be_v please_v to_o discuss_v in_o this_o letter_n and_o other_o of_o they_o not_o to_o mention_v after_o my_o public_a trial_n and_o answer_n at_o the_o general_a court_n one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a magistrate_n who_o name_n and_o speech_n may_v by_o other_o be_v remember_v stand_v up_o and_o speak_v mr._n williams_n say_v he_o hold_v forth_o these_o 4._o particular_n banishment_n the_o 4_o particular_a ground_n of_o my_o sentence_n of_o banishment_n first_o that_o we_o have_v not_o our_o land_n by_o patent_n from_o the_o king_n but_o that_o the_o native_n be_v the_o true_a owner_n of_o it_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o repent_v of_o such_o a_o receive_v it_o by_o patent_n second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o call_v a_o wicked_a person_n to_o swear_v to_o pray_v as_o be_v action_n of_o god_n worship_n three_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o hear_v any_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o parish_n assembly_n in_o england_n four_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n extend_v only_o to_o the_o body_n and_o good_n and_o outward_a state_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n i_o acknowledge_v the_o particular_n be_v right_o sum_v up_o and_o i_o also_o hope_v that_o as_o i_o then_o maintain_v the_o rocky_a strength_n of_o they_o to_o my_o own_o &_o other_o conscience_n satisfaction_n so_o through_o the_o lord_n assistance_n i_o shall_v be_v ready_a for_o the_o same_o ground_n not_o only_o to_o be_v bind_v and_o banish_v but_o to_o die_v also_o in_o new_a england_n as_o for_o most_o holy_a truth_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n yea_o but_o say_v he_o upon_o those_o ground_n you_o banish_v yourself_o from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o country_n i_o answer_v if_o mr._n cotton_n mean_v my_o own_o voluntary_a withdraw_n from_o those_o church_n resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o those_o evil_n and_o persecute_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o lord_n prefent_v light_n unto_o they_o witness_n christ_n jesus_n speak_v and_o suffer_v in_o his_o witness_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v i_o own_o voluntary_a act_n yea_o i_o hope_v the_o act_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n sound_v forth_o in_o i_o a_o poor_a despise_a ram_n horn_n the_o blast_n which_o shall_v in_o his_o own_o holy_a season_n cast_v down_o the_o strength_n and_o confidence_n of_o those_o invention_n of_o man_n in_o the_o worship_v of_o the_o true_a and_o live_a god_n and_o last_o his_o act_n in_o enable_v i_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o suffer_v such_o great_a and_o mighty_a trial_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n but_o if_o by_o banish_v myself_o he_o intend_v the_o act_n of_o civil_a banishment_n from_o their_o common_a earth_n and_o air_n lip_n the_o dragon_n language_n in_o a_o lamb_n lip_n i_o then_o observe_v with_o grief_n the_o language_n of_o the_o dragon_n in_o a_o lamb_n lip_n among_o other_o expression_n of_o the_o dragon_n be_v not_o these_o common_a to_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n reâ—t_n and_o tear_v by_o his_o persecution_n persecution_n god_n child_n persecute_v be_v charge_v by_o their_o enemy_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o own_o persecution_n go_v now_o say_v you_o be_v persecute_v you_o be_v persecute_v for_o christ_n suffer_v for_o your_o conscience_n no_o it_o be_v your_o schism_n heresy_n obstinacy_n the_o devil_n have_v deceive_v thou_o thou_o have_v just_o bring_v this_o upon_o thou_o thou_o have_v banish_v thyself_o etc._n etc._n instance_n be_v abundant_a in_o so_o many_o book_n of_o martyr_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o i_o spare_v to_o recite_v in_o so_o short_a a_o treatise_n second_o if_o he_o mean_v this_o civil_a act_n of_o banish_v why_o shall_v he_o call_v a_o civil_a sentence_n from_o the_o civil_a state_n within_o a_o few_o week_n execution_n in_o so_o sharp_a a_o time_n of_o new_a england_n cold_a one_o a_o nationall_n church_n the_o silent_a common_a weal_n or_o or_o world_n silent_o confess_v by_o mr._n cotton_n to_o be_v all_o one_o why_o shall_v he_o call_v this_o a_o banishment_n from_o the_o church_n except_o he_o silent_o confess_v that_o the_o frame_n or_o constitution_n of_o their_o church_n be_v but_o implicit_o national_a which_o yet_o they_o profess_v against_o for_o otherwise_o why_o be_v i_o not_o yet_o permit_v to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n or_o commonweal_n except_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o the_o common_a weal_n and_o church_n be_v yet_o but_o one_o and_o he_o that_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o one_o must_v necessary_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o other_o also_o chap._n iu._n mr._n cotton_n let_v not_o any_o prejudice_n against_o my_o person_n i_o beseech_v you_o forestall_v either_o your_o affection_n or_o judgement_n as_o if_o i_o have_v haste_v forward_o the_o sentence_n of_o your_o civil_a banishment_n for_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o that_o kind_n be_v neither_o do_v by_o my_o counsel_n nor_o consent_n answ_n although_o i_o desire_v to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n from_o a_o stranger_n good_a persecuter_n of_o man_n body_n seldom_o or_o never_o do_v thâ—se_a man_n soul_n good_a a_o equal_a a_o inferior_a yea_o a_o enemy_n yet_o i_o observe_v how_o this_o excellent_a man_n can_v but_o confess_v how_o hard_o it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n to_o do_v good_a to_o speak_v effectual_o to_o the_o soul_n or_o conscience_n of_o any_o who_o body_n he_o afflict_v and_o persecute_v and_o that_o only_a for_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n sake_n man_n a_o excellent_a observation_n of_o a_o worthy_a parliament_n man_n hence_o excellent_a be_v the_o observation_n of_o a_o worthy_a gentleman_n in_o the_o parliament_n against_o the_o bishop_n viz._n that_o the_o bishop_n be_v far_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o together_o with_o his_o word_n preach_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n show_v their_o body_n so_o much_o mercy_n and_o love_a kindness_n whereas_o the_o bishop_n on_o the_o contrary_n persecute_v etc._n etc._n now_o to_o the_o ground_n from_o whence_o my_o prejudice_n may_v arise_v he_o profess_v my_o banishment_n proceed_v not_o with_o his_o counsel_n or_o consent_n be_v god_n child_n be_v not_o so_o free_a in_o persecute_v god_n child_n as_o persecutor_n who_o profess_a nature_n &_o trade_n it_o be_v i_o answer_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o what_o mr._n cotton_n and_o other_o do_v in_o procure_v my_o sorrow_n be_v not_o without_o some_o regret_n and_o reluctancy_n of_o conscience_n and_o affection_n as_o like_o it_o be_v that_o david_n can_v not_o procure_v vriiahs_n death_n nor_o asa_n imprison_v the_o prophet_n with_o a_o quiet_a and_o free_a conscience_n yet_o to_o the_o particular_a that_o mr._n cotton_n consent_v not_o what_o need_v he_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o civil_a court_n but_o that_o he_o counsel_v it_o and_o so_o consent_v beside_o what_o other_o proof_n i_o may_v produce_v and_o what_o himself_o here_o under_o express_v i_o shall_v produce_v a_o double_a and_o unanswerable_a testimony_n first_o etc._n m._n cotton_n by_o teach_v persecution_n can_v but_o consent_v to_o it_o etc._n etc._n he_o public_o teach_v and_o teach_v except_o late_o christ_n jesus_n have_v teach_v he_o better_o that_o body-killing_a soul-killing_a and_o state-killing_a doctrine_n of_o not_o permit_v but_o persecute_v all_o other_o conscience_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n but_o his_o own_o in_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o so_o consequent_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o the_o power_n or_o empire_n thereof_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n second_o lawful_a mr._n cotton_n private_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o some_o that_o question_v whether_o persecution_n for_o conscience_n be_v lawful_a as_o at_o that_o sentence_n divers_a worthy_a gentleman_n dare_v not_o concur_v with_o the_o rest_n in_o such_o a_o course_n so_o some_o that_o do_v consent_v have_v solemn_o testify_v and_o with_o tear_n since_o to_o myself_o confess_v that_o they_o can_v not_o in_o their_o soul_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o have_v consent_v to_o the_o sentence_n have_v not_o mr._n cotton_n in_o private_a give_v they_o advice_n and_o counsel_n prove_v it_o just_a and_o warrantable_a to_o their_o conscience_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v as_o charitable_a as_o charity_n will_v have_v i_o and_o therefore_o will_v hope_v that_o either_o his_o memory_n fail_v he_o or_o that_o else_o he_o mean_v that_o in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o sentence_n pass_v he_o neither_o counsel_v nor_o consent_v as_o he_o have_v since_o say_v that_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o and_o go_v out_o from_o the_o rest_n probable_o out_o of_o that_o reluctation_n which_o before_o i_o mention_v and_o yet_o if_o so_o i_o can_v reconcile_v his_o own_o expression_n for_o thus_o he_o go_v on_o chap._n v._n mr._n cotton_n although_o i_o dare_v not_o deny_v the_o sentence_n pass_v to_o be_v righteous_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o
it_o a_o sin_n meet_v to_o be_v censure_v but_o not_o with_o so_o deep_a a_o censure_n as_o to_o excommunicate_v all_o the_o church_n or_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o before_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o they_o do_v tolerate_v their_o member_n in_o such_o their_o causeless_o reproaching_n we_o confess_v the_o error_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v contend_v against_o not_o with_o reproach_n but_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o sayling_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o forthwith_o to_o be_v heal_v by_o separation_n it_o be_v not_o chirurgery_n but_o butchery_n to_o heal_v every_o sore_a in_o a_o member_n with_o no_o other_o but_o abscision_n from_o the_o body_n ans_fw-fr the_o church_n of_o salem_n be_v know_v to_o profess_v separation_n and_o be_v general_o and_o public_o reproach_v and_o i_o can_v mention_v a_o case_n wherein_o she_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o implicit_o mr._n cotton_n here_o confess_v these_o 2_o thing_n which_o i_o leave_v to_o himself_o to_o reconcile_v separation_n mr._n cotton_n seem_v to_o be_v both_o for_o and_o yet_o against_o separation_n with_o his_o former_a profession_n here_o and_o elsewhere_o against_o separation_n first_o say_v he_o if_o any_o reproach_n they_o for_o separation_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n meet_v to_o be_v censure_v second_o the_o church_n themselves_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o who_o tolerate_v their_o member_n in_o such_o causeless_o reproaching_n in_o these_o late_a passage_n he_o seem_v as_o in_o other_o his_o confession_n and_o practice_n mention_v to_o be_v for_o it_o sensible_a of_o shame_n disgrace_n or_o reproach_n to_o be_v cast_v on_o it_o i_o grant_v with_o he_o the_o fail_n of_o church_n be_v not_o forthwith_o to_o be_v heal_v by_o separation_n himself_o mr._n cotton_v own_o confession_n be_v sufficient_a answer_n to_o himself_o yet_o himself_o within_o a_o few_o line_n confess_v there_o be_v a_o lawful_a separation_n from_o church_n that_o do_v but_o tolerate_v their_o member_n in_o causeless_o reproach_n i_o confess_v also_o that_o it_o be_v not_o chirurgery_n but_o butchery_n to_o heal_v every_o sore_a with_o no_o other_o medicine_n but_o with_o abscision_n from_o the_o body_n yet_o himself_n confess_v before_o that_o even_o church_n of_o godly_a person_n must_v be_v separate_v from_o for_o immoderate_a worldliness_n off_o not_o for_o a_o sore_a of_o infirmity_n but_o a_o leprosy_n or_o gangrene_n of_o obstinacy_n ought_v a_o person_n to_o be_v cat_n off_o and_o again_o here_o he_o confess_v they_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o when_o they_o tolerate_v their_o member_n in_o such_o their_o causeless_o reproaching_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o every_o sore_n of_o infirmity_n or_o ignorance_n but_o a_o ulcer_n or_o gangrene_n of_o obstinacy_n for_o which_o i_o maintain_v that_o a_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o or_o a_o church_n separate_v from_o but_o if_o he_o call_v that_o butchery_n conscientious_o and_o peaceable_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o spiritual_a communion_n of_o a_o church_n or_o society_n christ_n mr._n cotton_n deep_o guilty_a of_o cruelty_n both_o against_o conscience_n and_o body_n in_o persecute_v of_o they_o yet_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o appearance_n of_o due_a severity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n what_o shall_v it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o second_o adam_n the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o give_v name_n to_o all_o creature_n and_o all_o action_n to_o cut_v off_o person_n they_o and_o they_o branch_n and_o root_n from_o any_o civil_a be_v in_o their_o territory_n and_o consequent_o from_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v their_o territory_n so_o large_a because_o their_o conscience_n dare_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o any_o worship_n but_o what_o they_o believe_v the_o lord_n jesus_n appoint_v and_o be_v also_o otherwise_o subject_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o law_n thereof_o chap._n xxiii_o three_o whereas_o i_o urge_v a_o speech_n of_o his_o own_o viz._n that_o god_n have_v not_o prosper_v the_o way_n of_o separation_n and_o conceive_v that_o i_o understand_v he_o of_o outward_a prosperity_n he_o affirm_v the_o puritan_n to_o have_v be_v worse_o use_v in_o england_n then_o the_o separatist_n &_o thus_o write_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o separatist_n may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o officer_n in_o court_n and_o wink_v at_o when_o the_o conventicle_n of_o the_o puritan_n as_o they_o call_v they_o shall_v be_v hunt_v out_o with_o all_o diligence_n and_o pursue_v with_o more_o violence_n than_o any_o law_n can_v justify_v ans_fw-fr doubtless_o the_o contraversie_n of_o god_n have_v be_v great_a with_o this_o land_n persecution_n god_n controversy_n for_o persecution_n that_o either_o of_o both_o have_v be_v so_o violent_o pursue_v and_o persecute_v i_o believe_v they_o be_v both_o the_o witness_n of_o several_a truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n against_o a_o impenitent_a and_o unchristian_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o for_o their_o suffering_n compare_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o separatist_n and_o puritant_n in_o england_n compare_v as_o the_o puritan_n have_v not_o comparable_o suffer_v as_o but_o seldom_o congregate_a in_o separate_a assembly_n from_o the_o common_a so_o have_v not_o any_o of_o they_o suffer_v unto_o death_n for_o the_o way_n of_o non-conformitie_n to_o ceremony_n etc._n etc._n indeed_o the_o worthy_a witness_n mr._n udall_n be_v near_o unto_o death_n for_o his_o witness_n against_o bishop_n and_o ceremony_n vdal_n mr._n vdal_n but_o mr._n penry_n mr._n barrow_n greenwood_n mr._n penry_n mr_n barrow_n mr._n greenwood_n mr._n greenwood_n follow_v the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o their_o gibbet_n on_o their_o shoulder_n and_o be_v hang_v with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o separation_n many_o more_o have_v be_v condemn_v to_o die_v banish_v and_o choke_v in_o prison_n i_o can_v produce_v upon_o occasion_n again_o puritan_n few_o conscientious_a separatist_n but_o first_o be_v puritan_n i_o believe_v that_o there_o hardly_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o conscientious_a separatist_n who_o be_v not_o first_o a_o puritan_n for_o as_o mr._n can_n have_v unanswerable_o prove_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o puritan_n against_o bishop_n and_o ceremony_n and_o profane_v of_o people_n profess_v christ_n separation_n the_o nonconformist_n ground_n enforce_v separation_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n flock_n and_o discipline_n must_v necessary_o if_o true_o follow_v lead_v on_o to_o and_o enforce_v a_o separation_n from_o such_o way_n worship_n and_o worshipper_n to_o seek_v out_o the_o true_a way_n of_o god_n worship_n according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n but_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n since_o the_o separatist_n witness_v against_o the_o root_n of_o the_o church_n constitution_n itself_o that_o yet_o he_o shall_v find_v as_o mr._n cotton_n say_v more_o favour_n than_o the_o puritan_n or_o nonconformist_a doubtless_o the_o reason_n be_v evident_a people_n most_o of_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o low_a sort_n of_o people_n first_o most_o of_o god_n servant_n who_o out_o of_o sight_n of_o the_o ignorance_n unbelief_n and_o profane_v of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nationall_n church_n have_v separate_v and_o dare_v not_o have_v long_o fellowship_n with_o it_o i_o say_v most_o of_o they_o have_v be_v poor_a and_o low_a ainsworth_n the_o poverty_n of_o mr._n ainsworth_n and_o not_o such_o gainful_a customer_n to_o the_o bishop_n their_o court_n and_o officer_n that_o worthy_a instrument_n of_o christ_n praise_n mr._n ainsworth_n during_o some_o time_n and_o some_o time_n of_o his_o great_a labour_n in_o holland_n live_v upon_o 9_o d._n per_fw-la week_n with_o root_n boil_v bishop_n the_o nonconformist_n have_v be_v a_o fair_a booty_n for_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o of_o god_n servant_n as_o have_v be_v nonconformist_n have_v have_v fair_a estate_n be_v great_a person_n have_v have_v rich_a live_n and_o benefice_n of_o which_o the_o bishop_n and_o they_o like_o greedy_a wolf_n have_v make_v the_o more_o desirable_a prey_n bishop_n the_o separatist_n have_v be_v profess_a enemy_n but_o the_o puritan_n in_o many_o thing_n profess_v friend_n &_o subject_n to_o the_o bishop_n second_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o nature_n to_o prefer_v a_o profess_a enemy_n before_o a_o pretend_a friend_n such_o as_o have_v separate_v have_v be_v look_v at_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o they_o as_o know_v and_o profess_a enemy_n whereas_o the_o puritan_n profess_a subjection_n and_o have_v submit_v to_o the_o bishop_n their_o court_n their_o officer_n their_o common_a prayer_n and_o worship_n and_o yet_o as_o the_o bishop_n have_v well_o know_v with_o no_o great_a affection_n than_o the_o israelite_n bear_v their_o egyptian_a cruel_a taskmaster_n he_o say_v cotton_n mr._n cotton_n god_n have_v not_o prosper_v the_o way_n of_o separation_n with_o peace_n among_o themselves_o and_o growth_n of_o grace_n ans_fw-fr the_o want_n of_o peace_n may_v
mr._n cotton_v letter_n late_o print_v examine_v and_o answer_v by_o roger_n williams_n of_o providence_n in_o new-england_a london_n imprint_v in_o the_o year_n 1644._o to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n this_o letter_n i_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v receive_v from_o mr._n cotton_n who_o for_o his_o personal_a excellency_n i_o true_o honour_n and_o love_n yet_o at_o such_o a_o time_n of_o my_o distress_a wander_n among_o the_o barbarian_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o food_n of_o clothes_n of_o time_n i_o reserve_v it_o though_o hardly_o amid_o so_o many_o barbarous_a distraction_n and_o afterward_o prepare_v a_o answer_n to_o be_v return_v in_o the_o interim_n persecution_n mr_n cotton_v reluctancy_n in_o himself_o concern_v the_o way_n of_o persecution_n some_o friend_n be_v much_o grieve_v that_o one_o public_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o dear_o belove_v shall_v yet_o be_v so_o expose_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o howl_a wilderness_n in_o frost_n and_o snow_n etc._n etc._n mâ—_n cotton_n to_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n of_o censure_n from_o himself_o profess_v both_o in_o speech_n and_o writing_n that_o he_o be_v no_o procurer_n of_o my_o sorrow_n some_o letter_n then_o pass_v between_o we_o in_o which_o i_o prove_v and_o express_v that_o if_o i_o have_v perish_v in_o that_o sorrowful_a winter_n flight_n man_n a_o unmerciful_a speech_n from_o a_o merciful_a man_n only_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v have_v wash_v he_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o i_o his_o final_a answer_n be_v have_v you_o perish_v your_o blood_n have_v be_v on_o your_o own_o head_n it_o be_v your_o sin_n to_o procure_v it_o and_o your_o sorrow_n to_o suffer_v it_o here_o i_o confess_v i_o stop_v and_o ever_o since_o suppress_v my_o answer_n wait_v if_o it_o may_v please_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n more_o to_o mollify_v and_o soften_v and_o render_v more_o humane_a and_o merciful_a the_o ear_n and_o heart_n of_o that_o otherwise_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a man_n it_o can_v now_o be_v just_o offensive_a letter_n god_n wisdom_n in_o the_o season_n of_o publish_v this_o letter_n that_o find_v this_o letter_n public_a by_o who_o procurement_n i_o know_v not_o i_o also_o present_a to_o the_o same_o public_a view_n my_o former_o intend_a answer_n i_o rejoice_v in_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o mercy_n christ_n time_n of_o enquiry_n after_o christ_n in_o order_v the_o season_n both_o of_o my_o own_o present_a opportunity_n of_o answer_n as_o also_o and_o especial_o of_o such_o protestation_n and_o resolution_n of_o so_o many_o fear_v god_n to_o seek_v what_o worship_n and_o worshipper_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o in_o jesus_n christ_n mire_n own_o ear_n be_v glad_a and_o late_a witness_n of_o a_o heavenly_a speech_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o that_o high_a assembly_n of_o parliament_n man_n a_o golden_a speech_n of_o a_o parliament_n man_n viz._n why_o shall_v the_o labour_n of_o any_o be_v suppress_v if_o sober_a though_o never_o so_o different_a we_o now_o profess_v to_o scek_v god_n we_o desire_v to_o see_v light_n etc._n etc._n i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o god_n will_v not_o be_v find_v late_o times_n when_o seek_v of_o god_n come_v tâ—o_fw-la late_o though_o man_n seek_v he_o early_a prov._n 1_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o prayer_n and_o fast_v come_v too_o late_o jer._n 14._o there_o be_v a_o seek_v of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n with_o a_o stumble_a block_n according_a to_o which_o god_n give_v his_o israel_n a_o answer_n ezek._n 13._o last_o there_o be_v a_o proud_a refusal_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n return_v in_o answer_n by_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 42._o love_n bid_v i_o hope_v for_o bet_n thing_n god_n promise_n assure_v we_o that_o his_o people_n return_v from_o captivity_n jesus_n whole_a heart_a seeker_n the_o only_a seeker_n of_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v seek_v he_o and_o pray_v and_o find_v he_o when_o they_o seek_v he_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n jer._n 27._o and_o god_n angel_n comfort_v those_o against_o all_o fear_n that_o seek_v jesus_n that_o be_v crucify_a mark_v 16._o thy_o soul_n so_o prosper_v who_o ever_o thou_o be_v worthy_a reader_n as_o with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n thou_o seek_v that_o true_a lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v holiness_n itself_o and_o require_v a_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a bride_n like_o to_o himself_o the_o pure_a and_o spotless_a lamb_n teach_v christ_n jesus_n who_o he_o save_v he_o teach_v he_o alone_o as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v thou_o to_o the_o utmost_a from_o thy_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n by_o his_o blood_n so_o have_v he_o bring_v his_o father_n council_n from_o his_o bosom_n and_o every_o soul_n be_v bind_v on_o pain_n of_o eternal_a pain_n to_o attend_v alone_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n command_n and_o statute_n heb._n 7._o act_v 3_o that_o lord_n jesus_n selfe-deniall_n the_o true_a lord_n jesus_n study_v hnmility_n and_o selfe-deniall_n who_o purposely_o choose_v to_o descend_v of_o mean_a and_o inferior_a parent_n a_o carpenter_n etc._n etc._n who_o disdain_v not_o to_o enter_v this_o world_n in_o a_o stable_a among_o beast_n as_o unworthy_a the_o society_n of_o man_n who_o pass_v through_o this_o world_n with_o the_o esteem_n of_o a_o mad_a man_n a_o deceiver_n a_o conjurer_n a_o traitor_n against_o caesar_n and_o destitute_a of_o a_o house_n wherein_o to_o rest_v his_o head_n who_o mad_a choice_n of_o his_o first_o and_o great_a ambassador_n out_o of_o fisherman_n tent-maker_n etc._n etc._n and_o at_o last_o choose_v to_o depart_v on_o the_o stage_n of_o a_o pianfull_a shameful_a gibbet_n if_o he_o thou_o seek_v in_o these_o search_a time_n make_v he_o alone_a thy_o white_a and_o soul_n belove_v 1._o seeker_n of_o christ_n be_v sure_a of_o a_o gracious_a answer_n 2_o thess_n 1._o willing_a to_o follow_v and_o be_v like_o he_o in_o do_v in_o suffer_v although_o thou_o find_v he_o not_o in_o the_o restauration_n of_o his_o ordinance_n according_a to_o his_o first_o pattern_n yet_o shall_v thou_o see_v he_o reign_n with_o he_o eternal_o admire_v he_o and_o enjoy_v he_o when_o he_o short_o come_v in_o flame_a fire_n to_o burn_v up_o million_o of_o ignorant_a and_o disobedient_a your_o most_o unworthy_a countryman_n roger_n williams_n mr._n cotton_v letter_n examine_v and_o answer_v chap._n i._n mr._n cotton_n belove_a in_o christ_n answer_n though_o i_o humble_o desire_v to_o acknowledge_v myself_o unworthy_a to_o be_v belove_v and_o most_o of_o all_o unworthy_a of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n england_n a_o monstrous_a paradox_n that_o god_n child_n shall_v persecute_v god_n child_n and_o that_o they_o that_o hope_v to_o live_v eternal_o together_o with_o christ_n jesus_n in_o the_o heaven_n shall_v not_o suffer_v each_o other_o to_o live_v in_o this_o common_a air_n together_o etc._n etc._n i_o be_o inform_v it_o be_v the_o speech_n of_o a_o honourable_a knight_n of_o the_o parliament_n what_o christ_n persecute_v christ_n in_o new_a england_n and_o to_o be_v belove_v for_o his_o sake_n yet_o since_o mr._n cotton_n be_v please_v to_o use_v such_o a_o affectionate_a compellation_n and_o testimonial_a expression_n to_o one_o so_o afflict_v and_o persecute_v by_o himself_o and_o other_o who_o for_o their_o personal_a worth_n and_o godliness_n i_o also_o honour_n and_o love_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v serious_o review_v by_o himself_o and_o they_o and_o all_o man_n whether_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v well_o please_v that_o one_o belove_v in_o he_o shall_v for_o no_o other_o cause_n then_o shall_v present_o appear_v be_v deny_v the_o common_a air_n to_o breath_n in_o and_o a_o civil_a cohabitation_n upon_o the_o same_o common_a earth_n yea_o and_o also_o without_o mercy_n and_o humane_a compassion_n be_v expose_v to_o winter_n misery_n in_o a_o howl_a wilderness_n and_o i_o ask_v further_o it_o mr._n cotton_n expect_v more_o light_a mun_o according_a to_o his_o way_n of_o persecution_n persecute_v christ_n jesus_n if_o he_o bring_v it_o whether_o since_o mr._n cotton_n elsewhere_o profess_v to_o expect_v far_o great_a light_n than_o yet_o shine_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o practice_n if_o christ_n jesus_n in_o any_o of_o his_o servant_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o hold_v forth_o a_o further_a light_n christ_n jesus_n himself_o shall_v find_v the_o mercy_n and_o humanity_n of_o a_o civil_a and_o temporal_a life_n and_o be_v with_o they_o mr._n cotton_n though_o i_o have_v little_a hope_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o uncircumcision_n of_o my_o own_o lip_n that_o you_o will_v hearken_v to_o my_o voice_n who_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n with_o you_o and_o the_o testimony_n and_o judgement_n of_o so_o many_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n yet_o i_o trust_v my_o labour_n
call_v and_o commission_n i_o say_v mr._n cotton_n do_v not_o nor_o will_v he_o ever_o prove_v that_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n or_o banishment_n in_o every_o land_n or_o country_n the_o sell_v or_o withhold_v of_o spiritual_a corn_n censure_n spiritual_a offence_n be_v only_o liable_a to_o a_o spiritual_a censure_n be_v both_o of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o therefore_o must_v necessary_o in_o a_o true_a parallel_n bear_v relation_n to_o a_o spiritual_a curse_n paul_n wish_v himself_o accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o his_o country_n man_n sake_n rom._n 9_o he_o speak_v not_o of_o any_o temporal_a death_n or_o banishment_n yet_o near_o be_v fit_o qualify_v and_o true_o call_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o ministry_n gospel_n paul_n not_o to_o be_v banish_v or_o kill_v by_o nero_n for_o not_o preach_v the_o gospel_n he_o cry_v out_o 1_o cor._n 9_o we_o to_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n yet_o do_v not_o paul_n intend_v that_o therefore_o the_o roman_a nero_n or_o any_o subordinate_a power_n under_o he_o in_o corinth_n shall_v have_v either_o banish_v or_o put_v paul_n to_o death_n have_v commit_v nothing_o against_o the_o civil_a state_n worthy_a of_o such_o a_o civil_a punishment_n yea_o and_o mr._n cotton_n himself_o seem_v to_o question_v the_o sandine_n of_o such_o a_o ground_n to_o warrant_v such_o proceed_n for_o thus_o he_o go_v on_o chap._n vi_o mr._n cotton_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v they_o pass_v that_o sentence_n against_o you_o not_o upon_o that_o ground_n but_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v for_o your_o other_o corrupt_a doctrine_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o disturbance_n both_o of_o civil_a and_o holy_a peace_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o that_o answer_n which_o be_v send_v to_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o salem_n and_o yourself_o suffering_n m._n cotton_n himself_o ignorant_a of_o the_o cause_n of_o my_o suffering_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o so_o many_o have_v be_v demand_v the_o cause_n of_o my_o suffering_n have_v answer_v that_o they_o can_v not_o tell_v for_o what_o since_o mr._n cotton_n himself_o know_v not_o distinct_o what_o cause_n to_o assign_v but_o say_v it_o may_v be_v they_o pass_v not_o that_o sentence_n on_o that_o ground_n etc._n etc._n oh_o where_o be_v the_o wake_a care_n of_o so_o excellent_a &_o worthy_a a_o man_n to_o see_v his_o brother_n and_o belove_v in_o christ_n so_o afflict_v he_o know_v not_o distinct_o for_o what_o he_o allege_v a_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o sentence_n righteous_a and_o yet_o conclude_v it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v not_o for_o that_o but_o for_o other_o corrupt_a doctrine_n which_o he_o name_v not_o nor_o any_o scripture_n to_o prove_v they_o corrupt_v or_o the_o sentence_n righteous_a for_o that_o cause_n o_o that_o it_o may_v please_v the_o father_n of_o light_n to_o awaken_v both_o himself_o and_o other_o of_o my_o honour_a countryman_n to_o see_v how_o though_o their_o heart_n wake_v in_o respect_n of_o personal_a grace_n and_o life_n of_o jesus_n yet_o they_o sleep_v insensible_a of_o much_o concern_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o lord_n worship_n or_o the_o sorrow_n of_o such_o who_o they_o style_v brethren_n and_o belove_v in_o christ_n afflict_v by_o they_o but_o though_o he_o name_v not_o these_o corrupt_a doctrine_n a_o little_a before_o i_o have_v as_o they_o be_v public_o sum_v up_o and_o charge_v upon_o i_o and_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o breach_n of_o holy_a or_o civil_a peace_n god_n civil_a peace_n and_o civil_a magistracy_n bless_a ordinance_n of_o god_n of_o which_o i_o have_v ever_o desire_v to_o be_v unfeigned_o tender_a acknowledge_v the_o ordinance_n of_o magistracy_n to_o be_v proper_o and_o adequat_o fit_v by_o god_n to_o preserve_v the_o civil_a state_n in_o civil_a peace_n and_o order_n as_o he_o have_v also_o appoint_v a_o spiritual_a government_n and_o governor_n in_o matter_n pertain_v to_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n both_o which_o government_n governor_n law_n offence_n punishment_n be_v essential_o distinct_a and_o the_o confound_a of_o they_o bring_v all_o the_o world_n into_o combustion_n he_o add_v chap._n vii_o mr._n cotton_n and_o to_o speak_v free_o what_o i_o think_v be_v my_o soul_n in_o your_o soul_n stead_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o a_o work_n of_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o banish_v i_o from_o the_o civil_a society_n of_o such_o a_o commonweal_n where_o i_o can_v not_o enjoy_v holy_a fellowship_n with_o any_o church_n of_o god_n among_o they_o without_o sin_n what_o shall_v the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n do_v in_o babel_n why_o shall_v she_o not_o hasten_v to_o flee_v from_o thence_o ans_fw-fr love_n bid_v i_o hope_v that_o mr._n cotton_n here_o intend_v i_o a_o cordial_n to_o revive_v i_o in_o my_o sorrow_n yet_o if_o the_o ingredient_n be_v examine_v there_o will_v appear_v no_o less_o then_o dishonour_v to_o the_o name_n of_o god_n danger_n to_o every_o civil_a state_n a_o miserable_a comfort_n to_o myself_o and_o contradiction_n within_o itself_o for_o the_o last_o first_o christ_n a_o land_n can_v be_v babel_n and_o yet_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o call_v the_o land_n babel_n mystical_o which_o he_o must_v needs_o do_v or_o else_o speak_v not_o to_o the_o point_n how_o can_v it_o be_v babel_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n also_o second_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a doctrine_n to_o affirm_v it_o a_o misery_n to_o live_v in_o that_o state_n where_o a_o christian_a can_v enjoy_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o public_a church_n of_o god_n without_o sin_n do_v we_o not_o know_v many_o famous_a state_n wherein_o be_v know_v no_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n christ_n famous_a civil_a state_n where_o yet_o no_o sound_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o god_n command_v his_o people_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o material_a city_n of_o babel_n jer._n 27._o and_o to_o seek_v the_o peace_n of_o it_o though_o no_o church_n of_o god_n in_o babel_n in_o the_o form_n and_o order_n of_o it_o or_o do_v sodom_n egypt_n babel_n signify_v material_a sodom_n egypt_n babel_n rev._n 11._o 8._o &_o 18._o 4_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o material_a babel_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 13._o babylon_n a_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o material_a babylon_n be_v it_o then_o a_o mercy_n for_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o babel_n to_o have_v be_v banish_v who_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n dare_v not_o to_o have_v receive_v to_o holy_a fellowship_n or_o be_v it_o a_o mercy_n for_o any_o person_n to_o have_v be_v banish_v the_o city_n and_o drive_v to_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o barbarous_a wilderness_n he_o and_o he_o if_o some_o bar_n have_v lie_v upon_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v enjoy_v fellowship_n with_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n three_o for_o myself_o i_o acknowledge_v it_o a_o bless_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o be_v enable_v to_o suffer_v nature_n the_o mercy_n of_o a_o civil_a state_n distinct_a from_o mercy_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o so_o to_o be_v banish_v for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o mr._n cotton_n himself_o will_v have_v count_v it_o a_o mercy_n if_o he_o may_v have_v practise_v in_o old_a england_n what_o now_o he_o do_v in_o new_a with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o civil_a peace_n safety_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o state_n or_o shall_v he_o dissent_v from_o the_o new_a english_a church_n and_o join_v in_o worship_n with_o some_o other_o as_o some_o few_o year_n since_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o point_n to_o do_v in_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n there_o as_o legal_a will_v he_o count_v it_o a_o mercy_n to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n incomparable_a old_a and_o new_a england_n for_o the_o country_n and_o civil_a government_n incomparable_a he_o and_o he_o and_o to_o endure_v the_o loss_n distraction_n misery_n that_o do_v attend_v such_o a_o condition_n the_o truth_n be_v both_o the_o mother_n and_o the_o daughter_n old_a and_o new_a england_n for_o the_o country_n and_o government_n be_v land_n and_o government_n incomparable_a and_o may_v it_o please_v god_n to_o persuade_v the_o mother_n to_o permit_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o new_a england_n her_o daughter_n to_o enjoy_v their_o conscience_n to_o god_n after_o a_o particular_a congregationall_a way_n and_o to_o persuade_v the_o daughter_n to_o permit_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o mother_n old_a england_n to_o walk_v there_o after_o their_o conscience_n of_o a_o parishional_a way_n which_o yet_o neither_o mother_n nor_o daughter_n be_v persuade_v to_o permit_v i_o conceive_v mr._n cotton_n himself_o be_v he_o seat_v in_o old_a england_n again_o will_v not_o count_v it_o a_o mercy_n to_o