mr._n cotton_v letter_n late_o print_v examine_v and_o answer_v by_o roger_n williams_n of_o providence_n in_o new-england_a london_n imprint_v in_o the_o year_n 1644._o to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n this_o letter_n i_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v receive_v from_o mr._n cotton_n who_o for_o his_o personal_a excellency_n i_o true_o honour_n and_o love_n yet_o at_o such_o a_o time_n of_o my_o distress_a wander_n among_o the_o barbarian_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o food_n of_o clothes_n of_o time_n i_o reserve_v it_o though_o hardly_o amid_o so_o many_o barbarous_a distraction_n and_o afterward_o prepare_v a_o answer_n to_o be_v return_v in_o the_o interim_n persecution_n mr_n cotton_v reluctancy_n in_o himself_o concern_v the_o way_n of_o persecution_n some_o friend_n be_v much_o grieve_v that_o one_o public_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o dear_o belove_v shall_v yet_o be_v so_o expose_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o howl_a wilderness_n in_o frost_n and_o snow_n etc._n etc._n mâ—_n cotton_n to_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n of_o censure_n from_o himself_o profess_v both_o in_o speech_n and_o writing_n that_o he_o be_v no_o procurer_n of_o my_o sorrow_n some_o letter_n then_o pass_v between_o we_o in_o which_o i_o prove_v and_o express_v that_o if_o i_o have_v perish_v in_o that_o sorrowful_a winter_n flight_n man_n a_o unmerciful_a speech_n from_o a_o merciful_a man_n only_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v have_v wash_v he_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o i_o his_o final_a answer_n be_v have_v you_o perish_v your_o blood_n have_v be_v on_o your_o own_o head_n it_o be_v your_o sin_n to_o procure_v it_o and_o your_o sorrow_n to_o suffer_v it_o here_o i_o confess_v i_o stop_v and_o ever_o since_o suppress_v my_o answer_n wait_v if_o it_o may_v please_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n more_o to_o mollify_v and_o soften_v and_o render_v more_o humane_a and_o merciful_a the_o ear_n and_o heart_n of_o that_o otherwise_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a man_n it_o can_v now_o be_v just_o offensive_a letter_n god_n wisdom_n in_o the_o season_n of_o publish_v this_o letter_n that_o find_v this_o letter_n public_a by_o who_o procurement_n i_o know_v not_o i_o also_o present_a to_o the_o same_o public_a view_n my_o former_o intend_a answer_n i_o rejoice_v in_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o mercy_n christ_n time_n of_o enquiry_n after_o christ_n in_o order_v the_o season_n both_o of_o my_o own_o present_a opportunity_n of_o answer_n as_o also_o and_o especial_o of_o such_o protestation_n and_o resolution_n of_o so_o many_o fear_v god_n to_o seek_v what_o worship_n and_o worshipper_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o in_o jesus_n christ_n mire_n own_o ear_n be_v glad_a and_o late_a witness_n of_o a_o heavenly_a speech_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o that_o high_a assembly_n of_o parliament_n man_n a_o golden_a speech_n of_o a_o parliament_n man_n viz._n why_o shall_v the_o labour_n of_o any_o be_v suppress_v if_o sober_a though_o never_o so_o different_a we_o now_o profess_v to_o scek_v god_n we_o desire_v to_o see_v light_n etc._n etc._n i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o god_n will_v not_o be_v find_v late_o times_n when_o seek_v of_o god_n come_v tâ—o_fw-la late_o though_o man_n seek_v he_o early_a prov._n 1_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o prayer_n and_o fast_v come_v too_o late_o jer._n 14._o there_o be_v a_o seek_v of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n with_o a_o stumble_a block_n according_a to_o which_o god_n give_v his_o israel_n a_o answer_n ezek._n 13._o last_o there_o be_v a_o proud_a refusal_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n return_v in_o answer_n by_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 42._o love_n bid_v i_o hope_v for_o bet_n thing_n god_n promise_n assure_v we_o that_o his_o people_n return_v from_o captivity_n jesus_n whole_a heart_a seeker_n the_o only_a seeker_n of_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v seek_v he_o and_o pray_v and_o find_v he_o when_o they_o seek_v he_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n jer._n 27._o and_o god_n angel_n comfort_v those_o against_o all_o fear_n that_o seek_v jesus_n that_o be_v crucify_a mark_v 16._o thy_o soul_n so_o prosper_v who_o ever_o thou_o be_v worthy_a reader_n as_o with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n thou_o seek_v that_o true_a lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v holiness_n itself_o and_o require_v a_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a bride_n like_o to_o himself_o the_o pure_a and_o spotless_a lamb_n teach_v christ_n jesus_n who_o he_o save_v he_o teach_v he_o alone_o as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v thou_o to_o the_o utmost_a from_o thy_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n by_o his_o blood_n so_o have_v he_o bring_v his_o father_n council_n from_o his_o bosom_n and_o every_o soul_n be_v bind_v on_o pain_n of_o eternal_a pain_n to_o attend_v alone_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n command_n and_o statute_n heb._n 7._o act_v 3_o that_o lord_n jesus_n selfe-deniall_n the_o true_a lord_n jesus_n study_v hnmility_n and_o selfe-deniall_n who_o purposely_o choose_v to_o descend_v of_o mean_a and_o inferior_a parent_n a_o carpenter_n etc._n etc._n who_o disdain_v not_o to_o enter_v this_o world_n in_o a_o stable_a among_o beast_n as_o unworthy_a the_o society_n of_o man_n who_o pass_v through_o this_o world_n with_o the_o esteem_n of_o a_o mad_a man_n a_o deceiver_n a_o conjurer_n a_o traitor_n against_o caesar_n and_o destitute_a of_o a_o house_n wherein_o to_o rest_v his_o head_n who_o mad_a choice_n of_o his_o first_o and_o great_a ambassador_n out_o of_o fisherman_n tent-maker_n etc._n etc._n and_o at_o last_o choose_v to_o depart_v on_o the_o stage_n of_o a_o pianfull_a shameful_a gibbet_n if_o he_o thou_o seek_v in_o these_o search_a time_n make_v he_o alone_a thy_o white_a and_o soul_n belove_v 1._o seeker_n of_o christ_n be_v sure_a of_o a_o gracious_a answer_n 2_o thess_n 1._o willing_a to_o follow_v and_o be_v like_o he_o in_o do_v in_o suffer_v although_o thou_o find_v he_o not_o in_o the_o restauration_n of_o his_o ordinance_n according_a to_o his_o first_o pattern_n yet_o shall_v thou_o see_v he_o reign_n with_o he_o eternal_o admire_v he_o and_o enjoy_v he_o when_o he_o short_o come_v in_o flame_a fire_n to_o burn_v up_o million_o of_o ignorant_a and_o disobedient_a your_o most_o unworthy_a countryman_n roger_n williams_n mr._n cotton_v letter_n examine_v and_o answer_v chap._n i._n mr._n cotton_n belove_a in_o christ_n answer_n though_o i_o humble_o desire_v to_o acknowledge_v myself_o unworthy_a to_o be_v belove_v and_o most_o of_o all_o unworthy_a of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n england_n a_o monstrous_a paradox_n that_o god_n child_n shall_v persecute_v god_n child_n and_o that_o they_o that_o hope_v to_o live_v eternal_o together_o with_o christ_n jesus_n in_o the_o heaven_n shall_v not_o suffer_v each_o other_o to_o live_v in_o this_o common_a air_n together_o etc._n etc._n i_o be_o inform_v it_o be_v the_o speech_n of_o a_o honourable_a knight_n of_o the_o parliament_n what_o christ_n persecute_v christ_n in_o new_a england_n and_o to_o be_v belove_v for_o his_o sake_n yet_o since_o mr._n cotton_n be_v please_v to_o use_v such_o a_o affectionate_a compellation_n and_o testimonial_a expression_n to_o one_o so_o afflict_v and_o persecute_v by_o himself_o and_o other_o who_o for_o their_o personal_a worth_n and_o godliness_n i_o also_o honour_n and_o love_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v serious_o review_v by_o himself_o and_o they_o and_o all_o man_n whether_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v well_o please_v that_o one_o belove_v in_o he_o shall_v for_o no_o other_o cause_n then_o shall_v present_o appear_v be_v deny_v the_o common_a air_n to_o breath_n in_o and_o a_o civil_a cohabitation_n upon_o the_o same_o common_a earth_n yea_o and_o also_o without_o mercy_n and_o humane_a compassion_n be_v expose_v to_o winter_n misery_n in_o a_o howl_a wilderness_n and_o i_o ask_v further_o it_o mr._n cotton_n expect_v more_o light_a mun_o according_a to_o his_o way_n of_o persecution_n persecute_v christ_n jesus_n if_o he_o bring_v it_o whether_o since_o mr._n cotton_n elsewhere_o profess_v to_o expect_v far_o great_a light_n than_o yet_o shine_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o practice_n if_o christ_n jesus_n in_o any_o of_o his_o servant_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o hold_v forth_o a_o further_a light_n christ_n jesus_n himself_o shall_v find_v the_o mercy_n and_o humanity_n of_o a_o civil_a and_o temporal_a life_n and_o be_v with_o they_o mr._n cotton_n though_o i_o have_v little_a hope_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o uncircumcision_n of_o my_o own_o lip_n that_o you_o will_v hearken_v to_o my_o voice_n who_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n with_o you_o and_o the_o testimony_n and_o judgement_n of_o so_o many_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n yet_o i_o trust_v my_o labour_n
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
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
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
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