it_o a_o sin_n meet_v to_o be_v censure_v but_o not_o with_o so_o deep_a a_o censure_n as_o to_o excommunicate_v all_o the_o church_n or_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o before_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o they_o do_v tolerate_v their_o member_n in_o such_o their_o causeless_o reproaching_n we_o confess_v the_o error_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v contend_v against_o not_o with_o reproach_n but_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o sayling_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o forthwith_o to_o be_v heal_v by_o separation_n it_o be_v not_o chirurgery_n but_o butchery_n to_o heal_v every_o sore_a in_o a_o member_n with_o no_o other_o but_o abscision_n from_o the_o body_n ans_fw-fr the_o church_n of_o salem_n be_v know_v to_o profess_v separation_n and_o be_v general_o and_o public_o reproach_v and_o i_o can_v mention_v a_o case_n wherein_o she_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o implicit_o mr._n cotton_n here_o confess_v these_o 2_o thing_n which_o i_o leave_v to_o himself_o to_o reconcile_v separation_n mr._n cotton_n seem_v to_o be_v both_o for_o and_o yet_o against_o separation_n with_o his_o former_a profession_n here_o and_o elsewhere_o against_o separation_n first_o say_v he_o if_o any_o reproach_n they_o for_o separation_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n meet_v to_o be_v censure_v second_o the_o church_n themselves_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o who_o tolerate_v their_o member_n in_o such_o causeless_o reproaching_n in_o these_o late_a passage_n he_o seem_v as_o in_o other_o his_o confession_n and_o practice_n mention_v to_o be_v for_o it_o sensible_a of_o shame_n disgrace_n or_o reproach_n to_o be_v cast_v on_o it_o i_o grant_v with_o he_o the_o fail_n of_o church_n be_v not_o forthwith_o to_o be_v heal_v by_o separation_n himself_o mr._n cotton_v own_o confession_n be_v sufficient_a answer_n to_o himself_o yet_o himself_o within_o a_o few_o line_n confess_v there_o be_v a_o lawful_a separation_n from_o church_n that_o do_v but_o tolerate_v their_o member_n in_o causeless_o reproach_n i_o confess_v also_o that_o it_o be_v not_o chirurgery_n but_o butchery_n to_o heal_v every_o sore_a with_o no_o other_o medicine_n but_o with_o abscision_n from_o the_o body_n yet_o himself_n confess_v before_o that_o even_o church_n of_o godly_a person_n must_v be_v separate_v from_o for_o immoderate_a worldliness_n off_o not_o for_o a_o sore_a of_o infirmity_n but_o a_o leprosy_n or_o gangrene_n of_o obstinacy_n ought_v a_o person_n to_o be_v cat_n off_o and_o again_o here_o he_o confess_v they_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o when_o they_o tolerate_v their_o member_n in_o such_o their_o causeless_o reproaching_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o every_o sore_n of_o infirmity_n or_o ignorance_n but_o a_o ulcer_n or_o gangrene_n of_o obstinacy_n for_o which_o i_o maintain_v that_o a_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o or_o a_o church_n separate_v from_o but_o if_o he_o call_v that_o butchery_n conscientious_o and_o peaceable_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o spiritual_a communion_n of_o a_o church_n or_o society_n christ_n mr._n cotton_n deep_o guilty_a of_o cruelty_n both_o against_o conscience_n and_o body_n in_o persecute_v of_o they_o yet_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o appearance_n of_o due_a severity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n what_o shall_v it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o second_o adam_n the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o give_v name_n to_o all_o creature_n and_o all_o action_n to_o cut_v off_o person_n they_o and_o they_o branch_n and_o root_n from_o any_o civil_a be_v in_o their_o territory_n and_o consequent_o from_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v their_o territory_n so_o large_a because_o their_o conscience_n dare_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o any_o worship_n but_o what_o they_o believe_v the_o lord_n jesus_n appoint_v and_o be_v also_o otherwise_o subject_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o law_n thereof_o chap._n xxiii_o three_o whereas_o i_o urge_v a_o speech_n of_o his_o own_o viz._n that_o god_n have_v not_o prosper_v the_o way_n of_o separation_n and_o conceive_v that_o i_o understand_v he_o of_o outward_a prosperity_n he_o affirm_v the_o puritan_n to_o have_v be_v worse_o use_v in_o england_n then_o the_o separatist_n &_o thus_o write_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o separatist_n may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o officer_n in_o court_n and_o wink_v at_o when_o the_o conventicle_n of_o the_o puritan_n as_o they_o call_v they_o shall_v be_v hunt_v out_o with_o all_o diligence_n and_o pursue_v with_o more_o violence_n than_o any_o law_n can_v justify_v ans_fw-fr doubtless_o the_o contraversie_n of_o god_n have_v be_v great_a with_o this_o land_n persecution_n god_n controversy_n for_o persecution_n that_o either_o of_o both_o have_v be_v so_o violent_o pursue_v and_o persecute_v i_o believe_v they_o be_v both_o the_o witness_n of_o several_a truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n against_o a_o impenitent_a and_o unchristian_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o for_o their_o suffering_n compare_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o separatist_n and_o puritant_n in_o england_n compare_v as_o the_o puritan_n have_v not_o comparable_o suffer_v as_o but_o seldom_o congregate_a in_o separate_a assembly_n from_o the_o common_a so_o have_v not_o any_o of_o they_o suffer_v unto_o death_n for_o the_o way_n of_o non-conformitie_n to_o ceremony_n etc._n etc._n indeed_o the_o worthy_a witness_n mr._n udall_n be_v near_o unto_o death_n for_o his_o witness_n against_o bishop_n and_o ceremony_n vdal_n mr._n vdal_n but_o mr._n penry_n mr._n barrow_n greenwood_n mr._n penry_n mr_n barrow_n mr._n greenwood_n mr._n greenwood_n follow_v the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o their_o gibbet_n on_o their_o shoulder_n and_o be_v hang_v with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o separation_n many_o more_o have_v be_v condemn_v to_o die_v banish_v and_o choke_v in_o prison_n i_o can_v produce_v upon_o occasion_n again_o puritan_n few_o conscientious_a separatist_n but_o first_o be_v puritan_n i_o believe_v that_o there_o hardly_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o conscientious_a separatist_n who_o be_v not_o first_o a_o puritan_n for_o as_o mr._n can_n have_v unanswerable_o prove_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o puritan_n against_o bishop_n and_o ceremony_n and_o profane_v of_o people_n profess_v christ_n separation_n the_o nonconformist_n ground_n enforce_v separation_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n flock_n and_o discipline_n must_v necessary_o if_o true_o follow_v lead_v on_o to_o and_o enforce_v a_o separation_n from_o such_o way_n worship_n and_o worshipper_n to_o seek_v out_o the_o true_a way_n of_o god_n worship_n according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n but_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n since_o the_o separatist_n witness_v against_o the_o root_n of_o the_o church_n constitution_n itself_o that_o yet_o he_o shall_v find_v as_o mr._n cotton_n say_v more_o favour_n than_o the_o puritan_n or_o nonconformist_a doubtless_o the_o reason_n be_v evident_a people_n most_o of_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o low_a sort_n of_o people_n first_o most_o of_o god_n servant_n who_o out_o of_o sight_n of_o the_o ignorance_n unbelief_n and_o profane_v of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nationall_n church_n have_v separate_v and_o dare_v not_o have_v long_o fellowship_n with_o it_o i_o say_v most_o of_o they_o have_v be_v poor_a and_o low_a ainsworth_n the_o poverty_n of_o mr._n ainsworth_n and_o not_o such_o gainful_a customer_n to_o the_o bishop_n their_o court_n and_o officer_n that_o worthy_a instrument_n of_o christ_n praise_n mr._n ainsworth_n during_o some_o time_n and_o some_o time_n of_o his_o great_a labour_n in_o holland_n live_v upon_o 9_o d._n per_fw-la week_n with_o root_n boil_v bishop_n the_o nonconformist_n have_v be_v a_o fair_a booty_n for_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o of_o god_n servant_n as_o have_v be_v nonconformist_n have_v have_v fair_a estate_n be_v great_a person_n have_v have_v rich_a live_n and_o benefice_n of_o which_o the_o bishop_n and_o they_o like_o greedy_a wolf_n have_v make_v the_o more_o desirable_a prey_n bishop_n the_o separatist_n have_v be_v profess_a enemy_n but_o the_o puritan_n in_o many_o thing_n profess_v friend_n &_o subject_n to_o the_o bishop_n second_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o nature_n to_o prefer_v a_o profess_a enemy_n before_o a_o pretend_a friend_n such_o as_o have_v separate_v have_v be_v look_v at_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o they_o as_o know_v and_o profess_a enemy_n whereas_o the_o puritan_n profess_a subjection_n and_o have_v submit_v to_o the_o bishop_n their_o court_n their_o officer_n their_o common_a prayer_n and_o worship_n and_o yet_o as_o the_o bishop_n have_v well_o know_v with_o no_o great_a affection_n than_o the_o israelite_n bear_v their_o egyptian_a cruel_a taskmaster_n he_o say_v cotton_n mr._n cotton_n god_n have_v not_o prosper_v the_o way_n of_o separation_n with_o peace_n among_o themselves_o and_o growth_n of_o grace_n ans_fw-fr the_o want_n of_o peace_n may_v
to_o speak_v to_o all_o man_n and_o myself_o conscience_n two_o caution_n for_o any_o in_o persecution_n for_o conscience_n let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o work_n gal._n 6._o and_o then_o shall_v he_o have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o and_o not_o in_o another_o second_o if_o any_o man_n love_n god_n that_o soul_n know_v god_n or_o rather_o be_v know_v of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 8._o self-love_n may_v burn_v the_o body_n but_o happy_a only_o he_o who_o love_n alone_o to_o christ_n constrain_v he_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o and_o suffer_v with_o he_o to_o that_o which_o concern_v mr._n smith_n thing_n mr._n smith_n godly_a and_o a_o light_n to_o mr._n cotton_n and_o other_o though_o leave_v to_o himself_o in_o some_o thing_n although_o i_o know_v he_o not_o and_o have_v hear_v of_o many_o point_n in_o which_o my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o leave_v he_o to_o himself_o yet_o i_o have_v also_o hear_v by_o some_o who_o testimony_n mr._n cotton_n will_v not_o easy_o refuse_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n fear_v god_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a mr._n cotton_n have_v make_v some_o use_n of_o those_o principle_n and_o argument_n on_o which_o mr._n smith_n and_o other_o go_v concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o infinite_a compassion_n of_o god_n he_o god_n infinite_a compassion_n towards_o those_o who_o heart_n be_v upright_o with_o he_o which_o lie_v no_o sin_n to_o david_n charge_n but_o the_o sin_n of_o vritah_n 1_o king_n 15._o have_v gracious_o comfort_v the_o soul_n of_o he_o on_o their_o deathbed_n accept_v and_o crown_v their_o uprightnes_n and_o faithfullnes_n and_o pass_v by_o what_o otherwise_o be_v grievous_a and_o offensive_a to_o he_o and_o indeed_o from_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o that_o instance_n it_o appear_v that_o no_o sin_n be_v comparable_o so_o grievous_a in_o god_n david_n opinion_n the_o opinion_n of_o put_v vriâ—ah_n to_o death_n the_o vile_a of_o all_o opinion_n as_o a_o treacherous_a slaughter_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o we_o be_v force_v to_o call_v belove_v in_o christ_n that_o opinion_n in_o mr._n cotton_n or_o any_o be_v the_o most_o grievous_a to_o god_n or_o man_n and_o not_o comparable_a to_o any_o that_o ever_o mr._n smith_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o it_o be_v true_a the_o countenance_n and_o consolation_n of_o god_n be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o humility_n and_o truth_n worship_n as_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n be_v double_a so_o must_v there_o be_v double_a ponder_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o satan_n transform_v he_o like_a to_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n in_o a_o counterfeit_n of_o both_o in_o which_o respect_n i_o desire_v to_o work_v out_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o to_o do_v nothing_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n but_o like_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n with_o double_a care_n diligence_n and_o consideration_n above_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o vanish_v life_n and_o yet_o christ_n consolation_n be_v so_o sweet_a that_o the_o soul_n that_o taste_v they_o in_o truth_n in_o suffer_v for_o any_o truth_n of_o he_o will_v not_o easy_o part_v with_o they_o though_o thousand_o be_v deceive_v and_o delude_v with_o counterfeit_n chap._n x_o mr._n cotton_n two_o stumble_a block_n i_o perceive_v have_v turn_v you_o off_o from_o fellowship_n with_o we_o first_o the_o want_n of_o fit_a matter_n of_o our_o church_n second_o disrespect_n of_o the_o separate_a church_n in_o england_n under_o affliction_n ourselves_o practise_v separation_n in_o peace_n for_o the_o first_o you_o acknowledge_v as_o you_o say_v with_o joy_n that_o godly_a person_n be_v the_o visible_a member_n of_o these_o church_n but_o yet_o you_o see_v not_o that_o godly_a person_n be_v matter_n fit_v to_o constitute_v a_o church_n no_o more_o than_o tree_n or_o quarry_n be_v fit_a matter_n proportion_v to_o the_o build_n this_o exception_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o itself_o for_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o you_o say_v godly_a person_n they_o be_v not_o then_o as_o tree_n unfeld_v and_o stone_n unhewen_v godliness_n cut_v man_n down_o from_o the_o former_a root_n and_o hew_v they_o out_o of_o the_o pit_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o fit_v they_o for_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o people_n you_o object_n first_o 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 the_o false_a church_n worship_n ministry_n government_n according_a to_o scripture_n isa_n 62._o 11._o 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v not_o by_o a_o local_a removal_n or_o contrary_a practice_n but_o by_o a_o deliverance_n of_o the_o soul_n understanding_n will_n judgement_n and_o affection_n ans_fw-fr first_o we_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o local_a removal_n from_o former_a pollution_n nor_o contrary_a practice_n that_o fit_v we_o for_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n but_o thas_o it_o be_v necessary_a also_o that_o we_o repent_v of_o such_o former_a pollution_n wherewith_o we_o have_v be_v defile_v and_o enthral_v we_o grant_v further_o that_o it_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a to_o church-fellowship_n we_o shall_v see_v and_o discern_v all_o such_o pollution_n as_o do_v so_o far_o enthral_v we_o to_o antichrist_n as_o to_o separate_v we_o from_o christ_n but_o this_o we_o profess_v unto_o you_o that_o wherein_o we_o have_v reform_v our_o practice_n therein_o have_v we_o endeavour_v unfeigned_o to_o humble_v our_o soul_n for_o our_o former_a contrary_n walk_v if_o any_o through_o hypocrisy_n be_v want_v herein_o the_o hide_a hypocrisy_n of_o some_o will_v not_o prejudice_v the_o sincerity_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o other_o nor_o the_o church_n estate_n of_o all_o answ_n that_o which_o require_v answer_n in_o this_o passage_n be_v a_o charge_n of_o a_o seem_a contradiction_n to_o wit_n that_o person_n may_v be_v godly_a and_o yet_o not_o fit_v for_o church_n estate_n but_o remain_v as_o tree_n and_o quarry_n unfeld_v etc._n etc._n contrary_n to_o which_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o godly_a person_n can_v be_v so_o enthral_v to_o antichrist_n as_o to_o separate_v they_o from_o christ_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o let_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n be_v right_o divide_v and_o a_o right_a distinction_n of_o thing_n apply_v there_o will_v appear_v nothing_o contradictory_n but_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a to_o each_o man_n conscience_n first_o then_o i_o distinguish_v of_o a_o godly_a person_n thus_o sin_n the_o state_n of_o godly_a person_n in_o gross_a sin_n in_o some_o act_n of_o sin_n which_o a_o godly_a person_n may_v fall_v into_o during_o those_o act_n although_o before_o the_o all_o search_a and_o tender_a eye_n of_o god_n and_o also_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o such_o as_o be_v godly_a such_o a_o person_n remain_v still_o godly_a yet_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n external_o such_o a_o person_n seem_v ungodly_a and_o a_o sinner_n thus_o noah_n in_o his_o drunkenness_n thus_o abraham_n lot_n samson_n job_n david_n peter_n in_o their_o lie_a whoredom_n curse_n murder_n deny_v and_o forswear_n of_o christ_n jesus_n although_o they_o lose_v not_o their_o inward_a sap_n and_o root_n of_o life_n church_n godly_a person_n fall_v into_o gross_a sin_n be_v to_o express_v repentance_n before_o they_o can_v bâ—_n admit_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o suffer_v they_o a_o decay_n and_o fall_v of_o leaf_n and_o the_o show_n of_o bad_a and_o evil_a tree_n in_o such_o a_o case_n mr._n cotton_n will_v not_o deny_v that_o a_o godly_a person_n fall_v into_o drunkenness_n wheredome_n deliberate_a murder_n deny_v and_o forswear_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n can_v receive_v such_o person_n into_o church-fellowship_n before_o their_o sight_n of_o humble_a bewail_v and_o confess_v of_o such_o evil_n notwithstanding_o that_o love_n may_v conceive_v there_o be_v a_o root_n of_o godliness_n within_o christ_n god_n child_n long_o asleep_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n worship_n though_o alive_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n second_o god_n child_n cant._n 5._o notwithstanding_o a_o principle_n of_o spirivall_n life_n in_o their_o soul_n yet_o be_v lulll_v into_o a_o long_a continue_a sleep_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n worship_n i_o sleep_v though_o my_o heart_n wake_v the_o heart_n be_v awake_a in_o spiritual_a life_n and_o grace_n as_o concern_v personal_a union_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o conscionable_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o in_o what_o the_o heart_n be_v convince_v yet_o asleep_a in_o respect_n of_o abundant_a ignorance_n and_o negligence_n and_o consequent_o gross_a abomination_n and_o pollution_n of_o worship_n in_o which_o the_o choice_a servant_n of_o god_n and_o most_o
exceed_v the_o bed_n of_o man_n who_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o ash_n second_o now_o the_o first_o christian_n the_o best_a pattern_n for_o all_o christian_n now_o i_o answer_v the_o convert_v jew_n although_o they_o see_v not_o all_o the_o leavening_n of_o the_o pharise_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 and_o be_v add_v to_o his_o church_n and_o o_o that_o the_o least_o beam_n of_o light_n and_o sparkle_n of_o heat_n be_v in_o my_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n which_o be_v kindle_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o those_o famous_a convert_n at_o the_o preach_n of_o peter_n act_v 2._o the_o true_a christ_n now_o in_o his_o worship_n ministry_n etc._n etc._n be_v discern_v and_o repentance_n for_o persecute_v and_o kill_v of_o he_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o true_a repentance_n for_o kill_v of_o christ_n be_v express_v there_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 and_o submission_n unto_o the_o true_a and_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o our_o contraversie_n concern_v the_o confession_n of_o sin_n unto_o john_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n he_o grant_v the_o disciple_n of_o john_n confess_v their_o sin_n the_o publican_n they_o the_o soldier_n they_o the_o people_n they_o but_o say_v he_o it_o appear_v not_o that_o they_o confess_v their_o pharisaical_a pollution_n and_o concern_v the_o confession_n act_v 19_o 18._o he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o express_v that_o they_o confess_v all_o their_o deed_n ans_fw-fr if_o both_o these_o confess_v their_o notorious_a sin_n as_o mr._n cotton_n express_v why_o not_o as_o well_o their_o notorious_a sin_n against_o god_n their_o idolatry_n superstitious_a worship_n etc._n etc._n 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 his_o people_n be_v ever_o describe_v by_o the_o title_n of_o his_o worshipper_n and_o his_o enemy_n by_o the_o title_n of_o worshipper_n of_o false_a god_n and_o worship_v the_o true_a after_o a_o false_a manner_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o be_v to_o bring_v forth_o a_o candle_n to_o the_o bright_a shine_a of_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n chap._n xix_o his_o three_o answer_n be_v cotton_n mr._n cotton_n but_o to_o satisfy_v you_o more_o full_o and_o the_o lord_n make_v you_o willing_a in_o true_a meekness_n of_o spirit_n to_o receive_v satisfaction_n the_o body_n of_o the_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 as_o their_o soul_n groan_v under_o for_o which_o all_o so_o they_o profess_v their_o hearty_a sorrow_n so_o far_o as_o through_o ignorance_n or_o infirmity_n they_o have_v be_v defile_v beside_o in_o our_o daily_a meeting_n and_o special_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o solemn_a humiliation_n we_o general_o all_o of_o we_o bewail_v all_o our_o former_a pollution_n 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 adminstration_n and_o communion_n but_o we_o rather_o choose_v to_o do_v it_o then_o talk_v of_o it_o and_o we_o can_v but_o wonder_v how_o you_o can_v so_o bold_o and_o resolute_o renounce_v all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o neglect_v of_o that_o which_o you_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o have_v neglect_v or_o no_o and_o before_o you_o have_v admonish_v we_o of_o our_o sinfullnes_n in_o such_o neglect_n if_o it_o be_v find_v among_o we_o i_o answer_v with_o humble_a desire_n to_o the_o father_n of_o light_n answer_n answer_n for_o the_o true_a meekness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o his_o spirit_n here_o be_v mention_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o ordinance_n and_o defile_v themselves_o and_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o former_a administration_n and_o communion_n question_v how_o can_v a_o soul_n true_o oppose_v antichrist_n that_o endure_v not_o to_o have_v his_o name_n question_v and_o yet_o 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 we_o rather_o choose_v to_o do_v it_o say_v he_o then_o to_o talk_v of_o it_o which_o make_v i_o call_v to_o mind_n a_o expression_n of_o a_o eminent_a and_o worthy_a person_n among_o they_o in_o a_o solemn_a conference_n viz._n what_o need_v we_o speak_v of_o antichrist_n can_v we_o not_o enjoy_v our_o liberty_n without_o inveigh_v against_o antichrist_n etc._n etc._n the_o truth_n be_v i_o acknowledge_v their_o witness_n against_o ceremony_n and_o bishop_n but_o that_o yet_o they_o see_v not_o the_o evil_a of_o a_o nationall_n church_n notwithstanding_o they_o constitute_v only_o particular_a and_o independent_a let_v their_o constant_a practice_n speak_v in_o still_o join_v with_o such_o church_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n and_o their_o persecute_v of_o myself_o for_o my_o humble_a and_o faithful_a it_o mr._n cotton_n witness_v against_o a_o national_a church_n and_o yet_o hold_v fellowship_n with_o it_o and_o constant_a admonish_v of_o they_o of_o such_o unclean_a walk_n between_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o they_o only_o profess_v to_o be_v christ_n and_o a_o nationall_n which_o mr._n cotton_n profess_v to_o separate_v from_o but_o how_o can_v i_o possible_o be_v ignorant_a as_o he_o seem_v to_o charge_v i_o of_o their_o state_n when_o be_v from_o first_o to_o last_o in_o fellowship_n with_o they_o an_z officer_z among_o they_o have_v private_a and_o public_a agitation_n concern_v their_o state_n and_o condition_n pretend_v impossible_a for_o the_o answerer_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o church_n estate_n as_o mr._n cotton_n pretend_v with_o all_o or_o most_o of_o their_o minister_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v for_o such_o admonition_n to_o they_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o winter_n banishment_n among_o the_o barbarian_n and_o yet_o say_v he_o you_o know_v not_o what_o we_o have_v do_v neither_o have_v you_o admonish_v we_o of_o our_o sinfullnes_n chap._n xx._n mr._n cotton_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n a_o three_o scripture_n which_o i_o produce_v be_v haggai_n 2._o 13_o 14_o 15._o desire_v that_o the_o place_n may_v be_v thorough_o weigh_v and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v please_v to_o hold_v the_o scale_n himself_o the_o prophet_n there_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o if_o a_o person_n unclean_a by_o a_o dead_a body_n touch_v holy_a thing_n those_o holy_a thing_n become_v unclean_a unto_o they_o and_o so_o say_v he_o be_v this_o nation_n and_o so_o be_v every_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o which_o they_o offer_v be_v unclean_a whence_o i_o infer_v that_o even_o church_n covenant_n make_v and_o ordinance_n practise_v by_o person_n pollute_v through_o spiritual_a deadness_n and_o filthiness_n of_o communion_n such_o covenant_n and_o ordinance_n become_v unclean_a unto_o they_o and_o be_v profane_v by_o they_o mr._n cotton_n answer_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 but_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 deny_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 ans_fw-fr i_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o affirm_v that_o this_o their_o true_a constitution_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o for_o be_v a_o nationall_n church_n particular_a the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o jew_n a_o nationall_n church_n true_o constitute_v therefore_o not_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o death_n and_o captivity_n in_o the_o national_a church_n type_v out_o spiritual_a death_n &_o captivity_n in_o the_o particular_a ceremonial_a and_o typical_a their_o excommunication_n be_v either_o put_n to_o death_n in_o or_o captivity_n out_o of_o that_o ceremonial_a canaan_n hence_o salmanassar_n carry_v the_o â—â—_o tribe_n captive_a out_o of_o this_o land_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o of_o god_n sight_n 2_o king_n 17._o which_o be_v their_o excommunication_n according_o in_o the_o particular_a christian_a church_n christ_n jesus_n cut_v off_o by_o spiritual_a death_n which_o be_v excommunication_n or_o for_o want_n of_o due_a execution_n of_o justice_n by_o that_o ordinance_n in_o his_o kingdom_n he_o sell_v the_o church_n into_o spiritual_a captivity_n to_o confuse_v babylonish_n lord_n and_o worship_n and_o so_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n now_o from_o the_o consequent_a of_o this_o place_n in_o
befall_v the_o true_a church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n at_o antioch_n corinth_n galatia_n who_o be_v exercise_v with_o great_a distraction_n second_o it_o be_v a_o common_a character_n of_o a_o false_a church_n maintain_v by_o the_o smith_n and_o cutler_n shop_n to_o enjoy_v a_o quiet_a calm_a and_o peaceable_a tranquillity_n jesus_n a_o false_a church_n may_v enforce_v a_o present_a great_a though_o false_a grace_n than_o the_o true_a spouse_n of_o christ_n jesus_n none_o dare_v for_o fear_n of_o civil_a punishment_n to_o question_v object_n or_o differ_v from_o the_o common_a road_n and_o custom_n thus_o sing_v that_o great_a whore_n the_o antichristian_a church_n revel_v 18_o i_o sit_v as_o a_o queen_n be_o no_o widow_n see_v no_o sorrow_n while_o christ_n dear_a complain_n she_o be_v forsake_v sit_v weep_v as_o a_o widow_n lam._n 1._o three_o god_n people_n in_o that_o way_n have_v sometime_o long_o enjoy_v sweet_a peace_n and_o soul_n contentment_n in_o england_n holland_n new_a england_n and_o other_o place_n and_o will_v not_o have_v exchange_v a_o day_n of_o such_o a_o holy_a and_o peaceable_a harmony_n for_o thousand_o in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n see_v no_o other_o communion_n god_n people_n have_v find_v infinite_a sweetness_n and_o peace_n in_o some_o time_n of_o their_o holy_a communion_n and_o in_o sincerity_n seek_v after_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o yet_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o as_o david_n with_o the_o prince_n and_o 30_o thousand_o israelite_n carry_v the_o ark_n on_o the_o shoulder_n of_o the_o ox_n leap_v and_o dance_v with_o great_a rejoice_v until_o god_n smite_v vzzah_n for_o his_o error_n and_o disorder_n and_o make_v a_o breach_n and_o a_o teach_a monument_n of_o perez_n vzzah_n the_o breach_n of_o vzzah_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n all_o those_o celebration_n of_o the_o spiritual_a ark_n or_o ordinance_n order_n breach_n have_v be_v and_o must_v be_v among_o all_o god_n people_n to_o make_v they_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n holy_a ordinance_n according_a to_o due_a order_n which_o yet_o i_o have_v know_v although_o for_o the_o present_a accompany_v with_o great_a rejoice_v and_o triumph_v yet_o as_o they_o have_v not_o be_v after_o the_o due_a order_n so_o have_v they_o all_o meet_v with_o and_o still_o must_v a_o peâ—â—â—_n vzzah_n breach_n and_o division_n until_o the_o lord_n jesus_n discover_v direct_v and_o encourage_v his_o servant_n in_o his_o own_o due_a holy_a order_n and_o appointment_n and_o for_o growth_n in_o grace_n notwithstanding_o that_o among_o all_o sort_n of_o god_n witness_n some_o false_a brethren_n creep_v in_o as_o cheater_n and_o spy_n and_o judasses_n dishonour_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n jesus_n people_n many_o graceless_a judasses_n among_o god_n people_n and_o betray_v his_o witness_n yet_o satan_n himself_o the_o accuser_n of_o the_o saint_n can_v but_o confess_v that_o multitude_n of_o god_n witness_n reproach_v with_o the_o name_n of_o brownist_n and_o anabaptist_n have_v keep_v themselves_o from_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n endeavour_v to_o cleanse_v themselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n separation_n multitude_n of_o gration_n and_o holy_a person_n that_o have_v profess_v separation_n and_o to_o finish_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n i_o will_v not_o make_v odious_a and_o envious_a comparison_n but_o desire_v that_o all_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v depart_v whole_o and_o for_o ever_o from_o iniquity_n chap._n xxiiii_o last_o he_o add_v cotton_n m._n cotton_n that_o such_o as_o err_v through_o simplicity_n and_o tenderness_n have_v grow_v in_o grace_n have_v grow_v also_o to_o discern_v their_o lawful_a liberty_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n from_o english_a preacher_n ans_fw-fr i_o will_v not_o question_v the_o uprightnes_n of_o some_o grace_n â—oure_a sort_n of_o backsliders_a from_o separation_n far_o from_o growth_n in_o grace_n who_o have_v go_v back_o from_o many_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v profess_v yet_o my_o own_o experience_n of_o 4_o sort_n who_o have_v backsliden_a i_o shall_v report_v for_o a_o warn_n to_o all_o into_o who_o hand_n these_o may_v come_v to_o be_v like_o antipas_n revel_n 2._o a_o faithful_a witness_n to_o the_o death_n to_o any_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n which_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o be_v trust_v they_o with_o first_o i_o have_v know_v no_o small_a number_n of_o such_o tear_v to_o absolute_a familisme_n familisme_n some_o backslide_n turn_n to_o familisme_n and_o under_o their_o pretence_n of_o great_a rapture_n of_o love_n deny_v all_o obedience_n to_o or_o seek_v after_o the_o pure_a ordinance_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n second_o prophanesse_n some_o to_o prophanesse_n other_o have_v lay_v the_o reins_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o like_o the_o dog_n lick_v up_o their_o vomit_n of_o former_a looseness_n and_o profane_v of_o lip_n and_o life_n and_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o grow_v in_o grace_n that_o they_o have_v turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n three_o other_o some_o to_o persecute_v of_o other_o other_o backsliding_a have_v lose_v the_o beauty_n and_o shine_a of_o a_o tâ—nder_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o a_o merciful_a compassion_n towards_o man_n become_v most_o fierce_a persecutor_n of_o their_o own_o former_o fellow_n witness_n and_o of_o any_o other_o who_o have_v differ_v in_o conscience_n from_o they_o last_o etc._n some_o tâ—_n languish_v in_o sorrow_n and_o sadness_n etc._n etc._n other_o although_o preserve_v from_o familisme_n profane_v and_o persecute_v of_o other_o yet_o the_o leaf_n of_o their_o christian_a course_n have_v wither_v the_o late_a beauty_n and_o savour_n of_o their_o holiness_n have_v not_o be_v like_o their_o former_a and_o they_o have_v confess_v &_o do_v their_o sin_n their_o weakness_n their_o bondage_n and_o wish_v they_o be_v at_o liberty_n in_o their_o former_a freedom_n and_o some_o have_v go_v with_o little_a peace_n but_o sorrow_n to_o their_o grave_n confess_v to_o myself_o and_o other_o that_o god_n never_o prosper_v they_o in_o soul_n or_o body_n since_o they_o sell_v away_o his_o truth_n which_o once_o they_o have_v buy_v and_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o never_o to_o sell_v it_o chap._n xxv_o yea_o but_o say_v he_o they_o have_v grow_v to_o discern_v their_o lawful_a liberty_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n to_o return_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n from_o english_a preacher_n ans_fw-fr here_o i_o may_v engage_v myself_o in_o a_o contraversie_n which_o neither_o this_o treatise_n will_v permit_v hear_v mr._n can_n answer_v to_o mr_n robinson_n liberty_n of_o hear_v nor_o be_v there_o need_v since_o it_o have_v please_v the_o father_n of_o light_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o faithful_a witness_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o this_o particular_a mr._n â—ann_n to_o make_v a_o large_a and_o faithful_a reply_n to_o a_o book_n print_v in_o mr._n robinson_n name_n tend_v to_o prove_v such_o a_o lawful_a liberty_n for_o such_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a person_n who_o mr._n cotton_n here_o intend_v by_o the_o name_n of_o english_a preacher_n i_o acknowledge_v myself_o unworthy_a to_o hold_v the_o candle_n to_o they_o ministry_n mr_n cotton_v confession_n concern_v the_o ministry_n yet_o i_o shall_v humble_o present_v what_o mr._n cotton_n himself_o profess_v in_o 3_o particular_n first_o concern_v this_o title_n english_a preacher_n second_o hear_v the_o word_n from_o such_o english_a preacher_n three_o the_o lawful_a call_n of_o such_o to_o the_o ministry_n or_o service_n according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n for_o the_o first_o he_o acknowledge_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v pastor_n teacher_n bishop_n overseer_n elder_n and_o that_o their_o proper_a work_n be_v to_o feed_v and_o govern_v a_o true_o convert_v holy_a and_o godly_a people_n gather_v into_o a_o flock_n or_o church_n estate_n and_o not_o proper_o preacher_n to_o convert_v beget_v make_v disciple_n 28._o matth._n 28._o which_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n profess_o be_v now_o than_o that_o man_n that_o profess_v himself_o a_o minister_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o profess_v to_o feed_v a_o flock_n or_o church_n with_o the_o ordinance_n of_o word_n and_o prayer_n he_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o proper_a work_n be_v not_o to_o preach_v for_o conversion_n different_a preacher_n and_o pastor_n fâ—â—re_o different_a which_o be_v most_o preposterous_a among_o a_o convert_a christian_a people_n feed_v up_o with_o ordinance_n in_o church_n estate_n so_o that_o according_a to_o mr._n cotton_v confession_n english_a preacher_n be_v not_o pastor_n teacher_n bishop_n elder_n but_o preacher_n of_o glad_a news_n evangelist_n man_n send_v to_o convert_v and_o