the_o church_n be_v not_o nurse_v with_o poison_n in_o stead_n of_o milk_n and_o in_o so_o do_v they_o keep_v the_o first_o table_n reform_v the_o church_n &_o judge_v in_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a again_o if_o the_o the_o same_o prince_n shall_v bow_v down_o to_o the_o church_n with_o their_o face_n towards_o the_o earth_n and_o lick_v the_o dust_n of_o her_o foot_n as_o the_o same_o text_n express_v than_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v subject_a also_o to_o church-censure_n in_o one_o word_n prince_n sit_v on_o the_o bench_n over_o the_o church_n in_o the_o offensive_a government_n of_o the_o church_n &_o yet_o may_v themselves_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o church-censure_n in_o the_o offensive_a government_n of_o themselves_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o examiner_n himself_o contess_v that_o in_o several_a respect_n he_o that_o be_v a_o governor_n may_v be_v also_o a_o subject_a behold_v here_o be_v several_a respect_n to_o wit_n several_a object_n of_o judicature_n in_o the_o maladministration_n of_o the_o church_n the_o magistrate_n sit_v as_o judge_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o maladministration_n of_o a_o church-member-magistrate_n contrary_n to_o the_o express_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v nay_o rather_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o civil_a cause_n and_o the_o magistrate_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o church_n in_o spiritual_a cause_n i_o answer_v that_o ease_v not_o the_o difficulty_n no_o more_o than_o the_o other_o for_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n a_o church_n member_n live_v in_o incest_n break_v forth_o into_o murder_n and_o notorious_a oppression_n these_o be_v all_o civil_a cause_n belong_v to_o the_o second_o table_n if_o the_o magistrate_n sit_v as_o judge_n and_o supreme_a governor_n in_o this_o case_n then_o must_v the_o church_n tolerate_v he_o herein_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o great_a name_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o perdition_n of_o his_o soul_n if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n though_o civil_a the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o deal_v faithful_o with_o the_o magistrate_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o he_o let_v the_o like_a power_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o deal_v faithful_o with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o notorious_a transgression_n of_o the_o first_o table_n as_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o church_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o notorious_a transgression_n of_o the_o second_o table_n and_o the_o controversy_n be_v end_v if_o any_o further_a matter_n be_v claim_v in_o make_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n the_o supreme_a judge_n and_o governor_n in_o all_o cause_n aswell_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o the_o minister_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v to_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o meaning_n sure_o i_o be_o the_o interpretation_n of_o that_o high_a stile_n which_o godly_a learned_a reynolds_n make_v of_o it_o in_o the_o 10._o chap._n of_o his_o conference_n with_o hart_n it_o be_v accept_v of_o the_o state_n in_o the_o day_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o the_o same_o interpretation_n if_o no_o more_o be_v intend_v by_o that_o stile_n do_v well_o stand_v with_o our_o defence_n but_o wherefore_o do_v i_o put_v my_o sickle_n into_o the_o harvest_n of_o my_o brethren_n my_o brethren_n who_o pen_v that_o model_n be_v rich_o furnish_v by_o christ_n with_o ability_n to_o defend_v it_o i_o therefore_o leave_v it_o to_o they_o who_o it_o chief_o concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n which_o themselves_o have_v witness_v in_o that_o model_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v please_v to_o bear_v witness_n from_o heaven_n to_o his_o own_o truth_n and_o bl_v …_o that_o peace_n a_o fraudulent_a and_o false_a peace_n which_o the_o examiner_n proclaim_v to_o all_o the_o way_n of_o falsehood_n in_o religion_n to_o heresy_n in_o doctrine_n to_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n to_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n to_o pollution_n and_o profanation_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a ordiannce_n amen_n even_o so_o come_v lord_n jesus_n a_o reply_n to_o mr._n williams_n his_o examination_n and_o answer_v of_o the_o letter_n send_v to_o he_o by_o john_n cotton_n such_o a_o letter_n to_o such_o a_o purpose_n i_o do_v remember_v i_o write_v unto_o mr._n williams_n about_o half_a a_o score_n year_n ago_o but_o whether_o this_o print_a letter_n be_v a_o true_a copy_n thereof_o or_o no_o i_o do_v not_o know_v for_o the_o letter_n be_v send_v so_o long_o since_o and_o no_o copy_n of_o it_o that_o i_o can_v find_v reserve_v by_o i_o i_o can_v own_v it_o no_o further_o than_o i_o find_v the_o matter_n and_o style_n express_v the_o judgement_n which_o i_o then_o have_v of_o his_o cause_n of_o separation_n and_o the_o affection_n i_o bear_v unto_o his_o person_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o see_v the_o letter_n do_v not_o unfit_o express_v both_o but_o how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v put_v in_o print_n i_o can_v imagine_v sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v without_o my_o privity_n and_o when_o i_o hear_v of_o it_o it_o be_v to_o i_o unwelcome_a news_n as_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o weight_n of_o pliny_n speech_n aliud_fw-la est_fw-la scribere_fw-la uni_fw-la aliud_fw-la omnibus_fw-la there_o be_v who_o think_v it_o be_v publish_v by_o mr._n williams_n himself_o or_o by_o some_o of_o his_o friend_n who_o have_v the_o copy_n from_o he_o which_o latter_a may_v be_v the_o more_o probable_a because_o himself_o deni_v the_o publish_n of_o it_o and_o it_o stick_v in_o my_o mind_n that_o i_o receive_v many_o year_n ago_o a_o refutation_n of_o it_o in_o a_o brotherly_a and_o ingenuous_a way_n from_o a_o stranger_n to_o i_o but_o one_o as_o i_o hear_v well_o affect_v to_o he_o mr._n sabine_n staresmore_n to_o who_o i_o have_v long_o ago_o return_v a_o answer_n but_o that_o he_o do_v not_o direct_v i_o where_o my_o letter_n may_v find_v he_o but_o i_o do_v not_o suspect_v mr._n staresmore_n nor_o mr._n williams_n himself_o to_o have_v publish_v it_o but_o rather_o some_o other_o unadvised_a christian_n who_o have_v get_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o letter_n take_v more_o liberty_n than_o god_n allow_v to_o draw_v forth_o a_o private_a admonition_n to_o public_a notice_n in_o a_o disorderly_a way_n but_o howsoever_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o publish_n of_o this_o letter_n mr._n williams_n have_v take_v occasion_n as_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o man_n first_o to_o rise_v up_o against_o i_o the_o mean_a of_o many_o in_o the_o examine_n and_o resuting_a of_o that_o letter_n and_o then_o as_o if_o one_o mordecai_n be_v too_o small_a a_o morsel_n to_o stand_v forth_o against_o all_o the_o church_n and_o elder_n in_o new-england_n in_o his_o bloody_a tenent_n and_o then_o as_o if_o new-england_n be_v but_o a_o handful_n from_o thence_o to_o rise_v up_o against_o the_o choice_a ornament_n of_o two_o populous_a nation_n england_n and_o scotland_n the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o divine_n together_o with_o the_o reverend_a brethren_n of_o the_o apology_n and_o above_o they_o all_o to_o address_v himself_o according_a to_o his_o high_a thought_n to_o propound_v query_n of_o high_a concernment_n as_o he_o call_v they_o to_o the_o high_a and_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n so_o a_o bird_n of_o prey_n affect_v to_o soar_v aloft_o get_v first_o upon_o the_o top_n of_o a_o molehill_n and_o from_o thence_o take_v his_o rise_n from_o pale_a to_o tree_n till_o he_o have_v surmount_v the_o high_a mountain_n in_o this_o apprehension_n of_o he_o they_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v as_o have_v discern_v the_o like_a frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o his_o former_a walk_n among_o we_o time_n be_v when_o of_o all_o christian_a church_n the_o church_n of_o new-england_n be_v account_v and_o profess_v by_o he_o to_o be_v the_o most_o pure_a and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n salem_n where_o himself_o be_v teacher_n to_o be_v the_o most_o pure_a but_o when_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n take_v just_a offence_n at_o sundry_a of_o his_o proceed_n he_o first_o renounce_v communion_n with_o they_o all_o and_o because_o the_o church_n of_o salem_n refuse_v to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o such_o a_o groundless_a censure_n he_o then_o renounce_v communion_n with_o salem_n also_o and_o then_o fall_v off_o from_o his_o ministry_n and_o then_o from_o all_o church-fellowship_n and_o then_o from_o his_o baptism_n and_o be_v himself_o baptize_v again_o and_o then_o from_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o
i_o have_v slay_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o thy_o judgement_n be_v as_o the_o light_n that_o go_v forth_o ans_fw-fr the_o judgement_n of_o god_n whether_o of_o his_o mouth_n or_o of_o his_o hand_n do_v both_o of_o they_o go_v forth_o as_o light_v for_o when_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o hand_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v learn_v righteousness_n isai_n 26.9_o and_o that_o whereby_o we_o learn_v righteousness_n be_v light_n beside_o when_o the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o have_v hew_v and_o slay_v his_o apostate_n people_n by_o his_o prophet_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n he_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v the_o spiritual_a hew_v and_o slay_v of_o their_o soul_n but_o also_o the_o temporal_a judgement_n famine_n war_n and_o pestilence_n which_o the_o prophet_n threaten_v and_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o hazael_n execute_v in_o the_o hew_a and_o slay_v of_o they_o chap._n 10._o a_o reply_n to_o his_o ten_o chapter_n wherein_o he_o discuss_v the_o last_o distinction_n persecution_n for_o conscience_n be_v either_o for_o conscience_n right_o inform_v or_o a_o blind_a and_o erroneous_a conscience_n discusser_n both_o these_o conscience_n be_v indeed_o persecute_v but_o lamentable_o blind_a and_o erroneous_a will_v those_o conscience_n short_o appear_v to_o be_v which_o out_o of_o zeal_n to_o god_n as_o be_v pretend_v have_v persecute_v either_o etc._n etc._n defender_n this_o whole_a chapter_n may_v stand_v for_o we_o without_o impeachment_n we_o approve_v no_o persecution_n for_o conscience_n neither_o conscience_n right_o inform_v for_o that_o we_o account_v the_o persecute_v of_o christ_n nor_o conscience_n misinform_v with_o error_n unless_o the_o error_n be_v pernicious_a and_o unless_o the_o conscience_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o error_n and_o perniciousnesse_n thereof_o that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v the_o erroneous_a party_n suffer_v not_o for_o his_o conscience_n but_o for_o his_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o sear_a conscience_n in_o some_o to_o which_o god_n have_v in_o his_o judgement_n give_v they_o up_o that_o they_o may_v never_o see_v light_n how_o clear_a soever_o both_o in_o scripture_n and_o nature_n and_o though_o this_o sear_a conscience_n do_v not_o extenuate_v but_o aggravate_v sin_n and_o though_o a_o man_n by_o this_o sear_a conscience_n may_v commit_v some_o notorious_a capital_a crime_n as_o he_o that_o in_o ireland_n burn_v his_o own_o son_n in_o the_o fire_n in_o the_o imitation_n of_o abraham_n and_o call_v in_o his_o neighbour_n to_o rejoice_v in_o behold_v the_o power_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o though_o such_o a_o man_n be_v just_o put_v to_o death_n yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v say_v he_o be_v punish_v for_o his_o conscience_n but_o for_o that_o unnatural_a barbarous_a cruelty_n and_o murder_n which_o he_o commit_v and_o which_o his_o conscience_n can_v never_o have_v blind_v he_o to_o commit_v out_o of_o any_o natural_a humane_a ignorance_n or_o infirmity_n but_o out_o of_o poenall_n and_o judicial_a blindness_n which_o god_n never_o leave_v man_n unto_o but_o upon_o habitual_a and_o customary_a sin_v against_o light_n of_o conscience_n chap._n 11._o a_o reply_n to_o his_o eleven_o chapter_n touch_v persecution_n for_o conscience_n right_o inform_v discusser_n after_o explication_n of_o the_o point_n in_o these_o former_a distinction_n the_o answerer_n of_o the_o letter_n give_v his_o resolution_n to_o the_o question_n in_o four_o particular_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o persecute_v any_o for_o conscience_n sake_n right_o inform_v for_o in_o persecute_v such_o christ_n himself_o be_v persecute_v act_v 9.4_o a_o man_n may_v as_o soon_o find_v darkness_n in_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n as_o in_o this_o clear_a beam_n of_o truth_n that_o christ_n jesus_n in_o his_o truth_n must_v not_o be_v persecute_v yet_o this_o i_o must_v ask_v for_o it_o will_v be_v admire_v by_o all_o sober_a man_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n or_o inducement_n to_o the_o answerers_n mind_n to_o lay_v down_o such_o a_o position_n or_o thesis_n as_o this_o be_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o persecute_v the_o lord_n jesus_n search_v all_o scripture_n history_n record_n monument_n consult_v with_o all_o experience_n do_v ever_o pharaoh_n saul_n ahab_n jezebel_n scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o jew_n herod_n the_o bloody_a nero_n gardiner_n bonner_n pope_n or_o devil_n himself_o profess_v to_o persecute_v the_o son_n of_o god_n jesus_n as_o jesus_n christ_n as_o christ_n without_o mask_n or_o cover_v defender_n it_o may_v seem_v though_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n yet_o the_o discusser_n can_v espy_v a_o moat_n of_o admirable_a weakness_n in_o the_o deliver_n of_o such_o a_o position_n though_o never_o so_o true_a or_o clear_a but_o let_v he_o cease_v his_o admiration_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o admire_v his_o own_o fancy_n for_o i_o do_v not_o lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o position_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o persecute_v the_o lord_n jesus_n or_o that_o christ_n in_o his_o truth_n must_v not_o be_v persecute_v but_o my_o position_n be_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o persecute_v any_o for_o conscience_n sake_n right_o inform_v and_o for_o a_o reason_n hereof_o i_o give_v this_o principle_n for_o in_o persecute_v such_o christ_n be_v persecute_v be_v it_o now_o become_v a_o admirable_a strange_a thing_n to_o give_v a_o principle_n of_o religion_n not_o for_o a_o position_n and_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v so_o what_o strange_a thing_n be_v it_o but_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o position_n let_v i_o give_v you_o a_o like_a instance_n gamaliel_n lay_v it_o down_o for_o a_o position_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n the_o priest_n and_o elder_n can_v overthrow_v it_o and_o he_o give_v this_o principle_n for_o a_o reason_n of_o it_o lest_o in_o so_o do_v you_o be_v find_v say_v he_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n act_v 5.38_o 39_o now_o be_v this_o such_o a_o matter_n as_o will_v be_v admire_v of_o all_o sober_a man_n that_o so_o wise_a a_o man_n as_o gamaliel_n shall_v lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o position_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n may_v not_o a_o man_n rather_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o strange_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v leave_v a_o man_n sober_o to_o admire_v at_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o to_o think_v all_o sober_a man_n will_v in_o like_a sort_n wonder_n at_o the_o same_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v neither_o gamaliel_n nor_o myself_o lay_v down_o that_o principle_n for_o a_o conclusion_n nor_o for_o a_o position_n nor_o if_o we_o have_v have_v we_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o sober_a man_n to_o admire_v at_o 2._o though_o it_o be_v true_a which_o the_o discusser_n make_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o admiration_n that_o no_o pharaoh_n or_o herod_n or_o nero_n do_v ever_o profess_v to_o persecute_v the_o son_n of_o god_n christ_n as_o christ_n etc._n etc._n yet_o it_o will_v not_o make_v it_o a_o admirable_a point_n that_o christ_n as_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v persecute_v for_o though_o they_o do_v not_o profess_v to_o persecute_v christ_n as_o christ_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o and_o it_o be_v no_o admirable_a matter_n for_o all_o sober_a man_n to_o admire_v at_o to_o tell_v man_n that_o perfecute_v the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v do_v not_o christ_n himself_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n tell_v saul_n as_o much_o act_n 9.5_o 3._o it_o be_v as_o clear_v to_o use_v his_o phrase_n as_o the_o sun_n beam_n both_o in_o scripture_n and_o other_o history_n and_o frequent_a experience_n that_o tyrant_n and_o apostate_n have_v often_o persecute_v jesus_n as_o jesus_n christ_n as_o christ_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n they_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v among_o themselves_o this_o be_v the_o heir_n come_v let_v we_o kill_v he_o matth._n 21.38_o nor_o can_v they_o be_v say_v in_o persecute_v christ_n to_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v enlighten_v to_o know_v he_o who_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o leaven_v with_o such_o malice_n as_o to_o persecute_v he_o as_o they_o do_v history_n tell_v we_o that_o julian_n the_o apostate_n persecute_v jesus_n as_o jesus_n and_o christ_n as_o christ_n yea_o and_o profess_v so_o to_o do_v and_o experience_n tell_v that_o if_o a_o christian_a shall_v in_o turkey_n seek_v to_o gain_v turk_n from_o the_o service_n of_o mahomet_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n they_o will_v persecute_v such_o a_o christian_a
to_o death_n and_o in_o he_o jesus_n as_o jesus_n 4._o let_v tyrant_n and_o persecutor_n profess_v what_o they_o will_v that_o they_o do_v not_o persecute_v jesus_n as_o jesus_n but_o under_o some_o other_o pretence_n yet_o that_o vari_v not_o the_o truth_n nor_o impeach_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o position_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o persecute_v any_o for_o conscience_n right_o inform_v or_o to_o persecute_v any_o for_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n discusser_n one_o thing_n i_o see_v apparent_o in_o the_o lord_n overrule_a of_o the_o pen_n of_o this_o answerer_n viz._n a_o secret_a whisper_n from_o heaven_n to_o he_o that_o yet_o he_o have_v never_o leave_v the_o tent_n of_o such_o who_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n in_o kill_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o servant_n and_o yet_o say_v if_o we_o have_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n in_o queen_n maryes_fw-mi day_n we_o will_v never_o have_v consent_v to_o such_o persecution_n etc._n etc._n defender_n very_o this_o be_v a_o strange_a sight_n indeed_o and_o which_o all_o sober_a mind_n may_v well_o wonder_v at_o to_o see_v apparent_o that_o he_o who_o lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o position_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o persecute_v any_o for_o conscience_n right_o inform_v have_v have_v a_o secret_a whisper_n from_o heaven_n that_o himself_o never_o yet_o leave_v the_o tent_n of_o persecutor_n sure_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o strange_a and_o strong_a sight_n even_o the_o fight_n of_o such_o as_o make_v themselves_o equal_a with_o god_n that_o can_v see_v a_o man_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o tent_n of_o persecutor_n that_o be_v the_o communion_n with_o persecutor_n when_o he_o open_o profess_v it_o to_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a to_o persecute_v any_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n it_o be_v true_a god_n may_v see_v that_o in_o a_o man_n heart_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o pen._n and_o so_o may_v this_o discusser_n see_v as_o much_o if_o he_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n but_o yet_o herein_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v he_o exalt_v himself_o not_o only_o equal_a with_o god_n but_o above_o god_n to_o see_v one_o contradictory_n in_o another_o which_o god_n himself_o can_v see_v it_o be_v contradictory_n to_o persecution_n to_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o persecute_v any_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n he_o than_o that_o can_v see_v yea_o &_o see_v apparent_o &_o that_o out_o of_o the_o faith_n &_o profession_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o persecute_v any_o for_o the_o truth_n he_o that_o can_v see_v i_o say_v fellowship_n with_o persecution_n in_o the_o faith_n or_o profession_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o persecution_n very_o he_o can_v see_v darkness_n in_o light_n evil_a in_o good_a falsehood_n in_o truth_n which_o god_n himself_o such_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o truth_n can_v do_v discusser_n let_v i_o also_o add_v a_o second_o so_o far_o as_o the_o answerer_n by_o preach_v for_o persecution_n have_v be_v a_o guide_n to_o other_o in_o persecute_v any_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n witness_v to_o his_o truth_n so_o far_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o hand_n shall_v judge_v i_o hope_v not_o his_o person_n but_o his_o action_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v suffer_v by_o he_o defender_n if_o any_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o i_o have_v guide_v any_o to_o persecute_v any_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n for_o witness_v to_o any_o truth_n of_o christ_n than_o i_o confess_v i_o must_v lay_v my_o hand_n upon_o my_o mouth_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v suffer_v by_o i_o but_o if_o the_o disousser_n can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v any_o such_o doctrine_n broach_v by_o i_o that_o have_v guide_v any_o to_o persecute_v any_o of_o god_n servant_n for_o witness_v to_o any_o truth_n of_o he_o as_o i_o trust_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n he_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a then_o the_o discusser_n may_v know_v and_o the_o lord_n help_v his_o spirit_n to_o know_v it_o that_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o hand_n shall_v one_o day_n judge_n if_o not_o his_o person_n yet_o his_o action_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v suffer_v in_o his_o poor_a servant_n even_o bitter_a persecution_n by_o his_o unjust_a slander_n chap._n 12._o a_o reply_n to_o his_o twelu_v chapter_n enter_v upon_o the_o discussion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n to_o persecute_v a_o erroneous_a and_o blind_a conscience_n discusser_n the_o second_o conclusion_n lay_v down_o by_o the_o answerer_n be_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o persecute_v a_o erroneous_a and_o blind_a conscience_n even_o in_o fundamental_a and_o weighty_a point_n till_o after_o admonition_n once_o or_o twice_o tit._n 3.10_o 11._o and_o then_o such_o conscience_n may_v be_v persecute_v because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o fundamental_a and_o weighty_a point_n that_o such_o a_o person_n can_v but_o sin_n against_o his_o conscience_n and_o so_o be_v condemn_v of_o himself_o that_o be_v of_o his_o conscience_n he_o may_v be_v persecute_v for_o sin_v against_o his_o own_o conscience_n defender_n they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o discusser_n not_o i_o that_o such_o as_o err_v in_o fundamental_a and_o weighty_a point_n after_o once_o or_o twice_o admonition_n such_o conscience_n be_v then_o to_o be_v persecute_v no_o my_o word_n will_v clear_v themselves_o if_o they_o be_v true_o relate_v even_o as_o himself_o have_v print_v they_o thus_o they_o stand_v second_o for_o a_o erroneous_a and_o blind_a conscience_n even_o in_o fundamental_a and_o weighty_a point_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o persecute_v any_o till_o after_o admonition_n once_o or_o twice_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n direct_v tit._n 3.10_o and_o give_v the_o reason_n that_o in_o fundamental_a &_o principal_a point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o such_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o he_o can_v but_o be_v convince_v in_o conscience_n of_o the_o dangerous_a error_n of_o his_o way_n after_o once_o or_o twice_o admonition_n wise_o and_o faithful_o dispense_v and_o then_o if_o any_o one_o persist_v it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o conscience_n but_o against_o his_o conscience_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v ver_fw-la 11._o he_o be_v subvert_v and_o sin_v be_v condemn_v of_o himself_o that_o be_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o if_o such_o a_o man_n after_o such_o admonition_n shall_v still_o persist_v in_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o be_v therefore_o punish_v he_o be_v not_o persecute_v for_o cause_n of_o conscience_n but_o for_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n where_o though_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o persecute_v any_o though_o err_v in_o fundamental_a and_o weighty_a point_n till_o after_o once_o or_o twice_o admonition_n i_o do_v not_o therefore_o say_v as_o the_o discusser_n report_v i_o that_o after_o once_o or_o twice_o admonition_n than_o such_o conscience_n may_v be_v persecute_v but_o that_o if_o such_o a_o man_n after_o such_o admonition_n shall_v still_o persist_v in_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o be_v therefore_o punish_v he_o be_v not_o persecute_v for_o cause_n of_o conscience_n but_o for_o sin_v against_o his_o own_o conscience_n object_n but_o he_o that_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o persecute_v any_o heretic_n till_o after_o once_o or_o twice_o admonition_n he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o say_v that_o after_o once_o or_o twice_o admonition_n it_o be_v then_o lawful_a to_o persecute_v any_o heretic_n ans_fw-fr not_o so_o neither_o neither_o every_o heretic_n nor_o in_o every_o court_n not_o in_o every_o court_n or_o judicature_n but_o the_o same_o church_n that_o follow_v a_o heretic_n with_o once_o or_o twice_o admonition_n be_v further_a to_o pursue_v he_o if_o he_o remain_v obstinate_a with_o excommunication_n my_o word_n do_v express_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o a_o heretic_n till_o after_o once_o or_o twice_o admonition_n may_v not_o be_v pursue_v no_o not_o with_o the_o church-censure_n of_o excommunication_n but_o after_o once_o or_o twice_o admonition_n it_o be_v then_o lawful_a for_o the_o church_n to_o proceed_v to_o his_o excommunication_n 2._o my_o word_n hold_v forth_o this_o also_o that_o if_o such_o a_o heretic_n so_o convince_v and_o admonish_v be_v afterward_o punish_v by_o any_o censure_n whether_o of_o church_n or_o court_n it_o can_v be_v say_v he_o be_v punish_v for_o his_o conscience_n but_o for_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n but_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o word_n or_o meaning_n to_o say_v that_o every_o heretic_n though_o err_v in_o some_o fundamental_a and_o weighty_a point_n and_o for_o the_o same_o excommunicate_v shall_v forth_o with_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n unless_o it_o do_v afterward_o appear_v that_o he_o
truth_n chap._n 19_o a_o reply_n to_o his_o nineteenth_o chapter_n discusser_n that_o the_o lord_n intend_v not_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n in_o this_o parable_n it_o be_v clear_a for_o 1._o the_o lord_n jesus_n express_o interprete_v the_o good_a seed_n to_o be_v person_n &_o those_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o tare_n also_o to_o signify_v man_n and_o those_o the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o ver_fw-la 38._o defender_n if_o the_o discusser_n have_v cast_v his_o eye_n a_o little_a low_o he_o may_v have_v find_v that_o christ_n interprete_v the_o tare_n not_o only_o to_o be_v person_n but_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o thing_n that_o offend_v as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o do_v iniquity_n ver_fw-la 41._o but_o i_o shall_v not_o stick_v upon_o that_o at_o all_o let_v the_o tare_n be_v person_n whether_o hypocrite_n like_v unto_o true_a christian_n or_o holder_n forth_o of_o scandalous_a and_o corrupt_v doctrine_n and_o practice_n like_v unto_o sound_n discusser_n 2._o such_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v now_o as_o those_o jewish_a observation_n be_v for_o a_o while_n rom._n 14._o nor_o so_o long_o till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o can_v we_o think_v that_o though_o the_o lord_n tender_v the_o tender_a conscience_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n which_o be_v sometime_o his_o own_o ordinance_n that_o therefore_o person_n must_v be_v now_o tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n for_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o civil_a state_n in_o superstitious_a forbear_n and_o forbid_v of_o flesh_n in_o popish_a lent_n and_o superstitious_a friday_n etc._n etc._n defender_n who_o can_v tell_v what_o this_o discusser_n will_v have_v the_o tare_n he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v person_n not_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o prove_v that_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v he_o prove_v it_o from_o the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o tolerate_v corrupt_a person_n for_o can_v we_o think_v say_v he_o that_o person_n must_v be_v now_o tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o superstitious_a forbear_n or_o forbid_v of_o flesh_n in_o popish_a lent_n and_o friday_n such_o be_v the_o inconstancy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n who_o heart_n be_v not_o stay_v and_o steer_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n that_o sometime_o tare_n must_v not_o be_v corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n but_o person_n because_o tare_n and_o so_o person_n must_v be_v tolerate_v till_o the_o harvest_n not_o so_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o reason_n give_v why_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n must_v not_o be_v tolerate_v be_v this_o because_o person_n that_o hold_v they_o forth_o must_v not_o be_v tolerate_v chap._n 20._o a_o reply_n to_o his_o twenty_o chapter_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o tare_n discusser_n the_o original_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v all_o those_o weed_n which_o spring_v up_o with_o the_o corn_n as_o cockle_n darnel_n tare_n etc._n etc._n seem_v to_o imply_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o people_n as_o be_v common_o and_o general_o know_v to_o be_v manifest_o differ_v from_o and_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n defender_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signifi_v all_o those_o weed_n that_o grow_v up_o with_o the_o corne._n for_o they_o be_v a_o special_a weed_n grow_v up_o chief_o among_o the_o wheat_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o ear_n it_o grow_v more_o like_a to_o barley_n yet_o have_v a_o narrow_a leaf_n fat_a and_o rough_a and_o a_o lean_a seed_n in_o a_o prickly_a bark_n bear_v a_o purple_a flower_n as_o dioscorides_n testify_v now_o this_o be_v far_o from_o a_o description_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o weed_n that_o grow_v up_o with_o corne._n 2._o neither_o be_v it_o true_a that_o tare_n be_v common_o and_o general_o know_v assoon_o as_o they_o appear_v for_o hierom_n who_o for_o a_o time_n live_v in_o jury_n testify_v that_o inter_fw-la triticum_fw-la et_fw-la zizania_fw-la quod_fw-la nos_fw-la appellamus_fw-la lolium_fw-la quamdiu_fw-la herba_fw-la est_fw-la et_fw-la nondum_fw-la culmus_fw-la venit_fw-la ad_fw-la spicam_fw-la grandis_fw-la similitudo_fw-la est_fw-la et_fw-la in_o discernendo_fw-la aut_fw-la nulla_fw-la aut_fw-la perdifficilis_fw-la distantia_fw-la comment_fw-fr mat._n cap._n 13._o yea_o the_o text_n itself_o though_o the_o discusser_v deny_v it_o hold_v forth_o as_o much_o for_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o husbandman_n in_o who_o field_n the_o tare_n be_v sow_v by_o the_o enemy_n do_v not_o discern_v the_o tare_n from_o the_o wheat_n till_o the_o blade_n be_v spring_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n for_o than_o it_o be_v and_o not_o till_o then_o that_o the_o tare_n appear_v to_o be_v tare_n mat._n 13.26_o what_o though_o the_o text_n hold_v forth_o no_o such_o time_n wherein_o the_o servant_n doubt_v or_o suspect_v what_o they_o be_v it_o be_v like_a enough_o they_o do_v not_o suspect_v they_o at_o all_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o grandis_fw-la similitudo_fw-la the_o great_a likeness_n that_o be_v between_o they_o while_o they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o blade_n which_o still_o make_v good_a the_o exposition_n that_o tare_n be_v not_o briar_n and_o thorn_n but_o so_o like_a to_o the_o wheat_n that_o till_o they_o come_v to_o ear_n the_o one_o can_v be_v discern_v from_o the_o other_o discusser_n the_o one_o appear_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o other_o and_o when_o the_o wheat_n put_v forth_o its_o blade_n and_o fruit_n the_o tare_n be_v as_o early_o they_o put_v forth_o themselves_o and_o appear_v also_o 2._o there_o be_v such_o a_o dissimilitude_n and_o unlikeness_n between_o they_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o tare_n and_o wheat_n spring_v up_o to_o blade_n and_o fruit_n every_o husbandman_n can_v tell_v which_o be_v wheat_n and_o which_o be_v tare_n defender_n it_o be_v true_a the_o tare_n put_v forth_o their_o blade_n assoon_o as_o do_v the_o wheat_n and_o appear_v above_o ground_n one_o as_o early_o as_o the_o other_o but_o they_o be_v so_o like_o one_o to_o a_o other_o that_o the_o husbandman_n can_v not_o tell_v which_o be_v wheat_n and_o which_o tare_n till_o the_o blade_n be_v grow_v up_o and_o they_o both_o bring_v forth_o their_o fruit_n and_o though_o when_o they_o both_o bring_v forth_o their_o fruit_n there_o be_v no_o apparent_a dimissilitude_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o at_o first_o the_o dimssilitude_n do_v not_o appear_v the_o tare_n may_v therefore_o still_o stand_v for_o hypocrite_n who_o be_v so_o like_a at_o first_o unto_o good_a christian_n that_o they_o can_v easy_o be_v discern_v one_o from_o another_o till_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o difference_n of_o the_o fruit_n discover_v they_o discusser_n but_o when_o be_v it_o that_o the_o householder_n give_v charge_n to_o let_v they_o alone_o be_v it_o not_o after_o they_o appear_v and_o be_v know_v to_o be_v tare_n which_o shall_v imply_v by_o this_o interpretation_n of_o the_o answerer_n that_o when_o man_n be_v discover_v and_o know_v to_o be_v hypocrite_n yet_o still_o such_o a_o generation_n of_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v let_v alone_o and_o tolerate_v until_o the_o harvest_n or_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o piety_n order_n and_o safety_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o doubtless_o the_o answerer_n will_v grant_v defender_n if_o the_o answerer_n know_v his_o own_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o the_o discusser_v doubtless_o the_o answerer_n will_v not_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o piety_n and_o order_n and_o safety_n that_o hypocrite_n know_v hypocrite_n be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o though_o it_o be_v against_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o officer_n or_o body_n of_o the_o church_n prove_v hypocrite_n for_o that_o threaten_v a_o dischurching_a rev._n 2.5_o yet_o till_o the_o fruit_n of_o hypocrisy_n grow_v notorious_o scandalous_a and_o ripe_a for_o church-censure_n it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o all_o piety_n and_o order_n &_o safety_n to_o suffer_v they_o but_o rather_o more_o safety_n to_o suffer_v they_o lest_o some_o of_o god_n own_o saint_n true_a wheat_n who_o for_o a_o time_n may_v degenerate_v and_o bring_v forth_o like_o fruit_n with_o the_o tare_n be_v pluck_v up_o with_o they_o if_o foolish_a virgin_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o wise_a virgin_n may_v be_v sometime_o find_v sleep_v as_o well_o as_o they_o mat._n 25.5_o chap._n 21._o a_o reply_n to_o his_o chap._n 21._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o world_n and_o more_o of_o the_o tare_n discusser_n 2._o the_o tare_n can_v signify_v hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n for_o
of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o he_o shall_v begin_v to_o be_v consume_v long_o before_o by_o all_o the_o seven_o vial_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n revel_v 16._o which_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o pour_v out_o many_o age_n before_o the_o great_a harvest_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o i_o believe_v also_o he_o shall_v be_v destroy_v many_o age_n before_o then_o as_o the_o apostle_n john_n foretell_v in_o chap._n 20.21.22_o of_o the_o revelation_n and_o though_o it_o be_v translate_v in_o 2_o thess_n 2.8_o the_o lord_n shall_v destroy_v he_o with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n yet_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v as_o well_o and_o more_o first_o signify_v presence_n then_o come_v the_o lord_n will_v destroy_v antichrist_n with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o presence_n in_o his_o sacred_a and_o civil_a ordinance_n sundry_a age_n before_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v set_v john_n &_o paul_n at_o variance_n who_o speak_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o truth_n chap._n 27._o a_o reply_n to_o his_o 27._o chap._n discuss_v a_o doubt_n how_o minister_n may_v be_v bid_v to_o let_v antichristian_o alone_o in_o the_o civil_a state_n discusser_n if_o it_o be_v object_v these_o servant_n who_o the_o householder_n command_v to_o let_v the_o tare_n alone_o seem_v to_o be_v minister_n or_o messenger_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o shall_v it_o belong_v to_o they_o to_o pluck_v up_o the_o tare_n or_o to_o let_v they_o alone_o if_o by_o the_o field_n be_v mean_v the_o world_n ans_fw-fr the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o all_o that_o succeed_v they_o receive_v from_o the_o lord_n a_o threefold_a charge_n 1._o to_o let_v they_o alone_o and_o not_o to_o pluck_v they_o up_o by_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o their_o present_a temporal_a destruction_n 2._o not_o to_o prophecy_n or_o denounce_v a_o present_a destruction_n or_o extirpation_n of_o all_o false_a professor_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v true_a many_o sore_n and_o fearful_a plague_n be_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o roman_a pope_n yet_o not_o to_o their_o utter_a extirpation_n until_o the_o harvest_n 3._o not_o to_o pluck_v they_o up_o by_o stir_v up_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o power_n to_o punish_v and_o persecute_v all_o such_o person_n out_o of_o their_o dominion_n as_o worship_v not_o the_o true_a god_n according_a to_o his_o reveal_v will_v in_o christ_n jesus_n it_o be_v true_a elijah_n thus_o stir_v up_o ahab_n to_o kill_v all_o the_o priest_n and_o prophet_n of_o baal_n but_o that_o be_v in_o the_o figurative_a state_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n not_o to_o be_v match_v or_o paraled_a by_o any_o other_o state_n but_o the_o spiritual_a state_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o the_o world_n put_v the_o false_a prophet_n spiritual_o to_o death_n by_o the_o two-edged_a sword_n and_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o that_o church_n of_o israel_n do_v corporal_o defender_n these_o 3._o interpretation_n of_o let_v they_o alone_o be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o many_o evasion_n slippery_a evasion_n seek_v out_o by_o the_o subtle_a wit_n of_o man_n to_o wind_v out_o from_o under_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n for_o 1._o why_o shall_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n pray_v either_o to_o pluck_v they_o up_o out_o of_o their_o antichristian_a idolatrye_n or_o else_o to_o pluck_v they_o up_o as_o the_o plantation_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o plant_v he_o that_o may_v pray_v daily_o for_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n he_o may_v and_o do_v and_o aught_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o come_n down_o of_o all_o opposite_a kingdom_n the_o saint_n under_o the_o altar_n that_o pray_v against_o the_o delay_n of_o vengeance_n on_o the_o roman_a emperor_n revel_v 6.10_o may_v more_o just_o pray_v against_o the_o delay_n of_o vengeance_n on_o the_o roman_a antichrist_n what_o though_o the_o state_n of_o the_o roman_a antichristian_n be_v to_o continue_v for_o sundry_a age_n before_o their_o final_a extirpation_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v vial_n of_o god_n indignation_n to_o root_v they_o out_o by_o a_o gradual_a extirpation_n in_o sundry_a of_o their_o chief_a branch_n and_o pillar_n long_o before_o the_o extirpation_n of_o their_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o what_o though_o the_o saint_n in_o old_a babel_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o city_n as_o wherein_o themselves_o may_v find_v peace_n yet_o the_o saint_n that_o live_v not_o in_o such_o antichristian_a territorye_n they_o may_v safe_o pray_v for_o the_o hasten_v of_o the_o redemption_n of_o their_o brethren_n out_o of_o the_o antichristian_a bondage_n and_o there_o withal_o pray_v for_o the_o hasten_v of_o the_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n of_o the_o antichristian_a kingdom_n beside_o certain_a it_o be_v from_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o antichristian_a kingdom_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o root_v up_o by_o christian_a prince_n and_o state_n long_o before_o the_o great_a harvest_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o have_v be_v show_v a_o above_o and_o either_o such_o prince_n must_v perform_v this_o great_a work_n without_o prayer_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o sanctify_v to_o god_n 1_o tim._n 4.4_o 5._o or_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n sanctify_v to_o god_n they_o must_v pray_v for_o their_o desolation_n before_o they_o inflict_v it_o and_o all_o the_o seven_o angel_n who_o power_n out_o their_o vial_n on_o the_o antichristian_a state_n tend_v to_o the_o root_n of_o it_o out_o by_o degree_n they_o either_o pray_v for_o the_o success_n of_o the_o vengeance_n of_o their_o vial_n or_o else_o they_o do_v not_o pour_v they_o out_o in_o faith_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o holy_a saint_n who_o come_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n open_v in_o heaven_n and_o be_v clothe_v with_o pure_a and_o white_a linen_n and_o have_v their_o breast_n gird_v with_o golden_a girdle_n rev._n 15.6_o 2._o if_o john_n the_o apostle_n have_v prophesy_v and_o denounce_v the_o destruction_n and_o extirpation_n of_o antichristian_a idolater_n and_o their_o whole_a state_n why_o may_v not_o a_o minister_n and_o messenger_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o light_n receive_v open_v those_o prophecy_n and_o apply_v they_o with_o severe_a threaten_n against_o thme_n and_o their_o state_n yea_o but_o they_o may_v not_o apply_v or_o denounce_v they_o to_o their_o present_a destruction_n or_o extirpation_n yes_o to_o the_o present_a destruction_n of_o some_o or_o other_o antichristian_a idolater_n in_o every_o age_n though_o the_o state_n may_v continue_v waste_v till_o the_o time_n appoint_v it_o may_v as_o true_o be_v say_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v forbid_v to_o denounce_v present_a or_o speedy_a destruction_n to_o any_o murderer_n whoremonger_n tyrant_n extortioner_n because_o though_o some_o of_o they_o may_v fall_v under_o many_o sore_a and_o fearful_a plague_n yet_o there_o will_v never_o want_v a_o company_n of_o such_o wicked_a doer_n till_o the_o great_a harvest_n the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o what_o if_o a_o messenger_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o denounce_v present_a destruction_n yet_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o let_v they_o alone_o who_o be_v hew_v at_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o destruction_n many_o year_n before_o it_o be_v not_o every_o stroke_n with_o a_o axe_n that_o fall_v a_o oak_n it_o may_v be_v not_o a_o hundred_o not_o a_o thousand_o stroke_n yet_o no_o stroke_n be_v lose_v that_o make_v way_n for_o the_o fell_n of_o it_o at_o the_o last_o neither_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o let_v the_o tree_n alone_o that_o strike_v and_o hew_v at_o it_o every_o day_n so_o he_o that_o hew_v at_o the_o antichristian_a state_n every_o day_n by_o prayer_n and_o preach_v he_o do_v not_o let_v it_o alone_o though_o it_o may_v stand_v many_o a_o year_n after_o it_o will_v fall_v the_o soon_o and_o with_o more_o facility_n for_o every_o stroke_n 3._o nor_o can_v it_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o christ_n in_o command_v his_o minister_n to_o let_v the_o tare_n alone_o to_o forbid_v they_o to_o stir_v up_o prince_n and_o state_n to_o the_o root_n out_o of_o antichristian_a idolater_n and_o all_o such_o false_a worshipper_n as_o destroy_v the_o truth_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o among_o all_o the_o angel_n that_o pour_v out_o their_o vial_n upon_o the_o antichristian_a state_n it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v messenger_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o the_o ten_o king_n shall_v burn_v the_o city_n of_o rome_n and_o leave_v it_o desolate_a and_o naked_a it_o be_v not_o credible_a
have_v be_v then_o but_o on_o his_o way_n to_o ephesus_n which_o be_v a_o narrow_a point_n of_o time_n it_o be_v more_o than_o propable_a if_o timothy_n have_v be_v then_o at_o ephesus_n he_o will_v have_v say_v tychicus_n have_v i_o send_v to_o thou_o to_o ephesus_n chap._n 39_o a_o reply_n to_o his_o 39_o chap._n discusser_n but_o from_o this_o place_n in_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 2.25_o in_o particular_a i_o argue_v thus_o 1._o if_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v christian_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n able_a to_o prophesy_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n then_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o this_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o suffer_v opposition_n to_o their_o doctrine_n with_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n wait_v if_o god_n peradventure_o will_v give_v they_o repentance_n so_o also_o it_o please_v the_o answerer_n to_o acknowledge_v in_o these_o word_n it_o become_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o convert_v alien_n to_o the_o faith_n such_o as_o the_o samaritan_n and_o unconvert_v person_n whether_o in_o ephesus_n or_o crete_n with_o fire_n and_o sword_n defender_n the_o answerer_n be_v still_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n though_o he_o may_v strike_v in_o upon_o the_o advantage_n that_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v also_o a_o prophet_n he_o may_v do_v some_o thing_n as_o a_o magistrate_n which_o he_o may_v not_o do_v as_o a_o prophet_n yet_o he_o willing_o acknowledge_v that_o if_o a_o magistrate_n be_v also_o a_o prophet_n yea_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n or_o no_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o seek_v to_o subdue_v and_o convert_v alien_n to_o the_o faith_n by_o fire_n and_o sword_n discusser_n second_o if_o the_o opposition_n be_v within_o and_o the_o church-member_n become_v scandalous_a in_o doctrine_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o scandal_n in_o the_o civil_a state_n which_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n ought_v to_o punish_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n only_o as_o the_o scripture_n in_o timothy_n impli_v who_o be_v able_a to_o give_v they_o repentance_n and_o to_o recover_v they_o out_o of_o satan_n snare_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a the_o civil_a sword_n may_v make_v a_o whole_a nation_n of_o hypocrite_n as_o the_o lord_n complain_v isay_n 10._o and_o as_o befall_v our_o native_a country_n in_o a_o few_o score_n of_o year_n in_o the_o several_a reign_n of_o henry_n 7._o henry_n 8._o king_n edward_n queen_n marry_o queen_n elizabeth_n under_o who_o our_o nation_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o change_v the_o fashion_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o of_o their_o suit_n of_o apparel_n which_o have_v be_v their_o sinful_a shame_n defender_n if_o opposition_n rise_v from_o within_o from_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o seek_v to_o subdue_v and_o convert_v they_o to_o be_v of_o his_o mind_n by_o the_o civil_a sword_n but_o rather_o to_o use_v all_o spiritual_a mean_n for_o their_o conviction_n and_o conversion_n but_o if_o the_o opposition_n still_o continue_v in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o that_o against_o the_o vital_n and_o fundamental_n of_o religion_n whether_o by_o heresy_n of_o doctrine_n or_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n and_o shall_v proceed_v to_o seek_v the_o seduction_n of_o other_o i_o do_v believe_v the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o tolerate_v such_o opposion_n against_o the_o truth_n in_o church-member_n or_o in_o any_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n after_o due_a conviction_n from_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o objection_n of_o any_o weight_n that_o neither_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o his_o sword_n can_v give_v repentance_n unto_o such_o for_o neither_o can_v he_o give_v repentance_n unto_o such_o person_n as_o be_v scandalous_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n who_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o discusser_v himself_o acknowledge_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n ought_v to_o punish_v though_o the_o civil_a sword_n shall_v not_o make_v the_o opposer_n hypocrite_n yet_o better_o tolerate_v hypocrite_n and_o tare_n than_o briar_n and_o thorn_n in_o such_o case_n the_o civil_a sword_n do_v not_o so_o much_o attend_v the_o conversion_n of_o wicked_a seducer_n as_o the_o prevention_n of_o the_o seduction_n of_o honest_a mind_n by_o their_o mean_n what_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n of_o england_n have_v do_v in_o former_a or_o late_a time_n either_o by_o violent_a persecution_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o in_o preposterous_a maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o have_v cause_n rather_o to_o bewail_v it_o and_o so_o have_v the_o discusser_n too_o if_o he_o be_v a_o english_a man_n then_o to_o justify_v it_o as_o also_o bewail_v the_o like_a vanity_n just_o complain_v of_o in_o sundry_a of_o our_o english_a nation_n to_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o change_v the_o fashion_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o of_o their_o raiment_n and_o yet_o he_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v to_o himself_o sundry_a faithful_a witness_n out_o of_o that_o nation_n who_o have_v continue_v steadfast_a unto_o the_o death_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v not_o be_v carry_v away_o either_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o civil_a sword_n or_o with_o the_o deceitful_a insinuation_n of_o unstable_a but_o seduce_a teacher_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o simplicity_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o howsoever_o woeful_a and_o wonderful_a change_n have_v be_v make_v of_o religion_n in_o england_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o four_o or_o five_o prince_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o befall_v the_o church_n of_o judah_n in_o the_o day_n of_o ahaz_n and_o hezekiah_n manasseh_n and_o josiah_n yet_o the_o prophet_n never_o upbraid_v they_o with_o the_o civil_a magistrater_n power_n in_o cause_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o better_o some_o vicissitude_n in_o religion_n than_o a_o constant_a continuance_n in_o idolatry_n and_o popery_n by_o prince_n refer_v all_o cause_n of_o religion_n to_o churchman_n the_o prophecy_n of_o england_n revolt_n again_o to_o popery_n want_v scripture_n light_n chap._n 40._o a_o reply_n to_o his_o chap._n 40._o discusser_n but_o it_o have_v be_v think_v and_o say_v shall_v opposition_n against_o the_o truth_n escape_v unpunished_a will_v they_o not_o prove_v mischievous_a i_o answer_v as_o before_o concern_v the_o blind_a guide_n their_o case_n be_v incurable_a be_v rather_o to_o be_v lament_v since_o none_o but_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o meek_a and_o gentle_a dispense_v of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n can_v release_v they_o etc._n etc._n defender_n so_o it_o be_v with_o all_o scandalous_a offender_n against_o the_o civil_a state_n none_o can_v give_v they_o heal_a repentance_n but_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o dispense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o restrain_v magistrate_n from_o execute_v just_a judgement_n upon_o they_o so_o neither_o do_v it_o restrain_v they_o from_o execute_v the_o like_a just_a judgement_n against_o these_o though_o not_o to_o procure_v the_o repentance_n of_o incurable_a obstinate_a heretic_n and_o idolater_n yet_o to_o prevent_v the_o seduction_n and_o subversion_n of_o other_o what_o though_o a_o dead_a soul_n though_o change_v from_o one_o worship_n to_o another_o like_o a_o dead_a man_n shift_v into_o several_a suit_n of_o apparel_n can_v please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o and_o what_o though_o faith_n be_v that_o gift_n which_o proceed_v alone_o from_o that_o father_n of_o light_n phil._n 1.29_o yet_o better_a a_o dead_a soul_n be_v dead_a in_o body_n as_o well_o as_o in_o spirit_n then_o to_o live_v and_o be_v lively_a in_o the_o flesh_n to_o murder_v many_o precious_a soul_n by_o the_o magistrate_n indulgence_n and_o better_o he_o die_v without_o faith_n then_o to_o live_v to_o seduce_v many_o honest_a mind_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n discusser_n i_o add_v a_o civil_a sword_n harden_v the_o follower_n of_o false_a teacher_n by_o the_o suffering_n of_o their_o false_a and_o antichristian_a seducer_n and_o second_o it_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o impression_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o can_v uphold_v itself_o but_o with_o such_o instrument_n of_o violence_n and_o want_v the_o soft_a and_o gentle_a commiseration_n of_o the_o blindness_n of_o other_o defender_n a_o civil_a magistrate_n ought_v not_o to_o draw_v out_o his_o civil_a sword_n against_o any_o seducer_n whether_o heretic_n or_o idolater_n till_o he_o have_v use_v all_o good_a mean_n for_o their_o conviction_n and_o thereby_o clear_o manifest_v the_o bowel_n of_o tender_a commiseration_n and_o compassion_n towards_o they_o but_o if_o after_o their_o continuance_n in_o obstinate_a rebellion_n against_o the_o light_n he_o shall_v still_o walk_v towards_o they_o in_o soft_a and_o gentle_a commiseration_n his_o softness_n and_o gentleness_n be_v excessive_a large_a to_o fox_n and_o wolf_n but_o his_o bowel_n be_v miserable_o straighten_a and_o harden_a
be_v love_o and_o respective_o send_v for_o and_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o seek_v to_o bring_v they_o back_o again_o to_o the_o bishop_n and_o shepherd_n of_o their_o soul_n sure_o i_o be_o that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o great_a defection_n of_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n than_o mr._n williams_n imagine_v be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o salem_n paul_n do_v not_o reject_v they_o but_o profess_v i_o desire_v say_v he_o to_o be_v present_a with_o you_o now_o and_o to_o change_v my_o voice_n for_o i_o stand_v in_o doubt_n of_o you_o gal._n 4.20_o mr._n williams_n acknowledge_v in_o the_o next_o paragraph_n that_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n may_v say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o thy_o ministry_n and_o that_o archippus_n may_v negligent_o and_o proud_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o they_o but_o for_o his_o case_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o uprightness_n to_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n will_v witness_v for_o he_o when_o his_o soul_n shall_v come_v to_o hezekiahs_n case_n on_o his_o deathbed_n and_o in_o the_o great_a day_n approach_v i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o that_o archippus_n may_v as_o just_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n as_o mr._n williams_n to_o the_o church_n of_o salem_n what_o though_o colosse_n be_v more_o eminent_a in_o gift_n than_o salem_n yet_o the_o mutual_a power_n and_o subjection_n of_o pastor_n and_o people_n depend_v not_o upon_o eminency_n of_o gift_n but_o upon_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o mutual_a covenant_n and_o relation_n if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o negligent_a and_o proud_a part_n in_o archippus_n as_o mr._n williams_n confess_v to_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o lawful_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n admonish_v he_o of_o his_o slackness_n in_o his_o ministry_n i_o know_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v such_o a_o like_a part_n in_o mr._n williams_n to_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o salem_n admonish_v he_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o desert_v his_o ministry_n whether_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o a_o minister_n not_o to_o fulfil_v his_o ministry_n or_o to_o desert_n his_o ministry_n neither_o do_v i_o know_v but_o that_o archippus_n may_v have_v pretend_v the_o like_a evasion_n with_o mr._n williams_n if_o not_o fair_a for_o he_o may_v plead_v there_o be_v among_o they_o such_o as_o spoil_v they_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n col._n 2.8_o that_o beguile_v they_o also_o in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_n of_o angel_n not_o hold_v the_o head_n ver_fw-la 18_o 19_o yea_o so_o far_o that_o themselves_o come_v to_o be_v dogmatize_v with_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n ver_fw-la 20_o 21_o 22._o and_o why_o may_v not_o then_o archippus_n as_o just_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n of_o colosse_n as_o mr._n williams_n refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n of_o salem_n let_v not_o mr._n williams_n please_v himself_o in_o suit_v his_o faithfulness_n and_o uprightness_n to_o hezekiahs_n case_n hezekiah_n faithful_o and_o upright_o endeavour_v and_o through_o grace_n procure_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o apostate_n church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o father_n ahaz_n but_o mr._n williams_n in_o stead_n of_o reform_v one_o church_n renounce_v all_o for_o his_o neglect_n of_o harken_v to_o the_o second_o voice_n the_o voice_n and_o testimony_n of_o so_o many_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n he_o say_v because_o he_o true_o esteem_v the_o person_n he_o will_v not_o answer_v the_o argument_n of_o number_n and_o multitude_n against_o one_o as_o our_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o answer_v the_o popish_a universality_n that_o god_n stir_v up_o sometime_o one_o elijah_n against_o eight_o hundred_o of_o baal_n priest_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o he_o say_v that_o david_n himself_o and_o the_o prince_n of_o israel_n and_o 30000._o of_o israel_n carry_v up_o the_o ark_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hearken_v unto_o in_o their_o holy_a intention_n of_o rejoice_n and_o triumph_n when_o the_o due_a order_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v want_v to_o they_o in_o which_o case_n one_o scripture_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o mechanic_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o whole_a council_n answ_n i_o will_v not_o here_o observe_v as_o mr._n williams_n do_v in_o a_o like_a case_n in_o chap._n 38._o of_o his_o bloody_a tenent_n his_o haste_n and_o light_a attention_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o himself_o allege_v the_o text_n speak_v but_o of_o 450._o of_o baal_n priest_n 1_o king_n 18.19_o now_o for_o he_o to_o multiply_v they_o to_o 800_o be_v to_o fetch_v in_o also_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o grove_n the_o prophet_n of_o jeroboam_n calf_n who_o the_o text_n express_o distinguish_v from_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n but_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v as_o not_o material_a to_o the_o argument_n no_o more_o than_o the_o misquotation_n which_o he_o observe_v of_o titus_n for_o timothy_n we_o will_v not_o reply_v as_o the_o papist_n do_v against_o single_a witness_n let_v he_o call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n as_o eliah_n do_v and_o we_o will_v submit_v the_o testimony_n of_o many_o to_o one_o single_a witness_n no_o we_o call_v not_o for_o miracle_n at_o his_o hand_n but_o let_v he_o produce_v one_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n right_o understand_v and_o apply_v against_o the_o advice_n and_o voice_n of_o those_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o then_o though_o he_o be_v but_o one_o yea_o though_o that_o one_o be_v but_o a_o mechanic_n too_o we_o shall_v gratify_v his_o demand_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n be_v ready_a rather_o to_o hearken_v to_o he_o then_o require_v that_o he_o shall_v hearken_v to_o we_o mean_a while_n we_o answer_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 14.36_o what_o come_v the_o word_n of_o god_n out_o from_o you_o or_o come_v it_o unto_o you_o only_o it_o be_v true_a david_n and_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o 30000._o of_o israel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hearken_v unto_o nor_o follow_v in_o their_o disorderly_a carry_v of_o the_o ark_n because_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v express_a order_n to_o the_o contrary_a require_v that_o the_o kohathite_n shall_v bear_v the_o ark_n upon_o their_o shoulder_n and_o not_o touch_v it_o lest_o they_o die_v num._n 4.15_o let_v he_o show_v we_o the_o like_a order_n violate_v by_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v free_o excuse_v he_o yea_o and_o justify_v he_o in_v not_o harken_v to_o we_o nor_o follow_v of_o we_o but_o suppose_v some_o one_o prophet_n or_o brother_n of_o israel_n have_v discern_v the_o disorder_n of_o david_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o the_o 30000._o of_o israel_n and_o have_v therefore_o not_o only_o refuse_v to_o follow_v they_o but_o have_v proceed_v further_o as_o many_o of_o christ_n disciple_n do_v with_o he_o joh._n 6.66_o to_o go_v back_o from_o they_o with_o a_o utter_a apostasy_n and_o to_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o they_o no_o not_o though_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o reform_v their_o disorder_n if_o any_o be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o will_v perez_n vzzah_n have_v justify_v that_o or_o do_v that_o disorder_n of_o david_n and_o of_o that_o congregation_n of_o israel_n dischurch_n they_o all_o from_o fellowship_n with_o god_n or_o discharge_v their_o brethren_n from_o have_v any_o fellowship_n with_o they_o as_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o chap._n iii_o his_o three_o chapter_n be_v take_v up_o in_o answer_v to_o a_o phrase_n in_o my_o letter_n in_o which_o i_o have_v say_v i_o endeavour_v to_o show_v he_o the_o sandinesse_n of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o he_o have_v banish_v himself_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o this_o country_n the_o sum_n of_o his_o answer_n be_v that_o his_o ground_n be_v the_o firm_a rock_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n and_o that_o my_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v they_o sandy_a be_v but_o the_o weak_a and_o uncertain_a sand_n of_o man_n invention_n which_o shall_v therefore_o perish_v and_o burn_v like_o hay_n or_o stubble_n and_o the_o rocky_a strength_n of_o his_o ground_n shall_v appear_v in_o the_o lord_n season_n and_o that_o myself_o also_o may_v yet_o confess_v so_o much_o as_o i_o have_v since_o i_o come_v to_o new-england_n confess_v the_o sandinesse_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o many_o of_o my_o practice_n in_o old_a england_n and_o the_o rockinesse_n of_o their_o ground_n that_o witness_v against_o i_o and_o they_o for_o instance_n that_o himself_o have_v discover_v to_o i_o and_o other_o servant_n of_o god_n his_o ground_n against_o the_o use_n of_o the_o
dust_n and_o ash_n reply_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o exorbitant_a hyperbole_n to_o make_v every_o passage_n of_o spiritual_a whoredom_n a_o sin_n infinite_o transcendent_a above_o bodily_a whoredom_n for_o spiritual_a whoredom_n be_v not_o infinite_a in_o the_o act_n of_o it_o but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o infinite_a god_n against_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v and_o be_v not_o bodily_a whoredom_n infinite_a in_o that_o respect_n also_o can_v a_o man_n defile_v himself_o with_o bodily_a whoredom_n and_o not_o sin_n against_o the_o infinite_a god_n what_o say_v joseph_n gen._n 39.9_o 2._o what_o if_o spiritual_a whoredom_n though_o less_o evident_a be_v more_o sinful_a than_o bodily_a the_o nature_n of_o true_a evangelicall_n repentance_n stand_v not_o in_o see_v and_o bewail_v every_o sin_n no_o nor_o always_o of_o the_o great_a but_o of_o those_o which_o be_v most_o evident_a and_o notorious_a a_o christian_a man_n may_v more_o safe_o omit_v repentance_n of_o great_a sin_n if_o unknown_a then_o of_o less_o sin_n know_v i_o suppose_v the_o israelite_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n in_o the_o day_n of_o samuel_n yet_o their_o repentance_n be_v chief_o fasten_v upon_o their_o ask_n of_o a_o king_n of_o which_o they_o be_v then_o principal_o convince_v 1_o sam._n 12.19_o and_o such_o repentance_n be_v then_o accept_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o samuel_n ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o the_o very_a truth_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o root_n of_o the_o examiner_n error_n in_o this_o case_n be_v that_o he_o make_v church-covenant_n to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n whereas_o indeed_o if_o church-covenant_n be_v not_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o christ_n in_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n all_o sin_n must_v be_v avoid_v or_o if_o not_o avoid_v yet_o repent_v of_o express_o and_o the_o great_a sin_n most_o but_o in_o evangelicall_n repentance_n god_n deal_v not_o with_o we_o after_o our_o sin_n nor_o reward_v we_o according_a to_o our_o iniquity_n psal_n 103.10_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o give_v either_o to_o his_o church_n or_o to_o any_o christian_a upon_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o repentance_n nor_o upon_o our_o repentance_n of_o our_o great_a sin_n in_o the_o great_a measure_n but_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v true_o humble_v for_o any_o know_a sin_n as_o sin_n though_o the_o sin_n know_v be_v often_o less_o heinous_a than_o other_o unknown_a yet_o god_n accept_v his_o own_o work_n and_o put_v away_o all_o sin_n in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o one_o yea_o in_o sin_n that_o be_v know_v the_o compunction_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v sometime_o more_o express_v for_o the_o occasion_n and_o inducement_n of_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v less_o heinous_a then_o for_o the_o great_a sin_n which_o be_v more_o grievous_a and_o dangerous_a solomon_n in_o his_o solemn_a repentance_n in_o the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n do_v more_o express_o bewail_v his_o entanglement_n with_o lewd_a woman_n eccles_n 7.27_o 28._o then_o all_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n and_o worship_n which_o be_v erect_v and_o maintain_v at_o his_o charge_n by_o the_o examiner_n doctrine_n solomon_n have_v never_o be_v receive_v and_o restore_v to_o the_o church_n upon_o that_o repentance_n his_o second_o answer_n be_v that_o though_o the_o convert_a jew_n do_v not_o see_v all_o the_o leavening_n of_o the_o pharisee_n yet_o they_o mourn_v for_o kill_v of_o christ_n and_o embrace_v he_o in_o his_o worship_n ministry_n government_n etc._n etc._n and_o thereupon_o necessary_o follow_v a_o withdraw_a from_o the_o church_n ministry_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o false_a christ_n etc._n etc._n reply_n this_o answer_n do_v not_o reach_v the_o defence_n of_o his_o cause_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a unto_o church-fellowship_n to_o see_v and_o bewail_v not_o only_o actual_a whoredom_n but_o also_o whorish_a speech_n gesture_n appearance_n provocation_n yet_o here_o he_o grant_v that_o the_o convert_a jew_n do_v not_o see_v all_o the_o leavening_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o yet_o be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o end_n of_o that_o paragraph_n he_o impli_v they_o have_v detain_v they_o under_o a_o false_a christ_n but_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o they_o by_o embrace_v christ_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o ministry_n there_o necessary_o follow_v a_o withdraw_n from_o the_o church_n ministry_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o false_a christ_n it_o may_v true_o be_v reply_v 1._o that_o he_o will_v not_o grant_v we_o that_o liberty_n that_o upon_o our_o embrace_v of_o christ_n in_o his_o worship_n &_o ministry_n there_o necessary_o follow_v our_o withdraw_n from_o the_o church_n ministry_n and_o worship_n wherein_o we_o have_v be_v former_o pollute_v in_o any_o sort_n be_v not_o this_o to_o detain_v the_o glorious_a truth_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n 2._o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o story_n that_o some_o of_o those_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o have_v be_v leaven_v by_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v neither_o see_v nor_o bewail_v nor_o do_v come_v off_o from_o fellowship_n with_o the_o pharisee_n in_o their_o ministry_n and_o false_a doctrine_n which_o teach_v the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o moses_n to_o justification_n and_o salvation_n act_v 15.1.5_o as_o for_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o disciple_n unto_o john_n baptist_n mat._n 3._o and_o by_o the_o gentile_n unto_o paul_n act._n 19_o though_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o the_o one_o sort_n confess_v their_o pharisaical_a pollution_n nor_o the_o other_o all_o their_o deed_n yet_o say_v he_o if_o both_o these_o confess_v their_o notorious_a sin_n as_o mr._n cotton_n confess_v why_o not_o as_o well_o their_o notorious_a sin_n against_o god_n their_o idolatry_n superstition_n worship_n &_o c_o sure_o throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n be_v first_o and_o most_o tender_o handle_v etc._n etc._n answ_n it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o defect_n there_o be_v always_o most_o tender_o acknowledge_v throughout_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n solomon_n in_o his_o repentance_n be_v most_o spare_a of_o confession_n of_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o people_n in_o samuel_n do_v more_o repent_v of_o ask_v a_o king_n then_o of_o all_o their_o other_o sin_n and_o yet_o their_o idolatry_n be_v then_o flagrant_a 1_o sam._n 12_o 9_o 10_o 11._o beside_o we_o never_o read_v of_o such_o deep_a humiliation_n of_o david_n for_o cart_v the_o ark_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o philistines_n as_o of_o his_o bodily_a adultery_n with_o bathshebah_n and_o murder_n of_o vriah_n the_o substance_n of_o my_o other_o answer_n to_o his_o former_a objection_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v a_o necessity_n lie_v upon_o godly_a man_n to_o see_v and_o bewail_v their_o pollution_n in_o a_o former_a church-fellowship_n before_o they_o can_v be_v fit_a matter_n for_o a_o new_a it_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o have_v not_o be_v want_v through_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n to_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o plead_v for_o so_o far_o as_o god_n have_v call_v we_o to_o it_o the_o which_o i_o express_v in_o my_o letter_n in_o two_o particular_n 1._o that_o the_o body_n of_o our_o member_n do_v in_o general_n profess_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o come_n over_o to_o we_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v free_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o ordinance_n under_o which_o as_o their_o soul_n groan_v there_o so_o they_o have_v profess_v their_o sorrow_n so_o far_o as_o through_o ignorance_n or_o infirmity_n they_o have_v be_v defile_v there_o 2._o that_o in_o our_o daily_a meeting_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o solemn_a humiliation_n we_o do_v general_o all_o of_o we_o bewail_v all_o our_o former_a pollutious_a wherewith_o we_o have_v defile_v ourselves_o and_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o our_o former_a administration_n and_o communion_n the_o which_o we_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o do_v then_o to_o talk_v of_o and_o therefore_o do_v marvel_n that_o he_o shall_v so_o resolute_o renounce_v we_o for_o that_o which_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o we_o have_v neglect_v or_o no_o and_o before_o he_o have_v admonish_v we_o of_o our_o sinfulness_n in_o such_o neglect_n if_o it_o have_v be_v find_v among_o we_o whereto_o his_o answer_n be_v that_o we_o make_v no_o mention_n what_o such_o invention_n and_o ordinance_n what_o such_o administration_n and_o communion_n be_v which_o we_o confess_v and_o bewail_v reply_n and_o yet_o lest_o he_o shall_v
heart_n be_v not_o forestall_v with_o prejudice_n or_o partiality_n judge_v whether_o his_o reason_n allege_v to_o convince_v we_o of_o such_o a_o sin_n the_o strong_a whereof_o be_v answer_v in_o my_o letter_n to_o he_o and_o have_v be_v again_o refute_v in_o this_o reply_n have_v be_v of_o such_o convince_a power_n as_o that_o we_o for_o not_o harken_v to_o he_o must_v needs_o lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o ulcer_n or_o gangrene_n of_o obstinacy_n and_o that_o after_o conviction_n i_o may_v therefore_o well_o call_v it_o not_o chirurgery_n but_o butchery_n to_o cut_v off_o not_o only_o so_o many_o member_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o so_o many_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n before_o any_o ulcer_n or_o gangrene_n of_o obstinacy_n be_v discover_v to_o we_o nay_o i_o fear_v i_o may_v speak_v a_o further_a word_n and_o yet_o i_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o speak_v any_o doubtful_a thing_n but_o sure_o my_o memory_n much_o fail_v i_o or_o else_o he_o break_v forth_o into_o this_o separation_n before_o he_o give_v we_o any_o ground_n of_o his_o separation_n at_o all_o or_o of_o our_o conviction_n of_o any_o such_o sin_n as_o may_v deserve_v such_o a_o censure_n and_o whether_o that_o be_v butchery_n or_o chirurgery_n let_v the_o upright_a judge_n but_o say_v he_o if_o it_o be_v butchery_n to_o separate_v conscientious_o and_o peaceable_o from_o the_o spiritual_a communion_n of_o a_o church_n or_o saint_n what_o shall_v it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o cut_v off_o person_n they_o and_o they_o branch_n and_o root_n from_o any_o civil_a be_v in_o their_o territory_n etc._n etc._n because_o their_o conscience_n dare_v not_o how_o domne_v to_o any_o worship_n but_o what_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v appoint_v and_o be_v also_o otherwise_o subject_a to_o the_o civil_a estate_n and_o law_n thereof_o here_o be_v many_o extenuation_n and_o mincing_n of_o his_o own_o carriage_n and_o as_o many_o false_a aggravation_n of_o gild_n upon_o his_o sentence_n of_o banishment_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o as_o 1._o in_o that_o he_o be_v cut_v off_o he_o and_o he_o branch_n and_o root_n from_o any_o civil_a be_v in_o these_o territory_n because_o their_o conscience_n dare_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o any_o worship_n but_o what_o they_o believe_v the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v whereas_o the_o truth_n be_v his_o banishment_n proceed_v not_o against_o he_o or_o he_o for_o his_o own_o refusal_n of_o any_o worship_n but_o for_o seditious_a opposition_n against_o the_o patent_n and_o against_o the_o oath_n of_o fidelity_n offer_v to_o the_o people_n 2._o that_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o civil_a estate_n and_o law_n thereof_o when_o yet_o he_o vehement_o oppose_v the_o civil_a foundation_n of_o the_o civil_a estate_n which_o be_v the_o patent_n and_o earnest_o also_o oppose_v the_o law_n of_o the_o general_a court_n by_o which_o the_o tender_a of_o that_o oath_n be_v enjoin_v and_o also_o write_v letter_n of_o admonition_n to_o all_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o magistrate_n be_v member_n for_o defer_v to_o give_v present_a answer_n to_o a_o petition_n of_o salem_n who_o have_v refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o a_o lawful_a motion_n of_o they_o 3._o that_o he_o do_v but_o separate_v from_o the_o spiritual_a society_n of_o a_o church_n or_o saint_n whereas_o he_o both_o draw_v away_o many_o other_o also_o and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lay_v separated_z all_o the_o church_n from_o christ_n 4._o in_o that_o he_o make_v the_o cut_n off_o of_o person_n they_o and_o they_o branch_n and_o rush_n from_o civil_a territory_n a_o far_o more_o heinous_a and_o odious_a offence_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n than_o himself_o to_o cut_v off_o not_o only_a himself_o and_o he_o branch_n and_o rush_n but_o many_o of_o his_o neighbour_n by_o sedition_n from_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o church_n from_o communion_n with_o christ_n as_o if_o the_o cut_n off_o person_n they_o and_o they_o branch_n and_o rush_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o spiritual_a ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o account_n in_o respect_n of_o cut_v off_o from_o civil_a liberty_n in_o the_o territory_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n 5._o in_o that_o what_o himself_o do_v he_o predicate_v as_o do_v conscientious_o and_o peaceable_o as_o if_o what_o the_o court_n have_v do_v against_o he_o they_o have_v not_o do_v conscientious_o also_o and_o with_o regard_n to_o public_a peace_n which_o they_o see_v he_o disturb_v and_o stand_v stiff_o in_o his_o own_o course_n though_o he_o be_v open_o convince_v in_o open_a court_n as_o i_o show_v before_o that_o he_o can_v not_o maintain_v his_o way_n but_o by_o sin_v against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n as_o for_o his_o marginal_a note_n wherein_o he_o charge_v mr._n cotton_n to_o be_v deep_o guilty_a of_o cruelty_n both_o against_o conscience_n and_o body_n in_o persecute_v of_o they_o i_o will_v only_o answer_v thus_o much_o partly_o from_o david_n partly_o from_o job_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v stir_v he_o up_o thus_o to_o reproach_v i_o as_o shimei_n do_v he_o i_o hope_v the_o lord_n will_v look_v upon_o my_o affliction_n and_o requite_v i_o good_a for_o all_o his_o slander_n this_o day_n or_o this_o year_n 2_o sam._n 16_o 12._o but_o if_o he_o himself_o who_o without_o cause_n be_v my_o adversary_n have_v whet_v his_o tongue_n like_o a_o sword_n and_o his_o bow_n to_o shoot_v out_o his_o arrow_n even_o bitter_a word_n psal_n 64.3_o as_o he_o frequent_o do_v in_o his_o book_n sure_o i_o shall_v take_v his_o book_n upon_o my_o shoulder_n and_o bound_v it_o as_o a_o crown_n to_o i_o job_n 31.36_o to_o chap._n xxiii_o his_o 23._o chapter_n examine_v a_o speech_n of_o i_o which_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o separation_n as_o the_o reproach_n against_o salem_n have_v do_v before_o my_o speech_n be_v that_o god_n have_v not_o prosper_v the_o way_n of_o separation_n which_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v mistake_v i_o interpret_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o outward_a prosperity_n for_o they_o find_v more_o favour_n in_o our_o native_a country_n than_o those_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v common_o reproach_v by_o the_o name_n of_o puritanisme_n the_o meeting_n of_o the_o separatist_n may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o officer_n in_o the_o court_n and_o wink_v at_o when_o the_o conventicle_n of_o the_o puritan_n as_o they_o call_v they_o be_v hunt_v out_o with_o all_o diligence_n and_o pursue_v with_o more_o violence_n than_o any_o law_n can_v justify_v but_o i_o say_v that_o god_n have_v not_o prosper_v the_o way_n of_o separation_n in_o that_o he_o have_v not_o bless_v it_o either_o with_o peace_n among_o themselves_o or_o with_o growth_n of_o grace_n such_o as_o err_v through_o simplicity_n and_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n have_v grow_v in_o grace_n have_v grow_v also_o to_o discern_v their_o lawful_a liberty_n to_o return_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n from_o english_a preacher_n to_o give_v answer_n to_o this_o the_o examiner_n bestow_v many_o chapter_n his_o first_o answer_n be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o unworthy_a to_o be_v attend_v to_o by_o all_o who_o it_o concern_v that_o doubtless_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o great_a controversy_n with_o the_o land_n for_o their_o such_o violent_a pursuit_n and_o persecution_n of_o both_o for_o both_o of_o they_o have_v bear_v witness_n to_o several_a truth_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n albeit_o i_o deny_v not_o the_o one_o party_n may_v have_v bear_v witness_n to_o more_o point_n of_o truth_n the_o other_o may_v have_v bear_v witness_n to_o few_o and_o so_o have_v less_o exceed_v bound_n of_o truth_n to_o make_v the_o english_a church_n and_o their_o ministery_n and_o their_o worship_n and_o their_o professor_n either_o nullity_n or_o antichristian_a be_v a_o witness_n not_o only_o beyond_o the_o truth_n but_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o word_n of_o truth_n but_o for_o their_o suffering_n the_o puritan_n say_v he_o have_v not_o suffer_v comparative_o to_o the_o other_o as_o but_o seldom_o congregate_a in_o separate_a assembly_n from_o the_o common_a and_o none_o of_o they_o suffer_v unto_o death_n for_o the_o way_n of_o non-conformitie_n indeed_o say_v he_o the_o worthy_a witness_n mr._n udall_n be_v near_o unto_o death_n for_o his_o witness_n against_o bishop_n and_o ceremony_n but_o mr._n penry_n mr._n barrow_n mr._n greenwood_n follow_v the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o their_o gibbet_n and_o be_v hang_v with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o separation_n many_o more_o have_v be_v condemn_v in_o dye_n banish_v and_o choke_v in_o prisan_n who_o i_o can_v produce_v upon_o occasion_n reply_n paul_n account_v
to_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n second_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o use_v the_o arm_n of_o secular_a power_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o spiritual_a weapon_n whereby_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v exhort_v and_o compel_v but_o this_o say_v he_o hinder_v not_o that_o christian_n sin_v against_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o conscience_n may_v just_o be_v censure_v of_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n and_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n also_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v corrupt_v other_o to_o the_o perdition_n of_o their_o soul_n this_o joint-confession_n of_o the_o answerer_n with_o luther_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n extend_v no_o further_a than_o over_o the_o body_n and_o good_n of_o their_o subject_n not_o over_o their_o soul_n who_o see_v not_o that_o hereby_o be_v give_v a_o clear_a testimony_n that_o either_o the_o spiritual_a and_o church_n estate_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n baptism_n ministry_n government_n thereof_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a body_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n that_o be_v to_o the_o body_n and_o good_n of_o man_n which_o seem_v monstrous_a to_o imagine_v or_o else_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n can_v without_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o his_o office_n meddle_v with_o those_o spiritual_a affair_n defender_n a_o man_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o open_v his_o eye_n may_v easy_o see_v that_o though_o the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n do_v extend_v no_o further_o then_o over_o the_o body_n and_o good_n of_o his_o subject_n yet_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o improve_v that_o power_n over_o their_o body_n and_o good_n to_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n yea_o and_o by_o promote_a the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n he_o may_v much_o advance_v the_o good_a of_o their_o outward_a man_n also_o the_o body_n and_o good_n and_o outward_a estate_n of_o man_n may_v expect_v a_o blessing_n when_o their_o soul_n prosper_v though_o god_n may_v keep_v his_o saint_n low_a in_o outward_a estate_n that_o grow_v fast_o in_o godliness_n yet_o sure_a godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o a_o better_a 1_o tim._n 4.8_o and_o such_o as_o first_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n may_v expect_v all_o these_o outward_a thing_n to_o be_v cast_v in_o upon_o they_o if_o it_o seem_v a_o monstrous_a thing_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o discusser_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o well-ordering_a of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n therein_o shall_v concern_v the_o civil_a good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o may_v well_o seem_v monstrous_a to_o he_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o flourish_a of_o religion_n be_v the_o flourish_a of_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o the_o decay_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o decay_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n but_o such_o virgin_n soul_n as_o follow_v the_o lamb_n wheresoever_o he_o go_v rev._n 14.4_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o go_v to_o live_v in_o such_o a_o commonwealth_n to_o who_o it_o shall_v seem_v monstrous_a that_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n shall_v belong_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n need_v not_o to_o fear_v that_o he_o shall_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o his_o office_n if_o he_o shall_v meddle_v with_o the_o spiritual_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n in_o god_n way_n it_o be_v true_a if_o he_o shall_v meddle_v with_o the_o execution_n of_o a_o minister_n office_n as_o vzziah_n do_v or_o if_o he_o shall_v set_v up_o humane_a invention_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n government_n in_o stead_n of_o christ_n institution_n as_o david_n bring_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n upon_o ox_n instead_o of_o the_o shoulder_n of_o the_o levite_n or_o if_o he_o shall_v thrust_v in_o jeroboam_n priest_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o cast_v out_o faithful_a minister_n or_o if_o he_o shall_v make_v law_n to_o bind_v conscience_n in_o all_o these_o or_o any_o such_o like_a he_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o his_o office_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v diligent_o seek_v after_o the_o lord_n and_o read_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n deut._n 17.19_o that_o he_o may_v both_o live_v as_o a_o christian_a and_o rule_v as_o a_o christian_a if_o he_o shall_v seek_v to_o establish_v and_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n more_o than_o his_o own_o if_o he_o shall_v encourage_v the_o good_a in_o a_o christian_a course_n and_o discourage_v such_o as_o have_v evil_a will_n to_o zion_n and_o punish_v none_o for_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o such_o as_o subvert_v the_o principle_n of_o save_a truth_n which_o no_o good_a christian_n much_o less_o good_a magistrate_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o at_o least_o such_o as_o disturb_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o turbulent_a way_n very_o the_o lord_n will_v build_v up_o and_o establish_v the_o house_n and_o kingdom_n of_o such_o prince_n as_o do_v thus_o build_v up_o he_o discusser_n again_o necessary_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o these_o two_o be_v contradictory_n to_o themselves_o which_o yet_o both_o of_o they_o be_v mr._n cotton_v position_n the_o magistrate_n power_n extend_v no_o further_a than_o to_o the_o body_n and_o good_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o yet_o the_o magistrate_n must_v punish_v christian_n for_o sin_v against_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o conscience_n and_o for_o corrupt_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n defender_n if_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v a_o part_n and_o a_o great_a part_n a_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o good_a of_o christian_n than_o these_o two_o be_v so_o far_o from_o contradict_v one_o another_o that_o they_o establish_v one_o another_o for_o if_o a_o magistrate_n power_n extend_v to_o the_o preserve_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o impeacher_n or_o purloyner_n thereof_o then_o he_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o duty_n if_o he_o suffer_v their_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n to_o be_v corrupt_v or_o despoil_v without_o revenge_n again_o this_o i_o say_v further_o which_o also_o will_v easy_o avoid_v appearance_n of_o contradiction_n suppose_v by_o good_n be_v mean_v only_o outward_a good_n and_o that_o the_o magistrate_n power_n extend_v no_o further_o than_o the_o body_n and_o good_n of_o the_o subject_n yet_o though_o he_o have_v no_o power_n over_o faith_n and_o conscience_n he_o have_v nevertheless_o lawful_a power_n to_o punish_v such_o evil_a doer_n in_o their_o body_n and_o good_n as_o do_v seduce_v his_o people_n to_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o in_o seek_v god_n kingdom_n and_o righteousness_n man_n prosper_v in_o their_o outward_a estate_n matth._n 6.33_o otherways_o they_o decay_n beside_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o this_o proposition_n be_v any_o of_o i_o which_o yet_o the_o discusser_n fasten_v upon_o i_o that_o the_o magistrate_n power_n extend_v no_o further_a than_o the_o body_n and_o good_n of_o his_o subject_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o right_o understand_v but_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o somewhat_o too_o loose_a and_o confuse_a for_o i_o to_o own_o it_o as_o my_o own_o for_o the_o magistrate_n power_n may_v be_v say_v to_o extend_v no_o further_o than_o the_o body_n and_o good_n of_o his_o subject_n either_o as_o the_o subject_a of_o his_o power_n or_o as_o the_o end_n of_o his_o power_n if_o good_n be_v mean_v outward_a good_n and_o the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v say_v to_o extend_v no_o further_o then_o to_o the_o body_n and_o good_n of_o his_o subject_n as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o his_o power_n the_o position_n be_v true_a but_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o end_n of_o his_o power_n as_o if_o a_o magistrate_n power_n reach_v no_o further_o then_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o body_n and_o outward_a good_n it_o be_v false_a for_o the_o adequate_a end_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d benè_fw-la administrare_fw-la rempublicam_fw-la well_o to_o govern_v the_o commonwealth_n now_o can_v it_o be_v well_o with_o a_o commonwealth_n that_o live_v in_o bodily_a health_n and_o worldly_a wealth_n but_o yet_o without_o church_n without_o christ_n without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o though_o god_n for_o a_o time_n may_v preserve_v a_o civil_a state_n in_o health_n and_o wealth_n through_o his_o patience_n and_o bounty_n especial_o till_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v offer_v to_o they_o yet_o after_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v offer_v they_o can_v long_o expect_v bodily_a health_n or_o wealth_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o they_o if_o they_o neglect_v or_o despise_v or_o depart_v from_o so_o great_a salvation_n witness_v the_o roman_a empire_n which_o though_o it_o
against_o my_o person_n which_o may_v weaken_v the_o fruit_n of_o my_o counsel_n to_o he_o i_o tell_v he_o i_o have_v not_o haste_v forward_o the_o sentence_n of_o his_o civil_a banishment_n and_o that_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o that_o kind_n be_v neither_o do_v by_o my_o counsel_n nor_o consent_n whereto_o he_o answer_v first_o that_o he_o observe_v i_o can_v but_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o any_o man_n to_o do_v good_a or_o to_o speak_v effectual_o to_o the_o soul_n or_o conscience_n of_o any_o who_o body_n he_o afflict_v and_o persecute_v and_o that_o only_a for_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n sake_n reply_n all_o that_o can_v true_o be_v observe_v from_o my_o word_n be_v that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o any_o to_o take_v good_a from_o those_o against_o who_o they_o have_v conceive_v a_o prejudice_n whether_o just_o or_o unjust_o but_o when_o he_o subjoin_v a_o serpentine_a that_o be_v a_o subtle_a and_o venomous_a insinuation_n as_o if_o i_o have_v afflict_v and_o persecute_v his_o body_n and_o that_o only_a for_o his_o soul_n and_o conscience_n sake_n answ_n i_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o afflict_v or_o persecute_v his_o body_n especial_o for_o his_o soul_n or_o conscience_n sake_n that_o in_o very_a truth_n while_o i_o have_v any_o hope_n of_o prevail_v for_o he_o i_o may_v say_v as_o david_n say_v for_o himself_o against_o a_o like_a slander_n psal_n 7.3_o 4._o i_o have_v seek_v to_o deliver_v he_o who_o without_o cause_n reproach_v i_o let_v not_o mr._n williams_n please_v himself_o as_o he_o do_v in_o this_o paragraph_n in_o compare_v the_o deal_n of_o the_o elder_n with_o he_o here_o to_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o bishop_n against_o the_o godly_a preacher_n in_o england_n if_o the_o bishop_n have_v deal_v no_o worse_o with_o the_o godly_a preacher_n there_o and_o upon_o no_o more_o unjust_a cause_n than_o the_o elder_n deal_v with_o he_o here_o they_o may_v with_o good_a conscience_n and_o good_a countenance_n have_v look_v with_o comfort_n and_o confidence_n both_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o face_n even_o now_o when_o god_n have_v lay_v their_o carnal_a pomp_n and_o worldly_a honour_n in_o the_o dust_n neither_o let_v he_o please_v himself_o as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o next_o paragraph_n in_o his_o undoubted_a assertion_n that_o what_o mr._n cotton_n and_o other_o do_v in_o procure_v his_o sorrow_n be_v not_o without_o some_o regret_n and_o reluctancy_n of_o conscience_n and_o affection_n as_o david_n in_o procure_v uriah_n death_n or_o asa_n in_o imprison_v the_o prophet_n for_o neither_o be_v he_o so_o innocent_a as_o be_v vriah_n and_o that_o prophet_n nor_o have_v myself_o the_o like_a hand_n in_o his_o suffering_n as_o david_n and_o asa_n have_v in_o the_o other_o nor_o do_v i_o ever_o see_v cause_n of_o regret_n and_o reluctancy_n of_o conscience_n for_o any_o act_n of_o my_o own_o about_o his_o suffering_n only_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v as_o he_o say_v some_o regret_n and_o reluctancy_n of_o affection_n and_o of_o compassion_n to_o see_v one_o who_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n stir_v and_o useful_a gift_n to_o bestir_v himself_o so_o busy_o and_o eager_o to_o abuse_v they_o to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o himself_o his_o family_n the_o church_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n that_o i_o consent_v not_o to_o his_o banishment_n he_o in_o part_n admit_v for_o what_o need_n be_v there_o say_v he_o of_o that_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o civil_a court_n as_o if_o i_o may_v not_o have_v consent_v to_o it_o though_o i_o need_v not_o to_o have_v do_v it_o i_o may_v have_v draw_v up_o article_n against_o he_o i_o may_v have_v come_v in_o as_o a_o witness_n against_o he_o i_o may_v have_v solicit_v and_o stir_v up_o the_o body_n of_o the_o magistrate_n against_o he_o to_o rid_v the_o country_n of_o he_o and_o then_o i_o have_v consent_v beforehand_o to_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o that_o kind_n though_o myself_o have_v be_v none_o of_o the_o court_n but_o none_o of_o all_o these_o act_n nor_o any_o such_o like_a be_v do_v by_o i_o but_o be_v it_o that_o i_o consent_v not_o yet_o i_o counsel_v it_o and_o so_o consent_v and_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o say_v he_o will_v produce_v a_o double_a and_o unanswerable_a testimony_n for_o it_o first_o that_o i_o public_o teach_v and_o still_o do_v teach_v except_o late_o christ_n have_v teach_v i_o better_o that_o body-killing_a soul-killing_a and_o state-killing_a doctrine_n of_o persecute_v all_o other_o conscience_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n but_o my_o own_o in_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o the_o power_n or_o empire_n thereof_o be_v in_o my_o hand_n reply_n be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o when_o man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v deliver_v up_o unto_o satan_n and_o so_o neither_o their_o wit_n nor_o their_o tongue_n be_v their_o own_o i_o can_v not_o easy_o have_v believe_v that_o mr._n williams_n can_v so_o confident_o and_o open_o have_v avouch_v such_o a_o notorious_a slander_n since_o the_o lord_n teach_v i_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n what_o conscience_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n mean_v it_o have_v be_v my_o constant_a judgement_n and_o doctrine_n and_o practice_v to_o the_o contrary_n beside_o to_o teach_v the_o kill_n of_o the_o body_n of_o all_o such_o conscience_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v not_o my_o own_o be_v to_o make_v my_o own_o conscience_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n the_o infallible_a rule_n and_o sovereign_a standard_n by_o which_o all_o conscience_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v yea_o and_o as_o if_o this_o be_v a_o light_a measure_n of_o arrogancy_n and_o usurpation_n i_o make_v it_o a_o capital_a crime_n a_o body-killing_a offence_n for_o any_o man_n to_o swerve_v from_o my_o conscience_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n even_o in_o such_o point_n wherein_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v give_v express_a charge_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o judge_v nor_o condemn_v one_o another_o rom._n 14.3_o but_o i_o dare_v appeal_v even_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o mr._n williams_n himself_o if_o it_o be_v now_o in_o the_o gracious_a keep_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o himself_o as_o in_o former_a time_n that_o himself_o know_v i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o excommunicate_v a_o heretic_n much_o less_o to_o persecute_v he_o with_o the_o civil_a sword_n till_o it_o may_v appear_v even_o by_o just_a and_o full_a conviction_n that_o he_o sin_v not_o out_o of_o conscience_n but_o against_o the_o very_a light_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n sure_o i_o be_o such_o a_o point_n he_o report_v be_v receive_v from_o i_o to_o the_o very_a same_o purpose_n and_o he_o report_v it_o true_o in_o his_o bloody_a tenent_n pag._n 8._o this_o answer_n may_v suffice_v to_o his_o first_o as_o he_o call_v it_o unanswerable_a testimony_n his_o second_o unanswerable_a testimony_n be_v that_o some_o gentleman_n that_o do_v consent_n to_o his_o sentence_n have_v solemn_o testify_v and_o with_o tear_n since_o confess_v to_o himself_o that_o they_o can_v not_o in_o their_o soul_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o have_v consent_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o his_o banishment_n have_v not_o mr._n cotton_n in_o private_a give_v they_o advice_n and_o counsel_n prove_v it_o just_a and_o warrantable_a to_o their_o conscience_n reply_n i_o may_v here_o just_o plead_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o roman_a custom_n to_o excuse_v myself_o from_o this_o accusation_n until_o the_o accuser_n come_v before_o i_o face_n to_o face_n and_o true_o if_o apocryphal_a witness_n may_v go_v for_o unanswerable_a testimony_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o oppress_v any_o innocency_n i_o may_v also_o plead_v the_o incompetency_n of_o such_o a_o witness_n as_o haply_o lie_v under_o some_o censure_n from_o our_o church_n and_o remove_v himself_o from_o our_o fellowship_n may_v take_v more_o liberty_n to_o speak_v against_o i_o in_o a_o pang_n of_o passion_n what_o he_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o justify_v in_o cold_a blood_n i_o may_v likewise_o allege_v that_o one_o or_o two_o magistrate_n make_v not_o a_o court_n nor_o be_v his_o sentence_n cast_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o one_o or_o two_o so_o that_o if_o i_o have_v counsel_v one_o or_o two_o to_o it_o it_o will_v not_o argue_v that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o of_o the_o deputy_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o the_o court_n have_v be_v do_v by_o my_o counsel_n or_o consent_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o very_a true_a meaning_n of_o my_o speech_n that_o for_o the_o hasten_v of_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o court_n against_o mr._n williams_n that_o act_n of_o the_o
i_o to_o despise_v his_o afflict_a condition_n but_o the_o true_a merciful_a cordial_a to_o his_o afflict_a estate_n will_v be_v to_o persuade_v he_o that_o he_o be_v out_o of_o his_o way_n and_o still_o bless_v himself_o though_o god_n both_o across_o his_o estate_n and_o blast_v his_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o for_o my_o be_v at_o ease_n as_o he_o call_v it_o have_v he_o be_v a_o little_a long_o acquaint_v with_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o a_o minister_n office_n he_o will_v not_o judge_v it_o such_o a_o state_n of_o ease_n if_o i_o dare_v allow_v myself_o to_o seek_v and_o take_v my_o ease_n i_o shall_v soon_o choose_v a_o private_a solitary_a condition_n in_o his_o wilderness_n than_o all_o the_o throng_n of_o employment_n in_o this_o numerous_a society_n to_o chap._n viii_o in_o his_o 8_o chapter_n mr._n williams_n rehearse_v and_o examine_v those_o word_n of_o my_o letter_n wherein_o to_o help_v he_o to_o a_o serious_a sight_n of_o his_o sin_n i_o say_v that_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o fight_v against_o his_o corrupt_a way_n with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n in_o the_o mouth_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o brethren_n against_o who_o when_o mr._n williams_n overheat_v himself_o in_o reason_v and_o dispute_v against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o truth_n it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o stop_v his_o mouth_n by_o a_o sudden_a disease_n and_o to_o threaten_v to_o take_v his_o breath_n from_o he_o but_o he_o in_o stead_n of_o recoil_v as_o even_o balaam_n offer_v to_o do_v in_o the_o like_a case_n choose_v rather_o to_o persist_v in_o his_o way_n and_o to_o protest_v against_o all_o the_o church_n and_o brethren_n that_o stand_v in_o his_o way_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o line_n the_o examiner_n tell_v we_o a_o humble_a and_o discern_a spirit_n may_v espy_v first_o a_o glorious_a justification_n and_o boast_v of_o myself_o and_o other_o concur_v with_o i_o second_o a_o unrighteous_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o the_o afflict_a reply_n whether_o be_v it_o a_o more_o glorious_a boast_n to_o challenge_v to_o a_o man_n self_n a_o humble_a and_o discern_a spirit_n as_o the_o examiner_n do_v here_o and_o elsewhere_o in_o this_o treatise_n or_o to_o ascribe_v the_o glory_n to_o christ_n in_o fight_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n in_o the_o testimony_n and_o labour_n of_o the_o church_n and_o brethren_n against_o his_o corrupt_a way_n sure_o when_o our_o glory_v be_v not_o in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n we_o be_v allow_v so_o to_o do_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n isa_n 45.25_o in_o the_o lord_n shall_v all_o the_o seed_n of_o israel_n be_v justify_v and_o shall_v glory_v object_n but_o be_v it_o not_o a_o glorious_a boast_n of_o ourselves_o when_o as_o we_o make_v the_o sword_n in_o our_o mouth_n and_o testimony_n to_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n when_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n put_v the_o sword_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o such_o witness_n as_o himself_o and_o some_o other_o who_o in_o meekness_n and_o patience_n testify_v the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n against_o antichrist_n and_o against_o all_o false_a calling_n of_o minister_n and_o whether_o be_v mr._n cotton_n swim_v with_o the_o stream_n of_o outward_a credit_n and_o profit_n and_o smite_v with_o the_o fist_n and_o sword_n of_o persecution_n or_o himself_o and_o such_o other_o the_o witness_n of_o christ_n most_o like_a unto_o balaam_n reply_n 1._o the_o quickness_n of_o the_o examiner_n wit_n over-runneth_a his_o judgement_n for_o i_o do_v not_o compare_v he_o to_o balaam_n as_o like_v much_o less_o as_o most_o like_a but_o as_o unlike_a for_o that_o which_o balaam_n will_v have_v do_v i_o say_v he_o will_v not_o do_v 2._o let_v the_o light_n of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n discover_v and_o judge_n whether_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v find_v in_o his_o mouth_n and_o his_o fellow_n or_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o church_n and_o brethren_n here_o and_o let_v the_o trial_n be_v upon_o this_o very_a point_n whether_o witness_v for_o christ_n or_o for_o antichrist_n 1._o we_o witness_v that_o christ_n be_v never_o so_o far_o overthrow_v and_o overcome_v by_o antichrist_n but_o that_o still_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v preserve_v a_o congregationall_a church_n one_o or_o more_o especial_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o luther_n and_o calvin_n and_o other_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n the_o examiner_n witness_v that_o since_o the_o apostasy_n of_o antichrist_n antichrist_n have_v so_o far_o prevail_v against_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n that_o he_o have_v no_o church_n nor_o church-officer_n leave_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o this_o day_n 2._o we_o witness_v the_o godly_a person_n visible_a saint_n confess_v their_o know_a sin_n and_o profess_v their_o faith_n be_v fit_a material_n for_o church-fellowship_n the_o examiner_n witness_v that_o the_o church_n which_o consist_v of_o such_o visible_a saint_n be_v nullity_n unless_o they_o discern_v every_o spot_n and_o pollution_n of_o antichrist_n and_o forsake_v it_o for_o instance_n unless_o they_o see_v the_o antichristian_a pollution_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o england_n and_o do_v refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n from_o it_o 3._o we_o witness_v that_o person_n qualify_v with_o a_o convenient_a measure_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n fit_a to_o lead_v god_n people_n and_o choose_v and_o elect_v by_o a_o congregation_n of_o visible_a saint_n and_o ordain_v and_o set_v apart_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n have_v receive_v a_o lawful_a call_n from_o christ_n to_o that_o office_n the_o examiner_n witness_v against_o this_o as_o a_o false_a call_v upon_o what_o pretence_n himself_o better_a know_v then_o i._n 4._o we_o witness_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o king_n of_o england_n to_o give_v a_o patent_n to_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o his_o subject_n to_o transplant_v themselves_o out_o of_o england_n into_o america_n and_o to_o possess_v such_o land_n as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n lay_v open_a before_o they_o between_o such_o and_o such_o degree_n of_o the_o horizon_n provide_v that_o his_o subject_n adventure_v not_o upon_o such_o act_n as_o the_o patent_n never_o intend_v as_o to_o murder_v the_o native_n or_o to_o dispossess_v they_o by_o violence_n or_o fraud_n of_o their_o lawful_a possession_n but_o either_o to_o plant_v themselves_o in_o a_o vacuum_fw-la domicilium_fw-la or_o if_o they_o sit_v down_o upon_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o native_n to_o receive_v the_o same_o from_o they_o by_o a_o reasonable_a purchase_n or_o free_a assignment_n the_o examiner_n witness_v against_o all_o such_o patent_n and_o preach_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o magistrate_n to_o execute_v justice_n upon_o the_o english_a by_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o repent_v of_o receive_v such_o patent_n and_o to_o return_v they_o back_o again_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o prince_n or_o of_o their_o successor_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v they_o 5._o we_o witness_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o magistrate_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n to_o offer_v to_o the_o subject_n under_o they_o a_o oath_n of_o fidelity_n whether_o they_o be_v regenerate_v or_o unregenerate_a mr._n williams_n witness_v it_o to_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a so_o to_o do_v a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n of_o office_n be_v peculiar_a to_o christ_n and_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o worship_n of_o god_n not_o meet_v for_o unregenerate_a person_n to_o take_v into_o their_o mouth_n 6._o we_o witness_v that_o if_o a_o church_n refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o magistrate_n in_o delay_v the_o election_n or_o ordination_n of_o such_o a_o one_o to_o office_n who_o they_o find_v to_o be_v troublesome_a to_o the_o state_n than_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o magistrate_n to_o delay_v the_o grant_n of_o the_o petition_n of_o such_o a_o church_n for_o land_n that_o lie_v convenient_a for_o they_o mr._n williams_n witness_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o church_n who_o petition_n be_v so_o delay_v may_v write_v letter_n of_o admonition_n to_o all_o the_o church_n whereof_o such_o magistrate_n be_v member_n to_o require_v they_o to_o grant_v without_o delay_n such_o petition_n or_o else_o to_o proceed_v against_o they_o in_o a_o churchway_n now_o let_v the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o the_o saint_n on_o earth_n judge_n in_o whether_o sort_n of_o these_o witness_n the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o antichrist_n breathe_v as_o for_o the_o decipher_n which_o the_o examiner_n make_v of_o mr_n cotton_n as_o swim_v with_o the_o stream_n of_o outward_a credit_n and_o profit_n and_o smite_v with_o the_o fist_n and_o
among_o they_o and_o this_o liberty_n he_o do_v use_v and_o may_v have_v use_v to_o this_o day_n without_o any_o disturbance_n to_o his_o civil_a or_o church-peace_n save_o only_o in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a disquisition_n but_o it_o be_v his_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o civil_a disturbance_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n together_o with_o his_o heady_a and_o busy_a pursuit_n of_o the_o same_o even_o to_o the_o rejection_n of_o all_o church_n here_o these_o they_o be_v that_o make_v he_o unfit_a for_o enjoy_v communion_n either_o in_o the_o one_o state_n or_o in_o the_o other_o when_o he_o reckon_v i_o and_o i_o only_o by_o name_n as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o incense_a against_o he_o i_o reckon_v it_o as_o one_o of_o his_o usual_a exorbitant_a hyperbole_n unless_o by_o incense_a he_o mean_v one_o that_o with_o some_o other_o be_v most_o kindle_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o endeavour_v his_o satisfaction_n and_o then_o his_o term_n incense_v though_o it_o be_v not_o a_o hyperbole_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o acurology_n neither_o do_v i_o remember_v that_o he_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o say_v that_o i_o give_v he_o a_o testimony_n of_o godliness_n for_o his_o godliness_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n i_o neither_o attest_v it_o nor_o deny_v it_o every_o brother_n in_o the_o church_n though_o he_o may_v be_v call_v a_o brother_n in_o christ_n as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n though_o he_o may_v be_v admonish_v as_o a_o brother_n and_o so_o have_v some_o reference_n still_o to_o christ_n yet_o godliness_n requite_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o speak_v in_o peter_n sense_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n conform_v we_o to_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n the_o which_o thing_n have_v not_o so_o evident_o appear_v to_o i_o i_o speak_v it_o with_o grief_n either_o in_o his_o spirit_n or_o in_o his_o way_n these_o many_o year_n and_o yet_o i_o deny_v not_o other_o may_v discern_v more_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o he_o than_o i_o do_v and_o may_v speak_v of_o he_o according_o but_o it_o be_v no_o uncharitable_a speech_n of_o paul_n to_o tell_v the_o galatian_n and_o that_o before_o all_o the_o church_n that_o he_o stand_v in_o fear_n of_o they_o gal._n 4.10_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n from_o whence_o spring_v both_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v very_o repugnant_a to_o self-fulnesse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d faith_n empti_v a_o man_n of_o selfconfidence_n and_o make_v he_o apt_a to_o acknowledge_v with_o agur_n true_o i_o be_o more_o foolish_a than_o any_o man_n prov._n 30.2_o but_o the_o lord_n help_v we_o to_o tremble_v before_o he_o if_o he_o leave_v we_o though_o but_o a_o while_n to_o ourselves_o we_o can_v soon_o learn_v to_o reign_v as_o king_n like_o the_o corinthian_n without_o church-officer_n or_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.8_o to_o chap._n xii_o his_o 12_o chapter_n be_v take_v up_o in_o examine_v and_o answer_v a_o speech_n of_o i_o that_o godly_a person_n be_v not_o so_o enthrall_v to_o antichrist_n as_o to_o separate_v from_o christ_n else_o they_o can_v not_o be_v godly_a person_n his_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o come_v not_o near_o the_o question_n which_o be_v not_o concernign_a personal_a godliness_n or_o grace_n in_o christ_n but_o the_o godliness_n or_o christianity_n of_o worship_n whereupon_o he_o distinguish_v of_o christ_n as_o consider_v two_o way_n 1._o personal_o as_o god-man_n etc._n etc._n 2._o as_o head_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n he_o acknowledge_v they_o can_v be_v so_o enthrall_v to_o antichrist_n as_o to_o be_v separate_a from_o christ_n in_o the_o latter_a they_o may_v reply_n this_o distinction_n of_o christ_n be_v inconvenient_o express_v as_o be_v the_o like_o once_o before_o for_o the_o membra_fw-la dividentia_fw-la the_o part_n of_o the_o division_n be_v coincident_a christ_n as_o god-man_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o his_o meaning_n i_o apprehend_v and_o accept_v christ_n god-man_n be_v head_n both_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o of_o the_o visible_a as_o he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n so_o he_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n as_o he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o visible_a so_o he_o be_v receive_v by_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n both_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n the_o proper_a fruit_n whereof_o be_v holy_a worship_n and_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o for_o his_o application_n of_o his_o distinction_n in_o the_o general_a i_o do_v approve_v it_o and_o do_v willing_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o godly_a person_n may_v be_v through_o ignorance_n or_o negligence_n so_o far_o enthrall_v to_o antichrist_n as_o to_o be_v separate_a from_o christ_n take_v christ_n as_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o he_o may_v fall_v into_o such_o fundamental_a antichristian_a corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n or_o government_n as_o either_o may_v just_o prevent_v his_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n or_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o through_o pang_n of_o temptation_n continue_v obstinate_a in_o his_o corruption_n after_o conviction_n he_o may_v just_o be_v excommunicate_a out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o lest_o i_o may_v seem_v to_o hover_v and_o so_o to_o vanish_v in_o generality_n while_o i_o only_o speak_v of_o antichristian_a corruption_n in_o general_a i_o shall_v willing_o instance_n in_o some_o particular_n which_o may_v give_v light_n to_o other_o of_o like_a nature_n it_o be_v a_o antichristian_a corruption_n in_o doctrine_n to_o accept_v any_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o our_o reconciliation_n but_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n only_o it_o be_v a_o like_a corruption_n to_o look_v for_o justification_n from_o sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o our_o own_o work_n it_o be_v a_o antichristian_a corruption_n in_o worship_n to_o worship_v angel_n or_o saint_n or_o image_n it_o be_v a_o antichristian_a corruption_n in_o government_n to_o take_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o a_o head_n as_o have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o authorise_v scripture_n to_o be_v canonical_a to_o add_v other_o book_n to_o scripture_n with_o like_a authority_n to_o be_v himself_o the_o only_a authentical_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n and_o judge_n of_o controversy_n these_o and_o the_o like_a corruption_n be_v such_o as_o make_v antichrist_n a_o son_n of_o perdition_n and_o they_o that_o be_v lead_v by_o he_o to_o fall_v into_o like_a perdition_n with_o he_o of_o one_o of_o these_o point_v paul_n say_v they_o that_o hold_v it_o hold_v not_o the_o head_n col._n 2.18_o 19_o of_o another_o of_o these_o paul_n say_v they_o that_o hold_v it_o be_v abolish_v from_o christ_n gal._n 5.4_o the_o like_a we_o may_v say_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n yet_o in_o time_n of_o former_a darkness_n some_o of_o the_o faithful_a member_n of_o christ_n might_n and_o be_v for_o a_o time_n entangle_v with_o a_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n in_o some_o or_o most_o or_o all_o of_o these_o particular_n out_o of_o which_o the_o lord_n at_o length_n rescue_v they_o by_o variety_n of_o temptation_n and_o by_o some_o break_n forth_o of_o light_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o some_o of_o his_o witness_n in_o every_o age_n but_o while_o any_o of_o they_o walk_v in_o these_o or_o like_a corruption_n they_o may_v just_o be_v debar_v from_o admission_n into_o church-fellowship_n or_o stand_v fast_o in_o they_o after_o conviction_n they_o may_v just_o be_v cast_v forth_o out_o of_o church-fellowship_n but_o there_o be_v other_o corruption_n and_o antichristian_a corruption_n too_o which_o because_o they_o do_v not_o subvert_v the_o foundation_n neither_o of_o faith_n nor_o of_o church-order_n i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o they_o separate_v from_o christ_n no_o not_o as_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o then_o if_o some_o whole_a church_n be_v leaven_v with_o they_o they_o may_v soon_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a in_o scripture_n the_o high_a place_n be_v tolerate_v in_o judah_n and_o yet_o judah_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o by_o like_a proportion_n some_o more_o high_a and_o eminent_a power_n may_v be_v give_v by_o some_o church_n to_o their_o officer_n according_a to_o a_o antichristian_a pattern_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o yet_o they_o not_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n david_n and_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n may_v bring_v up_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n in_o a_o cart_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o
shape_n of_o a_o answer_n but_o as_o little_a substance_n the_o great_a question_n here_o say_v he_o will_v be_v whether_o the_o corinthian_n in_o their_o first_o constitution_n be_v separate_v or_o no_o from_o such_o idol_n temple_n and_o this_o mr._n cotton_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v deny_v a_o church_n estate_n be_v a_o state_n of_o marriage_n unto_o christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o paul_n profess_o say_v he_o have_v espouse_v they_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11._o reply_n 1._o to_o put_v any_o substance_n into_o this_o answer_n or_o any_o force_n pertinent_a to_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n it_o must_v be_v no_o great_a question_n but_o clear_a out_o of_o question_n that_o these_o corinthian_n in_o their_o first_o constitution_n be_v clean_o and_o absolute_o separate_v from_o such_o idol_n temple_n and_o that_o not_o only_o local_o but_o in_o their_o soul_n and_o judgement_n mind_n and_o heart_n utter_o cut_v off_o from_o such_o unclean_a touch_v so_o that_o they_o both_o undoubted_o see_v the_o evil_a thereof_o and_o from_o their_o heart_n abhor_v it_o and_o forsake_v it_o for_o all_o these_o act_n of_o come_v off_o in_o a_o way_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n he_o require_v from_o we_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o true_a church-estate_n now_o if_o he_o think_v that_o mr._n cotton_n to_o use_v his_o word_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v deny_v that_o in_o their_o first_o constitution_n they_o be_v thus_o separate_v from_o idol_n temple_n i_o must_v profess_v though_o not_o to_o he_o yet_o to_o all_o that_o love_n and_o seek_v the_o truth_n without_o prejudice_n that_o i_o both_o can_v and_o do_v deny_v it_o that_o in_o their_o first_o constitution_n they_o be_v local_o separate_v from_o idol_n temple_n it_o be_v likely_a enough_o or_o else_o i_o suppose_v the_o apostlewould_v have_v admonish_v they_o thereof_o in_o their_o first_o plantation_n but_o that_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o judgement_n they_o see_v the_o evil_a thereof_o and_o do_v in_o heart_n and_o soul_n bewail_v it_o and_o confess_v it_o before_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o brethren_n and_o so_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n express_o against_o it_o this_o be_v altogether_o incredible_a to_o i_o for_o will_v not_o the_o apostle_n then_o out_o of_o his_o faithfulness_n have_v reprove_v they_o as_o well_o for_o their_o apostasy_n as_o for_o their_o fellowship_n in_o idolatry_n will_v he_o not_o as_o well_o have_v rebuke_v the_o prevarication_n of_o their_o covenant_n as_o their_o pollution_n of_o their_o communion_n with_o pagan_n what_o though_o a_o church-estate_n be_v a_o state_n of_o marriage_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n may_v not_o a_o marry_a spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o part_n of_o her_o marriage-dutie_n towards_o he_o and_o what_o though_o paul_n profess_v he_o have_v espouse_v they_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o jesus_n christ_n may_v not_o he_o call_v they_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n who_o have_v see_v and_o bewail_v their_o former_a worship_n of_o idol_n though_o they_o neither_o bewail_v nor_o see_v the_o evil_a of_o feast_v with_o their_o neighbour_n in_o idol_n temple_n reply_n 2._o though_o the_o examiner_n make_v it_o a_o great_a question_n whether_o a_o church_n can_v be_v true_o constitute_v that_o in_o her_o first_o constitution_n be_v not_o separate_v from_o all_o unclean_a touch_v so_o as_o both_o to_o see_v they_o and_o come_v out_o of_o they_o howsoever_o they_o may_v fall_v into_o such_o sin_n afterward_o yet_o i_o look_v at_o it_o as_o a_o ungrounded_a distinction_n to_o require_v more_o purity_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n in_o her_o first_o constitution_n then_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o it_o after_o it_o be_v constitute_v i_o shall_v think_v the_o long_o a_o church_n have_v enjoy_v communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o more_o she_o ought_v to_o grow_v both_o in_o knowledge_n and_o purity_n where_o more_o have_v be_v give_v the_o more_o will_v be_v require_v of_o the_o lord_n yea_o i_o conceive_v it_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o god_n will_v soon_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n constitute_v for_o their_o whorish_a pollution_n then_o deny_v they_o church-estate_n for_o the_o like_a pollution_n in_o their_o first_o constitution_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o constitute_v a_o nationall_n church_n till_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o nationall_n ordinance_n and_o nationall_n officer_n and_o enter_v they_o together_o into_o a_o nationall_n covenant_n exod._n 19.5_o 6._o their_o church-estate_n before_o be_v rather_o domestical_a disperse_v into_o several_a family_n when_o they_o be_v thus_o constitute_v a_o nationall_n church_n and_o afterward_o fall_v into_o a_o idolatrous_a crime_n the_o lord_n direct_v moses_n to_o break_v the_o table_n of_o his_o covenant_n between_o they_o and_o do_v also_o separate_v his_o tabernacle_n from_o they_o till_o upon_o their_o repentance_n he_o renew_v communion_n with_o they_o exod._n 32.19_o with_o exod._n 33.3_o to_o 7._o but_o yet_o the_o like_a idolatry_n if_o not_o worse_a be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o people_n when_o they_o dwell_v in_o egypt_n it_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o lord_n from_o accept_v they_o unto_o a_o nationall_n constitution_n of_o a_o church-estate_n to_o chap._n xvii_o xviii_o xix_o his_o 17_o 18_o 19_o chapter_n be_v take_v up_o in_o examine_v and_o answer_v my_o answer_n to_o his_o second_o objection_n which_o he_o make_v to_o prove_v a_o necessity_n lie_v upon_o godly_a man_n before_o they_o can_v be_v fit_a matter_n for_o church_n fellowship_n to_o see_v bewail_v repent_v and_o come_v out_o of_o false_a church_n ministry_n worship_n and_o government_n to_o prove_v which_o his_o first_o objection_n or_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o isaiah_n 52.11_o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15_o 16._o whereto_o we_o have_v return_v a_o reply_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n his_o second_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o the_o confession_n make_v by_o john_n disciple_n and_o the_o proselyte_n gentile_n before_o admission_n into_o church-fellowship_n mat._n 3.6_o act_n 19.18_o whence_o he_o gather_v that_o christian_a churcher_n be_v constitute_v of_o such_o member_n as_o make_v open_a and_o plain_a confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o if_o any_o sâ—â—â—es_n be_v to_o be_v confess_v and_o lament_v jewish_n or_o paganish_a then_o antichristian_a drunkenness_n and_o whoredom_n much_o more_o etc._n etc._n yea_o every_o sip_v of_o the_o whore_n cup._n to_o which_o objection_n of_o he_o to_o pass_v by_o all_o verbal_a velitation_n for_o i_o love_v not_o to_o take_v up_o time_n about_o word_n the_o substance_n of_o my_o answer_n be_v twofold_a 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n that_o they_o shall_v see_v and_o bewail_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o every_o sip_v of_o the_o whore_n cup_n as_o he_o call_v it_o though_o the_o whore_n cup_n do_v more_o intoxicate_a the_o mind_n than_o the_o drunkard_n cup_n do_v the_o body_n because_o bodily_a drunkenness_n and_o whoredom_n be_v such_o notorious_a and_o gross_a sin_n that_o no_o man_n have_v true_a repentance_n in_o he_o can_v but_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o they_o and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a if_o he_o do_v remember_v they_o but_o the_o whore_n cup_n be_v a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n the_o sinfulness_n of_o every_o sip_v of_o it_o be_v nothing_o so_o evident_a and_o notorious_a as_o that_o every_o repentant_a soul_n do_v at_o first_o discern_v it_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o 3000._o convert_v act_v 2.37_o to_o 47._o be_v admit_v into_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n upon_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o repentance_n of_o the_o murder_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o neither_o see_v nor_o confess_v all_o the_o superstitious_a leavening_n wherewith_o the_o pharisee_n have_v bewitch_v they_o so_o here_o etc._n etc._n yea_o and_o the_o disciple_n of_o john_n who_o he_o instance_v in_o though_o they_o do_v confess_v their_o sin_n the_o publican_n they_o the_o soldier_n they_o the_o people_n they_o to_o wit_n the_o notorious_a sin_n incident_a to_o their_o calling_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o confess_v their_o pharisaical_a pollution_n and_o the_o gentile_n in_o act._n 19.18.19_o though_o they_o confess_v their_o curious_a art_n and_o burn_v their_o conjure_a book_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o confess_v all_o their_o deed_n whereunto_o the_o examiner_n return_v a_o twofold_a answer_n 1._o that_o spiritual_a whoredom_n and_o drunkenness_n be_v not_o indeed_o so_o easy_o discern_v as_o corporal_a but_o yet_o not_o the_o less_o sinful_a but_o infinite_o transeendent_a as_o much_o as_o spiritual_a sobriety_n exceed_v corporal_a and_o the_o bed_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n exceed_v the_o bed_n of_o man_n who_o be_v but_o
themselves_o from_o their_o hypocrisy_n and_o inordinate_a love_n of_o this_o world_n or_o else_o they_o and_o their_o duty_n will_v still_o be_v unclean_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o their_o church-estate_n this_o collection_n tend_v to_o edification_n the_o other_o to_o dissipation_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o wre_v blood_n instead_o of_o milk_n from_o the_o breast_n of_o holy_a scripture_n this_o text_n be_v so_o evident_a and_o pregnant_a and_o full_a against_o himself_o that_o i_o can_v not_o but_o marvel_n why_o he_o shall_v allege_v it_o and_o especial_o why_o he_o shall_v desire_v it_o may_v be_v thorough_o weigh_v and_o the_o lord_n to_o hold_v the_o scale_n himself_o how_o do_v you_o then_o think_v that_o he_o will_v hence_o infer_v his_o conclusion_n that_o godly_a person_n if_o unclean_a can_v constitute_v a_o true_a church_n or_o if_o they_o do_v they_o be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o sure_o not_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n nor_o from_o the_o sense_n which_o i_o make_v of_o it_o nor_o from_o any_o sense_n which_o himself_o can_v give_v of_o it_o how_o then_o only_o from_o his_o mistake_n of_o my_o word_n and_o that_o sure_o either_o through_o a_o drowsy_a oscitancy_n or_o a_o sleighty_a precipitancy_n what_o say_v he_o have_v i_o speak_v more_o than_o mr._n cotton_n himself_o have_v utter_v in_o his_o explication_n and_o application_n of_o this_o scripture_n as_o 1._o that_o godly_a person_n may_v become_v defile_v and_o unclean_a by_o hypocrisy_n and_o worldliness_n 2._o while_o they_o lie_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n of_o uncleanness_n all_o their_o offering_n person_n labour_n be_v unclean_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o their_o church-estate_n 3._o the_o church_n can_v be_v constitute_v of_o such_o worldly_a person_n though_o otherwise_o godly_a and_o christian_n or_o 4._o if_o they_o do_v the_o people_n of_o god_n must_v separate_v from_o they_o these_o be_v say_v he_o mr._n cotton_v own_o express_a word_n reply_n he_o may_v as_o well_o say_v these_o be_v the_o express_a word_n of_o christ_n hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n because_o christ_n say_v mat._n 19.40_o upon_o these_o two_o commandment_n hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n so_o these_o be_v my_o express_a word_n the_o true_a and_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o the_o place_n if_o you_o do_v apply_v to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n it_o will_v reach_v nothing_o near_o to_o your_o purpose_n hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n and_o godly_a christian_n themselves_o while_o they_o attend_v to_o the_o world_n more_o than_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n their_o person_n their_o labour_n their_o civil_a oblation_n be_v all_o unclean_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n ergo._n the_o church_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v constitute_v of_o such_o or_o if_o it_o do_v consist_v of_o such_o the_o people_n of_o god_n must_v separate_v from_o they_o who_o see_v not_o that_o attend_v to_o what_o he_o see_v that_o in_o these_o word_n i_o express_v not_o my_o own_o meaning_n or_o reason_v but_o he_o and_o that_o i_o express_o say_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n will_v nothing_o near_o reach_n to_o his_o purpose_n and_o so_o bring_v in_o his_o reason_n in_o form_n of_o a_o enthymeme_n which_o he_o draw_v from_o it_o but_o if_o i_o have_v make_v that_o enthymeme_n the_o expression_n of_o my_o own_o meaning_n and_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text_n it_o have_v sully_v and_o close_o reach_v his_o own_o purpose_n the_o next_o word_n follow_v may_v also_o plain_o have_v clear_v my_o meaning_n to_o he_o when_o in_o stead_n of_o that_o false_a collection_n which_o he_o gather_v i_o tell_v he_o you_o may_v well_o have_v gather_v therefore_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o must_v separate_v themselves_o from_o their_o hypocrisy_n and_o their_o inordinate_a love_n of_o this_o world_n or_o else_o they_o and_o their_o duty_n will_v he_o still_o unclean_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o their_o church-estate_n this_o collection_n tend_v to_o edification_n the_o other_o to_o the_o dissipation_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o wre_v blood_n instead_o of_o milk_n from_o the_o breast_n of_o holy_a scripture_n do_v i_o not_o here_o plain_o express_v two_o several_a and_o contrary_a collection_n from_o the_o text_n the_o one_o his_o the_o other_o i_o own_o the_o one_o tend_v to_o edification_n the_o other_o to_o destruction_n and_o yet_o this_o false_a collection_n and_o misapplication_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v his_o own_o and_o a_o manifest_a pervert_v both_o of_o the_o text_n and_o of_o my_o word_n he_o will_v needs_o force_v upon_o i_o contrary_a to_o my_o meaning_n and_o contrary_a also_o to_o my_o express_a word_n above_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o my_o answer_n to_o this_o text._n where_o i_o say_v your_o purpose_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o church_n can_v be_v constitute_v by_o such_o person_n as_o be_v unclean_a by_o antichristian_a pollution_n or_o if_o they_o be_v so_o constitute_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o but_o separate_v from_o to_o prove_v this_o you_o allege_v this_o place_n where_o the_o prophet_n acknowledge_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v unclean_a and_o yet_o neither_o deni_v they_o to_o be_v a_o church_n true_o constitute_v nor_o stir_v up_o himself_o or_o other_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o what_o by_o the_o way_n he_o discourse_v of_o the_o excommunication_n in_o the_o nationall_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n somewhat_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o it_o above_o when_o he_o say_v that_o their_o ceremonial_a excommunication_n be_v either_o put_n to_o death_n in_o canaan_n or_o captivity_n out_o of_o canaan_n if_o he_o mean_v this_o be_v all_o their_o excommunication_n i_o can_v assent_v to_o it_o king_n vzziah_n be_v neither_o put_v to_o death_n in_o canaan_n nor_o carry_v captive_a out_o of_o canaan_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v excommunicate_v both_o from_o temple-worship_n synagogue-worship_n and_o all_o familiar_a communion_n of_o the_o saint_n again_o when_o he_o make_v it_o a_o excommunication_n from_o god_n in_o case_n god_n sell_v his_o church_n into_o spiritual_a captivity_n to_o confuse_a babylonish_n lord_n and_o worship_n and_o that_o so_o he_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n he_o may_v remember_v that_o god_n sometime_o sell_v his_o people_n under_o the_o bondage_n of_o babylonish_n lord_n even_o in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n jer._n 40.9_o &_o 42.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o straight_o way_n drive_v they_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n to_o chap._n xxi_o it_o be_v my_o serious_a and_o unfeigned_a endeavour_n in_o my_o letter_n which_o the_o examiner_n have_v answer_v to_o have_v remove_v those_o two_o stumble_a block_n out_o of_o his_o way_n which_o i_o perceive_v have_v turn_v he_o off_o from_o hold_v fellowship_n with_o these_o church_n the_o former_a be_v the_o want_n of_o fit_a matter_n of_o our_o church_n the_o latter_a our_o disrespect_n to_o the_o separate_a church_n in_o england_n under_o affliction_n when_o nevertheless_o ourselves_o practice_v separation_n in_o peace_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o ten_o chapter_n he_o have_v endeavour_v to_o fasten_v the_o former_a of_o these_o stumble_a block_n that_o it_o may_v still_o lie_v in_o his_o way_n and_o stand_v as_o a_o everlasting_a wall_n of_o partition_n between_o we_o which_o nevertheless_o i_o have_v as_o you_o see_v through_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n endeavour_v to_o dig_v through_o the_o sandinesse_n thereof_o that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o holy_a will_n of_o god_n it_o may_v fall_v down_o like_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n before_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o neither_o detain_v he_o nor_o other_o from_o communion_n with_o we_o the_o latter_a stumble_a block_n he_o go_v about_o to_o re-establish_a in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a chapter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o book_n come_v we_o therefore_o to_o consider_v whether_o there_o may_v be_v any_o hope_n of_o remove_v this_o stumble_a block_n also_o and_o the_o establishment_n thereof_o by_o the_o same_o help_n the_o stumble_a block_n lie_v somewhat_o broad_a then_o at_o first_o be_v propound_v the_o examiner_n take_v it_o as_o a_o great_a offence_n that_o we_o walk_v between_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n 1._o in_o practise_v separation_n here_o and_o not_o repent_v of_o our_o preach_n and_o print_v against_o it_o in_o our_o own_o country_n 2._o in_o reproach_v himself_o at_o salem_n and_o other_o for_o separation_n 3._o in_o particular_a that_o myself_o have_v conceive_v and_o speak_v that_o separation_n be_v a_o way_n which_o god_n have_v not_o prosper_v as_o if_o say_v he_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o countenance_n of_o man_n or_o upon_o outward_a peace_n and_o liberty_n to_o the_o
first_o of_o these_o i_o answer_v in_o my_o letter_n that_o in_o stead_n of_o halt_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n the_o lord_n have_v guide_v we_o to_o walk_v with_o a_o even_a foot_n between_o two_o extreme_n so_o that_o we_o neither_o defile_v ourselves_o with_o the_o remnant_n of_o pollution_n in_o other_o church_n nor_o do_v we_o for_o the_o remnant_n of_o pollution_n renounce_v the_o church_n themselves_o nor_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n among_o they_o which_o ourselves_o have_v find_v powerful_a to_o salvation_n this_o moderation_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v keep_v it_o in_o preach_v or_o print_v we_o have_v see_v no_o cause_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o but_o if_o any_o shall_v show_v we_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v repent_v of_o it_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o repent_v of_o it_o yea_o and_o to_o repent_v that_o we_o repent_v no_o soon_o the_o examiner_n here_o undertake_v to_o prove_v this_o middle_n walk_v to_o be_v no_o less_o then-halting_a of_o which_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o repent_v and_o this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v to_o i_o out_o of_o my_o own_o confession_n first_o say_v he_o mr._n cotton_n himself_o confess_v that_o no_o nationall_n provincial_n diocesan_n or_o parish_n church_n wherein_o some_o true_o godly_a be_v not_o be_v true_a church_n second_o he_o practise_v no_o church-estate_n but_o such_o as_o be_v constitute_v only_o of_o godly_a person_n nor_o admit_v any_o unregenerate_a or_o ungodly_a person_n three_o he_o confess_v that_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v constitute_v of_o such_o godly_a person_n who_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o the_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n four_o that_o if_o a_o church_n consist_v of_o such_o god_n people_n ought_v to_o separate_v from_o they_o reply_n if_o these_o which_o he_o call_v confession_n of_o mr._n cotton_n have_v be_v stumbling_n to_o he_o i_o shall_v by_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n soon_o remove_v they_o out_o of_o his_o way_n for_o i_o do_v profess_v that_o i_o never_o make_v any_o such_o confession_n but_o look_v at_o they_o all_o as_o contrary_a to_o my_o judgement_n both_o in_o former_a time_n and_o to_o this_o day_n for_o the_o first_o though_o there_o be_v no_o true_o godly_a person_n in_o a_o church_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v such_o as_o profess_v godliness_n such_o as_o they_o call_v visible_a saint_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o congregation_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n i_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v truth_n of_o church-estate_n it_o be_v true_a i_o do_v believe_v and_o confess_v that_o god_n require_v more_o than_o profession_n of_o godliness_n even_o sincerity_n of_o holiness_n in_o church-member_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a sin_n in_o they_o if_o it_o be_v want_v but_o what_o if_o some_o if_o most_o if_o all_o believe_v not_o shall_v their_o unbelief_n make_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v god_n forbid_v rom._n 3.3_o 4._o if_o a_o hypocritical_a church_n be_v no_o church_n than_o a_o hypocritical_a minister_n be_v no_o minister_n and_o his_o administration_n nullity_n cultus_fw-la institutus_fw-la in_o the_o whole_a latitude_n of_o it_o as_o church_n min_n istery_n seal_n censure_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v all_o ordain_v for_o the_o elect_v sake_n and_o the_o elect_a god_n will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o careful_a scruple_n and_o distraction_n if_o truth_n of_o church_n and_o ministery_n and_o ordinance_n depend_v upon_o the_o personal_a sincerity_n of_o the_o godliness_n of_o the_o dispenser_n the_o elect_a of_o god_n will_v ever_o be_v entangle_v with_o inextricable_a scruple_n touch_v their_o communion_n here_o or_o there_o with_o this_o or_o that_o church_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o officer_n thereof_o but_o god_n have_v call_v we_o in_o peace_n for_o the_o second_o part_n which_o he_o make_v of_o my_o confession_n he_o have_v say_v true_a if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o endeavour_v such_o a_o thing_n that_o our_o church_n shall_v be_v constitute_v of_o godly_a person_n but_o i_o do_v not_o say_v i_o have_v attain_v it_o for_o god_n see_v not_o as_o man_n see_v man_n look_v at_o the_o outward_a appearance_n but_o the_o lord_n regard_v the_o heart_n 1_o sam._n 16.7_o and_o sure_o i_o be_o we_o look_v at_o infant_n as_o member_n of_o our_o church_n as_o be_v foedural_o holy_a but_o i_o be_o slow_a to_o believe_v that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v regenerate_v or_o true_o godly_a as_o for_o the_o three_o and_o four_o point_n which_o he_o make_v of_o my_o confession_n that_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v constitute_v of_o godly_a person_n take_v with_o the_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n or_o that_o a_o church_n consist_v of_o such_o aught_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o these_o be_v only_o his_o own_o palpable_a mistake_n of_o those_o word_n of_o i_o which_o i_o express_v as_o the_o sum_n of_o his_o word_n which_o he_o through_o haste_n conceive_v to_o be_v i_o whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o 20_o chapter_n let_v he_o not_o say_v as_o he_o do_v that_o when_o i_o will_v not_o have_v parish_n church_n to_o be_v separate_v from_o for_o the_o remnant_n of_o pollution_n i_o mean_v only_o ceremony_n and_o bishop_n neither_o let_v he_o say_v that_o i_o do_v extenuate_v and_o mince_v the_o root_n mass_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o nationall_n church_n though_o for_o the_o great_a part_n unregenerate_v by_o name_v only_o a_o remnant_n of_o pollution_n for_o he_o know_v we_o whole_o avoid_v nationall_n provincial_n and_o diocesan_n government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o episcopal_a authority_n he_o know_v also_o we_o avoid_v their_o prescript_n liturgy_n and_o communion_n with_o open_o scandalous_a person_n in_o any_o church-order_n he_o know_v likewise_o or_o at_o least_o may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o continual_a sorrow_n of_o heart_n and_o a_o mourning_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v yet_o so_o much_o of_o those_o notorious_a evil_n which_o he_o name_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o parish_n worldliness_n ignorance_n superstition_n scoff_v swear_v curse_a whoredom_n drunkenness_n theft_n lie_v i_o may_v add_v also_o murder_n and_o malignity_n against_o the_o godly_a suffer_v to_o thrust_v themselves_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o the_o saint_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o yet_o i_o count_v all_o these_o but_o remnant_n of_o pollution_n when_o as_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o true_a estate_n of_o church_n abide_v as_o i_o open_v above_o in_o their_o congregationall_a assembly_n and_o in_o so_o speak_v i_o follow_v the_o holy_a pattern_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n who_o acknowledge_v a_o great_a forsake_v or_o apostasy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o land_n yet_o resemble_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n to_o a_o oak_n who_o substance_n be_v in_o it_o when_o the_o leaf_n fall_v off_o and_o make_v the_o holy_a seed_n to_o be_v that_o substance_n isai_n 6.12_o 13._o to_o chap._n xxii_o the_o second_o offence_n which_o the_o examiner_n take_v at_o our_o neglect_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o separation_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o at_o salem_n for_o their_o separation_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v in_o my_o letter_n that_o i_o know_v no_o man_n who_o reproach_v salem_n for_o their_o separation_n nor_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v separate_v howsoever_o if_o any_o do_v reproach_v they_o for_o it_o i_o do_v think_v it_o a_o sin_n meet_v to_o be_v censure_v but_o not_o with_o so_o deep_a a_o censure_n as_o to_o excommunicate_v all_o the_o church_n or_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o before_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o they_o do_v tolerate_v their_o member_n in_o such_o their_o causeless_a reproaching_n the_o error_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v contend_v against_o not_o with_o reproach_n but_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o fail_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o forthwith_o to_o be_v heal_v by_o separation_n it_o be_v not_o chirurgery_n but_o butchery_n to_o heal_v every_o sore_a in_o a_o member_n with_o no_o other_o but_o abscission_n from_o the_o body_n whereto_o the_o examiner_n answer_v that_o the_o church_n of_o salem_n be_v know_v to_o profess_v separation_n and_o public_o reproach_v yea_o he_o can_v mention_v a_o case_n wherein_o she_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o implicit_o reply_n this_o answer_n be_v so_o implicit_a that_o i_o can_v make_v a_o explicit_a answer_n to_o it_o that_o which_o i_o say_v be_v i_o know_v no_o man_n that_o reproach_v salem_n for_o their_o separation_n nor_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v separate_v his_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o salem_n be_v know_v