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
will_v be_v accept_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o who_o can_v tell_v but_o that_o he_o may_v bless_v it_o to_o you_o also_o if_o by_o his_o help_n i_o endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o the_o sandine_n of_o those_o ground_n out_o of_o which_o you_o have_v banish_v yourself_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o these_o country_n answ_n first_o i_o acknowledge_v it_o a_o holy_a character_n of_o a_o heavenly_a spirit_n humility_n will-worship_n varnish_v over_o with_o the_o glitter_a show_n of_o humility_n to_o make_v ingenuous_a true_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o uncircumcised_a lip_n yet_o that_o discern_a spirit_n which_o god_n gracious_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o that_o tremble_v at_o his_o word_n shall_v not_o only_o find_v that_o not_o only_o the_o will_n worship_v of_o man_n may_v be_v paint_v and_o varnish_v over_o with_o the_o glitter_a show_n of_o humility_n humility_n spiritual_a priâ—e_n may_v swell_v out_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o man_n humility_n coloss_n 2._o but_o also_o god_n dear_a servant_n eminent_a for_o humility_n and_o meekness_n may_v yet_o be_v trouble_v with_o a_o swell_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n out_o of_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o their_o humility_n it_o please_v god_n to_o give_v paul_n himself_o prevent_v physic_n against_o this_o distemper_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o god_n gracious_a revelation_n to_o he_o other_o humility_n most_o unseasonable_a in_o set_v up_o will-worship_n or_o persecute_v other_o and_o what_o a_o humble_a argument_n do_v david_n use_v when_o himself_o advise_v by_o nathan_n go_v about_o a_o evil_a work_n out_o of_o a_o holy_a intention_n to_o wit_n a_o work_n of_o will_n worship_n in_o build_v the_o temple_n unbidden_a behold_v i_o dwell_v in_o a_o house_n of_o cedar_n but_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n in_o a_o tent_n 2_o sam._n 7._o humility_n be_v never_o in_o season_n to_o set_v up_o superstition_n or_o to_o persecute_v god_n child_n chap._n ii_o second_o i_o observe_v his_o charge_n against_o i_o for_o not_o harken_v to_o a_o twofold_a voice_n of_o christ_n first_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n with_o i_o unto_o which_o i_o answer_v according_a to_o my_o conscience_n and_o persuasion_n i_o be_v then_o charge_v by_o office_n with_o the_o feed_n of_o that_o flock_n and_o when_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o some_o public_a evil_n watchman_n public_a sin_n the_o cause_n of_o public_a calamity_n must_v be_v faithful_o discover_v by_o spiritual_a watchman_n the_o whole_a country_n profess_v to_o humble_v itself_o and_o seek_v god_n i_o endeavour_v as_o a_o faithful_a watchman_n on_o the_o wall_n to_o sound_v the_o trumpet_n and_o give_v the_o alarm_n and_o upon_o a_o fast_a day_n in_o faithfullnes_n and_o uprightness_n as_o then_o and_o still_o i_o be_o persuade_v i_o discover_v 11_o public_a sin_n for_o which_o i_o believe_v and_o do_v it_o please_v god_n to_o inflict_v and_o further_o to_o threaten_v public_a calamity_n most_o of_o which_o 〈◊〉_d if_o not_o all_o that_o church_n then_o seem_v to_o assent_v unto_o until_o afterward_o in_o my_o trouble_n the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o church_n be_v sway_v and_o bow_v whether_o for_o fear_n of_o persecution_n or_o otherwise_o to_o say_v and_o practice_v what_o to_o my_o knowledge_n with_o sign_n and_o groan_n many_o of_o they_o mourn_v under_o i_o know_v the_o church_n of_o colosse_n must_v say_v to_o archippus_n 4._o coloss_n 4._o take_v heed_n to_o thy_o ministry_n judgement_n faithfullnes_n to_o god_n and_o man_n though_o for_o present_v censure_v will_v give_v rejoice_v in_o day_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n &c_n &c_n which_o he_o may_v negligent_o and_o proud_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o but_o let_v my_o case_n be_v consider_v and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n examine_v and_o the_o difference_n of_o my_o case_n will_v shine_v forth_o and_o my_o faithfullnes_n and_o uprightnes_n to_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o that_o people_n will_v witness_v for_o i_o when_o my_o soul_n come_v to_o hezechiahs_n case_n on_o his_o death_n bed_n and_o in_o that_o great_a day_n approach_v for_o my_o not_o harken_v to_o the_o second_o voice_n the_o testimony_n of_o so_o many_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n because_o i_o true_o esteem_v and_o honour_v the_o person_n of_o which_o the_o new-english_a church_n be_v constitute_v multitude_n the_o popish_a argument_n from_o multitude_n i_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 we_o use_v to_o answer_v the_o popish_a universality_n that_o god_n sometime_o stir_v up_o one_o elijah_n against_o 800._o of_o baal_n priest_n one_o micaiah_n against_o 400._o of_o ahabs_n prophet_n one_o athanasius_n against_o many_o hundred_o of_o arrian_n bishop_n one_o john_n hus_n against_o the_o whole_a council_n of_o constance_n luther_n and_o the_o 2_o witness_n against_o many_o thousand_o etc._n etc._n order_n david_n and_o the_o prince_n and_o 30_o thousand_o of_o israel_n a_o type_n of_o god_n best_a servant_n reform_v yet_o not_o after_o the_o due_a order_n yet_o this_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o david_n himself_o and_o the_o prince_n of_o israel_n and_o 30_o thousand_o israel_n carry_v up_o the_o ark_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hearken_v to_o nor_o follow_v in_o their_o as_o i_o may_v say_v holy_a rejoice_n and_o triumphing_n the_o due_a order_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o be_v want_v to_o their_o holy_a intention_n and_o affection_n and_o the_o lord_n at_o last_o send_v in_o a_o sad_a stop_n and_o breach_n of_o vzzah_n among_o they_o perez_n vzzah_n as_o he_o have_v ever_o yet_o do_v and_o will_v do_v in_o all_o the_o reformation_n that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o make_v by_o his_o david_n which_o be_v not_o after_o the_o due_a order_n to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o papist_n themselves_z scripture_n a_o excellent_a confession_n of_o â—he_n papist_n concern_v scripture_n and_o by_o their_o counsel_n that_o scripture_n only_o must_v be_v hear_v yea_o one_o scripture_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o one_o simple_a mechanic_n before_o the_o whole_a council_n by_o that_o only_o do_v i_o desire_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v in_o trial_n or_o judgement_n for_o all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o flesh_n the_o most_o wise_a holy_a learn_a be_v but_o the_o flower_n or_o beauty_n of_o grass_n only_o the_o word_n of_o jehovah_n stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o chap._n iii_o three_o mr._n cotton_n endeavour_v to_o discover_v the_o sandine_n of_o those_o ground_n out_o of_o which_o as_o he_o say_v i_o have_v banish_v myself_o etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v i_o question_v not_o his_o holy_a and_o love_a intention_n and_o affection_n etc._n good_a intention_n and_o affection_n in_o god_n people_n accept_v with_o god_n when_o their_o endeavour_n perish_v and_o burn_v like_o stubble_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o my_o ground_n seem_v sandy_a to_o himself_o and_o other_o those_o intention_n and_o affection_n may_v be_v accept_v as_o his_o person_n with_o the_o lord_n as_o david_n of_o his_o desire_n to_o build_v the_o lord_n a_o temple_n though_o on_o sandy_a ground_n yet_o mr._n cotton_v endeavour_n to_o prove_v the_o firm_a rock_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n to_o be_v the_o weak_a and_o uncertain_a sand_n of_o man_n invention_n those_o shall_v perish_v and_o burn_v like_o hay_n or_o stubble_n the_o rocky_a strength_n of_o those_o ground_n shall_v more_o appear_v in_o the_o lord_n season_n and_o himself_o may_v yet_o confess_v so_o much_o as_o since_o he_o come_v into_o new_a england_n he_o have_v confess_v the_o sandine_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o many_o of_o his_o practice_n in_o which_o he_o walk_v in_o old_a england_n rocky_a many_o ground_n seem_v sandy_a to_o mr._n cotton_n in_o old_a england_n which_o now_o he_o confess_v to_o be_v rocky_a and_o the_o rockinesse_n of_o their_o ground_n that_o witness_v against_o they_o and_o himself_o in_o those_o practice_n though_o for_o that_o time_n their_o ground_n seem_v sandy_a to_o he_o when_o myself_o heretofore_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o most_o high_o discover_v to_o himself_o and_o othereminent_a servant_n of_o god_n my_o ground_n against_o their_o use_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n my_o ground_n seem_v sandy_a to_o they_o which_o since_o in_o new_a england_n mr._n cotton_n have_v acknowledge_v rocky_a it_o mr._n cotton_n former_o persuade_v to_o practice_v common_a prayer_n but_o since_o have_v write_v against_o it_o and_o have_v see_v cause_n so_o to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n in_o his_o discourse_n to_o mr._n ball_n against_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n but_o because_o the_o reader_n may_v ask_v both_o mr._n cotton_n and_o i_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o such_o a_o sentence_n of_o banishment_n against_o i_o which_o be_v here_o call_v sandy_a i_o shall_v relate_v in_o brief_a what_o those_o ground_n be_v some_o whereof_o he_o
be_v banish_v from_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o therefore_o last_o as_o he_o cast_v dishonour_n upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n they_o mr._n cotton_n not_o have_v feel_v the_o misery_n of_o other_o can_v be_v no_o equal_a judge_n of_o they_o to_o make_v he_o the_o author_n of_o such_o cruel_a mercy_n so_o have_v his_o soul_n be_v in_o my_o soul_n case_n expose_v to_o the_o misery_n poverty_n necessity_n want_n debt_n hardship_n of_o sea_n and_o land_n in_o a_o banish_a condition_n he_o will_v i_o presume_v reach_v forth_o a_o more_o merciful_a cordial_a to_o the_o afflict_a but_o he_o that_o be_v despise_v and_o afflict_a be_v like_o a_o lamp_n despise_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o that_o be_v at_o ease_n job._n chap._n viii_o mr._n cotton_n yea_o but_o he_o speak_v not_o these_o thing_n to_o add_v affliction_n to_o the_o afflict_a but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o holy_a will_n of_o god_n to_o move_v i_o to_o a_o serious_a sight_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n hand_n against_o it_o against_o your_o corrupt_a doctrine_n it_o please_v the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o fight_v against_o you_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n as_o himself_o speak_v rev._n 2._o in_o the_o mouth_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n &_o brethren_n against_o who_o when_o you_o overheat_v yourself_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 he_o to_o stop_v your_o mouth_n by_o a_o sudden_a disease_n and_o to_o threaten_v to_o take_v breath_n from_o you_o but_o you_o instead_o 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 the_o way_n and_o protest_v against_o all_o the_o church_n and_o brethren_n that_o stand_v in_o your_o way_n and_o thus_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o christ_n that_o shall_v have_v humble_v you_o to_o see_v and_o turn_v from_o the_o error_n of_o your_o way_n have_v rather_o harden_v you_o therein_o and_o quicken_v you_o only_o to_o see_v fail_n yea_o intolerable_a error_n in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o brethren_n rather_o than_o in_o yourself_o answer_n in_o these_o line_n 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_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o concur_v with_o he_o second_o a_o unrighteous_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o the_o afflict_a to_o the_o first_o i_o say_v no_o more_o god_n the_o lantern_n of_o god_n word_n must_v alone_o try_v who_o fight_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o god_n mouth_n the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n but_o let_v the_o light_n of_o the_o holy_a lantern_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n discover_v and_o try_v with_o who_o the_o sword_n of_o god_n mouth_n that_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o christ_n against_o antichrist_n abide_v and_o whether_o myself_o and_o such_o poor_a witness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o old_a and_o new_a england_n low-countries_n etc._n etc._n desire_v in_o meekness_n and_o patience_n to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n against_o all_o false_a calling_n of_o minister_n balaam_n whether_o mr._n cotton_n persecute_v or_o the_o answerer_n persecute_v be_v like_a to_o balaam_n etc._n etc._n or_o mr._n cotton_n however_o in_o his_o person_n holy_a and_o belove_a 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 such_o as_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o worship_n with_o he_o i_o say_v whether_o of_o either_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o who_o mouth_n be_v the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o be_v most_o like_a to_o balaam_n to_o the_o secâ—nâ—_n his_o censure_n it_o be_v true_a it_o please_v god_n by_o excessive_a labour_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n he_o the_o answerers_n profession_n concern_v his_o sickness_n which_o mr._n cotton_n upbraid_v to_o he_o and_o thrice_o a_o week_n at_o salem_n by_o labour_n day_n and_o night_n in_o my_o field_n with_o my_o own_o hand_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o my_o charge_n by_o travel_n also_o by_o day_n and_o night_n to_o go_v and_o return_v from_o their_o court_n and_o not_o by_o over-heating_a in_o dispute_n divers_a of_o themselves_o confess_v public_o my_o moderation_n it_o please_v god_n to_o bring_v i_o near_o unto_o death_n in_o which_o time_n notwithstanding_o the_o mediate_a testimony_n of_o two_o skilful_a in_o physic_n i_o be_v unmerciful_o drive_v from_o my_o chamber_n to_o a_o winter_n flight_n during_o my_o sickness_n i_o humble_o appeal_v unto_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n for_o witness_n of_o the_o upright_a and_o constant_a diligent_a search_n my_o spirit_n make_v after_o he_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o passage_n both_o my_o private_a disquisition_n with_o all_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o minister_n and_o public_a agitation_n of_o point_n controvert_v and_o what_o gracious_a fruit_n i_o reap_v from_o that_o sickness_n i_o hope_v my_o soul_n shall_v never_o forget_v however_o i_o mind_v not_o to_o number_v up_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o many_o censure_n upon_o god_n servant_n in_o the_o time_n of_o god_n chastisement_n and_o visitation_n on_o they_o affliction_n scripture_n history_n experience_n can_v witness_v the_o censure_n upon_o god_n servant_n in_o their_o affliction_n both_o in_o scripture_n history_n and_o experience_n nor_o retort_v the_o many_o evil_n which_o it_o please_v god_n to_o bring_v upon_o some_o chief_a procurer_n of_o my_o sorrow_n nor_o upon_o the_o whole_a state_n immediate_o after_o they_o which_o many_o of_o their_o own_o have_v observe_v and_o report_v to_o i_o but_o i_o commit_v my_o cause_n to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o and_o yet_o resolve_v to_o pray_v against_o their_o evil_n psal_n 141._o chap._n ix_o mr._n cotton_n in_o which_o course_n though_o you_o say_v you_o do_v not_o remember_v a_o hour_n wherein_o the_o countenance_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v darken_v to_o you_o yet_o be_v not_o deceive_v it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n with_o satan_n to_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o to_o cheer_v the_o soul_n with_o false_a peace_n and_o with_o flash_n of_o counterfeit_a consolation_n sad_a and_o woeful_a be_v the_o memory_n of_o mr._n smith_n strong_a consolation_n on_o his_o deathbed_n which_o be_v set_v as_o a_o seal_n to_o his_o gross_a and_o damnable_a arminianism_n and_o enthusiasm_n deliver_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o faith_n prefix_v to_o the_o story_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n the_o countenance_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o his_o people_n when_o they_o fear_v he_o not_o when_o they_o presume_v of_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o his_o consolation_n be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o prefidence_n and_o error_n but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o humility_n and_o truth_n ans_fw-fr to_o that_o part_n which_o concern_v myself_o the_o speech_n have_v reference_n either_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n or_o else_o matter_n of_o my_o affliction_n for_o christ_n of_o both_o which_o i_o remember_v i_o have_v have_v discourse_n for_o the_o first_o i_o have_v express_v in_o some_o conference_n as_o mr._n cotton_n himself_o have_v also_o relate_v concern_v some_o sanctification_n a_o soul_n at_o peace_n with_o god_n may_v yet_o endure_v great_a combat_n concern_v sanctification_n with_o who_o i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v name_v that_o after_o first_o manifestation_n of_o the_o countenance_n of_o god_n reconcile_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n unto_o my_o soul_n my_o question_n and_o trouble_n have_v not_o be_v concern_v my_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n but_o concern_v sanctification_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n in_o which_o respect_n i_o desire_v to_o cry_v with_o paul_n in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o my_o spirit_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n second_o it_o may_v have_v reference_n to_o some_o conference_n concern_v affliction_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n in_o which_o respect_n i_o desire_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o faithfullnes_n of_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o he_o in_o 6_o trouble_n and_o in_o 7_o through_o fire_n and_o water_n make_v good_a 100_o fold_n with_o persecution_n sweet_a affliction_n for_o christ_n sweet_a to_o such_o of_o his_o servant_n as_o suffer_v aught_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o i_o have_v say_v and_o must_v say_v and_o all_o god_n witness_n that_o have_v bear_v any_o pain_n or_o loss_n for_o jesus_n must_v say_v that_o fellowship_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o suffering_n be_v sweet_a than_o all_o the_o fellowship_n with_o sinner_n in_o all_o the_o profit_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n and_o yet_o 2_o thing_n i_o desire_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
god_n worship_n and_o therefore_o to_o that_o instance_n of_o the_o father_n poligamie_n i_o answer_v first_o by_o observe_v what_o great_a sin_n godly_a person_n may_v possible_o live_v and_o long_o continue_v in_o notwithstanding_o godliness_n in_o the_o root_n second_o i_o ask_v if_o any_o person_n of_o who_o godliness_n mr._n cot._n have_v have_v long_a persuasion_n shall_v believe_v and_o maintain_v as_o questionless_a the_o father_n have_v ground_n satisfy_v their_o conscience_n for_o what_o they_o do_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v many_o wife_n and_o according_o so_o practise_v father_n the_o case_n of_o polygamy_n or_o many_o wife_n of_o the_o father_n i_o say_v i_o ask_v whether_o mr._n cotton_n will_v receive_v such_o a_o godly_a person_n to_o church_n fellowship_n yea_o i_o ask_v whether_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v they_o see_v this_o evil_a will_v have_v receive_v such_o a_o proselyte_n from_o the_o gentile_n and_o when_o it_o be_v see_v whether_o any_o person_n so_o practise_v will_v have_v be_v suffer_v among_o they_o but_o last_o what_o be_v this_o personal_a sin_n of_o these_o godly_a person_n be_v it_o any_o matter_n of_o god_n worship_n any_o join_n with_o a_o false_a church_n ministry_n worship_n government_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v to_o come_v before_o they_o can_v constitute_v his_o true_a church_n and_o enjoy_v his_o worship_n ministry_n government_n etc._n etc._n mr._n cotton_n conclude_v this_o passage_n thus_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v such_o as_o partake_v with_o idolater_n in_o their_o idol_n temple_n and_o be_v not_o this_o say_v he_o touch_v of_o a_o unclean_a thing_n and_o do_v this_o reject_v these_o member_n from_o church_n fellowship_n before_o conviction_n and_o do_v it_o evacuate_v their_o church_n estate_n for_o not_o cast_v out_o of_o such_o member_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o unclean_a thing_n indeed_o from_o which_o god_n call_v his_o people_n in_o this_o place_n with_o glorious_a promise_n of_o receive_v they_o and_o mr._n cotton_n confess_v that_o after_o conviction_n any_o member_n obstinate_a in_o these_o unclean_a touch_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v for_o say_v he_o do_v this_o sin_n reject_v these_o member_n from_o church_n fellowship_n before_o conviction_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o one_o obstinate_a person_n ought_v to_o be_v reject_v out_o of_o church_n estate_n destroy_v it_o lessen_v not_o a_o rebellion_n that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o multitude_n hence_o a_o city_n in_o israel_n idolatrous_a be_v to_o be_v destroy_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n if_o a_o great_a company_n or_o church_n be_v obstinate_a in_o such_o unclean_a touch_n and_o so_o consequent_o in_o a_o rebellion_n against_o christ_n ought_v every_o sound_a christian_a church_n to_o reject_v they_o and_o every_o sound_a member_n to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o and_o hence_o further_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o if_o such_o unclean_a touch_n obstinate_o maintain_v as_o mr._n cotton_n confess_v and_o practise_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o rejection_n of_o a_o person_n in_o the_o church_n church_n obstinacte_n that_o cast_v out_o will_v keep_v out_o from_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o church_n questionless_a it_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o rejection_n when_o such_o person_n be_v to_o join_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o if_o obstinacy_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n after_o conviction_n be_v a_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o church_n rejection_n questionless_a such_o a_o church_n or_o number_n of_o person_n obstinate_a in_o such_o evil_n can_v congregate_v nor_o become_v a_o true_a constitute_v church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a question_n here_o will_v be_v christ_n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n &_o every_o true_a church_n separate_v from_o idol_n as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o christ_n 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 jesus_n christ_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 to_o christ_n jesus_n 2_o cor._n 11._o chap._n xvii_o mr._n cotton_n proceed_v to_o answer_v some_o other_o allegation_n which_o i_o produce_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n make_v by_o johns_n disciple_n and_o the_o proselyte_n gentile_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n mat._n 3._o 6._o act_n 19_o 18._o unto_o which_o he_o return_v a_o 3_o fold_v answer_n the_o first_o be_v ground_v upon_o his_o apparent_a mistake_n of_o my_o word_n in_o a_o grant_n of_o i_o viz._n such_o a_o confession_n and_o renunciation_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a if_o the_o substance_n of_o true_a repentance_n be_v discern_v whence_o say_v he_o according_a to_o your_o own_o confession_n such_o person_n as_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o true_a repentance_n may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o whole_a contraversie_n etc._n the_o substance_n of_o true_a general_a repentance_n in_o all_o god_n child_n though_o live_v in_o many_o gross_a abomination_n of_o false_a worship_n ministry_n etc._n etc._n that_o i_o ever_o intend_v by_o the_o substance_n of_o true_a repentance_n not_o that_o general_a grace_n of_o repentance_n which_o all_o god_n people_n have_v as_o luther_n a_o monk_n and_o go_v to_o yea_o publish_v the_o german_a mass_n and_o those_o famous_a bishop_n burn_v for_o christ_n in_o qu._n mary_n day_n but_o that_o substance_n of_o repentance_n for_o those_o false_a way_n of_o worship_n church_n ministry_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o god_n people_n have_v live_v although_o the_o confess_v and_o renounce_v of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o particular_o express_v and_o with_o such_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o indignation_n as_o some_o express_a and_o may_v well_o become_v and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o that_o caution_n be_v for_o christian_a moderation_n all_o not_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o repentance_n in_o all_o and_o gentleness_n towards_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o god_n people_n profess_v particular_a repentance_n for_o their_o spiritual_a captivity_n and_o bondage_n during_o which_o captivity_n also_o i_o ready_o acknowledge_v the_o substance_n of_o repentance_n and_o of_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o general_a in_o his_o second_o answer_n mr._n cotton_n say_v cotton_n mr._n cotton_n i_o grant_v with_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o take_v away_o with_o the_o other_o for_o he_o deny_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o sinfullnes_n of_o every_o sip_v of_o the_o whore_n cup_n for_o say_v he_o every_o sip_v of_o a_o drunkard_n cup_n be_v not_o sinful_a intoxicated_a some_o have_v drink_v deep_a of_o the_o whore_n cup_n and_o some_o but_o sip_v yet_o intoxicated_a ans_fw-fr first_o he_o do_v not_o right_o allege_v my_o word_n for_o a_o little_a before_o he_o confess_v my_o word_n to_o be_v that_o antichristian_a drunkenness_n and_o whoredom_n be_v to_o be_v confess_v of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v drink_v of_o the_o whore_n cup_n or_o but_o sip_v of_o it_o in_o which_o word_n i_o plain_o distinguish_v between_o such_o as_o have_v drink_v deep_a of_o her_o cup_n as_o papist_n popish_a priest_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o as_o in_o comparison_n have_v but_o sip_v as_o god_n own_o people_n who_o yet_o by_o such_o sip_v have_v be_v so_o intoxicated_a as_o to_o practice_v spiritual_a whoredom_n against_o christ_n in_o submit_v to_o false_a church_n ministry_n worship_n etc._n etc._n second_o whereas_o he_o say_v every_o sip_v of_o a_o drunkard_n cup_n be_v not_o sinful_a i_o answer_v neither_o the_o least_o sip_v nor_o constant_a drink_n out_o of_o the_o cup_n which_o a_o drunkard_n use_v to_o drink_v in_o be_v sinful_a but_o every_o drunken_a sip_n which_o be_v our_o question_n be_v questionless_a sinful_a and_o so_o consequent_o to_o be_v avoid_v by_o the_o sober_a whether_o the_o cup_n of_o corporal_a or_o spiritual_a drunkenness_n chap._n xviii_o mr._n cotton_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n yea_o but_o say_v he_o the_o 3000._o jew_n be_v admit_v when_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o murder_n of_o christ_n although_o they_o never_o see_v all_o the_o superstitious_a leavening_n wherewith_o the_o pharise_n have_v bewitch_v they_o and_o so_o no_o doubt_n may_v godly_a person_n now_o although_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o convince_v of_o every_o passage_n of_o antichristian_a superstition_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o spiritual_a whoredom_n and_o drunkenness_n be_v not_o so_o soon_o discern_v as_o corporal_a i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o indeed_o so_o easy_o discern_v and_o yet_o not_o the_o less_o sinful_a but_o infinite_o transcendent_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 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
haggai_n my_o argument_n stand_v good_a and_o mr._n cotton_n here_o acknowledge_v it_o that_o holy_a thing_n may_v be_v all_o unclean_a to_o god_n people_n when_o they_o lie_v in_o their_o uncleanness_n particular_a ceremonial_a uncleanness_n in_o the_o national_a church_n type_v out_o moral_a uncleanness_n in_o the_o particular_a as_o this_o people_n do_v those_o scripture_n levit._n 16._o &_o number_n 19_o which_o discourse_n of_o typical_a and_o ceremonial_a uncleanness_n he_o acknowledge_v to_o type_n out_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o moral_a uncleanness_n either_o of_o dead_a work_n ephes_n 5._o 11._o or_o dead_a person_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o or_o dead_a world_n gal._n 6._o 14._o and_o in_o this_o place_n of_o haggai_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n people_n prince_n and_o people_n be_v defile_v by_o worldliness_n in_o which_o condition_n say_v he_o their_o oblation_n their_o bodily_a labour_n be_v all_o unclean_a and_o find_v neither_o acceptance_n nor_o blessing_n from_o the_o lord_n therefore_o say_v he_o afterward_o in_o the_o church_n 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 be_v unclean_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o church_n can_v be_v constitute_v of_o such_o or_o if_o it_o be_v constitute_v of_o such_o the_o people_n of_o god_n must_v separate_v from_o they_o and_o last_o he_o say_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n thereof_o must_v separate_v themselves_o from_o their_o hypocrisy_n and_o worldliness_n else_o they_o and_o their_o duty_n will_v be_v unclean_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o their_o church_n estate_n ans_fw-fr what_o have_v i_o more_o speak_v then_o mr._n cotton_n himself_o have_v utter_v in_o this_o his_o explication_n and_o application_n of_o this_o scripture_n as_o first_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 second_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 mr._n cotton_v own_o confession_n concern_v unclean_a worship_n even_o of_o godly_a person_n person_n labour_n be_v unclean_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o have_v neither_o acceptance_n nor_o blessing_n from_o he_o but_o they_o and_o their_o duty_n be_v unclean_a in_o his_o sight_n notwithstanding_o their_o church_n estate_n three_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v constitute_v of_o such_o godly_a person_n when_o defile_v with_o such_o worldliness_n four_o the_o church_n consi_v of_o such_o worldly_a person_n though_o otherwise_o godly_a and_o christian_n the_o people_n of_o god_n must_v separate_v from_o they_o these_o be_v mr._n cotton_v own_o express_a word_n which_o justify_v grant_v inference_n from_o master_n cotton_v grant_v first_o my_o former_a distinction_n of_o godly_a person_n in_o their_o personal_a respect_n between_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o yet_o become_v ungodly_a in_o their_o outward_a defilement_n second_o they_o justify_v my_o assertion_n of_o a_o necessity_n of_o cleanse_v from_o antichristian_a filthiness_n and_o communion_n with_o dead_a work_n dead_a worship_n dead_a person_n in_o god_n worship_n if_o the_o touch_v of_o the_o dead_a world_n or_o immoderate_a love_n of_o it_o do_v so_o defile_v as_o mr._n cotton_n here_o affirm_v three_o if_o as_o he_o say_v the_o church_n can_v be_v constitute_v of_o such_o godly_a person_n as_o be_v defile_v by_o immoderate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v constitute_v of_o godly_a person_n defile_v with_o the_o dead_a invention_n worship_n communion_n of_o unregenerate_a and_o ungodly_a person_n four_o he_o justify_v a_o separation_n from_o such_o church_n if_o so_o constitute_v or_o so_o constitute_v because_o though_o worldliness_n be_v adultery_n against_o god_n james_n 4._o yet_o not_o comparable_a to_o spiritual_a adultery_n of_o a_o false_a bed_n of_o worship_n ministry_n etc._n etc._n chap._n xxi_o mr._n cotton_n proceed_v the_o second_o stumble_v block_n or_o offence_n which_o you_o have_v take_v at_o the_o way_n of_o these_o church_n be_v that_o you_o conceive_v we_o to_o walk_v between_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n first_o in_o practise_v separation_n here_o and_o not_o repent_v of_o our_o preach_n and_o print_n against_o it_o in_o our_o own_o country_n second_o in_o reproach_v yourself_o at_o salem_n and_o other_o for_o separation_n three_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 that_o god_n have_v not_o prosper_v yet_o say_v you_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o church_n way_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o countenance_n of_o man_n or_o upon_o outward_a peace_n and_o liberty_n unto_o this_o he_o answer_v that_o they_o halt_v not_o but_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o 2_o extreme_n the_o one_o of_o be_v defile_v with_o the_o pollution_n of_o other_o church_n the_o other_o of_o renounce_v the_o church_n for_o the_o remnant_n of_o pollution_n this_o moderation_n he_o with_o ingenuous_a moderation_n profess_v he_o see_v no_o cause_n to_o repent_v of_o etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr with_o the_o lord_n gracious_a assistance_n we_o shall_v prove_v this_o middle_n walk_v to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o halt_a for_o which_o we_o shall_v show_v cause_n of_o repentance_n beseech_v he_o that_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n to_o give_v repentance_n unto_o his_o israel_n act_v 5_o 3._o first_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_n 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 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 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 upon_o these_o his_o own_o confession_n pollution_n mr._n cotton_n extenuate_v &_o mince_v the_o â—oot_n mass_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o national_a church_n which_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v unregenerate_a not_o yet_o bear_v again_o by_o name_v only_o a_o remnant_n of_o pollution_n i_o earnest_o beseech_v mr._n cotton_n and_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n to_o ponder_v how_o he_o can_v say_v he_o walk_v with_o a_o even_a foot_n between_o 2_o extreme_n when_o according_a to_o his_o own_o confession_n nationall_n church_n parish_n church_n yea_o a_o church_n constitute_v of_o godly_a person_n give_v to_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v false_a and_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o and_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o have_v the_o parish_n church_n to_o be_v separate_v from_o for_o the_o remnant_n of_o pollution_n i_o conceive_v he_o mean_v ceremony_n &_o bishop_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o also_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o every_o parish_n in_o england_n consist_v of_o unregenerate_a person_n and_o of_o thousand_o inbondaged_a not_o only_o to_o worldliness_n but_o also_o ignorance_n superstition_n scoff_v swear_v curse_a whoredom_n drunkenness_n theft_n lie_v what_o be_v 2._o or_o 3._o or_o more_o of_o regenerate_a and_o godly_a person_n in_o such_o communion_n worship_n the_o estate_n of_o the_o godly_a mingle_v with_o the_o ungodly_a in_o worship_n but_o as_o 2_o or_o 3_o rose_n or_o lily_n in_o a_o wilderness_n a_o few_o grain_n of_o good_a corn_n in_o a_o heap_n of_o chaff_n a_o few_o sheep_n among_o herd_n of_o wolf_n or_o swine_n or_o if_o more_o civil_a flock_n of_o goat_n a_o little_a good_a dough_n swallow_v up_o with_o a_o whole_a bushel_n of_o leaven_n or_o a_o little_a precious_a gold_n confound_v and_o mingle_v with_o a_o whole_a heap_n of_o dross_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n know_v i_o write_v not_o this_o to_o reproach_v any_o know_v that_o myself_o be_o by_o nature_n a_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o that_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n show_v mercy_n to_o who_o and_o when_o he_o will_v they_o the_o state_n of_o man_n must_v be_v faithful_o discover_v unto_o they_o but_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o love_a faithfullnes_n to_o my_o countrymens_n soul_n and_o defence_n of_o truth_n i_o remember_v my_o worthy_a adversary_n of_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n from_o which_o his_o confession_n say_v he_o must_v separate_v his_o practice_n in_o gather_v of_o church_n seem_v to_o say_v he_o do_v separate_v and_o yet_o he_o profess_v there_o be_v but_o some_o remnant_n of_o pollution_n among_o they_o for_o which_o he_o dare_v not_o separate_v chap._n xxii_o mr._n cotton_n second_o say_v he_o 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 howsoever_o if_o any_o do_v reproach_n they_o for_o it_o i_o think_v
gather_v church_n apostle_n embassador_n trumpeter_n with_o proclamation_n from_o the_o king_n of_o king_n to_o convert_v subdue_v bring_v in_o rebellious_a unconvert_v unbelieved_a unchristian_a soul_n to_o the_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i_o ready_o confess_v that_o at_o the_o pastor_n or_o shepherd_n feed_v of_o his_o flock_n accidental_a conversion_n in_o a_o church_n accidental_a and_o the_o prophet_n prohecy_v in_o the_o church_n a_o unbeliever_n come_v in_o be_v convince_v fall_v on_o his_o face_n and_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v there_o yet_o this_o be_v accidental_a that_o any_o unbeliever_n shall_v come_v in_o ministry_n personal_a repentance_n â—â—ought_v in_o thousand_o be_v godly_a personâ—_n in_o popish_a ministry_n and_o the_o pastor_n work_n be_v to_o feed_v his_o flock_n act_v 20._o and_o prophecy_n be_v not_o for_o unbeever_n but_o for_o they_o that_o believe_v to_o edify_v exhort_v and_o comfort_v the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 34._o â—_o 22._o i_o also_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o work_v a_o person_n 〈◊〉_d repentance_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o thousand_o in_o germany_n england_n low_a country_n france_n scotland_n ireland_n etc._n etc._n yea_o and_o who_o know_v but_o in_o italy_n spain_n rome_n not_o only_o by_o such_o man_n who_o decline_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n priest_n deacon_n the_o constitute_v ministry_n of_o england_n hitherto_o but_o also_o by_o such_o as_o have_v own_v they_o as_o luther_n remain_v a_o monk_n and_o famous_a holy_a man_n remain_v and_o burn_a lord_n bishop_n disorder_n to_o preach_v main_o for_o conversion_n of_o that_o people_n to_o who_o a_o man_n stand_v shepherd_n as_o to_o a_o convert_a people_n and_o flock_n of_o christ_n a_o dangerous_a disorder_n but_o all_o this_o have_v be_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o minister_n feed_v their_o flock_n not_o of_o preacher_n send_v to_o convert_v the_o unconvert_v and_o unbelieved_a this_o passage_n i_o present_v for_o 2_o reason_n first_o because_o so_o many_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a person_n main_o preach_v for_o conversion_n as_o concieve_v and_o that_o true_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n of_o england_n to_o be_v in_o a_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a estate_n and_o yet_o account_v they_o themselves_o fix_v and_o constant_a officer_n and_o minister_n to_o particular_a parish_n or_o congregation_n unto_o who_o they_o also_o administer_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n though_o sometime_o few_o and_o sometime_o none_o regenerate_v or_o new_o bear_v have_v be_v find_v among_o they_o which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o high_a concernment_n touch_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n convert_v god_n people_n must_v seek_v after_o a_o ministry_n send_v by_o christ_n to_o convert_v and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n second_o that_o in_o these_o great_a earthquake_n wherein_o it_o please_v god_n to_o shake_v foundation_n civil_a and_o spiritual_a such_o a_o ministry_n of_o christ_n jesus_n may_v be_v seek_v after_o who_o proper_a work_n be_v preach_v for_o convert_v and_o gather_v of_o true_a penitent_n to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n chap._n xxvi_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o mr._n cotton_n himself_o have_v profess_v concern_v english_a preacher_n be_v cotton_n mr._n cotton_n that_o although_o the_o word_n yet_o not_o the_o seal_n may_v be_v receive_v from_o they_o because_o say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o communion_n in_o hear_v and_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v to_o all_o but_o the_o seal_v he_o conceive_v and_o that_o right_o be_v profane_v in_o be_v dispense_v to_o the_o ungodly_a etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr mr._n cotton_n himself_o maintain_v estate_n the_o communion_n or_o fellowship_n of_o the_o word_n teach_v in_o a_o church_n estate_n that_o the_o dispense_n of_o the_o word_n in_o a_o church_n estate_n be_v christ_n feed_v of_o his_o flock_n cant._n 1._o 8._o christ_n kiss_v of_o his_o spouse_n or_o wife_n cant._n 1._o 2._o christ_n embrace_v of_o his_o spouse_n in_o the_o marriage_n bed_n cant._n 1._o 16._o christ_n nurse_n of_o his_o child_n at_o his_o wife_n breast_n cant._n 4._o and_o be_v there_o no_o communion_n between_o the_o shepherd_n and_o his_o sheep_n the_o husband_n and_o his_o wife_n in_o chaste_a kiss_n and_o embrace_n and_o the_o mother_n and_o her_o child_n at_o the_o breast_n beside_o he_o confess_v that_o that_o fellowship_n in_o the_o gospel_n phil._n 1._o 3._o be_v a_o fellowship_n or_o communion_n in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n community_n break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n in_o which_o the_o first_o church_n continue_v act_v 2._o 46._o all_o which_o overthrow_v that_o doctrine_n of_o a_o lawful_a participation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n in_o a_o church_n estate_n where_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n or_o seal_n chap._n xxvii_o three_o concern_v the_o lawful_a commission_n or_o call_n of_o english_a preacher_n mr._n cotton_n himself_o and_o other_o most_o eminent_a in_o new_a england_n have_v free_o confess_v england_n eminent_a minister_n so_o account_v in_o old_a england_n profess_v themselves_o private_a christian_n in_o new_a england_n that_o notwithstanding_o their_o former_a profession_n of_o ministry_n in_o old_a england_n yet_o in_o new_a england_n until_o they_o receive_v a_o call_n from_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o be_v but_o private_a christian_n second_o that_o christ_n jesus_n have_v appoint_v no_o other_o call_n to_o the_o ministry_n but_o such_o as_o they_o practice_n in_o new_a england_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o that_o all_o other_o which_o be_v not_o from_o a_o particular_a congregation_n of_o godly_a person_n be_v none_o of_o christ_n as_o first_o a_o calling_n or_o commission_n receive_v from_o the_o bishop_n ministry_n false_a calling_n or_o commission_n for_o the_o ministry_n second_o from_o a_o parish_n of_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a person_n three_o from_o some_o few_o godly_a person_n yet_o remain_v in_o church_n fellowship_n after_o the_o parish_n way_n last_o the_o eminent_a gift_n and_o ability_n be_v but_o qualification_n fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o a_o call_n or_o office_n according_a to_o 1_o tim._n 3._o tit._n 1._o all_o which_o premise_n due_o consider_v i_o humble_o desire_v of_o the_o father_n of_o light_n that_o mr._n cotton_n and_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n may_v try_v what_o will_v abide_v the_o fiery_a trial_n in_o this_o particalar_n when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o flame_a fire_n etc._n etc._n chap._n xxviii_o the_o close_a of_o his_o letteâ—_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o passage_n of_o i_o cotton_n m._n cotton_n which_o he_o repeat_v in_o a_o objection_n thus_o but_o this_o you_o fear_v be_v to_o condemn_v the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n the_o separate_a church_n in_o london_n and_o elsewhere_o and_o our_o jealous_a god_n will_v visit_v we_o for_o such_o arrearage_n yea_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o angel_n to_o meros_n will_v fall_v upon_o we_o because_o we_o come_v not_o forth_o to_o help_v jehovah_n against_o the_o mighty_a we_o pray_v not_o for_o they_o we_o come_v not_o at_o they_o but_o at_o parish_n frequent_o yea_o we_o reproach_n and_o censure_v they_o to_o which_o he_o answer_v that_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o nor_o prophet_n before_o he_o ever_o deliver_v that_o way_n that_o they_o fear_v not_o the_o angel_n curse_n because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o help_v jehovah_n but_o satan_n to_o withdraw_v people_n from_o the_o parish_n where_o they_o have_v find_v more_o presence_n of_o christ_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o spirit_n then_o in_o separate_a church_n that_o they_o pray_v not_o for_o they_o because_o they_o can_v pray_v in_o faith_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o their_o separation_n and_o that_o it_o be_v little_a comfort_n to_o hear_v of_o separate_a church_n as_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o blame_v they_o that_o be_v desirous_a of_o reformation_n they_o stumble_v not_o only_o at_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o for_o their_o sake_n at_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o they_o separate_v not_o only_o from_o the_o parish_n but_o from_o the_o church_n at_o plymouth_n and_o of_o that_o whereof_o mr._n lathrop_n be_v pastor_n who_o as_o he_o say_v not_o only_o refuse_v all_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o choose_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o own_o ordinance_n only_o last_o he_o profess_v his_o inward_a sorrow_n that_o myself_o help_v err_a though_o zealous_a soul_n against_o the_o mighty_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o whosoever_o stumble_v at_o shall_v be_v break_v world_n the_o garden_n of_o the_o church_n of_o both_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n plant_v with_o a_o hedge_n or_o wall_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o world_n because_o whosoever_o will_v not_o kiss_v the_o son_n that_o be_v will_v not_o hear_v and_o embrace_v the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n