The abridgment of Eusebius Pamphilius's ecclesiastical history in two parts ... whereunto is added a catalogue of the synods and councels which were after the days of the apostles : together with a hint of what was decreed in the same / by William Caton.

PART II.

How from the beginning the Enmity of Satan hath been great against the Reghteous and Innocent People of God.

OF a truth, he that is born after the Flesh, persecuteth him that is after the Spirit; and that irreconcielable Enmity which God (after many Transgression) put betwixt the Seed of the Woman, and the Seed of the Serpent, hath in all the ages of the World, appeared in Satans Instruments against the Righteous and Harmless People of the Most High, who since the Fall have suffered through many Generations: And it is observed, how that when the Adversary of Mankind had got possession in Cain (Adam's first Son, Gen. 4. 1, 8.) that then did Cain rise up against his Brother Abel, and slew him: And this same Adversary is he, who hath been a Murtherer and a Lyar from the beginning, who until this day hath re∣tained a place in the Hearts of Cain's Posterity; and one remarkable Token whereby he might be known in all Ages hath been Persecution. And after he had gotten Dominion in Mans Heart, the Wickedness of Man became great in * 1.1 the Earth, and the Imaginations and Thoughts of

his Heart were evil continually; so that the Earth came to be corrupted, yea to be filled with vio∣lence. And then did the Wicked and Ungod∣ly often offer violence unto the Just and Righ∣teous, even as the wicked Sodomites did unto just Lot, whose Enmity was not only against him, but also against the Angels whom he had entertained, Gen. 19. 5.

And likewise this Adversary of God and good Men, had gotten place in the Hearts of Joseph's Brethren, who conspired together to slay him; but they not being suffered of the Lord to do * 1.2 that, they cast him into a Pit in the Wilderness.

Moreover, it appears that Satan (i. e. an Ad∣versary or Devil) had a possession in Pharoah, and in the Egyptians, who did much perplex * 1.3 and afflict the Righteous in those days; for they were grieved with them, and therefore did they make the Lives of the Righteous bit∣ter with hard bondage, &c.

Again, the Enmity of this Adversary was great in many of the Potentates of the Earth, against the People of God in the days of old, as appears in sundry Places of the Old Testa∣ment. And it may be observed, how that when they that were called the Lords People departed from his Counsel, that then this Ad∣versary got place in them also; which plainly appeared by their murmuring against the Lord, when they were wroth over his Servants, and cried out, Stone them with stones, &c. Numb. 14. 10.

Again, this Adversary of God, and of good People, got possession, yea dominion in the Sons of Belial; who beset the House of him that

entertained the way-faring Levite, and intended to have slain him.

Again, we may see how that when Saul de∣parted from the Gounsel of the Lord, then did the Evil Spirit of this Adversary enter into him; and then commanded he his Footmen to slay the Lord's Priests; and although they would not do it, yet Doeg slew fourscore and five of them upon one day, 1 Sam. 22. 17, 18.

Again, the evil persecuting spirit of this Ad∣versary appeared also in Jezebel, Ahab's Wife, who stirred up the Elders and the Nobles to procure two false Witnesses against Naboth, to testifie falsly against him, as if he had blasphe∣med against God and the King; and the People of the City being leavened with the aforesaid Spirit, they carried him out of the City, and stoned him to death.

Again, when the Israelites were departed * 1.4 from the Lord, then did the Enmity of this Ad∣versary of God and all Goodness appear in them, which manifested it self by the wrath and indignation which appeared in them against the Prophet Jeremiah, whom they cast into Pri∣son, and against Zechariah, whom they slew betwixt the Temple and the Altar. Yea, so mightily did the Enmity of Satan's persecuting Spirit prevail over them, that in the end they killed and crucified those whom God sent among them, and scourged them in their Synagogues, and persecured them from City to City, Mat. 23. 24, 25.

From these few Examples which I have here alledged, it doth most plainly appear, that Sa∣tan, this Adversary of God, of the Creation,

and of Mankind, hath of old had a mighty En∣mity against the Righteous, yea before the coming of the Messiah, of whom the Prophets that were slain testified; and it is manifest, that it was his persecuting Power and Spirit which ap∣peare in Cain, in Joseph's Brethren, in the So∣domites, in the Sons of Belial, in the Egyptians, in Saul, in Jezabel, and in the Jews: And the same Enmity hath often appeared in the same persecuting Power and Spirit of this old Ad∣versary against the True Christians since the coming of the Messiah; which may more clear∣ly appear from that which followeth.

WHen the Jews had crucified the Lord of Glory, then did they raise a terrible Per∣secution against the Apostles, and that under pretence of Religion; yet they sought to con∣ceal their Blood-thirstiness, through their carry∣ing * 1.5 on their wicked Design by the Romish Au∣thority; for they said expresly, It was not lawful for them to put any Man to death; yet in the mean time they could hale them before their Councils, where the High-Priest was President, and there did they Judge and Condemn the Christians, as they had done Christ; and af∣terwards they delivered them to the Earthly Powers, to be punished according to their Sen∣tence; * 1.6 calling the Christians the Sect of the Nazarites; and said they set the whole World in an uproar, and sought to annihilate (i. e. to bring to nothing) the Law of Moses, where∣upon they presently got the help of the rude Multirude to persecute the Christians, and

that under Pretence of defending of Religi∣on.

Note, Are not the true Christians now called a Fanatick Sect? And are they not accused for making uproars and tumults, when they are as free from such things as the Christians were in the Days of the Apostles; who were not only accused for making Uproars, but also for setting the Law of Moses at nought, even as true Christians now are falsly accused for ma∣king void the Scripture, and of setting it as nought; whereupon many now suffer about their Religion (by such as pretend to defend and propagate it) even as the ancient Christians did then under the Jews, who resisted the Spi∣rit of Truth, and the holy Men that spoke as it gave them utterance; and being filled with an evil Spirit of Malice and Enmity against the Lord and his Truth, they whipped the Apostles, and haled Stephen before their Council, and procured false Witnesses against him. And when Stephen in his Answer laid open their * 1.7 Wickedness, they were pricked at the Heart, and gnashed their Teeth at him, and stopped their Ears, and run forceably upon him, and stoned him to death. And after that, a mighty Persecution of the Christians arose, insomuch that they came to be scattered throughout the * 1.8 Land of Judah and Samaria.

After that the Jews did bring much suffering upon the Christians, against whom their indig∣nation * 1.9 was great, and especially against Paul, whose life they earnestly sought after, and some∣time did they stone him, and sometime they did

whip him, and often were they moved with en∣vy against him and the Brethren, and upon a time, took unto them certain lewd Fellows of baser sort, and gathered a company and set all the City upon an uproar, and assaulted the House of Jason, and drew him out with others of the Brethren unto the Rulers of the City, crying They that have turned the World upside down are come hither also, and these all do contrary to the Decrees of Caesar.

Note. Hath it not been so of late in Eng∣land, that when the true Christians have come to one of their Friends Houses in a City, some evil affected person or other, hath gathered a company of Rude People, and have haled the Innocent out of their Friends Houses, when they have been edifying and building up one another in the most Holy Faith: So that oftentimes the Anti-christians have behaved themselves like the Unbelieving Jews, and through their Tumul∣tuous Uproaring have they caused the peaceable and harmless to suffer, when they who were Guilty have gone free.

Moreover, the professing Jews manifested their envious Spirit against Paul, when they stirred up the People and laid hands upon him, crying out; Men of Israel help: this is the Man that teacheth all Men every where, against the peo∣ple, and the Law and this place; And all the City was moved, and all the People ran together, and they took Paul, and drew him out of the Temple, and had him before their Council, and accused him to the Governor; but when they could not prevail, neither by Righteousness

nor by Violence, then did a Company of them bind themselves by an Oath, neither to eat nor to drink until they had killed Paul. Thus much concerning the Jews.

Note, Since that the Gospel hath been prea∣ched again in the Power and Demonstration of the eternal Spirit, some Cities in England have been as in Uproars, where the true Christians have so preached the Gospel as before mentio∣ned; and at the same time they have been ac∣cused for teaching People against the Scripture, and for incensing of them against Magistracy and Ministry, yea against their Laws and Di∣scipline; and thereby have some Professing An∣tichristians, stirred up the rude Rabble shame∣fully to intreat the good Christians, who at this day are found in the footsteps of the ancient suffering Christians.

Object. But some will say, Who dost thou call the True and Good Christians, whom thou dost at this time parallel with the Ancient Chri∣stians? We know not whom thou meanest, nor do we know whom thou callest the Anti-christians; thou mightest do well to inform us a little.

Answ. I call them the True or Good Chri∣stians, who walk in the Light of the Lamb, * 1.10 who follow him through Honour and Disho∣nour, through evil Report and good Report, who bear his daily Cross without murmuring, who do unto others as they would be done un∣to, who renounce the vain Customs of the World, and forsake the frivolous Traditions of Men, tógether with the hidden things of Dis∣honesty;

who are truly contented in suffering when they are therein exercised, and that for the exercise of their Conscience in matters per∣taining unto Religion, who for Conscience sake cannot Swear, because their Master for∣bids them, nor pay Tithes, because their Lord is come who ends the first Priesthood that took Tithes, and is become their Priest, unto whom * 1.11 they could freely give Tithe, Sacrifice, Obla∣tions, &c. But these that be external he wills not, therefore do they freely offer that unto him, which they are sure he will not reject nor despise, to wit, a clean, contrite, and broken Heart, &c. And they who live godlily and un∣reprovably, as becometh right Christians, such I do call Good and True Christians. And for∣as much as I find the People (who in contempt are called QUAKERS oftner than Chri∣stians) in the Light of the Lamb, in his Do∣ctrine, and in the Practices in which the an∣tient Christians were exercised, therefore it is meet that they now should be called The Good or True Christians.

And for the Anti-Christians (i. e. Opposers of, or Adversaries to true Christianity) such I * 1.12 call so, as are found professing Christianity in words, but deny it in works, as some that pro∣fessed in Words they knew God, but in Works they denyed him; so they that profess to be Chri∣stians, * 1.13 and live in all manner of Unchastity, they by their Works deny that which they pro∣fess in words, and so are not worthy to be called Christians, while they are found in that which is against, or contrary to Christianity,

in which thousands of persecuting false Chri∣stians are found; and therefore do I call such Antichristians.

How the Ancient Christians suffered by the Hea∣then; and how true Christians now suffer by the same Spirit of Enmity and Persecution, which is entered into the false Christians, alias Antichristians.

The First Persecution.

WHen that the Jews were bereaved of their Power by the Heathen, and that the time was expired wherein they had so cruelly used the People of God, nevertheless the Christians were not therefore freed from suffering, for they were therein exercised under the Heathens * 1.14 Power, and Nero was said to be the first Ty∣rannical Emperour that persecuted the Chri∣stians; it was called the first Persecution, be∣cause it was under the Emperors Power, and it began in the year 66, after the Birth of Christ, and at that time was chiefly within the City of Rome: About that time did People be∣gin to accuse the Christians, with all manner of Wickedness, and to esteem them as Reprobates, because they did not honour the Gods.

Note, Have not the true Christians suffered in England, under the sundry Powers that have been

of late, even as the Antient Christians suffered under the Iewes. And it appears that when the Iewes were deprived of their Power, then did the Heathens Persecute the Christians; And did not both Protectors and Parliaments persecute the Innocent when they were in Authority? but since they have been deprived of the power, and turned out as the Iewes were, when the Gen∣tiles came to have the preheminence, hath not the King himself become Guilty of their Sin in persecuting or suffering the Innocent to be per∣secuted within his Dominions; And hath not all manner of Evil been spoken of them, and they been accounted unfit to live in either Kingdom or Commonwealth, and that chiefly because they could no more honour that Proud and Ambiti∣ous Spirit which is gotten up in the hearts of Men, then the Antient Christians heretofore could honour the Gods of the Heathen?

The Second Persecution.

IN the Year of our Lord 93. did the second Persecution begin under the Emperour Do∣mitianus, under whom several were put to Death, and about the same time was the Apostle Iohn Banished unto the Island Pathmos, where * 1.15 he Wrote his Revelation; In those days the Christians were so little esteemed, that the Peo∣ple called them Cobler, Weavers, Combers of Wool, Illiterate and exceeding Rustick, or Clownish, yea such as knew no good fashions.

Note. Have not some of the true Christians

been put to death of late in New England? and have not many of them suffered the spoiling of their Goods, and their Bodies to be cast into Prison, to be Whipt, and shamefully intreated by the Anti-Christians, and that about their Re∣ligion? And have not many of the true Chri∣stians * 1.16 been in derision called Coblers, Taylers, Weavers, Plowmen, &c. So little esteem have the true Christians now among the Children of this World, as the Antient Christians heretofore have had among the Children of Men.

The Third Persecution.

IN the Year 102. did the third Persecution be∣gin under the Emperour Trajanus, who tho' he was called a good Emperour, did nevertheless Persecute the Christians, out of Humility to the Gods, in which Persecution several Bishops were put to Death, as the Bishop of Rome, the Bishop of Ierusalem, &c. And at that time the Bishop of Antioch testified, That Sufferings made us like unto Christ, who had suffered for us himself, pre∣paring a way through suffering unto Eternal Life: About the same time did a Governour Write unto the Emperour in the Christians behalf, whereupon the Emperour wrot, That they should seek no more of them, but those they had in Prison should they put to Death.

Note. Without Controversie the Bishop or Pope of Rome, must needs be much degenerated from that State in which those Bishops then were; forasmuch as he now (by that Power

through which they were put to death) doth put others to Death about their Religion, for which they then suffered Martyrdom: From hence it may be observed that the Bishops now, which persecute tender Consciences about Religion, are found rather in the Footsteps of the Heathen, then in the condition of those Bishops that suf∣fered Martyrdom: Moreover in these latter days the Lord hath stirred up some at times to speak a Word, or to Write a few Lines in the behalf of the true Christians unto them in Au∣thority, whereby their hearts have been so far moved and reached, that they have done some∣thing in order to the mitigating of the Suffer∣ings of the Innocent, who at this day share with their Brethren in the Fellowship of the Suffering of the Gospel.

The Fourth Persecution.

IN the year, 164. was the fourth Persecution of the Christians, which arose under the Em∣perour, * 1.17 Marcus Aurelius and Lucias Verus, in which Polycarpus Bishop of Smyrna was put to Death, who had been a Disciple of John, and had been many years in the service of the Lord, as he himself acknowledged; About the same time was Iulianus put to death at Rome, in whose time the Christians were accused for ha∣ving a Fleshly conversion one with another, which he marked to be Lyes by their willingness to Die, and thereby he coming to be Converted, * 1.18 became an Eminent Teacher of the Christians.

At Lyons in France did there go forth a Pro∣clamation, That the Christians might not dwell in their Houses, nor that they must not converse upon the Streets, nor shew their Faces; which being Impossible for them to perform, their sufferings became exceeding great; and in the mean time some of the Slaves gave out that the Christians lived in filthy Lasciviousness among themselves: In this Persecution there was one Lucius put to Death, for reproving the Judge for puting the Christians to crueller Deaths then any other Transgressors.

Note, Though the true Christians now are Vilified and Falsly accused by Anti-Christians as the ancient Christians were in former Ages, yet wise men can see their Innocency, and there∣fore do they love them in their Hearts, and some time some have been Convinced, by beholding the Patience, Long-suffering, and Innecency of the Innocent in these latter days: who now some time do suffer the loss of their Liberty, and the spoyling of their Gods, if not Banishment, either by vertue of Proclamations, or of Decrees, or of corrupt Laws, which true Christians now can * 1.19 no more observe and obey, then the antient Christians observed the aforesaid Preclamation of the King; and this hath been evident, that sundry of the true Christiant in these later days have died in Prison [as some did in the afore∣said Persecution] where they-Sealed their Testi∣mony with their Blood, as many have done be∣fore them: And sometimes it hath hapened that Affliction hath been added to the Bonds of some of the true Christians, when they have

told a Judge or an Inferior Officer, that Male∣factors have had more freedom and liberty then they, and more favour shewn them, by such as were in place of Trust; and this hath been manifest enough in many parts of the Na∣tion as is well knowd to many.

The Fifth Persecution.

IN the year 201. did the fifth Persecution be∣gin under the Emperor Severus, which was * 1.20 hence in part occasioned (to wit) when the Em∣peror had a War, and had gotten the Victory, the Christians kept themselves Still, without making tokens of Joy, with Fires or May-polls, or other Triumphs, according to the manner of the Heathen: Whereupon they accused the Christians out of Envy, as if they had despised and hated the Emperour, and the rather, because the Christians would not Swear by his Fortune: Again, they reported that the Christians blew out their Candles in their Meeting in the Even∣ings, and that they did behave themselves un∣seemly one towards another, so that the Chri∣stians were despised of (almost) all: Something to this purpose Tertullian rehearseth, saying, * 1.21 The Heathen accused the Christians of Meeting together to Sacrifice a Child, and after they had taken away his Life in a Barbarous Super∣stition, that then they committed Incest, (i. e. Carnal knowledge betwixt near Kindred) they al∣so added, That the Christians had Doggs which served to overthrow the Candles, and loosing all

shame in taking the Lights from them, and co∣vering their Actions under the vaile of Dark∣ness, Emboldened them to seek the use of Un∣godly and Sacrilegious (i. e. Abominable) plea∣sures.

Again, (said he) The Christians were accu∣sed of Sacriledge, (i. e. an abusing of Sacraments or Holy Misteryes) for they did not Solemnize with the Heathen the days they Feasted on in Honour to the Emperours with all kind of Beastly Ceremonies, Repugnant (i. e. contrary) to the Christians Modesty, Chastity, and Pu∣rity.

In those days it was a manner among the Christians not to go to any Comedies or Stage-Plays, * 1.22 for they understood, that if they did for∣sake the Devil and all his Works, with the World, that then they must forsake Comedies and Stage-plays: Moreover the Christians said, We re∣nounce (i. e. resign or refuse) your Shews, as we condemn their divers Originals by the know∣ledge we have, that they are effects of Supersti∣tion and Idolatry, &c.

Note. Doth it not from hence plainly appear, that the Tokens of Triumph which are used by Anti-Christians in England, are Heathenish In∣ventions and Traditions, in which many have been found of late who profess themselves to be Christians: Did not many of our English People [who glory so much of Christianity] make Bone-fires [so called] set up May-poles, and In, and With such like Heathenish Inven∣tions, * 1.23 Tryumph when the King was Proclai∣med, when he came to London, and when he

was Crowned? And did not then the true Chri∣stians that Feared the Lord, keep themselves Still and Quiet, like unto the antient Christians? And were not they judged to be Enemies to the King, and Despisers of him, because they did not run with the Multitude to the like ex∣cess of Vanity: But renounced their Idolatrous Superstitious Shewes, which many did not only produce upon the times before mentioned, but which are produced by Popishly affected Anti-christians upon their Popish Holy [but rather Prophane] Days: and upon their Mayor Days, even like unto the Heathen, whose manner was to set forth such vain Shews upon the days on which they Feasted, in whose practise the Anti-Christians are now found, who also are offen∣ded as the Heathen were, when they that fear the Lord do not observe their days and times, which they, or the Heathen have appointed to be Solemnized, which sometime they spend in Voluptuousness, Fulness, and Excess, with all kind of Beastly Ceremonies, (as Tertullian well calls them) which are now indeed as disagree∣ing and contrary to Christians Modesty, Chastity, and Purity, as the Ceremonies were, which the Heathen joyned the Christians to observe.

Moreover the true Christians have been the rather supposed to be Evilly affected to the KING, and to be despisers of him, because they can no more take the Oaths of Allegance (i. e. Obedience of a Subject to his Prince) and Supremay (i. e. chief Authority) then the Christi∣ans heretofore could swear by the Emperours Fortune, for the true Christians now are of Ba∣silides

mind, who said, It did not become him * 1.24 to swear, because he was a Christian, neither would it become them now to do that which their Lord and Master hath forbid, who said, Swear not at all.

Again, Have not the true Christians been also upbraided with such false Accusations, as if they put out their Candles and did behave themselves uncivilly in the Evening Meetings; but let such as have thus falsly accused them see in whose steps and practise they are found.

Moreover it appears, that it was the pra∣ctise of the Heathen to have Comedies, or Stage-Playes, but the Christians manner then, was not to go to them, and behold it is not the man∣ner now of Antichristians to have Comedies, but the manner of the good Christians is not to come at them, except it be to bear a Testimony a∣gainst them; wherefore may not even little Chil∣dren judge, that they who have their Comedies for their pastime, at set times and appointed places that such are in the nature and practise of the Heathen, who derided the Christians and said; Their pleasures were not the Christians, * 1.25 and therefore they had Reason to reject the things which pleased them as they said: even as Anti-Christians now reject Piety and God∣liness which pleaseth the true Christians, who have pleasure in the Lord, and not in Unrighte∣ousness, in which the Apostatized Christians now take pleasure, as the Heathen herefore have done.

The Sixth Persecution.

IN the year 237. did the Sixth Persecution un∣der the Emperour Maximinus arise, who partly out of Envy to his Kinsman Alexander (who had been favourable to the Christians) did persecute the Christians: In which perse∣cution there were many put to death; For the Heathen in those days were so spiteful against the Christians, that when there was an Earth-Quake, or a storm, or the like, they laid the blame upon the Christians, saying, Their Gods * 1.26 were Angry, because their Honour went to no∣thing through the Christians; This Emperour did not Raign very long, therefore did this Per∣secution cease the sooner.

Note. The same spirit of Envy which was in the Heathen, hath often appeared in the Anti-Christians, against the true Christians in these latter days, who have boren a faithful Testi∣mony against the vain Honour of false Christi∣ans, which must be brought to nothing by the Power and People of God, even as the Honour of the Gods, of the Heathen was brought to no∣thing, by the Antient-Christians, who could not bow to the Gods of the Heathen, no more then the true Christians now, can bow to the corrupt wills of Ambitious and unreasonable men, and though the Innocent suffer therefore for the present, yet for their sakes, will the Lord shorten the days of the Wicked, as he did the days of that Persecuting Emperour.

The Seventh Persecution.

IN the year 253. did the Seventh Persecution arise under the Emperour Decius, who with Excessive Cruelty did Persecute the Christians, In this Persecution several of the Bishops were put to death and such as were the chief among the Christians did they torture with many Tor∣ments, and the Houses of the Christians they Plun∣dred, and that which the Plunderers did not esteem that they burned; In this Persecution many suffer∣ed Martyrdom, some being Burned, some Behead∣ed (Women so well as Men) some being whipt to death, and some Souldiers (for Incouraging these Martyrs in their Suffering) were put to death; In this Terrible Persecution several de∣parted from the Faith for fear of the Torments, * 1.27 yet afterwards came to be restored again, the Suffering of the Christians was great under this Emperour, but his days were also shortened, for he had not Raigned two years but was caught in a Whag of Mire, where he met with a check or Reproof for his cruelty.

Note. Thus it appears that the Christians that lived Godly in Christ-Iesus, suffered Persecution, according to what the Apostle hath said; 2 Tim. 3, 12. And many now that live Godly and Righteously do suffer not only the Imprisonment of their Bodies, but also the Spoyling of their Goods, which have been Spoyled both by Priests and People, who have sometime (as it were) Plundred their Houses for their dishonest gain, and they have shewed themselves in their car∣riage

and behaviour to be liker unto the Hea∣then then the suffering Christians; who suffer∣ed their Houses to be Plundred, but we do not Read that they then Plundred the Houses of any, but with patience suffered the Plundring of their Goods, and in this patience and long Suffering are the Christians (that are so not in Name on∣ly, but in Nature) found, in these Perillous times.

Again, have not some Souldiers been turned out of their places, yea and brought into suffer∣ing for countenancing and favouring the Sober, Innocent, true Christians, among whom some for fear of Suffering, may in some respect desert the Truth, as some faithless ones among the ancient Christians did; yet we know certainly there are a Remnant that cannot bow their knee to Baall, but would chuse rather to die the death which many ancient Christians suffered, then they will forsake the Lords Truth, or Transgress his Righteous Law, by breaking his commands.

The Eighth Persecution.

IN the year 259. did the eighth Persecution arise under the Emperour Valerianus, who put forth a Proclamation against the Christians, wherein he forbad their Meetings, and when this Proclamation or Order was not observed, then did there follow a great Persecution of the Christians, in which there was very many put to death, and some were Banished, and they

converted of the Heathen in the place to which they were Banished; but the Emperour under whom the Christians thus suffered, did not go unreproved for his cruelty, for he was taken Prisoner by the King of Persia, who made use of him for a Foot-stool when he got up upon his Horse, &c.

Note. Hath it not happned so in England, that by the Kings Proclamation the Meetings of the true Christians have been forbidden? And when that, they observed the Kings Proclamation no more then the antient Christians observed the Emperours; hath not a great Persecution fol∣lowed? have not many of the Prisons he silled with them, partly because they could not Swear, and partly because they continved their Meet∣ings, when they were forbidden by the Kings Proclamation, as the Religion of the Christians * 1.28 was forbidden by the Laws of the Heathen; and therefore did the Heathen with much rigour pronounce these words unto the Christians, Your Religion is forbidden by the Laws &c. And did not Anti-christians the like, when they abu∣sed them in their Meetings, and broke them up with much Violence; did they not also pro∣nounce these words with much Rigour, Your Meetings are forbidden by the Kings Proclama∣tion, &c.

And forasmuch as the true Christians now have chused rather to suffer Bonds and Impri∣sonment, yea the spoyling of their Goods, and what not? then they would renounce the Faith, deny their Religion, or forsak the Assembling of themselves together; it doth therefore ap∣pear

that the same mind is found in them now, which was heretofore in the antient Christians, who chused rather to suffer the loss of their Lives, then to forsake him, for whose cause they suffered; yet we see their Persecutors did not always go unreproved; Oh! that other Kings, Princes, and Magistrates, would take warning from that which happened to these Persecuting Emperours.

The Ninth Persecution.

IN the year 273. did the ninth Persecution arise under the Emperour Aurelianus, but this Persecution was not so great as the other, because he was cut off by death soon after he had determined the same: yet in this Persecuti∣on was Felix the Bishop of Rome put to Death, with several others here and there in divers places.

Note. Often doth the Lord frustate the pur∣poses, and Determinations of such as conspire Mischief against his People, yea have we not seen sundry Powers overturned in England, and Parliments broken up, and Councels (if not Com∣mittees also) shattered to pieces, when they have been determined to do Wickedly? so that some∣time they have not had power to bring that forth which they had Conceived and brought to the Birth, so mightily hath the Lord con∣founded their Conspiracies and brought their de∣vices to nought, and this the true Christians have concluded to be the Lords doing, which

they have beheld, and which thing hath been indeed marvelous in their Eyes.

The Tenth Persecution.

IN the year 302. begun the Tenth Persecuti∣on, which was so great, that it exceeded all that had been before it, not only in cruelty, but in continuance, for it continued 12 Years, Eusebius (who lived at that time) Writes of it at large in his Eclesiastical History; saying, it was occasioned through the freedom of the Christians, who were come into great Reputa∣tion, and were put in places of Office, to Rule in Countrys and Cities, but through their pros∣perity and voluptuousness, Brotherly Love came to decrease, Haughtyness and Pride got up, and in stead of the worship of God, an insolent au∣thority begun to get up in the Church of the Christians; And at that time the Emperour Diocletianus gave forth a Proclamation, wherein he commanded that all the Christian Churches should be pulled down, and the Holy Scriptures Burned, and that the Christians should be tur∣ned out of their places, with other such like things.

After that there came another Order that they should cause the chief of of the Church to offer unto Idols, or else they were to be put to death, then did they begin to Rack, Torture, and put to death such as resisted, and some were constrained to offer.

This Persecution hegun as a little sparke,

but it spread over the whole Church, and the Persecution was so hot and great that the Per∣secutors themselves were troubled if not wear∣yed; In Syria there was so many of the Chri∣tians in hold that their Prisons were filled with * 1.29 them, and with joy they went unbound to their death,

Eusebius Writes how that many of the Chri∣stians had their Ears cut off, and their Noses slit, and other of their Members were cut off also, but they who caused it to be thus done unto the Christians, did not escape the Hand of the Lord, For Diocletianus who had endeavoured to root out the Name of Christians, did never∣theless see in his Old Age that the Christians flourished, at which he was troubled and killed himself; and Maximinianus another Persecutor, was terribly perplexed with Pain in his Bowels and other Misery which came upon him, the Hand of the Lord was heavy upon others, who had Persecuted the Christians, yea and some was made to confess that they had deserved the Iudgement from the Hand of the Lord.

Note. As the Christians were then much prejudiced by their external Prosperity, and Preferment, so have many Thousands been Since; And (it's like) the most of the Sects that are yet in being among the Christians may experience somthing of this (to wit) that their great external liberty, and Prosperity in the flesh, with their Promotion and Preferment in the World hath been a great Snare unto them, as it was unto the Antient Christians, who afterwards felt the Chastizing hand of the

Lord, and if all wanton Persecuting Christians in Europe and all the World over felt the same, it might (I am perswaded) be good for the humbling of them, who have exalted themselves higher then ever the Lord exalted them; and so are become Haughty and insolent, the Bro∣therly Love being Extinguished, and so have set up an Usurpation of Authority in matters of Religion, concerning the Worship of God; But Oh, will not the Lord visit for these things, will he not avenge his Soul of such Hypocritical Anti Christians, who are now found Persecu∣ting and shamefully intreating the Lambs of God, with whom in those latter days Prisons have been filled, and some of them have had their Ears cut off, and the Lives of others have been taken away, and that by professing [but Persecuting] Christians who have run on in their Blind Zeal in Persecuting the Innocent and Harmless Christians; and sometime the remakeable hand of the Lord hath been up∣on their Persecutors, though others have not laid it to Heart, yet they that have felt it, have Mourned under it, and therefore true is that saying.

Qui ante non cavet, post dolebit

The Eleventh Persecution.

IN the year 316 did the Eleventh Persecution of the Christians arise, under the Emperour Licinius; who formerly had been inclining to the Christians and a favourer of them, yet af∣terwards

did he Imitate the Wickedness and Impiety of other Tyrants, for he by his Injun∣ctions gave Commandment, that no Charrity should be extended to the Christians, for they that shewed them favour were to be Punished like the rest. In this Persecution the Bodies of some were cut in small pieces and thrown into the Sea, for to feed the Fish: And the flattering Presidents to gratify this Tyrant Tormented such as had done no Evil, even as if they had been Murtherers, but when the Emperour Constantine could bear his Wickedness no longer he made War with him and overcame him, then did this Persecution cease, by whose means also the Christians lived in External Peace and * 1.30 Tranquillity, but after this Peace there ensued Wars and deadly hatred among the Christians themselves.

Note. Many were the Tribulations of the Antient Christians, during the time of these Persecutions whereof I writ, howbeit it is very like that then true Brotherly Love abounded among them, and that they had a perfect fellow feeling of one anothers Sufferings, for their Hearts was bound up in the bond of Love, while they were kept in the unity of the Faith, and exercised together in the fellowship of the sufferings of the Gospel; But when these pro∣fitable Chastizments ceased, and that they who succeeded in the places of those Persecutors be∣came the great Friends and Favourers of the Christians, so that they thereby came to enjoy external Peace, ease in the Flesh, and liberty in the outward; How soon then did they En∣tertain

Prejudice and Evil, surmizing one a∣gainst another, how then did they begin to rend and tear one another, and that often about their * 1.31 Bishopricks, an Benefects? How then did they run into Sects, heaps, and Partys, and how did they weary the Emperour [their special Friend] with their complaints one against ano∣ther, and with the perpetul strife, and di∣vision that superabounded among them? To demonstrate these things at large, would require. a greater Volum then I intend to make at this time, and particularly to prescribe them would ask more time then at present I have to spend about this matter, yet thus much I may avouch or boldly affirm, that in those days many evils crept in among Christians, which unto this day could not be totally excluded root and Branch; And about that very time when the Church was thought to Flourish most of all, did many hurt∣ful Weeds and degenerat Plants took rooting, which have much more thriven and grown a∣mong the Anti-Christians, then the Seed of the Kingdom, which Seed hath been so overgrown and overtopt, that, that little which yet there∣of remains, is as hard to be found now in the * 1.32 Children of Men, as Faith wili be to be found upon the Earth at the coming of the Son of Man.

The Twelfth Persecution.

IN the year 362 did the Twelfth Persecution arise under the Emperour Julianus the Apo∣state

(i. e. one that revolted from true Religion who had been accounted a Christian, but was an Hyprocritical dissembler, and counterfeated a Monkish life, who being sent into France by the Emperour to make War with the Bar∣barians, and obtaining some notable Victo∣ries was afterwards Proclaimed Emperour by the Souldiers, and then did he set wide open the Temples and Idoll groves, and Sacrificed to Pictures and Intituled himself an High Priest.

Then the Pagans at Alexandria stomaked the Christians, and that the more, because they went about to disclose unto the World the Pa∣gans Pictures, to the end their fond Ceremonies might be derided of all Men: Whereupon they Boyled within themselves for Anger, and took what first came to their Hands, set upon them; * 1.33 and Slew of them every kind of way, so that some were run through with Swords, some o∣thers Brained with Clubs, other some Stoned to Death, some Strangled with Haltors about their Necks; in the end (as commonly it fal∣leth out in such hurly-burlies) they held not their Hands from their dearest Friends (for one Brother sought the other Brothers. Life, one Friend fell upon another, yea the Parents put their Children to death, and to be short, the one cut the others Throat.

Moreover the Emperour Julianus gave out a Proclamation, that such as would not renounce the Christian Faith mould Warfare no longer in the Emperours Palace, likewise that all should prepare themselves to Sacrifice, and that no Christian should bear office in the common * 1.34

Wealth; For their Law (saith he) forbideth the use of the Sword unto such as deserved death, and therefore they are not fit to be Magistrates.

Afterwards he devised a certain slight to wring Money from the Christians, for he set a great fine upon the Heads of such as would not Sacrifice, and the Tax was very grievous and duly demanded of the Christians; Then did the Heathen insult over the Christians, and the Governours of Provinces, suposing now that it was High Tyde for them under colour of the Emperours Religion to make up their Bagges, vexed the Christians far sorer then the Emper∣ours * 1.35 Proclamation bore them out, demanded greater Tax then they were sessed at, and some time Tormented their Bodys.

The Emperour understanding of their doings winked at them, and answered the Christians, which complained unto him in this sort, it is your part when you have injuries offered unto you, to take the same patiently, for so your God com∣manded you.

The Emperour made a Law that the Chri∣stians should not be trained up in prophane Li∣terature (i. e. learning, or cunning, Grammer Writing) for (saith he) seeing they have the gift of utterance so readily, they shall easely be able to overthrow the quirks of Logick where∣with the Gentills (i. e. Heathen) do uphold their Doctrine &c.

Note. As this Apostatized Emperour Julia∣nus exceeded many of his Predecessors in Sub∣tilty and Wickedness, even so have many Apo∣statized

professing Christians, exceeded the common sort of Ignorat People in Hypocrisie and Craftiness, in Deceipt and Spiritual Wick∣edness, so that the Sufferings of the true Chri∣stians have been very great under such, as they were, under this Emperour Iulianus, and as theirs are at this present; whose Sufferings are augmented oftentimes through the Covetousness and Cruelty of Inferiour Magistrates, whose Wickedness now is not only wincked and con∣nived at, but Tollerated and Countenanced by their Superiors: Hath not this been appearent * 1.36 enough at sundry times in Englland, where the chief Officers have been privy to the unjust and illegal proceedings of their under Officers, and yet they have passed it by, as if it had not been worthy of Reproof; in the mean time the Innocent, Harmless and true Christians they have suffered the spoyling of their Goods, and that because they would not Swear, nor Pay Tythes to an Hireling Priest, nor be conform∣able to the National way of Worship for Consci∣ence sake, no more then the antient Christians could Sacrifice, or Uphold the Worship of the Heathenish Gods, for the refusing of which they suffered as before mentioned, but it was indeed by and under the Heathen, who did nei∣ther owne nor profess the Doctrine of Christ, like as the antient Christians doe, who in many things are found as much out of it, as the Hea∣then were, and so consequently rather in the practise of the Heathen, then in his Doctrine, who said, Love your Enemies, Bless them that Curse you, do good to them that hate you, and

Pray for them which Dispitefully use and Perse∣cute you. Math. 5. 44. But this Doctrine is lit∣tle more regarded by some Anti-Christians, then by the Heathen themselves, whose manner was to uphold their Doctrine by quirks of Logick, even as the Priests do now, for when they can∣not * 1.37 uphold their Doctrine, and maintain their Religion by Spiritual Weapons, then will they betake themselves unto their quirks of Logick, and when they are Insufficient for them, then do they ordinarly make their addresses unto them in Authority, for to crave their help and assistance, but this was not the practise of the ancient Christians, neither is it the matter of the true Christians now, but the custom of the Anti-Christians, who are found in the practise of the Heathen.

I have read, how that when the Nicene Coun∣sel was Sommoned, which consisted of above three hundred Bishops, besides the Priests, Dea∣cons and others which were heard to be num∣bered, the Logicians busied themselves, pro∣pounding against divers others certain pream∣bles of Disputation, and when divers were there drawn to disptuation, and allured as it were by bait; a Lay-man (that is not one of the Clergy, who was of a simple and sincere mind, set himself against the Logitians, and told them * 1.38 thus in plain words, That neither Christ nor his Apostles had delivered unto us the Art of Logick, neither vain Falacies (i. e. crafty devises) but an * 1.39 open and plain mind to be preserved of us with Faith and good Works. Afterwards the Logitians quieted themselves and held with his Sentence, Logick.

Note. Thus we see that this Art of Logick (in which the Heathens were very expert, and by the quirks of which they upheld their Do∣ctrine was not approved of by all the ancient Christians, tho is begun to creep in amongst them when they Appostized, but by some it was testified against then, as it is now, by the true Christians, who are in the life and power of Godliness, which was before this Sophiestical and deceitful Art was, by the quirks of which, Persecutors have upheld their Doctrine, and by the quirks of it, Persecutors do uphold their Doctrine; but so did not Christ, nor his Apostles, nor the ancient suffering Christians, neither doth the true Christians now, who a∣bide in the Light and Doctrine of their Lord and Master, who is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, blessed for ever more.

The Histories do relate, that in these twelve Persecutions which were against the Christian Church, the Blood of about five hundred thou∣sand was shed; and that among all these that Suffered, there was not one that by Weapons revenged himself, but patience was their Ar∣mour, and thereby did they conquer the seve∣rity of the Emperours: Relig. Vryh. Lib. 1. Fol. 198.

Note. Therefore such Christians now as suf∣fer patiently for Righteousnes sake, without re∣sisting or revenging themselves by violence with carnal Weapons, are rather found in the Spirit and Practise of the ancient Christians, then re∣vengeful persecuting men, who are commonly called Christians, yet do not only do wrong to

their Brethren and Fellow Creatures, but are also found revenging themselves of the wrong done unto them by others, contrary to the Do∣ctrine of the Apostle, and contrary to the Pra∣ctise of the ancient Christians, in which Do∣ctrine and Practise the true Christians are found.

Thus have I very briefly run through these twelve remarkable Persecutions which were Sustained by the Antient Christians under the Heathen.

Here followeth a short Relation of some Persecu∣tion, which was by some false Christians after they were Apostatized from the Faith, and Pa∣tience, Love and long Suffering, which the true Christians retained while they abode in the Do∣ctrine of their Lord and Master.

THe first Persecuting Christians were called Arians from one Arius a Priest at Alexan∣dria, a Man very skilful in the subtilties of So∣phistical Logick, who reasoned thus, saying, If the Father begat the Son, then had the Son * 1.40 which was begotten a beginning of Essence; here∣by it is manifest (said he) that there was a time when the Son was not, and the consequent to follow necessarily, that he had his Essence of nothing. When he had with this strange kind of Doctrine concluded and laid down this position, he pro∣voked many to reason hereof, so that of a small

spark a great Fire was kindled; And for the debating of this, with a controversie that was in the Church about the Feast of Easter, was the Nicene Counsel Sommoned; And when the Ari∣ans had got the Emperour on their sides, then did they set up themselves and did boast of the * 1.41 Emperours Religion, and by force of Arms did they Instal (i. e. Consecrate) one Lucius an Arian in the Bishoprick at Alexandria; And they laid hands or Peter that before was Bishop and clapt him in Prison, and the rest of the Clergy the Banished, some unto one place, and some unto another; And horible Acts was committed af∣terwards against' such as inhabited the rest of Egypt, by Imprisoning of some, Tormenting of o∣thers, Exileing (i. e. banishing) of the rest; then did the world begin to favour the Ariens much, and after the Emperours Edict (i. e. Ordinance or Proclamation) was Proclaimed, the Houses of the Righteous in the Desert were spoiled, over∣thrown and cruely beaten to the ground; the armed Souldiers set upon the silly and unarmed People (who stretched not out a Hand for their own defence) and slew them miserably: The * 1.42 History saith, That the manner of the Slaugh∣ter was so Lamentable, that it cannot sufficient∣ly be manifested unto the World,

And when the Emperour Valens, had by Law ordained that Persecution should be raised a∣gainst all that maintained the Faith of one Sub∣stance, then was many brought before the Bar, many clapt up in Prison, others diversly Tormen∣ted, for they vexed them with sundry Punishments which led a Peaceable and quiat Life, and many

of them were set at nought, Scourged, Spoyled of * 1.43 their Rayment, Fettered in Prison, Grushed with Stones, Beheaded with Bloody Swords, Shut up in the Desert, covered with sheep and goats Skins, desti∣tute of aid and succour, grievously afflicted wonder∣fully troubled with the Adversary, many wandred in deserts and dangerous ways, they hid themselves in Mountains, in Denns, in Caves, and hollow Rock's; These afflctions they suffered for their Faith, and for their Works; After that these notable men through their invinciblé patience and sufferance had overcome the sundry and manifold torments: Lucius (that Persecut∣ing Bishop) perswaded the Captain to exile the Father and Ring Leaders of these Religious * 1.44 Men, and they were Banished into an Island, where there was not a Christian, yet it is said, That they converted both Priest and People unto the Christian Faith.

When the World favoured the Arians in this sort, they set up themselves, they crowed in∣solently * 1.45 over the Christians, they Scourged, Re∣viled, Imprisoned, and laid upon them all the grie∣vous and intollerable Burthens they could devise; The true Christians being thus oppressed with extream dealing went unto the Emperour, be∣sought of him, that if not altogether, yet at least wise, he would ease them of some part of their troubles: but he was their deadly foe and the cause of their calamity; for when eighty of the Clery were sent in the name of all the rest to him, to open their grief unto him, and they certified unto him the injuries which they sustained at the hands of the Arians: he, altho'

he was very much incensed against them, yet concealed he his displeasure until that privily he had commanded his Lieutenant to lay them in * 1.46 hold, and to punish them with Death: And then he made them believe that he would Banish them the Country, which they seemed to take in good part, and they going Aboard and taking Shiping, as if they were to be conveyed into Forrain and far Countries: but the Lieu∣tenant charged the Marriners, that when they came in the main Sea, they should set the Ship on Fire, so that dying in that sort they should have none to bury them, and so they did, and in the end, the Ship, with the Christians that were in her, were consumed to Ashes, but it is reported that this horrible act was not long after reven∣ged, for immediately the Land was Plagued with a sore and lamentable Famine.

Again there was a certain man called Moses, who led in the desert the Monastical (i. e. Solitry or Comfortless) trade of life, but for his Zeal, Faith and Godliness, and for the strange Mi∣racles wrought by him, he was Famous among all men: And a certain Queen called Mavia, required of the Romans this Moses to be her Bishop. Moses therefore was taken from the Wilderness, and sent to Alexandria for Orders, and when Moses was come in the presence of Lucius, the Persecuting Bishow before mention∣ed, * 1.47 he refused to receive Orders at his hands, reasoning with him in this sort: I think my self unworthy of the Priestly Order; yet if it be for the profit of the Common wealth that I be called unto the Function, truly thou Lucius shalt never

lay hand upon my Head, for thy right hand is imbrued with Slaughter and Bloodshed. Then Lucius said again, that it became him not so contumeously to revile him, but rather to learn of him the precepts of Christian Religion; Mo∣ses answered, I am not come now to reason of mat∣ters of Religion, but sure I am of this, that thy Horrible Practises against the brethren, prove thee to be altogether void of the true principles of Chri∣stian Religion; for the true Christian striketh no Man, fighteth with no man: for the servant of God should be no fighter: But thy deeds in exile∣ing of some, throwing of others to wild beasts, burning of some others, do cry out against thee: yet are wee surer of the thing we see with our eyes then of these we hear with our ears: This hap∣pened * 1.48 in the year of our Lord 272: In which time it came to pass that the Meetings of the Christians were forbidden: And upon a certain time there was a Woman that went very zeal∣ously with her Child towards the Meeting of the Christians, and being asked of the Judge whither she was going, she replyed and said, * 1.49 to the meeting of the Christians, to die there a Martyr with this Child: with which Answer the Judge was so Smitten that he ceased Persecut∣ing.

In the 1035 did Berengarius with the Bishop Bruno in France begin to teach against Infants Babtizm, and Transubstantiation (i. e. a chang∣ing of one substance into another, as the Papists Imagine the Bread and Wine to be changed into the Body of Christ, through, or after Consecration, which Doctrine begun presently to spread it

self through France and Germany; against which * 1.50 Pope Leo IX. held two Synods in the year 1050 one at Rome and another at Vercle, in which the opinion of these two were Condemned.

In the year 1126 did Peter de Brusius teach a∣gainst Infants Babtizm, Transubstantiation, pray∣ing for the dead and such like things, which he Preached near upon twenty years, and finally because of this Doctrine, was he Burned: for * 1.51 then was the Pope begun to follow the Foot steps of the Arrians, in Persecuting men to death for their Religion, though it was not the pra∣ctise of the Apostles.

In the year 1139 did Arnaldus teach against * 1.52 Infants Babtism, Transubstantiation and other things, but the Pope Innocentus the Second, commanded him to be Silent, fearing least he should spread this Doctrine much; There was * 1.53 one Peter Abailardus of the same opinion: And to this opinion many of the Clergy were brought, insomuch that three Popes had enough to do, one after another, to reduce them to their Su∣perstition: Afterwards this Abailardus was ap∣prehended and Burned to ashes in Rome.

Moreover there arose some who suffered themselves to be called Apostolical, because they said they walked in the footsteps of the Apo∣stles: They rejected Infants Babtism, the Purga∣tory, praying for the dead, and calling upon the Saines with other of the Romish Ceremonies, they also rejected the priests that led a Sinful Life; These were called Unlearned Blockish Clowns.

In the year 1176, There was a People rai∣sed up in the province of Albi in France, whose

opinion was (as Baronius writes) That Infants Babtism was not necessary to Salvation; That an unworthy Sinful Priest, could not administer the Sacrament, that none should be Bishops except they were unreprovable, that men should build no Churches to the Honour of God, nor to the Honour of the Saints, and that it was unlawful to Swear, neither would they receive the Doctors Interprita∣tions. These people (saith Baron) were taken into the protection of some Princes and Rulers, against whom the Pope made War because they * 1.54 would not Persecute them, and expel them out of their Country.

In the year 1178. The King of France and the King of England, observing how these Peo∣ple did daily increase; They concluded toge∣ther per force of Arms to expel them out of their Coasts; But changing their mind, they first la∣boured to convert them by the Clergy: And to that end was there many Bishops and lear∣ned men sent to convert these (whom they juged to be Heriticks) by their Sermons: but withal they sent several men with their Clergy: that in case they with their Sermons, reasons and Arguments could not overcome them, that then the other should fall upon them and drive them out. And when the Bishops with their Traine were come to the City Toulous, where the a∣foresaid People were; They ingaged the Ci∣tizens by an Oath to discover them they knew to be of this People. And among the rest there was one Peter Moranus discovered, and being examined he made a confession of his Faith freely, and therefore was he presently condem∣ned

for a Heritick, and all his goods were Con∣fiseated, with his sumpteous House in which he had holden Meetings, and part of it was de∣molished: But this Faithless Peter when he saw this Storm, begun to fear and begun to be sorrowful seemingly, and begged forgiveness; And it was granted him with this condition, that one Bishop with another man should whip him, he going naked and barefoot towards the Church, and that three years long he must go Pilgrimage to Ierusalem, (which then was be∣come a fashion among the Apostazed Christians) * 1.55 and when the three years were expired, he was to have his Confiseated Goods again.

Now others of the aforesaid people observ∣ing this, begun somewhat to fear, and some seemed to recant, but when there was an Oath required of them, they refused to take it, where∣upon they were rejected as Heriticks and after∣wards were Banished: And it was comman∣ded that all the Catholicks should shun them; and that all Princes should expel them out of their Countrys.

In the year 1199 the the aforesaid people be∣gun to be dispersed in many Citys and Coun∣trys, and their Doctrine begun to spread ex∣ceedingly yea through the most part of Europe That the Popes with the assistance of the Princes and secular powers, had enough to do to root out the same, First they endeavoured by disputing and afterwards by Banishment, and lastly by all manner of Torturing, Burning Hanging and cruell Bloodsheding, so that the whole World seemed to be as in an uproar: And this was all about Religion.

When that the Christians had gotten the pow∣er * 1.56 into their own Hands (I mean the secular or earthly Power) then did they by that pow∣er Persecute as they had been persecuted, Compel, as they had been complled, and put men to Death about their Relegion, as their Bretheren had been put to Death for their Religion; And with this thing the Church of Rome hath not only corrupted her self, but the most of the Sects that have come out of her, when they got the carnal Sword in their Hands, then did they en∣deavour to defend their Sect, their Religion, their Worship, and their Discipline with that Sword, which may kill the Body, but connot slay nor destroy the Spiritual Wickedness in the Body, which at this day abounds among Anti-Christians, who are yet Persecuting about Worship, Faith, Religion and things of this Nature, as their forefathers, the Arrians did; in whose steps most of the professors have been found, who wrestle with flesh and blood; And when that their Clargy could not prevail with their Original, with their Philosophy, with their quirks of Logick; nor with their strong reasons and Ar∣guments; then were they to have the help of the Civil Magistrate, unto whom they have cryed for help, as the Jews did unto the men of Israel, and often have they combined together for to kill and destroy, that which God had made alive, * 1.57 yea and to extinguish that which he had kind∣led, as appears from what I have rehearsed; And the same Spirit of enmity (which hath been in the World since the beginning) hath appea∣red often, against the work of God and his In∣struments,

as it now hath appeared against the true Christian-Quakers, who are found in the footsteps of the suffering (but not of the Perse∣cuting) Christians.

I might here add, very much concerning the terrible and redious Persecution in Iermany, and in the Low-Countrys, which begun in the year 1524. And continued untill the year 1641. A∣bout the beginning of which, the Emperour put forth a Proclamation, wherein it was contained, That all such as were found stained or polluted * 1.58 with the cursed Sect of Anabaptism (for so he called it) of what state or condition soever they were, their adhaerents and compliences, were to forfeit both their Lives and Estates, and were to be brought to the utmost punishment without any delay, especially those that conti∣nued constant, and that had Baptized any, likewise they that had the name of Prophets, Apostles, or Bishops, they were to be Burned: And all other sorts of people that were baptiz∣ed, or had entertained any of the aforesaid A∣nabaptists, though they renounced that oppinion and were truly sorry for what they had done, yet were they to be drowned: And for the better manifesting of the Wederdoopers the Em∣perour expressly commanded all his Subjects, that they manifested the same to the Officer, of the place where they lived, or where they were found: And if any knew of them, and did not manifest the same to the Officer, or Officers of the place, such were to be punished, as Favourers of, complyers, with, and adhae∣rents to the aforesaid Sect: And such as did dis∣cover

the same, were to have the third part of the partys confiscated goods.

Moreover he forbad all his Subjects, to re∣require or further any mercy, favour or for∣givness, for the aforesaid Wederdoopers, or A∣nabaptists, or to occasion request, or shew any petition on their behalf in pain of being arbi∣trarily punished; Forasmuch as he would not allow that any of the aforesaid people (because of their Wicked oppinion as he called it) should be received into mercy or favour, but they should be severly punished, to be made examples to the rest, without any dissimulation, favour or delay. This was given out at Brussel and Printed the 10 day of Iuly (so called) Anno 1535.

When this same came to be Proclaimed, most terrible Persecutions did follow, and great Ha∣vock was made of these People, The cruelty of their Persecutors towards them, the severity▪ o•…•… their Punishments, by terrible Tortures and sad Imprisonments, with the sundry sorts of Cruel Deaths which they suffered in this sore Persecu∣tion, would be to tedious for me now to re∣hearse perticulerly, together with the reproach of the Wicked, the threatning of Tyrants, how they would not fly when they were apprehen∣ded, though sometimes they had oppertunity, how they were hindred from praying at the time of execution, how the Rulers were devi∣ded among themselves concerning them, and somtimes the wrath of the furious Magistrats was mitigared, and they brought to a sence of the suffering Sufferers, and laid down their Com∣missions,

comforted the Sufferers, and prayed for Forgiveness: And likewise how the Sufferers were prevented from Speaking, sometimes with Bridles, sometimes with Balls in their Mouths, and sometimes with Cords or Ropes, sometimes by Drums, sometimes having their Tongue bound, with other Inhumane Devices: And what Iudgment fell upon their Persecu∣tors? These things to demonstrate at large, (I say) would require a far greater Vo∣lume than I am now determined to publish; and them to Compose, Translate, and Tran∣scribe, would ask more time than I can now well spare, having the weight of a weightier Service upon me; yet for the Reader's better satisfaction, I shall here rehearse what Articles were charged against one of them, with a hint of the manner of this suffering, whereby he may the better judge how and for what the rest suffered.

First Article.

• THat he and his Adhaerents had done contrary to the Emperours Proclamation.
• 2. That he had taught and believed, that the Sacrament was not the Body and Blood of Christ,
• 3. That he had taught and believed, that In∣fant Baptisme was not profitable to Salvation.
• 4. That he had rejected the Sacrament of Anointing with Oyle.
• 5. That he had rejected and despised Mary the Mother of God.
• ...

• 6. That he had said, that Men should not Swear to, or before the Magistrate.
• 7. That he had begun a new and an unheard of Custome of the Lords Supper, laying Bread and Wine in a Platter, and hath eaten the same.
• 8. That he was gone out of the Order, and had taken a Wife.
• 9. That he had said, If the Turk came into the Country he would not resist him, and that if it were lawsul to Fight, he would rather draw•…•…a Sword against the Christians, than against the Turks.

These were the Articles that were drawn up against him, which were looked upon as hai∣nous things against their Holy Faith, and their Mother the Holy Church (as they called it and especially the last of the nine, concerning which he gave them this reason, saying, Den Turck is een rechten Turck, ende en weet van dat Christen Geloove niet, ende is een Turck mae den vleesche: Maet shy wilt Christe∣nen zijn, ende veroemt u Christi, maer •…•…hy vervolght de broom Getuygen Christi ende zijt Curcken na den Geest. Which by Inter∣pretation is, The Turk is a right Turk, and knoweth nothing of the Christian Faith, and so is a Turk according to the Flesh; But you will be Christians, and you will Glory of Christ? and yet persecuted the honest or Faithful Witnesses of Christ, and so are Spiritually Turks.

Afterwards the Magistrates laughed at his answer and reason, cast their heads together, and the Recorder spoke to him, saying, Yen, thou Infamous, Devil and Monk, should men dis∣pute

with thee; yea the Hangman shall dispute with thee, believe me that. Michael Sadler (for so he was called) said, What the Lord will, that shall come to pass. Recorder, Thou devilish Heretick I tell thee, that if there were not a Hangman, I would hang thee my self, and think that I did God good service thereby. After other words that passed betwixt them, there was one that stood by M. S. and drew out a Sword that lay upon the Table, saying to M. With this shall Men dispute with thee. When some asked him, why he did not continue a Lord in the Cloyster, he answer∣ed and said, That according to the Flesh he was a Lord, but, said he, it is better to be thus: After these things had passed, his Sentence was read, which was to this purpose, That he should be de∣livered over to the Hangman, and that he should cut out his Tongue, and that afterwards he should be cast upon a Waggon, and that his Flesh should be twice torn with Hot Glowing Tongues, and that afterwards he should be brought withhot the Port, and there Tortured, and afterwards as a Heretick Burned to Ashes. Thus it was done to him, and so was he Martyred; his Brethren were Exe∣cuted with the Sword, his Wife and Sisters were Drowned, Anno 1527. And these were the fruits of the False Christians, who were be∣come as cruel Persecutors, as the Iews and Hea∣then had done of the true Christians: which thing I determined to manifest according to what I have in part done, through the help and assistance of him that put it into my heart to undertake this matter.

The People that suffered in this Persecution were upbraided with Ian van Leyden, his Consorts, and that bloody and ambitious Insurrection which hap∣pened at Munster, even as the Christian-Quakers have been upbraided with that infortunate and un∣happy Insurrection, which of late happened through wilful Men at London.

Note. The Baptists themselves do confess, that they are very much fallen and degenerated from that state and condition, in which they were, that then suffered Martyrdom.

How the Papists once cryed out against forcing of Conscience: How Calvin was against it, and for it: How Luther and they that owned him were intreated, when they renounced Popery, and when the Protestants begun to persecute.

THE Papists themselves (who have been the greatest Persecutors of any that ever pro∣fessed Christianity) when they were much con∣quered in the Low-Countries, and came to be persecuted by such as they had persecuted; then they themselves cryed out against forcing of Conscience as an unfitting thing, and then could they say also, that the Conscience ought to be free, &c. this appears by their Remonstrations, Requests, and Apologies: Vide Merckteyck, pag. 126.

Calvin, Swinglius, and others, before they had gotten the power in their hands, they car∣ried themselves meek and lowly, and condemn∣ed

Persecutors, but when they were become strong and mighty, then did they glory in their Magnificence, and begun to beat their fellow Creatures; yet when Calvin was persecuted himself, he blamed such as sought to compel others to believe by corporal Punishments; but afterward he himself taught that Hereticks * 1.59 might be punished with the Sword: Merck∣teyck, pag. 151, 153.

When Luther renounced Popery, then was he looked upon as a Devil in Man's shape, and as a Veterator (i. e. an old experienced crafty De∣ceiver, or a subtle Knave;) yea, as a wicked shameless Man that bewitched People; and the * 1.60 Lutherans were looked upon in the general for the shamefull est People that were to be found upon the Earth, and not worthy that the Sun should shine upon them, and in those Days Peo∣ple were to burn them for Hereticks, with∣out shewing them mercy. Bond. hist. lib. 40. f. 449.

Afterwards when they were grown mighty, * 1.61 then they contended with others about Religi∣on, and run out in bitter Scolding, Blasphem∣ing, partial Judgment, and condemning others that came out of Popery, so well as the Papists, and that not only in their Pulpits, but also with their Libels.

Likewise in the Low-countries the Reformed Remonstrants scolded at, and reviled the Contra-Remonstrants; notwithstanding the Proclama∣tion of the Lords, the Remonstrants were cryed out against as Pelagians, Socinians, &c. yea, as Papists, Traytors, and Enemies of

the Country. Acerba•…•… fratrum bella, Prov. 18, 19.

As for the Arminians, they were accused for bringing in Atheism, (i. e. the damnable Opinion of the Atheists) for being Hereticks; yea, more hurtful and more dangerous than the Arrians, Macedonians, and other Sects, and it was said of them, that they Damned themselves before God; with all that heard them.

And upon a certain time, when the Priests were met together at Harlem, they desired (for the Defence of their Religion, that the Procla∣mation against the Arminians might be renew∣ed, published, and put in execution. Thus the Priests manifested the same evil Spirit of Perse∣cution to be in their Hearts, which was in the Papists, whom they pretended to renounce in Words, yet they retained their envious Spirit, which could bear others no more that differed from them, than the Papists could bear them.

The Histories do shew how that after the Protestant Church, had been about ten Years, * 1.62 then did they put forth a Proclamation against the Wederdoopers, (i. e. such as were Baptized a∣gain, or Anabaptists as they are commonly called in England) wherein they commanded all the Inhabitants of the Land, to discover unto their Officers the Wederdoopers, to prevent their mul∣tiplying, (it is said) they were determined to put them to Death, with their adhaerents, ac∣cording to their Laws, &c, Merck-teyck, pag. 154.

Thus it appears from what I have here brief∣ly instanced, that the Protestants so well as the

Papists, have been out of the right way, and that they have run in the way of the persecut∣ing Iews, persecuting Gentiles, and persecuting Arrians, who are said to be the first that per∣secuted under the Name of Christians; but since many Sects have followed their pernicious ways, rather than the practise of the ancient Christians, who stretch'd not forth a Hand in their own Defence (as it is said) when they were persecuted, but both Papists, Lutherans, Calvinists, (otherwise Presbyterians) Arminians, Independants, and many of the Wederdoopers have shewed themselves to be of another Spirit since they degenerated from that Glory and Power; Love and Life, Meekness and Long∣suffering, Patience and Purity, which abound∣ed among the ancient Christians in the Primi∣tive Church, unto which the Eternal God hath again restored a Remnant, who at this time suf∣fer, as the manner of their Fellow Citizens hath been who are gone before. And such as are now found in the Life and Power of the Truth, they are at this Day judged by Papists, by Lu∣therans, by Arminians, by Presbyterians, by In∣dependants and Paptists, &c. as the Lutherans and others were, when they renounced Popery: And the Sects now, that are among the Prote∣stants, are as apt to hate and cast out their Bre∣thren from among them, when they come to walk in a more excellent way than the rest of their Sect, as the Papists were, to persecute them that renounced Popery; therefore are the Protestants so well degenerated as the Papists; witness their daily Practises.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Gen. 6. 5. 12, 13.
• * 1.2

  Gen. 37.
• * 1.3

  Exod. 1. 12, 14.
• * 1.4

  Ier. 37.
• * 1.5

  John 18. 31.
• * 1.6

  Acts 24.
• * 1.7

  Acts 6.
• * 1.8

  Acts 8.
• * 1.9

  Acts 13. 50. Chap. 14. Chap. 17.
• * 1.10

  Who are Christians
• * 1.11

  Psal. 51. 16, 17.
• * 1.12

  Who are Antichri∣stians.
• * 1.13

  Tit. 1. 16.
• * 1.14

  Baron. 66 num. 1.
• * 1.15

  Origen Lib. 13.
• * 1.16

  Christians. now vili∣fied as for∣merly.
• * 1.17

  Baron. An. 164. Num. 2.
• * 1.18

  Euseb. l. 4. c. 16.
• * 1.19

  Christians no•…•… are in the same mind as formerly.
• * 1.20

  Baron. An. 100. Num 2.
• * 1.21

  Tertul. 30. pag. 127.
• * 1.22

  The anti∣ent Chri∣stians would not go to any Ceremo∣nies.
• * 1.23

  Heathnish inventi∣ons.
• * 1.24

  Euseb. l. 6. ch. 4.
• * 1.25

  The Hea∣thens plea∣sures were not the Christians
• * 1.26

  The Honour of the Gods decayed.
• * 1.27

  How some fell from the Faith, in the time of Tryal.
• * 1.28

  Tertul. Apol. pa. 19.
• * 1.29

  Prisons fill'd with Christians
• * 1.30

  Socra. 1. l. ch. 2.
• * 1.31

  How evils crep in a∣mongst the Chr∣stians.
• * 1.32

  Luke 18. 8.
• * 1.33

  Socrat. l. 3 c. 2.
• * 1.34

  thap. 11.
• * 1.35

  chap. 12
• * 1.36

  How the Wickedness of Officers was Tolle∣rated.
• * 1.37

  How the Priests help them∣selves with the Quirks of Logick.
• * 1.38

  Socrat. li. 1. c. 5.
• * 1.39

  Christ nor his Apo∣stles the Author of Logick.
• * 1.40

  Socra. Lib. 1. Ch. 3.
• * 1.41

  A porse∣cuting Bi∣shop set up.
• * 1.42

  The Chri∣stians de∣fend not them∣selves.
• * 1.43

  The cala∣mity of the Faithful.
• * 1.44

  Socra. lib. 4. ch. 19.
• * 1.45

  The cruel∣ty of false Christians
• * 1.46

  The Empe∣robrs Hipo∣crysie.
• * 1.47

  Socra. lib. 4. ch. 29.
• * 1.48

  Ruffin lib. 11. ch. 8.
• * 1.49

  The cour∣age of a Woman.
• * 1.50

  Bar. An. 1050. Num. 1.
• * 1.51

  Bar. An. 1116. Num. 6.
• * 1.52

  Bar. An. 1145. Num. 3.
• * 1.53

  Anno. 1148. Num. 11.
• * 1.54

  The Popes Cruelty.
• * 1.55

  Bar. An. 11 78. Num. 3, 4.
• * 1.56

  How the false Chri∣stians be∣haved them∣selves af∣ter they had got the power in their hands.
• * 1.57

  Acts 21. 28.
• * 1.58

  A cruel Preelama∣tion of the Emperours
• * 1.59

  Calvin's Apostasie.
• * 1.60

  How Lu∣ther and his Adhe∣rents were reviled
• * 1.61

  And what Spirit they were of.
• * 1.62

  Prote∣stants de∣generati∣on.