them but not invest them with office amongst them Secondly the Maintenance of Church-officers being to arise from all those who are ordinarily taught thereby Gal. 6. 6. hence it is the dutie of the Civill Magistrate to contend with the people as Nehemiah did chap. 13. ver 10. 11. who doe neglect and forsake the due maintenance of the Church of God and to command them to give such portions for the maintenance of Church officers as the Gospell commandeth to be offered to them freely and bountifully 2. Cor. 9. 5 6 7. According as Hezekiah commanded the people to give to the Priests and Levites the portions appointed by the Law that they might be incouraged in the Law of the Lord 2 Chron. 31. 4. Thirdly the furnishing the Church with set officers depending much upon erecting and maintenance of Schooles and good education of youth and it lying chiefly in the hand of the Magistrate to provide for the furthering thereof they may therefore and should so farre provide for the Churches as to erect Schooles take care for fit Governours and Tutours and commend it to all the Churches if they see it meet that in all the Churches within the Jurisdiction once in a yeare and if it may be the Sabbath before the Generall Court of Election there be a Free-will offering of all people for the maintenance of such Schooles And the monies of every Towne so given to be brought on the day of Election to the Treasurie of the Colledge and the monies to be disposed by such who are so chosen for the disposing thereof Truth In the choice of officers it is very obscure what they mean by this supreme power of Christ Jesus sending to preach We know the Commission of the Lord Jesus to his first Messengers to goe into all Nations to preach and gather Churches and they were immediately sent forth by him but Mr. Cotton elswhere boldeth that there is now extant no immediate Ministry from Christ but mediate that is from the Church Let us first see how they agree with themselves and secondly how they agree with the Magistrate in this busines First if they hold a sending forth to preach by Christs supreme power according to Math. 28. Mark 16. Rom. 10. they must necessarily grant a time when the Church is not but is to be constituted out of the Nations and Peoples now converted by this preaching whence according to the course of Scripture the nature of the Worke and their own Grant in this place it is apparent that there is a Ministery before the Church gathering and espousing the Church to Christ and therefore their other Tenent must needs be too light viz. that there is no Ministry but that which is mediate from the Church Peace Blessed Truth this doctrine of a Ministry before the Church is harsh and deep yet most true most sweet Yet you know their Ground that two or three Godly persons may joyne themselves together become a Church make officers send them forth to preach to convert baptize and gather New Churches Truth I answer first we find not in the first institution and pasterne that ever any such two or three or more did gather and constitute themselves a Church of Christ without a Ministrie sent from God to invite and call them by the Word and to receive them unto fellowship with God upon the receiving of that Word and Message And therefore it may very well be quaeried how without such a Ministry two or three become a Church and how the power of Christ is conveyed unto them Who espoused this people unto Iesus Christ as the Church at Corinth was espoused by Paul 2 Cor. 11. If it be said themselves or if it be said the Scriptures let one instance be produced in the first patternes and practices of such a Practice It hath been generally confest that there is no comming to the Mariage feast without a Messenger inviting sent from God to the Soules of men Matth. 22. Luc. 14. Rom. 10. We finde when the Thessalonians turned to God from their Idolls to serve the living and true God 1 Thessal 1. 9. it pleased God to bring a Word of Power unto them by the mouth of Paul in the same place Peace You know deare Truth it is a common plea that Gods people now are converted already and therefore may congregate themselves c. Truth Two things must here be cleered First doth their conversion amount to externall turning from Idolls I Thess. 1. 9. beside their internall Repentance Faith Love c. Secondly who wrought this conversion who begot these Children for though the Corinthians might have ten thousand Teachers yet Paul had begotten them by the Word 'T is true as Mr. Cotton himselfe elsewhere acknowledgeth God sendeth many Preachers in the way of his providence even in Babel mysticall though not according to his Ordinance and Institution So even in the wildernesse Rev. 12. God provideth for the sustentation of the woman Rev. 12. by which provision even in the most Popish times and places yea and by most false and Popish callings now in this lightsome Age confest so to be God hath done great things to the personall conversion consolation and salvation of his people But as there seems yet to be desired such constitution of the Christian Church as the first institution and patterne calls for So also such a calling and converting of Gods people from Antichristian Idols to the Christian Worship And therefore such a Ministry according to the first patterne sent from Christ Iesus to renew and restore the Worship and Ordinances of God in Christ. Lastly if it should be granted that without a Ministry sent from Christ to gather Churches that Gods people in this Country may be called converted from Antichristian Idolls to the true worship of God in the true Church estate and Ordinances will it not follow that in all other Countries of the World Gods Elect must or may be so converted from their severall respective false worships and Idolatries and brought into the true Christian Church estate without such a Ministry sent unto them Or are there two wayes appointed by the Lord Iesus one for this Country and another for the rest of the World Or lastly if two or three more without a Ministry shall arise up become a Church make Ministers c. I ask whether those two or three or more must not be accounted immediately and extraordinarily stirred up by God and whether this be that supreme power of Christ Iesus which they speake of sending forth two or three private persons to make a Church and Ministers without a true Ministry of Christ Iesus first sent unto themselves Is this that commission which all Ministers pretend unto Mat. 28. 19. c. first in the hands of two or three private persons becomming a Church without a mediat call from which Church say they there can be no true Ministry and yet also confesse that Christ sendeth
Christians are to be exhorted not compelled But this hundreth not that Christians sinning against light of Faith and Conscience may justly be censured by the Church with Excommunication and by the Civill Sword also in case they shall corrupt others to the perdition of their Soules As for the Testimony of the Popish Book we weigh it not as knowing whatsoever they speake for Toleration of Religion where themselves are under Hatches when they come to sit at Sterne they judge and practise quite contrary as both their Writings and Iudiciall proceedings have testified to the World these many yeares To shut up this Argument from Testimonie of Writers It is well known Augustine retracted this Opinion of yours which in his younger times he had held but in after riper age reversed and refuted as appeareth in the second Book of his Retractations chap. 5. and in his Epistles 48. 50. And in his 1. Book against Parmenianus cap. 7. he sheweth that if the Donatists were punished with death they were justly punished And in his 11 Tractate upon Iohn They murther saith he Soules and themselves are afflicted in Body They put men to everlasting death and yet they complaine when themselves are put to suffer temporall death Optatus in his 3. book justifieth Macharius who had put some Hereticks to death that he had done no more herein then what Moses Phincas and Elias had done before him Bernard in his 66 Sermon in Cantica Out of doubt saith he it is better that they should be restrained by the Sword of Him who beareth not the Sword in vaine then that they should be suffred to draw many others into their Errour For he is the Minister of God for Wrath to every evill doer Calvins judgement is well knowne who procured the death of Michael Servetus for pertinacie in Heresie and defended his fact by a Book written of that Argument Beza also wrote a Booke de Haereticis Morte plectendis that Hereticks are to be punished with Death Aretius likewise tooke the like course about the Death of Valentinus Gentilis and justified the Magistrates proceeding against him in an History written of that Argument Finally you come to answer some maine Objections as you call them which yet are but one and that one objecteth nothing against what we hold It is say you no prejudice to the Common-wealth if Libertie of Conscience were suffred to such as feare God indeed which you prove by the examples of the Patriarchs and others But we readily grant you Libertie of Conscience is to be granted to men that feare God indeed as knowing they will not persist in Heresie or turbulent Schisme when they are convinced in Conscience of the sinfulnesse thereof But the Question is Whether an Heretick after once or twice Admonition and so after conviction or any other scandalous and heynous offender may be tolerated either in the Church without Excommunication or in the Common-wealth without such punishment as may preserve others from dangerous and damnable infection Thus much I thought needfull to be spoken for avoyding the Grounds of your Errour I forbeare adding Reasons to justifie the Truth because you may finde that done to your hand in a Treatise sent to some of the Brethren late of Salem who doubted as you doe The Lord Jesus lead you by a Spirit of Truth into all Truth through Jesus Christ. A REPLY to the aforesaid ANSWER of Mr. Cotton In a CONFERENCE betweene TRVTH and PEACE CHAP. I. Truth IN what darke corner of the World sweet Peace are we two met How hath this present evill World banished Me from all the Coasts Quarters of it and how hath the Righteous God in judgement taken Thee from the Earth Rev. 6. 4. Peace 'T is lamentably true blessed Truth the foundations of the World have long been out of course the Gates of Earth and Hell have conspired together to intercept our joyfull meeting and our holy kisses With what a wearied tyred Wing have I flowne over Nations Kingdomes Cities Townes to finde out precious Truth Truth The like enquiries in my flights and travells have I made for Peace and still am told she hath left the Earth and fled to Heaven Peace Deare Truth What is the Earth but a dungeon of darknesse where Truth is not Truth And what 's the Peace thereof but a fleeting dreame thine Ape and Counterfeit Peace O where 's the Promise of the God of Heaven that Righteousnes and Peace shall kisse each other Truth Patience sweet Peace these Heavens and Earth are growing Old and shall be changed like a Garment Psal. 102. They shall melt away and be burnt up with all the Works that are therein and the most high Eternall Creatour shall gloriously create New Heavens and New Earth wherein dwells Righteousnesse 2 Pet. 3. Our kisses then shall have their endlesse date of pure and sweetest ioyes till then both Thou and I must hope and wait and beare the furie of the Dragons wrath whose monstrous Lies and Furies shall with himselfe be cast into the lake of Fire the second death Revel 20. Peace Most precious Truth thou knowest we are both pursued and laid for Mine heart is full of sighes mine eyes with teares Where can I better vent my full oppressed bosome then into thine whose faithfull lips may for these few houres revive my drooping wandring spirits and here begin to wipe Teares from mine eyes and the eyes of my dearest Children Truth Sweet daughter of the God of Peace begin powre out thy sorrowes vent thy complaints how joyfull am I to improve these precious Minutes to revive our Hearts both thine and mine and the hearts of all that love the Truth and Peace Zach. 8. Peace Deare Truth I know thy birth thy nature thy delight They that know thee will prize thee farre above themselves and lives and sell themselves to buy thee Well spake that famous Elizabeth to her famous Attorney Sir Edward Coke Mr. Attourney goe on as thou hast begun and still plead not pro Domina Regina but pro Domina Veritate Truth 'T is true my Crowne is high my Scepter 's strong to breake down strongest holds to throw down highest Crownes of all that plead though but in thought against me Some few there are but oh how few are valiant for the Truth and dare to plead my Cause as my Witnesses in sack-cloth Revel 11. While all mens Tongues are bent like Bowes to shoot out lying words against Me Peace O how could I spend eternall dayes and endlesse dates at thy holy feet in listning to the precious Oracles of thy mouth All the Words of thy mouth are Truth and there is no iniquity in them Thy lips drop as the hony-combe But oh since we must part anon let us as thou saidst improve our Minutes and according as thou promisedst revive me with thy words which are sweeter then the honey and the honey-combe CHAP. II. DEare Truth I have two sad Complaints First The most sober
beleeve in conscience to be the truth or for practising some worke which you beleeve in conscience to be a religious dutie Truth I acknowledge that to molest any person Iew or Gentile for either professing doctrine or practising worship meerly religious or spirituall it is to persecute him and such a person what ever his doctrine or practice be true or false suffereth persecution for conscience But withall I desire it may bee well observed that this distinction is not full and complete For beside this that a man may be persecuted because he holdeth or practiseth what he beleeves in conscience to be a Truth as Daniel did for which he was cast into the Lyons den Dan. 6. and many thousands of Christians because they durst not cease to preach and practise what they beleeved was by Goâ— commanded as the Apostles answered Acts 4 5. I say besides this a man may also be persecuted because hee dares not be constrained to yeeld obedience to such doctrines and worships as are by men invented and appointed So the three famous Iewes were cast into the fiery furnace for refusing to fall downe in a non-conformity to the whole conforming world before the golden Image Dan. 3. 21. So thousands of Christs witnesses and of late in those bloudy Marian dayes have rather chose to yeeld their bodies to all sorts of torments then to subscribe to doctrines or practise worships unto which the States and Times as Nabuchadnezzar to his golden Image have compelled and urged them A chaste wife will not onely abhorre to be restrained from her husbands bed as adulterous and polluted but also abhor if not much more to bee constrained to the bed of a stranger And what is abominable in corporall is much more loathsome in spirituall whoredome and defilement The Spouse of Christ Iesus who could not finde her soules beloved in the wayes of his worship and Ministery Cant. 1. 3. and 5. Chapters abhorred to turne aside to other Flockes Worships c. and to imbrace the bosome of a false Christ Cant. 1. 8. CHAP. IV. Peace THe second distinction is this In points of Doctrine some are fundamentall without right beleefe whereof a man cannot be saved others are circumstantiall and lesse principall wherein a man may differ in judgement without prejudice of salvation on either part Truth To this distinction I dare not subscribe for then I should everlastingly condemne thousands and ten thousands yea the whole generation of the righteous who since the falling away from the first primitive Christian state or worship have and doe erre fundamentally concerning the true matter constitution gathering and governing of the Church and yet farre be it from any pious breast to imagine that they are not saved and that their soules are not bound up in the bundle of eternall life We reade of foure sorts of spirituall or Christian foundations in the New Testaments First the Foundation of all foundations the Corner-stone it selfe the Lord Iesus on whom all depend Persons Doctrines Practices 1. Cor. 3. 2. Ministriall foundations The Church is built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Ephel 2. 20. 3. The foundation of future rejoycing in the fruits of Obedience 1 Tim. 6. 4. The foundation of Doctrines without the knowledge of which there can be no true profession of Christ according to the first institution Heb. 6. The foundation or principles of Repentance from dead works Faith towards God the Doctrine of Baptisme Laying on of Hands the Resurrection and Eternall Iudgement In some of these to wit those concerning Baptismes Laying on of Hands Gods people will be found to be ignorant for many hundred yeares and I yet cannot see it proved that light is risen I mean the light of the first institution in practice Gods people in their persons Heart-waking Cant. 5. 2. in the life of personall grace will yet be found fast asleep in respect of publike Christian Worship Gods people in their persons are His most deare and precious yet in respect of the Christian Worship they are mingled amongst the Babylonians from whence they are called to come out not locally as some have said for that belonged to a materiall and locall Babell and literall Babell and Ierusalem have now no difference Iohn 4. 21. but spiritually and mystically to come out from her sins and Abominations If Mr. Cotton maintaine the true Church of Christ to consist of the true matter of holy persons call'd out from the World and the true forme of Vnion in a Church Covenant And that also neither Nationall Provinciall nor Diocesan Churches are of Christs institution how many Thousands of Gods people of all sorts Clergie and Laitie as they call them will they finde both in former and later times captivated in such Nationall Provinciall and Diocesan Churches yea and so far from living in yea or knowing of any such Churches for matter and forme as they conceive now only to be true that untill of late yeares how few of Gods people knew any other Church then the Parish Church of dead stones or timber It being a late marvailous light revealed by Christ Iesus the Sun of Righteousnesse that his people are a Company or Church of living stones 1 Pet. 2 9. And however his own Soule and the soules of many others precious to God are perswaded to separate from Nationall Provinciall and Diocesan Churches and to assemble into particular Churches yet since there are no Parish Churches in England but what are made up of the Parish bounds within such and such a compasse of houses and that such Churches have beene and are in constant dependance on and subordination to the Nationall Church how can the New-English particular Churches joyne with the Old English Parish Churches in so many Ordinances of Word Prayer Singing Contribution c. but they must needs confesse that as yet their Soules are farre from the knowledge of the foundation of a true Christian Church whose matter must not only be living stones but also separated from the rubbish of Antichristian confusions and desolations CHAP. V. Peace WIth lamentation I may adde How can their Soules be cleare in this foundation of the true Christian matter who persecute and oppresse their own acknowledged Brethren presenting Light unto them about this Point But I shall now present you with Mr. Cottons third distinction In point of Practice saith he some concerne the weightier duties of the Law as What God we worship and with what kind of Worship whether such as if it be Right fellowship with God is held if false fellowship with God is lost Truth It is worth the inquirie what kind of Worship he intendeth for Worship is of various signification whether in generall acceptation he meane the rightnesse or corruptnesse of the Church or the Ministry of the Church or the Ministrations of the Word Prayer Seales c. And because it pleaseth the Spirit
mouth will I judge thee For what can be said more heavenly by the tongues of Men and Angels to shew the heavenly meek temper of all the Souldiers of the Lambe of God as also to set forth what are the Spirituall weapons and ammunition of the holy war and battle of the Gospell and Kingdome of Iesus Christ for the subduing of the Nations of the World unto him Peace And yet out of the same mouth which should not be faith Iames proceeds good and evill sweet and sowre for he addes But this doth not forbid them to drive ravenous wolves from the sheepfold and to restraine them from devouring the sheepe of Christ. Truth In these words according to the judgement here maintained by him he fights against the former truth to wit that by spirituall weapons Christ Iesus will subdue the Nations of the Earth to the obedience of the Gospel for by driving away these Wolves hee intends not onely the resistance and violence which the Shepherds of Christ ought spiritually to make but the civill resistance of the materiall Swords Staves Guns c. Whenceâ— I argue that same power that forceth the evill or Wolves out forceth the good the Sheepe in for of the same or like things is the same or like reason as the same arme of flesh that with a staffe beats off a Wolfe with a Rod and Hooke brings in the Sheepe the same dog that assaulteth and teareth the Wolfe frighteth and forceth in the straggling Sheep CHAP. XLII Peace BVt for the clearer opening of this mystery I pray explicate that Scripture where the Spirit of God is pleased to use this similitude of Wolves Acts 20. 29. out of which keeping to the Allegory I shall propose these Quaeries First what Wolves were these Paul warnes of Truth Answ. Wolves literally he will not say Nor secondly persecutors of the Flock such as the Romane Emperours were Magistrates under him Therefore thirdly such as brought other Religions and Worships as the Spirit of God opens it vers 30. Such as amongst themselves should speake perverse things as many Antichrists did and especially The Antichrist And I aske whether or no such as may hold forth other Worships or Religions Iewes Turkes or Antichristians may not be peaceable and quiet Subjects loving and helpfull neighbours faire and just dealers true and loyall to the civill government It is cleare they may from all Reason and Experience in many flourishing Cities and Kingdomes of the World and so offend not against the civill State and Peace nor incurre the punishment of the civill sword notwithstanding that in spirituall and mysticall account they are ravenous and greedy Wolves Peace 2. I quaere to whom Paul gave this charge to watch against them vers 31. Truth They were not the Magistrates of the City of Ephesus but the Elders or Ministers of the Church of Christ his mysticall flock of sheepe at Ephesus Vnto them was this charge of watching given and so consequently of driving away these Wolves And however that many of these charges and exhortations given by that One Shepherd Christ Iesus to the Shepherds or Ministers of Churches be commonly attributed and directed by the Answerer in this discourse to the civill Magistrate yet I desire in the feare and holy presence of God it may bee inquired into whether in all the Will or Testament of Christ there bee any such word of Christ by way of command promise or example countenancing the Governors of the civill State to meddle with these Wolves if in civill things peaceable and obedient Peace Truly if this charge were given to the Magistrates at Ephesus or any Magistrate in the World doubtlesse they must bee able to discerne and determine out of their owne officiall abilities in these spirituall Law questions who are spirituall Sheep what is their food what their poison what their properties who their Keepers c. So on the contrary who are Wolves what their properties their haunts their assaults the manner of taking c. spiritually and this beside the care and study of the Civill Lawes and the discerning of his owne proper Civill Sheep obedient Sheepe c. as also wolvish oppressors c. whom he is bound to punish and suppresse Truth I know that Civill Magistrates in some places have declined the name of Head of the Church and Ecclesiasticall Judge yet can they not with good conscience decline the name if they doe the worke and performe the office of determining and punishing a meerly spirituall Wolfe They must be sufficiently also able to judge in all spirituall causes and that with their owne and not with other mens eyes no more then they doe in civill causes contrary to the common practice of the Governours and Rulers of Civill States who often set up that for a Religion or Worship to God which the Clergie or Churchmen as men speake shall in their Consciences agree upon And if this be not so to wit that Magistrates must not be Spirituall Iudges as some decline it in the title Supreme Head and Governour why is Gallio wont to be exclaimed against for refusing to be a Iudge in such matters as concerned the Iewish Worship and Religion How is he censured for a Prophane person without conscience c. in that he would bee no Iudge or Head for that is all one in point of Government Peace In the third place I quaerie whether the Father who gave and the Sonne who keepes the Sheepe bee not greater then all Who can pluck these Sheepe the Elect out of his hand which answers that common objection of that danger of devouring although there were no other weapons in the world appointed by the Lord Jesus But CHAP. XLIII FOurthly I ask Were not these Elders or Ministers of the Church of Ephesus sufficiently furnished from the Lord Iesus to drive away these mysticall and spirituall Wolves Truth True it is against the inhumane and uncivill violence of Persecutors they were not nor are Gods children able and provided but to resist drive away expell and kill spirituall mysticall Wolves by the word of the Lord none are fit to be Christs Shepherds who are not ableâ— Tit. 1. 9. 10. 11. The Bishop or Overseer must be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the Gainsayers which Gainsayers to be by him convinced that is overcome or subdued though it may be in themselves ever obstinate they were I say as greedy Wolves in Crete as any could be at Ephesus for so saith Paul vers 10. they were unruly and vaine talkers deceivers whose mouthes must bee stopped who subverted whole houses and yet Titus and every ordinary Shepherd of a flocke of Christ had ability sufficient to defend the flock from spirituall and mysticall wolves without the helpe of the Civill Magistrate Peace In this respect therefore me thinks we may â—itly allude to that excellent answer of Iob to Bildad the Shuhite Iob 26. How
16 And if so how should Paul appeale in spirituall things to Caesar or write to the Churches of Iesus to submite in Christian or Spirituall matters Fifthly if Paul had appealed to Caesar in spirituall respects hee had greatly prophaned the holy name of God in holy things in so improper and vaine a prostitution of spirituall things to carnall and naturall judgements which are not able to comprehend spirituall matters which are alone spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2. And yet Caesar as a civill supreme Magistrate ought to defend Paul from Civill violence and staâ—derous accusations about sedition mutiny civill disobedience c. And in that sense who doubts but God's people may appeale to the Romane Caesar an Egyptian Pharach a Philistian Abimelecke an Assyrian Nabuchadnezzar the great Mâ—gol Prester Iohn the great Turke or an Indian Sachim CHAP. L. Peace WHich is the third Argument against the civill Magistrates power in spirituall and soule matters out of this Scripture Rom. 13 Truth I dispute from the nature of the Magistrates weapons vers 4. He hath a sword which hee beares not in vaine delivered to him as I acknowledge from Gods appointment in the free consent and choice of the subjects for common good We must distinguish of swords We finde foure sorts of swords mentioned in the New Testament First the sword of persecution which Herod stretched forth against Iames Act. 12. Secondly the sword of Gods Spirit expresly said to be the Word of God Ephes. 6. A sword of two edges caried in the mouth of Christ Rev. 1. which is of strong and mighty operation piercing betweene the bones and the marrow betweene the soule and the spirit Heb. 4. Thirdly the great sword of War and Destruction given to him that rides that terrible Red Horse of War so that he takes Peace from the Earth and men kill one another as is most lamentably true in the slaughter of so many hundred thousand soules within these few yeares in severall parts of Europe our owne and others None of these 3 swords are intended in this Scripture Therefore fourthly there is a Civill sword called the Sword of Civill justice which being of a materiall civill nature for the defence of Persons Estates Families Liberties of a City or Civill State and the suppressing of uncivill or injurious persons or actions by such civill punishment It cannot according to its utmost reach and capacitie now under Christ when all Nations are meerly civill without any such typicall holy respect upon them as was upon Israel a Nationall Church I say cannot extend to spirituall and Soul-causes Spirituall and Soule punishment which belongs to that spirituall sword with two edges the soule-piercing in soule-saving or soule-killing the Word of God CHAP. LII Truth A Fourth Argument from this Scripture I take in the 6. verse from Tribute custome c. which is a meerly civill Reward or Recompence for the Magistrates worke Now as the wages are such is the worke But the wages are meerely civill Custome Tribute c. not the contributions of the Saints or churches of Christ proper to the Spirituall and Christian state and such work only must the Magistrate attend upon as may properly deserve such civill wages reward or recompence Lastly that the Spirit of God never intended to direct or warrant the Magistrate to use his Power in spirituall affaires and Religious worship I argue from the terme or title it pleaseth the wisedome of God to give such Civill officers to wit vers 6. Gods Ministers Now at the very first blush no man denies a double Ministerie The one appointed by Christ Iesus in his Church to gather to governe receive in cast out and order all the affaires of the Church the House Citie or Kingdome of God Ephes. 4. 1 Cor. 12. Secondly a Civill Ministery or office meerely humane and civill which Men agree to constitute called therefore an humane creation 1 Pet. 2. and is as true and lawfull in those Nations Cities Kingdomes c. which never heard of the true God nor his holy Sonne Iesus as in any part of the World beside where the Name of Iesus is most taken up From all which premises viz. that the scope of the Spirit of God in this Chapter is to handle the matters of the second Table having handled the matters of the first in the 12. since the Magistrates of whom Paul wrote were naturall ungodly persecuting and yet lawfull Magistrates and to be obeyed in all lawfull Civill things Since all Magistrates are Gods Ministers essentially civill bounded to a civill work with civill weapons or instruments and paid or rewarded with civill rewards From all which I say I undeniably collect that this Scripture is generally mistaken and wrested from the scope of Gods Spirit and the nature of the place and cannot truly be alleadged by any for the Power of the Civill Magistrate to be exercised in spirituall and Soule-matters CHAP. LII Peace AGainst this I know many object out of the 4. verse of this Chapter that the Magistrate is to avenge or punish Evill from whence is gathered that Heresie false Christs false Churches false Ministeries false Seales being evill ought to be punished Civilly c. Truth I answer that the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is generally opposed to Civill Goodnesse or Virtue in a Common-wealth and not to Spirituall Good or Religion in the Church Secondly I have proved from the scope of the place that here is not intended Evill against the Spirituall or Christian Estate handled in the 12 Chap. but Evill against the Civill State in this 13. properly falling under the cognizance of the Civill Minister of God the Magistrate and punishable by that civill sword of his as an incivilitie disorder or breach of that civill order peace and civility unto which all the Inhabitants of a City Town or Kingdome oblige themselves Peace I have heard that the Elders of the New-English Churches who yet out of this 13 Rom. maintaine Persecution grant that the Magistrate is to preserve the peace and welfare of the State and therefore that he ought not to punish such sinnes as hurt not his peace In particular they say the Magistraâ—e may not punish secret sinnes in the Soule Nor such sinnes as are yet handling in the Church in a private way Nor such sinnes which are private in Families and therefore they say the Magistrate transgresteth to prosecute complaints of children against their parents servants agaiâ—st masters wives against husbands and yet this proper to the Civill State Nor such sinnes as are between the Members and Churches themselves And they confesse that if the Magistrate punish and the Church punish there will be a greater Rent in their Peace Truth From thence sweet Peace may we well observe First the Magistrate is not to punish all Evill according to this their confession The distinction of private and publike Evill will not here availe because such as urge
Fifthly Prayer and patience in suffering any evill from them that be without who disturbe their peace So that Magistrates as Magistrates have no power of setting up the Forme of Church Government electing Church officers punishing with Church censures but to see that the Church doth her duty herein And on the other side the Churches as Churches have no power though as members of the Common-weale they may have power of erecting or altering formes of Civill Government electing of Civill officers inflicting Civill punishments no not on persons excommunicate as by deposing Magistrates from their Civill Authoritie or withdrawing the hearts of the people against them to their Lawes no more then to discharge wives or children or servants from due obedience to their husbands parents or masters or by taking up armes against their Magistrates though he persecute them for Conscience for though members of Churches who are publique officers also of the Civill State may suppresse by force the violence of Usurpers as Iehoiada did Athaliah yet this they doe not as members of the Church but as officers of the Civill State Truth Here are divers considerable passages which I shall briefly examine so far as concernes oâ—r controversie First whereas they say that the Civill Power may erect and establish what forme of civill Government may seeme in wisedome most meet I acknowledge the proposition to be most true both in it self and also considered with the end of it that a civill Government is an Ordinance of God to conserve the civill peace of people so farre as concernes their Bodies and Goods as formerly hath beene said But from this Grant I infer as before hath been touched that the Soveraigne originall and foundation of civill power lies in the people whom they must needs meane by the civill power distinct from the Government set up And if so that a People may erect and establish what forme of Government seemes to them most meete for their civill condition It is evident that such Governments as are by them erected and established have no more power nor for no longer time then the civill power or people consenting and agreeing shall betrust them with This is cleere not only in Reason but in the experience of all common-weales where the people are not deprived of their naturall freedome by the power of Tyrants And if so that the Magistrates receive their power of governing the Church from the People undeniably it followes that a people as a people naturally considered of what Nature or Nation soever in Europe Asia Africa or America have fundamentally and originally as men a power to governe the Church to see her doe her duty to correct her to redresse reforme establish c. And if this be not to pull God and Christ and Spirit out of Heaven and subject them unto naturall sinfull inconstant men and so consequently to Sathan himselfe by whom all peoples naturally are guided let Heaven and Earth judge Peace It cannot by their owne Grant be denied but that the wildest Indians in America ought and in their kind and severall degrees doe to agree upon some formes of Government some more civill compact in Townes c. some lesse As also that their civill and earthly Governments be as lawfull and true as any Governments in the World and therefore consequently their Governors are Keepers of the Church or both Tables if any Church of Christ should arise or be amongst them and therefore lastly if Christ have betrusted and charged the civill Power with his Church they must judge according to their Indian or American consciences for other consciences it cannot be supposed they should have CHAP. XCIII Truth AGaine whereas they say that outward Civill peace cannot stand where Religion is corrupted and quote for it 2 Chron. 15. 3. 5. 6 Iudges 8. I answer with aamâ—ration how such excellent spirits as these Authors are furnished with not only in heavenly but earthly affaires should so forget and be so fast asleep in things so palpably evident as to say that outward civill peace cannot stand where Religion is corrupt When so many stately Kingdomes and Governments in the world have long and long enjoyed civill peace and quiet notwithstanding their Religion is so corrupt as that there is not the very Name of Iesus Christ amongst them And this every Historian Merchant Traveller in Europeâ— Asia Africa America can testifie for so spake the Lord Iesus himselfe Ioh. 16. The world shall sing and rejoyce Secondly for that Scripture 2 Chron. 15. 3 c relating the miseries of Israel and Iudah and Gods plaâ—es upon the people for corruption of their Religion it must still have refereâ—ce 〈◊〉 peculiar state unto which God called the seed of one man Abraham in a figure dealing so with them as he dealt not with any Nation in the World Psal. 1. â—6 Rom. 9. The Antitype to this State I have proved to be the Christian Church which consequently hath been and is â—fflictâ—d 〈◊〉 spirituall plagues desolations and captivitiâ—s for corâ—upting of that Religion which hath been revealed unto them This appeares by the 7 Churches and the people of God now so many â—uâ—dreâ— yeares in wofull bondage and slaverte to the mysticall Babel untill the time of their joyfull deliverance Peace Yea but they say that such Lawes as are conversant about Religion may still be accountâ—d Civill Lawes as on the contrary an Oath doth still remaine Religious though conversant about Civill matters Truth Lawes respecting Religion are two-fold First such as concerne the acts of Worship and the Worship it self the Ministers of it their fitnes or unfitnes to be suppressed or established and for such Lawes we find no footing in the New Testament of Jesus Christ. Secondly Lawes respecting Religion may be such as meerly concerne the Civill State Bodies and Goods of such and such persons professing these and these Religions vizâ— that such and such persons notorious for Mutinies Treasonsâ— Rebellions Massacres be disarmed Againe that no persons Papists Iewes Turkes or Indians be disturbed at their worship a thing which the very Indians abhor to practice toward any Also that imanitie and freedome from Tax and Toll may be granted unto the people of such or such a Religion as the Magistrate pleaseth Ezra 7. These and such as are of this nature concerning only the bodies and goods of such and such Religious persons I confesse are meerely Ciâ—ill But now on the other hand that Lawes restraining persons from such and such a Worship because the Civill state judgeth it to be false That Laws constraining to such such a worship because the Civill State judgeth this to be the only â—rue way of worshipping God That such and such a Reformation of Worship be submitted unto by all Subjects in such a Iurisdiction That such and such Churches Ministers Ministries be pullâ— downe and such and such Churches Ministries and Ministrations set up That such
the heart of the King viz. to restraine upon paine of Death all the millions of men under his Dominion from the Idolatties of their severall and respective Countries to constraine them all upon the like penaltie to conforme to the Worship of the God of Israel to build him a Temple erect an Altar ordaine Priests offer sacrifice observe the Fasts and Feasts of Israel yea did God put it into the Kings heart to send Levites into all the parts of his Dominion compelling them to heare which is but a naturall thing as some unsoundly speake unto which all are bound to submit Well however Ezra gives thankes to God for the Kings and so should all that feate God in all Countries if he would please to put it into the hearts of the Kings States and Parliaments to take off the yoakes of Violence and permit at least the Consciences of their Subjects and especially such as in truth make Conscience of their Worships to the God of Israel and yet no cause for Ezra then or Gods Ezra's and Israelites now to acknowledge the care and charge of Gods worship Church and Ordinances to lie upon the shoulders of Artaxerxes or any other Civill Prince or Ruler Lastly for the Confirmation or Ratification which they suppose Magistrates are bound to give to the Lawes of Christ I answer Gods cause Christs Truth and the two-edged sword of his Word never stood in need of a temporall Sword or an humane Witnes to confirme and ratifie them If we receive the witnesse of an honest man the witnesse of the most holy God is greater 1. Iohn 5. The result and summe of the whole matter is this 1. It may please God sometimes to stir up the Rulers of the Earth to permit and tolerate to favour and countenance Gods people in their worships though only out of some strong conviction of conscience or feare of wrath c. and yet themselves neither understand Gods worship nor leave their owne state Idolatry or Country worship For this Gods people ought to give thankes unto God yea and all men from this example may learne not to charge upon the Magistrates conscience besides the care of the Civill peace the bodies and goods of men the Spirituall peace in the worship of God and soules of men but hence are Magistrates instructed favourably to permit their subjects in their worships although themselves bee not perswaded to submit to them as Nebuchadnezzar Cyrus Darius and Artaxerxes did CHAP. XCVII Peace THe sixt question is this How far the Church is subject to their Lawes All those say they who are members of the Commonweale are bound to be subject to all the just and righteous Laws thereof and therefore membership in Churches not cutting men off from the membership in commonweales they are bound to be subject even every soule Rom. 13. 1. as Christ himselfe and the Apostles were in their places wherein they lived and therefore to exempt the Clergy as the Papists do from Civill subjection and to say that generatio Clerici is corruptio subditi is both sinfull and scandalous to the Gospel of God and though all are equally subject yet Church members are more especially bound to yeeld subjection and the most eminent most especially bound not only because conscience doth more strongly binde but also because their ill examples are more infectious to others pernicious to the State and provoke Gods wrath to bring vengeance on the State Hence if the whole Church or officers of the Church shall sin against the State or any person by sedition contempt of Authority heresie blasphemy oppression slander or shall withdraw any of their members from the service of the State without the consent thereof their persons and estates are liable to Civill punishments of Magistrates according to their righteous and wholsome Lawes Exod. 22. 20. Levit. 24. 16. Deut. 13. 5. 18. 10. Truth What concernes this head in civill things I gladly subscribe unto what concernes heresie blasphemy c. I have plentifully before spoken to and shall here only say 2 things First those Scriptures produced concerne only the people of God in a Church estate and must have reference onely to the Church of Christ Jesus which as Mr. Cotton confesseth is not Nationall but Congregationall of so many as may meet in one place 1 Cor. 14 therefore no Civâ—ll State can be the antitype and parallell to which purpose upon the 11 Question I shall at large shew the difference betweene that Nationall Church and State of Israel and all other States and Nations in the World Secondly If the Rulers of the Earth are bound to put to death all that worship other gods then the true God or that blaspheme that is speake evill of in a lesser or higher degree that one true God it must unavoidably follow that the beloved for the Fathers sake the Jewes whose very Religion blasphemeth Christ in the highest degree I say they are actually sonnes of death and all to be immediately executed according to those quoted Scriptures And Secondly the Townes Cities Nations and Kingdomes of the World must generally be put to the sword if they speedily renounce not their Gods and Worships and so cease to blaspheme the true God by their Idolatries This bloody consequence cannot be avoided by any Scripture rule for if that rule be of force Deut. 13. 18. not to spare or shew mercy upon person or City falling to Idolatry that bars out all favour or partiality and then what heapes upon heapes in the slaughter houses and shambles of Civill Warres must the world come to as I have formerly noted and that unnecessarily it being not required by the Lord Jesus for his sake and the Magistrates power and weapons being essentially Civill and so not reaching to the impiety or ungodlinesse but the incivility and unrighteousnesse of tongue or hand CHAP. XCVIII Peace DEare Truth these are the poysoned daggers stabbing at my tender heart Oh when shall the Prince of peace appeare and reconcile the bloudy sons of men but let me now propose their 7 head viz. In what order may the Magistrate execute punishment on a Church or Church-member that offendeth his Lawes First grosse and publicke notorious sinnes which are against the light of conscience as Heresie c. there the Magistrate keeping him under safe ward should send the offendour first to the Church to heale his conscience still provided that the Church be both able and willing thereunto By which meanes the Magistrate shall convince such an ones conscience that he seeketh his healing rather then his hurt The censure also against him shall proceed with more power and blessing and none shall have cause to say that the Magistrate persecutes men for their consciences but that he justly punisheth such an one for sinning rather against his conscience Tit. 3. 0. Secondly in private offences how the Magistrate may proceed see Chap. 12. It is not materiall
Conscience Peace What should be the reason of this their expression Truth Doubtles their Consciences tell them how few of those Churches which they yet acknowledge Churches are able and willing to hold forth Christ Iesus the Sun of Righteousnes healing with his wings the doubting and afflicted conscience Lastly their conscience tells them that a Servant of Christ Iesus may possibly be sent as an Heretick to be healed by a false Church which Church will never be willing to deale with him or never be able to convince him Peace Yea but they say by such a course the Magistrate shall convince such an ones conscience that hee seekes his good c. Truth If a man thus bound be sent to a Church to be healed in his conscience either he is an Heretick or he is not Admit he be yet he disputes in feare as the poor theefe the Mouse disputes with a terrible persecuting Cat who while she seemes to play and gently tosse yet the conclusion is a proud insulting and devouring crueltie If no Heretick but an innocent and faithfull witnes of any Truth of Jesus disputes he not as a Lambe in the Lyons paw being sure in the end to be torne in pieces Peace They adde The censure this way proceeds with more power and blessing Truth All power and blessing is from that blessed Son of God unto whom all power is given from the Father in Heaven and Earth He hath promised his presence with his Messengers preaching and baptizing to the worlds end ratifying in Heaven what they blinde or loose on Earth But let any man shew me such a commission instruction and promise given by the Son of God to Civill powers in these spirituall affaires of his Christian Kingdome and Worship Peace Lastly they conclude This course of first sending the Heretick to be healed by the Church takes away all excuse for none can say that he is persecuted for his Conscience but for sinning against his Conscience Truth Iesabel placing poore Naboth before the Elders as a blasphemer of God and the King and sanctifying the plotted and intended murther with a day of humiliation may seeme to take away all excuse and to conclude the Blasphemer worthy to be stoned But Iehovah the God of Recompences â—er 51. when he makes Inquisition for blood will find both Iesabel and Ahab guilty and make the Dogs a feast with the flesh of Iesabel and leave not to Ahab a man to pisse against the wall for as Paul in his owne plea there was nothing committed worthy of death and against thee O King saith Daniel I have not sinned Dan. 6. in any Civill fact against the State CHAP. C. Peace THeir eighth question is this viz. What power Magistrates have about the gathering of Churches First the Magistrate hath power and it is his duty to incourage and countenance such persons as voluntarily joyn themselves in holy Covenant both by his presence if it may be and promise of protection they accepting the right hand of fellowship from other neighbour Churches Secondly he hath power â—o forbid all Idolatrous and corrupt Assemblies who offer to put themselves under their patronage and shall attempt to joyne themselves into a Church-estate and if they shall not hearken to force them therefrom by the power of the Sword Psal. 101. 8. For our tolerating many Religions in a State in severall Churches beside the provoking of God may in time not only corrupt leaven divide and so destroy the peace of the Churches but also dissolve the continuity of the State especially ours whose wals are made of the stones of the Churches it being also contrary to the end of our planting in this part of the World which was not only to enjoy the pure Ordinances but to enjoy them all in purity Thirdly He hath power to compell all men within his grant to heare the Word for hearing the Word of God is a duty which the light of Nature leadeth even Heathens to The Ninivites heard Ionah though a stranger and unknowne unto them to be an extraordinary Prophet Ionah 3. And Eglon the King of Moab hearing that Ehud had a message from God he rose out of his seat for more reverent attention Iudg. 3. 20. Yet he hath no power to compell all men to become members of Churches because he hath not power to make them fit members for the Church which is not wrought by the power of the Sword but by the power of the Word Nor may he force the Churches to accept of any for members but those whom the Churches themselves can freely approve of Truth To the first branch of this head I answer That the Magistrate should encourage and countenance the Church yea and protect the persons of the Church from violence disturbance c. It being truly noble and glorious by how much the Spouse and Queene of the Lord Iesus transcends the Ladies Queens and Empresses of the World in glory beauty chastity and innocency 'T is true all Magistrates in the world do this viz. Incourage and protect that Church or Assembly of worshippers which they judge to be true and approve of but not permitting other consciences then their owne It hath come to passe in all ages and yet doubtlesse will that the Lord Iesus and His Queene are driven and persecuted out of the World To the second That the Magistrate ought to suppresse all Churches which he judgeth false he quoteth Psal. 101. 8. Betimes I will cut off the wicked of the Land that I may cut off all evill doers from the City of Jehovah unto which he addeth foure Reasons Peace Deare Truth first a word to that Scripture so often quoted and so much boasted of Truth Concerning that holy Land of Canaan concerning the City of Iehovah Ierusalem out of which King David here resolves to cut off all the wicked and evill doers I shall speake more largely on the 11 Head or Question in the differences between that and all other Lands At present I answer There is no holy Land or City of the Lord no King of Sion c. but the Church of Iesus Christ and the King thereof according to 1 Pet. 2. 9. Ye are a holy Nation and Ierusalem is the holy people of God in the true profession of Christianity Heb. 12. Gal. 4. Rev. 21. Out of which the Lord Iesus by his holy Ordinances in such a government and by such governours as he hath appointed he cuts off every wicked person and evill doer If Christ Iesus had intended any difference of plate Cities or Countries doubtlesse Ierusalem and Samaria had been thought of or the Cities of Asia wherein the Christian Religion was so gloriously planted But the Lord Iesus disclaimes Ierusalem and Samaria forth having any respect of holinesse more then other Cities Iohn 4. And the Spirit of God evidently testineth that the Churches were in the Cities and Countries not that the whole Cities or Countries were Gods holy Land
Christs mouth a sword with two edges But more particularly the contributions of Christs Kingdome are all holy and spirituall though consisting of materiall earthly substance as is Water in Baptisme Bread and Wine in the Supper and joyned with prayer and the Lords Supper Act. 2. 42. Hence as Prayer is called Gods sacrifice so are the contributions and mutuall supplyes of the Saints sacrifices Phil. 4. Hence also as it is impossible for naturall men to bee capable of Gods worship and to feed be nourished and edified by any spirituall ordinance no more then a dead childe can sucke the breast or a dead man feast So also is it as impossible for a dead man yet lodged in the grave of Nature to contribute spiritually I meane according to Scriptures rule as for a dead man to pay a reckoning I question not but naturall men may for the outward act preach pray contribute c. but neither are they worshippers suitable to him who is a Spirit Iohn 4. nor can they least of all bee forced to worship or the maintenance of it without a guilt of their hypocrisie Peace They will say what is to be done for their soules Truth The Apostles whom wee professe to imitate preached the Word of the Lord to unbeleevers without mingling in worship with them and such Preachers and preaching such as pretend to be the true Ministry of Christ ought to be and practise Not forcing them all their dayes to come to Church and pay their duties either so confessing that this is their Religion unto which they are forced or else that as before they are forced to be of no Religion all their dayes The way to subdue Rebels is not by correspondence and communion with them by forcing them to keepe the City Watches and pay sessements c. which all may be practised upon compulsion treacherously the first work with such is powerfully to subdue their judgments and wills to lay downe their weapons and yeeld willing subjection then come they orderly into the City and so to Citie priviledges CHAP. CVI. Peace PLease you now deare Truth to discusse the Scriptures from the Old Testament Nehem 13. and 2 Chron. 31. Truth God gave unto that Nationall Church of the Jewes that excellent Land of Canaan and therein Houses furnished Orchards Gardens Vineyards Olive yards Fields Wells c. they might well in this settled abundance and the promised continuation and increase of it afford a large temporall supply to their Priests and Levites even to the Tenth of all they did possesse Gods people are now in the Gospel brought into a spirituall land of Canaan flowing with spirituall milk and honey and they abound with spirituall and heavenly comforts though in a poore and persecuted condition therefore an inforced setled maintenance is not sutable to the Gospel as it was to the Ministry of Priests and Levites in the Law Secondly in the change of the Church estate there was also a change of the Priesthood and of the Law Heb. 7. Nor did the Lord Iesus appoint that in his Church and for the maintenance of his Ministrie the Civill sword of the Magistrate but that the Spirituall Sword of the Ministrie should alone compell 3. Therefore the compulsion used under Hezekiah and Nehemiah was by the civill and corporall Sword a type in that typicall State not of another materiall and corporall but of an heavenly and spirituall even the sword of the Spirit with which Christ fighteth Revel 3. which is exceeding sharpe entring in between the soule and spirit Heb. 4. and bringing every thought into captivitie to the obedience of Christ Iesus He that submits not at the shaking of this sword is cut off by it and he that despiseth this sword all the power in the World cannot make him a true worshipper or by his purse a mainteiner of Gods worship Lastly If any man professing to be a Minister of Christ Iesus shall bring men before the Magistrate as the practice hath been both in Old and New England for not paying him his wages or his due I aske if the voluntarie consent of the party hath not obliged him how can either the officers of the Parish Church or of the Civill State compell this or that man to pay so much more or lesse to maintaine such a Worship or Ministrie I ask further if the determining what is each mans due to pay why may they not determine the tenth and more as some desired others opposing in New England and force men not only to maintenance but to a Iewish maintenance Peace Yea but say they is not the Labourer worthy of his hire Truth Yes from them that hire him from the Church to whom he laboureth or ministreth not from the Civill State no more then the Minister of the Civill State is worthy of his hire from the Church but from the Civill State in which I grant the persons in the Church ought to be assistant in their Civill respects Peace What maintenance say they shall the Ministrie of the Gospell have Truth We finde two wayes of maintenance for the Ministrie of the Gospell proposed for our direction in the New Testament First the free and willing contribution of the Saints according to 1 Cor. 16. Luc. 8. 3. c. upon which both the Lord Jesus and his Ministers lived Secondly the diligent worke and labour of their owne hands as Paul tells the Thessalonians and that in two cases 1. Either in the inabilities and necessities of the Church 2. Or for the greater advantage of Christs truth as when Paul saw it would more advantage the name of Christ he denies himselfe and falls to worke amongst the Corinthians and Thessalonians Let none call these cases extraordinary for if persecution be the portion of Christs sheep and the busines or worke of Christ must be dearer to us then our right eyes or lives such as will follow Paul and follow the Lord Iesus must not thinke much at but rejoyce in poverties necessities hunger cold nakednesse c. The Stewards of Christ Iesus must be like their Lord and abhorre to steale as the evill Steward pretending that the shamed to beg but peremptorily dig he could not CHAP. CVII Peace ONe and the last branch deare Truth remaines concerning Schooles The Churches say they much depend upon the Schooles and the Schooles upon the Magistrates Truth I honour Schooles for Tongues and Arts but the institution of Europes Universities devoting persons as is said for Scholars in a Monasticall way forbidding Mariage and Labour to I hold as far from the mind of Iesus Christ as it is from propagating his Name and Worship We count the Universities the Fountaines the Seminaries or Seed-plots of all Pietie but have not those Fountaines ever sent what streames the Times have liked and ever changed their taste and colour to the Princes eye and Palate For any depending of the Church of Christ upon such Schooles
doubtlesse so farre as they have gone they bid the most and make the fairest plea for the puritie and power of Christ Iesus let the rest of the Inhabitants of the World be Judges Let all the former well be viewed in their externall State pomp riches conformitie to the World c. And on the other side let the latter be considered in their more through departure from sinne and sinfull Worship their condescending generally to the lowest and meanest contentments of this life their exposing of themselves for Christ to greater sufferings and their desiring no Civill sword nor Arme of Flesh but the two-edged sword of Gods Spirit to try out the matter by and then let the Inhabitants of the World judge which come neerest to the doctrine holines povertie patience and practice of the Lord Jesus Christ and whether or no these later deserve not so much of Humanitie and the Subjects Libertie as not offending the Civill State in the freedome of their Soules to enjoy the common aire to breath in CHAP. CXX Peace DEare Truth you have shewne me a little draught of Zions sorrowes her children tearing out their mothers bowels O when will Hee that stablisheth comforteth and builds up Zion looke downe from Heaven and have mercy on her c. Truth The Vision yet doth tarry saith Habacuk but will most surely come and therefore the patient and believing must wait for it But to your last Proposition whether the Kings of Israel and Judah were not types of Civill Magistrates now I suppose by what hath been already spoken these things will be evident First that those former types of the Land of the People of their Worships were types and figures of a spirituall Land spirituall People and spirituall Worship under Christ. Therefore consequently their Saviours Redeemers Deliverers Iudges Kings must also have their spirituall Antitypes and so consequently not civill but spirituall Governours and Rulers lest the very essentiall nature of Types Figures and Shadowes be overthrowâ—e Secondly although the Magistrate by a Civill sword might well compell that Nationall Church to the externall exercise of their Naturall Worship yet it is not possible according to the rule of the New Testament to compell whole Nations to true Repentance and Regeneration without which so farre as may be discerned true the Worship and holy Name of God is prophaned and blasphemed An Arme of Flesh and Sword of Steele cannot reach to cut the darknesse of the Mind the hardnesse and unbeleefe of the Heart and kindely operate upon the Soules affections to forsake a long continued Fathers worship and to imbrace a new though the best and truest This worke performes alone that sword out of the mouth of Christ with two edges Rev. 1. 3. Thirdly we have not one tittle in the New Testament of Christ Iesus concerning such a parallel neither from Himselfe nor from his Ministers with whom he conversed fourty dayes after his Resurrection instructing them in the matters of his Kingdome Acts 1. Neither find we any such commission or direction given to the Civill Magistrate to this purpose nor to the Saints for their submission in matters spirituall but the contrary Acts 4. 5. 1 Cor. 7. 23. Coloss. 2. 18. Fourthly we have formerly viewed the very nature and essence of a Civill Magistrate and find it the same in all parts of the World where ever people live upon the face of the Earth agreeing together in Townes Cities Provinces Kingdomes I say the same essentially Civill both from 1. the rise and fountaine whence it springs to wit the pâ—â—ples choice and free consent 2. The Object of it viz. the common-weale or safety of such a people in their bodies and goods as the Authours of this Modell have themselves confessed This civill Nature of the Magistrate we have proved to receive no addition of power from the Magistrates being a Christian no more then it receives diminution from his not being a Christian even as the Common-weale is a true Common-weale although it have not heard of Christianitie and Christianitie professed in it as in Pergamus Ephesus c. makes it ne're no more a Commonweale and Christianitie taken away and the candlestick removed makes it ne're the lesse a Commonweale Fifthly the Spirit of God expresly relates the worke of the civill Magistrate under the Gospel Rom. 13. expresly mentioning as the Magistrates object the duties of the second Table concerning the bodies and goods of the subject 2. The reward or wages which people owe for such a worke to wit not the contribution of the Church for any spirituall work but tribute toll custome which are wages payable by all sorts of men Natives and Forreigners who enjoy the same benefit of publick peace and commerce in the Nation Sixthly Since the civill Magistrate whether Kings or Parliaments States and Governours can receive no more in justice then what the People give and are therefore but the eyes and hands and instruments of the people simply considered without respect to this or that Religion it must inevitably follow as formerly I have touched that if Magistrates have received their power from the people then the greatest number of the people of every Land have received from Christ Iesus a power to establish correct reforme his Saints and servants his wife and spowse the Church And she that by the expresse word of the Lord Psal. 149. binds Kings in chaines and Nobles in links of iron must her selfe be subject to the changeable pleasures of the people of the World which lies in wickednesse 1 Iohn 5. even in matters of Heavenly and spirituall Nature Hence therefore in all controversie concerning the Church Ministrie and worship the last Appeale must come to the Bar of the People or Commonweal where all may personally meet as in some Commonweales of small number or in greater by their Representatives Hence then no person esteemed a beleever and added to the Church No Officer chosen and ordained No person cast forth and excommunicated but as the Common-weale and people please and in conclusion no Church of Christ in this Land or World and consequently no visibly Christ the Head of it Yea yet higher consequently no God in the World worshipped according to the institutions of Christ Jesus except the severall peoples of the Nations of the World shall give allowance Peace Deare Truth Oh whither have our Forefathers and teachers led us higher then to God himselfe by these doctrines driven out of the World you cannot rise and yet so high must the inevitable and undeniable consequences of these their doctrines reach if men walke by their owne common Principles Truth I may therefore here seasonably adde a seventh which is a necessary consequence of all the former Arguments and an Argument it selfe viz. we finde expresly a spirituall power of Christ Iesus in the hands of his Saints Ministers and Churches to bee the true Antitype of those
former figures in all the Prophecies concerning Christ his spirituall power Isa. 9. Dan. 7. Mich. 4. c. compared with Luc. 1. 32. Act. 2. 30. 1 Cor. 5. Math. 18. Marc. 13. 34. c. CHAP. CXXI Peace GLorious and conquering Truth mee thinkes I see most evidently thy glorious conquests how mighty are thy spirituall weapons 2 Cor. 10. to breake downe those mighty and strong Holds and Castles which men have fortified themselves withall against thee O that even the thoughts of men may submit and bow downe to the captivity of Jesus Christ Truth Your kinde incouragement makes mee proceed more cheerfully to a fourth difference from the Lawes and Statutes of this Land different from all the Lawes and Statutes of the World and parallel'd onely by the Lawes and Ordinances of spirituall Israel First then consider we the Law-maker or rather the Law-publisher or Prophet as Moses calls himselfe Deut. 18. and Act. 3. he is expresly called that Prophet who figured out Christ Iesus who was to come like unto Moses greater then Moses as the son is greater then the servant Such Law-givers or Law-publishers never had any State or People as Moses the type or Christ Iesus miraculously stirred up and sent as the mouth of God betweene God and his people Secondly concerning the Lawes themselves It is true the second Table containes the Law of Nature the Law Morall and Civill yet such a Law was also given to this people as never to any people in the World such was the Law of worship Psal. 147. peculiarly given to Iacob and God did not deale so with other Nations which Lawes for the matter of the worship in all those wonderfull significant Sacrifices and for the manner by such a Priesthood such a place of Tabernacle and afterward of Temple such times and solemnities of Festivals were never to be parallel'd by any other Nation but onely by the true Christian Israel established by Iesus Christ amongst Iewes and Gentiles throughout the World Thirdly the Law of the tenne Words Deut. 10. the Epitome of all the rest it pleased the most high God to frame and pen twice with his owne most holy and dreadfull finger upon Mount Sinai which he never did to any other Nation before or since but onely to that spirituall Israel the people and Church of God in whose hearts of flesh he writes his Lawes according to Ier 31. Heb 8. and 10. Peace Such promulgation of such Lawes by such a Prophet must needs be matchlesse and unparallel'd Truth In the fift place consider we the punishments and rewards annexed to the breach or observation of these Lawes First those which were of a temporall and present consideration of this life Blessings and Curses of all sorts opened at large Levit. 26. and Deut. 28. which cannot possibly be made good in any State Countrey or Kingdome but in a spirituall sense in the Church and Kingdome of Christ. The reason is this such a temporall prosperity of outward peace and plenty of all things of increase of children of cattell of honour of health of successe of victory suits not temporally with the afflicted and persecuted estate of Gods people now And therefore spirituall and soule blessednesse must be the Antitype viz. In the midst of revilings and all manner of evill speeches for Christs sake soule blessednesse In the midst of afflictions and persecutions soule blessednesse Math. 5. and Luc. 6. And yet herein the Israel of God should enjoy their spirituall peace Gal. 6. 16. Out of that blessed temporall estate to be cast or caried captive was their excommunication or casting out of Gods sight 2 King 17. 23. Therefore was the blasphemer the false Prophet the idolater to bee cast out or cut off from this holy Land which punishment cannot be parallel'd by the punishment of any State or Kingdome in the world but onely by the excommunicating or outcasting of person or Church from the fellowship of the Saints and Churches of Christ Iesus in the Gospel And therefore as before I have noted the putting away of the false prophet by stoning him to death Deut. 13. is fitly answered and that in the very same words in the Antitype when by the generall consent or stoning of the whole Assembly and wicked person is put away from amongst them that is spiritually cut off out of the Land of the spiritually living the people or Church of God 1 Cor. 5. Galat. 5. Lastly the great and high reward or punishment of the keeping or breach of these Lawes to Israel was such as cannot suit with any State or Kingdome in the World beside the Reward of the Observation was Life Eternall Life The Breach of any one of these Lawâ— was death Eternall death or damnation from the presence of the Lord. So Rom. 10. Iam. 2. Such a Covenant God made not before nor since with any State or People in the world For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousnesse to every one that beleeveth Rom. 10. 4. And he that beleeveth in that Son of God hath eternall life hee that beleeveth not hath not life but is condemned already John 3. and 1 John 5. CHAP. CXXII Peace DEare Truth you have most lively set forth the unparallel'd state of that typicall Land and people of the Iewes in their peace and quiet government Let mee now request you in the last place to glance at the difference of the wars of this people from the wars of other Nations and of their having no Antitype but the Churches of Christ Iesus First all Nations round about Israel more or lesse sometime or other had indignation against this people Aegyptians Edomites Moabites Ammonites Midians Philistians Assyrians and Babylonians c. as appeares in the History of Moses Samuel Iudges and Kings and in all the Prophets You have an expresse Catalogue of them Psal. 83. sometimes many hundred thousand Enemies in pitcht field against them of Ethiopians ten hundred thousand at once in the dayes of Asa 2 Chron. 14. and at other times as the sand upon the Sea shoare Such Enemies the Lord Iesus foretold his Israel The World shall hate you Iohn 16. You shall be hated of all men for my Names sake Matth. 24. All that will live godly in Christ Iesus must be persecuted or hunted 1 Tim. 4. And not only by flesh and bloud but also by Principalities Powers Spirituall wickednesse in high places Ephes. 6. by the whole Pagan World under the Roman Emperours and the whole Antichristian World under the Roman Popes Rev 12. 13. Chap. by the Kings of the Earth Rev. 17. And Gog and Magog like the sand upon the Sea shoare Rev. 20. Peace Such Enemies such Armies no History no experience proves ever to have come against one poore Nation as against Israel in the type and never was nor shall be knowne to come against any State or Country now but the Israel of
10. chapters CHAP. CXXV Peace DEare Truth You know the noyse is made from those prophecies Isa. 46. Kings and Queenes shall be nursing Fathers c. and Revel 21. the Kings of the Earth shall bring their Glory and Honour to new Ierusalem c. Truth I answer with that mournfull Prophet Psal. 74. I see not that man that Prophet that can tell us how long How many excellent Pen-men fight each against other with their pens like swords in the application of those prophecies of David Isa. Ier. Ezekiel Daniel Zacharie Iohn when and how those Prophecies shall be fulfilled Secondly When ever those prophecies are fulfilled yet shall those Kings not be Heads Governours and Judges in Ecclesiasticall or Spirituall causes but be themselves judged and ruled if within the Church by the power of the Lord Jesus therein Hence saith Isaiah those Kings and Queenes shall lick the Dust of thy feet c. Peace Some will here aske What may the Magistrate then lawfully doe with his Civill horne or power in matters of Religion Truth His horne not being the horne of that Vnicorne or Rhinocerot the power of the Lord Iesus in Spirituall caseâ— his sword not the two-edged sword of the Spirit the word of God hanging not about the loines or side but at the lips and proceeding out of the mouth of his Ministers but of an humane and Civill nature and constitution it must consequently be of a humane and Civill operation for who knowes not that operation followes constitution and therefore I shall end this passage with this consideration The Civill Magistrate either respecteth that Religion and Worship which his conscience is perswaded is true and upon which he ventures his Soule or else that and those which he is perswaded are false Concerning the first if that which the Magistrate believeth to be true be true I say he owes a threefold dutie unto it First approbation and countenance a reverent esteeme and honorable Testimonie according to Isa. 49. Revel 21. with a tender respect of Truth and the professours of it Secondly Personall submission of his owne Soule to the power of the Lord Iesus in that spirituall Government and Kingdome according to Mat. 18. 1. Cor. 5. Thirdly Protection of such true professours of Christ whether apart or met together as also of their estates from violence and injurie according to Rom. 13. Now secondly if it be a false Religion unto which the Civill Magistrate dare not adjoyne yet he owes First permission for approbation he owes not to what is evill and this according to Matthew 13. 30. for publike peace and quiet sake Secondly he owes protection to the persons of his Subjects though of a false worship that no injurie be offered either to the persons or goods of any Rom. 13. Peace Deare Truth in this 11 head concerning the Magistrates power in Worship you have examined what is affirmed that the Magistrate may doe in point of Worship there remaines a second to wit that which they say the Magistrate may not doe in Worship They say The Magistrate may not bring in set formes of prayerâ— Nor secondly bring in significant ceremonies Nor thirdly not governe and rule the acts of worship in the Church of God for which they bring an excellent similitude of a Prince or Magistrate in a ship where he hath no governing power over the actions of the mariners and secondly that excellent propheciâ— concerning Christ Iesus that his government should be upon his shoulders Isa. 9. 6 7. Truth Unto all this I willingly subscribe Yet can I not passe by a most injurious and unequall practice toward the Civill Magistrate Ceremonies Holy dayes Common Prayer and what ever else dislikes their consciences that the Magistrate must not bring in Others againe as learned as godly as wise have conceived the Magistrate may approve or permit these in the Church and all men are bound in obedience to obey him How shal the Magistrates conscience be herein between both torn and distracted if indeed the power either of establishing or abolishing in Church matters bee committed to him Secondly me thinkes in this case they deale with the Civill Magistrate as the Souldiers dealt with the Lord Iesus First they take off his owne clothes and put upon him a purple Robe plat a Crowne of Thornes on his head bow the knee and salute him by the name of King of the Iewes They tell him that he is the Keeper of both Tables he must see the Church doe her duty he must establish the true Church true Ministry true Ordinances he must keepe her in this purity Againe hee must abolish superstition and punish false Churches false Ministers even to banishment and death Thus indeed doe they make the blood run downe the head of the civill Magistrate from the thorny vexation of that power which sometimes they crowne him with whence in great States Kingdoms or Monarchies necessarily arise delegations of that spirituall power High Commissions c. Anon againe they take off this purple robe put him into his own clothes and tell him that he hath no power to command what is against their conscience They cannot conforme to a set form of prayer nor to Ceremonies nor Holy dayes c. although the civill Magistrate that most pious Prince Edw 6. â— and his famous Bishops afterwards burnt for Christ were of another conscienceâ— which of these two consciences shall stand if either Magistrate must put forth his civill power in these cases the strongest arme of flesh and most conquering bloody sword of Steele can alone decide the Question I confesse it is most true that no Magistrate as no other superiour is to be obeyed in any matter displeasing to God yet when in matters of worship we ascribe the absolute headship and government to the Magistrate as to keepe the Church pute and force her to her duty Ministers and People and yet take unto our selves power to judge what is right in our owne eyes and to judge the Magistrate in and for those very things wherein we confesse he hath power to see us doe our duty and therefore consequently must judge what our duty is what is this but to play with Magistrates with the soules of men with Heaven with God with Christ Iesus c. CHAP. CXXVI Peace PAsse on holy Truth to that similitude whereby they illustrate that Negative Assertion The Prince in the Ship say they is governour over the bodies of all in the Ship but hee hath no power to governe the Ship or the Mariners in the Actions of it If the Pilot manifestly erre in his Action the Prince may reprove him and so say they may any Passenger if hee offend against the life or goods of any the Prince may in due time and place punish him which no private person may Truth Although deare Peace wee both agree that civill powers may not
Cor. 5. CHAP. CXXVII Peace DEare Truth you have uprightly and aptly untied the knots of that 11 Head let me present you with the 12 Head which is Concerning the Magistrates power in the Censures of the Church First say they he hath no power to execute or to substitute any Civill officer to execute any Church censure under the notion of Civill or â—cclesiasticall men Secondly Though a Magistrate may immediately Civilly censure such an offender whose secret sinnes are made manifest by their casting out to be injurious to the good of the State yet such offences of excommunicate persons which manifestly hurt not the good of the State he ought not to proceed against them sooner or later untill the Church hath made her complaint to him and given in their just Reasons for helpe from them For to give libertie to Magistrates without exception to punish all excommunicate persons within so many moneths may prove injurious to the person who needs to the Church who may desire to God who cals for longer indulgence from the hands of theÌ„ Thirdly for persons not excommunicate the Magistrate hath no power in mediately to censure such offences of Church members by the power of the Sword but onely for such as doe immediately hurt the peace of the State Because the proper end of Civill Government being the preservation of the peace and welfare of the State they ought not to breake downe those bounds and so to censure immediately for such sins which hurt not their peace Hence first Magistrates have no power to censure for secret sinnes as deadnesse unbeleefe because they are secret and not yet come forth immediately to hurt the peace of the State we say immediately for every sinne even originall sinne remotely hurts the Civill State Secondly hence they have no power to censure for such private sinnes in Church members which being not hainous may be best healed in a private way by the Churches themselves For that which may be best healed by the Church and yet is prosecuted by the State may make a deeper wound and greater rent in the peace both of Church and State the Magistrates also being members of the Church are bound to the rule of Christ viz. not to produce any thing in publike against a brother which may bee best healed in a private way Now we call that private First which is only remaining in Families not knowne of oothers and therefore a Magistrate to heare and prosecute the complaint of children against their parents servants against masters wives against their husbands without acquainting the Church first transgresseth the rule of Christ. Secondly that which is between members of the same Church or of divers Churches for it was a double fault of the Corinthians 1 Cor. 6. first to goe to Law secondly to doe it before an Infidell seeing the Church was able to judge of such kinde of differences by some Arbitratours among themselves So that the Magistrates should referre the differences of Church members to private healing and try that way first By meanes whereof the Churches should be free from much scandall and the State from much trouble and the hearts of the godly from much griefe in beholding such breaches Thirdly such offences which the Conscience of a Brother dealing with another privately dares not as yet publish openly comming to the notice of the Magistrate accidentally he ought not to make publique as yet nor to require the Grand Jurie to present the same no more then the other private brother who is dealing with him untill hee see some issue of the private way Thirdly hence they have no power to put any to an oath ex officio to accuse themselves or the brethren in case either criminis suspecti or praetensi because this preserves not but hurts many wayes the peace of the State and abuseth the ordinance of an Oath which is ordained to end controversies not to begin them Heb. 6. 16. Fourthly hence they have no power to censure any for such offences as breake either no Civill Law of God or Law of the State published according to it for the peace of the State being preserved by wholesome Laws when they are not hurt the peace is not hurt Truth In this passage as I said before I observe how weakly and partially they deale with the soules of Magistrates in telling them they are the Guardians of both Tables must see the Church doe her duty punish c. and yet in this passage the Elders or Ministers of the Churches not only sit Iudges over the Magistrates actions in Church affaires but in civill also straitning and inlarging his commission according to the particular interests of their owne ends or at the best their Conscâ—ences I grant the Word of the Lord is the only rule light and lanthorn in all cases concerning God or Man and that the Ministers of the Gospell are to teach this way hold out this Lanthorne unto the feete of all men but to give such an absolute power in Spirituall things to the Civill Magistrate and yet after their owne ends or Consciences to abridge it is but the former sporting with holy things and to walk in Contradictions as before I noted Many of the particulars I acknowledge true where the Magistrate is a Member of the Church yet some passages call for Explication and some for Observation First in that they say the Civill Magistrate ought not to proceed against the offences of an Excommunicate person which manifestly hurt not the good of the state untill the Church hath made her complaint for helpe from them I observe 2 things First a cleare grant that when the Church complayneth for helpe then the Magistrate may punish such offences as hurt not the good of the state and yet in a few lines after they say the Magistrates have no power to censure such offences of Church members by the power of the civill sword but only such as doe immediately hurt the peace of the civill state and they adde the Reason because the proper end of the civill Government being the preservation of the peace and welfare of the state they ought not to breake downe those bounds and so to censure immediately for such sinnes which hurt not their peace And in the last place they acknowledge the Magistrate hath no power to punish any for any such offences as breake no civill Law of God or Law of the state published according to it For the peace of the state say they being preserved by wholesome Lawes when they are not hurt the Peace is not hurt CHAP. CXXVIII Peace DEare Truth here are excellent confessions unto which both Truth and Grace may gladly assent but what is your second Observation from hence Truth I observe secondly what a deepe charge of weaknes is layd upon the Church of Christ the Lawes Government and Officers thereof and consequently upon the Lord Iesus himselfe to wit that the Church is not enabled with all
the Greeke signifie no more then the Gentiles or Nations of the Earth which were without and not within the true typicall nationall Church of the Iewes before Christ and since his comming the Gentiles or Nations of the World who are without that one holy Nation of the Christian Israel the Church gathered unto Christ Iesus in particular and distinct congregations all the World over Translatours promiscuously render the words Gentiles Heathens Nations whence it is evident that even such as professe the Name of Christ in an unregenerate and impenitent estate whether Papist or Protestant are yet without that is Heathen Gentiles or of the Nations CHAP. CXXXIII Peace DEare Truth it is now time to cast your eye on the second part of this Head or picture uncomely and deformed Truth It containes two sorts of Religious meetings or assemblies First more extraordinary and occasionall for which he quotes the practice of Iosiah An. Iosiah was in the type so are not now the severall Governours of Commonweales Kings or Governours of the Church or Israel whose state I have proved to be a None-such and not to bee parallel'd but in the Antitype the particular Church of Christ where Christ Iesus alone sits King in his owne most holy Government Secondly they propound meetings or assemblings ordinary stated and constant yearly and monthly unto which the civill Magistrate should give liberty For these meetings they propound plausible arguments from the necessity of them from Christian fellowship from Gods glory from the experience of the benefit of them and from the good report of them as also those two Scriptures 1 Cor. 10. 32. 2 Cor. 11. 38. To these I answer If they intend that the civill Magistrate should permit liberty to the free and voluntary Spirituall meetings of their Subjects I shall subscribe unto them but if they intend that the Magistrate should give liberty only unto themselves and not to the rest of their subjects that is to desire their owne soules only to be free and all other soules of their subjects to be kept in bondage Secondly if they intend that the Magistrate should inforce all the Elders of such Churches under their Iurisdiction to keepe correspondencie with them in such meetings then I say as before it is to cause him to give Libertie with a partiall hand and unequall Ballance for thus I argue If the Civill State and Civill officers be of their Religion and Conscience it is not proper for them to give libertie or freedome but to give honourable testimonie and approbation and their own personall submission to the Churches But if the civill State and Officers be of another conscience and worship and shall be bound to grant permission and libertie to them their consciences and meetings and not to those of his own Religion and Conscience also how will this appeare to be equall in the very eye of Common peace and righteousnesse For those yearely and monthly meetings as we find not any such in the first Churches So neither will those generall arguments from the plausible pretence of Christian fellowship Gods glory c. prove such particular wayes of glorifying God without some precept or president of such a kind For those Scriptures 1 Cor. 10. 33. 2 Cor. 11. 38. expressing the Apostle Paul his zeale for glorifying God and his care for all the Churches it is cleere they concerne such as are indeed Pauls successors sent forth by Christ Iesus to preach and gather Churchesâ— but those Scriptures concerne not the Churches themselves nor the Pastours of the Churches properly least of all the Civill State and Commonwealth neither of which the Churches the Pastours or Commonwealth doe goe forth personally with that commission Matth. 28. to preach and baptize that is to gather Churches unto Christ. For as for the first the Churches are not Ministers of the Gospel the Angels or Messengers of the Churches and the Churches themselves were distinct Revel 2. 3. As for the second the pastours and Elders of the Church their worke is not to gather Churches but to governe and feed them Acts 20. 1 Pet. 5. As for the civill Magistrate it is a Ministry indeed Magistrates are Gods Ministers Rom. 13. but it is of another Nature and therefore none of these the Churches of Christ the Shepherds of those Churches nor the civill Magistrate succeeding the Apostles or first Messengers these Scriptures alleadged concerne not any of these to have care of all the Churches Peace Deare Truth who can heare this Word but will presently cry out Who then may rightly challenge that commission and that promise Math. 28. c. Truth Sweet Peace in due place and season that Question may be resolved but doubtles the true successours must precede or goe before the Church making Disciples and baptizing as the Apostles did who were neither the Churches nor the Pastors and fixed Teachers of them but as they gathered so had the care of the Churches CHAP. CXXXIV Peace I Cease to urge this further and in the last place marvell what should be the reason of that Conclusion viz. There is no power of determination in any of these meetings but that all must be left to the particular determination of the Churches Truth At the meeting at Ierusalem when Paul and Barnabas and others were sent thither from the Church of Christ at Antioch the Apostles and Elders did not only consult and advise but particularly determined the Question which the Church of Antioch sent to them about Acts 15. and send their particular determinations or decrees to the Churches afterward So that if these Assemblies were of the nature of that pattern or president as is generally pretended and had such a promise of the assistance and concurrence of the Spirit as that Assembly had they might then say as that Assembly did Acts 15. It seemeth good to the holy Spirit and to us and should not leave particular determinations to the particular Churches in which sometimes are very few able Guides and Leaders Peace But what should be the Reason to perswade these worthy men to conceive the particular Congregations or Churches to be more fit and competent Iudges in such high points then an Assembly of so excellent and choice persons who must only consult and advise c. Truth Doubtlesse there is a strong conviction in their Soules of a professed promised presence of the Lord Iesus in the midst of his Church gathered after his mind and will more then unto such kind of Assemblies though consisting of far more able persons even the flower and creame of all the Churches Peace It is generally conceived that the promise of Christs presence to the end of the World Matth. 28. is made to the Church Truth There is doubtlesse a promise of Christs presence in the midst of his Church and Congregation Matth. 18. but the promise of Christs presence Matth. 28. cannot properly and immediately belong to
the Church constituted and gathered but to such Ministers or Messengers of Christ Iesus whom he is pleased to imploy to gather and constitute the Church by converting and baptizing unto which Messengers if Christ Jesus will be pleased to send such forth that passage Acts 15. will be presidentiall Peace The 14. generall head is this viz. What power particular Churches have particularly over Magistrates First say they they may censure any Member though a Magistrate if by sinne he deserve it First because Magistrates must be subject to Christ but Christ censures all offenders 1 Cor. 5. 45. Secondly Every Brother must be subject to Christs censure Mat. 18. 15 16 17. But Magistrates are brethren Deut 17. 15. Thirdly They may censure all within the Church I Cor. 5. 12. But the Magistrates are within the Church for they are either without or within or above the Church not the first nor the last for so Christ is only above it Fourthly The Church hath a charge of all the Soules of the members and must give account thereof Heb. 13. 17. Fifthly Christs censures are for the good of Soules I Cor. 5. 6. but Magistrates must not be denied any priviledge for their Soules for then they must lose a priviledge of Christ by being Magistrates Sixthly In Church priviledges Christians are all one Gal. 2. 28. Col. 3. 11. 2. Magistrates may be censured for apparent and manifest sinne against any Morall Law of God in their judiciall proceedings or in the execution of their office Courts are not Sanctuaries for sin and if for no sin then not for such especially First because sinnes of Magistrates in Court are as hatefull to God 2. And as much spoken against Isa. 10. 1. Mic. 3. 1. Thirdly God hath no where granted such immunity to them Fourthly what a brother may doe privately in case of private offence that the Church may doe publikely in case of publike scandall But a private brother may admonish and reprove privately in case of any private offence Mat. 18. 15. Luc. 19. 17. Psal. 141. 5. Lastly Civill Magistracy doth not exempt any Church from faithfull watchfulnesse over any member nor deprive a Church of her due power not a Church member of his due priviledge which is to partake of every Ordinance of God needfull and requisite to their winning and salvation Ergâ— CHAP. CXXXV Truth THese Arguments to prove the Magistrate subject even for sinne committed in judiciall proceeding I judge like Mount Zion immoveable and every true Christian that is a Magistrate will judge so with mee Yet a Quaerie or two will not be unseasonable First where they name the Church in this whole passage whether they meane the Church without the Ministry or Governours of it or with the Elders and Governours joyntly and if the latter why name they not the Governours at all since that in all administrations of the Church the duty lies not upon the body of the Church but firstly and properly upon the Elders It is true in case of the Elders obstinacy in apparent sinne the Church hath power over him having as much power to take down as to set up Col. 4. Say to Archippus c. Yet in the ordinary dispensations and administrations of the Ordinances the Ministers or Elders thereof are first charged with duty c. Hence first for the Apostles who converted gathered espoused the Churches to Christ I question whether their power to edification was not a power over the Churches as many Scriptures seem to imply Secondly for the ordinary Officers ordained for the ordinary and constant guiding feeding and governing the Church they were Rulers Shepheards Bishops or Overseers and to them was every letter and charge commendation or reproofe directed Revel 2. 3. Acts 20. And that place by them quoted for the submission of the Magistrates to the Church it mentions only submission to the Rulers therof Heb. 13. 17. Those excellent men concealed not this out of ignorance and therefore most certainly in a silent way confesse that their doctrine concerning the Magistrates power in Church causes would too gâ—osse if they should not have named the whole Church and but silently implyed the Governours of it And is it not wonderfull in any sober eye how the same persons Magistrates can be exalted over the Ministers and Members as being bound to establish reforme suppresse by the civill sword in punishing the body or goods and yet for the same actions if the Church and Governours thereof so conceive be liable to a punishment ten thousand times more transcendent to wit excommunication a punishment reaching to their soules and consciences and eternall estate and this not only for common sins but for those actions which immediately concerne the execution of their civill office in judiciall proceeding Peace The Prelates in Q. Elizabeths dayes kept with more plainnesse to their principles for acknowledging the Queen to be Supreme in all Church causes according to the Title and Power of Henry the 8. her Father taken from the Pope and given to him by the Parliament they professed that the Queen was not a sheepe but under Christ the chiefe Shepheard and that the Church had not power to excommunicate the Queen Truth Therefore sweet Peace it was esteemed capitall in that faithfull witnesse of so much truth as he saw even unto death Mr. Barrow to maintaine before the Lords of the Councell that the Queen herselfe was subject to the power of Christ Iesus in the Church which Truth overthrew that other Tenent that the Queene should be Head and Supreme in all Church causes Peace Those Bishops according to their principles though bad and false dealt plainly though cruelly with Mr. Barrow but these Authors whose principles are the same with the Bishops concerning the power of the Magistrate in Church affaires though they wave the Title and will not call them Heads or Governors which now in lighter times seems too grosse yet give they as much spirituall power and authoritie to the civill Magistrates to the full as ever the Bishops gave unto them although they yet also with the same breath lay all their honour in the dust and make them to lick the dust of the feet of the Churches as it is prophesied the Kings and Queens of the Earth shall doe when Christ makes them nursing fathers and nursing mothers Isa 49. The truth is Christ Jesus is honoured when the civill Magistrate a member of the Church punisheth any member or Elder of the Church with the civill sword even to the death for any crime against the civill State so deserving it for he beares not the sword in vain And Christ Iesus is againe most highly honoured when for apparent sinne in the Magistrate being a member of the Church for otherwise they have not to meddle with him the Elders with the Church admonish him and recover his Soule or if obstinate in sin cast him forth of their Spirituall and
of God to make the Ministry one of the foundations of the Christian Religion Heb. 6. 12. and also to make the Ministrie of the Word and Prayer in the Church to be two speciall works even of the Apostles themselves Acts 6. 2. I shall desire it may be well considered in the feare of God First concerning the Ministery of the Word The New-English Ministers when they were new elected ordained Ministers in New EnglaÌ„d must undeniably grant that at that time they were no Ministers notwithstanding their profession of standing so long in a true Ministry in Old England whether received from the Bishops which some have maintained true or from the People which Mr. Cotton others better liked and which Ministrie was alwayes accounted perpetuall and indelible I apply and aske Will it not follow that if their new Ministry and Ordination be true the former was false and if false that in the exercise of it notwithstanding abilities graces intentions labours and by Gods gracious unpromised extraordinary blessing some successe I say will it not according to this distinction follow that according to visible rule Fellowship with God was lost Secondly concerning Prayer The New English Ministers have disclaimed and written against that worshipping of God by the Common or set formes of Prayer which yet themselves practised in England notwithstanding they knew that many servants of God in great sufferings witnessed against such a Ministrie of the Word and such a Ministrie of Prayer Peace I could name the persons time and place when some of them were faithfully admonished for using of the Common prayer and the Arguments presented to them then seeming weake but now acknowledged sound yet at that time they satisfied their hearts with the practice of the Author of the Councell of Trent who used to read only some of the choicest selected Prayers in the Masse-booke which I confesse was also their own practice in their using of the Common-Prayer But now according to this distinction I ask whether or no fellowship with God in such prayers was lost Truth I could particularize other exercises of Worship which cannot be denied according to this distinction to be of the waightier points of the Law to wit What God we Worship and with what kind of worship wherein fellowship with God in many of our unclean and abominable Worships hath been lost Only upon these premises I shall observe First that Gods people even the standard-bearers and leaders of them according to this distinction have worshipped God in their sleepy ignorance by such a kind of Worship as wherein fellowship with God is lost yea also this it is possible for them to do after much light is risen against such Worship and in particular brought to the eyes of such holy and worthy persons Secondly there may be inward and secret fellowship with God in false Ministeries of Word and Prayer for that to the eternall prayse of Infinite Mercy beyond a word or promise of God I acknowledge when yet as the distinction saith in such worship not being right fellowship with God is lost and such a service or ministration must be lamented and forsaken Thirdly I observe that Gods people may live and die in such kindes of worship notwithstanding that light from God publikely and privately hath beene presented to them able to convince yet not reaching to their conviction and forsaking of such wayes contrary to a conclusion afterward exprest to wit That fundamentals are so cleere that a man cannot but be convinced in Conscience and therefore that such a person not being convinced he is condemned of himselfe and may be persecuted for sinning against his conscience Fourthly I observe that in such a maintaining a clearnesse of fundamentals or waightier points and upon that ground a persecuting of men because they sinne against their consciences Mr. Cotton measures that to others which himselfe when he lived in such practices would not have had measured to himselfe As first that it might have beene affirmed of him that in such practices he did sinne against his conscience having sufficient light shining about him Secondly that hee should or might lawfully have beene cut off by death or banishment as an Hereticke sinning against his owne conscience And in this respect the Speech of King Iames was notable to a great Non-conformitant converted as is said by King Iames to conformity and counselling the King afterward to persecute the Non-conformists evâ—n unto death Thou Beast quoth the King if I had dealt so with thee in thy non-conformity where hadst thou beene CHAP. VI. Peace THe next distinction concerning the manner of persons holding forth the aforesaid practices not onely the waightier duties of the Law but points of doctrine and worship lesse principall Some saith he hold them forth in a meeke and peaceable way some with such arrogance and impetuousnesse as of it selfe tendeth to the disturbance of civill peace Truth In the examination of this distinction we shall discusse First what is civill Peace wherein we shall vindicate thy name the better Secondly what it is to hold forth a Doctrine or Practice in this impetuousnesse or arrogancy First for civill peace what is it but pax civitatis the peace of the Citie whether an English City Scotch or Irish Citie or further abroad French Spanish Turkish City c. Thus it pleased the Father of Lights to define it Iorem. 29. 7. Pray for the peace of the City which peace of the City or Citizens so compacted in a civill way of union may be intire unbroken safe c. notwithstanding so many thousands of Gods people the Iewes were there in bondage and would neither be constrained to the worship of the Citie Babell nor restrained from so much of the worship of the true God as they then could practice as in plaine in the practice of the 3 Worthies Shadrach Misach and Abednego as also of Daniel Dan. 3. Dan. 6. the peace of the City or Kingdome being a far different Peace from the Peace of the Religion or Spirituall Worship maintained professed of the Citizens This Peace of their Worship which worship also in some Cities being various being a false Peace Gods people were and ought to be Nonconformitants not daring either to be restrained from the true or constrained to false Worship and yet without breach of the Civill or Citie-peace properly so called Peace Hence it is that so many glorious and flourishing Cities of the World maintaine their Civill peace yea the very Americans wildest Pagans keep the peace of their Towns or Cities though neither in one nor the other can any man prove a true Church of God in those places and consequently no spirituall and heavenly peace The Peace spirituall whether true or false being of a higher and farre different nature from the Peace of the place or people being meerly and essentially civill and humane Truth O how lost are the
or unrighteous Ier. 37. 38. chapters and yet in Ieremy no Arrogance nor Impetuousnesse 6. Lastly Gods people by their preaching disputing c. have beene though not the cause yet accidentally the occasion of great contentions and divisions yea tumults and uproares in Townes and Cities where they have lived and come and yet neither their Doctrine nor themselves Arrogant nor Impetuous however so charged For thus the Lord Jesus discovereth mens false and secure suppositions Lukeâ— 1. 51. Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on the earth I tell you nay but rather division for from hence forth shall there be five in one house divided three against two and two against three the father shall be divided against the sonne and the sonne against the father c. And thus upon the occasion of the Apostles preaching the Kingdome and Worship of God in Christ were most commonly uproares and tumults where ever they came For instance those strange and nonstrous uproares at Iconium at Ephesus at Ierusalem Acts 14. 4. Acts 19. 29. 40. Acts 21. vers 30 31. CHAP. VIII Peace IT will be said deare Truth what the Lord Jesus and his Messengers taught was Truth but the question is about Errour Truth I answer this distinction now in discussion concernes not Truth or Errour but the manner of holding forth or divulging I acknowledge that such may bee the way and manner of holding forth either with railing or reviling daring or chalenging speeches or with force of Armes Swords Guns Prisons c. that it may not only tend to breake but may actually breake the civill peace or peace of the Citie Yet these instances propounded are cases of great opposition and spirituall hostility and occasions of breach of civill peace and yet as the borders or matter were of gold so the speckes or manner Cautic 1. were of silver both matter and manner pure holy peaceable and inoffensive Moreover I answer that it is possible and common for persons of soft and gentle nature and spirits to hold out falshood with more seeming meeknesse and peaceablenesse then the Lord Jesus or his servants did or doe hold forth the true and everlasting Gospell So that the answerer would be requested to explain what he means by this arrogant and impetuous holding forth of any doctrine which very manner of holding forth tends to breake civill peace and comes under the cognisance and correction of the Civill Magistrate Lest hee build the Sepulchre of the Prophets and say If we had been in the Pharises daies the Romane Emperours dayes or the bloody Marian dayes we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the Prophets Mat. 23. 30. who were charged with arrogance and impetuousnesse CHAP. IX 2. Ob. Peace IT will here be said Whence then ariseth civill dissentions and uproares about matters of Religion Truth I answer When a Kingdome or State Towne or Family lyes and lives in the guilt of a false God false Christ false worship no wonder if sore eyes be troubled at the appearance of the light be it never so sweet No wonder if a body full of corrupt humours be troubled at strong though wholsome Physick If persons sleepy and loving to sleepe be troubled at the noise of shrill though silver alarums No wonder if Adonijah and all his company be amazed and troubled at the sound of the right Heyre King Salomon â— King 1. If the Husbandmen were troubled when the Lord of the Vineyard sent servant after servant and at last his onely Sonne and they beat and wounded and kill'd even the Sonne himselfe because they meant themselves to seize upon the inheritance unto which they had no right Matth. 21. 38. Hence all those tumults about the Apostles in the Acts c. whereas good eyes are not so troubled at light vigilant and watchfull persons loyall and faithfull are not so troubled at the true no nor at a false Religion of Jew or Gentile Secondly breach of civil peace may arise when false and idolatrous practices are held forth yet no breach of civil peace from the doctrine or practice or the manner of holding forth but from that wrong and preposterous way of suppressing preventing and extinguishing such doctrines or practices by weapons of wrath and blood whips stockes imprisonment banishment death c. by which men commonly are perswaded to convert Heretickes and to cast out uncleane spirits which onely the finger of God can doe that is the mighty power of the Spirit in the Word Hence the Towne is in an uproare and the Country takes the Alarum to expell that fog or mist of Errour Heresie Blasphemy as is supposed with Swords and Guns whereas t is Light alone even Light from the bright shining Sunne of Righteousnesse which is able in the soules and consciences of men to dispell and scatter such fogges and darknesse Hence the Sons of men as David speakes in another case Psal. 39. disquiet themselves in vaine and unmercifully disquiet others as by the helpe of the Lord in the sequell of this discourse shall more appeare CHAP. X. Peace NOw the last distinction is this Persecution for Conscience is either for a rightly informed conscience or a blinde and erroneous conscience Answ. Truth Indeed both these consciences are persecuted but lamentably blinde and erronious will these consciences shortly appear to be which out of zeale for God as is pretended have persecuted either And heavie is the doome of those blinde Guides and Idoll Shepherds whose right eye Gods finger of jealousie hath put out who flattering the ten Homes or worldly Powers perswade them what excellent and faithfull service they performe to God in persecuting both these consciences either hanging up a rightly informed conscience and therein the Lord Jesus himselfe betweene two malefactors or else killing the erroneous and the blinde like Saul out of zeale to the Israel of God the poore Gibeonites whom it pleased God to permit to live and yet that hostility and cruelty used against them as the repeated judgement yeare after yeare upon the whole Land after told them could not be pardoned untill the death of the persecutor Saul his sons had appeased the Lords displeasure 2 Sam. 21. CHAP. XI Peace AFter explication in these Distinctions it pleaseth the Answerer to give his resolution to the question in foure particulars First that he holds it not lawfull to persecute any for conscience sake rightly informed for in persecuting such saith he Christ himself is persecuted for which reason truly rendred he quotes Act. 9. 4. Saul Saul why persecutest thou me Truth He that shall reade this Conclusion over a thousand times shall as soone finde darknesse in the bright beames of the Sunne as in this so cleare and shining a beame of Truth viz. That Christ Jesus in his Truth must not be persecuted Yet this I must aske for it will be admired by all sober men what should be the cause or
inducement to the Answerers mind to lay down such a Position or Thesis as this is It is not lawfull to persecute the Lord Iesus Search all Scriptures Histories Records Monuments consult with all experiences did ever Pharaoh Saul Ahab Iezabel Scribes and Pharises the Jewes Herod the bloudy Neroes Gardiners Boners Pope or Devill himselfe professe to persecute the Son of God Jesus as Jesus Christ as Christ without a mask or covering No saith Pharaoh the Isrealites are idle and therefore speake they of sacrificing David is risen up in a conspiracy against Saul therefore persecute him Naboth hath blasphemed God and the King therefore stone him Christ is a seducer of the people a blasphemer against God and traytor against Caesar therefore hang him Christians are schismaticall factious hereticall therefore persecute them The Devill hath deluded Iohn Hus therefore crowne him with a paper of Devils and burne him c. Peace One thing I see apparantly in the Lords over-ruling the pen of this worthy Answerer viz. a secret whispering from heaven to him that although his soules ayme at Christ and hath wrought much for Christ in many sincere intentions and Gods mercifull and patient acceptance yet he hath never left the Tents of such who think they doe God good service in killing the Lord Jesus in his servants and yet they say if we had beene in the dayes of our Fathers in Queene Maries dayes c. we would never have consented to such persecution And therefore when they persecute Christ Jesus in his truths or servants they say Doe not say you are persecuted for the Word for Christ his sake for we hold it not lawfull to persecute Iesus Christ. Let me also adde a second So farre as he hath beene a Guide by preaching for persecution I say wherein he hath beene a Guide and Leader by mis-interpreting and applying the Writings of Truth so far I say his owne mouthes and hands shall judge I hope not his persons but his actions for the Lord Jesus hath suffered by him Act. 9. 3. and if the Lord Jesus himselfe were present himselfe should suffer that in his owne person which his servants witnessing his Truth doe suffer for his sake CHAP. XII Peace THeir second Conclusion is this It is not lawfull to persecute erroneous and blinde conscience even in fundamentall and weighty points till after admonition once or twice Tit. 3. 11. and then such consciences may be persecuted because the Word of God is so cleare in fundamentall and weighty points that such a person cannot but sin against his conscience and so being condemned of himselfe that is of his conscience hee may be persecuted for sinning against his owne conscience Truth I answer in that great battell betweene the Lord Jesus and the Devill it is observable that Sathan takes up the weapons of Scripture and such Scripture which in shew and colour was excellent for his purpose but in this 3. of Titus as Salomon speakes of the Birds of heaven Prov. 1. a man may evidently see the snare and I know the time is comming wherein it shall bee said Surely in vaine the Net is laid in the sight of the Saints heavenly Birds So palpably grosse and thicke is the mist and fog which Sathan hath raised about this Scripture that he that can but see men as trees in matters of Gods worship may easily discerne what a wonderfull deepe sleepe Gods people are fallen into concerning the visible Kingdome of Christ in so much that this third of Titus which through fearfull prophanations hath so many hundred years been the pretended Bulwark and defence of all the bloudy Wolves dens of Lions and mountains of Leopards hunting and devouring the Witnesses of Jesus should now be the refuge and defence of as I hope the Lambes and little ones of Jesus yet in this point so preaching and practising so unlike to themselves to the Lord Jesus and lamentably too like to His and their Persecutors CHAP. XIII Peace BRight Truth since this place of Titus is such a pretended Bulwark for persecuting of Hereticks under that pretence of persecuting all thy followers I beseech you by the bright beames of the Sun of Righteousnesse scatter these mists and unfold these particulars out of the Text First What this Man is that is an Hereticke Secondly How this Hereticke is condemned of himselfe Thirdly What is this first and second Admonition and by whom it is supposed to be given Fourthly What is this rejecting of Him and by whom it is supposed this Rejection was to be made Truth First What is this Heretick I find him commonly defined to be such an one as is obstinate in Fundamentalls and so also I conceive the Answerer seems to recent him saying That the Apostle renders this reason why after once and twice Admonition he ought to be persecuted because in fundamentall and principall points of Doctrine and Worship the Word of God is so cleare that the Hereticke cannot but be convinced in his owne Conscience But of this reason I finde not one tittle mentioned in this Scripture for although he saith such an one is condemned of himselfe yet he saith not nor will it follow that fundamentalls are so cleare that after first and second Admonition a person that submits not to them is condemned of himself any more then in lesser points This 11 verse hath reference to the former verses Titus an Evangelist a Preacher of glad Newes abiding here with the Church of Christ at Creet is required by Paul to avoid to reject and to teach the Church to reject Genealogies disputes and unprofitable questions about the Law Such a like charge it is as he gave to Timothy left also an Evangelist at Ephesus 1 Tim. 1. 4. If it should be objected what is to be done to such contentious vain strivers about Genealogies and questions unprofitable The Apostle seems plainly to answer Let him be once and twice admonished Ob. Yea but what if once and twice admonition prevaile not The Apostle seems to answer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and that is the man that is wilfully obstinate after such once and twice admonition Reject him With this Scripture agrees that of 1 Tim. 6. 4 5. where Timothy is commanded to withdraw himselfe from such who dote about questions and strife of words All which are points of a lower and inferiour nature not properly falling within the tearms or notions of those 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 first principles and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 foundations of the Christian Profession to wit Repentance from dead workes Faith towards God the doctrine of Baptismes and of laying on of hands the Resurrection and eternall Judgement Heb. 6. 2. c. Concerning these Fundamentalls although nothing is so little in the Christian Worship but may be referred to one of these six yet doth not Paul to Timothy or Titus speake in those places by me alledged o◠of any of these as may evidently appeare by the context
And if a breach follow it is not made by such doctrines but by the boysterous and violent opposers of them Such persons onely breake the Cities or Kingdomes peace who cry out for prison and swords against such who crosse their judgement or practice in Religion For as Iosephs mistris accused Ioseph of uncleannesse and calls out for civill violence against him when Ioseph was chaste and her selfe guilty So commonly the meeke and peaceable of the earth are traduced as rebells factious peace-breakers although they deale not with the State or State-matters but matters of divine and spirituall nature when their traducers are the onely unpeaceable and guilty of breach of Civill Peace Peace We are now come to the second part of the Answer which is a particular examination of such grounds as are brought against such persecution The first sort of grounds are from the Scriptures CHAP. XVIII FIrst Matth. 13. 30 38. because Christ commandeth to let alone the Tares to grow up together with the Wheat untill the Harvest Unto which he answereth That Tares are not Bryars and Thornes but partly Hypocrites like unto the godly but indeed carnall as the Tares are like to Wheat but are not Wheat or partly such corrupt doctrines or practices as are indeed unsound but yet such as come very near the truth as Tares do to the Wheat and so neer that good men may be taken with them and so the persons in whom they grow cannot bee rooted out but good Wheat will be rooted out with them In such a case saith he Christ calleth for peaceable toleration and not for penall prosecution according to the third Conclusion Truth The substance of this Answer I conceive to be first negative that by Tares are not meant persons of another Religion and Worship that is saith he they are not Briars and Thornes Secondly affirmative by Tares are meant either persons or doctrines or practices persons as hypocrites like the godly doctrines or practices corrupt yet like the truth For answer hereunto I confesse that not onely those worthy witnesses whose memories are sweet with all that feare God Calvin Beza c. but of later times many conjoyne with this worthy Answerer to satisfie themselves and others with such an Interpretation But alas how darke is the soule left that desires to walke with God in holy feare and trembling when in such a waighty and mighty point as this is that in matters of conscience concerneth the spilling of the bloud of thousands and the Civill Peace of the World in the taking up Armes to suppresse all false Religions when I say no evidence or demonstration of the Spirit is brought to prove such an interpretation nor Arguments from the place it selfe or the Scriptures of truth to confirme it but a bare Affirmation that these Tares must signifie persons or doctrines and practices I will not imagine any deceitfull purpose in the Answerers thoughts in the proposall of these three persons doctrines or practices yet dare I confidently avouch that the Old Serpent hath deceived their precious soules and by Tongue and Pen would deceive the soules of others by such a method of dividing the word of truth A threefold Cord and so a threefold Snare is strong and too like it is that one of the three either Persons Doctrines or Practices may catch some feet CHAP. XIX Peace THe place then being of such great importance as concerning the truth of God the bloud of thousands yea the bloud of Saints and of the Lord Iesus in them I shall request your more diligent search by the Lords holy assistance into this Scripture I shall make it evident that by these Tares in this Parable are meant persons in respect of their Religion and way of Worship open and visible professours as bad as briars and thornes not onely suspected Foxes but as bad as those greedy Wolves which Paul speakes of Acts 20. who with perverse and evill doctrines labour spiritually to devoure the flocke and to draw away Disciples after them whose mouthes must be stopped and yet no carnall force or weapon to be used against them but their mischiefe to bee resisted with those mighty weapons of the holy Armoury of the Lord Iesus wherein there hangs a thousand shields Cant. 4. That the Lord Iesus intendeth not doctrines or practices by the tares in this Parable is cleare for First the Lord Iesus expresly interpreteth the good seed to be persons and those the children of the Kingdome and the tares also to signifie Men and those the children of the Wicked one ver 38. Secondly such corrupt doctrines or practices are not to bee tolerated now as those Iewish observations the Lords owne Ordinances were for a while to be permitted Rom. 14. Nor so long as till the Angels the Reapers come to reape the Harvest in the end of the world For can we thinke that because the tender Consciences of the Iewes were to be tendred in their differences of meats that therefore persons must now bee tolerated in the Church for I speake not of the Civill State and that to the worlds end in superstitious forbearing and forbidding of flesh in Popish Lents and superstitious Fridayes c. and that because they were to be tendred in their observation of Iewish Holidayes that therefore untill the Harvest or Worlds end persons must now be tolerated I meane in the Church in the observation of Popish Christmas Easter Whitsontide and other superstitious Popish Festivals I willingly acknowledge that if the members of a Church of Christ shall upon some delusion of Sathan kneele at the Lords Supper keep Christmas or any other Popish observation great tendernesse ought to bee used in winning his soule from the errour of his way and yet I see not that persons so practising were sit to be received into the Churches of Christ now as the Iewes weake in the Faith that is in the Liberties of Christ were to be received Rom. 14. 1. And least of all as before that the toleration or permission of such ought to continue till Doomes day or the end of the world as this Parable urgeth the Toleration Let them alone untill the Harvest CHAP. XX. AGaine Hypocrites were not intended by the Lord Iesus in this famous Parable First the Originall word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying all those Weeds which spring up with the Corne as Cockle Darnell Tares c. seemes to imply such a kinde of people as commonly and generally are knowne to bee manifestly different from and opposite to the true worshippers of God here called the children of the Kingdom as these weeds tares cockle darnell c. are commonly and presently knowne by every husbandman to differ from the wheat and to be opposite and contrary and hurtfull unto it Now whereas it is pleaded that these tares are like the wheat and so like that this consimilitude or likenesse is made the ground of this interpretation
viz. That tares must needs signifie hypocrites or doctrines or practices who are like Gods children Truth c. I answer first The Parable holds forth no such thing that the likenesse of the tares should deceive the servants to cause them to suppose for a time that they were good wheat but that as soone as ever the tares appeared ver 26. the servants came to the housholder about them ver 27. the Scripture holds forth no such time wherein they doubted or suspected what they were Peace It may be said they did not appeare to be tares untill the coâ—ne was in the blade and put forth its fruit Truth I answer The one appeared as soone as the other for so the word clearly carries it that the seed of both having been sowne when the wheat appeared and put forth its blade and fruit the tares also were as early and put forth themselves as appeared also Secondly there is such a dissimilitude or unlikenesse I say such a dissimilitude that as soone as tares and wheat are sprung up to blade and fruit every husbandman can tell which is wheat and which are tares and cockle c. Peace It may be said true So when the hypocrite is manifested then all may know him c. but before hypocrites be manifested by fruits they are unknowne I answer search into the Parable and aske when was it that the servants first complained of the tares to the housholder but when they appeared or came in sight there being no interim wherein the servants could not tell what to make of them but doubted whether they were wheat or tares as the Answerer implies Secondly when was it that the housholder gave charge to let them alone but after that they appeared and were known to be tares which should imply by this interpretation of the Answerer that when men are discovered and knowne to be Hypocrites yet stilâ—â—uch a generation of Hypocrites in the Church must be let alone and tolerated untill the harvest or end of the world which is contrary to all order piety and safety in the Church of the Lord Iesus as doubtlesse the Answerers will grant so that those Tares being notoriously knowne to be different from the Corne I conclude that they cannot here be intended by the Lord Iesus to signifie secret Hypocrites but more open and apparent Sinners CHAP. XXI THe second reason why these tares cannot signifie hypocrites in the Church I take from the Lord Iesus His own Interpretation of the field in which both wheat and tares are sowne which saith he is the World out of which God chooseth and calleth His Church The World lyes in wickednesse is like a Wildernesse or a Sea of wilde Beasts innumerable fornicators covetous Idolaters c. with whom Gods people may lawfully converse and cohabit in Cities Townes c. else must they not live in the World but goe out of it In which world as soone as ever the Lord Iesus had sowne the good seed the children of the Kingdome true Christianity or the true Church the Enemy Sathan presently in the night of security Ignorance and Errour whilest men slept sowed also these tares which are Antichristians or false Christians These strange Professours of the Name of Iesus the Ministers and Prophets of God beholding they are ready to runne to Heaven to fetch fiery judgements from thence to consume these strange Christians and to pluck them by the roots out of the world But the Son of Man the meek Lamb of God for the Elect sake which must be gathered out of Iew and Gentile Pagan Antichristian commands a permission of them in the World untill the time of the end of the World when the Goats and Sheep the Tares and Wheat shall be eternally separated each from other Peace You know some excellent Worthies dead and living have laboured to turne this Field of the World into the Garden of the Church Truth But who can imagine that the Wisdome of the Father the Lord Iesus Christ would so open this Parable as He professedly doth as that it should be close shut up and that one difficulty or locke should be opened by a greater and harder in calling the World the Church contrary also to the way of the Light and Love that is in Jesus when he would purposely teach and instruct His scholars contrary to the nature of Parables and similitudes And lastly to the nature of the Church or Garden of Christ. CHAP. XXII IN the former Parable the Lord Iesus compared the Kingdome of Heaven to the sowing of Seed The true Messengers of Christ are the Sowers who cast the Seed of the Word of the Kingdome upon foure sorts of ground which foure sorts of ground or hearts of men cannot be supposed to be of the Church nor will it ever be proved that the Church consisteth of any more sorts or natures of ground properly but one to wit the honest and good ground and the proper worke of the Church concernes the flourishing and prosperity of this sort of ground and not the other unconvertedâ—â—ree â—â—ree sorts who it may be seldome or never come 〈◊〉 the Church unlesse they be forced by the Civill sword which the paternâ— or first sowers never used and being forced they are put into a way of Religion by such a course if not so they are forced to live withoutâ— Religion for one of the two must necessarily follow as I shall prove afterward In the field of the World then are all those sorts of ground high way hearers stony and thorny ground hearers as well as the honest and good ground and I suppose it will not now be said by the Answerer that those three sorts of bad grounds were hypocrites or tares in the Church Now after the Lord Iesus had propounded that great leading Parable of the Sower and the Seed He is pleased to propound this Parable of the Tares with admirable coherence and sweet consolation to the honest and good ground who with glad and honest hearts having received the word of the Kingdome may yet seem to be discouraged and troubled with so many Antichristians and false Professours of the Name of Christ. The Lord Iesus therefore gives direction concerning these tares that unto the end of the World successively in all the sorts and generations of them they must be not approved or countenanced but let alone or permitted in the World Secondly he gives to His owne good seed this consolation that those heavenly Reapers the Angells in the harvest or end of the World will take an order and course with them to wit they shall binde them into bundles and cast them into the everlasting burnings and to make the cup of their consolation run over He addes vers 4. Then then at that time shall the Righteous shine as the Sun in the Kingdome of their Father These tares then neither being erronious doctrines nor corrupt practises nor hypocrites
Unto both these Scriptures it pleaseth him thus to answer Both these are directions to Ministers of the Gospel how to deale not with obstinate offendors in the Church who sin against conscience but either with men without as the Samaritanes were and many unconverted Christians in Creet whom Titus as an Evangelist was to seek to convert Ot at best with some Iewes or Gentiles in the Church who though carnall yet were not convinced of the errour of their way And it is true it became not the Spirit of the Gospel to convert Aliens to the Faith such as the Samaritanes were by fire and brimstone nor to deale harshly in publicke Ministery or private conference with all such severall minded men as either had not yet entred into Church fellowship or if they had did hitherto sin of ignorance not against Conscience But neither of both these Texts doe hinder the Minister of the Gospel to proceed in a Church way against Church members when they become scandalous offenders either in life oâ— doctrine much lesse doe they speake at all to the Civill Magistrate CHAP. XXXVII Truth THis perplexed and ravelled Answer wherein so many things and so doubtfull are wrapt up and intangled together I shall take in pieces First concerning that of the Lord Iesus rebuking his Disciples for their rash and ignorant bloudy zeale Luc. 9. desiring corporall destruction upon the Samaritanes for refusing the Lord Iesus c. the Answerer affirmeth that hindreth not the Ministers of the Gospell to proceed in a Church way against scandalous offenders which is not here questioned but maintained to bee the holy will of the Lord and a sufficient censure and punishment if no civill offence against the Civill State be committed Secondly saith hee Much lesse doth this speake at all to the Civill Magistrate Where I observe that he implyes that beside the censure of the Lord Iesus in the hands of his spirituall governours for any spirituall evill in life or doctrine the Civill Magistrate is also to inflict corporall punishment upon the contrary minded whereas First if the Civill Magistrate be a Christian a Disciple or follower of the meeke Lambe of God he is bound to be far from destroying the bodies of men for refusing to receive the Lord Iesus Christ for otherwise hee should not know according to this speech of the Lord Iesus what spirit he was of yea and to be ignorant of the sweet end of the comming of the Son of Man which was not to destroy the bodies of Men but to save both bodies and soules vers 55. 56. Secondly if the Civill Magistrate being a Christian gifted prophesie in the Church 1 Corinth 1. 14. although the Lord Iesus Christ whom they in their owne persons hold forth shall be refused yet they are here forbidden to call for fire from heaven that is to procure or inflict any corporall judgement upon such offenders remembring the end of the Lord Iesus his comming not to destroy mens lives but to save them Lastly this also concernes the conscience of the Civill Magistrate as he is bound to preserve the civill peace and quiet of the place and people under him he is bound to suffer no man to breake the Civill Peace by laying hands of violence upon any though as vile as the Samaritanes for not receiving of the Lord Iesus Christ. It is indeed the ignorance and blinde zeale of the second Beast the false Prophet Rev. 13. 13. to perswade the civill Powers of the earth to persecute the Saints that is to bring fiery judgements upon men in a judiciall way and to pronounce that such judgements of imprisonment banishment death proceed from Gods righteous vengeance upon such Hereticks So dealt divers Bishops in France and England too in Queene Maries dayes with the Saints of God at their putting to death declaiming against them in their Sermons to the people and proclaiming that these persecutions even unto death were Gods just judgements from heaven upon these Heretickes CHAP. XXXVIII Peace DOubtlesse such fiery spirits as the Lord Jesus said are not of God I pray speake to the second place out of Timothy 2. Epist. 25. 26. Truth I acknowledge this instruction to be meeke and patient c. is properly an instruction to the Ministers of the Gospel Yet divers Arguments from hence will truly and fairly be collected to manifest and evince how farre the civill Magistrate ought to bee from dealing with the civill sword in spirituall cases And first by the wayâ— I desire to aske What were these unconverted Christians in Crete which the Answerer compareth with the Samaritanes whom Titus saith he as an Evangelist was to seek to convert and whether the Lord Iesus have any such Disciples and Followers who yet are visibly in an unconverted estate O that it may please the Father of mercies the Father of lights to awaken and open the eyes of all that feare before him that they may see whether this be the Language of Canaan or the Language of Ashdod What is an unconverted Christian but in truth an unconverted Convert that is in English one unturned turned unholy holy Disciples or Followers of Iesus not following of him In a word that is Christians or anointed by Christ Antichristians not anointed with the Spirit of Iesus Christ. Certaine it is such they were not unto whom the Spirit of God gives that name Act. 11. And indeed whither can this tend but to uphold the blasphemy of so many as say they are Iewes that is Christians but are not Rev. 2. But as they are not Christians from Christ but from the Beast and his Picture so their proper name from Antichrist is Antichristians How sad yet and how true an evidence is this that the soule of the Answerer I speake not of his inward soule and person but of his worship hath never yet heard the call of the Lord Iesus to come out from those unconverted Churches from that unconverted Antichristian Christian world and so from Antichrist Belial to seeke fellowship with Christ Iesus and his converted Christians Disciples after the first patterne Againe I observe the haste and light attention of the Answerer to these Scriptures as commonly the spirits of Gods children in matters of Christs Kingdome are very sleepy for these persons here spoken of were not as he speakes unconverted Christians in Crete whom Titus as an Evangelist was to convert but they were such opposites as Timothy to whom Paul writes this Letter at Ephesus should meet withall CHAP. XXXIX Peace BUt what is there in this Scripture of Timothy alledged concerning the civill Magistracy Truth I argue from this place of Timothy in particular thus First if the civill Magistrates hee Christians or members of the Church able to prophesie in the Church of Christ then I say as before they are bound by this command of Christ to suffer opposition to their doctrine with meeknesse and gentlenesse and to
hast thou helped him that is without power How savest thou the arme that hath no strength How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisedome how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is 5. Lastly I ask whether as men deale with Wolves these wolves as Ephesus were intended by Paul to be killed their braines dasht out with stones staves halberts guns c. in the hands of the Elders of Ephesus c Truth Doubtlesse comparing spirituall things with spirituall all such mysticall wolves must spiritually and mystically so be slain And the Witnesses of Truth Revel 11. speake fire and kill all that hurt them by that sierie Word of God and that two-edged sword in their hand Psal. 149. But oh what streames of the blood of Saints have been and must be shed untill the Lambe have obtained the Victorie Revel 17. by this unmercifull and in the state of the New Testament when the Church is spread all the World over most bloody doctrine viz. The wolves Hereticks are to be driven away their braines knockâ— out and killed the poore sheepe to be preserved for whom Christ died c. Is not this to take Christ Iesus and make him a temporall King by force Iohn 6. 15. Is not this to make his Kingdome of this world to set up a civill and temporall Israel to bound out new Earthly holy Lands of Canaan yea and to set up a Spanish Inquisition in all parts of the World to the speedy destruction of thousands yea of millions of Soules and the frustrating of the sweet end of the comming of the Lord Iesus to wit to save mens soules and to that end not to destroy their bodies by his own blood CHAP. XLIV Peace THe next Scripture produced against such Persecution is 2 Cor. 10. 4. The weapons of our warfare are not carnall but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it selfe against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ and having in a readinesse to avenge all disobedience c. Unto which it is answered When Paul saith The weapons of our warfare are not carnall but spirituall he denieth not civill weapons of Iustice to the civill Magistrate Rom. 13. but only to Church-officers and yet the weapons of Church officers he acknowledgeth to be such as though they be spirituall yet are ready to take vengeance on all disobedience 2 Cor. 10. 6. which hath reference amongst other Ordinances to the censures of the Church against scandalous offenders Truth I acknowledge that herein the Spirit of God denieth not civill weapons of justice to the Civill Magistrate which the Scripture he quotes Rom. 13. abundantly testifie Yet withall I must aske why he here affirmeth the Apostle denies not civill weapons of Justice to the civill Magistrate of which there is no question unlesse that according to his scope of proving persecution for conscience he intends withall that the Apostle denies not civill weapons of justice to the Civill Magistrate in Spirituall and Religious causes The contrary whereunto the Lord assisting I shall evince both from this very Scripture and his owne observation and lastly by that 13 of the Romanes by himsefe quoted First then from this Scripture and his owne Observation The weapons of Church officers saith he are such which though they be spirituall are ready to take vengeance on all disobedience which hath reference saith he amongst other Ordinances to the Censures of the Church against scandalous offenders I hence observe that there being in this Scripture held forth a two-fold state a Civill state and a Spirituall Civill officers and spirituall civill weapons and spirituall weapons civill vengeance and punishment and a spirituall vengeance and punishment although the Spirit speakes not here expresly of Civill Magistrates and their civill weapons yet these States being of different Natures and Considerations as far differing as Spirit from Flesh I first observe that Civill weapons are most improper and unfitting in matters of the Spirituall state and kingdome though in the Civill state most proper and sutable CHAP. XLV FOr to keepe to the similitude which the Spirit useth for instance To batter downe a strong hold high wall fort tower or castle men bring not a first and second Admonition and after obstinacie Excommunication which are spirituall weapons concerning them that be in the Church nor exhortations to Repent and be baptized to beleeve in the Lord Jesus c. which are proper weapons to them that be without c. But to take a strong hold men bring Canons Culverins Saker Bullets Powder Musquets Swords Pikes c. and these to this end are weapons effectuall and proportionable On the other side to batter downe Idolatry false worship heresie schisme blindnesse hardnesse out of the soule and spirit it is vaine improper and unsutable to bring those weapons which are used by persecutors stocks whips prisons swords gibbets stakes c. where these seem to prevaile with some Cities or Kingdomes a stronger force sets up againe what a weaker pull'd downe but against these spirituall strong holds in the soules of men Spirituall Artillery and weapons are proper which are mighty through God to subdue and bring under the very thought to obedience or else to binde fast the soule with chaines of darknesse and locke it up in the prison of unbeleefe and hardnesse to eternity 2. I observe that as civill weapons are improper in this businesse and never able to effect ought in the soule So although they were proper yet they are unnecessary for if as the Spirit here saith and the Answerer grants spirituall weapons in the hand of Church officers are able and ready to take vengeance on all disobedience that is able and mighty sufficient and ready for the Lords worke either to save the soule or to kill the soule of whomsoever be the party or parties opposite in which respect I may againe remember that speech of Iob How hast thou helped him that hath no power Iob 26. Peace Offer this as Malachie once spake to the Governours the Kings of the Earth when they besiege beleagure and assault great Cities Castles Forts c. should any subject pretending his service bring store of pins sticks strawes bulrushes to beat and batter downe stone walls mighty Bulwarkes what might his expectation and reward be but at least the censure of a man distract beside himself c. Truth What shall we then conceive of His displeasure who is the chiefe or Prince of the Kings of the earth and rides upon the Word of Truth and meeknesse which is that white Horse Rev. 6. and Rev. 19. with His holy witnesses the white Troopers upon white horses when to His helpe and aid men bring and adde such unnecessary improper and weake munition Will the Lord Iesus did He ever in His owne Person practice or did he appoint
Pergamus and Thiatira and the Angel or Officers of those Cities to suppresse not only such practices but such Doctrines also as the Roman Emperour justly punished Ovid the Poet for teaching the wanton Art of Love leading to and ushering on laciviousnesse and uncleannesse 4. Yet so far as Balaams teachers or Iesabel did seduce the members of the Church in Pergamus or Thiatira to the worship of the Idolaters in Pergamus or Thiatira which will appeare to be the case I say so far I may well and properly answer as himselfe answered before those Scriptures brought from Luc. 9. 2 Tim. 2. to prove patience and permission to men opposite viz. These Scriptures saith he are directions to Ministers of the Gospel and in the end of that passage he addes Much lesse doe they speake at all to Civill Magistrates Fifthly Either these Churches and the Angels thereof had power to suppresse these doctrines of Balaam and to suppresse Iesabel from teaching or they had not That they had not cannot be affirmed for Christs Authority is in the hands of his Ministers and Churches Matth. 16. 18. 1 Cor. 5. If they had power as must be granted then I conclude sufficient power to suppresse such persons who ever they were that maintained Balaams doctrine in the Church at Pergamus although the very Magistrates themselves of the City of Pergamus if Christians and to have suppressed Iesabel from teaching and seducing in the Church had she been Lady Queen or Empresse if there were no more but teaching without hostility And if so all power and authority of Magistrates and Governours of Pergamus and Thiatira and all submitting or appealing to them in such cases must needs fall as none of Christs appointment Lastly From this perverse wresting of what is writ to the Church and the Officers thereof as if it were written to the Civill State and Officers thereof all may see how since the Apostacie of Antichrist the Christian World so called hath swallowed up Christianity how the Church and civill State that is the Church and the World are now become one flocke of Iesus Christ Christs sheepe and the Pastors or Shepherds of them all one with the severall unconverted wilde or tame Beasts and Cattell of the World and the civill and earthly governours of them The Christian Church or Kingdome of the Saints that stone cut out of the mountaine without hands Daniel 2. now made all one with the mountaine or Civill State the Roman Empire from whence it is cut or taken Christs lilies garden and love all one with the thornes the daughers and wildernesse of the World out of which the Spouse or Church of Christ is called and amongst whom in civill things for a while here below she must necessarily be mingled and have converse unlesse she will goe out of the World before Christ Iesus her Lord and Husband send for her home into the Heavens 1 Cor. 5. 10. CHAP. LVIII Peace HAving thus by the help of Christ examined those Scriptures or writings of truth brought by the Author against Persecution and cleared them from such vailes mists wherewith Mr. Cotton hath endeavored to obscure darken their light I pray you now by the the same gracious assistance proceed to his answer to the second head of Reasons from the profession of famous Princes against persecution for conscience K. Iames Steven of Poland K. of Bohemia unto whom the Answerer returneth a treble answer First saith he We willingly acknowledge that none is to be persecuted at all no more then they may be oppressed for righteousnesse sake Againe we acknowledge that none is to be punished for his conscience though misinformed as hath been said unlesse his Error be fundamentall or seditiously and turbulently promoted and that after due conviction of his conscience that it may appeare he is not punished for his conscience but for sinning against his conscience Furthermore we acknowledge none is to be constrained to beleeve or professe the true Religion till he be convinced in judgement of the truth of it but yet restrained he may be from blaspheming the truth and from seducing any unto pernicious error Truth This first answer consists of a repetition and enumeration of such grounds or conclusions as Mr. Cotton in the entrance of this Discourse laid downe and I beleeve that through the helpe of God in such replies as I have made unto them I have made it evident what weak foundations they have in the Scriptures of truth as also that when such conclusions excepting the first as grasse and the flower of the grasse shall sade that holy Word of the Lord which the Author against such persecution produced and I have cleared shall stand for ever even when these Heavens and Earth are burnt Peace His second answer is this What Princes professe and practice is not a rule of conscience They many times tolerate that in point of State-policie which cannot justly be tolerated in point of true Christianity Againe Princes many times tolerate offendours out of very necessity when the offenders are either too many or too mighty for them to punish in which respect David tolerated Ioab and his murders but against his will CHAP. LIX VNnto those excellent and famous speeches of those Princes worthy to be written in golden letters or rows of Diamonds upon all the gates of all the Cities and Palaces in the World the Answerer without any particular reply returnes two things Truth First that Princes profession and practice is no rule of conscience unto this as all men will subscribe so may they also observe how the Answerer deales with Princes One while they are the nursing Fathers of the Church not only to feed but also to correct and therefore consequently bound to iudge what is true feeding and correcting and consequently all men are bound to submit to their feeding and correcting Another while when Princes crosse Mr. Cottons judgement and practice then it matters not what the profession and practice of Princes is for saith he their profession and practice is no Rule to Conscience I aske then unto what Magistrates or Princes will themselves or any so perswaded submit as unto keepers of both Tables as unto the Antitypes of the Kings of Israel and Iudah and nursing Fathers and Mothers of the Church First will it not evidently follow that by these Tenents they ought not to submit to any Magistrates in the world in these cases but to Magistrates just of their owne conscience and Secondly that all other Consciences in the world except their owne must be persecuted by such their Magistrates And lastly is not this to make Magistrates but steps and stirrops to ascend and mount up into their rich and honourable Seats and Sadâ—les I meane great and setled maintenances which neither the Lord Iesus nor any of his first Messengers the true patternes did ever know CHAP. LX. Truth IN the second place hee saith that Princes out
each others Church or Meeting CHAP. LXXIV Peace THe next passage in the Author which the Answerer descends unto is the testimony of the Papists themselves a lively and shining testimony from Scriptures alledged both against themselves and all that associate with them as power is in their hand in such unchristian and bloody both tenents and practices As for the testimony of the Popish booke saith he we weight it not as knowing what ever they speake for toleration of Religion where themselves are under Hatches when they come to sit at Stern they judge and practise quite contrary as both their writings and judiciall proceedings have testified to the world these many yeares Truth I answer although both writings and practices have been such yet the Scriptures and expressions of truth alledged and uttered by them speake loud and fully for them when they are under the Hatches that for their conscience and religion they should not there be choaked and smothered but suffered to breathe and walke upon the Deckes in the ayre of civill liberty and conversation in the Ship of the commonwealth upon good assurance given of civill obedience to the civill State Againe if this practice bee so abominable in his eyes from the Papists viz. that they are so partiall as to persecute when they sit at Helme and yet cry out against persecution when they are under the Hatches I shall beseech the Righteous Judge of the whole world to present as in a Water or Glasse where face answereth to face the faces of the Papist to the Protestant answering to each other in the samenesse of partiality both of this doctrine and practice When Mr. Cotton and others have formerly been under hatches what sad and true complaints have they abundantly powred forth against persecution How have they opened that heavenly Scripture Cant 4. 8. Where Christ Iesus calls his tender Wife and Spouse from the fellowship with persecutors in their dens of Lions and mountaines of Leopards But comming to the Helme as he speaks of the Papists how both by preaching writing Printing practice doe they themselves I hope in their persons Lambes unnaturally and partially expresse toward others the cruell nature of such Lions and Leopards O that the God of Heaven might please to tell them how abominable in his eyes are a waight and a waight a stone and a stone in the bag of waights one waight for themselves when they are under Hatches and another for others when they come to Helme Nor shall their confidence of their being in the truth which they judge the Papists and others are not in no nor the Truth it selfe priviledge them to persecute others and to exempt themselves from persecution because as formerly First it is against the nature of true Sheep to persecute or hunt the Beasts of the Forrest no not the same Wolves who formerly have persecuted themselves Secondly if it be a duty and charge upon all Magistrates in all parts of the World to judge and persecute in and for spirituall causes then either they are no Magistrates who are not able to judge in such cases or else they must judge according to their Consciences whether Pagan Turkish or Antichristian Lastly notwithstanding their confidence of the truth of their owne way yet the experience of our Fathers errours our owne mistakes and ignorance the sense of our own weaknesses and blindnesse in the depths of the prophesies mysteries of the Kingdom of Christ and the great professed expectation of light to come which we are not now able to comprehend may abate the edge yea sheath up the sword of persecution toward any especially such as differ not from them in doctrines of repentance or faith or holinesse of heart and life and hope of glorious and eternall union to come but only in the way and manner of the administrations of Iesus Christ. CHAP. LXXV Peace TO close this head of the testimony of Writers it pleaseth the Answerer to produce a contrary testimony of Austin Optatus c. Truth I readily acknowledge as formerly I did concerning the testimony of Princes that Antichrist is too hard for Christ at votes and numbers yea and beleeve that in many points wherein the servants of God these many hundred yeares have beene fast asleep superstition and persecution have had more suffrages and votes from Gods owne people then hath either been honourable to the Lord or peaceable to their owne or the soules of others Therefore not to derogate from the pretious memory of any of them let us briefly consider what they have in this point affirmed To begin with Austin They murther saith he soules and themselves are afflicted in body and they put men to everlasting death and yet they complaine when themselves are put to temporall death I answer This Rhetoricall perswasion of humane wisdome seems very reasonable in the eye of flesh and blood but one Scripture more prevailes with faithfull and obedient soules then thousands of plausiâ—le and eloquent speeches in particular First the Scripture useth soule-killing in a large sense not only for the teaching of false prophets and seducers but even for the offensive walking of Christians in which respect 1 Cor. 8. a true Christian may be guilty of destroying a soule for whom Christ died and therefore by this rule ought to be hanged burned c. Secondly That plausible similitude will not prove that every false teaching or false practice actually kills the soule as the body is slaine and slaine but once for soules infected or bewitched may againe recover 1 Cor. 5. Gal. 5. 2 Tim. 2. c. Thirdly for soule-killings yea also for soule-woundings and grievings Christ Iesus hath appointed remedies sufficient in his Church There comes forth a two edged sword out of his mouth Rev. 1. and Rev. 2 able to cut downe Heresie as is confest yea and to kill the Hereticke yea and to punish his soule everlastingly which no sword of steele can reach unto in any punishment comparable or imaginable and therefore in this case we may say of this spirituall soule-killing by the sword of Christs mouth as Paul concerning the incestuous person 2 Cor. 2. Sufficient is this punishment c. Fourthly Although no Soule-killers nor Soule-grievers may be suffred in the Spirituall State or Kingdome of Christ the Church yet he hath commanded that such should be suffered and permitted to be and live in the World as I have proved on Matth. 13. otherwise thousands and millions of soules and bodies both must be murthered and cut off by civill combustions and bloody warres about Religion Fifthly I argue thus The Soules of all men in the World are either naturally dead in Sin or alive in Christ. If dead in sinne no man can kill them no more then he can kill a dead man Nor is it a false Teacher or false Religion that can so much prevent the means of Spirituall life as one of these
Conviction and any other scandalous and heynous offender may be tolerated either in the Church without Excommunication or in the Common-weale without such punishment as may preserve others from dangerous and damnable infection CHAP. LXXIX Truth I Here observe the Answerers partiality that none but such as truly feare God should enjoy Libertie of Conscience whence the Inhabitants of the World must either come into the estate of men fearing God or else dissemble a Religion in hypocrisie or else be driven out of the World One must follow The first is only the gift of God the second and third are too commonly practised upon this ground Againe since there is so much controversie in the World where the name of Christ is taken up concerning the true Church the Ministrie and Worship and who are those that truly feare God I aske who shall judge in this case who be they that feare God It must needs be granted that such as have the power of suffring or not suffring such Consciences must judge and then must it follow as before I intimated that the Civill State must judge of the truth of the Spirituall and then Magistrates fearing or not fearing God must judge of the feare of God also that their judgement or sentence must be according to their conscience of what Religion soever Or that there is no lawfull Magistrate who is not able to judge in such cases And lastly that since the Soveraigne power of all Civill Authority is founded in the consent of the People that every Common-weale hath radically and fundamentally in it a power of true discerning the true feare of God which they transfer to their Magistrates and Officers Or else that there are no lawfull Kingdomes Cities or Townes in the World in which a man may live and unto whose Civill Government he may submit and then as I said before there must be no World nor is it lawfull to live in it because it hath not a true discerning Spirit to judge them that feare or not feare God Lastly although this worthy Answerer so readily grants that Libertie of Conscience should be suffred to them that feare God indeed yet we know what the Ministers of the Churches of New-England wrote in answer to the 3 Question sent to them by some Ministers of Old England viz. that although they confest them to be such persons whom they approved of far above themselves yea who were in their hearts to live and die together yet if they and other godly people with them comming over to them should differ in Church constitution they then could not approve their Civill cohabitation with them and consequently could not advise the Magistrates to suffer them to enjoy a Civill being within their Iurisdiction Heare O Heavens and give eare O Earth yea let the Heavens be astonished and the Earth tremble at such an Answer as this from such excellent men to such whom they esteeme for godlinesse above themselves CHAP. LXXIX Peace YEa but they say they doubt not if they were there but they should agree for say they either you will come to us or you may shew us light to come to you for we are but weak men and dreame not of perfection in this life Truth Alas who knowes not what lamentable differences have beene betweene the same Ministers of the Church of England some conforming others leaving their livings friends country life rather then conforme when others againe of whose personall godlinesse it is not questioned have succeeded by conformity into such forsaken so called Livings How great the present differences even amongst them that feare God concerning Faith Iustification and the evidence of it concerning Repentance and godly sorrow as also and mainly concerning the Church the Matter Forme Administration and Government of it Let none now thinke that the passage to New England by Sea or the nature of the Countrey can doe what onely the Key of David can doe to wit open and shut the Consciences of men Beside how can this bee a faithfull and upright acknowledgement of their weaknesse and imperfection when they preach print and practise such violence to the soules and bodies of others and by their Rules and Grounds ought to proceed even to the killing of those whom they judge so deare unto them and in respect of godlinesse far above themselves CHAP. LXXX Peace YEa but say they the godly will not persist in Heresie or turbulent Schisme when they are convinced in Conscience c. Truth Sweet Truth if the Civill Court and Magistracy must judge as before I have writâ—en and those Civill Courts are as lawfull consisting of naturall men as of godly persons then what consequences necessarily will â—ollow I have before mentioned And I adde according to this conclusion it must follow that if the most godly persons yeeld not to once or twice Admonition as is maintained by the Answerer they must necessarily be esteemed obseinate persons for if they were godly saith he they would yeeld Must it not then be said as it was by one passing sentence of Banishment upon some whose godlinesse was acknowledged that he that commanded the Iudge not to respect the poore in the cause of judgement commands him not to respect the holy or the godly person Hence I could name the place and time when a godly man a most desirable person for his trade c. yet something different in conscience propounded his willingnesse and desire to come to dwell in a certaine Towne in New England it was answered by the Chiefe of the place This man differs from us and wee desire not to be troubled So that in conclusion for no other reason in the world the poore man though godly usefull and peaceable could not be admitted to a Civill Being and Habitation on the Common Earth in that Wildernesse amongst them The latter part of the Answer concerning the Hereticke or obstinate person to be excommunicated and the scandalous offender to be punished in the Commonweale which neither of both come neere our Question I have spoken I feare too largely already Peace Mr. Cotton concludes with a confident perswasion of having removed the grounds of that great errour viz. that persons are not to be persecuted for cause of conscience Truth And I beleeve deare Peace it shall appear to them that with feare and trembling at the word of the Lord examine these passages that the charge of errour reboundeth backe even such an errour as may well bee called the bloody tenent so directly contradicting the spirit and minde and practice of the Prince of Peace so deeply guilty of the blood of soules compelled and forced to â—â—ypocrisie in a spirituall and soule rape so deeply guilty of the blood of the Soules under the Altar persecuted in all ages for the cause of Conscience and so destructive to the civill peace and welfare of all Kingdomes Countries and Commonwealths CHAP. LXXXI Peace TO this Conclusion deare Truth
I heartily subscribe and know the God the Spirit the Prince the Angels and all the true awaked Sons of Peace will call thee blessed Truth How sweet and precious are these contemplations but oh how sweet the actions and fruitions Peace Thy lips drop as the Honey-combe Honey and Milke are under thy Tongue oh that these drops these streames might flow without a stop or interruption Truth The glorious white Troopers Rev. 19. shall in time be mounted and he that is the most High Prince of Princes and Lord Generall of Generalls mounted upon the Word of Truth and Meeknesse Psal 45. shall triumph gloriously and renew our meetings But harke what noise is this Peace These are the dolefull drums and shrill sounding trumpets the roaring murthering Canons the shouts of Conquerours the grones of wounded dying slaughtered righteous with the wicked Deare Truth how long how long these dreadfull sounds and direfull sights how long before my glad returne and restitution Truth Sweet Peace who will beleeve my true report yet true it is if I were once beleev'd blest Truth and Peace should not so soone be parted Peace Deare Truth what welcome hast thou found of late beyond thy former times or present expectations Truth Alas my welcome changes as the times and strongest swords and armes prevaile were I beleeved in this that Christ is not delighted with the blood of men but shed his owne for his bloodiest enemies that by the word of Christ no man for gainsaying Christ or joyning with his enemy Antichrist should bee molested with the civill sword Were this foundation laid as the Magna Charta of highest liberties and good security given on all hands for the preservation of it how soone should every brow and house be stucke with Olive Branches Peace This heavenly invitation makes mee bold once more to crave thy patient eare and holy tongue Errourâ—s impatient and soon tyred but thou art Light and like the Father of Lights unwearied in thy shinings Loe here what once againe I present to thy impartiall censure A MODEL of CHURCH and CIVIL Power Composed by Mr. COTTON and the MINISTERS of NEW-ENGLAND And sent to the CHURCH at SALEM as a further Confirmation of the bloody Doctrine of PERSECUTION for cause of CONSCIENCE Examined and Answered CHAP. LXXXII Truth VVHat hast thou there Peace Here is a combination of thine owne Children against thy very life and mine Hâ—re is a Modell framed by many able learned and godly hands of such a Church and Common-weale as wakens Moses from his unknown Grave and denies Iesus yet to have seene the Earth Truth Begin sweet Peace read and propound My hand shall not be tyred with holding the ballances of the Sanctuarie doe thou put in and I shall weigh as in the presence of Him whose pure eyes cannot behold iniquitie Peace Thus then speakes the Preface or Entrance Seeing God hath given a distinct power to Church and Common-weale the one Spirituall called the Power of the Keyes the other Civill called the Power of the Sword and hath made the members of both Societies subject to both Authorities so that every soule in the Church is subject to the higher powers in the Commonweale and every member of the Commonweale being a member of the Church is subject to the Lawes of Christs Kingdome and in him to the censures of the Church the Question is how the Civill State and the Church may dispence their severall Governments without infringement and impeachment of the power and honour of the One or of the Other and what bounds and limits the Lord hath set betweene both the Administrations Truth From that conclusion deare Peace that every memâ— of the Commonweale being a member of the Church is subject to the Lawes of Christs Kingdome and in Him to the censure of the Church I observe that they grant the Church of Christ in Spirituall causes to be superiour and over the highest Magistrates in the World if members of the Church Hence therefore I infer may she refuse to receive and may also cast forth any yea even the highest if obstinate in Sin cut of her Spirituall society Hence in this Spirituall society that soule who hath most of Christ most of His Spirit is most spiritually honourable according to the Scriptures quoted Acts 15. 20. Isa. 49. 23. Gal. 3. 28. And if so how can this stand with their common tenent that the Civill Magistrate must keep the first Table set up reforme the Church and be Iudge and Governour in all Ecclesiasticall as well as Civill causes Secondly I observe the lamentable wresting of this one Scripture Sometimes this Scripture must prove the Power of the Civill Magistrates Kings and Governours over the Church in Spirituall causes c. Yet here this Scripture is produced to prove Kings and Magistrates in Spirituall causes to be censured and corrected by the same Church â—Tis true in severall respects he that is a Governour may be a subject but in one and the same spirituall respect to judge and to be judged to sit on the Bench and stand at the Bar of Christ Iesus is as impossible as to reconcile the East and West together CHAP. LXXXII The first head That both Iurisdictions may stand together Peace VVHereas divers affecting transcending power to themselves over the Church have perswaded the Princes of the World that the Kingdome of Christ in His Church cannot rise or stand without the falls of those Common-weales wherein it is set up we do beleeve and professe the contrary to this suggestion the government of the one being of this World the other not the Church helping forward the prosperity of the Commonweale by meanes only Ecclesiasticall and Spirituall the Commonweale helping forward her owne and the Churches felicity by meanes politicall or temporall the falls of Commonweales being knowne to arise from their scattering and diminishing the power of the Church and the flourishing of Commonweales with the well ordering of the people even in morall and civill virtues being observed to arise from the vigilant administration of the holy Discipline of the Church as Bodin a man not partiall to Church Discipline plainely testifieth The vices in the free estate of Geneva quae legibus nusquam vindicantur by meanes of Church Discipline sine vi tumultu coercentur the Christian liberty not freeing us from subjection to Authority but from inthrallment and bondage unto sinne Truth Ans. From this confession that the Church or Kingdome of Christ may be set up without prejudice of the Commonweale according to Iohn 18. 36. My Kingdome is not of this World c. I observe that although the Kingdome of Christ the Church and the Civill Kingdome or Government be not inconsistent but that both may stand together yet that they are independent according to that Scripture and that therefore there may be as formerly I have proved flourishing Commonweales and Societies of menâ— where no
from them according to their office as it pleased God alwayes to send to the Kings of Israel and Judah in the like case Peace Some will here object Pauls appealing to Caesar. Truth And I must refer them to what I formerly answered to that Objection Paul never appealed to Caesar as a Judge appointed by Christ Jesus to give definitive sentence in any spirituall or Church controversie but against that civill violence and murther which the Iewes intended against him Paul justly appealed For otherwise if in a spirituall cause he should have appealed he should have overthrowne his owne Apostleship and Power given him by Christ Iesus in spirituall things above the highest Kings or Emperors of the world beside CHAP. XC Peace BLessed Truth I shall now remember you of the fourth Quaerie upon this place of Timothy to wit whether a Church of Christ Iesus may not live in Gods worship and comelinesse notwithstanding that the civill Magistrate professe not the same but a contrary Religion and Worship in his owne person and the Country with him Truth I answer the Churches of Christ under the Roman Emperours did live in all godlinesse and christian gravity as appeares by all their holy and glorious practices which the Scripture abundantly testifies Secondly this â—lowes from an institution or appointment of such a power and authority left by the Lord Iesus to his Apostles and Churches that no ungodlinesse or dishonesty in the first appearance of it was to be suffered but supprest and cast out from the Churches of Christ even the little Leaven of doctrine or practice 1 Corinth 5. Gal. 5. Lastly I adde that although sometimes it pleaseth the Lord to vouchsafe his servants peace and quietnesse and to command them here in Timothy to pray for it for those good ends and purposes for which God hath appointed civill Magistracy in the world to keepe the world in peace and quietnesse Yet Gods people have used most to abound with godlinesse and honesty when they have enjoyed least peace and quietnesse Then like those spices Cant. 4. Myrrhe Frankincense Saffron Calamus c. they have yeelded the sweetest favour to God and man when they were pounded and burnt in cruell persecution of the Romane Censors then are they as Gods Venison most sweet when most hunted Gods Stars shining brightest in the darkest night more heavenly in conversation more mortified more abounding in love each to other more longing to be with God when the inhospitable and salvage World hath used them like strangers and forced them to hasten home to another Country which they professe to seeke CHAP. XCI Peace DEare Truth it seemes not to be unseasonable to close up this passage with a short descant upon that Assertion viz. A subject without godlinesse will not be bonus vir a good man nor a Magistrate except he see godlinesse preserved will not be bonus Magistratus Truth I confesse that without godlinesse or a true wâ—rshipping of God with an upright heart according to Gods Ordinances neither Subjects nor Magistrates can please God in Christ Iesus and so be spiritually or christianly good which few Magistrates and few men either come to or are ordained unto God having chosen a little â—lock out of the world and those generally poore and meane 1 Cor. 1. Iam. 2. Yet this I must remember you of that when the most High God created all things of nothing he saw and acknowledged divers sorts of goodnesse which must still be acknowledged in their distinct kindes a good Ayre a good Ground a good Tree a good Sheepe c. I say the same in Artificialls a good Garment a good House a good Sword a good Ship I also adde a good City a good Company or Corporation a good Husband Father Master Hence also we say a good Physitian a good Lawyer a good Sea-man a good Merchant a good Pilot for such or such â— shoare or Harbour that is Morally Civilly good in their severall Civill respects and imployments Hence Psal. 133. the Church or Citie of God is compared to a Citie compact within it selfe which compactnes may be found in many Townes and Cities of the World where yet hath not shined any spirituall or supernaturall goodnesse Hence the Lord Iesus Matth. 12. describes an ill state of an house or kingdome viz. to be divided against it selfe which cannot stand These I observe to prove that a Subject a Magistrate may be a good Subject a good Magistrate in respect of civill or morall goodnes which thousands want and where it is it is commendable and beautifull though Godlines which is infinitely more beautifull be wanting and which is onely proper to the Christian state the Commonweale of Israel the true Church the holy Nation Ephes. 2. 1 Pet. 2. Lastly however the Authors deny that there can be Bonus Magistratus a good Magistrate except the see all Godlines preserved yet themselves confesse that civill honesty is sufficient to make a good Subject in these words viz. He must see that Honestie be preserved within his jurisdiction else the Subject will not be Bonus civâ—s a good citizen and doubtlesse if the Law of Relations hold true that civill honestie which makes a good citizen must also together with qualifications sit for a Commander make also a good Magistrate CHAP. XCII Peace THe 4. head is The proper meanes of both these Powers to attaine their ends First the proper meanes whereby the Civill Power may and should attaine its end are onely Politicall and principally these Five First the erecting and establishing what forme of Civill Government may seeme in wisedome most meet according to generall rules of the Word and state of the people Secondly the making publishing and establishing of wholesome Civill Lawes not only such as concerne Civill Justice but also the free passage of true Religion for outward Civill Peace ariseth and is maintained from them both from the latter as well as from the former Civill peace cannot stand intire where Religion is corrupted 2 Chron. 15. 3. 5. 6. Iudg. 8. And yet such Lawes though conversant about Religion may still be counted Civill Lawes as on the contrary an Oath doth still remaine Religious though conversant about Civill matters Thirdly Election and appointment of Civill officers to see execution of those Lawes Fourthly Civill Punishments and Rewards of Transgressors and Observers of these Lawes Fifthly taking up Armes against the Enemies of Civill Peace Secondly the meanes whereby the Church may and should attaine her ends are only ecclesiasticall which are chiefly five First setting up that forme of Church Government only of which Christ hath given them a pattern in his Word Secondly acknowledging and admitting of no Lawgiver in the Church but Christ and the publishing of his Lawes Thirdly Electing and ordaining of such officers onely as Christ hath appointed in his Word Fourthly to receive into their fellowship them that are approved and inâ—licting Spirituall censures against them that offend
whether the Church or Magistrates take it first in hand Only with this caution that if the State take it first in hand they are not to proceed to death or banishment untill the Church hath taken their course with him to bring him to Repentance provided that the Church be willing and ready thereunto Secondly in such sinnes wherein men plead Conscience as Heresie c. Truth Here I have many just exceptions and considerations to present First they propose a distinction of some sinnes some are against the light of conscience c. and they instance in Heresie Ans. I have before discust this point of an Heretick sinning against light of conscience And I shall adde that howsoever they lay this down as an infallible conclusion that all Heresie is against light of Conscience yet to passe by the discussion of the nature of Heresie in which respect it may so be that even themselves may be found hereticall yea and that in fundamentalls how doe all Idolaters after light presented and exhortations powerfully pressed either Turkes or Pagans Jewes or Antichristians strongly even to the death hold fast or rather are held fast by their delusions Yea Gods people themselves being deluded and captivated are strongly confident even against some fundamentalls especially of worship and yet not against the light but according to the light or eye of a deceived conscience Now all these consciences walke on confidently and constantly even to the suffering of death and torments and are more strongly confirmed in their beleefe and conscience because â—uch bloudy and cruell courses of persecution are used toward them Secondly speakes not the Scripture expresly of the Jew Isa. 6. Mat. 13. Acts 28. that God hath given them the spirit of slumber eyes that they should not see câ— all which must be spoken of the very conscience which he that hath the golden key of David can only shut and open and all the Picklocks orâ— Swords in all the Smiths shops in the World can neither by force or fraud prevent his time Is it not said of Antichristians 2â— Thessal 2. that God hath sent them strong delusions so strong and efficacious that they beleeve a Lie and that so Confidently and some so Conscientiously that Death it selfe cannot part betweene the Delusion and their Conscience Againe the Magistrate say they keeping him in safe ward that is the Heretick the Blasphemer Idolater c. Peace I here aske all men that love even the Civill Peace where the Lord Jesus hath spoken a tittle of a Prison or safe ward to this purpose Truth We find indeed a prison threatned by God to his irreconciled enemies neglecting to account with him Matth. 5. We finde a prison into which persecuters cast the Saints So Iohn so Paul and the Apostles Matth. 14. 10. c. were cast and the great Commander of and caster into prison is the Devill Revel 2. Wee finde a Spirituall prison indeed a prison for Spirits 1 P. â— 3. 19. the Spirits formerly rebellious against Christ Jesus speaking by Noah unto them now kept in safe ward against the judgement of the great day In Excommunication a Soule obstinate in sinne is delivered to Sathan his Jaylour and he keeps him in safe ward untill it pleaseth God to release him There is a prison for the Devill himselfe a thousand yeares Rev. 20. And a Lake of eternall fire and brimstone into which the Beast and False Prophet and all not written in the Lambes booke and the Devill that deceived them shall eternally be there secured and tormented But neither amongst these nor in any other passage of the New Testament doe we finde a prison appointed by Christ Jesus for the Heretick Blasphemer Idolater c. being not otherwise guilty against the Civill State 'T is true Antichrist by the helpe of Civill Powers hath his prisons to keep Christ Iesus and his members fast such prisons may well be called the Bishops prisons the Popes the Devils prisons These inquisition houses have ever been more terrible then the Magistrates At first persecuting Bishops borrowed prisons of the Civill Magistrate as now their successors doe still in the world but afterward they wrâ—ng the keyes out of the Magistrates hands and hung them at their own Girdles and would have prisons of their owne as doubtlesse will that Generation still doe if God prevent them not CHAP. XCIX Peace AGaine say they the Magistrate should send him first to the Church to heale his Conscience Truth Is not this as the Prophet speakes Like mother like daughter So the mother of whoredomes the Church of Rome teacheth and practiseth with all her Hereticks First let the holy Church convince them and then deliver them to the Secular power to receive the punishment of Hereticks Peace Me thinks also they approach neere that Popish Tenent Ex opere operato for their Exhortations and Admonitions must necessarily be so operative and prevalent that if the Heretick repent not he now sins against his Conscience not remembring that Peradventure 2 Tim. 2. If peradventure God will give them repentance and how strong delusions are and believing of lies and how hard it is to be undeceived especially in Spirituals Truth And as it may so prove when an Heretick indeed is brought to this Colledge of Physitians to have his conscience healed and one Heretick is to cure another So also when any of Christs Witnesses supposed Hereticks are brought before them how doth the Lord Iesus suffer whippings and stabs when his Name and Truths and Witnesses and Ordinances are all prophaned and blasphemed Besides suppose a Man to be an Heretick and yet suppose him brought as the Magistrates Prisoner though to a true Church to heale his Conscience What promise of Presence and Blessing hath the Lord Iesus made to his Church and Spouse in such a way and how common is it for Hereticks either to be desperately hardned by such cruell courses yet pretending Soule-healing or else through feare and terrour to practice grosse hypocrisie even against their consciences So that these Chirâ—rgions and Physitians pretending to heale Consciences by such a course wound them deeper and declare themselves Chirâ—rgions and Physitians of no value Peace But what thinke you of the Proviso added to their Proposition viz. Provided the Church bee able and willing Truth Doubtles this proviso derogates not a little from the nature of the Spouse of Christ. For she like that gracious woman Prov. 31. 26. openeth her mouth with wisedome and in her tongue is the Law of Grace she is the pillar and ground of Truth 2. Tim. 2. The golden candlestick from whence true light shineth the Angels or Ministers thereof able to try false Apostles Rev. 2. and convince the Gainsayers Tit. 1. Againe according to their principles of suppressing persons and Churches falsely worshipping how can they permit such a blind and dead Church not able and willing to heale a wounded
and purgings Are not all the Nations of the Earth alike cleane unto God or rather alike uncleane untill it pleaseth the Father of mercies to call some out to the Knowledge and Grace of his Sonne making them to see their filthinesse and strangenesse from the Commonweale of Israel and to wash in the bloud of the Lambe of God This taking away the difference between Nation and Nation Country and Country is most fully and admirably declared in that great vision of all sorts of living creatures presented unto Peter Acts 10. whereby it pleased the Lord to informe Peter of the abolishing of the difference between Iew and Gentile in any holy or unholy cleane or uncleane respect Fifthly not only to speake of all but to select one or two more This people of Israel in that Nationall State were a type of all the Children of God in all ages under the profession of the Gospel who are therefore called the Children of Abraham and the Israel of God Gal. 3. Gal. 6. A Kingly Priesthood and holy Nation 1 Pet. 2. 9 in a cleare and manifest Antitype to the former Israel Exod. 19. 6. Hence Christians now are figuratively in this respect called Iewes Rev. 3. where lies a cleare distinction of the true and false Christian under the consideration of the true and false Iew Behold I will make them of the Synagogue of Sathan that say they are Jewes and are not but doe lie Rev. 3. But such a typicall respect we finde not now upon any People Nation or Country of the whole World But out of all Nations Tongues and Languages is God pleased to call some and redeem them to Himselfe Rev. 5. 9. And hath made no difference betweene the Iewes and Gentiles Greekes and Scithians Gal. 3. who by Regeneration or second birth become the Israel of God Gal. 6. the Temple of God 1 Cor. 3. and the true Ierusalem Heb. 12. Lastly all this whole Nation or people as they were of one typicall seed of Abraham sealed with a shamefull painfull Ordinance of cutting off the fore-skin which differenced them from all the World beside So also were they bound to such and such solemnities of figurative worships Amongst many others I shall end this passage concerning the people with a famous observation out of Numb 9. 1 3. viz. All that whole Nation was bound to celebrate and keepe the Feast of the Passeover in his season or else they were to be Put to death But doth God require a whole Nation Country or Kingdome now thus to celebrate the spirituall Passeover the Supper and Feast of the Lambe Christ Iesus at such a time once a yeare and that whosoever shall not so doe shall bee put to death What horrible prophanations what grosse hypocrisies yea what wonderfull desolations sooner or later must needs follow upon such a course T is true the people of Israel brought into covenant with God in Abraham and so successively borne in Covenant with God might in that state of a Nationall Church solemnly covenant and sweare that whosoever would not seeke Iehovah the God of Israel should be put to death 2 Chron. 15. whether small or great whether man or woman But may whole Nations or Kingdomes now according to any one title exprest by Christ Iesus to that purpose follow that patterne of Israel and put to death all both men and women great and small that according to the rules of the Gospel are not borne againe penitent humble heavenly patient c. What a world of hypocrisie from hence is practised by thousands that for feare will stoope to give that God their bodies in a forme whom yet in truth their hearts affect not Yea also what a world of prophanation of the holy Name and holy Ordinances of the Lord in prostituting the holy things of God like the Vessels of the Sanctuary Dan. 5. to prophane impenitent and unregenerate persons Lastly what slaughters both of men and women must this necessarily bring into the world by the Insurrections and Civill Warres about Religion and Conscience Yea what slaughters of the innocent and faithfull witnesses of Christ Jesus who choose to bee slaine all the day long for Christ his sake and to fight for their Lord and Master Christ onely with spirituall and Christian weapons CHAP. CXIV Peace IT seemes deare Truth a mighty Gulfe betweene that people and Nation and the Nations of the world then extant and ever since Truth As sure as the blessed substance to all those shadowes Christ Iesus is come so unmatchable and never to bee paralleld by any Nationall State was that Israel in the Figure or Shadow And yet the Israel of God now the Regenerate or Newborne the circumcised in Heart by Repentance and Mortification who willingly submit unto the Lord Iesus as their onely King and Head may fitly parallell and answer that Israel in the type without such danger of hypocrisie of such horrible prophanations and of firing the Civill State in such bloody combustions as all Ages have brought forth upon this compelling a whole Nation or Kingdome to be the antitype of Israel Peace Were this Light entertained some hopes would shine forth for my returne and restauration Truth I have yet to adde a third consideration concerning the Kings and Governours of that Land and people They were to be unlesse in their captivities of their Brethren members of the true Church of God as appeares in the History of Moses the Elders of Israel and the Iudges and Kings of Israel afterward But first who can deny but that there may be now many lawfull Governours Magistrates and Kings in the Nations of the World where is no true Church of Iesus Christ Secondly we know the many excellent gifts wherewith it hath pleased God to furnish many inabling them for publike service to their Countries both in Peace and War as all Ages and Experience testifies on whose soules hee hath not yet pleased to shine in the face of Iesus Christ which Gifts and Talents must all lye buried in the Earth unlesse such persons may lawfully be called and chosen to and improved in publike service notwithstanding their different or contrary Conscience and Worship Thirdly if none but true Christians members of Christ Iesus might be Civill Magistrates and publikely intrusted with civill affaires then none but members of Churches Christians should be Husbands of Wives Fathers of Children Masters of Servants But against this doctrine the whole creation the whole World may justly rise up in armes as not onely contrary to true Piety but common Humanity it selfe For if a Commonweale bee lawfull amongst men that have not heard of God nor Christ certainly their Officers Ministers and Governours must be lawfull also Fourthly it is notoriously knowne to be the dangerous doctrine profest by some Papists that Princes degenerating from their Religion and turning Heretickes are to be deposed and their Subjects actually discharged from their
raised concerning those famous acts of Asa Hezekiah Iehosaphat Iosiah What thinke you of the Fast proclaimed by Iehosaphat 2 Chron. 20. 3. Truth I finde it to be the duty of Kings and all in authority to incourage Christs Messengers of Truth proclaiming Repentance c. But under the Gospel to enforce all naturall and unregenerate people to acts of worship what president hath Christ Iesus given us First t is true Iehosaphat proclaimed a Fast c. but was he not in matters spirituall a type of Christ the true King of Israel Secondly Iehosaphat calls the members of the true Church to Church service and worship of God But consider if civill Powers now may judge of and determine the actions of worship proper to the Saints Iâ— they may appoint the time of the Churches worship Fasting and Prayer c. why may they not as wel forbid those times which a Church of Christ shall make choice of seeing it is a branch of the same Root to forbid what likâ—th not as well as to injoyne what pleaseth And if in those most solemne duties and exercises why not also in other ordinary meetings and worships And if so where is the power of the Lord Jesus bequeathed to his Ministers and Churches of which the power of those Kings was but a shadow CHAP. CXVIII Peace THe liberty of the Subject sounds most sweet London and Oxford both professe to fight for it How much infinitly more sweet is that true soule liberty according to Christ Iesus I know you would not take from Caesar ought although it were to give to God And what is Gods and his peoples I wish that Caesar may not take Yet for the satisfaction of some be pleased to glance upon Iosiah his famous Acts in the Church of God concerning the worship of God the Priests Levites and their Services compelling the people to keepe the Passeover making himselfe a covenant before the Lord and compelling all that were found in Ierusalem and Benjamin to stand to it Truth To these famous practices of Iosiah I shall parallell the practices of Englands Kings and first de jure a word or two of their right then de facto discusse what hath been done First de jure Iosiah was a precious branch of that Royall Root King David who was immediately designed by God and when the golden linkes of the Royall chaine broke in the usurpations of the Romane Conquerour it pleased the most wise God to send a Sonne of David a Sonne of God to beginne againe that Royall Line to sit upon the Throne of his Father David Luc. 1. 32. Acts 2. 30. It is not so with the Gentile Princes Rulers and Magistrates whether Monarchicall Aristrocraticall or Democraticall who though government in generall be from God yet receive their callings power and authority both Kings and Parliaments mediately from the people Secondly Iosiah and those Kings were Kings and Governours over the then true and onely Church of God Nationall brought into the Covenant of God in Abraham and so downward and they might well be forced to stand to that Covenant into which with such immediate signes and miracles they had beene brought But what Commission from Christ Iesus had Henry the eight Edward the 6. or any Iosiah like to force the many hundred thousands of English men and women without such immediate signes and miracles that Israel had to enter into an holy and spirituall Covenant with the invisible God the Father of Spirits or upon paine of death as in Iosiaâ—s time to stand to that which they never made nor before Evangelicall Repentance are possibly capable of Now secondly de facto let it be well remembred concerning the Kings of England professing Reformation The foundation of all was laid in Henry the 8. The Pope chalengeth to be the Vicar of Christ Iesus here upon earth to have power of reforming the Church redressing abuses c. Henry 8. falls out with the Pope and chalengeth that very power to himself of which he had despoiled the Pope as appeares by that Act of Parliament establishing Henry 8 the supreme Head and Governour in all cases Ecclesiasticall c. It pleased the most High God to plague the Pope by Henry the 8. his means but neither Pope nor King can ever prove such power from Christ derived to either of them Secondly as before intimated let us view the Workes and Acts of Englands imitation of Iosiahs practice Henry the 7. leaves England under the slavish bondage of the Popes yoake Henry the 8. reformes all England to a new fashion halfe Papist halfe Protestant King Edward the 6. turnes about the Wheele of the State and workes the whole Land to absolute Protestanisme Queene Mary succeeding to the Helme steeres a direct contrary course breakes in peeces all that Edward wrought and brings forth an old edition of Englands Reformation all Popish Mary not living out halfe her dayes as the Prophet speakes of bloudy persons Elizabeth like Ioseph advanced from the Prison to the Palace and from the irons to the Crowne she pluckes up all her sister Maries plants and sounds a Trumpet all Protestant What sober man stands not amazed at these Revolutions and yet like Mother like Daughter and how zealous are we their off-spring for another impression and better edition of a Nationall Canaan in imitation of Iudah and Iosiah which if attained who knowes how soone succeeding Kings or Parliaments will quite pull downe and abrogate Thirdly in all these formings and reformings a Nationall Church of naturall unregenerate men was like wax the subject matter of all these formes and changes whether Popish or Protestant concerning which Nationall State the time is yet to come when ever the Lord Jesus hath given a word of institution and appointment CHAP. CXIX Peace YOu bring to minde deare Truth a plea of some wiser Papists for the Popes supremacy viz. that it was no such exorbitant or unheard of power and jurisdiction which the Pope chalenged but the very same which a Woman Queene Elizabeth her selfe chalenged stiling her Papissa or she Pope withall pleading that in point of Reason it was far more suitable that the Lord Jesus would delegate his power rather to a Clergie man then a Lay man as Henry the 8. or a woman as his daughter Elizabeth Truth I beleeve that neither one nor t'other hit the white yet I beleeve the Papists arrowes fall the nearest to it in this particular viz. That the government of the Church of Christ should rather belong to such as professe a Ministry or Office Spirituall then to such as are meerly Temporall and Civill So that in conclusion the whole controversiâ— concerning the government of Christ Kingdome or Church will be found to lye between the true and false Ministry both chalenging the true commission power and keyes from Christ. Peace This all glorious diadem of the Kingly power of the Lord Iesus
injoyne such devices no nor inforce on any Gods Institutions since Christ Iesus his comming Yet for further illustration I shall propose some Quaeries concerning the civill Magistrates passing in the ship of the Church wherein Christ Iesus hath appointed his Ministers and Officers as Governours and Pilots c. If in a ship at Sea wherein the Governour or Pilot of a ship undertakes to carry the ship to such a Port the civill Magistrate suppose a King or Emperour shall command the Master such and such a course to steere upon such or such a point which the Master knowes is not their course and which if they steere he shall never bring the Ship to that Port or harbour what shall the Master doe Surely all men will say the Master of the Ship or Pilot is to present Reasons and Arguments from his Mariners Art if the Prince bee capable of them or else in humble and submissive manner to perswade the Prince not to interrupt them in their course and duty properly belonging to them to wit governing of the ship steering of the course c. If the Master of the Ship command the Mariners thus and thus in cunning the ship managing the â—elme trimming the saile and the Prince command the Mariners a different or contrary course who is to be obeyed It is confest that the Mariners may lawfully disobey the Prince and obey the governour of the ship in the actions of the ship Thirdly what if the Prince have as much skill which is rare as the Pilot himselfe I conceive it will be answered that the Master of the ship and Pilot in what concernes the ship are chiefe and above in respect of their office the Prince himselfe and their commands ought to be attended by all the Mariners unlesse it bee in manifest errour wherein t is granted any passenger may reprove the Pilot. Fourthly I aske if the Prince and his Attendants be unskilfull in the ships affaires whether every Sayler and Mariner the youngest and lowest be not so farre as concernes the ship to be preferred before the Princes followers and the Prince himselfe and their counsell and advice more to be attended to and their service more to bee desired and respected and the Prince to bee requested to stand by and let the businesse alone in their hands Fifthly in case a wilfull King and his Attendants out of opinion of their skill or wilfulnesse of passion would so steere the course trim sayle c. as that in the judgement of the Master and Seamen the ship and lives shall bee indangered whether in case humble perswasions prevaile not ought not the Ships company to refuse to act in such a course yea and in case power be in their hands resist and suppresse these dangerous practices of the Prince and his followers and so save the ship Lastly suppose the Master out of base feare and cowardise or covetous desire of reward shall yeeld to gratifie the minde of the Prince contrary to the rules of Art and Experience c. and the ship come in danger and perish and the Prince with it if the Master get to shore whether may he not be justly questioned yea and suffer as guilty of the Princes death and those that perished with him These cases are cleare wherein according to this similitude the Prince ought not to governe and rule the actions of the ship but such whose office and charge and skill it is The result of all is this The Church of Christ is the Ship wherein the Prince if a member for otherwise the case is altred is a passenger In this ship the Officers and Governours such as are appointed by the Lord Jesus they are the chiefe and in those respects above the Prince himselfe and are to bee obeyed and submitted to in their works and administrations even before the Prince himselfe In this respect every Christian in the Church man or woman if of more knowledge and grace of Christâ— ought to be of higher esteeme concerning Religion and Christianity then all the Princes in the world who have either none or lesse grace or knowledge of Christ although in civill things all civill reverence honour and obedience ought to be yeelded by all men Therefore if in matters of Religion the King command what is contrary to Christs rule though according to his perswasion and conscience who sees not that according to the similitude he ought not to be obeyed yea and in case boldly with spirituall force and power he ought to be resisted And if any Officer of the Church of Christ shall out of basenesse yeeld to the command of the Prince to the danger of the Church and soules committed to his charge the soules that perish notwithstanding the Princes command shall be laid to his charge If so then I rejoyne thus How agree these truths of this similitude with those former positions viz. that the Civill Magistrate is keeper of both Tables That he is to see the Church doe her duty That he ought to establish the true Religion suppresse and punish the false and so consequently must discerne judge and determine what the true gathering and governing of the Church is what the dutie of every Minister of Christ is what the true Ordinances are and what the true Administrations of them and where men faile correct punish and reforme by the Civill Sword I desire it may be answered in the feare and presence of him whose eyes are as a flame of fire if this be not according to the similitude though contrary to their scope in proposing of it to be Governour of the Ship of the Church to see the Master Pilot and Mariners do their duty in setting the course steering the ship trimming the sailes keeping the watch c. and where they faile to punish them and therefore by undeniable consequence to judge and determine what their duties are when they doe right and when they doe wrong and this not only in manifest Errour for then they say every passenger may reprove but in their ordinary course and practice The similitude of a Physitian obeying the Prince in the Body politick but prescribing to the Prince concerning the Princes body wherein the Prince unlesse the Physitian manifestly erre is to be obedient to the Physitian and not to be Iudge of the Physitian in his Art but to be ruled and judged as touching the state of his body by the Physitian I say this similitude and many others suiting with the former of a ship might be alleadged to prove the distinction of the Civill and Spirituall estate and that according to the rule of the Lord Iesus in the Gospel the Civill Magistrate is only to attend the Calling of the Civill Magistracie concerning the bodies and goods of the Subjects and is himselfe if a member of the Church and within subject to the power of the Lord Iesus therein as any member of the Church is 1
moneth consult of such things as make for the good of the Churches Secondly the time of this meeting may be sometimes at one place sometimes at another upon the Lecture day of every Church where Lectures are and let the Lecture that day be ended by eleven of the clock Thirdly let the end of this Assembly be to doe nothing by way of Authoritie but by way of Councell as the need of Churches shall require Secondly Annuall of all the Elders within our jurisdiction or others whereto the Churches may send once in the yeare to consult together for the publike welfare of all the Churches First let the place be sometimes at one Church sometimes at another as Reasons for the present may require Secondly let all the Churches send their waighty questions and cases six weeks or a month before the set time to the Church where the Assembly is to be held and the Officers thereof disperse them speedily to all the Churches that so they may have time to come prepared to the discussing of them Thirdly let this Assembly doe nothing by Authoritie but only by Councell in all cases which fall out leaving the determination of all things to particular Churches within themselves who are to judge and so to receive all doctrines and directions agreeing only with the Word of God The grounds of these Assemblies First need of each others helpe in regard of dayly emergent troubles doubts and controversies Secondly love of each others fellowship Thirdly of Gods glory out of a publike spirit to seeke the welfare of the Churches as well as their owne 1 Cor. 10 33. 2 Cor. 11. 23. Fourthly The great blessing and speciall presence of God upon such Assemblies hitherto Fifthly the good Report the Elders and Brethren of Churches shall have hereby by whose communion of Love others shall know they are the Disciples of Christ. CHAP. CXXX Truth I May well compare this passage to a double picture on the first part or side of it a most faire and beautifull countenance of the pure and holy Word of God on the later side or part a most sowre and uncomely deformed looke of a meere humane invention Concerning the former they prove the true and unquestionable power and priviledge of the Churches of Christ to assemble and practise all the holy Ordinances of God without or against the consent of the Magistrate Their Arguments from Christs and the Angels voyce from the Apostles and Churches practice I desire may take 〈◊〉 impression written by the point of a diamond the finger of Gods spirit in all hearts whom it may concerne This Libertie of the Churches of Christ he inlargeth and amplifieth so far that he calls it an usurpation of some Magistrates to determine the time and place of Worship and say that rather the Churches should be left to their inoffensive libertie Upon which Grant I must renew my former Quaerie Whether this be not to walke in câ—ntradictions to hold with light yet walke in darknes for How can they say the Magistrate is appointed by God and Christ the Guardian of the Christian Church and Worship bound to set up the true Church Ministrie and Ordinances to see the Church doe her duty that is to force her to it by the Civill sword bound to suppresse the false Church Ministrie and Ordinances and therefore consequently to judge and determine which is the true Church which is the false and what is the duty of the Church officers and members of it and what not and yet say they the Churches must assemble and practice all Ordinances without his consent yea against it Yea and he hath not so much power as to judge what is a convenient time and place for the Churches to assemble in which if he should doe he should be an usurper and should abridge the Church of her inoffensive libertie As if the Master or Governour of a Ship had power to judge who were true and fit officers mariners c. for the managing of the Ship and were bound to see them each performe his duty and to force them thereunto and yet he should be an usurper if hee should abridge them of meeting and managing the vessel at their pleasure when they please and how they please without and against his consent Certainly if a Physician have power to judge the dâ—sease of his patient and what course of Physicke he must use can he bee counted an usurper unlesse the patient might take what physicke himselfe pleased day or night summer or winter at home in his chamber or abroad in the aire Secondly by their grant in this passage that Gods people may thus assemble and practice ordinances without and against the consent of the Magistrate Iâ—infer then also may they become a Church constitute and gather without or against the consent of the Magistrate Therefore may the Messengers of Christ preach and baptise that is make disciples and wash them into the true profession of Christianity according to the commission though the Magistrate determine and publikly declare such Ministers such baptismes such Churches to be hereticall Thirdly it may here be questioned what power is now given to the Civill Magistrate in Church matters and Spirituall affairs If it be answered that although Gods people may doe thus against the Magistrates consent yet others may not I answer as before who sees not herein partiality to themselves Gods people must enjoy their Liberty of Conscience and not be forced but all the Subjects in a Kingdome or Monarchie or the whole world beside must be compelled by the power of the Civill Sword to assemble thus and thus Secondly I demand who shall judge whether they are Gods people or no for they say whether the Magistrate consent or consent not that is judge so or not they ought to goe on in the Ordinances renuente Magistratu How agrees this with their former and generall assertion that the Civill Magistrate must set up the Christian Church and Worship therefore by their owne grant he must judge the godly themselves he must discerne who are fit matter for the House of God living stones and what unfit matter trash and rubbish Those worthy men the Authours of these positions and others of their judgement have cause to examine their soules with feare and trembling in the presence of God upon this intergatory viz. whether or no this be not the bottome and root of the matter If they could have the same supply of maintenance without the helpe of the Civill Sword or were perswaded to live upon the voluntary contribution of poore Saints or their owne labour as the Lord Iesus and his first Messengers did I say if this lay not in the bottom whether or no they could not be willingly shut of the Civill power and left only to their inoffensive liberties I could also put a sad Quaerie to the consciences of some viz. what should be the reason why in
their native Country where the Magistrate consented not they forbore to practice such Ordinances as now they doe and intended to doe so soone as they got into another place where they might set up Magistrates of their owne and a Civill Sword c. How much is it to be feared that in case their Magistracie should alter or their persons be cast under a Magistracie prohibiting their practice whether they would then maintaine their separate meetings without and against the consent of the Magistrate renuente Magistratu Lastly it may be questioned how it comes to passe that in pleading for the Churches liberty more now under the Christian Magistrate since the Christians tooke that liberty in dangerous times under the Heathen why he quotes to prove such liberty Pharaohs hindring the Israelites from worship and Ezra 7. 23. Artaxerxes his feare of wrath upon the Realme Are not all their hopes and arguments built upon the Christian Magistrate whom say they the first Christians wanted and yet do they scare the Christian Magistrate whom they account the governour of the Church with Pharaoh and Artaxerxes that knew not God expecting that the Christian Magistrate should act and command no more in Gods worship then they But what can those instances of Pharaohs evill in hindring the Israelites worshipping of God and Artaxerxes giving liberty to Israel to worship God and build the Temple what can they prove but a duty in all Pâ—â—ces and Civill Magistrates to take off the yoake of bondage which commonly they lay on the necks of the soules of their subjects in matters of Conscience and Religion CHAP. CXXXI Peace IT is plausible but not reasonable that Gods people should considering the drift of these positions expect more liberty under a Christian then under a Heathen Magistrate Have Gods people more liberty to breake the command of a Christian then an Heathen governour and so to set up Christs Church and Ordinances after their owne conscience against his consent more then against the consent of an Heathen or unbeleeving Magistrate what is become of all the great expectation what a Christian Magistrate may and ought to doe in establishing the Church in reforming the Church and in punishing the contrary 'T is true say men in Christs time and in the time of the first Ministers and Churches there were no Christian Magistrates and therefore in that case it was in vaine for Christians to seeke unto the Heathen Magistrates to governe the Church suppresse Hereticks c. but now we enjoy Christian Magistrates c. Truth All Reason and Religion would now expect more submission therefore in matters concerning Christ to a Christian Magistrate then to a Pagan or Antichristian ruleâ—â— But deare Peace the day will discover the fire will trie 1 Cor. 3. what is but wood hay and stubble though built in mens upright intention on that foundation Iesus Christ. But to winde up all as it is most true that Magistracy in generall is of God Rom. 13. for the preservation of Mankinde in civill order and peace the World otherwise would bee like the Sea wherein Menâ— like Fishes would hunt and devoure each other and the greater devour the lesse So also it is true that Magistracy in speciall for the severall kindes of it is of Man 1. Pet. 2. 13. Now what kinde of Magistrate soever the people shall agree to set up whether he receive Christianity before he be set in office or whether he receive Christianity after hee receives no more power of Magistracy then a Magistrate that hath received no Christianity For neither of them both can receive more then the Commonweal the Body of People and civill State as men communicate unto them and betrust with them All lawfull Magistrates in the World both before the comming of Christ Iesus and since excepting those unparaleld typicall Magistrates of the Church of Israel are but Derivatives and Agents immediately derived and employed as eyes and hands serving for the good of the whole Hence they have and can have no more Power then fundamentally lies in the Bodies or Fountaines themselves which Power Might or Authority is not Religious Christian c. but naturall humane and civill And hence it is true that a Christian Captaine Christian Merchant Physitian Lawyer Pilot Father Master and so consequently Magistraâ—e c. is no more a Captaine Merchant Physitian Lawyer Pilot Father Master Magistrate c. then a Captaine Marchant c. of any other Conscience or Religion T is true Christianity teacheth all these to act in their severall callings to an higher ultimate end from higher principles in a more heavenly and spirituall manner c. CHAP. CXXXII Peace O that thy Light and Brightnes deare Truth might shine to the darke World in this particular let it not therefore be grievous if I request a little further illustration of it Truth In his season God will glorifie himselfe in all his Truths but to gratifie thy desire thus A Pagan or Antichristian Pilot may be as skilfull to carry the Ship to its desired Port as any Christian Mariner or Pilot in the World and may performe that worke with as much safety and speed yet have they not command over the soules and consciences of their passengers or mariners under them although they may justly see to the labour of the one and the civill behaviour of all in the ship A Christian Pilot he performes the same worke as likewise doth the Metaphoricall Pilot in the ship of the Commonweale from a principle of knowledge and experience but more then this he acts from a roote of the feare of God and love to mankind in his whole course Secondly his aime is more to glorifie God then to gaine his pay or make his voyage Thirdly he walkes heavenly with Men and God in a constant observation of Gods hand in stormes calmes c. So thâ—t the thread of Navigation being equally spun by a believing or unbelieving Pilot yet is it drawn over with the gold of Godlines and Christianitie by a Christian Pilot while he is holy in all manner of Christianitie 1 Pet. 1 15. But lastly the Christian Pilots power over the Soules and consciences of his Sailers and Passengers is not greater then that of the Antichristian otherwise then he can subdue the soules of any by the two-edged sword of the Spirit the Word of God and by his holy demeanour in his place c. Peace I shall present you with no other consideratioon in this first part of the Picture but this only Although the tearme Heathen is most commonly appropriated to the wilde naked Americans c. yet these worthy men justly apply it even to the civilized Romanes c. and consequently must it be applied to the most civilized Antichristians who are not the Church and people of God in Christ. Truth The Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Hebrew and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in
roots and foundations of all common societie in the World to turne the Garden and Paradice of the Church and Saints into the Field of the Civill State of the World and to reduce the World to the first Chaos or confusion CHAP. CXXXVIII Peace DEare Truth thou conquerestâ— and shalt triumph in season but some will say How answer you those Scriptures alleadged Truth I have fully and at large declared the vast differences between that holy Nation of typicall Israel and all other Lands and Countries how unmatchable then and now and never to be parallel'd but by the true Israel and particular Churches of Christ residing in all parts and under the severall civill Governments of the world In which Churches the Israel of God and Kingdome of Christ Iesus such only are to be chosen spirituall Officers and Governours to manage his Kingly power and authoritie in the Church as are according to the Scriptures quoted not Pope Bishops or Civill powers but from amongst themselves Brethren fearing God hating coveâ—ousnesse or filthy lucre according to those golden Rules given by the Lord Iesus 1 Tim. 3. Tit. 1. The want of discerning this true parallel between Israel in the type then and Israel the antitype now is that rock whereon through the Lords righteous jealousie punishing the World and chastising his people thousands dash and make wofull Shipwrack The second branch viz. that all Freemen elected be only Church members I have before shewne to be built on that saudy and dangerous Ground of Israels patterns O that it may please the Father of Lights to discover this to all that fear his name I then would they not sin to save a Kingdome nor run into the lamentable breach of civill peace and order in the world nor be guilty of forcing thousands to Hypocrisie in a State worship nor of prophaning the holy name of God and Christ by putting their Names and Ordinances upon uncleane and unholy persons nor of shedding the blood of such Hereticks c. whom Christ would have enjoy longer patience and permission untill the Harvest nor of the blood of the Lord Iesus himselfe in his faithfull Witnesses of Truth nor lastly of the blood of so many hundred thousands slaughtred men women and children by such uncivill and unchristian wars and combustions about the Christian faith and Religion Peace Deare Truth before we part I aske your faithfull helpe once more to 2 or 3 Scriptures which many alleadge and yet we have not spoken of Truth Speake on here is some sand left in this our houre glasse of mercifull opportunitie One graine of Times inestimable sand is worth a golden mountaine let 's not lose it Peace The first is that of the Ninevites fast commanded by the King of Ninevie and his Nobles upon the preaching of Ionah succeeded by Gods mercifull answer in sparing of the Citie and quoted with honorable approbation by the Lord Iesus Christ Jonah 3. Math. 12. Truth I have before proved that even Iehosaphats fast he being King of that Nationall Church and people of Israel could not possibly be a type or warrant for every King or Magistrate in the World whose Nations Countries or Cities cannot be Churches of God now in the Gospel according to Christ Iesus Much lesse can this patterne of the King of Ninevie and his Nobles be a ground for Kings and Magistrates now to force all their Subjects under them in the matters of Worship Peace It will be said why did God thus answer them Truth Gods mercy in hearing doth not prove an action right and according to rule It pleased God to heare the Israelites cry for Flesh and afterward for a King given both in anger to them It pleased God to heare Aâ—abs prayer yea and the prayer of the Devils Luc. 8. although their persons and prayers in themselves abominable If it be said why did Christ approve this example I answer the Lord Iesus Christ did not approve the King of Ninevies compelling all to Worship but the men of Ninevies repentance at the preaching of Ionah Peace It will be said what shall Kings and Magistrates now doe in the plagues of sword famine pestilence Truth Kings and Magistrates must be considered as formerly invested with no more power then the people betrust them with But no People can betrust them with any spirituall power in matters of worship but with a Civill power belonging to their goods and bodies 2. Kings and Magistrates must be considered as either godly or ungodly If ungodly his own and peoples duty is Repentance and reconciling of their persons unto God before their sacrifice can be accepted Without Repentance what have any to doe with the covenant or promise of God Psal. 50. Againe if Godly they are to humble themselves and beg mercles for themselves and people Secondly upon this advantage occasion they are stir up their people as possibly they may to Repentance but not to force the consciences of people to worship If it be said What must be attended to in this example Two things are most eminent in this example First the great worke of Repentance which God calls all men unto upon the true preaching of his Word Secondly the nature of that true repentance whether Legall or Evangelicall The people of Ninevie turned from the violence that was in their hands And confident I am if this Nation shall turne though but with a Legall repentance from that violent persecuting or hunting each of other for Religion sake the greatest violence and hunting in the wildernesse of the whole World even as Sodome and Gomorrah upon a Legall repentance had continued untill Christs day so consequently might England London c. continue free from a generall destruction upon such a turning from their violence untill the Heavens and the whole World be with fire consumed Peace The second Scripture is that speech of the Lord Christ Luc. 22. 36. He that hath not a sword let him fell his coat and buy one Truth For the cleering of this Scripture I must propose and reconcile that seeming contrary command of the Lord Iesus to Peter Mat. 26. Put up thy sword into his place for all that take the sword shall perish by it In the former Scripture Luc. 22. it pleased the Lord Iesus speaking of his present trouble to compare his former sending forth of his Disciples without scrip c. with that present condition and triall comming upon them wherein they should provide both scrip and sword c. Yet now first when they tell him of two swords he answers It is enough which shewes his former meaning was not literall but figurative foreshewing his present danger above his former Secondly in the same case at the same time Mat. 26 commanding Peter to put on his sword he gives a threefold Reason thereof 1 vers 52. from the event of it for all that take the sword shall perish by it 2 The needlesnes of it
for with a word to his Father he could have 12 legions of Angels 3 The councell of God to be fulfilled in the Scripture Thus it ought to be Peace It is much questioned by some what should be the meaning of Christ Iesus in that speech All that take the sword shall perish by the sword Truth There is a threefold taking of the sword First by murtherous crueltie either of private persons or secondly publike States or Societies in wrath or revenge each against other Secondly a just and righteous taking of the sword in punishing offenders against the Civill peace either more personall private and ordinary or more publike Oppressors Tyrants Ships Navies c. Neither of these can it be imagined that Christ Iesus intended to Peter Thirdly There is therefore a 3. taking of the sword forbidden to Peter that is for Christ and the Gospels cause when Christ is in danger which made Peter strike c. Peace It seemes to some most contrary to all true Reason that Christ Iesus 〈◊〉 it selfe should not be defended Truth The foolishnes of God is wiser then the wisedome of Man It is not the purpose of God that the Spirituall battailes of his Son shall be fought by carnall weapons and persons It is not his pleasure that the World shall flame on fire with civill combustions for his Sons sake It is directly contrary to the nature of Christ Iesus his Saints and Truths that throats of men which is the highest contrarietie to civill converse should be torne out for his sake who most delighted to converse with the greatest sinners It is the councell of God that his servants shall overcome by 3 weapons of a spirituall nature Revel 12. 11. And that all that take the sword of steele shall perish Lastly it is the Councell of God that Christ Iesus shall shortly appeare a most glorious Iudge and Revenger against all his Enemies when the Heavens and the Earth shall 〈◊〉 before his most glorious presence Peace I shall propose the last Scripture much insisted on by many for carnall weapons in spirituall cases Revel 17. 16. The 10 hornes which thou fawest upon the Beast these shall hate the whore and shall make her desolate and naked and shall eat her flesh and shall burne her with fire Truth Not to controvert with some whether or no the Beast be yet risen and extant Nor secondly whether either the Beast or the Hornes or the Whore may be taken literally for any corporall Beast or Whore Or thirdly whether these 10 Hornes be punctually and exactly 10 Kings Or fourthly whether those 10 Hornes signifie those many Kings Kingdomes and Governments who have bowed down to the Popes yoake and have committed fornication with that great Whore the Church of Rome Let this last be admitted which yet will cost some work to cleer against all opposites Yet First can the Time be now cleerly demonstrated to be come c Secondly how will it be proved that this â—atred of this Whâ—re shall be a true chaste Christian hatred against Antichristian whorish practices c Thirdly or rather that this hating and desolating and making naked and burning shall arise not by way of an ordinance waranted by the institution of Christ Iesus but by way of providence when as it useth to be with all whores and their lovers the Church of Rome and her great lovers shall fall out and by the righteous vengeance of God upon her drunke with the blood of Saints or holy Ones these mighty fornicators shall turne their love into hatred which hatred shall make her a poore desolate naked Whore torne and consumed c. Peace You know it is a great controversie how the Kings of the Earth shall thus deale with the Whore in the 17 Chap. and yet so bewaile her in the 18 Chapter Truth If we take it that these Kings of the Earth shall first hate and plunder and teare and burne this Whore and yet afterward shall relent and bewaile their cruell dealing toward her Or else that as some Kings deale so terribly with her yet others of those Kings shall bewaile her If either of these two answers stand or a better be given yet none of them can prove it lawfull for people to give power to their Kings and Magistrates thus to deale with them their subjects for their conscience nor for Magistrates to assume a title more then the people betrust them with nor for one people out of conscience to God and for Christ his sake thus to kill and slaughter and burne each other However it may please the Righteous Judge according to the famous types of Gideous and Iehosaphats battells to permit in Iustice and to order in Wisdome these mighty and mutuall slaughters each of other Peace We have now deare Truth through the gracious hand of God clambered up to the top of this our tedious Discourse Truth O 't is mercy unexpressible that either Thou or I have had so long a breathing time and that together Peace If English ground must yet be drunk with English blood O where shall Peace repose her wearied head and heavy heart Truth Deare Peace if thou finde welcome and the God of peace miraculously please to quench these all-devouring flames yet where shall Truth finde rest from cruell persecutions Peace Oh will not the Authority of holy Scriptures the Commands and Declarations of the Sonne of God therein produced by thee together with all the lamentable experiences of former and present slaughters prevaile with the Sons of Men especially with the Sons of Peace to depart from the dens of Lyons and mountaines of Leopards and to put on the bowels if not of Christianitie yet of Humanitie each to other Truth Deare Peace Habacacks Fishes keep their constant bloody game of Persecutions in the Worlds mighty Ocean the greater taking plundring swallowing up the lesser O happy he whose portion is the God of Iacob who hath nothing to lose under the Sun but hath a State a House an Inheritance a Name a Crowne a Life past all the Plunderers Ravishers Murtherers reach and furie Peace But loe Who 's here Truth Our Sister Patience whose desired company is as needfull as delightfull 'T is like the Wolfe will send the scattered Sheep in one the common Pirate gathers up the loose and scattered Navie the slaughter of the Witnesses by that bloody Beast unite the Independents and Presbyterians The God of Peace the God of Truth will shortly seale this Truth and confirme this Witnes and make it evident to the whole World That the Doctrine of Persecution for cause of Conscience is most evidently and lamentably contrary to the doctrine of Christ Iesus the Prince of Peace Amen FINIS Errata PAge 23. line 28. for this reâ—d that p. 31. l. ult his soule p. 32. l. 12. read month â—bid r. person p. 35. l. 16. r. turned off or loosed from p. 37. l. 8. for to read doc p. 38. l. 2. dele affirme p. 41.