independency_n accuse_v by_o nine_o several_a argument_n write_a by_o a_o godly_a learned_a minister_n to_o a_o member_n of_o mr._n john_n goodwin_n congregation_n and_o acquit_v by_o several_a reply_v to_o the_o say_a argument_n by_o a_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o both_o which_o sweetness_n of_o spirit_n and_o soundness_n of_o argument_n have_v be_v endeavour_v galat._n 6.1_o brethren_n if_o a_o man_n be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n you_o which_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v thyself_o lest_o thou_o also_o be_v tempt_v publish_v according_a to_o order_n london_n print_v for_o henry_n overton_n in_o popes-head_n alley_n 1645._o to_o the_o reverend_n my_o dear_a and_o love_a pastor_n mr_n john_n goodwin_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o colemanstreet_n dear_a and_o reverend_a sir_n your_o favourable_a acceptance_n of_o my_o present_a pain_n and_o candid_a construction_n of_o engage_v myself_o therein_o be_v my_o humble_a request_n by_o my_o present_a address_n whereof_o though_o my_o own_o insufficiency_n may_v beget_v my_o suspicion_n yet_o the_o knowledge_n of_o your_o love_n which_o think_v no_o evil_a give_v i_o satisfaction_n for_o although_o the_o piety_n and_o part_n of_o my_o ingenious_a antagonist_n do_v challenge_v a_o opponent_n of_o suitable_a endowment_n and_o render_v i_o presumptuous_a for_o my_o attempt_n therein_o unworthy_a to_o be_v name_v in_o competition_n with_o he_o yet_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o your_o press_a pain_n of_o several_a kind_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n stop_v the_o mouth_n which_o otherways_o will_v have_v beg_v your_o own_o labour_n in_o this_o present_a business_n together_o with_o the_o request_n of_o some_o of_o our_o friend_n press_v i_o hereunto_o wherein_o if_o i_o have_v not_o prejudice_v the_o cause_n i_o plead_v for_o distaste_v you_o nor_o dishonour_a god_n but_o though_o in_o the_o least_o measure_n have_v further_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o high_a ambition_n and_o great_a reward_n of_o the_o unworthy_a to_o be_v number_v among_o your_o flock_n j._n p._n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n unity_n in_o judgement_n among_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o promise_a blessing_n of_o another_o age_n but_o unity_n in_o affection_n be_v our_o present_a duty_n confess_v by_o all_o though_o the_o practice_n hereof_o be_v the_o care_n of_o few_o witness_v the_o bitter_a pen_n and_o rail_a line_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n each_o against_o his_o brother_n in_o the_o faith_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o religion_n and_o scorn_v of_o profession_n dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o disgrace_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o jesuit_n and_o hazard_v of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o stumble_a of_o other_o come_v into_o the_o path_n of_o life_n see_v they_o trace_v with_o lion_n and_o bear_n and_o wolf_n and_o tiger_n in_o stead_n of_o lamb_n and_o dove_n the_o meek_a saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n as_o if_o they_o have_v get_v a_o special_a dispensation_n in_o this_o present_a age_n to_o slander_v the_o person_n traduce_v the_o action_n reproach_n the_o name_n of_o their_o dear_a brethren_n to_o fight_v the_o lord_n battle_n with_o the_o devil_n weapon_n and_o to_o trample_v under_o foot_n that_o royal_a law_n of_o their_o liege_n lord_n this_o be_v my_o commandment_n that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o 13.33_o â—oh_o 13.33_o in_o this_o present_a discourse_n thou_o shall_v not_o observe_v allowance_n afford_v to_o humane_a frailty_n the_o least_o tincture_n of_o that_o unchristian_a strain_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o mutual_a design_n of_o my_o opponent_n and_o myself_o i_o have_v not_o alter_v one_o word_n of_o his_o letter_n only_o whereas_o he_o write_v it_o entire_a i_o have_v present_v thou_o with_o each_o argument_n and_o immediate_a reply_v with_o a_o different_a character_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o for_o thy_o more_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o both_o i_o say_v no_o more_o but_o prove_v and_o approve_v and_o the_o lord_n direct_v thy_o heart_n into_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n i._o p._n my_o dear_a friend_n you_o be_v not_o ignorant_a how_o respectful_a and_o reverend_a i_o have_v carry_v myself_o towards_o the_o congregationall_a way_n almost_o ever_o since_o you_o know_v i_o and_o daily_o be_o both_o pray_v and_o read_v that_o i_o may_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o my_o own_o heart_n whether_o that_o or_o the_o other_o way_n call_v presbyterian_a bâ—_n the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o this_o end_n i_o have_v give_v myself_o to_o the_o perusal_n of_o mr._n goodwin_n theomachia_n and_o his_o justification_n of_o it_o against_o mr._n prynne_n and_o so_o far_o as_o my_o judgement_n reach_v he_o get_v the_o better_a of_o he_o but_o yet_o some_o doubt_n i_o have_v to_o which_o i_o can_v pick_v answer_n out_o of_o both_o his_o book_n i_o dare_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o which_o he_o so_o much_o plead_v against_o blind_a obedience_n implicit_a faith_n i_o must_v not_o take_v up_o religion_n by_o the_o lump_n as_o once_o mr._n thomas_n goodwin_n say_v i_o must_v not_o pin_v my_o faith_n upon_o the_o sleeve_n of_o any_o person_n or_o person_n upon_o earth_n though_o never_o so_o holy_a or_o learned_a as_o not_o know_v whither_o they_o may_v carry_v it_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v but_o man_n at_o best_a both_o god_n and_o man_n will_v expect_v from_o i_o that_o i_o be_v able_a to_o render_v a_o scripturall_a reason_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o i_o request_v you_o earnest_o to_o improve_v your_o interest_n in_o some_o friend_n you_o know_v i_o have_v no_o acquaintance_n with_o any_o divine_a of_o that_o way_n to_o communicate_v their_o light_n to_o i_o in_o the_o follow_a particular_n and_o doubtless_o it_o will_v be_v a_o addition_n to_o my_o charitablenesse_n towards_o that_o way_n if_o not_o quite_o pull_v i_o into_o it_o for_o it_o be_v my_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o shall_v down_o before_o the_o truth_n when_o i_o meet_v it_o and_o know_v it_o i_o will_v be_v they_o what_o ere_o come_v on_o it_o that_o i_o find_v to_o have_v not_o the_o strange_a hand_n but_o argument_n dear_a sir_n the_o spirit_n of_o sobriety_n and_o christian_a moderation_n do_v so_o sweet_o look_v through_o your_o line_n cast_v such_o a_o gracious_a aspect_n of_o meekness_n humility_n with_o all_o lovely_a and_o christian_a ingenuity_n and_o modesty_n that_o upon_o the_o first_o read_v thereof_o i_o desire_v to_o engage_v myself_o into_o your_o christian_a acquaintance_n and_o to_o return_v a_o answer_n be_v desire_v hereunto_o according_a to_o my_o judgement_n unto_o your_o letter_n be_v much_o encourage_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o writing_n which_o promise_v i_o a_o candid_a and_o a_o ingenuous_a interpretation_n of_o my_o mean_a endeavour_n and_o as_o the_o first_o fruit_n thereof_o i_o shall_v humble_o desire_v these_o thing_n of_o you_o first_o that_o you_o will_v please_v to_o pass_v by_o what_o you_o observe_v weak_a and_o want_v whereof_o you_o may_v find_v more_o then_o enough_o and_o to_o bestow_v your_o more_o serious_a consideration_n upon_o any_o thing_n if_o such_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v find_v which_o you_o may_v judge_v more_o valid_a the_o pure_a gold_n may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o gross_a earth_n and_o argument_n for_o truth_n be_v oftentimes_o like_o neighbour_n in_o their_o vicinity_n the_o poor_a weak_a and_o insufficient_a have_v the_o rich_a able_a and_o more_o sufficient_a for_o their_o support_n and_o comfort_n truth_n be_v welcome_a to_o a_o gracious_a heart_n though_o evidence_v but_o by_o one_o or_o two_o sound_a argument_n when_o many_o shall_v say_v lo_o it_o be_v here_o or_o there_o and_o can_v show_v it_o second_o that_o you_o will_v be_v a_o midwife_n to_o any_o argument_n which_o you_o judge_v pregnant_a and_o which_o have_v truth_n in_o the_o belly_n thereof_o have_v strength_n to_o conceive_v but_o not_o to_o bring_v forth_o sure_o the_o son_n of_o truth_n can_v but_o help_v the_o truth_n in_o strait_n which_o often_o suffer_v through_o the_o great_a insufficiency_n of_o the_o abettor_n thereof_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o saint_n sometime_o can_v better_o defend_v the_o truth_n discover_v then_o their_o tongue_n or_o pen_n a_o nimble_a wit_n and_o learned_a head_n prove_v not_o always_o the_o truth_n friend_n but_o sir_n i_o do_v not_o prejudge_v you_o three_o that_o if_o we_o can_v agree_v in_o this_o truth_n yet_o we_o may_v love_v one_o another_o in_o the_o truth_n let_v this_o be_v write_v in_o letter_n of_o gold_n upon_o the_o forehead_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n holiness_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n faith_n and_o love_n be_v the_o golden_a pillar_n support_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o
eldership_n over_o they_o and_o not_o several_a eldership_n for_o the_o several_a company_n and_o not_o be_v tie_v any_o of_o they_o to_o come_v to_o any_o one_o place_n more_o than_o another_o it_o do_v no_o more_o argue_v they_o be_v many_o congregation_n or_o hinder_v their_o be_v one_o though_o inconvenient_a to_o be_v govern_v by_o reason_n of_o its_o vastness_n than_o it_o do_v in_o holland_n where_o the_o case_n be_v so_o or_o then_o in_o some_o great_a parish_n in_o and_o about_o london_n where_o though_o they_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n yet_o can_v meet_v all_o together_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n be_v above_o 10000_o in_o some_o parish_n unless_o at_o several_a time_n if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o they_o have_v be_v presbyterial_a in_o a_o city_n yet_o it_o be_v far_o different_a from_o that_o government_n that_o make_v many_o town_n &_o city_n one_o church_n and_o draw_v they_o to_o subjection_n to_o one_o common_a presbytery_n and_o that_o in_o ordinary_a against_o which_o many_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v though_o the_o other_o be_v admit_v three_o if_o the_o church_n of_o those_o time_n have_v not_o so_o judge_v that_o the_o way_n the_o apostle_n leave_v church_n in_o be_v to_o be_v their_o pattern_n as_o it_o have_v be_v easy_a for_o they_o to_o order_v it_o as_o afterward_o their_o posterity_n do_v into_o episcopacy_n so_o have_v it_o be_v more_o advantage_n and_o ease_v to_o they_o to_o have_v unite_v many_o church_n together_o into_o one_o body_n and_o to_o set_v one_o council_n and_o precedent_n over_o it_o for_o the_o suppress_n of_o heresy_n schism_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o till_o time_n grow_v more_o corrupt_a and_o which_o at_o this_o day_n be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o papacy_n four_o though_o this_o may_v suffice_v yet_o i_o shall_v now_o show_v you_o how_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o receive_a truth_n may_v be_v lose_v and_o no_o notice_n leave_v of_o any_o contend_v for_o it_o first_o great_a truth_n than_o this_o of_o government_n have_v be_v steal_v from_o the_o church_n without_o any_o great_a reluctancy_n as_o far_o as_o appear_v as_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o people_n transubstantiation_n of_o the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n adoration_n of_o the_o host_n the_o mass_n itself_o take_v the_o cup_n from_o the_o people_n etc._n etc._n which_o the_o subtlety_n of_o man_n take_v advantage_n by_o the_o negligence_n and_o cowardice_n of_o the_o people_n bring_v in_o without_o much_o opposition_n till_o long_o after_o second_o the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v very_o defective_a first_o by_o the_o notable_a carelessness_n of_o writer_n in_o those_o time_n of_o which_o ludovicus_n apud_fw-la illyricum_n in_o refutat_fw-la brin_n pag._n 15._o a_o author_n of_o no_o mean_a credit_n complain_v it_o be_v a_o singular_a grief_n to_o i_o say_v he_o when_o i_o call_v to_o mind_n how_o diligent_o the_o action_n of_o alexander_n scipio_n annibal_n pompey_n cesar_n socrates_n plato_n aristotle_n and_o other_o captain_n and_o philosopher_n have_v be_v note_v that_o there_o be_v no_o peril_n of_o their_o perish_v but_o the_o do_n of_o the_o apostle_n except_o such_o as_o be_v set_v down_o in_o sacred_a scripture_n martyr_n and_o saint_n of_o our_o religion_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o church_n itself_o whether_o grow_v up_o or_o at_o full_a age_n be_v cover_v in_o deep_a silence_n for_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v except_v a_o few_o only_a be_v corrupt_v with_o feign_a invention_n etc._n etc._n thus_o he_o a_o man_n by_o profession_n a_o papist_n second_o because_o of_o the_o prevalencie_n of_o the_o romish_a faction_n whereby_o all_o monument_n almost_o that_o seem_v to_o oppose_v the_o intend_a usurpation_n as_o the_o ancient_a government_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o do_v be_v either_o spupress_v or_o some_o way_n violate_v as_o among_o many_o other_o dr._n james_n have_v discover_v at_o large_a in_o his_o book_n entitle_v the_o corruption_n of_o father_n etc._n etc._n but_o last_o to_o give_v you_o a_o more_o direct_a answer_n there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v defendant_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o particular_a for_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o particular_a in_o this_o answer_n that_o both_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o next_o age_n after_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v each_o by_o themselves_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o authority_n out_o of_o their_o own_o body_n if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o resist_v those_o that_o invade_v that_o liberty_n those_o be_v the_o example_n of_o suffer_v or_o at_o least_o contest_a for_o this_o government_n but_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o first_o that_o usurp_v the_o power_n of_o many_o church_n in_o ordinary_a and_o these_o be_v often_o resist_v by_o word_n write_v and_o fact_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o by_o aerius_n who_o be_v count_v a_o heretic_n for_o his_o labour_n but_o also_o by_o jerom_n who_o say_v that_o bishop_n be_v bring_v in_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v ancient_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a counsel_n of_o the_o elder_n now_o this_o be_v either_o by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o same_o church_n or_o if_o with_o other_o it_o be_v a_o conjunction_n by_o way_n of_o christian_a fellowship_n and_o society_n not_o by_o jurisdiction_n authority_n and_o necessity_n as_o we_o see_v before_o i_o add_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o so_o many_o in_o opposition_n to_o papal_a government_n even_o in_o the_o ancient_a time_n be_v a_o argument_n in_o a_o negative_a sense_n that_o there_o have_v be_v suffering_n for_o church-government_n because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o a_o false_a government_n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v at_o better_a leisure_n to_o give_v you_o some_o particular_a instance_n out_o of_o the_o story_n which_o maymore_o full_o satisfy_v this_o querie_n insigniores_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la etc._n etc._n they_o which_o be_v more_o eminent_a church_n say_v they_o be_v in_o some_o honour_n because_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o teach_v in_o they_o and_o because_o of_o their_o minister_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a for_o learning_n and_o constancy_n and_o likewise_o of_o the_o benefit_n that_o those_o church_n do_v afford_v to_o other_o neighbour_n church_n but_o they_o have_v no_o other_o power_n over_o other_o church_n then_o by_o mutual_a office_n in_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o afford_v they_o their_o help_n and_o then_o instance_n in_o particular_a church_n 2._o the_o church_n in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n cent._n 2._o cap._n 7._o titul_n de_fw-fr consociatione_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la caeterum_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la probatos_fw-la autores_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o say_v they_o any_o man_n look_v into_o the_o approve_a author_n of_o this_o age_n he_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o form_n of_o government_n be_v almost_o like_o a_o popular_a government_n for_o every_o church_n have_v equal_a power_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n pure_o to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o absolve_v and_o excommunicate_v heretic_n and_o wicked_a man_n to_o elect_v call_v and_o ordain_v minister_n and_o upon_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o depose_v they_o to_o call_v assembly_n and_o synod_n in_o doubtful_a thing_n and_o that_o be_v controversall_a to_o require_v the_o opinion_n of_o other_o to_o judge_v and_o determine_v they_o further_o the_o neighbour_n church_n for_o charity_n and_o edification_n sake_n not_o for_o any_o superior_a jurisdiction_n but_o for_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n concern_v mutual_a love_n in_o their_o necessity_n crave_v the_o help_n of_o their_o neighbour_n church_n and_o also_o afford_v they_o to_o they_o in_o more_o weighty_a question_n all_o the_o church_n or_o elder_n of_o that_o province_n or_o else_o the_o most_o of_o the_o teacher_n come_v together_o and_o determine_v by_o common_a advice_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o faithful_a in_o asia_n say_v eusebius_n quote_v by_o they_o in_o that_o place_n come_v often_o from_o many_o place_n together_o and_o examine_v the_o new_a doctrine_n and_o pronounce_v they_o wicked_a and_o reject_v the_o heresy_n they_o cast_v and_o excommunicate_v it_o out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o church_n that_o be_v far_o off_o in_o other_o province_n consult_v with_o other_o church_n by_o letter_n which_o they_o do_v general_o or_o by_o common_a consent_n subscribe_v this_o new_a pprophecy_n say_v serapin_n in_o euseb_n cite_v by_o the_o cent._n be_v refute_v and_o reject_v by_o all_o the_o brotherhood_n which_o be_v in_o all_o the_o world_n tit._n de_fw-fr synodis_fw-la private_a each_o church_n that_o thing_n may_v be_v better_o order_v have_v their_o synod_n or_o assembly_n or_o church-meeting_n in_o which_o the_o rector_n or_o
sure_o we_o be_v some_o have_v be_v imprison_v some_o banish_v that_o plead_v religion_n and_o mere_a conscience_n and_o be_v not_o otherwise_o disturber_n of_o the_o civil_a peace_n than_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v like_a to_o be_v here_o so_o that_o if_o our_o magistrate_n and_o presbyter_n must_v be_v rule_v by_o gamaliels_n advice_n and_o suffer_v all_o opinion_n till_o god_n disclaim_v and_o fight_v against_o they_o from_o heaven_n why_o be_v not_o his_o advice_n send_v over_o to_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v fight_v against_o any_o way_n that_o call_v god_n father_n if_o old-england_n be_v say_v to_o persecute_v for_o suppress_v sect_n and_o opinion_n because_o threaten_v the_o truth_n and_o civil_a peace_n why_o may_v not_o the_o same_o name_n be_v put_v upon_o new-england_n who_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o work_n and_o way_n and_o if_o both_o he_o guilty_a it_o be_v wisdom_n and_o piety_n for_o our_o congregationall_a divine_n to_o east_n the_o first_o stone_n at_o themselves_o i_o mean_v their_o congregationall_a brethren_n to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o suffer_v all_o opinion_n among_o they_o this_o will_v be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o walk_v in_o all_o simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o spirit_n prefer_v god_n will_v and_o the_o naked_a truth_n above_o any_o end_n of_o their_o own_o whereof_o some_o suspect_v they_o how_o just_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n know_v and_o next_o their_o argument_n and_o persuasion_n will_v be_v more_o easy_o receive_v at_o home_n reply_n this_o be_v a_o argument_n or_o rather_o a_o insinuation_n to_o the_o accuse_v of_o our_o brethren_n then_o to_o the_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o in_o relation_n to_o our_o brethren_n practice_n in_o new-england_n i_o answer_v you_o in_o this_o case_n as_o the_o father_n of_o the_o blind_a man_n answer_v the_o pharisee_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o procure_v his_o son_n sight_n job_n 9.21_o he_o be_v of_o age_n ask_v he_o so_o say_v i_o they_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v for_o themselves_o if_o not_o they_o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o their_o own_o master_n but_o second_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o affirm_v then_o to_o prove_v that_o any_o be_v imprison_v or_o banish_v mere_o for_o their_o conscience_n we_o have_v a_o common_a proverb_n that_o untruth_n lose_v nothing_o by_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o by_o often_o report_v some_o affirm_v it_o have_v be_v so_o as_o you_o say_v other_o deny_v the_o same_o for_o my_o part_n because_o i_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o because_o the_o magistrate_n themselves_o deny_v any_o persecution_n mere_o for_o a_o man_n private_a conscience_n in_o the_o case_n of_o m_o rs_fw-fr hutchison_n see_v the_o book_n the_o rise_n and_o end_n of_o antinomianism_n in_o new-england_n p._n 46._o of_o the_o first_o edition_n i_o have_v rather_o look_v unto_o these_o thing_n that_o do_v concern_v we_o at_o home_n then_o to_o go_v so_o far_o to_o accuse_v our_o brethren_n abroad_o three_o i_o humble_o suppose_v it_o be_v out_o of_o your_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o the_o congregationall_a divine_n have_v not_o at_o all_o write_v unto_o their_o brethren_n of_o new-england_n about_o this_o business_n and_o have_v not_o receive_v satisfaction_n herein_o i_o suppose_v likewise_o i_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n if_o not_o more_o to_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v as_o you_o that_o they_o have_v not_o but_o four_o suppose_v they_o have_v not_o write_v this_o will_v prove_v but_o the_o remissness_n of_o their_o duty_n at_o the_o most_o and_o will_v not_o facilitate_v and_o ease_v the_o business_n in_o the_o least_o doubtless_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n not_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o brethren-presbyterians_a of_o this_o nation_n and_o if_o so_o may_v not_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v retort_v upon_o they_o which_o you_o do_v here_o upon_o these_o five_o as_o for_o those_o jealousy_n which_o you_o say_v be_v in_o some_o about_o the_o congregationall_a brethren_n simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o spirit_n in_o prefer_v god_n will_v and_o the_o naked_a truth_n above_o any_o end_n of_o their_o own_o as_o god_n royal_a prerogative_n in_o search_v all_o heart_n shall_v stifle_v such_o misprision_n and_o quit_v all_o such_o unworthy_a surmising_n till_o better_a proof_n appear_v so_o any_o man_n reason_n not_o master_v with_o prejudice_n and_o discontent_n shall_v full_o discharge_v all_o such_o vain_a unworthy_a and_o uncharitable_a imagination_n concern_v their_o brethren_n for_o except_v man_n end_n and_o aim_n shall_v be_v sorrow_n trouble_n reproach_n and_o contempt_n perplexity_n and_o misery_n penury_n and_o want_n what_o other_o end_n can_v they_o have_v be_v not_o some_o of_o these_o for_o the_o present_a and_o all_o of_o they_o for_o the_o future_a the_o threaten_a issue_n product_n and_o consequence_n of_o their_o way_n and_o practice_n sure_o man_n shall_v make_v a_o better_a use_n of_o their_o own_o personal_a weakness_n viz._n their_o own_o sinful_a end_n and_o aim_n and_o by-respect_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n then_o to_o make_v they_o the_o measure_n and_o rule_v to_o judge_v of_o their_o brethren_n heart_n by_o every_o man_n shall_v think_v better_o of_o his_o brother_n then_o of_o himself_o sure_o the_o man_n of_o their_o jealousy_n be_v not_o usual_o steer_v up_o and_o down_o from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o by_o the_o golden_a lure_n of_o a_o hundred_o or_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o a_o year_n as_o many_o of_o their_o censorious_a judge_n be_v but_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n the_o saint_n of_o our_o most_o high_a god_n many_o time_n be_v chief_o charge_v for_o those_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v least_o guilty_a and_o where_o they_o be_v most_o innocent_a and_o therefore_o most_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o same_o thus_o joseph_n for_o incontinency_n elisha_n for_o the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n though_o indeed_o the_o horseman_n and_o chariot_n of_o israel_n thus_o david_n for_o seek_v saul_n life_n who_o heart_n smite_v he_o for_o but_o cut_v off_o one_o of_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n thus_o jesus_n christ_n for_o a_o deceiver_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o and_o for_o a_o familiar_a with_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o he_o and_o his_o work_n and_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n so_o it_o be_v now_o the_o humble_a the_o meek_a the_o simplehearted_n the_o peaceable_a the_o most_o forward_o for_o reformation_n yea_o when_o their_o zeal_n therein_o cast_v they_o into_o imprisonment_n sorrow_n trouble_n etc._n etc._n these_o man_n i_o say_v be_v under_o jealousy_n nay_o evident_a and_o express_a censure_n of_o be_v proud_a perverse_a deceitful_a disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n hinderer_n of_o reformation_n with_o many_o such_o like_a and_o unworthy_a reproach_n but_o the_o faithful_a witness_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o heart_n will_v one_o day_n bring_v forth_o their_o innocency_n as_o the_o light_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n support_v their_o spirit_n under_o all_o those_o hard_a speech_n thought_n and_o calumny_n of_o this_o world_n argum._n iu._n titus_n 1.10_o 11._o there_o be_v many_o unruly_a talker_n and_o deceiver_n who_o subvert_v whole_a house_n teach_v thing_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o who_o mouth_n must_v be_v stop_v but_o church-censure_n or_o sentence_n of_o non-communion_n will_v not_o stop_v their_o mouth_n for_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apologetical_a narration_n they_o be_v of_o another_o way_n and_o judgement_n it_o bind_v not_o their_o conscience_n and_o so_o dare_v pish_o at_o the_o sentence_n of_o non-communion_n of_o excommunication_n let_v the_o presbyterian_o pronounce_v a_o sentence_n against_o congregationall_a church_n or_o let_v congregationall_a church_n pronounce_v any_o sentence_n against_o presbyterian_o antinomian_o anabaptist_n who_o will_v teach_v thing_n as_o they_o think_v which_o they_o ought_v not_o and_o see_v when_o this_o sentence_n stop_v their_o mouth_n but_o paul_n say_v their_o mouth_n must_v be_v stop_v church-censure_n do_v it_o not_o therefore_o if_o they_o must_v be_v stop_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n must_v strike_v in_o to_o stop_v they_o else_o they_o will_v ever_o be_v open_a to_o subvert_v whole_a house_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n what_o church-censure_n can_v not_o reach_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o power_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o subdue_v and_o master_n and_o supply_v the_o office_n of_o a_o magistrate_n but_o now_o when_o god_n have_v blessed_v a_o christian_a commonwealth_n with_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n if_o church-censure_n will_v not_o stop_v deceiver_n mouth_n but_o still_o they_o will_v subvert_v man_n precious_a soul_n the_o magistrate_n must_v exercise_v
cattle_n thereof_o with_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v gather_v all_o the_o spoil_n thereof_o into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o street_n thereof_o and_o shall_v burn_v with_o fire_n the_o city_n and_o all_o the_o spoil_n thereof_o every_o whit_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o heap_n for_o ever_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v never_o build_v again_o vers_fw-la 16._o but_o this_o because_o it_o be_v circumstantial_a i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o now_o how_o far_o the_o moral_a equity_n of_o this_o law_n may_v extend_v in_o other_o case_n i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v because_o whether_o it_o reach_v further_o or_o not_o no_o way_n concern_v the_o law_n fullness_n of_o congregationall_a church_n second_o as_o for_o your_o instance_a calvin_n and_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n burn_v a_o blasphemer_n and_o ground_v their_o act_n upon_o the_o moral_a equity_n of_o that_o law_n speak_v of_o leu._n 24.16_o i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o but_o refer_v you_o to_o what_o calvin_n have_v write_v of_o it_o a_o tract_n entitle_v explicatio_fw-la perfidiae_fw-la valentin_n gentilis_fw-la and_o to_o god_n 〈…〉_o of_o it_o one_o day_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n it_o be_v notorious_o evident_a to_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o profane_a wilful_a wicked_a blasphemer_n and_o curser_n of_o god_n if_o that_o heretic_n be_v such_o as_o galvin_n endeavour_n to_o show_v explicat_fw-la perfidiae_fw-la valent._n gentil_n he_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o very_a text_n but_o it_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o one_o that_o through_o ignorance_n misconceive_v of_o god_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o attribute_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o sure_o if_o such_o kind_n of_o mistake_n shall_v not_o be_v atone_v but_o by_o such_o sacrifice_n we_o shall_v have_v hot_a work_n among_o christian_n yea_o and_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n will_v be_v please_v after_o the_o manner_n as_o he_o will_v be_v please_v with_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o soul_n yea_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o know_v and_o they_o that_o shall_v deal_v so_o with_o man_n for_o such_o mistake_n in_o such_o thing_n i_o think_v be_v in_o a_o great_a error_n as_o well_o as_o the_o mistake_a themselves_o and_o my_o reason_n be_v because_o man_n have_v be_v in_o many_o place_n but_o mean_o instruct_v and_o educate_v in_o the_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o but_o oftentimes_o notion_n of_o the_o deep_a cognizance_n be_v hand_v over_o unto_o man_n from_o father_n to_o father_n in_o a_o traditional_a manner_n without_o a_o clear_a debate_n evince_a and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o liberty_n give_v to_o declare_v one_o doubt_n herein_o insomuch_o that_o meet_v with_o a_o deceiver_n many_o be_v so_o soon_o lead_v away_o with_o his_o error_n which_o be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o so_o many_o woeful_a division_n and_o error_n that_o be_v now_o among_o we_o and_o by_o the_o way_n this_o indeed_o will_v be_v a_o business_n worthy_a the_o endeavour_n of_o our_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o age_n to_o take_v pain_n in_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n viz._n the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n of_o god_n to_o establish_v man_n in_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o the_o rectify_v of_o their_o judgement_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o not_o thus_o unhappy_o always_o to_o wrangle_v about_o thing_n of_o more_o inferior_a consideration_n three_o suppose_v that_o law_n deut._n 13._o and_o that_o also_o levit._n 24.16_o be_v moral_a what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n mr._n goodwin_n in_o his_o theomachia_n nor_o elsewhere_o that_o i_o know_v of_o do_v ever_o plead_v for_o the_o toleration_n either_o of_o such_o a_o false_a prophet_n speak_v of_o deut._n 13._o or_o such_o a_o blasphemer_n speak_v of_o levit._n 24.16_o and_o yourself_o bring_v in_o mr._n cotton_n and_o mr._n thomas_n goodwin_n man_n of_o the_o same_o way_n and_o opinion_n with_o mr._n goodwin_n in_o matter_n of_o church-government_n to_o clear_v the_o independent_a party_n from_o any_o such_o opinion_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v insinuate_v into_o man_n thought_n to_o be_v their_o darling_n when_o alas_o it_o be_v nothing_o so_o and_o therefore_o why_o be_v they_o charge_v herewith_o sure_o want_v of_o love_n in_o the_o accuser_n and_o not_o guilt_n in_o the_o accuse_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o accusation_n but_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o magistrate_n compel_v man_n even_o in_o matter_n of_o a_o difficult_a and_o hard_a find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o and_o which_o indeed_o oftentimes_o be_v out_o of_o the_o cognizance_n and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o very_a magistrate_n himself_o but_o can_v this_o follow_v the_o lord_n command_v a_o false_a prophet_n that_o turn_v away_o people_n from_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n deut._n 13._o will_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o that_o prophet_n that_o shall_v teach_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o contrary_a to_o the_o suppose_a and_o disputable_a mind_n of_o god_n that_o he_o also_o must_v be_v deal_v withal_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n be_v there_o not_o great_a difference_n between_o man_n plead_v for_o this_o and_o that_o kind_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o turn_n away_o man_n from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n do_v you_o not_o all_o confess_v that_o the_o independent_a man_n be_v holy_a godly_a learned_a man_n and_o useful_a unto_o the_o beget_n unto_o and_o build_v man_n up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o do_v not_o god_n seal_v unto_o their_o ministry_n as_o well_o as_o unto_o any_o other_o ministry_n and_o so_o for_o the_o other_o text_n levit._n 24.16_o a_o blasphemer_n must_v be_v stone_v to_o death_n will_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o a_o independent_a must_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o live_v in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n sure_o this_o conclusion_n never_o grow_v on_o that_o scripture_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o that_o i_o have_v yet_o see_v you_o say_v that_o any_o error_n though_o not_o fundamental_a if_o it_o be_v wilful_o hold_v and_o teach_v against_o instruction_n and_o admonition_n especial_o if_o it_o make_v sect_n and_o faction_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o conscionable_a in_o their_o way_n profess_v never_o so_o much_o of_o god_n in_o they_o the_o magistrate_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o punish_v they_o according_a to_o nature_n of_o their_o error_n etc._n etc._n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a a_o point_n be_v clear_v but_o that_o it_o be_v clear_v to_o the_o person_n we_o will_v persuade_v else_o they_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v with_o till_o that_o be_v do_v as_o appear_v in_o the_o weak_a jew_n about_o ceremony_n and_o some_o of_o the_o corinthian_n about_o the_o resurrection_n 2._o it_o be_v confess_v that_o obstinacy_n and_o wilfulness_n and_o that_o after_o instruction_n &_o admonition_n be_v just_o punishable_a by_o the_o magistrate_n where_o ever_o it_o be_v find_v but_o quid_fw-la inde_fw-la where_o will_v you_o fasten_v this_o obstinacy_n and_o wilfulness_n that_o you_o may_v bring_v your_o supposition_n to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n upon_o the_o independent_a may_v they_o not_o as_o well_o recharge_v it_o upon_o they_o from_o whence_o it_o come_v have_v there_o not_o be_v instruction_n and_o admonition_n on_o both_o fides_fw-la and_o be_v not_o satisfaction_n as_o far_o off_o from_o many_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n it_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o must_v nomen_fw-la multitudinis_fw-la determine_v the_o business_n no_o certain_o yourself_o have_v propose_v a_o better_a rule_n and_o that_o be_v the_o make_n of_o sect_n and_o faction_n and_o for_o this_o quit_v you_o the_o one_o party_n the_o other_o quit_v itself_o as_o first_o for_o the_o make_n of_o sect_n sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o trial_n of_o doctrine_n before_o receive_v but_o the_o receive_n of_o doctrine_n if_o compel_v by_o authority_n before_o the_o trial_n thereof_o that_o make_v sect_n it_o be_v not_o the_o mutual_a bind_n of_o man_n together_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o the_o mutual_a engagement_n unto_o watch_n fullness_n instruction_n exhortation_n one_o unto_o another_o which_o the_o apostle_n prescribe_v as_o mean_n against_o man_n be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o by_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n ephes_n 4.14.15_o 16._o it_o be_v not_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v that_o make_v sect_n but_o the_o want_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v several_a sect_n that_o profess_v these_o way_n so_o there_o be_v several_a sect_n that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o so_o much_o that_o father_n say_v the_o devil_n be_v let_v loose_a when_o
he_o see_v the_o saint_n that_o spring_v up_o under_o his_o doctrine_n be_v the_o gospel_n or_o protestant_n religion_n the_o worse_a therefore_o a_o â—as_v for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o your_o rule_n of_o trial_n the_o make_v of_o faction_n let_v the_o magistrate_n spare_v none_o where_o it_o be_v find_v no_o upon_o his_o peril_n and_o as_o he_o will_v answer_v it_o before_o the_o lord_n let_v he_o not_o spare_v any_o for_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o his_o authority_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n commit_v unto_o he_o in_o peace_n and_o to_o be_v a_o nurse_n father_n unto_o the_o church_n if_o any_o be_v in_o his_o dominion_n but_o who_o be_v these_o faction-maker_n sure_o not_o the_o meek_a in_o the_o earth_n the_o weapon_n of_o who_o warfare_n be_v argument_n reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o who_o will_v have_v man_n be_v at_o peace_n with_o all_o man_n not_o man_n that_o be_v gentle_a sofe_n strive_v only_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n viz._n reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o not_o with_o the_o whip_n of_o horse_n and_o the_o goad_n of_o oxen._n be_v not_o the_o bishop_n a_o factious_a generation_n and_o wherein_o do_v it_o appear_v be_v it_o not_o by_o their_o insinuation_n into_o the_o magistracy_n to_o have_v their_o way_n maintain_v urge_v and_o press_v upon_o man_n by_o a_o law_n by_o fine_n imprisonment_n banishment_n whip_n and_o pillory_n by_o procure_v law_n and_o canon_n decree_n and_o injunction_n to_o press_v man_n against_o the_o truth_n their_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n unto_o obedience_n thereof_o and_o have_v not_o this_o state-troubling_a generation_n raise_v up_o and_o kindle_v that_o consume_a fire_n that_o be_v like_o now_o to_o devour_v the_o kingdom_n well_o if_o this_o evil_a spirit_n of_o distraction_n contention_n and_o faction_n be_v find_v in_o the_o congregationall_a party_n let_v not_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o magistrate_n spare_v they_o but_o let_v he_o take_v heed_n that_o he_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a and_o justify_v the_o guilty_a now_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n conjure_v that_o spirit_n of_o faction_n where_o ever_o it_o be_v find_v and_o give_v the_o magistracy_n of_o this_o poor_a kingdom_n wisdom_n to_o observe_v where_o it_o be_v and_o prevent_v all_o danger_n thereby_o that_o this_o distress_a nation_n may_v flourish_v in_o truth_n and_o peace_n the_o conclusion_n these_o be_v the_o argument_n or_o doubt_n that_o for_o the_o present_a i_o desire_v some_o satisfaction_n in_o that_o my_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n may_v be_v settle_v let_v it_o not_o be_v think_v that_o i_o be_o make_v a_o party_n against_o they_o or_o that_o i_o think_v my_o argument_n can_v be_v answer_v i_o be_o better_a persuade_v of_o their_o holiness_n and_o ability_n then_o to_o think_v they_o will_v take_v up_o any_o opinion_n but_o they_o can_v satisfy_v any_o equal_a mind_a man_n that_o ask_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o such_o their_o faith_n nor_o yet_o let_v it_o be_v think_v that_o i_o have_v follow_v these_o objection_n with_o a_o spirit_n that_o intend_v not_o to_o receive_v satisfaction_n i_o call_v he_o to_o witness_v before_o who_o tribunal_n i_o and_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o my_o heart_n must_v stand_v naked_a one_o day_n for_o to_o be_v judge_v my_o very_a heart_n if_o i_o understand_v my_o own_o heart_n stand_v open_a to_o receive_v all_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n whoever_o bring_v they_o with_o what_o external_a inconvenience_n soever_o they_o come_v accompany_v i_o have_v urge_v my_o doubt_n it_o may_v be_v think_v with_o somewhat_o too_o much_o earnestness_n and_o heat_n i_o be_o sure_a with_o all_o singleness_n of_o heart_n aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o to_o know_v more_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o way_n of_o god_n that_o god_n may_v be_v more_o glorify_v in_o i_o grace_n be_v with_o we_o all_o your_o true_a friend_n to_o love_n and_o serve_v you_o and_o you_o in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n reply_n these_o be_v the_o answer_n which_o for_o the_o present_a i_o humble_o return_v unto_o your_o argument_n which_o i_o must_v confess_v again_o have_v be_v tender_v with_o more_o sweetness_n and_o candidnesse_n of_o language_n phrase_n and_o expression_n than_o ever_o yet_o i_o do_v read_v any_o argument_n of_o this_o nature_n before_o wherein_z if_o i_o have_v show_v that_o which_o be_v indeed_o i_o own_o viz._n weakness_n insufficiency_n and_o mistake_n i_o hope_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o you_o viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o love_n will_v cover_v they_o all_o and_o here_o again_o i_o must_v renew_v my_o former_a request_n viz._n the_o let_a slip_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v weak_a and_o your_o more_o serious_a thought_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v more_o valid_a and_o considerable_a to_o presume_v your_o satisfaction_n will_v be_v too_o great_a ambition_n though_o to_o assure_v myself_o of_o your_o acceptation_n be_v my_o perfect_a confidence_n sir_n i_o leave_v what_o i_o have_v here_o tender_v unto_o your_o prudent_a consideration_n desire_v the_o almighty_a to_o lead_v we_o all_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n knit_v our_o heart_n together_o in_o love_n and_o so_o guide_v we_o by_o his_o counsel_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n sir_n of_o you_o in_o all_o christian_a love_n and_o sincerity_n j._n p._n finis_fw-la