparel_n and_o follow_v of_o the_o great_a number_n on_o the_o other_o side_n behold_v the_o reform_a church_n feeble_a and_o weak_a in_o outward_a show_n make_v and_o stand_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o small_a and_o base_a according_a to_o the_o world_n simple_a in_o decking_n and_o ceremony_n and_o follow_v of_o very_a few_o people_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v our_o principal_a light_n and_o chief_a guide_n give_v we_o a_o good_a remedy_n and_o aid_v in_o this_o difficulty_n show_v we_o that_o the_o true_a church_n aught_o to_o be_v discern_v from_o the_o false_a by_o her_o own_o right_a and_o true_a mark_n which_o be_v the_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o true_a and_o right_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o not_o the_o great_a number_n of_o people_n nor_o pomp_n not_o outward_a ceremony_n invent_v &_o devise_v by_o man_n themselves_o you_o my_o lord_n have_v sometime_o see_v what_o trouble_n and_o combat_n the_o very_a visard_n bare_a name_n and_o shine_a show_n of_o the_o romishe_a church_n have_v bring_v to_o some_o man_n conscience_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o not_o only_o amongst_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n but_o even_o in_o the_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o those_o which_o make_v profession_n and_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o teach_v other_o yea_o so_o far_o it_o have_v carry_v they_o that_o by_o reason_n there_o be_v nor_o in_o they_o a_o full_a resoluteness_n they_o know_v not_o of_o what_o company_n they_o shall_v be_v notwithstanding_o as_o touch_v yourself_o after_o that_o god_n have_v honour_v you_o with_o his_o knowledge_n and_o call_v you_o into_o his_o church_n that_o you_o may_v be_v comprehend_v within_o the_o sheepefolde_a of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n have_v almost_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o cast_v away_o the_o beast_n mark_v whatsoever_o shake_v and_o stagger_v you_o perceive_v in_o diverse_a other_o you_o notwithstanding_o have_v always_o continue_v through_o god_n grace_n ground_v and_o settle_v yourself_o upon_o his_o assure_a and_o invincible_a word_n and_o in_o deed_n by_o what_o force_n and_o strength_n can_v the_o back_n flydinge_n of_o some_o &_o the_o sophistical_a disputation_n of_o other_o some_o astonishe_v your_o faith_n or_o beat_v down_o your_o constancy_n so_o well_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n how_o can_v these_o assault_n crack_v your_o courage_n or_o change_n and_o make_v cold_a your_o zeal_n so_o hot_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n certain_o this_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n that_o all_o the_o world_n have_v a_o eye_n upon_o you_o wonder_v at_o and_o love_v the_o great_a and_o singular_a affection_n which_o you_o bear_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o service_n but_o the_o question_n be_v now_o to_o continue_v in_o well_o do_v and_o to_o proceed_v daily_o from_o good_a to_o better_v for_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o begin_v well_o except_o a_o man_n persevere_v and_o continue_v even_o to_o the_o end_n and_o we_o know_v what_o jesus_n christ_n say_v to_o wit_n that_o he_o which_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n and_o look_v back_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 2.5_o luke_n 9.62_o 2._o tim._n 2.5_o and_o saint_n paul_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o strive_v for_o a_o mastery_n he_o be_v not_o crown_v except_o he_o strive_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v there_o be_v some_o which_o say_v that_o this_o be_v enough_o for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v some_o testimony_n in_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o belong_v to_o god_n albeit_o he_o make_v not_o any_o declaration_n or_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n here_o above_o mark_v and_o put_v down_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o we_o to_o gather_v what_o need_n we_o have_v to_o range_v and_o bring_v ourselves_o into_o the_o true_a church_n that_o we_o may_v therein_o live_v christianlie_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n see_v that_o any_o where_o else_o there_o be_v neither_o life_n nor_o light_n and_o also_o what_o assurance_n can_v they_o have_v of_o their_o salvation_n which_o live_v in_o this_o world_n as_o dog_n and_o swine_n follow_v the_o train_n and_o step_n of_o sardanapalus_n or_o of_o epicurus_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v to_o laugh_v and_o rejoice_v to_o play_v and_o to_o give_v themselves_o to_o pleasure_n without_o think_v any_o whit_n at_o all_o of_o god_n or_o remember_v any_o religion_n wherefore_o my_o lord_n even_o as_o you_o have_v well_o and_o bless_o begin_v have_v have_v right_a knowledge_n to_o discern_v between_o the_o true_a and_o false_a church_n so_o it_o yet_o rest_v that_o you_o persevere_v and_o continue_v yea_o that_o yet_o you_o proceed_v and_o pass_v somewhat_o further_o to_o range_v and_o bring_v into_o order_n all_o your_o house_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v be_v unto_o he_o a_o holy_a and_o chaste_a church_n in_o the_o midst_n whereof_o he_o may_v take_v pleasure_n to_o dwell_v that_o thereby_o he_o may_v bless_v you_o and_o make_v you_o to_o prosper_v you_o know_v with_o what_o ardency_n and_o zeal_n the_o prophet_n haggai_n reprove_v the_o jew_n of_o his_o time_n 1.4_o haggai_n 1.4_o late_o return_v out_o of_o babylon_n because_o they_o build_v many_o house_n for_o themselves_o and_o do_v diligent_o feel_v and_o carve_v they_o but_o they_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o build_v up_o the_o lord_n temple_n 2.3.22_o hag._n 2.3.22_o and_o we_o must_v note_v that_o the_o prophet_n direct_v not_o his_o speech_n only_o to_o the_o people_n and_o priest_n to_o move_v they_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n for_o the_o furtherance_n and_o set_v up_o of_o this_o building_n but_o also_o unto_o zerubbabel_n the_o governor_n of_o judah_n which_o serve_v well_o to_o declare_v that_o great_a lord_n and_o magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o minister_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n aught_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o power_n to_o employ_v themselves_o for_o the_o edification_n and_o advancement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 82.1_o rom._n 13.4_o psalm_n 82.1_o and_o thereupon_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o sainte_n paul_n call_v magistrate_n the_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o another_o place_n they_o be_v call_v even_o god_n to_o wit_n not_o
banish_v this_o church_n out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o see_v that_o it_o be_v universal_a it_o shall_v never_o want_v place_n but_o it_o shall_v always_o be_v gather_v together_o &_o receive_v in_o some_o quarter_n or_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n secondlie_o it_o be_v call_v catholic_a in_o consideration_n of_o the_o person_n for_o it_o receive_v and_o contain_v all_o the_o faithful_a of_o what_o estate_n sex_n or_o condition_n soever_o they_o be_v as_o s._n paul_n show_v when_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o jew_n nor_o greek_a 11._o galat._n 3.28_o collos_n 3._o 11._o bond_n nor_o free_a man_n nor_o woman_n but_o that_o all_o be_v one_o in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o the_o apocalypse_n this_o church_n be_v describe_v and_o set_v out_o in_o this_o behalf_n as_o a_o certain_a city_n have_v twelve_o gate_n 21.13_o reve._n 21.13_o three_o on_o the_o east_n side_n three_o one_o the_o north_n side_n three_o on_o the_o south_n side_n and_o three_o one_o the_o west_n side_n and_o therefore_o the_o jew_n be_v deceive_v when_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o only_a fleshly_a race_n and_o lineage_n of_o abraham_n three_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o time_n for_o it_o shall_v endure_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o world_n not_o as_o some_o do_v imagine_v a_o hundred_o or_o two_o hundred_o year_n a_o thousand_o or_o two_o thousand_o year_n only_o but_o even_o as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n itself_o shall_v last_v as_o we_o will_v declare_v more_o at_o large_a when_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o perpetuity_n or_o continuance_n of_o the_o church_n furthermore_o we_o hold_v that_o this_o church_n be_v one_o even_o as_o it_o be_v say_v 1â—_n cantic_a 6.8_o joh._n 10.16_o 2._o cor._n 11.2_o reve_v 21.9_o 1._o cor._n 12_o 1â—_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a dove_n perfect_v and_o the_o only_a daughter_n of_o her_o mother_n one_o sheepefolde_a one_o spouse_n of_o christ_n one_o body_n and_o indeed_o this_o unity_n or_o oneness_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o common_a and_o bodily_a dwell_n together_o nor_o in_o certain_a outward_a ceremony_n but_o in_o a_o certain_a very_o spiritual_a unity_n and_o in_o a_o assure_a consent_n of_o doctrine_n and_o faith_n for_o amongst_o all_o those_o which_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o which_o be_v above_o all_o and_o in_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o thereupon_o it_o be_v that_o saint_n paul_n say_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n 3.28_o eph._n 4.4.5_o gal._n 3.28_o that_o we_o be_v all_o one_o in_o jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o particular_a church_n then_o which_o consent_n in_o true_a doctrine_n aught_o to_o be_v hold_v and_o esteem_v for_o one_o only_a church_n see_v that_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o whereupon_o saint_n cyprian_n say_v there_o be_v no_o more_o but_o one_o only_a church_n which_o be_v spread_v abroad_o or_o stretch_v out_o far_o and_o wide_a as_o there_o be_v many_o beam_n in_o the_o sun_n praelat_fw-la de_fw-fr simplicit_fw-la praelat_fw-la and_o yet_o the_o light_n thereof_o but_o one_o and_o in_o a_o tree_n there_o be_v many_o branch_n or_o bow_n and_o yet_o but_o one_o body_n which_o be_v stay_v upon_o his_o own_o root_n and_o from_o one_o only_a fountain_n run_v many_o river_n which_o no_o whitt_n at_o all_o hinder_v or_o let_v that_o the_o unity_n or_o oneness_n shall_v not_o abide_v in_o the_o fountain_n now_o hereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o schismatik_n which_o by_o faction_n sect_n partakinge_n do_v break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v sin_n greevous_o 1.13.3.3_o 1._o cor._n 1.13.3.3_o as_o also_o s._n paul_n declare_v the_o same_o write_n unto_o the_o corinthian_n we_o say_v also_o that_o this_o church_n be_v invisible_a and_o that_o there_o be_v none_o but_o god_n alone_o who_o know_v the_o same_o &_o therefore_o jesus_n christ_n say_v 10.14_o joh._n 10.14_o that_o he_o know_v his_o sheep_n and_o that_o he_o know_v they_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v and_o saint_n paul_n the_o lord_n say_v he_o know_v those_o which_o be_v he_o 13.18_o joh._n 13.18_o and_o as_o concern_v ourselves_o we_o believe_v it_o as_o we_o protest_v &_o confess_v 2.19_o 2._o tim._n 2.19_o in_o the_o christian_n article_n of_o our_o belief_n when_o that_o by_o outward_a sign_n we_o can_v not_o point_v it_o forth_o or_o mark_v it_o out_o for_o albeit_o we_o do_v not_o many_o time_n see_v &_o behold_v the_o same_o yet_o it_o cease_v not_o for_o all_o that_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v declare_v unto_o elijah_n when_o he_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v alone_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n 11.3.4_o 1._o king_n 19_o 10.18_o rom._n 11.3.4_o no_o no_o say_v the_o lord_n unto_o he_o i_o have_v reserve_v unto_o myself_o seven_o thousand_o man_n which_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n but_o let_v we_o mark_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n general_o and_o not_o of_o the_o member_n thereof_o particular_o for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o we_o may_v by_o sign_n and_o outward_a testimony_n profitable_o judge_v of_o election_n even_o as_o man_n judge_v the_o tree_n by_o the_o good_a fruit_n and_o yet_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v singular_o and_o special_o when_o the_o question_n concern_v ourselves_o for_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o s._n peter_n 1.10_o 2._o pet._n 1.10_o we_o make_v our_o call_n &_o election_n firm_a &_o sure_a through_o good_a work_n moreover_o this_o church_n contain_v also_o many_o person_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o call_v unto_o the_o visible_a church_n even_o as_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n show_v in_o s._n john_n when_o he_o say_v 10.60_o joh._n 10.60_o other_o sheep_n i_o have_v also_o which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o fold_n they_o also_o must_v i_o bring_v and_o they_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o sheepefolde_a and_o one_o shepherd_n and_o hereof_o we_o have_v a_o example_n in_o saint_n paul_n for_o when_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n it_o seem_v very_o that_o he_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o call_v to_o be_v a_o sheep_n of_o the_o visible_a sheepefolde_a of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o ananias_n go_v thy_o way_n to_o he_o 9.15_o act._n 9.15_o for_o he_o be_v a_o choose_a vessel_n unto_o i_o to_o bear_v my_o name_n before_o the_o gentile_n and_o king_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n worthy_a to_o be_v note_v to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v careful_o look_v unto_o ourselves_o that_o we_o take_v not_o upon_o we_o to_o judge_v of_o any_o man_n rash_o and_o before_o the_o time_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o the_o true_a mark_n thereof_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o company_n of_o all_o those_o who_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v to_o be_v of_o christ_n flock_n as_o indeed_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v amongst_o who_o notwithstanding_o many_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o seed_n whereof_o jesus_n christ_n make_v mention_v in_o the_o 13_o chapter_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o s._n matthew_n and_o by_o that_o which_o he_o say_v that_o all_o they_o which_o say_v unto_o he_o lord_n lord_n 6_o mat._n 13.24_o mat._n 7.21_o mat._n 20.16_o rom._n 9_o 6_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n also_o that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v also_o by_o that_o saint_n paul_n say_v that_o all_o they_o which_o be_v of_o israel_n be_v not_o therefore_o israel_n and_o s._n john_n they_o go_v out_o from_o amongst_o we_o 2.19_o john_n 2.19_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v have_v continue_v with_o us._n we_o have_v a_o example_n hereof_o in_o judas_n as_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o witness_v the_o same_o in_o saint_n joh._n here_o then_o we_o have_v to_o mark_v this_o 18._o joh._n 6_o 70.13_o 18._o that_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n furthermore_o this_o church_n be_v know_v by_o she_o own_o proper_a mark_n which_o be_v two_o very_o principal_a and_o substantial_a the_o first_o be_v the_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n with_o a_o right_n and_o common_a consent_n thereto_o there_o be_v never_o yet_o any_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o uphold_v maintain_v and_o point_v out_o by_o some_o doctrine_n so_o we_o see_v that_o the_o gentile_n have_v have_v their_o service_n hymn_n song_n &_o praise_n unto_o
may_v be_v glorify_v isaiah_n 61.3_o 61.3_o isai_n 61.3_o moreover_o this_o church_n notwithstanding_o the_o sharp_a and_o hard_a persecution_n which_o it_o have_v suffer_v have_v not_o yet_o cease_v always_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o present_a and_o shall_v be_v unto_o the_o world_n end_n for_o as_o david_n say_v the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v etc._n psal_n 132.13_o etc._n etc._n the_o church_n and_o have_v desire_v it_o for_o his_o seat_n â—it_n have_v be_v say_v he_o my_o rest_n for_o ever_o jesus_n christ_n also_o have_v promise_v his_o disciple_n 28.20_o mat._n 28.20_o to_o be_v with_o they_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o chief_o saint_n paul_n have_v declare_v and_o set_v out_o the_o perpetuity_n and_o continuance_n of_o the_o church_n when_o he_o assure_v we_o 3.21_o ephes_n 3.21_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o church_n through_o jesus_n christ_n throughout_o all_o generation_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o they_o then_o be_v overmuch_o past_a shame_n which_o limit_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o church_n to_o a_o certain_a time_n 54_o aug._n de_fw-fr civi_fw-la that_fw-mi dei_fw-la lib._n 18._o ca._n 54_o as_o those_o of_o who_o saint_n augustine_n speak_v who_o dare_v bold_o affirm_v that_o the_o christian_n religion_n shall_v not_o last_v but_o 365._o year_n they_o likewise_o do_v abuse_n and_o deceive_v themselves_o which_o think_v that_o by_o the_o assault_n which_o they_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n they_o be_v able_a to_o beat_v it_o down_o consume_v it_o &_o whole_o take_v it_o away_o out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v without_o a_o church_n etc._n psal_n 10._o 1_o etc._n etc._n have_v not_o he_o himself_o promise_v that_o his_o son_n shall_v reign_v and_o bear_v rule_n for_o ever_o over_o all_o his_o enemy_n very_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o spouse_n or_o wife_n of_o christ_n be_v become_v or_o make_v so_o mighty_a and_o strong_a through_o her_o husband_n that_o be_v even_o one_o body_n with_o he_o she_o be_v more_o forcible_a and_o mighty_a in_o her_o weakness_n than_o all_o the_o world_n in_o his_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n but_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v once_o heretofore_o we_o will_v hereafter_o speak_v more_o ample_o and_o large_o of_o the_o church_n force_n and_o power_n in_o persecution_n to_o be_v short_a amongst_o so_o many_o and_o so_o diverse_a change_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n god_n always_o preserve_v his_o church_n and_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o nothing_o in_o all_o the_o world_n be_v durable_a and_o perpetual_a but_o she_o not_o that_o she_o be_v always_o flourish_v or_o have_v a_o continuance_n which_o follow_v all_o by_o one_o thread_n that_o be_v come_v altogether_o but_o because_o that_o god_n not_o mind_v that_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o in_o the_o world_n do_v always_o in_o his_o church_n raise_v up_o some_o of_o who_o he_o be_v sincere_o and_o pure_o serve_v now_o when_o the_o question_n be_v to_o discern_v the_o true_a church_n from_o the_o false_a some_o there_o be_v that_o stay_n themselves_o upon_o the_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n but_o they_o be_v very_o far_o from_o their_o right_a reckon_n or_o account_n for_o god_n measure_v not_o his_o church_n by_o the_o number_n he_o love_v his_o faithful_a people_n and_o keep_v himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o 18.20_o mat._n 18.20_o although_o they_o be_v a_o very_a small_a number_n on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o hate_v those_o that_o do_v despise_v it_o and_o disdain_v they_o though_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o indeed_o on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n the_o false_a and_o bastardly_a church_n be_v rather_o find_v than_o the_o true_a and_o lawful_a one_o and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o let_v we_o first_o mark_v the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o multitude_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o stay_v &_o cleave_v to_o the_o little_a flock_n thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a 7.13.14_o exod._n 23.2_o mat._n 7.13.14_o neither_o agree_v in_o a_o controversy_n to_o decline_v after_o many_o and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n for_o it_o be_v the_o wide_a gate_n and_o broad_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o destruction_n &_o many_o therebe_n which_o go_v in_o thereat_o because_o the_o gate_n be_v straight_o and_o the_o way_n narrow_a that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o fear_v not_o little_a flock_n 12.32_o luke_n 12.32_o for_o it_o be_v your_o father_n pleasure_n to_o give_v you_o a_o kingdom_n we_o see_v by_o these_o place_n that_o the_o great_a numbr_n be_v not_o always_o the_o best_a neither_o the_o sound_a and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v find_v rather_o amongst_o the_o small_a number_n then_o among_o the_o multitude_n second_o let_v we_o note_v the_o reason_n follow_v which_o be_v take_v from_o example_n that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n touch_v this_o very_a matter_n on_o which_o side_n be_v the_o church_n 11.7_o gene._n 7.1_o heb._n 11.7_o when_o noah_n alone_o with_o his_o little_a family_n which_o be_v not_o in_o all_o but_o eight_o person_n follow_v the_o true_a religion_n god_n approve_v he_o &_o by_o his_o faith_n condemn_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n on_o which_o side_n be_v the_o church_n 10_o 1_o kin._n 19_o 10_o when_o elijah_n say_v o_o lord_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v forsake_v they_o covenant_n they_o have_v destroy_v thy_o altar_n and_o slay_v thy_o prophet_n with_o the_o sword_n and_o i_o be_o leave_v altogether_o alone_o and_o yet_o they_o seek_v my_o soul_n to_o take_v it_o away_o on_o which_o side_n be_v the_o church_n when_o the_o four_o hundred_o prophet_n deceive_v ahab_n 22.8_o 1._o kin._n 22.8_o and_o michaiah_n be_v alone_o and_o contemn_a do_v yet_o notwithstanding_o resist_v they_o and_o speak_v the_o truth_n on_o which_o side_n be_v the_o church_n when_o jeremiah_n be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o say_v in_o that_o day_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o king_n shall_v perish_v 4.9_o jere._n 4.9_o and_o the_o heart_n of_o prince_n and_o of_o the_o priest_n shall_v be_v astonish_v and_o the_o prophet_n shall_v wonder_v and_o that_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n resist_v he_o 10.18_o jere_n 10.18_o lay_v crime_n unto_o his_o charge_n and_o imagine_a mischief_n against_o he_o 26.3_o math._n 26.3_o on_o which_o side_n be_v the_o church_n when_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n assemble_v themselves_o together_o into_o the_o hall_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n name_v caiaphas_n and_o hold_v a_o council_n how_o they_o may_v take_v jesus_n christ_n by_o subtlety_n &_o put_v he_o to_o death_n certain_o by_o these_o example_n it_o be_v plain_o prove_v that_o if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o allege_v the_o multitude_n &_o the_o great_a number_n for_o to_o underproppe_v and_o uphold_v a_o church_n the_o false_a and_o bastardly_a church_n shall_v ever_o prevail_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o get_v the_o better_a in_o that_o respect_n because_o that_o the_o number_n which_o cleave_v to_o it_o and_o follow_v and_o maintain_v it_o be_v always_o the_o great_a 128._o august_n in_o psal_n 128._o let_v we_o add_v here_o a_o sentence_n of_o saint_n augustine_n from_o the_o time_n say_v he_o that_o the_o saint_n have_v begin_v to_o be_v the_o church_n have_v be_v and_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n sometime_o it_o be_v in_o abel_n alone_o who_o be_v slay_v by_o his_o wicked_a brother_n cain_n sometime_o it_o be_v in_o henoch_n alone_o who_o be_v reject_v of_o the_o ungodlie_a sometime_o it_o be_v in_o the_o only_a house_n of_o noah_n and_o he_o bear_v with_o or_o suffer_v all_o they_o that_o perish_v in_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o ark_n swim_v upon_o the_o flood_n be_v save_v and_o set_v upon_o the_o dry_a land_n sometime_o in_o one_o only_a abraham_n of_o who_o we_o know_v thus_o much_o that_o he_o suffer_v many_o thing_n by_o the_o wicked_a sometime_o in_o lott_n alone_o and_o in_o his_o only_a house_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sodomite_n who_o iniquity_n and_o ungodliness_n he_o endure_v and_o suffer_v so_o long_o till_o god_n draw_v he_o as_o it_o be_v by_o violence_n from_o among_o they_o sometime_o in_o the_o only_a israelite_n torment_v by_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n by_o these_o word_n that_o appear_v very_o well_o to_o be_v true_a and_o right_a which_o i_o have_v say_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v or_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o great_a number_n the_o faithful_a then_o shall_v not_o at_o this_o day_n be_v offend_v though_o they_o be_v
church_n 8._o cyprian_a lib._n 2._o epist._n 7_o rom._n 1._o 8._o to_o wit_n that_o their_o faith_n be_v spread_v abroad_o and_o publish_v throughout_o all_o the_o woorlde_n shall_v be_v turn_v to_o their_o shame_n and_o dispraise_v if_o they_o go_v out_o of_o kind_n and_o become_v bastard_n and_o if_o they_o continue_v not_o to_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o departure_n from_o she_o we_o have_v declare_v the_o obedience_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o god_n who_o have_v command_v we_o to_o do_v so_o say_v go_v out_o of_o babylon_n my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n &_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o counsel_n of_o s._n ambrose_n who_o say_v if_o there_o be_v any_o church_n which_o refuse_v the_o faith_n &_o keep_v not_o the_o foundation_n or_o groundwork_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v we_o must_v leave_v she_o lest_o she_o bring_v with_o her_o the_o infection_n of_o error_n and_o unbelief_n this_o he_o have_v write_v upon_o the_o nine_o chapter_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o s._n luke_n but_o some_o will_v say_v you_o account_v the_o reform_a church_n of_o germany_n for_o the_o true_a church_n though_o you_o find_v there_o many_o thing_n to_o be_v amend_v as_o concern_v the_o supper_n itself_o and_o some_o other_o ceremony_n why_o then_o make_v you_o not_o the_o like_a account_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o there_o be_v some_o controversy_n between_o the_o german_n and_o we_o touch_v some_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o essential_a or_o substantial_a point_n thereof_o i_o call_v they_o essential_a or_o substantial_a point_n that_o be_v so_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n that_o if_o man_n err_v in_o one_o point_n the_o same_o can_v subsist_v or_o stand_v for_o even_o in_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o holy_a supper_n we_o all_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o difference_n be_v not_o but_o in_o the_o consubstantiation_n which_o they_o maintain_v which_o be_v not_o of_o such_o great_a importance_n and_o weight_n as_o transubstantiation_n which_o the_o romish_a pretend_v which_o even_o in_o that_o one_o point_n overthrow_v and_o utterl_o bring_v to_o nothing_o godliness_n put_v a_o idol_n of_o bread_n in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o make_v of_o the_o creature_n a_o creator_n and_o of_o christ_n a_o subject_n to_o corruption_n rase_v from_o the_o foundation_n and_o turn_v topsy_n turnie_n as_o we_o say_v that_o which_o concern_v the_o propriety_n the_o nature_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o body_n all_o which_o abomination_n and_o idolatry_n the_o german_n that_o be_v reform_v do_v detest_v and_o set_v themselves_o against_o as_o well_o as_o we_o but_o if_o some_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v divorce_n as_o it_o be_v and_o separation_n between_o the_o german_n and_o we_o will_v allege_v that_o the_o foresay_a german_n have_v not_o the_o like_a opinion_n of_o we_o that_o we_o have_v of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o hold_v and_o account_v we_o for_o heretic_n as_o may_v be_v see_v and_o prove_v by_o certain_a writing_n which_o they_o have_v set_v abroad_o and_o publish_v we_o answer_v that_o the_o passion_n affection_n and_o heat_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n who_o have_v write_v somewhat_o more_o free_o than_o they_o shall_v ought_v not_o so_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o esteem_v that_o thereupon_o they_o will_v make_v a_o general_a conclusion_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o so_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o division_n between_o all_o they_o and_o us._n for_o albeit_o there_o be_v some_o diversity_n between_o they_o and_o we_o in_o this_o point_n touch_v the_o supper_n and_o in_o some_o certain_a ceremony_n yet_o unity_n do_v not_o therefore_o cease_v to_o continue_v and_o remain_v always_o amongst_o us._n 22._o socrat._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 22._o socrates_n who_o write_v the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n say_v thus_o there_o be_v not_o any_o religion_n which_o observe_v the_o same_o ceremony_n though_o it_o do_v receive_v and_o admit_v one_o and_o the_o self_n doctrine_n touch_v ceremony_n and_o in_o deed_n they_o which_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n sometime_o differ_v amongst_o themselves_o touch_v some_o ceremony_n and_o observation_n irenaeus_n write_v to_o victor_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n 26._o euseb_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 26._o rehearse_v that_o there_o be_v great_a diversity_n in_o the_o church_n touch_v fast_v and_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o easter_n afterward_o he_o add_v notwithstanding_o though_o there_o be_v diversity_n amongst_o all_o these_o touch_v ceremony_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v that_o they_o do_v always_o agree_v with_o we_o and_o the_o discord_n or_o difference_n about_o fast_v do_v not_o break_v the_o concord_n or_o unity_n of_o faith_n so_o then_o follow_v these_o place_n we_o affirm_v that_o we_o leave_v not_o of_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o company_n of_o the_o reform_a german_n for_o the_o true_a church_n although_o that_o we_o be_v not_o in_o every_o point_n and_o thorough_o agree_v with_o they_o touch_v some_o matter_n consider_v in_o the_o supper_n &_o some_o ceremony_n observe_v amongst_o they_o and_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n teach_v we_o this_o as_o saint_n paul_n have_v give_v we_o a_o good_a example_n thereof_o when_o he_o call_v the_o corinthian_n and_o the_o galathian_o 1.2_o 1._o cor._n 1.2_o 2._o cor._n 1.1_o gal._n 1.2_o saint_n and_o faithful_a one_o and_o give_v unto_o they_o in_o general_a the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n although_o there_o be_v amongst_o they_o great_a and_o grievous_a fault_n as_o well_o in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n as_o in_o their_o own_o life_n and_o manner_n this_o be_v that_o also_o which_o he_o have_v set_v forth_o in_o a_o other_o place_n say_v that_o all_o they_o which_o hold_v and_o keep_v the_o foundation_n do_v not_o always_o build_v gold_n and_o silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n but_o hay_n and_o stubble_n but_o some_o say_v why_o follow_v you_o not_o the_o same_o rule_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o answer_v that_o in_o the_o ceremony_n &_o service_n of_o the_o romishe_a church_n the_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o there_o observe_v and_o keep_v but_o the_o whole_a service_n of_o god_n be_v amongst_o they_o corrupt_v and_o falsify_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o without_o offend_v god_n apply_v or_o frame_v ourselves_o unto_o they_o and_o saint_n augustin_n have_v give_v we_o this_o lesson_n teach_v we_o how_o far_o we_o may_v communicate_v in_o the_o ceremony_n and_o service_n of_o other_o church_n januarium_fw-la august_n ad_fw-la januarium_fw-la there_o be_v no_o better_a rule_n in_o this_o behalf_n say_v he_o than_o a_o wise_a and_o sober_a christian_a himself_o which_o will_v frame_v himself_o to_o that_o custom_n which_o he_o shall_v see_v use_v in_o that_o church_n wherein_o he_o live_v for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o establish_v against_o faith_n or_o against_o good_a manner_n must_v be_v hold_v for_o indifferent_a but_o the_o church_n allow_v not_o that_o which_o be_v against_o faith_n and_o good_a life_n yea_o she_o dissemble_v it_o not_o neither_o do_v it_o to_o be_v short_a then_o for_o so_o much_o as_o we_o can_v be_v present_a at_o the_o service_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o romishe_a church_n without_o defile_v ourselves_o in_o their_o manifest_a idolatry_n you_o may_v see_v wherefore_o we_o do_v whole_o and_o altogether_o renounce_v and_o forsake_v the_o same_o and_o in_o this_o deed_n of_o we_o we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o day_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la circumcision_n be_v administer_v and_o there_o they_o offer_v sacrifice_n yea_o the_o law_n be_v esteem_v there_o among_o they_o as_o holy_a and_o which_o be_v more_o god_n himself_o be_v call_v upon_o and_o pray_v to_o there_o yet_o notwithstanding_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o superstition_n and_o ceremony_n which_o man_n have_v devise_v and_o set_v up_o against_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n all_o that_o service_n be_v reject_v and_o conden_v neither_o can_v any_o man_n show_v that_o eliiah_n or_o any_o other_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n or_o of_o any_o other_o call_v do_v at_o any_o time_n worship_n or_o offer_v up_o sacrifice_n in_o bethell_n but_o see_v more_o large_o touch_v this_o matter_n in_o that_o which_o m._n caluine_n have_v write_v thereof_o in_o the_o four_o book_n of_o his_o institution_n chap._n 2._o sect_n 1.2.3.4.5_o etc._n etc._n etc._n caluin_n lib._n 4_o instit_fw-la cap._n 2._o sect_n 1.2.3_o 4.5_o etc._n etc._n moreover_o when_o we_o do_v thus_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o
be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n in_o like_a manner_n if_o any_o under_o the_o title_n and_o name_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v bring_v unto_o we_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n let_v we_o not_o believe_v it_o for_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o accomplishment_n and_o fulfil_v of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n so_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o how_o can_v we_o by_o this_o way_n or_o mean_v discern_v and_o know_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o say_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o shall_v propound_v and_o set_v forth_o unto_o we_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o no_o after_o two_o sort_n or_o by_o two_o mean_n you_o shall_v know_v this_o first_o if_o it_o tend_v to_o this_o end_n to_o exalt_v establish_v and_o set_v up_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o as_o jesus_n christ_n say_v 7.18_o joh._n 7.18_o he_o that_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v true_a and_o no_o unrighteousness_n be_v in_o he_o second_o if_o it_o be_v conformable_a and_o agreeable_a 12.6_o rom._n 12.6_o to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o it_o agree_v and_o accord_v well_o with_o the_o head_n &_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v more_o large_o heretofore_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n the_o second_o thing_n that_o i_o answer_v touch_v the_o foresay_a reason_n of_o the_o romishe_a catholic_n be_v that_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o be_v not_o necessary_a neither_o well_o ground_v when_o they_o say_v that_o the_o church_n yield_v testimony_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v commend_v the_o same_o unto_o we_o that_o therefore_o the_o certainty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o we_o have_v but_o a_o little_a while_n ago_o allege_v out_o of_o alfonsus_n de_fw-fr castro_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a not_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o church_n which_o bear_v witness_n thereof_o but_o because_o of_o itself_o and_o his_o own_o credit_n the_o apostle_n yield_v testimony_n and_o bare_a witness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1.8_o john_n 15.17_o acts._n 1.8_o and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v therefore_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n his_o authority_n do_v depend_v of_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o goldsmith_n tri_v the_o gold_n and_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o pure_a and_o that_o which_o be_v naughty_a mettle_n but_o do_v he_o therefore_o by_o his_o trial_n and_o proof_n make_v that_o the_o gold_n be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n a_o parliament_n receive_v some_o edict_n or_o law_n which_o come_v from_o the_o king_n that_o it_o may_v be_v publish_v and_o proclaim_v inquirie_n be_v diligent_o make_v whether_o it_o come_v from_o the_o king_n or_o no_o afterwards_o all_o know_v that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o king_n what_o do_v the_o parliament_n then_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o allow_v the_o edict_n that_o it_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o that_o it_o bear_v witness_v to_o it_o and_o commend_v and_o set_v out_o the_o same_o yea_o and_o if_o need_v be_v interprete_v it_o according_a to_o the_o king_n intent_n and_o meaning_n but_o do_v the_o parliament_n for_o all_o this_o cause_v it_o or_o make_v it_o to_o be_v the_o king_n law_n do_v it_o give_v authority_n to_o it_o have_v it_o any_o authority_n to_o change_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o or_o to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o it_o or_o to_o clip_v or_o take_v any_o thing_n what_o so_o ever_o away_o from_o it_o it_o be_v certain_a no._n even_o so_o stand_v the_o case_n with_o the_o church_n for_o although_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a testimony_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o can_v at_o any_o hand_n give_v it_o authority_n as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n hang_v upon_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o the_o church_n acknowledge_v and_o allow_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o it_o &_o the_o doctrine_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n she_o do_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o her_o pastor_n &_o discern_v &_o know_v it_o from_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n 10.5_o joh._n 10.5_o now_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o discern_v the_o pastor_n voice_n from_o a_o stranger_n and_o add_v authority_n and_o credit_n thereto_o bring_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o according_a to_o truth_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v such_o or_o such_o that_o be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a the_o second_o reason_n be_v the_o church_n be_v more_o ancient_a than_o the_o scripture_n for_o in_o the_o time_n of_o adam_n abel_n seth_n noah_n abraham_n isaac_n jaacob_n there_o be_v no_o scripture_n for_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o penman_n or_o writer_n of_o matter_n concern_v religion_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v a_o church_n wherefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n first_o and_o foremost_a i_o answer_v that_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v none_o at_o al._n for_o grant_v it_o that_o one_o thing_n be_v more_o ancient_a and_o old_a than_o another_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o for_o all_o that_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o credit_n otherwise_o we_o must_v infer_v that_o moses_n have_v more_o authority_n than_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o law_n more_o than_o the_o gospel_n second_o as_o touch_v the_o antecedent_n or_o former_a proposition_n i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v sophistical_a captious_a and_o full_a of_o deceit_n for_o albeit_o that_o in_o these_o first_o time_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o scripture_n which_o the_o father_n be_v use_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v because_o it_o be_v write_v and_o engrave_v in_o the_o father_n heart_n and_o moreover_o found_v very_o clear_o in_o the_o church_n which_o word_n be_v in_o good_a time_n bring_v and_o commit_v to_o writing_n first_o by_o moses_n and_o afterward_o by_o other_o and_o thereupon_o call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n wherefore_o see_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o god_n word_n be_v nothing_o but_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n it_o follow_v very_o well_o that_o if_o our_o first_o father_n have_v have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o have_v have_v also_o in_o substance_n the_o holy_a scripture_n 5._o aug._n count_n epist_n fundamen_fw-la cap._n 5._o the_o three_o reason_n s._n augustine_n have_v say_v i_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n do_v not_o move_v i_o thereto_o wherefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o gospel_n take_v his_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o consequence_n be_v stark_o naught_o for_o that_o which_o s._n augustin_n speak_v to_o one_o purpose_n or_o in_o one_o respect_n be_v apply_v to_o another_o end_n this_o holy_a doctor_n speak_v so_o as_o have_v regard_n to_o that_o he_o be_v then_o when_o he_o take_v the_o part_n of_o the_o manichee_n and_o as_o it_o be_v dispute_v against_o they_o now_o the_o manichee_n will_v that_o the_o epistle_n of_o manicheus_fw-la their_o author_n which_o they_o call_v fundamental_a contain_v in_o it_o all_o their_o false_a opinion_n shall_v be_v of_o like_a and_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o apostle_n epistle_n beside_o they_o allow_v one_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o disallow_v a_o other_o &_o that_o not_o by_o the_o advice_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o their_o own_o proper_a and_o particular_a authority_n s._n augustine_n have_v take_v in_o hand_n to_o confute_v the_o say_a epistle_n in_o the_o beginning_n speak_v thus_o the_o epistle_n begin_v after_o this_o manner_n manicheus_fw-la the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o providence_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n the_o father_n i_o ask_v who_o be_v this_o manicheus_fw-la you_o will_v answer_v the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o believe_v it_o not_o what_o will_v thou_o say_v thereto_o perhaps_o thou_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o gospel_n and_o thereby_o thou_o will_v lift_v up_o and_o establish_v the_o person_n of_o manicheus_fw-la but_o what_o if_o thou_o have_v to_o do_v and_o deal_v with_o a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o yet_o believe_v the_o gospel_n what_o will_v thou_o do_v when_o he_o shall_v say_v unto_o thou_o i_o believe_v not_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o touch_v myself_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n do_v not_o move_v i_o thereto_o behold_v saint_n augustine_n word_n by_o which_o it_o be_v altogether_o
establish_v at_o rome_n 10._o corne._n tacitus_n lib._n 10._o and_o cornelius_n tacitus_n declare_v that_o the_o occasion_n which_o nero_n take_v to_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o be_v this_o that_o he_o command_v secret_o to_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o city_n of_o rome_n that_o he_o may_v see_v some_o form_n or_o image_n as_o it_o be_v which_o may_v represent_v &_o set_v out_o unto_o he_o the_o fire_n of_o troy_n and_o so_o the_o fire_n continue_v in_o the_o city_n six_o day_n space_n which_o make_v such_o a_o destruction_n that_o he_o become_v hereby_o very_o odious_a among_o the_o people_n and_o see_v that_o he_o can_v not_o put_v out_o this_o hatred_n and_o wait_v of_o he_o to_o do_v he_o some_o mischief_n for_o all_o the_o good_a turn_n which_o he_o can_v do_v to_o the_o people_n he_o find_v out_o this_o devise_n to_o sow_v abroad_o this_o bruit_n rumour_n and_o report_n that_o it_o be_v the_o christian_n who_o have_v be_v the_o blower_n of_o that_o fire_n and_o the_o author_n of_o that_o destruction_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o he_o begin_v to_o persecute_v they_o and_o to_o put_v they_o to_o death_n both_o because_o they_o be_v as_o he_o say_v the_o blower_n of_o that_o fire_n and_o also_o because_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o confession_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v they_o to_o die_v his_o upholder_n put_v upon_o their_o back_n the_o skin_n of_o wild_a beast_n that_o they_o may_v be_v tear_v and_o rend_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o piece_n with_o dog_n where_o also_o they_o crucify_v they_o and_o burn_v they_o all_o alive_a and_o although_o the_o day_n fail_v they_o yet_o they_o burn_v they_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o give_v light_n to_o the_o night_n this_o first_o persecution_n begin_v about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 66._o the_o x._o year_n of_o nero_n his_o reign_n &_o last_v 4._o year_n &_o somewhat_o more_o until_o the_o death_n of_o that_o tyrant_n some_o say_v &_o eusebius_n amongst_o those_o recite_v it_o that_o this_o nero_n about_o the_o end_n of_o his_o day_n or_o reign_v cause_v s._n peter_n and_o saint_n paul_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n the_o 2._o persecution_n be_v under_o domitian_n the_o 12._o emperor_n who_o be_v appoint_v emperor_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 83._o and_o reign_v 15._o year_n and_o 6._o month_n he_o be_v so_o life_v up_o in_o cruelty_n and_o pride_n that_o he_o will_v have_v his_o subject_n call_v he_o god_n and_o lord_n and_o cause_v image_n of_o his_o own_o person_n to_o be_v make_v of_o gold_n and_o silver_n he_o ordain_v as_o his_o father_n vespasian_n have_v do_v before_o he_o that_o inquiry_n shall_v be_v make_v against_o the_o race_n of_o david_n and_o that_o they_o which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v thereof_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o he_o fear_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o about_o the_o fourteen_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 97._o he_o cause_v by_o a_o edict_n to_o be_v publish_v and_o proclaim_v a_o cruel_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_n insomuch_o that_o the_o church_n be_v miserable_o and_o a_o long_a time_n torment_v under_o he_o the_o three_o persecution_n be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trajan_n the_o fourteen_o emperor_n who_o be_v appoint_v emperor_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 100_o who_o govern_v the_o empire_n nineteen_o year_n six_o month_n and_o fifteen_o day_n he_o be_v great_o praise_v of_o the_o historiographer_n as_o a_o courteous_a and_o gentle_a prince_n and_o some_o say_v that_o he_o be_v so_o renown_v and_o famous_a by_o reason_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o courtesy_n that_o ever_o after_o so_o often_o as_o any_o be_v create_v emperor_n the_o people_n yield_v this_o bless_a exclamation_n outcry_n and_o consent_n be_v he_o more_o happy_a than_o augustus_n and_o better_a than_o trajan_n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n and_o mark_v the_o occasion_n that_o he_o take_v so_o to_o do_v he_o be_v bring_v up_o from_o his_o infancy_n in_o the_o paganish_a and_o heathenish_a superstition_n by_o reason_n whereof_o he_o disdain_v and_o despise_a christian_n religion_n because_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o superstition_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v about_o he_o certain_a courtier_n which_o be_v blower_n of_o that_o fire_n in_o he_o &_o augment_v that_o disdain_n and_o disspite_n in_o he_o insomuch_o that_o diverse_a historiographer_n record_n that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o much_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n incline_v to_o shed_v blood_n as_o deceive_v and_o stir_v up_o thereto_o by_o his_o councillor_n and_o principal_o by_o the_o pagane_n priest_n 20._o freculph_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 20._o who_o as_o freculphus_n witness_v give_v good_a store_n of_o silver_n to_o the_o governor_n and_o bribe_v free_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o will_v put_v the_o christian_n to_o death_n as_o their_o deadly_a enemy_n some_o add_v that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v very_o much_o increase_v whereupon_o many_o inconvenience_n may_v come_v to_o the_o roman_a empire_n if_o the_o danger_n be_v not_o prevent_v which_o also_o be_v a_o cause_n that_o trajan_n be_v the_o more_o inflame_v and_o kindle_v against_o they_o as_o also_o sabellicus_n write_v sabellicus_n sabellicus_n that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n be_v more_o suspect_v of_o this_o emperor_n than_o the_o religion_n after_o this_o sort_n than_o do_v they_o accuse_v the_o christian_n of_o sedition_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o for_o these_o cause_n they_o be_v cruel_o persecute_v insomuch_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o pliny_n the_o second_o have_v write_v secund_a plinius_n secund_a that_o public_a commandment_n be_v send_v from_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o all_o the_o province_n by_o which_o every_o governor_n be_v enforce_v too_o persecute_v and_o so_o the_o persecution_n be_v spread_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o the_o place_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o at_o that_o time_n contain_v not_o only_a europe_n but_o also_o a_o great_a part_n of_o asia_n and_o africa_n and_o the_o say_a persecution_n endure_v about_o fourteen_o year_n but_o yet_o in_o such_o order_n that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o trajan_n it_o be_v somewhat_o less_o sharp_a but_o afterward_o it_o flame_v out_o and_o burst_v forth_o more_o and_o more_o 2._o tertul._n apologi_fw-la cap._n 2._o now_o the_o say_a pliny_n the_o second_o have_v at_o that_o time_n the_o government_n of_o a_o ceataine_a province_n to_o wit_n of_o bethinia_n and_o as_o tertullian_n say_v he_o be_v appoint_v to_o persecute_v the_o christian_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 112._o and_o of_o trajan_n the_o fourteen_o year_n wherefore_o he_o be_v astonish_v with_o the_o great_a number_n of_o martyr_n which_o be_v every_o day_n put_v to_o death_n do_v write_v a_o letter_n to_o the_o aforesaid_a emperor_n to_o advertise_v he_o or_o to_o give_v he_o to_o understande_v of_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o his_o province_n and_o to_o have_v his_o advice_n and_o counsel_n touch_v that_o which_o he_o be_v to_o do_v in_o time_n to_o come_v to_o who_o the_o emperor_n make_v answer_v by_o a_o other_o letter_n declare_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v he_o to_o understande_v his_o intent_n and_o purpose_n and_o because_o that_o in_o these_o letter_n we_o may_v see_v on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o innocence_n of_o the_o faithful_a people_n and_o on_o the_o otherside_n the_o injustice_n of_o tyrant_n and_o because_o they_o do_v lively_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n and_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o those_o which_o persecute_v they_o and_o may_v by_o this_o mean_v stand_v the_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v in_o very_o good_a flee_z for_o instruction_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v good_a and_o expedient_a that_o we_o in_o register_v they_o and_o put_v they_o down_o here_o now_o follow_v pliny_n his_o letter_n which_o he_o send_v to_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n even_o as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o his_o own_o book_n sir_n trajan_n pliny_n the_o second_o his_o letter_n to_o trajan_n i_o be_o accustom_v to_o declare_v unto_o your_o majesty_n all_o the_o affair_n and_o matter_n whereof_o i_o be_o in_o doubt_n for_o who_o can_v better_a correct_v my_o dulness_n or_o instruct_v my_o ignorance_n i_o be_v never_o yet_o present_a at_o the_o trial_n of_o christian_n and_o proceed_n against_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o know_v not_o what_o information_n they_o put_v in_o against_o they_o or_o for_o what_o cause_n they_o punish_v they_o and_o i_o have_v be_v in_o great_a doubt_n to_o wit_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n to_o be_v make_v of_o age_n or_o