a_o abridgement_n of_o eusebius_n pamphilius_n ecclesiastical_a history_n in_o two_o part_n part_n i._o a_o compendious_a commemoration_n of_o the_o remarkabl_a chronology_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o famous_a history_n part_n ii_o a_o summary_n or_o brief_a hint_n of_o the_o twelve_o persecution_n sustain_v by_o the_o ancient_a christian_n with_o a_o compendious_a paraphrase_n upon_o the_o same_o whereunto_o be_v add_v a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o counsel_n which_o be_v after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n together_o with_o a_o hint_n of_o what_o be_v decree_v in_o the_o same_o by_o william_n caton_n wickedness_n proceed_v from_o the_o wicked_a as_o say_v the_o proverb_n of_o the_o ancient_n 1_o sam._n 24._o 13._o the_o second_o ed._n with_o large_a edition_n by_o another_o hand_n london_n print_v for_o francis_n holden_n in_o the_o passage_n go_v into_o white-hart-yard_n in_o lombardstreet_n 1698._o to_o his_o well_o belove_a friend_n the_o christian_a quaker_n in_o england_n or_o else_o where_o william_n caton_n your_o dear_a brother_n in_o the_o truth_n wish_v that_o mercy_n and_o peace_n with_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n necessary_a for_o your_o salvation_n and_o consolation_n may_v be_v plenteous_o multiply_v among_o you_o from_o god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus-christ_n my_o belove_a since_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o your_o manifold_a tribulation_n and_o frequent_a suffering_n which_o of_o late_o have_v befall_v you_o in_o your_o native_a country_n my_o heart_n have_v often_o be_v fill_v with_o heaviness_n not_o only_o through_o the_o report_n which_o plenteous_o have_v have_v thereof_o but_o much_o rather_o through_o the_o sensible_a feel_n which_o i_o have_v â—ad_v of_o the_o same_o well_o my_o friend_n this_o the_o day_n which_o we_o have_v look_v for_o have_v foresee_v its_o come_n in_o the_o light_a the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o do_v some_o of_o thâ—…_n brethren_n often_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d i_o believe_v many_o of_o you_o can_v testify_v aâ—…_n since_o this_o gloomy_a and_o dark_a day_n come_v upoâ—…_n the_o nation_n i_o know_v your_o trial_n have_v beeâ—…_n sharp_a your_o burden_n many_o your_o tribulation_n great_a and_o your_o temptation_n noâ—…_n a_o sew_v yet_o nevertheless_o many_o of_o our_o ancestor_n who_o have_v strive_v for_o the_o same_o faitâ—…_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o same_o truth_n for_o whicâ—…_n you_o suffer_v at_o present_a have_v endure_v a_o greâ—…ter_a fight_n of_o torment_n exilement_n and_o mâ—…_n terrible_a affliction_n then_o as_o yet_o you_o hauâ—…_n sustain_v as_o may_v in_o part_n appear_v by_o this_o foâ—…lowing_a treatise_n yet_o in_o their_o day_n the_o firâ—…_n have_v a_o time_n to_o kindle_v before_o it_o break_v oâ—…_n into_o such_o a_o vehement_a and_o consume_a flame_n in_o which_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a believe_a christian_n be_v try_v and_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n thereby_o exercise_v and_o when_o thâ—…_n lord_n have_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o tryeâ—…_n his_o jewel_n as_o in_o a_o fiery_a furnace_n than_o the_o vigour_n of_o the_o fire_n cease_v the_o flame_n come_v to_o be_v quench_v and_o then_o the_o jewel_n they_o be_v gather_v spare_v and_o treasure_v up_o in_o thâ—…_n closet_n of_o the_o lord_n sanctuary_n where_o neither_o moth_n rust_n nor_o thief_n can_v in_o any_o wise_a enter_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o day_n of_o your_o eternal_a trouble_n my_o dear_o belove_a wherein_o your_o faith_n and_o patience_n must_v be_v yet_o try_v as_o in_o a_o furnace_n of_o hot_a persecution_n and_o sure_o the_o flame_n thereof_o have_v lowed_a and_o blaze_v already_o about_o you_o though_o as_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o vehemency_n thereof_o have_v so_o much_o as_o scorch_v that_o vesture_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n have_v adorn_v you_o although_o the_o fury_n of_o man_n wrath_n and_o indignation_n have_v be_v great_a against_o you_o that_o will_v not_o fall_v down_o to_o worship_n then_o against_o many_o malefactor_n and_o truce-breaker_n but_o o_o will_v not_o the_o lord_n open_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v see_v that_o through_o the_o fiery_a indignation_n of_o their_o wrath_n and_o jealousy_n be_v kindle_v seventy_o time_n hot_a than_o ever_o it_o have_v be_v against_o any_o other_o yet_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v able_a to_o consume_v your_o faith_n nor_o to_o burn_v that_o garment_n wherewith_o your_o god_n have_v array_v you_o will_v they_o but_o see_v this_o i_o know_v they_o will_v stand_v astonish_v yea_o and_o fall_v down_o in_o submission_n to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o son_n to_o worship_v he_o with_o you_o o_o you_o worshipper_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n who_o can_v bow_v to_o no_o imagâ—…_n that_o be_v form_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n true_a worship_n true_a religion_n but_o be_v it_o not_o that_o which_o it_o resemble_v neither_o conform_v to_o or_o obey_v any_o decree_n which_o enjoin_v you_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o righteous_a and_o royal_a law_n which_o god_n the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o your_o heart_n neither_o can_v purchase_v any_o freedom_n or_o liberty_n by_o fraud_n guile_n treachery_n falsehood_n or_o deceit_n sure_o your_o liberty_n shall_v be_v glorious_a your_o reward_n shall_v be_v great_a and_o your_o fame_n and_o renown_n shall_v spread_v among_o the_o godly_a and_o upright_a who_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o your_o constancy_n and_o fidelity_n will_v be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v therein_o and_o offer_v sacrifice_n of_o praise_n unto_o the_o high_a on_o your_o behalf_n with_o i_o wherefore_o my_o dear_o belove_a lift_n up_o the_o head_n that_o droop_v and_o the_o hand_n that_o hang_v down_o yea_o strengthen_v the_o mind_n that_o be_v fee_n ble_a and_o cheer_v up_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v heavy_a and_o sad_a for_o your_o redeemer_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o his_o salvation_n be_v very_o nigh_o yet_o not_o withstand_v his_o pleasure_n may_v be_v far_a to_o try_v you_o that_o for_o the_o future_a you_o may_v be_v more_o precious_a in_o his_o sight_n and_o his_o delight_n may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o in_o you_o who_o above_o many_o of_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n have_v obtain_v great_a favour_n in_o his_o sight_n o_o lose_v not_o lose_v not_o the_o same_o but_o rather_o grow_v and_o increase_v therein_o to_o the_o enrich_n of_o your_o soul_n with_o the_o celestial_a or_o heavenly_a treasure_n which_o will_v remain_v when_o that_o which_o be_v uncertain_a be_v vanish_v and_o go_v i_o have_v here_o compose_v a_o little_a treatise_n which_o consist_v chief_o of_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n who_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o the_o same_o case_n for_o which_o you_o now_o suffer_v spoil_v of_o your_o good_n the_o external_a ruin_n of_o some_o of_o your_o family_n &_o estate_n the_o deprivation_n of_o your_o liberty_n and_o what_o not_o and_o now_o through_o peruse_v of_o the_o same_o you_o may_v behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n what_o the_o ancient_a christian_n have_v suffer_v first_o by_o the_o jew_n second_o by_o the_o gentile_n or_o heathen_a and_o final_o by_o false_a christian_n yet_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o some_o will_v be_v but_o as_o the_o shell_n to_o the_o kernel_n or_o as_o the_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o internal_a sweet_a joy_n comfort_n and_o live_a refreshment_n which_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o many_o of_o you_o plenteous_o enjoy_v yea_o even_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o these_o troublesome_a and_o perilous_a time_n this_o same_o abridgement_n of_o remarkable_a thing_n which_o i_o have_v find_v upon_o record_n i_o have_v think_v good_a to_o dedicate_v unto_o you_o in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o above_o many_o in_o the_o nation_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o christian_a suffering_n state_n and_o condition_n who_o heretofore_o have_v be_v man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o well_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n as_o by_o that_o which_o follow_v will_n more_o palpable_o and_o evident_o appear_v let_v not_o the_o innocent_a and_o simple_a be_v offend_v at_o it_o because_o it_o be_v extract_v out_o of_o some_o ecclesiastical_a history_n for_o this_o i_o say_v that_o many_o frivolous_a history_n which_o frequent_o be_v peruse_v by_o such_o as_o be_v prone_a and_o incline_v to_o that_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v from_o below_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o this_o for_o they_o be_v ofttimes_o stuff_v with_o forge_a fable_n and_o lie_v tale_n they_o stir_v up_o the_o vain_a light_n frothy_a mind_n in_o people_n but_o the_o peruse_n of_o this_o which_o i_o have_v here_o collect_v will_v rather_o stir_v up_o zeal_n love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o such_o as_o now_o suffer_v for_o it_o as_o the_o ancient_a christian_n heretofore_o have_v do_v moreover_o through_o the_o view_n over_o
who_o can_v not_o bow_v to_o the_o god_n of_o the_o heathen_a no_o more_o than_o the_o true_a christian_n now_o can_v bow_v to_o the_o corrupt_a will_n of_o ambitious_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n and_o though_o the_o innocent_a suffer_v therefore_o for_o the_o present_a yet_o for_o their_o sake_n will_v the_o lord_n shorten_v the_o day_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o he_o do_v the_o day_n of_o that_o persecute_v emperor_n the_o seven_o persecution_n in_o the_o year_n 253._o do_v the_o seven_o persecution_n arise_v under_o the_o emperor_n decius_n who_o with_o excessive_a cruelty_n do_v persecute_v the_o christian_n in_o this_o persecution_n several_a of_o the_o bishop_n be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o chief_a among_o the_o christian_n do_v they_o torture_v with_o many_o torment_n and_o the_o house_n of_o the_o christian_n they_o plunder_v and_o that_o which_o the_o plunderer_n do_v not_o esteem_v that_o they_o burn_v in_o this_o persecution_n many_o suffer_v martyrdom_n some_o be_v burn_v some_o behead_v woman_n so_o well_o as_o man_n some_o be_v whip_v to_o death_n and_o some_o soldier_n for_o encourage_v these_o martyr_n in_o their_o suffer_v be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o this_o terrible_a persecution_n several_a depart_v from_o the_o faith_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o torment_n trial_n yet_o afterward_o come_v to_o be_v restore_v again_o the_o suffer_v of_o the_o christian_n be_v great_a under_o this_o emperor_n but_o his_o day_n be_v also_o shorten_v for_o he_o have_v not_o reign_v two_o year_n but_o be_v catch_v in_o a_o whag_a of_o mire_n where_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o check_n or_o reproof_n for_o his_o cruelty_n note_n thus_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_n that_o live_v godly_a in_o christ-iesus_n suffer_v persecution_n according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v 2_o tim._n 3_o 12._o and_o many_o now_o that_o live_v godly_a and_o righteous_o do_v suffer_v not_o only_o the_o imprisonment_n of_o their_o body_n but_o also_o the_o spoil_v of_o their_o good_n which_o have_v be_v spoil_v both_o by_o priest_n and_o people_n who_o have_v sometime_o as_o it_o be_v plunder_v their_o house_n for_o their_o dishonest_a gain_n and_o they_o have_v show_v themselves_o in_o their_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o heathen_a than_o the_o suffer_a christian_n who_o suffer_v their_o house_n to_o be_v plunder_v but_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o they_o then_o plunder_v the_o house_n of_o any_o but_o with_o patience_n suffer_v the_o plunder_v of_o their_o good_n and_o in_o this_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v be_v the_o christian_n that_o be_v so_o not_o in_o name_n only_o but_o in_o nature_n find_v in_o these_o perilous_a time_n again_o have_v not_o some_o soldier_n be_v turn_v out_o of_o their_o place_n yea_o and_o bring_v into_o suffer_v for_o countenance_v and_o favour_v the_o sober_a innocent_a true_a christian_n among_o who_o some_o for_o fear_n of_o suffer_v may_v in_o some_o respect_n desert_n the_o truth_n as_o some_o faithless_a one_o among_o the_o ancient_a christian_n do_v yet_o we_o know_v certain_o there_o be_v a_o remnant_n that_o can_v bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n but_o will_v choose_v rather_o to_o die_v the_o death_n which_o many_o ancient_a christian_n suffer_v than_o they_o will_v forsake_v the_o lord_n truth_n or_o transgress_v his_o righteous_a law_n by_o break_v his_o command_n the_o eight_o persecution_n in_o the_o year_n 259._o do_v the_o eight_o persecution_n arise_v under_o the_o emperor_n valerianus_n who_o put_v forth_o a_o proclamation_n against_o the_o christian_n wherein_o he_o forbid_v their_o meeting_n and_o when_o this_o proclamation_n or_o order_n be_v not_o observe_v then_o do_v there_o follow_v a_o great_a persecution_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o which_o there_o be_v very_o many_o put_v to_o death_n and_o some_o be_v banish_v and_o they_o convert_v of_o the_o heathen_a in_o the_o place_n to_o which_o they_o be_v banish_v but_o the_o emperor_n under_o who_o the_o christian_n thus_o suffer_v do_v not_o go_v unreproved_a for_o his_o cruelty_n for_o he_o be_v take_v prisoner_n by_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n who_o make_v use_v of_o he_o for_o a_o footstool_n when_o he_o get_v up_o upon_o his_o horse_n etc._n etc._n note_n have_v it_o not_o happen_v so_o in_o england_n that_o by_o the_o king_n proclamation_n the_o meeting_n of_o the_o true_a christian_n have_v be_v forbid_v and_o when_o that_o they_o observe_v the_o king_n proclamation_n no_o more_o than_o the_o ancient_a christian_n observe_v the_o emperor_n have_v not_o a_o great_a persecution_n follow_v have_v not_o many_o of_o the_o prison_n he_o sill_v with_o they_o partly_o because_o they_o can_v not_o swear_v and_o partly_o because_o they_o continue_a their_o meeting_n when_o they_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o king_n proclamation_n as_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o christian_n 19_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o therefore_o do_v the_o heathen_a with_o much_o rigour_n pronounce_v these_o word_n unto_o the_o christian_n your_o religion_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n and_o do_v not_o antichristians_a the_o like_a when_o they_o abuse_v they_o in_o their_o meeting_n and_o break_v they_o up_o with_o much_o violence_n do_v they_o not_o also_o pronounce_v these_o word_n with_o much_o rigour_n your_o meeting_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o king_n proclamation_n etc._n etc._n and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o true_a christian_n now_o have_v choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v bond_n and_o imprisonment_n yea_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n and_o what_o not_o then_o they_o will_v renounce_v the_o faith_n deny_v their_o religion_n or_o forsak_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o it_o do_v therefore_o appear_v that_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v find_v in_o they_o now_o which_o be_v heretofore_o in_o the_o ancient_a christian_n who_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n then_o to_o forsake_v he_o for_o who_o cause_n they_o suffer_v yet_o we_o see_v their_o persecutor_n do_v not_o always_o go_v unreproved_a oh_o that_o other_o king_n prince_n and_o magistrate_n will_v take_v warning_n from_o that_o which_o happen_v to_o these_o persecute_v emperor_n the_o nine_o persecution_n in_o the_o year_n 273._o do_v the_o nine_o persecution_n arise_v under_o the_o emperor_n aurelianus_n but_o this_o persecution_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o the_o other_o because_o he_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o death_n soon_o after_o he_o have_v determine_v the_o same_o yet_o in_o this_o persecution_n be_v felix_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n put_v to_o death_n with_o several_a other_o here_o and_o there_o in_o divers_a place_n note_n often_o do_v the_o lord_n frustate_n the_o purpose_n and_o determination_n of_o such_o as_o conspire_v mischief_n against_o his_o people_n yea_o have_v we_o not_o see_v sundry_a power_n overturn_v in_o england_n and_o parliment_n break_v up_o and_o counsel_n if_o not_o committee_n also_o shatter_v to_o piece_n when_o they_o have_v be_v determine_v to_o do_v wicked_o so_o that_o sometime_o they_o have_v not_o have_v power_n to_o bring_v that_o forth_o which_o they_o have_v conceive_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o birth_n so_o mighty_o have_v the_o lord_n confound_v their_o conspiracy_n and_o bring_v their_o device_n to_o nought_o and_o this_o the_o true_a christian_n have_v conclude_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n do_v which_o they_o have_v behold_v and_o which_o thing_n have_v be_v indeed_o marvellous_a in_o their_o eye_n the_o ten_o persecution_n in_o the_o year_n 302._o begin_v the_o ten_o persecution_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o exceed_v all_o that_o have_v be_v before_o it_o not_o only_o in_o cruelty_n but_o in_o continuance_n for_o it_o continue_v 12_o year_n eusebius_n who_o live_v at_o that_o time_n write_v of_o it_o at_o large_a in_o his_o eclesiastical_a history_n say_v it_o be_v occasion_v through_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v come_v into_o great_a reputation_n and_o be_v put_v in_o place_n of_o office_n to_o rule_v in_o country_n and_o city_n but_o through_o their_o prosperity_n and_o voluptuousness_n brotherly_a love_n come_v to_o decrease_v haughtyness_n and_o pride_n get_v up_o and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n a_o insolent_a authority_n begin_v to_o get_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o at_o that_o time_n the_o emperor_n diocletianus_n give_v forth_o a_o proclamation_n wherein_o he_o command_v that_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v be_v pull_v down_o and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n burn_v and_o that_o the_o christian_n shall_v be_v turn_v out_o of_o their_o place_n with_o other_o such_o like_a thing_n after_o that_o there_o come_v another_o order_n that_o they_o shall_v cause_v the_o chief_a of_o of_o the_o church_n to_o offer_v unto_o idol_n or_o else_o they_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o
isai._n 56._o 10._o ezech._n 34._o jer._n 23._o and_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v into_o a_o synod_n may_v be_v a_o church_n yet_o not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o malignity_n likewise_o they_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o god_n may_v abuse_v their_o power_n against_o the_o truth_n yet_o they_o that_o do_v so_o will_v not_o say_v that_o of_o themselves_o not_o yet_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v guilty_a may_v not_o every_o one_o then_o judge_v of_o synod_n and_o declare_v their_o opinion_n concern_v they_o x._o museulus_n say_v concern_v the_o synod_n of_o priest_n which_o the_o unexperienced_a think_v to_o be_v the_o only_a remedy_n against_o difference_n yet_o they_o be_v nothing_o else_o say_v he_o but_o fencing-schoole_n nevertheless_o the_o complain_v church_n cry_v after_o the_o synod_n then_o after_o the_o synod_n will_v they_o not_o do_v that_o etc._n etc._n xi_o gregorius_n nazianzenus_n use_v to_o say_v that_o he_o never_o have_v see_v any_o good_a end_n of_o any_o counsel_n or_o synod_n vide_fw-la inst._n calv._n 4._o lib._n 9_o ch_n 11._o xii_o the_o state_n of_o holland_n say_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o amsterdam_n this_o have_v man_n heretofore_o observe_v that_o the_o reformation_n be_v not_o accomplish_v by_o synod_n for_o the_o remedy_n be_v not_o to_o nota._n be_v expect_v from_o the_o clergy_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o disease_n anno._n 1616._o mark-teeck_a forasmuch_o as_o many_o at_o this_o day_n have_v great_a expectation_n in_o their_o mind_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n together_o with_o a_o uniformity_n and_o settlement_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n which_o they_o suppose_v may_v be_v procure_v through_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o synod_n or_o convocation_n which_o some_o imagine_v will_v be_v a_o speedy_a remedy_n for_o their_o deplorable_a disease_n i_o have_v therefore_o think_v good_a not_o only_o to_o give_v a_o brief_a hint_n of_o the_o many_o synod_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v but_o also_o in_o short_a to_o instance_n the_o approbation_n and_o judgement_n of_o they_o that_o be_v account_v wise_a man_n in_o their_o generation_n than_o the_o christian-quaker_n be_v account_v by_o this_o generation_n that_o if_o peradventer_v i_o may_v thereby_o in_o any_o wise_a convince_v they_o through_o allege_v that_o which_o some_o that_o be_v renown_v among_o they_o have_v affirm_v even_o as_o paul_n when_o he_o seek_v to_o convince_v the_o athenian_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v near_o unto_o they_o he_o instance_a their_o own_o poet_n who_o also_o say_v the_o same_o act_v 17_o 27_o 28._o in_o like_a manner_n have_v i_o allege_v the_o say_n of_o those_o note_a man_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o who_o expectation_n be_v to_o see_v such_o great_a thing_n produce_v by_o synod_n or_o convocation_n may_v the_o rather_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o notable_a work_n of_o real_a reformationâ—…_n and_o the_o synod_n true_a and_o perfect_a establish_n of_o the_o church_n or_o people_n of_o god_n in_o last_a peace_n and_o pure_a tranquillity_n must_v be_v the_o lord_n work_n by_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o spirit_n and_o not_o by_o the_o consultation_n of_o synodal_n conversation_n nor_o yet_o by_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n far_o that_o be_v not_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n choose_v but_o that_o which_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v choose_v in_o the_o apostasy_n and_o therefore_o have_v these_o excessive_a persecution_n ensue_v of_o which_o i_o have_v make_v mentlon_n and_o now_o let_v england_n take_v heed_n how_o she_o heap_v up_o counsel_n or_o convocation_n lest_o she_o look_v and_o run_v more_o unto_o they_o for_o help_v then_o unto_o the_o lord_n for_o i_o testify_v unto_o she_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o the_o live_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o heal_v her_o disease_n nor_o yet_o to_o bind_v up_o her_o breach_n oh_o that_o she_o will_v therefore_o england_n fly_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o look_v unto_o he_o rather_o than_o unto_o the_o convocation_n or_o synod_n of_o mortal_a man_n how_o soon_o will_v he_o then_o heal_v all_o her_o backslide_n bind_v up_o all_o her_o breach_n and_o with_o everlasting_a love_a kindness_n gather_v she_o a_o apendix_n unto_o the_o abridgement_n whein_n be_v contain_v many_o notable_a thing_n which_o pass_v betwixt_o the_o ancient_a christian_n and_o the_o heathen_a which_o be_v extract_v out_o of_o tertullian_n apology_n the_o which_o he_o make_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_n against_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o may_v see_v how_o the_o like_a rail_a accusation_n which_o be_v and_o have_v of_o late_o be_v so_o frequent_o produce_v against_o the_o true_a christian_n of_o this_o age_n have_v also_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o heathen_a against_o the_o ancient_a christian_n 1406._o year_n ago_o section_n 1._o the_o heathen_n opinion_n of_o christianity_n how_o they_o vilify_v they_o and_o their_o god_n how_o they_o be_v judge_v when_o they_o deny_v to_o sacrifice_v and_o how_o they_o be_v condemn_v the_o heathen_a believe_v a_o man_n can_v not_o tertull._n make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n without_o be_v taint_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o crime_n without_o beâ—…g_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o god_n to_o prince_n to_o the_o law_n be_v to_o good_a manner_n and_o to_o nature_n neither_o can_v a_o christian_a at_o that_o time_n be_v acquit_v unless_o he_o deny_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o christian._n tert._n apol._n pag_n 12._o be_v not_o many_o now_o of_o the_o like_a opinion_n that_o parallel_n a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o true_a christian-quaker_n without_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o the_o king_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o good_a manner_n and_o to_o nature_n the_o heathen_a reproach_v the_o christian_n as_o wich_v tertull._n superstitious_a person_n who_o they_o account_v worthy_a the_o infamy_n of_o punishment_n and_o in_o conclusion_n object_n of_o laughter_n and_o contempt_n and_o with_o much_o rigour_n do_v the_o heathen_a pronounce_v these_o word_n unto_o the_o christian_n your_o religion_n be_v forbid_v by_o nota._n the_o law_n etc._n etc._n page_n 19_o be_v not_o such_o now_o become_v object_n of_o laughter_n parallel_n and_o contempt_n as_o can_v run_v with_o the_o multitude_n to_o excess_n of_o riot_n and_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n in_o their_o vain_a custom_n and_o frivolous_a fashion_n which_o the_o true_a christian_n be_v redeem_v from_o and_o can_v be_v conformable_a unto_o though_o they_o therefore_o be_v account_v worthy_a the_o infamy_n of_o punishment_n and_o have_v it_o inflict_v upon_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o unwholesome_a law_n which_o prohibit_v their_o liberty_n now_o as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o heathen_a prohibit_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n such_o be_v the_o calumnit_n i._n e._n false_a accusation_n tertull_n that_o be_v invent_v against_o the_o christian_n religion_n that_o upon_o a_o certain_a time_n a_o picture_n of_o their_o god_n be_v show_v by_o a_o certain_a infamous_a person_n who_o open_o show_v the_o same_o with_o this_o inscription_n therein_o this_o be_v onochoetes_n i_o e._n the_o god_n of_o the_o christians_n this_o suppose_a god_n pretend_v by_o he_o have_v the_o ear_n of_o a_o ass_n a_o hoof_n on_o his_o foot_n carried_z a_o book_n and_o be_v clothe_v with_o a_o gown_n page_n 71._o have_v there_o not_o be_v something_o of_o the_o like_a parallel_n nature_n act_v among_o the_o stageplayer_n of_o this_o age_n in_o contempt_n and_o derision_n of_o the_o religion_n if_o not_o of_o the_o god_n himself_o of_o the_o true_a christian_n who_o profession_n be_v now_o reproach_v and_o vilify_v by_o infamous_a lewd_a man_n as_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v by_o the_o heathen_a the_o christian_n be_v forbid_v to_o have_v their_o religion_n tertull._n apart_o though_o none_o beside_o they_o be_v forbid_v the_o like_a and_o because_o they_o do_v not_o serve_v the_o god_n of_o the_o roman_n therefore_o do_v they_o offend_v the_o roman_n and_o be_v account_v unworthy_a the_o name_n of_o roman_n page_n 105._o have_v not_o many_o in_o the_o nation_n labour_v and_o parallel_n endeavour_v much_o to_o have_v the_o like_v bring_v to_o pass_v concern_v the_o true_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o conformable_a to_o the_o national_a way_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v much_o rather_o formal_a then_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o be_v it_o renounce_v by_o the_o true_a christian_n who_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o ancient_a christian_n do_v when_o the_o christian_n be_v enjoin_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n tertull._n they_o resist_v then_o say_v some_o there_o be_v folly_n in_o their_o resistance_n and_o that_o they_o may_v sacrifice_v when_o they_o be_v press_v to_o it_o and_o preserve_v their_o life_n without_o injure_v their_o conscience_n in_o keep_v a_o secret_a resolution_n to_o remain_v
set_v forth_o himself_o be_v it_o seemly_a for_o a_o prophet_n to_o dice_n and_o card_n be_v it_o seemly_a for_o a_o prophet_n to_o be_v a_o usurer_n let_v they_o answer_v i_o of_o apollonius_n apology_n before_o the_o senate_n 19_o apollonius_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a philosopher_n i._n e._n a_o lover_n of_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n be_v bring_v before_o the_o tribunal_n i._n e._n judgment-seat_n at_o rome_n and_o be_v earnest_o entreat_v of_o the_o judge_n to_o render_v a_o account_n of_o his_o faith_n before_o the_o noble_a senate_n i._n e._n the_o council_n he_o exhibit_v i._n e._n give_v or_o present_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o they_o all_o a_o notable_a apology_n i._n e._n defence_n or_o speech_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o which_o he_o suffer_v martyrdom_n i._n e._n a_o suffering_n of_o grievous_a torment_n unto_o death_n for_o constant_a perseverance_n christianâ—…_n in_o true_a religion_n for_o the_o ancient_a deeree_n be_v of_o force_n and_o prevail_v among_o they_o that_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v once_o present_v before_o the_o tribunal-seat_n and_o not_o revoke_v i._n e._n call_v back_o again_o their_o opinion_n shall_v no_o more_o be_v set_v a_o liberty_n a_o controversy_n among_o the_o bistop_n about_o celebrate_v 23._o easter_n immediate_o upon_o this_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n go_v about_o to_o sever_v from_o the_o unity_n in_o the_o communion_n all_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n together_o with_o apostatise_v the_o adjoin_a congregation_n as_o savour_v not_o aright_o and_o inveigh_v i._n e._n speak_v bitter_o against_o they_o in_o his_o epistle_n and_o pronounce_v flat_o all_o the_o brethren_n there_o for_o excommunicate_v person_n but_o this_o not_o please_v all_o the_o bishop_n they_o exhort_v he_o to_o seek_v after_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v peace_n and_o unity_n and_o love_n between_o brethren_n and_o one_o among_o the_o rest_n write_v to_o he_o say_v neither_o be_v this_o controversy_n only_o of_o the_o day_n but_o also_o of_o the_o kind_n or_o manner_n of_o fast_v some_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o fast_o fast_v one_o day_n some_o two_o some_o forty_o and_o tell_v the_o hour_n throughout_o day_n and_o night_n they_o count_v a_o day_n moreover_o he_o add_v how_o that_o they_o that_o be_v bishop_n before_o soter_n of_o the_o see_v which_o thou_o govern_v neither_o do_v so_o observe_v it_o themselves_o neither_o leave_v they_o any_o such_o commandment_n unto_o their_o posterity_n and_o yet_o they_o though_o not_o observe_v the_o same_o custom_n be_v at_o unity_n with_o they_o which_o resort_v to_o they_o from_o other_o church_n and_o do_v observe_v the_o same_o although_o their_o observation_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o such_o as_o observe_v it_o not_o the_o six_o book_n of_o eusebius_n concern_v origen_n this_o origen_n when_o he_o be_v yet_o young_a bear_v in_o his_o mind_n fervent_a desire_n of_o martyrdom_n 2._o he_o exhort_v his_o father_n not_o to_o faint_a when_o he_o be_v in_o close_a prison_n he_o be_v of_o a_o child_n train_v up_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o he_o content_v not_o himself_o with_o the_o bare_a and_o casual_a i._n e._n that_o which_o happen_v by_o chance_n or_o uncertain_a read_v of_o the_o word_n but_o seek_v far_o search_v the_o perfect_a profound_a understanding_n thereof_o when_o his_o father_n die_v a_o martyr_n he_o be_v leave_v a_o orphan_n i._n e._n one_o that_o want_v father_n or_o mother_n of_o the_o year_n of_o seventeen_o he_o be_v also_o afterward_o receive_v of_o a_o certain_a matron_n i._n e._n a_o grave_a motherly_a woman_n who_o be_v very_o rich_a and_o also_o religious_a he_o be_v one_o that_o detest_v the_o doctrine_n of_o heretic_n he_o purchase_v unto_o himself_o a_o famous_a opinion_n among_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o he_o cheerful_o embrace_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n all_o the_o martyr_n not_o only_o of_o his_o acquaintance_n but_o such_o as_o be_v unto_o he_o unknown_a he_o visit_v not_o only_o such_o as_o be_v fetter_v in_o deep_a dungeon_n and_o close_a imprisonment_n neither_o only_a such_o as_o look_v for_o the_o last_o sentence_n of_o execution_n but_o after_o judgement_n give_v and_o sentence_n pronounce_v he_o be_v present_a with_o the_o martyr_n bold_o accompany_v they_o to_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n put_v himself_o in_o great_a peril_n oftentimes_o bold_o embrace_v they_o so_o that_o once_o the_o furious_a rage_n of_o the_o fond_a multitude_n of_o the_o gentile_n i._n e._n such_o as_o do_v not_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o heathen_a have_v stone_v he_o to_o death_n if_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o god_n have_v not_o marvellous_o deliver_v he_o soldier_n be_v command_v to_o watch_v about_o his_o house_n because_o of_o the_o multitude_n that_o come_v to_o be_v instruct_v of_o he_o in_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o as_o he_o teach_v so_o he_o live_v that_o as_o he_o live_v so_o he_o teach_v when_o he_o perceive_v nota._n many_o disciple_n to_o frequent_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o school_n be_v now_o by_o demetrius_n the_o bishop_n commit_v unto_o he_o alone_o he_o suppose_v the_o read_n of_o humanity_n i._n e._n courtesy_n or_o pleasant_a manner_n to_o be_v out_o of_o season_n and_o transform_v the_o school_n as_o altogether_o â—…nprofitable_a by_o reason_n of_o profane_a literature_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o godly_a discipline_n i._n e._n instruction_n after_o good_a advice_n take_v for_o necessary_a provision_n he_o sell_v the_o profane_a writer_n book_n which_o he_o have_v diligent_o peruse_v and_o lay_v by_o he_o enjo_v the_o buyer_n â—…ay_v by_o day_n four_o half_a penny_n of_o the_o set_a price_n wherewith_o he_o content_v himself_o of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o potamaiaena_fw-la a_o virgin_n marcelia_n her_o mother_n and_o basilides_n a_o soldier_n 4._o it_o be_v say_v that_o potamaiaena_fw-la for_o the_o chastity_n of_o her_o body_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n strive_v very_o stout_o with_o her_o lover_n and_o that_o after_o she_o have_v suffer_v very_o much_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n with_o her_o mother_n marcelia_n she_o be_v burn_v with_o fire_n and_o consume_v to_o ash_n after_o sentence_n pronounce_v potamaiaena_fw-la be_v take_v and_o lead_v to_o basilidos_n a_o soldier_n of_o authority_n among_o the_o host_n to_z execution_z and_o when_o the_o multitude_n molest_v she_o fore_o spiteful_o handle_v she_o with_o opprobrious_a i._n e._n reproâ—…chful_a term_n basilides_n repress_v and_o rebuke_v their_o rage_a speech_n compassion_n pity_v she_o very_o much_o and_o practise_v great_a courtesy_n towards_o she_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n she_o approve_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o courteous_a deal_n towards_o she_o and_o bid_v he_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n etc._n etc._n when_o she_o have_v do_v speak_v to_o he_o pitch_n scald_a hot_a be_v pour_v by_o little_a and_o little_a over_o all_o her_o body_n and_o such_o be_v the_o suffering_n that_o this_o worthy_a virgin_n sustain_v but_o not_o long_o after_o basilides_n be_v require_v by_o his_o fellow-soldier_n to_o swoar_v for_o some_o occasion_n or_o other_o he_o refuse_v and_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o become_v swear_v he_o or_o it_o be_v nâ—…t_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o swear_v for_o hâ—…_n be_v a_o christian._n at_o the_o first_o he_o be_v think_v to_o dally_v but_o when_o he_o constant_o a_o vouch_a it_o i._n e._n affirm_v it_o bold_o he_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o judge_n and_o there_o confess_v the_o same_o be_v clap_v in_o prison_n afterward_o he_o be_v behead_v and_o suffer_v martyrdom_n clemens_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n of_o the_o canonical_a 13._o scripture_n the_o epistle_n unto_o the_o hebrew_n he_o affirm_v to_o be_v paul_n for_o undoubted_a and_o therefore_o write_v in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n for_o the_o hebrew_n sake_n but_o faithful_o translate_v by_o luke_n and_o preach_v unto_o note_n the_o gentile_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v mislike_v at_o all_o say_v he_o that_o paul_n a_o apostle_n be_v not_o prefix_v to_o this_o epistle_n for_o say_v he_o write_v unto_o the_o hebrew_n because_o of_o the_o ill_a opinion_n they_o conceive_v of_o he_o very_o wise_o conceal_v his_o name_n lest_o that_o at_o first_o he_o shall_v dismay_v they_o i._n e._n astonish_v they_o afterward_o of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o evangelist_n according_a unto_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n he_o write_v thus_o the_o gospel_n which_o contain_v the_o genealogy_n i._n e._n a_o description_n of_o stock_n lineages_n or_o pedigree_n be_v place_v and_o count_v first_o the_o gospel_n after_o mark_n be_v write_v upon_o this_o occasion_n when_o peter_n preach_v open_o at_o rome_n write_v and_o publish_v the_o gospel_n by_o rote_n many_o of_o the_o auditor_n entreat_v mark_n be_v the_o hearer_n and_o follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n a_o long_a while_n
service_n which_o please_v every_o man_n best_o wherefore_o we_o have_v decree_v to_o publish_v this_o edict_n whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v manifest_a unto_o all_o man_n that_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o as_o many_o as_o will_v follow_v that_o opinion_n and_o religion_n by_o this_o our_o gracious_a gift_n and_o letter_n patent_n i._n e._n writ_n or_o commission_n from_o the_o prince_n as_o every_o one_o list_v and_o be_v delight_v so_o to_o use_v that_o grant_v religion_n which_o he_o please_v and_o after_o his_o own_o manner_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o beside_o this_o also_o be_v permit_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o may_v build_v place_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o lord_n last_o of_o all_o that_o this_o our_o gift_n may_v be_v the_o great_a we_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o decree_v that_o also_o that_o if_o any_o house_n or_o manor_n i._n e._n farm-house_n without_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o city_n heretofore_o belong_v unto_o the_o christian_n title_n by_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o ancestor_n have_v pass_v unto_o the_o crown_n either_o present_o enjoy_v by_o any_o city_n or_o otherwise_o sell_v or_o give_v to_o any_o man_n for_o a_o reward_n all_o these_o we_o have_v command_v they_o shall_v be_v revoke_v to_o the_o ancient_a right_n of_o the_o christian_n whereby_o all_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o providence_n in_o this_o behalf_n these_o word_n of_o the_o tyrant_n not_o one_o year_n be_v full_o pass_v follow_v the_o edict_n or_o proclamation_n which_o against_o the_o christian_n be_v engrave_v in_o pillar_n afterward_o he_o be_v smite_v of_o god_n with_o a_o plague_n from_o above_o and_o his_o flesh_n waste_v persecution_n by_o a_o invisible_a fire_n so_o that_o it_o consume_v and_o drop_v away_o and_o lose_v all_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o old_a form_n be_v become_v like_o a_o paint_a image_n dry_v up_o of_o a_o long_a time_n his_o eye_n pass_v their_o bound_n leave_v he_o blind_a at_o length_n he_o confess_v he_o suffer_v those_o thing_n just_o and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n foelix_fw-la quem_fw-la faciunt_fw-la aliena_fw-la pericula_fw-la cantum_fw-la happy_a be_v he_o who_o other_o man_n harm_n do_v make_v to_o beware_v the_o ten_o book_n of_o eusebius_n the_o heathen_a be_v glad_a of_o the_o christian_n success_n the_o emperor_n favour_v they_o much_o the_o heathen_a be_v deliver_v and_o rid_v of_o the_o former_a mischief_n confess_v diverse_o that_o the_o only_a true_a god_n be_v the_o defender_n of_o the_o godly_a christian_n but_o unto_o we_o there_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a joy_n say_v eusebius_n which_o with_o incessant_a hope_n do_v depend_v upon_o christ_n the_o anoint_v of_o god_n moreover_o the_o most_o puissant_a i._n e._n mighty_a emperor_n by_o their_o often_o constitution_n i._n e._n appointment_n publish_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n have_v amplify_v and_o enlarge_v the_o thing_n grant_v to_o we_o by_o the_o free_a bountifulness_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o bishop_n also_o there_o come_v favourable_a letter_n from_o the_o emperor_n dignity_n be_v bestow_v sum_v of_o money_n and_o present_n be_v send_v they_o the_o edict_n of_o constantine_n and_o licinnius_n touch_v christian_a religion_n and_o the_o liberty_n thereof_o weigh_v with_o ourselves_o say_v they_o that_o of_o old_a the_o liberty_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hinder_v and_o every_o one_o have_v licence_n after_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n we_o have_v present_o command_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v handle_v the_o holy_a affair_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o that_o the_o christian_n shall_v retain_v their_o faith_n of_o their_o former_a opinion_n and_o wont_a service_n whenas_o with_o prosperous_a success_n we_o come_v to_o milan_n and_o inquire_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o the_o commodity_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n these_o among_o many_o other_o thing_n seem_v expedient_a yea_o before_o all_o other_o we_o purpose_v to_o decree_v wherein_o the_o reverence_n and_o service_n due_a to_o god_n be_v comprise_v i._o e._n contain_v that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o which_o we_o may_v grant_v unto_o the_o christian_n altogether_o free_a choice_n to_o embrace_v what_o service_n and_o ceremony_n please_v they_o best_o to_o the_o end_n the_o divinity_n of_o the_o celestial_a i._n e._n heavenly_a affair_n now_o every_o where_o receive_v may_v in_o some_o part_n be_v please_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o all_o our_o subject_n then_o according_a unto_o this_o our_o pleasure_n we_o have_v decree_v with_o sound_n and_o most_o right_a judgement_n grant_v that_o licence_n any_o liberty_n be_v henceforth_o deny_v unto_o none_o at_o all_o of_o choose_v and_o follow_v the_o christian_a service_n or_o religion_n but_o that_o this_o liberty_n be_v grant_v unto_o every_o one_o to_o addict_v his_o mind_n unto_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o think_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o the_o end_n that_o god_n may_v grant_v unto_o we_o his_o wont_a care_n and_o goodness_n and_o now_o whosoever_o free_o and_o firm_o be_v dispose_v to_o retain_v the_o christian_a religion_n let_v he_o do_v it_o without_o all_o molestation_n or_o grievance_n and_o because_o that_o we_o have_v grant_v liberty_n to_o use_v their_o observance_n and_o religion_n if_o so_o please_v any_o it_o manifest_o avail_v for_o the_o tranquillity_n i._n e._n ease_n and_o quietness_n of_o our_o time_n that_o every_o one_o have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v and_o worship_v what_o god_n please_v he_o best_o this_o have_v we_o do_v lest_o aught_o of_o our_o do_n seem_v prejudicial_a unto_o any_o service_n or_o religion_n and_o because_o the_o say_a christian_n be_v know_v not_o only_o to_o have_v enjoy_v the_o place_n of_o their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n but_o also_o certain_a other_o peculiar_a i._n e._n proper_a not_o to_o every_o one_o private_o but_o belong_v by_o right_a unto_o their_o whole_a society_n see_v that_o thou_o command_v all_o those_o according_a unto_o the_o decree_n mention_v before_o to_o be_v restore_v unto_o the_o christian_n afterward_o the_o emperor_n summon_v a_o synod_n i._n e._n a_o general_n or_o universal_a assembly_n of_o bishop_n to_o meet_v at_o rome_n for_o the_o unite_n and_o reconcile_n call_v of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o seem_v unto_o he_o very_o grievous_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o his_o province_n a_o multitude_n of_o people_n prone_a i._n e._n incline_v unto_o the_o worse_o and_o disagree_v and_o that_o among_o bishop_n there_o shall_v be_v variance_n money_o grant_v unto_o minister_n by_o the_o emperor_n 6._o constantine_n the_o emperor_n unto_o decilianus_fw-la bishop_n of_o carthage_n send_v greeting_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o please_v we_o to_o administer_v something_o for_o expense_n sake_n unto_o some_o certain_a minister_n of_o the_o approve_a and_o most_o holy_a religion_n throughout_o all_o the_o province_n of_o africa_n i_o have_v signify_v unto_o ursus_n that_o he_o shall_v cause_v three_o thousand_o pole_n of_o silve_n i._n e._n certain_a weight_n one_o contain-in_a 222_o pound_n and_o six_o ounce_n the_o other_o weigh_v 208_o penny_n to_o be_v tell_v unto_o thy_o fidelity_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o understand_v that_o some_o troublesome_a person_n be_v suppose_v to_o pervert_v by_o some_o lewd_a corruption_n to_o people_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o catholic_n i._n e._n universal_a church_n wherefore_o if_o thou_o perceive_v such_o man_n to_o persist_v in_o their_o folly_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o judge_n and_o make_v they_o privy_a thereof_o that_o they_o consider_v of_o these_o as_o i_o charge_v they_o when_o they_o be_v present_a a_o copy_n of_o the_o epistle_n by_o the_o which_o the_o emperor_n free_v the_o bishop_n from_o pay_v tax_n or_o tribute_n 7._o we_o greet_v you_o most_o honourable_a anilinus_n because_o it_o appear_v diverse_o that_o if_o the_o religion_n wherein_o great_a estimation_n of_o holiness_n be_v maintain_v be_v set_v at_o nought_o great_a danger_n will_v ensue_v to_o the_o public_a affair_n and_o again_o if_o the_o same_o be_v orderly_o handle_v and_o maintain_v great_a prosperity_n and_o special_a felicity_n i._n e._n happiness_n will_v follow_v unto_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o all_o man_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n exhibit_v i._n e._n give_v the_o same_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o we_o that_o those_o man_n which_o labour_v in_o this_o godly_a religion_n with_o due_a holiness_n and_o diligent_a observation_n of_o this_o law_n shall_v receive_v recompense_n of_o their_o travel_n wherefore_o our_o pleasure_n be_v that_o they_o of_o the_o province_n commit_v to_o thy_o charge_n who_o we_o common_o term_v clergyman_n i._n e._n bishop_n deacon_n and_o priest_n etc._n etc._n be_v whole_o free_a and_o exempt_a i._n e._n free_a from_o any_o service_n or_o payment_n from_o all_o public_a burden_n lest_o by_o any_o error_n or_o curse_a swerve_v they_o be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o
firm_a in_o their_o religion_n and_o that_o in_o neglect_v their_o security_n they_o prefer_v a_o vain_a self_n will_v before_o their_o welfare_n p._n 113._o in_o like_a manner_n have_v many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o parallel_n god_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n be_v enjoin_v to_o do_v thing_n which_o have_v be_v as_o absolute_o against_o their_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o christian_n to_o sacrifice_v and_o when_o the_o true_a christian_n now_o have_v resist_v when_o they_o have_v be_v press_v thereunto_o it_o have_v be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v selfwilled_a and_o obstinate_a when_o they_o can_v not_o dissemble_v to_o avoid_v suffering_n like_o other_o hypocrite_n who_o asfume_v unto_o themselves_o a_o liberty_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n never_o allow_v of_o so_o that_o the_o true_a christian_n have_v often_o be_v judge_v and_o have_v suffer_v deep_o when_o time_n serve_v dissemble_a hypocrite_n have_v go_v sree_a the_o heathen_a cause_v the_o christian_n to_o undergo_v tertull._n such_o punishment_n as_o be_v ordain_v for_o their_o wretched_a slave_n for_o the_o christian_n they_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v condemn_v to_o work_v in_o the_o mine_n or_o to_o some_o other_o servile_a work_n of_o the_o like_a condition_n page_n 114_o &_o 115._o the_o punishment_n and_o suffering_n which_o many_o of_o the_o true_a christian_n have_v undergo_v in_o these_o parallel_n perilous_a time_n have_v exceed_v the_o suffering_n which_o many_o malefactor_n have_v sustain_v for_o their_o transgression_n for_o thousand_o of_o the_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a christian_n have_v be_v shut_v up_o in_o close_a prison_n where_o ordinary_a necessary_n can_v scarce_o be_v get_v to_o they_o for_o several_a day_n together_o and_o other_o of_o they_o have_v be_v send_v to_o house_n os_fw-la correction_n to_o work_v there_o like_a slave_n and_o dissolute_a person_n when_o they_o have_v be_v as_o harmless_a and_o blameless_a as_o the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v section_n 2._o how_o the_o christian_n society_n be_v call_v factious_a how_o unprofitable_a they_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v in_o commerce_n who_o can_v gain_v nothing_o from_o they_o how_o they_o renounce_v the_o heathenish_a superstition_n in_o peril_n of_o their_o life_n etc._n etc._n the_o society_n of_o the_o christian_n be_v call_v factious_a tertull._n i._n e._n troublesome_a or_o contentious_a but_o say_v tertullian_n to_o such_o as_o call_v they_o so_o tell_v i_o do_v we_o ever_o assemble_v to_o procure_v the_o hurt_n of_o any_o one_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a so_o we_o be_v in_o the_o general_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o whatsoever_o state_n we_o be_v find_v we_o offend_v no_o body_n we_o injure_v no_o body_n and_o far_o say_v he_o when_o any_o virtuous_a or_o godly_a people_n be_v associate_v when_o any_o pious_a or_o chaste_a person_n assemble_v together_o their_o union_n shall_v not_o be_v call_v a_o faction_n but_o a_o lawful_a society_n page_n 142._o be_v not_o the_o society_n of_o the_o true_a christian_n call_v factious_a at_o this_o day_n also_o because_o they_o parallel_n worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o meet_v at_o place_n distinct_a from_o the_o common_a ordinary_a place_n of_o the_o national_a worship_n though_o they_o by_o their_o peaceable_a assemble_v procure_v the_o hurt_n of_o none_o now_o no_o more_o than_o the_o ancient_a christian_n heretofore_o do_v the_o heathen_a cry_v out_o against_o the_o christian_n pertull_n and_o say_v they_o be_v not_o any_o way_n profitable_a in_o commerce_n i._n e._n intercourse_n or_o merchandise_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o tertullian_n say_v neither_o be_v they_o without_o their_o public_a place_n their_o market_n their_o shop_n their_o inn_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 150._o have_v not_o the_o true_a christian_a in_o like_a manner_n parallel_n be_v upbrade_v when_o they_o have_v be_v diligent_a in_o their_o place_n in_o the_o creation_n and_o have_v frequent_v both_o fair_n and_o market_n etc._n etc._n about_o their_o lawful_a calling_n for_o their_o religion_n do_v nota._n not_o separate_v they_o from_o their_o ordinary_a and_o lawful_a commerce_n but_o from_o the_o superfluity_n of_o needless_a and_o frivolous_a word_n and_o from_o the_o deceit_n therein_o though_o its_o true_a some_o have_v lay_v aside_o that_o kind_n of_o commerce_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v neither_o useful_a to_o god_n nor_o beneficial_a unto_o man_n but_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o creation_n and_o it_o be_v very_o like_o the_o ancient_a christian_n do_v the_o like_a after_o their_o illumination_n and_o conviction_n there_o be_v certain_a person_n that_o do_v complain_v of_o tertull._n the_o christian_n as_o people_n of_o who_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v gain_v for_o they_o but_o they_o be_v such_o say_v tertullian_n as_o be_v infamous_a corrupter_n of_o chastity_n who_o meddle_v with_o give_v poison_n and_o magician_n i._n e._n conjurer_n and_o final_o soothsayer_n diviner_n and_o astrologer_n to_o who_o it_o be_v very_o profitable_a in_o this_o life_n to_o be_v unuseful_a say_v tertull._n p._n 152_o 153._o some_o such_o like_a man_n have_v of_o late_a alsâ—…_n accuse_v parallel_n the_o true_a christian_n together_o with_o taverren_n and_o alehouse-keeper_n musicianer_n and_o stage_n player_n with_o some_o sort_n of_o shopkeeper_n that_o have_v sell_v gold_n and_o silver-lace_n with_o jewel_n pearl_n ring_n and_o ribbon_n with_o such_o other_o unnecessary_a toy_n such_o like_a man_n with_o the_o priestly_a merchant_n of_o babylon_n may_v in_o part_n complain_v so_o well_o as_o soothsayer_n and_o astrologer_n of_o the_o true_a christian_n now_o as_o some_o such_o heretofore_o among_o the_o heathen_a have_v do_v of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n but_o most_o common_o they_o that_o do_v complain_v of_o they_o without_o a_o cause_n be_v infamous_a corrupter_n of_o chastity_n who_o be_v addict_v to_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n the_o heathen_a tolerate_v the_o sect_n of_o the_o philosopher_n tertull._n without_o punish_v of_o they_o but_o the_o christian_n doctrine_n which_o they_o publish_v be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n and_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o punishment_n but_o the_o philosopher_n be_v not_o so_o force_v to_o sacrifice_n to_o swear_v by_o their_o god_n and_o light_a candle_n at_o noon_n which_o thing_n be_v impose_v upon_o the_o christian_n as_o necessary_a which_o they_o refuse_v on_o peril_n of_o their_o life_n page_n 158._o it_o be_v well_o know_v in_o the_o nation_n of_o england_n parallel_n how_o that_o the_o christian-quaker_n have_v be_v much_o more_o restrain_v of_o their_o liberty_n then_o other_o sect_n and_o their_o doctrine_n have_v be_v more_o prohibit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n than_o other_o which_o have_v be_v much_o more_o pernicious_a nevertheless_o it_o have_v be_v tolerate_v if_o not_o uphold_v by_o a_o law_n when_o that_o the_o true_a christian_n have_v be_v expose_v to_o grievous_a punishment_n and_o other_o that_o have_v be_v guilty_a have_v go_v free_a yea_o have_v not_o many_o observe_v how_o their_o adversary_n have_v endeavour_v to_o force_v they_o to_o come_v to_o their_o place_n of_o worship_n and_o likewise_o to_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n which_o have_v be_v hard_o impose_v upon_o they_o and_o which_o they_o have_v refuse_v on_o peril_n of_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o king_n protection_n and_o of_o forfeit_v their_o estate_n good_n and_o chattel_n unto_o he_o yet_o other_o be_v connive_v at_o as_o the_o philosopher_n be_v by_o the_o heathen_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o true_a christian_n be_v expose_v to_o sundry_a sort_n of_o punishment_n as_o the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v by_o the_o heathen_a some_o say_v that_o even_a among_o the_o christian_n there_o tertull._n be_v a_o people_n that_o give_v themselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o do_v evil_n but_o say_v tertullian_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o fall_v into_o this_o disorder_n we_o own_v they_o no_o more_o for_o christian_n pag._n 162._o with_o the_o like_a thing_n have_v the_o true_a christian_n parallel_n be_v upbrade_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n by_o many_o who_o have_v cast_v the_o fail_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o unfaithful_a and_o disorderly_a upon_o the_o innocent_a who_o have_v no_o more_o approve_v of_o their_o evil_n than_o the_o ancient_a christian_n do_v of_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o disorderly_a among_o they_o who_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v worthy_a of_o the_o name_n which_o at_o this_o day_n be_v not_o a_o little_a dishonour_v by_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o antichristian_o who_o until_o this_o present_a have_v retain_v the_o name_n but_o be_v whole_o degenerate_v from_o the_o nature_n as_o their_o fruit_n do_v abundant_o declare_v section_n 3._o how_o they_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v more_o liberty_n than_o the_o christian_n what_o prejudice_n