The Examiner defended, IN A Fair and Sober ANSWER TO The Two and twenty QUESTIONS which lately examined the Author of Zeal Examined.  
In this ANSWER are (not unseasonably) touched, 

Christ's interest in this and all Nations.  
Christ's interest, and the Commonweals, as to the present affairs.  
The true nature of all Civil States.  
The nature of all Civil Magistracy, and of the Civil Sword.  
The Title of Christian Magistrate.  
National Churches and Covenants.  
The world of Religions and Consciences throughout the world.  
The permission due to Conscience in (merely) Spirituals, all the world over.  
Idolatry, and the kinds of at.  
The Spiritual and Civil Sword, and the effects of them, in Spirituals.  
The Forms of Worship.  
The causes of destruction to Nations.  
The Violence to the Souls of men; and of Interest the cause of it.  
The dangerous consequence of such Violences, experimented in so many Nations.  
The difference of the Land of Canaan, and the Kings thereof, from all Lands and Kings besides.  
Christ Jesus himself, and his followers, ever accounted and punished, as the greatest Heretics, Blasphemers, etc.  
The crying guilt of Soul-Rapes and National hypocrisy in Worship.  
The light of Nature in Spirituals.  
The acts of Asa, Artaxerxes, etc.  
The Fast of Nineveh.  
The Conscientious differences of the most Conscientious in the world, about God's Worship.  
The justice and prudence of State-provision against all ●ncivilities both of Popish and Protestant Ranters.    
LONDON, Printed by James Cottrel. 1652.   

To the Reader.  
Pious Reader,  
TWo honourable Gentlemen (as is said) have so far (lately) honoured Christ Jesus and their honourable stations, 
The occasion of this Discourse.  and themselves, as to try by the Sword of God's Spirit (the Word of God) whether the World, and the Civil States and Nations thereof, may permit Idolaters, Heretics, etc.  
The first of these Two Worthies published his Zeal Examined: The second attempts upon the former with Two and twenty Questions, under this Title; The Examiner Examined.  
It was desired that the Examiner of Zeal might have examined these Questions also. But finding an indisposition of health upon his person, and multiplicity of Public affairs engaging his hours and minutes; I have been humbly bold to look up to heaven, and to beg the finger of God's most holy and gracious Spirit, for the dissolving and untying of them.  
It was a truely-gallant and heavenly speech of the Author of these Questions, 
An heavenly speech.  (whosoever he be) in his Epistle or Preface: [I profess myself a lover of Truth, wheresoever I find it, though in an heap of Errors: for I know well, that it is the highway to be given up to strong delusions, not to receive the love of the Truth, yea, an universal love of all truth.] But I had almost said, (not only, What Saint, what Angel, but) What man will not say, Vincat Veritas? We know who said, Amicus Plato, etc. magis Amica Veritas. Such counsel is like our common counsel of Physic to others, but not so pleasing and practical in our own distempers.  
And Oh how many are the Skreens, the Veils, the Hoods, the Vizards the Curtains, the Hang, the Clo●ks, the Clouds, and Colours, by which the lustre and shining of that which we call Truth, is hidden and eclipsed from us!  
For instance: 
1. Truth suspected for a Novelty.  This cannot be Truth, it is a Novelty. What will this babbler say? (said the famous Academians of Athens) he seemeth to be a setter forth of new Gods; though all the old were false, and indeed but new, and therefore false; because not the Alpha and Omega, 
Quod antiquissimum optimum.  the First and the Last. Thus cry the Papists against the Protestants, and the Protestants against each other: New Doctrines, New Men, New Lights, New Christ's, New Gods, etc.  
There is no room in the Inn for Christ Jeus & his Mother, 
2. Commonly Truth is outwardly poor.  ovely among the beasts in the stable, in the Manger: A poor Carpenter's son, whence hath be such learning? How should such base and unlikely Medicines as Clay and Spittle, p●n men 〈◊〉? How should the dry and low tree be fruitful? How poor Fishermen, Tent-makers, Mechanics, know and preach Christ Jesits? etc.  
He takes away our Hogs (say the Gadarenes) and therefore beseech him to departed from us. 
3. Truth is costly.  By this Trade (saith Demetrius and his Crafts men) we have our living, etc. our Popedoms, Bishoprics, Benefices. If we believe this Doctrine, the Romans will come and take away our place and nation, etc.  
How can you believe (saith Christ Jesus) who receive honour from one another, 
4. Truth is in disgrace.  and not that honour which comes from God alone? How many had been convinced and persuaded that Christ Jesus was the Son of God, but that they loved the praise of men, more than the praise of God?  
Howsoever sometimes it hath pleasad God to take off the Rod and Plough of the wicked, 
5. Truth is persecuted.  from the back of the righteous; yet the general Rule is That All that will live godly in Christ Jesus, must be hunted. The great Lord General, Christ Jesus, carried his Cross and Gallows; and professath it impossible for any to follow him, without a denying of himself and taking up his Cross, or Gallows also. Thus are we (saith David and Paul) as sheep for the shambles all the day long. Thus must those blessed Petitioners under the Altar wait, until the rest of their fellow-brethrens and servants were slain also. Hence (though Christ's followers have ever found the sweetest enjoyments of God and Christ, and the holy Spirit, in sufferings, yet) how harsh is this Alarm to flesh and blood which therefore rather seeks a thousand shifts, to swear, to subscribe, to conform, (upon the point) to deny Jesus Christ, etc.  
Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? 
6. Truth is prejudiced.  Can Micaiah ever speak good to me, who never yet spoke good to me? And Hast thou found me, O mine enemy (said A had to two Prophets.) This Stone the bvilders have abready refused, etc. This may be Jebovah 's miraculous work, to choose the stones cast by, etc. but flesh and blood cannot got over this mountain.  
Do any of the Rulers believe in him? Do the learned Scribes, 
7. Truth is followed with sew wise, great, learned.  the Reverend Clergy, the King, the Queen, the Parliament, the Counced, the University, the Convocation, the Assembly, the Synod? Oh how thick is this Choud, that the eyes of the wisest cannot pierce it! for it is God 's design, that few wise and piencing eyes are chosen, to see Christ Jesus, and his despised Truths and Mysteries.  
How many whom Christ invites, send Christ this answer: 
8. Truth finds few at leisure.  I have not such time to search the Scriptures, as the Bereans had: So many are my distractions, so neoessary are my occasions, about my Farm; about my Oxen, about my Merchandise, about my Marriage. Go thy way, Paul, (and Peter, and Christ, and God) saith Festus, until I have a more convenient time, etc. It is the voice of my Beloved, saith the soul, Cant. 1. yea, Martha knows 'tis Christ 's voice; but dinner must be dressed; and 'tis for Christ himself also, etc.  
This Jesus (say the Jews) cannot be He: This man is a Glutton, a Drunkard, a Company-keeper. And just as, John, because austere and harsh, came from hell, and had a devil, was Jesus a Glutton, etc. because of a mire loving and sociable, of a more merciful and pitiful disposition and cenversation. I acknowledge, the followers of Christ Jesus, 
The lives of God's children, causing his name to be blasphemed, like to kindle Fares of persecution.  by unchristian courses, may cause the Name of Christ to be blasphemed (as questionsess the lives of many Papists and Protestants cause both Jews, and Turks, and Pagans, to stumble at him; and therefore, were there no slaughter of Witnesses in question, I cannot but suspect a storm, a fire ● strait impending, which shall bring forth a more refined and purer Edition of Christianity to the whole world;) yet since the devil in English, is an Accuser standeres etc. it is but devilish to reproach, and it is but foolish to stumble at reproaches.  
There is another, of a finer spun and thread; 
10. Our spiritual senses may deceive us.  which damps the ingennous search after, Truth; and that is (like unto deceptio visus) a Delusion from our very Senses, and from our very experiments of our good canditions. 
Truth kept out by experience.  Thus (not only ignorant souls plead for the old Religion, and the Jews for their cakes to the Queen of heaven; then 'twas better, etc. but) what rejoicing finds the heart of, David himself, and so wany thousands of Israel with him, even in a false carrying of the Ark, the sign of God 's most holy presence? Yea, is it not one of the unkindest Answers that ever was given to so dear a Saviour, (Cant 5.) My feet are washed, how shall I defile them? etc.  
Lastly, 
11. Hatred of Truth the highest wall against it.  What trembling calls for that most black and horrid sackcloth of hell itself (to the weaving of which many of the former contribute) to wit, a malicious hatred of the very purity and holiness of the Son of God.  
There is a twofold hatred of Christ Jesus. 
Two walls of hatred of Truth.   
First, Natural. The wisdom of the flesh, is enmity with God. But this wall is unsaltable and breakable, and blessedly gives way in Gods chosen, to reconciliation, and leagues of eternal loves with Jesus Christ.  
The second, is a wall so high and strong, as it stands for ever. This is a malice and hatred after light. Such (probably) was Saul 's against David the shadow, and the Pharisees against Christ Jesus himself: They hated him, and said, He shall not reign over us. Thus, among the many hundreds of false Prophets, there is one more saith Ahab, Micaiah; but I hate him, etc.  
The result of all these (gentle Reader) is too often even in the heart of the greatest lover of Truth in the world, a secret prejudice, 
Resolutions against truth.  a barricado, a resolution against some Truths of God. Such a resolution was that of the Captains, consulting Jeremiah about their stay in Caldea, yet secretly resolved to go down to Egypt Thus, like those forty resolved to kill Paul, they pretend to inquire something more perfectly.  
The truth is, Truth is a prisoner upon suspicion. How many millions are the conspirators against the life of it? And yet, let's examine the prisoner, call Assemblies, Classes, Synods, Counsels, etc. appoint Disputations, Conferences, etc. But before the prisoner come to the Governor, the Parliament, the Council, etc. stab it, kill it. Yet God forbidden we should wound the Truth, but the Heretic, the Seducer, the Disturber, etc.  
My humble prayer therefore is presented to the Father of lights, (who is light, and love, and truth) that these honourable Examiner's, and all those noble Bereans who candidly shall please to examine them and this, may cry with David, sensibly and cordially, (Psal. 119.) I am a stranger in the earth: O hid not thy commandments from me.   

ERRATA.  
Page 10. read shadowing rocks and trees. p. 27. l. 4. put out but. p. 41. for Religions, r. religious. p. 42. for aught they, r. ought they not. p. 54. l 24. for height and prudence, r. high prudence. p. 56. l. 29. for Whe●. r. Whether. p 57 l. 12. for Sorms, r. Storm, p. 61. l. 2. r. Canaan. p. 74. in the margin, r. whether the pishops. p. 76. for the Idolatry, r. Idolatry.   

The EXAMINER DEFENDED.  
THe Ship of the Commonwealth (like that gallant 
* The Sovereign, or Commonwealth.  Ship now going forth, so called) must share her weals and woes in common.  
As the one, so the other hath its dangers of Rocks and Sands, 
Common Woes  Storms and Tempests, Want of Provisions, Sicknesses and Diseases, treacherous and professed enemies, Fires, Leaks, Mutinies, 
and  etc.  
I humbly beg of God, and wish to both, their Fair Winds and Weathers, Plentiful provisions, Unanimity and Peace, Preservations, Victories, Boon Voyages, 
Weals.  and joyful Anchoring in their desired Ports and Harbours. Such woes and weals are common to all that sail in either.  
Now in a Ship there is the whole, and there is each private . A private good engageth our desires for the public, and raiseth cares and fears for the due prevention of common evils.  
Hence is it, 
Common Duty.  that in a Ship all agree (in their commanding orders, and obeying stations) to give and take the Word, to stand to the Helm and Compass, to the Sails and Tackling, to the Guns and Artillery. This is, this must be done in Artificial, and in each Civil Ship and Commonweal.  
Hence, not to study, and not to endeavour the common good, and to exempt ourselves from the sense of common evil, is a treacherous Baseness, a selfish Monopoly, a kind of Tyranny, and tendeth to the destruction both of Cabin and Ship, that is, of private and public safety.  
I hope it will not therefore be offensive, 
Christ's Interest the Commonweals.  that into the great and common treasury I cast my mite, and say, Christ's interest is the Commonweals. Christ's interest is that Sheet- Anchor, at which this Ship hath rid, and can only ride in safety. All power in heaven and earth is his. If England make peace with him, ally with him, etc. though every dust of the field were an army, and every drop of the Ocean sprung up a Navy against us; yet our tranquillity should not be shortened, our Commonweal, our Parliament, our Peace should flourish.  
But where is that man whose Case is not right? Where is the conscientious Papist, or Prelatist, or Presbyterian, 
Every Christ but one (the true) calls for the Civil sword and maintenance.  or Independent, that assumes not thus; [Christ's interest is mine?] And (in some sense) I verily believe they all say true; plainly thus. As no Religion in the world can justly challenge the drawing of the sword for its defence; so, lest of all desires it that which is, of all, the best (and only true) the Christian.  
I know each Sect is apt to plead, Mine interest being Christ's, the Purse and Sword of the State is not only mine, but 'tis Christ's due: But,  
I also maintain, that 'tis not true Civility, 
Christ's Interest in any Nation, is soul-freedom.  not true Christianity, that draws the Sword for one or other. Christ's Interest in this Commonweal (or any) is the freedom of the souls of the People. I confess that all Nations, all People's, Kings, Princes, judges, etc. aught to kiss the Son, to be nursing fathers and mothers to Christ jesus and his followers. But what a dreadful mistake is this, that no people must live but Christians? That the many millions of millions in our own and other Nations of the world, must either at the shaking of a sword fall down before Christ, or with the edge of it be cut off for Idolaters, Heretics, Blasphemers (or evil speakers) against Christ and his Religion?  
Hath not the God of heaven, the Father of lights, written it with the beams of the noon-day-sun, that (notwithstanding pretences) the truth is, That the Parliament of England, and the Religion of England, 
The Parliament and the Religion of England, have ever followed the Sword of England.  hath ever followed the Sword of England? Was not the Parliament and the Religion of England all Popish in Henry the seventh's days? But in his son's, Henry the eighth, the Parliament and Religion divided, and turned half Popish, half Protestant. In Henry the eighth his three child's days, what turns, what wonders? Was not the Parliament and the Religion all Protestant, in that most hopeful Edward's spring? etc. and as altogether Popish, when the Sword-fell into the hands of that bloody Mary? And when God's providence and vengeance wrung the Sword from the paw of that Lioness, and reached it to the hands of that tender Lamb Elizabeth; how hath the Parliament and the Religion of England (since her time) carried the face, and hung out the flag of all Protestants? etc.  
In these late Earthquakes and Combustions (which the late King begun, by imposing upon the consciences of the Scotch Presbyters, in favour of his Prelates) how dreadfully hath a naked Arm from heaven snatched away the Sword from both, and fixed it in a hand more merciful (I hope) to the souls of all men, jews and Gentiles!  
Who sees not this to be the design and the decree of Heaven, 
God's present design in England.  To bring into the light, and to break to pieces the more-then-iron Yokes and Chains upon the souls and consciences of men? Who sees not, with holy fear and wonder, that this his Decree hath begun to break the arms and necks of all both Popish and Protestant persecutore?  
What eye so weak, but may observe how little and how seldom it pleased the God of heaven to go out with our Armies, 
The Go of God in the late Wars.  until this interest of the Son of God (soul-freedom.) begun to be seen and served by our Armies, and that they fought not for one sect or conscience, but (as to Religion) against tyranny, and persecution of any conscience?  
Till then, the Balance turned not, and our Armies could hardly be said to prosper: And ever since, they never did but prosper; and, I verily believe, still shall, and the Commonwealth of England, and the Parliament thereof still flourish, till that fatal hour, when they shall cease to break the yokes, (soul-yokes especially) and to let the oppressed go free.  
One of the greatest Knots this day in England, concerns the rising of this Parliament, and the sitting of the next. I confess, Alexander's sword will cut all Gordian knots, but none but the finger of Christ's interest will untie them. There was none in heaven, nor earth, nor under the earth, that could open the seals; but the Lamb did. The same blessed Lamb of God, and the interest of soul-freedom to all men, can, 
One of the greatest knots this day in England, untied.  and can only maintain this Commonweal in the freedom and glory of it: for,  
Who but soul-oppressors can be unwilling that men's Consciences be free to see with their own eyes, and themselves be judges of the path they choose, in which they hope to find eternal life and Blessedness?  
Who but Tyrants and Oppressors can be grieved, that the souls of men should choose whom to hear, what and with whom to pray, whom and how to pay and maintain, according to their Abilities and Consciences?  
Who but such as buy and sell Christ Jesus, and make a trade and living of Heaven and Hell, can cry out, Great is Diana, for hours and years together?  
Will not all the people of the Nation stand obliged, 
The only woy (according to God) of obliging the people of this Nation to the present Government and Governors.  as one man, to live and die with such Saviour's and Deliverers, and to elect and choose such Vindicators of their spiritual Freedoms?  
How will all men be enforced (either from the freedom of their consciences, or from the freedom of their purses (which is their due) I say, be obliged and enforced to send such Representatives as have stood for, and may maintain the Common Freedoms and Liberties (especially the soul-freedoms) of the Commonweal of England?  
Against many Objections, I briefly oppose my Answer to these two and twenty Questions: only to one Objection, thus,  
Object. That I answer with Quections.  
Answ. First, it was frequent with our Founder, Christ Jesus.  
Secondly, in justice, this Re-examiner cannot refuse his own coin.  
I confess, my Principle of Soul-freedom commands me to applaud and honour this searching and proposing from the holy Scripture: yet since the Sun of righteousness is risen so high (as to soul-freedom) and darts the beams of his Light upon the very eyes of all that love his Name (especially) I plead for a more gentle censure, if in any line or letter I speak too loud to such a most unseasonable sleeper.  
The sum of the first Question.  
Whether the Civil Magistrate, Quest. 1 who knows the Doctrine of Salvation, etc. be not bound, as a nursing father, to provide saving food for the people, and to provide that poison be kept from them?  
Answ. I answer, 
The prophecy of Kings and Queens nursing fathers and mothers.  and ask, first, Whether this Prophecy of Kings and Queens being nursing fathers and nursing mothers to the Saints, be not (as many wise and godly take it) a peculiar prophecy and promise to that peculiar and distinct Nation and People of God, the Jews: And whether these words (vers. 22 of that 49 of Isaiah) I will lift up mine band to the Gentiles, etc. be not a character fixing this Prophecy unto that (yet) beloved people?  
And so consequently, Whether all those bloody Persecutors (Papists and Protestants) who have used to draw this shaft out of this Quiver of Scripture, whereby to pierce the tender heart of Christ Jesus; yea and all that give a power to the Civil Magistrate in Spirituals from this Scripture, Have not most ignorantly profaned this Prophecy, and that to usurpation over the Temple of God, the Consciences of Gods own people; and to bloody violence against their Bodies, although under a cloak of providing wholesome food for their children, and prohibiting poison? etc.  
Secondly, I ask, Whether there be not two sorts of Nurses, literal and mystical; 
Fathers, Mothers, Nurses, distinguished.  and again of mystical two sorts, Civil and Spiritual? as also, Whether there be not the same distinction of Fathers and Mothers, who are distinct from Nurses? etc.  
And whether these Kings and Queens (in Isa. 40.) yea and suppose all other lawful Magistrates, must needs be understood to be spiritual Nurses, such as Paul (who was no King, etc.) professeth himself to be, being a Messenger of Christ Jesus to the Thessalonians; and spiritual fathers and mothers, such as he professed he was to the Corinthians and Galatians?  
Or, Whether here is not prophesied and promised to this People; or rather, whether is there not here prophesied and promised to these Saints (whether literal or spiritual jews) that Kings and Queens shall put off their Lion-like and Lion ss-like nature towards God's people, and shall be (as the Poets used to write good Kings ought to be) shepherds of the people, etc.  
If this be not the true meaning, I ask why is it said, 
Wonderful honour that Kings and Queens shall yield to the Sain's.  verse 23, That these Kings and Queens, shall bow down to these jews with their Face toward the Earth, and like the dust of their feet? which posture and practice seems not to imply a disrobing themselves of their civil Dignities and Authorities (for that is it by which they show such kindness to the Saints) but rather, their high esteem unto these Saints, in heavenly and soul matters; and that in spiritual respects they are so far from challenging to be Fathers and judges of what is wholesome food and poison, that they bow down and kiss the feet of Christ jesus in his Saints, far more superior in spirituals then themselves.  
Thirdly, 
Kings and Queens, and all Magistrates essentially Civil, and as a Master of a Ship, etc.  I ask whether the Office of Kings and Queens, etc. be not (in the ship of all Commonweals in the world) merely and essentially Civil, just as the Office of a Captain, or Master of a Ship at Sea, who ought of all his Passengers to be honoured and respected, paid and rewarded for his service: But as to the Consciences of the Passengers, whether Jews, Turks, Persians, Pagans, Papists, Protestants, etc. whom he transports from Port to Port upon a civil account of payment and recompense; I ask whether he go not beyond the Sphere of his Activity, if he act by any authoritative restraining them from their own Worship, or constraining them to his? And whether he have any more to do, but a showing kindness and countenance, according to the quality and temper of his own Belief and Conscience?  
Fourthly, I ask, 
Idolatrous and Popish Magistrates as lawful as, etc.  Whether all Magistrates in the world (of what quality and conscience soever) be not as true and lawful Magistrates, as he that is most truly Godly and Christian; like as Idolatrous and Pagan Fathers, Husbands, Masters, are as truly such in their Relations, & c? Whether doth not the holy Testament of Christ jesus acknowledge this? the Lord jesus, both by his word and practice, commanding obedience, honour, maintenance, for their Civil relations and work sake?  
Fifthly, Whether Kings and Queens, 
The People of each Nation the fountain of the Government of it.  and other Princes, receive not all their Power and Authority from the several and respective Peoples who call them and empower them to their several and respective Services? Accordingly, Whether it have not been declared by the Parliament, that the fountain and original of all Authority and Rule, is the People, consenting and agreeing in their several Combinations, by themselves or their Deputies, for their better subsistence in Peace? etc. 
Power of judging in Spirituals detected to be but usurpation in Kings and Queens, etc.  And consequently, Whether have the Nations and People of the world, in their mere natural and national capacities, any one jot of Spiritual and Divine power, with which to betrust their Magistrates and Officers? And if, upon due weighing in the Balance of the Sanctuary, it be found that they have not, Is not this challenging of Spiritual power to judge and determine what is soul-food and soul-peyson, (I mean, in a coercive way binding all souls, and the very souls of them that sent them, and who neither did nor could commit such Power unto them) Is not this, I say, a soul-rape, and tyranny, and a mere policy of Satan, deceiving (too often) honest and zealous minds, but most commonly acting the subtle jeroboams and Nebuchadnezars of the world, to erect their State-Calves and Images? etc.  
Sixthly, Admit some Kings & Queens thus to have been impower'd by God, in some juncture of time, either for the Jews sake, 
Few Magistrates in the world (savingly) know Christ Jesus.  or any of his people, upon some especial and extraordinary account; yet I ask, What is this to all Kings, and Queens, and Magistrates in the world, that it should be their charge, duty, and calling, imposed upon them from Heaven? when the counsel of God is revealed, that as his flock is a little flock, and that he appointed spiritual Pastors and Shepherds for the feeding of them; so his holy purpose was to call few wise, few noble, few mighty, to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus.  
Seventhly, If the counsel of Christ Jesus had been otherwise, and that he had committed (as is pleaded) the judging of soul-food and poison, to the Kings and Queens, 
Christ Jesus rarely sends godly Kings, Queens, etc.  etc. since he wanted not power, (for all power in heaven and earth was his) nor love and faithfulness, (for he laid down his life, and poured out his heare-blood for his;) I ask, Why in the first three hundred years (under the Roman Emperors) nor in the second and third three hundred, (under Emperors and Popes) nor ever since, he hath not been pleased to furnish the world with such Shepherds, but rather permitted Wolves, and Lions? etc. notwithstanding that he is pleased sometimes (after long and sharp persecutions, to stir up some blessed instruments, as Rocks and Trees, Fathers, Mothers, Nurses, to refresh, and shade, and comfort, and countenance his servants.  
Eighthly, When it hath pleased him graciously to call and change, by his Word and Spirit, any of the Wise, and Noble, and Mighty of the world; I ask, Whether their Regeneration and New-birth hath made any addition to their Civil Magistracy and Authority; and more especially (as Popish and Protestant Rabbins have taught us) that now the Christian Magistrate he must judge in spiritual matters more than all the Magistrates in the world beside; who though (say they) they have equal Authority and Duty, yet they ought to suspend acting in Spirituals (saith M. Cotton) until they be rightly informed, that is, upon the point, until they be of his Church and Conscience? And if so, 
A Magistrate is not more or less a Magistrate, by being a Christian or Antichristian.  that by this professing Christianity, they receive this addition of Magisterial power in Spirituals; I ask if it do not clearly follow, that (according to that most dangerous and seditious doctrine of some Papists and Protestants) such Magistrates who change their judgements and way of Worship, must lose their Headship in Spirituals, and consequently be found unfit at last to govern in Civils also?  
And will not this doctrine extend to all other Civil Officers, both at Land and Sea; yea, even to all Fathers, Husbands, Masters; and so at last confound all Relations, and tear up by the roots all Civility, and all Order, and the world out of the world?  
Ninthly, As to the matter of fact, do not all Histories and all experience demonstrate, that most of all those Kings, and Queens, and Princes, and Magistrates (Popish and Protestant) that have pretended to this power of judging of saving food and poison, 
All Magisttrates pretending power in spirimals, have ever forced down poison in ssead of food.  have grossly mistaken the poison of Satan's invertions, Superstitions, Will-worships, etc. for that wholesome and heavenly food pretended; and with bloody hands have forced this poison down the throat of thousands and millions, or else forced and fired them out of the world with barbarous persecutions, if any have been enlightened by Christ jesus to discern this poison, and to refuse it?  
Hath not Christ Jesus, in these last times, declared it, that neither Constantine, nor the good Emperors before the Pope's rose, nor Protestant Kings, Queens, and Magistrates departing from the Pope unto this day, but have been still mistaken most grossly (either in Doctrine or Discipline) and that in great quantities (sometimes) of dangerous poison, for saving and wholesome food?  
What man, 
From Constantine to the last Presbyterian Magistrate.  but may furnish himself with instances, even down to the very Presbyterian Magistracy? And whoever shall next pretend to judge between this poison and food, and put forth a restraining or a Constraining Sword accordingly, How is it possible but they must alsO dash upon those Rocks, whereon the very Tide of such a practice doth necessarily enforce so many gallant Sbips' miscarriage? Therefore (last) since that typical land of Canaan is abolished, the Partition-wall broken down, and in every nation (not Whole nations) he that feareth God and worketh rirghteousness, is accepted with him, Acts 10. since Magistracy is a merely- Civil Ordinance, and the forms and sword thereof derived from the People; and all Magistrates in the world (so derived) are lawful, and none can receive any addition to the power of Magistracy, by his (spirituality or) Christianity; I ask, Whether this doctrine of Kings and Queens judging of soul-food and poison for all their subjects, 
The doctrine of Kings & queent being nursing fathers, the Firebrand of the world.  etc. hath not been (e! pecially in Popish and Protestant Nations) the Firebrand that hath kindled so many devouring flames of War? etc. Yea, was not this the very Doctrine that cost the late King Charles his Crown, and life? who being flattered and bewitched into this dream of a Nursing father, 
The Axe that cut off the last King's head.  and a judge of wholesome food and poison for his people; he forced poison for food upon the Scotch nation, and upon that occasion was persuaded to maintain his stewards and cooks, the Bishops, by commencing and prosecuting those fatal Wars, which (by a naked hand from heaven) justly plucked up root and branch, both Ceremonles, Bishops, and King together.  
The sum of the second Question.  
Whether the magistrate be not bound to advance the doctrine of Grace, Quest. 2. and 3. which doth advance the peace and prosperity of a Nation?  
Of which nature is the third Question, viz.  
Whether a Magistrate be not bound to advance that Godliness which giveth all good and happiness to a nation?  
I answer, and ask, (as before) Whether, Answ. since Civil Magistracy is merely civil, and the power thereof derived from the People, the fountain of it; it will not appear, that the Magistrate can no more judge authoritatively what is the doctrine of Grace, & what is the doctrine of Godliness, no more (I say) than the people of each Nation, in its national and natural capacity, can be the primitive and original judges thereof, and may therefore rightly delegate such a Spiritual power unto their Officers or Magistrates?  
Secondly, I ask, Whether the proposer of these Questions intendeth not, by the Magistrates advancing the doctrine of Grace, and the doctrine of Godliness, these two things:  

1. A National profession of the doctrine of Grace, and the doctrine of Godliness.  
2. The advancing of such doctrines by the power of the civil Sword? And if so, (as the scope of all the Questions seem to imply) then,   
Thirdly, Whether there be any such thing to be found in the last Will and Testament of Christ jesus, as a National Church; that is, whether (as the Land of Canaan was a Land holy unto God, so) any Nation, as a Nation, may lawfully pretend to be the Spouse, and Wife, and Body of Christ Jesus, according to his own holy Order and Appointment? Or rather,  
Fourthly, 
The world (and Eng and in a national respect) lies in wickedness.  Whether, since the world lieth in wickedness, dead in sins and trespasses, etc. since every Nation in the world is a part of it; since such as fear God in a nation, are distinguished from the Nation, (Act. 10) I ask, Whether this Nation, as a part of the World, lieth not in the same estate of wickedness also, more or less, and the body of the people estranged from the life of grace and godliness, notwithstanding that this body be sometimes clothed with the name of Christianity, under (sometimes) a Popish, and sometimes a Protestant fashion, as it pleaseth God to permit the Sword to pretend to and advance its way of doctrine of grace and godliness? And whether, beside the common nature of mankind, 
Four greatchanges of the Religion of this nation in abous 12 year's space, in Hen. 8. Edw. 6. Queen Marry, and Qu. Elizabeth.  the wonderful changes of Religion in other Nations, and in none more than in this, and that in the same individual persons, in a few years, do not make this undeniably evident and demonstrate?  
For illustration, I ask, shether the Kings and Queens, Parliaments and princes of all nations, and of this, have not been the Gods of the Nations, 
Kings & Queens etc. the Gods of people; and Reliegions their pictures in which themselves are worshipped.  whom they have wershipped in and by the several Images and Representations of their minds and wills, which they have set up as ways of Worship and Religion to the Nations? Thus jeroboam pretends the Name of the God of Israel; but, upon the point, jeroboam was their God, and robbed the true God of his honour, by the golen calves which jeroboam had set up. Thus Nabuchadnezzar pretends honour to his golden Image; but himself was really the Deity which all Nations worshipped, through the golden Image which he had set up.  
Fifthly, I ask, Whether God people (that is, such as fear God in every nation, Act. 10.) be not the true, and proper, and only Antitype of that typical Nation the Jews, in that typical land of Canaan, according to 1 Pet. 2. You are a chosen Generation (as Abraham and his offspring in the Type were) a Kingly Priesthood, and holy Nation? etc. 
A National Church is Judaisme.  And therefore I ask, Whether, to modellize a Body or Church of Christ, with Natural and National bounds and circuits (after the pattern of the typical Land of Canaan) be not to dwell in the old Levitical shadows, in the A.B.C. and Hornbook of Judaisme, and in the denial of Christ jesus to be yet come?  
To this end, I ask, Whether some Presbyterians (in foreign parts) come not nearer to the truth of the first Christian worship, who admit not one of ten or twenty to be of their Churches: And the Independents yet nearer, who admit only such in their Societies, in whom they hopefully see the Spirit of Regeneration and Holiness?  
sixthly, I ask, Whether there hath not been in all Ages of the world, and are at this day, many great and mighty Nations of the World (some of some hundreds, yea of some thousands of years continuance and flourishing) in which the Doctrine of Grace, 
Flourishing States of the World in which Christ jesus is not heard of, etc.  and the Doctrine of Godliness hath not been (I am sure not nationally) advanced? And notwithstanding that Godliness hath promises belonging to this life, as well as to the life approaching, and the God of heaven is pleased to imprint a Character and Crown of his favour and love upon some Persons and Actions, when his name is greatly engaged (as in Queen Elizabeth her days against the Spaniard, and in our late Wars both against EnglisH, Scotch, and Irish, yet) whether it be not generally and ordinarily true, that all that will live godly in Christ jesus, must be persecuted or hunted; and the more Godly, the more persecuted? and according to the mystery of the fifth Seal, the Souls under the Altar must rest but until the rest of their fellow-servants are slain, etc.  
Is it not (upon the matter) a Turkish argument, 
The peat and prosperity of God's people in this world, is spiritual, etc.  We have conquered so many Nations, Kingdoms, etc. Therefore Mahomes is above Christ? And also, is it nota Popish plea, All Nations have bowed down to our Church, who sits as a Queen; therefore it is the only true, etc. God hath given the Western Mines of Gold and Silver to the Catholics, not to the Protestants; and to the Spaniards before the English, (who had the first offer; therefore, etc. Since than that National and typical holiness, with all the annexed outward peace and prosperity, promised upon condition, is vanished, and the Lord jesus, by his Birth in a stable and his Death on a Gallows, hath taught all his followers to despise this World's Goods and this World's Evils; how should his Saints study the difference between the Tenor of the Old and New Covenant, the jewish and the Christian Canaan, and at last find out that peace and prosperity they speak of, in those spiritual pleasures, Beauties, Honours, Riches, joys, which are even in this present life un speakable and full of Glory?  
Eightly, Since the Throne is upholden by Mercy, 
Mercy to the persecuted, the upholder of States.  Prov. 20. and both the holy scriptures and Histories tell us how many Thrones of Kings and States, that seemed to have been placed among the stars, are tumbled down, etc. I ask if it be not at last the wisdom of this State, to tremble at the shipwrecks and downful of our Predecessors, and to learn not only the song of judgement and Zeal (as we judge) for the doctrine of grace and godliness, but the song of mercy also to such whose Consciences (whether out of a slavish or child like awe of God, are (it my be) Antipodes to ours? To say nothing of all former examples, are not two most wonderful before our eyes and fee●?  
First, shalt was it that within the memory of man hath so wonderfully (almost miraculously) raised and advanced from the low valleys, that poor fisher-town of Amsterdam (now one of the gallantest of the Lady Cities of the world? I say, What was it but Mercy, Mercy which that poor Fisher-town showed to distressed and persecuted consciences, who fled from Enchuysin and other persecuting parts thither?  
Secondly, 
The rise of this State and Commonweal.  What was it (as before) that plucked up the roots and foundations of so many Thrones of late among ourselves, and lift up and exalted our present State and Statesmen, but mercy to the long-oppressed souls of men, amongst whom Christ Jesus (who will not suffer a cup of water, given to his, to pass unpaid for) hath been favoured and relieved? Break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquitiess by showing mercy to the poor, if it may be a lengthing to thy tranquillity: For,  
Are not false Worships, as to God, and Tyranny as to men, the two Generals, under whose bloody colours the most Sins and Plagues, in all the Nations of the World, 
Holland's greatest sin as to Engand.  have ever marched? I question not, but Ambition and Pride, Covetuousness, and Greedtness Ingratitude and Unthanfulness Excess and Drunkenness, now lodge in the new-raised Towers of the aforesaid Fisher-Towne. But 'tis that Sin of Sodom, the not strengthening the hand of the poor, the Poor oppressed in England, oppressed both in their spiritual and temporal liberties, and their late notorious strengthening the hand of Oppressors, the King and his Cavaliers that sin (I say) if any, will stain the pride of all their rising Glory.  
But are there not the cries of the oppressed ascending to the heavens against us also? (to say nothing of the many other particulars of Soul- Violence and Oppression, which some have reckoned up yet still in England) I ask, if ever such cries went up to Heaven in the late King's Reign, or his Fathers, 
The oppression of Tithes now greater in England then formerly, (I hope) before their downfall.  or all the long tyranny of Elizabeth's Bishops, from such, whose either consciences or necessities, cannot permit them to practise that notorious judaism of Tithes?  
The Nonconformers (it's true) were sued, and cast, and paid; but they were never so torn with the three-toothed Hook of Elies Sons', the Triple damages and oppressions.  
I as therefore, shalt Grace, what Godliness that is, that teacheth us, after all our our former sins, and judgements, and deliverances, and vows, to stop our Ears from the oppressed, their Cries, their Tears, their Consciences, and to imagine that our Commonweal, our parliament, our Counsel, our Commonweal, our parliament, our Counsel, our Army, our Navy must prosper, in our most known oppressings of Him, whose is all power in Heaven and Earth, the Son of God Christ jesus?  
The sum of the fourth Question.  
Whether the Magistrate, Quest. 4 he not bound to love God, and to advance his Glory, true worship and service, and the good of his people, with all his might?  
I ask, Whether (as before) the Magistrate being the Civil officer of the People, hath any Might, Answ. Authority, or Power, but what the People commit unto him? And Whether any People will or can betrust such a Power to the civil magistrate, to compel their Souls and consciences unto his?  
Secondly, 
Spiritual weapons and carnal, compared.  Whether the Spirit of God speak not expressly that the Weapons of Christians are not Sword and Might, but the Spirit? and whether his Spiritual Weapons (2 Cor. 10.) be not sufficiently and abundantly able and mighty, to bring down every strong hold, and every high thing, and every imagination and thought to the obedience of jesus Christ? And Whether ever any carnal might ever did or can effect aught in Christianity, but the storming of the Nations into an Antichristian Hypocrisy and Compliance?  
Thirdly, 
The woeful effect of carnal weapons in Spirituals.  Whether this Principle of the Magistrates putting forth his carnal might in spirituals, hath not constantly occasioned the Magistrate (according to the mistakes of his own conscience) to promote Superstition and Idolatry; And also hath rendered the strongest sword to be the measure and standard of all Religion in the World; and the Magistrates thereof, the Nimrods' and mighty Hunters before the Lord?  
Fourthly, I ask, Where Christ jesus (the only Lawgiver to Christians hath appointed in his holy Testament, 
Christ Jesus not forgetful to furnish his kingdom with spiritual weapons.  the civil swrod the judge and defender of his Religion and Worship? And why he hath not furnished his civil Magistrates of justice in the World with such hearts and spirits, but contrarily hath called few of them to the profession of his Name? And whether he hath not ever furnished, and doth, and will, his spiritual Ministers and Messengers with spiritual might and power, sufficiently and abundantly efficacious for the propagating of his holy Name and Truth, and for the confounding of Antichrist and all Antichristians by the breath of his Mouth, that two edged Sword of his Spirit?  
Fifthly, Whether Christianity did ever so flourish, 
The sirst and last times of Constantine considered.  as when the people of God in the first 300 yers after Christ, had no might but that of Christ's spiritual weapons? Ans when it pleased God to raise up Constantine, to give some rest to his people from persecution; whether Christianity did most flourish in the first time of Constantine, when he with his Colleageve Licinius published the edict of Freedom of Religion to hissubjects; or in his aftertimes, when he compelled all the World to Christianity, but (as is confessed by many) occasioned the World to put on the bare and empty name of Chrislian? etc.  
Lastly, I ask, Whether this Principle of the Magistrates employing the carnal sword or Might in spirituals, 
The Carnal sword an Spirituats, the occasion of so much bloodshed in former, and in our late Wars.  have not in all Histories and Experience been the Firebrand which hath kindled such devouring flames of War about Religion, in all both Popish and Protestant Countries? And Whether it did not kindle our late Wars, and occasion all the dreadful Calamities, between the Bishops and the Presbyters, which proved fatal to the both? And whether all these Experiences are not the voice of God out of the whirlwind, to waken all the Magistrates of the World, to keep within the Civil sphere of Civil Jurisdiction and Deminion?  
The sum of the fifth Question.  
Whether the people be not bound to pray for Magistrates, Quest. 5 that under them we may live a peaceable and quiet life in all Godliness and Honesty and whether the Magistrate is not bound to do that for which the People pray? etc.  

1. I ask, Answ. Whether (as some have urged) these words godliness and honesty, be rightly translated; but rather, upon a mistake in the Translation, weakly made the ground for the Magistrates being the heeper of godliness in the first, and honesty in the second Table?  
2. I ask, 
The puring and pre-eminence the first Christian times.  To whom this direction of praying for Magistrates was given? Whether they were not the first and purest Saints, and those times the most glorious, wherein the Saints enjoyed two such helps as no Christians ever since did?   
First, the presence of the holy Apostles or messengers of Christ Jesus amongst them.  
Secondly, the wonderful effusion of the holy Sourit of God, in those rare and miraculous gifts and operations, (1 Cor. 12.) Now to imagine that those first Saints should pray for the Civil sword to defend (I speak not of their persons, but) their godliness, and suppress ungodliness, etc. doth it not imply this twofold strange and most unchristian Paradox?  
First, 
Two strange Paraderes.  that those Saints must imagine those Civil Magistrates to have a clearer sight in discerning, and an higher Authority in judging of Godliness and Christianity then themselves and the Apostles of Christ Jesus, who are called expressly the (Ministerial) Foundations of the Churches, Fphes. 2.  
Secondly, That they being thus called of God, and endued with the Spirit of God so savingly, so miraculously, yet should not be able to live in Godliness and the pure profession of Christ Jesus, without the help of a carnal sword to preserve them pure, establish and reform them, etc.  
Thirdly, I ask therefore, Whether the scope of the holy Exhortation be not this; 
The scope of 1 Tim. 2. pray for Magistrates.  That those first Believers, and all Believers in the Ages following, should be much in prayer with God, and not only for themselves, but for all men, and especially for Magistrates the Chief of men?  
1. That such as were God's Elect amongst them might be called.  
2. For the peace of the Nation and Cities wherein they lived; and so, consequently, that God would graciously guide the hearts of the Helms-men the Magistrates, that the ships of the several states (wherein the Saints as Passengers were embarked) might Sail in peace and safety, that in the peace thereof they might have peace, (according to the command of God to his people in Babel, jer. 29.) That so the Saints enjoying civil peace, and also (if it may be the holy pleasure of God) enjoying rest from persecution (Act. 9) might multiply, walking in the fear of God and Christian Edification, whatever the Religions foe the States or the magistrates there should be, though Babylonian, Roman, etc.  
fourthy, I ask, Whether the blessed Spirit of Life and Regeneration which is in all God's people, be not abundantly sufficient to preserve them in Godliness and true Christianity, to preserve them from falling, and to reform and restore them from all their Backslidings and declensions? I add, to preserve them, 
1 john 3. Rom 6. ● john 5.  that sin have no dominion over them; that they sin not, and watch against the touching of Satan; to preserve them in the use of the Word and prayer, and all such paths and means, which in Faith they are persuaded of to be the commands of Christ iesus? 
The most holy and most powerful and eternal indwelling of Gods most holy Spirit in all God's Children.  All this, and more, the holy Spirit of God works in God's Children, although there should not be a Magistrate in the World, yea although all the World and the whole World oppose them; yea although there were no Heaven nor Hell, no Resurrection, no judgement, nor World to come, wherein they should be rewarded or punished, glorified or tormented; yea although they should want all Spiritual helps and Teachers (which respectively are necessary) for they have received an Anointing, which teacheth them, and abident with them, and will abide with them for ever.  
Fifthly, I ask, Whether in the present state and juncture of affairs in England, 
The divisions of the Clergy now, like that of the Friars in Chaucer's tiem.  wherein (as Chaucer observes of the four great differing Orders of Friars in his time) every Sect, every Order and conscience pleads the integrity and purity of their way, and the People of God themselves are so divided and differently persuaded, as of late (in the Scotch wars) to blood and dreadful slaughters (I say) I ask, Whether we may pray, without profaning of the holy Name of God, and the guilt of the breach of the civil Peace of the Nation, that God would send such Magistrates, who should authoritatively judge, whose Conscience, whose Worship, whose Godliness is true, 
What prayers ought to be put up for Magistrates?  and accordingly maintain that Godliness, defend that Faith, advance the Worship and service of God, etc. As also prohibit by his carnal Sword, all other Consciences, Worships and Godliness, as Schismatical, heretical, Seditious, Blasphemous? etc.  
How much rather ought we to pray, that it may pleaseth most holy and only wise Go, to vouchsafe such a Spirit of Godliness and Wisdomie to the Rulers of this Commonweal, that the civil Rights may be preserved and Civilities may flourish in Righteousness and Mercy, even in the midst of so much spiritual Division and Opposition, which are and must be greater and greater, in all Nations of the World, when once the Chains and Yokes of implicit Faith, 
Soul Yokes  believe as the Church believes, Decrees and Precepts of Men, Tradition of Elders, Customs, Antiquity, etc. re torn off, and broke from the souls and necks of the People, and Inhabitants hereof?  
The sum of the sixth Question.  
Whether Abraban, and Jacob, Quest. 6 and others before the law, were not Magistrates in their Families, and commanded and reform their Families in matters of Religion, or were meetly fello-Servants, with their Servants, as the Examiner saith?  
First, I ask, Whether the Questionist hath dealt fairly with the Examiner, Answ. in bringing him in (s0 odiously) to say, that Abraham's and jacob's Households might command them, as well as Abraham and Jacob might command their Houshoulds? And Whether or no did the Examiner once mention Abraham and jacob? It is true, he maintaineth, (and with express words and clear light of holy Scripture well may) that in Religious matters the Magistrate and Subject are fellow-Servants: but gave he any colour or appearance of Countenance to Servants to be inobsequious to their Masters, Children to their Parents, Wives to their Husbands, people to Magistrates, in all their civil spheres and respects?  
I ask further, 
The dispensations of the Fathers and magistrates of Cod's Israel, figurative and typical.  Is the consequence fairly gathered, that because Abraham, I saack, and jacob, and those Fathers of Families and Elder Brothers, those Saviour's, Judges, Governors, and Kings of the Israel and people of God, in those sigurative times and typical administrations, commanded and punished, even with a material and carnal sword in spiritual matters; therefore every Master of a Family, Husband, Father, Elder brother, Judge, governor, King, Magistrate, hath the same Authority in spiritual matters now? And that therefore, according to Numb. 30. an Husbands or Father may now disannul and overrule the merely Religious Vows and Devotions of their Wives and Daughters? Or rather, since the Lord Jesus the substance of those shadows is come, Whether ti be not one express end of his coming, 
Great diviscons in matters of Conscience, necessary, etc.  to set a man at variance which his Father, & Mat. 10.) in a family of five persons, to set two against three, and three against two; that is, in the matter of Religion and Canscience? And I ask, Whether the wife (notwithstanding in civil converse she submit with all wifelike submission and affection, yet) as to Religion ought she not to judge of her Husband's Belief or Unbelief in God? and may she not join with him or separate from him, labouring to be a Saviour to him? How knowest thou, O Wife, but that thou mayest save thy Husband? etc. And so consequently, the servant to his Master, the Child to his Parent, the subject and soldier to the highest Magistrate and Commander? For, Gal. 3. there is neither jew nor Greek, there is neibond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for yea are all one in Christ jesus.  
Secondly, I ask, Whether it be not the design of God (for the manifestation of his own most glorious Brightness) to carry on the Mystery and Glory of Christianity in the meanest and lowest of Earthen Vessels, according to that of james 2. Hath not God chosen the poor of this World, rich in Faith, 
God's design of choosing men of low deeree, not many wise, noble nor mighty.  and Heirs of the Kingdom? Hence, in a most stupendious condescension, God manifesteth himself in Flesh, and that Flesh must be taken from a poor Carpenter's wife, and she delivered of her blessed fruit in a stable amongst Beasts: And however he command thousand thousands of those most blessed Invisible Spirots the Angels, yet, for his visible attendants and Ambassadors to the World, were they not (ordinarily) of a low Ranck and condition, even those two Pillars whose names have so sounded in all parts (especially at Rome, and London) Peter the Fishcrman, and Paul the Tentmaker? Further, I ask, Whether that Rule be not constant in the Christian Profession, Not many Wise, not many Noble, not many Mighty? And therefore, Whether it be not against the purpose and design of God, and aaginst his declared will and course, that his Servants should expect many Christian great or noble persons, many Christian wife or learned men, many Christian mighty men either for wealth or valour, many Christian magistrates, etc.  
Hence though we find the Saints in Caesar's household (Phil. 4.) yet I ask, How many Caesars (Masters of those houshoulds) do we find believing in lesus, for three hundred years together? and therefore, shether the poorest Saint in the Household or Court of these Caesars, were not higher (in Spiritual and Christian respects) than those Emper ours of the World themselves?  
Thirdly, 
A true Christian who.  What is it that makes a Christian, but the Spirit of Christ in a person, manifested in the profession of his Name before the World? Mat. 16. Rom 10. And if so, I ask, Whether that more of the Grace and knowledge of Christ, render not persons more and more eminent and glorious in Christianity? And consequently, Whether the poorest Subject or Servant, participating of more of the Grace and spirit of Christ, be not invested with more of the Authority and Power of Christ jesus, 
What Christions the highnest.  in his affairs and Kingdom, than the highest Magrstrates or Superiors, that are not so endowed? According to that Honour of all his Saints, who (especially) bind Kings in chains, etc. And that charge from Heaven, james 2.1. My Brethren, have not the Faith of our Lord jesus with respect of persons; a Scripture, that being read out in the following words, seems, at first blush, to entrench upon civility and good manners, except it be granted, this in Christianity the greatest respect is not given to greatness of Place, Birth, Wealth, Autherity, Bravery, etc. but to the greatness of Humility and Grace of Christ, according to that of the Lord jesus (Match. 18.) Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.  
We read of two mighty Princes professing the name of Christ, meeting together in England, Charles the Fifthe Emperor of Germany, 
Two mighty Princes pretending to glorious Heights in Christianity.  and Henry the Eighth of England: Their names then soared so high for Christianity, that they were both in Letters of Gold, set upon the very Gates of Guildhall in London, Carolus Defensor Ecclesiae, Henricus Fidei: yet when Luther, or the poorest follower of the truth of Christ iesus witnessed by Luther, were condemned and persecuted by that Charles the Fifth, the great defender of the Church; I ask, Who had the greatest Authority in Christ's affairs, the great Emperors Charles, or the poorest true Christian? 
Yet the poorest witness of any truth of Christ Jesus above them.  And when that glorious (pretended Defendor of the Faith) Henry the Eighth, with all his Nobles and Bishops, sat in person with so much Glory and Majesty, Terror and Authority, in that famous Disputation, and Condemnation of that faithful witness of Christ jesus john Lambert; I ask, where was in truth the true Authority and power of Christ jesus, Whether in the stately assembly of Kings, Nobles and Bishops, or in the twoedged Sword of the Word and Spirit of God, in the mouth of that one single, and yet most faithful witness of Christ jesus?  
Nay further, I ask, 
The Authority of reproving in the name of Christ.  If that rule of Christ jesus (Luk. 17.) be not yet in force (If thy Brother sin against thee, reprove him; if he repent, for give him) Consequently, Whether a Magistrate (eminent in the grace and knowledge of Christ, yet) if a Brother in Christ be not to be reproved for sIn, by his lowest Groom or handmaid, and that by way of Authority in hte Name of Christ Jesus? Yea and I add, Whether have not such inferior person's Authority from Christ upon Repentance, to grant a true pardon to such a magistrates penitent Soul, than all the Popes and Priests in the World can afford him? And in case of final obstinacy, contradicting and blaspheming; I ask, Whether such a poor Believer in Christ Jesus hath not a power and privilege to separate from such a Magistrate (in spiritual respects) and refuse to touch Spiritually sUch a (Spiritually) unclean person?  
The sum of the seventh Question.  
Whether Artaxerxes and the K. of Nineveh, Quest. 7 did well in making their decrees? etc.  
I ask, Answ. Whether these two Kings and the Instances be not ill coupled, for the one, Artaxerxes (Ezra. 7.) gave free liberty of conscience to the jews; 
Artaxerxes his decree examined.  whereas the King of Nineveh forced all his people to a positive Act of Fasting? But more particularly, as to Artaxerxes.  

1. Was not an Idolatrous King, 
A Terror of God sometimes causeth dilaters to favour God's people.  a stranger from the God of Israel, one that held the people of God in slavery, one that had no true love to the God of Israel nor his people, but only out of a fear of the wrath of the God of Israel, she wed favour to his people, granted them free liberty of their conscience, to go up to jerusalem to worship?  
2. He bountifully encouraged and assisted them.  
3. He furnished them with a Decree, suiting to their National Estate, and mixed condition of Church and Comonweal.   
But (Secondly) I ask, Did this Artaxerxes compel any of these jews to his own Religion (which he believed to be the only true) the Religion of the Persians? Or did he compel the Persians to the worship of the God of Israel? Or did he compel the jews themselves, or any one man of them, to go up to the worship of their own God at ierusalem? but verse 13. Let all which are minded of their own free will go up, etc. Therefore,  
Thirdly, I ask, 
Artaxerxes his edict freely made for soul freedom.  What Conclusion can be gathered from thence, but that it sometime pleaseth God to affect the hearts of Idolatrous Kings with kindness to his people, and forceth them to permit his people the liberty of their consciences, yea and that with Countenance, Encouragements, and Authority? for which mercy (although the Nations where they live, and the Princes thereof, partake not of such mercies themselves, yet, ought God's people to praise God, as Ezra doth.  
Fourthly, I ask, Whether this Instance of Artaxerxes, do not absolutely condemn the forcing of all the people and consciences in a Nation to one way of worship, whether Popish or Protestant, or to any particular sect or way of either of them? And Whether it do not absolutely make for Soul-Freedom in spiritual matters, in that these very jews were not forced to their own jerusalem, but as every one was freely willing? etc.  
Secondly As to the proclamation of the King of Nineveh?  
First, I ask, Whether all examples recorded in holy Scriptures, bind our consciences in our worships and communion with God?  
In particular, 
The King of Nineveh his Proclaiming a Fast, examined.  must there be a King and Nobles in London to Proclaim a Fast, as we know there was in Nineveh? must the Beasts also be kept from Food and Water, as there? must Man and Beast be covered with Sackcloth, as there? If one part of the Example bind us, why not the other? Or if we say that such practices were ceremonial and typical, how will that be proved amongst the Ninevites, st angers to the true God and his Servant Moses? although probably they might light their Candle from the Example of that national Church of Israel, which kept their National Fasts, ordinary and extraordinary, etc. And if example be Rule for God's Servants, I ask, Whether all Ship-masters or Magistrates, in their respective storms and tempests, may exhort their Passengers, and Seamen, and People, to arise and call upon their several Gods and Deities, as the Shipmaster deals with jonah in the first Chapter?  
Secondly, 
No Warrant in Christ's Testament for a national (muchlessm forced) worship  I ask, Whether in the New Testament of Christ Jesus, by which the National Church, and the worship of that Church, was abolished, there be any Example or Rule for any such National worship, of one sort or another, for what cause sooner?  
And although it may be said, Christ Jesus approves the Action; yet I ask, Whether he speaks one Tittle to the Decree of the King and his Nobles, but only to the Repentance of the People, at the preaching of jonah? And upon the point, Whether the scope of the Lord jesus, was not to upbraid the hardness of our hearts, in not repenting at the threaten of God's judgements, as the Ninevites did?  
Thirdly, I ask, Whether this example of the King of Nineveh, 
Many various Consciences; and more will be, in the Nations.  can be a proper and fit example for the imitation of all the Nations in the World, whose Consciences (like the various Meridian's and Climates of Nations and places) may wonderfully differ in one and the same Commonweal and Kingdom; the Magistrates (possibly) may be of one Conscience, and all or the greatest part of another: And (like as in a Ship) where several Consciences of Seamen and Passengers happen, how can there be an enforcing of all Consciences unto one worship, without great Violence and Distraction, and sometimes hazard of the whole, in breach of Peace by mutinies? etc.  
Fourthly, I ask, Whether the holy Name of God hath not been mightily profaned, and the holy Eyes of his Jealousy mightily provoked in this Nation, by the Fasts and Thanksgivings, which the People of this Nation have been forced to observe, even against their hearts, and souls, and consciences? How did the Parliament at first, enforce the People of this Nation to Fast and Pray, for the defence of Religion, King, Parliament, Laws, Liberties? And how did the King at the same time, command that party of the Nation under his command to Fast and Pray, for his contrary Forces fight upon the very same Grounds and Causes?  
How did the Parliament command the People to give Thanks to God for those Victories, for which the King commanded the People to give thanks for, as his, got over and against the Parliament?  
How have thousands been forced to pray for the Parliament, 
The wonderful profaning of the name of God, by the enforced worship of Prayer and Thanksgiving in this Nation.  whose hearts and courses have rather joined with the King, against the Parliament; and thousands, commanded by the King to pray and fast for him, whose hearts and causes have more adhered to the Parliaments cause and Interest? Yea as to the Presbyterians, whose cause of violence this was (and therefore, O that their Souls may see it as from God, just upon them) how have they been forced to such public Actions of prayer and thanksgivings (and especially, in reference to the Scotch Nation and cause) the which their Souls and Consciences have much abhorred? O the infinite and unsearchable Treasure of the patience of God, to such Worships, such Violences! &c: and therefore,  
Lastly, 
The duty of the Magistrates apprehending Gods Judgements.  I ask, Whether the Governor of Ships, artificial at Sea, or mystical, Commonweals on shore, in their several storms and tempests, can do any more rightly and Christianly, by the Testament of Christ Jesus, then,  
First, Humble themselves in such ways of Worship and with such Societies and Communions, wherein they have fellowship with God and one with another, and to stand in the Gap by Humiliation, by Righteousness and Mercy? Daniel 4.27. etc.  
Secondly, Use all possible persuasions and exhortations, to the several Passengers under their civil care and charge, to turn to God, to pray unto him. Thus Peter exhorteth Simon Magus (fearing God's judgements) to turn unto God by repentance, and then to call upon him; And thus Paul, knowing the Terour of the Lord, 2 Cor. 4. persuades men to be reconciled to God, etc. implying this to be the way for the prevention both of Temporal and Eternal judgements.  
Thirdly, 
The Duty of good Magistrates in public Calamities.  Entreat the Prayers and Supplications of such, whom they believe to be the People of God, whose Prayers he professeth to be his Delight, and hath promised to hear them, while the Prayer of the wicked is an Abomination, and therefore more provokes him.  
Thus some good Emperors have used to desire the Intercessions of God's People, in times of danger and distress. Yea and Paul himself, so high in favour with God, and so full of the Grace and Spirit of God, yea and so full of the Spirit of prayer (as next to the Lord jesus, we read of no man more in the the New Testament) yet no man do we read of, that so frequently and earnestly begs the prayers of God's people.  
The eighth Question.  
Whether any of the Prophets or Apostles, Quest. 6 yea our Saviour himself, did ever except against the Magistrate's Authority, for questioning them in matters of Religion?  
First, I ask, Answ. Whether the Prophets and Christ jesus and his Apostles, are here so fitly joined in this Witness, 
The dispensation of the Prophets before Christ.  since the Prophets before Christ's coming, were under the dispensation of shadows and figures, in that National and typical Church of Israel, and only prophesied of that great Highpriest, and King, and Prophet to come, Christ jesus? The Law and the Prophets were until john (saith Christ jesus) and their actions (as relating to a National Church) cannot be brought as witnesses with john or jesus?  
Secondly, I ask, Did not all the Prophets foretell of this most absolute and independent King and Lawgiver to his People, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, by whom only God hath spoken in these last times? 
Christ Jesus the only King of Israel, and that spiritually.  Heb. 1. Did not the Angel declare to Mary, that he should be the King of Israel, and should sit on the Throne of his Father David, (which yet he never did literally?) Luke 1. Was he not saluted by his followers, Thou art the King of Israel, john 1. And was it not for this very cause, viz [that he was the King of the jews,] that he was Arraigned, Condemned, and Executed, and the crime pretended, fixed on his Gibbet, in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin; jesus of Nazareth King of the jews? All which he was, not in any temporal or worldly respect (for he disclaimed and refused the offer of a temporal Crown) but in an absolute spiritual consideration, respecting the souls and consciences, the Religions and Worships of the children of men.  
Thirdly, I ask, Whether the Lord jesus except not expressly against the Magistrates in matters of Religion, in that so famous Distinction between Caesar's right and Gods; give unto Cesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are Gods? More particularly and concisely, I ask, 
Caesar's due is God's due, and yet God's due distinct from Caesar's.  Whether Caesar's Sword was not God's Sword? Rom. 13. And Whether by giving unto Cesar his Submission, Honour, Tribute, etc. was not a giving God his due (in a true sense) by giving this his due to Cesar? And if so, then what singular and distinct Character is this, which gives unto God his due, distinct from Cesar? And Whether there can be any other Characteristical difference imagined, but only that of matter of conscience, spiritual and Religious, which Cesar himself (as the old Martyrs witness of jesus, were wont to say) had no power over?  
Fourthly, As to the Apostles, I ask, 
The Apostles were the highest and next to Christ jesus, in matters of the christian name and Worship.  If the book of the Acts, and the Epistles, etc. breathe not forth the most absolute Independency of their Ministry and Apostleship, from the highest civil powers in the World?  
'tis true, Paul makes an humble Appeal (against the Persecuters of his life) to the highest Magistrate Cesar: But as to the matters of Religion and Christianity, was not the Church built upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets? (Eph. 2) Were not their Commands, in spiritual things, the command of Christ jesus (1 Cor. 14.) even to the highest Kings, and Keysars? Was not that an Apostles voice (in case of Religion) Ye are bought with a price, (1 Cor. 7) let no man (consequently not the highest, etc.) judge you in respect of meats and drinks, or an holy day? And what can be more express, than such peremptory, not only refusals to obey ungodly and unchristian commands (Act. 4.5.) but even to own the very Courts and Judicatures of the highest in the matters of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Christ jesus?  
Lastly, Since the Magistrate's Authority in questioning matter of Religion, may be taken two ways:  
First, 
Twofold questioning in Religious matters.  For demanding a private reason of a Christians Faith or Practice; so here it cannot be intended: for there is no question, but that every Servant of Christ jesus ought to be ready, to give a reason to every one, etc. 1 Pet. 4.  
Secondly, For Authoritative questioning either by inferior Magistrates Executive, or Superior, Legistative: and if Christ jesus had been subjected, and bound to answer any Authority questioning him, or his Apostles, as to matter of his Kingdom or Christian Worship, 
Christ Jesus the he most absolute Monarch.  if himself and his Apostles and followers, had or should own any Tribunal in Spirituals but his own, they should have plucked up the roots of his most glorious and most absolute Government and Headship. And if so, what kind of Heresy and Blasphemy against Christ jesus this is, let the Heaven and the Earth be Judges.  
The sum of the ninth Question.  
Whether the Examiner have cause to say, Quest. 9 that the Believing Magistrates giving wholesome Food, and forbidding of Poison, be a ground for a Magistrate to command Poison? etc.  
Unto which may be added, the sum of the tenth Question. Quest. 10  
Whether Asa's Authority from God to advance the true Religion, were a ground for Manasseh to set up Idolatry, and a principle of Persecution, to kill those that would not worship his Idols?  
As also the sum of the Eleventh.  
Whether God's Law, punishing Blasphemy unto death, Quest. 11 laid a principle for Jezabel to kill Naboth?  
And of the Twelfth.  
Whether Paul commanding Parents to bring up their Children in the Nature and Admonition of the Lord, Quest. 12 lays a principle for Children to be brought up in Idolatry?  
I ask, Whether the proposer of the Questions Answ. do indeed think the Examiner so void of Zeal and Reason, as to imagine that Corruption and Abuses, 
All Gods works and Institutions, and God eimself obused by man.  are sufficient ground to overthrow a truly- Christian, yea or the least natural or Civil Constitution and Appointment? Or rather that he grants all Natural Bodies, both Celestial and Terrestrial, yea all Divine and Civil Constitutions from God or Men, are God's works, and excellent in their kind, although by man abused to Idolatry, Superstition, Oppression, Gluttony, Drunkenness, Whoredom, Pride, Ambition, Revenge? etc.  
Secondly, I ask, Whether all the Questions are not built upon these Principles, which are not one-in Dispute, and not granted, but now at this time of the day, they do most shamefully beg of Moses, of Christ, of these late Times, and merciful discoveries of the true principles, both of Spiritual and Civil Government; I say, beg for that which can never more be granted, without horrible Oppression and Tyranny, over the souls and bodies of all the sons of men? viz.  
To particularise: 
Foundations out of course.  First, That Civil Magistracy is not merely a Civil Thing, in the very nature and essential Qualities and beings thereof; but rather some Divinum quid, and that Kings and Queens and Magistrates are Gods (not only by way of Allusion and Consimilitude, and in a respect, but really they are Sacred (or holy) persons, their Majesty's Sacred, their Crowns Sacred, their Thrones Sacred, and their very Kingdoms and Empires Sacred. 
The Blasphemies of the King's Emperors, etc.  Hence that most horrid Blasphemous Character, on the Forehead of the Whore and of the Beast, Sacrum Romanum Imperium, that Sacred or holy Roman Empere.  
Secondly, That the People and Inhabitants of the Nations of the Earth, are borne Slaves, and Villains, and are not the Original and Fountain both of their Offices, Officers, and of the Authority committed to them.  
Thirdly, That no Magistrates in the whole world, are lawful Magistrates, but Christian and consequently none but the Protestant; and among them, none but of such a Sect or Conscience.  
Fourthly, That the Land of Canaan (that Land of Ceremonies, Types, and Miracles was a Land of pattern and example, for all Lands, all Nations, all Magistrates, and that not in matters of Morality, Civility, and Humanity only (which is not controverted) but even in the matters of Religion, and Spiritual Covenant, of Conscience in God's Worship, etc. If these Questions are built upon these grounds, I ask, if these Roots be found rotten and withered, what can be looked for on the Branches?  
Thirdly, I ask, How can it be avoided, but that one of these two Consequences must be granted? Either,  
First, If Magistrates, as Magistrates, 
The dangerous hanging or suspending Magistrates.  be keepers of both Tables, then must they keep them and interpret them, and determine Controversies about Religion by those Eyes, and by that Eyesight, which they have in Religions and heavenly things (be it Pagan, or Turkish, or Popish, or Protestant.)  
Or else, secondly, they must fly to Master Cottons refuge of suspending (or hanging up) all the Magistrates in the World from acting in Spirituals, 
The rooting up of all Societies out of the World.  if they see not the true and only way of Worship; and that for all the days of their life, except God give them Repentance, and reveal the true and only way unto them.  
And I add, and ask, Whether this Doctrine incline not strongly, to these two more (justly exploded) dangerous Consequences?  
First, That as no Magistrate must act in Spirituals, but such as are of the pretended true (which every Sect is prone to plead to be his) and Magistrates (many thousands and ten thousands, must be hanged up as above said) yea and hanged outright, for want of those Essential and Fundamental Qualifications, which may enable him to discharge the principal end of his Office; so, neither may the People, which are the Original and Fountain of Government, lawfully combine and live in civil Cohabitation, or Societies, but must live Barbarians or worse, since that all the People and Nations of the World, in this depraved state of mankind, are wholly void of heavenly understanding, and can no more convey to their Magistrates any spiritual Authority or Power, than a Dead man can appoint his Officers, etc.  
Secondly, 
Protestant Jesuits.  If such Orthodox, sound and right (Magistrates chosen by the People, come to be of another conscience, persuasion and Worship (true or or false) ought they to be deposed? etc. and may not that Oxford Author, who put forth that Book, called the Puritan turned Jesuit, and all that hold that principle of Magistrates being Custodes utrinsque Tabulae, be forced to say, that (in this respect) the Bishops were Jesuits, the Presbyterians are Jesuits, the Inderendants are Jesuits, and hold that dangerous Doctrine of deposing haeretical Magistrates? etc.  
Lastly, 
Strange violence to children's and Parent's consciences.  As to the Question from the New Testament (Ephes. 5.4. Fathers, provoke not your children in wrath, but bring them up in the Instruction and admonition of the Lord) may not he do this, except he force them to his own conscience and Worship?  
And I ask further, if it follows not, that if the child by some providence of God (as sometimes it falls out) become Superior and Magistrate to the Parent, The child now being Father, must force his Father's Conscience, according to that typical Example of Asa (punishing his Mother Maachah for her Conscience?) Yea I ask, how could it be avoided, that by this Rule King Edward did well, in forbidding his Sister Mary the use of her Conscience, when he (though younger) was her Head; and Mary (though a woman, yet now Head of the Church) could not do other, but forbidden her Sister Elizabeth, the use of her Protestant Prayers and Conscience also? And therefore I ask, Whether it follows not by this Rule, that all Conscience and Religion in the whole world, be not (except we grant the monstrous suspension of almost all the Magistrates and Fathers in the world) be not, I say, to be measured by the accidental turns of Superiority, and the Civil Sword?  
The sum of the thirtenth Question, viz.  
Whether since Idolatry was punished by the light of Nature (as Job acknowledged, Quest. 13 Job 31.28.) the Magistrate ought not much more to punish it in the Gospel-light? etc.  
Answ. First, I ask, As to that place in job, 
job. 31.28. Examined.  Whether there be not many various Translations and Interpretations of this Scripture? Doth not the Septuagint, (the Seventy) interpret those words [that were an Iniquity (as we turn it) to be punished by the judges] I say, the Seventh turn it thus: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 For this would have been accounted, judged or esteemed, the greatest, or a very great iniquity.  
Others, Quae est Iniquitas maxima, which is the greatest, or a very great Iniquity.  
Others, Etiam hoc futsset Iniquitas judicata; For this had been a plain condemned or judged Iniquity.  
2. For Interpretation, some interpret those words (If I behold the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness) to imply jobs denying of his worshipping the Sun and Moon, etc. Some Metaphorically, for being puffed up with prosperity and success, which tempts all men, 
God's people most apt in prosperity to deny him.  and even God's People themselves, (as Agur confesseth) to say unto God when they are full, who is the Lord? and to deny Him who is the Alpha and Omega, the Author and Fountain etc. of all their mercies. And therefore I ask, If it be not probable, that job might sooner be tempted to that so pleasing a sin of applauding himself in the shining of the sun (Heavenly (and right-hand) mercies) and the brightness of the Moon (lefthand, and inferior mercies) then to be enticed to that gross and so palpable an Idolatry, of worshipping the Sun and moon? etc.  
Secondly, Grant that the beholding of the Sun and Moon by job, and the secret enticement of his Heart, and the kissing of his mouth, etc. relates to Idolatry, in the very real and literal Worshipping of those Creatures; grant that was Iniquity to be punished by the judges: As also that job lived before Moses, and acknowledged the Justice of such punishments (all which particulars can be but probably disputed, pro and con; and therefore is not such a Building and Fabric, to be laid upon so uncertain a Groundsel and Foundation.) But admit all, yea and further [that the Gospel gives more light for the Discovery of the sinfulness and guilt ●f Idolatry] Yet, 
The dispensations of God, both before and after Moses.  since both Moses and job also lived under such dispensations of National Covenants and Worships, and before them of the Family-Covenants and Worships, such as Abraham's, isaack's, jaccbs, and the Patriarches, wherein the Fathers of Families, and the elder brothers (in a figurative Birthright of the first born) carried on the figure Christ jesus to come, 
The Land of Canaan a none-such, and typical  as supreme Heads and Governors in all causes, as well ecclesiastical as Civil; shall we now then, in the bright light of the Sun of Righteousness, the true King of Israel, etc. erect new Lands of Canaan in all the Nations of the World? Will they not be mere Skeletons, Shadows and Carcases, without those living Demonstrations, and miraculous appearances of God, from first to last with that wonderful and typical People? Shall we still take the Lord jesus by force to make him a temporal King, and a temporal judge; 
Christ Jesus not a temporal King.  when he peremptorily refuseth, and proclaims that his Kingdom is not of this World? etc.  
Will not this be as job there saith, to deny the God that is above, or (as the Word seems to carry it) the God descending? who hath ascended, but first descended God in Flesh, and dwelled in Flesh of the Lord jesus Bodily, and established a spiritual Kingdom, in the Consciences, and Worships, and Conversations of Men, etc.  
And however the Devil (despairing to destroy the appearance of God in Flesh, either in the Person of Christ's humane body, or in his mystical Body his Saints, by three hundred years' persecution) hath taken the advantage, by the shining of Peace and Favour to the Saints by Constantine, to turn the very World itself Christian, designing, under the Masks and Flag of the Christian name, to conceal his Serpentine malice to pure and true Christianity, and to effect that by the Roman Popes, the Foxes, which he could never do by the Roman Lions, the Emperors.  
Yet (I ask) Shall God's people still inhabit Babylon (or confusion) and darkly confound all the most holy, 
God's people commanded to disobey the civil power in Sptrituals.  most wise, distinct appearances of God together? and not rather listen to the holy Spirit of God, in that absolute prohibition (Col. 2) Let no man judge you in meats and drinks, etc. that is, upon any Spiritual account and Consideration, albeit in Civil affairs, we ought to be judged, and submit to every Ordinance (or Creation) of man, for the Lords sake? 1 Pet. 2.  
Thirdly, 
Two kinder of Idolatry.  I ask (as before) Whether the Gospel-light hath not discovered unto us (more clearly at least, than ever the Old Testament did) at twofold Idolatry?  
First, Religious, which is (in a word) the fearing or Worshipping of false Deities, or Gods, or Godheads, which all the Nations, all the World over, live in.  
Secondly, Moral Idolatry, which is Idolatry in the Hearts and Lives of all mankind, according to that of Paul to the Ephesians: and Covetousness, which is Idolatry, etc.  
According to this Distinction, how are all the Nations of the World (even that which is called Christian also) or'e-spread with these Idolatries? Yea and (in lamentably too great a measure) how are Gods own people reported (at least in the moral sense) to be Idolatrous? etc. For,  
If Coveting of Gold and Silver, House and Lands, 
The over-spreaing of Idolatry in England, and all Nations.  be Idolatry, and consequently, all covetous actions (such as raking, lying, stealing, etc.) are acts of Idolatry in a Gospel-sense: Then consequently the go out of the heart in other Sins, Pride, Self-love, Ambition, Whoredom, are Idolatry also, and all the Acts attending such motions and desires, Acts of Idolatry also in all the Inhabitants of the World, and then especially and more eminently (or rather odiously) in such as profess the name of Christ jesus. Oh what an object of the jealousy of the most High, is this Idolatrous Ball of the Earth, and even that part above all others, which pretends the name of the Son of God, and which (yet above all others) cries out against Idolaters? etc.  
Fourthly, As to the Light of Nature, discovering Idolatry, I ask,  
First, If there be not a wonderful mistake, a fallacy and snare in the term of expression, Light of Nature?  
'Tis true, The Nature of God's Children is Light, 
God's people in a glorious state of Light.  Ephes. 5. Ye are light in the Lord; and Phil. 2. They shin as Lights: God is a Sun and shield unto them; Christ Jesus is a Sun of Righteousness shining on them; The holy Scripture is a Light and Lantern to them; The words of the Prophets, as a Light shining in a dark place, until the Daystar Christ jesus arise spiritually in their hearts: They have glorious promises, that the Light of the Moon shall be as the Light of the Sun, and the Light of the Sun seven times brighter: They expect that time, when they shall need no more Candle nor Sun, but the Lord God and the Lamb will be their Light: and knowing that Light is sown for the Righteous, they expect and shall assuredly reap the Harvest of Light to all Eternity. But what is this to corrupt Nature, 
Light of Nature in spiritual things but darkness.  to dark Nature? You were not only in darkness and children of the night, but darkness itself (Ephes. 5.) And if that which we call Light in men, be Darkness (as the Lord jesus speaks) how great is that Darkness?  
But if it be said, that job and Paul say, that the Light of Nature discovers Idolatry; I ask, Whether job say so expressly, or by any consequence, which may not rather be counterbalanced another way? Or if job should say so, whether upon an equal dispensation? when in those times corporal Judgements, and in Gospel-times spiritual Judgements are proper; as in this very Rom. 1. is abundantly testified.  
It is true, as Solomon saith, The Spirit of a man is the Candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the Belly: It is an Excuser and an Accuser; a Secretary, a Sergeant, an Adversary, a judge, an Executioner, within the bosom of all mankind: But yet I ask, 
What knowledge of God, corrupt Nature may attain unto.  how far this Spirit of Man, this Candle of Jehovah hath searched, and doth, or possibly may search, into all the inward parts of the Belly, or Hearts of man, as touching this great mystery of true of false Deities, and their respective Worships? And  
I ask, Where lies the Harmony between these two Scriptures, this of Rom. 2. When they knew God, they glorified him not as God: and that of 1 Cor. 1. The World by Wisdom knew not God. And  
I ask, If natural wisdom (that Candle or Light remaining in man) be not twofold? 
Natural light twofold.   
First, That which is Common to all mankind in general; to the people, the lowest, the vulgar?  
Secondly, That which is more Noble and High, 
The highest attainments of the highest sons of nature, in spirituals.  (in degrees) refined and elevated by finer Animal Spirits, by Education, by Study, by Observation, by Experience. And  
I ask, Whether these highest Lights, and greatest Candles can attain, by their utmost Activity, to a true, and saving, and Gospel-knowledge, even of God himself? And therefore, whether the place of Rom. 1. They knew God, can amount unto more, even in the Princes of natural knowledge, Plato, Seneca, Aristotle, etc. but unto a confession of a Deity, a Godhead above us, in us, about us; an Invisible mighty power, Creating, Ruling, Ordering all things; as also, a Conviction of Blessedness in the favour of this Deity, and of Cursedness in Disunion from it?  
But now let's descend to Cultus Institutus and Cultus Naturalis, an Instituted, and a natural Worship. Come to the light of nature worshipping this Deity: Come to the seven precepts of Noah, which some, both Jews, and other ancients, talk of; and then I ask, if it be not a downright Doctrine of , in depraved nature? 
No spirituat object seen with a natural eye.  If it be not to run point-blank against all the Histories of the Nations, and all present Experience of mankind, in all known parts of the World, to attribute so much light to any of the Eldest and Gallantest sons of Nature, as to attain a spiritual and saving knowledge of God, to attain a love unto God, in all their knowledge; to attain the mystery of the Father and of the Son, God manifested in Flesh, by whom Creation and Redemption are wrought; to the matter of true worship, or to any thing but Splendidum Peccatum, without the Revelation of the Word and Spirit of God, out of his absolute, free, and peculiar Grace and Mercy in Christ Jesus?  
Hence I ask, 
The monstrous opinions of the Nations, as to Deities and their worships.  If from this Corruption of Nature it have not sprung, that the wisest Nations, Counsels, Parliaments, have run into such monstrous opinions about the Gods, and the number of them; and so many monstrous and horrible, and some ridiculous kinds and ways of worship? Thus did the Chaldeans, the Egyptians, the Persians, the Greeks, the Romans, and all the Generations and Nations of men, unto this day.  
It is true, It is charged upon the wisest of the Sons of men, Rom. 1. They glorified not God, as God, that they were not thankful; that they gave the glory of the Creator to the Creature; and that therefore God delivered them up to those moral filthinesses and defilements.  
It is true, 
Two deep dungeons of moral wickedness, into which the conscience of some in worshipping have tumbled.  That because men received not the Truth in the Love of it, God delivered them up to strong Delusions, to believe lies. And also these Spiritual Judgements have proceeded so far, that the poor deluded Generations of men, have tumbled down millions of millions, one upon the neck of another, into these two deep and doleful Dungeons.  
The first, 
Whoredom and Murder.  Of practising uncleanness and Whoredom, practised by some Nations, even upon the very account of Religion and Conscience.  
The second, Of Cruelty and Murder, as of Baal's Priests, cutting and lancing themselves, and of many Priests and Sects, afflicting themselves in some Nations, with many Torments; and above all, that of the abominable and most inhuman Sacrificing mankind: In which horrid Worship, not only the Mexicans did abound, 
The Sacrificing of mankind out of conscience.  in their Sacrificing yearly many thousands Infants to their bloody Deities, before the coming of Pizarro amongst them; but also Gods own people of Israel, and none of the very Kings of judah (before repentance) fell into this bloody pit, of offering up their Children through the fire to Molech.  
I readily acknowledge, that in these cases mentioned, 
The Civil Sword must cut off all Incivilities, though under Religion's pretences masked and covered.  and in all other cases wherein Civility is wronged, in the Bodies or goods of any, the Civil Sword is God's Sword, as well as man's, for the suppressing of such Practices and Appearances, yea and the very Principles of them; and for the Encouragement and applause of the contrary, Chastity, Humanity, etc.  
Hence, I honour that noble act of the Emperor of Rome, who censured that famous Ovid, for that wanton Book of his De Arte amandi, as a spark to immodesty and uncleanness: and doubtless it is the the duty of the civil sword, to cut off the Incivilities of our times; as the monstrous hair of women, up-the heads of some men, etc.  
But yet I ask, Whether Paul speak aught, in the first of the Romans, of any humane judge or judgement upon the Nations of the World, for their mere Idolatries, thus most dreadfully plagued already, by the most righteous judge of the whole World, in those strong Delusions and Lies, and deliveries up to so many Lusts and Sins, which also run upon the Civil Sword of God and man, for their uncivil and unrighteous practices?  
I ask further, 
All seeming incivilities, not to be looked upon with one eye.  Whether or no some seeming Incivilities, which the Light of Nature more fairly may condemn, and hale before the Civil Tribunal, yet may not be such; and so Circumstantiated with Impressions from Heaven, that they ought not so suddenly and easily to be condemned and punished, but, with a more tender and observant Eye, be distinguished?  
For (not to instance in any disputable Acts which the holy Scripture and experience presents us with) what shall be said to that very common and constant practice of Circumcision, 
The practice of Circumcision, a seeming Incivility.  commanded by God himself to the jews, and now entertained by one of the greatest Empires of the World, the Turks? may not it be (with fair probability) argued to be against the light of Nature? For, Although the jews might plead, The Institution of this Ordinance was from Heaven, and the Lord of Nature, That it was done in so solemn and Religîous a way, that it was not performed with any lascivious or unclean observations or gestures, but with Horror, and Pain, and Bloodshedding, and great Affliction of the outward man (as we see in the Shechemites) And last, That it was attended with heavenly and mystical significations, as a Type and Figure, &. Yet not withstanding, how was it branded and blackr with the Scorned and Jeers of the Nations? insomuch that the very Sabbath (the solemn worshipping of God one day in seven, in a most religious acknowledgement of his most glorious Creating of this wonderful frame of the World in six) was jeered, from this very seeming Incivility of Circumcision: Recutitaque Sabbata, etc. the Circumcised Sabbaths, etc.  
If Abraham had lived now in England (one of the most zealous Nations of the World, 
Abraham's Sacrificing of Isaak a seeming incivility.  for inflicting torments on others, and being tormented for Religion and Conscience) what would our rash Zealots have done with Abraham, in case he had Sacrificed his son Isaac? etc. would they have examined the miraculous conception of the Child a s from Heaven, and the reason that that most holy and most glorious hand, that so miraculously and supernaturally gave him, now called again for him, by a Voice miraculous from Heaven? also, would they have observed the Man, so Holy, and so Faithful, his Addresses to the Act to Holy, and so free from Passion, from Design? etc.  
Or if the Mother of the Lord Jesus had brought forth her Son amongst us, 
So Maries bringing forth of Christ jesus.  and (it should have been acknowledged) without the company of her Husband; Yet who can be so impious against God, and so unchristian and blasphemous against Christ Jesus, as to question, but that the most Civil, and the severest Judge, upon due Examination of the whole matter, might rationally and judicionally have pronounced to have found no violence of Civility, no wrong to the Bodies or Goods of any (the proper object and cause of all Civil Officers) but contrarily a most holy and glorious appearance of the living God, and gloriously free from such Impurities, with which even the Religion of whole Nations are defiled?  
But, 
The Extreme madness of the Religious zeal of men, seldom but in extremes.  oh the madness of the Children of Men (said I?) yea the precious Children of the very God of Heaven! Into what furious Extremes do we leap and run into, without the Light and Lantern of the holy Spirit and Word of God; not withstanding our great pretences of such pure Nature's light? For how fiery would we be to condemn such a Birth as spurious, the Parents and the child unclean (Bring her forth and burn her, as Judah said of Thamar) until we own the Child (in Religion) ours, the Mothers ours? etc. And therefore again, how ready to sheathe our swords in the bowels of the poor jew or Gentile, which cannot see with our Eyes and spectacles, and believe this Child to be the Christ, the true Messiah?  
I profess myself unsatisfied, as to the Baptism and Dipping now used; I abhor the debauchedness of those poor deluded high Attainers, 
The Incivilities of the Ranters.  the Mad Folks (as Master Pennington well calls them) the Ranters: And I praise God, for the height and prudence of the State, to prevent and punish the Practices and Doctrines of such Abominations, etc. But, are there but one sort of (Religious) Mad Folks, Ranters? etc.  
What is it but Ranting, 
Reuters and Ranting, more sores them one.  to call Fire from Heaven (as the gracious Disciples of Christ jesus did and may do) because (as they think) men practise Incivilities (against the light of Nature) refusing to entertain the Son of God Christ Jesus?  
What is it but Ranting, to forbid the very casting out of Devils (as done by Conjuration, Heresy Blasphemy, etc.) because these Exorcists, these Castters out, they follow not us, our Way, our Church, our Faith; our Worship? etc.  
Yea what is it but Rantisme, 
May Consciences differing about the blood of Christ.  to sling stones at the Conscience of any, persuaded to find out the Blood of Christ, in the way of dipping into Water; or at the Conscience of the poor jew, accounting of that blood as false and Counterfeit? or of the Papist, persuaded that the jews are wanderers; but that there's need of Mary's Milk to her Son's blood? or at the Consciences of the Turks, the Persians, the Pagans, the millions of millions of millions of poor deluded Consciences, whose oppositions the meek Lamb of God commandeth gently to be born, and his Servants patiently to wait, if yet it might please the God of Heaven to give Repentance, and a Rescue from the snares and chains of Satan and Destruction?  
Yea, If ever there was Ranting in this World, what is it, but the mad flinging about of Firebrands, Arrows, and Death, (which Solomon speaks of) to fling all the World topsiturvy, and to Fire the Nations with uncivil and irreligious Heats, Tumults, Plundring, Ravish, Slaughters, about the Heretics, the Blasphemers, the Diablo's? etc.  
And therefore (last) I ask the Proposer, 
The New Testament in case the Old were not.  of these Questions, Whether in case it had pleased the Lord to conceal the Old Testament from us, or that of the New bound up alone (as it is frequently) should fall into the hands of some people in the World; I ask (I say) Whether, therein, Christ jesus hath not left his Followers full, and complete, and absolute Directions in all Cases? I ask, then, in what part of his Testament, hath he given the least Direction, for the Civil Sword to be drawn in his Quarrel, 
Christ Jesus no Author of civil force, against the highest of his opposites and Blasphemers.  for the Body of any man to be afflicted for his sake? and therefore in this case proclaims to his zealous Followers (who in this case did not know of what Spirits they were) that he came not to destroy men's Bodies, no not for the highest Opposition made against him; no not that of calling him Beelzebub, and charging him with Sorcery, and casting out of Devils by the Devil himself.  
Yet I ask, Whether in the very Old Testament itself, such Persons, such Nation's awe were wholly Idolaters, where punished even by David himself; as the Moabites, the Ammonites, etc. when they were subdued under him; although in the Land of Canaan (the only Church in Covenant with God) there were just Laws in force against such sins and practices?  
I therefore conclude with this Question, When- (notwithstanding the Proposers plea, of the qurity of the Gospel, discovering Idolatry more clearly) whether the Gospel, and Covenant itself, Christ Jesus, have not expressly locked up the hands of all that call his Lord and Master, saying, Let the Tares alone until the Harvest?  
The sum of the fourteenth Question.  
Whether, Quest. 14 since Idolatry brings plagues upon the people, the Magistrate ought not to deliver the people from those plagues, by removing Idolatry?  
I ask, First, Answ. since Idolatry is twofold (as before) Religious and Moral; And making the Belly a God, or Gold a God, is as real Idolatry, as the making of the sun a God; and the honouring, and loving, and serving them before the true God, is as real Idolatry, as the worshipping of the sun, or a Golden Image: As also, since Christ jesus commands his people to separate from a Covetous person, professing to be a brother in Christ jesus, 1 Cor. 5;  
With what face then, before the flaming Eyes of Christ jesus, can we cry out so much against Idolatry in Worshipping, and raise such Sormes and Tempests in the World about Idolatry? etc. When the whole World, and each Nation, and ourselves, lie in the second kind of Idolatry, of many sorts; 
The World lies in Idolatry and this Nation, and People.  Worshipping (according to the several Lusts of the Eye, the Flesh, and the Pride of Life) several sorts of Creatures, before the Creator, God blessed for evermore. This kind of Idolatry especially in God's people, and especially after so much light and experience from God, the Lord abhors as much (having commanded it not to be named among the Saints) yea, and in some respect, above the grossest Idolatry of all the World beside. What Antichristian Blindness and Madness is it therefore to cry out, like the Spaniards and Portugals, 
The greater Idolaters, cry out against the less.  against the poor Indians Idolatry; when besides their own Images and Superstitions, they were notorious worshippers of, and bowed down to the Indians Gold, which, to their astonishment, the Indians beheld and stumbled at?  
Secondly, I ask, Doth Idolatry alone, without a ripeness in other sins, bring Plagues and Destructions 〈…〉 upon Lands and People's? 
Sodom,  Were not other fins alleged the cause of Sodom's destruction (one of the most fearful and most famous Destructions, since the beginning of the World) and among other sins, that of oppressing the poor? and soul-oppression is still the highest.  
Was not Egypt the wonder of the World for Plagues? 
and Egypt,  and though most in famous for Idolatry, yet was there not one Sin, which especially unstoped the Vials of Plagues and Vengeance on them, to wit, their Oppressions, indeed their Soul-oppressions, on the Israel and people of God?  
It is true, 
and Israel,  God's people were guilty of Religious Idolatry, 1 Chron. 36. but yet there was a remedy, until they mocked, and despiled, and misused the Messengers from God, sent unto them.  
Hence, 
and Jerusalem, destroyed for oppression, and Soul-oppression chief.  What was the complaint of the Lord jesus against jerusalem, when he wept over it, foreseeing the Destruction of it shortly after his death (in which Eleven hundred thousand jews, Men, Women and Children perished, and were captivated) What was his great complaint, but this, O jerusalem, jerusalem, Thou which killest the Prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee! etc.  
And if that second Woe (Rev. 9) be the Plague of the Turks, upon the Antichristian World, beside their Idolatries, read we not (verse the last) That neither repent they of their. Murders, nor of their Sorceries, nor of their Fornications, nor of their Thefts?  
And when we read of the great Whore (commonly interpreted the Church of Reme, the greatest professed State of Christianity, though most Whorish, in all abominable worships and practices, under the pretence of being the most chaste, and only Spouse of Christ jesus) read we not also, 
Oppression and Bloody Persecution, one chief cause of the downfall of the bloody Church of Rome.  before the tearing of her Flesh, and burning of her, That she is a Where; drunk with the blood of the Saints, and the Witnesses of jesus? Rev. 17. And when (Re. 18.) three famous causes are assigned, of her most famous downfall, is not this among the rest, a principal one, that in her is found Bloody Oppressions, to wit, (verse the last) the blood of the Prophets and Saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth?  
Thirdly, I ask, Whether that place of Paul, Rom. 1. speak not there only of spiritual plagues, 
Spiritual plagues follow abuse of light.  and not of Gods punishing sins with temporal plagues; but of punishing sin with sin; and implies no more; but that God justly punisheth mankind, for his abuse of, and not improving of all his Light, (though but moral, civil, natural) with a spirit and conscience hardened, and delivered up to further alienation from him, into several degrees and sorts of sin and wickedness?  
What hinders this, but that such as have some convictions of a Deity, and yet improve not these convictions to the highest, but worship that Deity corruptly, That such (I say) yet aught to be suffered to live, and are not to be destroyed as Idolaters and Blasphemers, yea and with meekness ought to be instructed, if peradventure it may please God to give them repentance, that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, whereby they are taken captive as his will: Tim. 2.  
Yea, I pray leave humbly to ask, without of offence, What if some Edw. 3. or Her. 5. should rise again, and that in a Protestant profession, and conquer France, as those Kings did; yea, suppose that France should conquer England, What should the Catholic conqueror do with so many thousand Protestant Heretics, so accounted? And what should the Protestant conqueror do with so many hundred thousand Popish Idolaters in France and Spain, yea suppose all the world over?  
I know what some furious Zelots would say, on either side; I know what Superstition, what self-interest, what intemperate and unbridled Zeal, heath done in former and and present times: But I ask, what Christ jesus would do, what the meek Lamb of God would do, who tells his fiery Disciples in such cases, Luke 9 you know not what Spirit you are of; I came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them.  
Fourthly, 
The Land of Canaan a figurative Land, it and the people attended with miracles.  As to that particular case of the Land of Canaan, I ask, whether that Land and Nation, the people of it, whom the Land spewed out, and the people of Israel, whom the Land received, were not all of them typical and figurative, and attended with extracrdinary, supernatural, and miraculows Considerations? Further, may we not as well expect, to pass over to Ireland, France, or Holland, on dry land (as Israel from Egypt toward Canaan-land) and to tumble down City Walls and Castles, with the sound of Rams-hornes, etc. at to think of a material or literal Antitype or parallel, now in these Gospel-days?  
Hath not the irreconcilable Disproportion and Dissimilitude, between that Land of Canaan, and all others, been alleged by some, against the most conscientious and able in this Controversy, Master Cotton, and that without any reply of his, or any man else, as unto that great Argument, of the difference between the Land of Canaan, and all other Lands that are, or ever have been, or shall be?  
And since the Proposer of this Question is pleased to mention Leu. 20. I ask, Is not this the Ground, even of Israel's ceremonial and typical holiness, touching their not eating of Swine's Flesh, 
Israel a Nation separated from all Lands to God.  and all unclean Beasts and Fowl? verse 25. I am jehovah you God, who have separated you from other people: and verse 25. Therefore I have separated these unclean Beasts and Fowl from you, as unclean: and verse 26. You shall be holy unto me, for I jehovah am holy, and have severed you from other People, that you should be mine.  
Did not all these unclean Beasts and Birds, signify men in Gospel-times, from whom we ought not to separate in civil converse, as the jews did, Act. 10. for then we must go out of the World, 1 Cor. 5. but in spiritual communion and Worshipping of God, 1 Cor. 6. Come out from among them, and be ye separated, and touch no unclean thing, and I Will receive you, and be a Father unto you, etc. 
The Israel and people of God, the only type of God's Israel in Canaan.   
Doth not Master Cotton himself acknowledge, that this punishing of the Idolater, in the Land of Canaan was typical, and that the Antitype is only the Church of Christ, which ought not to purge out Idolaters: which Church (whether Congregational, as Master Cotton holds) or National, as others; Yet I ask, what weapons hath either the one or the other, as Christ's Church, or Wise, but Spiritual? etc. what can be then the Result from this, Leu. 20. but that the Israel and people of God, who are (Nazarites, or) separated unto him, from all the people of the World, aught to touch no uncleanness; and not only to separate from Religious Idolatry, 
All God's people are separated unto himself.  but even to separate from, and abhor that Moral Idolatry, Covetousness, and to hold no Spiritual Society with that man, being called a Saint or Brother, who covets this World's goods? which thing, is not to be once named, among the Saints, Ephes. 5.  
But fifthly, I ask, What is this to all the Nations of the World, who, as Nations, are all parts of the World, and lie (faith john) in wickedness, in Idolatries and Superstitions, rolling and changing as Waves of the Sea, in restless Lusts, and Passions of all sorts? etc.  
Did not God wink at the Nations, Act. 17. and is he not still pleased to wink at those numberless Nations of the World, unto whom the sound of a Saviour reacheth not? 
The State of all the numberless numbers of the Sons of men, without Christ in the world.  How wonderful are the Dominions of the Grand Signior (the Turkish Emperor) and the mighty Empire of the Persians, the great Mogul, the Chinois, the Tartars, and the many millions of millions of the Sons and Daughters of Men, who in all Ages and Nations pass on in outward Peace, Prosperity and Glory, amongst some of whom, God may call some to fear him, and love the Lord jesus?  
But for any of these whole Nations to be become Christians, 
A National Church a fiction, and not found in Christ's Testament.  that is, to be anointed with Christ's Spirits; I ask, Whether such a thing be found in Christ's Testament, or be in experience true, of the Body of this, or any other Nation?  
Sixthly, Whatever be the pretence and mist, which Satan casteth, I ask (with a famous observer once Lord Chancellor of England) Whether all Violence in Religion, be not for some sinister cause and Interest? Jehu pretends and boasts, Come, see my zeal for the God of Israel, etc. He acted gloriously, 
Magistrate's act zealously for an Interest.  with wonderful Activity, Impartiality, and (seeming) Piety; And yet I will visit the blood of Jehu, saith the Lord (Hos. 1.) for, he took not heed with all his Heart, etc. For, having got the Throne of Jeroboam, to maintain that Throne and Crown, he goes on in the sins of Jeroboam, and kept up still the worship of the Calves, which Jeroboam had set up.  
What a wonderful noise an sound have those three Greek names, Idolatry, Heresy, Blasphemy, 
The World scared by strange names.  made in the world, to the scaring and affrightment of poor people, in both Popish and Protestant Countries? But let the Zeal of the most Zealous outcries be examined in plain English, and let the Zealous (even such as make profession of the most reformed National Ministeries, in the most Reformed Churches) I say, let the most Zealous impartially Examine; and it shall be found, that the Bottom and Root of the matter, is a plain Merchandizing with the word of God, and as it, was in Rome, and is (Omnia Roma, cum precis, &c) a very Sale of Law and Gospel, Moses and Christ, Heaven and Hell, God himself, and the Souls of men.  
I truly honour the many excellent Persons, 
Ministers pretend zealously but for an Interest.  and the excellent Abilities, both humane and Divine, of many, that have professed, and do, the Nations Ministry or Service.  
I confess, there is a due of Temporals, to such as Minister Spirituals; but withal I ask, What is it but a Trade and Living, but a Merchandising for gain, when men profess they cannot, without so much or so much, preach Christ Jesus?  
Surely the Apostacia hath been most wonderful and dreadful. 
The maintenance of Christ's true Ministers.  None can say but that the Lord Jesus did send out such Preachers of his Truth, as did trust him, and Lacked nothing; who did as freely give, as freely they had received; who did labour spiritually, and, upon defect of supplies (through the poverty or coldness of the Saints) did labour with their own hands: and other course for his Messengers (in most infinite wisdom) took he none, nor will his true Ministers and Prophets desire he should: and whatever other Prudential Images and Inventions are set up, will he disclaim and judge, when he appears in flaming fire, etc.  
What should be so free in the world, 
What more free, and yet what more bought and sold then light?  as divine and heavenly light? and yet what is so frequently and so dearly sold, as that Light? (I speak as to the external preaching of many holy Truths.)  
I shall desire to be corrected, if jerre in the Piety or Charity of the Question; and ask, If any man can possibly, by rules of Christ Jesus, profess a Ministenance to him and his? Yea, although he have so much Civility, as not to make a Bargain, for so much or so much; yet if there be an implicit Expectation or Dependence, upon such a Service or Ministry, for a Salary, maintenance, etc. I ask, (Whatever the Person, 
Mercenary light  his Gifts, Experiences, Light be) whether is Calling and Standing be not as truly Mercenary and Unchristian, as his that stands at the Corners of the Streets in dark Nights, with ready lights and links, offering to go with any call (presuming on a pay) and  his word is to every likely passenger, Will you have a light Sir?  
Lastly, I ask, Whether (as the Lord Jesus speaks of false Prophets) we any not discern false Doctrines, 
Bloody fruits of a (pretended) holy Root.  Tenants, and Opinions, by the horrible fruits, which this bitter Root hath brought forth, to the slaughter of so many thousands, and ten thousand times then thousand of mankind, Religiously and Zealously (as it pretended) hunting one another, as wild Beasts, Monsters, Idolaters, Heretics Blasphemers? etc.  
Yea, And which may cause a Soul, truly in love with Christ jesus, to tremble; this above all other, hath been that bloody Knife, that hath so many thousand and then thousand times stabbed the Lord jesus to the Heart, in the bloody hunting of so many his Servants and Followers, as the greatest Heretics, Blasphemers, etc. both in this and other Nations.  
The sum of the fifteenth Question.  
Whether the Examiner hath not set himself to confute Paul, Quest. 15 saying it is not easy to find, that the Heathen should not make a Graven Image; nor any marvel, that they should by the form of some Creature, represent him, etc. Whereas Paul proves, that the Eternal power and Godhead, are so manifest, that they are without excuse, who knowing God, do not glorify him as God, etc. but change the glory of God into an Image? etc.  
First, 
Andsw.  I ask, Whether the Proposer of these Questions expresseth not very little of that Christian Moderation, 
The Examiner unchristianly dealt with.  and Equity, and Equanimity of Spirit, which a Follower of Christ Jesus pretends to, in setting the words (which bear a better sense) yea and the Heart of the Examiner upon the Rack, by insinuating little less, then that he hath set himself to contradict and fight against God himself, and his most holy Spirit in Paul, his Servant and Penman? Whereas a more sober and Dovelike Christian Eye will read no more, but a faithful and Christian plea, for moderate and Christian thoughts, to all the Nations and Generations of the World; who although by the heightened power of Reason, they may possibly attain to (as above hath been discoursed, by the light of Nature) many Convictions and Confessions of a Godhead; 
The Natural estute of all and the very best of mankind.  Yet is it not so facile and easy for them (having so many thousand clogs and chains, of barbarous Ignorance, and Education, and Lusts hanging on them) to soar so high, with the wings of mere Natural corrupted Reason, as to to find the true God, and the true Way of glorifying God acceptably in Christ jesus. Yea I ask, Whether this is possible to be attained unto (as abovesaid?) But rather that this place of Paul, Rom. 1. implies, that the wisest and most industrious of the Sons of Men, will be found guilty of gross Negligence and undervaluing of God, and of being enslaved by many corrupt Lusts, Examples, Customs, Fear of men, Tradition of Fathers, and of not improving that Power of Reason, and understanding in themselves so far, and so high, as they ought and might also do?  
Secondly, I ask, If it be easy for the Nations of the World to escape and miss these Rocks of Idolatry, 
All the Nations of the World, wand'ring in Idolatry and superstition.  Superstition, Will-worship, etc. how comes it to pass, that all the Generations of mankind, from the first Creation and Fall of Man to this day (the Phoenicians, the Chaldeans, the Egyptians, the Persians, the Grecians, the Romans, and the many millions of millions of wise and understanding men, not only the Pagans, but the Turks, the jews, the Papists, and carnal Protestant, should so stupendiously and constantly wander from the glorifying of God, as God, but by invented Images, and Representations of Superstition, Will-worship, darken his Glory? etc.  
Thirdly, If it be so easy to escape Idolatry, Superstition: Will-worship, etc. How is it that the holy Spirit record, how easily, how wonderfully, 
God's own people and choicest Servants hardly kept from Superstition and Will-worship, etc.  and fearfully, Gods own people (Aaron the Leader, and all Israel with him) slipped into the Idolatry of the Golden Calf? yea and afterwards, the whole ten Tribes of twelve (Gods own people) apostate to the Calves (again) of Jeroboam?  
How is it, that not only the Godly Kings of judah, neglected the demolishing of the high places, and the reforming of what was notoriously Superstitious, and that not only Solomon built houses for the gods of his Wives, but even David, and thirty thousand of Israel with him, brings up the Ark of God (the sign of God's presence) with wonderful Solemnities shootings and rejoicings, until they met with Perez-Uzzah, the Breach of Uzzah, the signal of God's displeasure?  
How is it, that not only many shall seek to enter, and shall not be able; 
Christ jesus not easily found of, not only pretenders, but Cordial Intenders.  and Israel obtained not that which they sought for, as it is written, Rom. 2. But even the tender Love, and Dove, and undefiled of Christ jesus (Cant. 5.) rising up to open to her Beloved, she finds him aggrieved at her unkindness, and gone; she sought him, but she found him not; she called him, but he gave no answer?  
Fourthly, 
The divisions of Reuben, yea even of judah.  How is it, that not only God sendeth Antichristians' strong Delusions, which so hold their Understanding, Conscience, judgement, and Affections, that they really believe Lies, notorious and great Lies; but even at this Day among ourselves, the Consciences of God's children and people (in whom the blessed fear and love of God hath shined) how are they (I say) divided each from other, not only Ephraim against Manasseh, and Manasseh against Ephraim, and both against judah, but even judah against judah, Insomuch that God's people at this day have not only occasioned that reproachful term of Sectaries; because of their separation from the National Churches, gathering themselves into separate Congregations, but even from their Sects and Divisions among themselves? And I ask, whether this shall not be, and must continue, until the blessed time of one Heart, and one Spirit, and one Lip, which God will vouchsafe to all his people?  
Fifthly, Since every Way, Manner or Form of Worship, of Church, of Ministry, of Prayer, of Baptism, etc. (that only excepted which the Lord jesus appointed) is an Invention, an Image, a molten or carved Image; And consequently, 
God's people full of Images, how much more the Nations.  the many strange ways, and kinds, and forms of Protestant Churches, National, Provincial, Diocesan, Parochial, Presbyterian, Independent, Separated, Half-separated, Baptised one way, a second, a third way (as to their various Forms and Constitutions) are but Images and Pictures, and none but one of them (if any of them be yet) according to the first pattern; And since Gods own people, have had a great share and hand in such framings, etc. both in England, Scotland, France, Low-Countries, etc. I ask, If it be not much more easy for the poor Nations of the World, who sit in darkness (as of old) to erect Images of Gold and Silver, Wood, Stone, etc. and of late, Ways and Manners of Worship (though more subtle and mysterious, yet) as real Images, as those of the grossest Composition?  
Lastly, I ask, If there be not a deep and heaven-designe, 
God's design to suffer the Nations, and his own people, to wander and feel the want of his holy Spirit, in the use of all means.  of the most holy and only wise God, thus to suffer the world and his people also, to divide and scatter, and dissipate themselves; Thus to cause the holy Scriptures, amongst both Papists and Protestants (the pretended Rule of Life and Light unto all their ways and Consciences) to be so Penned, so Written, so translated, that as it was said of jesus Christ, he was given for a stumbling Block, and Rock of offence, as well as for a Rock and Foundation to his people: So, may it not also be said of the holy Scripture, and the texts and writings thereof, from whence so many, and so wonderfully different persuasions and Consciences are risen?  
In particular, I ask, If it have not been wonderfully easy, from the seeming light of Nature and Scripture too, to slide into the many wander and Labyrinths of consciences now extant, which though but Threads and Straws, yet do hold the conscience as with Chains of Adamant, until the holy and blessed Spirit of God discover and dissolve? etc.  
If there be any Bowels (therefore) of pity in us, toward poor sinners, like ourselves; If any sense of the mercies and pity of Christ jesus to ourselves, How should we compassionate the Captivated and (sometimes) the striving and relucting souls of thousands, about these and the like Opinions?  
How many thousands and ten thousands of God's ancient Friends and Acquaintance, 
The jews Conscientious plea from Scripture.  the jews, will say unto us, How can that jesus whom you pretend, be the true Messiah, the anointed of God, he whom all the Prophets told of, whom all the Fathers looked for? How did he deliver us from the Roman yokes? how hath he redeemed us, these 1600 years since, from all our Enemies, in the Lands of our Dispersions and Scatter?  
How many thousand Papists will tell us, that jesus the Son of Mary, he is the blessed Messiah that was to come? and why should we not believe him, that plainly said, This is my Body? Is he not able to make good his word, in a real and corporal presence? Did he not say to Peter, thou art Peter, and upon this Rock will I build my Church; To thee will I give the Keys of the kingdom of heaven?  
How many thousand will tell us, that the great and wonderful mystery of the holy Trinity is beyond their understanding and reach; and they cannot believe and die for that which passeth their comprehension; as also, that the knots of holy Scripture (besides those of Reason) are very great and wonderful?  
How many thousands are persuaded that the several Orders in the government of Christ's House and Kingdom, 
The several conscientious pleas of the more knowing and most godly persons in England.  are not manifested in vain unto us, in the Word of God, & in particular, the order of Bishops?  
Nor are there thousands and then thousands wanting, who will (triumphantly) ask us, What that laying on the hands of the Presbytery was?  
How many Consciences will ask how we can dare to say, that Christ Jesus died not for all, when so many Scriptures speak of the propitiation for the sins of the whole world?  
And why (say they) shall the power of Nature be so slighted, when Christ Jesus tells us, that he would, but Jerusalem would not?  
And how is that doctrine (say they) so infallible, of the impossibility of a final breach between Christ Jesus and Believers; when so many Caveats, Warnings, Items, are given us nor to fall; and so many dreadful examples (especially in these times) of the departure of so many from Christ Jesus, to the world with Demas and Judas, to honour and preferment with Diotrephes, to lusts, and pleasures, and many abominations, with the stony ground?  
How many are assaulted by Satan, to question the Godhead of the Son of God, and of the Holy Spirit, and of the truth of the holy Scriptures; Whether there are no more holy Scriptures but these; and whether the Translations and infallible, and which are to be rested or relied on?  
Oh how merciful, how pitiful are the bowels of the Lamb of God, to poor wand'ring sinners? And how sierce, how cruel are the thoughts of his Corrival Antichrist, who makes it so easy to be born again, to have God's Spirit, to the Orthodox, to be truly Zealous against Idolaters, Blasphemers, Heretics? etc.  
The sum of the sixteenth Question.  
Whether Idolaters may not be punished, Quest. 16 because the Magistrate doth not know the heart of the Idolaters; and whether this opposeth not the word of God by Moses, and the punishment of the worshippers of the Calf, and Baal, and the Prophets of Baal?  
Unto which may be added the seventeenth Question, viz:  
Whether Idolaters may not be convinced by Acts, Quest. 17 as well as a Murderer, and thereby the heart of the Idolater is discovered? for the Murderer is discovered guilty, because of Malice in his heart.  
As also the eighteenth.  
Whether of two sins, Quest. 18 that which is discerned ought not to be punished; because the other is not punished, for want of discerning?  
First, Answ. Not to respect what hath been said, as to the Distinction of Idolatry, as to the nature of civil Magistracy and its power, the different dispensations of God, divers times, and divers ways, and at last by his Son; To the Fathers in families, to Moses and the Prophets in the typical Land of Ganaan, and at last all the world over, by his most glorious and dear Son, God blessed for ever!  
I ask, first, Whether the Examiner can be fairly charged, to bring it in as a reason, that Idolatry should not be punished, because the Magistrate doth not know the heart of the Idolater? 
The Spaniards sacrificing millions of mtn to that grand Ido! of the world, the Indian gold  And will all that the Examiner speaks there of the heart, be fairly cast up and amount to more, than the forementioned distinction of Religious and moral Idolatry, and that opened by that so famous instance of the Spaniards, in the West-Indies, who cried out against the poor Indians, Idolaters, Idolaters, Heathens, worshippers of the Sun; and yet themselves did most notoriously bow down to the Golden God, the Indians Gold (as all Europe's Nations, and England more or less) and in a sordid and bloody devotion, did sacrifice to that Golden Images, so many thousands, yea millions of the Inhabitants? It is incredible how many millions of mankind were there destroyed (as their own Cardinal— wrote to the Emperor Charles the fifth) as Idolaters, Blasphemers, & c. But it is very credible and easy to believe, what stumbling blocks, such their Covetousness and Cruelties were, to the poor Indians, insomuch that they abhorred to hear the Spanish Priests to talk of Heaven, whither the Spaniards were said to go; whose Covetousness and Cruelties they thought would never send them to a place of Blesedness.  
Secondly, I ask, Whether those Examples of punishing the Worshippers of the Calf, and of Baal, and of Baal's Priests, are presidential and binding unto all the Nations of the World? And whether the Paralleling of all Times, to that ceremonial Time, 
The new piecing up of the veil of the temple.  and all places to that typical and ceremonial place, be not indeed (upon the point) a new piecing up of the veil of the Temple, which the right hand of the God of Heaven hath rend, and a preferring of Moses the Servant, before the Lerd Fesus the Son, yea and (consequently) a denying of the Lord jesus, the great Messiah, to be yet come?  
Thirdly, I ask, If these Examples be now presidential, 
The Bishop's root and branch, and all faise Ministers ought to be put to death.  Whether if there were such Civil Magistrates Monarches of the world as formerly (yea and however) whether it be not the duty of all the Magistrates in the World, to destroy (even beyond all compare and Imagination) the greatest part, if not almost all the Inhabitants of the whole World, for some false Worship, Idolatry, and one Golden Calf or another?  
Yea I ask, Whether by this rule, the State of England,, then favouring the Nonconformitant and Presbyterian, ought not only to have abolished Episcopacy (branch and root) but also to have slain the Bishops by the sword? And by this rule, whether all false and Antichristian Ministers, whether Bishops, Priests, Monks, Friars, Parsons, Vicars, Curates, Deans, Doctors, Chaplains, & c. yea and all several Priests in the World, ought not without mercy to be put to death?  
Yea, I ask, If this State of England should resent the Presbytery of England, Scotland, & c. as false: 
Presbyterian and Independent Ministers put to death.  And if another Power or Parliament should revolve, in the constant turning of the Wheels of Providence) and should condemn the Independent Ministers, to be as false as Presbyters; Where will this bloody Issue stop? What Heaps upon Heaps? How would (by this Doctrine) not only this hopeful Commonweal, but also the whole world, be turned to Shambles, and Akeldamas, Fields of blood? for must we not slay the worshippers of Calves as Baal, as Moses and Elias did?  
Fourthly, As to the instance of Murder, I ask, If there be not three apparent differences between civil crimes against the State, and those of spiritual nature against God, his worship? etc.  
First, There are no generations of men, nor never were in the world, but by the dark light of nature, have condemned these four sins, viz. Murder, 
Four sins which all mankind have agreed to condemn not so about Religion.  Adultery, Thest, Lying, as inconsistent to the converse of man with man: But all the Generations and Nations of men, have most constantly differed, and varied into many thousand differences about the true God, and his ways of worship, etc.  
Secondly, Those four sorts of Sinners, Murderers, Adulterers, Thiefs and Liars, are easily convinced and ashamed (jer. 6.) they cannot but confess themselves sinners, and justly punished, etc. But Idolaters all the world over are ready to cry out (hours, and years, 
Civil transgressions more discernible them, Spirituals.  and ages together) Great is our Diana. And however (Tit. 3.) an Heretic or obstinate, withdrawn from Christ's admonition, hath some checkings and convincing in his own conscience; yet both Papists, and Turks, and jews, and Pagans that are serious, have trampled over Posts and Prisons, Torments and Deaths, to keep their Consciences.  
Thirdly, 
Without Civil Order, no Civility; without spiritual, no Christianity.  Without some Order of Civiltie (more or less) some civil Officers of justice to punish those four sins (especially) it is impossible that men can live (as men, and not as Beasts or worse) together, etc. But notwithstanding several Religions in one Nation, in one Shire, yea in one Family; if men be either truly Christian, like unto Christ. Fesus, whom they pretend to follow, or but truly Civil, and walk but by the rules of Humanity and Civility; Families, Towns, Cities, and Commonweals (in the midst of Spiritual Differences) may flourish.  
Fourthly, 
Spiritual plagues the sorest.  I ask, As to the punishing of the Idolatry, and all other transgressions of Spiritual account, Are, the wounds and deaths of the two edged sword, proceeding from the mouth of Christ Fesus, little, and of no estimation with us? Are Levi's impartial slayings of Brethren, Sisters, Fathers, Mothers, & c. (Deut. 33.) Is the delivering up of the Nations of the world (Rom. 1.) to such unnatural and monstrous Lusts, And the Chains of strong Lies and Delusions upon all the Antichristian World, no dread nor terror with us? Ephraim is joined to Idols, let him alone (especially now in more spiritual and Gospel-times) is far more dreadful and horrible ten thousand sold, then cutting off for murder, etc.  
And I end this Question, 
A fourth plague added to the three of David's choice.  with this Quere: If it had pleased the most holy and only wise, to have added one Judgement more to David's choice of the three sore plagues, Sword, Famine, and Pestilence; I say If he had been pleased to add a fourth, to wit, a giving up to the least of sins, the least hiding of his holy Countenance, & c. would not David, yea ourselves (if our Hearts be after Gods and Davids) choose ten thousand times all the first three, than the least Spiritual stroke of Blindness, Hardness from the sear of God? Isa. 63.  
The nineteenth Question.  
Whether Asa did well in bringing the the people into Covenant, Quest. 19 since as the Exminer saith, he might thereby have made many turn Hypocrites, whereas the people swore with all their heart? & c. And although Hypocrisy do follow, yet this flows from the Corruption of the hypocrite, and not from the holiness of the command.  
I have before, and it is else where discovered, Answ. the figurative Nature of this Land of Canaan, that people miraculously cast out, and the seed of Abrabraham and Israel miraculously brought in; their Kings & Judges immediately designed and stirred up by God, as the Saviour's, and types of the great Saviour to come: these were anointed, as also were their Prophets and Priests, in figure of that great King, Prophet, and Priest, Christ Fesus: All which, with all those figurative Ceremonies and miraculous go of God with that people, is acknowledged by so many of God's people, and by Master Cotton in this Controversy; and that the people of God in the New Testament is the only Antitype; as also that there is no Footstep nor Colour, in the New Testament of Christ Fesus, for a National Church or Covenant: And therefore,  
I ask, First, Whether this be not an overthrowing of the whole design of God concerning Christ jesus, and a denying of him yet to be come; and to have fulfilled the National and Ceremonial figures? But since we say he is come, 
Christ Fesus his Testament enough for Christians, although we had never heard of Moses.  and hath brought the discovery of his Father's displeasure, otherwise dispensed then was in former times, to the Fathers and the Prophets; Is not his Testament complete, and the Revelation of his Father's mind full in all matters, as to his Servants and Followers, although we had never heard of Meses, and although it should have pleased God to have concealed the whole Old Testament from us?  
I Further ask, 
The difference between Israel and other Nations.  Whether Asa did compel any Nation that had not been so miraculously bought and brought by God as Israel was, into Covenant with him? And may indeed a King now, if he conquer all Nations, compel and force them all to swear to serve his God, to make a Covenant and Contract with him, and this under pain of death, as Asa did? Did or might Asa, or any of the Kings of Israel or judah, so compel other Nations, which they did or might have conquered, and that under pain of death?  
Is not Christ jesus the truly and only King of Israel? And is not his sword, his twoedged sword, and his mighty weapons, spiritual (2 Cor. 10.) entering into the very Hears, and Spirit, and Conscience, and thoughts of the Heart?  
Secondly, I ask, If this poor Nation of England and Scotland, & c. have not heard the voice of the God of heaven out of the whirlwind (as in job) declaring himself in thundering language, and dialects of Blood, Distractions, and Destructions, about this National League and Covenant? 
The wonderful Character of God's jealousy upon the Scorish National Covenant.  Were ever two Nations so solemnly, and with such seeming glorious Holiness, united, to make this Island an holy Land, and to purge out, as out of an holy Land and Aire (as Canan was) all Idolatry, Schism, and Heretics? And were there ever more evident Characters of the jealousy and displeasure of the most High, written upon such Covenants, such Conjunctions?  
Or was there ever (almost) such a miraculous Decision of the controversy, between the Covenanters themselves, about the Interpretations of it?  
And hath not the most holy and invisible God made bare his holy Arm, and written it in National letters of blood, that he that runs may read it, That this National Covenanting, and National Churching, and National compelling, and National conforming (as to the Souls and Consciences of men, and as to the worship of the God of heaven) is but Levitical and Ceremonial, but Mosaical and jewish, but Unchristian and destructive to the New Testament of Christ, to the freedom of the soul and conscience, to the gracious free breathe of the most holy Spirit of God, persuading and spiritually compelling, the Spirits and Souls of men, to knit the only true Lovers Knot and Covenant, that Death and Hell, and all the powers of Earth and Hell, Men and Devils, shall never be able to untie?  
Thirdly, It was no guilt of Hypocrisy in Asa, to compel that whole Nation, which, according to those figurative times and old Covenant, were miraculously brought and kept in Covenant with God; 
The Hypocrisy of Nationall Covenants.  upon which the Examiner doth not fix the least charge of Hypocrisy: but now he may (and all men may) ask, why other whole Nations, and all Natitions should be forced (like ) by thousands and ten thousands, Cities, Nations, & c. to a Religion, and Covenant, and Worship, which their Forefathers knew not, which their Souls own not, and their Consciences secretly disclaim as false? etc. Doth not this, as Isaiah tells us, fill a Nation with Hypocrisy? And hath not this Doctrine filled this Nation (if ever any) with wonderful Hipocrisies, as the Civil Sword and power of compulsion hath fallen by Gods most holy providence, into the hands of Pagan, or Popish, or Protestant, or Presbyterian, or Independent, (if pierce cutting) Consciences?  
I ask further, Is there not a two fold Hypocrisy, First, 
A tu of old Hypocrisy amongst Pro 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  that which is more hidden and secret, such as Achitophel's with David, and Fudas with Christ jesus, Thiefs and Traitors in the Bosom, etc. Yet outwardly true, faithful, holy, Cordial? etc.  
Secondly, That which is more open, evident and plausible, such as that of the ten Tribes, pro fessing the name of the God of Israel, and yet withal, the Worship of the Calves; and jeroboam Feasts and Priests, and other his Inventions; and moreover, living without the life of the true God of Israel.  
In the late Wars, some that professed to side with the Parliament, voted in the House, sat in Committees; yea fought for the Parliament, Laws, and Liherties, & c. yet lay they like Traitors in the Bosom, as after was discovered. Others fought for the Parliament, Laws and Liberties, and yet joined openly with the King, fought under his Colours, and pretended only the name of that (to wit, holiness and the Love of God) which they hated more than Sin, and Hell, and Damning.  
Or as in our Streets daily, we find two sorts of Beggars, one speaks such wants, 
Antichristian hypocrisy illstrated.  so predicates Christ jesus, so prays for you, that many are taken & moved to real pity and compassion, and yet deceived. A second sort, profess the Trade of Begging, they keep open those Sores, which they will not have healed; they steal or get Children to beg with, they abhor to labour, and make a Trade of Hypocrisy: 'tis true, that they cry up the name of Christ jesus too, and pray for you; but if you put not into their mouth, how soon fall they from blessing to cursing! etc.  
Of this second sort, 
The pretended Christian Nations found Antichristian.  are not the Christian Nations (so called) made up and constituted, whether East or West, Greek or Latin, the Popish or Protestant Churches, who like the ten Tribes, and (many of them) like the strange Nations, brought in after the Captivity by Salmanasser, 2 King. 17. They feared the God of Israel and served him, and their own Gods too; and the Spirit of God concludes of them, that they served their own Gods, and served not the true God at all?  
Is not this apparently the state of thousands and ten thousands and millions of (named) Christians, professing Christ in Word, Tit. 1. but in works denying of him, overspread with the Abominations of Religious and moral Idolatries, spiritual and corporal Murders, Whoredoms, Oppressions, Drunkenness, & c. either as the great Whore (probably the Whore of Rome) actually drunk with the blood of the Saints and Prophets of jesus, or else thirsting after the day of their bloody fils? etc.  
Fourthly, 
Religious Ravishments and horrid Abominations.  I ask, Whether as to force the Consciences of the Unwilling is a Soul- Rape, so to force the (Ignorant, profane, and unregenerate) Nations, into a pretended holy fellowship and Communion with God, be not ten thousand fold more unholy and unrighteous, then to force into the Beds of any Men of Honour, ugly and deformed strangers, yea enemies, yea and impudent Whores and Strumpets? Would the Proposer style their commands holy, just, good, did the matter concern but his own Bed? as who can but know the matter in question so nearly concerns the Lord, being communion, which (Cant. 1.) is no other than the mystical and spiritual Bed of the Lord jesus?  
Did ever God or Man command to do well, 
The methods of Friendship with God and men.  before a ceasing from Evil? Doth God or man ever strike up Covenants of Love, Leagues of Amisy, yea or admit a treaty, before Repentance and Satisfaction for former Injuries, before the Removeall of Force, the laying down of Arms, and the acknowledging the Power and State of such with whom they treat? If these be ways of civility, rightecusness, order, prudence, what commands shall they be called, what holiness and goodness shall be found in them, which carry written (like the Whore's forehead, Rev. 18.) Mysteries, Babylon, Hypocrisies, Dissimulations? & c.  
Therefore (last) I ask, how much infinitely sweeter are Gods Methods, delighting only in a willing people? how sweet are the paths of the Lamb of God Christ Jesus, whose true Messengers are Maidens (Pro. 9) who with Virgin-Chastity and Modesty, invite poor sinners to the heavenly Feast and Banquet? And because three are not only Rivers of pleasures at the right hand of God, but Rivers of Fire and Brimstone for the obstinate, they knowing these Terrors of God, persuade, and pull, and compel poor sinners as Brands from the everlasting Burn, etc.  
The sum of the twentieth Question.  
Whether those portions of Scripture, Quest. 20 that contain principles necessary to Salvation, deserve to be called and despised by the name of Forms; and whether the Examiner think fit upon the title of forms, to despise the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ jesus, Heb. 6. 2. Whether if the Examiner were ready to starve, or sick near Death, he would refuse Bread or Physic, because they came in Forms?  
1. I ask, Answ. Whether the Proposer of these Questions have fairly collected from any words of the Examiner in the quoted ninth Section, that the Examiner doth call any Principle, necessary to Salvation, or despise them under the name of Forms; or doth despise those Principles of the Doctrine of Christ, Heb. 6. under the title of Forms? or whether he do simply, or without all due consideration, contend against the Title, or the substance of a Form?  
For can it be supposed, 
Of outward Forms of worship.  that the Examiner should plead so much for the Light of the holy Scripture and the holy Spirit of God, and yet to want that light of Reason, as not to know that form a dat esse; and (although there are very intricate Disputes the formie internis & externis, and whence the forms of creatures are produced) to imagine that any thing in the world should have a being (much less the best and perfectest, spiritual and heavenly things) and be formless? or that there should be so much visible Acknowledgements, service or Worship of God left in the world, as of the Word and Prayer, (which the Examiner is known to approve and practise) without some form and order, without which it must prove a Chaos, a Babel and confusion?  
Besides, 
Several sorts of Forms pretending all to be Christ's  are not these his very words excepted against, [Do yet make so much of outward Forms, as to force men to bow down to them?]  
In which, doth there not fairly seem to be couched this double Assertion,  
First, That there are many sorts of outward forms, Forms of Confessions, Forms of Prayers, Forms of Churches, Forms of Discipline, Forms of Worship, & c.  
Secondly, That every Sect and Sort are woefully apt to force one another to bow down unto their own most excellent ways and manners, of which they severally and respectively are so and so persuaded: And is not this most woefully and lamentably true, in all Nations, in all Religions, in all Sects of all sorts, now extant among ourselves, and upon all the Face of the whole Earth?  
Secondly, I ask, 
Of doctr●●● necessary 〈◊〉 ●●●vation.  If the Proposer walk not upon a most dangerous Bridge, whiles he disputes of Principles necessary to Salvation? And indeed, whether both Papist and Protestant are not both in the woods, while they force whole Nations to believe many Doctrines necessary to Salvation, and yet wind up all in one, viz. to believe as the Church believes? For if they prove but obedient Sons to the doctrine of their Mother the Church (although they wholly want the Life and Spirit of God their (pretended) Father, yet how have such Children been ten thousand times more accepted, than such who cannot see nor live, but by their own Eyes and Faith, and desire to taste, to examine and try all things, and to hold fast that only which they are persuaded comes from God?  
Again, 
Fundamentals of Religion.  notwithstanding several numbers of Fundamentals, which others both Papists and Protestants are pleased to assert: Yet I ask, what we think of the short word of the Lord jesus, Mark 16. 16. He that Believeth and is Baptised, shall be saved? yea whether upon the point, the first of these two be not absolutely necessary; because he pincheth only upon not Believing as Damnable; He that believeth not, shall be damned?  
And howsoever some grant that as to the visible profession of the Christian Religion, 
It is danger●●● to say, with how little faith God will save.  a distinct knowledge of Christ Jesus is necessary, Yet we know what is extant abroad of a possibility of Salvation, without an express and distinct knowledge of the name of Christ, according to that of Heb. 1. He that comes to God, must believe that God is, and that he is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek him. And I ask, Whether (although it be a duty to work out Salvation with fear and trembling, and to grow in the Grace and Knowledge of the Lord jesus) yet is it not very presumptuous and dangerous to set a Neplus infra, a stint and bound of so much Knowledge, and so much grace of Christ (as to the degrees of it) without which there is no Salvation.  
I ask, 
Two of the Principles Heb. 6. of great controversy.  once more, from that Heb. 6. Whether (although I question not but that both the Proposer and Examiner believe four of these Principles, viz. Repentance, Faith, the Resurrection and judgement, yet) whether the Proposer be able to dissolve the doubts of thousands, as to those other two, the Doctrine of Baptisms, and the Laying on of hands; concerning which, the more Conscientious and tender the People of God are, about the true worship of God and Christ Jesus, the more they find their loss, about the holy ways and means of it?  
Thirdly, I ask, What have been most of all the Forms, and Prescripts of Doctrine and worship (since the great Apostasy and falling away) but mere Forms and Pictures, without the power and life of Godliness? In which respect, may I not say in the Language of james, As the Body without the Spirit, and Faith without works is dead; So, what have been the several National Models, Platforms, Frames and Forms, 
The mere Formalities of State-Forms of worship.  of the Ecclesiastical Governments (which the Fathers have built, and the Children have broke) either in the East or Western Churches, even to the last, and Youngest, and Fairest of the Pictures, but Pictures drawn to the Life, and yet but liveless Pictures and Proforma?  
I most humbly and thankfully acknowledge the Heavenly discoveries of many Truths of jesus, wrapped up confusedly even in Babylon itself and the people of the God of heaven with them; from whence he hath, and will gloriously redeem them both: I acknowledge the several blessed degrees, 
God's light and God's people wrapped up in the National Reformations.  and increasings of Light, wrapped up in several Clouds of Reformations (so called) in our own and other Nations: I am far from imagining that people should hold nothing, do nothing, etc. for I unfeignedly desire (as the Scripture speaks) in a Scripture-sence, that all men might be saved; That every Man were a Noble Man, an ingenious Berean, Examining by the Scriptures, and holding fast to the Death, what he believes he hath received from the Father of Lights.  
And yet, better sit still, then still rise and fall: Have all the Spirit, the Calling, the Gifts, the Life and the presence of God with them; as those first Messengers the Apostles, whose Successors Men yet pretend to be?  
Were it not better for us to acknowledge, 
The danger of our own Inventions in heavenly matters.  how poor, how naked, how blind, how miserable we are, and to listen to the holy Counsel of Christ Jesus, etc. to buy of him, that blessed Gold and Eyesalve, that white Raiment and fine Linen, that we may truly see, and be truly rich, and be truly glorious and beautiful; then boasting of our Knowledge, and Abundance, and want of nothing; we prove so grievous to the stomach of Christ Jesus, that he vomit us with loathing out of his mouth?  
Lastly, I ask, In case we had for unquestionable Fundamentals, a Creed composed by the twelve Apostles of the Lamb: That a Synod of heavenly Angels assembled and concluded of Fundamentals, of Forms of Worship, 
External force in Spirituals can only pierce the outside.  Ordinations, Ministeries, Maintenance, etc. (and all without the reach of a Curse, for another Gospel, Gal. 1.) Yet I ask, what rule can be produced from the Testament of Christ jesus, that these Forms, these Prescripts must be imposed, and beaten into (not the Brains and Hearts of men, which is impossible) but into the outsides and knees of men, with Swords and Staves, that (as Christ Jesus said of the Samaritans) they might worship they know not what? What reason of Christianity, or Civility, that the Talmud of the jews, the Koran of the Turks, and the Canons of all sorts of Popes must not be questioned? What Scripture or Reason shall force a man to be a Scholar to a Teacher, and force him to pay for his Teaching; To trust his Ship with a Pilot, and to pay him for his Piloting; to trust himself with a Guide, and to pay him for his Conduct, when he believes that Teacher, that Pilot, are dangerously ignorant, that Guide is blind? etc. 
The mystery and and tyranny of persecuting Teachers.  Yea further, from whom he must receive all upon Trust, and not dare (in the very place and time of Teaching) to propose his Doubt, his Question, his Objection, or desire Explanation?  
And I add, What Christianity is that, which commands that no Churches be gathered, no Ministers chosen, no Doctrine preached, but what the civil Sword shall say is true and Orthodox? Nay no Magistrate himself chosen, nor any Civil Officer, except he be of our Church, our Way and Conscience, as some say is the Mystery and Tyranny of New-englands' practice?  
The two and twentieth Question.  
If God was to be blessed for putting it into the Heart of a Heathen Magistrate to make Laws for Religion (Isa. 7.27.) Whether he comes not near to a curse, Quest. 22 that would take out of the heart of a Christian Magistrate the advancement of true Religion, and persuade him to give a Toleraration to the chiefe Enemies of Religion, Idolatry and Heresy?  
Sure the Proposer highly esteems this Example of Erra 7. for, Answ. not content to mention it in the seventh Question, he attempts to win it by Force and Storming (indeed in a very stormy Language) in this last Question.  
To many Branches of the same hath been spoken: As to the nature of Civil Magistracy, essentially Civil all the world over: As to the power of the Magistrates or Officers designed unto them by the people, as but their Deputies, either Legislative or Executive: As to the perfection of Civil Magistracy in its self and in its kind, not capable of Diminution or Addition, by the Magistrates change of Religion, to or from Christianity or any other Religion in the world: As to Artaxerxes his fact, 
Artaxerxes his favour to the jews.  not being moved out of any heart to the true Religion; for neither did he, or his people, forsake their own; but out of a Conquering Terror of God, he shows, just mercy to his captives and people; he fears wrath to himself and his Sons from that God, whose love and acquaintance he cared not for. But I shall add (with Christ's help) these few Queries.  
First, Whether this Supposition of making Laws to advance Religion, and especially in a National way, doth not overthrow and Evacuate one great end of the coming of the Lord Jesus, which was to fulfil all those former shadows of Temple, Altar, Priests, Sacrifice, etc. to tear the veil, to break down the partition Wall, and with the two edged Sword of his Spirit, (his Word) to conquer poor sinners in a way of love? 
National holiness and shadows, etc. abolished by Christ jesus the body and substance.  For if Ezra's pattern of carrying Laws and Authority from this King, to force men to keep the Law of God, in this jewish Religion, jewish Nation, be a precedent for all Nations, where is the abolishing of the holy Nation, holy Cities, holy Temples, Altars, Priests? etc. Or ought we not (if Christ jesus be not come) to have the Officers commanded by the King to be Tole free, verse 24. the Priests, the Levites, the Singers, the Porters, the Nethinims, or Ministers of the house of God?  
If it be said, The Morality of such a Law remaineth, I ask, Whether according to Heb. 7. there being a necessity of the change of the Priesthood, there is not a necessity of the change of the Law also, of that Law of Shadows, the holy Land, holy Temples, holy Priests, holy Swords? etc.  
I further ask, If that people of God (the figure of God's Israel in after-Ages to arise, in all Nations of the world) if they had not been Captivated, but had been in their own Land, and not restrained by force; whether they ought not to have builded the Altar and Temple, without the King's command, yea and against it? Yea it is expressly said, chap. 4. 
God's people in Spirituals know no Caesar but himself, and dear Son.  they were made to cease the building by power and Force; yet they went on, chap. 5. to build again, at the instigation of Haggai and Zachary, notwithstanding the prohibition of the King, yet lying in force against them.  
And lastly I ask, If these things were not Examples (〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 1 Cor. 10.) or Types, figuring out the freedoms of God's people, who if not hindered by actual Force and Power, ought only to regard (in Spirituals) the Sceptre, and Sword, and Crown of the Lord jesus Christ?  
Secondly, I ask, What Laws this Artaxerxes made for the advancement of Religion? Is not the first of absolute Freedom and Toleration to these poor captive jews? Was there any Babylonian or Persian command to go up to jerusalem, any commanded to pay, or to offer a penny toward this Expedition? Yea were not the jews themselves absolutely free, whether to go up to jerusalem, or stay in Babel; whether to offer to this work one penny, or not, as appears both by the Decrees of Cyrus, in the first Chapter; of Darius, in the sixth; and of Artaxerxes, in the seventh? Secondly, he decreed bountitiful Assistance out of his own Treasury, toward the building of the Temple, the Sacrifices, etc.  
Thirdly, a Decree against any that should oppose, or hinder the building of this House; and therefore (accordingly) whosoever would not do the Law of God, and of the King, judgement must be executed speedily, etc. And chap. 6.11. whosoever should alter Darius his decree, Timber should be pulled down from his house, and being set up, he must be hanged thereon, and his house made a dunghill.  
If any shall say, The command of God and the King here mentioned, was a command and Law in Spirituals, etc.  
I ask, What Law was the Law of Artaxerxes the King? 
The Law of Artaxerxes, was an absolute Law of Toleration of the jews Conscience, vastly differing from, and opposite to his.  was it of commanding the jews to his Worship and Conscience, in an Uniformity of Worship to the Nation wherein they were captive? Yea, was it a commanding of the jews to their own Religion, or only (on his part) a Law of Toleration and Freedom to practise their own Religion, Conscience, and Worship, and that with favourable Encouragement from himself?  
For (as before) if the force were removed, although Artaxerxes should have given them no Countenance nor Encouragement; Yet I ask, whether as jews (Gods people and subjects) they ought not of themselves to have departed from Babylor, and from all parts of the World, and to have ascended to jerusalem (as the jews literally dream) to their holy City, and there have built the Temple, and presented their Sacrifices? etc.  
Further, 
The literal and Spiritual jew.  I ask, As Artaxerxes made not one Law either how or when the jews should pray, or fast, etc. but left them free to their own Conscience, to go up, or not to go up to jerusalem; so when these Kings did makes Laws in Spirituals (as concerning prayer) whether Daniel did not well, in refusing to cease praying, or by shutting of his window to give appearance of obedience, though to the extreme ruin of life? etc.  
And consequently. Whether as the jews refused to be subject to any Judicature but Gods alone revealed by Moses; So whether Christian Israel and jews ought to acknowledge any Tribunal but Gods?  
Thirdly, I ask, Whether the plain English of not tolerating the Idolater and Heretic, hath not been in all Ages since Christ jesus, the not tolerating indeed of Christ jesus, God manifested in flesh, and both in his own Person, and in his Followers, the hunting or persecuting of him out of the world?  
Was there ever any of the Prophets esteemed so great an Heretic from the jewish Religion, 
Christ jesus accounted and hanged as the greatest Blasphemer and Heretic that was.  as Christ jesus was? was there ever such a Blasphemer of God (as the High Priest esteemed him) as the blessed Son of God; God himself; Christ jesus? And doth not the many Books of Martyrs, in our own and other Languages set forth, that under this Hood and Vizard, the Devil hath cast the Saints into Prison, Rev. 2. He hath watched to devour the Manchild, Rev. 12. and hunted the Woman the Spouse of Christ Jesus, and her seed: And the great Whore pretending that she drinks the blood of Heretics, etc. hath been drunk with the blood of the Saints, and Witnesses of jesus? Rev. 17.  
Hence will not Reason suspect a Murderous snare in the Law pretended against Thiefs, Robbers, 
True grounds of suspicion, in Spirituals.  Whores, etc. and yet most commonly falling upon none but honest and faithful, chaste, and modest Persons?  
Are not these Engines worthily to be questioned, which pretending to take none but Birds of prey, and Wolves, etc. and yet ordinarily catch nothing but harmless Doves, the Sheep and Lambs? etc.  
If it be said, Idolatry, Heresy, etc. are the chiefest Enemies in Religion, etc.  
I ask, First, If those very famous Religions, which have pretended themselves the truest in the World, have not been found the greatest Idols? etc.  
Secondly, 
Christ jesus his Spiritual provision, against Spiritual Adversaries.  Grant them to be the greatest Enemies, yet since Enemies are of two sorts, Spiritual and Corporal, I ask, Whether as Corporal weapon are proper against Corporal, so whether Spiritual weapons are not only proper against (merely) Spiritual Adversaries?  
Thirdly, Can Christ jesus so forget himself, as not to take sufficient order for Spiritual weapons against all his Spiritual enemies? In a Battle or Fight, by Sea or Land, how apt are men to charge Generals and Commanders, if Ammunition be wanting, etc. Yea in that case, how justly may men complain (as in 88) that Powder was said to be wanting in our own Ships, at our own doors? And shall i● be imagined that the Last Will and Testament of the Son of God, his whole Life, his 40 days after his Resurrection, and those Gifts, which upon his Triumph in Heaven he sent upon men, should leave his Army, his Family, his Kingdom, his Wife, unprovided, etc. so that in the very day of the Battle, they must be forced to the Forge of the Philistims to borrow Swords, Halberds, Guns, Pikes, Prisons, Halters, against Idolaters, Heretics? etc.  
Fourthly, I may end and ask, in the Proposers own words (whether he be not near a Curse, that would change the twoedged Sword of God's Spirit, the word of God, for a Sword of steel, in the hand of Civil Officers; and the Arm of the eternal Spirit of God, for an arm of Flesh? etc.  
And if blessed are Christ's peacemakers, 
Christ's Curse and Blessings.  and Christ's persecuted (Matth. 5.) how near to a curse doth he come, that brings not Buckets to quench, but bellows to kindle the Fire of God's Jealousy against State Inventions; the Fires of persecutions and hunting of Christ's Saints, the Fires of devouring Wars amongst the Nations, for their respective Religions and Consciences? How near to a curse doth he come, who under a Cloak of Christian Magistrate, True Religion, Zeal against Idolaters, Heretics, etc. shall conceal a Dagger (which yet, I hope this Proposer knowingly doth not) stabbing at the heart of God, his Christ, his Spirit, his Saints, his pure Worship, yea and at the Heart of all Civil peace and Civil Magistracy, and Civility itself throughout the whole World?  
And therefore lastly, I ask, Whether these two Examining Worthies shall not be wrapped up in the everlasting Arms of Blessedness itself, while they improve their Talents uprightly, and impartially, in the further Examination of this Fire of Zeal in question? Yea and whether not only these two honourable Senators, but the most renowned Senate of the world (the Parliament itself) shall not be truly crowned with the Laurels of true Nobility, as the Bereans were, while they Candidly and Impartially Examine whether these things are so or no?  
FINIS.