cotton_n will_v say_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n may_v receive_v and_o keep_v in_o her_o bosom_n such_o stink_a weed_n declare_v so_o to_o be_v which_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n abhor_v who_o question_n but_o while_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o these_o foolish_a virgin_n lay_v hide_v in_o their_o empty_a vessel_n that_o outward_o they_o appear_v as_o wise_a as_o the_o wise_a virgin_n but_o when_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o hypocrisy_n discover_v they_o to_o be_v fool_n how_o can_v master_n cotton_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n affirm_v that_o foolish_a virgin_n know_v hypocrite_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o and_o not_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n peace_n o_o how_o contrary_a be_v this_o to_o the_o very_a fundamental_o essence_n nature_n and_o be_v of_o a_o church_n or_o spouse_n of_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o papist_n and_o protestant_n a_o society_n of_o wise_a virgin_n visible_o saint_n holy_a and_o faithful_a person_n a_o society_n of_o such_o person_n as_o outward_o profess_v to_o love_n christ_n jesus_n upright_o cant._n 1._o and_o to_o be_v espouse_v to_o he_o 1_o cor._n 11._o truth_n yea_o and_o how_o contrary_a be_v this_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o heart_n be_v all_o one_o fire_n towards_o the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n cant._n 4._o and_o how_o contrary_a to_o the_o charge_n that_o great_a and_o hypocrite_n solemn_a charge_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o all_o his_o follower_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o leaven_n which_o be_v hypocrisy_n which_o if_o suffer_v will_v leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n and_o render_v the_o garden_n and_o spouse_n of_o christ_n a_o filthy_a dunghill_n and_o whore-house_n of_o rot_a and_o stink_a whore_n and_o hypocrite_n examination_n of_o chap._n xxi_o peace_n master_n cotton_n here_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v as_o many_o have_v do_v before_o that_o the_o field_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n interpret_v the_o world_n be_v mean_v by_o he_o to_o be_v the_o church_n as_o he_o be_v say_v to_o love_v the_o world_n john_n 3._o to_o be_v propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 2._o truth_n in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o place_n of_o like_a nature_n it_o please_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o set_v forth_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n distinct_a from_o all_o other_o creature_n as_o also_o the_o impartiality_n of_o his_o love_n calling_z his_o choose_v out_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o sinner_n mankind_n all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v frequent_o world_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o far_o distinct_a and_o contrary_a acceptation_n so_o as_o when_o he_o name_v the_o church_n it_o can_v signify_v the_o world_n and_o when_o the_o world_n he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o intend_v the_o church_n the_o reason_n therefore_o on_o either_o side_n must_v be_v expend_v and_o weigh_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n why_o the_o field_n here_o call_v by_o christ_n the_o world_n can_v be_v intend_v to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n peace_n your_o right_a distinguish_n be_v a_o right_n divide_v of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n but_o say_v master_n cotton_n it_o can_v be_v the_o world_n in_o proper_a signification_n for_o which_o he_o aleadge_v three_o reason_n first_o because_o there_o have_v be_v say_v he_o no_o place_n for_o the_o servant_n wonder_v at_o the_o appear_v of_o the_o tare_n verse_n 27._o for_o what_o wonder_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o full_a of_o fornicator_n &_o c_o be_v it_o ever_o otherwise_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o be_v full_a of_o fornicator_n idolater_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o it_o be_v some_o thousand_o of_o year_n when_o the_o world_n be_v not_o full_a of_o christian_a that_o be_v anoint_a or_o holy_a fornicator_n holy_a idolater_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v indeed_o and_o truth_n antichristian_a and_o that_o alone_o be_v the_o point_n in_o question_n about_o which_o this_o answer_n of_o master_n cotton_n hover_v but_o come_v not_o near_o it_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o most_o dreadful_a and_o wonderful_a point_n of_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n so_o to_o suffer_v so_o many_o million_o of_o christian_n man_n and_o woman_n to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a live_a god_n and_o his_o holy_a son_n christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v call_v christian_n anoint_a or_o holy_a and_o yet_o upon_o the_o point_n to_o hate_v the_o holiness_n truth_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n truth_n this_o be_v doubtless_o to_o i_o what_o ere_o master_n cotton_n imagine_v a_o wonderful_a mystery_n in_o all_o age_n since_o these_o tare_n be_v first_o sow_o to_o see_v i_o say_v so_o many_o million_o of_o holy_a idolater_n holy_a murderer_n holy_a whoremonger_n holy_a thief_n etc._n etc._n the_o blasphemy_n of_o this_o be_v so_o wonderful_a and_o dreadful_a that_o i_o can_v sufficient_o wonder_v at_o he_o that_o wonder_n not_o how_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v truth_n the_o like_a i_o answer_v to_o his_o second_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o read_v not_o that_o ever_o any_o of_o the_o minister_n or_o prophet_n of_o christ_n ever_o assay_v to_o pluck_v up_o all_o such_o vicious_a notorious_a person_n out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o they_o demand_v concern_v the_o tare_n for_o then_o indeed_o as_o the_o spirit_n imply_v 1_o cor._n 5._o the_o whole_a state_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v overthrow_v but_o yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o desire_n in_o god_n servant_n to_o pluck_v up_o this_o or_o that_o sect_n or_o sort_n of_o people_n jew_n turk_n or_o antichristian_o peace_n dear_a truth_n you_o make_v i_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o desire_n of_o christ_n disciple_n that_o fire_n may_v descend_v from_o heaven_n not_o to_o consume_v all_o fornicator_n idolater_n all_o cruel_a and_o unclean_a person_n out_o of_o the_o world_n yet_o that_o particular_a unmerciful_a superstition_n town_n of_o the_o samaritan_n they_o desire_v that_o fire_n may_v come_v from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v they_o truth_n indeed_o this_o desire_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v no_o strange_a desire_n for_o what_o else_o do_v all_o they_o desire_v which_o permit_v not_o in_o the_o civil_a state_n desire_n any_o religion_n worship_n or_o conscience_n but_o their_o own_o nay_o far_o beyond_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n neck_n under_o their_o imperial_a yoke_n the_o many_o million_o of_o million_o of_o blasphemer_n and_o idolater_n of_o all_o sort_n if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v at_o their_o word_n must_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o all_o natural_a and_o civil_a be_v in_o the_o world_n by_o fire_n and_o sword_n peace_n his_o three_o reason_n be_v that_o the_o discusser_v reckon_v up_o as_o parallel_v goat_n and_o sheep_n wheat_n and_o tare_n as_o general_o say_v he_o other_o do_v and_o he_o add_v that_o in_o the_o pure_a church_n after_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichrist_n there_o shall_v be_v goat_n and_o sheep_n wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n mat._n 25._o truth_n although_o the_o discusser_v speak_v of_o that_o eternal_a separation_n between_o wheat_n and_o tare_n sheep_n and_o goat_n approach_v yet_o he_o never_o say_v that_o the_o tare_n and_o goat_n signify_v hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o point_n in_o question_n nor_o dare_v i_o subscribe_v to_o that_o opinion_n that_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o antichrist_n when_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v come_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o mix_a estate_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n for_o first_o although_o goat_n be_v clean_o for_o food_n and_o sacrifice_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o as_o they_o be_v for_o the_o left_a hand_n so_o they_o be_v visible_o know_v by_o every_o child_n where_o goat_n and_o sheep_n be_v keep_v and_o to_o image_n that_o visible_a hypocrite_n such_o as_o tare_n goat_n unprofitable_a servant_n foolish_a virgin_n etc._n etc._n shall_v in_o a_o mix_a way_n make_v up_o christ_n churoh_fw-la and_o that_o in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o and_o wonderful_a prophecy_n be_v to_o i_o not_o only_o to_o frame_v a_o church_n estate_n point_n blank_a cross_n to_o the_o purity_n of_o those_o church_n but_o even_o to_o the_o first_o apostolical_a church_n yea_o and_o against_o that_o frame_n of_o church_n estate_n in_o new_a england_n where_o master_n cotton_n have_v profess_v though_o now_o it_o be_v say_v the_o door_n be_v wide_o against_o receive_v in_o
of_o god_n servant_n have_v feed_v and_o himself_o not_o a_o little_a to_o the_o lord_n praise_v and_o his_o own_o in_o former_a time_n peace_n whereas_o you_o argue_v it_o to_o be_v light_n alone_o that_o be_v able_a to_o dispel_v and_o scatter_v the_o mist_n and_o fog_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n master_n cotton_n answer_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v as_o light_v that_o go_v forth_o hos_fw-la 6._o 3._o isa_n 26._o 9_o and_o the_o false_a prophet_n repent_v will_v acknowledge_v this_o zech._n 13._o 6._o thus_o be_v i_o wound_v in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o friend_n truth_n but_o do_v master_n cotton_n indeed_o believe_v that_o not_o only_o examine_v public_a magistrate_n but_o also_o each_o private_a father_n and_o mother_n as_o that_o place_n of_o zechary_n literate_o take_v carry_v it_o must_v now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n wound_n and_o pierce_v yea_o run_v through_o and_o kill_v their_o son_n the_o false_a prophet_n will_v he_o justify_v a_o parent_n so_o practise_v though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o public_a magistrate_n who_o happy_o may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n with_o the_o false_a prophet_n will_v not_o this_o doctrine_n reach_v &_o extend_v to_o the_o pull_v down_o depose_n and_o kill_v of_o all_o such_o governor_n and_o government_n which_o god_n in_o his_o gracious_a providence_n have_v set_v up_o among_o all_o people_n in_o all_o part_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o pharaoh_n the_o very_a pope_n himself_o in_o his_o king-killing_a and_o state-killing_a doctrine_n peace_n if_o ever_o master_n cotton_n wake_v in_o this_o point_n he_o will_v tell_v all_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v more_o gospellike_a that_o parent_n brethren_n father_n friend_n impartial_o fulfil_v this_o of_o zechary_n 13._o and_o deut._n 13._o spiritual_o in_o the_o friendly_a wound_n yea_o and_o zealous_a slay_v by_o the_o two-edged_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n come_v forth_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n jesus_n ephes_n 5._o revel_v 1._o truth_n and_o it_o be_v most_o true_a as_o master_n cotton_n say_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n legal_o execute_v or_o more_o terrible_o pour_v examine_v forth_o in_o the_o vial_n of_o sword_n plague_n and_o famine_n they_o be_v as_o heavenly_a light_n shine_v out_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n teach_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n righteousness_n yea_o the_o creation_n itself_o or_o each_o creature_n be_v as_o candle_n and_o glass_n to_o light_n and_o show_v we_o the_o invisible_a god_n and_o creator_n but_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n jesus_n give_v to_o his_o church_n these_o be_v not_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n which_o give_v light_a and_o understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a and_o convert_v the_o soul_n these_o be_v nor_o that_o marvelous_a light_n unto_o which_o the_o call_v of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n have_v bring_v the_o saint_n unto_o who_o peter_n write_v the_o weapon_n of_o paul_n fight_v whereby_o to_o batter_v down_o the_o high_a thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n against_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n 3_o cor._n 10._o and_o his_o 10._o direction_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n how_o to_o deal_v with_o heretic_n and_o gainsayer_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o to_o be_v such_o till_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o son_n of_o perdition_n bring_v forth_o such_o bloody_a weapon_n and_o bloody_a doctrine_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o christ_n jesus_n examination_n of_o chap._n x._o peace_n in_o this_o passage_n master_n cotton_n will_v subscribe_v to_o the_o whole_a matter_n say_v this_o chapter_n may_v stand_v for_o we_o without_o impeachment_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o chapter_n be_v report_v the_o persecution_n which_o both_o right_o inform_v and_o erroneous_a conscience_n suffer_v and_o the_o blind_a estate_n of_o such_o blind_a guide_n and_o blind_a conscience_n who_o so_o preach_v and_o practise_v truth_n these_o first_o word_n we_o approve_v no_o persecution_n for_o conscience_n fight_v against_o his_o whole_a endeavour_n in_o this_o book_n which_o be_v to_o set_v up_o the_o civil_a throne_n and_o judgement-seat_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o preserve_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n pure_a and_o punish_v the_o evil_a of_o heresy_n blasphemy_n etc._n etc._n 2._o they_o fight_v against_o their_o fellow_n which_o follow_v thus_o unless_o the_o conscience_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o error_n and_o perniciousness_n thereof_o which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v we_o hold_v no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v persecute_v for_o his_o conscience_n unless_o it_o be_v for_o a_o conscience_n which_o we_o judge_v dangerous_a to_o our_o religion_n no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v persecute_v for_o his_o conscience_n unless_o we_o judge_v that_o we_o have_v convince_v or_o conquer_v his_o conscience_n it_o be_v true_a all_o error_n be_v perniciot_n many_o way_n to_o god_n glory_n to_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n to_o other_o man_n soul_n and_o conscience_n yet_o i_o understand_v master_n cotton_n to_o say_v except_o we_o judge_v the_o error_n to_o be_v conscience_n so_o and_o so_o mischievous_a it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o self-conviction_n which_o some_o conscience_n smite_v and_o wound_v themselves_o with_o but_o to_o submit_v these_o conscience_n to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o power_n of_o the_o world_n how_o can_v master_n cotton_n do_v this_o and_o yet_o say_v no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v persecute_v for_o his_o conscience_n peace_n alas_o how_o many_o thousand_o and_o million_o of_o conscience_n have_v be_v persecute_v in_o all_o age_n and_o time_n iâ—_n a_o judicial_a war_n and_o how_o have_v their_o judge_n pretend_a victory_n and_o triumph_n cry_v out_o we_o have_v convince_v or_o conquer_v they_o and_o yet_o be_v they_o obstinate_a truth_n hence_o come_v that_o hellish_a proverb_n that_o nothing_o be_v more_o obstinate_a than_o a_o christian_a under_o which_o cloud_n of_o reproach_n have_v be_v overwhelm_v the_o most_o faithful_a zealous_a and_o constant_a witness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n peace_n but_o say_v master_n cotton_n some_o blind_a conscience_n be_v so_o judicial_o punish_v by_o god_n as_o he_o in_o irelond_n that_o burn_v his_o child_n in_o imitation_n of_o abraham_n truth_n in_o such_o case_n it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v the_o magistrate_n bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a either_o for_o the_o punish_n or_o prevent_v punish_v of_o such_o sin_n whether_o uncleanness_n theft_n cruelty_n or_o persecution_n and_o therefore_o such_o conscience_n as_o be_v so_o harden_v by_o god_n judgement_n as_o to_o smite_v their_o fellow-servant_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n and_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o saul_n his_o zeal_n for_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n against_o the_o gibeonite_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v suppress_v and_o punish_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o prevent_v and_o hence_o be_v seasonable_a the_o say_n of_o king_n james_n that_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v secure_v of_o the_o papist_n concern_v civil_a obedience_n which_o security_n by_o wholesome_a law_n and_o other_o way_n according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o each_o state_n each_o state_n be_v to_o provide_v for_o itself_o even_o against_o the_o delusion_n of_o harden_a conscience_n in_o any_o attempt_n which_o mere_o concern_v the_o civil_a state_n and_o commonweal_n examination_n of_o chap._n xi_o peace_n in_o this_o chapter_n master_n cotton_n take_v himself_o wrong_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o conclusion_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o persecute_v jesus_n christ_n truth_n what_o difference_n be_v there_o in_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o persecute_v a_o conscience_n right_o inform_v and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o persecute_v christ_n jesus_n be_v it_o not_o all_o one_o in_o effect_n for_o christ_n to_o say_v take_v up_o thy_o bed_n and_o walk_v as_o to_o say_v thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o peace_n he_o add_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o wonder_n to_o lay_v down_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n for_o a_o proof_n as_o gamaliel_n do_v truth_n who_o see_v not_o a_o vast_a difference_n between_o master_n cotton_n and_o gamaliel_n speech_n gamaliel_n speak_v of_o that_o particular_a controversy_n concern_v christ_n person_n and_o profession_n which_o the_o jew_n so_o gainsay_v and_o persecute_v gamaliel_n fit_o aggravate_v god_n their_o opposition_n by_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o course_n if_o possible_o it_o may_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o persecute_v master_n cotton_n be_v to_o lay_v down_o not_o a_o particular_a answer_n
but_o general_a conclusion_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o book_n he_o maintain_v such_o and_o such_o persecution_n yet_o he_o lay_v this_o down_o as_o his_o first_o conclusion_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o persecute_v a_o conscience_n right_o inform_v that_o be_v christ_n jesus_n in_o his_o truth_n and_o servant_n and_o that_o i_o say_v never_o persecutor_n profess_v to_o do_v without_o a_o mask_n or_o cover_n peace_n what_o of_o that_o say_v master_n cotton_n for_o although_o they_o do_v not_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 matter_n of_o wonder_n to_o tell_v they_o as_o christ_n tell_v paul_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v truth_n doubtless_o whatever_a persecutor_n profess_v and_o what_o apology_n soever_o they_o make_v in_o all_o the_o particular_a case_n for_o which_o god_n servant_n be_v persecute_v yet_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v deal_v faithful_o to_o tell_v persecuter_n that_o they_o persecute_v christ_n himself_o and_o to_o breath_n out_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n judgement_n against_o they_o even_o out_o of_o their_o own_o mouth_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o a_o conclusion_n lay_v down_o for_o so_o christ_n lay_v not_o down_o his_o expostulation_n with_o paul_n as_o a_o conclusion_n as_o master_n cotton_n do_v by_o way_n of_o teach_v but_o as_o a_o conviction_n by_o way_n of_o reproof_n peace_n yet_o persecutor_n say_v he_o have_v persecute_v christ_n as_o christ_n for_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharise_n say_v this_o be_v the_o heir_n come_v let_v we_o kill_v he_o and_o julian_n persecute_v jesus_n as_o jesus_n and_o if_o a_o christian_a in_o turkey_n shall_v seek_v to_o gain_v a_o turk_n to_o christianity_n they_o will_v persecute_v such_o a_o christian_a and_o in_o he_o jesus_n as_o jesus_n truth_n it_o be_v say_v act_n 3._o that_o the_o jew_n persecute_v christ_n out_o of_o ignorance_n for_o though_o they_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n to_o convince_v seduce_v they_o yet_o do_v they_o not_o persecute_v christ_n out_o of_o a_o clear_o convince_v conscience_n for_o than_o it_o can_v not_o be_v out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o so_o great_a a_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n appear_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o christ_n work_n as_o to_o make_v their_o sin_n to_o be_v against_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n yet_o have_v they_o their_o mask_n and_o cover_v as_o be_v evident_a for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a christ_n or_o messiah_n say_v they_o but_o a_o deceiver_n a_o witch_n work_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n a_o blasphemer_n a_o seducer_n a_o traitor_n etc._n etc._n again_o although_o wretched_a julian_n persecute_v the_o very_a name_n of_o christ_n and_o jesus_n who_o former_o he_o have_v acknowledge_v and_o profess_v yet_o be_v it_o still_o under_o a_o mask_n or_o cover_n to_o wit_n that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o true_a son_n of_o god_n nor_o his_o worship_n the_o truth_n but_o his_o roman_a god_n be_v true_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o same_o say_v the_o turk_n in_o persecute_v christian_n and_o in_o they_o christ_n jesus_n as_o aâ—_n prophet_n inferior_a to_o their_o only_a great_a and_o true_a prophet_n mahomet_n and_o last_o neither_o scribe_n nor_o pharisee_n nor_o julian_n nor_o turk_n do_v or_o do_v persecute_v christ_n jesus_n otherwise_o then_o as_o they_o be_v and_o be_v bind_v so_o to_o do_v by_o master_n cotton_v doctrine_n as_o shall_v further_o appear_v notwithstanding_o his_o plea_n that_o such_o magistrate_n must_v forbear_v to_o punish_v until_o they_o be_v better_o inform_v peace_n but_o let_v tyrant_n and_o persecutor_n profess_v what_o they_o will_v say_v master_n cotton_n yet_o this_o vari_v not_o the_o truth_n nor_o impeach_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o conclusion_n truth_n sweet_a peace_n how_o can_v i_o here_o choose_v but_o in_o the_o first_o wake_v place_n observe_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o wake_a sleep_n of_o the_o most_o precious_a servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n awake_v for_o what_o fiery_a censure_n just_o pour_v forth_o this_o our_o excellent_a adversary_n against_o the_o oppressor_n of_o conscience_n entitul_a they_o with_o the_o name_n of_o tyrant_n and_o persecutor_n notwithstanding_o their_o vain_a profession_n pretence_n apology_n and_o plea_n for_o their_o tyranny_n and_o bloodshed_n again_o how_o fast_o asleep_a in_o his_o so_o zealous_a plead_n for_o the_o great_a tyranny_n in_o the_o world_n throughout_o his_o whole_a book_n though_o paint_a and_o wash_v over_o with_o fair_a pretence_n &_o c_o 2._o he_o grant_v upon_o the_o point_n the_o truth_n which_o be_v affirm_v and_o he_o deny_v to_o wit_n that_o no_o persecutor_n of_o christ_n ever_o persecute_v he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o jesus_n but_o under_o some_o mask_n or_o cover_n as_o thousand_o of_o black_a and_o bloody_a cloud_n of_o persecute_v witness_n in_o this_o case_n most_o lamentable_o make_v it_o evident_a and_o apparent_a peace_n master_n cotton_v next_o charge_n be_v very_o heavy_a against_o the_o discusser_v for_o exalt_v himself_o above_o god_n in_o the_o discern_a of_o master_n cotton_v fellowship_n with_o persecutor_n notwithstanding_o his_o profession_n against_o such_o persecution_n truth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n see_v in_o the_o jew_n such_o a_o contrariety_n between_o their_o profession_n and_o practice_n even_o in_o this_o case_n of_o persecution_n mat._n 23._o 2._o himself_o in_o effect_n but_o even_o now_o say_v the_o same_o of_o all_o persecutor_n what_o ever_o pretence_n they_o make_v say_v he_o and_o they_o will_v pretend_v great_a thing_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o kiss_v he_o ten_o thousand_o persecution_n time_n when_o treason_n and_o slaughter_n be_v be_v in_o their_o course_n and_o will_v master_n cotton_n say_v that_o christ_n jesus_n exalt_v himself_o above_o god_n inspy_v out_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n that_o master_n cotton_n shall_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v with_o david_n that_o man_n that_o have_v do_v this_o thing_n shall_v die_v not_o due_o consider_v and_o ponder_v that_o ourselves_o be_v son_n of_o blood_n and_o child_n of_o death_n condemn_v by_o our_o own_o mouth_n if_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v deal_v severe_o with_o we_o peace_n but_o master_n cotton_n for_o a_o close_a of_o this_o chapter_n complain_v of_o his_o own_o suffering_n of_o bitter_a persecution_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o he_o be_v unjust_o slander_v except_o the_o discusser_v can_v prove_v that_o any_o doctrine_n of_o he_o tend_v to_o persecute_v any_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n truth_n let_v a_o man_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v his_o witness_n and_o let_v every_o soul_n judge_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o book_n maintain_v such_o and_o such_o a_o persecution_n to_o be_v a_o holy_a truth_n wash_v white_a in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n agree_v not_o lamentable_o with_o all_o their_o imprisoning_n banishing_n &c._n &c._n inflict_v upon_o so_o many_o several_a sort_n of_o their_o own_o countryman_n friend_n and_o brethren_n in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n among_o which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v be_v hear_v at_o last_o to_o have_v say_v why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o why_o banishe_v and_o whippe_v thou_o i_o &_o c_o 2._o will_v not_o all_o persecute_v prelate_n pope_n &c._n &c._n take_v heart_n from_o hence_o according_a to_o their_o several_a religion_n and_o conscience_n to_o persecute_v the_o heretic_n blasphemer_n seducer_n etc._n etc._n although_o they_o all_o will_v say_v with_o master_n cotton_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o persecute_v a_o conscience_n right_o inform_v that_o be_v christ_n jesus_n in_o his_o truth_n or_o servant_n peace_n but_o the_o discusser_v say_v master_n cotton_n be_v a_o bitter_a persecutor_n in_o slander_v he_o and_o christ_n jesus_n in_o he_o for_o a_o persecutor_n truth_n i_o see_v not_o but_o master_n cotton_n though_o of_o david_n spirit_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o saul_n lamentable_a complaint_n that_o david_n persecute_v he_o and_o that_o he_o can_v find_v none_o to_o pity_v he_o who_o know_v not_o that_o all_o and_o our_o own_o popish_a bishop_n in_o queen_n maries_n yea_o they_o and_o of_o late_a time_n our_o protestant_a bishop_n against_o the_o non-conformists'_a have_v be_v wont_a to_o cry_v out_o what_o bitter_a persecution_n themselves_o have_v suffer_v from_o the_o slanderous_a censure_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n jesus_n against_o they_o who_o yet_o have_v shoot_v no_o other_o arrow_n at_o they_o but_o the_o faithful_a declaration_n and_o discovery_n of_o god_n holy_a truth_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o oppose_a and_o persecute_v of_o it_o and_o
toleration_n and_o gentleness_n to_o other_o conscience_n both_o english_a and_o barbarian_n examination_n of_o chap._n xxv_o peace_n in_o this_o chapter_n master_n cotton_n affirm_v that_o hypocrite_n even_o they_o that_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v such_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v purge_v out_o except_o they_o break_v forth_o into_o such_o notorious_a fruit_n of_o hypocrisy_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o whole_a lump_n for_o otherwise_o say_v he_o we_o may_v root_v out_o the_o best_a wheat_n in_o god_n field_n etc._n etc._n truth_n i_o answer_v sâ—â—â—â—_n hypocrite_n and_o all_o hypocrisy_n be_v so_o odious_a in_o god_n sight_n and_o so_o vehement_o inveigh_v against_o by_o christ_n christianity_n jesus_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o be_v hypocrisy_n shall_v find_v great_a favour_n and_o connivance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o leaven_n of_o any_o other_o sin_n since_o all_o aught_o to_o be_v purge_v out_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 2._o contrary_n to_o what_o master_n cotton_n say_v to_o wit_n that_o no_o man_n mere_o for_o hypocrisy_n and_o want_n of_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n ought_v to_o be_v proceed_v against_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o paul_n say_v that_o such_o kind_n of_o professor_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v arise_v that_o shall_v pretend_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o not_o show_v forth_o the_o power_n thereof_o from_o which_o he_o command_v we_o to_o turn_v away_o 1_o tim._n 3._o peace_n but_o master_n cotton_n except_v except_o say_v he_o they_o break_v forth_o into_o some_o notorious_a scandalous_a fruit_n of_o hypocrisy_n truth_n how_o shall_v a_o hypocrite_n be_v discover_v and_o know_v to_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n or_o traitor_n in_o church_n or_o civil_a state_n but_o by_o some_o such_o notorious_a scandalous_a fruit_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o whole_a lump_n come_v to_o particular_n be_v judas_n ananias_n and_o sapphira_n simon_n magus_n demas_n or_o any_o other_o discover_v to_o be_v hypocrite_n when_o they_o break_v forth_o into_o treachery_n lie_v covetousness_n and_o may_v the_o church_n proceed_v against_o such_o if_o it_o be_v deny_v i_o ask_v to_o what_o end_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v those_o holy_a rule_n of_o admonition_n etc._n etc._n will_v it_o prove_v aught_o but_o profane_v of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o pretend_v our_o clear_a discern_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o ordinance_n and_o not_o to_o practice_v they_o if_o it_o be_v yield_v against_o these_o fruit_n of_o hypocrisy_n discover_v man_n to_o be_v hypocrite_n why_o do_v we_o plead_v for_o a_o dispensation_n and_o not_o for_o the_o wheat_n of_o the_o field_n and_o flower_n of_o the_o garden_n but_o for_o the_o most_o stink_a and_o loathsome_a tare_n and_o weed_n to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o holy_a garden_n of_o christ_n jesus_n peace_n but_o many_o hypocrite_n say_v master_n cotton_n fall_v not_o within_o the_o censure_n of_o that_o scripture_n 2_o thess_n 3._o 6._o withdraw_v from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a for_o many_o hypocrite_n follow_v their_o calling_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v burdensome_a unto_o other_o that_o they_o be_v after_o choke_v with_o the_o care_n and_o business_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o behind_o in_o liberal_a contribution_n to_o pious_a use_n truth_n but_o be_v not_o this_o halt_n between_o god_n and_o baal_n yea_o be_v not_o this_o plead_n for_o baal_n for_o hypocrisy_n hypocrite_n and_o dissembler_n false_a and_o antichristian_a counterfeit_n to_o be_v permit_v not_o only_o in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o the_o world_n which_o i_o contend_v for_o but_o also_o even_o in_o the_o garden_n house_n bed_n and_o bosom_n of_o god_n what_o if_o man_n be_v civil_a and_o follow_v their_o calling_n man_n that_o know_v not_o god_n so_o do_v what_o though_o they_o be_v liberal_a to_o pious_a use_n million_o of_o papist_n be_v and_o have_v be_v so_o according_a to_o their_o conscience_n when_o as_o yet_o they_o be_v choke_v with_o care_n and_o business_n of_o this_o world_n how_o express_a be_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o withdraw_v from_o such_o notwithstanding_o their_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o contribution_n to_o godly_a use_n when_o they_o declare_v not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 2._o not_o to_o eat_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o to_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o brother_n as_o be_v covetous_a 1_o cor._n 5._o as_o well_o as_o from_o a_o idolater_n drunkard_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o saint_n a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n humble_a meek_a patient_a content_v with_o who_o it_o be_v monstrous_a and_o impossible_a to_o couple_v cruel_a and_o persecute_v lion_n subtle_a and_o hypocritical_a fox_n contentious_a bite_a dog_n or_o greedy_a and_o root_a swine_n so_o visible_o declare_v and_o apparent_a examination_n of_o chap._n xxi_o peace_n in_o this_o chapter_n four_o answer_n be_v give_v by_o the_o discusser_v to_o that_o great_a objection_n of_o the_o mischief_n that_o the_o tare_n will_v do_v in_o the_o field_n of_o the_o world_n if_o let_v alone_o and_o not_o pluck_v up_o the_o first_o be_v that_o if_o the_o tare_n offend_v against_o civility_n or_o civil_a state_n god_n have_v arm_v the_o civil_a state_n with_o a_o civil_a sword_n etc._n etc._n master_n cotton_n reply_v what_o if_o their_o conscience_n incite_v they_o to_o civil_a offence_n i_o answer_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n must_v incite_v he_o to_o civil_a punishment_n as_o a_o lord_n mayor_n of_o london_n once_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v bear_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n to_o a_o thief_n that_o plead_v he_o be_v bear_v to_o be_v a_o thief_n if_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o beast_n incite_v they_o to_o prejudice_v prince_n or_o state_n although_o these_o conscience_n be_v not_o as_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o thief_n common_o convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o fact_n but_o persuade_v of_o the_o distinguish_v lawfulness_n of_o their_o action_n yet_o so_o far_o as_o the_o civil_a state_n be_v endamage_v or_o endanger_v i_o say_v the_o sword_n of_o god_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o civil_a authority_n be_v strong_a enough_o to_o defend_v itself_o either_o by_o imprison_v or_o disarm_v or_o other_o wholesome_a mean_n etc._n etc._n while_o yet_o their_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v permit_v in_o what_o be_v mere_o point_n of_o worship_n as_o prayer_n and_o other_o service_n and_o administration_n hence_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o that_o 13_o rom._n reckon_v by_o master_n cotton_n the_o magâ—a_fw-la charta_fw-la for_o civil_a magistrate_n deal_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o say_v there_o it_o please_v god_n express_o to_o reckon_v up_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o second_o table_n chalk_v out_o as_o it_o be_v by_o his_o own_o finger_n the_o civil_a sphere_n or_o circle_n in_o which_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n ought_v to_o act_v and_o execute_v his_o civil_a power_n and_o authority_n peace_n the_o second_o answer_n of_o the_o discusser_v be_v that_o the_o church_n or_o spiritual_a city_n have_v law_n and_o armoury_n to_o defend_v itself_o master_n cotton_n except_v say_v that_o if_o their_o member_n be_v leaven_v with_o antichristian_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o yet_o must_v be_v tolerate_v in_o their_o idolatry_n and_o superstitious_a worship_n will_v not_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n and_o how_o then_o be_v the_o consider_v church_n guard_v truth_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o idolatrous_a and_o antichristian_a worshipper_n may_v be_v tolerate_v in_o civil_a state_n in_o the_o city_n in_o the_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n under_o any_o civil_a power_n master_n cotton_n answer_v no_o they_o will_v do_v mischief_n the_o reply_n be_v against_o any_o civil_a mischief_n though_o wrought_v conscientious_o the_o civil_a state_n be_v strong_o guard_v second_o against_o the_o spiritual_a mischief_n the_o church_n or_o city_n of_o christ_n be_v guard_v with_o heavenly_a armoury_n wherein_o there_o hang_v a_o thousand_o buckler_n cant._n 4._o and_o most_o mighty_a weapon_n 2_o cor._n 10._o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n such_o worshipper_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v but_o cast_v out_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v true_a say_v master_n cotton_n but_o yet_o their_o leaven_n will_v spread_v i_o answer_v what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v the_o most_o powerful_a appointment_n spiritual_a of_o christ_n jesus_n those_o mighty_a weapon_n of_o god_n terrible_a censure_n and_o soul_n punishment_n in_o his_o kingdom_n but_o as_o so_o many_o wooden_a dagger_n and_o leaden_a sword_n child_n bull-beggar_n and_o scarcrow_v and_o upon_o the_o point_n so_o base_a and_o beggarly_a that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o cutler_n shop_n or_o smith_n forge_n the_o church_n or_o
constantine_n have_v do_v the_o like_o before_o to_o heretic_n the_o arrian_n bishop_n against_o the_o orthodox_n saint_n also_o it_o be_v relate_v as_o a_o different_a matter_n from_o the_o former_a vers_fw-la 15._o that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o cause_n that_o as_o many_o as_o will_v not_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n shall_v be_v kill_v and_o this_o fire_n come_v not_o down_o upon_o the_o saint_n but_o the_o earth_n truth_n master_n cotton_n i_o think_v know_v that_o the_o discusser_v be_v not_o alone_o in_o this_o interpretation_n if_o he_o propose_v any_o other_o more_o suitable_a to_o christ_n jesus_n i_o hope_v the_o discusser_v desire_n thankful_o to_o embrace_v it_o but_o this_o fire_n be_v not_o literal_a but_o mystical_a in_o imitation_n of_o the_o true_a prophet_n elijah_n and_o also_o as_o the_o true_a witness_n cause_v fiery_a judgement_n descend_v from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o the_o false_a witness_n cause_n fire_n to_o descend_v against_o the_o faithful_a and_o sure_o it_o be_v as_o the_o discusser_v relate_v that_o the_o popish_a bishop_n in_o france_n and_o england_n and_o other_o place_n have_v ever_o constant_o cry_v out_o that_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v down_o by_o they_o upon_o the_o heretic_n which_o be_v no_o small_a wonder_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o harden_v against_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n in_o truth_n witness_n notwithstanding_o the_o act_n of_o constantine_n and_o the_o arrian_n bishop_n long_o before_o peace_n but_o this_o fire_n say_v master_n cotton_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o earth_n truth_n true_o but_o it_o may_v well_o imply_v no_o more_o then_o in_o the_o open_a view_n and_o face_n of_o all_o man_n in_o this_o world_n peace_n and_o last_o say_v he_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o cause_v that_o as_o as_o many_o as_o will_v not_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n shall_v be_v kill_v which_o be_v a_o different_a effect_n truth_n because_o it_o come_v from_o a_o different_a cause_n with_o respect_n not_o to_o the_o first_o beast_n himself_o but_o only_o to_o his_o picture_n or_o image_n and_o imply_v that_o fiery_a judgement_n descend_v not_o only_o upon_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o worship_v the_o first_o or_o second_o beast_n but_o the_o very_a picture_n of_o the_o beast_n likewise_o examination_n of_o chap._n xxxviii_o peace_n master_n cotton_n here_o first_o observe_v the_o discusser_n agreement_n with_o he_o that_o this_o instruction_n two_o tim._n 2._o to_o be_v meek_a and_o patient_a to_o all_o man_n be_v proper_o directive_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o conclude_v that_o therefore_o hitherto_o his_o answer_n be_v not_o perplex_v and_o ravel_v truth_n many_o plain_a thread_n may_v be_v draw_v forth_o of_o a_o perplex_a and_o ravel_v string_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o the_o many_o particular_n of_o different_a nature_n here_o wrap_v up_o together_o be_v peace_n yea_o but_o he_o seem_v to_o disow_v those_o word_n unconvert_v christian_n in_o crete_n and_o more_o than_o once_o in_o the_o chapter_n touch_v the_o discusser_n credit_n etc._n etc._n truth_n i_o know_v the_o discusser_v desire_n unfeigned_o with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n rather_o to_o die_v a_o thousand_o death_n then_o willing_o to_o impeach_v the_o least_o of_o holy_a or_o civil_a truth_n and_o therefore_o affirm_v in_o this_o case_n that_o at_o his_o pleasure_n the_o copy_n not_o which_o he_o receive_v from_o precious_a master_n cotton_n for_o there_o never_o pass_v such_o writing_n between_o they_o as_o master_n cotton_n often_o affirm_v but_o which_o he_o receive_v from_o another_o with_o the_o correction_n of_o master_n cotton_v own_o hand_n to_o it_o shall_v be_v ready_a for_o himself_o or_o any_o to_o view_v peace_n however_o master_n cotton_n maintain_v the_o term_n of_o unconverted_a convert_n from_o jer._n 3._o 10._o judah_n turn_v unto_o i_o but_o not_o with_o all_o her_o heart_n but_o fained_o so_o judas_n anâ—â—â—as_n and_o sapphira_n balaam_n the_o niâ—â—laitans_n jezabel_n in_o thyatira_n as_o also_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n bear_v in_o the_o church_n who_o though_o holy_a yet_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v true_o holy_a truth_n be_v the_o question_n about_o hypocrite_n counterfeit_n and_o traitor_n in_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n these_o word_n may_v here_o right_o be_v allege_v but_o master_n cotton_v word_n be_v paradox_n these_o unconvert_v christian_n in_o crete_n who_o titus_n as_o a_o evangelist_n be_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o convert_v i_o conceive_v that_o master_n cotton_n will_v not_o affirm_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n be_v to_o seek_v to_o convert_v the_o church_n though_o possible_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v turn_v from_o his_o hypocrisy_n by_o a_o evangelist_n or_o private_a man_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o he_o make_v in_o the_o very_a word_n a_o distinction_n between_o these_o unconvert_v christian_n and_o those_o jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o the_o church_n who_o say_v he_o though_o carnal_a yet_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o to_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n the_o discusser_v ready_o with_o thanks_o acknowledge_v master_n cotton_v word_n that_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o timothy_n be_v now_o at_o ephesus_n and_o that_o the_o subscription_n add_v to_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o timothy_n in_o the_o english_a translation_n be_v just_o to_o be_v suspect_v examination_n of_o chap._n thirty-nine_o peace_n master_n cotton_n here_o argue_v that_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o prophet_n spiritual_n and_o oppose_v in_o his_o doctrine_n he_o ought_v from_o this_o scripture_n 2_o tim._n 2._o meek_o to_o bear_v the_o opposition_n wait_v if_o god_n peradventure_o will_v give_v repentance_n yet_o withal_o by_o the_o way_n he_o observe_v that_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v 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 truth_n of_o this_o no_o question_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o a_o coercive_a magisterial_a power_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o question_n 2._o since_o that_o master_n cotton_n acknowledge_v that_o magistrate_n may_v be_v prophet_n and_o that_o divers_a magistrate_n of_o new_a english_a church_n have_v speak_v as_o prophet_n eminent_o able_a in_o their_o church_n church_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n i_o ask_v by_o the_o way_n that_o their_o church_n hear_v no_o more_o of_o such_o their_o prophetical_a gift_n but_o that_o their_o talent_n wrap_v up_o etc._n etc._n peace_n of_o this_o let_v their_o conscience_n give_v account_n to_o jesus_n christ_n who_o they_o call_v the_o king_n of_o their_o church_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o such_o heavenly_a ability_n but_o to_o proceed_v master_n cotton_n grant_v that_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n opposition_n against_o their_o prophecying_n but_o not_o continue_v opposing_n nor_o seduing_n etc._n etc._n truth_n what_o be_v then_o the_o wait_a here_o command_v until_o god_n peradventure_o will_v give_v repentance_n peace_n it_o be_v true_a say_v master_n cotton_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o give_v repentance_n but_o god_n alone_o neither_o be_v it_o in_o man_n power_n say_v he_o to_o give_v repentance_n to_o scandalous_a person_n against_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o yet_o the_o discusser_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n ought_v to_o punish_v these_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n work_v and_o office_n in_o the_o civil_a state_n to_o convert_v the_o heart_n in_o true_a repentance_n unto_o god_n and_o christ_n spiritual_a the_o civil_a state_n respect_v conformity_n and_o obedience_n to_o civil_a law_n though_o indeed_o the_o work_n and_o office_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v common_o lay_v upon_o the_o magistrate_n shoulder_n and_o they_o pretend_v themselves_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n jesus_n arm_v with_o the_o two-edged_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v common_o fly_v unto_o and_o put_v more_o confidence_n in_o the_o sword_n of_o steel_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o civil_a minister_n the_o magistrate_n peace_n the_o sword_n of_o steel_n have_v do_v wonderful_a thing_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o woeful_a and_o wonderful_a as_o be_v former_o observe_v have_v religious_a change_n just_o be_v in_o the_o english_a nation_n and_o that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a sword_n backward_a and_o forward_o and_o that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o a_o few_o year_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o four_o or_o five_o prince_n but_o this_o say_v master_n cotton_n 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 hezekiah_n manasseh_n and_o josiah_n truth_n england_n change_n will_v
be_v find_v upon_o examination_n incomparable_o great_a and_o wrought_v in_o the_o eight_o part_n of_o the_o time_n that_o the_o change_n of_o the_o church_n of_o judah_n be_v and_o yet_o this_o instance_n will_v not_o infringe_v that_o the_o civil_a sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o a_o national_a way_n be_v ordinary_o able_a to_o turn_v about_o a_o nation_n to_o and_o again_o to_o and_o from_o a_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o national_a hypocrisy_n and_o therefore_o most_o wise_o have_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o only_a wise_a by_o the_o most_o golrious_a brightness_n of_o his_o person_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n christ_n jesus_n abolish_v his_o own_o national_a and_o state_n church_n whether_o explicit_a or_o implicit_a that_o the_o two-edged_a sword_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o true_a messenger_n may_v alone_o be_v brandish_v and_o magnify_v peace_n master_n cotton_n conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o the_o observation_n that_o the_o revolt_n of_o england_n again_o to_o popery_n want_v scripture-light_n truth_n he_o that_o love_v christ_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n can_v but_o long_o again_o that_o christ_n jesus_n will_v speedy_o be_v please_v with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n to_o consume_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n but_o yet_o that_o worthy_a servant_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n master_n archer_n do_v not_o bare_o propose_v his_o opinion_n but_o also_o his_o scripture-ground_n which_o i_o believe_v compare_v with_o all_o former_a experience_n will_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o great_a and_o weighty_a consideration_n and_o call_v all_o that_o wait_v for_o christ_n jesus_n to_o beg_v his_o spirit_n deep_o to_o weigh_v and_o ponder_v they_o examination_n of_o chap._n xl._n peace_n to_o the_o several_a allegation_n concern_v the_o woeful_a slavery_n of_o all_o opposite_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o free_a grace_n only_o able_a to_o release_v they_o master_n cotton_n reply_v so_o be_v it_o with_o scandalous_a offender_n against_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o restrain_v magistrate_n from_o execute_v just_a judgement_n upon_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o he_o add_v that_o better_a a_o dead_a soul_n in_o a_o dead_a body_n and_o that_o seducer_n die_v without_o faith_n than_o murder_n and_o seduce_v many_o precious_a soul_n from_o the_o faith_n truth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n command_v to_o give_v god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n give_v all_o his_o follower_n a_o clear_a and_o glorious_a torch_n of_o light_a to_o distinguish_v caesar_n between_o offender_n against_o god_n in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n and_o offender_n against_o caesar_n his_o law_n state_n and_o government_n in_o a_o civil_a way_n it_o be_v true_a slatterer_n and_o time-servers_a use_n to_o make_v religion_n and_o justice_n the_o two_o pillar_n of_o a_o state_n and_o so_o indeed_o do_v all_o such_o state_n in_o the_o world_n as_o maintain_v a_o state-religion_n invent_v and_o state_n maintain_v in_o civil_a policy_n to_o maintain_v a_o civil_a state_n but_o all_o man_n that_o have_v taste_v of_o history_n or_o travel_n be_v witness_n sufficient_a of_o these_o two_o particular_n first_o concern_v justice_n that_o if_o the_o sword_n and_o balance_n of_o justice_n in_o a_o sort_n or_o measure_n be_v not_o draw_v and_o hold_v forth_o against_o over_o scandalous_a offender_n against_o civil_a state_n that_o civil_a state_n must_v dissolve_v by_o little_a and_o little_a from_o civility_n to_o barbarism_n which_o be_v a_o wilderness_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n peace_n yea_o the_o very_a barbarian_n and_o pagan_n of_o the_o world_n themselves_o be_v force_v for_o their_o hold_v and_o hang_v together_o in_o barbarous_a company_n to_o use_v the_o tie_n and_o knot_n and_o band_n of_o a_o kind_n of_o civil_a justice_n against_o scandalous_a offender_n against_o their_o commonweal_n and_o profit_n truth_n but_o too_o many_o thousand_o of_o city_n and_o state_n in_o the_o world_n have_v and_o do_v flourish_n for_o many_o generation_n and_o age_n of_o man_n wherein_o whatever_o caesar_n get_v god_n can_v get_v one_o penny_n of_o his_o due_n in_o any_o bare_a permission_n or_o toleration_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o worship_n peace_n dear_a truth_n these_o two_o point_n be_v so_o constant_o prove_v i_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o master_n cotton_n or_o any_o servant_n of_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v cry_v out_o to_o the_o caesar_n of_o this_o world_n to_o help_v the_o eternal_a god_n to_o get_v his_o due_a because_o christ_n jesus_n grant_v they_o a_o civil_a sword_n in_o civil_a case_n to_o preserve_v their_o civil_a state_n from_o barbarism_n and_o confusion_n truth_n that_o worthy_a emperor_n antoninus_n pius_n in_o his_o letter_n for_o the_o christian_n plain_o tell_v the_o governor_n of_o his_o province_n that_o the_o god_n be_v able_a to_o punish_v those_o that_o sin_v against_o their_o worship_n distinction_n evident_o declare_v by_o that_o light_n of_o conscience_n and_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v light_v up_o in_o his_o soul_n the_o vast_a difference_n between_o offender_n in_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o offender_n against_o the_o true_a and_o only_a religion_n and_o worship_n about_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n disagree_v and_o be_v hiss_v together_o by_o this_o bloody_a tenant_n i_o say_v hiss_v together_o by_o the_o ear_n and_o throat_n in_o blood_n and_o fire_n as_o the_o tide_n of_o time_n major_a vote_n army_n and_o arm_n of_o flesh_n prevail_v peace_n ah_o dear_a truth_n be_v there_o be_v no_o balm_n in_o gâ—â—ead_n no_o balance_n no_o sword_n of_o spiritual_a justice_n in_o the_o city_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n jesus_n but_o that_o the_o officer_n thereof_o must_v run_v to_o borrow_v caesar_n be_v the_o armoury_n of_o the_o true_a king_n solomon_n christ_n jesus_n disarm_v be_v there_o no_o spiritual_a sword_n gird_v upon_o the_o thigh_n profess_v of_o those_o valiant_a one_o that_o shall_v guard_v his_o heavenly_a bed_n except_o the_o sword_n of_o steel_n be_v run_v for_o from_o the_o cutler_n shop_n be_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n jesus_n so_o poor_a and_o so_o weak_a and_o feeble_a grow_v so_o cowardly_a and_o base_a since_o paul_n speak_v so_o glorious_o of_o it_o and_o the_o weapon_n of_o it_o 2_o cor._n 10._o that_o neither_o the_o soldier_n nor_o commander_n in_o christ_n army_n have_v any_o courage_n or_o skill_n to_o withstand_v sufficient_o in_o all_o point_v a_o false_a teacher_n a_o false_a prophet_n a_o spiritual_a cheater_n or_o deceiver_n truth_n this_o must_v all_o that_o follow_v jesus_n bitter_o lament_v that_o not_o a_o spiritual_a sword_n or_o spear_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o spiritual_a israel_n of_o god_n but_o that_o his_o poor_a israelite_n be_v force_v down_o to_o the_o philistine_n of_o this_o world_n smith_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o prince_n of_o zion_n be_v become_v feeble_a like_o heart_n without_o pasture_n as_o jeremy_n complain_v in_o his_o lamentation_n peace_n now_o whereas_o it_o be_v add_v that_o a_o civil_a sword_n harden_v the_o follower_n of_o false_a teacher_n in_o the_o suffering_n of_o their_o leader_n and_o beget_v a_o impression_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o can_v uphold_v itself_o all_o the_o world_n over_o but_o with_o such_o instrument_n of_o violence_n etc._n etc._n master_n cotton_n reply_v that_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v not_o to_o draw_v out_o his_o sword_n against_o seducer_n until_o he_o have_v use_v all_o good_a mean_n for_o conviction_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o say_v he_o he_o shall_v be_v cruel_a to_o christ_n lamb_n in_o spare_v the_o fox_n etc._n etc._n truth_n who_o know_v not_o this_o to_o be_v the_o plea_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o popish_a persecutor_n in_o all_o age_n to_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o reduce_v the_o heretic_n to_o the_o union_n and_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o with_o persecutor_n promise_n threaten_n &c_n &c_n but_o ofttimes_o with_o solemn_a disputation_n and_o sometime_o writing_n and_o waiting_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o definitive_a sentence_n and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o secular_a power_n and_o so_o to_o the_o use_n of_o those_o desperate_a remedy_n of_o hang_v burn_a etc._n etc._n how_o do_v the_o bloody_a pope_n and_o the_o bloody_a bonner_n in_o their_o hypocritical_a letter_n and_o bloody_a sentence_n profess_v their_o lamentable_a grief_n at_o error_n and_o heresy_n their_o clemency_n and_o mercy_n and_o great_a pain_n take_v to_o reduce_v that_o wander_a to_o return_v the_o lose_a child_n to_o heal_v the_o scab_a sheep_n yea_o and_o when_o they_o be_v force_v as_o they_o say_v for_o the_o save_n of_o the_o flock_n from_o infection_n to_o deliver_v such_o sheep_n to_o the_o secular_a power_n as_o their_o butcher_n and_o executioner_n yet_o beseech_v they_o that_o power_n and_o that_o