faithful_a witness_n of_o many_o truth_n have_v live_v in_o more_o or_o less_o yea_o in_o main_a and_o fundamental_a point_n ever_o since_o the_o apostasy_n not_o to_o instance_n in_o all_o see_v mr._n cotton_n now_o profess_v to_o practice_v what_o thousand_o of_o god_n people_n for_o many_o age_n have_v not_o see_v but_o in_o some_o particular_n which_o mr._n cotton_n have_v in_o new_a england_n reform_v i_o earnest_o beseech_v himself_o &_o all_o well_o to_o ponder_v how_o far_o he_o himself_o now_o profess_v to_o see_v and_o practice_n that_o which_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o godly_a person_n of_o high_a note_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o apostasy_n see_v not_o as_o first_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o consist_v only_o of_o holy_a and_o godly_a person_n second_o of_o a_o true_a ministry_n call_v by_o that_o church_n three_o a_o true_a worship_n free_a from_o ceremony_n common-prayer_n etc._n etc._n four_o a_o true_a government_n in_o the_o hand_n only_o of_o such_o governor_n and_o elder_n as_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n hence_o god_n people_n not_o see_v their_o captivity_n in_o these_o point_n must_v first_o necessary_o be_v enlighten_v and_o call_v out_o from_o such_o captivity_n before_o they_o can_v be_v next_o fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o the_o true_a church_n worship_n ministry_n etc._n etc._n chap._n xi_o second_o jerusalem_n the_o jew_n of_o old_a in_o the_o type_n can_v not_o build_v the_o altar_n and_o temple_n in_o babel_n but_o first_o they_o must_v come_v forth_o &_o then_o build_v at_o jerusalem_n this_o will_v be_v more_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v god_n people_n and_o church_n of_o old_a the_o jew_n captivate_v in_o material_a babel_n they_o can_v not_o possible_o build_v god_n altar_n and_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n until_o the_o yoke_n and_o bond_n of_o their_o captivity_n be_v break_v and_o they_o set_v free_a to_o return_v with_o the_o vessel_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n to_o set_v up_o his_o worship_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n nehemia_n daniel_n haggai_n etc._n etc._n hence_o in_o the_o antitype_n god_n people_n the_o spiritual_a and_o mystical_a jew_n can_v possible_o erect_v the_o altar_n of_o the_o lord_n true_a worship_n and_o build_v the_o temple_n of_o his_o true_a church_n jerusalem_n god_n mystical_a israel_n in_o the_o antitype_n must_v also_o come_v forth_o of_o babel_n before_o they_o can_v build_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n without_o a_o true_a sight_n of_o their_o spiritual_a bondage_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o a_o power_n and_o strength_n from_o jesus_n christ_n to_o bring_v they_o out_o and_o carry_v they_o through_o all_o difficulty_n in_o so_o mighty_a a_o work_n and_o as_o the_o be_v of_o god_n people_n in_o material_a babel_n and_o a_o necessity_n of_o their_o come_n forth_o before_o they_o can_v build_v the_o temple_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v god_n people_n no_o more_o now_o do_v god_n people_n be_v in_o mystical_a babel_n rev._n 18_o nor_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o come_n forth_o hinder_v or_o deny_v the_o godliness_n of_o their_o person_n grace_n luther_n and_o other_o famous_a witness_n very_o gross_a concern_v god_n worship_n though_o eminent_a for_o personal_a grace_n or_o spiritual_a life_n within_o they_o three_o how_o many_o famous_a servant_n of_o god_n and_o witness_n of_o jesus_n live_v and_o die_v and_o be_v burn_v for_o other_o truth_n of_o jesus_n not_o see_v the_o evil_a of_o their_o antichristian_a calling_n of_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n how_o do_v famous_a luther_n himself_o continue_v a_o monk_n set_v forth_o the_o german_a mass_n acknowledge_v the_o pope_n and_o hold_v other_o gross_a abomination_n concern_v god_n worship_n notwithstanding_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o he_o and_o wrought_v in_o thousand_o by_o his_o mean_n four_o covenant_n mr._n cotton_n refuse_v godly_a person_n except_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o church_n covenant_n mr_n cotton_n must_v be_v request_v to_o remember_v his_o own_o practice_n as_o before_o how_o do_v he_o refuse_v to_o receive_v person_n eminent_a for_o personal_a grace_n and_o godliness_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n &_o other_o privilege_n of_o christian_n according_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o church-estate_n until_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o make_v &_o enter_v into_o a_o church_n covenant_n with_o they_o with_o a_o confession_n of_o forth_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o any_o can_v be_v persuade_v of_o such_o a_o covenant_n and_o confession_n notwithstanding_o their_o godliness_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o admit_v last_o how_o famous_a be_v that_o passage_n of_o that_o solemn_a question_n put_v to_o mr._n cotton_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o new_a english_a elder_n church-fellowship_n mr._n cotton_n &_o the_o english_a elder_n refuse_v to_o permit_v eminent_a minister_n &_o people_n of_o old_a england_n to_o live_v in_o new_a england_n notwithstanding_o be_v confess_v their_o godliness_n above_o his_o own_o if_o they_o join_v not_o in_o his_o church-fellowship_n by_o divers_a of_o the_o minister_n of_o old_a england_n eminent_a for_o personal_a godliness_n as_o mr._n cotton_n acknowledge_v viz._n whether_o they_o may_v be_v permit_v in_o new_a england_n to_o enjoy_v their_o conscience_n in_o a_o church_n estate_n different_a from_o the_o new_a english_a unto_o which_o mr._n cotton_n and_o the_o new_a english_a elder_n return_v a_o plain_a negative_a in_o effect_n thus_o much_o with_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o worth_n and_o godliness_n above_o their_o own_o and_o their_o hope_n of_o agreement_n yet_o in_o conclusion_n if_o they_o agree_v not_o which_o they_o be_v not_o like_a to_o do_v and_o submit_v to_o that_o way_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o worship_n which_o in_o new_a england_n be_v set_v up_o they_o can_v only_o not_o enjoy_v church-fellowship_n together_o but_o not_o permit_v they_o to_o live_v and_o breath_n in_o the_o same_o air_n and_o commonweal_n together_o which_o be_v my_o case_n although_o it_o please_v mr_n cotton_n and_o other_o most_o incense_a to_o give_v myself_o a_o testimony_n of_o godliness_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o although_o i_o confess_v with_o joy_n the_o care_n of_o the_o new_a english_a church_n that_o no_o person_n be_v receive_v to_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o who_o they_o can_v first_o discern_v true_a regeneration_n and_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n yet_o i_o say_v and_o still_o affirm_v that_o godly_a and_o regenerate_a person_n according_a to_o all_o the_o former_a instance_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o fit_v to_o constitute_v the_o true_a christian_a church_n until_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o convince_v their_o soul_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o false_a church_n worship_n godly_a person_n live_v tree_n &_o live_a stone_n yet_o need_v much_o hew_a and_o cut_v to_o bring_v they_o from_o false_a to_o true_a worship_n ministry_n worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o although_o i_o confess_v that_o godly_a person_n be_v not_o dead_a but_o live_a tree_n not_o dead_a but_o live_a stone_n and_o need_v no_o new_a regeneration_n and_o so_o in_o that_o respect_n need_v no_o fell_n nor_o dig_v out_o yet_o need_v they_o a_o mighty_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o humble_a and_o ashame_n they_o and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o loathe_v themselves_o for_o their_o abomination_n or_o stink_v in_o god_n nostril_n as_o it_o please_v god_n spirit_n to_o speak_v of_o false_a worship_n hence_o ezek._n 43._o 11._o god_n people_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o god_n house_n until_o holy_a shame_n be_v wrought_v in_o they_o for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v hence_o god_n promise_v to_o cause_v they_o to_o loathe_v themselves_o because_o they_o have_v break_v he_o with_o their_o whorish_a heart_n ezek._n 6._o 9_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o i_o have_v know_v some_o precious_a godly_a heart_n confess_v people_n the_o come_v forth_o of_o false_a worship_n a_o second_o kind_n as_o it_o be_v of_o regeneration_n to_o god_n people_n that_o the_o pluck_n of_o their_o soul_n out_o from_o the_o abomination_n of_o false_a worship_n have_v be_v a_o second_o kind_n of_o regeneration_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o say_v concern_v his_o people_n return_n from_o their_o material_a captivity_n a_o figure_n of_o our_o spiritual_a and_o mystical_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o say_v jehovah_n live_v who_o bring_v they_o from_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n a_o type_n of_o first_o conversion_n as_o be_v conceive_v but_o jehovah_n live_v who_o bring_v they_o from_o the_o land_n of_o the_o north_n a_o type_n of_o god_n people_n return_n from_o spiritual_a bondage_n to_o confuse_a and_o invent_v worship_n north._n return_v from_o the_o land_n of_o the_o north._n chap._n xii_o now_o whereas_o mr._n cotton_n add_v that_o godly_a person_n be_v
it_o a_o sin_n meet_v to_o be_v censure_v but_o not_o with_o so_o deep_a a_o censure_n as_o to_o excommunicate_v all_o the_o church_n or_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o before_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o they_o do_v tolerate_v their_o member_n in_o such_o their_o causeless_o reproaching_n we_o confess_v the_o error_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v contend_v against_o not_o with_o reproach_n but_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o sayling_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o forthwith_o to_o be_v heal_v by_o separation_n it_o be_v not_o chirurgery_n but_o butchery_n to_o heal_v every_o sore_a in_o a_o member_n with_o no_o other_o but_o abscision_n from_o the_o body_n ans_fw-fr the_o church_n of_o salem_n be_v know_v to_o profess_v separation_n and_o be_v general_o and_o public_o reproach_v and_o i_o can_v mention_v a_o case_n wherein_o she_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o implicit_o mr._n cotton_n here_o confess_v these_o 2_o thing_n which_o i_o leave_v to_o himself_o to_o reconcile_v separation_n mr._n cotton_n seem_v to_o be_v both_o for_o and_o yet_o against_o separation_n with_o his_o former_a profession_n here_o and_o elsewhere_o against_o separation_n first_o say_v he_o if_o any_o reproach_n they_o for_o separation_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n meet_v to_o be_v censure_v second_o the_o church_n themselves_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o who_o tolerate_v their_o member_n in_o such_o causeless_o reproaching_n in_o these_o late_a passage_n he_o seem_v as_o in_o other_o his_o confession_n and_o practice_n mention_v to_o be_v for_o it_o sensible_a of_o shame_n disgrace_n or_o reproach_n to_o be_v cast_v on_o it_o i_o grant_v with_o he_o the_o fail_n of_o church_n be_v not_o forthwith_o to_o be_v heal_v by_o separation_n himself_o mr._n cotton_v own_o confession_n be_v sufficient_a answer_n to_o himself_o yet_o himself_o within_o a_o few_o line_n confess_v there_o be_v a_o lawful_a separation_n from_o church_n that_o do_v but_o tolerate_v their_o member_n in_o causeless_o reproach_n i_o confess_v also_o that_o it_o be_v not_o chirurgery_n but_o butchery_n to_o heal_v every_o sore_a with_o no_o other_o medicine_n but_o with_o abscision_n from_o the_o body_n yet_o himself_n confess_v before_o that_o even_o church_n of_o godly_a person_n must_v be_v separate_v from_o for_o immoderate_a worldliness_n off_o not_o for_o a_o sore_a of_o infirmity_n but_o a_o leprosy_n or_o gangrene_n of_o obstinacy_n ought_v a_o person_n to_o be_v cat_n off_o and_o again_o here_o he_o confess_v they_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o when_o they_o tolerate_v their_o member_n in_o such_o their_o causeless_o reproaching_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o every_o sore_n of_o infirmity_n or_o ignorance_n but_o a_o ulcer_n or_o gangrene_n of_o obstinacy_n for_o which_o i_o maintain_v that_o a_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o or_o a_o church_n separate_v from_o but_o if_o he_o call_v that_o butchery_n conscientious_o and_o peaceable_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o spiritual_a communion_n of_o a_o church_n or_o society_n christ_n mr._n cotton_n deep_o guilty_a of_o cruelty_n both_o against_o conscience_n and_o body_n in_o persecute_v of_o they_o yet_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o appearance_n of_o due_a severity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n what_o shall_v it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o second_o adam_n the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o give_v name_n to_o all_o creature_n and_o all_o action_n to_o cut_v off_o person_n they_o and_o they_o branch_n and_o root_n from_o any_o civil_a be_v in_o their_o territory_n and_o consequent_o from_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v their_o territory_n so_o large_a because_o their_o conscience_n dare_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o any_o worship_n but_o what_o they_o believe_v the_o lord_n jesus_n appoint_v and_o be_v also_o otherwise_o subject_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o law_n thereof_o chap._n xxiii_o three_o whereas_o i_o urge_v a_o speech_n of_o his_o own_o viz._n that_o god_n have_v not_o prosper_v the_o way_n of_o separation_n and_o conceive_v that_o i_o understand_v he_o of_o outward_a prosperity_n he_o affirm_v the_o puritan_n to_o have_v be_v worse_o use_v in_o england_n then_o the_o separatist_n &_o thus_o write_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o separatist_n may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o officer_n in_o court_n and_o wink_v at_o when_o the_o conventicle_n of_o the_o puritan_n as_o they_o call_v they_o shall_v be_v hunt_v out_o with_o all_o diligence_n and_o pursue_v with_o more_o violence_n than_o any_o law_n can_v justify_v ans_fw-fr doubtless_o the_o contraversie_n of_o god_n have_v be_v great_a with_o this_o land_n persecution_n god_n controversy_n for_o persecution_n that_o either_o of_o both_o have_v be_v so_o violent_o pursue_v and_o persecute_v i_o believe_v they_o be_v both_o the_o witness_n of_o several_a truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n against_o a_o impenitent_a and_o unchristian_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o for_o their_o suffering_n compare_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o separatist_n and_o puritant_n in_o england_n compare_v as_o the_o puritan_n have_v not_o comparable_o suffer_v as_o but_o seldom_o congregate_a in_o separate_a assembly_n from_o the_o common_a so_o have_v not_o any_o of_o they_o suffer_v unto_o death_n for_o the_o way_n of_o non-conformitie_n to_o ceremony_n etc._n etc._n indeed_o the_o worthy_a witness_n mr._n udall_n be_v near_o unto_o death_n for_o his_o witness_n against_o bishop_n and_o ceremony_n vdal_n mr._n vdal_n but_o mr._n penry_n mr._n barrow_n greenwood_n mr._n penry_n mr_n barrow_n mr._n greenwood_n mr._n greenwood_n follow_v the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o their_o gibbet_n on_o their_o shoulder_n and_o be_v hang_v with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o separation_n many_o more_o have_v be_v condemn_v to_o die_v banish_v and_o choke_v in_o prison_n i_o can_v produce_v upon_o occasion_n again_o puritan_n few_o conscientious_a separatist_n but_o first_o be_v puritan_n i_o believe_v that_o there_o hardly_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o conscientious_a separatist_n who_o be_v not_o first_o a_o puritan_n for_o as_o mr._n can_n have_v unanswerable_o prove_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o puritan_n against_o bishop_n and_o ceremony_n and_o profane_v of_o people_n profess_v christ_n separation_n the_o nonconformist_n ground_n enforce_v separation_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n flock_n and_o discipline_n must_v necessary_o if_o true_o follow_v lead_v on_o to_o and_o enforce_v a_o separation_n from_o such_o way_n worship_n and_o worshipper_n to_o seek_v out_o the_o true_a way_n of_o god_n worship_n according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n but_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n since_o the_o separatist_n witness_v against_o the_o root_n of_o the_o church_n constitution_n itself_o that_o yet_o he_o shall_v find_v as_o mr._n cotton_n say_v more_o favour_n than_o the_o puritan_n or_o nonconformist_a doubtless_o the_o reason_n be_v evident_a people_n most_o of_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o low_a sort_n of_o people_n first_o most_o of_o god_n servant_n who_o out_o of_o sight_n of_o the_o ignorance_n unbelief_n and_o profane_v of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nationall_n church_n have_v separate_v and_o dare_v not_o have_v long_o fellowship_n with_o it_o i_o say_v most_o of_o they_o have_v be_v poor_a and_o low_a ainsworth_n the_o poverty_n of_o mr._n ainsworth_n and_o not_o such_o gainful_a customer_n to_o the_o bishop_n their_o court_n and_o officer_n that_o worthy_a instrument_n of_o christ_n praise_n mr._n ainsworth_n during_o some_o time_n and_o some_o time_n of_o his_o great_a labour_n in_o holland_n live_v upon_o 9_o d._n per_fw-la week_n with_o root_n boil_v bishop_n the_o nonconformist_n have_v be_v a_o fair_a booty_n for_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o of_o god_n servant_n as_o have_v be_v nonconformist_n have_v have_v fair_a estate_n be_v great_a person_n have_v have_v rich_a live_n and_o benefice_n of_o which_o the_o bishop_n and_o they_o like_o greedy_a wolf_n have_v make_v the_o more_o desirable_a prey_n bishop_n the_o separatist_n have_v be_v profess_a enemy_n but_o the_o puritan_n in_o many_o thing_n profess_v friend_n &_o subject_n to_o the_o bishop_n second_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o nature_n to_o prefer_v a_o profess_a enemy_n before_o a_o pretend_a friend_n such_o as_o have_v separate_v have_v be_v look_v at_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o they_o as_o know_v and_o profess_a enemy_n whereas_o the_o puritan_n profess_a subjection_n and_o have_v submit_v to_o the_o bishop_n their_o court_n their_o officer_n their_o common_a prayer_n and_o worship_n and_o yet_o as_o the_o bishop_n have_v well_o know_v with_o no_o great_a affection_n than_o the_o israelite_n bear_v their_o egyptian_a cruel_a taskmaster_n he_o say_v cotton_n mr._n cotton_n god_n have_v not_o prosper_v the_o way_n of_o separation_n with_o peace_n among_o themselves_o and_o growth_n of_o grace_n ans_fw-fr the_o want_n of_o peace_n may_v
call_v and_o commission_n i_o say_v mr._n cotton_n do_v not_o nor_o will_v he_o ever_o prove_v that_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n or_o banishment_n in_o every_o land_n or_o country_n the_o sell_v or_o withhold_v of_o spiritual_a corn_n censure_n spiritual_a offence_n be_v only_o liable_a to_o a_o spiritual_a censure_n be_v both_o of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o therefore_o must_v necessary_o in_o a_o true_a parallel_n bear_v relation_n to_o a_o spiritual_a curse_n paul_n wish_v himself_o accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o his_o country_n man_n sake_n rom._n 9_o he_o speak_v not_o of_o any_o temporal_a death_n or_o banishment_n yet_o near_o be_v fit_o qualify_v and_o true_o call_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o ministry_n gospel_n paul_n not_o to_o be_v banish_v or_o kill_v by_o nero_n for_o not_o preach_v the_o gospel_n he_o cry_v out_o 1_o cor._n 9_o we_o to_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n yet_o do_v not_o paul_n intend_v that_o therefore_o the_o roman_a nero_n or_o any_o subordinate_a power_n under_o he_o in_o corinth_n shall_v have_v either_o banish_v or_o put_v paul_n to_o death_n have_v commit_v nothing_o against_o the_o civil_a state_n worthy_a of_o such_o a_o civil_a punishment_n yea_o and_o mr._n cotton_n himself_o seem_v to_o question_v the_o sandine_n of_o such_o a_o ground_n to_o warrant_v such_o proceed_n for_o thus_o he_o go_v on_o chap._n vi_o mr._n cotton_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v they_o pass_v that_o sentence_n against_o you_o not_o upon_o that_o ground_n but_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v for_o your_o other_o corrupt_a doctrine_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o disturbance_n both_o of_o civil_a and_o holy_a peace_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o that_o answer_n which_o be_v send_v to_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o salem_n and_o yourself_o suffering_n m._n cotton_n himself_o ignorant_a of_o the_o cause_n of_o my_o suffering_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o so_o many_o have_v be_v demand_v the_o cause_n of_o my_o suffering_n have_v answer_v that_o they_o can_v not_o tell_v for_o what_o since_o mr._n cotton_n himself_o know_v not_o distinct_o what_o cause_n to_o assign_v but_o say_v it_o may_v be_v they_o pass_v not_o that_o sentence_n on_o that_o ground_n etc._n etc._n oh_o where_o be_v the_o wake_a care_n of_o so_o excellent_a &_o worthy_a a_o man_n to_o see_v his_o brother_n and_o belove_v in_o christ_n so_o afflict_v he_o know_v not_o distinct_o for_o what_o he_o allege_v a_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o sentence_n righteous_a and_o yet_o conclude_v it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v not_o for_o that_o but_o for_o other_o corrupt_a doctrine_n which_o he_o name_v not_o nor_o any_o scripture_n to_o prove_v they_o corrupt_v or_o the_o sentence_n righteous_a for_o that_o cause_n o_o that_o it_o may_v please_v the_o father_n of_o light_n to_o awaken_v both_o himself_o and_o other_o of_o my_o honour_a countryman_n to_o see_v how_o though_o their_o heart_n wake_v in_o respect_n of_o personal_a grace_n and_o life_n of_o jesus_n yet_o they_o sleep_v insensible_a of_o much_o concern_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o lord_n worship_n or_o the_o sorrow_n of_o such_o who_o they_o style_v brethren_n and_o belove_v in_o christ_n afflict_v by_o they_o but_o though_o he_o name_v not_o these_o corrupt_a doctrine_n a_o little_a before_o i_o have_v as_o they_o be_v public_o sum_v up_o and_o charge_v upon_o i_o and_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o breach_n of_o holy_a or_o civil_a peace_n god_n civil_a peace_n and_o civil_a magistracy_n bless_a ordinance_n of_o god_n of_o which_o i_o have_v ever_o desire_v to_o be_v unfeigned_o tender_a acknowledge_v the_o ordinance_n of_o magistracy_n to_o be_v proper_o and_o adequat_o fit_v by_o god_n to_o preserve_v the_o civil_a state_n in_o civil_a peace_n and_o order_n as_o he_o have_v also_o appoint_v a_o spiritual_a government_n and_o governor_n in_o matter_n pertain_v to_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n both_o which_o government_n governor_n law_n offence_n punishment_n be_v essential_o distinct_a and_o the_o confound_a of_o they_o bring_v all_o the_o world_n into_o combustion_n he_o add_v chap._n vii_o mr._n cotton_n and_o to_o speak_v free_o what_o i_o think_v be_v my_o soul_n in_o your_o soul_n stead_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o a_o work_n of_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o banish_v i_o from_o the_o civil_a society_n of_o such_o a_o commonweal_n where_o i_o can_v not_o enjoy_v holy_a fellowship_n with_o any_o church_n of_o god_n among_o they_o without_o sin_n what_o shall_v the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n do_v in_o babel_n why_o shall_v she_o not_o hasten_v to_o flee_v from_o thence_o ans_fw-fr love_n bid_v i_o hope_v that_o mr._n cotton_n here_o intend_v i_o a_o cordial_n to_o revive_v i_o in_o my_o sorrow_n yet_o if_o the_o ingredient_n be_v examine_v there_o will_v appear_v no_o less_o then_o dishonour_v to_o the_o name_n of_o god_n danger_n to_o every_o civil_a state_n a_o miserable_a comfort_n to_o myself_o and_o contradiction_n within_o itself_o for_o the_o last_o first_o christ_n a_o land_n can_v be_v babel_n and_o yet_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o call_v the_o land_n babel_n mystical_o which_o he_o must_v needs_o do_v or_o else_o speak_v not_o to_o the_o point_n how_o can_v it_o be_v babel_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n also_o second_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a doctrine_n to_o affirm_v it_o a_o misery_n to_o live_v in_o that_o state_n where_o a_o christian_a can_v enjoy_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o public_a church_n of_o god_n without_o sin_n do_v we_o not_o know_v many_o famous_a state_n wherein_o be_v know_v no_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n christ_n famous_a civil_a state_n where_o yet_o no_o sound_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o god_n command_v his_o people_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o material_a city_n of_o babel_n jer._n 27._o and_o to_o seek_v the_o peace_n of_o it_o though_o no_o church_n of_o god_n in_o babel_n in_o the_o form_n and_o order_n of_o it_o or_o do_v sodom_n egypt_n babel_n signify_v material_a sodom_n egypt_n babel_n rev._n 11._o 8._o &_o 18._o 4_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o material_a babel_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 13._o babylon_n a_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o material_a babylon_n be_v it_o then_o a_o mercy_n for_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o babel_n to_o have_v be_v banish_v who_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n dare_v not_o to_o have_v receive_v to_o holy_a fellowship_n or_o be_v it_o a_o mercy_n for_o any_o person_n to_o have_v be_v banish_v the_o city_n and_o drive_v to_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o barbarous_a wilderness_n he_o and_o he_o if_o some_o bar_n have_v lie_v upon_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v enjoy_v fellowship_n with_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n three_o for_o myself_o i_o acknowledge_v it_o a_o bless_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o be_v enable_v to_o suffer_v nature_n the_o mercy_n of_o a_o civil_a state_n distinct_a from_o mercy_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o so_o to_o be_v banish_v for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o mr._n cotton_n himself_o will_v have_v count_v it_o a_o mercy_n if_o he_o may_v have_v practise_v in_o old_a england_n what_o now_o he_o do_v in_o new_a with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o civil_a peace_n safety_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o state_n or_o shall_v he_o dissent_v from_o the_o new_a english_a church_n and_o join_v in_o worship_n with_o some_o other_o as_o some_o few_o year_n since_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o point_n to_o do_v in_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n there_o as_o legal_a will_v he_o count_v it_o a_o mercy_n to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n incomparable_a old_a and_o new_a england_n for_o the_o country_n and_o civil_a government_n incomparable_a he_o and_o he_o and_o to_o endure_v the_o loss_n distraction_n misery_n that_o do_v attend_v such_o a_o condition_n the_o truth_n be_v both_o the_o mother_n and_o the_o daughter_n old_a and_o new_a england_n for_o the_o country_n and_o government_n be_v land_n and_o government_n incomparable_a and_o may_v it_o please_v god_n to_o persuade_v the_o mother_n to_o permit_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o new_a england_n her_o daughter_n to_o enjoy_v their_o conscience_n to_o god_n after_o a_o particular_a congregationall_a way_n and_o to_o persuade_v the_o daughter_n to_o permit_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o mother_n old_a england_n to_o walk_v there_o after_o their_o conscience_n of_o a_o parishional_a way_n which_o yet_o neither_o mother_n nor_o daughter_n be_v persuade_v to_o permit_v i_o conceive_v mr._n cotton_n himself_o be_v he_o seat_v in_o old_a england_n again_o will_v not_o count_v it_o a_o mercy_n to_o
god_n worship_n and_o therefore_o to_o that_o instance_n of_o the_o father_n poligamie_n i_o answer_v first_o by_o observe_v what_o great_a sin_n godly_a person_n may_v possible_o live_v and_o long_o continue_v in_o notwithstanding_o godliness_n in_o the_o root_n second_o i_o ask_v if_o any_o person_n of_o who_o godliness_n mr._n cot._n have_v have_v long_a persuasion_n shall_v believe_v and_o maintain_v as_o questionless_a the_o father_n have_v ground_n satisfy_v their_o conscience_n for_o what_o they_o do_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v many_o wife_n and_o according_o so_o practise_v father_n the_o case_n of_o polygamy_n or_o many_o wife_n of_o the_o father_n i_o say_v i_o ask_v whether_o mr._n cotton_n will_v receive_v such_o a_o godly_a person_n to_o church_n fellowship_n yea_o i_o ask_v whether_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v they_o see_v this_o evil_a will_v have_v receive_v such_o a_o proselyte_n from_o the_o gentile_n and_o when_o it_o be_v see_v whether_o any_o person_n so_o practise_v will_v have_v be_v suffer_v among_o they_o but_o last_o what_o be_v this_o personal_a sin_n of_o these_o godly_a person_n be_v it_o any_o matter_n of_o god_n worship_n any_o join_n with_o a_o false_a church_n ministry_n worship_n government_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v to_o come_v before_o they_o can_v constitute_v his_o true_a church_n and_o enjoy_v his_o worship_n ministry_n government_n etc._n etc._n mr._n cotton_n conclude_v this_o passage_n thus_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v such_o as_o partake_v with_o idolater_n in_o their_o idol_n temple_n and_o be_v not_o this_o say_v he_o touch_v of_o a_o unclean_a thing_n and_o do_v this_o reject_v these_o member_n from_o church_n fellowship_n before_o conviction_n and_o do_v it_o evacuate_v their_o church_n estate_n for_o not_o cast_v out_o of_o such_o member_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o unclean_a thing_n indeed_o from_o which_o god_n call_v his_o people_n in_o this_o place_n with_o glorious_a promise_n of_o receive_v they_o and_o mr._n cotton_n confess_v that_o after_o conviction_n any_o member_n obstinate_a in_o these_o unclean_a touch_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v for_o say_v he_o do_v this_o sin_n reject_v these_o member_n from_o church_n fellowship_n before_o conviction_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o one_o obstinate_a person_n ought_v to_o be_v reject_v out_o of_o church_n estate_n destroy_v it_o lessen_v not_o a_o rebellion_n that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o multitude_n hence_o a_o city_n in_o israel_n idolatrous_a be_v to_o be_v destroy_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n if_o a_o great_a company_n or_o church_n be_v obstinate_a in_o such_o unclean_a touch_n and_o so_o consequent_o in_o a_o rebellion_n against_o christ_n ought_v every_o sound_a christian_a church_n to_o reject_v they_o and_o every_o sound_a member_n to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o and_o hence_o further_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o if_o such_o unclean_a touch_n obstinate_o maintain_v as_o mr._n cotton_n confess_v and_o practise_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o rejection_n of_o a_o person_n in_o the_o church_n church_n obstinacte_n that_o cast_v out_o will_v keep_v out_o from_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o church_n questionless_a it_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o rejection_n when_o such_o person_n be_v to_o join_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o if_o obstinacy_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n after_o conviction_n be_v a_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o church_n rejection_n questionless_a such_o a_o church_n or_o number_n of_o person_n obstinate_a in_o such_o evil_n can_v congregate_v nor_o become_v a_o true_a constitute_v church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a question_n here_o will_v be_v christ_n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n &_o every_o true_a church_n separate_v from_o idol_n as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o christ_n whether_o the_o corinthian_n in_o their_o first_o constitution_n be_v separate_v or_o no_o from_o such_o idol_n temple_n and_o this_o mr._n cotton_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v deny_v a_o church_n estate_n be_v a_o state_n of_o marriage_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o paul_n profess_o say_v he_o have_v espouse_v they_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o christ_n jesus_n 2_o cor._n 11._o chap._n xvii_o mr._n cotton_n proceed_v to_o answer_v some_o other_o allegation_n which_o i_o produce_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n make_v by_o johns_n disciple_n and_o the_o proselyte_n gentile_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n mat._n 3._o 6._o act_n 19_o 18._o unto_o which_o he_o return_v a_o 3_o fold_v answer_n the_o first_o be_v ground_v upon_o his_o apparent_a mistake_n of_o my_o word_n in_o a_o grant_n of_o i_o viz._n such_o a_o confession_n and_o renunciation_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a if_o the_o substance_n of_o true_a repentance_n be_v discern_v whence_o say_v he_o according_a to_o your_o own_o confession_n such_o person_n as_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o true_a repentance_n may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o whole_a contraversie_n etc._n the_o substance_n of_o true_a general_a repentance_n in_o all_o god_n child_n though_o live_v in_o many_o gross_a abomination_n of_o false_a worship_n ministry_n etc._n etc._n that_o i_o ever_o intend_v by_o the_o substance_n of_o true_a repentance_n not_o that_o general_a grace_n of_o repentance_n which_o all_o god_n people_n have_v as_o luther_n a_o monk_n and_o go_v to_o yea_o publish_v the_o german_a mass_n and_o those_o famous_a bishop_n burn_v for_o christ_n in_o qu._n mary_n day_n but_o that_o substance_n of_o repentance_n for_o those_o false_a way_n of_o worship_n church_n ministry_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o god_n people_n have_v live_v although_o the_o confess_v and_o renounce_v of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o particular_o express_v and_o with_o such_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o indignation_n as_o some_o express_a and_o may_v well_o become_v and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o that_o caution_n be_v for_o christian_a moderation_n all_o not_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o repentance_n in_o all_o and_o gentleness_n towards_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o god_n people_n profess_v particular_a repentance_n for_o their_o spiritual_a captivity_n and_o bondage_n during_o which_o captivity_n also_o i_o ready_o acknowledge_v the_o substance_n of_o repentance_n and_o of_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o general_a in_o his_o second_o answer_n mr._n cotton_n say_v cotton_n mr._n cotton_n i_o grant_v with_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o take_v away_o with_o the_o other_o for_o he_o deny_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o sinfullnes_n of_o every_o sip_v of_o the_o whore_n cup_n for_o say_v he_o every_o sip_v of_o a_o drunkard_n cup_n be_v not_o sinful_a intoxicated_a some_o have_v drink_v deep_a of_o the_o whore_n cup_n and_o some_o but_o sip_v yet_o intoxicated_a ans_fw-fr first_o he_o do_v not_o right_o allege_v my_o word_n for_o a_o little_a before_o he_o confess_v my_o word_n to_o be_v that_o antichristian_a drunkenness_n and_o whoredom_n be_v to_o be_v confess_v of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v drink_v of_o the_o whore_n cup_n or_o but_o sip_v of_o it_o in_o which_o word_n i_o plain_o distinguish_v between_o such_o as_o have_v drink_v deep_a of_o her_o cup_n as_o papist_n popish_a priest_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o as_o in_o comparison_n have_v but_o sip_v as_o god_n own_o people_n who_o yet_o by_o such_o sip_v have_v be_v so_o intoxicated_a as_o to_o practice_v spiritual_a whoredom_n against_o christ_n in_o submit_v to_o false_a church_n ministry_n worship_n etc._n etc._n second_o whereas_o he_o say_v every_o sip_v of_o a_o drunkard_n cup_n be_v not_o sinful_a i_o answer_v neither_o the_o least_o sip_v nor_o constant_a drink_n out_o of_o the_o cup_n which_o a_o drunkard_n use_v to_o drink_v in_o be_v sinful_a but_o every_o drunken_a sip_n which_o be_v our_o question_n be_v questionless_a sinful_a and_o so_o consequent_o to_o be_v avoid_v by_o the_o sober_a whether_o the_o cup_n of_o corporal_a or_o spiritual_a drunkenness_n chap._n xviii_o mr._n cotton_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n yea_o but_o say_v he_o the_o 3000._o jew_n be_v admit_v when_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o murder_n of_o christ_n although_o they_o never_o see_v all_o the_o superstitious_a leavening_n wherewith_o the_o pharise_n have_v bewitch_v they_o and_o so_o no_o doubt_n may_v godly_a person_n now_o although_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o convince_v of_o every_o passage_n of_o antichristian_a superstition_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o spiritual_a whoredom_n and_o drunkenness_n be_v not_o so_o soon_o discern_v as_o corporal_a i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o indeed_o so_o easy_o discern_v and_o yet_o not_o the_o less_o sinful_a but_o infinite_o transcendent_a as_o much_o as_o spiritual_a sobriety_n exceed_v corporal_a and_o the_o bed_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n
haggai_n my_o argument_n stand_v good_a and_o mr._n cotton_n here_o acknowledge_v it_o that_o holy_a thing_n may_v be_v all_o unclean_a to_o god_n people_n when_o they_o lie_v in_o their_o uncleanness_n particular_a ceremonial_a uncleanness_n in_o the_o national_a church_n type_v out_o moral_a uncleanness_n in_o the_o particular_a as_o this_o people_n do_v those_o scripture_n levit._n 16._o &_o number_n 19_o which_o discourse_n of_o typical_a and_o ceremonial_a uncleanness_n he_o acknowledge_v to_o type_n out_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o moral_a uncleanness_n either_o of_o dead_a work_n ephes_n 5._o 11._o or_o dead_a person_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o or_o dead_a world_n gal._n 6._o 14._o and_o in_o this_o place_n of_o haggai_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n people_n prince_n and_o people_n be_v defile_v by_o worldliness_n in_o which_o condition_n say_v he_o their_o oblation_n their_o bodily_a labour_n be_v all_o unclean_a and_o find_v neither_o acceptance_n nor_o blessing_n from_o the_o lord_n therefore_o say_v he_o afterward_o in_o the_o church_n godly_a christian_n themselves_o while_o they_o attend_v to_o the_o world_n more_o than_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v unclean_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o church_n can_v be_v constitute_v of_o such_o or_o if_o it_o be_v constitute_v of_o such_o the_o people_n of_o god_n must_v separate_v from_o they_o and_o last_o he_o say_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n thereof_o must_v separate_v themselves_o from_o their_o hypocrisy_n and_o worldliness_n else_o they_o and_o their_o duty_n will_v be_v unclean_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o their_o church_n estate_n ans_fw-fr what_o have_v i_o more_o speak_v then_o mr._n cotton_n himself_o have_v utter_v in_o this_o his_o explication_n and_o application_n of_o this_o scripture_n as_o first_o that_o godly_a person_n may_v become_v defile_v and_o unclean_a by_o hypocrisy_n and_o worldliness_n second_o while_o they_o lie_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n of_o uncleanness_n all_o their_o offering_n person_n mr._n cotton_v own_o confession_n concern_v unclean_a worship_n even_o of_o godly_a person_n person_n labour_n be_v unclean_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o have_v neither_o acceptance_n nor_o blessing_n from_o he_o but_o they_o and_o their_o duty_n be_v unclean_a in_o his_o sight_n notwithstanding_o their_o church_n estate_n three_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v constitute_v of_o such_o godly_a person_n when_o defile_v with_o such_o worldliness_n four_o the_o church_n consi_v of_o such_o worldly_a person_n though_o otherwise_o godly_a and_o christian_n the_o people_n of_o god_n must_v separate_v from_o they_o these_o be_v mr._n cotton_v own_o express_a word_n which_o justify_v grant_v inference_n from_o master_n cotton_v grant_v first_o my_o former_a distinction_n of_o godly_a person_n in_o their_o personal_a respect_n between_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o yet_o become_v ungodly_a in_o their_o outward_a defilement_n second_o they_o justify_v my_o assertion_n of_o a_o necessity_n of_o cleanse_v from_o antichristian_a filthiness_n and_o communion_n with_o dead_a work_n dead_a worship_n dead_a person_n in_o god_n worship_n if_o the_o touch_v of_o the_o dead_a world_n or_o immoderate_a love_n of_o it_o do_v so_o defile_v as_o mr._n cotton_n here_o affirm_v three_o if_o as_o he_o say_v the_o church_n can_v be_v constitute_v of_o such_o godly_a person_n as_o be_v defile_v by_o immoderate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v constitute_v of_o godly_a person_n defile_v with_o the_o dead_a invention_n worship_n communion_n of_o unregenerate_a and_o ungodly_a person_n four_o he_o justify_v a_o separation_n from_o such_o church_n if_o so_o constitute_v or_o so_o constitute_v because_o though_o worldliness_n be_v adultery_n against_o god_n james_n 4._o yet_o not_o comparable_a to_o spiritual_a adultery_n of_o a_o false_a bed_n of_o worship_n ministry_n etc._n etc._n chap._n xxi_o mr._n cotton_n proceed_v the_o second_o stumble_v block_n or_o offence_n which_o you_o have_v take_v at_o the_o way_n of_o these_o church_n be_v that_o you_o conceive_v we_o to_o walk_v between_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n first_o in_o practise_v separation_n here_o and_o not_o repent_v of_o our_o preach_n and_o print_n against_o it_o in_o our_o own_o country_n second_o in_o reproach_v yourself_o at_o salem_n and_o other_o for_o separation_n three_o in_o particular_a that_o myself_o have_v conceive_v and_o speak_v that_o separation_n be_v a_o way_n that_o god_n have_v not_o prosper_v yet_o say_v you_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o church_n way_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o countenance_n of_o man_n or_o upon_o outward_a peace_n and_o liberty_n unto_o this_o he_o answer_v that_o they_o halt_v not_o but_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o 2_o extreme_n the_o one_o of_o be_v defile_v with_o the_o pollution_n of_o other_o church_n the_o other_o of_o renounce_v the_o church_n for_o the_o remnant_n of_o pollution_n this_o moderation_n he_o with_o ingenuous_a moderation_n profess_v he_o see_v no_o cause_n to_o repent_v of_o etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr with_o the_o lord_n gracious_a assistance_n we_o shall_v prove_v this_o middle_n walk_v to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o halt_a for_o which_o we_o shall_v show_v cause_n of_o repentance_n beseech_v he_o that_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n to_o give_v repentance_n unto_o his_o israel_n act_v 5_o 3._o first_o mr._n cotton_n himself_o confess_v that_o no_o nationall_n provincial_n diocesan_n or_o parish_n church_n wherein_o some_o true_o godly_a be_v not_o be_v true_a church_n second_o he_o practise_v no_o church_n estate_n but_o such_o as_o be_v constitute_v only_o of_o godly_a person_n nor_o admit_v any_o unregenerate_a or_o ungodly_a person_n three_o he_o confess_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v constitute_v of_o such_o godly_a person_n who_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o the_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n four_o if_o a_o church_n consist_v of_o such_o god_n people_n ought_v to_o separate_v from_o they_o upon_o these_o his_o own_o confession_n pollution_n mr._n cotton_n extenuate_v &_o mince_v the_o â—oot_n mass_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o national_a church_n which_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v unregenerate_a not_o yet_o bear_v again_o by_o name_v only_o a_o remnant_n of_o pollution_n i_o earnest_o beseech_v mr._n cotton_n and_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n to_o ponder_v how_o he_o can_v say_v he_o walk_v with_o a_o even_a foot_n between_o 2_o extreme_n when_o according_a to_o his_o own_o confession_n nationall_n church_n parish_n church_n yea_o a_o church_n constitute_v of_o godly_a person_n give_v to_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v false_a and_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o and_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o have_v the_o parish_n church_n to_o be_v separate_v from_o for_o the_o remnant_n of_o pollution_n i_o conceive_v he_o mean_v ceremony_n &_o bishop_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o also_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o every_o parish_n in_o england_n consist_v of_o unregenerate_a person_n and_o of_o thousand_o inbondaged_a not_o only_o to_o worldliness_n but_o also_o ignorance_n superstition_n scoff_v swear_v curse_a whoredom_n drunkenness_n theft_n lie_v what_o be_v 2._o or_o 3._o or_o more_o of_o regenerate_a and_o godly_a person_n in_o such_o communion_n worship_n the_o estate_n of_o the_o godly_a mingle_v with_o the_o ungodly_a in_o worship_n but_o as_o 2_o or_o 3_o rose_n or_o lily_n in_o a_o wilderness_n a_o few_o grain_n of_o good_a corn_n in_o a_o heap_n of_o chaff_n a_o few_o sheep_n among_o herd_n of_o wolf_n or_o swine_n or_o if_o more_o civil_a flock_n of_o goat_n a_o little_a good_a dough_n swallow_v up_o with_o a_o whole_a bushel_n of_o leaven_n or_o a_o little_a precious_a gold_n confound_v and_o mingle_v with_o a_o whole_a heap_n of_o dross_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n know_v i_o write_v not_o this_o to_o reproach_v any_o know_v that_o myself_o be_o by_o nature_n a_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o that_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n show_v mercy_n to_o who_o and_o when_o he_o will_v they_o the_o state_n of_o man_n must_v be_v faithful_o discover_v unto_o they_o but_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o love_a faithfullnes_n to_o my_o countrymens_n soul_n and_o defence_n of_o truth_n i_o remember_v my_o worthy_a adversary_n of_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n from_o which_o his_o confession_n say_v he_o must_v separate_v his_o practice_n in_o gather_v of_o church_n seem_v to_o say_v he_o do_v separate_v and_o yet_o he_o profess_v there_o be_v but_o some_o remnant_n of_o pollution_n among_o they_o for_o which_o he_o dare_v not_o separate_v chap._n xxii_o mr._n cotton_n second_o say_v he_o i_o know_v no_o man_n that_o reproach_v salem_n for_o their_o separation_n nor_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v separate_v howsoever_o if_o any_o do_v reproach_n they_o for_o it_o i_o think_v
befall_v the_o true_a church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n at_o antioch_n corinth_n galatia_n who_o be_v exercise_v with_o great_a distraction_n second_o it_o be_v a_o common_a character_n of_o a_o false_a church_n maintain_v by_o the_o smith_n and_o cutler_n shop_n to_o enjoy_v a_o quiet_a calm_a and_o peaceable_a tranquillity_n jesus_n a_o false_a church_n may_v enforce_v a_o present_a great_a though_o false_a grace_n than_o the_o true_a spouse_n of_o christ_n jesus_n none_o dare_v for_o fear_n of_o civil_a punishment_n to_o question_v object_n or_o differ_v from_o the_o common_a road_n and_o custom_n thus_o sing_v that_o great_a whore_n the_o antichristian_a church_n revel_v 18_o i_o sit_v as_o a_o queen_n be_o no_o widow_n see_v no_o sorrow_n while_o christ_n dear_a complain_n she_o be_v forsake_v sit_v weep_v as_o a_o widow_n lam._n 1._o three_o god_n people_n in_o that_o way_n have_v sometime_o long_o enjoy_v sweet_a peace_n and_o soul_n contentment_n in_o england_n holland_n new_a england_n and_o other_o place_n and_o will_v not_o have_v exchange_v a_o day_n of_o such_o a_o holy_a and_o peaceable_a harmony_n for_o thousand_o in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n see_v no_o other_o communion_n god_n people_n have_v find_v infinite_a sweetness_n and_o peace_n in_o some_o time_n of_o their_o holy_a communion_n and_o in_o sincerity_n seek_v after_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o yet_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o as_o david_n with_o the_o prince_n and_o 30_o thousand_o israelite_n carry_v the_o ark_n on_o the_o shoulder_n of_o the_o ox_n leap_v and_o dance_v with_o great_a rejoice_v until_o god_n smite_v vzzah_n for_o his_o error_n and_o disorder_n and_o make_v a_o breach_n and_o a_o teach_a monument_n of_o perez_n vzzah_n the_o breach_n of_o vzzah_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n all_o those_o celebration_n of_o the_o spiritual_a ark_n or_o ordinance_n order_n breach_n have_v be_v and_o must_v be_v among_o all_o god_n people_n to_o make_v they_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n holy_a ordinance_n according_a to_o due_a order_n which_o yet_o i_o have_v know_v although_o for_o the_o present_a accompany_v with_o great_a rejoice_v and_o triumph_v yet_o as_o they_o have_v not_o be_v after_o the_o due_a order_n so_o have_v they_o all_o meet_v with_o and_o still_o must_v a_o peâ—â—â—_n vzzah_n breach_n and_o division_n until_o the_o lord_n jesus_n discover_v direct_v and_o encourage_v his_o servant_n in_o his_o own_o due_a holy_a order_n and_o appointment_n and_o for_o growth_n in_o grace_n notwithstanding_o that_o among_o all_o sort_n of_o god_n witness_n some_o false_a brethren_n creep_v in_o as_o cheater_n and_o spy_n and_o judasses_n dishonour_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n jesus_n people_n many_o graceless_a judasses_n among_o god_n people_n and_o betray_v his_o witness_n yet_o satan_n himself_o the_o accuser_n of_o the_o saint_n can_v but_o confess_v that_o multitude_n of_o god_n witness_n reproach_v with_o the_o name_n of_o brownist_n and_o anabaptist_n have_v keep_v themselves_o from_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n endeavour_v to_o cleanse_v themselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n separation_n multitude_n of_o gration_n and_o holy_a person_n that_o have_v profess_v separation_n and_o to_o finish_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n i_o will_v not_o make_v odious_a and_o envious_a comparison_n but_o desire_v that_o all_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v depart_v whole_o and_o for_o ever_o from_o iniquity_n chap._n xxiiii_o last_o he_o add_v cotton_n m._n cotton_n that_o such_o as_o err_v through_o simplicity_n and_o tenderness_n have_v grow_v in_o grace_n have_v grow_v also_o to_o discern_v their_o lawful_a liberty_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n from_o english_a preacher_n ans_fw-fr i_o will_v not_o question_v the_o uprightnes_n of_o some_o grace_n â—oure_a sort_n of_o backsliders_a from_o separation_n far_o from_o growth_n in_o grace_n who_o have_v go_v back_o from_o many_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v profess_v yet_o my_o own_o experience_n of_o 4_o sort_n who_o have_v backsliden_a i_o shall_v report_v for_o a_o warn_n to_o all_o into_o who_o hand_n these_o may_v come_v to_o be_v like_o antipas_n revel_n 2._o a_o faithful_a witness_n to_o the_o death_n to_o any_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n which_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o be_v trust_v they_o with_o first_o i_o have_v know_v no_o small_a number_n of_o such_o tear_v to_o absolute_a familisme_n familisme_n some_o backslide_n turn_n to_o familisme_n and_o under_o their_o pretence_n of_o great_a rapture_n of_o love_n deny_v all_o obedience_n to_o or_o seek_v after_o the_o pure_a ordinance_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n second_o prophanesse_n some_o to_o prophanesse_n other_o have_v lay_v the_o reins_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o like_o the_o dog_n lick_v up_o their_o vomit_n of_o former_a looseness_n and_o profane_v of_o lip_n and_o life_n and_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o grow_v in_o grace_n that_o they_o have_v turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n three_o other_o some_o to_o persecute_v of_o other_o other_o backsliding_a have_v lose_v the_o beauty_n and_o shine_a of_o a_o tâ—nder_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o a_o merciful_a compassion_n towards_o man_n become_v most_o fierce_a persecutor_n of_o their_o own_o former_o fellow_n witness_n and_o of_o any_o other_o who_o have_v differ_v in_o conscience_n from_o they_o last_o etc._n some_o tâ—_n languish_v in_o sorrow_n and_o sadness_n etc._n etc._n other_o although_o preserve_v from_o familisme_n profane_v and_o persecute_v of_o other_o yet_o the_o leaf_n of_o their_o christian_a course_n have_v wither_v the_o late_a beauty_n and_o savour_n of_o their_o holiness_n have_v not_o be_v like_o their_o former_a and_o they_o have_v confess_v &_o do_v their_o sin_n their_o weakness_n their_o bondage_n and_o wish_v they_o be_v at_o liberty_n in_o their_o former_a freedom_n and_o some_o have_v go_v with_o little_a peace_n but_o sorrow_n to_o their_o grave_n confess_v to_o myself_o and_o other_o that_o god_n never_o prosper_v they_o in_o soul_n or_o body_n since_o they_o sell_v away_o his_o truth_n which_o once_o they_o have_v buy_v and_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o never_o to_o sell_v it_o chap._n xxv_o yea_o but_o say_v he_o they_o have_v grow_v to_o discern_v their_o lawful_a liberty_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n to_o return_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n from_o english_a preacher_n ans_fw-fr here_o i_o may_v engage_v myself_o in_o a_o contraversie_n which_o neither_o this_o treatise_n will_v permit_v hear_v mr._n can_n answer_v to_o mr_n robinson_n liberty_n of_o hear_v nor_o be_v there_o need_v since_o it_o have_v please_v the_o father_n of_o light_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o faithful_a witness_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o this_o particular_a mr._n â—ann_n to_o make_v a_o large_a and_o faithful_a reply_n to_o a_o book_n print_v in_o mr._n robinson_n name_n tend_v to_o prove_v such_o a_o lawful_a liberty_n for_o such_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a person_n who_o mr._n cotton_n here_o intend_v by_o the_o name_n of_o english_a preacher_n i_o acknowledge_v myself_o unworthy_a to_o hold_v the_o candle_n to_o they_o ministry_n mr_n cotton_v confession_n concern_v the_o ministry_n yet_o i_o shall_v humble_o present_v what_o mr._n cotton_n himself_o profess_v in_o 3_o particular_n first_o concern_v this_o title_n english_a preacher_n second_o hear_v the_o word_n from_o such_o english_a preacher_n three_o the_o lawful_a call_n of_o such_o to_o the_o ministry_n or_o service_n according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n for_o the_o first_o he_o acknowledge_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v pastor_n teacher_n bishop_n overseer_n elder_n and_o that_o their_o proper_a work_n be_v to_o feed_v and_o govern_v a_o true_o convert_v holy_a and_o godly_a people_n gather_v into_o a_o flock_n or_o church_n estate_n and_o not_o proper_o preacher_n to_o convert_v beget_v make_v disciple_n 28._o matth._n 28._o which_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n profess_o be_v now_o than_o that_o man_n that_o profess_v himself_o a_o minister_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o profess_v to_o feed_v a_o flock_n or_o church_n with_o the_o ordinance_n of_o word_n and_o prayer_n he_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o proper_a work_n be_v not_o to_o preach_v for_o conversion_n different_a preacher_n and_o pastor_n fâ—â—re_o different_a which_o be_v most_o preposterous_a among_o a_o convert_a christian_a people_n feed_v up_o with_o ordinance_n in_o church_n estate_n so_o that_o according_a to_o mr._n cotton_v confession_n english_a preacher_n be_v not_o pastor_n teacher_n bishop_n elder_n but_o preacher_n of_o glad_a news_n evangelist_n man_n send_v to_o convert_v and_o
shall_v perish_v in_o their_o way_n ans_fw-fr however_o mr._n cotton_n believe_v and_o write_v of_o this_o point_n yet_o have_v he_o not_o due_o consider_v these_o follow_v particular_n first_o the_o faithful_a labour_n of_o many_o witness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n extant_a to_o the_o world_n abundant_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o type_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o christian_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o antitype_n be_v both_o separate_a from_o the_o world_n wilderness_n when_o god_n people_n neglect_v to_o maintain_v that_o hedge_n or_o wall_n god_n have_v turn_v his_o garden_n into_o a_o wilderness_n and_o that_o when_o they_o have_v open_v a_o gap_n in_o the_o hedge_n or_o wall_n of_o separation_n between_o the_o garden_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o wilderness_n of_o the_o world_n god_n have_v ever_o break_v down_o the_o wall_n itself_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n etc._n etc._n and_o make_v his_o garden_n a_o wilderness_n as_o at_o this_o day_n and_o that_o therefore_o if_o he_o will_v ever_o please_v to_o restore_v his_o garden_n and_o paradise_n again_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v wall_v in_o peculiarly_a unto_o himself_o from_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v out_o of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v transplant_v out_o of_o the_o wilderness_n of_o the_o world_n thing_n the_o nonconformist_n ground_n necessary_o enforce_v a_o separation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o unclean_a in_o clean_a and_o holy_a thing_n and_o add_v unto_o his_o church_n or_o garden_n second_o that_o all_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n lead_v to_o oppose_v bishop_n ceremony_n common_a prayer_n prostitution_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o ungodly_a and_o to_o the_o true_a practice_n of_o christ_n own_o ordinance_n do_v necessary_o as_o before_o i_o intimate_v and_o mr._n caâ—â—_n have_v full_o prove_v conclude_v a_o separation_n of_o holy_a from_o unholy_a penitent_a from_o impenitent_a godly_a from_o ungodly_a etc._n etc._n and_o that_o to_o frame_v any_o other_o build_v upon_o such_o ground_n and_o foundation_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o raise_v the_o form_n of_o a_o square_a house_n upon_o the_o keel_n of_o a_o ship_n which_o will_v never_o prove_v a_o soul_n save_v true_a ark_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n jesus_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n three_o the_o multitude_n of_o holy_a and_o faithful_a man_n and_o woman_n who_o since_o q._n mary_n day_n have_v witness_v this_o truth_n by_o write_v dispute_v and_o in_o suffer_a loss_n of_o good_n and_o friend_n cause_n the_o great_a suffering_n for_o this_o cause_n in_o impresonment_n banishment_n death_n etc._n etc._n i_o confess_v the_o nonconformist_n have_v suffer_v also_o but_o they_o that_o have_v suffer_v for_o this_o cause_n have_v far_o exceed_v in_o not_o only_o witness_v to_o those_o ground_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n but_o to_o those_o truth_n also_o the_o unavoidable_a conclusion_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n principle_n four_o what_o be_v that_o which_o mr._n cotton_n and_o so_o many_o hundreth_n fear_v god_n in_o new_a england_n walk_v in_o but_o a_o way_n of_o separation_n england_n mr._n cottonâ—_n and_o other_o zealous_a practice_n of_o separation_n in_o new_a england_n of_o what_o matter_n do_v they_o profess_v to_o constitute_v their_o church_n but_o of_o true_a godly_a person_n in_o what_o form_n do_v they_o cast_v this_o matter_n but_o by_o a_o voluntary_a unite_n or_o add_v of_o such_o godly_a person_n who_o they_o careful_o examine_v and_o cause_n to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o profession_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n in_o christ_n nay_o when_o other_o english_a have_v attempt_v to_o set_v up_o a_o congregation_n after_o the_o parishional_a way_n have_v they_o not_o be_v suppress_v yea_o have_v they_o not_o profess_o and_o late_o answer_v many_o worthy_a person_n who_o they_o account_v godly_a minister_n and_o people_n that_o they_o can_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o live_v in_o the_o same_o commonwealth_n together_o with_o they_o if_o they_o set_v up_o any_o other_o church_n and_o worship_n then_o what_o themselves_o practice_v england_n mr._n cotton_n allow_v liberty_n to_o frequent_v those_o parish_n in_o old_a england_n which_o parish_n be_v himself_o persecute_v in_o new_a england_n let_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o serious_o ponder_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o themselves_o so_o practise_v shall_v persecute_v other_o for_o not_o leave_v open_a a_o gap_n of_o liberty_n to_o escape_v persecution_n and_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n by_o frequent_v the_o parish_n in_o old_a england_n which_o parish_n themselves_o persecute_v in_o new_a england_n and_o will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o breath_n in_o the_o common_a air_n among_o they_o five_o in_o the_o parish_n which_o mr._n cotton_n hold_v but_o invention_n of_o man_n however_o they_o will_v have_v liberty_n to_o frequent_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o word_n christ_n a_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o escape_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o according_a to_o mr._n cotton_v own_o principle_n as_o before_o there_o be_v as_o true_a communion_n in_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o word_n in_o a_o church_n estate_n as_o in_o the_o seal_n what_o mystery_n shall_v be_v in_o this_o but_o that_o here_o also_o the_o cross_n or_o gibbet_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v avoid_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n if_o person_n come_v to_o church_n &c_n &c_n last_o however_o he_o say_v he_o have_v not_o find_v such_o presence_n of_o christ_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o such_o church_n as_o in_o the_o parish_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a rejoice_n and_o boasting_n of_o their_o own_o separation_n in_o new_a england_n apostle_n the_o new_a english_a church_n 〈…〉_o by_o some_o to_o 〈◊〉_d pure_a than_o the_o first_o establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n insomuch_o that_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a among_o they_o have_v affirm_v that_o even_o the_o apostle_n church_n be_v not_o so_o pure_a sure_o if_o the_o same_o new_a english_a church_n be_v in_o old_a england_n they_o can_v not_o meet_v without_o persecution_n which_o therefore_o in_o old_a england_n they_o avoid_v by_o frequent_v the_o way_n of_o church-worship_n which_o in_o new_a england_n they_o persecute_v the_o parish_n upon_o these_o consideration_n how_o can_v mr._n cotton_n be_v offend_v that_o i_o shall_v help_v as_o he_o call_v they_o any_o zealous_a soul_n not_o against_o the_o mighty_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o to_o seek_v after_o the_o lord_n jesus_n without_o halt_v dayeâ—_n the_o reformation_n desire_v now_o have_v be_v account_v heresy_n in_o ed._n â—_o his_o dayeâ—_n yea_o why_o shall_v mr._n cotton_n or_o any_o desirous_a to_o practise_v reformation_n kindle_v a_o fire_n of_o persecution_n against_o such_o zealous_a soul_n especial_o consider_v that_o themselves_o have_v they_o so_o inveigh_v against_o bishop_n common_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n in_o edward_n the_o 6._o his_o day_n have_v be_v account_v as_o great_a heretic_n in_o those_o reform_a time_n as_o any_o now_o can_v be_v in_o these_o yet_o will_v it_o have_v be_v then_o and_o since_o have_v it_o be_v great_a oppression_n and_o tyranny_n to_o persecute_v their_o conscience_n and_o still_o will_v it_o be_v for_o they_o to_o persecute_v the_o conscience_n of_o other_o in_o old_a or_o new_a england_n how_o can_v i_o better_a end_n then_o mr._n cotton_n do_v by_o warning_n that_o all_o that_o will_v not_o kiss_v the_o son_n that_o be_v hear_v and_o embrace_v the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n shall_v perish_v in_o their_o way_n wheresoever_o 〈◊〉_d unjust_a 〈◊〉_d wheresoever_o psal_n 2._o 12._o and_o i_o desire_v mr._n cotton_n and_o every_o soul_n to_o who_o these_o line_n may_v come_v serious_o to_o consider_v in_o this_o contraversie_n if_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v himself_o in_o person_n in_o old_a or_o new_a england_n what_o church_n what_o ministry_n what_o worship_n what_o government_n he_o will_v set_v up_o and_o what_o persecution_n he_o will_v practise_v towards_o they_o that_o will_v not_o receive_v he_o finis_fw-la
gather_v church_n apostle_n embassador_n trumpeter_n with_o proclamation_n from_o the_o king_n of_o king_n to_o convert_v subdue_v bring_v in_o rebellious_a unconvert_v unbelieved_a unchristian_a soul_n to_o the_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i_o ready_o confess_v that_o at_o the_o pastor_n or_o shepherd_n feed_v of_o his_o flock_n accidental_a conversion_n in_o a_o church_n accidental_a and_o the_o prophet_n prohecy_v in_o the_o church_n a_o unbeliever_n come_v in_o be_v convince_v fall_v on_o his_o face_n and_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v there_o yet_o this_o be_v accidental_a that_o any_o unbeliever_n shall_v come_v in_o ministry_n personal_a repentance_n â—â—ought_v in_o thousand_o be_v godly_a personâ—_n in_o popish_a ministry_n and_o the_o pastor_n work_n be_v to_o feed_v his_o flock_n act_v 20._o and_o prophecy_n be_v not_o for_o unbeever_n but_o for_o they_o that_o believe_v to_o edify_v exhort_v and_o comfort_v the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 34._o â—_o 22._o i_o also_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o work_v a_o person_n 〈◊〉_d repentance_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o thousand_o in_o germany_n england_n low_a country_n france_n scotland_n ireland_n etc._n etc._n yea_o and_o who_o know_v but_o in_o italy_n spain_n rome_n not_o only_o by_o such_o man_n who_o decline_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n priest_n deacon_n the_o constitute_v ministry_n of_o england_n hitherto_o but_o also_o by_o such_o as_o have_v own_v they_o as_o luther_n remain_v a_o monk_n and_o famous_a holy_a man_n remain_v and_o burn_a lord_n bishop_n disorder_n to_o preach_v main_o for_o conversion_n of_o that_o people_n to_o who_o a_o man_n stand_v shepherd_n as_o to_o a_o convert_a people_n and_o flock_n of_o christ_n a_o dangerous_a disorder_n but_o all_o this_o have_v be_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o minister_n feed_v their_o flock_n not_o of_o preacher_n send_v to_o convert_v the_o unconvert_v and_o unbelieved_a this_o passage_n i_o present_v for_o 2_o reason_n first_o because_o so_o many_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a person_n main_o preach_v for_o conversion_n as_o concieve_v and_o that_o true_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n of_o england_n to_o be_v in_o a_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a estate_n and_o yet_o account_v they_o themselves_o fix_v and_o constant_a officer_n and_o minister_n to_o particular_a parish_n or_o congregation_n unto_o who_o they_o also_o administer_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n though_o sometime_o few_o and_o sometime_o none_o regenerate_v or_o new_o bear_v have_v be_v find_v among_o they_o which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o high_a concernment_n touch_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n convert_v god_n people_n must_v seek_v after_o a_o ministry_n send_v by_o christ_n to_o convert_v and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n second_o that_o in_o these_o great_a earthquake_n wherein_o it_o please_v god_n to_o shake_v foundation_n civil_a and_o spiritual_a such_o a_o ministry_n of_o christ_n jesus_n may_v be_v seek_v after_o who_o proper_a work_n be_v preach_v for_o convert_v and_o gather_v of_o true_a penitent_n to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n chap._n xxvi_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o mr._n cotton_n himself_o have_v profess_v concern_v english_a preacher_n be_v cotton_n mr._n cotton_n that_o although_o the_o word_n yet_o not_o the_o seal_n may_v be_v receive_v from_o they_o because_o say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o communion_n in_o hear_v and_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v to_o all_o but_o the_o seal_v he_o conceive_v and_o that_o right_o be_v profane_v in_o be_v dispense_v to_o the_o ungodly_a etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr mr._n cotton_n himself_o maintain_v estate_n the_o communion_n or_o fellowship_n of_o the_o word_n teach_v in_o a_o church_n estate_n that_o the_o dispense_n of_o the_o word_n in_o a_o church_n estate_n be_v christ_n feed_v of_o his_o flock_n cant._n 1._o 8._o christ_n kiss_v of_o his_o spouse_n or_o wife_n cant._n 1._o 2._o christ_n embrace_v of_o his_o spouse_n in_o the_o marriage_n bed_n cant._n 1._o 16._o christ_n nurse_n of_o his_o child_n at_o his_o wife_n breast_n cant._n 4._o and_o be_v there_o no_o communion_n between_o the_o shepherd_n and_o his_o sheep_n the_o husband_n and_o his_o wife_n in_o chaste_a kiss_n and_o embrace_n and_o the_o mother_n and_o her_o child_n at_o the_o breast_n beside_o he_o confess_v that_o that_o fellowship_n in_o the_o gospel_n phil._n 1._o 3._o be_v a_o fellowship_n or_o communion_n in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n community_n break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n in_o which_o the_o first_o church_n continue_v act_v 2._o 46._o all_o which_o overthrow_v that_o doctrine_n of_o a_o lawful_a participation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n in_o a_o church_n estate_n where_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n or_o seal_n chap._n xxvii_o three_o concern_v the_o lawful_a commission_n or_o call_n of_o english_a preacher_n mr._n cotton_n himself_o and_o other_o most_o eminent_a in_o new_a england_n have_v free_o confess_v england_n eminent_a minister_n so_o account_v in_o old_a england_n profess_v themselves_o private_a christian_n in_o new_a england_n that_o notwithstanding_o their_o former_a profession_n of_o ministry_n in_o old_a england_n yet_o in_o new_a england_n until_o they_o receive_v a_o call_n from_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o be_v but_o private_a christian_n second_o that_o christ_n jesus_n have_v appoint_v no_o other_o call_n to_o the_o ministry_n but_o such_o as_o they_o practice_n in_o new_a england_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o that_o all_o other_o which_o be_v not_o from_o a_o particular_a congregation_n of_o godly_a person_n be_v none_o of_o christ_n as_o first_o a_o calling_n or_o commission_n receive_v from_o the_o bishop_n ministry_n false_a calling_n or_o commission_n for_o the_o ministry_n second_o from_o a_o parish_n of_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a person_n three_o from_o some_o few_o godly_a person_n yet_o remain_v in_o church_n fellowship_n after_o the_o parish_n way_n last_o the_o eminent_a gift_n and_o ability_n be_v but_o qualification_n fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o a_o call_n or_o office_n according_a to_o 1_o tim._n 3._o tit._n 1._o all_o which_o premise_n due_o consider_v i_o humble_o desire_v of_o the_o father_n of_o light_n that_o mr._n cotton_n and_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n may_v try_v what_o will_v abide_v the_o fiery_a trial_n in_o this_o particalar_n when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o flame_a fire_n etc._n etc._n chap._n xxviii_o the_o close_a of_o his_o letteâ—_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o passage_n of_o i_o cotton_n m._n cotton_n which_o he_o repeat_v in_o a_o objection_n thus_o but_o this_o you_o fear_v be_v to_o condemn_v the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n the_o separate_a church_n in_o london_n and_o elsewhere_o and_o our_o jealous_a god_n will_v visit_v we_o for_o such_o arrearage_n yea_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o angel_n to_o meros_n will_v fall_v upon_o we_o because_o we_o come_v not_o forth_o to_o help_v jehovah_n against_o the_o mighty_a we_o pray_v not_o for_o they_o we_o come_v not_o at_o they_o but_o at_o parish_n frequent_o yea_o we_o reproach_n and_o censure_v they_o to_o which_o he_o answer_v that_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o nor_o prophet_n before_o he_o ever_o deliver_v that_o way_n that_o they_o fear_v not_o the_o angel_n curse_n because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o help_v jehovah_n but_o satan_n to_o withdraw_v people_n from_o the_o parish_n where_o they_o have_v find_v more_o presence_n of_o christ_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o spirit_n then_o in_o separate_a church_n that_o they_o pray_v not_o for_o they_o because_o they_o can_v pray_v in_o faith_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o their_o separation_n and_o that_o it_o be_v little_a comfort_n to_o hear_v of_o separate_a church_n as_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o blame_v they_o that_o be_v desirous_a of_o reformation_n they_o stumble_v not_o only_o at_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o for_o their_o sake_n at_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o they_o separate_v not_o only_o from_o the_o parish_n but_o from_o the_o church_n at_o plymouth_n and_o of_o that_o whereof_o mr._n lathrop_n be_v pastor_n who_o as_o he_o say_v not_o only_o refuse_v all_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o choose_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o own_o ordinance_n only_o last_o he_o profess_v his_o inward_a sorrow_n that_o myself_o help_v err_a though_o zealous_a soul_n against_o the_o mighty_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o whosoever_o stumble_v at_o shall_v be_v break_v world_n the_o garden_n of_o the_o church_n of_o both_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n plant_v with_o a_o hedge_n or_o wall_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o world_n because_o whosoever_o will_v not_o kiss_v the_o son_n that_o be_v will_v not_o hear_v and_o embrace_v the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n