A brief answer to Doctor Ferns book tending to resolve conscience about the subjects…A briefe answer to Doctor Fernes booke tending to resolve conscience about the subjects…

As for the Christians why they could not resist, the Dr. speaks of a reason that he seems to be satisfied in, because things were so enacted by Law, therefore they could not resist: therefore he leaves their example, as invalid in our case, and so it were well that every one else would leave off urging, that we may never hear of the example of the Christians in the primitive times applied to our case more: For though it seems to be something at first view, yet it is nothing when it is examined.

As for the Christians why they could not resist, the Dr. speakes of a reason that he seemes to be satisfied in, because things were so enacted by Law, therefore they could not resist: therefore he leaves their example, as invalid in our case, and so it were well that every one else would leave off urging, that we may never heare of the example of the Christians in the primitive times applyed to our case more: For though it seems to be something at first view, yet it is nothing when it is examined.

But then he says, The Edicts that concerned others were Arbitrary.

But then he sayes, The Edicts that concerned others were Arbitrary.

To this the Answer hath been already, either the people then gave up their whole right to their Emperors, which we have not done to our Kings,¹ or otherwise they were not bound to their Arbitrary government, but might have resisted for their own preservations.

To this the Answer hath been already, either the people then gave up their whole right to their Emperours, which we have not done to our Kings,