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
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 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
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