THE BLOODY TENENT YET More Bloody: BY Mr Cottons endeavour to wash it white in the BLOOD of the lamb; Of whose precious Blood, spilt in the Blood of his Servants; and Of the blood of Millions spilt in former and later Wars for Conscience sake, THAT Most Bloody Tenent of Persecution for cause of Conscience, upon a second trial, is found now more apparently and more notoriously guilty.  
In this rejoinder to Mr Cotton, are principally 

I. The Nature of Persecution, Examined;  
II. The Power of the civil Sword in Spirituals Examined;  
III. The Parliaments permission of Dissenting Consciences Justified.    
Also (as a Testimony to Mr Clarks Narrative) is added a Letter to Mr Endicet Governor of the Massachusets in N. E.  
By R. WILLIAMS of Providence in New-England.  
London, Printed for Giles Calvert, and are to be sold at the black-spread-Eagle at the West-end of Paul's, 1652.   

TO THE MOST honourable THE PARLIAMENT OF THE commonwealth of ENGLAND.  
Most Noble Senators,  
ONE of the greatest Spirits, and as active as later times have yielded, Charles the fifth, tired out with Affairs of State, resigns up all, and sits down to 
The Parliaments Labours and labyrinths,  end his days in quiet Contemplation. I doubt not but many of your honourable Heads have felt the thorny Crown (of these late years' troubles) so sharp, so weighty, that your tired Spirits would joyfully embrace, if not (with Charles the fifth) a total Cessation, yet like some faithful tired Judge, (after so long and troublesome a term) at least some breathing short Vacation.  
Although I dare not (as to England's peace and safety) admit desires of your Totall. Cessation, or long vacation: yet common Gratitude for such incomparable labours, expenses, hazards, etc. from whence the God of heaven hath vouchsafed such rare and incomparable preservations, deliverances, enjoyments, etc. I say common gratitude cannot only wish you hearty & pray for earnestly your eternal Rest, and most joyful Harvest in the Heavens, but also, all the possible breathing hours, and cool retired shades of Contemplation and self-enjoyment amidst the scorching Travels of so many vexing and tedious Actions. You cannot (ever renowned Patriots) but like some grave Commanders of Fleets and Armies, who have brought their Ships and followers through tempestuous st●rms and bloody fights, to joyful Rest and Harbours! You cannot but look back with Admirings, with Praisings, with Resolvings to cast you Crowns, and Heads, and Hearts, and Hands, (for the remaining Minutes of the short Candle of your life) at his Feet, in whose most High and most gracious Hands have all your breathes and ways been.  
In the review of the multitude of your Actings and Sufferings, your battles and Victories, Dangers▪ and Deliverances, you cannot, (no man can) but observe and see (a naked)▪ Arm from 
Two Subsidies granted by the Parliament to the King of Kings.  Heaven fight for you, but most especially since the times and hours you gratified the most High eternal King of Kings (now more than ever England's King) with these two famous Subsidies (if I may in humble Reverence so call them.)  
The first, of Mercy and Moderation to the 
The first Subsidy.  poor oppressed Consciences of the English Nation, amidst the throng of which he graciously will, yea he hath acknowledged, that some of his own dear Children (the sons and Daughters of the God of Heaven) have been relieved and succoured by you.  
The second your high and impartial drawing 
The second Subsid●.  of the Sword of Justice upon the great and highest offenders: Since which two wonderful Subsidies, the most wilfully blind must be forced to see the glorious go of the God of Heaven with your counsels and Armies, and the discharge of his holy promise in honouring you, who have so highly, (in so rare and unparallelled Travels and Hazards) honoured him.  
Concerning the first of these Subsidies, I was humbly bold some few years since, to present you with a Conference between Peace and Truth, touching a most bloody murderous Malefactor, 
The Bloody Tenent a common pirate.  the bloody Tenent of Persecution for cause of Conscience: (a notorious and common pirate, that takes and robs, that fires and sinks the (spiritual ships and Vessels) the Consciences of all men, of all sorts, of all Religions and persuasions whatsoever.  
It hath pleased Master Cotton, (a Man incomparably too worthy for such a service) to attempt the washing of this bloody Tenent, (as he speaks) in the blood of the Lamb 
Mr. Cottons Reply.  CHRIST JESUS (though one part of the Conference, to wit, the Examination of a N. English model of Church and Civil Power, he leaveth to the washing of some other of the N. English Ministers, the Authors of that model, of whose washings as yet I have not heard of:) This present discourse presents your Honours with the second part of the Conference between Peace and Truth, and hath examined Mr. Cottons Reply and washings.  
I sum up the multitude of my Thoughts touching your Honour's Consideration of this point, in these three most humble Petitions.  
First, I most humbly and earnestly beseech your 
The first Petition.  Honours to mind the Difference between State Necessity of freedom to different Consciences, and the Equity and Piety of such a freedom.  
State policy and Necessity of Affairs drew from 
Difference between the Piety and Mercy, and State-necessity of granting freedom to men's Consciences.  great Constantine (with his Colleague Licinius) that famous Edict of freedom to all men's Consciences, whom yet afterward he persecuted: But a Successor of his (of late years) Maximilian the second, comes nearer the Life of the business, when he conscientiously professed in a solemn Speech to the Bishop 
Constantine's and Maximilians acts compared,  of Olmuts in Bohemia, There is no sin ordinarily greater against God, said he, then to use violence against the Consciences of men.  
Your Honours will find (if the Father of Spirits please to spare you time and Spirits, to mind this Cause and controversy, that all violence to Conscience turns upon these two Hinges.  
First, of Restraining from that worshipping of a 
Two ways of oppressing conscience in Religion.  God or Gods, which the Consciences of men in their respective worships (all the world over) believes to be true.  
Secondly, of Constraining to the practising or countenancing of that whereof their Consciences are not persuaded.  
In the practice of both these, the Histories of our own Nation will tell us (besides the foreign) how sharp and zealous the strongest Swords of England have ever used to be.  
And yet of the practice of both, what a prophetical 
The late King Charles his conscience to oppress the consciences of others, no small occasion of the ruin of him and his.  passage of our late troubles and King, did the foresaid Maximilian express to Henry the third of France, (in his passage from Poland to France to claim the French Crown) to this effect, Sir, remember that when men think to get Heaven by using violence to the Consciences of men, they oftentimes lose 
The Bishops killed the King.  that which they might peaceably have kept on Earth. Some have said that worldly policy persuaded, as well as State-necessity compelled the States of Holland to a prudent permission of different Consciences. 
Holland's policy.  And that the said state-policy persuaded some Dutch to wish that England might not tolerate, lest a permission of Conscience in England should break down the Bridge and Passage into their parts of freedom in causes of Conscience.  
Those prudent and prosperous States have gone 
The permission of conscience in Holland.  far (though driven by Spanish persecution) to it) in taking off the yoke from the necks of Dutch & English, French yea, Popish & Jewish consciences. For all which (though but Mercy, though but Justice and humanity to fellow mankind) he that runs may read the truth of Gods never failing Promises, Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain Mercy.  
Their own Chronicles tell us of a wonderful walk of the God of Heaven between three of their most 
God's wonderful go in Holland from Stafore, undone by Pride and Unthankfulness,  eminent Towns or Cities, First Stafore was the wondrous Wealthy City, their golden city, till a proud wealthy, Merchant's widow, caused a whole ships loading of wheat (which her ship brought home and she despised) to be thrown over into the Harbour, which (with other Accidents of water and weather, god's most righteous providences) so choked up the Haven, that Vessels of burden durst never frequent that city (by this occasion) most wondrously impoverished) since.  
From Stafore God carries all the Shipping and 
To Enchuysin, undone by the bloody Tenent of Persecution:  wealth to Enchuysin, whose Zealous, overzealous and furious clergy provoke the Civil Magistrates to persecute dissenting, none conforming consciences: Amongst the rest 'tis rare (if ever) that the most glorious Son of God himself escapes.  
From Enchuysin therefore (a Den of persecuting 
From Enchuysin to Amsterdam, raised to its present height and glory, by mercy to the persecuted.  lions, and mountain of Leopards) the persecuted fled to Amsterdam, a poor fishing Town, yet harbourous and favourable to the flying, though dissenting consciences: This confluence of the persecuted, by Gods most gracious coming with them, drew Boats, drew Trade, drew Shipping, and that so mightily in so short a time, that Shipping, Trading, wealth, greatness, Honour (almost to astonishment in the Eyes of all Europe, and the world) have appeared to fall as out of Heaven in a Crown or Garland upon the head of that poor Fisher-Town.  
O ye the prime of English men and English worthies, whose senses have so oft perceived the everlasting Arms of the Invincible and Eternal King, when your Ships Hold hath been full with water, yea with Blood, when storms without, fires and mutinies within, whence he hath beaten upon some Rocky Hearts 
England's ship got into Harbour.  and passages, as if she would have staved and split into a thousand pieces; yet this so near staved, so near fired, so near split, foundered, sinking Nation, hath the God of Heaven (by your most valiant and careful hands) brought safe to Peace her Harbour! Why now should any duty possible be impossible? yea, why not impossibilities possible? Why should your English Seas contend with a neighbour Dutchman 
Striking of Colours.  for the motion of a piece of Silk, &c▪ and not ten thousand fold much more your English Spirits with theirs for the Crown of that State-piety and wisdom which may make your faces more to shine, not only with a common lustre after a Dutch Presisident, but (if it be the holy will of God, and I humbly hope it may be) with a glory far transcending all your fairest neighbours Copies.  
The States of Holland having smarted deeply, and paid so dearly for the purchase of their freedoms, reach to the neighbour Nations and the world, a taste of such their dainties. And yet (with due reverence to so wise a State, and with due thankfulness for mercy and relief to many poor oppressed Consciences) 
The States of Holland yet to seek in the matters of liberty of Conscience.  I say their Piety nor policy could ever yet reach so far, nor could they in all their School of war (as their Countries have been called, learn that one poor Lesson of setting absolutely the consciences of all men free.  
'Tis true, they vouchsafed to the Papists and Arminians the liberty (as I may so speak) of the prison, and sometimes to go abroad (as I may say) with a Keeper, etc. But why should not such a parliament as England never had, (and who knows whether ever 
Touching absolute freedom to every man's conscience impartially.  will the like) why should not the piety and policy of such Statesmen out shoot and teach their Neighbours, by framing a safe communication of freedom of Conscience in worship, even to them to whom with good security of Civil peace) it is as due as to any other Consciences or Worshippers in the World) the Papists and Arminians themselves. Of the Piety and policy of such a freedom I have discoursed more largely in the answering of 
Freedom of Popish consciences. S●● Chap. 59 more particularly.  some Objections of Mr. Cotton in Chapter 59 of this Book: and proved that such a freedom of the Conscience of each member of the Commonweal, and such a Commonweal as England's now is, especially, cannot in all probability prove so dangerous and prejudicial as many do imagine and discourse, but contrarily many ways prove beneficial, and marvellously advantageous.  
Your honours know what bloody bicker and bloodsheds have been in later times in Germany, in the Low-Countries, in France, in England, in Polonia, in Hungaria, Bohemia, Transilvania, etc. about the freedom of men's Consciences and Worship?  
The God of Heaven may also please graciously to remember you, that it hath been the fatal error of all Reformers that England or other States have seen, to do as the Portugals did in the 
Old images pulled down, and new set up.  East-Indies, who pulled down the Images of the Pagans whom they conquered, and set up their own Images of Portugal in their stead and places.  
It is agreed on all hands that subscribe to one GOD, that his worship is but one, and that all besides that one true GOD, are idols, and all worship 
All Images must down.  beside his own (but one) are Images: And you know the fiery jealousy of the eternal will not ever endure an Image (though never so fair) his rival: Hence in the many former Changes of estates, and State-worships (by God's just and jealous permission) the children's work hath been to tumble down their father's buildings. Nor can your most prudent Heads, and potent Hands possibly erect that fabric, which the next Age (it may be the next Parliament) may not tumble down. And yet so may the God of Heaven so please to guide you in the high matters that concern the worship of God, and the Consciences of men, that (what ever be the present or future consequences) your own Consciences may reap the joyful harvest of their present and eternal Requiems.  
The Pope, the Turk, the King of Spain, the Emperor, and the rest of Persecutors, build among the Eagles, and the stars, yet while they practise violence to the Souls of Men, and make their Swords of steel Corrivals with the twoedged spiritual Sword of the son of GOD: the Basis of their Highest Pillars, the Foundation of their glorious Palaces, are but dross and rottenness. And however in our poor arithmetic, their kingdom's Number seem great, yet in the 
All violent courses must break.  only wise account of the eternal, their Ages are but Minutes, and their short Periods are near accomplished; for herein the maxim is most true (in the matters of Religion and Consciences of men, especially:) the violent motion must break.  
But Light from the Father of Lights hath shined on your eyes: Mercy from the Father of Mercies hath softened your breasts, to be tender of the tenderest part of Man, his Conscience: for indeed 
The Act for civil Engagement of great necessity.  there is no true Reason of Policy or Piety (as this Discourse discovereth) why that man that will subscribe (and give assurance for honest meaning) to that most prudent Act of civil Engagement, (what ever his Conscience be) should be deprived and robbed of the liberty of it, in spiritual and Religious matters.  
I have (I fear) been long in my first Petition, my second shall be brief, is this.  
I most humbly and earnestly beseech your Honours 
The second Pettion.  in all the straits and difficulties which yet you are to pass (concerning this great point of men's Consciences, or other high affairs) steer carefuly off from one sunk Rock, on which so many gallant Vessels have miscarried. This Rock lies deeper than others, and seldom hath appeared but at some Dead-low water, when the most high Judge of the whole world reckons with Men or States; in low condititions and debasements.  
I humbly beg from God the gracious continuance of his mighty Angels guard about your sitting, to preserve your Honours from the flames of Wars abroad, and from such flames at home: from rise, from Tumults, from mutinies, from Pistols, from Stab, 
Worldly wisdom in straits a most dangerous rock.  from powderplots, from Poison, etc. but above all, from your own wisdom and Policies in straits and difficulties.  
The holy History tells, that on this Rock (in a State straight) struck the great Statist Jeroboam, to the ruin of himself and his posterity.  
On this Rock split that famous and zealous Reformer Jehu.  
This plucked the Crown from saul's high head, when his own wisdom in straits made him presumptuous about the worship of God.  
This plucked off the Crown, and pluck out the eyes of Zedekiah, when in a straight he trusted not in God, as Solomon speaks, but leaned to his own understanding for his safety.  
To which purpose my third Petition is, that in the 
The third Petition.  midst of so many great Negotiations of Justice, of Mercy to the Bodies and Estates, or Spirits & Consciences of so many thousands and ten thousand, you forget not to deal justly, & to show mercy to yourselves: Oh how lamentable and dreadful will it prove, if after all your high Employments (as the State-Agents & 
Soul shipwreck.  Factors for the Commonweal!) if in the midst of all your cares and fears, and toss about the Souls and Consciences and salvations of others, your own most dear and precious selves make an eternal shipwreck?  
Your honours know, that although men have chosen and culled you out as wise and noble, yet God hath not chosen (if Paul say true) many wise and noble to eternal life and blessedness.  
Who can love and honour you, and not cry to the God of Heaven for you, and to yourselves for yourselves: Be not so busy about the Earthly estate, no nor the Heavenly estate of others, as to forget to make sure your own vocation and election, & to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  
Oh let not this bold cry offend, and though offend, yet let it throughly awake your noble spirits to know your dangers & hindrances (more than other men's) 
Dangers of Parliament men.  from a world of distractions from without, from pride & selfconfidence from within, from the flatteries of such who (hoping for rewards & morsels from you) proclaim abroad (that you may hear it) O blessed Christian Magistrates, Christian Kings & Queens, Christian States, Christian Parliaments, Christian Armies, so lulling your precious souls into an eternal sleep.  
I need not remember your Honours of that most wonderful summa totalis of all the castings up of Solomon's choice particulars (his wisdom, works, riches, peace and pleasures,) Vanity and vexation of spirit. I need not 
Wonderful Confessions of two mighty Kings.  remember you of that wonderful Confession of Philip the 2nd of Spain (near his last) to his successor and son Philip the 3rd, to this effect: I have had and expended (about the time of these 30 years) 594. millions of Treasure, and yet gained nothing for myself but heart sorrow, and vexation of Spirit. Your own observant eyes and ears (in the late most wonderful changes and toss of all affairs and things) cannot but read a thousand Lectures to your most serious midnight and morning Thoughts of the most certain uncertainties of Friends, Treasures, Revenues, Armies, Forts, Magazines, Castles, Ships and Navies, Crowns and Lives.  
Why then should your renowned wisdom & prudence excel the folly of others as much as light excelleth darkness, in searching of the root and causes of matters, in foreseeing Events and Consequences, in 
True Heavenly wisdom.  raising moneys and Armies, in choosing Agents, in framing Laws, in managing great affairs at home & abroad, in discovering plots, in preventing dangers, & final overthrows by sure retreats, etc. If yet, alas, that wisdom make not out a saving discovery of the most holy and only wise, the Alpha & Omega, the first of causes and last of Ends (in whose hand is all your breath and ways:) in raising spiritual supplies against your spiritually devouring adversaries, in discovering their methods, designs, deceits, in preventing that (that) fatal overthrow, and eternal defeat (remediless, hopeless) where the worm never dies, and the fire never goes out?  
O why should your renowned valours so glory in the 
The only valour or cowardice.  conquest of Cities, Castles, Ships & Armies, if yourselves are led captive in the spiritual chains of lusts & passions, a more lamentable, and more to be deplored object, than the poorest slaves in the Spanish and Turkish galleys.  
What shall avail your admired diligence and activity in managing & quick dispatching so many and so high 
True and best diligence.  affairs, by day and night, catching hold of all occasions, redeeming all opportunities, improving all advantages, if you lose the fair Gales, and oreslip and sleep away the precious and inestimable seasons and calls, and knocks and offers of your own eternal Mercies?  
What boots your exemplary and impartial justice on so many and so high Delinquents, if your own bosoms 
True Justice and Righteousness.  are found traitorous to the State of Heaven, rebellious to the King, to the God of spirits, and if in that most high Court of Justice from Gods most dreadful tribunal you hear that thunder (which oh that you may never hear) ●o ye cursed, etc.  
'Tis true your mercies have been eminent to the poor, to the oppressed, to the captive, to the maimed, to the 
Heavenly mercy.  wounded, to the fatherless, widows, etc. But will you now be cruel to yourselves, incompassionate to your own bowels, insensible of your own wounds and miseries? O search and see, and be persuaded of your infinite want of crumbs falling from your Table of Mercy! of the infinite price and value of the wine & oil of the merciful (though despised Samaritan) to ease and supple, to cleanse and heal your broken Hearts and wounded Spirits.  
The flames of your zeal for the God of Israel (as that famous Jehu said) have been so bright, and mounted so high against two mighty Factions of the Kings and Queens (the prelates & the Popes) that those flames have not only dazzled and amazed all British eyes (the English 
Late zealous Reformations.  & the Scotch) but o'er the Seas, and o'er the Alps, and o'er the Pirenean mountains, and Rome's own 7 hills have flown & filled all Protestant and Popish ears, and hearts, and tongues, with either admiration & exulting, or furious rage and indignation! Yet what avails these glorious flames, and furious whirling of your zealous Chariots, if yet they are but Jehu's? If Satan the God of this world possess the Throne of Pride and Ostentation in your bosoms (Come see my zeal which I have for the God of Israel) yea though you should go on where Jehu left, and shoot home where he fell short, yet what avails it that the God of Israel be in Iehu's mouth, when God-selfe, God-honour, etc. fill his breast & heart? What gains he by the slaughter of Princes, Priests and Gods, when Israel itself is but an Apostate state from the true worship 
Jehu his zeal and reward.  of the God of Israel, and Jehu himself (according to the purity of God's word and ordinances at Jerusalem) reform not so much as his own private heart & censcience?  
Alas, what solid joy (most zealous Worthies) shall a Crown of leaves (a temporal reward, Iehu's wages) bring to your Noble Heads & Breasts, if you hear not at last that saving Call to all humble and selfe-denying Followers of Jesus Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  
Your admired public patience so wonderfully assaulted, so wonderfully loaden with such mighty Trials from man's, from God's hand, with such mighty Losses, mighty Defeats, mighty Labours & Hazards, 
Of the Parliaments patience.  mighty Reproaches, etc. I say your unwearied Patience hath stood (like some mighty Rock, or anvil) invincible: Yet who can style this Patince, or state-policy! if your private houses and Breasts swell and swarm with rebellious Passions, Impatiences, Revenges! If in the furnaces of your own private afflictions, and in the powrings out and changes of the most High upon you, your dross and Lees of unmortified, unsanctified Spirits remain uncleansed! if you most humbly kiss not the Rods of the most High chastising you by sicknesses, by loesses, and other trials, humbly thankful, and longing to declare the Spirits of true Children, truly desiring more and more to partake of his Divine Nature and holiness?  
Yea, what avails the Crown of your enduring Constancy, that have rid out so long a storm, held out 
Of the Crown of true Constancy.  so long a siege, not fainted in such tedious Travels, Labours, Oppositions, Treacheries, Discouragements, but gloriously cast Anchor in the Port of Patience; if yet your personal Righteousness pass away as the morning dew melted with the warm beams of victorious and prosperous Success? If your own professions of Christ Jesus prove but a fading colour, and not died in the right Grain of the precious blood of the Son of God?  
Your Honours well remember, that the main point of Luther's Reformation, (and before him of the Hussites in Germany and Bohemia, and before them of the Wicklevists in England, and before them of the Waldenses in France, consisted chief about Repentance and Faith in the blood of Christ: That the main Contentions of Calvin, and since him of the most Reformers, have turned upon the hinge of 
The Controversies of late years about Religion.  the Form of the Church, and the Administrations thereof, the lamentable though precious fuel of those fires of strife among the wisest, holiest, and learnedst of the Followers of Christ Jesus in these times. You know the Lord Jesus prophesied, That 
So many opposite Churches, so many opposite Christ's to the only true.  many false Christ's should arise, and the Scriptures more than once give the title of Christ to the Ghurch; whence it is evident, That every several Model, Platform, and profession of a Church, is the profession of a various and different Christ. Your Honours also know he spoke most true (being Truth itself) that said, That which is most highly esteemed amongst men, is abomination in the sight of God, Luke 16. Hence, such may the glorious profession of Christ's or Churches be, as may ravish the eyes and hearts of men, and from which the jealous eyes of the true Lord Jesus turn away as from the false and counterfeit with indignation. Beside the Counterfeit in holy Scripture, how famous was the Pageant of that counterfeit King of England, which so 
The Pageant of Perken Warbeck in K. H. 7. his days, a picture of false Christ's, or Churches.  haunted with long vexations one of the wisest of England's Kings (Henry the seventh?) How wonderfully (even to astonishment) did the imposture of Richard Duke of York (proclaiming Henry an usurper and ●alse.) I say, how wonderfully did that monstrous imposture take, that not only foreigners where that Counterfeit most kept (the archduke, the King of France, the King of Scots, the King of Romans, the Irish Nation, etc.) were deceived with that feigned King, but also so many gallant men of our own Nation, even to the wisest and highest (as that famous Stanley Lord Chamberlain, the Preserver and R●iser of King Henry himself) lamentably lost their Heads and Lives about that pretended King? Now sergeant Spiritual delusions of false and counterfeit Christ's, as they are deeper and stronger, so they find more easy possession of the Ears and Souls of men, so woefully prepared by natural self-deceiving.  
On six principal Pillars or 
* 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. The six fundamentals of Christian Religion. Heb. 6.  Foundations (saith the holy Spirit, Heb. 6. 6.) is built the fabric of of true Christianity: On Repentance, on Faith, on baptisms, on laying on of Hands, on the Resurrection, and the Eternal Judgement.  
Concerning the two middle ones of these there are and have been mighty and lamentable differences among the Scholars of Jesus, who yet agree in the other four, of Repentance and Faith, the Resurrection and Eternal Judgement.  
Whatsoever your honour's apprehensions are of 
with or without the first two, salvation or no salvation.  the four last, I beseech you (as you love your lives to Eternity) make sure of the two first, and ply (with Sails and Oars) day and nights, and give not rest to your souls till you have anchored in some blessed assurance, that although you find not satisfaction in the many frames of Churches pretending; yet that you have saved (as once you know a wise and honourable personage said) the Bird in your bosom: and that those your very eyes which have seen so much of Christ Jesus, and so many wonderful changes, and have been rotten awhile in their holes (in Death) shall joyfully possess, and fill their holes again, and be gloriously blessed with the sight of a Redeemer, when these Heavens and this Earth shall pass away. For which humbly and uncessantly prays  
Your honour's most unworthy, yet unfeignedly devoted, Roger Williams.   

Your Honours (wanting time to read much) may please to view in a few minutes the portraiture and Map of the whole Bloody Tenent in the latter end of the last Chapt. Chap. 79.   

To the several Respective General Courts, especially that of the Massachusets in N. ENGLAND.  
Honoured and beloved Friends and countrymen,  
WHile You sit dry on your safe American 
N, England privilege.  shores (by Gods most gracious Providence) and have beheld the doleful toss of so many of Europa's Nations, yea of our dearest Mother, aged England, in a Sea of Tears and blood, I am humbly bold to present your Eyes and Hearts with this (not unseasonable) discourse of blood, of the Bloody tenants of Persecution, Oppression, and Violence, in the Cause and matters of Conscience and Religion.  
It is a Second Conference of Peace and Truth, an Examination of the worthily honoured and beloved Mr. Cottons 
Whole Nation of lions or Persecutors.  Reply to a former Conference and Treatise of this Subject. And although it concern all Nations, which have persecuted and shed the Blood of Jesus, the bloody Roman Empire, with all the Savage lions thereof, Emperors and Popes, the bloody Monarchies of Spain and France, and the rest of Europa's Kingdoms and States (which under their several Vizards and Preteness of Service to God, have in so many thousands of his Servants, murdered so many thousand times over, his dear Son) yea although it concern that Bloody Turkish Monarchy, and all the Nations of the World who practice violence to the Conscience of any Christian, or Antichristians, Jews or Pagans; yet it concerns yourselves (with all due respect otherwise be it spoken) in some more eminent 
The bloody Tenent more especially concerns N. E.  degrees: Partly, as so many of yours of chief note (beside Mr. Cotton) are engaged in it; partly as N. England (in respect of Spiritual and Civil State) professeth to draw nearer to Christ Jesus then other States and Churches, and partly as N. England is believed to hold and practise such a Bloody Doctrine, notwithstanding Mr Cottons Vails and Pretences of not persecuting men for conscience, but punishing them only for sinning against conscience! and of but so and so, not persecuting, but punishing heretics, Blasphemers, Idolators, Seducers, etc.  
It is Mr. Cottons great mistake and forgetfulness, to charge 
The occasion of the present controversy.  me with a public examination of his private Letter to me; whereas in Truth, there never passed such Letters between himself and me about this Subject; as he allegeth: But the Prisoners Arguments against Persecution, with Mr. Cottons Answer thereunto (which I examined) I say these were unexpectedly, and solemnly sent to me, as no private thing, with earnest desire of my consideration or Animadversions on them.  
These Agitations between Mr. Cotton and others, so sent unto me, as also the Model of Church and Civil Power by God's Providence coming to hand, I say they seemed to me to be of too too public a nature: And in which my soul not only heard the doleful cry of the souls under the Altar to the Lord for Vengeance, but their earnest solicitations, yea and the command of the Lord Jesus for Vindication of their bloods and lives spilt and destroyed, by this Bloody Tenent, though under never so Fair and Glorious shows and Colours.  
The most holy and alseeing knows how bitterly I resent 
This Contestation is not with persons, but against their bloody doctrines and tenants.  the least difference with Mr. Cotton, yea with the least of the followers of Jesus, of what conscience or worship soever: How mournfully I remember this stroke (as I believe) on Mr. Cottons eye, and the eyes of so many of God's precious children and servants, in these and other parts; that those eyes so piercing and heavenly (in other holy and precious Truths of God) should yet be so overclouded and bloudshotten in this: I grieve I must contest, and maintain this contestation with (in other respects) so dearly beloved and so worthy Adversaries.  
And yet why mention I or respect I man that is but Grass, and the children of men that must die, whose Brains, Eyes and Tongues (even the holiest and the highest) must shortly sink and rot in their skulls and holes.  
Without remembering therefore who my adversary is, nor all the Wormwood and the Gall so frequently in Mr. Cottons Reply against me; I fully and only levelly with an upright and single eye (the Lord Jesus graciously assisting) against that fowl and monstrous bloody Tenent and doctrine, which hath so slily (like the old Serpent the Author of it) crept under the shade and shelter of Mr. Cottons Patronage and Protection.  
My end is to discover and proclaim the crying and horrible 
The end of this Treatise.  guilt of the bloody doctrine, as one of the most Seditious, Destructive, Blasphemous, and bloodiest in any or in all the Nations of the World, notwithstanding the many fine Vails, Pretences and Colours of not persecuting Christ Jesus, but heretics, not God's Truth or Servants, but Blasphemers, Seducers: not Persecuting men for their Conscience, but for sinning against their Conscience, etc.  
My end is to persuade Gods Judah (especially) to wash their hands from blood, to cleanse their hearts and ways 
The cry of the Lord Jesus.  from such unchristian practices, toward all that is man, capable of a Religion and a Conscience, but most of all toward Christ Jesus, who cries out (as he did to Saul) in the sufferings of the least of his Servants: Old England, Old England, New England, New England, King, King, Parliaments, Parliaments, General Courts, General Courts, Presbyterians, Presbyterians, Independents, Independents, etc. Why persecute you me? It is hard for you to kick against the Pricks.  
My end is to prepare the Servants and Witnesses of Jesus (what Truth soever of his they testify) for that great and general and most dreadful slaughter of the witnesses, which I cannot but humbly fear, and almost believe, is near approaching, and will be ushered in, provoked and hastened by the preud security, worldly pomp, fleshly confidence, and bloody violences of Gods own children, woefully exercised each against other, and so rendered woefully ripe for such an universal and dreadful Storm and Tempest!  
My end and scope is to put a Christian bar, and just and merciful 
A Bar against Persecution.  Spoaks in the wheels of such zealous reforming Jehues, who (under the Vizard and Name of Baal's Priests) may possibly be induced to account it good service unto God, to kill and burn his precious Servants.  
My end is, that the greatest Sons of blood (the Papists) may know, when ever (as the Saints in Queen Mary's days confessed) when ever it shall please the jealous God for the 
Or a Testimony against it, especially in the Papists.  sins of his Saints to turn the Wheels of his most deep and holy Providences, and to give the Power to the Paw of the Beast, against his Saints and Truths, for their last dreadful slaughter (as Daniel and John do clearly seem to tell us) I say those Sons of blood, the bloody Papists, may know, that their bloody doctrine of persecution, was disclaimed by some, whom they call Sectaries: That equal and impartial favour was pleaded to the Catholics, as well as to their own or other men's Souls and Consciences: And that if that great Whore shall yet proceed not only to drink the wine of their carnal jollity, in the bowls of the holy Ordinances of Christ's Temple and Sanctuary; but also to drink more drunk in the blood of his Saints and witnesses! This Testimony may stand as a Character of blood, fixed by the hand of God's eternal Truth and Peace, upon the Gates of their bloody Courts, and upon the forehead of their bloody Judges, who (under what pretence soever) hunt and persecute the Souls and Consciences of any Child of God or Man.  
My truly honoured and beloved countrymen, vouchsafe me 
A double prison, of prejudice and Conscience.  I beseech you that humane and Christian liberty to say, that I fear your Spirits are locked up in a double prison from any serious Audience to aught of mine presented to you. The first of Prejudice against such and such a person. The second of Conscience, against such and such a matter; and that while my Conscience or another man's saith, Let me be Heretic, Blasphemer, Idolater, Seducer, with Christ Jesus, with his Apostles, Saints and Witnesses: Let me (for his sake) bear Frowns, Censures, and Persecutions, from men so dear, so excellent, so holy! Your Consciences plead for equal liberty of opposing in your way, all such erroneous or wand'ring Consciences.  
For answer, It is but Humanity, it is but Christianity to exercise meekness and moderation to all men: It is humane and Christian Wisdom to listen to a serious Alarm against a Common Enemy: Prove the Alarm false, it may be but troublesome: Prove it true, it may be Destruction to have despised it.  
As the wounds of a Lover are better than the Kisses of an Enemy: So saith the same Spirit, an open Rebuke is better than secret Love.  
But yet your Consciences (as all men's) must be satisfied, 
2 Foundamentall Hints against Persecution.  I have therefore in all these Agitations humbly presented (amongst others) two Foundamental Hints or Considerations.  
First that the People (the Original of all free Power and Government) are not invested with Power from Christ Jesus, to rule his Wife or Church, to keep it pure, to punish Opposites by force of arms, etc.  
Secondly, that the Pattern of the National Church of Israel, was a None-such, unimitable by any Civil State, in all or any of the Nations of the World beside: In this latter hint I insisted more largely in my former Considerations upon Church and Civil Power in N. E. unto which Mr. Cotton replied not (and of any other replies of any (to whom Mr. Cotton refers it) do I yet not know of.)  
I Add, it is a glorious Character of every true Disciple or scholar of Christ Jesus, to be never too old to learn.  
It is the Command of Christ Jesus to his scholars, to try all things: And liberty of trying what a Friend, yea what an (esteemed) enemy presents, hath ever (in point of Christianity) proved one especial means of attaining to the truth of Christ.  
For I dare confidently appeal to the consciences of Gods most knowing servants, if that observation be not true, to 
Liberty of trying forbidden Books, etc.  wit, that it hath been the common way of the Father of Lights, to enclose the Light of his holy Truths, in dark and obscure, yea and ordinarily in forbidden Books, persons and Meetings, by Satan styled Conventicles.  
New English Voyages, have taught most of our Old English spirits, how to put due prices upon the most common and ordinary undervalved mercies; how precious with some hath 
New England's Lessons.  been a little water? how dainty with others a piece of bread: How welcome to some the poorest howsing? Yea the very Land and Earth, after long and tedious passages?  
There is one commodity for the sake of which most of God's children in N. England have run their mighty hazards; a commodity marvellously scarce in former times (though in some late years by Gods most gracious and mighty hand more plentiful) in our native country: It is a liberty of searching after Gods most holy mind and pleasure.  
Out of this most precious and invaluable Jewel, if you suffer Satan (that grand thief and cheater to bereave you, and that it shall be a crime, humbly and peaceably to question even 
Liberty of searching our Truth, hardly got, and as hardly kept.  laws and Statutes, or what ever is even publicly taught and delivered, you will most certainly find yourselves after all your long Run (like that little Frenchman who killed the Duke of Guise, and was taken next morning near the place from whence he had fled upon a swift horse all night) 
Jan le petit.  I say you will most certainly find yourselves, but where you were, enslaved and captivated in the Chains of those Popish Darknesses, [to wit, Ignorance is the mother of Devotion, and we must believe as the Church believes, etc.]  
Remember therefore (O ye the Cream and Flower of English Plantations in America) what a black and direful a coal it was with which it pleased the Spirit of God in Habacuck, to brand the Assyrian monarchy, to wit [a Bitter and hasty Nation] but in the spirit of meekness, in the meekness of wisdom, be pleased to remember that possible it is for God's 
The wonderful deceitfulness of the hearts of Gods only people.  visible, only people in the world to have very foul and bloody hands, full of Blood (Isa. 1.)! To build up Zion and Jerusalem (that is, to erect the Visible Church and Kingdom of God) with Blood (Mic. 3.) and with iniquity, That the Heads and Judges of God's People, may judge for a reward (and the deceitful heart of man graspeth at rewards more than of one sort) that the Priests and Prophets thereof may teach and prophesy (and it may be frequently and excellently, but yet for) an hire and for money; And that yet their consciences may lean upon Jehovah, and they may say with confidence, is not the Lord amongst us? None evil shall come unto us; etc. O remember that your Gifts are rare, your Professions of Religion (in such way) rare, your Persecutions 
Mic. 3. N. England must be singular, as in Mercies, so in judgements.  and hidings from the storms abroad, rare and wonderful: So in proportion your Transgressions, estate and publicksins cannot but be of a rare and extraordinary gild: Nor will New England's sorrows (when sins are ripe and full) be other than the Dregs of germanies, of Ireland's, of England's, and of Scotland's Tears and Calamities.  
Amongst the crying sins of our own or other sinful Nations: those two are ever amongst the loudest, to wit, Invented Devotions to the God of Heaven. Secondly, Violence and Oppression on the Sons of men (especially (if his sons) for 
2 of the loudest State. crying sins.  dissenting, and against both these, and that the impartial and dreadful hand of the most holy and Jealous God (a consuming fire) tear and burn not up at last the Roots of these Plantations, but graciously discovering the Plants which are not his, he may graciously fructify and cause to flourish what his Right hand will own: I say this is the humble and unfeigned desire and cry (at the Throne of Grace) of your so long despised Out-cast:  
ROGER WILLIAMS.   

To the Merciful and Compassinate READER.  
WHile the unmerciful Priests and Levits turn away their cruel Eyes and Feet from their 
Soul wounds, the deepest.  poor wounded neighbours (the oppressed for matters of Religion and Worship) it will be no ingrateful act to present thy tender heart and Ear (Compassionate Samaritane) with the doleful cry of the Souls under the Altar [How long Lord before thou avenge our blood on them that dwell upon the Earth] and too pray thy mournful view of the Akeldemae's and fields of Blood, where thousands and ten thousand times ten thousands of the precious Saints (Servants and Witnesses of Jesus) lie slaughtered in their bloody Gore, in all Ages and in all Nations, where the Trumpet of the Son of God hath sounded:  
Here and there among these slaughtered heaps of Saints lie (thin and rare) the slaughtered carcases of some poor Arrians or Papists, or other poor deluding and deluded souls: This seeming colour of impartial Justice serves (woefully) 
The Akeldamaes, or fields of blood, caused by the bloody Tenent of Persecution.  that murderous enemy of all Mankind for a stolen or Covert under which his bloody Game goes on, of persecuting (or hunting) the harmless Deer, the children of the living God.  
For the sake then of the dear Saints and Followers of Jesus, for his holy sake and Truth, for the holy name and Truth of the most holy Father of Lights, the God of it, thy compassionate eye is here presented with a Second Conference and view of Mr. Cottons Reply, and artificial bloody washing of the Bloody Tenent.  
The battle about any Truth of God in Christ, is fought and managed by that most high and glorious Michael the archangel and Son of God, attended with all his Holy Angels, the Messengers and Witnesses of his Truth on the one side: On the other side by that great red Dragon, whose bloody Followers, 
Michael, the son of God, and Satan the red Dragon, the two great Generals.  Devils and men of all sorts and Nations, but especially the Roman bloody Emperor, and Roman Popes (with lion-like fury, and foxlike craft) have sucked the blood and broke the Bones, and devoured the Flesh of so many hundred thousand, thousands of the King of Kings his spiritual Hinds and Roes in this their bloody hunting: So that aptly (I had almost said Prophetically) wrote one of their own Roman Poets of the lamentable condition of the harmless Deer above other Creatures: Dente tuetur Aper, defendunt, Cornua Taurum, Imbelles Damae quid nisi Praeda sumus?  
'Tis a lamentable and cruel sight to see the sons of one poor man and woman, (all the Globe of the world over (like Babel's bvilders) so vastly disagreeing about a God and his Worship.  
'Tis lamentable to see these one man's sons murdered and Massacred (in mutual slaughters) as for other pretended Causes: So this especially of Conscience and Religion.  
'Tis yet more lamentable and never enough to be lamented, 
Lamentable discords about Religion, even among the servants of the true and living God.  that while the Sons of Men do but their kind! the Sons of God, the sons of the God of Place, the Lilies, Doves and Spouses of Jesus should thus discord and jart about this Christ their hope! that (like the very Turks and Persians contending about their Mahomet his Successors) the Children of God should tear out each others Throats about the last Will and Testament of the Son of God their elder brother: That Ephraim should be against Manasseh, and Manasseh against Ephraim, and both against Judah; yet all sons of one, and professors of one God of Israel:  
But oh the low and shallow comprehensions of the sons of 
The Israelites divided.  men, who as a Rotten thing (saith Job) consumeth▪ Oh the depths of the counsels and workings of the most High, most Holy, and only wise, outshooting all the Generations of men, who heat and know no more than Jonathans' Lad, Is not the Arrow beyond thee? etc.  
His holy Wisdom hath an heavenly Reason (to touch a little upon this sorrowful string) of that bloody Device and 
Joseph sold by his brethren.  Sale of innocent Joseph by his own Brethren, the sons of one Israel and God.  
He knows why so holy a Leader of such a miraculous People (as I may truly call them) why Aaron (I say) was so left to the horrible, ungrateful, and outrageous importunities 
Israel force Aaron to make them Gods.  of this (than the only) People of God, as to frame a Beastly worship, and to turn the most glorious and dreadful Godhead into the similitude of a Beast that eateth grass.  
He knows why the Israel of God) Rebels, as Moses passionately called them) should so often grieve the holy Spirit of 
Israel's murmur.  God with their murmur, and be so near to dash out the brains of their most faithful Leaders.  
He knows why two Parts or Angles of that Heavenly Triangle (Moses, Aaron, and Miriam so near in Earthly and Heavenly Relations) I say why that rare Pair, Aaron and 
Aaron and Miriam against Moses.  Miriam should yet envy and mutiny against their so dear a Brother, and so meek and heavenly a Ruler, Moses.  
His heavenly wisdom hath a reason of that wonderful Shrinking of an Army of 32 thousand Israelits, into one poor 300 left behind, and found only fit for God's battles against 
An army of 32000 Israelites shrunk into 300.  the Midianits.  
A reason why those two famous Champions, Samson and David should find so great discouragement to their fight of God's battles, the men of Judah basely binding Samson, 
Samson and David discouraged by their own brethren. Benjamin almost destroyed by the 11 Tribes. Israel's rejecting of Samuel & the Lord himself.  and the chief of David's own Brethren flying in his face with open rail.  
A reason of that all most utter consumption of one whole Tribe of Israel's 12. by the furious flames of the Zeal and Indignation of the eleven.  
These things happened not by chance, but as the Apostle speaks in Types (in curious and wonderful figures) so that his holy wisdom knows: why Israel must be so weary of Samuel and himself, and (like the Nations of the World) must have a King to be their Champion and fight their battles:  
Why Saul this desired King, the King of Gods own choice and Israel's, why yet he must hunt an innocent David, as a 
Saul persecuting David.  Flea in the bosom, or a partridge on the mountains, until he hath slain himself to set the Crown on David's head.  
A reason of that long continued Faction of so many Tribes against this Davids Crown, and that Israel (so importunate, so impatient for a King) should now pour out each others 
Ishbosheth and Israel against David and Judah.  blood about a Successor, whether a David, or (the son of Persecution, Saul) Ishbosheth.  
A reason (when David wears both Crowns in one, and hath all that a most gracious God could espy out fit for David to receive, that yet he wants a wife that had so many, and rather than a David's sinful Desires and Whordomes shall 
David stabbing Vriah with his Pen.  want a Covering, the blood of Vriah (that is fire or zeal of God) shall die and make up one to cover them.  
O the Depths of the counsels of the holy one of Israel why (there being but 12 Tribes in all) 10 Tribes of his own 
The divisions & dispersions of the Tribes.  people should tear away from 2, and after many Captivities of the one and the other, both the one and the other now are scattered from each other upon the face of the Earth, and as yet no certain Tidings what's befallen to the 10 Tribes of the Israel of God.  
He knows why to leave an upright perfect Asa●'s heart to such folly and wrath, as to lay a faithful Prophet (admonishing him from God) by the heels.  
Yea, why the Followers of the meek Lamb of God, should 
Asa imprisoning the Prophet.  burn in such unchristian Flames, as to call for fire from Heaven to consume the contemners and despisers of their Lord 
Christ's Disciples desirous of fire from heaven, &c  and Master, who quencheth the fire of their rash zeal with this mild Check, You know not of what Spirit you are of.  
Why such 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (bitterness as the Word is) should rise between two Turtle Doves, Paul and Barrabas, and that about 
Bitterness between Saul and Barrabas.  their most laborious and most dangerous Ministeries.  
Why one cries Paul, another Apollo, another Caphas, another Christ, even in the first established Churches.  
This holy Plot, this heavenly design of the most holy and only wise God, thus to permit the contentions and divisions 
God's mercy draws one many sweet fruits from the bitter contentions of his servants.  of his own Servants, as it displays Himself only Perfect and Excellent, and all (the best of) men in all Ages, but farthing-candles, yea smoking Firebrands: As it brightly proves the admirable consent and Angelical Harmony of the holy Scripture, relating Histories, and in those Histories infolding prophecies, fulfilled before men's daily view thousands of years after: As it makes us see our spiritual poverty and Beggary, and infinite need of Mercy and Grace, and Peace from Heaven, and drives us to continual Prayers and cries, for merciful supplies from thence! As it disrelisheth this present sweetest life, yea the very life of Spiritual Love, in the Communion of the Saints of God themselves, if compared with the most pure and spiritual and absolute joys and Life approaching.  
So doth this heavenly council of the most High, abundantly stop the mouths of all malicious, who (although they delight to scratch their Athenian Itch of hearing Novelties, new things, news, yet) stumble they at this stumbling-block of Novelties, new Churches, new Ministers, new Discipline, new Baptism, new Light: The ancient of days (say they) the God of Peace and Love cannot be in such Divisions: The old Bishops were better, the old Popes themselves more tolerable.  
But this is but the barking of malice against God's holiness which his true servants desire to partake of! Against God's Truth, which his servants must contend for, (yea though it be one against another) against God's counsels who hath so laid his holy project, that what he now sets out in a clear Light and fairer Print, is the very same (had we enlightened eyes to see it (with the old edition of former times, more dark and rude in Ceremonies, Types, and figures.  
I cannot but foresee variety of divers Passions and Affections, 
Various affections of Readers expected.  in a Variety of Beholders of this present controversy: Some will please themselves and their curiosities in the novelty of such discourses: some will rejoice to see the light appear, and yet mourn in the lamentable differences of such who profess the same God and Christ about it: Some will be angry and cry out of Blasphemy against their Gods, their Bellies, and their Titles, etc. Some will fear disturbances of the Civil, and some of the Spiritual peace and Christianity: Yet some will truly desire, to search and know the will of God, humbly desirous to do it on earth, as the Angels do it in heaven.  
The Courteous Reader may please to see, that in the 
The Model of N. English Church and Civil Power.  first Conference of Peace and Truth, there was discussed, a model of New English Church and civil Power, which Mr. Cotton in his Reply waved and referred to others of the New English Elders to Reply unto, which whether they have so done as yet I have not heard:  
Together with Mr. Cottons Reply to the Bloody Tenent, 
Of Mr. Cottons Reply to the Answer to his Letter.  there was also added a Reply of Mr. Cotton to an Answer of his Letter: The Examination of this Reply I desired, and intended should have been here presented; But the straits of time (being constantly drunk up by necessary Labours for bread for many depending on me, the discharge of Engagements, and wanting helps of transcribing) I say the straits of time were such, that the Examination of that Reply could not together with this, be fitted for public view, though with the Lords assistance will not delay to follow:  
Touching Mr. Cotton I present two words: First for his Person, Secondly for his Work.  
For his Person, although I rejoice that since it pleased 
God's wisdom adored in the Discussing of the bloody Tenent.  God to lay a Command on my Conscience to come in as his poor witness in this great Cause: I say I rejoice it hath pleased him to appoint so able, and excellent, and Conscionable an Instrument to bolt out the Truth to the bran: So I can humbly say it in his holy presence, it is my constant heaviness and souls grief as to differ from any fearing God; so much more ten thousand times from Mr: Cotton, whom I have ever desired and still desire highly to esteem, and dearly to respect, for so great a portion of mercy and grace vouchsafed unto him, and so many Truths of Christ Jesus maintained by him. And therefore (notwithstanding that some (of no common Judgement and respect to him, have said, that he wrote his washing of the Bloody Tenent in blood against Christ Jesus, and Gall against me, yet) if upon so slippery and narrow a passage I have slpit (notwithstanding my constant resolution to the contrary) into any term or Expression unbeseeming his Person, or the Matter (the cause of the most high in hand considered) I humbly crave pardon of God, and Mr. Cotton also.  
Secondly concerning his Work, I call to mind a speech of one of eminent Note in N. England (observing a disposition in men for one man to deify another, and that some of 
A memorable Speech touching Mr. Cotton.  no small note had said they could hardly believe that God would suffer Mr. Cotton to err) the Speech was this [I fear that God may leave Mr. Cotton to some great error, that men may see he is a man] etc.  
But concerning his Work, the observant Reader will soon discover, that whatever Mr. Cottons Stand is, yet he most weakly provides himself of very strange Reserves, and Retreats: to point with the finger at 2 or 3 most frequent and remarkable.  
First when he seems to be overwhelmed with the lamentable and doleful cries of the Souls under the Altar, crying 
The strange retreats Mr. Cotton makes in this controversy.  out for Vengeance on their Persecutors that dwell upon the Earth! He often retreats, and professeth to hold no such doctrine of persecuting the Saints, no nor of any for cause of Conscience, nor that the Magistrate should draw forth his Sword in matters of Religion.  
When it is urged that through this whole Book he Persecutes or Hunts (by name) the Idolater, the Blasphemer, the heretic, the Seducer, and that to Death or Banishment: 
The rearing of lion like persecution, pag.  and amongst other Expressions useth this for one [If there be stones in the streets, the Magistrate need not run for a Sword to the smith's shop, nor to the Ropier for an Halter to punish heretics, etc.] Mr. Cotton retreats into the Land of Israel, and calls up Moses and his Laws against Idolaters, Blasphemers, Seducers, &c:  
When he is Challenged (and that by his own frequent confession in his Book) for producing the Pattern of a National Church when he stands only for a congregational! for producing that national church of Israel, so miraculous, so typical, as a copy or sampler for the Nations and Peoples of the World (who have no such miraculous and typical respect upon them) Mr. Cotton retreats to Moral Equity, that the Seducer and he that kills a Soul should die.  
When it is urged that Christ Jesus at his so long typed out coming, abolished those National shadows, and erected 
The strange reluctancies of the Lamb. like spirit of Mr. Cotton forced to against the Persecuting Lyon.  his Spiritual Kingdom of Israel, appinted Spiritual Officers, Punishments, etc. and that those Scriptures, Tit. 3▪ against the heretics; and Rev. 2. against Baalam and Jezabel prove only a spiritual death and cutting off from Christ Jesus his holy land of life and peace, his church & kingdom. Mr. Cotton retreats and confesseth Christ's Kingdom is spiritual, not national, but congregational, and that those Scriptures hold forth a Spiritual cutting off, and he so produceth them to prove the heretic so to be cut off, alleging that the question was put in general terms, that he knew not what Persecution should be intended, and that an unjust excommunication is as sore a persecution as an unjust banishment. When he is urged with the nature of the consciences (even of all men to God or Gods in their worships, he professeth that he is wronged, & that he doth not hold that any man should be persecuted for his conscience, but for sinning against his conscience. When all the consciences in the world cry out against him for setting up the civil power & officers, and Courts of civil justice, to judge of the conviction of men's souls and consciences! Mr. Cotton retreats to his last refuge, and saith that although this be the duty of all the Magistrates in the world, yet not any of them must meddle to punish in Religion, until they be informed which is (upon the point) until he is sure they will draw their swords for his Conscience, Church, etc. against all other as heretical, blasphemous.  
The monstrous Partiality of such suspending, etc. of 
Monstrous partiality, as touching the Magistracy.  hanging up all the Magistrates in the world, (except a few of his own persuasion) and that from so principal and main a part of their Office, and that so many thousands in the Nations of the world all the world over, and that constantly and perpetually all their days. If it please the most jealous and righteous God to hid it (I say the monstrousness of such a Suspension) from Mr. Cottons eyes, yet thousand and ten thousands will behold and wonder at it.  
But (fearing to exceed in discourse at door) let every merciful and compassionate Reader freely enter in, and search the in most Rooms and Closets:  
If thou truly love the Truth and Peace, thou art too near of kin to the Prince of Peace and Truth itself, long to escape the Hunters. If the forty two months of the 
The slaughter of the Witnesses, Revel. 2. 10.  Beasts reign, and the two hundred and threescore days of the prophecy of the Witnesses of Jesus in Sackcloth be expired: yet I fear the three days and a half of the greatest slaughter of the Witnesses is not over: Yet fear not what must be suffered, although the devil cast (not only some, but) all Christ's Witnesses into Prison: yea, although he murder and fling out the carcases of the Saints to shame and injury, yet the mighty Spirit of God will raise them on their feet again, and into heavenly glory, out of this shame shall they ascend in the sight of their bloody enemies.  
How many and how various are the Dispute, etc. about what should be this three days and a halves calamity? How many hope this storm is over? how many fear it is now a breeding? Yet why should we fear so short a draught (though) of a bitter Cup, when tempered by the gracious hand of an Heavenly Father, begun by so dear an Elder Brother, so sweet a Saviour? The Revelations of John, and the Revelations of Gods wonderful Providences, seem to proclaim wonderful and dreadful Discoveries of the Son of God approaching. And it is as sure as that there is a Lord Jesus Christ, that God will subdue all his enemies, that he will shortly break 
Christ Jesus shortly ruining the two dreadful Empites of the bloody Turk and Pope.  (and make all his followers tread on) the proudest Necks born up this day in the world, even the grandest signories of the Turkish and Popish Empires, the two so mighty opposers of the Son of God. And it is not improbable, both their ruins and downfall must be from some top and pinnacle of glorious prosperity and furious outrage against their (Antichristian and Christian) enemies.  
The chiefest European enemies of the All devouring Turk (though all that bear the name of Christ 
The Turks sorest enemies in Euope.  are his enemies) are more especially the Pope, the Emperor, the King of Spain and the Venetians, by whom Christ Jesus (probably) will dash that mighty Empire into pieces, as he seems to have prophesied of old by his servant Daniel: yet probably, as I said before, this downfall must be from some more eminent height of Turkish bloody pride and glory, which that blasphemous and bloody Monarchy shall immediately before attain unto.  
The sorest enemies of the Roman Popes, are the 
The Pope's sorest enemies.  witnesses of the Truths of Jesus, whom he hath not left himself without, during the 42 months of the reign of this mighty and dreadful Beast. Against these blessed followers of the Lamb must (probably) the rage of this bloody Beast rise high in that his great slaughter of them and triumph three days and an half over them, (Rev. 11.) and this not long before his own eternal downfall.  
Many have been the Interpretations of that prophecy, and some late Applications of the witnesses and Time to particular persons and Times of late.  
But (with all due respect to the Apprehensions of any studious of the truth of Jesus) I conceive the matter is of a more general consideration.  
For in all that world over that wondered after the Beast, hath Christ Jesus raised up a Generation or kind of Witnesses bearing testimony against him. This witness (more or less) to the several Truths of Jesus, he hath been pleased to maintain, before and since Luther's time, especially: The finishing of the Testimony must (probably) be general, not only in England, but in the rest of the Protestant Nations; which finishing of the witness (probably) will consist in the matters of the purity of his worship, and the Government of the Lord Jesus in his own holy Appointments and Institutions. The slaughter of these witnesses must also (probably) be general, and in the three days and half triumph over them general: upon which follows that most glorious and general rising of the witnesses unto their glory promised, Rev. 11.  
I confess in this plea for freedom to all Consciences 
Freedom of Conscience in worship due even to the Papists themselves. See Chap.  in matters (merely) of worship, I have impartially pleaded for the freedom of the consciences of the Papists themselves, the greatest enemies and persecutors (in Europe) of the Saints and Truths of Jesus: Yet I have pleaded for no more than is their due and right, and (what ever else shall be the Consequent) it shall stand for a monument and testimony against them, and be an aggravation of their former, present, or future cruelties against Christ Jesus the Head, and all that uprightly love him, his true Disciples and Followers.  
It is true, I have not satisfaction in the clear discovery of those holy prophecies & Periods set down and prefixed by the holy Spirit in Daniel, John, etc. concerning the Kingdom of Christ Jesus: Yet two things I profess in the holy presence of God, Angels and Men.  
First, my humble Desires and Resolution (the Lord assisting) to contend for the true and visible worship of the true and living God, according to the Institution and Appointment of the last will and Testament of Christ Jesus.  
2. I believe and profess, that such persons, such Churches are got nearest to Christ Jesus, on whose forehead are written these blessed characters of the true Lord Jesus Christ; First, content with a poor and low condition in worldly things. 2. An holy cleansing from the filthiness of false worships and worldly conversations. 3. An humble and constant endeavour to attain (in their simplicity & purity) to the Ordinances and appointments of Christ Jesus. 4. Are so far from smiting, kill, and wounding the Opposites of their profession and worship, that they resolve themselves patiently to bear and carry the Cross and Gallows of their Lord and Master, and patiently to suffer with him. In the number of such his poor servants who as unfeignedly desire (notwithstanding my plea against Persecutors and Persecution) I say as unfeignedly desire to suffer as cheerfully with Christ Jesus, as gloriously to reign with him, desires to be,  
Thine unfeigned, though unworthiest of all the Followers of Jesus. Roger Williams.   
The Bloody Tenent yet more Bloody, By Master Cottons attempting to wash it with the Blood of the lamb.  

Examination of CHAP. I.  Truth. 
Blessed be the God of truth and peace (sweet peace) that once again, we find a corner and a few hours to entertain our sweet embraces and discourses about that Bloody Tenent of Persecution for cause of conscience.  Peace. 
It is indeed Jehovah's work, and it is marvellous in our eyes, that 'midst this world's combustions, such a corner and such hours are found.  Truth. 
Dear friends, the longer absent, meet the sweeter; and 
Truth & peace rarely meet in this vale of tears.  have cause to spend each minute to his praise, who wonders works, and this not the least, that we two see each others face at all in these tempestuous days and vale of tears.  
How harshly were our last confer entertained by some? How were ourselves suspected, and traduced for counterfeits; and our pious and peaceable Meditations, cruelly condemned to the devouring flames?  Truth. 
That ever was our portion, ever since the earthen pots arose against their glorious Potter; and no better lot we must expect, while the time doth last that is determined.  Peace. 
Mean while 'tis yet our lamentation, that so many of 
Many dear Saints of God plead for persecution: Oh how righteous is it with God to send them persecution!  our darlings, whom we have tendered as our eyes, have both in Print and Pulpit, cried out against us; and amongst the rest, one of thy dearest eldest children, (too too worthy to be) the defender of the Bloody Tenent of Persecution.  Truth. 
Our love shall cover his shame and nakedness; and our wisdoms pity his heavy labour, blackamore-washing, and so great expense of precious time and spirit, in labouring to wash this so deeply bloody, and blackamoor- Tenent, in the blood of the Lamb of God.  Peace. 
So parents and true friends love and pity theirs, though sick, though froward and distracted; and let our Bowels yearn over him, who tears out ours: who knows but once before he sleep his last, in the pit of rottenness, he may awake and give glory to the God of peace and truth, of patience and long suffering; whose thoughts, whose ways, whose love, whose pity hath no bounds, nor limits, toward them whom he hath loved before the world's foundation.  
O let these blessed buds, of hope and sweet desires (dear Truth) put forth in pious fruits of renewed endeavours, and let me once again prefer my suit for your impartial weighing of what replies, objections, plead, he hath brought against us.  Truth. 
For the God of Peace, for the Prince of Peace his sake, yea for his servants sake, for Zions' sake, I will not be silent, and know (at last) I shall prevail to scatter and dispel the mists and fogs, that for a while arise to cloud and choke us.  Peace. 
First, then, what cause should move this so able a defendant 
Quaere why Master Cotton leaps over the Epistles to the Parliament and Reader.  to leap over all our first addresses both to the high Court of Parliament, and to every Reader? and what may be conjectured, why himself directs a word to neither in this controversy?  Truth. 
I desire my rejoinder may be as full of love as truth; yet some say Master Cotton is wise, and knows in what door the wind blows of late; he is not ignorant what sad complaints in letters, printings, conferences, so many of God's people (and of his 
N. E. Persecution guilty of the persecution in old, especially (since this rejoinder) by their Law for Banishing such as hold not children's baptism, and their late fourscore and ten bloody lashes to the body of the Lord Jesus in the sufferings of his faithful witness, Obadiah holiness at Boston, merely about that point of baptism.  own conscience and judgement of Independency) have poured forth against New England's persecuting, etc. He knows what Bars New England's bloody Tenent and practice may put to his brethren's just desires and suits for moderation and toleration, to nonconforming consciences.  
'tis true, his conscience, and the credit of his way, compels his reply, but the times advise him, with as little noise as may be, and it seems with no great willingness, that that high and searching house of England's Parliament should search and scan his Meditations.  Peace. 
Well, if the name of God were truly called upon them and (as his title intimateth) the great controversies of these present times are herein handled; If all that is here presented, be truly practised; and he desire to buy and sell by one measure and to be no otherways measured unto, than he measureth unto others: why should not that renowned Court be more particularly and expressly attended with so high and needful examinations? But now enough of that, I long to see that weighed, which is presented, take up those holy weights of thine, which may faithfully discover how light or ponderous each parcel is in Gods most holy presence. Master Cotton first complains against the publishing of his private letter, with an Answer thereunto: he faulteth the discusser for punishing his conscience, against the discussers own Tenent of liberty of conscience, for breach of rule, in first publishing to the world before private admonition, and telling the Church.  Truth. 
How justly may I begin with the defenders own conclusion of this first Chapter! He that setteth forth of his way in the first entrance of his journey, no marvel if he wander all the day after. For,  
First, the discusser never wrote any such letter to Master Cotton, as Master Cotton so often affirms, and mentioneth throughout his Book.  
The like mistake he falls into, in some other passages, which shall be gently touched at, and passed by, as the failing of memory.  Peace. 
It is often seen, that small matters in the first steps and entrance of a business, prove ominous; and although love bids us lay the blame on memory: yet since Nil sine providentia & Deus est maximus in minimis, and not a sparrow nor a hair falls without him; methinks such a stumble in the threshold should have one sad consideration in Master Cottons breast, so long as he resides in the chamber of this discourse.  Truth. 
To my knowledge there was no such letter or intercourse passed between Master Cotton and the discusser; but what I have heard, is This▪ One Master Hall of Roxbury, presented the prisoners Arguments against persecution to Master Cotton, who 
●he occasion of publishing the ●●oody Tenent.  gave this present controverted Answer; with the which Master Hall not being satisfied, he sends them unto the discusser, who never saw the said Hall, nor those Arguments in writing; (though he well remember that he saw them in print some years since) and apprehending no other, but that Master Cottons Answer was as public, as Master Cottons profession and practice of the same Tenent was and is, what breach of rule can Master Cotton say it was, to answer that in the streets which Master Cotton proclaimeth on the House top?  Peace. 
But grant it had been a private letter, and the discourse and the opinion private: yet why doth he charge the discusser with breach of rule, in not using orderly ways of Admonition, and telling the Church, when Master Cotton himself in this Book 
Master Cotton blames the discusser for not walking in contradictions.  blames the discusser for disclaiming Communion with their Church, and they also (after he was driven by banishment from civil habitation amongst them) had sent forth a bull of excommunication against him in his absence.  
Such practice the Lord Jesus and his first Apostles or Messengers never taught, nor any that are truly their successors ever will. But to end this Chapter, in the last place, why doth Master Cotton complain of the loss of the liberty of his conscience, and of the punishing of his conscience, by the publishing of his letter; aggravating it, because the discusser pleads for liberty of conscience? 
unchristian partiality.  Is he indeed on the Lord Jesus mind for the sparing men's bodies, and present life, for their souls and eternal lives sake? Doth he indeed plead for liberty of conscience? Let the following discourse, and this present passage manifest how tender he is of his own conscience, and of the liberty of it; But how censorious and senseless of the pangs and agonies of other men's conscience and spirits, and sorrows? As if his alone were the Apple of his eye, but Theirs like the brawny hoofs of the roaring Bulls of Bashan.  Peace. 
Complains Master Cotton of persecution for such 
Master Cotton complaining of being persecuted by the discusser.  dealing against him? I never heard that disputing, discoursing and examining men's tenants or Doctrines by the word of God, was (in proper English acceptation of the word) persecution for conscience: well had it been for New England, that no servant of God, nor witness of Christ Jesus, could justly take up no other complaint against New England for other kinds of persecution: surely the voice of Christ Jesus to Paul; Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? was for another kind of persecution.  Truth. 
Dear Peace if the Bishops of Old England or new had never stirred up the Civil Magistrate to any other suppressing of men's consciences, nor no other persecuting, then discussing, disputing etc. they should never have needed to have been charged so publicly in the face of the world, with the bloody Tenent of persecution for cause of conscience.   

Examination of CHAP. II.  Peace. 
IN this Chapter Master Cotton much complains, that he is charged in the Title to maintain persecution for cause of conscience, and professeth, That he would have none be punished for conscience, unless his error be fundamental, or seditiously; or turbulenly promoted, and that after due conviction of conscience, and that it may appear he is not punished for his conscience, but for sinning against his conscience.  Truth. 
Persecution for conscience, is in plain English, hunting for conscience; and Master Cotton being a son of wine (as the Jews speak in their Proverb) is loath to be counted a son of 
Persecution in plain English is hunting.  vinegar, and therefore would avoid the word persecuting or hunting (as something too wild and fierce an expression, more suitable to the bloody sons of vinegar and gall the Roman Emperors, Popes and Bishops) and he much desires to have the word persecuting changed for the word punishing, a term more proper to 
Master Cottons tender conscience, can hardly digest to be a persecutor, but a punisher.  true Justice.  
But is not this the guise and profession of all that ever persecuted or hunted men for their Religion and conscience? are not all histories and experiences full of the pathetical speeches of persecutors to this purpose? You will say you are persecuted for your conscience, you plead conscience; Thou art a heretic the devil hath deceived thee, thy conscience is deluded, etc. And  
2. Whether such punishing as Master Cotton assigneth to that threefold degree of heretical wickedness, chap. 5. to wit. To hold a fundamental error, To persist therein after conviction, and lastly, To seduce others thereunto, Or these five summed up (page 186 of his book) subverters of the Christian Faith, persisters therein after conviction, blasphemers, idolaters, seducers; I say, such a punishing which he affirms to be death and killing, will not amount to make up a persecution for cause of conscience let the Spanish Inquisitions be an instance, who when they torture and rack, and kill and burn for such crimes, yet varnish they and gild all over with the painted Title of God's Glory, holy zeal, just punishment of heretics, blasphemers, etc.  Peace. 
But Master Cotton blameth, that he should be charged with the Doctrine of persecution by consequence.  Truth. 
Let his whole book, and the prosecuting of this controversy be judge, whether it be only drawn from consequences, and not express terms. And for the washing of this bloody Tenent in the blood of the Lamb, Time hath and will discover that such a blackamoor cannot be washed in the blood of Christ himself, without Repentance; for they that washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb (Revelations the 7.) were true penitents: until therefore that persecutors repent of this bloody Doctrine and practice, they must hear (as the men of Judah did) the prophet Isaiahs' thunder, Isa. 1. Your hands are defiled with blood; wash you, make you clean. etc.   

Examination of CHAP. III.  Peace. 
BUt what knot in a Bulrush is that, which Master Cotton observes the discusser finds in his first distinction of persecution for cause of conscience?  Truth. 
For the matter upon the point, they both agree, as Master Cotton hath penned himself, that persecution for cause of conscience, is not only when a man is punished for professing such Doctrines and Worships, as he believes to be of God, but also when he is punished for renouncing such Doctrine, and not practising such Worships, which he believes are not of God, etc.  
All the difference is this that the discusser saith. This should have been expressed in the distinction; Master Cotton saith, it was implied, and therefore the observing of the not expressing of it, was but a knot in a Bulrush.  Peace. 
'tis woefully true, that the peace of the Saints, and the peace of the world, hath been lamentably, broke and distracted, in punishing or persecuting of men, but especially the Saints, upon both these grounds: but yet the records of time and experience will tell us, that since the apostasy from the truth of Jesus, the 
God's children commonly persecuted for not yielding to State-worships.  rising of Antichrist, and the setting up of many State- Religions, the forest and frequentest punishing or hunting of the children of God hath been (as in the case of Nebuchadnezars Image) for not bowing down to the State-Images, for not coming to Church, for not obeying the Laws, for withstanding the Kings, o● Queens, or Parliaments proceed.  Truth. 
Your observation is most serious and seasonable, and your complaint as true as lamentable: for since all States and Governments of the world (which lies in wickedness) set up their State or Commonweal-Religions, nebuchadnezars golden Images, and jeroboam golden Calves (the types of the State-Worships of after Ages) whereby others are made to sin and bow down to their seeming glorious worships; and since the dissenters, refusers, nonconformers, non-covenanters (the witnesses of God against such abominations) are but few; and what positive worship they hold or practice (commonly) is most retired, and flying into private corners by reason of the violence of the persecution; they are hence, soon in all places of their abode, and more speedily and immediately called for and sought out, in the several Parish-towns where they live to bow down to the common-Image, the beastly and Calvish inventions of the jeroboams of this perishing world; and for refusing to subscribe, to conform, to come to Church, to do as their neighbours, for being wiser than their Teachers, their Fathers, their Magistrates, the Country, the Parliament, the kingdom (and sometimes the whole world, in their ecumenical, or worldly counsels) they are thus punished and hunted for their conscience, for Gods, for Jesus sake; which is a point Master Cotton will say (if the blood of his dear Redeemer split in the blood of his servants, kindly affect him) of greater weight than knots in bulrushes.   

Examination of CHAP. iu.  Peace. 
IN the second distinction (to wit, of fundamentals, without right belief whereof, a man cannot be saved) Master Cotton upon the point confesseth it was a just reproof, and saith, that he meant only of the first sort of foundations, that concern salvation, and not of those that concern the foundation of the Church, and Christian Religion.  Truth. 
It is strange that Master Cotton should so distinguish of foundations, when the holy Scripture attributes salvation to those foundations of the Church, and the order of it: The Lord 
Act. 2. 2 Pet. 3.  added to the Church such as should be saved, and the like figure whereunto baptism now saveth us; and concerning the resurrection that we are saved by hope, Rom. 8.  
Besides, are not those first foundations, which he saith concern salvation, foundations also of the Christian Religion? If not of the Christian, than I demand of what Religion are they foundations?  Peace. 
It cannot therefore be denied, but that his distinction of fundamentals, was most dangerous, tending directly to condemn the generation of the righteous, who have been generally for many generations ignorant of the Christian way of worship. But what say you to this reply, touching how far the New English (implicit) Parishes compare and partake with those of old?  Truth. 
How far those Churches cannot be cleared from not coming out from the Parish-worship, from being themselves (implicitly) Parish-Churches (notwithstanding their Fig-leaves, etc.) and from being persecutors of such as endeavour to cover their nakedness with better clothing, will appear, with Christ's assistance, in the examination of his reply to the Answer of his Letter.   

Examination of CHAP. V.  Peace. 
THe discourse of this chapter is larger and more controversial, and therefore (dear Truth) requires your most serious and deeper examination of it. Master Cotton here distinguisheth worship into true and false, and infers, that if true worship, fellowship with God is held; but if false, fellowship with God is lost. And whereas he was thereupon minded by the discusser to have lived in a false ministry in England, and to have practised the false worship of the Common Prayer, he labours to clear both, and in particular he saith, It is not truly said, that the Spirit of God maketh the ministry one of the foundations of the Christian religion, (Heb. 6.) For it is (saith he) only a foundation of Christian order, not of faith or religion: and he adds, The Apostle puts an express difference between faith and order, Col. 2. 5. What can be said thereunto?  Truth. 
1. Alas, what buildings can weak souls expect from such Master-builders, when Master Cotton is so confounded about the very foundations? In the former Chapter, he distinguisheth between foundations that concern salvation, and those that concern the the Church and Christian religion: here he distinguisheth between those of Christian order, and those of Faith, or Christian religion. In the former, he opposeth faith against religion and order; here he opposeth faith and religion to order. Grant his memory (in so short a turn) failed him, yet doubtless his mistakes about the foundation of Christian religion, are most gross and inexcusable.  Truth. 
2. I find no such distinction in the Testament of Christ Jesus, between the Christian order, and the Christian religion; as if the order of the Church of God (I might say, the Church itself, and the ministry of it) were no part of the Christian religion.  
It is true, Coloss. 2. speaks of faith and order, but yet denies not the Christian Church, and the order of it, to be any part of the Christian religion. It is true, that sometimes faith implies the particular grace of believing, and yet sometimes it is put for the whole Christian religion (as Judas 1. contend for the faith once delivered) so that if Master Cotton confesseth the ministry of the Word (Heb. 6.) to be a foundation of Christian or Church-order, he cannot deny it to be a foundation of the Christian religion or worship reduced to those two, of Faith and Order.  Peace. 
What answer you to his saying, It is not a true and a safe speech, to call the fellowship and blessing of God vouchsafed to corrupt Churches or Ministers, or ministrations unpromised, or beyond a word of promise, of God? Against which he allegeth (jer. 13.) That God will be merciful to his people's iniquities, and 2 Chron. 30. God's mercy to every one that prepareth his heart, etc. although he be not cleansed after the preparation, etc.  Truth. 
The promises hold forth no blessing or fellowship of God to false worships; against which all the holy Scripture denounceth curse, both in the old and new Testament; nor in particular doth that of Jeremy promise any pardon of sin, but to the repentant, though most true also is that distinction of particular repentance for known sins, and general for sins unknown. Such was the sin (it may be) of the Israelites, 2 Chron. 30. in their want of such their legal cleansing.  
But I add, how can that one act of covering or conniving at ceremonial uncleanness (about a true worship) be brought to prove a promise of God's blessing and fellowship, to a constant course of a false and invented way of prayer by the Latin or English Masse-book, as some have rightly called it?  Peace. 
Concerning Ordination, Master Cotton saith, that it is no essential part of a call to the ministry; no more than Coronation is essential to the Office of a King▪ And Jehoshua the high priest did not lose fellowship with God, though he was clothed with filthy garments, Zech. 3.  Truth. 
I answer, Ordination or laying on of hands, compriseth the whole Ministry, Heb. 6. wherein if Election or Ordination be false, I see not how the ministry is true, any more than a marriage can be true, where either consent o● solemnity by a true power is wanting: or a King rightly instituted in his Kingly office, when either election or coronation is given or made by a false power.  
2. But further, Ordination is not well represented by a King's 
Ordination of Christ's Ministry undfily compared to the coronation of Kings.  coronation (to say nothing of the statcliness of the simile) for a King may administer by successive election and consent (in some States) before coronation, and coronation is but for public state and ceremony; but a Minister cannot administer before ordination (no more than a husband enjoy his spouse before marriage) which is the putting of him into, and the investing of him with his Authority, as we see both in the priests of the law, and the Ministers of the Gospel.  
Concerning Jehoshua his garments; This kind of confession is not after the pattern of Ezra, Nehemiah, David, Daniel. etc. but with mincing and excusing. Moreover, in this place of Zechary, God only comforts his people with the promise of better times, and more new and costly garments: for the High priest now returning from captivity, his garments were torn, foul and filthy.  
Lastly, These were the garments of the Lords appointing, though in a poor and afflicted condition: what is this to a fools cap or coat (the cap or surplice) what is this to the office of jeroboams priests, which never were of God, though happily some of them might studiously give themselves to attain and teach the knowledge of God, and might (in a kind) separate from the false, 2 Chron. 13. and some good thing might be found in some, as in jeroboams child, and happily many others as in these our times?  Peace. 
Concerning common prayer, he pleads the time of their 
Master Cotton pleads for Common prayer.  ignorance; as also that the high places were removed, 2 Chron. 14. and knows not of any such faithful admonition as was mentioned.  Truth. 
God winketh at some ignorance, but is not blind to pass by all: The high places were an high sin, and in God's time discovered, repent of, and removed; but ever by God disclaimed, etc. And although the discusser acknowledgeth himself unworthy to speak for God to Master Cotton or any, yet possibly Master Cotton may call to mind, that the discusser (riding with himself and one other of precious memory (Master Hooker) to and from Sempringham) presented his Arguments from Scripture, why he durst not join with them in their use of Common prayer; and all the Answer that yet can be remembered the discusser received from Master Cotton, was, that he selected the good and best prayers in his use of that Book, as the Author of the council of Trent was used to do, in his using of the Masse-book.  Peace. 
Yea but further (saith Master Cotton) Numbers 20. Moses used an unwarrantable way of prophesying, and yet God 
Examination of Num. 6. 20.  gave water; therefore set forms of prayer may bring a blessing down.  Truth. 
Moses his calling was true in a true Church; his failing was in point of passion and unbelief. What is this to the Common prayer, where all were Idols, both the society or communion; in which the priest himself, and the worship were but inventions? etc.  Peace. 
But, saith he, Common prayer is not such a fundamental error.  Truth. 
The word and prayer are those two great services of 
Acts 6.  God, which even the Apostles themselves gave themselves unto: And if Master Cotton intent not that his Argument shall stand good against Master Ball, to prove the falseness of such a main worship of God, let him show what that worship of God is, which he intendeth, when he so distinguisheth of some false worship wherein fellowship with God is lost.  Peace. 
To end this Chapter, Master Cotton, to clear himself from partiality, and that he never useth to measure that to any, which he would not have measured to himself▪ He proposeth a threefold wickedness, which he saith God never left him to fall into.  
First, Any fundamental error. Secondly, persisting therein after admonition and conviction. Thirdly, seducing of others. And lastly, he professeth; that if he should so fall, it were better for him to be cut off by death or banishment, than the flock of Christ to be seduced by his heretical wickedness.  Truth. 
I here first observe (as also in other places) Master Cottons acknowledgement and profession of what a man may be punished 
Three causes for which Master-Cotton maintains persecution.  for: to wit, a fundamental error, persisting in it, and seducing others; all which are spiritual matters, of religion and worship, for which he decrees from the Magistrate, death or banishment; and yet elsewhere in many other passages, he professeth against all persecution for conscience.  
Secondly, If Master Cotton should so fall, and be so dealt withal by the civil state.  
First, would not Master Cotton conscientiously be persuaded of the Truth of what he held, though accounted by others fundamental error, obstinacy, heresy? etc.  
Secondly, Will Master Cotton think that death or banishment would be wholesome and Christian means and remedies to change and heal his conscience?  
Thirdly, He (to prevent the infection of others) granting the civil Magistrate must punish him with death or banishment, doth he not make the Magistrate, yea the Civil State (what State soever he live in) the Judge of his conscience and errors?  
Fourthly, Confessing it now, that to worship God with a Common prayer, was his sin, and yet it was his conscience, that he might so do: If the Magistrate had judged it to be a fundamental error, he grants he might then have put him to death or banishment, if persisting, etc. though yet he hath a proviso, and a retreat against this assault, professing, that if the Magistrate be not rightly informed, he must stay his proceed: of which afterward.  Peace. 
What is this, but, in plain English, to profess that all the Magistrates and Civil powers, throughout the whole world, although they have command and power from Christ Jesus, to judge in matters of conscience, religion, and worship, and live in daily sin, that they do not cut off the heretic, blasphemer, seducer, etc. yet except they be of Master Cottons mind and conscience, to account and judge to be, they must suspend their duty and office in this case, until they be better informed, that is, until they be of his mind?   

Examination of CHAP. vi  Peace. 
BUt to proceed to the sixth Chapter, in which is handled that which more especially concerns my self. It is too lamentably known, how the furious troops of persecutors in all States, Cities, Towns etc. have ever marched under my name, the white colours of peace, civil peace, public peace.  Truth. 
Yet Master Cotton confesseth, that the city's peace is an humane and civil peace, as was further explained in many instances from Babylon, Ephesus, Smyrna, etc. against which Master Cotton excepts not.  Peace. 
The difference or controversy in this Chapter lies in two things. First, In the similitudes used from companies and societies, voluntarily entering into combinations, which are distinct from the City.  
2. In the nature of the Church, which he maintains to be a society, whose order the City is bound to preserve, as well as any of their civil orders or societies.  Truth. 
To begin with the first, Master Cotton replies, That although such societies be not of the essence of the City, yet they are of the integral and conservant causes of the City, and so the disturbance of any of those orders or societies in the City, disturbs the City itself.  
But I answer, The similitude was used more especially from a 
Christ's Church may be gathered and dissolved without disturbance of civil Peace.  college of physicians, or a society of Merchants, Turkish, East-Endies, etc. and consequently any other of that kind, voluntarily combining together for the better enriching of themselves in the improvement of their faculties for public good (at least so pretended.) It was never intended, that if such necessary Trades, Callings &c. as he mentioneth, be dissolved and ruined, that there would be no disturbance of the peace of the City: But that if such o● such a way and order of men of those faculties I mentioned, voluntarily combine, and voluntarily also dissolve; yet all this may may be, without any breach of civil and public peace.  Peace. 
If so, much more the church of Christ, which is a spiritual society voluntarily uniting, may dissolve; I say, much more, without the breach of the peace of the city, which is of a civil and humane nature, as is confessed, and was urged in the instances of Ephesus etc.  Truth. 
2. We are wont when we speak of keeping or breaking the Peace, to speak of Words or Actions of Violence, Sedition, Vproare, etc. for, Actions of the Cases, Pleas, and Traverses may be, and yet no peace broken, when men submit to the Rule of State, for the composing of such differences, etc. Therefore it is that I affirm, that if any of Christ's Church have difference with any other man in civil and humane things, he ought to be judged by the Law: But if the Church have spiritual controversies among themselves or with any other, or if God take away the Candlestick as he threatened the Church in Ephesus, all this may be, 
The doctrine and practice of Persecution, breaks the peace wherever it comes.  and yet no civil peace broken: Yea, amongst those that profess the same God and Christ, as the Papists and Protestants, or the same Mahomet, as the Turks and Persians, there would no civil Peace be broken, notwithstanding their differences in Religion, were it not for the bloody Doctrine of Persecution, which alone breaks the bounds of civil peace, and makes Spiritual causes the causes of their bloody dissensions.  
I observe therefore, a twofold fallacy in Master Cottons reply. First, he fallaciously mingles Peace and Prosperity together: for though it be true, that under the term Peace all good things are sometimes concluded, yet when we speak of heretics or schismatics 
The Civil peace of a place or people is one thing, and the welfare or presperity in health wealth, etc. another.  breaking the civil peace, or strowing Doctrines tending to break the civil peace, we must understand some such words or acts of violence, wherein the bounds and orders of the City, Laws, and Courts are violated; taking it for granted (for this is the Supposition) that the laws of the City be merely civil and humane. Hence than I affirm, that there is no Doctrine, no Tenent so directly tending to break the City's peace, as this Doctrine of persecuting or punishing each other for the cause of conscience or Religion.  
Again, it is a second fallacy to urge your order of the Church, and the Excellency thereof, and that therefore it is a Breach of the civil peace, when the Order of the church is not preserved: For although it is most true, that sooner or later the God of heaven punisheth 
The Cities of the world enjoy peace and prosperity, where Christ is not heard of.  the nations of the world▪ for their Idolatries, Superstitions, etc. yet Master Cotton himself acknowledgeth (as was affirmed) that many glorious flourishing cities there are all the world over, wherein no church of Christ is extant: Yea, that the Commonweal of Rome flourished five hundred years together, before ever the name of Christ was heard in it; which so great a Glory of so great a continuance, mightily evinceth the distinction of the civil peace of a State from that which is Christian Religion.  
It is true (as Master Cotton tells us) that the Turks have plagued the Antichristian world, for their Idolatries: Yet History tells us, that one of their Emperors (Mahomet) was the man that first broke up and desolated two most glorious ancient cities, Constantinople (which had flourished 1120 years (since its first building by Constantine) and Athens, which from Solon's giving of it Laws, had flourished two thousand years, notwithstanding their Idolatries, etc.  Truth. 
It is apparent that then the Christian Religion gloriously flourished (contrary to Master Cottons observation) when the Roman Emperors too not power to themselves to reform the 
Christianity lost most under such Emperors as claimed Christ's power to reform the Church, etc.  abuses in the Christian Church, but persecuted it; and then the church was ruined and overwhelmed with apostasy and Antichristianism, when the Emperors took that power unto themselves: And then it was (as Master Cotton elsewhere confesseth) that Christianity lost more, even in Constantine's time, then under bloody Nero, Domitian, etc.  Peace. 
It cannot be denied (dear Truth) but that the Peace of a civil State (of all States, excepting that of typical Israel) was and is merely and essentially civil. But Master Cotton saith further, Although the Inward Peace of a church is Spiritual, yet the outward Peace of it, Magistrates must keep in a way of Godliness and honesty, 1 Tim. 2. 1.  Truth. 
The Peace of a church of Christ (the only true Christian State, Nation, Kingdom, or city) is Spiritual, whether internal in the Soul, or external in the administration of it; as the peace of a civil State is civil, internal in the minds of men, and external in the administration and conversation of it; and for that place of Timothy, it hath been fully spoken to in this discourse, and the Discusser hath as yet seen no exception against what hath been spoken.  Peace. 
But further, saith Master Cotton, although the peace of a Country be civil, yet it is distracted by disturbing the peace of the Church for God cut short the Coasts of the civil State when Jehu shortened his Reformation, 2 King. 10. 31, 32.  Truth. 
Master Cotton denies not (but confessed in his discourse concerning Baptism) that Canaan was Typical, and to be cast out of that Land, was to be cast out of God's ●ight: which proves thus much, That the church of Christ, the Israel now, neglecting to reform, God will cut this Israel short. But what is this to a merely civil State, which may flourish many hundreds, yea some thousands of years together (as I before instanced) when the Name of the true Lord Jesus Christ is not so much as heard of within it?  Peace. 
Lastly, (saith he) the church is a Society, as well as the Societies of Merchants, Drapers, etc. and it is just to preserve the Society of the church, as well as any other Society.  Truth. 
When we speak of the balances of Justice, we must distinguish between the Balances of the Sanctuary and the Balances of the World or civil States. It is spiritual justice to preserve spiritual right; and for that end, the spiritual King thereof hath taken care. It is civil Justice to preserve the civil rights; and the Rights of a civil society ought justly to be preserved by a civil State: (and yet if a company of men combine themselves into a civil society by voluntary agreement, and voluntarily dissolve it, it is not justice to force them to continue together.)  Peace. 
The church can least of all be forced: for as it is a spiritual 
The Societies or Churches of the Saints are merely voluntary in combinning or, dissolving.  society, and not subject to any civil Judicature; (though some say that a church in New England was cited to appear before a civil Court:) so is the combination of it voluntary, and the dissolution of it in part or whole is voluntary, and endures no Civil violence, but as a virgin (in point of marriage) nec cogit, nec cogitur, she forceth not, nor can be forced by any civil power.  Truth. 
But lastly, if it be justice to preserve the Society of the church, is it not partiality in a mere civil State to preserve one only society, and not the persons of other Religious societies and consciences also? But the Truth is, this mingling of the church and the world together, and their orders and societies together, doth plainly discover, that such churches were never called out 
Christ's Church is called out of the world.  from the world, and that this is only a secret policy of flesh and blood, to get protection from the world, and so to keep (with some little stilling of conscience) from the Cross or gallows of Jesus Christ.  Truth. 
Yea, but hear (saith Master Cotton) those excellent penmen of the Spirit (both the Father and the Son) David and Solomon. First David (psalm 122) They shall prosper that love the peace of Jerusalem: and Solomon, Where the righteous rejoice, there is great glory, Prov. 28. Now (saith he) what is the church but a congregation of righteous men? If the rejoicing of the Church be the glory of a Nation, surely the disturbing, and destroying, and dissolving the church is the shame and confusion of a Nation.  Truth. 
The outward prosperity of a Nation, was a typical figurative blessing, of that national and figurative church of Israel in Canaan. It is now made good spiritually to them that love the spiritual Jerusalem: for though godliness hath a promise of things of this life convenient; yet persecution is the common and ordinary portion of the Saints under the Gospel, thought that cup be 
The flourishing of civil states.  infinitely sweetened also to them that drink of it with Christ Jesus, by the measure and increase of a hundred fold for one, even with persecution in this life.  
2. It is true, the rejoicing of a Church of Christ, is the glory of any Nation, and the contrary a shame: yet this proveth not that God vouchsafeth to no state, civil peace, and temporal glory, except it establish and keep up a Church of Christ by force of arms; for the contrary we have mentioned, and Master Cotton confesseth the flourishing of States ignorant of Christ, from Age to Age, yea, and as I have mentioned, even to two thousand years in Athens; six generations before it heard of Christ, and fourteen generations since▪ with the sprinking (for some time) of the knowledge of Christ Jesus in it.  Peace. 
2. But consider (saith Master Cotton) the excellency and pre-eminence of the church, that the world is for it, and would not subsist but for it, etc.  Truth. 
'tis true, glorious things are spoken of the City of God, etc. yet for many Ages together Master Cotton confesseth the 
No Civil state can either by Christ's Testimony, or true reason, be judge of the Ecclesiastical and spiritual.  Nations of the world may subsist & flourish without it; and though it be the duty of the Nations of the world to countenance and cherish the church of Christ; yet where is there any commission, either in the New or Old Testament, that the Nations of the world should be the judges, governors, and defenders of Christ Jesus his spiritual kingdom, and so bound to take up arms and smite with the civil sword (among so many pretenders) for that which they believe to be the church of Christ?  Peace. 
3. (saith he) It is matter of just displeasure to God, and sad grief of heart to the church, when civil states look at the state of the church, as of little or no concernment to themselves, Zech. 1. 19 Lam. 1. 13.  Truth. 
Grant this, and that the most jealous God will awake in his season, for these sins, and for the persecutions, idolatries, and blasphemies; which the Nations live in: yet what is this for warrant to the Nations (as before) to judge and rule the church of Christ, yea, and under the colour of defending Christ's faith, and preserving Christ's church pure, to tear Christ out of heaven, by persecuting of his Saints on earth; and to fire the world with devouring flames of bloody wars, and this only for the sweet sake of the prince of peace?  Peace. 
Dear Truth, we are now upon an high point, and that which nearly concerns myself, the peace of the world, and the Nations of it. Master Cotton saith further, God winketh at the Nations in the time of their ignorance, and suffers the Nation to flourish many hundred years together, as did the Empire of Rome; yet when the church of Christ comes to be planted amongst them, then, as he brought the Turks upon the Romans, for their persecuting the church, and not preserving it in purity; so consequently will he do unto the Nations of the world.  Truth. 
I answer, the most righteous Judge of the whole world hath plagued the Nations of the world, both before Christ's coming, and since, for their pride and cruelty against his people, for their idolateries, blasphemies, etc. Yet Master Cotton acknowledgeth that many states have flourished many hundred years together, when no true church of Christ hath been found in them: and Master Cotton will never prove, that God ever commanded the Nations and governments of the world, to gather or constitute his churches, and to preserve them in purity: For God gave his ordinances, both before and since Christ, to his people only, whom he chooseth and calleth out of the World, and the Nations of it: and he hath punished and dissolved them for their obstinate neglect thereof. And for the Roman Empire, and the Emperors thereof, the Christian Religion, and the purity thereof, never lost so much, as when the Emperors were persuaded of Master Cottons bloody Tenent, as Master Cotton and all men seen in History and Christianity must confess.  Peace. 
But further, although (saith Master Cotton) the peace of the church be a spiritual inward peace, yet there is an outward peace of the church due to them from Princes and Magistrates, in a way of godliness and honesty, 1 Tim. 2. But in a way of ungodliness and idolatry, it is an wholesome faithfulness to the church, if Princes trouble the outward peace of the church, that so the church finding themselves wounded, and pricked in the house of their friends, they may repent, and return to their first husband, Zech. 13. Hof. 2.  Truth. 
The peace of the Church is not only inward, between God and themselves; but as the Argument importeth, to which Master Cotton answereth, the peace of the Church external and 
Difference of spiritual and civil peace.  outward, is spiritual, essentially differing from the peace of the civil state, which is merely civil and humane. When the peace of the churches, Antioch, Corinth, Galatia, was disturbed by spiritual oppositions, the Lord never sent his Saints for civil help to maintain their spiritual peace, though the Lord did send Paul to the higher civil powers, to preserve his civil peace, when he was molested and oppressed by the Jews and Romans.  
2. For that place of Timothy, though I have fully spoken to it in this discourse elsewhere, yet this now: It proves not, because the church must pray for civil Rulers, that so they may live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, that therefore civil rulers are supreme rulers and judges Ecclesiastical, next unto Christ Jesus, of what is godliness, holiness, etc. since God hath chosen few wise or noble, to know godliness: And although it is true that God's end of vouchsafing peace and quietness, is, that his Churches might walk in his fear, and in the ways of godliness; yet it doth not hence follow, that Magistrates were the causes of the Churches walking in the fear of God, and being edified, but only of enjoying Rest from Persecution, Act. 9  
3. Although God's chastisement call to repentance, and although the false Prophet in the church of Israel was to be wounded and slain (as they are now to be cut off spiritually from the church of spiritual Israel) yet was it so in all the other Nations of the world? Or did Christ Jesus appoint it to be so in all the Nations of the world, since his coming, which is the great question in difference?  
4. And indeed, what is this, but to add coals to coals, and wood to fire, to teach the Nations of the world, to be briers and thorns, butchers and tormentors to the Lilies and lambs of the most holy and innocent Lamb of God Christ Jesus?  Peace. 
But God (saith Master Cotton) cut Israel short in their civil state or Nation, when they cut short their reformation, 1 King. 10.  Truth. 
Master Cotton elsewhere denying a National church, which is bounded with natural and earthly limits, it is a wonder how he can apply that instance of National Israel, to the now spiritual Nation and Israel of God? May he not as well promise earthly peace and prosperity than most to abound to God's people, 
When God's people flourish most in godliness then most persecuted.  when they most prosper and flourish in holiness, zeal, etc. The contrary whereof, to wit, persecution, is most evident in all the New Testament, and all men's new and fresh experience.  Peace. 
To end this Chapter, Master Cotton affirms, that civil peace (to speak properly) is not only a peace in civil things for the object, but the peace of all the persons in the City for the subject. The church is one society in the City, as well as the society of Merchants, Drapers etc. And if it be civil justice to protect one, than the other also.  Truth. 
Civil peace will never be proved to be the peace of all the subjects or Citizens of a City in spiritual Things: The civil state may bring into order, make orders, preserve in civil order all her members: But who ordained, that either the spiritual estate should bring in and force the civil state to keep civil order, o● that the civil state should sit, judge, and force any of her subjects to keep spiritual order?  
The true and living God, is the God of order, spiritual, civil and natural: Natural is the same ever and perpetual: civil altars according to the constitutions of peoples and nations: spiritual he hath changed from the national in one figurative-land of Canaan, to particular and congregational churches all the world over; which order spiritual, natural or civil▪ to confound and abrogate, is to exalt man's folly against the most holy and incomprehensible wisdom of God, etc.   

Examination of CHAP. VII.  Peace. 
IN his description of Arrogancy and impetuousness, Master Cotton tells us, that he that refuseth to subject his Spirit to the Spirit of the prophets, that shall oppose such as descent with clubs swords and censorious reproaches, or reject communion with the church, etc. his practice tends to the disturbing of civil or church-peace, or both.  Truth. 
It is a fallacious mingling of clubs, swords, reproaches, etc. with refusing to submit to the Spirit of prophecy in the Prophets, and rejecting of communion, etc. For a man may out of true and upright conscience to God (as Master Cotton will not deny) 
A monstrous mingling of spiritual and civil resistance or disturbance.  refuse to submit to a whole true church, having the Truth of God on his side; and may withdraw from communion with a church obstinate in sin, and this without breach of civil peace; and therefore the mingling or confounding of these spiritual resistances or disturbances with guns, swords, etc. is a mingling and confounding of heaven and earth together.  
2. In that he saith, these ways tend to the disturbance of either civil or church-peace, or both; he speaks too like the doubtful oracles of Apollo, which will be true however the event fall out; but yet he toucheth not the Truth of the question, which concerns civil peace only; against the disturbers of which, I grant the civil powers to be armed with a civil sword, not in vain, and concerning which divers cases were propounded of seeming Arrogance and impetuousness in God's servants, and yet they fell not justly under any censure of breach of civil peace.  Peace. 
'tis true (saith Master Cotton) because they were not ways of Arrogance not Impetuousness.  Truth. 
But will Master Cotton give way that any conscience but his own may freely preach and dispute against the state-religion, freely reprove the highest, in sharpest language, for matter of religion, refuse conformity to the common established religion 
Six instances of holy zeal in Scripture, far from arrogance or impetuousness. These were aleadged from Scripture in the bloody Tenent and acknowledged by Master Cotton.  and worship, disclaim subjection to the civil powers, in spiritual cases, preach against the common policy and seeming wisdom of the State, even to a seeming hazarding of all, and lastly occasion great tumults and uproars (which were the six cases alleged?) If Master Cotton granteth this freedom to other consciences beside his own, why preacheth he persecution against such a liberty, which other consciences beside his own, believe they justly challenge? If to no other conscience than his own, it is not his saying ten thousand times, that his conscience is true, and others false, nor any other distinction in the world, can clear him from most unrighteous and unchristian partiality.   

Examination of CHAP. VIII.  Peace. 
IN this Chapter (dear Truth) lies a charge concerning thyself. For whereas thou answerest an objection, that this distinction concerns not Truth or error, but the manner of holding or divulging, Master Cotton affirms the distinction to speak expressly of things unlawful and erroneous, and therefore that it cannot be said with Truth, that the distinction concerns not truth and error.  Truth. 
The truth is this, the former distinction speaks of matter, and this distinction seems wholly to intent the manner of holding forth. The words were these: [Again, in points of Doctrine and Worship less principal, either they are held forth in a meek and peaceable way (though the things be erroneous and unlawful) or they are held forth with such Arrogance and Impetuousness as tendeth to the disturbance of civil peace.] In which although things erroneous and unlawful are mentioned; yet who sees not but that those words are brought in by the way of Parenthesis, which may or may not be left out, and the distinction be whole and entire? And therefore Master Cotton doth not well to spend precious time and life upon seeming advantages.  Peace. 
Yea, but (saith he) why is this distinction blamed, when the discusser himself acknowledgeth, that there may be a way and manner of holding forth, which may tend to break the civil peace.  Truth. 
That which was excepted most against in the distinction, was the persecuting language of [arrogance, impetuousness, boisterousness,] without declaring what that was: to which Master Cotton answers, that the discussers request, was not that he should compile a discourse, but return an answer to the letter of his friend; as also that he charged none of God's children with such things.  
I reply (as formerly) Master Cotton's memory (though otherwise excellent) herein faileth; for, such a request the discusser never made unto him, by letter or otherwise. 2. Although he charged not God's people with arrogance and impetuousness, yet mostly and commonly Gods children (though meek and peaceable) are accused to be arrogant, impetuous etc. and 'tis the common notorious language of persecutors against them.  Peace. 
Concering those six instances wherein Gods children were occasion of great opposition and spiritual hostility, yea and of breach of civil peace, notwithstanding the matter delivered was holy, and the manner peaceable, Master Cotton answers, they nothing concern the distinction which speaks of holding forth things erroneous and unlawful for the matter, and for the manner in a way of arrogance and impetuousness, to the disturbance of civil peace.  Truth. 
I reply, first, it speaks not only of erroneous and unlawful things (though erroneous and unlawful things be admitted in way of Parenthesis, as before.) 2. He describes not what this arrogance and impetuousness is, but wraps up all in one general dark cloud, wherein the best and most zealous of God's Prophets and servants are easily wrapped up as proud, arrogant, and impetuous.   

Examination of CHAP. IX.  Peace. 
IN this Chapter I remember you affirmed, that one cause of civil dissension and uproar, was the lying of a State under false worship, whence it endures not the preaching of light and truth, etc. Master Cotton answers, This is not to the purpose, because this is by accident.  Truth. 
It is as much to the purpose to declare (in the examination of the breach of civil peace about matters of Religion) I say, to declare the true cause of such troubles and uproars, as it is in the search after the leaks of a ship, to declare where the leak is indeed, when many are said to be where they are not.  
2. Whereas he confesseth that vigilant and faithful ones are not so troubled at the false Religion of Jew or Gentile, as not to 
The Indians professing subjection to the English in New England permitted in their devilish worships, when English fearing God, persecuted.  tolerate them amongst them in a civil body, he allegeth for instance, that the Indians subjected to their government, are not compelled to the confession or acknowledgement of their Religion: I reply, first, who sees not herein unchristian partiality, that Pagans, Barbarians (who happily might more easily be brought from their natural Religion to a new form, than any other) I say, that they should be tolerated in their hideous worships of creatures and devils, while civil people (his countrymen yea it may be the precious sons and daughters of the most high God) shall be courted fined, whipped banished &c. for the matters of their conscience and worship to the true and living God?  
2. Is not this passage contradictory to all Master Cottons whole discourse in this book, which pleads for the purity of Religion to be maintained by all Magistrates and civil governments within their jurisdictions, and the suppressing of the contrary, under the penalty of the destruction of their lands and countries, and accordingly hath not the practice of New England answered such a doctrine? and yet, saith he, we tolerate the false Religion of Jew or Gentile.  Peace. 
Possibly (Dear Truth) the distinction between Jew, Pagan, and Christian, may satisfy (for the present) Master Cottons conscience so to write and practise: for thus he addeth, But if Christians shall apostate, or if Jews and Pagans be blasphemous and seducing, then etc.  Truth. 
Who knows not but that the very Religion of Jew or Pagan is a blaspheming of the true Religion? Revel. 2. I know the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and are not, but are the Synagogue or church of Satan.  
And whereas Master Cotton allegeth for proof of this, Paul's blaming of false teachers, for being troublers to the churches of Galatia, Gal. 5. and Acts 15 etc. Who, that puts this inference into Christ's balance, but will see the lightness of it, thus? The 
unchristian conclusions.  churches of Christ are to draw forth the sword and power of Christ, and are not to suffer such as with false doctrine trouble their peace, Ergo: Therefore the civil state must not permit such persons to live in the world, etc.  Peace. 
The second cause I remember, you alleged of civil disturbances and hubbubs about Religion, was the preposterous way of healing of corruptions in Religion, as by whips, stocks, imprisonment, etc. unto this Master Cotton answers, Then the Mariners 
Jonahs' casting overboard, a ground of persecution, etc. examined.  casting Jonah overboard, for his sin was the cause of the storm.  Truth. 
I answer, if that extraordinary and miraculous instance, be sufficient ground for Magistrates casting overboard whomsoever they judge heretics, than all civil states and ships must so practise in storms and troubles on sea or shore, to wit, throw overboard, put to death, not only Heretics, Blasphemers, Seducers etc. but the best of God's Prophets or servants, for neglect of their duty, ministry, etc. which was Jonahs' case.  
And if so, doth not this set up (and all the world over) by land or sea, all Kings and Magistrates, all Masters of ships and captains, to be the spiritual and Ecclesiastical Judges of the religion and spiritual neglects of all their subjects or Passengers? Such doctrine I cannot imagine would have relished with Master Cotton in his passage to New England; and I humbly desire of God, that he may never taste the bitter fruit of this Tree, of which yet so many thousands of God's servants have fed, and himself not a little (to the Lords praise and his own) in former times.  Peace. 
Whereas you argued it to be light alone, that was able to dispel and scatter the mists and fogs of darkness in the souls and consciences of men, Master Cotton answers, The judgements of God are as light that goeth forth, Hos. 6. 3. Isa. 26. 9 and the false Prophet repenting will acknowledge this Zech. 13. 6. Thus was I wounded in the house of my friends.  Truth. 
But doth Master Cotton indeed believe that not only 
The kill of the false Prophet. Zech. 13. 6. examined.  public Magistrates, but also each private father and mother (as that place of Zechary, literately, taken carries it) must now in the days of the Gospel wound and pierce; yea run through and kill their Son the false Prophet? would he justify a parent so practising though it were in the neglect of the public Magistrate, who happily may be of the same Religion with the false prophet? Will not this doctrine reach & extend to the pulling down deposing and killing of all such governors and governments, which God in his gracious providence hath set up amongst all peoples in all parts and dominions of the world, yea and harden the heart of Pharaoh, the very Pope himself, in his King-killing and State-killing doctrine?  Peace. 
If ever Master Cotton wake in this point, he will tell all the world, that it is more gospellike that Parents, Brethren, Fathers, Friends, impartially fulfil this of Zechary 13. and Deut. 13. spiritually, in the friendly wounding, yea and zealous slaying by the twoedged sword of the Spirit of God, which is the word of God coming forth of the mouth of Christ Jesus, Ephes. 5. Revel. 1.  Truth. 
And it is most true (as Master Cotton saith) that the judgements of God, legally executed, or more terribly poured 
Esa. 26. & Hos. 6. 2. examined.  forth in the vials of sword, plague, and famine, they are as heavenly lights shining out from the Father of lights, teaching the inhabitants of the world righteousness.  
Yea the creation itself, or each creature, are as candles and glasses to light and show us the invisible God and creator: but yet these are not the ordinances of Christ Jesus given to his church. These are not the preach of the word, and the opening of the mysteries of salvation, which give light and understanding to the simple, and convert the soul: These are nor that marvelous light unto which the call of Christ Jesus, in the preaching of the word, had brought the Saints unto whom Peter writes: The weapons of Paul's fight, whereby to batter down the high thoughts and imaginations of the sons of men against the sons of God, were of another nature, 3 Cor. 10. and his 
2 Cor. 10.  directions to Timothy and Titus, how to deal with heretics and Gainsayers were never heard of to be such, till the son of man, and son of perdition, brought forth such bloody weapons and bloody doctrines in the affairs of Christ Jesus.   

Examination of CHAP. X.  Peace. 
IN this passage Master Cotton will subscribe to the whole matter, saying, This Chapter may stand for us without impeachment, and yet in this Chapter is reported the persecution, which both rightly informed and erroneous consciences suffer, and the blind estate of such blind guides and blinded consciences who so preach and practise.  Truth. 
These first words [We approve no persecution for conscience] fight against his whole endeavour in this book, which is to set up the civil throne and judgement-seat over the consciences and souls of men, under the pretence of preserving the church of Christ pure, and punishing the evil of heresy, blasphemy etc.  
2. They fight against their fellows, which follow, thus [unless the conscience be convinced of the error and perniciousness thereof] which is all one, as to say, We hold no man is to be persecuted for his conscience, unless it be for a conscience which we judge dangerous to our Religion. No man is to be persecuted for his conscience, unless we judge that we have convinced or conquered his conscience.  
'tis true, all error is perniciots many ways to God's glory, to a man's own soul, to other men's souls and consciences: yet I understand Master Cotton to say, Except we judge the error to be 
conviction of conscience.  so and so mischievous. 'tis true, there is a self-conviction which some consciences smite and wound themselves with? But to submit these consciences to the tribunal of the civil Magistrate, and Powers of the World, how can Master Cotton do this, and yet say no man is to be persecuted for his conscience?  Peace. 
Alas, how many thousands and millions of consciences have been persecuted in all Ages and time's i● a judicial war, and how have their judge's pretended victory and triumph, crying out, We have convinced (or conquered) them, and yet are they obstinate.  Truth. 
Hence came that hellish Proverb, That nothing was more obstinate than a Christian: under which cloud of reproach hath been overwhelmed the most faithful, zealous, and constant witnesses of Jesus Christ.  Peace. 
But saith Master Cotton, Some blinded consciences are so judicially punished by God, as his in Irelond that burned his child in imitation of Abraham.  Truth. 
In such cases it may be truly said, the Magistrate bears not the sword in vain, either for the punishing or preventing 
The violation of civil peace though out of conscience▪ to be punished.  of such sins, whether uncleanness, theft, cruelty, or persecution.  
And therefore such consciences as are so hardened by God's judgement, as to smite their fellow-servants, under the pretence of zeal and conscience (as in the instance of Saul his zeal for the children of Israel against the Gibeonites) they ought to be suppressed and punished, to be restrained and prevented.  
And hence is seasonable the saying of King James, that he desired to be secured of the Papists concerning civil obedience, which security, by wholesome laws, and other ways: according to the wisdom of each state, each state is to provide for itself even against the delusions of hardened consciences, in any attempt which merely concerns the civil state and commonweal.   

Examination of CHAP. XI.  Peace. 
IN this Chapter Master Cotton takes himself wronged, that he should be thought to lay this down, as a conclusion, viz. that it is not lawful to persecute jesus Christ.  Truth. 
What difference is there in saying, It is not lawful to persecute a conscience rightly informed, and to say, It is not lawful to persecute Christ Jesus; was it not all one in effect for Christ to say, Take up thy bed and walk, as to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee?  Peace. 
He adds, It is no matter of wonder to lay down the principles of Religion for a proof, as Gamaliel did.  Truth. 
Who sees not a vast difference between Master Cottons and Gamaliels speech? Gamaliel speaks of that particular controversy concerning Christ's person and profession, which the Jews so gainsayed and persecuted. Gamaliel fitly aggravateth 
An overruling finger of God, ordering Master Cotton to allege Gamaliel, sure he had forgotten Master John goodwin's excellent labour in his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or fight against God.  their opposition by the danger of their course, if possibly it might prove to be the Truth, which they persecuted. Master Cotton is to lay down not a particular answer, but general conclusions; and notwithstanding that in the course of his Book he maintains such and such persecution, yet he lays this down as his first conclusion: It is not lawful to persecute a conscience rightly informed, that is, Christ Jesus in his Truths and Servants; and that, I say never persecutor professed to do without a mask or covering.  Peace. 
What of that saith Master Cotton, for although they do not persecute Christ as Christ, yet they do it, and it is no matter of wonder to tell them as Christ tells Paul, It is not lawful for them so to do.  Truth. 
Doubtless whatever persecutors profess, and what Apologies soever they make in all the particular cases for which Gods servants are persecuted; yet the Saints of God have dealt faithfully to tell Persecuters that they persecute Christ himself, and to breath out the fire of God's judgements against them, even out of their own mouth.  
But what is this to a conclusion laid down? for so Christ laid not down his expostulation with Paul as a conclusion, as Master Cotton doth by way of teaching, but as a conviction, by way of reproof.  Peace. 
Yet persecutors (saith he) have persecuted Christ as Christ; for the Scribes and Pharises said, This is the heir, come, let us kill him: and Julian persecuted Jesus as Jesus: And if a Christian in Turkey shall seek to gain a Turk to Christianity, they will persecute such a Christian, and in him Jesus as Jesus.  Truth. 
It is said Acts 3. that the Jews persecuted Christ out of ignorance; for though they had sufficient knowledge to convince 
Christ Jesus never persecuted as Christ but as a deceiver, brasphemer, seduced.  them, yet did they not persecute Christ out of a clearly convinced conscience, for than it could not be out of ignorance. And yet it was sufficient, that so great a power of God's Spirit appeared in the evidence of Christ's works, as to make their sin to be against the Spirit of God: yet had they their mask and covering (as is evident:) For, this is not the true Christ or Messiah, say they, but a deceiver, a witch, working by the power of the devil, a blasphemer, a seducer, a Traitor, etc.  
Again, although wretched Julian persecuted the very name of Christ and Jesus (whom formerly he had acknowledged and professed) Yet was it still under a mask or covering, to wit, that he was not the true Son of God, nor his worship the Truth, but his Roman gods were true etc. And the same say the Turks in persecuting Christians, and in them Christ Jesus as a● Prophet inferior to their only great and true Prophet Mahomet.  
And lastly, neither Scribes, nor Pharisees, nor Julian, nor Turks did or do persecute Christ Jesus otherwise then as they were and are bound so to do by Master Cottons doctrine, as shall further appear, notwithstanding his plea, that such Magistrates must forbear to punish until they be better informed.  Peace. 
But let tyrants and persecutors profess what they will (saith Master Cotton,) yet this varieth not the truth, nor impeacheth the wisdom of the conclusion.  Truth. 
Sweet peace, how can I here choose, but in the first 
Cant. 5. I sleep yet my heart waketh.  place observe that great mystery of the waking sleep of the most precious servants of the most high God, in the affairs of his worship; and the kingdom of his dear Son? Awake; for what fiery censures justly poureth forth this our excellent adversary against the oppressors of conscience, entituling them with the names of tyrants and persecutors, notwithstanding their vain professions, pretences, apologies and pleas for their tyranny and Bloodshed? Again, how fast asleep, in his so zealous pleading for the greatest tyranny in the world (throughout his whole book) though painted and washed over with fair pretences & c?  
2. He granteth upon the point the truth, which was affirmed, and he denied, to wit, that no persecutor of Christ ever persecuted him as the Son of God▪ as jesus▪ but under some mask or covering as thousands of black and bloody clouds of persecuting witnesses in this case most lamentably make it evident and apparent.  Peace. 
Master Cottons next charge is very heavy against the discusser, for exalting himself above God in the discerning of Master Cottons fellowship with persecutors, notwithstanding his profession against such persecution.  Truth. 
The Lord Jesus saw in the Jews such a contrariety between their professions and practices (even in this case of persecution) Mat. 23.  
2. Himself in effect, but even now, said the same of all persecutors: What ever pretences they make, saith he▪ and they will pretend great things of love to Christ, and kiss him ten thousand 
A deep mystery in persecution.  times, when treasons and slaughters are is in their courses. And will Master Cotton say that Christ Jesus exalted himself above God, inspying out so great a mystery? It is no new thing, that Master Cotton should be apt to say with David. That man that hath done this thing shall die, not duly considering and pondering that ourselves are sons of blood, and children of death, condemned by our own mouth, if the righteous judge of the whole world should deal severely with us.  Peace. 
But Master Cotton (for a close of this Chapter) complains of his own suffering of bitter persecution, and the Lord Jesus in him, being unjustly slandered, except the discusser can prove, that any doctrine of his tendeth to persecute any of the servants of Christ.  Truth. 
Let a man's doctrine and practice be his witnesses, and let every soul judge in the fear of God, whether the doctrine of this Book maintaining such and such a persecution to be an holy truth washed white in the blood of the Lamb, agree not lamentably with all their imprisonings, banishings &c. inflicted upon so many several sorts of their own countrymen friends and brethren in the wilderness, for matter of Religion and conscience; amongst which the Lord Jesus will be heard at last to have said, Why persecutest thou me? why banishest and whippest thou me▪ & c?  
2. Will not all persecuting prelate's, Pope's &c. take heart from hence (according to their several religions and consciences) to persecute the heretic, blasphemer, seducer etc. although they all will say with Master Cotton, It is not lawful to persecute a conscience rightly informed, that is, Christ Jesus in his truths or servants?  Peace. 
But the discusser (saith Master Cotton) is a bitter persecutor, in slandering him, and Christ Jesus in him, for a persecutor.  Truth. 
I see not but Master Cotton (though of David's spirit) may be guilty of saul's lamentable complaint, that David persecuted him, and that he could find none to pity him? Who knows not that all and our own Popish Bishops in Queen Maries, yea 
Wolves complaining that the sheep persecute them.  and of late times our Protestant Bishops against the non-conformists have been wont to cry out, what bitter persecution themselves have suffered from the slanderous censures and reproaches of the servants of Christ Jesus against them? Who yet have shot no other arrows at them but the faithful declarations and discoveries of Gods holy truth, and the evil of the opposing and persecuting of it, and the professors of it? And how near will Master Cotton be found to close with that late bloody wolf (so far as his chain reached) Bishop Laud, who being an instrument of the bloody hunting and worrying of those three famous witnesses of Christ, Master Prin, Master Bastwick, and Master Burton; yet at their public sentence in the Star-chamber, he lamentably complained that those poor Lambs did bark and by't him with unjust reproaches, slanders, &c,   

Examination of CHAP. XII.  Peace. 
MAster Cotton here first complaineth that his words are misreported concerning the punishment of the heretic after once or twice admonition, Tit. 3. 10.  Truth. 
I desire that others may judge in three particulars.  
First, whether the sum and pith of the words are not rendered.  
2. Whether this Titus 3. was brought by Master Cotton to prove (as is now pretended) that an heretic might be persecuted with an excommunication after once or twice admonition: or whether the question be not of another kind of persecution.  
3. Whether that Tit. 3. 11. do hold forth, That although a man be a heretic, blasphemer, seducer, he may be punished with a Civil or corporeal punishment, yea though he sin against his own conscience.  
I add a fourth, whether indeed (as Master Cotton intimates) the discusser makes this Tit. 3, a refuge for heretics. Great sound and noise makes this word heretic, heretic. I dare appeal to 
The blood of the souls under the Altar is a sealed mystery, Rev. 6.  Master Cottons conscience and memory, whether the reading of histories, and the experience of time will not evince and prove, that heretics and Christians, heretics and Martyrs (or witnesses of Christ) have not been the same men and women: I say again, that such as have been ordinarily and commonly accounted and persecuted for heretics, have been the servants of the most high God, and the followers and witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Peace. 
You know (dear truth) the catalogues of heresies and heretics extant etc.  Truth. 
Grant it (sweet peace) that some in all times have suffered for erroneous conscience. Yet I dare challenge the father of 
A challenge to the devil himself.  lies himself to disprove this assertion, That the most of such (beyond all comparison) that have ever suffered in this world for heretics, have been the disciples and followers of Christ Jesus. And on that not only the Lions, Leopards, the Bears, Woolves, and tigers (the bloody Pharoahs', saul's, Herod's, Nero's, Popes, Prelates &c.) should fetch from hence, their persecuting arrows and 
All Antichristian 〈…〉 persecutors make Tit. 3. their den and Fortress.  commissions, but that even the Davids, the men after Gods own heart, the Asa's (whose hearts are perfect with God) that such as are the sheep and lambs of Christ, should be so monstrously changed and transformed into lions, bears, etc. yea and should fly to this holy Scripture of Tit. 3. for this their unnatural and monstrous change and transformation.   

Examination of CHAP. XIII.  Peace. 
IN this 13 Chapter, dear truth, you argue the great mistake of the world in their common clamour, an heretic, an heretic, a 
Tit. 3. Discussed.  person obstinate in fundamentals; and you prove that this word heretic intends no more than a person obstinate against the admonitions of the Lord, although in lesser matters: upon this Master Cotton concludes in this 13 Chapter, that the discusser gives a larger allowance for proceeding against erroneous persons than himself did.  Truth. 
I must deny that the discusser gives a larger allowance than Master Cotton, or any at all, that the heretics or obstinate person should be dealt withal by the Civil Magistrates of Crete, but only by the spiritual power of the Lord Jesus.  
1. For first, What though I granted that an obstinate person, contending about Genealogies, ought not to be suffered, but after once or twice admonition ought to be rejected? And,  
2. What though I grant that after such faithful admonitions once or twice, he cannot but be condemned of himself? yet according to his third answer, how will it appear that I grant, that an heretic is rightly defined to be one obstinate in fundamentals, when I maintain, and Master Cotton seemeth to grant, that the heretic may be such an one as is obstinate in lesser points and practices?  
3. Further, let the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 imply an overturning, yet will it not follow, that therefore an heretic is he, who is wilfully obstinate, in holding forth such errors as subvert the foundation of the Christian religion: For however that Master Cotton saith, That such disputes may tend to overthrow Christianity, yet that is but in remote possibility, as the prick of a finger may kill the heart, if it rankle and fester, and so go on from member to member without means applied: yet this cannot be said to be a mortal wound at first. So is it in the body of Christ.  Peace. 
The Apostle discoursing of meats and drinks, of eating and drinking with offence, calls an offensive eating a destruction of the soul for which Christ died▪ and yet I suppose he will not say that that difference was a fundamental difference.  Truth. 
It hath been a gross and barbarous mistake of the monopolizers of learning, both divine and humane, The Clergy both of Popish and Protestant factions and worships: And how 
The horrible abusing and profaning of that word heretic. Great sins of Gods own children.  many are the thousands of millions of abuses, profanations and blasphemies against the God of heaven in all (the Antichristian) Christendom, in all preach, writings, proceed, and processes, touching this name heretic, heresy, & c? By the impartial censure of the Lord, he is an heretic, who wilfully persists in any sinful doctrine against the due admonitions of the Lord; for every bit and parcel of leaven is to be purged out of the house of God, as well as the greater and fundamental lumps.   

Examination of CHAP. XIV.  Peace. 
IT is a falsehood (saith Master Cotton) that I call the slight listenings of god's people to the checks of their consciences, their sinning against their conscience: for I speak not (saith he) of the sinning of God's people against conscience, but of an heretic subverted, much less do I call their slight listening to conscience an heretical sinning against conscience, lest of all do I say, that for slight listening to the checks of conscience, he may lawfully be persecuted as for sinning against his conscience. And he adds this gall to the former vinegar, Thus men that have time and leisure at will, set up images of clouts▪ and then shoot at them.  Truth. 
Master Cotton, elsewhere, granteth that God's children may (through passion, etc.) be carried on to despise admonition, and may be excommunicated, and if so, how can they refusing of Christ's admonition in the church, be excused from sinning against the self- condemning of themselves? For if a child of God may possibly be excommunicated for obstinacy in some passion, temptations etc. then may he be this heretic or wilful man in this Tit. 3.  
'tis true, that in an hour of great temptations, god's people may sin against clear light of conviction, and sentence of conscience, as David and Peter, etc. But (as I conceive) the holy Spirit of God in this 3 of Titns intends not such a clearness of self-condemning, but either that the admonitions of the Lord are so evident and clear, that either if he in his own conscience before God improved them seriously and duly, they would clear up the truth of God unto him: or else the checks of conscience are such as are recorded to have been (Cant. 5.) in the members of Christ, in the Church of the Jews; and Master Cotton cannot render a sufficient reason, why they may not also be found in the members of the churches of the Christians.  Peace. 
I perceive indeed (dear truth) the wonderful effects of a strange tongue, in the church of Christ: The noise and sound of a Greek word heretic, in poor English ●ares, hath begot a conclusion that a person refusing once or twice admonition for some 
A child of God may possibly be an heretic.  point of Doctrine, is such an heretic or monster, that he cannot possibly be a child of God; whereas Master Cotton granting that a child of God may possibly refuse once and twice admonition, and so come to be excommunicated; What doth he then in plain English, but say, that a child of God may be obstinate to excommunication or rejection (that is in Greek) be an heretic? And what is this but contrary to his former Assertion, that a child of God cannot be heretically obstinate to rejection, etc.  Truth. 
Questionless no child of God, but in temptation, may sin heretically, that is, obstinately upon once or twice admonition, against the checks and whisper of his own conscience, and against that evidence of light, which (afterward) he wondereth how he could despise▪ and this rejecting or casting forth of the visible society of Christ Jesus and his servants, is not for destruction but humiliation and salvation, in the day of the Lord Jesus.  Peace. 
I judge, that no son of peace, in a sober and peaceable mind, can judge, as Master Cotton here doth, this to be an image of clouts.  Truth. 
Nor can I learn, that the discusser so abounded in time and leisure, as to make such images (as Master Cotton insinuates.) It is not unknown to many witnesses in Plymmouth, Salem, and Providence, that the discussers time hath not been spent (though as much as any others whosoever) altogether in spiritual labours, and public exercise of the word, but day and night▪ at home and abroad, on the land and water, at the How, at the oar, for bread; yea and I can tell, that when these discussions were prepared for public in London, his time was eaten up in attendance upon the service of the Parliament and City, for the supply of the poor of the City with wood (during the stop of coal from Newcastle, and the mutinies of the poor for firing.) 'tis true, he might have run the road of preferment, as well in Old as New England, and have had the leisure and time of such who eat and drink with the drunken, 
For which service through the hurry of the times, and the necessity of his departure, he lost his recompense to this day. The straits of the discussers time in composing of the Bloody Tenent.  and smite with the fist of wickedness their fellow servants; But God is a most holy witness, that these meditations were fitted for public view in change of rooms and corners, yea sometimes (upon occasion of travel in the country, concerning that business of fuel) in variety of strange houses, sometimes in the fields, in the midst of travel; where he hath been forced to gather and scatter his lose thoughts and papers.  Peace. 
Well (notwithstanding Master Cottons bitter censure) some persons of no contemptible note nor intelligence, have by letters from England, informed the discusser, that these Images of clouts it hath pleased God to make use of to stop no small leaks of persecution, that lately began to flow in upon dissenting consciences, and (amongst others) to Master Cottons own, and to the peace and quietness of the Independants, which they have so long, and so wonderfully enjoyed.  Truth. 
I will end this Chapter, with that famous distinction of the Lord Jesus; 
* I prejudice not the free and comfortable supplies of temporals, which the Saints ought to make so their Teachers in spirituals▪ only I affirm, that such as will not teach will out money, they must and do beg or steal.  Digging, Begging, Stealing, are the three ways by the which all that pretend to be Christ's Stewards are maintained. They that cannot dig can beg the glittering preferments of this present evil world, and the wages of Balaam. They that cannot dig, can steal, in the ways of fraud oppression, 
Christ Jesus his distinction of Diggers, beggars, Stealers.  extortion, etc. But by the mercy of the most high, the discusser hath been enabled to get his bread by as hard digging, as most diggers in New or old England have been put to: and let all men judge, whether such as can beg or steal and cannot dig; or such as choose neither to beg nor steal, but dig, have most time and leisure to make such images of clouts, etc.   

Examination of CHAP. XV.  Peace. 
IN this passage (Dear Truth) we hear a sound of Agreement; Master Cotton consenteth, that this third of Titus evinceth no civil rejection, but excommunication out of the Church of Christ; and he saith, That no syllable of his conclusion looks at more.  
And whereas it might be objected, That excommunication cannot fitly be called persecution: he answers yes, and quotes Luk. 21. 12. John 16. 2.  Truth. 
Were it not for the fierce hands of angry Esau's, this shrill sweet voice might pass for jacob's. What ever Master Cottons ends and intentions were (of which I cannot but judge chatitably) the eye of God alone discerneth, but for Master Cottons words, syllables and arguings, let all impartial readers and consciences judge of these four considerations.  
First, Whether the word persecution, do not in all proper and ordinary speech signify penal and corporal punishment and affliction.  
2. Whether the point in question agitated between the prisoner and Master Cotton throughout the book, concern not only penal 
Persecution, not properly, no● usually taken for any spiritual punishment.  and corporal affliction: and whether it can be imagined, that the prisoner, or the discusser, or any that plead for the purity of Christ's ordinances, could ever plead against excommunicating an heretic or wilful offendor out of the Church of Christ: And although the Scriptures by Master Cotton quoted, do mention excommunication, as an unjust oppression; yet they speak also o● corporal afflictions, imprisonments, bringing before judgement-seats, and killing also.  
3. It could be told in what country, at a public sentence of banishment of a certain person, a text of Scripture, Rom. 16. 17. (parallel with this of Tit. 3.) was alleged by the chief judge in court for a ground (not of spiritual excommunication, but) of civil, out of the Commonweal.  
4. Were it not more for the name of God, for the honour of his truth, and the comfort of Master Cotton, plainly and ingenuously to acknowledge his misapplying of this holy Scripture of Tit. 3. then to cover it by so thin and poor a plea, viz. that he intends by persecution, excommunication out of the Church of Christ?   

Examination of CHAP. XVI.  Peace. 
MAster Cotton here grants a toleration to Jews, Turks, Pagans, yea and Antichristians, with one exception, to wit, so that they continue not to seduce etc.  Truth. 
But it must be remembered, that before and after he maintains persecution against Apostates, blasphemers, and idolatours, and then who knows not how all these four sorts, Jews, Turks, Pagans, and Antichristians, are full of blasphemy and idolatry? Now in case they seduce not, they are to be persecuted as idolaters and blasphemers, how then are they to be tolerated?  Peace. 
It could not be (had not this holy man been catcht with sipping at the bloody cup of the great whore) that Master Cottons affirmations and doctrines should thus quarrel among themselves.  
But further, I see not the equality of his yoking the ox and the ass together, when he further coupleth seducing of people into worship of false Gods, confidence of a man's own merit, etc. (which are spiritual matters) with seducing into seditions conspiracies against the lives and estates of such Princes as will not submit their conscience to the Bishop of Rome.  Truth. 
Your observation (dear peace) is seasonable; the former are mere Religious and spiritual, the latter are merely civil, against which the civil state is bound to defend itself with civil weapons.  Peace. 
In the next place Master Cotton chargeth the discusser with want of reason truth, and candour, for observing how unfitly those Scriptures of Phil. 3. Rom. 14. are produced to prove a toleration of lesser errors: And he affirms, that he never intended, that what the Churches might not tolerate, the Cities might not, etc.  Truth. 
The point is tolerating or persecuting by the civil state; whatever therefore be Master Cottons intentions, it is apparent, unless the Cities and Churches of Rome and Philippi be 
Examination of Phil. 3. and Rom. 14.  confounded together (as commonly they are in case of persecution) I say it is then apparent that there is no Scripture brought for the civil state its tolerating of points of lesser moment, nor are these Scriptures brought to any purpose in hand, but profaned.  Peace. 
But observe his Argument, The civil state tolerates petty thiefs and liars, to live in Towns, Cities etc.  Truth. 
No well ordered State or City can suffer petty thiefs and liars without some punishment, and we know how severely in the State of England, even thiefs have been punished even 
Very severe, but not Christian, more than Judaical punishment of thiefs in England.  with death itself; but Master Cotton is against such cruelty, for he pleads for tollerating of lesser errors, even in points of Religion and worship.  
2. If tollerating of lesser errors be granted upon this ground, viz. till God may be pleased to manifest his truth; is not the same a ground for tollerating of greater, as the holy spirit of God argues 2 Tim. 2. trying if God may be pleased to give repentance?  Peace. 
Yea but (saith he) the greater will infect, and so is more dangerous, and the toleration is the more unmerciful and cruel to the souls of many.  Truth. 
Liars and thiefs infect also, even the Civil state, and a little leaven will leaven the whole lump, and therefore as the Commonweal ought not upon that ground to tolerate petty thiefs and liars, so hath Christ Jesus provided in his holy kingdom and City against lesser evils, and upon this ground, that a little leaven will leaven the whole lump. But yet Christ Jesus hath not spoken (where he gives command for this thing to the Corinthians or Galatians, that such persons so leavened, should (together with their being put out of the Church for obstinacy in a little leaven) be put out of the world or civil state: (The one (the Church (being his Garden, the other, the Commonweal, being the high ways, Field, etc. the proper place for men as men to abide in.)   

Examination of CHAP. XVII.  Peace. 
COncerning the holding forth of error with an arrogant and boisterous spirit to the disturbance of civil peace, Master Cotton moderates the matter, that he would not have such put to death, unless the civil peace be destroyed, to the destruction of the lives and souls of men.  Truth. 
I cannot but here first observe the confounding of heaven 
The civil and spiritual life confounded.  and earth together, the Church and the world, lives and souls, etc. as if all were of one nature.  
2. Neither blessed Paul, nor I, need to be accused of cruelty in that grant of Paul, if alleged (Acts 25.) for there will not be found aught but a willingness to bear a righteous sentence of death in some crimes committed against the civil state.  
3. Master Cotton may here observe, how justly (as he speaks of the heretic) he condemns himself, for it is too bloody a Tenent (saith he) that every man that holdeth error in a boisterous and arrogant way, to the disturbance of civil peace, aught to be punished with death. Is not this the whole scope of his discourse from Deut. 13. and other abrogated repealed laws, to prove (what was just and righteous in the land of Israel) so bloody a Tenent and course to be enforced in all Nations all the world over?  Peace. 
Master Cotton excepteth against that speech [But if the matter be of a spiritual or divine nature.] There is no error, saith he, can be of divine nature, though it may be spiritual.  Truth. 
Master Cotton may hear Solomon here saying unto him. Be not overwise etc.  
For first, the words are not, If the error be of a divine nature, but if the matter (that is, the controversy, cause etc.) be of a spiritual or divine nature: which distinction between humane and 
God & Caesar.  divine things, I conceive is the same with that of wisdom itself dividing between God and Caesar: Give to God, etc. And so, though no error be of a spiritual or divine nature (taking the words in their height) yet the matter in question may be of some spiritual or divine consideration, belonging to God, and his worship; and not concerning the Commonweal or Civil state of men, which belong to Caesar's care.  
2. Taking spiritual as it is used sometimes in the holy Scripture as opposite to flesh and blood, I see no ground for that distinction, between spiritual and divine: God is a spirit, and the spiritual man discerneth All things: In such places and their like (to my understanding) spiritual and divine are the same thing.  Peace. 
But I marvel at the next passage: how can Master Cotton with any colour of reason or charity conceive the discusser so reasonless and senseless, as to intent by these words,▪ Such only break the Cities or Kingdom's peace, as call for prison, and sword against heretics?▪ as if (as Master Cotton infers and saith) that murderers, seditious persons, rebels, traitors, were none of them such, viz. Peace-breakers.  Truth. 
This word [only] can only have a fair respect to such as are charged by their opinions of Religion and worship to break the Peace of the commonweal, who (of what conscience soever they are) may freely enjoy their conscience and worship (either 
The great peace breakers.  of many and false Gods, or of the true God in a false way) and yet not be guilty of the breach of civil peace, but only they (I say they only in this consideration) who by their doctrine and practice cry out for prison, and fire and sword, against heretics, etc.  Peace. 
As the devil appeared an Angel of light in samuel's mantle, So John Hus and Jerome of prague, are declared for devils with the pictured devils upon their heads; and under this cloud of heresy and black name of heretics, most commonly have suffered in all ages the true messengers of Christ Jesus. Thus cried they out, Acts 17. These are they that have turned the world upside down, and are come hither also; and thus did they set the City all on an uproar. And Acts 19 not the worshippers of Christ filled the whole City with confusion, but the worshippers of Diana, who filled the heavens with that Bedlam Outery of two hours' continuance, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.  Truth. 
With as little reason and peaceableness of spirit hath 
English Diana's.  our English Nation used to cry Great is the Church of Rome, Great is our holy Father the Pope, Great the Mass, Great the Virgin Mary, Great the General counsels etc. And in later times, Great the Church of England, Great the Christian Magistrate, Great the ministry and Bishops of England, Great the swearing and covenant of the people, etc. and such as descent from us in these points and practices, persecute them as heretics, and disturbers of the common civil peace.  Peace. 
In the rest of this Chapter, Master Cotton makes three grants with his exceptions annexed.  Truth. 
Please you (dear peace) to mention them in one, and accordingly I shall weigh them in the balance together.  Peace. 
1. Saith he, The many causes which the discusser before wrote of, are all of them allowed, but none of them concern holding forth of errors, which is the point in hand.  
2. Saith he, It is easily granted that they do break the Cities 
Gross partiality to private interests.  or kingdoms peace, who cry out for prisons and swords against such who cross their judgement or practice in religion, to wit, saith he, unless their religion be of God, and the crossing of it be such as destroyeth and subverteth the Religion of God.  
3. It is also easily granted (saith he) that many complain most who are most in fault themselves.  Truth. 
To these three I may answer thus in one. The Mystery of preaching or holding forth the witness of the Truth of Jesus, is interpreted by many to be the Mystery of the first seal, the white horse; and the being persecuted or slaughtered for the word of God and testimony of Jesus, to be the Mystery of the third seal, where the souls under the Altar cry to the Lord for vengeance against their persecutors. These mysteries are sealed up, and they are the Lords letters, not to be opened and read by every one, but (as sealed letters be) by such to whom they are directed.  Peace. 
It follows therefore, that in the midst of all the cries of jews, Pagans, Turks, and Antichristians [Our Religion is the Religion of God: You are an heretic, you are a persecutor, We are true Christians, we are persecuted, etc.] that the hearts of God's children must be comforted and stayed up with the sight of this Mystery. And doubtless it is most commonly (though not always) true, that the imprisoned, fined, whipped, banished, hanged, burned, etc. in point of Religion have been so inhumanely oppressed for the word of God and the Testimony of Jesus.  
Our own Chronicles, Records of England, and blessed Master Fox will in part evidence to us, that scarce a King or Queen of 
England in all Ages guilty of much persecution.  England hath passed since Richard the second his time, but the blood of the witnesses of Jesus more or less hath been spilt in their reigns, as the blood of Heretics, schismatics etc. and but few drops of the blood of any heretic indeed have fallen to the ground.  Truth. 
The discusser therefore humbly (to my knowledge) desireth according to Master Cottons wish to reflect upon his own 
Two seasonable petitions of any pers●outed.  way, and humbly to beg of God two things for himself, and all in any measure censured and persecuted as heretics.  
First, josephs' innocency, purity, chastity, in all those points and questions wherein they are charged and condemned unclean.  
Secondly, jesephs' patience to bear the accusations, censures, imprisonments etc. from the tongues and hands of them who are notoriously unclean and guilty before the zealous and revenging eye and hand of God.   

Examination of CHAP. XVIII.  Peace. 
MAny of the following leaves and Chapters (dear truth) are spent upon that great and heavenly parable of the Tares, a knot about which so many holy fingers, dead and living, have been so laboriously exercised, all professing to untie, yet some by seeming to untie, have tied the knot the faster.  Truth. 
It is no wonder (sweet peace) to find Master Cotton so entangled both in his answers and replies touching this Parable; for men of all sorts in former ages, have been so entangled before 
The Parable of the Tares.  him: To which purpose, with thy patience I shall relate a notable passage recorded by that excellent witness (or Martyr) of God, Master Fox in his book of Acts and Monuments: 'tis this. In the story of Master George Wisehart (that famous Scotch witness of Christ Jesus) in the days of King Henry the eighth, there preached at the arraignment of the said Wiseheart, one john Winryme, subprior of the Abbey of Saint Andrews, he discoursed on the Parable of the Tares, he interpreted the Tares to be heretics; and yet contrary to this very Scripture (as Master Fox himself observeth, though elsewhere himself also maintaining it the duty of the civil Magistrate to suppress heretics) I say the said Winryme 
The Parable of Tares grossly abused.  concludeth that heretics ought not to be let alone until the harvest, but to be suppressed by the power of the civil Magistrate: So that memorable it is that both the Popish Prior, and that truly Christian Fox, were entangled in contradictions to their own writings about the interpreting of this Heavenly Scripture.  Peace. 
O what cause therefore have all that follow Jesus to beg of Jesus (as the Disciples did) the blessed Key of David to unloose this holy mystery? In the entrance therefore of this discourse, the discusser observing Master Cottons exposition to be fallacious, and the Tares to be interpreted, either persons, or doctrines, or practices, he blames that Master Cotton gives no argument for proof of such an interpretation: Master Cotton replies.  
First, Neither did the Author of the letter give reason for his interpretation. 2. That they both gave one interpretation. For the Author of the letter said, that some expounded the Wheat and Tares, to signify such as walk in truth, and such as walk in lies: now are not (saith Master Cotton) hypocrites and some corrupt doctrines and practices coincident with such as walk in lies, & c?  Truth. 
I answer, First it might be both their failing, not to strengthen their interpretations with some light and evidence from Scripture or reason, although the Prisoners failing the less, as being forced to write by shifts and difficulties in prison, and so the shorter, when Master Cotton had free liberty to enlarge and confirm without control, etc.  
2. When the prisoner interprets the Tares to be such as walk in lies, it will be found evident upon examination, that he meaneth such as manifestly, openly, visibly walk in the true profession of Christianity; and such as openly and visibly walk in the lies of 
Hypocrisy secret and open hypocrisy.  false and Antichristian doctrine and worship. That distinction of secret and open hypocrisy is seasonable: secret, implies such a dissimulation as may lie hid under the true outward profession of Christ Jesus, as in Judas, Simon Magus, Ananias and Sapphira etc. Open hypocrisy implies the profession of the man of sin, sitting in the Temple of God (or over the Temple of God) pretending the Name of Christ, and yet apparently and visibly, false and counterfeit, and but pretending, when such pretences and shows are brought to the Touchstone of true Christianity.  Peace. 
Your observation is true, as also a second, That these hypocritical doctrines and practices are to be tolerated to the end of the world, this he sets down in general, not instancing in particular what doctrine and practices are to be tolerated: and on the other hand, the whole drift of his book maintaineth, that such persons, doctrines or practices, that are idolatrous, or blasphemous, or infectious, are not to be tolerated or permitted at all; which passages to my understanding have not harmony among themselves: For what is all the whole Religion of every Antichrist, but a Mass or Chaos of Hypocrisy, Idolatry, heresy, Blasphemy, poisons? etc.  
Besides, Master Cotton had dealt more plainly with this holy Scripture, if he had explained what he meant by such doctrines and practices [coming near the truth] and set down the bounds, how near as to make them Tares.  Truth. 
Dear Peace, Who knows not that the weeds of the wilderness come near the flowers of the Garden, the counterfeit may come near the life, and the false metal the true gold? And though it be true that some doctrines and practices be not so gross as other, yet they differ but (as the Scripture speaks) as whores and whoremongers, amongst themselves; some are more proper, and fine, and young, and painted; some are old, deformed etc. And yet the finest weeds, counterfeits and whores are unsufferable in the Garden, 
Spiritual whoredom in worship may and doth in all Nations subsist with Civil being's, Relations, etc.  in the Commonweal, house, and bed of Christ: Though yet in the civil commonweal, the vilest spiritual strumpet may challenge a civil Being, if in civil things unreprovable.   

Examination of CHAP. XIX.  Peace. 
BUt in this Chapter, Master Cotton in the issue granteth, that the Tares signify persons, by Christ's own interpretation: For [them that do iniquity] may seem to be an explanation of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, All scandals, that is, persons holding forth of scandalous and corrupt doctrines and practices, like unto true and sound.  Truth. 
Yet withal he chargeth the discusser with lightness and inconstancy, for endeavouring to prove that corrupt doctrines and practices▪ are not to be tolerated, and yet, saith he, the discusser pleads that such persons ought to be tolerated. Whereas the discusser twice in this Chapter expressly distinguisheth between toleration in the Church, and toleration in the world, and affirmeth, that although the Church of Christ Jesus cannot tolerate either persons or practices which are false and Antichristian, yet the civil state, the world, aught to tolerate and permit both.  
And therefore Master Cottons inconsiderate charge of contradiction will not stick, because of those divers respects or States, the spiritual and civil, as it was no contradiction in Christ Jesus, to affirm that john Baptist was Elias, when John himself affirmeth, that he was not Elias▪ For in several respects the Negative of John, and the Affirmative of Jesus were both true.   

Examination of CHAP. XX.  Peace. 
IN this passage (to my understanding) Master Cotton after much seeming contestation and disagreement, yet in conclusion he shakes hands and agrees with the discusser in the main point in question.  Truth. 
Your observation reacheth home; for let it be granted, that the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 should not signify All weeds sprung up with the wheat, but one kind of weed, and that in special which Master Cotton saith Dioscorides describeth: Let it be granted to be the same with Lolium, and that there is a great similitude between the Tares and the Wheat, while they are in the 
Of the Tares.  blade (some of which particulars are controversial:) yet it no way opposeth that which the discusser maintaineth, to wit, the easiness of discerning these tares to be tares, when they are grown up to blade and fruit. And therefore Master Cotton at the last, confesseth that even these tares (unknown hypocrites) (according to his own exposition) ought to be suffered in the church of Christ to the harvest or end of the world.  Peace. 
I cannot but wonder how Master Cotton should once imagine, that it might possibly stand with the order, piety, and safety of the profession of Christ Jesus, that such a generation of known hypocrites should be perpetually suffered.  Truth. 
Doubtless the Lord Jesus was not of Master Cottons mind, who so vehemently warned his followers to take heed of the leaven of hypocrisy. Beside, if known hypocrites may be suffered and not cast out, Why may not known hypocrites be taken in? And what is then become of the true matter of the church, to wit, true living stones of a spiritual life and nature, so far as outwardly can be discerned?  Peace. 
This assertion hath so foul a representation, that Master Cotton is forced to draw this veil over, and therefore he adds, until the fruits of hypocrites grow notoriously scandalous.  Truth. 
I cannot fathom how these two agree: First, known hypocrites may be tolerated until the world's end; 2. Tolerated no longer, then until the fruits of the hypocrisy grow notoriously scandalous: For will not all reason and experience ask this question: How comes it that this friend, subject, and Spouse of Christ is now a known dissembler, traitor, whore, unless by some scandalous fruits so declaring and uncasing of them? If the shameful fruits of the unclean person, 1 Cor. 5. were sufficient to denominate him a wicked person, why were they not sufficient to warrant Paul to say, Put away therefore that wicked person from amongst you?  Peace. 
But let us mind the Scripture quoted: If (saith Master Cotton) foolish Virgins be cast out of the church, the wise Virgins may be found sometimes sleeping as well as they.  Truth. 
Neither good wheat, nor wise Virgins are to be cast out of the church of Christ, while they appear to be so: yet since 
Of the wise and foolish Virgius.  Master Cotton elsewhere grants, that a child of God (good wheat, and a wise Virgin) may so stand out against the church of Christ (in some passion) that he may be cast out. etc. How much more than ought the tares and foolish Virgins (while so appearing) be excluded?  
2. If the wise Virgins be received into heaven, as the foolish shut out, will it not evidently follow (even the contrary to that for which Master Cotton allegeth this Scripture) to wit. That when hypocrites are discovered, they are to be kept out, and consequently to be cast out of the church of Christ? except Master Cotton will say, that the kingdom of Christ on earth, may receive and keep in her bosom such stinking weeds, declared so to be, which the kingdom of Christ in heaven abhors.  
Who questions, but while the hypocrisy of these foolish Virgins lay hid in their empty vessels, that outwardly they appeared as wise as the wise Virgins? But when the fruits of their hypocrisy discovered them to be fools, how can Master Cotton (according to the truth as it is in Jesus) affirm, that foolish Virgins (known hypocrites) are to be kept in and not cast out of the church of Christ unto the end of the world?  Peace. 
O how contrary is this to the very fundamentals, essence, nature and being of a church or Spouse of Christ Jesus, which is (by the confession of Papists and Protestants) a society of wise Virgins, visibly Saints holy and faithful persons, a society of such persons as outwardly profess to love Christ Jesus uprightly (Cant. 1.) and to be espoused to him, 1 Cor. 11.  Truth. 
Yea, and how contrary is this to the nature of Christ Jesus, whose heart is all one fire towards the daughters of jerusalem (Cant. 4.) and how contrary to the charge, that great and 
No true church of Christ consisting of visible hypocrites.  solemn charge of the Lord Jesus to all his followers, to take heed of that leaven which is hypocrisy, which if suffered, will leaven the whole lump, and render the garden and spouse of Christ a filthy dunghill and whore-house of rotten and stinking whores and hypocrites.   

Examination of CHAP. XXI.  Peace. 
MAster Cotton here endeavours to prove (as many have done before) that the Field which the Lord Jesus interprets the world, was meant by him to be the Church, as he is said to love the world, John 3. to be propitiation for the sins of the world, 1 joh. 2.  Truth. 
In these and many other places of like nature, it pleaseth the Spirit of God to set forth his love to mankind, distinct from all other creatures: As also the impartiality of his love, calling his chosen out of all sorts of sinners, mankind all the world over: and yet it cannot be denied, but that the Scriptures speak frequently 
The field of the World.  of the world and of the church in a far distinct and contrary acceptation. So, as when he nameth the church, it cannot signify the world; and when the world, he cannot be said to intent the church, the reasons therefore on either side must be expended and weighed in the fear of God, why the Field here called by Christ the world, cannot be intended to be the church of Christ.  Peace. 
Your right distinguishing, is a right dividing of the word of Truth; but (saith Master Cotton) it cannot be the world in proper signification; for which he aleadgeth three reasons.  
First. Because there had been (saith he) no place for the servants wonder at the appearing of the tares verse 27. for what wonder that the world should be so full of fornicators, & c? Was it ever otherwise?  Truth. 
It is true, that the world lieth in wickedness, and is full of fornicators, idolaters etc. and yet it was some thousands of years when the world was not full of Christian, that is, anointed, or holy fornicators, holy idolaters etc. That is indeed and truth Antichristian, and that alone is the point in question, about which this answer of Master Cotton hovers, but comes not near it. This is indeed a most dreadful and wonderful point of the wisdom, justice, and patience of God, so to suffer so many millions of 
The mystery of Antichristians or false Christians.  men and women, to arrogate to themselves the name and profession of the most holy living God, and his holy Son Christ Jesus, to be called Christians, anointed or holy, and yet upon the point to hate the holiness, truth, and spirit of Christ Jesus.  Truth. 
This is doubtless to me (what ere Master Cotton imagines) a wonderful mystery in all Ages since these tares were first sown, to see, I say, so many millions of holy idolaters, holy murderers, holy whoremongers, holy thiefs etc.  
The blasphemy of this is so wonderful and dreadful, that I cannot sufficiently wonder at him that wonders, not how this comes to pass.  Truth. 
The like I answer to his second Reason, that it is true that we read not that ever any of the Ministers or Prophets of Christ ever essayed to pluck up all such vicious notorious persons out of the world, as they demanded concerning the tares, for then indeed as the Spirit implies, 1 Cor. 5. the whole state of the world would be overthrown; but yet this hinders not, but there may be a desire in God's servants to pluck up this or that sect or sort of people, Jews, Turks, or Antichristians.  Peace. 
Dear Truth, you make me call to mind the desire of Christ's disciples, that fire might descend from heaven, not to consume all fornicators, idolaters, all cruel and unclean persons out of the world, yet that particular, unmerciful, superstitions Town of the Samaritans, they desired that fire might come from heaven and consume them.  Truth. 
Indeed this desire of the disciples is no strange desire, for what else do All they desire, which permit not in the civil state, 
Master Cotton knows not his own desire.  any Religion, worship or conscience but their own? Nay far beyond that, were the whole world's neck under their imperial yoke (the many millions of millions of blasphemers, and idolaters of all sorts) if they will not be convinced at their word, must be cut off from all natural and civil being in the world, by Fire and Sword.  Peace. 
His third reason is, That the discusser reckoned up as parallel goats and sheep, wheat and tares (as generally, said he, others do) and he addeth, that in the purest church after the ruin of Antichrist, there shall be goats and sheep, wise and foolish Virgins, until the coming of Christ to judgement, Mat. 25.  Truth. 
Although the discusser spoke of that eternal separation between wheat and tares, sheep and goats approaching; yet he never said, that the tares and goats signified hypocrites in the Church, which is the point in question: Nor dare I subscribe to that opinion, that after the destruction of Antichrist, when purest times of the church shall come, that there shall be such a mixed estate in the church of Christ, until the coming of Christ to judgement.  
For first, Although goats were clean for food and sacrifice, yet it is apparent, that as they are for the left hand, So they are visibly known by every child, where goats and sheep are kept. And to image that visible hypocrites, such as tares goats, unprofitable servants, foolish Virgins etc. shall in a mixed way make up Christ's churoh, and that in the purest times of the church, of which there are so many and wonderful prophecies, is to me not only to frame a church estate point blank cross to the purity of those churches, but even to the first Apostolical churches, yea and against that frame of church estate in New England, where Master Cotton hath professed (though now it is said the door is wider) against▪ receiving in such members as are visibly foolish Virgins, goats etc.  Peace. 
Master Cottons second answer is, that if the Field be the world, as the tares Antichristians and false Christians, yet they were first sown in the field of the church.  Truth. 
Not so: for although there might be many infirmities and distempers, yea some great corruptions in the first Christian body the church of Christ; notwithstanding that Antichrist is an Apostate, yet it will not follow, that the tares were first sown in 
The first rise of Antichristians argued.  the true church, because Satan might easily raise up some professors of the name of Christ, which the true church would never admit. And as Satan might raise up persons, congregations, worships, which were not according to Christ; So might he easily raise up churches, congregations and societies of such tares with whom the churches of Christ might refuse society. So saith John, There are many Antichrists, whom yet we cannot well imagine that they were in the churches of the Lord Jesus.  
There came false Apostles to the Church at Ephesus, but yet that church examined and found them liars. And so long as the churches were watchful, those tares kept in the world. But when the churches began to be sleepy, the Tares might undiscerned creep into the church  
This may be as well, as when Apostates fall off from the church, go out from it, because they were never of it: and also as well as that the church of Christ may drowzily neglect to purge out the old leaven of persons and things, which may soon overspread and overrun the whole lump and garden of the church of Christ, until it be turned again into one common field of the world together.  Peace. 
Master Cottons third answer is, That Antichristians must not be tolerated unto the end of the world, because God will put it into the heart of faithful princes to hate the whore; and after that, we read of a visible state of New Jerusalem before the end of the world, Rev. 20. 21, 22.  Truth. 
It is not said, that those princes that shall hate the whore shall be faithful princes: and since Master Cotton seems to hold that by way of ordinance (and so in obedience) the Kings of the earth shall with the sword destroy Antichrist, I desire his proof for any such prophecy. For,  
1. It is not said, that God will put it into their hearts, to hate the whore. And we find that they shall hate the lamb, as well as hate the whore. For they shall make war with the lamb, and the lamb shall overcome them, as comes to pass after the ruin of the who●e, Rev. 19  
2. Judgement may be executed upon the whore by way of mutual judgement each upon others, when in the midst of their spiritual whoredoms, and drunkenness with the Saints blood, 
The judgement of the great whore.  they shall fall out with the whore (as useth to be in whoredom) and turn their whorish loves into outrageous fury; and the very description of their fury looks this way, for it is not the property of sober and faithful men (though repenting of their whoredoms) to make a woman naked (though a whore) and to eat her flesh, as it is said, those shall do.  
But grant (as we most hopefully do) the whore's consumption by the ten horns of the Beast, and the flourishing of new Jerusalem upon the earth (Rev. 20. 21, 22.) before the end of the world (all which are great disputes among the people of God) yet I judge it necessary that two or three queries be satisfied for the further clearing of the holy mind of the Lord in this particular.  
1. Whether (as some have and do argue) the end of the world in this Parable and other Scriptures do expressly and undeniably signify the end of the world and judgement-day literally, and not some other mystical period of time, since the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (usually translated world) is of various signification, and sometimes signifies and Age.  
2. Whether those ten Kings which shall destroy the whore, shall be absolutely Christian, true Saints, followers of Jesus they and their Armies, or else remaining Antichristian horns of the Beast, shall yet execute the judgement of God upon the great whore: as Jehu remaining both hypocritical and idolatrous, yet dash out the brains of that great whore Jezabel, and executed judgement upon Baal's Priests: yea and even as Henry the eighth tumbled the Pope out of his chair in England, and thousands of his Popelings with him, he suppressed and threw the whore Jezabel the church of Rome out of England's window, and yet continued to burn the Saints of Jesus upon his six Popish and bloody Articles.  
3. Whether that mighty Army of Gog and Magog, which is mustered up after the thousand year's reign of Christ, be not in part made up of the ●en horns, even after the whore of Rome's consumption (as before in Henry the eighth his case) which horns with their people's Christ will have yet to be tolerated as Tares in the field of the world, though not in the Church of Christ.  Peace. 
What think you of Master Cottons grant, that the first fruits of Antichristians may be tares sown in the field of the church, which afterwards grow to be Briars and thorns?  Truth. 
I observe that to be tares, of Antichristian worshippers, and briers and thorns (oppressers and persecutors) are both of them of a false and Antichristian nature, which ought to be far from imitation of the Rose of Sharon, or the Lily of the valleys.  
But 2. Are there no tares, that is, hypocrites, but in the church; and must all the briers and thorns (oppressors and persecutors, etc.) have no root from the wild world, but from the garden of Christ's church?  Peace. 
Now whereas it was urged, that it stood not with the wisdom and love of Christ, interpreting this parable, and opening what the field was, to call the field the world, when he meant the church: Master Cotton answers, that Paul by the same wisdom useth the same word, 2 Cor. 5. God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself.  Truth. 
Paul in using that figure of the world for all sorts of men in the world, doth not undertake to interpret a Parable, which before he had proposed unto (and at the request of) the Corinthians, as the Lord Jesus doth at the request of his disciples.  
And where Master Cotton saith, that it is no more an improper speech to call the church the world, then to speak of Christ as dying for the world, when he died for the church.  Truth. 
I find it not to be said, that Christ died for the world, but grant that it hath pleased the Lord in his most infinite wisdom, to cause the term of the world to be used in various significations; yet let any instance be given of any Scripture, wherein the Lord opposing the church to the world, the wheat to tares, doth not distinguish between the church redeemed out of the world, and the world itself, which is said to lie in wickedness, and to be such as for which Christ Jesus would not pray, John 17.   

Examination of CHAP. XXII.  Peace. 
IN this Chapter was urged the scope of the Lord Jesus, to wit, to foretell the Antichristian state opposing the true Christian 
Christ's Church by 〈…〉 properly consisting of good ground.  church and worship as also to comfort and strengthen the hearts of his followers, against the grievances arising therefrom; and where it was urged that the church consisteth only of good ground, and that the three sorts of Bad ground visibly so declared, are properly in the world, and not in the church, Master Cotton answers,  
First, Did not Christ preach to all these sorts of hearers in the church of the Jews?  Truth. 
That national church of the Jews, in its first visible constitution, consisted only of good ground. Now that the other 
The ●●●u●e of Jewish Church.  three sorts of hearers were in the church of the Jews, it was an accident and corruption: when they grew incurable, and received not the admonitions of the Lord, by the Lord Jesus and his servants, preaching unto them, the Lord cast them out of his sight, destroyed that national church, and established the Christian church.  
Now what is this to the permitting of known hypocrites in the Christian church to the world's end? since that the proper seat of known hypocrisy, and of all other wickedness, is the world, which indeed properly consisteth of the three sorts of Bad ground, as the church and Garden of Christ, of the honest and good ground.  Peace. 
But further, If (saith Master Cotton) the children of the church-members be in the church, than they growing up to years, become some of them like the highway, and some like the stony, and some like the thorny ground.  Truth. 
Admit the Christian church were constituted of the natural seed and offspring (which yet Master Cotton knows will never be granted to him, and I believe will never be proved by him:) yet he knows, that upon the discovery of any such portion of ground in the church, the church is bound to admonish, and upon impenitency (after admonition) to cast them into the world, the proper place of such kind of hearers and professors.  Peace. 
Master Cotton proceeds to a third answer, to wit, Though it be not the proper work of the church to bring up their own children to become the sincere people of God, And Christ hath given his Church and his Gospel preached to it, to lie like leaven in three pecks of meal, till all be leavened, Mat. 13. 31. And he hath given Pastors and Teachers, as well for the gathering of the Saints, as for the edification of the Body of Christ.  Truth. 
I answer, the proper work of the Pastors and Teachers, is to feed the sheep and flock, and not the herds, the wild Beasts in the world. And although it is the duty of parents to bring up their children in the nurture and fear of the Lord; yet what if 
The nature of Christ's true Apostles.  those children refuse to frequent the Assemblies of the Church, and what if those three sorts of bad ground or hearers will not come within the bounds of the Pastors and Teachers feeding; hath not the Lord Jesus appointed other Officers (in the same Ephes. 4.) for the gathering of the Saints, that is sending out of the Church of Christ, Apostles, or Messengers, to preach Christ Jesus to the three sorts of bad ground, to labour to turn them into good ground?  
But alas, to salve up all this, the civil sword is commonly run for, to force all sorts of ground to come to church, instead of the sending forth (Rom. 10.) the heavenly sowers, according to the Ordinance of Christ Jesus.  Peace. 
But what say you to his fourth answer, viz. There is no such Resemblance between the high-way-ground and good ground, as between the Tares and the wheat, nor would the servants wonder at Tares in the highway, nor ask about their plucking up.  Truth. 
I answer, Let the highway, stony, and thorny ground be considered in their several qualities of profaneness, stoviness and worldliness, and all the sons of men throughout the whole world naturally are such; and 'tis no wonder, nor would the servants of Christ be so troubled, as to desire their plucking up out of the world. But yet again consider all these sorts of men as professing the name and anointing of Christ Jesus in a false and counterfeit Antichristian way, and then it may well be wondered, whence such monstrous kind of Christians or anointed ones 
Antichristians' monsters in rereligion.  arose: And God's people may easily be tempted rather to desire their rooting out of the world, than the rooting out of any such sorts of ground or men professing any other Religion, Jewish, Mahometan or Pagan, Antichristian and false Christians being more opposite to the kingdom of Christ Jesus, and more dangerous, by how much more a counterfeit and traitor is worse than a professed Fox, an Antichristian (whether Papist or Protestant) worse than a Jew, a Pagan, Whether Indian, Turk or Persian.   

Examination of CHAP. XXIII.  Peace. Still of the Tares. 
THese tares (saith Master Cotton) are not such sinners as are opposite and contrary, for than none should be opposite or contrary but they.  Truth. 
I acknowledge (as Master Cotton here observeth) two sorts of persons opposite and contrary to Christ Jesus and his kingdom.  
First, All sorts of sinners scandalous in their lives and 
Two sorts of sinners.  courses.  
2. More especially opposite in point of Religion and worship, as all idolaters, and especially Antichristians.  
Now every man by nature, the best and wisest, is opposite and contrary to Christ, his word and kingdom; but an idolater and Antichristian is more especially opposite to his glorious Name, Truth, and Ordinances.  
And therein properly lies the mystery of iniquity, brought in by the man of sin, that lawless person, 2 Thess. 2. most opposite or contrary to Christ Jesus the Son of God, and Son of Righteousness.  Peace. 
But this is a begging of the question (saith Master Cotton) for the question is about visible worshippers, such as were discovered and declared to be what they were, as well by their fruit as by their clads, and therefore again (saith Master Cotton) these tares were the seed and children of the Devil; for why should they be called the seed of the One, and the children of the Other?  Truth. 
I answer, the Lord Jesus distinguisheth, thus, He that soweth the good seed, is the Son of man; and the good seed are the children of the kingdom: he that soweth the tares is the devil, and these tares are the children of the evil or evil one; Hence by way of opposition, these children of evil or evil ones being visibly such as are opposite to the children of the kingdom, they cannot be hypocrites in the church, until they are discovered: These children therefore of the evil one opposite to the visible kingdom, and so to visible Christ Jesus in point of his kingdom, church, and worship (though they be the children of the devil in a sense, yet) can they be no other, but the children of the false Christ or Antichrist, in the way of a false church and worship.  Peace. 
Yea but lastly (saith Master Cotton) that word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 translated the children of the wicked one or wickedness, will agree to hypocrites.  Truth. 
It will indeed, if we respect their inside, which is only visible to the invisible King, as Judas in his profession: but it 
Two sorts of hypocrites.  cannot agree to such hypocrites as are undiscovered by their fruits in the church, but unto such hypocrites as are discovered in their blades and fruit, and so consequently are not fit to live with other sinners in the world: I doubt not but Master Cotton will say, That although a member of a Church prove a thief, adulterer, murderer, in the eyes of a Brother, that sees and knows his secret wickedness, yet that brother is censurable as a slanderer, if he should report these evils, though to the Church, until according to visible order he could produce good proof and evidence.   

Examination of CHAP. XXIV.  Peace. Still of the Tares. 
MAster Cotton here seems to me (with the Familists) to confound heaven and earth together, the matters of Worship, and Ordinances of Religion, with the affairs and businesses of this life: for saith he, such as stand for the kingdom of Satan (as all evil men do) they stand in opposition to the Kingdom of Christ.  Truth. 
Master Cotton is not now to be taught the distinction between the church and commonweal; nor that a national church is not of Christ Jesus his institution: yet as this discourse strongly inclines to erect a national church, so doth this present answer to the confusion both of Church and commonweal.  
It is true, a covetous Jew, that blasphemeth Christ Jesus, stands for Satan against Christ. But by his covetousness in one kind, as covetousness is opposite to Righteousness and contentation, etc. and for Satan against Christ in another sense, that 
Two sorts of opposites to Christ Jesus.  is in a Religious and Spiritual sense, as he prefers Moses before Christ Jesus, and denies the true Messiah to be yet come in the flesh.  
A cruel Turk stands for Satan against Christ, by his cruelty in one sense, to wit, in opposition to Christ's mercy, gentleness, patience, etc. but by his belief in Mahomet, preferring him before Christ, he opposeth him in his kingdom and Worship.  
To come nearer, a drunken English, Dutch or Frenchman, stands for Satan against Christ, as their drunkenness is opposite to Christ's sobriety, temperance, etc. but against Christ in another sense, as they profess the ways of Antichristian idolatry and superstition: And not to observe this distinction, is (with some Familists) to run upon quicksands of confounding the spiritual kingdom of Christ Jesus, his worship and ordinances, with the kingdoms of this world, and the common affairs thereof in natural and civil consideration.  Peace. 
But though Christ (saith Master Cotton) should command other offenders to be let alone beside Antichristians, yet he should not contradict any ordinances for the punishment of offenders etc. because, saith he, No law of God, nor just law of man commands the the rooting out of hypocrites, though the church be bound to endeavour (as much as in them lies) to heal their hypocrisy.  Truth. 
Hypocrisy discovered in the fruit of it, is not to be let alone in the church or State: For neither church of Christ nor civil state can long continue safe, if hypocrites or traitors (under what pretence soever) be permitted to break forth in them, without due punishment and rooting out; this hypocrisy being especially that great sin against which Christ Jesus so frequently and so vehemently inveighed, and against which he denounced the sorest of plagues ●nd judgements.  Truth. 
By whose command, and by what means and ordinances, by whose power and authority, but by the command, means and power of Christ Jesus?  
And I further ask, If faithful admonition be not one good means of healing, and if that lie not in the church's power; and if the hypocrite after faithful admonition once or twice, submit not to the voice of Christ Jesus, I ask where the Lord Jesus commandeth to make a stop, and not to cast forth and reject whomsoever wilfully obstinate?  Peace. 
Doubtless (dear Truth) many will be apt to say Master Cotton intends secret and close hypocrisy.  Truth. 
And I doubt not but himself will say, That this is not our question, but of known and unmasked hypocrisy, as himself hath formerly declared, and such as here he expresseth come under ordinances of healing.  Peace. 
But further (saith Master Cotton) it is not true, that Antichristians are to be let alone until the end of the world, Why? Because Christ commanded excommunication, etc.  Truth. 
I am astonished, and wonder why Master Cotton here speaketh of excommunication, a spiritual ordinance of Christ Jesus in his spiritual kingdom or city, when the dispute only concerns temporal excommunication or cutting off? Let them alone, that is, in civil State?  
I wonder also how he should imagine the discusser in this Chapter to affirm, that Antichristians are to be let alone in the church unto the end of the world, when it was the very scope of his argument in this Chapter, to prove, that the speech of Christ Jesus, [let them alone] must needs be understood of letting idolaters and Antichristians alone in the civil state, and in the world, because otherwise, if he had meant, [Let them alone in the church] he should contradict himself, who hath appointed means for the disturbing and purging out the corrupt leaven both of persons and practices out of his church and kingdom.  Peace. 
The same answer indeed will easily be returned to his last supposition of any Popish spirit conspiring against the life of King and Parliament. The whole scope of this book professeth, and in this Chapter the discusser professedly argueth, that Christ Jesus hath appointed that civil offenders against the civil state, ought not to be let alone.  
But Master Cotton adds, If Popish Priests and Jesuits be rightly expounded to be the Rivers and fountains of water, which drive the dead sea of Antichristian pollutions up and down all Nations in Europe, and in some cases are to drink blood; Then are they not to be let alone, but duly suppressed and cut off from conveying up and down idolatrous, heretical and seditious wickedness, Rev. 16. 4. 7.  Truth. 
The exposition of this Scripture will be further examined 
The rivers and fountains of blood, Rev. 16.  in the sequel, and found no true exposition▪ That Rivers and fountains of water drive the sea up and down: For rivers and fountains however they come from the salt-water, yet lose they the savour of the salt-sea, and yield a savour of the earth through which they make their passages; and again they run into the sea, and are themselves driven up and down, and swallowed up in the sea: Nor will it be found a true exposition according to Godliness and Christianity, which commandeth patience and waiting, not fire and sword to gain sayers and opposites: Nor last, will it be found a true exposition agreeing with Master Cottons own profession in some passage of this book, wherein he holds forth great toleration and gentleness to other consciences, both English and Barbarians.   

Examination of CHAP. XXV.  Peace. 
IN this Chapter Master Cotton affirms, that hypocrites (even) they that are discerned to be such, yet they are not to be purged out, except they break forth into such notorious fruits of hypocrisy as tend to the leavening of the whole lump: for otherwise (saith he) we may root out the best wheat in God's field, etc.  Truth. 
I answer, s●●●● hypocrites and all hypocrisy is so odious in God's sight, and so vehemently inveighed against by Christ 
Of hypocrites in profession of Christianity.  Jesus, what should be the cause why the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy, should find greater favour and connivance in the church of Christ, than the leaven of any other sin, since all aught to be purged out? 1 Cor. 5.  
2. Contrary to what Master Cotton saith, [to wit, That no man merely for hypocrisy and want of life and power of Godliness ought to be proceeded against] the Spirit of God by Paul saith, That such kind of professors of the name of Christ should arise, that should pretend a form of godliness, but not show forth the power thereof, from which he commandeth us to turn away, 1 Tim. 3.  Peace. 
But Master Cotton excepteth, Except (saith he) they break forth into some notorious scandalous fruits of hypocrisy.  Truth. 
How shall an hypocrite be discovered and known to be an hypocrite or traitor in church or civil state, but by some such notorious scandalous fruits as tend to the leavening of the whole lump? Come to particulars; was judas, Ananias and Sapphira, Simon Magus, Demas, or any other discovered to be Hypocrites, when they broke forth into treachery, lying, covetousness? and might the church proceed against such? If it be denied, I ask to what end the Lord hath given those holy rules of admonition? etc. will it prove aught but profaning of the name of the Lord, to pretend our clear discerning of the Scripture and ordinances, and not to practise them? If it be yielded against these fruits of hypocrisy, discovering men to be hypocrites, why do we plead for a dispensation, and (not for the wheat of the Field, and flowers of the garden, but) for the most stinking and loathsome tares and weeds to be continued in the holy garden of Christ Jesus?  Peace. 
But many hypocrites (saith Master Cotton) fall not within the censure of that Scripture, 2 Thess. 3. 6. Withdraw from every brother that walketh disorderly; for many hypocrites follow their callings, and are so far from being burdensome unto others, that they are after choked with the cares and businesses of the world, and yet are not behind in liberal contribution to pious uses.  Truth. 
But is not this halting between God and Baal? yea is not this pleading for Baal, for hypocrisy, hypocrites and dissemblers, false and Antichristian counterfeits, to be permitted not only in the wilderness of the world (which I contend for) but also even in the Garden, House, Bed, and bosom of God? What if men be civil and follow their callings? Men that know not God, so do. What though they be liberal to pious uses (millions of Papists are and have been so according to their consciences) when as yet they are choked with cares and businesses of this world?  
How express is the charge of the Lord Jesus, to withdraw from such, notwithstanding their form of Godliness, and contribution to Godly uses, when they declare not the power of godliness, 1 Tim. 3. 2. Not to eat with them, and therefore to separate from such a brother as is covetous, 1 Cor. 5. as well as from an idolater, drunkard, etc.  
The Church of Christ is a congregation of Saints, a flock of sheep, humble, meek, patiented, contented, with whom it is monstrous and impossible, to couple cruel and persecuting lions, subtle and hypocritical Foxes, contentious biting dogs or greedy and rooting swine, so visibly declared and apparent.   

Examination of CHAP. XXI.  Peace. 
IN this Chapter four answers were given by the discusser to that great objection of the mischief that the Tares will do in the field of the world, if let alone and not plucked up.  
The first was, That if the tares offend against Civility or civil state, God hath armed the civil state with a civil sword, etc.  
Master Cotton replies, what if their conscience incite them to civil offences?  
I answer, the conscience of the civil Magistrate must incite him to civil punishment, as a Lord mayor of London once answered, That he was born to be a Judge, to a Thief that pleaded he was born to be a thief. If the conscience of the worshippers of the Beast incite them to prejudice prince or state, Although these consciences be not as the conscience of a thief (commonly convinced of the evil of his fact, but) persuaded of the 
Corrupt consciences distinguished.  lawfulness of their actions; yet so far as the civil state is endamaged or endangered, I say the sword of God in the hand of civil Authority is strong enough to defend itself, either by imprisoning or disarming, or other wholesome means, etc. while yet their consciences ought to be permitted in what is merely point of worship, as prayer, and other services and administrations.  
Hence the wisdom of God, in that 13 Rom. (reckoned by Master Cotton the Mag●a Charta for civil Magistrates dealing in matters of Religion) I say, there it pleaseth God expressly to reckon up the particulars of the second table, chalking out (as it were) by his own finger, the civil sphere or circle, in which the civil Magistrate ought to act and execute his civil power and Authority.  Peace. 
The second answer of the discusser was, that the church or spiritual City hath laws and armouries to defend itself.  
Master Cotton excepteth, saying, That if their members be leavened with Antichristian Idolatry and Superstition, and yet must be tolerated in their idolatry, and superstitious worship, will not a little leaven leaven the whole lump? and how then is the 
Toleration of idolaters considered.  church guarded?  Truth. 
The question is, whether idolatrous and Antichristian worshippers may be tolerated in civil state, in the City, in the kingdom, etc. under any civil power: Master Cotton answers no, they will do mischief. The reply is, against any civil mischief (though wrought conscientiously) the civil state is strongly guarded. Secondly, Against the spiritual mischief, the church or City of Christ is guarded with heavenly armouries, wherein there hang a thousand Bucklers▪ Cant. 4. and most mighty weapons, 2 Cor. 10. In the church of Christ such worshippers ought not to be tolerated, but cast out, etc.  
That is true, saith Master Cotton, but yet their leaven will spread.  
I answer, What is this, but to make the most powerful appointments 
Civil weapons in spirituals, blur and flight the spiritual.  of Christ Jesus, those mighty weapons of God, terrible censures and soul- punishments in his kingdom, but as so many wooden daggers and leaden swords, children's Bull-beggars, and scarcrows, and upon the point so base and beggarly, that without the help of the Cutler's shop or Smith's forge, the church or kingdom of Christ cannot be purged from the leaven of idolatry and superstition?  Peace. 
Me thinks the Lord Jesus was of another mind▪ Mat. 18. when he accounted it sufficient to cut off the obstinate, Let him be as a Gentile or publican: and in the very similitude of leaven (here used by Master Cotton) Paul counted it sufficient to purge out the leaven, 1 Cor. 5. if that evil person were put away from the midst of them, that is, from their holy and spiritual society. Paul never asks (as Master Cotton doth) since we have not to our spiritual arms, arms of flesh, and a civil sword to help our spiritual, how shall the safety of the church be guarded?  
But let's proceed. The third Answer was, That the elect cannot be finally deceived: Master Cotton replies. It is true, but God provides means of preservation, etc. And Jezabels tolerating in Thiatira made the church guilty.  Truth. 
This Argument was not used in derogation of God's means, spiritual in spiritual things, civil in civil, etc. but by way of supposition of the worst, as Job spoke in another case, How helpest thou the arm that hath no strength? Not but that in ordinary submission to means, man ought to help the Lord against the mighty. The sum is this, rather let the Lord alone to help himself without means, then to help the Lord to save his elect (who cannot by virtue of his love and decree finally be deceived) by any such means as are none of his own appointing.  
2. It is true, that the church at Thyatira, tolerating Jezabel to seduce, was guilty, yea and I add the City of Thiatira was guilty also if it tolerated Jezabel to seduce to fornication. But 
The toleration of Jezabel in Thyatira.  what is this to the point of the issue [to wit, Whether the City of Thiatria should be guilty or not in tolerating Jezabel in that which the City judgeth to be idolatry and false worship? Jezabels' corporal whoredoms (sinning against civility or state of the City) the City by her Officers ought to punish, lest civil order be broken, and civility be infected etc. but Iezabels spiritual whoredoms, the civil state ought not to deal with but (there being a church of Christ then in Thiatria, and the spiritual whoredoms there taught and practised) I say the church in Thyatira, which in the name and power of Christ was armed sufficiently to pass and inflict a dreadful spiritual censure, which God will confirm and ratify most assuredly and undoubtedly in heaven.  Peace. 
Two reasons more were alleged out of the Text. The first was, that by plucking up the tares, the good wheat itself by such hurries and persecutions about Religion, should be endangered to be plucked up; which Master Cotton salveth thus: to wit, If God's people themselves, for their idolatry and superstition, should be cut off, it will be for warning unto others, etc.  Truth. 
Oh ungodly, unchristian, that is bloody and Antichristian doctrine, by which (under pretence of punishing heretics, schismatics, and seditious persons) the Son of God, the Lord of 
Christ Jesus under pretence persecuted.  Lords, and King of Kings, hath so many millions of times, in his servants been persecuted, slain, and crucified! As for the world, it lies in wickedness, is a wilderness of sin overgrown with idolatry and superstition. The Antichristian (falsely called Christian world) in most abundant and overflowing measure hath wondered after and magnified the Beast, Rev. 13. The two witnesses prophesy in sackcloth against this beast, in all parts of his dominion, by whom also they are persecuted and slain, and yet we read not that they judge or censure, or fight for themselves 
The weapons of the Saints, Rev.  with any other weapons then by the word of their prophecy, the blood of the Lamb, their patiented sufferings, the not loving of their lives unto the death.  Peace. 
The second reason out of the parable was, That the▪ Angels of God have in charge to bundle up these tares for the burning. Master Cotton replies two things. First, so these Angels will gather into bundles for the burning murderers robbers, etc. who are not yet to be tolerated.  Truth. 
I answer, If a man call Master Cotton murderer, witch, etc. with respect to civil matters, I say the civil state must judge and punish the offender, else the civil state cannot stand, but must return to barbarism. But if a man call Master Cotton murderer, witch etc. in spirttual matters, as deceiving 
The difference between civil and spiritual slander.  and bewitching the people's souls, if he can prove his charge, Master Cotton ought to give God the glory, and and repent of such wickedness. If he cannot prove his charge, but slander Master Cotton, yet is the slander of no civil nature, and so not proper to any civil court, but is to be cast out (as we see commonly suits of law are rejected, when brought into Courts which take no proper cognizance of such cases.)  Peace. 
What relief then hath Master Cotton or any so charged in this case?  Truth. 
The court of heaven, the church of Christ, calls such a slanderer to repentance (whether he be within the church or without, though orderly proceeding lies only against him that is within) If he be obstinate, how dreadful is the sentence against such a slanderer, both in earth and in heaven? how dreadful the delivering up to hardness of heart (a greater plague on Pharaoh, than all the devouring plagues of Egypt) how dreadful the 
The dreadful nature of Christ's spiritual punishments.  delivering up to Satan, the paw and jaw of the roaring lion (infinitely far more terrible, had we eyes to see it, then to be thrown with Daniel to the devouring lion:) There is no reason in the world therefore, for thiefs and murderers to be tolerated unto the last day without sentence and punishment, because transgressors against spiritual state may be tolerated to live in the world, yet punished for spiritual transgression with a greater censure and sorer punishment, then if all their bones and flesh were racked and torn in pieces with burning pincers.  Peace. 
Master Cotton and others will say. The idolaters and seducers were censured spiritually under Moses, and yet were they also put to death.  Truth. 
I desire Master Cotton to show me under Moses, such spiritual censures and punishments beside the cutting off by the civil sword: which if he cannot do, and that since the Christian Church antitypes the Israelitish, and the Christian laws and punishments 
Not such spiritual punishments in the national church of Israel.  the laws and punishments of Israel concerning religion, I may truly affirm, that that civil state which may not justly tolerate civil offenders, etc. yet may most justly tolerate spiritual offenders, of whose Delinquency it hath no proper cognizance.  Peace. 
Lastly, Master Cotton urgeth, that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (2 Thess. 2.) should rather be translated presence then coming.  Truth. 
Admit it (though many able translators in divers languages rather translate it coming) and that Antichrist shall not be consumed by the breath of the mouth of the Lord Jesus before his last coming to judgement; yet then Master Cotton must give another interpretation of this end of the world, and the Angels, and the fire, then is usually given: however the tares shall be bundled up for the everlasting burn, and are at present under a dreadful sentence and punishment, and therefore (not offending in civil things) the civil state may the better tolerate them in matters of religion and conscience; and Paul himself (if opposed by them) might the better wait with patience, if God peradventure will give them repentance etc.   

Examination of CHAP. XXVII.  Peace. 
IN this Chapter, those three particulars by which the Ministers of Christ are commanded to let the Tares alone, Master Cotton evades by calling them so many slippery evasions, etc.  Truth. 
I believe neither the interpretations nor the intentions of the Author were evasive: for a faithful witness will not lie though a false witness will utter deceit; however the fire shall try. The truth is, the greater part, and especially the former of Master Cottons answer in this Chapter, comes not near the point of the issue, for that is not whether the Saints may pray or prophecy against idolaters and false worshippers, but whether or no for their present temporal destruction and extirpation.  Perce. 
Unto this Master Cotton saith, Yes, for the present destruction of some or other Antichristian idolaters in every age: and he adds, it might as well be said, that a Minister of Christ 
Prayer against present destruction of tares.  should not denounce present or speedy destruction to any murderers, whoremongers, etc. because though some of them may fall under grievous plagues, yet there will never want a company of such evil doers, until the great harvest or end of the world.  
Again, saith he, Though a Minister denounce not present destruction, yet he cannot let them alone, no more than the feller of an oak, that gives many a stroke before the last, etc.  
2. It is not credible (saith he) that some of the Angels that pour out their vials upon the Antichristian state, shall not be Ministers: And when the ten horns shall burn the City of Rome, it is not credible, that they will do it without some excitement from the Angels.  Truth. 
The instance brought of murderers, whoremongers etc. is most improper, because we all agree that present corporal or civil punishment is due to murderers, whoremongers, etc. and other like transgressors against the civil state of all Nations and peoples all the world over, and this in all Ages and Times: but Master Cotton himself acknowledgeth, that many prophecies and periods are set for the continuance of the Antichristian state, and the idolatry and desolations thereof, and that those perieds shall be accomplished before the judgement day: nor will it appear that those ten Kings that shall in the fulfilling of this prophecy burn the whore, shall do it by way of ordinance and obedience to God's command, otherwise than he permitted Nabuchadnezzar and Cyrus, and other Tyrants of the world (as the fishes of the sea one to devour and swallow up another.) And for that instance of the woodman selling of the oak, I grant that the prayers of the Saints▪ hasten the whore's downfall, and the opening of these prophecies make way for God's time; but what is this to a present downfall before the time appointed?  
Again, That it is not credible but that some of the Angels 
Pastors and Teachers not Apostles and messengers.  should be messengers of the Gospel, I answer, Master Cotton knows that the English word messengers, and the Greek word Apostles, are the same; but no such messenger's Master Cotton allows of: And that the word messengers in the Apostles sense should imply. Pastors and Teachers (which Master Cotton now only allows of) I find not in the Testament of Christ Jesus. That those Angels should be the witnesses, and the Prophets in sackcloth, seems more credible.  
And I may well affirm the contrary to Master Cottons credible, that it is incredible that any servant or messenger of the King of Peace should stir up the civil Magistrate to cut off those by the civil sword, whose repentance he is bound to wait for with patience, bearing in the interim their oppositions and gainsayings, 2 Tim. 2.  Peace. 
'tis most true, according to the testimony of Christ Jesus (and most contrary to the tenants and practice of the Romish bloody Popes, and their followers) that Christ's Ministers are wisdoms Maidens (Prov. 9) sent forth in heavenly Beauty and chastity, with meek and loving, yet vehement persuasions, to call in the foolish of the world to partake of wisdom's dainties: but (dear truth) deliver your mind concerning the last passage, to wit, 
Elijah stirring up Ahab to slay the Baalites.  Elijahs act in stirring up Ahab to kill all the Priests and prophets of Baal: This act (saith Master Cotton) was not figurative, but moral; for (saith he) Ahab could not be a figure of Christ, nor Israel after their apostasy, a type of the true Church: Beside, blasphemers ought to die by the law, and Ahab forfeited his own life, because he did not put Benhadad to death for his blasphemy, 1 Kings 20.  Truth. 
Christ Jesus is considered two ways, Christ in his person, and Christ mystical in his church, represented by the Governors thereof. Some say, that Israel was not in Ahabs' time excommunicated 
Concerning Israel in the apostasy of Jeroboam.  and cut off from God's sight, until their final carrying out of the land of Canaan, 2 Kings 17. and that Israel remained (though none of Gods in respect of her apostasy, yet) Gods in respect of covenant, until the execution of the sentence of excommunication or divorce: And therefore that Ahab, as King of Israel, God's people (until Israel ceased to be Israel) was a figure of Christ, that is, Christ in his presence, in his governors, in his church, though fallen to idolatry under admonition, not yet cast off.  
But (2.) grant the church false, and Ahab King of a false church, how will it appear that Elijahs Act was a moral act, and so presidential to all Kings and Nations?  Peace. 
Because (saith Master Cotton) it is moral equity, that blasphemers, and apostate idolaters, seducing others to idolatry, should be put to death; Levit. 24. 16. Deut. 13. 5.  Truth. 
Those Scriptures concern a ceremonial land in a ceremonial time, before Christ; and in the same leu. 24. the command is equally given for the lamp in the Tabernacle, and the shewbread, as well as for the idolater.  Peace. 
But Benhadad (saith Master Cotton) was no Israelite, nor was his blasphemy belched out in the land of Israel.  Truth. 
It is most true, that blasphemers in Israel, and blasphemers against Israel and the God of it, were put to death. It is also true in the antitype and substance since the coming of Christ, that blasphemers in Israel, and blasphemers against Israel (the church of God) are spiritually to be put to death by the twoedged sword coming forth of the mouth of Christ, Rev. 1. and this Gospel-punishment is much more dreadful and terrible, than the punishment of the first blasphemers under Moses or the prephets. 
* Hence Baalls Priests, Monks, Friars, and Bishops have not been civilly actually slain in England, etc. but spiritually by God's word, the sword of his spirit cashiered and cut off eternally.   Peace. 
Methinks also, if Ahab were now presidential, and that which he should have done to Benhadad presidential▪ than is there now no spiritual or mystical Israel, no spiritual Canaan, but the letter, ceremony, and figure yet in force, and Christ Jesus the mystical and spiritual King of Israel is not yet come in the flesh.  Truth. 
Yea then not only a few in a City or kingdom (suppose hundreths or thousands) but millions of millions of blasphemers, idolaters, seducers, throughout the whole wide world, ought corporally to be put to death.  Peace. 
Against this methinks Master Cotton should be▪ and I am sure against this Christ Jesus was, who professed in answer to the rash zeal of his disciples (Luk. 9) That he came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them: but how relish you Master Cottons interpretation, of Let them alone (which he sees pleaseth some so well) to wit, Let them alone is no precept, but permission?  Truth. 
I answer, If let them alone were only by permission in way of providence, Why is also a word of prohibition added, to wit▪ That such should not be meddled with, for these and these reasons, whereas although God permitteth evil doers in spiritual and eivil state in the world, yet there lies a word of ordinance to purge them out. Here is no ordinance for their plucking up, but for their letting alone, and that in a merciful respect of sparing the good wheat▪ who might be endangered to be plucked up by the roots out of the world, by such rash and furious zeal of plucking up the tares.   

Examination of CHAP. XXIX.  Peace. 
MAster Cotton referring the 28 Chapter to former agitations, seems to invite us to pass on to Chapter 29.  Truth. 
Let the 28 Chapter recapitulating the former, and the whole controversies, be referred to the consciences of such to whom these passages by any providence of the most holy wise shall be presented, and let it graciously please the Father of lights, to help all his sons of light, to be truly studious of his truth in the love of it, to cast up all particulars aright in his fear, by the only arithmetic of his own most holy and unerring spirit.  Peace. 
In this Chapter first ariseth a question concerning the Apostles privacy.  Truth. 
Master Cotton acknowledgeth them to be called to a public ministry, let others judge then of their privacy.  Peace. 
But they were not sent (saith Master Cotton) ●o the Scribes and Pharisees, and so consequently were to let them 
Touching Christ's Apostles or messengers.  alone.  Truth. 
I answer, Let it be considered, how he that grants men are sent to the sheep, can rightly say they have nothing to do with the Wolves and Foxes.  Peace. 
In this controversy, Master Cotton elsewhere, will not only have sheep sed, but the Wolves driven from the sold, their brains beaten out, etc. and that not only by the Pastors or sheapherds spiritually, but also by the civil Magistrate, and to that end, he is to be stirred up by the Shepherds and Ministers of Christ.  Truth. 
Such exciting and stirring up of the civil Magistrate if it were Christ's will, how can the Apostles be excused, or the Lord Jesus himself, for not stirring up the Civil Magistrate to his duty against these Scribes and Pharisees, the Wolves and Foxes, as Master Cotton here calls them?  Peace. 
Neither the doctrine, nor their offence at it (saith Master Cotton) was fundamental; nor had the civil Magistrate a law established about doctrine or offences of this nature. Besides, 
Touching fundamentals.  Christ gave his disciples a charge to be wise as Serpents, and himself would not meddle with the Pharisees, until the last year of his ministry, lest their exasperation might have been some hindrance to his Minstery before his hour was come.  Truth. 
I should desire Master Cotton again to ponder whether the notorious hypocrisy of the Pharisees (now brought into a Proverb) and also whether the notorious transgressing (and upon the point abolishing) of the fifth commandment, and so consequently of all civil obedience (with the Papists) under pretence of God's service (although indeed but their own superstition) be not of a fundamental guilt, both against spiritual and civil state.  Peace. 
I remember Master Cotton argued against toleration of the Papists, because their conscience excites them against the civil powers.  Truth. 
And whither tended these principles of the Pharisees, but to overthrow all Family, yea and (if they be followed home) all town, or City, and Kingdome-Government?  Peace. 
Yea, But the Roman Magistrate (saith he) had no established law about doctrines or offences of that Nature.  Truth. 
Master Cotton in all this controversy, pleads, that they ought to have: and though he saith, that Magistrates may suspend their duty▪ until they be informed, yet he never saith, that the Ministers of Christ may suspend their duty of humble information, and stirring up them up to so high a part of their Duty; as concerns the souls of their subjects and the worship of God▪  Peace. 
I remember, that Gardiner and Boner, etc. could not make the fire burn to consume the people of God, and witnesses of Jesus, until Edward's laws were repealed, and Mary's bloody 
Laws for persecuting of Christ Jesus.  laws were established; and so they were forced to suspend a while until they had conjured up a Parliament to do both the one and the other, as their slaves and drudges, for them: And 'tis true, what the Spirit of God in David pronounceth (Psal. 82.) that under the mask or colour of a law (which carries with it the name and sound of reason and righteousness) the wickedness of the world is established: And hence the people and servants, and Saints of the most high God, feel the weight of the violence of the Nimrod persecutors or hunters.  
But this I wonder at, that Master Cotton subjoineth, that Christ Jesus himself, and his disciples (under the notion of not exasperating the Pharisees) should not reprove the Scribes and Pharisees.  Truth. 
It cannot sink with me, That the Spirit of God in Christ Jesus himself, and his messengers, should so far differ from himself in all his former messengers and prophets, who spared not to reprove the highest Priests, Princes, Kings and kingdoms; nor doth the practice of the Lord Jesus in so many places of Matthew (before his thunder bolts shot forth against them, Mat. 23.) give any countenance to so lose an opinion.  Peace. 
Master Cotton, who argues so much against the permitting▪ of blasphemers to live in the world, may here call to mind, that if 
The Pharisees blaspheming of Christ Jesus.  ever blasphemy were uttered against the Son of God, it was uttered by the Pharisees in the 12 of Matthew, when they imputed the casting out of the devils to the power of the devil in Christ Jesus, and yet we find not that Christ Jesus stirred up the civil Magistrates to any such duty of his to put the blasphemers to death, nor the heretics the Sadduces, who denied that fundamental, the resurrection.  Truth. 
It is most true, that the cause needeth no such weapons, nor spared he the Pharisees for fear of their exasperations, but poured forth on their faces and bosoms the sorest vials of the heaviest doom and censure that can be suffered by the children of men, to wit, an impossibility of repentance and forgiveness of sins either in this or the world to come. And for the present, at every turn he concludes them hypocrites, blind guides, which could not escape the judgement of Hell.  
So that all other senses of those words [Let them alone] that is, of not reproving them cannot stand: nor if it were the duty of the Ministers of Christ to stir up the civil Magistrate against such hypocritical and blasphemous Pharisees, could Christ Jesus himself or his servants the Apostles be excused for not complaining to the Roman State against them; So leaving the blame upon the conscience of the governors, if the land were not purged of such blasphemers and fundamental opposers of the Son of God.  
Let me me end (sweet peace) with the bottom of all such persecutions, Satan rageth against God and his Christ; that devil that cast the Saints into prison, Rev. 2. (
* Magistrates, kings, high priests: Herod, ●ad kings, good kings, etc.  what instruments soever he useth) would cast Christ himself into prison again, and to the gallows again, if he came again in person into any (the most refined) persecuting state in the world.   

Examination of CHAP. XXX.  Peace. 
I Doubt not (dear truth) in the first place, but you cast an observant eye on Master Cottons collections in this Chapter, from Paul's words Acts 25. 11. I will mention the two first.  
1. That a man may be such an offender in matters of Religion against the law of God (against the Church) as well as in civil matters against Caesar, as to be worthy of death.  
2. That if a servant of God should commit any such offence, he would not refuse judgement to the death, vers. 11.  Truth. 
Paul only saith in the general▪ If I have committed aught worthy of death, I refuse not to die: Now therefore as 
Acts 25. 11. considered.  Paul said, No man (that is, no man justly) may deliver me to the Jews; So say I, no man from these words of Paul (without wronging him and his Master the God of Truth) can draw such a conclusion, as if Paul had acknowledged it evil in him to have preached against the laws of the Jews or the temple, which the Lord Jesus and his servants after him, so abundantly did, although at this time (in point of fact) Paul might well say, he had not done aught against the law of the Jews. I mean the ceremonial law and the Temple, for he had now observed the ceremonies of the Law, and the holiness of the Temple: although for this some use to blame him▪ not discerning that Paul knew there was a time to honour those ceremonies, even after Christ's death, and a time as much to debase, dishonour, and abolish them.  Peace. 
His third collection is, That it is lawful even in Ecclesiastical causes to appeal to a Pagan Magistrate.  Truth. 
As I utterly renounce such a conclusion (any otherwise then in respect of civil violence offered for a man's conscience, which violence Caesar ought to see revenged and punished) so neither will this instance of Paul prove it: for in appealing to an higher Judge, a man always presupposeth (if not skill perfect, yet) 
No appeals to the civil powers in matters merely spiritual.  competent skill, and a true power committed from God, to judge in such cases, which Paul for many reasons, both in this Chapter, and elsewhere manifested, could not suppose in the Roman Caesars, or any civil Magistrate.  Peace. 
Master Cotton urgeth, that these words (verse 9) [These Things] imply matters of Religion as well as civil things.  Truth. 
Those words [These Things] were not the words of Paul, but the words of Festus.  
2. Grant them Paul's words, yet if for those things the Jews seek his life, Paul well appeals to Caesar against them, for Caesar is bound to protect the bodies, goods, or good names of his subjects, either from false accusations in civil things, or persecution for matters of conscience, which is a violence against the civil state, of which Caesar was the supreme officer.  Peace. 
His fourth collection is, that civil Magistrates may and aught to ●e acquainted with all matters of Religion, especially capital.  Truth. 
In twenty five parts of the world of thirty, civil Magistrates cannot possibly be thus acquainted; for the sound of Christ Jesus is not there to be heard, as the best Historians and Cosmographers yield.  Peace. 
It seems strange, if Christ Jesus had intended any such delegation of spiritual power to civil Magistrates, that he should keep the very sound of his name from them.  
Again, in the other five parts of the world▪ where his name 
Few Magistrates in the world know Christ Jesus.  is sounded, how rarely hath he acquainted any civil Magistrate with the saving knowledge of his will?  Truth. 
I add, that such rare ones, that savingly know Christ Jesus and his will, are no judges in such cases over the consciences of their brethren, or any, by way of civil judicature, this very instance of Paul's appealing to Caesar hath and shall further declare and mainfest.  Peace. 
But what should be the reason why Master Cotton affirmeth, That the civil Magistrate ought to be able to judge of all capital offences against Religion, but not of all questions?  Truth. 
The truth is, if the civil Magistrate were a Surgeon appointed of Christ Jesus to judge in causes that concern cutting of life and limb, etc. he would beyond all question be able to judge of petty cuts, wounds, etc. But Satan that old deceiver, that 
Mystical and cruel Surgery.  knew (by God's permission) how to cousin Adam, David, Solomon, Peter (the most perfect, wise, and holiest of God's servants) is not now to learn how to cheat Master Cotton also: Satan well ●ees, if Master Cotton should grant it the Magistrates duty to judge in lesser questions, the hope of Benefices and live were gone, and the trade of Synods would down: And if he should not grant it to be the magistrate's duty to judge in capitals, the Pope, the Bishops, and all persecuting priests, would want the secular power, the servile executioners of their most wicked and most bloody decrees and sentences.  Peace. 
In the next place Master Cotton seems to charge a contradiction upon the discusser, for saying, that civil Magistrates were never appointed by God defenders of the faith of Jesus, and yet every one is bound to put forth his utmost powers in God's business.  Truth. 
Love hath charged the discusser to spare the ●●●rm of contradiction in many passages of Master Cottons writing, where he hath (to his understanding) observed them, to prevent exasperations etc. contrarily Master Cotton against the discusser, strains the text and Margin to sound out contradictions, contradictions, to all passengers.  
But let us examine. And first, Master Cotton will not deny, but 
The title of defender of the faith.  the son of perdition, the Pope of Rome (whose coming and practice is by the work of the devil) was the blasphemous author (he and his Cardinals in council together) of that title defender of the faith sent with great gratitude and solemnity to Henry the eighth, as a kingly popelike reward, for penning (or bearing the name of) a blasphemous writing against Christ Jesus in his holy truth proclaimed by Luther.  Peace. 
With what eyes and ears such blasphemous and bloody titles are to be looked upon and heard by the chaste eyes and ears of Christ's Doves, Christ Jesus will one day, and shortly make appear.  Truth. 
But what contradiction will be in the later, to wit, [That every one must do his utmost in God's business] when this former (to wit, to be a defender of the Faith) is constantly denied to 
To serve God withal our might, literally taken, horribly abused.  be any of the businesses of civil officers, and the preservation of the civil state, which charge and work by the civil state can only lawfully (and therefore possibly) be committed to them? For otherwise to take these words in a literal sense, without respect to the rules and limits of God's order and righteonsness, what is it but to fire the world with wildfire of blind zeal, and to tumble down all Gods beauteous structures and buildings into a Chaos and confusion of Antichristian Babylon? And this especially by the means of such who think and say, that they cannot serve God with all their might except they punish blaspemers, and fight against blasphemous nations, and subdue (not only the holy land from the Turk, but) even all the world from their idolatries and blasphemies, if it lie in their power; which spirit whether it be the spirit of the Son of God, and Prince of peace, or the spirit of the world, the spirit of the son of perdition, let every man's own spirit search and judge in the holy fear and presence of God.  Peace. 
But further (saith Master Cotton) it was unnecessary, yea folly and preposterous to have complained to Herod, Pilate, Caesar, against the Heresies of the Pharisees: For if a poor sheep should complain to the Wolves of the Wolves heresies, would not the whole kennel of Wolves rise up against him, & c? Would it not have disturbed the civil state, by putting them into jealousies of a new kingdom, and it was necessary the Gospel should first be known and received, believed and professed, before any could be complained of for apostasy from it into heresy.  Truth. 
Master Cotton cannot deny, but that most of the Magistrates of the world (by far) are such as Herod, Pilate, Caesar 
Christ Jesus hath rarely furnished his people with godly Magistrates.  were, without God, and enemies to him, yea also in that little pa●t of the world which is called Protestant. Now if they are but kennels of Wolves (compared with Christ's sheep) as Master Cotton expresseth, I first demand how poorly hath Christ Jesus in all ages provided for and furnished his people with such main pillars of their spiritual joys, light and confidence, as godly and Christian Magistrates?  Peace. 
It is as clear as the Sun beams, that if ever Christ Jesus had intended such an ordinance in and over his church, he would never have been so mistaken, as to supply his sheep in all ages, and in all parts of the world, with kennels of Wolves in stead of godly and Christian Shepherds.  Truth. 
But secondly, Grant them to be kennels of Wolves in Master Cottons sense, yet what bar is this to any from presenting, and to them from receiving such complaints as are proper to their cognizance, to their duty and calling (were they truly called of God and Christ to such a service) to wit, to govern in spiritual, Ecclesiastical or Church causes? what though a Magistrate be a drunkard, whoremonger, opperssour, is it not the duty of the people to complain to him of drunkards, thiefs, whoremongers, oppressors? whom if he punish not, but countenance, etc. yet have such petitioners discharged their consciences, and left the guilt upon the right head, who should be an head of civil righteousness, but is an head of wickedness and iniquity.  Peace. 
By this argument of Master Cottons, the poor widow, that sued for right to the unjust Judge, that neither feared God, nor regarded man, took a foolish and a prestoperous course, though commended by the Lord Jesus, Luk. 18.  Truth. 
Indeed (as Master Cotton saith) If we look at the probability of any wholesome fruit from such trees, we cannot expect grapes from such briers, not figs from such thistles: But looking at the providence of God, who ruleth and over ruleth the hearts of Kings and all Magistrates (as in the case of the poor widow and thousand others) as also at what is their Duty and profession, to wit, to invite cheerfully their subjects to bring their complaints to them; as also what is the duty of the wronged and oppressed, to wit, to deliver and discharge their own souls▪ I see not but it is safe, sea sonable, and a duty, to cry even to the unjust Judge for Justice, as that poor woman did.  Peace. 
Yea, were Caesar, Herod▪ Pilate (by virtue of their places, offices, and duties) Ecclesiastical Judges, and aught to have suppressed the heresies and blasphemies of the Pharisees? why should it be impossible, but they might have removed the Pharisees offence, as many Kings of England and France (though evil themselves) have stirred mightily upon complaints of their subjects against the Popish Pharisees of their times, yea the highest of them the Pope himself? And if Master Cottons doctrine be true, why must not the Magistrate be sought unto, that a true Gospel be received and believed? Why may not the civil power be a judge in the first receiving of the Gospel, as afterward for the preserving and restoring of it?  Truth. 
Such is the brightness of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, and the dread and the power of the twoedged sword coming out of his mouth, subduing and slaying the highest opposites and adversaries, that it will prove to be unnecessary, foolish and preposterous to run to any other sword or censures, than those alone of Christ's, so mighty, and so powerful, were they rightly administered, as the Popish and Protestant world pretendeth.  Peace. 
Lastly, Master Cotton professeth he knows not how Magistrates can know the Son, and kiss him, and acknowledge his kingdom, and submit their crowns to it, love his truth, be nursing Fathers and Mothers to his church, and yet not be defenders of it.  Truth. 
If kings must submit their crowns to this kingdom of Christ, must it not undeniablly follow, that the kingdom of Christ Jesus is far greater and higher than their thrones and crowns? (for none will submit to the lesser, weaker, etc.) And if so, what weakness is it yet to expect, that the inferior power and authority, to 
defender of the faith.  wit, civil and earthly, must defend the highest and most glorious crown and throne of Christ Jesus? Like as if a poor Indian Canon should submit itself to some Royal Navy, and yet must be this Navies defender; or a few naked Americans submit to some Army or kingdom, and yet these poor naked ones must bear (and that seriously without I●sting) the title of their defenders.  Truth. 
Master Cotton and those of his bloody judgement are not contented that the civil powers defend the bodies and goods of the Saints from oppressors, from persecutors, etc. that love and affection by all gracious means be expressed more to the Saints then to other people of their dominions, that all true Christian means be used for the spreading of the name and truth of the Lord Jesus; I say, this serves not the turn, and gives not content, except also the Magistrate defend by civil sword, the purity of the doctrine, and the ordinances of Christ Jesus in his church, in punishing and suppressing the contrary by arm of flesh, whether within or without the church.  Peace. 
In this last respect I must speak an high and bold word, to wit, That the poorest youth or maid, who hath more knowledge 
A bold, but a true word.  and gra●e of Christ then a king or Emperor hath (as well sometimes it hath and may come to pass) may be a greater contend for the truth, and a great defender of the faith of Jesus, than the king or Emperor, and so consequently then all the kings of the whole world.  Truth. 
Paul was set for the defence of the Gospel and consequently every believer in Jesus (according to his measure of grace received) and therefore, your word is not more bold than true. For spiritual defences are most proper to a spiritual estate, and so accordingly most potent, prevalent, and mighty.   

Examination of CHAP. XXXI.  Peace. 
HEre first Master Cotton will not own it, that the title of judges of spiritual causes be given to Civil Magistrate.  Truth. 
The Parliament of England established King Henry the eighth supreme head and Governor over the church of England, and what is this but supreme judge in all Ecclesiastical causes? What though the term judge be stumbled at by some, and the term head will not down with others? yet take but what Master Cotton grant●: And (as the devil himself, lay hid under 
The title of supreme head, oath of supremacy, etc.  samuel's mantle, so) under Master Cottons term of fathers, mothers, shepherds (that is, spiritual fathers, mothers, shepherds) must of necessity be concluded an headship, and power, and office of judging, when this child doth a miss, when these sheep go astray, who are schismatics, who heretics, who sheep, who Wolves, that the sheep may be corrected and reduced, and the Wolves brains knocked out.  Peace. 
They may judge (saith Master Cotton) but (not with a church) but politic power, and for want of which, and for giving their kingdom to the Beast (Revel. 17. 12, 13.) God (saith he) opened a way for the Turks to break in and destroy the third part of Christendom, Rev. 9 14. to 21.  Truth. 
Let it be under what cloak, or colour, or notion soever, let it be politic (indeed) and subtle, or plain and simple, yet it seems it is true, that he must judge, which will not be owned in plain terms, but as a Protector, a Father or a shepherd.  
Secondly, Those Scriptures quoted do not lay a guilt upon the ten horns or kings for suffering the beast in their dominions, but for giving their power and authority unto him.  
Thirdly, the civil peace was not dissolved but preserved for many hundred years before the Turks rose, to punish either the Eastern or Western part of Antichristian Christendom: So that a false religion doth not immediately and instantly dissolve the civil peace, but kingdoms and states professing false religions 
The plague of the Turks upon the Antichrististian world.  may flourish. 'tis true, God in his deep counsels and times brings judgements, eternal and temporal, upon false worshipping states, especially where the truth of Christ is presented and persecuted; Yet divers ages of temporal prosperity to the Antichristian kingdom, prove that common Assumption and maxim false, to wit, that the church and Commonweal▪ are like Hipocrates twins, weep and laugh, flourish and fade, live and▪ die together.  Peace. 
I cannot reach the bottom of this next passage of Master Cotton, viz. that Magistrates may be subject to the church, and lick the dust of her feet, and yet be supreme governors of the church also: In spiritual matters (saith he) and in a right administration of them, he is subject; but is civil things, and in the corrupt administration of church-affaires (so far corrupt as tendeth to the disturbance of civil peace) there the Magistrates (saith he) are supreme governors, even over the churches in their own dominions.  Truth. 
Who sees not here, but by this Doctrine Magistrates must judge, when the church is rightly administered, and when it is corruptly administered: And that whatever the Ministers of the 
The Civil Magistrate no governor over the spiritual kingdom of Christ.  church, or the whole church judge, that is nothing, for the Magistrate if he be supreme governor, he must judge? and what is this but even in the very same respect, I say in one and the same respect, to make them high and low up and down, mountains and valleys? Supreme governors, and so above the church, anon age● to lick the dust of the feet of the church; which Master Cotton will as soon make good, as bring the East and the West together.  
Besides (as elsewhere I observed) what if the people will have no kings, governors etc. nay no Parliament, nor general courts, but leave vast interregnums or Ruptures of government, yea conclude upon frequent changes (as all nations of the world have had great changes this way) shall the churches of Christ Jesus be without an head, a governor, defender, protector? What a slavery doth this bloody doctrine bring the fair Spouse of Christ into?  Peace. 
In the passage concerning Saul, Master Cotton observeth, that Saul was not taken away for exercising civil power against spiritual wickedness in the case of witches▪  Truth. 
Saul was king of Israel, the church of God, and a typical king, the anointed or Christ of God; and Master Cotton himself will subscribe to the confession of Nathaniel to Christ Jesus▪ 
Whether Saul a type of Christ.  Thou art the king of Israel, which he was and is in his own most holy person, as also in his Ministers and governors during his absence. It was now saul's duty to put literal witches to death in his Christian Israel, his church and Congregation.  
It is true, Saul forsaking the God of Israel, perished for other wickedness, and among other his sins▪ for persecuting or hunting righteous David, and therein Saul is a type and warning to all the apostates and persecuting saul's of the earth, that desperation and desperate self-destruction attend them.  Peace. 
But whither tends this last passage concerning David? We read not (saith Master Cotton) that he did exercise any spiritual power as a King, but as a prophet. Will he commend saul's kingly acting in spiritual things, as just; and shall not David (whose name and throne were most eminently figurative of Christ Jesus) be found a king in Israel, the house and church of God?  Truth. 
The pattern of David, Solomon, and the good kings of Israel and Judah, is the common and great argument of all that plead for Magistrates power in spiritual cases: And indeed, 
The kings of Israel and Judah types.  what power was that but spiritual, which he exercised in bringing up the ark, expressly said to be done by king David? 2 Sam. 6. What power was that but kingly, put forth in ordering and disposing the services of the Priests and Levites, and singers, 1 Chron. 16?  Peace. 
Master Cotton not ignorant of this, it may be was not pleased with that passage, viz. [That God will take away such stays, upon whom God's people rest in his wrath, that king David, that is, Christ Jesus the Antitype, in his own spiritual power in the hands of his Saints, may spiritually, and for ever be advanced.]  Truth. 
This power the General counsels, the Popes, the Prelates, the kings of the earth, the civil courts and Magistrates, lay claim unto, and most of them with bloody hands, yea and Gods servants have too long leaned unto, and longed after, such an arm of flesh, which proves (most commonly) but saul's arm, an oppressing and persecuting, and a self- killing and destroying power at the last.   

Examination of CHAP. XXXII.  Peace. 
THis Chapter contains, a twofold denial: First (saith Master Cotton) we hold it not lawful for a Christian Magistrate to compel by civil sword, either Pharisee, or Pagan, or Jew, to profess his religion.  Truth. 
He that is deceived himself with a bad commodity, puts it off as good to others: Master Cotton believes, and would make others believe, that it is no compulsion, to make laws with penalties for all to come to church, and to public worship; which was ever in our father's days, held a sufficient trial of their religion, and of consenting to or dissenting from the religion of the times. Hence by some is that of Luk. 14. alleged Compel them to come in, sufficiently fulfilled, if they be so far compelled, as to be conformable to come to church, though it be under the pretence and mask of coming only to hear the word, whereby they may be converted.  
But it is needless to stand guessing and guessing at the weight, when the scales are at hand, the holy word of God, by which we all profess to have our weight, or to be found too light.  Peace. 
Master Cotton therefore (Secondly) denies that a blind Pharisee may be a good subject, and as peaceable and profitable to the civil state as any, since they destroyed the civil state by destroying Christ.  Truth. 
When we speak of civil state, and their administrations, it is most improper and fallacious to wind or wove in the consideration of their true or false religions.  
It is true, idolatry brings judgement in God's time (and so do other sins, for we read not of idolatry in Sodom's punishment, Ezek. 16.) notwithstanding there is a present civil state of men combined to live together there in a commonweal, which Gods people are commanded to pray for (Jerm. 29.) whatever be the religion there publicly professed. Beside, the Pharisees destroying Christ, were guilty of blood and persecution, which is more than idolatry, etc. and cries to heaven for vengeance.  Peace. 
It cannot therefore with any show of charity be denied, but that divers priests of Babel, might be civil and peaceable, notwithstanding their religion and conscience.  Truth. 
Yea it is known by experience, that many thousands of Mahometan, Popish and Pagan Priests are in their persons both of as civil and courteous and peaceable a nature, as any of the subjects in the state they live in.  
The truth is, that herein all the priests in the world, Mahometan, 
The priests and Clergy in all Nations the greatest peace-breakers.  Pepish, Pagan and Protestant, are the greatest peace-breakers in the world as they (fearing their own cause) never rest stirring up Princes and people against any (whether Gods or the devil's instruments) that shall oppose their own religion and conscience, that is in plain English, their profits, honours and bellies.   

Examination of CHAP. XXXIII.  Peace. 
THe entrance of this Chapter (dear truth) looks in mine eye like one of the bloody fathers of the inquisition, and breaths (like Paul in his mad zeal and frenzy) slaughters against the Son of God himself, though under the name or brand of a seducer, as all persecutors have ever done: For (saith Master Cotton) he that corrupteth a soul with a corrupt religion layeth a spreading leaven 
Touching the seducer.  which corrupteth a state, as michal's idolatry corrupted Laish▪ Judg. 19 and that apostasy was the captivity of the land; and the worshipping of images brought the plague of the Turks, and therefore it is lex talionis, that calleth for not only soul for soul, but life for life.  Truth. 
Thy tender brain and heart cannot let fly an arrow sharp enough to pierce the bowels of such a Bloody Tenent.  Peace. 
The flaming jealousy of that most holy and righteous Judge, who is a consuming fire, will not ever hear such tenants, and behold such practices in silence.  Truth. 
Sweet peace, long and long may the Almond-tree flourish on Master Cottons head in the arms of true Christianity and true Christian honour; And let New- England's Colonies flourish also (if Christ so please) until he come again the second time: But that he who is love itself, would please to tell Master Cotton and the Colonies, and the world, the untrueness, uncharitableness, numercifulness, and unpeaceableness of such conclusions▪ For is not this the plain, English and the bottom, to wit, If the spirit of Christ Jesus in any of his servants, sons o● daughters, witnessing against the abominations or stinks of Antichrist, shall persuade one soul, man or woman, to fear God, to come out of Babel etc. to refuse to bow down to, and to come out from communion with a state-golden-image, and not to touch what it is persuaded is an unclean thing.  
That man or woman who was the Lambs and the Spirits instruments thus to enlighten and persuade one soul, he hath (saith 
Of seducing.  this tenant) laid a leaven, which corrupteth the state, that is, the laud, town, city, kingdom, or Empire of the world; that leaven shall bring the captivity, ruin and destruction of the state, and therefore Lex Talionis, not only soul for soul in the next, but life for life also in this present world.  Peace. 
All thy witnesses (dear truth) in all ages have borne the brand and black mark of seducers, and still shall, even Christ Jesus himself, to the last of his holy army and followers against his enemies.  Truth. 
How famous, or rather abominably infamous hath been the practice of all persecutors this way? I shall pick out one instance, a very stinking weed out of Babel's desert (to let pass all the bloody, bulls and their roar and threatening of Counsels, Popes and Emperors, Kings, Bishops, Commissaries etc. against the Waldensians, Wicklevia●s, the Hussites, Hugonites, Lutheraus, Calvinists &c.) their infections and seducing. To let pass former and latter persecutions in our own English Nation, which hath been (as France, Spain, Italy, Low-countries, etc. also) a slaughter-house of Christ's lambs; one instance more pertinent than many, we have (in the reign of that wise and mighty prince Henry the eighth) of bloody Longland, Lincoln's Bishop, acting to the life Master Cottons Tenent against seducers throughout his diocese. What oaths did he exact? what articles did he invent, 
Bishop longland's subtle Oaths of inquisition.  to find out the meetings the conventicles, the conferences, of any poor servants of God, men and women, day or night; whether the father read to the child, or the child to the father, the husband to the wife, or the wife to the husband? Yea, whether they spoke any thing (though never so little) out of any line of holy Scriptures, or any of Wickliff's books, or any good English writings: By which abhorred practices, the fathers (caught in this bloody Bishop's oath, vehemently forced upon all suspected) the fathers, I say were forced to accuse and betray their children, the children their fathers, husbands their wives, wives their husbands, for fear of horrible death on the one side, or else of running upon the rocks of Perjury on the other side.  Peace. 
Hold (dear truth) and stop; my spirit is wounded with such relations.  Truth. 
O how were the Saints, and Christ Jesus in them, wounded with such tenants and practices!  Peace. 
Master Cotton will salve this up (with what he elsewhere saith) thus: longland's, and the Papists religion, and the religion of England, was then false in that King's time.  Truth, 
What then? No pious and sober man can hold all m●n devoid of conscience to God, except himself. In all religions, sects, and consciences, the sons of men are more or less zealous and precise, though it be in falsehood.  
2. But let it be granted, that the religion persecuted is false, and that a false religion like leaven, will spread, as did this idolatry of Michal, Jeroboam, and others; and grant that this idolatry will bring judgements from heaven in the end, yet I desire Master Cotton, or any knowing man, to answer to these two questions.  
1. Where find we, since the coming of Christ Jesus, a land like Canaan, a state-religion, a City, or Town-religion, wherein the towns, or Cities, or kingdom's apostasy may be feared (as Master Cotton here writes of L●●sh) and consequently the towns or City's captivity for that sin?  
2. Where read we of the destruction of a land for idolatry, or images, without a ripeness in other sins, and especially of violence and oppression (of which persecution is the greatest?) And therefore to follow Master Cottons instance of the Turks beside idolatry 
Causes of destruction to a Nation.  (which saith Master Cotton brought the plague of the Turks, Rev. 9) read we not also in that Scripture, and in all histories, of their detestable and wonderful whoredoms, witchcrafts, thefts, slaughters, and murders, amongst which this bloody Tenent of persecution was ever in most high esteem? etc.  Peace. 
Indeed B●●●● hath been filled with blood of all sorts revelations the 18. but in especial manner hath the wh●re been drunk with the blood of the Saints, and witnesses of Jesus, Revel. 17.  Truth. 
Hence than not idolatry only, but that bloody doctrine of persecution (the great firebrand and incendiary of all Nations and Commonweals) brought in the bloody Turks to revenge God's truth and witnesses slain by the idolatrous and bloody Antichristians.  Peace. 
I something question, that it can be proved, that the most righteous Judge of the whole world ever destroyed state or nation for idolatry; but where this bloody doctrine of persecution was joined with it, that is, until he had graciously sent witnesses against such idolatries, and till such witnesses were despised and persecuted, and therefore here comes in seasonably the sad exprobration of the Lord Jesus, against Jerusalem, threatening the ruin and desolation of it, Oh jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the Prophets; and stonest them which were sent unto thee & c!  Truth. 
I add lastly, Let it be granted that a soul is corrupted with a false religion, and that that false Religion, like a leaven, in time hath corrupted the state;  
Yet first, that state or land is none else but a part of the world, and if so (since every part more or less in degree follows the nature 
All nations Cities, Towns, etc. are part of the world.  of the whole) it is but natural, and so lieth as the whole world doth in wickedness; and so, as a state or part of the world, cannot but alter from one false way or path to another (upon this supposition (as before) that no whole state, kingdom, City, or Town is Christian in the new Testament.  
Secondly, Grant this state to be so corrupted or altered from one corrupt religion to another, yet that state may many ages enjoy civil peace and worldly prosperity, as all histories and experience testifies.  
Thirdly, That idolatry may be rooted out, and another idolatrous religion of the conqueror (as in the Ro●a●e and other conquests) 
Change of Religions.  brought: in or the religion may be changed something to the better▪ by the coming of new Princes to the crown, as we see in Henry the eighth, King Edward, and Queen Elizabeth, in our own Nation, and of late times▪  
Lastly, A soul o● souls thus leavened, may be reduced by repentance (as often it pleaseth God so to work, why then should there (as Master Cotton intimates) such a peremptory bloody sentence be thundered out as life for life, etc.  Peace. 
But, saith Master Cotton, false prophets, in the old Testament, were to die, but for attempting; and the reason was not from any typical holiness of the land, but from the dangerous wickedness of the attempting to thrust away a soul from God, which is a greater injury, then to deprive a man of bodily life.  Truth. 
The reason to me appears plainly typical, with respect to that holy nation, and the seducers seeking to turn the soul away from the Lord their God, who had brought them forth from the land of Egypt, by such signs, miracles, etc. Let Master Cotton 
The state of Israel unparlleld.  now produce any such nation in the whole world, whom God in the New Testament hath literally and miraculously brought forth of Egypt, or from one land into another, to the truth and purity of his worship, etc. then far be it, but I should acknowledge that the seducer is fit to be put to death. But draw away the curtain of the shadow, and let the substance appear, not a whole Nation, City, etc. but the Christian church, brought by spiritual signs and wonders from the Egypt of this world in all nations of the 
The punishments of Christ sorer than the punishments of Moses.  world, where the Gospel comes. Justly therefore he that seduceth a soul from his God in Christ, and so endangereth to leaven that only true Christian state or kingdom the church of Christ, he ought to die (upon his obstinacy) without mercy, as well under Christ, as under Moses. Yea, he is worthy of a sorer punishment (as saith the Spirit of God) who trampleth under feet the blood of Christ: such a deceiver or seducer (except he repent) is to be cut from the presence of the Lord, and to lose an eternal life: He that is cut off from material Israel, might yet repent and live eternally, but he that is cut off from mystical Israel under the Gospel, that is, for obstinacy in sin (the proper heretic) he is cut off to all eternity; which punishment as it is infinitely transcendent and more dreadful in the nature and kind of it, so answereth it fully and infinitely that clause of Master Cotton, to wit, To thrust a soul from God is a greater injury then to deprive a man of his bodily life.  Peace. 
Now whereas the discusser added, That dead men cannot die, nor be infected with false doctrine, and such is the State of all men, all nations, all the world over, until the life of Christ Jesus quicken them; Master Cotten replies,  First, Dead men may be made worse, and more the children of hell then before, Mat. 23. and therefore such as so corrupt them, are worthy in a way of due proceeding of a twofold death. 
Secondly, Such as profess the truth of the doctrine and worship of Christ, they live a kind of spiritual life, though not such as accompany salvation, else how are false teachers, and such as are led by them, said to be twice dead, plucked up by the roots, Jud. 12.  Truth. 
Dead men may be made worse, that is, more to rot and stink; yet this is no taking away of any life. And therefore there is no proportionable reason, why the seducers should suffer a temporal death, having neither taken away spiritual nor natural life; 
Of Seducing.  only thus he may be justly liable to a spiritual death, for endeavouring to hinder a spiritual life, by furthering any in their natural state of spiritual death.  
2. For that place of Jude, Master Cotton knows that Beza 
What meant by twice dead.  propounds two senses.  
First, Twice dead, that is a certain number for an uncertain.  
Secondly, This sense urged by Master Cotton, which if it be to be admitted, yet is it but in appearance, as his life which in hypocrisy he professed, was but in show and appearance, he being never raised up from the spiritual death to a spiritual life, and therefore really never suffered the loss of a spiritual life, which he never had: And yet as in typical Israel, it stood with God's justice to take away the life of the seducer, which seduced an Israelite from the God of Israel, or but attempted to do it: so stands it with the holy justice of God, to cut him off eternally, who but attempteth to take away or hinders the spiritual and eternal life of any.  Peace. 
Master Cotton in the next place presumes on advantage that the discusser should say, that none are infected with natural plagues or spiritual, but such are thereto appointed, etc.  Truth. 
It is plain that the discusser alleged not that, to diminish or lessen sin (let it have its due aggravation) but as was said before in case of the not final deceiving of the elect, so was it here spoken not to derogate f●om God's means and remedies against natural or spiritual infection, but to abate the needless fears of men, who are apt to cry out, Except the civil sword be drawn (and so therewith the world set together by the ears) the world cannot be preserved from infection.  Peace. 
Whereas the discusser had affirmed, that Christ Jesus had not left his people destitute of spiritual means against spiritual infections; This is true (saith Master Cotton) but it falleth out sometimes, that when the church hath cast out an heretic, yet he may destroy the faith of many, as did Hymeneus and Philetus (2 Tim. 2. 17.) and if the magistrate's sword do here rust, etc. such leaven may leaven the whole country etc. as Arrianisme leavened the world by Constantine's indulgence.  
Again, saith he, it may be the heretic was never a member of the church; how then shall the church do?  Truth. 
Who can marvel at this, that the dunghill of this world, worldly men under the power of Satan, unto whom the obstinate person the heretic is cast, I say, that they, many of them, receive worldly doctrine, which the church as filth casts out? etc.  
2. As Paul saith concerning the salvation of God's children: Let the world perish, yet the foundation of God remaineth sure, he knows who are his, and how to provide means to save them, though the world still act itself, wallowing and tumbling 
Of Infection.  (like Swine) in one puddle of wickedness after another.  
3. Master Cotton should read a little further in the same Scripture quoted by him, where he finds not a tittle of Paul's directing Timothy to stir up the secular power (as the Pope speaks) to cut off Hymeneus and Philetus, to prevent infection; but tells him, that the servants of God must not strive, but must quiet themselves with patience, waiting if peradventure God will please to give repentance.  Peace. 
Methinks this Answer may also ●ully satisfy his second supposition▪ to wit, if that the heretic was never of the church.  Truth. 
Yea what hath the church to do (that is, judicially) with him that is without? and what hath the civil state to judge him for who in civil matters hath not transgressed? In vain therefore doth Master Cotton suggest a persecuting or hunting after the souls or lives of such, as being cast out of the church, keep private conventicles etc.  Peace. 
How grievous is this language of Master Cotton, as if he had been nourished in the chapels and cloisters of persecuting prelate's▪ and priests, the Scribes and Pharisees? As if he never had heard of Jesus Christ in truth and meekness: For surely (as the discusser observed) Christ Jesus never appointed the civil sword an Antidote or remedy in such a case, notwithstanding Master Cotton replies that the civil sword was appointed a remedy in this case, by Moses, not Christ, Deut. 13.  Truth. 
Moses in the old Testament was Christ's servant, yet Moses being but a servant, dispensed his power by carnal rites and ceremonies, laws, rewards and punishments in that holy nation, and that one land of Canaan: But when the Lord Jesus the Son and Lord himself was come, to bring the truth, and life, and substance of all those shadows, to break down the partition-wall between Jew and Gentile, and to establish the Christian worship and kingdom in all Nations of the world, Master Cotton will never prove from any of the books and institutions of the New Testament, that unto those spiritual remedies appointed by Christ Jesus against spiritual maladies, he added the help of the carnal sword.  Peace. 
But Christ (saith Master Cotton) never abrogated the carnal sword in the new, which he appointed in the old Testament, and the reason of the law, to wit, an offence of thrusting away from the Lord, is perpetual.  Truth. 
If it appear (as evidently it doth) that this king (Jesus the King of Israel, wears his sword (the Antitype of the Kings of Israel their swords) in his mouth, being a sharp twoedged 
The sword of typical Israel a type of Christ's spiritual sword.  sword, than the answer is as clear as the Sun, that scatters the clouds and darkeness of the night.  
Besides, Master Cotton needs not fly to the Pope's argument for children's baptism, to wit, to say that Christ never abrogated D●●●. 13. therefore, etc. For Master Cotton knows the profession of the Lord Jesus, John 18. that his kingdom was not earththly, and therefore his sword cannot be earthly: Master Cotton knows that Christ Jesus commanded a sword to be put up when it was drawn in the cause of Christ, and addeth a dreadful threatening, that all that take the sword (that is the carnal sword for his cause) shall perish by it.  Peace. 
And for the perpetuity of the reason of the law, you formerly fully satisfied, that even in the days of grace, for him that shall thrust away an Israelite from his God, there is upon his obstinacy a greater punishment beyond all imagination (to wit, a spiritual cutting off from the land of Canaan) then under Moses, which was but from the temporal, the type and shadow.  
But Master Cotton proceedeth, alleging, that the Minister of God must have in a readiness to execute vengeance on him that doth evil; and evil it is (saith he) to thirst away God's people from him.  Truth. 
Every lawful Magistrate, whether succeeding or elected, is not only the Minister of God, but the Minister or 
Magistrates cannot receive from the people a spiritual power.  servant of the people also (what people or nation soever they be all the world over) and that Minister or Magistrate goes beyond his commission, who intermeddles with that which cannot be given him in commission from the people, unless Master Cotton can prove that all the people and inhabitants of all nations in the world have spiritual power, Christ's power, naturally, fundamentally and originally residing in them (as they are people and inhabitants of this world) to rule Christ's Spouse the church, and to give spiritual power to their officers to exercise their spiritual laws and commands; otherwise it is but profaning the holy name of the most high. It is but flattering of Magistrates, it is but the accursed trusting to an arm of flesh, to persuade the rulers of the earth, that they are Kings of the Israel or church of God, who were in their institutions and government immediately from God, the rulers and gavernors of his holy church and people.  Peace. 
Grant (saith Master Cotton) that the evil be spiritual, and concern the inner man, and not the civil state, yet that evil will be destructive to such a City, it shall not rise up the second ●ime, N●h●●s. 1. 9  Truth. 
Although that it pleaseth God sometimes to bring a people to utter destruction for their idolatry against himself, and cruelty against his people; yet we see the Lord doth not presently and instantly do this, but after a long course of many ages and generations, as was seen in Nineve herself, and since in Athens, Constantinople, and Rome both Pagan and Antichristian. And therefore the example here by Master Cotton produced, gives not the least colour of warrant for the civil state presently and immediately to execute vengeance for idolatry or heresy upon persons or Cities now all the world over, as he gave commandment to that typical nation of Israel, which is now also to be fulfilled spiritually upon the spiritual Israelite, or Israelitish City, a particular church or people falling away from the living God in Christ Jesus.  Peace. 
Whereas it was said by the discusser, that the civil Magistrate hath the charge of the bodies and goods of the subjects, 
The charge of the civil Magistrate.  and the spiritual officers of the church or kingdom of Christ, the charge of their souls and soul safety, Master Cotton answers, First, If it were so that the civil Magistrate had the charge of the bodies and goods only of the subject, yet that might justly excite to watchfulness against such pollution of religion as tends to apostasy, for God will visit city and country with public calamity, if not with captivity, for the church's sake. The idolatry and worship of Christians (saith he) brought the Turkish captivity upon the cities and countries of Asia.  Truth. 
By soul and soul safety, I think Master Cotton understands the same with the discusser, to wit, the matters of religion and spiritual worship. If the Magistrate hath received any such charge or commission from God in spiritual things, doubtless (as before) the people have received it originally and fundamentally as they are a people: But now if neither the nations of the world, as peoples and nations, have received this power originally, and fundamentally; nor can they derive it Ministerially, to their civil officers (by what name or title, high or low, soever they be distinguished) Oh what presumption, what profaning of Gods most holy name, what usurpation over the souls and consciences of men, though it come under the veil or vizard of saving the City or kingdom, yea of saving of souls, and honouring of God himself?  
Beside, God is not wont to visit any country or people in general for the sin of his people but for their own idolatries and cruelty toward his people, as all histories will prove. And for this instance of the Turks, I say it was not the idolatry and image-worship 
The plague of the Turks.  alone of the Antichristians, but joined with their other sins, which brought God's vengeance by the Turks upon them as was said above, from Revel. 9 and especially their Antichristian cruelty grounded upon this bloody doctrine of persecution.  
Both these Antichristian states, and since also the Turkish Monarchy, have flourished many generations in external and outward prosperity and glory, notwithstanding their religion is false, and although it is true, that in the time and period appointed, all nations shall drink of the cup of God's wrath, for their national sins, both against the first and second table, in matters concerning God and man.  Peace. 
How satisfy you Master Cottons second answer or question, to wit, Did ever God commit the charge of the body to any Governor, to whom he did not commit in his way the care of their souls also?  Truth. 
There is a twofold care and charge of souls manifested in holy Scripture.  
First, That which in common belongs to all, to love our neighbour as ourselves, to endeavour the present and eternal welfare 
A twofold care and charge of souls.  both of superiors, inferiors, equals, friends and enemies; and this by prayers, exhortations, reproofs, examples of justice, loving kindness, sobriety, godliness etc.  
But what is this to the second charge by way of office, which in the old Testament was given▪ not only to Priests and Levites, but to the governors and rulers of the jewish state: of which state (being mixed of spiritual and civil) they were the head and governors, as it was Israel, a nation of worshippers of the true God: And therein were they the types and forerunners of Christ Jesus 
Christ the true King of Israel.  the true King of Israel, as he is called, Joh. 1. The cure and charge of souls, now (saith Master Cotton) in this Chapter, belongeth by virtue of office to the spiritual officers of Christ's kingdom: I add, and during the desolation of Zion, and the time of the apostasy from Christ's visible kingdom, belongeth to the two Prophets and witnesses of truth, Rev. 11. but not to the kings, rulers, nations, and civil states of the world, who can be no true parallel or antitype to the Israel or people of God.  Peace. 
Master Cotton objects Jehosaphat sent abroad preachers throughout all the Cities▪ of Judah; and if that were a type of Christ, it were to act that now, which typed out Christ, and he fulfilled in his own person.  Truth. 
Christ Jesus sends out preachers three ways. 
Christ's threefold sending of preachers.   
First, In his own person, as the twelve and the seventy.  
Secondly, By his visible, kingly power, left in the hand of his true churches, and the officers and governors thereof: In which sense that church of Antioch, and the governors thereof, rightly invested with the kingly power of Christ Jesus, sent forth Paul and Barnabas with prayer and fasting, and saying on of hands: And Paul and others of Christ's messengers▪ being furnished with this kingly power, not only planted churches, but also ordained elders visited these churches or visible cities of Judah; that knowledge and teaching, and the word of God might dwell plenteously among them.  
Thirdly, Christ Jesus as king of his church, and head of his body, during the distractions of his house and kingdom under Antichrists apostasy, immediately by his own holy Spirit, stirs up and sends out those fiery witnesses (Rev. 11.) to testify against Antichrist and his several abominations: For as for lawful calling to a true ordinary ministry, neither Wickliff in England, nor Wald●● in France, nor john Hus and Jerome of Prauge in 
●o other true office of the ministry, since the apostasy, but that of prophecy and opening the Testament of Christ against the falsehood of Antichrist.  Bohemia, nor Luther in Germany, nor multitudes more▪ of famous preachers and prophets of Christ, both in these countries and also in Spain, Italy etc. I say, no true ordinary Ministerial calling can they ever show; but Christ Jesus by the secret motion of his own holy Spirit extraordinarily excited, in couraged and sent them abroad as an Angel or messenger (Rev. 14.) with the everlasting Gospel etc.  Peace. 
To apply these three ways, or any of them, to the civil Magistrates and rulers of the world (of whom Jehosaphat in that his act should be a type) is but to profane the holy name of God, to lean upon and idolise an arm of flesh, etc.  Truth. 
I grant, the civil Magistrate is bound to countenance the true Ministers of Christ Jesus, to encourage, protect, and defend them from injuries, but to send them armed (as the Pope's legates and Priests) with a sword of steel, and to compel people to hear and obey them, this savours more of the spirit of the Pope, his courses and practices, Yea of Mahomet his Musselmen, D●rg●es, etc. then the lamb of God and his followers.  Peace. 
What jehosophat. Asa. Hezekiah, Josiah, etc. did, they did not only by persuasion, countenance, example (by which all are bound to further the preaching of Christ Jesus) but also by force of arms and corporal punishments.  Truth. 
Yea even to the death itself▪ and this is not a bare sending out of Ministers (as Master Cotton gives the instance:) For by his argument, all rulers, kings, and Emperors, and other states of the world ought to imbrue their hands in the blood of the many thousands and millions of millions of the poor people, if they forsake not their idolatry and embrace the religion which they say is Christian and the only true.  Peace. 
No, saith Master Cotton, this ought not to be, because only godly and truly Christian Magistrates may so put forth this power of Christ; others must stay until they be informed.  Truth. 
Can it enter into any Christian heart, to believe, that Christ Jesus should so loosely provide for his affairs, so slightly 
A foul imputation put upon Christ Jesus.  for his name and Father's work and so regardlessly for his dearest Spouse, as to leave so high a care and charge with such as (generally and constantly throughout the whole world) are ignorant of, yea and opposite to the very name of Christ and true Christianity?  Peace. 
Surely if this payment were offered to the governor (as Malachy saith) to the world, or governments of it, it would not pass.  Truth. 
I never knew a king or captain councillor or constable, officers of high or low condition, rightly called according to to God, who were not invested with ability more or less for the main and principal points of their charge and duty.  Peace. 
It seems indeed a marvellous, and yet it is Master Cottons) conclusion, that such Magistrates, yea all or most of the Magistrates that ever have been since Christ, and now extant upon the face of the earth, must sit down, stay and suspend, and that all their life long, from the executing of the main and principal part of their office, to wit▪ in matters concerning the conscience, religion, and worship▪ of the people.  Truth. 
Yea (Secondly) in a due survey of the whole universe and globe of this world, will one of a thousand or ten thousand (according to Master Cottons disabling of them from the chief part of their office) be found▪ I will not say fit to be, but to be at all lawful civil Magistrates or rulers according to God's ordinance of Magistracy but mere shadows or images set on high with empty names or titles only of Magistrates?  Peace. 
Master Cotton adds, Although the good of souls is the proper or adequate object of the spiritual officers of Christ, and the bodies and goods of the people, the proper or adequate object of the civil Magistrate; yet in order to the good of their souls▪ he ought to procure spiritual helps, and to prevent spiritual evils.  Truth. 
I reply, If he mean (as it is clear he doth) that the civil Magistrate ought to do this not only as a Christian by spiritual 
Pretended order, monstrous disorder.  means, but as a civil Magistrate by force of arms, It is not in order, but monstrous disorder, for than he (the civil Magistrate) must sit Judge (judicially and formally) in those spiritual causes and cases, which Master Cotton grants are proper and adequate objects of the spiritual officers which Christ hath appointed.  Peace. 
Yea, why may not (saith Master Cotton) the Magistrate use his power (spiritually) in order to the good of bodies, as the officers of Christ dehort from idleness and intemperance of meats and drinks etc. in order to the good of souls?  Truth. 
The spiritual officers in dehorting from these evils or any other of that kind, interfere not, nor take cognizance of that which belongs not to their spiritual court; for holiness in all manner of conversation is the circle wherein they ought to see all their spiritual subjects to walk. If the spiritual officers should cause by force of arms their people to walk justly, temperately, etc. as Master Cotton saith the civil Magistrate in order to the good of bodies ought to deal in spiritual and soul-matters, I say then the eyes of the civil Magistrate would begin to open and to see the horrible disorder and Babylonish confusion of that which is here masked under the abused name of order.  Peace. 
Master Cotton closeth up this chapter with very bitter censures against the discusser.  Truth. 
The discusser may well reply, that although since the apostasy he sees not the visible thrones and tribunals of Christ Jesus (according to his first institution) erected, and although the civil Magistrate hath not the power of Christ in matters of religion, yet they that slay the Lords sheep are not exempted from 
The Parliaments high justice aggainst oppressors.  all judgement: For, if the offenders slay them corporally, the Lord hath armed the civil Magistrate with the sword of God to take vengeance on them. In which respect God hath crowned the supreme court of Parliament with everlasting honour, in breaking the jaws of the oppressing Bishops, etc. Oh that such glorious Justice may not be blemished, by erecting in their stead a more refined, but yet as cruel an Episcopacy.  
2. If the offence be of a spiritual nature, is there no spiritual way of judging, except the church of Christ be granted visible during Antichrists apostasy? Hath not Christ Jesus given power to his two prophets (even all the reign of the Beast) to speak fire, Revelations the 11. to shut up heaven, to turn the waters into blood, to smite the earth with all manner of plagues, and this until the time of the finishing of their prophecy or Testimony, when their great slaughters shall prepare the way for the downfall of Antichrist and their own most glorious raising and exaltation?  
There was no Chapter 34 (which probably was Master Cottons oversight, or the Printers) therefore I pass to Chapter 35.   

Examination of CHAP. XXXV.  Peace. 
HEre, whereas it was said, if it were the Magistrates duty or office to punish heretics etc. then he is both a temporal and Ecclesiastical officers: Master Cotton answers, It follows not: except the Magistrate were to punish with Ecclesiastical censures, his punishment is merely civil, whether imprisonment, banishment, or death.  Truth. 
I reply, first, the statutes of the English nation, and the oath of supremacy, have proved the Kings and Queens of England heads and governors of the church of England: And if 
The title head of the Church.  to be an head or governor be not an office, let Master Cotton be again requested to ponder the instance given, which he passeth by in silence; deny it ingenuously he cannot, and to justify it I hope his light from heaven will not suffer him, although yet he would ●aine excuse it, by saying, they punish only with civil punishment, imprisonment, banishment or death. Therefore,  
2. Here lies the mystery of iniquity, and the Babel and confusion of it, that either according to Popish tenants the kings of the earth must give their power to the beast, and enslave themselves under the name and vizard of the secular power to be the Pope's executioners, or according to Protestant tenants, to wit, that Kings and governors be heads of the church and yet be furnished with no Church-power nor spiritual censures.  Peace. 
It would be thought some mystical and monstrous thing, that Kings and Governors should be obliged to act in civil Judicature, and yet be furnished with no civil power, but aught to punish only with spiritual or Church-censures.  Truth. 
The blind and the lame man's robbing the Orchard is here verified. The Minister (though a blindeguide) he is the seer, but wanting legs and strength of civil power, he is carried upon the civil Magistrates shoulders, whose blindness the subtle Clergy abuseth, etc. but both together rob the Orchard of the most high and surea●enging God.  Truth. 
I conceive it true, that the Kings and Governors of the national church of Israel had a national power; and had the 
The civil Megistrate no spiritual officer, now as in Israel.  Kord Jesus been pleased to have continued national churches the ling and governors of such states might well (as they of Israel were) have been both Temporal and Ecclesiastical officers.  Peace. 
But now the Lord Jesus abolishing that national state, and instituting and appointing his worshippers and followers to be the Israel of God, the holy nation and proper Antitype of the former Israel; it seems most unchristian, that either the work or the title should remain, whether with open or a masked face or vizard.  Truth. 
Therefore as it pleased God in wonderful wisdom and inconcei●eable depths of council for a while to continue a national church national covenant etc. and to take them away as unsufficient, beggarly, and weak, either for the further advancement of his own glory, or salvation of men: so hath he taken away the administration thereof by carnal weapons, arms of flesh etc. In stead of fire and sword, and stoning the opposit●es in stead of imprisonment, banishment death, he hath appointed exhortations, reprehensions, denunciations▪ excommunications, and together with preaching, patiented waiting, if God peradventure will give repentance.  
Lastly, If the civil Magistrate must imprison and banish▪ and put to death in spiritual cases; and the civil Magistrate, is but a Minister or servant of the people (and so of God) and if the 
The people's power.  people make the laws, and give the Magistrate his commission and power; doth it not follow by this doctrine, that the people of the nations of the world▪ are fundamentally and originally both Temporal and Ecclesiastical? And than what is become of the foundations of the Christian faith? And also are not hereby the people and nations of the world (whatever care be had to the contrary to restrain) encouraged, according to their several consciences, I say encouraged and hardened in their bloody wars, imprisonings, banishings, and putting to death for cause of conscience?  Peace. 
Whereas it was said to be Babel or confusion, for the church to punish the offences of such as are not within its jurisdiction with spiritual censures, or the civil state spiritual offences with corporal or temporal weapons, Master Cotton answers, No confusion, for so Paul directs the church of Corinth.  Truth. 
That very Parenthesis which Master Cotton stumbleth at, takes away his answer. For as it would be confusion for the church to censure such matters, and of such persons as belong not to the church: So is it confusion for the state to punish spiritual 
All Commonweals that ever have been, are or shall be in the World (excepting that of typical Israel) merely civil.  offenders, for they are not within the sphere of a civil jurisdiction. The body or Commonweal is merely civil, the Magistrate or head is a civil head, and each member is a civil member: and so far forth as any of this civil body are spiritual, or act spiritually, they and their actions fall under a spiritual cognizance and judicature.  Peace. 
The reason (saith Master Cotton) is the same, for there be offences which tend to provoke wrath against the civil state, Ezra 7. Why should there be wrath against the king or his sons?  Truth. 
This reason indeed Master Cotton often inculcates and beats upon it, that the Pagan kings of Persia were of his mind ● 
The Decrees of Pagan kings for Israel, and the God of it, considered.  I believe Master Cotton out of a zeal to God, but the Pagan kings out of a slavish terror, which never prevailed so far (that I know of) as to bring them to a kindly repentance of their own idolatries, or a true love to the God of Israel or his people.  Peace. 
However your former answer is to me sufficient; to wit, that thousands of famous Towns, Cities and kingdoms have flourished in peace and tranquillity for many ages and generations, where God hath had no house, and not only where it was by the civil state neglected, but also wholly persecuted.  Truth. 
In the time appointed and full ripeness of their sins, the vengeance of God (after patience many generations abused) hath surely and fearfully visited, yet in the interim, it is clear it is no ground of a necessity of present punishing of false worshippers and idolaters, least present wrath fall upon the King or his Son.  Peace. 
Now whereas it was said an intolerable burden laid 
The Ministers lay heavy loads upon the Magistrates back.  upon the Magistrates back, together with the care of the Commonweal to be charged also with the spiritual, etc. Master Cotton answers, 1. That the Magistrate ought to seek out meane● of grace for the people. 2. To remove idolatry and idolatrous Teachers. 3. It is commonly added, that he ought to preserve the church pure by reformation.  Truth. 
I reply, This work charged upon the kings, governors, and Magistrates in the world, makes the weight of their care and charge far greater, than ever was the charge of the kings of Israel and Judah, For their people were miraculously brought into covenant with God, to their hands, like a bridge, or house, or ship ready built; and needed only keeping up in reparation: yea an heavier yoke▪ then either their or our fathers were able to bear, considering all the several different consciences, religions, and worships of all mankind naturally, and the many different opinions, factions, and sects, which daily do arise, and that conscientiously and zealously unto death: All these must by Master Cottons doctrine) lie before the bar, beside all civil cases, etc.  Peace. 
'tis memorable that Paul himself, that had the care of all the churches, would not be entangled with civil affairs, further than his own necessities did call for; and sometimes the necessities of his companions: but this yoke put upon the necks of Magistrates, is as full of temporal as spiritual care: And as it is impossible for them to bear▪ So the Lord in his holy season, may please to teach them (as he hath taught some already through his grace) to lay that spiritual burden upon the shoulders of their only King of Saints Christ Jesus, to whom the supreme power and care of souls and churches doth alone belong.  
Whereas it was further said, that the Magistrate is to cherish, and to cleave unto the Saints, and to defend them from civil violence, but the spiritual care of them belongs to spiritual officers appointed by Christ Jesus to that end, Master Cotton replies, this is but a pretence, because the discusser acknowledgeth no churches extant, etc.  Truth. 
Although amongst so many pretending churches, the discusser be not able to satisfy himself in the rightly gathering of the Churches, according to the true order of Christ Jesus, yet this is far from a pretence▪ because the institution of any state government, order, etc. is one thing, and the administration and execution, which may be interrupted and eclipsed, is another.  Peace. 
Indeed Jeremy could not rightly have been judged a pretender, when he mourned for, and lamented the desolations of 
A time when no visible Church of God in the world for the right form and order, etc.  the temple, priests, elders, altar, sacrifice, etc. and neither he nor Daniel, nor any of God's prophets or servants, could (during the time of the desolation and captivity) acknowledge either temple, or altar, or sacrifice right, extant upon the face of the earth.  Truth. 
He that saith the Sun (Christ Jesus) is not to be seen in our Horizon or Hemisphere, in his absence, or when he suffers an Eclipse, cannot be said to deny that the Lord Jesus his holy ordinances ought to be visible in the worship and service of God: Although the discusser be not satisfied in the period of the times, and the manner of his glorious appearing, yet his soul uprightly desires to see and adore, and to be thankful to Master Cotton, yea to the least of the disciples of Christ Jesus, for any coal or spark of true light, amongst so many false and pretended candles and candlesticks, pretending the glorious name of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Peace. 
Next, Master Cotton demands what reason can be given, why the Magistrate ought to break the teeth of lions (ought too suppress such as offer civil violence) and not of the Wolves, that make havoc of their souls, who are more mischievous than the lion, as the Pope of Rome, than the Pagan Emperors? He wonders the discusser should favour the Pope more than the Emperor, except it be that he symbolizeth rather with Antichrist then with Caesar.  Truth. 
It may here suffice to say two things (not to repeat other passages.)  
First, The civil state and Magistrate are merely and essentially civil; and therefore cannot reach (without the transgressing the bounds of civility) to judge in matters spiritual, which are of another sphere and nature than civility is: Now it is most just and proper, that if any member of a civil body be oppressed, the body should relieve it: As also it is just and proper, that the spiritual state or body should relieve the soul of any in that spiritual combination oppressed.  
Therefore (Secondly) for spiritual and religious oppressions, the king of kings Christ Jesus hath sufficient providedly in his spiritual kingdom: therefore (Acts 20) Paul gives the charge against those spiritual Wolves to the elders of the church at Ephesus, 
The wolves at Ephesus, Act. 20.  and not to civil Magistrates of the city, which Paul should have done (notwithstanding they were worshippers of Diana) if it had been their duty to have broke the teeth of those spiritual Wolves etc.  Peace. 
It is (indeed) one thing to prohibit the Pope, the prelate's, the Presbyterians, the Independents, or any from forcing 
The duty of civil power in matters of Religion.  any in the matters of their respective consciences, and accordingly to take the sword from such men's hands, or (as their executioners) to refuse to use it for them: It is another thing to leave them freely to their own consciences, to defend themselves as well as they can, by the twoedged sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, which all the several sorts of pretenders say they have received from jesus Christ.  Truth. 
The renowned Parliament of England hath justly deserved a crown of honour to all posterity, for breaking the teeth of the oppressing Bishops and their courts; but to wring the sword 
The changing of persecutors is onething, the abolishing of persecution another.  out of the hands of a few prelate's, and to suffer it (willingly) to be wrung out of their own hands, by many thousand Presbyterians, or Independants, what is it but to change one wolf or lion for another, or in stead of one, to let lose the Dens of thousands?  Peace. 
But why should Master Cotton insinuate the discusser to glance a more obsequious eye upon the Pope, then upon the Emperor?  Truth. 
I fear Master Cotton would create some evil opinion in the heart of the civil Magistrate, that the discusser is (as the bloody Jews told Pilate) no friend to Caesar: whereas upon a due 
The persecuting clergy no cordial friends to magistracy.  search it will be sound clear as the light, that it is impossible that any that subscribe ex animo to the bloody Tenent of persecution, can (ex animo) be a friend to Magistracy. The reason is, all persecutors, whether priests or people, care only for such Magistrates as suit the end, the great bloody end of persecution, of whom they either hope to borrow the sword, or whom they hope to make their executioners. Their very principles also (Papist and Protestant) lead them necessarily to dispose and kill their heretical, Apostate, blaspheming Magistrates.  Peace. 
But why should Master cottoned ●● sinuate any affection in the discusser to that Tyrant of all earthly Tyrants, the Pope?  Truth. 
To my knowledge Master Cotton and others have thought the discusser too zealous against the bloody beast: yea, and who knows not this to be the ground of so much sorrowful difference between Master Cotton and the discusser, to wit that the discusser grounds his separation from their churches upon their not separating from that man of sin? For Old England having 
Neither Old nor New England statechurches separate from the Pope.  compelled all to church, compelled the Papists▪ and the Pope himself in them: The daughter New England, separaring from her mother in Old England, yet maintains and practices communion with the Parishes in Old▪ Who sees not then, but by the links of this mystical chain, New England Churches are still fastened to the Pope himself?  Peace. 
Master Cottons third reply is this▪ that it is not like that such Christians will be faithful to their prince, who grow false and 
Master Cotton and Bellarmine all one, for the deposing heretical princes, etc.  disloyal to their God▪ and therefore consequently the civil Magistrate must see that the church degenerate and apostate not, at least so far as to provoke Christ to departed from them.  Truth. 
This is indeed the down right most bloody and Popish Tenent of persecuting the degenerate, heretical and Apostate people: of deposing, yea and killing Apostatical and heretical princee and rulers.  
The truth is, the great Gods of this world are God-belly God-peace▪ God-wealth, God-honour, God-pleasure etc. These Gods must not be blasphemed, that is▪ evil spoke of, no not provoked, etc. 
The gods of this World.  The servants of the living God being true to their Lord and Master, have opposed his glory, greatness, honour etc. to these Gods, and to such religions, worships, and services, as commonly are made but as a mask or veil, or covering of these Gods.  Peace. 
I have long been satisfied, that hence proceeds the mad cry of every Demetrius and crafts-Master of false worship in the world, Great is our Diana etc. These men blaspheme our goddess, disturb our City▪ They are false to our Gods, how▪ will they be true to us?  
Hence that bloody Act of Parliament in Henry the fifth his days made purposely against that true servant and witness of 
The Lord Cobham his troubles in Henry the 5. days.  God (in those points of Christianity which he knew) and other servants of God with him, the Lord Cobham, concluding Lollardy not only to be heresy, (that is, indeed true Christianity) but also treason against the King's person: whence it followed, that these 
The best of our late Bishops, as Bishop Hall have not spared to render heretics and Traitors all one.  poor Lollards (the servants of the most high God) were not only to be burnt as heretics, but hanged as traitors.  Truth. 
Accordingly it pleased God to honour that noble Lord Cobham, both with hanging and burning, as an heretic against the church, as a traiter against the king: And hence those devilish accusations and bloody hunt of the poor servants of God in the reign of Francis the second in Paris, because it was said that their meetings were to cousult and act against the life of the king.  Peace. 
If this be the touchstone of all obedience, will it not be the cutthroat of all civil relations, unions and covenants between Princes and people, and between the people and people? 
Civil society plucked up by the roots.  For may not Master Cotton also say, he will not be a faithful servant, nor she a faithful wife, nor he a faithful husband, who grow false and disloyal to their God? And indeed what doth this, yea, what hath this truly-ranting doctrine (that plucks up all relations) wrought but confusion and combustion all the world over?  Truth. 
Concerning faithfulness, it is most true, that godliness is profitable for all things, all estates, all relations: yet there is a civil faithfulness, obedience, honesty, chastity, etc. even amongst such as own not God nor Christ: else Abraham and Isaac 
Civil honesty may stand with dishonesty against God and Christ in matters of Religion.  dealt foolishly to make leagues with ungodly Princes. Besides, the whole Scripture commands a continuance in all Relations of government, marriage, service, notwithstanding that the grace of Christ had appeared to some, and the rest (it may be an husband, a wife, a Magistrate, a Master, a servant) were false and disloyal in their several kinds and ways unto God, or wholly ignorant of him.  
4. Grant people and Princes to be like julian, Apostate from the true service of God, and consequently to grow less faithful in their places and respective services, yet what ground is there, from the Testament of Christ Jesus, upon this ground of their apostasy, to prosecute them, as Master Cotton saith, The civil Magistrate must keep the church from apostatising so, as to cause Christ to departed from them.  
5. Can the sword of steel or arm of flesh make men faithful or loyal to God? Or careth God for the outward Loyalty or faithfulness, when the inward-man is false and treacherous?  
Or is there not more danger (in all matters of trust in this 
A turncoat in Religion more faithless than a resolved Jew, Turk or Papist.  world) from an hyyocrite, a dissembler, a turncoat in his religion (from the fear or favour of men) then from a resolved Jew, Turk or Papist, who holds firm unto his principles? etc.  
Or lastly, if one Magistrate, King or Parliament call this or that heresy, apostasy, etc. and make men ●ay so will not a stronger Magistrate, King, Parliament, Army (that is, a stronger arm, or longer and more prosperous sword) call that heresy and apostasy 
Heresy and apostasy often change their names to truth, and Christianity, etc.  Truth and Christianity, and make men call it so? and do not all experiences, and our own most lamentable, in the changes of our English Religions, confirm this?  
6. Lastly, As carnal policy ever falls into the pit, it digs and trips up its own heels, so I shall end this passage with two paradoxes, and yet (dear peace) thou and I have found them most lamentably true in all ages.  Peace. 
God delights to befool the wise and high in their own conceit with paradoxes, even such as the wisdom of this world thinks madness: but I attend to hear them.  Truth. 
First then, The straining of men's cinsciences by civil 
Who knows not that the many turn of Do. Pearne in Cambridge, brought it into a proverb, to wit, to p●●nifie.  power, is so far from making men faithful to God or man, that it is the ready way to render a man false to both: my ground is this: civil and corporal punishment do usually cause men to play the hypocrite, and dissemble in their Religion, to turn and return with the tide, as all experience in the nations of the world doth testify now.  
This binding and rebinding of conscience, contrary or without its own persuasion, so weakens and defiles it, that it (as all other faculties) loseth its strength, and the very nature of a common honest 
Consciences yielding to be forced or ravished, loosen all conscience.  conscience: Hence it is, that even our own histories testify, that where the civil sword, and carnal power, hath made a change upon the consciences of men, those consciences have been given up, not only to spiritual, but even to corporal filthiness, and bloody, and mad oppressing each other, as in the Marian bloody times etc.  Peace. 
Indeed no people so enforced as the Papists and the Mahometans: and no people more filthy in soul and body, and no people in the world more bloody and persecuting: but I listen for your second paradox.  Truth. 
Secondly, This Tenent of the Magistrates keeping the church from apostatising, by practising civil force upon the consciences of men, is so far from preserving Religion pure, that it 
2 Paradoxes.  is a mighty Bulwark or Barricado to keep out all true Religion▪ yea and all godly Magistrates for ever coming into the World.  Peace. 
Doubtless this will seem a hard riddle, yet I presume not too hard for the fingers of time and truth to untie, and render easy.  Truth. 
Thus I untie it: If the civil Magistrate must keep the church pure, than all the people of the Cities, Nations, and kingdoms of the world must do the same much more, for primarily and fundamentally they are the civil Magistrate: Now the world (saith John) lieth or is situated in wickedness, and conscquently according to its disposition endures not the light of Christ, nor his golden candlestick the true Church, nor easily chooseth a true Christian to be her officer or Megistrate, for she accounts such false to her Gods and Religion, and suspects their faithfulness etc.  Peace. 
Hence indeed is it (as I now conceive) that so rarely this world admit●eth or not long continueth a true servant of God in any place of trust ●●d credit, except some extraordinary hand of God overpower, or else his servants by some base stairs of Flattery or worldly compliance, ascend the chair of Civil-power.  
But (to proceed) saith Master Cotton, It was the duty of Jehosaphat▪ Hezekiah etc. to reduce the people of Israel from their backslidings because they were an holy people, and is it not the duty of godly Princes to reduce their backsliding Churches to their primitive purity? It is true (saith he) David and Solomon were types of Christ, but so were not the other Kings of Israel and Judah, who were the one (the kings of Israel) all Apostates, and the other (the kings of Judah) many of them Apostate from Christ: And Secondly, If they were (saith he) all types of Christ, yet Christ being the Antitype, Christ hath abolished them all, and so it were sacrilege or Antichristian usurpation for any king to be set over Christians: Or if they were types of Christ in respect of their kingly office over the Church alone was it typical in Solomon to put Joab a murderer to death, or Adonijah a traitor? and so consequently unlawful for Christian Princes to put murderers and traitors to death? Further, saith he, What those kings might do in type, Christ Jesus might much more do in his own person, as the Antitype: but he put no man to death in his own person, and therefore they were not types but servants of Christ, and patterns and examples to Christian Magistrates, yea, Ahab, who should have put Benhadad to death for his blasphemy.  Truth. 
I understand those kings of Israel and Judah, until 
How the kings of Israel and Judah were types and figures of Christ to come.  their cutting off or excommunicating out of the land of Canaan, to be yet visible members of the church of Israel and Judah, and as kings of Israel and Judah types of Christ Jesus, partly in his own person, who did that (being the true spiritual king of Israel) which they did or should have done, in that typical national church or land of Israel▪ and (2) partly in the officers of his kingly power and government of his church, which officers and church falling away, until an absolute cutting off, are the Antitypes (in respect of visible government) of those former kings of Israel and Judah.  Peace. 
Can it be imagined that those wicked Kings, Jeroboam▪ Baasha, Ahab etc. were figures of Christ Jesus?  
Truth. Master Cotton himself grants David and Solomon types of Christ Jesus, and yet, how abominable and monstrous some of their practices? we must therefore distinguish between their persons, and sins, and frailties.  
As kings of Israel (God's Church and people) doubtless they were the figures of (the K. of Israel) Christ Jesus: yea it is probable that the land of Canaan, with the officers and governors thereof, before Christ time, was but a figure of the spiritual land or Christian church, with the officers governors & administrations thereof good and evil: Although the applying of the times and persons each to other 
The types of the old Testament many and deep.  requires a more than ordinary guidance of the finger or holy Spirit of God.  Peace. 
I remember that some of eminent note for knowledge and godliness have not stuck to affirm, that the Gentile Prince 
Cyrus' called Christ, a figure of Christ.  Cyrus as he was called God's servant, anointed, or Christ (Isa. 44) I say, that he in a respect, as a restorer of God's people was a figure of Christ Jesus.  Truth. 
It is not improbable, but that the most holy and only wise (whose works are known unto himself from the beginning of the world) did by such famous instruments of mercy to the literal Jew, type out Christ Jesus and his heavenly instruments, mercy and goodness to the mystical and spiritual, Christian Jews etc.   

Examination of CHAP. XXXVI, and XXXVII.  Peace. 
IN these passages Master Cotton first questions (having not his copy by him) the truth of some expressions printed as his.  Truth. 
It is at hand for Master Cotton or any to see that copy which he gave forth and corrected in some places with his own hand, and every word verbati●● here published.  
2. To the answer itself, or reproof of the Lord Jesus given to his disciples for their bloody and rash zeal desiring fire to come down from heaven, etc. we both agree that Christ's rebuking of his disciples did not hinder the Ministers of the Gospel from proceeding in a churchway etc. 2. That false ●persecution in a churchway is as odious and dreadful a persecution, as any prosecution ● a court of civil justice, as also that this is not the point intended, though it be reckoned up with the rest.  Peace. 
I marvel at that which follows, where Master Cotton saith, that it never fell from his pen in any writing of his, viz. that it is lawful for a eivil Magistrate to inflict corporal punishment upon such as are contrary indeed in matters of Religion: and therefore he passeth by the discussers reasons as which might well have been spared, being brought but against a shadow of his own fancy.  Truth. 
I am not able to imagine what Master Cotton means by such as are contrary minded, against whom he will not (in this Chapter) maintain any corporal punishment to be inflicted, when in so many of his writings, and throughout his whole book he maintains corporal punishment, and that to death itself in many cases, against the idolatrous, the blasphemous, the heretical, the seducing, yea the degenerate and Apostate.  Peace. 
Love bids us take this passage as a pang of reluctancy 
The fire from heaven, Rev. 13  (in his other wise-holy and peaceable breast) against such unholy bloody tenants.  
But what say you to the passage about the second beast, bringing fire from heaven? (Rev. 13.) This was no wonder (saith Master Cotton) for Constantine had done the like before to heretics, the Arrian Bishops against the Orthodox Saints. Also, it is related as a different matter from the former (vers. 15.) that he had power to cause, that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And this fire comes not down upon the Saints, but the earth.  Truth. 
Master Cotton I think knows that the discusser is not alone in this interpretation: If he propose any other more suitable to Christ Jesus, I hope the discusser desires thankfully to embrace it. But this fire being not literal, but mystical, in imitation of the true prophet Elijah, and also as the true witnesses cause fiery judgements descend from heaven upon the enemies of the truth: so the false witnesses cause fire to descend against the faithful: and sure it is (as the discusser related) that the Popish Bishops in France, and England and other places have ever constantly cried out, that the just judgements of God are brought down by them upon the heretics, which is no small wonder that the hearts of the sons of men should be so hardened against the light of truth in truths witnesses, notwithstanding the acts of Constantine and the Arrian Bishops long before.  Peace. 
But this fire (saith Master Cotton) comes down from heaven upon the earth.  Truth. 
True, but it may well imply no more, then in the open view and face of all men in this world.  Peace. 
And lastly (saith he) it is said, that he causeth that as as many as would not worship the Image of the Beast should be killed, which is a different effect.  Truth. 
Because it comes from a different cause, with respect, not to the first Beast himself, but only to his picture or image, and implies, that fiery judgements descend not only upon such as refuse to worship the first or second beast, but the very picture of the beast likewise.   

Examination of CHAP. XXXVIII.  Peace. 
MAster Cotton here first observing the discussers agreement with him, that this instruction (2 Tim. 2.) to be meek and patiented to all men, is properly directive to the Ministers of the Gospel, he concludes that therefore hitherto his answer was not perplexed and ravelled.  Truth. 
Many plain threads may be drawn forth of a perplexed and ravelled string, as it seems to me the many particulars of different natures here wrapped up together were.  Peace. 
Yea, but he seems to disown those words [unconverted Christians in Crete) and more than once in the Chapter toucheth the discussers credit, etc.  Truth. 
I know the discusser desires unfeignedly (with the Lords assistance) rather to die a thousand deaths, then willingly to impeach the least of holy or civil truths; and therefore affirmeth in this case, that at his pleasure the copy (not which he received from 
All Truth, heavenly, moral, civil, etc. precious.  Master Cotton for there never passed such writings between them as Master Cotton often affirmeth, but) which he received from another, with the correction of Master Cottons own hand to it, shall be ready for himself or any to view.  Peace. 
However, Master Cotton maintaining the terms of unconverted converts from jer. 3. 10. (Judah turned unto me, but not with all her heart, but feignedly:) so judas, An●●●as, and Sapphira, Balaam, the Ni●●laitans, Jezabel in Thyatira, as also the children of believing parents born in the Church, who though holy, yet cannot be conceived to be truly holy.  Truth. 
Were the question about hypocrites, counterfeits and traitors in the church and kingdom of Christ, these words might here rightly be alleged; but Master Cottons words being 
unconverted Christians visibly a paradox.  these [unconverted Christians in Crete▪ whom Titus as an Evangelist was to seek and to convert] I conceive that Master Cotton will not affirm that the office of an Evangelist was to seek to convert the church (though possibly an hypocrite may be turned from his hypocrisy by an Evangelist or private man in the church.)  
2. He makes in the very words a distinction between these, unconverted Christians, and those Jews and Gentiles in the Church, who (saith he) though carnal, yet were not convinced of the error of their way.  
And to conclude this Chapter, the discusser readily with thanks acknowledgeth Master Cottons words, that it is not probable that Timothy was now at Ephesus, and that the subscription added to the second Epistle of Timothy in the English translation, is justly to be suspected.   

Examination of CHAP. XXXIX.  Peace. 
MAster Cotton here argues, That if the Magistrate be a Prophet, 
Many excellent Magistrates of the Parliament, of the council, of the Army, of the City, of the Country, are also excellent prophets or interpreters of Scripture, & yet may not use a civil but a spiritual sword in spirituals.  and opposed in his doctrine, he ought (from this Scripture, 2 Tim. 2.) meekly to bear the opposition, waiting if God peradventure will give repentance; yet withal by the way he observeth, that if the Magistrate be a prophet, he may do some things as a Magistrate, which he may not do as a Prophet.  Truth. 
Of this no question? but what is this to a coercive Magisterial power in spiritual things, which is the question?  
2. Since that Master Cotton acknowledgeth that Magistrates may be prophets, and that divers Magistrates of New English churches have spoken as prophets (eminently able in their 
Magistrates may be prophets in Christ's Church.  churches) what should be the reason (I ask by the way) that their Churches hear no more of such their prophetical gifts, but that their talent's wrapped up? etc.  Peace. 
Of this let their consciences give account to Jesus Christ▪ whom they call the King of their churches, and the fountain of such heavenly abilities: But to proceed, Master Cotton grants that Magistrates ought to bear in the church oppositions against their prophesyings, but not continued opposings nor, seduings etc.  Truth. 
What is then the waiting here commanded, until God peradventure will give repentance?  Peace. 
It is true (saith Master Cotton) it is not in the power of man to give repentance but God alone: Neither is it in man's power (saith he) to give repentance to scandalous persons against the civil state; and yet the discusser acknowledgeth that the civil Magistrate ought to punish these.  Truth. 
It is not the Magistrates work and office in the civil state, to convert the heart in true repentance unto God and Christ: 
More confidence commonly put in the civil sword then the spiritual.  The civil state respecteth conformity and obedience to civil laws, though indeed the works and office of the Ministers of Christ Jesus are commonly laid upon the Magistrates shoulders, and they pretending themselves the Ministers of Christ Jesus, armed with the twoedged sword of the Spirit of God (the Word of God) do commonly fly unto and put more confidence in the sword of steel in the hand of their civil Ministers, the Magistrates.  Peace. 
The sword of steel hath done wonderful things throughout the whole world in matters of Religion▪ and woeful and wonderful (as was formerly observed) hath Religious changes 
Engl. changes in Religion excused by those of Judah, but not justly.  been in the English nation, and that by the power of the civil sword▪ backward and forward▪ and that in the space of a few years, in the reign of four or five Princes: But this (saith Master Cotton) is no more than befell the church of Judah in the days of Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, and Josiah.  Truth. 
England's changes will be found upon examination incomparably greater, and wrought in the eighth part of the time that the changes of the church of Judah were. And yet this instance will not infringe that the civil sword of the Magistrate, in a national way, is ordinarily able to turn about a Nation to and again, to and from a truth of God, in national hypocrisy, and therefore most wisely hath the most holy and only wise, by the most golrious brightness of his person and wisdom of the Father (Christ Jesus) abolished his own national and state- church, whether explicit or implicit, that the twoedged sword of the word of the Lord in the mouths of his true messengers, might alone be brandished and magnified.  Peace. 
Master Cotton concludeth this Chapter with the observation▪ that the revolt of England again to Popery wanteth Scripture-light.  Truth. 
He that loves Christ Jesus in sincerity, cannot but long▪ 
Whether England may ●●● receive the Po●● again.  that Christ Jesus would speedily be pleased with the breath of his mouth to consume that man of sin: But yet that worthy servant of God (according to his conscience) Master Archer▪ doth not barely propose his opinion▪ but also his Scripture-grounds, which I believe, compared with all former experiences, will seem to be of great and weighty consideration, and call all that wait for Christ Jesus to beg his Spirit deeply to weigh and ponder them.   

Examination of CHAP. XL.  Peace. 
TO the several allegations concerning the woeful slavery of all opposites of Christ Jesus, and the mighty power of free grace, only able to release them; Master Cotton replies▪ So is it with scandalous offenders against the Civil state▪ and yet this doth not restrain Magistrates from executing just judgements upon them etc. And he adds, that better a dead soul in a dead body, and that seducers die without faith, than murder and seduce many precious souls from the faith.  Truth. 
The Lord Jesus commanding to give God the things that be Gods▪ and to Caesar the things that be Caesars▪ gives all his followers a clear and glorious torch of light to distinguish 
Things of God and Caesar.  between offenders against God in a spiritual way, and offenders against Caesar, his Laws, state and government in a civil way.  
'tis true, slatterers and time-servers use to make Religion and justice, the two pillars of a State, and so indeed do all such states in the world as maintain a state-Religion, invented and 
Religions of the world, politic inventions to maintain a civil state.  maintained in civil policy to maintain a civil state. But all men that have tasted of history or travel, are witnesses sufficient of these two particulars.  
First concerning justice, that if the sword and balances▪ of justice (in a sort or measure) be not drawn and held forth, against 
The absolute necessity of some order of government all the world over.  scandalous offenders against civil state, that civil state must dissolve by little and little from civility to barbarism, which is a wilderness of life and manners.  Peace. 
Yea the very barbarians and Pagans of the world themselves are forced for their holding and hanging together in barbarous companies, to use the ties and knots, and bands of a kind of civil justice against scandalous offenders against their commonweal and profit.  Truth. 
But too many thousands of Cities and states in the world have and do flourish for many generations and ages of men, wherein (whatever Caesar gets) God cannot get one penny of his due in any bare permission or toleration of his religion and worship.  Peace. 
Dear Truth▪ these two points being so constantly proved, I can but wonder that Master Cotton or any servant of Christ Jesus, should cry out to the Caesars of this world to help the eternal God to get his due, because Christ Jesus grants them a civil sword in civil cases, to preserve their civil states from barbarism and confusion.  Truth. 
That worthy Emperor, Antoninus Pius, in his letters for the Christians, plainly tells the governors of his provinces, that the gods were able to punish those that sinned against their worship; 
Antoninus Pius his distinction.  evidently declaring, by that light of conscience and knowledge which God had lighted up in his soul, the vast difference between offenders in the civil state, and offenders against the true and only religion and worship, about which the whole world disagreeth, and is hist together (by this bloody tenant) I say hist together by the ears and throat, in blood and fire, as the tide of times, major vote armies and arms of flesh prevail.  Peace. 
Ah (Dear truth) is there is no balm in G●●ead, no balances, no sword of spiritual justice in the City, and kingdom of Christ Jesus, but that the officers thereof must run to borrow Caesar? Are the armouries of the true king Solomon Christ Jesus disarmed? Are there no spiritual swords girt upon the thighs 
The degeneracy of Christianity now professed.  of those valiant ones, that should guard his heavenly bed, except the sword of steel be run for from the cutler's shop? Is the Religion of Christ Jesus so poor and so weak and feeble grown, so cowardly and base (since Paul spoke so gloriously of it, and the weapons of it (2 Cor. 10.) that neither the soldiers nor Commanders in Christ's Army have any courage or skill to withstand sufficiently in all points a false teacher, a false prophet, a spiritual cheater or deceiver?  Truth. 
This must all that follow Jesus bitterly lament, that not a spiritual sword or spear is to be found in the spiritual Israel of God, but that his poor Israelites are forced down to the Philistines of this world's Smiths▪ etc. And that the princes of Zion are become feeble like hearts without pasture, as Jeremy complaineth in his Lamentations.  Peace. 
Now whereas it was added, that a civil sword hardens the followers of false teachers in the suffering of their leaders, and begets an impression of the falsehood of that religion, which cannot uphold itself all the world over, but with such instruments of violence, etc. Master Cotton replies, that the Magistrate ought not to draw out his sword against seducers, until he hath used all good means for conviction, etc. and then (saith he) he should be cruel to Christ's Lambs in sparing the Foxes, etc.  Truth. 
Who knows not this to be the plea and practice of all Popish persecutors in all ages, to compass sea and land to reduce the heretic to the union and bosom of the church, not only with 
The loathsome hypocrisy of persecutors.  promises▪ threaten▪ &c, but oftimes with solemn disputations, and sometimes writings and waitings, before they come to the definitive sentence and deliver him to the secular power▪ and so to the use of those desperate remedies of hanging, burning, etc. How do the bloody Popes and the bloody Bonners in their hypocritical letters and bloody sentences, profess their lamentable grief at errors and heresies; their clemency and mercy, and great pains taken to reduce that wand'ring, to return the lost child, to heal the scabbed sheep? yea and when they are forced (as they say) for the saving of the flock from infection to deliver such sheep to the secular power, as their butchers and executioners; yet beseech they that power, and that (most hypocritically without shame) in the bowels of Christ Jesus▪ to Minister justice with such moderation, 
In their bloody sentence, and proceed with the persecuted.  that if it be possible the heretic's soul may be saved▪ but however the flock may be preserved from such ●damnable Doctrine.  Peace. 
Master Cotton will here blame the alleging of this: for the Popish Religion is false, but their true etc.  Truth. 
'tis true, the Papists Religion is false, yet Master Cotton cannot pass without suspicion to be too near of kin to the bloody Papist, to whom they are so near in practice: The Lord Jesus gave an everlasting rule to his poor servants, to discern all false prophets by, to wit, their fruits and bloody practices. But,  
Secondly, The holy Spirit of God in this 2 to Tim. now insisted on, not only commands Timothy to exhort the opposite, but patiently to wait and attend God's will▪ if peradventure God will give repentance, and that they may recover themselves etc.  Peace. 
Master Cotton will not deny, together with meek exhortation, patiented waiting, etc.  Truth. 
Why then doth he limit the holy one of Israel to days or months? Three months was by the law (in Massachusets in New England) the time of patience to the excommunicate, before the secular power was to deal with him: But we find no time 
Too short a time set for repentance in New England.  limited, nor no direction given to Timothy or his successors to prosecute the opposite before Caesar bar, in case God vouchsafed not repentance upon their means and waiting.  
3. Christ Jesus hath not been without bowels of compassion in all his gracious care and provision he hath made for his sheep and lambs, against the spiritual Wolves and Foxes; although we read not a word of the arm of flesh and sword of steel appointed by himself for their defence in his most blessed last Will and Testament.  
4. Lastly, to that instance of the Donatists and Papists suppressed 
False teachers commonly hardened by persecution.  by the civil sword, no question but (as before) a civil sword is able, among civil people, to make a whole nation, or world of hypocrites: and yet experience also testifies (however Master Cotton makes it but accidental) that it is the common and ordinary ●ffect of the civil sword drawn forth (as they speak) against heretic's seducers etc. to harden the seducers and seduced by their sufferings, and to beget no other opinion in their hearts, then of the cruelty and weakness of the heart and cause of their persecutors.  Peace. 
There hath been no small noise of Master godsons and 
The great sufferings of Master Gorton and his friends in New England.  his friends being disciplined (or as the Papists call it, discipled in the school of the New English churches: It is worth the inquiry to ask what conviction and conversion hath all their hostilities, captivating, court, imprisonings▪ chaining, banishings, etc. wrought upon them?  Truth. 
Shall I speak my thoughts without partiality? I am no more of Master Gortons' Religion then of Master Cottons: and yet if Master Cotton complain of their obstinacy in their way, I cannot but impute it to this bloody tenant and practice, which ordinarily doth give strength and vigour, spirit and resolution to the most erroneous, when such unrighteous and most unchristian proceed are exercised against them.  Peace. 
Touching the Edict of Antoninus Pius concerning 
Antoninus Pius his Edict against persecution.  persecution of Christians, and the opinion it begat in their hearts of the cruelty of their persecutors, Master Cotton answers, first the Pagan Religion is not of God but the Religion of Christians came down from Heaven in the Gospel-truth.  Truth. 
This is most true, to him that believeth that there is but one God, one Lord, one Spirit, one baptism, one body, etc. according to Christ Jesus his institution; and that from that blessed estate the apostasy hath been made; and that all other Gods, Lords, Spirits Faiths, Baptisms or churches, are false: But what is this to many millions of men and women, in so many kingdoms and nations, Cities and parts of the world, who believe as confidently their lies of many Gods and Christ's, all which they believe (as the Ephesians of their Diana, and of the image of Jupiter, and (as Master Cotton of the way of his Religion) that they come down from heaven?  Peace. 
Doubtless, according to their belief, all the peoples of those nations, kingdoms and countries, wherein the name of Christ is sounded, whether of the greek church or the Latin, whether of Popish or Protestant profession, will say as Master Cotton, my religion came down from heaven in the Gospel of Truth, etc.  Truth. 
Now then either the sword of steel must decide this controversy (according to the bloody tenant of persecution) in the suppressing of heretics, blasphemers, idolaters and seducers, by the strength of an arm of flesh: or else the two-edged-sword of the Spirit of God, the word of God coming out of the mouth of Christ Jesus in the mouths of his servants, which will either humble and subdue the Rebels, or cut most deep, and kill with an eternal vengeance.  Peace. 
But (saith Master Cotton) it will beget an opinion of cruelty to murder innocents', but not to put to death murderers 
The difference between spiritual and corporal murder.  of souls.  Truth. 
I answer, beside that great and common difference of civil murder, and spiritual▪ there is a second, to wit, that in the murder of an innocent, the conscience of a murderer is opened, and commonly the mouth confesseth I am a murderer, I have killed an innocent: but run through all the coasts and quarters of the whole world, and the very consciences of so many thousands of soul- murderers are rootedly satisfied and persuaded, that they are so far from being murderers as that they are so many saviours of the souls of men, and Priests and Ministers of the most high God or Gods, etc.  Peace. 
For instance, if a man say Master Cotton is a subject of the state of England, and a Minister of that worship, which he believeth to be true, confirmed by argument and light sufficient to his understanding soul and conscience: How many thousand are there fellow- subjects with Master Cotton to the English state▪ yet of a contrary mind to Master Cotton in matter of God's worship? yea how many are there (it may be thousands) professing a ministry contrary to Master Cottons? and the like may be found in other nations and parts of the world.  Truth. 
What true reason of justice, peace▪ or common safety of the whole, can be rendered to the world why Master Cottons 
Civil justice ought impartially to permit one conscience as well as another.  conscience and Ministry must be maintained by the sword, more than the consciences and Ministeries of his other fellow-subjects? Why should he be accounted (I mean at the bar of civil justice) I say accounted a soul Saviour, and all other Ministers of other Religions and consciences, soul-murtherers, and so be executed as murderers, or forced to temporize or turn from their Religion, which is but hypocrisy in Religion against their conscience, which is ten thousand times worse, and renders men, when they sin against their conscience, not only hypocrites, but Atheists, and so fit for the practice of any evil, murders, adulteries, treasons, & c?  Peace. 
Master Cottons second Answer is that the persecuting Emperors and governors of Provinces under them, attended not 
The difference of the persecution of the Roman Emperors and the Roman Popes.  to the conviction of christians▪ nor did they endeavour to make it appear that the Christians sinned against the light of their consciences, and therefore no marvel if it bred in the people a just opinion of the cruelty of persecutors, and of the innocency of christians.  Truth. 
Let it be granted that the Roman Emperors did not attend to, nor endeavour this, yet the Roman Popes, and all the Antichrist governors of their mystical Provinces, Bishops and priests, have professedly compassed Sea and Land to make a Proselyte.  Peace. 
'tis true, the history of the death of the Saints, slaughtered by such persecutors abundantly testify this, and yet their persecution will be found no other than cruelty and murder, and the opinion of it will never be razed out of the heart of God's people, whatever the whole world (which wonders after and worships the beast) think to the contrary.  Truth. 
And I add, that herein Master Cottons former position, to wit [that heretics must be punished by the civil sword, for sinning against the light of their own conscience] accords fully with the Popish clamours, [the heretics mouths are stopped, they are convinced, they have not a word to say, and yet they are obstinate; away with them, hang them▪ burn them.]  Peace. 
Master Cotton saith, It is an untrue intimation of the discusser, that Antoninus forbade the persecuting of christians upon any such ground.  Truth. 
That it may not rest upon the discussers credit or discredit, I think it not unseasonable if I present to English eyes the English testimony of the diligent and praise worthy-Chronicler John speed, who also engageth Eusebi●s his credit, and thus relateth the effect of Antoninus his mind in these words▪  
The Emperor Caesar, Marcus, Au●●l●us, Antoninus, etc. Unto the Commons of Asia,  
Sendeth Greeting.  
I Doudt not, but the Gods themselves have a care that wicked persons shall be brought to light; for it doth much more appertain to them, than it doth to you, to punish such as refuse to yield them worship: but this course which you take, doth confirm them whom you persecute in this their opinion 
Antoninus Pius his famo●●●●●dict for liberty to the Christians related by that praiseworthy Master John speed out of Eusebi●s.  of you, That you are impious men, and mere Atheists; whereby it cometh to pass, that they desire in the quarrel of their GOD, rather to die then to yield to the will of such as you are, and to embrace your form of Religion: Let it not seem unseasonable to call to your remembrance the Earthquakes which lately have happsned, and which are yet, to your great terror and grief; because I understand, that in such like Accidents, you ●ast the Envy of such common misfortune, upon their Shoulders; whereby their confidence, and trust in their GOD is much the more increased: Whereas, you being ignorant of the true causes of such things, do both neglect the worship of the other Gods, and also banish and persecute the servants of the immortal GOD, whom the Christians do worship; and you persecute to the death all the embracers of that profession. In the behalf of these men, many of the Provinces precedent have written before to my Father of famous memory, to whom he answered, That they should not be molested, unless they were proved to have practised Treason against the Imperial State; and concerning the same matter, some have given notice to me, to whom I answered with like moderation as my Father did before me: And by our Edict, do ordain, That if any hereafter be found thus busy in molesting these kind of men, without any their offence, We command that he that is accused upon this point, be absolved; albeit he be proved to be such an one as he is charged to be, that is, a Christian; and he that is his accuser, shall suffer the san●e Punishment which he sought to procure unto the other.  
In this passage the wise and experienced Emperor observeth many reasons for the toleration of Christians, and insinuates that the persecuting of the Christians, confirmed them in their opinion, that their persecutors were not only cruel (for that is the least that can be implied in persecution) but also as the words run, impious men and mere Atheists.  Peace. 
Dear Truth, your observation forceth from my peaceable 
The persecuted ever nourish an h●rd con●●it of 〈…〉 and Tyranay in their persecutors, whereas Malefactors confess frequently the justice of their condemners.  mind, this Testimony, which oft to my grief and horror, mine ears have heard many persons (I hope in their persons chosen of the Lord) having as they conceived, suffered persecution from the hands, and by the means of many worthy men both of Magistracy and Ministry of New England: I say, they have been by such persecution so far from being wrought on etc. that they have been moulded into a strong apprehension, that it was impossible that such their persecutors should be men of any fear of God▪ but mere dissemblers, time-servers, Jehues reformers, for their own ends of honour ease, and liberty from the cross of Christ: which apprehension although the discusser (to my knowledge) hath often laboured to root out of many, yet could he hardly prevail to stir it, so groslly, odious▪ unchristian, or antichristian, appears the ugly face of persecution etc.   

Examination of CHAP. XLI.  Peace. 
IN the discussing of the prophecy of Isaiah and Micah, concerning the breaking of swords into plowshares, and spears into pruning-hooks, truly interpreted to foretell the meek temper of Christians in bringing others to Christ Jesus, Master Cotton excepts against the discussers observation upon Master Cottons similitude from Wolves which he would have driven out from the sheepfold: The observation was this, or to this effect, [That if civil power might force the wolves out, it might force the sheep in.]  Truth. 
The discusser denied not the use of Christ's spiritual power for the life of his sheep, and destruction of the Wolves: but heaven and earth shall fall before this truth, to wit, [That power that driveth Wolves out, may drive sheep in.] If spiritual power drive out the wolf spiritual, also drives in the sheep▪ but if 
If Civil power may force cut of the church, it may also force in.  civil power (to wit, by swords whips, prisons, burn &c.) drives out the spiritual or mystical wolf, the same undeniably must drive in the sheep.  Peace. 
Yea, but Master Cotton (too too weakly) would please himself upon the word [same:] a father, saith he, with a staff or sword may drive away dogs that might by the way worry or by't his children going to School, may he therefore with a staff or sword drive his children to School? and are wolves to be driven away, and sheep brought into the fold by the same instruments? The dog that tears a wolf, if he tear the sheep also, will find an halter, etc.  Truth. 
Master Cotton hath had a name for a man of Moses spirit, of a meek and gentle temper; he cannot but know he hath lost that name with thousands ●earing God, by not putting that difference, between the Wolves and the sheep, the Egyptians and the Israelites, as Moses did: Moses killed the Egyptian, he reproves the 
Every true Moses will make a difference between Israelites and Egyptians.  Israelite: All that contradict Master Cottons church way (though before dear brethren, familiar and intimate) he not only drives them out, as wolves blasphemers▪ seducers &c. by his pretended spiritual weapons of Christ Jesus, but also by civil sword, imprisoning banishing, whipping etc.  
But more particularly, The discusser indeed useth this word the same power, but not as Master Cotton seemeth to understand it, for the same weapon. He hath in this very place printed the discussers words, that a staff is for the wolf, and a rod or hook for the sheep. The dog that tears the wolf, is but to affright the sheep and consequently the father that hath a stick or rod for the child; But yet these swords, staves-sticks, and rods, are all of the same nature in general, that is of a material, temporal and civil nature, which may be used about natural wolves▪ sheep, children etc. And if they may be used also about spiritual or mystical wolves, to force them out; it is as clear as the sunbeams, that they may be used, that is such civil weapons as are fit for mystical wolves, to force them into the sheepfold: And thus have all Popish persecutors practised in our own and other countries, to wit, by civil power (as well as by their own pretended spiritual) in forcing their supposed sheep to church, and to conformity, as well as by whips, and Prisons, Ropes and Fires, driving out the supposed wolves or heretics.  Peace. 
In the close of this, Master Cotton adds▪ that (Rev. 6. 6.) the Antichristian wolves shall drink blood, for they are worthy.  Truth. 
I have in former passages declared the misconceit of Master Cotton and others▪ as touching that Scripture and that, although they shall drink blood filled out of the cups of God's righteous vengeance, yet not by judicial prosecution in civil courts for spiritual offences, although yet it is most righteous for the kings and powers of the earth▪ merely with respect to these wolves their oppressions and bloodsheddings, to repay them again with the like smart and pain, and kinds of punishment.  Peace. 
Yea and 'tis for ever memorable, that while the kings of the earth have given their power to the beast, against the bodies of the Saints, what cups of blood hath the righteous hand of the 
Cups of Blood given into the hand of persecuting nations.  most high filled to Antichristian kings and kingdoms, by the bloody Turks, and by their own more bloody wars▪ sometimes for the empty puffs of their titles and honours, but as frequently for God (as they pretend) and for his Religion.   

Examination of CHAP. XLII.  Peace. 
IN this Chapter Master Cotton chargeth the discusser for making 
Whether a commonweal prosper in divers religions permitted.  work, to wit, for examining more particularly the similitude of wolves brought in by Master Cotton himself: yet he consenteth with him in the first query, that those Wolves of which Paul warns the elders at Ephesus, were mystical and spiritual wolves; yet he adds that such cannot be good subjects, loving neighbours, fair dealers, because they spiritually are not such; and he argues, that then it will be no advantage to civil states▪ when the kingdoms of the earth shall become the kingdoms of the Lord: and that then they may do as good service to the civil state, who bring the wrath of God upon them by their apostasy, as they that bring dow blessings from heaven by profession and practice of the true religion in purity.  Truth. 
I desire that this reply be well pondered, for it will be found dangerously destructive to the very roots of all civil relations, converse and dealing; yea, and any civil being of the world itself.  
For, if none be peaceable subjects, loving neighbours, fair dealers, but such of Master Cottons conscience and religion (which 
Men may be very fair and peaceable, though not of the only one religion.  he conceives to be the only true religion) what will become of all other states, governments, cities, towns, people's families neighbours, upon the face of the earth? I say, what will become of them (especially if power were in Master Cottons hand to deal with them as Wolves?)  Peace. 
Alas, too too frequent experience tells us in all parts of the world, that many thousands are far more peaceable subjects, more loving and helpful neighbours, and more true and fair dealers in civil conversation, than many who account themselves to be the only religious people in the world.  Truth. 
But again, What the state of things shall be, and what the manner of the administration of Christ's kingdom, when the kingdoms of the earth shall become the kingdoms of the Lord Master Cotton doth not express: and for wrath brought upon civil states for their apostasy, I desire Master Cotton to show, where ever God destroyed any Nation in the world (one only excepted) for apostasy from his truth and worship? Yea and where was ever Israel (the only true national church that Master Cotton will acknowledge) merely for apostasy destroyed, without general ripeness in other sins also, and especially for their persecuting of such, as declared their apostasy, superstition, and will-worship from God unto them.  Peace. 
In the next place Master Cotton granting that the charge given to watch against these Wolves, was not given to the Magistrates of the City of Ephesus, but to the elders of the church of Christ in Ephesus, he yet chargeth the discusser with a palpable and notorious slander, for saying, that many of those charges and exhortations given by the Lord Jesus to the shepherds and Ministers of the churches, are commonly attributed by the answerer in this discourse to the civil Magistrate.  Truth. 
This heavy charge of Master Cottons against the discusser, will be found to be a fruit of Anger and passion, and not of reason and moderation; as also his denial that one of those charges given to Ministers, were directed by him to Magistrates.  
For if Master Cotton, or any please to view over Master Cottons allegations from the New Testament in this discourse, he shall find 
Scriptures perverted from the church to the civil state.  that (Tit. 3.) reject the heretic a charge given by the Lord Jesus to Titus and the church at Crete is brought for the proof of the Magistrates punishing, imprisoning banishing, killing the heretic idolater etc.  
The like charges of Christ Jesus sent to the Ministers and churches of Asia, for tolerating amongst them Balaam and Jezabel▪ are produced to prove prosecutions against false Prophets and professors in the City and Commonweal.  
Yea although Master Cotton name not Act. 20. yet in that Master Cotton affirmeth that Magistrates with the civil sword must drive away Wolves from the sheepfold of Christ the church, meaning spiritual wolves, false teachers, he may be truly said to quote all such Scriptures as give charge against such Wolves.  Peace. 
Indeed Master Cotton more than once pleaseth himself with this similitude of Wolves▪ to prove the Magistrates piety and pity to the sheep, in slaying and driving away the wolves▪ false teachers, etc.  Truth. 
Hence was it (for commonly where state-Religions are 
The Magistrate usually the clergies Cane, etc.  set up, the Magistrate is but the Minister's Cane through whom the Clergy speaks) I say probably hence from such misapplyed Scriptures in their churches, that in their solemn civil general court, at the banishment of one poor man amongst them, hunted out as a wolf or heretic, the governor who then was, standing up alleged for a ground of their duty to drive away such by banishment, that famous charge of Christ Jesus to his Ministers and Church at Rome (Rom. 16) mark them that cause divisions contrary to the doctrine which you have received, and avoid, 
Rom. 16. 17. grossly abused by a governor in New England.  that is, by banishment: By all which and more it may be found, how Satan hath abused their godly minds and apprehensions in causing them so to abuse the holy writings of truth and Testament of Christ Jesus, and that how ever they deny it in express terms, yet by most impregnable consequence and implication they make up a kind of national church, and (as the phrase is) a Christian state and government of church and commonweal, that is, of Christ and the world together.  Peace. 
To proceed, it being further inquired into, whether in all the New Testament of Christ Jesus there be any such word of Christ, either by way of command, Promise, or example▪ countenancing the civil state to meddle with these mystical Wolves, if in civil things peaceable and obedient. Master Cotton replieth, that this condition of peaceable and obedient, implies a contradiction to the nature and practice of wolves. How can, saith he, wolves be peaceable and obedient, unless restrained? Can there be peace, Jehu▪ so long as the whoredoms of Jezabel and her witchcrafts are so many? And when it might be objected that spiritual whoredoms and witchcrafts might stand with civil peace, He answers, No verily▪ for the whoredoms and witchcrafts of the Jezabel of Rome took away civil peace from the earth, and brought the Turks to oppress both the peace of Christian churches and Commonweals, Rev. 9 15, 21.  Truth. 
I wonder since Master Cotton in this very passage mentioneth the spiritual wolves, whores, and witches, as well as natural and moral▪ How he can imagine that a spiritual wolf or witch (to wit so or so in matters of spiritual worship and religion) might not possibly be peaceable and obedient in civil things.  Peace. 
Yea but he allegeth the whoredoms of the Jezabel of Rome.  Truth. 
Why, was not the State of England, the Kings and Queens▪ and Parliaments thereof, lawful as kings and states, though overwhelmed and overspread universally with the Romish abominations? If such wolves, whores, and witches could yield no civil obedience, could they then exercise (by the same argument) any civil authority? And shall we then conclude all the 
The bloody Tenent plucks up the nations and all civil being, etc.  former Popish kings and Parliaments (and consequently laws) unlawful, because in spiritual things they were as Wolves, etc. tearing and burning the poor sheep of Christ? will it not then be unlawful for any man, that is persuaded the whole nation where he lives is idolatrous, spiritually whorish, etc. I say unlawful for him to live in such a state, although he might with freedom to his own conscience? whither will such kind of arguing drive at last, but to pluck up up the roots of all states and peoples in the world, as not capable to yield civil obedience, or exercise civil authority, except such people, Magistrates, etc. as are of Master Cottons church and religion.  Peace. 
Methinks experience (were there no Scripture nor reason) might tell us how peaceable and just neighbours and dealers many thousands and millions of Jews, Turks, Antichristians, and Pagans are to be found, notwithstanding their spiritual whoredoms▪ witchcrafts, etc.  Truth. 
Yea, and why doth Master Cotton allege the Jezabel of Rome, and the coming in of the Turks? It is true, God 
The plague of the Turks.  brought in the Armies of the Turks upon the Eastern Empire, which yet flourished many ages (even in their apostasies) before their destruction by the Turks. And how many ages and generations hath Jezabel of Rome sitten as a Queen in triumphant 
Rome's glory and downfall.  peace and glory, even since the rising of the Turks (and so shall sit probably in greater and greater, until the time of her appointed judgement and downfall? If Christ Jesus were a true Prophet (John 16.) outward peace, prosperity▪ riches, honour, is the portion of this world, notwithstanding their idolatries, apostasies, blasphemies: But the portion of Christ's followers (like his own, and both like a woman in travel) pain and sorrow, yea poverty and persecution, until the great day of refreshing, near approaching.  Peace. 
Master Cotton again sends us to Revelations the 16. 4, 5, 6, 7.  Truth. 
And I must also send Master Cotton and the Reader to our disproving of that proof abovesaid.  
Further, whereas he calls Rom. 13. the great Charter for all Magistrates to deal in spiritual matters, I have and shall manifest in the examinations upon that place, how weak a warrant it is for the civil state▪ and the officers thereof, to conceive themselves spiritual physicians, by virtue of their office, appointed by God, in spiritual and soul-evils.  Peace. 
Whereas it was urged, that Magistrates beside their skill in civil laws and government, must be able (if Master Cottons 
The civil state and officers thereof cannot be spiritual judges.  bloody tenant be true) as judges and heads to determine spiritual causes and controversies▪ and that by the sight of his own eyes, and not other men's; Master Cotton replies, that Magistrates ought to be skilled in the fundamentals of religion, and that their ignorance excuseth not.  Truth. 
In this passage Master Cotton wa●eth that inference [That then Magistrates must be heads and judges in spiritual causes:] That inference cannot possibly be avoided if we grant it their duty (as Master Cotton seems to do) to pass sentence in the fundamentals of religion, and in those points which have been and are so greatly controverted among all sorts of men that name the name of Christ.  
2. If Magistrates must thus judge, reform etc. where hath been the care of Christ Jesus to appoint in all parts of the world, such Magistrates as might take care of his religion and worship? 
Foul neglects cast upon Christ Jesus.  why hath he not furnished them with some capacity and ability to the work?  Peace. 
It is lamentable to think that most of the Magistrates in the world (beyond compare) know not so much as whether there be a Christ or no.  Truth. 
If Christ Jesus had forgotten himself for three hundred years together, furnishing his church with no other heads, but of Wolves, Bear, lions, and tigers, the Roman Emperors yet (after a little refreshing by Constantine, Theodosius &c.) why should he still forget himself (even a thousand years together, providing no other heads, but bloody and Popish kings and Emperors?  Peace. 
What think you (dear truth) of Master Cottons grant 
The case of Gallio.  of Gallios' not being bound to judge in matters of religion, because he had no Law from Caesar whose deputy he was?  Truth. 
I answer what if he had not a law from Caesar, if yet he had a law from Christ Jesus, as Master Cotton implies? Or will Master Cotton suspend the execution of Christ's will, upon the king's states, or people's minds that choose such Magistrates to be their deputies in the commonweal? But the truth is, concerning Gallio▪ whatever he was in his person, and however he did evil in suffering the peace to be broken; yet will Master Cotton never prove, that he had calling from either God or man, to go beyond his civil Magistracy and office to intermeddle with matters of a spiritual nature and that Gallio knew well enough, and other Magistrates of the world shall know in the Lords most gracious appointed season.  Peace. 
The discusser ending this Chapter with the infallible safety of Gods chosen, notwithstanding all ravenous wolves, etc. Master Cotton replies from Deut. 13. that God was able to keep his sheep in Israel, yet they that seduced them were to be put to death.  Truth. 
That argument was not alleged with the derogation to any of God's holy ordinances, which concern the calling or preserving of such whom God hath chosen to salvation, but only to discover the overbusy fear of Gods losing any of his chosen to salvation, by the jaws of spiritual wolves, etc. For Deut. 13. Let Master Cotton produce such a miraculous nation or people (as I may call it) so brought out of the land of Egypt into covenant with God etc. and I shall readily grant that seducers of such a people from such a God, are worthy to die a thousand deaths: But if Master Cotton will now tell me that the Christian congregational church is the Israel of God, and the coming forth of Egypt is now mystical and spiritual, why will he not content himself with a mystical and spiritual death to be inflicted upon him that shall seduce an Israelite from the Lord his God?   

Examination of CHAP. XLIII.  Peace. 
UPon the fifth query to wit, whether the elders of the church at Ephesus were not sufficiently furnished by the Lord Jesus to 
Shameful weakness cast upon the spiritual Artillery of Christ Jesus.  drive away these spiritual and mystical wolves, Master Cotton replies, by granting, that they were furnished with sufficient power to cast them out of the church; but being cast out, they had not sufficient power to drive them away from conferring and corrupting the members of the church, or other godly ones out of the church; and he adds, that it is no dishonour to Christ, nor impeachment to the sufficiency of his ordinances left by Christ, that in such a case the minister of justice in the civil state, should assist the Ministers of the Gospel in the church state.  Truth. 
This grant and this addition do as ill agree, as light and darkeness, Christ and Belial together. For, is the church or kingdom of Christ Jesus sufficiently furnished (that is, in it self without the help of the civil Magistrate) to excommunicate, to cast these wolves out of the Fold: Oh let M. Cotton then, and 
The spiritual liberties of Christ's people in spiritual causes.  all that love Christ Jesus in truth, observe what evidently follows▪ then is this church of Christ sufficiently furnished to receive such persons in again upon repentance, then sufficiently furnished at first to be congregated together by Christ's means to ordain their officers, to judge of doctrines and persons, and all this (necessarily upon Master Cottons grant) without the help of the civil Magistrates.  Peace. 
Yea, and it seems to me incredible, and unreasonable, that Christ Jesus should have left power and authority sufficient to take and bind a rebel against his kingdom, to arraign him and pass sentence upon him▪ yea and execute him in the cutting off such an offendor from the land of the living, delivering him over into the power of that roaring lion the devil; And yet that 
The mighty power of spiritual weapons.  Christ Jesus should not have left power sufficient (in such public▪ high and solmne actions of his kingdom) to declare sufficient cause of such proceed, by which all men may see, the go of the Son of God in his church and kingdom, or if wilfully blind, may justly be further hardened.  Truth. 
The place from Titus alleged (unto which many other Scriptures testify) I say that place doth evidently show, that the power of Christ Jesus left in the hand of his churches and elders, was not only sufficient to cast out such wolves, but even to stop or muzzle their mouths (whatever their gainsaying be, whether by conferring, preaching, printing &c.) which takes off the plea of the great need of the civil sword, to correct the conference 
A vain fear of false teachers.  of such persons etc. when by the words of Paul it is here plain, that they can perform such conferences, no otherwise, but with a stopped or muzzled mouth.  
Let it be produced where Christ Jesus in such cases writes to the Magistrates (either of Crete, or Ephesus, or any other civil jurisdiction 
Christ Jesus nor Paul addressed themselves to the civil state.  where the churches were resident) to help the Ministers and churches with their civil powers, after they had cast forth any person obstinate: Doubtless Christ Jesus in Paul and other of his servants would have written to some or such Magistrates in some place or others having occasion to write to so many churches about such cases.  Peace. 
It will (possibly) be said, it had been in vain, for they were idolaters and persecutors.  Truth. 
The Lord is pleased throughout the whole Scripture in the mouths of his servants and prophets to call for duties at the hands of all men, notwithstanding their natural hardness and inability, that so he might drive them to see their duty and misery, and remedy alone in God by Christ Jesus.  Peace. 
I see now, that this hindering of conference etc. by the 
Turk and Pope and all Prostants against free conference.  civil sword is nothing else but a conformity with the Pope in defending his Canons, and with the Turk in guarding his Alcoran by fire and sword; with whom, and their ways Christ Jesus hath no conformity nor communion, nor with their carnal sword, his twoedged sword that proceedeth out of his mouth Rev. 1. Beside▪ Christ Jesus hath not only furnished his church with power sufficient to excommunicate, but every one of his followers with 
The ammunition of Christ's soldiers.  a complete armour from head to foot (helmet▪ breastplate sword and Target, and and spiritual shoes (Ephes. 6.) in which respect the least of Christ's servants are enabled to stop the mouth of Papists, Pope, Turks and devils.  Peace. 
Yea all experience shows how Christ Jesus (little David) in the least of his servants, hath been able with those plain 
David and Goliath types.  smooth stones out of the brook of holy Scripture, to lay grovelling in their spiritual gore, the stoutest Champions (Popes, Cardinals, Bishops, Doctors) of the Antichristian Philistines.  Truth. 
I add, if the elders, and churches, and ordinances of Christ have such need of the civil sword for their maintenance and protection (I mean in spiritual things) sure the Lord Jesus Christ cannot be excused for not being careful either to express this great ordinance in his will and Testament, or else to have furnished the civil state and officers thereof with ability and hearts for this their great duty and employment, to which he hath called them; the contrary whereof in all Ages, in all nations, and in all experience, hath ever been most lamentably true.  Peace. 
I am not clear (dear truth) in the distinction, Master Cotton makes of Christ's Ministers in the Gospel, and Christ's Ministers in the civil state.  Truth. 
There is a mistake in it, for although Christ hath all power delivered to him in heave and earth, yet as touching his spiritual church or kingdom he disclaims it to be of the world, or worldly. Hence cannot the civil state or officers thereof be called Christ's▪ as if they were of Christ's institution and appointment, himself being their spiritual head. And therefore it is that 
Difference between spiritual and civil Ministers.  the Spirit of God calls him the head of the body, which is the church, and the Ministers and officers of this his kingdom and body Christ's Ministers or servants. Beside, Master Cotton will not say that the kingdoms of the world are yet become the Lord Christ's: In what manner also those kingdoms shall become his, we have need of the holy Spirit to evidence and demonstrate to us.  Peace. 
To the fifth query, whether (as men deal with wolves) these wolves at Ephesus were intended by Paul to be killed, their brains dashed out with stones, staves, halberds, guns, etc. in the hands of the elders of Ephesus: Master Cotton replies, Elders must keep within the bounds of their calling: But such courses were commanded the people of God by order from the Judges, Deut. 13. And where it was added, that comparing Things spiritual with spiritual, spiritual and mystical wolves should be spiritually and mystically slain. Master Cotton replies True, but in destroying religion they also disturb the civil state, and accordingly are to be dealt withal by civil Justice, as Achan was for troubling Israel, Josh 7. 25.  Truth. 
This acknowledgement of Master Cotton, that these wolves must spiritually be killed, their brains dashed out by the elders and Saints might (if the Lord should graciously so please) 
Israel's corporal kill types of spiritual.  easily satisfy himself and all men, that the type of Israel stoning and killing corporally, is here fulfilled in all dreadful abundance spiritually.  Peace. 
Yea, but saith Master Cotton, they disturb the civil state as Achan did.  Truth. 
I answer, Achan troubling of Israel, the people of the Lord, must figure out any such like troubling Gods Israel, the 
Achans troubling of Israel a figure of troubling the Israel or Church of Christ now.  church of Christ, for which he is accordingly to be spiritually stoned or executed: For, as touching the civil state of the nations of the world, who can prove (and Master Cotton will not affirm) that they are as the national church of the Jews was? but being merely civil, are armed with civil power and weapons for their civil defence against all disturbers of their civil state, as also Master Cotton confesseth the spiritual state is furnished with spiritual power against all the disturbers of its spiritual peace and safety.  Peace. 
Now whereas it was further added, that under pretence 
The day of the civil state in ma●ters of worship.  of driving away the wolves, and preserving the sheep that streams of the blood of Saints have been spilt etc. Master Cotton replies, belike it is a milky, and peaceable, and gospellike Doctrine, that the wolves (heretics) are to be tolerated, not an hair struck from their heads; but for the poor sheep, for whom Christ died, let them perish, unless Christ mean to preserve them alone with his immediate hand and no care of them belongs to the civil Magistrate.  Truth. 
I have here in this discourse showed with what honourable and tender respect every civil Magistrate is bound to honour and tender Christ Jesus in his christian sheep and shepherds, but withal, that it is against christianity for the civil Magistrate or civil state, to imagine that all a whole nation was or ever will be called to the union of God's Spirit in communion with God in Christ: Also, that it is against civil justice for the civil state or officers thereof to deal so partially in matters of God, as to permit to some the freedom of their consciences and worships, but to curb and suppress the consciences and souls of all others of their freeborn people etc.  Peace. 
To end this Chapter: whereas it was said, is not this to take Christ▪ and to make him a temporal king by force? Is not this to make his kingdom of this world, and to set up a civil and temporal Israel? To bond out a new holy land of Canaan? yea and to set up a Spanish inquisition in all parts of the world, to the speedy destruction of millions of souls, and to the frustrating of the sweet end of the coming of the Lord Jesus, which was to save men's souls (and to that end not to destroy men's bodies) by his own blood.  
To this Master Cotton replies, when the kingdoms of the earth shall become the kingdoms of the Lord (Rev. 11.) it is not by making Christ a temporal king, but by making temporal kings nursing fathers to the Church. 
Concerning the kingdoms of the world becoming the kingdoms of Christ Rev. 11.   Truth. 
If the Scripture [At the sound of the seventh trumpet] which is the last of the great woes, when the time of God's wrath shall be come, be to be understood of the removing of the kingdoms of the world unto Christ, Master Cotton cannot excuse Christ Jesus from being a temporal king, and the kings of the earth to be but as inferior and subordinate officers: For if they administer Christ's kingdom temporally, as deputies officers or Ministers temporally, he is much more than himself a temporal king and Monarch.  Peace. 
Methinks also; if that committing of all judgement to the Son (John 5.) be meant of Temporal judgement in spiritual things, then can he not be said, not to be a temporal king, then can he not be said (when those words were spoken and ever since) not to have exercised a temporal government. The contrary whereof 
Christ no temporal King.  is most true, both at his first coming, and ever since, in all generations, it having been his portion, and the portion of his followers to be judged by this world, although himself and his judge the world spiritually, and will shortly pass an eternal sentence upon all the children of men.  Peace. 
Master Cotton addeth, this will not set up a civil or temporal Israel, unless all the members of the Commonwealth be compelled to be members of the church.  Truth. 
If that will do it then Christ must be a temporal king, I say▪ then, when the kingdoms of the earth shall become the kingdoms of the Lord, for shall not the kings of the earth compel all Christ's sheep to submit unto Christ Jesus their heavenly shepherd?  Peace. 
Yea secondly, will it not prove that all those commonweals, where men are compelled explicitly or implicitly to be members of the church, are holy lands of Canaan, and if so, Oh that Master Cotton and other worthy servants of God, may timely consider, whether an explicit forcing of all men to come to 
Touching forcing men to church.  church, because men cannot be denied to be members (at least by implication) with such members and congregations, with whom they do ordinarily assemble and congregate▪ although they be injuriously (indeed but injuriously) kept off from communion and participation of all ordinances, which is indeed their right and due if they be (though but implicitly) constrained and forced to partake of any.  
Again (saith Master Cotton) it is no Spanish inquisition to preserve the sheep of Christ from the ravening of the wolves, but this rather (which is the practice of the discusser) to promote the principal end of the Spanish inquisition, to advance the Romish tyranny, idolatry and apostasy▪ by proclaiming impunity to their whorish and wolvish emissaries.  Truth. 
If the Nations of the world must judge (as they must by Master Cottons doctrine) who are Christ's sheep, and who are wolves, which is a whore (spiritually) and which the true Spouse of Christ, and accordingly persecute the whores and wolves, this than they must do according to their conscience, or else (as Master Cotton elsewhere) they must suspend. What is this 
A Spanish Inquisition all the world.  but either to set up a Spanish inquisition in all territories, or else to hang up all matters of religion (by this suspension he speaks of) until the civil states of the world become christian, and godly, and able to judge, etc. and what is this in effect, but to practise the very thing which he chargeth on the discusser, to wit, a proclaimning an impunity, all the world over, except only in some very few and rare places, where some few godly Magistrates may be found rightly informed, that is according to his own conscience and religion.  Peace. 
Yea further (which I cannot without great horror observe) what is this but to give a woeful occasion at least to all Magistrates 
A twofold fire kindled.  in the world (who will not suspend their bloody hands from persecuting, until Master Cotton shall absolve them from their suspension, and declare them godly, and informed, and fit to draw their swords in matters of religion) I say occasion (at least) to all the civil powers in the world, to persecute (as most commonly they have ever done and do) Christ himself, the Son of God in his poor Saints and servants.  Truth. 
Yea, if Master Cotton and his friends of his conscience should be cast by God's providence (whose wheels turn about 
That may consume the kindlers.  continually in the depth of his counsels wonderfully) I say should they be cast under the reach of opposite swords, will they not produce Master Cottons own bloody tenant and doctrine to warrant them (according to their consciences) to deal with him as a wolf▪ an idolater, an heretic, and as dangerous an emissary and seducer as any whom Master Cotton so accounteth?  
But lastly, Master Cotton hath no reason to charge the discusser with an indulgence or partiality toward Romish and wolvish emissaries, his judgement and practice is known so far different, that for departing too far from them (as is pretended) he suffers the brands and bears the marks of one of Christ's poor persecuted heretics to this day: All that he pleaded for▪ is an impartial liberty to their consciences in worshipping God as well as to the consciences and worships of other their fellow-subjects.  Peace. 
When Mathias the second king of Hungary Bohemia &c. (afterward Emperor) granted to his Protestant subjects the liberty of their consciences, doubtless it had been neither prudence 
Mathias the second Emperor granting liberty of conscience.  nor justice▪ to have denied equal liberty to all of them impartially. But to finish this Chapter, Master Cotton lastly affirmeth, that it is not frustrating of the sweet end of Christ's coming which was to save souls, but rather a direct advancing of it, to destroy (if need be) the bodies of those wolves, who seek to destroy the souls of those for whom Christ died, and whom he bought with his own blood.  Truth. 
The place referred to, was Luk. 9 where the Lord Jesus professeth unto the rash zeal of his Disciples (desiring that fire might come down from heaven upon the refusers of Christ) 
Christ came not to destroy men's bodies, though to save their souls.  that he came not to destroy men's lives but to save them: from whence it appears that Christ Jesus had no such intent (as Master Cotton seems to make him to have had) to wit, to save souls by destroying of bodies: but to save soul and body, and that for soul sake, for religion sake, for his sake, the bodies of none should be destroyed, but permitted to enjoy a temporal being▪ which also might prove a means of their eternal life and salvation, as it may be was the very case of some of those Samaritans.   

Examination of CHAP. XLIV.  Peace. 
THe next Scripture produced by the prisoner against persecution 
Christian weapons considered.  for cause of conscience was 2 Cor. 10. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, etc. unto which Master Cotton answers, that he speaks not there of civil Magistrates.  
It was replied, True, for in spiritual things the civil weapons were improper, though in civil things most proper and suitable.  
Master Cotton now replying grants, that it is indeed improper for a Magistrate to draw his sword in matters spiritual, yet saith he, about matters spiritual they may, as to protect in peace, and to stave of disturbers and destroyers of them: And he adds, if it were unfitting for carpenters to bring axes and hammers to build up the spiritual kingdom of the church of Christ, yet their tools are fit to build Scaffolds for hearing.  Truth. 
It is strange, and in my understanding suits not with the rest of Master Cottons discurse, to wit, that which Master Cotton here acknowledgeth, that a Magistrate is not to draw his sword in spiritual things, but only about them: when throughout the discourse he maintains, that the Magistrate must suppress the heretic▪ blasphemer, idolater, seducer▪ that he must reform the church, punish the apostate, and keep the church in her purity; which whether they be spiritual matters or no, let such as be spiritual judge.  Peace. 
He is (saith Master Cotton) to draw his sword about spiritual matters, to protect in peace, as a carpenter may build Scaffolds, etc.  Truth. 
If Master Cotton mean civil peace, he knows we 
A fallacious distinction of using the civil sword, not in, but about spiritual matters.  agree, for all the officers of peace and justice ought to attend that work: But if he mean spiritual, to wit, that by his sword he is to provide, that no man dispute against his religion, that no man preach nor write against it, let it be well weighed, whether the sword be not now used in spiritual matters: As also whether in such cases and others before mentioned; the civil Magistrate be not bound by Master Cottons doctrine to interpose as Judge in these controversies, to pass sentence and to punish whom he judgeth delinquent, notwithstanding that both parties and both religions are right, and righteous and holy in their own persuasions and consciences.  Peace. 
Beside, I know you deny not civil conveniences in God's worship, and (therefore when there is need upon occasion) the help of a carpenter to build Scaffolds.  Truth. 
True, but since Master Cotton compares the work of 
Strange Carpenters.  the Magistrate to the building of a carpenters Scaffold, let us in the fear of God consider, if this similitude (like some Scaffolds) be not all too weak▪ whereon to hazard so mighty a weight and burden: For what should we think of such a carpenter, that after he hath built his Scaffold for people more conveniently to hear the word of God suffers no man to preach in the whole country (where his Scaffolds are set up) but whom he pleaseth, nor no doctrine to be taught but what he liketh; no church to be gathered, no persons to make up this church, no persons to receive the Sacrament but what he approves of: yea and further with broad axes and hammers▪ and other tools of violence▪ should compel all persons (directly or indirectly) to come to church, to make use of his Scaffold etc. Whether this be not the true state of the business▪ the Carpenters Son Christ Jesus will shortly more and more discover, and break, and tumble down those painted Scaffolds and fairest houses▪ which are not built and framed according to the first most blessed line and rule of his holy institution and appointments.   

Examination of CHAP. XLV.  Peace. 
UPon the unfitness (alleged) of spiritual weapons to batter a natural or artificial hold, and consequently the unfitness of natural and carnal weapons to batter the spiritual strong holds in the heart, Master Cotton replies, that he allows not the civil state to make use of their civil weapons to batter down idolatry and heresy in the souls of men: But if (saith he) the idolater or heretic grow obstinate, worseand worse, deceiving himself, etc. Now, he maketh not use of stocks and whips (which will but exasperate the malady) but of death and banishment, that may cut him off from the opportunity of spreading his leaven, etc.  Truth. 
Methinks in this passage, Master Cotton resembleth an armed man, who being almost convinced, or overcome by the Spirit of God in the former part of this passage (granting how unproper and unfit carnal weapons be in spiritual matters) yet being 
The bloody tenant in plain English.  loath to yield, and holding up the goodness of his cause, he recovers again, and grows more fierce and violent: for bearing more gentle strokes of stocks and whips, he cuts deeper with no less than quick and dreadful gashing of death or Banishment, that the world (were he one of the world's monarches) may be rid of such 〈…〉  Peace. 
Oh, How can Master Cotton wash this Tenent from blood!  Truth. 
Yea whether this tenant be not invented (as once that learned chancellor of England said of all violence against conscience) 
All civil violence in spirituals, is for interest.  for an end or interest: or as (that incarnate devil) the Pope said more plainly of the fable of Christ, for honour and profit, shall further be examined.  Peace. 
But who can read the bloody colour in this book, and yet believe what Master Cotton elsewhere saith, that he holds not persecution for cause of conscience?  Truth. 
Lastly, I ask, whether is it not the same skill and power of physic and Surgery, that preserves the body and each member in health and welfare, with that which cuts off (as Master Cotton speaks) the Gangrene & c? and (since also 'tis in vain to go about when the next way is as good or better) what means then Master Cotton to bring in the Magistrate using spiritual means in all lenity and wisdom against heresy and idolatry in the souls of men, since death or banishment will effect the cure so quickly?  Peace. 
To proceed, whereas it was urged, that although civil weapons were proper in spiritual matters, yet they were not necessary etc. Master Cotton replies, this is but a mere pretence, because the discusser (saith he) denies all Church officers and Church weapons.  Truth. 
This formerly was cleared from all appearance of pretence, because during all the reign of the beast▪ the discusser granteth the impregnable power of the spiritual weapons of Christ's 
Christ's spiritual weapons never wanting.  witnesses, Rev. 11. although he see not extant the true form and order of the kingdom of Christ Jesus which at first he was pleased to establish.  Peace. 
Master Cotton adds, Although spiritual weapons are mighty to purge out leaven, and to mortify the flesh of offenders▪ yet that is not a supersedeas to civil Magistrates to neglect to punish those sins, which the church hath censured, if the person censured do proceed to subvert the truth of the Gospel, or the peace of the church, or the souls of the people.  Truth. 
Why must the Magistrate stay until the party censured do proceed so and so? Why could not he have spared the drawing forth of any spiritual weapons; since they are so effectual to do that which was not in the power and reach of the spiritual? Why 
The civil▪ sword esteemed more powerful than the spiritual.  was not the first obstinacy (which merited the spiritual strokes and cersures) worthy of the exercise of the civil Magistrates power and zeal?  Peace. 
Me thinks this is an evident demonstration that men repose more confidence (however they deceive themselves to the contrary) in the sword of steel that hangs by the side of the civil officer, then in the twoedged sword proceeding out of the mouth of Christ Jesus, Rev. 1.  Truth. 
The truth is, such doctrine makes Christ's spiritual sword but serviceable and subordinate unto the temporal or worldly powers: and presents the church but making essays and trials of that cure which death and banishment (gilded over with pretence of God's glory, etc.) they think will not fail to effect, etc.  Peace. 
More plainly therefore writes another Author (of Master Cottons mind) thus: It is known by experience that one reproof or threatening from the Magistrate, hath been known to do more than an hundred admonitions from the Minister.  Truth. 
Yea no question, to force a nation or a world of men to play the idolaters▪ hypocrites, etc. but Gods true servants (of whom these three famous Jews are type▪ Dan. 3.) know that God whom they serve is able to deliver them from such fiery threaten and executions. But if he please to try them (as his gold) in such fiery trials, they will not bow down to invented gods or worships.  Peace. 
Methinks (dear truth) such Ministers deal upon the point and in effect with the civil Magistrate▪ just as that ambitious Pope with the Emperors to wit, make them hold the stirrup while they mount, etc. But I grieve etc. What think you therefore of Master Cottons censure of the rest of the discourse in this Chapter, to wit, that it is but (as Judas speaks) clouds without waters, words without matter, etc.  Truth. 
I will say no more, but this▪ Happily (through God's mercy) Master Cottons censure may occasion some to view what he despiseth, yea and happily to find some heavenly drops out of those contemned empty clouds▪   

Examination of CHAP. XLVI.  Peace. 
THe 13 to the Rom. which the answerer quotes, is a fort of of such importance▪ in so many controversies depending between the Papist and the Protestant, and between many Protestants 
Rom. 13. Considered.  among themselves, that all seek to gain and win it: In this present controversive I find a wonderful wresting of this holy Scripture even by many holy and peaceable (though herein violent and sinful) hands: and let the charge be examined in the fear of God, whether slanderous (as Master Cotton intimates) or true and righteous.  
Master Cotton freely grants, that this 13 to the Rom. exhorteth unto subjection to Magistrates, and love to all men, which 
The great fort of The civil Magistrate not charged with the keeping of the seed tables.  are duties of the second table: But yet withal he answers, that is will not follow, that Magistrates have nothing to do with the violation of the first table; and further saith, that it is a plain case that amongst the duties of the second table, people may be exhorted to honour their Magistrates, and children may be exhorted to honour their Parents; but will it (saith he) thence follow, that Magistrates have nothing to do with matters of religion in the church, or parents in the family?  Truth. 
I answer, the scope of the discourse was to prove, that it pleaseth the Spirit of God in Paul here only to treat of the duties of the second table, unto which limitation or restriction Master Cotton speaks not at all, but only granteth in general, that it speaketh of the duties of the second table: And I still urge and argue, that the spirit of God discoursing so largely in this Scripture of the duties of Magistrates and people, and treating only of civil things, in that civil relation between Magistrates and people, points as with a finger of God at their error, that wrist this Scripture to maintain the power of Magistrates and civil states in the spiritual and church estate of the kingdom of Christ.  Peace. 
But what may be said to Master Cottons argument?  Truth. 
I answer, If people are bound to yield obedience in civil things to civil officers of the state, Christians are much more bound to yield obedience (according to God, to the spiritual officers of Christ's kingdom: But how weak is this argument to prove that therefore the civil officers of the state are constituted rulers or governors, preservers and reformers of the Christian and spiritual state, which differs as much from the civil, as the heavens are out of the reach of this earthly Globe and Element?   

Examination of CHAP. XLVII.  Peace. 
AGainst the Judgement of those blessed worthies alleged, (Calvin and Beza) confining this passage of Rom. 13. to the 
Calvin and Beza's judgement on Rom. 13.  second table, Master Cotton here opposeth their judgement for the Magistrates power in matters of religion in other writings of theirs▪ yea and from this very Scripture.  Truth. 
This their judgement for the Magistrates power was granted and premised before; yet let the expressions of those worthy men (produced by the discusser on this Chapter) be faithfully weighed, and it will clearly appear, that (as James speaks) those excellent men endeavoured to bring from the same fountains sweet water and bitter, which is monstrous and contradictory.  Peace. 
The pith of what Master Cotton further saith in this Chapter, I conceive is couched in these demands: Are not (saith he) all duties of righteousness to man commanded in the second table, as well as all duties of holiness to God are commanded in the first table? Is it not a duty of righteousness belonging to the people of God, to enjoy the free passage of religion? etc. Is it not an injurious dealing to the people of God, to disturb the truth of religion with heresy, the holiness of worship with idolatry, the purity of government with tyranny? and he concludes, If so, than these ways of unrighteousness are justly punishable by the second table.  Truth. 
I answer, It hath pleased the Father of lights to open the eyes of thousands of his servants in th●se later times to discern 
Vn●ighteousness civil and spiritual.  a fine spun fallacy in the term of unrighteousness and injury which being twofold spiritual against religion or spiritual state, civil against the worldly or civil state: It is no civil injury (which he grants is the business of this 13 to the Romans in matters of the second table) for any man to disturb or oppose a doctrine worship or government spiritual: Christ Jesus and his 
Spiritual wars without civil disturbance.  messengers and servants did▪ and do profess a spiritual war against the doctrine, worship and government of the Jewish the Turkish and other Pagan and Antichristian religions of all sorts and sects, churches and societies: These all again oppose and fight against his doctrine, worship, government: And yet this war may be so managed (were men but humane civil and peaceable) that no civil injury may be commieted on either side.  Peace. 
We may then well take up (as Master Cotton doth) Beza's own words on Rom. 13. 4. The civil sword must take vengeance on them that do evil: It must therefore follow that heretics are not evil doers (which is gross etc.) Or else that Paul's speech is to be restrained to a certain sort of evil deeds, to wit, such as they call corporal sins, of which he saith, he disputeth largely elsewhere.  Truth. 
And so (through the help of the most high) shall I▪ in proving, that the second sort, to wit, external, corporal, civil evils between man and man▪ city and city, kingdoms and Nations (in this fallen estate of mankind▪ wherein all civility, and humanity itself are violated) are alone, and only intended in this Scripture by the holy Spirit of God and Paul his penman.   

Examination of CHAP. XLVIII.  Peace. 
TO the second argument, to wit, the incompetency of those higher powers to which Paul requires subjection, which in his time were the ignorant and Pagan persecuting Emperors, and their subordinate governors under them, Master Cotton replies.  
First, It is one thing to yield subjection to the righteous decrees of ignorant and Pagan Magistrates: And another thing to obey their ordinances in matters of faith and worship, and government of the church: The former of these, Christians did yield unto the Roman Magistrates, even subjection unto the death; the other they did not, nor aught to yield, as knowing God was rather to be obeyed then man.  Truth. 
Subjection may be either to lawful governors, or but pretenders and usurpers: Again subjection to lawful rulers may be in cases pertaining to their cognizance, or in cases which belong not to their▪ but another court or tribunal; which undue proceeding is not tolerable in all wellordered states.  
We use also to say, that subjection is either▪ active or passive: Now although we find the Lord requiring and his servants yielding, 
The nature of twice subjection to civil powers.  all active or passive obedience to the Roman Emperors, and their deputies, yet find we not a tittle of the Lords requiring, or his people yielding any kind of subjection to those Roman Emperors or their deputies in the matters of Christian religion, except it be of so many hundred thousand of their bodies, as the bodies of Lambs to the devouring jaws of those bloody lions and devilish Monsters, of more than barbarous cruelty.  Peace. 
But (Secondly, saith Master Cotton) although the Roman Emperors were incompetent Judges, yet the Word of Christ 
Of the Roman Emperors power in spirituals.  which commandeth a duty, commandeth also the necessary means which tend to that duty, and therefore giving them a power and charge to execute vengeance on evil doers, and that in matters of spiritual unrighteousness against the Church, as in matters of civil unrighteousness against the Commonweal, it behoved them to try and listen after the true Religion, to hear and try all.  Truth. 
Master Cotton may here be entreated to take notice of his own distinction of unrighteousness (which a little before he seemed to me to forget) for here he rightly distinguisheth between spiritual matters of unrighteousness against the church, and civil unrighteousness against the Commonweal: I therefore urge (as before) that the civil Magistrate, although he punish (according to his civil place and calling) civil unrighteousness against the state, yet he hath no warrant from Master Cottons argument, nor any from the Lord Jesus Christ, to punish spiritual unrighteousness against the church; and why then should that term of unrighteousness so generally and fallaciously go undistinguished, and Master Cotton thus promiscuously proclaim idolatry is unrighteousness, heresy is unrighteonsness, and therefore the civil Magistrate is bound to punish, & c?  
2. But oh that this maxim alleged by Master Cotton might receive its due weight and consideration! hath Christ commanded all means, as well as the duty? what then is the reason that since (as Master Cotton argues) that Christ hath commanded all the civil powers of the world such a spiritual duty, and yet (I say) 
Fowl imputations against Christ Jesus.  that all or most of the civil states of the world (beyond comparison) are not furnished by Christ with those chief means, of grace and light, whereby to try and search, as Master Cotton exhorteth? Or▪ (in some few places, where means of light are vouchsafed) with hearts and spirits unto such a duty? May we not here say, that men make Christ Jesus (in appointing such officers, such a duty, without furnishing them accordingly) to forget that maxim of his Type Solomon (Prov. 26.) He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the leg, and drinketh damage? Did not Christ know (as well as John) that all the world lay in wickedness, that all the world (in a respect) was than Roman Paganish▪ and that all the world in after-ages would wonder after the beast, and become Roman Popish? Or can we imagine 
Christ permiteth Tyrants over his church's Saints, but appointeth none but his true spiritual Ministers.  that Christ Jesus did not foresee the cutting off of legs, and the cup of damage and loss which he must drink, in sending his mind and will into the world by such foolish instruments?  Peace. 
Surely Master Cotton would never advise the civil state ty send a weighty cause and the lives of soldiers with such captains: Nor will he set an unruly child under the rod of such teachers or reformers: He will not set forth his farm or betrust his cattle no not his very hogs to such keepers.  Truth. 
On the other hand▪ let the government of Christ's 
Christ Jesus his careful and most wise provision for his kingdom.  kingdom be laid upon the right shoulders, and we shall find the admirable wisdom and care of Christ, in the affairs of his kingdom, in appointing such messengers or Apostles to gather and found his churches, as also ordinary Pastors Shepherds or teachers, for their feeding and building up etc.  
The qualification of these the Spirit of God hath expressly and exactly recorded wherein (according to the principle mentioned by Master Cotton) Christ Jesus his highest care and wisdom shines most gloriously in appointing the means as well as the duty itself.  Peace. 
But Master Cotton addeth, that the causes of religion, wherein we allow the civil Magistrate to be Judges, are so fundamental and palpable▪ that no Magistrate studious of Religion in the fear of God, cannot but judge: such as cannot, they ought to forbear, etc. the exercise of their power, either in protecting or punishing matters of Religion▪ till they learn so much knowledge of the truth, as may enable them to discern of things that differ. This forbearance of theirs (saith he) is not for want of authority in their callings, nor for want of duty in their consciences▪ but want of evidence to them in the cause: In which case Magistrates are wont to forbear their exercise of power and judgement even in civil cases.  Truth. 
O the miserable allowance which Master Cotton hath brought the kings and governors of the world unto! We allow them (saith he) to judge in such fundamentals and palpable 
The clergies evil dealing with the civil Magistrate.  causes, etc. Oh with what proud and domineering feet do all Popes tread upon the necks even of the highest kings and Emperors! The Magistrate must wait at their gates for their poor allowance: They shall judge, and they shall not judge: They shall judge that which is gross and palpable, and enough to hold the people in slavery, and to force them to sacrifice to the Priest's belly; but the more sublime and nicer mysteries they must not judge or touch, but attend upon the tables of the Priest's infallibility.  Peace. 
Concerning fundamentals (dear truth) you have well observed, that since the apostasy, and the world's wondering after 
The nature of a church, but lately discovered since the apostasy.  the beast, even God's servants themselves (until yesterday) have not so much as heard of such a kind of church (and so consequently of such a Christ the head of it) as Master Cotton now professeth: For▪ no other matter and form of a church (about which Master Cotton justly contends) was known I say among God's people themselves, (till yesterday) then the matter and form of the stone or wooden Parish-church.  Truth. 
Yea an happy man were Mr. Cotton could he rectify and settle those foundations which are yet so controverted amongst God's servants, to wit, the Doctrine of baptisms, and laying on of hands.  Peace. 
You may also mention other foundations, which want not their great disputes among the servants of Christ.  Truth. 
But further, that Christ Jesus the wisdom of the Father, should commit his wife, his church▪ to be governed in his absence by such who generally know not the church and Saints but cruelly and blasphemously persecute them with fire and sword, and this with charge to suspend most Magistrates of the world, and 
Monstrous Suspentions.  that all their days from generation to generation, as appeareth in all parts of the world which is such a monstrous and blasphemous Paradox, that common reason cannot digest, nor suffer.  Peace. 
If Merchants and owners of ships should commit their vessels to such men as wanted ability to steer their courses, nay could not tell what a ship was yea were never like to know all their days surely it were not only matter of admiration, but even of laughter and derision, among all the sons of men.  Truth. 
But further, How weak is that distinstion which Master Cotton makes between authority of calling, and duty and evidence in the cause, when in all judicatures in the whole world, even amongst the Pagans, there is necessarily supposed beside these three, 
Spiritual courts and Judges.  a fourth to wit, ability or skill of discerning or judging in such cases: Now cognizance of the cause or evidence of the cause may be wanting in most able judges, where matters are not proper or not ripe for hearing and trials; whereas our dispute is of the very ability or skill of judging, which Master Cotton himself confesseth is wanting, except in such Magistrates as fear God, which will be found to be but a little flock, especially compared with the many thousands and ten thousands of those who neither know God nor Christ, nor care to know them, and this in all the states, regions and civil governments of the world.   

Eamination of CHAP. XLIX.  Peace. 
COncerning Paul's appeal to Caesar▪ it was argued that Paul appealed to Caesar even in spiritual things; which that Paul did not nor could not do without the committing of five great evils, was pleaded in this Chapter, Master Cotton ●●phes no more but this The reasons are but Bulrushes.  Truth. 
Whether they are so or no, or rather the Bulrushes and weak things of God, which the gates of hell shall never be able to shake▪ let the Saints judge in the fear of God.  Peace. 
Master Cotton adds further in this Chapter▪ that Paul pleadeth he was not guilty in any of those things whereof the Jews accused him: those things (saith he) concerned the Law of the Jews and the Temple, which were matters of religion; and for trial thereof he appealed to Caesar.  Truth. 
Lysias the chief captain in his letter to Felix the Governor (Chap. 24.) distinguisheth (vers. 29.) into questions of the Jews, Law▪ and (secondly) matters worthy of death or bonds: 
Touching Paul appealing to Caesar.  Now 'tis true the Jews charged Paul with offences against religion their Law and the Temple: Secondly, against the civil state, and with sedition. For the first although it is apparent that all the scope of Paul's preaching▪ was to exalt Christ Jesus, and to preach down Moses ●aw; yet at this present time of his apprehension, he had seen cause to honour Moses his institutions at Jerusalem (which was the wisdom of God in him for a season, for the Jews sake, and his own glory-sake:) And he had not at this present so much as disputed with any in the temple (which was not so heinous a matter in Paul's eye, as it is well known by his constant practice.) Secondly, for matters of civil crime, he pleadeth that he stirred up no m●n▪ ●o● in the Synagogue nor City, and prefesseth (Chap. 25.) that if he had committed aught worthy of death, he would not wave death: 'tis true that Paul was charged by the Jews with both these kinds of offences, religious and civil (according to Lysius his distinction) but that Paul appealed to Caesar for trial, that is, for trial of his person and cause in any religious respect, as it cannot be collected from the Scripture or Paul own words: so those five reasons against it▪ will evidently disprove it, if they be well and throughly weighed in the balance of the Sanctuary in the sight and fear of God.  Peace. 
I cannot in my understanding clear Master Cottons own 
Paul's appeal to Caesar.  words from destroying one another. 'tis true (saith he) those five sins might have been charged upon Paul with some colour, if he had appealed to Caesar whether his religion or ministry, or Ministration were of God or no? But yet (saith he) he might appeal whether his religion, Ministry or Ministration were guilty of any capital crime against the Law of the Jews, or the temple, or against Caesar.  Truth. 
Indeed what difference is there between the judging whether this ministry deserve death (supposing a false ministry is worthy of death) or judging whether it be of God, or false and idolatrous? must not he that sits judge of the desert and punishment, judge also of the crime and fact, whether so or not?  Peace. 
When Master Cotton shall affirm (and truly) that the Magistrates of Israel were to judge a false prophet to death, will he not also grant that they were to judge whether such persons so charged were false prophets or no?  Truth. 
Yea, and when Master Cotton shall affirm (as unjustly) that civil Magistrates in all nations of the world ought to kill or banish heretics, blasphemers, seducers, out of their dominions and jurisdictions, doth he intent that they shall try and examine, whether they be such and such or no? But blessed be the Father of lights, who hath now opened the eyes of so many thousands of his people to discern the difference between the Forts and Bulwarks of God▪ here called Bulrushes, and those strong holds and high imaginations of men (erected against the crown and kingdom of the Lord Jesus) which in God's holy season shall more and more be found to be but straws and Bulrushes.   

Examination of CHAP. L.  Peace. 
TO the arguing against the Magistrates civil power in Spiritual causes taken from the nature of the Magistrates weapons (a material earthly and worldly sword, distinguished from the twoedged sword of Christ's spiritual power in the mouth of Christ) Master Cotton replies.  
First, the Magistrate must govern his people in Righteousness, and it is Righteous to defend his people in their Spiritual Rights, as well as in their civil Rights.  
This distinction of spiritual and civil Righteousness doth 
Spiritual rights and civil.  truly anatomize the cause; It is righteous for the Magistrates to defend their subjects in their civil Rights, for it is within the compass of his calling, being essentially civil: And unless we also grant him a spiritual calling and office (which is the Point denied) 'tis beyond his calling and compass to judge of what is spiritual Right and wrong, and accordingly to pass a spiritual sentence, and and execute and inflict spiritual punishment.  Peace. 
Methinks I may add, if the Magistrate be bound to defend his Subjects in their spiritual rights, then as he is bound impartially to defend all his subjects in their several and respective civil Rights, so is he bound as impartially to defend all his subjects 
The civil Magistrate not bound to defend spiritual rights.  in their several and respective spiritual Rights; and so accordingly to defend the Jews, the Papists, and all several sores of Protestants in their several and respective consciences; or else, he must sit down in Christ's stead, and produce a Royal charter from the New Testament of Christ Jesus to judge difinitively which is the only right, to pass sentence, and execute spiritual punishment on all offenders etc.  Peace. 
But Master Cotton adds a second, the sword was Material and civil in the Old Testament.  
I answer, If Master Cotton granted a national church under the Gospel▪ his Argument were good; but when he grants that national church under the Jews (as afterward in this chapter he doth) did type▪ out the Christian church or churches in the Gospel, why must he not grant that material Sword of the Church of Israel types out the spiritual sword of Christ Jesus▪ proceeding out of his mouth, and cutting off offenders spiritually with spiritual 
Israel a type of the Chrristian Church.  and soul- punishments? And I add, As the sword was material, so also was the Tabernacle and Temple worldly and material; which he denies not to be typical of the spiritual Temple of Christ and his Church in the New Testament.  Peace. 
Master Cotton adds (Thirdly) that the Magistrate's Sword may well be called the Sword of God, as the Sword of War, judg. 7.  Truth. 
As it was called Jehovahs' Sword in that typical Land; 
The ●●me and odely Christendom.  So must it needs be typical as well as the Land itself, which is also called by the Prophets Ichovah's Land Emanuels land; which names and titles I think Master Cotton will not say are competent and appliable to any other Lands or Countries under the Gospel but only to the Spiritual Canaan or Israel, the Church and people of God, the true and only Christendom.  Peace. 
But (Fourthly) saith he, they are called Gods, and shall they not attend God's work?  Truth. 
In the state of Israel they were God's deputies to attend the causes of Israel, the then only Church of God: But Master Cotton can produce no parallel to that, but the Christian Churches and people of God, not national but Congregational▪ etc.  
2. Grant the Magistrates to be as Gods, or strong ones in a Resemblance to God in all Nations of the world, yet that is still within the compass of their calling, which being confessed to be essentially civil the civil work of these servants of the Common-weal is God's work, as well as Paul calls (in a sense) the work of the servants of the Family, God's work, for which he pays the wages, Eph. 5.  
Lastly, for spiritual causes we know the Lord Jesus is called God, Psal. 45. Heb. 1. whose sceptre and kingdom being essentially spiritual▪ the administrations which he hath appointed are also spiritual, and of an heavenly and soul Nature.  Peace. 
Master Cotton (Fifthly) adds, Revel. 17. The Kingdoms of the World are become the Kingdoms of the Lord, and of his Christ.  Truth. 
How the kingdoms of the World▪ shall become the kingdoms of Christ, is no small mystery and controversy; but grant it to be true, that either Christ Jesus personally, or by his Deputies the Saints, shall rule all the Nations of the world in hearing and determining all civil Controversies: Yet why doth Master Cotton draw an Argument from this prophecy, of what shall be in one Age or Time of the World, and to come, to prove an Universal power and Exercise of such power in all Ages and times since Christ Jesus his first coming to this day?  Peace. 
Me thinks Master Cotton may as well argue, that because it was prophesied that a Virgin should conceive, and bring forth a child in God's appointed season, that therefore all Virgins must so conceive and so being in forth all ages of the world.  
But, (Lastly) saith Master Cotton▪ although the nations have not that typical holiness which the nation of Israel had; Yet all the Churches of the Saints have as much truth and realty of holiness as Israel had: And therefore, what holy care of Religion lay upon the Kings of Israel in the Old Testament, the same lieth now upon Christian Kings in the New Testament, to protect the same in their Churches.  Truth. 
Oh how near the precious jewels, and Bargains of 
Christ Jesus in himself and his spiritual officers the only Key of Israel.  Truth, come sometimes God's Saints, and yet miss of the finding and going through with it! The chucrhes of the New Testament, Master Cotton grants succeed the Church of Israel; The Kings and governors therefore of the churches of Christ must succeed those Kings What King and governors of Israel are now to be found in the Gospel, but Christ Jesus and his Servants, deputed in his absence, which are all of a spiritual consideration? What is this to the Nations, Kings, and governors of the world; where few Kings▪ few nobleses, few Wise, are called to profess Christ? Is not Christ Jesus the only King of Israel; and are not all his holy ones made Kings and Priests unto God? And unto his Saints▪ and his spiritual officers Administration in the midst of them, is his kingdom's power committed in his absence. This spiritual power, however the Pope and prelate's, Kings and Princes. Parliaments and General Courts, and their respective Officers of Justice (to be honoured and obeyed in civil things,) I say however they have challenged and assumed this Kingly Power 
Christ Jesus ro●d of his crown.  of the Son of God▪ yet the King▪ of Kings▪ Christ Jesus hath begun to discover, and will never leave until he hath made it clear as the Sun beams that he is robbed of his crown, and will shake, and break▪ all the nations and Powers of the world until his Heavenly crown be again restored.   

Examination of CHAP. LI.  Peace. 
TO the fourth Argument (Rom. 13.) from the civil rewards due to Magistrates; to wit▪ custom▪ Tribute etc. Master Cotton replies▪ That even the contributions of the Saints, are called carnal things; shall therefore their work be called carnal? 
Of custom tribute, etc.  It is true (saith he) the contributions of the Saints are called holy, because they are given to God for his service about holy things; So the reward given to Magistrates, is for their service about Righteous things: And it is righteous (saith he) to preserve the purity of Doctrine worship and Government▪ which if Magistrates do not, they do not deserve all their wages.  Truth. 
It is true that money or monies-worth is the same for value in the contribution of the Saints, and in that of custom, tribute &c. and yet Master Cotton grants a Holiness of the Saints contribution, which he doth not affirm of custom, tribute, etc.  
There is also a two fold way disputed, of preserving of the purity 
Spiritual defence for spiritual right, etc.  of Doctrine▪ worship, etc.  
First, That which I plead for, by spiritual weapons appointed by Christ Jesus.  
Secondly, that of Civil weapons, Force of arms etc. which Master Cotton affirms, and I deny to be ever appointed by Christ Jesus, or able to accomplish a spiritual end, but the Contrary.  Peace. 
Me thinks Master Cottons addition not a little concerns myself in the peace of all cities and kingdoms: for if (as Master Cotton saith) Magistrates shall not deserve all their wages except they preserve the purity of Doctrine, worship &c. (which upon the point is that Doctrine Worship and Government Master Cotton approves of) what is this (in effect) but to deny tribute, custom subsidies, etc. to Caesar, the Kings and governors of the Earth, if they prove Heretics, Idolaters? etc. I cannot see, but this in plain English tendeth to little less than the Popish bloody Doctrine of deposing heretical Kings etc.  
But Master Cotton further adds, that spiritual wages are to be paid to Magistrates. 1 Tim. 2. to wit, Prayers, Intercessions etc. 
Touching prayer for all authority ● Tim. ●.  If therefore (saith he) the Magistrates suffer their Subjects to live a quiet life in ungodliness and Dishanesty, the Magistrate falls short of returning spiritual recompense for the spiritual Duties and services performed for them.  Truth. 
Those prayers are not the proper wages paid to Magistrates for their work; for than should they not be paid (as the Spirit of God there exhorteth) to all men, whether Magistrates or not.  Peace. 
And I may add, nor paid to those Magistrates that are Idolatrous, Blasphemous, Persecutors: But those prayers were to be poured forth for such Magistrates (such as most of the Magistrates in the world than were and are.) Those prayers than were a general Duty to be paid to all men, and especially to the chief and principal, Kings and all that are in Authority.  Truth. 
Now further, wherein it is said, that such Magistrates as suffer the people to live in ungodliness, fall short in returning spiritual recompense: I answer, By this Doctrine, most of the free Inhabitants 
Cross Slavery.  of the world who live in ignorance of God and in abominable Religions without him must yet be supposed to choose and set up such Ministers or Servants of civil Justice amongst them, who during their terms of administration or service, should not suffer their Choosers and Makers to enjoy their own Conscience, but force them to that, which their Officers shall judge to be Godliness; but the neck of no free people can bow to such a yoke and tyranny.  Peace. 
But (lastly) to that Argument of Rom. 13. from the title which God gives to Magistrates to wit, God's Ministers, and to the Distinction of Spiritual Ministers for spiritual, and civil Ministers for civil matters; Master Cotton replies. If Magistrates be Gods Ministers or Servants then must they do his 
Civil Ministers and Spiritual.  work, and be for God in matters of Religion: And further saith he, Magistracy is of God, for light of Nature, and not only for civil things▪ but also in matters of Religion▪ and he produceth divers instantces of Pagan's zeal for their Religion, and worship.  Truth. 
Because Magistrates are Gods Servants▪ or Ministers civil, and receive civil wages for their civil service; will it therefore follow that they must attend, and that chief, and principally 
The God of heaven hath several sorts of Ministers.  a spiritual work? That nobleman or Lord, that sets one to keep his children, and another to keep his sheep▪ expects not of him appointed to keep his sheep (though a Minister or Servant) to attend upon the keeping of his children, nor expects he of the waiter on his children, to attend the keeping of his sheep.  
'tis true, that Magistrasie is of God, but yet not otherwise then marriage is being an estate merely civil and humane, and lawful to all Nations of the World, that know not God.  
'tis true that Magistrates be of God from the light of nature; but yet, as the Religions of the World, and the world's zealous contending for them, with persecuting of others, are from 
Ordinarily the Truth is persecuted.  the Father of lies and murder from the beginning; so seldom is it seen, that the nations of the world have persecuted or punished any for error, but for the truth, condemned for error.  Peace. 
Alas, who sees not that all nations and people bow down to Idels and Images (as all the world did to Nebuchaduezzars Image.) If any amongst them differ from them, it is commonly in in some truths, which God hath sent amongst them, for witnessing of which they are persecuted.  Truth. 
Your observation (dear peace) is evident from the cases of those Philosophers, by Master Cotton alleged; how weak and poor therefore is that Argument from the zeal of Pagans, etc. It is evident that such Builders, frame by no other than that of nature depraved and rotten, and not by the golden reed of the glorious gospel of Christ Jesus.   

Examination of CHAP. LI.  Peace. 
IN the discourse concerning that term, Evil, Master Cotton produceth Pareus, who makes that Evil punishable by the Magistrate, fourfold, natural, civil, moral, and spiritual.  
Truth. That excellent and holy witness of Christ Jesus (in many of his precious truths) Pareus being here produced without Scripture or Argument, for the Magistrates punishing of the fourth sort of evil; to wit spiritual: nor answering my Arguments brought against such an Interpretation, gives me occasion of no further answer to Master Cotton or him in this place.  Peace. 
Whereas it was alleged, that the Elders of the New English Churches, in the model prohibit (expressly) the Magistrates from the punishing or taking notice of some Evils, and that 
Touching the ●●ar●● Evil, Rom. 13.  therefore as they ascribe to the Civil Magistrates, more than God gives, so they take away and disrobe him of that Authority, which God hath clothed him with: Master Cotton replies, when we say that the Magistrate is an avenger of evil, we mean of all sorts or kinds of evil, and not every particular of each kind; and further he saith, that domestic evils may be healed in a domestic way.  Truth. 
I readily concur with him, that the Magistrate may not punish evils that he knows not of in a due and orderly way sufficiently proved before him; as also, that many domestic evils are best healed in a domestic way; but yet that Limitation added, to wit, without acquainting the Church first) seems to bind the Magistrates hand, where no true Church of Christ is, to acquaint 
The civil Magistrate rob of his civil power.  with such things) yea and further where it is why should the Magistrate be denied, to exercise his power in cases merely civil (the old practice of the Popish Church?) And to whom should the Servant or Child or Wife, petition and complain against oppression, unless to the public Father, Master, and Husband of the Common-weal? And therefore from their own Interpretation▪ they may well spare that strict and literal aception of the word evil▪ and cease to cry heresy is evil, idolatry evil, blasphemy evil, etc.   

Examination of CHAP. LIII; Answering to Chap. LIII, Livia, LV.  Peace. 
IN these three Chapters, the last Reason which the Author of the Arguments against persecution produced was discussed; to wit, that the disciples of Christ should be so far from persecuting, that contrariwise they ought to bless such as curse them, etc. and that because of the freeness of God's grace, and the deepness of his counsels, calling home them that be enemies, persecutors, no people, yea some at the last hour. In answer to which, Master Cotton complaineth that two of his Answers were omitted; and suspecteth that as children skip over hard places, so they were skipped over, etc.  Truth. 
It is true, those two answers were omitted, not because the chapter was too hard etc. but because the Discusser saw (nor sees) not any controversy or difference between Master Cotton and himself in those passages; and also studying brevity and contraction, as Master Cotton himself hath done omitting far more, and contracting three Chapters in one in this very passage.  
Upon the same ground, I see no need of mentioning his Reply in these three Chapters, wherein Master Cotton concurs in the point of the necessity of tolerating even notorious offenders in the State in some cases.  Peace. 
The result of all agitations in this passage is this: Master Cotton denies not but that in some cases a notorious malefactor may be tolerated, and consequently (as I understand him) an ●●re●i●k, 
Of toleration which Master Cotton in cases makes large enough.  seducer, etc. But that ordinarily it is not lawful to tolerate a seducing teacher, and that from the clearness of God's command Deut. 13. and from the reason of it, vers. 10, Because he hath sought to turn thee away from the Lord thy God. Withal he concludes, that all Moses capital politics are eternal.  Truth. 
Thus far is gained, that it was no vain exception against Master Cotton's general proposition▪ to wit, that it is evil to tolerate notorious evil doers, seducing teachers, scandalous livers, because he sees cause of toleration in some cases.  Peace. 
Yea but, saith he, In ordinary cases it is not lawful to tolerate, from Deut. 13.  Truth. 
I am of Master Cotton's mind: It is not lawful for Israel 
The land of Israel a type.  that is, the Church of God, to tolerate: and the reason it pleaseth the Lord to allege, is eternal. But what is this to the nations of the world, the states, cities▪ and kingdoms thereof? Let Master Cotton find out any such land or state that is the Church and Israel of God: Yea Master Cotton confesseth in a foregoing passage, that the Church is the Israel of God: Then must he with me acknowledge that this Deut. 13. only concerns the Israel or Church of God, whom Christ Jesus furnished with spiritual weapons against such spiritual offenders.  Peace. 
But I wonder that Master Cotton should say that Moses capitals are eternal.  Truth. 
I wonder not, because I have seen in print sixteen or seventeen capital evils (a great part of them of a spiritual nature) censured with death in New England.  
And yet again, me thinks it is wonderful, since Master Cotton knows how many of Moses capitals were of a ceremonial nature. The breach of the sabbath, the not coming to keep the passover, (for neglect whereof the Israelites were to be put to death) how can Master Cotton make these eternal in all nations?  Peace. 
How many millions of millions of Heads (and not a few of the highest) in our own and other Nations, would soon feel the capital calamity of such a capital bloody Tenent, if Master Cotton swayed the sceptre of some of the world's former or present Caesar's?  Truth. 
And yet I readily affirm, that spiritually and mystically in the Church and Kingdom of Christ, such evils are to be spiritually (and so eternally) punished.   

CHAP. Livia, Replying to Chap. LVI. Examined.  Peace. 
IN this 56 Chap. were observed two evils in Mr. Cottons conjoining of seducing teachers, and scandalous livers, as the proper and adequate object of the Magistrates care and work to suppress and punish: Unto which Master Cotton replies, First, That he not where makes it the proper and adequate object of the Magistrates care and work to suppress seducing teachers, and scandalous livers saying, that it ought to be the care of the church to suppress and punish seducing teachers, and scandalous livers in a churchway, as well as the Magistrates in a civil way.  Truth. 
By this Doctrine, Master Cotton will seem to deny it, 
Touching false and seducing Teachers.  to be the Magistrates proper and adequate object to punish scandalous livers, because the church also (saith he) is to make it her work also.  
It is true, if a scandalous liver be of the church, and fall into any scandal, she by the rules and power of Christ ought to recover him in the spirit of meekness: but yet the punishing of him with temporal punishment, who will deny it to be the proper work of the civil state?  
But (Secondly) what if the seducing teacher, or scandalous liver, be neither of them members of the Church (and the church hath nought to do to judge them without) will not Master Cotton then affirm the seducing Teacher, or scandalous, liver to be the proper and adequate object of the Magistrates care and work?  Peace. 
When it was excepted against that things of such a different nature and kind, as seducing Teachers, and scandalous livers, should be coupled together at the civil Bar? Master Cotton replies▪ that both these agree in one common kind, to wit, they are evil and destructive to the common good of God's people, which ought to be preserved both in church and Commonweal: If a man shall say (saith he) that the work of creation on the sixth day, was either of man or of Beast, is here any such commixture. 
Monstrous Mixture.   Truth. 
Were Master Cotton the world's Monarch, what bloody reformations or destructions rather, would he fill the world withal▪ if he walk by such rules and principles? for, what religions or almost men (all the world over) would he find not opposite and destructive to God's people.  
2. But (Secondly) an historical narration of God's works on man or Beast, Birds, Fishes, and all creatures celestial and terrestrial 
The great difference of evil and sin, as against the civil or spiritual estate.  is one thing: But to mix them together in do or sufferings inconsistent with▪ and improper to their kinds is another thing, far different and insufferable: As for a man to affirm that a man and a beast ●in'd against their Maker, and therefore were justly punished with spiritual blindness and hardness of heart, loss of God's Image etc. The same difference and no less is between transgressors against the heavenly state and kingdom of Christ, and the earthly state or Commonweal of Cities, kingdoms, etc.  Peace. 
Master Cotton adds, that it is more tolerable for seducing Teachers to seduce those who are in the same gall of bitterness, as for Pagans to seduce Pagans &c.  Truth. 
That is but in the degree, and so (according to his supposition) must be punished gradually; but what is this to prove seducing Teachers as well as scandalous livers, the joint object of the civil sword?  Peace. 
Why doth Master say it is more tolerable for Pagans to seduce pagan's Antichristians Antichristians? What Scripture doth he produce for this toleration this indulgence, this partiality? All that is here said, is this, We look at it as more tolerable?  Truth. 
One thing is shroudly to be suspect in this matter, and 
Gross partiality the bloody doctrine of persebution.  that is a most unchristian partiality, in directing the sword of the Magistrate to fall heaviest on such seducers only, as trouble his conscience, his Doctrine▪ Worship, and Government: suppose in some of the Cities of Holland, Poland, or Turkey (where some freedom is) that Jews▪ pagan's, Antichristians and Christians (that is Christians of Master Cottons conscience) together with Turks were commingled in civil cohabitation and commerce together: Why now shall that Turk that hath seduced one of Master Cottons conscience to Mahumetani●me be more punished for that crime then for turning a Jew▪ Pagan or Papist to his Relief and worship? What warrant shall the Magistrate of such a city or place find to their souls, either for striking at all with the civil sword in such a case? or else in dealing such partial blows among the people?  Peace. 
I fear that Gods own people (of this opinion) see not the deceitfulness of their own heart, crying up the Christian Magistrate, the Christian Magistrate, Nursing fathers, Nursing mothers▪ etc. when all is but to escape the bitter sweeting of Christ's 
Great shifting ●o ●s●●●: Christ's cross.  cross, so dashing in pieces the most wise counsels of the father, concerning his blessed Son and his followers, to whom he hath (ordinarily) allotted in this world, the portion of sorrow and suffering, and of reigning and triumphing, after the battle fought and victory obtained in the world approaching.  Peace. 
But Master Cotton will say, that in such forementioned cases, such Magistrates must suspend punishments for religion, etc.  Truth. 
I say, consequently all or most of the Magistrates in the world must suspend and none but some few of his conscience (by his doctrine) shall be found fit, to use the civil sword, in matter of Religion, and that is (in plain English) to fight only for his conscience.  Peace. 
But to proceed it will be hard (saith Master Cotton) for the discusser to find Antichristian seducers clear from disobedience to the civil laws of the state, in case that Antichrist (to whom they are sworn) shall excommunicate the civil magistrate, and prescribe the civil state to the invasion of his followers.  Truth. 
Most properly seducing teachers sin against the church and spiritual kingdom of Christ Jesus, which if erected and governed according to Christ Jesus, she is a castle or Fort sufficiently 
Christian weapons.  provided with all sorts of heavenly ammunition against all sorts of her spiritual adversaries: yea and in the desolation of the churches (during the Apostasy) Christ Jesus (as I have elsewhere observed) hath not left his witnesses destitute of terrible defence against all gainsayers: But grant (what Master Cotton supposeth) such seducers from obedience to the civil state etc. Such as the Seminaries and bringers over of Pope Pius the 5 his bull against Queen Elizabeth etc. The answer is short and pla●●▪ civil officers bear not the sword in vain, when the civil state is assaulted as the spiritual officers and governors of the church bear not in vain the spiritual and twoedged sword coming out of the mouth of Christ.  Peace. 
Whereas now (secondly) there▪ was observed by the Discusser in such coupling of [seducing teachers & scandalous livers] a silent and implicit justification of the Jews and Gentiles their coupling Christ Jesus and his followers, as seducing teachers with scandalous livers, Christ between two thiefs, etc. The sum of what Master Cotton replies, is▪ that the Lord Jesus and his followers suffering under those names, weakens not the hand of Authority to punish such who are seducing teachers & scandalous livers. 
Christ Jesus between two thiefs.   Truth. 
It hath ever been the portion of the Lord Jesus and his followers (for the most part theirs only) to be accounted seducing teachers, deceivers and cheaters of the people, blasphemous against God, seditious against the State; and accordingly to be numbered (as Christ Jesus between two thiefs) both in esteem and punishment with scandalous and notorious malefactors; and this for no other cause, but cause of conscience in spiritual matters, and most commonly for differing from and witnessing against the several State and City-Religions and Worships wherein they lived.  Peace. 
If the Jews (notwithstanding their fair colours to the contrary) walking in the doctrine of Persecution for conscience, justified their fathers for murdering the Prophets, etc. I cannot (dear Truth) but subscribe to your sorrowful observation that Master Cotton and others (otherwise excellent servants of God) in coupling seducing teachers and scandalous livers, as the proper object for the civil sword to strike at, they do no other but act the Jews true Antitype, coupling Christ Jesus the seducing teacher with Barrabas the scandalous liver and murderer.  Truth. 
Yea, and who sees not how often Barrabas the scandalous liver is cried out of the Magistrates hands by the scandalous people, while Christ Jesus in his servants is cried to the Cross, to the Gallows, to the Stake, to Banishment, etc. Their Persecutors also are applauded, for (not persecuting men for their Consciences, but) righteously, legally (and with great sorrow) punishing them 
The horrible hypocrisy of all persecutors  for sinning against their own conscience, for disturbing of the civil State and peace, for contemning of Magistrates, King's Queens, and Parliaments, for blaspheming God, and for seducing and destroying the souls of the people.   

CHAP. 55. Replying to CHAP. 66. Exam:  Peace. 
THe Discusser admired in this Chap: how Mr. Cotton 
Christ's charge to Pergamus and Thiatira against. Toleration examined.  should allege (Revel. 2.) Christ's charge against the Church of Pergamus for tollerating them that hold the Doctrine of Balaam, and against the Church of Thiatira for tollerating Jezabell to teach and seduce: Mr Cotton here replies, that he meant not in alleging those Scriptures to prove it unlawful for Magistrates to tolerate seducing Teachers, but unlawful for Churches: adding that the Letter of the Prisoner was so stated, in general terms that he knew not (upon the point) what toleration or Persecution should be meant or intended, otherwise then general against all Persecution for Conscience, withal affirming that an unjust Excommunication is as true Persecution as unjust Banishment.  Truth. 
It is true what Mr Cotton saith, An unjust Excommunication 
False Excommunication one kind of persecution.  is as true Persecution as an unjust Banishment, and therefore some may justly complain against Mr Cotton and others, for practising such persecution in both kinds, being not only banished from their civil State, but unjustly (and after the Pope's way) Excommunicated also, from their Churches, but of that more elsewhere.  
2. We do not in ordinary English read, but that the word 
The word Persecution how ordinarily it is taken.  Persecution is taken for civil corporal violence and punishment inflicted on the body for some spiritual and religious matter; according to the Lord Christ his words to Paul, Act● 9 Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?  
3. The passages in the Letter show that the whole scope of the Letter was to contend against outward violence and corporal affliction in matters of Conscience▪  Peace. 
It may not be a lost Labour (dear Truth) to draw a taste of some passages in the Letter.  Truth. 
For further satisfaction, my pains shall be a pleasure; and first  
From the Arguments from holy Scripture, observe Luc. 9 the Lord Christ reproving his two zealous Disciples, You know not of what Spirit you are of: The Son of Man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.  
Again, That of the Prophets, Isaiah and Micah, They shall 
Persecution ordinarily implies corporal violence.  break their Swords into Mattocks, and their spears into scythes.  
Again, Christ's charge unto his Disciples, that they should be so fare from persecuting those that would not be of their Religion, that when they were persecuted, they should pray and bless, etc.  Peace. 
These holy Passages (Me thinks) are not unlike the Stones in David's sling, smooth and plain enough, yet powerful and dreadful, both against this Goliath Tenent of persecution, and also prove a corporal persecution intended.  Truth. 
Now a taste of the speeches of several Kings produced by the prisoner.  
1. That of King James; God never loves to plant his Church by Violence and bloodshed.  
2. That of Stephen King of Poland; I am King of Men, not 
Speeches of Princes against Persecution.  of Consciences, of Bodies, not of souls.  
3. Of the King of Bohemia; When ever Men have attempted any thing in this violent course, the issue hath been ever pernicious, and the cause of great and wonderful Innovations.  
4. Another of King James; That he was resolved not to persecute or molest, or suffer to be persecuted or molested any Person whatsoever, for matter of Religion.  
In the third place, a taste of the Speeches of the ancient Writers produced by the Prisoner.  
1. That of Hilarius: That Church which formerly by enduring misery and imprisonment, was known to be the true Church, doth now terrify others by imprisonment, banishment, and misery.  
2. Of Jerome; heresy must be cut off with the Sword of the Spirit, Let us strike through with the arrows of the Spirit; implying, not with other weapons.  
3. Of Luther in his book of the Civil Magistrate; The laws of the Civil Magistrate extend no further, then over the Bodies and Goods. And again upon Luk. 22. It is not the true Catholic church which is defended by the Secular arm or humane Power.  
Lastly, The Papists in their book for toleration; When Christ bids his Disciples to say, peace to this house, he doth not send pursuivants to ransack or spoil the house.  
Lastly, The Prisoner in answering some Objections, concludeth; It is no prejudice to the commonwealth, if liberty of Conscience were granted to such as fear God indeed: He also alleged that many Sects lived under the Government of Caesar, being nothing hurtful unto the commonweal.  Peace. 
From these several tastes (dear Truth) I cannot imagine how the Prisoner can be understood to cast the least glance unto spiritual persecution or prosecution, as Mr Cotton in this Chap: calls it: But to end this Chapter: When as the Power of Christ Jesus in his Church was argued sufficient for spiritual ends, Mr Cotton grants both for the healing of sinners, and for keeping of the Church from gild, but not for the preventing of the spreading of false Doctrine, among those out of the Church, and in private among Church-Members: nor sufficient to clear the Magistrates of a Christian State from the gild of apostasy in suffering such Apostates amongst them, etc.  Truth. 
I have in other Passages of this Discourse proved;  
1. That Christ Jesus (whiles his Churches and Ordinances flourished, and since the apostasy of Antichrist in the hands of his Witnesses) hath gloriously and sufficiently furnished his Servants for all spiritual cases of all sorts, defending, offending, etc.  
2. That there is no other Christian State acknowledged in 
No civil Christian State.  the New Testament, but that of the Christian Church or kingdom, and that not Nationall but congregational.  
3. That the Apostles or Messengers of Christ Jesus never addressed 
Christ's Sword.  themselves by Word or Writing to any of the Civil States wherein they lived and taught, and were mightily opposed and blasphemed. I say they never ran to borrow the Civil Sword, to help the two edged Sword of Christ Jesus, against Opposers, schismatics, heretics. The Lord Jesus was a wiser King than Solomon, even Wisdom itself, and cannot without great Dishonour and Derogation to his wisdom and Love, be imagined to leave open such Gaps, such leaks, such Breaches in the Ship and Garden of his Church and kingdom.   

The Exam: of Chap. 56. replying to 58. & 59  Peace. 
TO the first observation, that Mr Cotton urgeth that Princes are nurcing Fathers to feed and correct (and consequently must judge of feeding and correction, and all men are bound to submit to such their feeding and correction:) Mr Cotton saith, This is false and fraudulent so to collect, and these are devised Calumnies.  Truth. 
It will evidently appear, how greatly Mr Cotton forgets the Matter and himself, when he so deeply chargeth, for all this he granteth in this his Reply, only with this Limitation, that Subjects are bound to submit to them herein when they judge according to the Word. This Limitation takes not away the observation, for it is always employed in subjection to all Civil Rulers, Fathers, Husbands, Masters, that it be according to the Word.  Peace. 
Yea but saith he, it is a Notorious calumny so to represent Mr Cottons dealing with Princes, as if he made his own Judgement and practice the Rule of the proceeding of Princes.  Truth. 
Let it be laid in the balance, and seen where the calumny or slander lies: Princes or Civil Rulers, saith Mr Cotton, are Fathers to feed and correct, and their Judgement ought 
Nurcing Fathers-dealt withal as children.  therein to be obeyed according to the Word. Now some Princes and Rulers declare themselves against Mr Cottons Tenent of persecution for conscience. Mr Cotton will answer; The profession and practice of Princes is no rule to Conscience. I reply, and ask, who shall judge of Prince's profession and practice, when they thus feed and judge in spiritual matters? whether their profession and practice be according to the Word or no? Mr Cotton (when Princes are alleged against his judgement and conscience) pleads, that Prince's profession and practice is no rule: Let all men judge whether his judgement and conscience be not made the Rule to the consciences and practices of Princes, whom yet he makes the nurcing Fathers.  Peace. 
When it was further demanded, whether Mr Cotton and others of his mind could submit in spiritual cases to any Magistrates in the world, but only to those just of his own Conscience? He answers, they will submit to any in Active or Passive obedience.  Truth. 
But how can Mr Cotton suppose Active obedience in 
Active obedience cannot be given but to a competent Judge.  spiritual things to such Magistrates, who are Pagans, Turkish, Antichristian, and unable to judge, and bound (by his Doctrine) to suspend their deal upon matter of Religion, until they be better informed? What Active obedience can I be supposed to give to him that hath no activity nor ability to command and rule me? And must it not evidently follow, that Active obedience in these cases (according to his Judgement) must only be yielded to such Magistrates as are able to judge the true Religion and way of Worship; That is, the Religion and Worship which he takes to be of God.  Peace. 
Whereas it was said, will it not follow that all other Consciences in the world, besides their own must be persecuted by such their Magistrates (were power in their hand)? Mr Cotton replies, no; except all men's consciences in the world did err fundamentally against the Principles of Christian Religion, or fundamentally against Church-Order, and Civil Order, and that in a tumultuous and factious manner; for in these cases only (saith he) we allow Magistrates to punish in matters of Religion.  Truth. 
I have and must observe the evil of that Distinction between Christian Religion and Christian Order, as not finding any such in the Testament of the son of God, but finding Church-Order a principal part of the Christian Religion, as well as Repentance and Faith, Heb. 6.  
But (2.) grant once Mr Cottons Religion and way of Worship 
Persecutors, if it were in their power, would, and are bound to persecute all Consciences and Religions in the World.  to be the only true Religion and way of God's Worship, and all other Religions and ways of Worship false, how can that error be otherwise then fundamental? And if other men's Consciences attend not to Mr Cottons convictions, but obstinately maintain their blasphemous Religions, how can the Magistrates of his conscience be dispensed with and absolved from persecuting such obstinate Consciences throughout the whole World beside?  Peace. 
When it was further demanded▪ if this were not to make Magistrates stairs and stirrups for themselves (the clergy) to mount up in the seats and saddles of their great and settled Maintenance? Mr Cotton replies, this is rather to make them Swords and Staves to punish them (if need be) for Heretical delinquency: 2. Their Magistrates themselves fall short of great and settled Maintenance: And lastly, himself liveth upon no great and settled Maintenance.  Truth. 
It is true Mr Cotton allows the same Power to Magistrates to punish all Heretics, Blasphemers, Seducers, one as well as another: But what if it should fall out that his Magistrates should declare themselves for the Pope, or for the Prelates, or for the Presbyters, yea, or for some other way than is professed: and left it free for each man's conscience to worship as he believed, and to pay or not pay toward this or that Worship or 
All persecutors hold the Pope's traitorous Doctrine of deposing haereticall Princes.  ministry, according to his own persuasion more or less, any thing or nothing, will not Mr Cotton then plead that such Magistrates themselves (apostatising from the Truth of God, and turning Enemies (as the Pope clamours) to the holy Church) I say, that such ought not only to be accursed with the lesser and greater Censures of suspension and Excommunication, but also punished with Imprisonment, Banishment, and Death: Or if they find the mercy of Life and Favour of an Office (by some overruling Providence) will not Mr Cotton then plead that such Magistrates ought to suspend their Power to hold their hands, and not to meddle until they be better informed, etc. Into such poor withered straws and reeds will the Allowance of Swords and Staves, Mr Cotton here speaks of come to? Concerning the seats and saddles of great and settled maintenance of Magistrates, the Discusser spoke not, but hearty wisheth their Maintenance as great and settled, as he knows their Labours and travels and Dangers be: He spoke only of Ministers great▪ and settled maintenance.  Peace. 
O Truth, this is the Apple of the Eye, the true cause of so much combustion all the World over, especially Popish and Protestants.  Truth. 
Indeed this was the cause (as Erasmus told the Duke of Saxony, that Luther was so stormed at) because he meddled 
The Popish and Protestant clergy set the Popish and Protestant World on fire for their Maintenance.  with the Pope's crown and the Monks Bellies. To obtain these warm and soft and rich seats and saddles (who ever stand or go on foot, or creep, or beg, or Starve) the prelate's practices all Ages know. Yea and other practices of some of late, who (with the evil Steward providing wisely) first made sure of an Ordinance of Parliament for Tithes and Maintenance, before any Ordinance for God himself.  Peace. 
This is that indeed which the Politic State of Holland 
The Dutch device to win their clergy to toleration of other Religions.  well foresaw, when they were lamentably whipped by the King of Spain's (and Gods) Scourge, Duke D'alva, into a Toleration of other men's Consciences: The Politic statesmen, I say, saw a necessity of stopping their Dominies Mouths with sure and settled Maintenance out of the state's purse. Hence it is the Dutch Ministers zeal is not so hot against the Toleration of heretics in the Civil State, as the English hath been.  Truth. 
To this purpose (sweet Peace) how fitly did that 
All that profess to be Christ's Ministers, must Dig, or Beg, or steal.  learned Prideaux once tell his Sons the Oxford Doctors, at one of their Superstitious Creations, that since they could not dig, and were ashamed to beg, they had great need (therefore) of settled Maintenance, This was but the Evil steward's device, and (I add) little better than stealing.  Peace. 
Yea but saith Mr Cotton, I live not so, etc.  Truth. 
One Swallow makes not a Summer: what others have done and do, and what practices have been and are for a forced settled maintenance (as firm and settled as ever was the Parish maintenance of Old England) hath been, to the shame of christianity, too apparent: For Mr Cotton himself, as I envy not the feigns of his morsels, nor the sweetness of his Cups, but wish him as large a purse, as I believe he hath an Heart, and a desire to do good with it: Yet it hath been said, that his case is no president, because what he looseth in the Shire, he gets in the Hundreth, and sits in as soft and rich a saddle as any throughout the whole country, through the greatness and Richnes' of the merchandise of the town of Boston, above other parts of the landlord. The truth is, there is no trial of the good or evil Servant in this case, until it comes to Digging or Begging, or the third way, viz: of cozening of the great Lord & Master Christ Jesus; by running to carnal means and carnal weapons, to force men's purses for a rich and settled Maintenance.   

Chap. 57 (replying to Chap. 60.) Examined.  Peace. 
COncerning Princess Mr Cotton addeth, that Princes out of State policy, do sometimes tolerate what suits not with Christianity (as David did Joab) against their wills.  
Unto this it was answered, that this agrees not with his former general Proposition, to wit, that it was evil to tolerate seducing Teachers, and scandalous livers; Mr Cotton replies; Yes, for Moses laid down in general, Who so sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed; yet Joab was tolerated to live, etc.  Truth. 
If Moses had said; It is not lawful to tolerate a murderer; and yet afterward had tolerated a murderer, his later practice would not have seemed harmonious to his former speech, but Moses did not so, and therefore I conceive is not rightly alleged.  Peace. 
Whereas it was further alleged, that that State policy, and State necessity, which permitted the consciences of Men, will be found to agree most punctually with the Rules of the best politician that ever the world saw (the Lord Jesus himself) who commanded the permitting of the Tares.  
Mr Cotton replies, that he is not against the permitting of some Antichristians, or false Christians, unless they maintain fundamental heresy against the Foundation of Religion, and that obstinately after conviction, and withal seduce others: But for such heretics and seducing Teachers, they are none of those Tares, of which Christ saith, Let them alone.  
Besides, saith he, If by Tares are meant gross offenders: then the speech of Christ, Let them alone, is not a word of command, but a word of permission and predication; like that Luc. 22. 36. He that hath no Sword, let him sell his Garment and buy a Sword.  Truth. 
I answer, that there should be Antichristians, or false 
All Antichristians are fundamentally opposite to Christ Jesus.  Christians, which maintain not fundamental heresy against Foundation of Religion, I think is new to the New Testament of Christ Jesus, and to the trials the holy Spirit proposeth by John in his Epistles, discovering such to be the heretics and Apostates, as deny the Lord Jesus (as all Antichristians or false Christians do more or less) to be come in the Flesh the true Messiah, and anointed King, Priest, and Teacher to his Church.  Peace. 
If Mr Cotton will make good his word, to wit, that he will permit some Antichristians or false Christians, methinks, the whole trial of this matter might well turn upon this Hinge, so that the true or false Christian be tried by the Rules of the New Testament.  Truth. 
If so, he must undeniably subscribe to this great and Christian policy of permission or toleration: As for the Exceptions following [unless they maintain fundamental heresy, and unless they sin actually] These pull bacl again with the Left hand what merciful freedom he had given before with the Right.  
3. But lastly, by this Interpretation of, Let them alone, by 
Touching the Tares.  way of permission and predication, it appears that Mr Cottons Thoughts are not without checks and doubtings what these Tares might be: For (saith he) [if by Tares are meant gross offenders] whereas before he spent much precious time to prove the Tares to be a kind of closer Hypocrite.  
Moreover, all permission is of evil, for some Good, so he, the permission of Tares for the wheat sake: In which respect (as I conceive) the good wheat is not so tendered, nor the Word of Christ so attended to by such, as presume (in pretence for the good wheat sake) to pluck up those Tares, unto whom Christ Jesus for▪ the good wheat sake, hath for a Time granted a permission.   

Exam: of Chap. 58. replying to Chap. 61.  Peace. 
Whereas the Discusser professedly waved any Argument from the number of Princes witnessing in profession or practice against persecution for cause of Conscience, Mr Cotton replies, that this is a yielding of the invalidity of the Argument: But 2. that he urgeth not the number, but the greater piety and presence of God with those Princes who have professed and practised against toleration.  Truth. 
As I would not use an Argument from the number of Princes about an heavenly matter (as knowing that the Kings and Rulers of the Earth commonly mind their▪ own 
Policy store, but piety rare in Princes.  Crowns, Honours, and Dominions, more than Gods; and such Princes as are called Christian, use God's Name, crown, and Ordinances, as Jeroboam used God's Name, and Jezabell used Fasting and prayer, for the advancement of their own crowns, and persecuting of the Innocent and Righteous) So neither would I rest in the Quality, greatness or goodness of any. That which I attend in this Argument is the Ground and Reasons of their Speeches; which may also have this Consideration to boot, that they are the Speeches of such who sit at the helm of great States, and were not ignorant of the affairs of States, and what might conduce to the peace or disturbance, to the wealth or woe of a commonweal. To their Ground and Reasons therefore I attend in the next Chapter.   

Exam: of Chap. 59 replying to Chap. 62.  Peace. 
IN this Chap. the Consideration of the Speeches themselves, Mr Cotton saith, he passed by, because, either the Reasons wanted weight, or did not impugn the cause in hand, as  
First, That Speech of King James; God never loved to plant his 
A Speech of King James considered.  Church by blood: It is fare from us (saith Mr Cotton) to compel men to yield to the Fellowship of the Church by bloody laws or Penalties: nevertheless, this hindereth not but that his Blood may justly fall upon his own head that shall go about to supplant and destroy the Church of Christ.  Truth. 
How light or how impertinent soever these Speeches may seems to Mr Cotton, yet to others (fearing God also) they are most solid and weighty.  
This Speech of King James seems impertinent in this cause▪ because (saith Mr Cotton) we compel no man by bloody laws and Penalties to yield themselves to the Fellowship of the Church.  
I answer, as Saul by persecuting of David in the Land of Canaan, and thrusting him forth of God's Heritage, did as it were bid him go serve other Gods in other Countries: So he that 
No Man to he forced from his own worship, 〈…〉 etc.  shall by bloody laws and Penalties force any man from his own Conscience and Worship, doth upon the point, say unto him, in a language▪ of blood, Come be of my Religion, etc.  2. Peace. 
Why should not Men as well be forced to the Truth, as forced from their errors and Erroneous practices? Since (to keep to the Similitude) it is the same Power that sets a plant, and plucks up weeds, which is true (mystically) in the spiritual work of Christ Jesus, in his heavenly planting by his Word and Spirit.  3. Truth. 
I add, if men be compelled to come to Church 
Touching compelling to come to Church and to hear.  under such a penalty, for Absence (as hath been practised in Old and New England) How can Mr Cotton say, there is no forcing to the Fellowship of the Church; when (howsoever with the Papists) he makes so great difference, which Christ never made, between the Lord's Supper, and the Word and Prayer, and say, that men may be forced to the hearing of the Word, but not to the Supper. Yet the consciences of thousands will testify, that it is as truly grievous to them to be forced to the one as to the other, and that they had as lief be forced to the meat as to the Broth, to the more inward and retired chambers and closerts, as into the Hall or parlour, being but part● of the same house, etc.  Peace. 
And I may add (dear Truth) that the bloody Imprisonments, whip and Banishments, that have cried, and will cry in New England, will not be styled until the cry of Repentance, and the blood of the Lamb Christ Jesus, put that cry to silence. But to the second Speech of King James, No marvel 
A second Speech of King James.  (saith Mr Cotton) that I passed by that Speech, to wit, [that Civil obedience may be performed by the Papists,] for I found it not in the Letter; and beside, how can civil obedience be performed by Papists, when the Bishop of Rome shall Excommunicate a Protestant Prince, dissolve the Subjects Oath, etc.  Truth. 
I answer; King James professing concerning the 
Papists may yield civil obedience.  Oath of Allegiance (which he tendered to the Papists, and which so many Papists took,) that he desired only to be secured for Civil Obedience▪ to my understanding did as much as say, that he believed that a Papist might yield Civil obedience, as they did in taking this Oath, as quiet and peaceable Subjects, some of them being employed in places of Trust, both in his and in Queen Elizabeth's days▪  
What though it be a Popish Te●e●●, that the Pope may so do, and what though Bellarmine▪ and others, have maintained such bloody tenants, yet it is no General Tenent of all Papists, and 
The Parliament at Paris, although Popish, yet condemned books and tenants against civil obedience.  it is well known that a famous Popish kingdom, the whole Kingdom of France assembled in Parliament in the year (so called) 1610. condemned to the Fire the book of Johannes Marianus for maintaining that very Tenent. And two months after Bellarmine's book itself was condemned to the Fire also, by the same Parliament for the same detestable Doctrine, as the Parliament called it, as tending to destroy the higher Powers, which God hath ordained, stirring up the Subjects against their Princes, absolving them from their Obedience, stirring them up to attempt against their Persons, and to disturb the common peace and quiet: Therefore all Persons who ever under pain of High Treason, were forbidden to print, sell, or keep that book, etc.  Peace. 
This passage being so late, and so famous in so near a Popish country, I wonder how Mr Cotton could chain up all Papists in an impossibility of yielding Civil obedience, when a whole Popish kingdom breaks and abhors the chains of such bloody and unpeaceable Doctrines and Practices.  
2. Experience hath proved it possible for Men to hold other 
All England Papists, and yet the Pope renounced.  main and fundamental Doctrines of that Religion, and yet renounce the authority of the Pope, as all England did under King Henry 8. when the six bloody Articles were maintained and practised, and in them the Substance of that Idolatrous Religion, although the Power of the Pope of Rome was generally acknowledged not other, then of a foreign Bishop in his own diocese.  
3. But grant the English Catholics maintain the supreme authority of the Pope, even in England, it must be considered and declared how fare: If so fare, as to own his Power of absolving from obedience (against which the aforesaid Parliament 
A twofold holding the Pope as Head.  of Paris declared) the wisdom of the State knows how to secure itself against such Persons. But if only as Head of the Church in spiritual matters, & they give Assurance for Civil obedience, why should their Consciences more than others be oppressed?  Peace. 
Mr Cotton, (as all men and too justly in this controversy) allegeth the Papists practices, what ever professions otherwise have been▪ So long as they hold the Pope, they are sure of a Dispensation to take any Oath, subscribe to any Engagement, and of Absolution for the Acting of any Crime of Treason or murder against the chiefest statesmen, and the State itself.  Truth. 
What is it that hath rendered the Papists so enraged and desperate in England, Ireland, & c? What is it that hath so embittered and exasperated their minds, but the laws against their Consciences and Worships?  Peace. 
The two Sisters laws compared, Maries and Elizabeth's, 
The two Sisters laws concerning Conscience.  concerning men's Consciences, while Maries were certainly written with blood against the Protestants, Elizabeth's may seem to be written with milk against the Papists.  Truth. 
Dear Peace, chains of Gold and Diamonds are chains, and may pinch and gall as sore and deep, as those of brass and Iron, etc. all laws to force even the grossest Conscience (of the most besotted Idolaters in the world, Jew or Turk, Papist or Pagan) I say, all such Laws, restraining from or constraining to Worship, and in matters merely spiritual, and of no civil nature, such laws, such Acts, are chaine●, are yokes, not possibly to be fitted to the Souls neck, without oppression, and exasperation.  Peace. 
It is no wonder indeed that the Brains of those of the Popish Faith are so distempered and enraged by yokes clapped on the neck of their Consciences, when Solomon the wisest observes it common: that civil oppression (how much more Soule-oppression, the most grievous and intolerable) doth use to render the brains of men (otherways most sober and judicious) mad and desperate.  2. Truth. 
I answer (secondly) grant the Practices of the 
Ceales of moderation and kindness, may melt an enemy, as David melted Saul, etc.  Papists against the Civil State, fowl, dangerous, etc. yet why should there not be hope (according to the rules of piety in Scripture, and policy in Experience) that the coals of mercy and moderation may melt the Head of an enemy, as hard as any stone or mettle, and render embittered Enemies, loving Friends, combined and resolved for their common safety and Liberties.  
Thirdly, Against the fear of evil practices the wisdom of 
Cautions for preventing of disturbance by Papists, etc.  the State may securely provide, by just cautions and provisoes, as of Subscribing the Civil Engagement▪ of yielding up their arms, the Instruments of mischief and disturbance; of being noted (as the Jews are in some parts) by some distinction of or on their Garments, or otherwise, according to the wisdom of the State. And without such or the like sufficient cautions given, it is not Civil Justice to permit justly suspected persons, dangerous to the civil peace, to abide out of places of security and safe Restraint.  Peace. 
If such a course were steered with the Consciences of that Religion, yet are there some Objections weighty concerning the Body of the People.  
First, There will be always danger of tum●l●s and uproars between the Papists and the Protestants▪  1. Truth. 
Sweet Peace, thou mayst justly be tender of the quiet repose and secure tranquillity of all men, and with All men (if it be possible, as the Scripture speaks) as thou art ●n 
Sufficient Provisions are made in other Nations, against Distractions and Tumults from opposite Consciences and Worships.  heavenly daughter of the God of peace and love. But yet thou knowest the wisdom of the English State need● not be taught from abroad (where liberty abroad is granted to the Popish o● Protestan● Consciences) of making safe and sufficient provision against all Tumults, and fear of uproars.  
2. But secondly, it is too too fully and lamentably true, that the Congregations or Churches of the several sort● of such as in whole or in part separate from the Parish worship and ●orshipper●, are ●arr● more odious to, and do more exasperated a thousand times, the Parish Assemblies, than the Papist● or Catholics themselves are or do: So that if the People were let lose to take their choice of exercising violence and fury, either upon▪ a ●opish o● a Protestant separate Assembly, it is clear from the greater corrivation and competition (made by the Protestants that separate▪) to the true Church, true Government, true Worship, true ministry, true seals, etc. the rage of the People would mount up incomparably fiercer against the one than the other. Hence i● was the Papists ever found more favour with the last 
N●er●● competition▪ & homebred oppositions most of all exasperated, etc.  two Kings and thei● Bishops, than the Puritants (so called) did, and the separate assemblies were not so maligned by them as the Noncon●ormists, no● they so much as the very conforming Puritants. And therefore suitably it was belched out from a fowle-mouth 〈…〉 a Chapl●ine to one of the late Bishops; A●plagu● (said ●●) on all Conforming Puritants, they do us most mischief▪ Notwithstanding all this, and the bitter Indignation of People against these Sectaries (so called) and their Assemblies, yet the most holy wisdom of the Father of Lights 
The admired Prudence of the Parliament in preserving civil Peace.  hath taught the Parliament of England that wonderful skill (in the midst of so many Spiritual oppositions) to preserve the Civil peace from the dangers and occasions of civil Tumults and Distractions.  Peace. 
Admit the civil peace be kept inviolate, yet how satisfy we the fears and jealousies of many who cry out of danger of Infection, and that Jezabels' Doctrine will leaven and seduce the Land, etc.  Truth. 
I will not here repeat what in other parts of this book I have presented touching that Point of Infection. At present, I answer;  
First, It is to me most improbable, that (except the Body 
Increase of Papists unlikely in England.  of the Nation face about from Protestanisme to popery) (as in Queen Mary's days) that the number of Protestants turning Papists, will be great in a Protestant Nation, especially if such security be taken, as was abovementioned, and otherwise, as the State shall order, etc. together with such public notes and marks (before mentioned) on the People of that Way, because of their former practices.  
Secondly, Yea, why should not rather the glorious beams of the sun of righteousness in the free Confer, dispute and preach of the Gospel of Truth, be more hopefully like to expel those Mists and Fogs out of the minds of Men, and that Papists, Jews, Turks, Pagans, be brought home, not only into the common road and way of Protestanisme, but to the grace of true Repentance and Life in Christ. I say, why not this more likely, by fare, then that the mists and fogs of popery should over cloud and conquer that most glorious Light.  Peace. 
'Tis true, the holy history tells us of one Samson laying heaps upon heaps of the proudest Philistims; of one David, and of his Worthies, encountering with and slaying their stoutest giants and Champions, yet it is feared such is the depraved nature of all mankind (and not of the English only) that like a corrupted full Body, it sooner sucks in a poisoned breath of Infection, than the purest air of Truth, etc.  Truth. 
Grant this, I answer therefore (thirdly) If any of many conscientiously turn Papists. I allege the Experience of a holy, wise, and learned man, experienced in our own 
Mr John Robinson (deceased) his testimony in a Manus: from Holland.  and other States affairs, who affirms that he knew but few Papists increase, where much liberty to Papists was granted, yea fewer than where they were restrained: Yet further, that in his Conscience and Judgement he believed and observed that such Persons as conscientiously turned Papists, (as believing popery the truer way to Heaven and Salvation) I say, such Persons were ordinarily more conscionable, loving, and peaceable in their deal, and nearer to Heaven then thousands that follow a bare common trade and road and name of Protestant Religion, and yet live without all Life of Conscience and Devotion to God, and consequently with as little love and faithfulness unto Men.  Peace. 
But now to proceed; a third Speech of King James 
A third Speech of King James considered.  was, [Persecution is the note of a false Church, the wicked are Besiegers, the faithful are besieged, upon Revel. 20.] Mr Cotton here grants, that it is indeed a Note of a false Church, but not a certain One; for, saith he, which of all the Prophets did not the Church of the Old Testament persecute?  Truth. 
Mr Cotton granting persecution to be a degree of Falsehood 
Persecution ordinarily the mark of a False Church.  and apostasy, as he doth in his following words, he must also grant, that where such a Doctrine and practice prevails, and the Church grows obstinate after all the Lords means used to reclaim, such a Church will proceed to further degrees, until the whole be leavened with falsehood and apostasy, and the Lord divorceth her, and casts her out of his Heart and Sight; as he dealt with Israel and Judah: And it will be found no false, but a dutiful part of a faithful child to abhor the whoredoms of such an one, though his own Mother, who for her obstinacy in whoredoms is justly put away by his heavenly Father, but of that (the Lord assisting) more in its place.  Peace. 
Further, Whereas it was said, that Mr Cotton had passed by King Stephen of Poland his Speech, to wit, the true Difference between the civil and Spiritual Government, Mr Cotton answers, that it is true, that the Magistrate cannot command 
Stephen King▪ Poland his 〈…〉  their souls, nor bind their Consciences, nor punish their Spirits: All that he can do is to punish the Bodies of Men for destroying or disturbing Religion.  Truth. 
It is true, the Lord alone reacheth the souls or Spirits of Men, but he doth it two ways.  
First, Immediately stirring up the Spirits of the Prophets, by Visions, dreams, etc.  
Secondly, By instituted means and Ordinances: of which 
The spiritual Power of Christ Jesus betrusted not with civil but spiritual Ministers.  is the Question: Now Stephen King of Poland professed that he was King of bodies, and not of Consciences: It being most true, that the Lord Jesus hath appointed spiritual Rulers and governors, to bind and lose souls and Consciences, to wound and kill, Comfort and save alive the Spirits and Consciences of Men. This power Christ Jesus committed to his true Messengers; but oh, how many are there that pretend to this Apostleship or ministry, who yet have sold away this spiritual Power to the Earthly or worldly powers, upon an (employed secret) Condition or Proviso, to receive a broken Reed an arm of Flesh, (in stead of the Everlasting arms of Mercy,) to protect them.  Peace. 
With your leave (dear Truth) let me add a second: If the Magistrate (as Mr Cotton saith) punish the body for a spiritual offence, why doth he not punish by a spiritual power as a spiritual Officer, with a spiritual Censure and punishment?  Truth. 
Mr Cotton will tell us that the bodies of the Israelites were punished for spiritual offences: And we may again truly affirm, that the very cutting off by the material Sword out of the typical Land of Canaan, was in the type, a spiritual punishment.  Peace. 
Mr Cotton is not ignorant of this, and hath often taught of these Types from Passages on Genesis and other books of Moses, etc.  Truth. 
The Father of Lights graciously be pleased to set home the light he hath vouchsafed him, & fix and imprint the beams thereof in his heart and affections also.  Peace. 
This Argument (of punishing the body for the souls 
An Argument used in Parliament against the Persecuting Bishops.  good) I remember was feelingly resented by an honourable Gentleman in the parliament against the Bishops, urging how contrary unto Christ Jesus those Prelates were; for Christ Jesus did make way for his working upon men's souls, by showing kindness to their bodies, etc. but Prelates contrarily, etc.  Truth. 
All the angels ' of God will one day witness, that Christ Jesus was never Captain to Pope, nor Prelate, Presbyter, no nor Independent, Emperor nor King, Parliament, nor General Court, who punish and afflict, persecute and torture the bodies of Men under pretence of a spiritual and religious medicine.  Peace. 
Yea, but saith Mr Cotton, Religion is disturbed and destroyed, what shall be done?  Truth. 
Religion is disturbed and destroyed two ways. 
Of disturbance of Religion.   
First, When the Professors or Assemblies thereof are persecuted, that is hunted and driven up and down out of the world: Against such destroyer's or Disturbers (being Tyrants and oppressors,) the Civil Sword ought to be drawn.  Peace. 
The drawing of the Sword of Justice against such Tyrants, 
The Bishops as Tyrants justly suppressed, and the Parliament therein prospered from Heaven.  I believe hath prevailed in Heaven, for the Parliaments successes and prosperity: The turning from the violence that was in the hands of those Men of blood the Bishops, (as in the Men of Ninivies case) hath laid the long and violent storm of Fire and blood, etc.  Truth. 
Yea let the most renowned Parliament of England, and all England know, that when they cease to listen to daniel's counsel to Belshazzar, to wit, to show Mercy to the poor, (even 
daniel's Counsel to Bel-shazzar preserveth Parliaments & kingdoms.  the poorest and most afflicted in the World) the Consciences of Men, then is their Parliamentary Glory and tranquillity eclipsed: Till than I confidently believe, their Government (which hath now so many years with so many Wonders continued) shall not be numbered, nor another fatal change surprise them.  
But now (2) the Disturbance or Destruction of Religion is spiritual, by false Teachers, false Prophets, by spiritual rebels and traitors against the Worship and kingdom of Christ Jesus: Against which Disturbers or destroyer's, if Christ Jesus have not provided sufficient spiritual Defence, let Moses (his ancient Type,) be said to exceed him in Faithfulness, David in holy zeal and affection to the house of God, and Solomon in wisdom and heavenly prudence, in ordering the affairs of the holy Worship of God.  Peace. 
But further, whereas it was said, that to confound these (to wit, a civil and Spiritual Government) was Babel and Jewish: Mr Cotton replies, That is Babel to tolerate and advance idolatry. 2. (saith he) though Christ hath abolished a Nationall Church-State, which Moses set up in the Land of Canaan, yet Christ never abolished a Nationall civil State, nor the Judicial laws of Moses, which were of Moral equity, and therefore (saith he) If the true Christ's blood go for the planting of the Church, let the false Christ's go for supplanting it.  Truth. 
I answer; Babel was infamous for Pride, for Confusion or Disorder, for idolatry, for tyranny: Now let all persecuting Cities and kingdoms be examined and see if they have been 
Touching the Nationall Church of Israel.  clear from any of these: and especially from Babells' confusion and disorder, from monstrous mingling of spiritual and civil, the Devil's Worship with God's vessels: It was no Confusion in the Nationall Church of Israel for the Power of that Nation, in the hands of Kings and civil Rulers, to purge that Nationall Church by Nationall force of weapons and Death: But since Mr Cotton acknowledgeth that Christ hath abolished that Nationall Church, and established congregational Churches, (in some of which possibly may be no Civil Magistrate fearing God, for few wise or noble are called, and consequently few godly or Christian Magistrates professing Christ Jesus▪) What is this but Babel or a Babylonish mixture of the Old and New Testament, Nationall and congregational church's power and practices together?  Peace. 
2. What if Christ Jesus have not abolished a Nationall Church State, it is sufficient that he hath abolished a Nationall Church. And if so, then in Church matters those Nationall judicials, and the use of those Nationall Weapons and Punishments, in 
Israel a miraculous Nation.  attending upon such a Nationall Church: Yea what colour of Moral equity is there that all the Nations of the World (most of which never heard of Christ) should be ruled by such laws and Punishments as were peculiarly and miraculously given and appointed to one selected and could out Nation, conceived, borne, and brought up (as I may so speak) from first to last, by extraordinary, and miraculous dispensation?  Peace. 
There may be (saith Mr Cotton) difference between the Nations professing Christianity, and other Nations.  Truth. 
There is indeed great Difference: There are two 
Two sorts of the Nations of the World.  sorts of Nations or Peoples of the World, which shall be fuel for the devouring flames of the Lord Jesus, 2 Thess. 1. First, such as know not Christ Jesus, of which sort the greatest part of the Nations of the World (beyond all colour of comparison) consist. 2. Such as have heard a sound, and make some profession of the Name of Christ Jesus, and yet obey him not as Lord and King, etc.  
Now it is true at the tribunal of this dreadful Judge, Tyre and Sidon, Sodom and Gomorra, shall find an easier doom, then shall Bethsaida, Chorazin, Capernaum, Jerusalem, etc. And Mr Cotton need not fear the escaping of a false Christ, when all Nations professing Christianity (Papist or Protestant▪) (if yet found disobedient to the true Christ) shall pass under a more fiery Sentence than all Mahumetane and Pagan Countries.  Peace. 
Mr Cotton will not stick to subscribe to this; But, the false Christ's blood (saith he) ought now, to be spilt.  Truth. 
Since there are so many false Christ's (as the true Christ 
Touching the true and false Christ's.  Prophesied) Mr Cotton must avoidable name and detect and convict those false Christ's, Popish and Protestant, etc. upon whom he passeth such a present Sentence. He must also direct the way how the true Christ may shed the blood of the false Christ's. When Mr Cotton hath done this faithfully and impartially (according to his Conscience and present Judgement) what Reader will not at first view see rising up from such Premises these four Conclusions?  
First, Amongst so many Christ's extant (that is visible Christ's Head and Body) in the Christian Antichristian World, there can but One Christ be found to be true.  
Secondly, That Christ which Mr Cotton professeth (according to his Conscience) will be herald  
Thirdly, All such Christ's as are extant, beside Mr Cottons, Head and Body, ought impartially to be put to Death, as false, counterfeit, blasphemous, etc.  
Fourthly, Such as embrace his Christ, that is, be of his Church and Conscience, are bound (if they once get power in their hands) to pursue with fire and sword, and to shed the blood of all the false Christ's, that is, the several sorts of false or Antichristian Worshippers.  Peace. 
Oh how wise and Righteous is the Lord, in letting lose the wolf and Lion (persecutors and Hunters) upon his sheep and People, that by their own painful sense of such bloody violence and cruelty, he may graciously purge out the Malignant venomous Humours of such fowl Antichristian and bloody Doctrines? But to the next, the King of Bohemia his saying. Whereas it was said that in this King's Speech Mr Cotton 
King of Bohemia his Speech.  had passed by that Foundation in Grace and Nature, to wit, that Conscience ought not to be violated or forced, and that such forcing is no other than a Spiritual Rape.  
Mr Cotton replies, It was not passed by, but prevented in stating the Question, where it was said, It is not lawful to Censure any, no not for error in fundamental Points of Doctrine or Worship, till the Conscience of the offendor be first convinced (out of the Word of God) of the dangerous error of his way, and then if he will persist, it is not out of Conscience, but against his Conscience, as the Apostle saith, (Tit. 3. 11.) and so he is not persecuted for cause of Conscience, but for sinning against his Conscience.  1. Truth. 
I answer, the forcing of a Woman, that is, the violent 
Spiritual Rapes.  Acting of uneleannesse upon her body against her will, we count a Rape: By Proportion that is a spiritual or Soule-rape, which is a forcing of the Conscience of any Person, to Acts of Worship, which the Scripture entitles by the name of the Marriage bed, Cant. 1.  
This forcing of Conscience was in an high measure the branded sin of that great typical Machiavelli Jeroboam, who made Israel to Worship before the Golden Calves: And this is the abominable practice of the Second Beast, who compels all to take the mark of the first Beast, and this is the sin of (the mystical Ammon) the Princes of Europe, and of the Antichristian World, those mystical effeminate Ahabs, who give their power to the Beast, themselves (together with that Man of sin and filthiness (the Pope) practising most odious spiritual uncleanness upon the Consciences of the Nations of the Earth.  2. Peace. 
Dear Truth, who knows not whose voice and 
All persecutors contumeliously object against Conscience.  Song this is, but that, of all the bloody Bonners, gardiner's, and most devouring persecutors that ever have or shall legally in way and pretence of Justice, persecute. [You pretend Conscience that you dare not come to Church because of Conscience, that so to swear, submit, subscribe, or conform, is against your Conscience, that you are persecuted for your Conscience, and forced against your Conscience.  Truth. 
Indeed, what is this before the flaming eyes of Christ; but as (Amnon-like in the type) some lustful Ravisher deals with a beautiful Woman, first●using all subtle Arguments and 
Amnon his ravishing of Tamar, a Type.  gentle persuasions, to allure unto their spiritual Lust and filthiness, and where the Conscience freely cannot yield to such Lust and Folly (as Tamar said to Amnon) than a forcing it by Penalties, penal laws and Statutes? Yea, what is this but more filthy and abominable then is commonly practised against ravished Women, to wit, a persuading a Conscience that it is obstinate, obstinate against its knowledge, that a man might lawfully have yielded, that he is convinced of the lawfulness of the Act, and therefore may justly be punished for repelling such Arguments, and resisting such persuasions against the Conviction of his own Conscience.  3. Peace. 
It is a common Question, made by most, who shall be Judge of this Convicted Conscience; shall the lustful Ravisher (the Persecutor) be Judge? Will the burning Rage of his spiritual 
A Query, who shall judge, whether Conscience be convict.  filthiness and Antichristian bestiality cause no shaking of the scales of Justice? And will Mr Cotton indeed (except he suspend them) have all the Civil Magistrates, or Civil States, or General Assemblies, or Courts of People in the World (according to their several Constitutions) sit Judges o'er Conscience, to wit, when the poor ravished Consciences of Men are convinced.  Truth. 
What is this, but (in truth) to submit the souls and Consciences of the Saints (yea the Conscience of the Lord Jesus in them,) unto the World that lies in wickedness (and to the devil in it) out of which God hath chosen; but few, that are wise, or that are Great, Rich, or Noble.  
4. And to end this Passage, what is this, but to destroy that distinction of a true and false Conscience, which the holy Spirit expressly maketh, reling (2 Thessaly: 2.) of Antichristians that make Conscience of lies, believing them conscientiously for Truths. What is it now to force a Papist to Church, but a Rape, a Soule-Rape? he comes to Church, that is, comes to that Worship, which 
Church Papists and Protestants also ravished.  his Conscience tells him is false, and this to save his Estate, Credit, etc. What is this in a Papist, but a yielding unwillingly to be forced and ravished? Take an instance of holy Cranmer, and many other faithful Witnesses of the truth of Jesus, who being forced or ravished by terror of Death, subscribed, abjured, went to mass, but yet against their Wills and Consciences. In both these Instances of Papist and Protestant, Mr Cotton must confess a Soule-Ravishment; for, th● Conscience of a Papist is not convinced that it is his duty to worship God by the English common prayer-book, or directory, etc. And the Consciences of many are not convinced but that it is their sin to come at either the Papists or common Protestants Worship. So both Papist and Protestant are forced and ravished by force of arms, (as a Woman by a lustful Ravisher) against their souls and Consciences.  Peace. 
Again, in that King of Bohemia's Speech Mr Cotton passed by that most true and lamentable experience of all Ages, to wit, that persecution, for cause of Conscience, hath ever proved pernicious, and hath been the cause of great Alterations and changes in States and kingdoms. To this Mr Cotton replies, No experience in any Age did ever prove it pernicious to punish Seducing Apostates, after due Conviction of the error of their way: And he asks, wherein did the burning of Servetus prove pernicious to Geneva, or the just Execution of many Popish Priests to Queen Elizabeth, or the English State?  Truth. 
I answer, though no history did express what horrible and pernicious mischiefs the persecuting of the Arians and others caused in the World: yet is it lamentably sufficient 
Wars for Religion.  to the Point, that all Ages testify (and I had almost said all Nations) how pernicious this Doctrine hath been in raising the devouring flames of Fire and Sword, about Heretics, Apostates, Idolaters, Blasphemers, etc.  Peace. 
Later Times have rendered the observation of that King most lamentably true, in the many great Desolations, in Germany, Poland, Hungaria, Transilvania, Bohemia, France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Low Countries (not to speak of the mighty wars between those dreaful Monarchies of the Turks and Persians, and other Nations) to the Flames where of although other causes have intermingled, the Matters of Heresy, blasphemy, idolatry, etc. have been the chiefest sparks and bellows.  Truth. 
It is true (as Mr Cotton saith,) it hath pleased the God of Heaven to spare some particular places, and to preserve wonderfully for his Name and Mercy sake, Geneva, England, etc. etc. When they have been besieged and invaded: Yet Mr Cotton confesseth, that Queen Elizabeth by that course had like to have fired the Christian World in Combustion, which though it pleased God to prevent, yet later times have shown how pernicious 
The bloody Tenent guilty of all the blood of Papists and Protestants lately spilt.  this Doctrine hath proved unto England, Scotland, Ireland, etc. in the slaughter of so many hundreth thousand Papists and Protestants, upon the very point (principally) of Heresy, idolatry, etc.  Peace. 
To end this Chapter: To that observation that Persecution for cause of Conscience was practised most in England, and such places where popery reigns, implying that such practices proceed from the great Whore, and her Daughters: Mr Cotton replies, it is no marvel he passed by this observation in the King's speech, for it was not the Speech of the King, but of the Prisoner, and it was not the persecuting of Antichristians, but of Nicknamed Puritans, and of them too without Conviction of the error of their way: He addeth that he could never see Warrant to call that Church an Whore, that worshipped the true God only in the name of Jesus, and depended on him alone for righteousness and Salvation, and that it is (at least) a base part of a child to call his Mother whore, who bred him and bred him to know no other Father, but her lawful Husband the Lord Jesus Christ  Truth. 
Whether the Observation was the Kings, or the Prisoners, yet it was passed by: And if those Puritants or Protestants persecuted, were not convinced, himself (as he here saith) never saw Warrant, that is, was convinced, for to call such a 
The strongest arm & sword the ordinary Judge of the Conviction of Conscience.  Church as he here describeth, an Whore, yet not a few of his opposites will say, and that aloud, that He and they were or might have been convinced, what ever He or they themselves thought. The truth is, the carnal Sword is commonly the Judge of the conviction or obstinacy of all supposed heretics. Hence the faithful Witnesses of Christ, Cranmer, Ridley, Latimer, had not a word to say in the Disputations at Oxford: Hence the Non-conformists were cried out as obstinate Men, abundantly convinced by the Writings of Whitgift and others: And so in the Conference before King James at Hampton Court, etc.  
But concerning the Church of England, whether a daughter or no of the Great Whore of Rome, It is not here seasonable to 
Touching the Nationall Church of England.  repeat what the Witnesses of Christ to Bonds, Banishments, and Death (whom Mr Cotton here calls the rigid separation) have alleged in this case. I think it here sufficient to say two things. First, Mr Cotton himself is thought to believe that it is not a profession of words containing many fundamental Doctrines that makes a people a true Church, who professing to 
Real denying, the greatest denying of Christ Jesus.  know God, yet in works deny him; notwithstanding that amongst them by God's gracious Dispensation much good may be wrought by many.  
2. Mr Cotton himself will not say that ever Christ Jesus was married to a Nationall Church▪ which all men know the Church of England ever was, and Mr Cotton elsewhere acknowledgeth (as Nationall) to be none of Christ's, but only Churches congregational.   

Exam: of Chap. 60. Concerning the Roman Emperors, which did or did not persecute.  Peace. 
Whereas it was answered, that Godly Persons (as some Godly Emperors) might do evil, to wit, in persecuting: And ungodly Emperors in not persecuting, might do well, etc. Mr Cotton replies, This begs the Question, to say that Kings alleged by the Prisoner did that which was good, but Kings alleged by Mr Cotton (though better persons) did that which was evil.  Truth. 
I think Mr Cotton mistakes the poor Prisoner if he conceives him to have argued from the Number, or (by way of comparison) the quality or goodness of the Kings. I am sure he mistaketh the Discusser, who argues neither from their Persons, nor Number, nor Practices, but from the weight of their Speeches, qualified only with the consideration of their State: Their Speeches Mr Cotton passed by, but now hath weighed, though not so fully as it may please God to cause himself, or others to do hereafter.  Peace. 
I conceive it to be a further mistake, to think the Discusser accounted the Persons alleged by Mr Cotton better Persons than those alleged by the Prisoner.  Truth. 
The Discusser compared them not, but desired that their Speeches and Arguments might have their just and due weight, and then I believe it will be found, not a begging, but a winning of the Question, even from the testimony of some Kings themselves.   

Chap. 61. replying to Chap. 64. Examined.  Peace. 
IN this Chapter God is pleased to leave Mr Cotton to fall into two evils, than which (ordinarily) greater cannot be among the sons of Men: I speak not of the Aggravations of malice and obstinacy, which I hope the most gracious Lord will keep him from, but of the sins themselves in themselves: The One is monstrous blasphemy and abominable profanation of the most holy Name of his most High and holy Maker, etc. The second extremest cruelty and tyranny against Men his fellow Creatures.  
For the first, after a new refined fashion and dress, he projects 
Two high Transgressions objected against Mr Cotton.  how to turn this whole Dunghill of the corrupt and rotten World, into a most sweet and fragrant Garden of the Church, or Dove of Christ.  
For the second, he contents not himself with the severity and cruelty of former times exercised by the Emperor's professing the Name of Christ, against such, whom they reputed heretics, but blames them for applying too favourable and gentle Medicines of Exile and Banishment, and in plain terms he saith, It had been better they had put them to death.  Truth. 
Your observation (sweet Peace) is full of piety and Mercy: It is most true, that a private opinion, or an Act of Antichristianisme and idolatry, like a dead fly, may cause a sweet pot of Christian ointment, to yield a stinking savour, but such a Doctrine, of such a general Nature and extent, as reaches to all men, to all the World (in my apprehension) should cause Men to fear and tremble at such Rocks, against which such Gallant vessels may strike, and split, if the most holy and jealous God, be pleased a little to withdraw his holy hand from the steering of them.  Peace. 
Let me (dear Truth) sum up the Heads, to which I shall request your Consideration.  
It is true (saith Mr Cotton:) when God advanced Constantine 
Touching the Roman Emperors practices in Religious. Affairs.  and other Christian Emperors to sit on the Throne, the Church soon became a wilderness, and he also seemeth to consent that the unknowing zeal of Constantine and other good Emperors did more hurt to christianity, than the raging fury of bloody Nero's: But withal he addeth that their unknowing zeal did not lie in punishing notorious Heretics, Seducers, etc. And he saith, that the Church never had hurt by such punishments. He affirmeth that it is no Sollecisme in Religion for the whole World to become Christian: that the World became Antichristian by the toleration of Princes, and their advancing of Church affairs, together with the unwatchfullnesse of such being advanced: that if the World had renounced paganism, and professed Christ to be the son of God, but yet had been kept from the Fellowship of the Church till they had approved their profession by a sincere conversation, it had been no Sollecisme, etc.  
Further, He saith, the Christian Emperors did permit heretics; to live in the field of the World, that they seldom or never put them to Death for heretical pravity (though it had been better (saith he) they had so done with some of them, but only expelled them from populous Cities and Countries, where the Gangrene might spread, etc.  Truth. 
You have well summd up (Sweet Peace) I shall 
Christ's Garden gains by violent storms, and looseth by sweet sunshines.  briefly touch these Heads, with God's assistance; and first concerning the zeal of the Roman Emperors. It is confessed by Mr Cotton, that upon the good Emperors coming to the Throne, the Church soon became a wilderness, and that was a greater hurt and mischief then ever befell the Saints and Churches under the fiery persecution of the most bloody Nero's; surely such zeal that brought forth such fruit to Christianity might seem justly to be suspected not to be kindled from Heaven, but from Men.  
2. It seems not reasonable to the weakest understanding, nor 
The Roman Emperors.  suitable to the wisdom and constant care and love of Christ Jesus to his Wife and Spouse in his absence, that the Roman Emperors should be such Godly Persons, and that also neither by Christ Jesus nor his Apostles or Messengers the least word should be directed to them, when, as yet, they were extant, in Christ's and his Messengers times; and (by the bloody Tenent) must be supposed invested with so high a calling too, so high a work and duty, as higher is not to be performed in the whole World (and that Ex Officio) to wit, the Establishing, Governing, Reforming, etc. the Church, the Spouse, and kingdom of Christ Jesus.  Peace. 2. 
The Church and Servants of Christ had great hurt (notwithstanding Mr Cottons contrary belief) by the Emperor's 
The Arrians persecuted and persecuting.  persecuting, of whom they judged heretical, partly in that the Arrians were hardened by their sufferings, and Arrianisme increased by the sufferings of the professors of it; as also that the Christians were more severely persecuted (as hath often also come to pass (in the Interchanges between the Papist and the Protestant) when the Arrians came to wear the Sword, and the Orthodox Christians were under Hatches.  Truth. 3. 
But that the whole World that wonders after and worshippeth the Beast, should yet possibly be of the small Number, that follow the lamb, and stand opposite to the Beast, on Mount Zion: That the World upon whom the vials of plagues and vengeance are to be poured according to the infallible Prophecies (not to speak of the World from other Scriptures) that 
The great Difference between this World and Christ.  this whole World (I say) should be brought into such an oneness with Christ Jesus, seems so cross to the fundamental enmity between Christ's seed and the Serpents, to the privileges of the Saints, to the purity of Christ, to the stream of Scripture, and in particular to the sweet last Will and Testament of the Lord Jesus, and the nature of his particular Flocks, etc. That I cannot wonder sufficiently, how any man professing but a small Knowledge of the Mysteries and kingdom of Christ Jesus, should be so vailed, so obscured, so to write of the state of Christ's Church and the World, as Mr Cotton doth?  Peace. 
Christ Jesus (Blessed Truth) gave not thanks to his most holy, most wise Father in vain, for hiding from Wise and Prudent, and opening to Babes and Sucklings.  Truth. 4. 
But further, Such a Conversion of People from 
A christianity strange from Christ.  idolatry to christianity, as fits them to be professors of the son of God, but yet not fits them for the Fellowship of Christians in Church State, I find not in the Testament of Christ Jesus. Surely the Conversion of the Thessalonians was not such, 2 Thess. 1. Who turned not only from idols; but to serve the living and true God, which service of God in Christ no soul uprightly in love with Christ Jesus, but (in its measure) longs after, as vehemently and cordially as ever chaste Spouse after her dearest earthly Husbands presence and Enjoyment, Cant. 1. & 3. & 5.  Peace. 
God's Spirit (in John) describes one Difference, etc. between the true Spirit and professors, and the f●●se, to wit, that such as acknowledge (that is truly as I conceive) Christ Jesus to become in the flesh, are borne of God.  Truth. 
Yea therefore consequently such a Spirit cannot be 
Antichristian christianity.  of Jesus, that makes such a profession of Christ Jesus as the devils themselves may make, and (even for want of Regeneration and Personal Grace,) the professors are not fit for the Fellowship of the true Christian Worship, and Worshippers.  
5. But lastly, if Mr Cotton, or any of his bloody Judgement wore the Imperial crown of the World's majesty, what slaughters shall we imagine the World should hear and feel? Whether would such fiery zeal transport Men? Yea what an Earthly Dunghill Religion and Worship should the most High God be served with, fit only for the Dunghill Gods and Goddesses, whom all Asi● (as the town-clerk speaks) and the World worshippeth.  Peace. 
If the Report of Mr Cottons interpreting that Scripture of Serving God with all our Might, etc. be true, to wit, of 
The bloody Tenent tends to an universal Conquest of the whole World.  employing our Civil arms and Forces to the utmost, and that against other people's professing idolatry and Antichristianisme: His Conscience (as I conceive) must needs force on and press after, an universal Conquest of all Consciences, and under that (like those bloody Spaniards, Turks and Popes) lay under that fair cloak, the Rule and Dominion over all the Nations of the Earth.  Truth. 
But may not Mr Cotton better listen to the voice of 
The bloody Tenent in its colours.  the Lord Jesus, saying to him and such of his bloody Tenent, You know not of what Spirit you are of: Were the Emperors too favourable (as Mr Cotton saith) in but Banishing? How keen a Sword would Mr Cotton draw against so many Millions of Gangrene souls throughout the Turkish and the Popish World?  Peace. 
Oh, how fare different would Mr Cottons Sword be from the Sword of the Spirit of God, proceeding from the Mouth of Christ Jesus, yet sharp enough with two edges, piercing between soul and Spirit, etc.  Truth. 
Yea how fare different from the Meek Spirit of the lamb of God, who came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them, yea how different from the former make and noted gentle Temper of Mr Cottons own Spirit, now overheat and inflamed by his unmerciful and bloody Tenent?   

Exam: of Chap. 62. replying to Chap. 65.  Peace. 
When Mr Cotton was justly observed to use the Language of lion-like persecution in these words, [More and greater Princes than these you mention have not tolerated heretics and schismatics, notwithstanding their pretence of Conscience, and their arrogating the crown of martyrdom to their sufferings] He defendeth such Language by the Scripture freedom in such terms against Sinners, which saith he, the Discusser acknowledgeth.  Truth. 
In holy Scripture are many Expressions full of holiness, 
No book or Writing ever so abused as the holy Writing & Scripture of God is.  Gravity, Love, meekness, etc. which yet are wrested by us poor Men to unholy and unchristian Ends and purposes. How many woefully pervert many grave and heavenly Passages and Expressions of holy Scripture to base and filthy jesting? How many from some sharp Expressions of Christ Jesus and Paul (in cases) take licence to rail and call Men all to naught, in Wrath, Revenge, and Passion? And how many out of pride and false zeal trampling upon the Heads and Consciences of all Men, are ready (not in an holy meek and Christian way but) in a Pharisaical, Bishop-like 
The Language of persecutors.  and Pope-like way, to roar and thunder out against God's meekest Servants the odious terms of Heretics, schismatics, Blasphemers, Seducers, etc. Which terms though used in holy Scripture, yet never in such a way, as commonly and constantly the bloody and persecuting express themselves in.  Peace. 
But what or whom means Mr Cotton in this passage, what Language have they learned, who in point of worship have left Zion, but not the Gates and suburbs of Babylon, for they set up bulwarks of impunity to secure them.  Truth. 
Surely Mr Cotton knows that none that plead against the Civil Power and Weapons in Spiritual Matters, but they also maintain, that, there ought to be in vigorous use the spiritual and two edged Sword that comes forth of Christ's Mouth (not for the impunity but) for the ruin and Destruction of all babels ●ra●s and Abominations.  Peace. 
Mr Cotton spends many lines, and quotes Austin to prove, that julian's End of tollerating heresy to grow, was to choke christianity.  Truth. 
What ever were julian's End, yet I deny that toleration 
Julian his toleration.  of the weeds of heresy and blasphemous Religion (Paganish, Turkish, Jewish, Popish) in the field of the Civil State and World, hath power to choke the vitals of christianity in the Garden or body the Church of Christ Jesus.  
And concerning Infection, It is to be observed that when 
Touching Infection of false Doctrine, etc.  the holy Scripture speaks by the Similitudes of Leaven, Gangrene, or Poisonful weeds, of Wolves, or scabbed sheep, etc. it is commonly with respect to such evils got in among the Saints and Churches, the Flocks and Gardens of Christ, where such Leaven, weeds, etc. tolerated may spread and infect: But what is this to the Lions, bears, or Wolves, not to be suffered in the wilderness, or Swine, or Dogs, in the common high ways; or weeds in the Common or Forest, which all may be, and yet the Garden, Body, and Flock of Christ be pure and safe from such Infection.  Peace. 
One passage more is very Considerable. In former Discourse about the Tares Mr Cotton was large in proving the permission of weeds, even in the Church of Christ, and that until Christ's coming, and that after they be discovered to be Hypocrites.  Truth. 
O what a Distance is between that Doctrine and this 
Hypocrites tolerated in the Church, but not in the World.  here? There the Tares must not be touched in the Garden of the Church, here they must not be suffered abroad in the field of the World, for fear of choking the good plants in the Garden of Christ. Who can find out how these Doctrines suit with godliness, with Reason, or Themselves?  Peace. 
But now you speak of suiting: It is (saith Mr Cotton) (for a close) a plain Contradiction of the Discussers former Speech to say, that persecuting of others was a means of choking christianity, whereas he had said, that Constantine's unknowing zeal did more hurt to Christ's kingdom, than the raging fury of the most bloody Nero's.  Truth. 
Let the words be well weighed, and no such Affirmation will be found: The words are, [It was not when Christians lodged in cold Prisons, but in Down Beds of Ease, and persecuted others.] The Discusser made not persecution to be a means of choking christianity, but attributes the loss of Christians Life and Love, to those Beds of their abused Sweet prosperity.  
2. If he had made persecution a means to choke christianity, it had been the persecution of Christians among Themselves, and not the persecution of bloody Nero's: Which yet if it had been so, it might yet be no Contradiction, for Nero's persecution might do hurt, although Constantine's unknowing zeal might do much more.   

Exam: of Chap. 63. replying to Chap. 66.  Peace. 
MAster Cotton here being understood to smile on Q: Elizabeth for persecuting the Papists, and to ●●●wne on K: James for persecuting the (so named) Puritan, he denies neither, but insists only upon the Number, that as many and as great Princes are against toleration as for it, and in particular Q: Elizabeth and K: James.  Truth. 
I say (as before) I should never use an Argument 
Touching the Persecution of K: James and Q: Elizabeth.  from the Number of Princes (no more than from the Number of any other men) for any truth of Christ Jesus: Who as he was not pleased himself to be borne of the sons of Nobles, so hath he not chosen many Nobles and Wise men of this World to be borne of him: Yet 2. If that be his Argument, he hath not satisfied, in naming these two, for more were named by the Prisoner, and besides one of those Witnesses, K: James abundantly declared himself, not only against persecuting of Papists, but against all persecution in general, what ever otherwise or afterwards his practices were against some Persons, as Mr Cotton too truly allegeth.  Truth. 
In the next Passage the Discusser having objected that both Q: Elizabeth and K: James did persecute according to their Consciences, and arguing why should the one (namely) K: James be more blamed for persecuting according to his Conscience, than Q: Elizabeth for persecuting according to hers: Mr Cotton distinguisheth of Consciences: The Queen's saith he, was rightly informed, but the Kings was not. When it was replied, that either K: James, and such Princes whose Consciences (according to Mr Cottons Conscience) are ill informed, must act according to their Consciences, or else they want the Qualification and fitness for such places: Mr Cotton answers two Things.  
First, that such Qualifications are not essential, but integral.  
Secondly, That such Princes must forbear all Civil Censures in matters of Religion until they be better informed.  Truth. 
It is most true as Mr Cotton saith, if we speak of the right of Succession, a child may be a Lawful King (as K. James himself was being but a year old) But if we speak of the Qualifications of the mind, by which a King is enabled to rule his State (as is supposed ecclesiastical and civil, and to judge under Christ Jesus in all Causes ecclesiastical as well as civil: Surely, he that knows not which is the true Church, true ministry, true Ordinances; yea and persecutes the true Church, ministry, and Worship, what ever his Qualifications be for the Government of the 
Touching the Qualification of Princes.  Civil State, yet can it never be made good that he is furnished with any Essential Qualification for the Spiritual Administration, any more than He that undertakes to be a Guide, and yet is blind, and never set foot in the way, and knows not the true from the false: Or to be a Captain general, yea or but a shepherd, etc. 2. Beside, Christ Jesus never called any person to any Employment of his, to any work, whom he inables not in a Measure proportionably, etc.  Peace. 
In such cases (saith Mr Cotton) Princes are called to suspend and forbear all Execution of Civil Censures in the matters of Religion, till they be better informed, lest they do persecute the Son of God in stead of the Son of Perdition.  Truth. 
I answer: First, Then Mr Cotton hath cut off K: James from acting, though so long esteemed and sworn supreme in all Causes ecclesiastical.  
Secondly, I ask, how many shall forbear, and how long, 
Touching Magistrates suspending from acting in matters of Religion.  for evident than it is that most (beyond all comparison) of all the Princes and Magistrates in the World, must not meddle with this pretended chief part of their duty and Office, and that (if they convert not) for the whole Course and Race of their Life: In particular, that no Pagan Magistrate (of all the ten thousands in the World, no Persian, Turkish, Popish, nor Protestant (if prelatical or Presbyterian,) ought to exercise any of this High and Glorious Power, but only such Princes and Magistrates as are of Mr Cottons Conscience; for otherwise what Prince in the world more learned King in his time then King James, yet was not he of Mr Cottons Conscience.  Peace. 
Dear Truth: The fall of this partiality is so apparent, 
Monstrous partiality.  and withal so fowl, that I think it impossible, but ere long it must needs be condemned by Men on Earth, as doubtless it is abhorred by the most holy and impartial God, and his holy angels in Heaven: Upon this occasion I call to mind that famous Act of the so greatly renowned Constantine, who in his first wearing of the diadem, put forth (his Colleauge Licinius concurring also) 
Constantine's Edict.  a famous and most solemn Charter and Edict, that no man throughout the whole Empire should be constrained in his Religion.  Truth. 
Mr Cotton (according to his proviso of suspension) must doubtless applaud Constantine for this his Forbearance until he were better informed, whereas afterward his Edicts against Arrius and Arrianisme, testify his practice to the contrary. But he that shall read seriously in God's presence that first Edict of Constantine and Licinius, will there find Constantine to use such Arguments, as might for ever have caused him to have forbore persecution, to have still suspended, to have gratified the Subjects of all his Empire with liberty and freedom in the Point of Worship and Religion.  
But I will End this Passage with this Querie; If Christ Jesus have left such Power with the Civil Rulers of the World, kingdoms, 
Fowl imputations cast on Christ Jesus.  and Countries, of or for the Establishing, Governing, and Reforming his Church, what is become of his Care and Love, wisdom and faithfulness, since in all Ages (since he left the Earth) for the general, beyond all exception, he hath left her destitute of such qualified Princes and governors, and in the Course of his Providence furnished her with such, whom he knew would be, and all men find as fit, as Wolves to protect and feed his sheep and People.   

Exam: of Chap. 64. replying to Chap. 67.  Peace. 
When it was questioned, what good to the souls or Bodies of their Subjects did those Princes bring in persecuting! Mr Cotton produceth a good ●i●●fold that is brought to Princes and Subjects by the due punishment of Apostates, Seducers, Idolaters, and Blasphemers.  Truth. 
Let all that fear God and Mr Cotton himself be persuaded to observe, whether under this fair cloak of punishing these and these spiritual sinners, he maintain not strongly (what elsewhere he denies) to wit, Persecution for cause of Conscience. But we know the Evasion. It is not for Apostatising, seducing out of Conscience, but after Conviction, against their Conscience, etc.  Peace. 
You have before satisfied me (besides other Passages) 
unchristian tribunals.  with this one, that to this End of discerning the poor heretics sinning against his Conscience, the Civil State, the Earth, the World must necessarily Erect its tribunal, to judge not only Civil Things, but even the Heart and Conscience also; but now to Mr Cottons fivefold good.  
First (saith he) it puts away evil from the People, by cutting off a Gangrene which would spread to further ungodliness, Deut. 13. 5. 2 Tim. 2. 1. 6. 7. 13.  Truth. 
I answer, these Scriptures (though pure and holy in 
Dent. 13. 5. & 2 Tim. 2. 16. Unchristianly conjoined.  their places, yet) are here coupled together as Linsey Wollsey, contrary to the Law. Deut. 13. which concerns the typical Nationall Church, using Nationall & temporal Weapons: The 2 Tim. 2. concerns the Particular Congregations or Churches of Christians, using only the Sword of God's Spirit, the Word of God, etc.  
Beside, Deut. 13. concerned such a People whom the Lord brought forth of Egypt with Miracles, into Canaan, etc. Let any such People be now produced, excepting the Christian (particular) Churches. Why doth Mr Cotton then allege this Scripture so frequently, and in these five Reasons brings two from hence; This the first; and the Third, to wit, that all the People may hear and fear, etc. which is alone made good in the Antitype or Christian Church; according to that 1 Tim. 5. 20. Rebuke them that sin openly, that others may learn to fear.  2. Peace. 
Mr Cotton mentioneth a second good, which is driving away Wolves from worrying and scattering the sheep of Christ.  Truth. 
This was largely answered in discoursing the nature of mystical or spiritual Wolves, upon that very place which he quotes, Acts 20. From whence it may evidently appear that from the literal urging of such mystical Scriptures, all Peoples and Nations are enforced (and that Conscientiously) like Wolves and lions to tear and devour each other.  3. Peace. 
Mr Cotton adds, that Punishments are wholesome Medicines to such as are curable of such Evils, Zach. 13. 4, 5, 6.  Truth. 
I answer; All the holy Appointments of God are most powerful (in their several respective seasons, and manner of Dispensations, to his own most holy Ends and purposes, etc. The Material Nationall Sword in the Nationall Church of Israel before Christ: and the Spiritual Sword, in the spiritual and Christian Church since his coming to abolish those shadows.  
As it was therefore in vain to have cut off or Excommunicated 
Touching Excommunication in Israel.  spiritually in that Nationall State: So is it in vain to use the material or carnal Sword in the spiritual. Wherefore (according to this place of Zach.) a true penitent will bless God for the Wounds of Friends and Lovers (faithful and sharp dealing) and for Deliverance from the kiss of deceitful flattery: But what is this to prove (that which is so much denied) to wit, Corporal Death or Wounds now to be inflicted upon false Teachers in these times of the Gospel, and that in all parts and Nations of the World.  4. Peace. 
The punishment, saith Mr Cotton, executed upon false Prophets and seducing Teachers, do bring down showers of God's blessing upon the Civil State, 1 King. 18. 40, 41.  Truth. 
If that Nationall State of Israel, and that Nationall or 
Ans:  Corporeal kill of so many hundreth false Prophets, and that literal drought and literal showers of rain and plenty were figures of no other Prophets and slaughters, drought and showers, but literal, material, and corporeal, (now since the Body and Substance Christ Jesus is come): What should hinder but that those Priests of Israel, and Sacrifices, and Temple, and Nationall Church should all be in force, for our Imitation, literally, the one as well as ●he other?  Peace. 
I cannot possibly conceive but that (all being of the same Nature,) the one is typical as well as the other, and that they must flourish and be glorious (as Gods Ordinances,) or vanish and disappear (giving place to brighter dispensations) at the arising of Christ Jesus the Son of righteousness.  Truth. 
Hence false Apostles, false Teachers, false Prophets, are 
Spiritual Blessings and Curses the Antitypes of Corporall before Christ.  Spiritually cut off, Revel. 2. 2 Pet. 2. Gal. 4. And spiritual showers of Blessings descend upon the Israel of God; for although corporeal Blessings of Food and Raiment and plenty, are God's blessings, yet principally under the Gospel God blesseth his Israel, the Antitype with spiritual Blessings, Eph. 1. Houses, Lands, Fathers, Mothers, Children, etc. with persecution, Mark. 10.  Peace. 
Me thinks (dear Truth) If Christ Jesus had appointed 
Great oversight imputed to Christ Jesus.  such punishments, such executions, literal, in the Christian Church, he would also have appointed Offices and Officers suitable and proper for such Ends and purposes, such punishments, such executions.  Truth. 
It cannot otherwise with Reason and common prudence 
If civil punishments for spiritual offences: they must be inflicted by holy and Christian Instruments and Officers.  be supposed, but that, if Christ Jesus had appointed (which we find not in his holy Testament) holy and Christian Magistrates for those great decrees and sentences, we should also have read of his holy Constables, holy Sergeants, holy Prisons, holy Stocks, holy Whipping Posts, holy Gibbets, and holy Tyburnes; together also with holy Hangmen, the spiritual Instruments and Officers of Christ Jesus, for the Executions of his holy punishments upon Apostates, heretics, Blasphemers, Idolaters, Seducers, etc.  5. Peace. 
God's Justice (saith Mr Cotton) is honoured in the Execution of such Judgements, Revel. 16. 5, 6.  1. Truth. 
I have (to my understanding) formerly showed Mr Cottons mistake in his expounding of this third viol, and have presented an Exposition more agreeable with the scope of this prophecy.  Peace. 2. 
God was honoured in all his Judgements which the Tyrants of the World have executed, (the Babylonian, Persian, Grecian, Roman) yet not by way of Law and Ordinance, but in the way of his holy providence and just permission.  3. Truth. 
Yea the Witnesses of Jesus, by the twoedged Sword of God in their Mouths, execute God's Judgements, to the vindicating of God's Glory, and their innocence, (Revel. 11.) although they used no carnal Weapon.  
4. The holy Name of God is much dishonoured and profaned, when the Inventions of Men are set up, against his holy Appointments, 
A true Christ, a true Sword; a false Christ, a false Sword.  and when the Sword of steel (in spiritual cases) is drawn in stead of the spiritual Sword, proceeding out of the Mouth of Christ Jesus in his servants testimony. All such worship, is but vain or idle worship (Mark. 7.) and such is the carnal Sword and Executions of it.  Peace. 
Whereas it was observed, that Mr Cotton acknowledged that Queen Elizabeth had well near fired all Europe, by such Executions, Mr Cotton answers, God bore witness to his Truth in Deliverances: And when it was replied, that success doth not prove causes true, Mr Cotton answers, yes; Psal. 1. 3, 4. Jer. 22. 15, 16, 17.  Truth. 
I reply, Temporal prosperity, success, etc. were proper in that temporal and Civil State, of that Nationall Church, and spiritual Blessing and prosperity proper in the Gospel now, Ephes. 1.  Peace. 2. 
It was answered that God had given victory to the Papists, especially against the Waldenses (and the Beast makes war against the Witnesses, Revel. 11. and overcomes them, etc.) Mr Cotton herein first observeth a Contradiction, in the words, to wit, that the Papists ever had the victory, and yet their success hath been various.  Truth. 
I reply; the words are not that the Papists had ever the Victory, but that they ever had both Victory and Dominion; which words may be true, although that the Event were sometimes various.  2. Peace. 
Again (saith Mr Cotton) Queen Elizabeth ever had the victory against the Papists.  Truth. 
I answer; Many gracious Deliverances God vouchsafed 
Q: Elizabeth her wars against the Papists.  to Q: Elizabeth, yet sometimes her Armies prospered not against the Papists, as in that famous Expedition of Essex, Drake and Norris (though in a most righteous cause,) against the Papists of Spain and Portugal, as also against the Papists in Ireland and the Low Countries, at sometimes.  
2. Grant not only Deliverances, but Victories and success, Her cause (how ever intermingled) was civil Defence of her kingdom, against Invation and Ambition, Dominion and Conquest, by practices of tyranny and oppression, both against the English and the Hollanders (especially) as appeared by the horrible Exactions, Outrages, murders and Slaughters committed upon them by D'alva the King of Spain's general.  Peace. 
But although the Papists (saith Mr Cotton) fought with various success, yet it is God's manner to nurture his People with some crosses, to teach them not to fight in their own strength, etc.  Truth. 
Yea and it might also teach them not to fight but with Christ's Weapons in Christ's Cause; who hath said, That all that take the Sword, that is, (as I conceive) in Christ's cause, shall perish by it, Matth. 26. 52.  3. Peace. 
Concerning the Walldenses Mr Cotton saith, They 
The wars of the Waldenses.  never lost victory, but when they complied with the Papists, and trusted more to their false praetences, then to the Lord. And he adds, that it is not true, that the final success of victory fell to the Papists, to the utter extirpation of those Walldenses; for saith he, those Witnesses were not extirpated but dispersed.  Truth. 
For their Complying with Papists, alas, what can Gods little flock, his two Witnesses do with carnal weapons, unless assisted by carnal Men, to whom this carnal course causeth them to bow down, dissemble, lie, etc. as holy David with Achish and his Philistims.  
2. For the success it is evident that the Waldenses and their Adherents, were so defeated by the Pope's Armies, that in respect of any power to resist, the Armies of the Waldenses were wholly extirpated, although it is true (through God's o're-powring hand) the Truths of Christ (which the holy Waldensian Witnesses testified) were more and more propagated by their Dispersions, 
Acts 8. & 11.  Christ Jesus gains more by preaching his Truth in a flying persecuted dispersion, then by fight on horseback with carnal weapons in carnal companies, etc.  4. Peace. 
But, whereas it was observed from Daniel and John their Prophecies, that Antichrist was foretold to obtain great success against Christ Jesus, for a time determined: Mr Cotton saith, Not against Christ Jesus, but his Servants, and that either in suffering for his Truth, or when they ill handled his Cause.  Truth. 
Be it so, yet the prophecies were true, and truly were fulfiled, and it is God's counsel that for the time appointed, Christ Jesus in his Truths and Servants is despised, Psal. 89. etc. How can then temporal victory and prosperity be expected by Christ's followers for Christ's Cause, or the temporal Sword be an Ordinance for Christ's spiritual kingdom and Worship?  5. Peace. 
Now lastly, when the weapons of the Saints Victories 
Christian weapons.  were mentioned three; (Revel. 12.) 1. Christ's blood. 2. The Word of their testimony. 3. Their own blood: Mr Cotton answers; this is true in private Christians: But (saith he) the Sword of Gideon, the public Magistrate is the Lords Sword, etc. when drawn out for God's cause and Worship, according to God, is Victorious, Revel. 17. with Revel. 19 14. 19, 20.  Truth. 
I answer; gideon's Sword (if well examined) will be found a Figure of that sharp Sword of that great captain and General Christ Jesus. This Sword comes forth of his Mouth in the 
Christ's Sword.  preach and Writings of his Servants: other sword we never find he used in all his battles against all his Adversaries: yea even against the devil himself and his Instruments.  Peace. 
Yea, those very Victories of the Saints, Revel. 19 are 
Christ's wars and Victories, Revel. 17.  expressly won with that Sword which comes forth of his Mouth: And his own white Horse, and the Horses of his Followers, and the white linen with which they are clothed, cannot with any show of Christian Reason hold forth the carnal praeparation of white Horses, (literally) Guns, Swords, etc. But of the Word of Meekness, innocence and righteousness (which is interpreted the Fine linen, vers. 8.)  Truth. 
To shut up this Chapter, gideon's army and artillery and victory, cannot be type of such Material Armies, artillery, 
gideon's Army typical.  and Victories, but of a Spiritual army, fight with the Light and testimony of God's Truth openly proclaimed, and the cheerful breaking of the earthen vessels of their Bodies for Christ's Cause, when in conclusion, the Antichristian Midianites (by their Divisions and Combustions) run their Swords in each others bowels, with mutual slaughters and Destructions; as woeful experiences hath declared.   

Exam: of Chap. 65. replying to Chap. 68  Peace. 
FRom the Argument of the testimony of Kings and Princes concerning persecution for matters of Religion in their kingdoms and Dominions, the Prisoner descended to the Argument from ancient Writers: unto some of which saith the Discusser, the Answerer pleaseth to make Answer: Unto this Mr Cotton replies; As if any of them were omitted, or as if all of them were not answered: Compare the Prisoners Letter and mine together, and see if I have balked any one of them.  Truth. 
Mr Cotton would here insinuate a false Charge: I have compared the Prisoners Letter, and the Answer, and although Mr Cotton hath said something to something, which every one of them spoke: Yet he that impartially will view the Passages shall find, that although in strictness of Gammer Rules, he may not be said to omit to say something to each of them, yet in respect of Matter and Argument, he hath touched but some, and that but lightly, as the Candle of Examination will make it appear.  Peace. 
Hilarius words in the Letter are these: The Christian 
The Christian Church doth not persecute, but is persecuted.  Church doth not persecute, but is persecuted: and lamentable it is to see the great folly of these Times, and to fie at the foolish opinion of this World, in that Men think by humane aid to help God, and with worldly pomp and power to undertake to defend the Christian Church: I ask you Bishops, what help used the Apostles in the publishing of the Gospel? With the aid of what power did they Preach Christ, and convert the Heathen from their idolatry to God? When they were in prisons, and lay in chains, did they praise or give thanks to God for any Dignities or Graces and Favours received from the Court? Or do you think that Paul went about with Regal Mandates or Kingly authority, to gather and establish the Church of Christ? Sought he protection from Nero, Vespasian, & c? The Apostles wrought with their own hands for their Maintenance, traveled by Land, and wandered from town to city to preach Christ: Yea the more they were forbidden, the more they taught and preached Christ: But now alas Humane help must assist and protect the Faith, and give countenance to it, and by vain and worldly Honours do men seek to defend the Church of Christ, as if he by his power were unable to perform it.  Truth. 
How many golden heavenly Sentences (like so many precious jewels) are treasured up, in the Cabinet of this holy testimony of Hilarius? And yet, but some of them, nay only one of them doth Mr Cotton choose to answer, to wit, this, The Christian Church doth not persecute, but is persecuted.  Truth. 
Dear Peace, Each inch and shred of heavenly Gold is precious, forget not therefore the Addition in the Letter, Hilary against the Arrians thus: The Church which formerly by enduring misery and Imprisonment, was known to be the true 
Worldly glory and persecution characters of the false Church.  Church, doth now terrify others by Imprisonment, Banishment, and misery, and boasteth that ●hee is highly esteemed of the World, whereas the true Church cannot but be hated of the same. In which and other Passages of Hilarius Mr Cotton might see as in a glass, the foul spots of his own and New England's face, in a most lively testimony against both bloody tenants and practices.  Peace. 
To close upon the Point: Mr Cotton saith, He cannot make it a mark of a Christian Church to be persecuted, for (Acts 9 31.) the Churches had rest, etc. Nor a mark of a false Church to persecute; for, Asa persecuted the Prophet (2 Chron. 16. 10.) Acts 7. 51. the true Church persecuted the Prophets.  Truth. 
When the Scripture or common Reason speaks of a common mark or Character, proper to one they deny not; but in an Act, or unusual cases that mark or Character may be 
The sins of God's children.  worn by the Contraries. Noah was drunk; Abraham lies; David commits adultery: yet lying, drunkenness and whoredom were not their ordinary Characters, but the marks of the common liars, Drunkards and Adulterers of this World: David stobd Vriah with his Pen, and Asa imprisoned the Prophet; yet these Acts were not their ordinary Badges, but rather Spots or Blemishes, Warts, or Scabs, which grew on and were cast off (like Paul's Viper) without the note of a constant mark or character.  
It is the property of Fire to ascend, and Water to descend, yet the Scripture relates of the descending of Fire, and the ascending of Water, which takes not away the ordinary Nature of the mark and character of Fires ascending, and Waters descending the Hills and mountains.  
An arrant Whore is not always in actual whoredom and blood, though both are her marks and Dispositions: A chaste wife or Virgin abhors both, and yet by force or great Temptation, may be vanquished (as Bathsheba) which afterwards the tears of godly Sorrow and Repentance wash away.  Peace. 
Yea but, the Question is (saith Mr Cotton) whether Magistrates may not punish arrogant heretics and Seducers?  Truth. 
In all ages God hath permitted, Golden Images (like 
Christ's Witnesses.  nebuchadnezars) to be set up, I say State Worships and Religions! And he hath also provided his Witnesses to testify his Truth against such Abominations: Such Witnesses dissenting, nonconforming, and refusing to come to the Common Assemblies of such Worshippers (to come to Church in plain English) to yield conformity, to Subscribe, to swear, etc. are commonly cried down for Heretics, schismatics, etc. And if they open their Lips in defence of their own Conscience, and profession of God's Truth! Seducers, Seducers, Blasphemers, Blasphemers.  2. Peace. 
But 2. saith Mr Cotton) it is another begging of the Question, to take it for granted, that it is a mark of no true Church to procure the Civil punishment of incorrigible, obstinate heretics and Seducers.  Truth. 
I intent by a mark of character, an inbred constant disposition, put forth in a constant and ordinary practice: And then 
A true Wife of Christ no persecutor.  I dare challenge Mr Cotton to produce any true Church of Christ, either in Scripture or history, that did ordinarily and constantly profess and practise to stir up the Civil Magistrate against such whom they judged incorrigible obstinate heretics and Seducers.  Peace. 
That which follows is full of Wonder and Astonishment, for Mr Cotton confessing the Christian Church doth not persecute, that is (saith he) persecute in Excommunicating the 
Touching persecution what it is.  heretic) it was replied; this is but an Evasion, for who denies Power to Christ's Church to Excommunicate? or who understands by Excommunication, persecution for Conscience? Mr Cotton answers; the Prisoner did nont express himself, what persecution he meant, and also since false Excommunication is a great persecution, and so Christ Jesus himself esteems of it, Luk. 21. 22.  Truth. 
I have formerly and must again appeal to the nature of the word, commonly used and taken, and ask, if persecution properly so taken be not a corporeal violence, or hunting for Religion and Conscience sake! And then half an eye will see through this poor and thin excuse and covering, notwithstanding that false excommunication be a spiritual persecution, and the abuse of the spiritual Sword be also deeper and fouler than the abuse of the civil and material.  Peace. 
To this (upon the Point) Mr Cotton consented, to wit, that Hilarius complaint, speaketh not to Excommunication, but civil censures, and therefore answers, first by proportion that excommunication of an heretic is no persecution, and therefore by proportion neither is the civil punishment of an Heretic, persecution. By concession of Hilaries words, that the Apostles did not, and we may not propagate Religion by the Sword.  Truth. 
The Question with Hilary was not whether a true Church did persecute an Heretic Idolater, Blasphemer, etc. but whether a true Church persecuted at all by civil censures: Now 
Difference between a civil and spiritual State.  there being two States, the civil or corporeal, and the ecclesiastical or spiritual: There are conseqnently two sorts of laws, two sorts of Transgressions, two sorts of punishments, to wit, civil and spiritual, and there must of necessity be two sorts of false or corrupt punishments, which are not just punishments, but oppressions, persecutions or hunt, to wit, the Civil persecution and the spiritual: Now Mr Cotton (confounding Heaven and Earth together) deceives himself and others by a notion of spiritual persecution, to wit, by Excommunication, contrary to Hilaries scope, and the scope of this whole Dispute and controversy.  
I may illustrate it thus: Some tutors of King's Children, not being authorized to correct the Bodies of such young Princes, are said sometimes (not without some desert) to correct the Bodies of inferiors (the young Prince's Favourites,) by which the minds of such young Princes smarted sufficiently, if not exceedingly. 
The nature of spiritual punishment.  I parallel not the similitude in all respects, but to illustrate the difference and distinction, between a spiritual punishment of the mind, and spirit, soul and affections, with which Christ Jesus hath furnished his Churches: and that civil or corporal punishment, which he never gave them power to inflict (unless in miraculous dispensation) over the Bodies of any, directly or indirectly by Themselves or others.  Peace. 
It is an everlasting Truth; Rightly distinguish, rightly Teach: but let us view Mr Cottons Second Answer, He grant that the Christian Religion was not, nor is not to be propagated by the Sword.  Truth. 
Then let Heaven and Earth judge, if Mr Cotton may not (in this case) out of his own mouth be judged, since in this whole Discourse he sets the visible Headship of Christ Jesus (that golden Head, Cant. 5.) over the Church and all her Officers, 
The nature of Christ's spiritual Government.  Doctrines and Practices, (in the power of Correcting, Reforming, etc.) on the shoulders of the Civil State, the Ministers and Officers thereof: provided that they execute not this Headship or Government, except they be able to judge, that is, (in English) provided they be of his Conscience and Judgement, and so consequently will judge and execute, according to the Clergies (though implicit) decree and sentence.  Peace. 
It is not much unlike that Mr Cotton affirmeth in the 
The civil Powers and Officers the Clergies Executioners.  words following: for although he confesseth it is not proper for Christian Churches to inflict Civil punishments by Themselves, yet makes he (as all Popes and Popish persecutors have done) the Magistrates and Civil powers, their servants and slaves for execution, etc.  Truth. 
This Mr Cotton covers over with this Similitude, saying that although it is not proper for lambs to tear Wolves, yet if they were reasonable they would run to their shepherds to send out their Dogs after them.  
Now under this fine Paint and vizard of Lamb like dispositions of shepherds, the Bishops, Presbyterians, and Independents, may render the Civil Magistrate not as shepherds, but no other upon the point and in plain English, than their servants and Executioners, to punish such on whom the clergy first have past their Sentence. The bloody Papists have commonly used to persecute Christ Jesus formally and judicially, delivering over Christ Jesus (in his Servants,) orderly to Pontius Pilate, the Secular Power. The Protestant persecutors use a finer veil (every ugly vizard will not so deceive) for though they practise not so above board, in respect of a formal and judicial delivering of Christ (the heretic) unto their Shepherd Pontius Pilate the Secular power, yet they do it, and do it as substantially and fully by preaching and chalking out to then servants the Magistrates, their task, I say, as fully as ever the bloody Popes, the Bishops; or their chancellors did.  Peace. 
But why (saith Mr Cotton) should a Christian Church spare an Idolater tempting of her now, any more than the eye of an holy Israelite was to spare the like tempter's in the days of old, Deut. 13. 3?  Truth. 
Mr Cotton cannot get over this block, though it be but a shadow, yea the shadow of a shadow, abolished by Christ Jesus: 
Spiritual Judgements more terrible since Christ, then corporal before his coming.  Mr Cotton a little before grants that the power of spiritual chains far exceeds the power of material, and if so how clear is it, that the spiritual impartiality and severity of a Virgin Israelite now, is incomparably sharper and more dreadful, by putting spiritually to Death such as Tempt them from the Lord their God, who hath brought them forth of Egypt into spiritual Canaan, than the impartiality and severity of any literal Israelite, against such as tempted them from the Lord, who in a Type had brought them forth of material Egypt into material Canaan?  
I add (sweet Peace) to end this Chapter, If the Father of Lights graciously please to open a crevice of Light to that (otherwise) excellent and piercing eye of Mr Cotton in this controversy, he will confess concerning this cutting off in Israel these two things.  
First, that the cutting off in material Israel, was by Swords, 
The cutting off or Excommunicating from the holy Land of Israel figurative and typical.  Stones, etc. a cutting off from the holy Land, and a casting out of God's sight, which cutting off God executed either by legal Judgement and Sentence among Themselves, or by furious hand of persecutors and oppressors, slaughtering or captivating that People.  
Secondly, That there is no other cutting off in the Gospel, but by the spiritual Sword of the Word & Ordinances of Christ, or the violent hand of Oppressors, Antichristians, etc. carrying Gods Israel captive into mystical Babylon, or Egypt of false Worship, or worldly corruption, which is ten thousand-fold more terrible and dreadful, than the literal and material captivity of Israel.   

Exam: of Chap. 66. replying to Chap. 69.  Peace. 
HEre Mr Cotton complains of wrong, in that the Discusser chargeth him to plead for persecution, and yet confesseth that he agrees with Hilary.  Truth. 
Mr Cotton indeed agrees with Hilary in general profession, that the Gospel is not to be propagated by Sword, but in particulars he affirms, the Blasphemer, the Idolater, the heretic, the Seducer is to be persecuted. In the general he saith, the Magistrate may not constrain any to believe & profess the Truth, yet in particulars; thus far saith he, a man may be constrained by the 
A twofold w●y of constraint.  magistrate's withdrawing Countenance and Favour, encouragement and Employment from him, which affirming, what doth he else but affirm that he may be constrained, deposed, punished, that is, persecuted.  Peace. 
Indeed such kind of punishment, as to displace men, to keep them out from all offices, or places of Trust and Credit (because of difference of Conscience) may prove in the particular a greater affliction and punishment, than a Censure, a Fine, Imprisonment, yea sometimes more bitter to some Spirits than Death itself.  Truth. 
Yea and Mr Cottons ground is both unsafe and dark, and needs a candle of Light to discover the bottom and compass of it: Such, saith he, as walk not according to their Light, are neither true servants to God nor Man, but  
First, what means hear Mr Cotton by Light? Light in this 
What it is to walk according to a man's Light.  sense is commonly taken two ways.  
First, For that is Light indeed, to wit, the precious Light of Gods revealed will.  
Secondly, That which so appears to be, to a man's mind and Conscience, but may be a falsehood, a lie, a mistake, and darkness. Mr Cotton had done well to have distinguished, for (before) he blamed King James for walking according to his Light: and although (upon the point) he makes the Civil Magistrates in all parts of the World, the Heads, protectors, and governors of Christ's Church, yet if the eyes of these Heads see not by his Light, he cuts off these Heads, forbidding them to act as Heads, and to walk according to their Light, they must (as often he tells us) suspend, until they have Light, etc.  2. Peace. 
Beside, it comes oft to pass, that the Light which 
Conviction twofold: Sufficient in itself: or to the party efficacious.  shines by preaching or practice of others, although it be a mean sufficient to convince, if God please to bless it, yet until the Consciences of men be convinced of the Light of it, I Judge it cannot properly be said to be the Light of their Consciences, nor they to sin against the Light of their Consciences.  3. Truth. 
Yea, and there is a moral virtue, a moral fidelity, ability and honesty, which other men (beside Church members) are, by good nature and education, by good laws and good examples nourished and trained up in, that civil places of Trust and Credit need not to be monopolised into the hands of Church-Members (who sometimes are not fitted for them) and all others deprived and despoiled of their natural & civil Rights and Liberties.  Peace. 
But what say you (dear Truth) to Mr Cottons apology for New England (for as for constraint in old he is silent) he saith he knows not of any constraint upon any to come to Church, to pay Church Duties, and saith it is not so in his town.  Truth. 
If Mr Cotton be forgetful, sure he can hardly be ignorant of the laws and Penalties extant in New England that are (or if repealed have been) against such as absent Themselves from Church Morning and Evening, and for nonpayment of Church-Duties, although no Members.  
For a freedom of Not paying in his town, it is to their commendation 
Touching the Maintenance of the new English Ministers.  and God's praise, who hath showed him and others more of his holy Truth: Yet who can be ignorant of the Sessments upon all in other towns, of the many Suits and Sentences in Courts (for nonpayment of Church-Duties) even against such as are no Church Members? Of the Motions and plead of some (not the meanest of their Ministers) for Tithes? And how ever for my part I believe Mr Cotton ingeniously willing, that none be forced expressly to pay to his Maintenance, yet I question whether he would work if he were not well paid: And I could relate also what is commonly reported abroad, to wit, that the rich Merchants and people of Boston would never give so freely, if they were forced, yet now they are forced to give for shame (I take it) in the Public Congregation.  
The Indians of this country have a Way called Nanówwe, or Giving their Commodities freely, by which they get better bargains, then if they stood stiffly on their terms of Anaqúshento, or Trading: And when not satisfied to the utmost, they grudge, revile, etc. It cannot be, but that to such deceitfulness of Heart Mr Cotton is subject as well as others, though Love bids me, and others, to hope the best.  Peace. 
The close of this Chapter seems strange and wonderful, 
Of propagating Religion by the Sword.  for Mr Cotton acknowledged that Propagation of Religion ought not to be by the Sword, and yet instantly again maintains he the use of the Sword when persons (which then must be judged by the Civil State) blaspheme the true God and the true Religion, and also seduce others to damnable heresy and idolatry: But this (saith he) is not the Propagation of Religion, but the preserving of it, and if it do conduce to Propagation, it is only Removendo prohibens.  Truth. 
What is this Removendo prohibens, but as the weeding of a Field or Garden? And every Husbandman will say, that the end of such his work, is the propagation and increase of his grain and fruit, as well as the making of his fence, and planting and sowing of his Field or Garden: What therefore is this Confession, (though with this Distinction) but in truth an acknowledgement of what in Words and terms, he yet denies (with Hilary) to wit, a propagating of Christian Religion and Truth by the Civil Sword?  
2. Besides it is the same hand and power that plucks up the weeds, and plants the corn, and consequently, that same hand and Sword that destroys the heretic, may make the Christian, etc.   

Exam: of Chap. 67. replying to Chap. 70.  Peace. 
COncerning tertullias speech, and especially that Branch, to win, that [By the Law of natural equity, Men are not to be compelled to any Religion, but permitted to believe or not believe at all] Mr. Cotton answers, that they do permit the Indians, but it will not therefore be safe to toller▪ te the public Worship of devils or idols. The Discusser replied, that they do permit the Indians in their Paganish Worship, and 
Touching the Indians of New-England  therefore were partial to their Countrymen and others: Mr Cotton answers; that it is not true, that they do so permit the Indians, what ever they may do privately: That the Indians submit to the ten commandments, and that some of their Ministers have preached to them in English, which hath been interpreted: That one now preacheth in their own Language: Further, That they permit strangers in their Worship. And for their Countrymen, for the most part that they worship God with them: They which are distant have liberty of public prayer and preaching, by such as themselves choose without disturbance.  Truth. 
Concerning the Indians, it is most true, that the Monahigganéucks, Mishawomêucks, Pawtuckséucks, and Cawsumséucks (who profess to submit to the English) continue in their public Paganish Worship of devils, I say openly and constantly.  Peace. 
Yea but (saith Mr Cotton) they have submitted to the ten commandments.  Truth. 
I answer; the ten commandments contain a Renunciation of all false Gods and Worships, and a Worshipping of the true God, according to his own Institutions and Appointments, which their practice is as fare from, as midnight is from midday.  
2. To put men upon observations of God's Worship, as Prayer, 
Worshipping of God and Christ before the foundation of Repentance, is nothing but Antichristian disorder.  etc. before the Foundations of Repentance from dead works (their worshipping of idols, etc.) is as fare from the Order of Christ Jesus, and his Christian principles (whereof Repentance from dead works is the first) as the building of an House or Palace, without the first groundsel or Foundation laid.  Peace. 
Mr Cotton therefore saith, they preach unto them.  Truth. 
I from my soul wish that all the Lords people in New England were Prophets, yea true Apostolical Ministers or Preachers, truly furnished with Christ's Abilities, and Christ's Commission, to go forth to convert and baptise the Nations, even these Wildest of the Nations of Adam's Children: But Conversion of Nations Mr Cotton saith (upon Revel. 15.) until the seven plagues of the seven angels be fulfiled, will not be great.  
This Interpretation I acknowledge to be very probable, so far as concerns any great Conversion of the Nations before the downfall of Antichrist, and in the mean season I commend the pious Endeavours of any (professing ministry or not) to do good to the souls of all Men as We have opportunity. But that any of the Ministers spoken of are furnished with true Apostolical Commission (Matth. 28.) I see not for these Reasons.  
First, The Minister or Ministers, whom Mr Cotton I conceive 
Touching preaching to the Indians in New-England.  intends, profess an ordinary Office in the Church of Christ, which is clearly distinct, yea and another thing from the office of an Apostle, or one sent forth to preach and baptise, Ephes. 4. & 1 Cor. 12.  
Secondly, Such Churches as are invested with the power of Christ, and so authorised to send forth, are separate from the World, which many thousands of God's people (dead and living) have seen just Reasons to deny those Churches so to be.  
Thirdly, Were the Church true, and the Messenger or Apostle rightly sent forth with prayer and fasting, according to Act. 13. yet I believe that none of the Ministers of New England, nor any person in the whole country is able to open the Mysteries of Christ Jesus in any propriety of their speech or Language, without which propriety it cannot be imagined that Christ Jesus sent forth his first Apostles or Messengers, and without which no people in the World are long willing to hear of difficult and heavenly matters. That none is so fitted;  
First, The Natives themselves affirm, as I could instance in many particulars.  
Secondly, The Experience of the Discusser and of many others testify how hard it is for any man to attain a little propriety of their Language in common things (so as to escape Derision amongst them) in many years, without abundance of conversing with them, in Eating, travelling and lodging with them, etc. which none of their Ministers (other affairs not permitting) ever could do.  Peace. 
There being no helps of Art and learning amongst them, I see not how without constant use or a Miracle, any man is able to attain to any propriety of speech amongst them, even in common things. And without propriety (as before) who knows not how hardly all men (especially Barbarians) are brought to hear matters of Heaven (so strange and contrary 
Propriety of Language necessary to the true preaching of Christ Jesus to any people.  to Nature) yea, even matters of the Earth, except profit and other worldly ends compel them to spell out men's minds and meaning?  Truth. 3. 
I may truly add a third, an Instance in the book of their Conversion, written by Mr Tho: Shepheard, there Mr Eliot (the ablest amongst them in the Indian Speech) promising an old Indian a suit of clothes, the man (saith the relation) not well understanding Mr eliot's speech, asked another Indian what Mr Eliot said.  Peace. 
Me thinks, the Native not understanding such a common and welcome promise of clothes upon Gift, would far more hardly understand Mr eliot's preaching of the garment of Righteousness Christ Jesus, unto which Men mutually turn the deaf ear, etc.  Truth. 
Neither you (sweet Peace) nor I express thus much to damp Mr Eliot or any from doing all the good they can, whiles opportunity lasts in any truly Christian way, but to show how great that mistake is, that pretends such a true preaching of Christ Jesus to them in their own Language.  Peace. 
But to proceed, in the next Passage Mr Cotton affirms their impartiality in permitting others as well as the Indians.  Truth. 
I answer; it is one thing to connive at a strange Papist in private devotions on shore, or in their vessels at Anchor, etc. Another thing to permit Papists, Jews, Turks, etc. the free and constant Exercise of their Religion and Worship, in their respective Orders and Assemblies, were such Inhabitants amongst them.  Peace. 
Doubtless the bloody Tenent cannot permit this liberty, neither to the Papists, Jews, Turks, etc. nor to the Indians, nor doth their practice toward their Countrymen hold forth a show of such a freedom or permission.  Truth. 
I wonder why Mr Cotton writes, that the most part of the English worship God with them, and the rest absent have liberty to choose their Preachers! Since Mr Cotton knows the Petition and Petitions that have been presented for liberty of Conscience in New England, and he cannot but also know the Imprisoning and Fining of some of the Petitioners, etc.  Peace. 
It may be Mr Cotton will use the common objection, that some part of their Petition tended to Disturbance in civil Things.  Truth. 
Some of their Petitions were purely for liberty of 
Conscience to God in Worship a close Prisoner in New-England, and no Petitioner could obtain its liberty.  Conscience, which some in Office, both in Church and State favoured, as is reported, if not promoted. If others or some part of them might be judged offensive against laws made, yet why then hath not the liberty of their Conscience (in point of Worship) been granted to them? When they have complained (amongst other Passages) that they have been forced to stay the baptising of other men's children, while their own might not be admitted, and therefore earnestly sued for Ministers and Congregations after their own free choice and Consciences, which have ever been denied to them.  Peace. 
It is said, that their Ministers being consulted with, utterly denied to yield to any such liberty.  Truth. 
They might justly fear, that if such a window were opened (as once Bishop Gardiner spoke in another case) that the New English Congregations and Churches would be as thin; as the Presbyterians complained theirs to have been, when the people once began to taste the freedom and liberty of their Consciences, from the slaves whip, etc.  Peace. 
In the next Passage, the Discusser having excepted against Mr Cottons distinguishing between Members of the Church, and such as have given their names to Christ; Mr Cotton replies; they are not all one, and quotes, Esa. 65. 5, 6.  Truth. 
Let the place be viewed, and that place will be found 
Public marriage, or giving one's self to Christ.  to speak of no such Difference: It speaks of the Lords promise to Eunuches and Strangers, laying hold on the Lord's Covenant, and joining themselves to the Lord, which I conceive Mr Cotton will not deny to be in a Church way; in which condition the Lord gives the Eunuches a name better than of sons and Daughters.  Peace. 
In the next Passage Mr Cotton upon tertullia's speech, affirms, that a false Religion will hurt, because the Red Horse follows the White, etc.  Truth. 
I answer; God's Judgements (by War, Famine, Pestilence) plaguing false Religions in his time (though after many hundreth years patience, as hath form ●ly been opened) is one thing: and the present hurting or profiting of others, is another.  Peace. 
In the next place Mr Cotton takes offence that the Discusser should insinuate Mr Cotton to have a hand in the model of Church Government.  Truth. 
I answer; Mr Cottons words in the End of his Answer to the Prisoner, (where he speaks of this Treatise or model, sent to some of the Brethren of Salem) seemed to hold out the probability of it. How ever Mr Cotton subscribeth to the rest of the Elders, (as he here saith) their words being rightly understood.  Peace. 
Further, Mr Cotton here affirms, that the want of a Law for Religion in any State provokes the Wrath of God, as the want of a King in Israel, Judg. 21. 25. 
Judges 21. 25 Considered.   Truth. 
This Scripture proves no more, but that the want of a King, Magistrate, governor, or Civil Officer of Justice, provokes the Wrath of God, and endangereth the people, against which the Discusser never affirmed, but against their Kingly or Civil authority in spiritual cases, since Christ Jesus abolished that Nationall Church.  Peace. 
But saith Mr Cotton, the best Good of a city is Religion, and therefore there should be a Law for it.  Truth. 
To this I have spoken largely in discussing of that model, unto which I know not of any Reply yet made by himself, or any of those worthy men whom he makes the authors of it.  Peace. 
But further, whereas the Discusser had said that the 
Supreme authority in spirituals.  weeds of the wilderness will not hurt the Garden, nor poison the Body, if not suffered to grow in the Garden, nor taken into the Body, Mr Cotton grants that Christ hath ordained gardiner's for his Garden, and physic and Physicians for his Body: Yet withal he makes the Civil Officers, to be as Supervisors, Superintendents, and consequently, Bishops, governors, and Heads of the Church or Churches, and over the spiritual Officers of Christ Jesus.  Truth. 
What is this but to establish Henry the 8. a Spiritual civil Magistrate, and Head of the Church, in the room of the Pope? Contrary to which I have discoursed in the discussing of the model in the bloody Tenent.  Peace. 
But what think you of Mr Cottons interpretation of tertullia's mind, to wit, that Tertullian should mean, that the Christian Religion would not hurt nor disturb the Roman civil State?  Truth. 
I conceive it cannot stand, for although it be true 
Tertullia's Speech of one Religion, not hurting or profiting another Considered.  that the Christian Religion hurts no Civil State (but infinitely the contrary) yet Mr Cotton will not deny that the Christian Religion (not of itself, but through the corruption of the Civil State) may provoke a Civil State many ways, and therefore Tertullian must mean otherways, to wit, every Man must stand or fall in his own Religion, and the Religion of one man will neither hurt nor save another: Therefore (to end this Passage) tertullia's words may not unfitly be thus applied: The Religion of the Protestants, if permitted by the Papists, will neither hurt nor profit the Papists: The Religion of the Independents will nether hurt nor profit the Presbyterians, if they permitted it: And the Religion and Worship of other Consciences in old or New England, will neither hurt nor profit the Independents, where the power of tollerating or not tollerating lies in the hands and power of the Independents.   

Exam: of Chap. 68 replying to Chap. 71.  Peace. 
HEre Mr Cotton urgeth two mistakes: First in the quoting of Jerome: secondly, in naming Tertullian for Jerome.  Truth. 
Possible it is, they are neither the mistakes of the Prisoner, nor Discusser, but either the Scribe or Printers may share with them; or if they were their own mistakes (although the Prisoner wrote in close prison in Newgate, and the Discusser in multitude of Distractions, yet) they are justly to be blamed for their least sleepiness in the handling of the matters of the most High.  Peace. 
But, Jeromes words (saith Mr Cotton) imply more than a spiritual cutting off; for I immediately subjoineth these words! Arius was but a spark, but because he was not speedily suppressed, his Flame depopulated all the World, which cannot be meant (saith he) of cutting off by Excommunication, which proceeded against him once and twice.  Truth. 
I cannot be easily induced to believe that I intended to complain of Constantine, who was not sparing at the first to put forth his temporal arm and power against Arrius: But this is certain, his words are these, [heresy must be cut off with the Sword of the Spirit: and the Scriptures quoted by him (1 Cor. 5. Gal. 5.) as Mr Cotton yields] prove only a spiritual cutting off: So that it seems not rational for Jerome to run from the Spiritual Sword, about which he is now conversant, to the carnal and temporal Sword, of which those Scriptures (as Mr Cotton acknowledgeth) discourse not.  Peace. 
But let no man say (saith Mr Cotton) that this grant of his [That heresy must be cut off by the Sword of the Spirit] doth imply an absolute sufficiency in the Sword of the Spirit, to cut it down according to 2 Cor. 10. ●● 5. For though spiritual Weapons be absolutely sufficient to the End for which God hath appointed them, as hath been opened above, to wit, for the conviction, and (if he belong to God) for the conversion of the offendor, for the mortifying of his flesh, and for the saving of his soul, and for the cleansing of the Church from the Fellowship of that gild: Yet if an heretic will still continue obstinate, and persist in seducing, creep into Houses, lead captive silly souls, and destroy the Faith of some, it may be of many, such 
* Mr Cottons and Mr Edward's Gangrenes have little differed  Gangrenes would be cut off by another Sword, which in the hand of the Magistrate is not borne in vain.  Truth. 
This answer of Mr Cotton looks too too like that Distinction of the bloody Bishop against the poor Martyr or witness of Jesus (which Mr Fox mentioneth) The Scripture is 
Blasphemy against the holy Scripture.  sufficient for Salvation, but not for Instruction: There is need of Tradition, etc. The Sword of the Spirit (saith Mr Cotton) is absolutely sufficient, for these four, to wit, the Conviction, Conversion, Mortification, and Salvation of the offendor, the heretic, yea, and for a fifth, for Expiation, and cleansing of the Church from the Fellowship of that gild, but there is a sixth, to wit, Infection, and there the Sword of the Spirit is too weak, and the Sword of the Magistrate must help.  Peace. 
What sound and modest Reason can be (almost) pretended, why the holy Ordinances, Appointments and provisions of the Lord Jesus (who is the wisdom of the Father, whose is all power in Heaven and in Earth, and whose Heart is all on Fire with Love to his people) should be so weak in suppressing the Enemies of his kingdom, that, all the Counsel, Order, and Power he hath left in his Absence, are not able to resist the Infection of false Doctrine, without the help of the Powers of the World his professed enemy, unto whom who so is a Friend (saith John) he cannot but be an enemy unto God. Oh what should be the mystery that the twoedged Sword of God's mighty Spirit, is sufficient for Conviction, for Conversion, Mortification, Expiation, Salvation, but yet not powerful enough against Infection?  Truth. 
There is written evidently, on the Forehead of this 
Mysteries of false Christ's.  plea, as on the forehead of the great Whore (Revel. 17.) Mystery. The Egyptian Onions (as I may so speak) are full of Spiritual Infoldings, or Mysteries: One or two I shall briefly unfold or peel.  
First, the Clergy (sacrilegiously so called) in all Ages since the apostasy, have (like some proud and dainty Servants) disdained 
The true Christ despised for his poverty.  to serve a poor despised Christ, a Carpenter, one that came at last to the gallows, etc. And therefore have they ever framed to Themselves rich and Lordly, pompous and Princely, temporal and Worldly Christ's, in stead of the true Lord Jesus Christ, the spiritual King of his Saints and people. And however it suits well the common End to retain the Name of Christ (as the Lord Jesus prophesied many false Christ's, should arise, and many should come in his Name, etc.) yet most sure it will be found, that a temporal crown and Dignity, Sword and Authority, Wealth and prosperity, is the White that most of those called Scholars, Ministers, Bishops, aim and level at: How many thousand of them will readily subscribe to the pleas of the French Bishops against the Lord Peter, disputing before Philip the French King for temporal Jurisdiction, and Peter's two Swords in the hands of Christ's Ministers?  Peace. 
Mr Cotton is not far off, for howsoever He and some will say with him, one Sword is enough for a Presbyter or Elder, 
A base esteem of the spiritual Sword.  enough for Conviction, Conversion, Mortification, Expiation, and Salvation, yet one Sword is not enough against Infection, and therefore it is needful (though we are not of the opinion of those French Prelates and others, that challenged to themselves the Sword of temporal jurisdiction into their own hands, yet) it is needful that it be at our call in the hands of our Executioners the Civil Magistrates.  Truth. 
It is impossible that temporal and worldly Christ's should walk with the legs of a spiritual supportment, but as (in respect 
Earthly Christ's need earthly supports.  of outward Government) they spring from the Earth and the World, it is impossible I say but their Feeding and Aliment, Defence and Protection should be of the nature of the Root and Eliment from whence they arise.  Peace. 
It is objected, was the Church of the Jews temporal that was assisted and protected with a temporal Sword?  Truth. 
The Spirit of God tells us (Heb. 8 & 10.) of a worldly Sanctuary, of a weak and old vanishing: Covenant, to wit, a Nationall Covenant, and Ordinances of a Jewish Church.  Peace. 
It is again said how can the Discusser extol the Sword of the Spirit only, and acknowledge no Churches.  Truth. 
Although the Discusser cannot to his Soul's satisfaction conclude any of the various and several sorts of Churches extant to be those pure golden Candlesticks framed after the first pattern, Rev. 1. Yet doth he acknowledge golden Candlesticks of 
The state of Christianity during the reign of Antichrist.  Christ Jesus extant; those golden Olive trees and candlesticks, his Martyrs or Witnesses, standing before the Lord, and testifying his holy Truth during all the Reign of the Beast, Rev. 11. Hence, although we have not satisfaction that Luther or Calvin, or other precious Witnesses of Christ Jesus, erected Churches or Ministeries, after the first pattern (as they conceived they did) yet doth he affirm them to have been Prophets and witnesses against the Beast, and furnished sufficiently with spiritual Fire in their mouths, mightily able to consume or humble their Enemies, as Eliah did with the Captains sent out against him.  Peace. 
I will object no more, please you (Dear Truth) to pass on to the 2nd. viz. the Ministry of the Spirits pretended insufficiency against Infection: why should not the spiritual power of the Lord Jesus be powerful enough against creepers into Houses, against such as lead captive silly souls, against such as destroy the faith of some, etc. as well as in the first Churches and Assemblies, professing his holy name and worship?  Truth. 
Search his Will and Testament, and we find no other but spiritual means prescribed and bequeathed by the Lord Jesus, to Paul to Peter, or any of the holy Apostles or Messengers.  Peace. 
I must needs acknowledge that the poor servants of Christ, for some hundereth of years after the departure of the 
Constantine's peace a greater trial and danger to Christians, than 300 years' persecution.  Lord enjoyed no other power, no other Sword nor Shield but spiritual, until it pleased the Lord to try his children with Liberty and ease under Constantine (a soarer trial than befell them in 300 years' persecution) under which temporal protection, munificence and bounty of Constantine, together with his temporal Sword, drawn out against her spiritual enemies, the Church of Christ soon surfeited of the too much honey of worldly ease, authority, profit, pleasure, etc.  Truth. 
Dear Peace, the second mystery is this. In all ages, the world hath been o'erspread with the delusions and abominations of false worship, invented by Satan and his Instruments in 
Satan's two ways of quenching the Candle of Christianity.  opposition to the pure worship of the God of Heaven: Against these the Lord Jesus hath not been wanting to stir up his witnesses, servants and soldiers, fight for their Lord and Master spiritually, etc.  
These witnesses, when Satan hath not been able to vanquish and overcome them by disputing, writing, etc. (but hath ever lost that way) he hath been forced to run to the fleshly armouries of temporal weapons and punishments, and to fetch in the powers of the world; So hoping to dash out the Candle of Truth and break the candlesticks thereof the witnesses of Christ Jesus: This Satan hath ever practised one of these two ways, sometimes by (pretended) legal trials and executions of Justice, sometimes by most horrid and dreadful murders and massacres  Peace. 
Thus hath Christ Jesus indeed been vanquished, and driven out of this world by the powers of Caesar's, Kings and other earthly governors and Rulers.  Truth. 
'Tis a fresh and bleeding History of that famous disputation between the Cardinal and Prelates of France and Beza 
The French Massacre must do what their pretended disputation could not▪ effect.  with his protestant assistants under Charles the 9th. And not long after of that most barbarous and horrible murder and massacre of about 30000 innocents', to finish and complete that victory which the pretended Disputation and spiritual arm could never effect.  Peace. 
Yea in the bloody Marian days, there must be Convocations called at London, and down must these famous witnesses 
Pretended disputes in Q. Mary's days, ending in fiery flames.  of Jesus, Cranmer, Ridley, Latimer to dispute at Oxford but faithful Philpot for his free disputing in the Convocation at London, and Cranmer, Latimer and Ridley for not yielding away the truth at Oxford, they must all feel the rage of the fiery furnace, who bow not down to the golden Image.  
And (without offence of civil Authority, or disrespect against any man's person be it spoken) in the late great disputes between the Presbyterians and Independents at Westminster; what a Tempest raised, what Earthquakes and Thunders called for, from Earth and Heaven, ihat the second sword of the magistrate (herein the 
The late synodical disputes.  Presbiterians Servant and Executioner) might effect that which all the power of the pretended sword of God's Spirit was never able to reach to.  Pea. 
To proceed, M Cot. is greatly offended at this word: to wit [the Eye of the Answerer could never be so obscured, as to run to the Smiths-shop for a sword of Iron, and steel to help the Sword, of the Spirit; if the Sun of righteousness had pleased to show him that a Nationall Church, etc.] And his anger breathes forth, 
A bloody and most unchristian speech.  first against all heretics thus: If there be stones of the streets, the Magistrate need not run for a Sword from the Smith's shop, nor an Halter from the Ropiers to punish an heretic.  Truth. 
It is true, the warehouse of persecution is so abundantly filled with all sorts of bloody Instruments, besides Swords and Ropes, that the Primitive and Latter times have told us how many several sorts of sorrows, pains and torments the servants of the living God, have felt by several Instruments of Blood and Death, besides Ropes and Swords, etc. and all to punish (as Master Cotton saith) the heretic, the Heretic, Blasphemer, Seducer etc.  Peace. 
What is this Anger but Fury, Ira furor brevis est? And what weapons can be wanting to Fury, not the stones in the streets (saith Master Cotton) Furor arma ministrat, for the magistrate needs not (saith he) stay so long as to run to a Smiths-shop for a sword, or to the Ropiers for a halter, etc.  Peace. 
O the mysteries of iniquity and cozenage of sin, that a lamb of Christ should thus roar out like a lion, and (at the speech may be construed by some) so far as in him lies to provoke the civil powers, yea the people in the streets to furious outrage, and not so much as to attend proceed in pretended 
The rash fury and madness of persecutors even against themselves.  legal Trials and executions, but in the madness of Barbarous murders and massacres, and that even upon himself and the Independants in their meetings, etc.  Peace. 
But 2dly. he finds fault with the Discussers wit, for bringing such light conceits into grave discourses and disputes about the holy things of God.  Truth. 
If there be any thing savouring of wit in the Discussors speech, let all men judge whether there be not a double, yea a triple portion in this of Master Cottons; I acknowledge, Non est major confusio quam serij & Joci. The Discussor dares not willingly to profane the holy name of the most high with lightness, no not with those fine turn of wit which the word forbids, 
Pleasantness of wit sanctified, glorifies the giver.  (〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Ephes. 5.) which becomes not Christ's scholars, but rather the giving of thanks: And yet there is an holy wit and pleasantness in Samsons Riddle, in Jothams and Jesus his Parables, yea, and in Eliah his sharp and cutting language, which cut as deep to their deluding consciences, as the Knives and Lances of their Idolatrous backs and bodies: Yet none of these were (as Mast. Cotton insinuates against the Discusser) for naming of Smiths-shop) playings with feathers, etc.  Peace. 
But what think you of his confidence, touching his New-England Diana, to wit, that the Discusser will never be able to make it good: that the Church in New-England is implicitly, a Nationall and State Church?  Truth. 
His own words seem to prove it, for if it be a Church 
The pretended particular Churches of N. E. indeed but a Nationall Church.  and not Churches of N. England, as elsewhere he speaks (and as the Scripture ordinarily speaks, the Churches of Judea, Galatia, etc.) it cannot be no other but a Nationall, as the English-Church, Scotch-Church, French-Church, etc. But possibly it being a mistake, I answer, A Nation in the common and large extent, I dare not call New-England, but thus, the several Plantations or Colonies of one Religion, or way of worship make up one colony or Province of Englishmen in this part or tract of America. I cannot therefore call the Church of New-England (properly) a Nationall Church, but a Provincial Church, a State-Church; cast into the mould of a Nationall Church, distinct into so many Parishes, I say not expressly and explicitly, but implicitly and secretly, which the son of righteousness will at last reveal, as clearly and brightly in the eyes of all men, as the sun that shines at noonday.  
At present, I affirm (what ever are the pretences, pleas and cover to the contrary) that that Church estate, that religion and worship which is commanded or permitted to be but one in a country, nation or province (as was the Jews religion in that typical land of Canan) that Church is not in the nature of the particular Churches of Christ, but in the nature of a Nationall or state Church: the nature of a particular Church of Christ, is to be one, 2 or 3 (more 
No permission of any Religion or worship but one in N. E. therefore are the Churches, but a Nationall Church in the mould them, etc. Where the supreme Authority in a Church is civil, the Body cannot but be like the head, and all make up but one Civil or Nationall mixed Church, like the Jewish Nationall Church. The purging a country of heretics declares that country is explicitly or implicitly a National Church.  or less) in towns or Cities (as in all the instances of the New-Testament, but the nature of the State Church is when the whole State is turned into a State Church in so many Parishes or Divisions of worshippers: and it is made odious & intolerable for any part of this City, state, & ce. not to attend the common worship of the City, sanctify the holy times, and contribute to the holy Officers, and to walk in another way, which is the general state and practice of New-England.  
2 That is a national and state Church where the Civil power is constituted the Head thereof, to see to the conforming or reforming of the Church, the truth or falsehood of the Churches, Ministries or ministrations, ordinances, Doctrine, etc.  
In the particular Churches of Christ Jesus, we find not a tittle of the power of the civil magistrate or civil sword in spiritual cases. It is impossible but a Nationall and Civil head must be head of a Nationall or State Church, which (upon the point is but a civil or temporal Church (like the head thereof) and not a heavenly and spiritual: I say, a Civil or temporal Church, subject to the changes of a changeable Court or country, and the interpretings and expoundings of Scripture, to what the Court or country is subject to approve or disprove of.  
3 It is a Nationall or State Church, where the opposite or gain-sayer, the pretended Heretic, Blasphemer, Seducer, etc. is some way or other punished, put forth of the State or country itself by death or banishment: whereas particular Churches put forth no further then from their particular societies, and the Heretic, etc. may still live in the country or countries' unmolested by them.  
4 That Church cannot be otherwise then a Nationall or State Church, where the maintenance of the Worship, Priests and 
A State Maintenance proveth a State Church.  Officers, is a State maintenance, provided by the care and power of the State, who (upon the point) pays their Ministers or Servants their wages; whereas the maintenance of the Worship and Officers of a particular Church, we find by Christ's Testament to be cared for sufficiently by Christ's power, and means in his Church.  
5 That Church is a Nationall or State Church, whose whole 
Synods assembled by civil Power, prove the Churches of the same Nature with the Head that acts and calls them.  Assemblies, in Synods, counsels, provincial, Nationall, etc. If Mr Cotton can disprove the truth and substance of these and other particulars alleged, so fare as concerns the general and Body of the country combined (whatsoever little variation some particular towns may make) the Discusser must acknowledge his error, but if Mr Cotton cannot do it, as I believe he cannot (what ever flourish a wit may pretend) the God of mercy pardon what by Mr Cotton is done in Ignorance, and awaken him and others, who cause his people to go astray; according to that of the Prophet; Their shepherd's cause this people to go astray.  Peace. 
O that all God's sheep in New England, and such as judge themselves their shepherds, may truly judge themselves at the tribunal of their own Consciences in the presence of the Lord, in the upright Examination of these particulars: But to leave New England, and to return to the Land of Israel: I should think (saith Mr Cotton) not only mine eye obscured, but the sight of it utterly put out, if I should conceive (as the Discusser doth) that the Nationall Church State of the Jews did necessarily call for such weapons to punish heretics more than the congregational State of particular Churches doth call for the same now in the days of the New Testament.  Truth. 
It is a strange Speech to proceed from so knowing a Man, but let us ponder his Reasons in the fear of God.  Peace. 
Was not (saith Mr Cotton) the Nationall Church of the Jews completely furnished with Spiritual Armour to defend itself, and oppose Men and devils, as well as particular Churches of the New Testament? Had they not power to convince false Prophets, as Elijah did the Prophets of Baal? had they not power to separate Evil Doers from the Fellowship of their Congregations? And he addeth, an unclean Person, although he might not Enter into the Temple, with the rest of the Israelites to worship the Lord, yet he was permitted to live in the commonweal of Israel, Men uncircumcised both in Heart and Flesh.  
He addeth further, that the Nationall Church of Israel was 
Touching the difference between the Church of the Jews and the Christian Churches.  powerfully able by the Sword of the Spirit to defend itself, and to offend Men and devils, for which he quoteth, Zach. 4. 6. And he asketh, doth not the Discusser himself observe that time was, in the Nationall Church of the Land of Canaan, when there was neither Carnal Sword nor spear to be found, 1 Sam. 13? And was not then the Nationall Church powerfully able by the Spirit of God to defend itself, and to offend Men and devils as well as particular Churches now?  Truth. 
I answer: First, As much as the shadow of a Man falls short of a Man himself, so did all their Ordinances (which were but shadows of spiritual things to come) fall short of that bright enjoyment of Christ Jesus, and spiritual and heavenly things in him, now brought to Light by Christ Jesus in the Gospel or New Testament.  
2. Mr Cotton will never demonstrate that the putting forth, or Excommunicating of a person from the Church of God amongst them, was other then cutting off from the Land by Death, and the Civil Sword, the same being spiritually executed now in the Israel of God, 1 Cor. 5. Gal. 5. 12.  
Thirdly, Although the Stranger uncircumcised might live 
The holy Land of Canaan a Nonesuch.  amongst them, yet none of the Native Israelites might so live, nor yet might the Stranger profane the holiness of the Lord by labour on the Sabbath, which Mr Cotton will never prove aught 
A Figure of the Chr●stian.  now to be kept by all Countries of the world, and that under such Penalties, as was in the Land of Canaan, the holy Land: Nor that they had spiritual power sufficient to punish the wilful breach of any moral or ceremonial duty, without the help of the Carnal Sword, the contrary to which is plain in the New Testament, 1 Cor. 5. 2 Cor. 10.  
Fourthly, For the Scripture, Zach. 4. 6. Not by might nor Power, etc. The Prophet doth not here oppose the Spirit to might or power, so as to deny the use of Carnal weapons, might or power, which God had vouchsafed to them against all Enemies within and without, but showeth it to be the work of 
The weapons of the Jews and Christians compared.  Gods own finger or Spirit in the use of carnal means which they used for the raising of the Material Temple and Civil defence of Themselves against all Opposers, Hinderers, etc. Whereas 2 Cor. 10. the Apostle flatly opposeth Spiritual Weapons against carnal, and Mr Cotton will never prove that the Corinthians or any of the Saints of Christ, did enjoy other Weapons, in that first or the Ages next after, but only the Spiritual Weapons and Artillery which the Apostle mentioneth.  
Lastly, To that of 1 Sam. 13. I answer, That when there was no spear nor Sword in Israel, the Israelites were not 
No spear nor Sword in Israel.  powerfully able to defend Themselves against their Enemies, except that God was pleased extraordinarily to stir up means of their preservation, as we see in the case of Jonathan and his Armour-bearer against the Philistims. In like manner I believe that where the ordinary power of God's hand in his holy Ordinances is withdrawn, it is his extraordinary and immediate power that preserveth and supporteth his people against Men and devils; as in particular, during the reign of Antichrist in stirring up and supporting the two Witnesses.   

Exam: of Chap. 69. replying to Chap. 72. Touching the Testimony of Brentius.  Peace. 
IT is untrue, saith Mr Cotton, that we restrain Men from Worship according to Conscience, or constrain them to Worship against Conscience, or that such is my Tenent or practice.  Truth. 
Notwithstanding Mr Cottons cloak, to wit, that they will not meddle with the heretic before he hath sinned against his own Conscience, and so persecute him only for sinning against his own Conscience, yet I earnestly beseech every Reader seriously to ponder the whole stream and series of Mr Cottons▪ Discourse, Propositions, Affirmations, etc. through the whole book, and he shall then be able to judge whether it be untrue that his Doctrine tends not to constrain, nor restrain Conscience.  
2. For the matter of fact, how can he with any humility before the staming eyes of the most High, cry out, no such practice, when  
First, Their laws cry out a Command under penalty for all 
New-England loath to be accounted persecutors.  to come to Church, though not to be Members, which in truth (as hath been opened) is but a colour and vizard, deceiving himself and others: And a cruel Law is yet extant against Christ Jesus, muffled up under the hood or veil of a Law against anabaptistry, etc.  
Secondly, Their practice cries, their Imprisonments, Finings, whip, Banishments cry in the ears of the Lord of Hosts, and the louder because of such unchristian figleave, cloaks, etc.  Peace. 
Let it be granted (saith Mr Cotton) that we did both, yet this did not make laws to bind Conscience, but the outward man only! Nor would we (saith he) think it fit to bind the outward man against Conscience.  Truth. 
I cannot discern the Coherence of these three Affirmations: 1. We restrain no man from Worship according to Conscience. 2. We make laws but to bind the outward man only. And yet again (3) we think not meet to bind the outward man against Conscience. Mr Cotton lived once under a Popish Law, to wear a fool's Coat or Surplice on his back, and to 
Laws concerning God's Worship.  make a Conjuring cross with his Fingers, why should he say, that this Law went beyond his back and his fingers, and came even to his Conscience? If these petty bonds did bind his Conscience, as well as his back and his fingers; Oh let not Mr Cotton so fare put off the bowels of Compassion toward Christ Jesus and his Followers, yea toward all men, as to bind their backs, and their Necks, their Knees and Hands backward and forward, to or from Worship, and yet say he binds but the outward man, 
Dangerous distinctions.  etc.  
Yea and oh let not such uprightness, candour, and integrity, as Mr Cotton hath been noted for, be blemished with such an Evasion as this, to wit, when it comes to self, that Conscience his own or his Friends be offered to be bound, etc. then he shall fly to his third Evasion, saying, We think it not meet to bind the outward man against Conscience, that is, against our Consciences, etc. What ever becomes (sink or swim) of other men's.  Peace. 
In the next Passage, God needs not (saith Mr Cotton) the help of the Magistrate more in the Second, then in the first Table.  Truth. 
God needeth not absolutely for the matters of the Second 
Touching keeping of both Tables.  Table, though respectively, because he hath appointed Ordinances, unto which he hath graciously referred himself. But for the first Table, he hath no need at all, of carnal weapons, no not respectively, because he hath appointed Ordinances to thousand-fold more potent, suitable and sufficient.  Peace. 
Whereas it was urged, that if Magistrates must use their material Sword in keeping of both Tables, they must be able to judge of both: Mr Cotton replies, that it is enough, 
Of magistrate's Judgement in Spirituals, etc.  that they be able to judge in Principles and Foundations, and of the arrogancy of a tumultuous Spirit; for such want not Judgement to censure apostasy or Heresy, idolatry, etc.  Truth. 
It is not like that a Carpenter who hath skill sufficient to judge the Principles and Foundations of a house or Building, should be unable to judge about the Beams, Posts, etc.  
2. With what great darkness, have the best of God's children themselves been covered these many hundreth years, touching the very fundamentals of God's Worship!  Peace. 
Whereas it was said further, that either they are not 
Of Qualifications of Magistrates.  fitly qualified Magistrates and commonweals, that want this ability to judge, etc. Or else they must judge according to their Conscience! Mr Cotton replies; Many Qualifications are required in Husbands, Wives, Children, Servants, Ministers, Churches, the want whereof may make them sinful, but not unlawful.  Truth. 
I answer; some Relations are Passive, as that of children, who may be true and lawful children, although they know not that they are children. But, such Relations as are active in their choice and consent, as of Husband, Wife, Magistrate, etc. these cannot be lawful, unless they be fitted and qualified to perform the main and essential duties of Husbands, Wives, Servants, Magistrates. That Husband, Wife, Servant cannot be lawful, that are engaged to other Husbands, Wives, Masters: Nor can that Magistrate be lawful, who is a madman or idiot, not able to discern between Right and Wrong: and truly (were Magistrates bound, as to the chief part of their duty and Office) to establish the true Religion, etc. he were no more than a madman (as to the first Table) that were not spiritually endued with ability of discerning the true Church, Ministry, Worship, etc.  Peace. 
Now whereas it was further urged that then the commonweal, the Civil, natural state, hath more Light concerning 
Of magistrate's Abilities.  the Church of Christ then the Church itself, &c Master Cotton replies, it follows not, because that is a weak Church that knows no more light than that of the Principles; and beside; what light the commonwealth hath it may have received from the Church.  Truth. 
I answer, If Kings and Queens, etc. be nurcing Fathers and Mothers (in a spiritual respect) over the Church, as is usually alleged; can it be expected but that the Nurse, Father or Physician should know more of the Child's state than the Child or Patient himself, who oftentimes knows not his sickness, nor that he is sick, (as oft may be the case of a Church of Christ) It is impossible, but they must have more light than the Child, yea and much more impossible that they should receive their Light and direction from the Child, etc.  Peace. 
We see, saith Master Cotton, that Magistrates sometimes have more Light in matters of Religion than the Church itself, as David and Hezekiah.  Truth. 
This (1) confirms what I said, that these Kings being appointed by God, former's and Reformers of the Church of Judah, they must needs have more light in the matter of Reformation 
David and Hezekiah figurative Kings, etc.  than the Church itself to be reform.  
2 I must deny that David and Hezekiah were other than types of Christ Jesus, both in his own person and in such, who in his absence are by him deputed to manage the spiritual power and sword of his holy and spiritual kingdom.  Peace. 
Yea, but alas, saith Master Cotton, there is no colour, that because Magistrates are bound to discern and serve Christ with their power, that therefore they may punish Christ and Christians.  Truth. 
True, therefore, Master Cotton elsewhere saith, they must suspend to deal in Church matters until they can judge, etc.  
And this, First implies their light and judgement (absolutely necessary) in all such matters of the Church, about which they are to Judge and act as often I affirm  
2 I ask what kind of spiritual Physicians will Master Cotton have, who shall be bound to suspend their power, all their lives long, unless they have skill to judge of Diseases? will not the 
Magistrates suspending in matters of Religion.  similitude hold against such spiritual Fathers, nurses, Physicians, who all their life long (yea the greatest number beyond compare of all their spiritual Fathers upon the face of the Earth) must wholly suspend from acting in spiritual diseases or cases, to wit, in reforming, establishing, etc.  
3 Although it excuseth not ('tis true) such Magistrates, Prince's commonwealths, for making this Doctrine their ground of persecuting Christ and Christians, yet doubtless it makes their sin the greater who feed them with such bloody Doctrines, and so consequently occasion them upon the rocks of such falls and dangerous and bloody practices.   

Exam: of Chap. 70. replying to Chap. 73.  Peace. 
IN this Chap. (Dear Truth) lie many stones of offence, at which the feet of the unwary most easily many stumble; I hope your careful and steady hand may be a blessed Instrument of their removal: As First, although Master Cotton subscribe unto Luther that the Government of the Civil Magistrate doth extend no further, then over the Bodies and Goods of the subject, yet (saith he) he may and aught to improve that power over their Bodies and Goods to the good of their Souls.  Truth. 
Sweet Peace my hand (the hand of Christ assisting) shall not be wanting: but what offence can be taken at the propositions?  Pea. 
The proposition like an apple of Sodom, is fair and specious until you crush it by examination: For, by maintaining the Magistrates power over the Bodies and Goods of the subject, for the good of his Soul, it is clear in this Chapter and others foregoing and following, that Master Cottons words drive at no less than a seizing upon, and plundering of the goods, the Imprisoning, whipping, Banishing and killing the Bodies, of the 
Woeful soulsaving.  poor people, and this under the Cloak and colour of saving their Souls in the day of the Lord Jesus.  Truth. 
The Civil State, and Common-weal may be compared to a piece of tapestry, or rich Arras, made up of the several parts and parcels of the Families thereof. Now by the Law of God, Nature and Nations▪ a Father hath a power over his Child, the Husband over the Wife, the Master over, etc. and doubtless they are to improve that power and Authority for the good of the souls of their Children, Yoak-fellows, etc. But shall we 
The power of Parents, Husbands, Magistrates in spirituals.  therefore say that the Father and the Husband hath power under Christ over the conscienies and religion of the Child or Wife, as a Father or Husband had under Moses Numb. 30. Parents are commanded in the Gospel to bring up their Children in the instruction and fear of the Lord; the Husband is commanded to 
1 Cor. 7.  labour to win and save his Wife (with no other power then the Wife also her Husband) whether Turk or Jew, Antichristian or Pagan: but such a power and sword to be improved (as Mr. Cotton here pretends) for soul-good, Master Cotton will never find in the Testament of Christ Jesus.  
The Plain English is (what ever be the Cloak or cover which the States, Kings and Rulers of this world use in this case) this term [for souls good] is no more than the old Popish Jesabels' 
The term [Souls-good] commonly but a paint, etc.  painting, pro salute animae, pro redemptione animae, or as that noble St. John observed in a speech at Guildhall, that the King's party made use of the name of Peace, as the Papists used the name of God, In nomine Domini, etc.  Peace. 
It is most lamentable to see how the Kings of the Earth are grossly flattered by their Clergy, into as gross a belief that they are most Catholic Kings as in Spain, most Christian Kings as in France, Defendors of the Faith in England. Hence those two bloody Persecutors of Luther, Charles the Fifth, and Henry the Eighth, were celebrated even upon the posts of the doors in Guild-Hall: Carolus, Henricus vivant, defensor uturque,  Henricus Fidei, Carolus Ecclesiae. Peace. 
And yet to what other end have or do (ordinarily) the Kings of the Earth use their power and authority over the Bodies and Goods of their Subjects, but for the filling of their paunches like Wolves or Lions, never pacified unless the people's bodies, goods and Souls be sacrificed to their God-belly, and their own Gods of profit, honour, pleasure etc.  Peace. 
But in the second place Master Cotton affirms, that by procuring the good of their souls, they may much advance the good of their bodies and outward man also.  Truth. 
This Proposition is as fair as the former, but in the searching and crushing is as rotten, for however it is most true (as he quoteth 1 Tim. 4.) that godliness hath the promise of 
The promises of temporal mercies considered.  this Life, and of a better, and also that such as seek first the kingdom of God, may expect outward mercies to be cast upon them, yet these promises can never by any rule of Christ, be stretched to prove outward prosperity and flourishing to the followers of Christ Jesus in this present evil world.  Peace. 
He that is in a pleasant Bed and dream, though he talk Idly and insensibly, yet is loath to be awaked.  Truth. 
Those sweet promises supply God's servants with what outward blessings his holy wisdom seethe they have need of for his service: But when will Master Cotton indeed witness against a Nationall Church, and cease to mingle Heaven and Earth, the Church and worldly state together? when will he cease to propose the rich and peaceable, victorious and flourishing Nationall State of the Jews as the Type of the carnal peace and worldly▪ wealth and honour of the spiritual Nation and kingdom of Christ Jesus? when will he more plainly and simply conform the members to the head Christ Jesus in the Holiness, Glory of his spiritual poverty, shame and sufferings?  Peace. 
I have in the experience of many Ages observed the flourishing prosperity of many Cities, Common wealths and Nations, where no sound of Christ hath come, and that for hundreths, yea, some thousands of years together, as hath formerin this discourse been instanced.  Truth. 
You have found that when the Red and Black and Pale horse of War, Famine and Death have thundered upon the Nations, it hath not been upon the decay of a State Religion, but most commonly upon the rejecting and persecuting of the Preachers and Witnesses against it.  Peace. 
Yea Master Cotton himself observeth that such of God's servants as grow fattest in godliness, grow not outwardly in wealth, but God keepeth them low in outward estate. 
Worldly prosperity ever dangerous to God's children.   Truth. 
I conclude this passage with an observation of constant experience, ever since the Son of God ascended the heavens. The nearer Christ's followers have approached to worldly wealth, ease, liberty, honour, pleasure, etc. the nearer they have approached to Impatience, Pride, Anger and Violence against such as are opposite to their Doctrine and Profession of Religion: And (2) The further and further have they departed from God, from his Truth, from the Simplicity, Power and purity of Christ Jesus and true christianity.  Peace. 
In the next Passage Mr Cotton (though with another heart, yet) in the Language and Tongue of the Pharisees, seems to take part with the Prophets against the persecuting Fathers, and amongst many things he prohibits Magistrates this one, to wit, that he must not make laws to bind Conscience.  Truth. 
What is a Law, but a binding Word, a commandment? 
Of laws binding Conscience.  What is a Law to bind Conscience, but a commandment that calls for Obedience? And must we raise up such Tumults, such Tragedies, and fill the face of the World with streams of blood, about the Christian magistrates reforming Religion, establishing Religion, killing the Heretic, Blasphemer, Idolater, Seducer, and yet all this without a Law, that may in the name of Christ exact obedience?  Peace. 
I wonder what we shall think of those laws and Statutes of Parliament, in old or New England that have bound the people's Consciences, at least so fare, as to come to the Parish Church, improving (as Mr Cotton saith) the power and authority over their Bodies, for their Souls good? What shall we call all those Laws, commandments, Statutes, Injunctions, Directions, and Orders, that concern Religion and Conscience?  Truth. 
The plain truth is, Mr Cottons former reforming zeal, cannot be so utterly extinguished, as to forget the name and Notion of Christian liberty, although in this bloody Discourse, he hath well nigh, (if not wholly) sold away the Thing! The Conscience (saith he) must not be bound to a ceremony (to a pretended indifferent ceremony): And yet lo, throughout this Discourse, he pleads for the binding of it from these and these Doctrines, from these and these Worships, and binding to this or that Worship, I mean, to come to the public town or Country Worship! Just for all the world, as if a Woman should not be bound to make a curtsy, or Salutation to such a Man, but yet she should be bound (will she nill she) to come to his bed at his pleasure. Worship is a true of false Bed, Cant. 1. 16.  Peace. 
It is observable in the next place, what Mr Cotton observeth, concerning the Principles of saving Truth, to wit, that no good Christian, much l●sse good Magistrate can be ignorant of them.  Truth. 
In the Consideration of the model, this goodness or badness of the Magistrate is Examined, and easily it is proved (to my understanding) that this Assertion confounding the nature of civil and Moral goodness with Religious, is as fare from goodness as darkness is from Light.  Peace. 
To this Issue tends Mr Cottons Conclusion of this passage [verily the Lord will build up and establish the House and kingdom of such Princes, as do thus build up his.]  Truth. 
The promise of God to David concerning his House and kingdom in the Letter, is most true in the Mystery and Antitype, as to the Spiritual House and kingdom of King David, King Jesus, in such Princes or prophetical Kingly Spirits, who Spiritually, in the Word of prophecy (the Sword of God's Spirit) contend, for the Spiritual kingdom of Christ Jesus: God will establish them in Spiritual dignity and authority: But take this 
Persecution the ordinary Portion of Christ's Followers.  literally (as Mr Cotton carries it) and as he never will find any such duty lying upon Princes in the gospel, nor any such promise of temporal prosperity, but holy predictions & foretellings of the cross and persecution ordinarily to all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus, and the greater persecution to the most zealous and faithful Servants of Christ Jesus: So neither can he give any true Instance (truly proper and parallel) to this purpose.  Peace. 
Me thinks 〈…〉 hough success be no constant rule to walk by, yet God's providence in success of Journeys, Victories, etc. are with great care and fear to be attended to and pondered, and the Hand and Eye of God to be observed in them, of what sort or Nature so ever they be. 
Two States wonderfully favoured by God, upon mercy showed to oppressed Consciences, formerly Holland and now the State of England.   Truth. 
Two instances of greatest success and temporal prosperity we have presented to us on the public stage of this world, before our own doors, crowning the Heads of such States and statesmen, as have attended to mercy and freedom toward oppressed Consciences.  
The first is that of the State of Holland: The second of our own Native England, whose renowned Parliament and victorious army never so prospered, as since their Declaration and practice of pity and mercy to Consciences oppressed by Mr Cottons bloody Tenent.  Peace. 
In the next Passage, it being a Grievance that Mr Cotton should grant with Luther the magistrate's power to extend 
Bodies and Goods the Magistrates object.  no further than the Bodies and Goods of the Subject, and yet withal maintaineth, that they must punish Christians for sinning against the Light of Faith and Conscience: Mr Cotton answers;  
First; He supposeth the chief good to be that of Christian Faith and Good Conscience.  
Secondly; Suppose (saith he) by Goods were meant outward Goods, yet the Magistrate may punish such in their Bodies and Goods, as seduce, etc. for (saith he) in seeking God's kingdom and the righteousness thereof, Men prosper in their outward Estates, Matth. 6. 23. Otherwise they decay.  
Lastly, He remembers not the proposition to be his, [The Magistrates power extendeth no further, than the Bodies and Goods of the Subject] He answereth it is true in respect of the Object, though not in respect of the End, which (saith he) is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Bene administrare Rempublicam. And he asketh if it be well with a commonweal, enjoying bodily health and worldly wealth, without a Church, without Christ! And he concludes with the Instance of the Roman Empire, which had it not cast away idolatry (saith he) had been ruined.  Truth. 
For answer; First, the distinction is famous among all Men of the Bona or Goods of Animi, Corporis, Fortunae: and again, that of the Mind, soul, and Conscience within, and that of the Body and Goods without, that it can be no less than a civil as well as a Spiritual Babel to confound them.  
Secondly, To his Supposition, suppose (saith he) by Goods 
Oppression in Bodies Goods and mind.  were meant outward Goods, yet the Magistrate may punish such in their Bodies and Goods, as do Seduce, etc. I see not how these Cohere any better than the grant of some Papists, that the church's power extends no further than the matters of Faith and Conscience: But yet (say they) they may punish such in their Bodies and Goods as seduce, etc. Mr Cottons Suppositions and the Papists come both out of the same Babylonian Quiver.  
But thirdly, let us mind his Reason from Matth. 6. In seeking God's kingdom men prosper in outward estate, otherwise not: I answer, this Proposition would better befit the pen of a Jew then a Christian, a follower of Moses, then of Jesus Christ, who although he will not fail to take care for his in Earthly Providences, that make it their chief work to seek his kingdom, yet he maketh (as I may say) Christ's cross the first Figure in his Alphabet, taking up his cross and gallows (in most ordinary persecution,) which with selfe-deniall, are the assured terms his Servants must resolve to look for.  
'Tis true, he promiseth and makes good, an hundreth Fathers, 
Wealth, Honour, and prosperity seldom attending Christ's true Followers.  Mothers, Brothers, Sisters, Wives, Children, Houses and Lands: But Mr Cotton well knows, it is [with persecution]. And how this outward prosperity, agrees with Imprisonments, Banishments, hanging, burning, for Christ's sake: the Martyrs or witness of Jesus in all Ages, and the cry of the souls under the Altar, may bring again to his Remembrance, if New England's peace, profit, pleasure and Honour, have lulled him into a forgetfulness of the principles of the true Lord Jesus Christ.  Peace. 
But Mr Cotton remembreth not the Proposition to be his, to wit, that the Magistrates power extendeth no further than the Bodies and Goods of the Subject.  Truth. 
Mr Cotton hinted not his least dissent from Luther (as he otherways useth to do if he disowne,) etc.  
Secondly, He grants it true in the object, to wit, that the object of the Magistrates power is the Body and Goods of the Subject, though not in the End which he saith is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, well to administer the commonweal: Now I ask what is this commonweal?  Peace. 
The Spirit of God distinguisheth in the New Testament 
What is the Common weal of Israel.  between the Common weals of the Nations of the World, and the commonweal of Israel. The commonweal of Israel, Mr Cotton will not affirm now to be a Church provincial, Nationall, ecumenical, but Particular and congregational.  Truth. 
If so, than the final cause of both these Common weals or States cannot be the same. But although the End of the Civil Magistrate be excellent, to wit, well to administer the commonweal, yet the end of the Spiritual commonweal of Israel and the Officers thereof, is as different and transcendent as the Heaven is from the Earth.  Peace. 
But how (saith Mr Cotton) can it be well with the commonwealth that enjoys bodily health, and worldly wealth, if there be no Christ, no Church there? and how was it with the Roman Empire which the Red-horse of War, and Black horse of Famine, and Pale horse of Pestilence would have ruined, if she had not cast away her Idols.  Truth. 
Concerning this instance of Rome Master Cotton here acknowledgeth it abounded in worldly blessings, till the Lord Jesus came riding forth upon the White Horse of the Gospel. And Master Cotton may remember that from the Foundation of her 
The Roman Empire flourisheth in worldly glory without Christ  rising and Glory, laid by Romulus until Christ's time, it flourished about 750 years in a long chain of generations succeeding each other in worldly prosperity, and yet no Church nor Christ to uphold it, so far is Master Cottons Romish instance from countenancing Mr. Cottons Roman Doctrine.  Peace. 
But when Christ came (saith Master Cotton) and was neglected, than the Red and Black and Pale horse had almost destroyed her, if she had not cast away her Idols.  Truth. 
I answer, Rome the head of the Empire cannot be said to neglect Christ (until the bloody Tenent of persecution arose amongst them) I say, not to neglect Christ more, nor so 
The city of Rome famous for professing Christ Jesus.  much as other States, for there were so many of the Romans, and so glorious professors of Christ Jesus, that all the world over the Faith and Christian obedience of the Romans was renowned.  
2 The Roman empire cannot be said to cast away her Idols, but to change (as the Portugals did in the East-Indies) her Idols her more gross and Pagan Idols, for more refined & beautified Idols, painted over with the name of Christ, the true God, holiness, etc. and this in the glorious days of Constantine, or not long after. The Church of Christ Jesus which under persecution remained 
Christ's Spouse most chaste under persecution.  a wise and spouse of Christ Jesus, now degenerates and apostates into an Whore, in the times of her ease, security and prosperity. (Whole Cities, Nations, and the whole world forced and ravished into a whore or Antichristian Christian.)  
3 As far as the East is from the West, so far is the world and nations and Empire of it from the holiness of Christ Jesus, holy Spirit▪ Truth and Saints: With what appearance then of Christ's holiness, glory, etc. can Master Cotton advance the world (the Roman Empire) to be (as he here speaks) the Advancer of the sceptre of Christ Jesus?  Peace. 
If this Roman Empire be that dreadful Beast, (in daniel's prophecy) more strange and terrible than the rest, yea, and 
The Roman Monarchy bloody to the Saints.  more terrible to Christ Jesus and his servants, than was the former Babylonian Lion, or Persian bear, or Grecian Leopard, what truth of Jesus is this, that advanceth this dreadful bloody Beast to be the Advancer of the sceptre, that is, the Church and Government, the Truth and Saints of Christ Jesus.  Peace. 
Glorious things (Dear Truth) are recorded of Constantine and other glorious Emperors.  
Truth. The Beast was (sweet Peace) the Beast still, although 
Constantine a friend and enemy to Christ's Spouse.  it pleased God to give some refreshing and reviving to his persecuted servants, by Constantine and other blessed instruments yet Constantine's favour was a bitter sweeting, his superstitious zeal laying the Foundation for after usurpations and Abominations.  
4 But further, for near 1000 years together, both before and after Christ's time, Rome grew and flourished (with little alterations 
The state of the Roman Empire before and after Christ.  of her glory in comparison) until this very time that Master Cotton calls the casting away of her Idols: For not before, but after Constantine's advancing of Christians to wealth and honour, etc. I say near about 300 years together (interchangeably) after his time, until Pipinus, and Charles the Great, the City and state of Rome was almost ruined and destroyed, by the often dreadful incursions of the Goths and Vandals, Huns, Longobards, and other furious Nations: So contrary to the truth of Jesus is this fleshly doctrine of worldly wealth and prosperity, and also this very instance of Rome and her glory here discussed.  Peace. 
Master Cotton ends with prayer and blessing to God (as James speaks) and bitter and cutting curse and censures to man, the poor Discusser, who (saith Master Cotton) seduceth himself and others and delights to do it, and against the light of grace and conscience, against reason and experience.  Truth. 
The Discusser is as humbly confident of Grace and Conscience, Reason and Experience, yea, the God of all Grace, Christ Jesus, his holy Spirit, Angels, Truth and Saints to be on his side, as Master Cotton otherwise can be: but the day shall try, the Fire and Time shall try which is the Gold of Truth and faithfulness, and which the dross and Stubble of lies and error.  
In the mean time I dare pronounce from the Testimony of Christ Jesus, that in all Controversies of Religion: That Soul that most possesseth itself in patiented suffering, and dependeth not on the arm of flesh, but upon the arm of God, Christ Jesus, for his comfort and protection, that Soul is most likely (in my observation) to see and stand for the Truth of Christ Jesus.  Peace. 
In the next place Master Cotton denies to compel to the Truth by penalties, but only by withdrawing such favours as are comely and safe for such persons.  Truth. 
I have formerly answered, and do, that a great Load may be made up by Parcels and particulars, as well as by one mass or bulk; and that the backs of some men, especially Merchants may be broke, by a withdrawing from them some civil privileges and rights (which are their due) as well as by afflicting them in their Purses, or Flesh upon their backs.  
2 Christ Jesus was of another opinion (who distinguisheth between God's due and Caesar's due: and therefore (with respect to 
God will not wrong, nor have Caesar wronged.  God his cause and Religion) it is not lawful to deprive Caesar the Civil Magisteate, nor any that belong to him of their Civil and Earthly rights. I say in this respect, although that a man is not Godly, a Christian, sincere, a Church member, yet to deprive him of any Civil right or privilege, due to him as a Man, a Subject, a Citizen, is to take from Caesar, that which is Caesar's, which God endures not though it be given to himself.  Peace. 
Experience ofttimes tell us, that however the stream of just privileges and Rights hath (out of Carnal Policy) been stopped by God's people, when they▪ have got the Staff▪ into their hands (in divers Lands and countries) yet hath that stream ever returned, to the greater calamity and trial of God's people.  Truth. 
But (thirdly) it hath been noted that even in New-England, penalties by Law have been set to force all to come to Church, which will appear upon a due search to be nothing else but an outward profession of force and violence, for that Doctrine which they suppose is the Truth.  Peace. 
Concerning coming to Church: we tolerate (saith Master Cotton) Indians, Presbyterians, Antinomians, and Anabaptists: and compel none to come to Church against their conscience, and none are restrained from hearing even in England.  Truth. 
Compelling to come to Church is apparent whether 
Concerning toleration in New England.  with or against their Conscience, let every man look to it. The toleration of Indians is against professed principles, and against the stream of all his present dispute as before I proved.  
Touching the magistrate's duty of suppressing Idolatry, Witchcraft, Blasphemy, etc. such Indians as are (pofessedly subject to English) in N. England, notoriously continue and abound in the same which if they should not permit, it as apparent, their subjection is hazarded.  
'tis true, this Toleration is a Duty from God, but a sin in them because they profess it their Duty to suppress Idolatry, Blasphemy; (add, Master Cotton may say, we not only tolerate the Indians in their abominable and barbarous worships, but (which may seem most incredible) we tolerate the Indians also in that which by our civil principles we ought to tolerate no subject in, that is, in abominable lying, whoring, cursing, thieving, without any active course of restraint, etc.  
'tis true, Those Indians submitting to their Government (as it may be Master Cotton will say to the ten commandments) yet living in all kind of barbarism, live some miles more remote: how ever they are (they say) their subjects) were every miles distance an hundreth.  Peace. 
But is there any such and professed toleration of Antinomians, Presbyterians, Anabaptists, as is here insinuated?  Truth. 
I know of no toleration of Presbyterian, Antinomians, 
Witness the bloody whipping of Obadiah Homes for the point of baptism lately at Boston●  Anabaptists, worshipping God in any meetings, separate from the common Assemblies. If any such persons be amongst them (like Church-Papists) it is their sin, that they separate not from such opposite Assemblies and Worships, and it is the sin of such assemblies to tolerate such persons after due admonitions, in the name of Christ, rejected.  
But further, Master Cotton grants a Communion in hearing in a Church-Estate by Church members, but not in any as are no Church-members, but come in as the Pagan, infidel, 1 Cor. 14.  Truth. 
Communion is twofold▪ First; open and professed among Church-Members: Secondly, Secret and implicit in all 
Communion spiritual, twofold.  such as give their presence to such Worships without witnessing against them. For otherwise, how can a Church-Papist satisfy the Law, compelling him to come to Church, or a Protestant satisfy a Popish Law in Popish Countries, but by this cloak or Covering, hiding and saving of themselves by bodily presence at Worship, though their Heart be fare from it.  Peace. 
Whereas it was said, that Conscionable Papists, and all 
The great trial among Papists & Protestants concerning coming to Church.  Protestants have suffered upon this ground, especially of refusing to come to each others Church or meeting. Mr Cotton replies; They have suffered upon other points, and such as have refused to come to Church, have not refused because such hearing implanted them into Church-Estate, but out of fear to be leavened.  Truth. 
'Tis true, many have suffered upon other points, but upon due Examination it will appear that the great and most universal trial hath been, amongst both Papists and Protestants about coming to Church, and that not out of fear of being leavened (for what Religion is ordinarily so distrustful of its own strength?) as of Countenancing what they believe false, by their presence and appearance.   

Exam: of Chap. 71. replying to Chap. 74.  Peace. 
COncerning the Papists testimony against persecution; Mr Cotton replies: First, why may not their testimony be wicked, as well as their book, confessed so to be? Secondly, He grants, that Conversion of souls ought not to be but by spiritual means.  Truth. 
It is true, the author of the Letter calls their book wicked, and themselves the authors of persecution, yet their testimony is in part acknowledged by Mr Cotton to be true, and will further appear so to be upon Examination: But whether Mr Cotton allow of no other arms, then spiritual to be used about Spiritual conversion, it hath and will be further examined.  Peace. 
Whereas the Papists allege (Matth. 10.) that Christ Jesus sent his Ministers as sheep among Wolves, not as Wolves among sheep, to kill, imprison, etc. Mr Cotton grants this true, yet adds that this hindereth not Excommunication, Tit. 3. nor miraculous Vengeance against Spiritual Wolves (Acts 13.) where there is a gift: nor their Prayers against such, 2 Tim. 4. 4. nor their stirring up of the Civil power against them, as Elijah did Ahab and the people against the Prophets of Baal, 1 Kings 18. 40.  Truth. 
Concerning the two first we agree, for the third, the 
Touching prayers for Vengeance upon God's Enemies.  Prayers of God's people against God's Enemies, we find twofold: First, general against all; secondly, Particular against some; and that twofold; First, for God's Vengeance in God's time, leaving it to his holy wisdom; as Paul prayed against Alexander. Secondly, For present Vengeance; as the Disciples desired in the case of Christ, Luke 9 And against such Prayers the Discusser did and doth contend.  
For the fourth, in Stirring up of the Civil State against false 
Stirring up of the civil State to persecute.  Prophets, I must answer as before, Let Mr Cotton produce any such Civil State in the World, as that extraordinary and miraculous State of Israel was, and I yield it: otherwise, if the passage be extraordinary and typing, why doth Mr Cotton add fuel to Nebuchadnezars fiery furnace, which hath been so dreadfully hot already, and hath devoured so many millions of God's people?  Peace. 
Further out of Matth. 10. Whereas the Papists book says, Christ's Ministers should be delivered, but should not deliver up, those whom they are sent unto to convert, unto counsels or Prisons, or to make their Religion felony or Treason; Mr Cotton answers; What is this to Apostates, who seek to subvert the Faith they have professed? What is this to them that seek to subvert States, and kill Kings; which Doctrine, in downright terms, he at last chargeth upon the author of the Letter, and the Discusser.  Truth. 
But how falls an Antichristian or Apostate more directly under the stroke of the Civil Sword, than a Jew or Turk or Pagan? By what rule of God or Christ hath a Magistrate of this World, authority, so to punish the one above the other? And where hath Mr Cotton found one Title, either in the Letter or in the Discusser, which forbids the Magistrate to punish felony or Treason, whether it be in practice, or in Doctrine, leading to it? Doth not every leaf and Line breathe the contrary to what Mr Cotton here insinuateth? The Truth is, as Potiphars wife accusing 
The bloody Tenent of persecution is alone the King killing and Stare-killing Doctrine.  Joseph was not clear her self, so let this charge be well examined, and this will be the Result of it; The Papists and the Discusser agree together in asserting one Truth in this Chapter, to wit, that God's Messengers ought not to deliver any to Prisons or counsels. But in the Doctrine of killing heretical Kings or Magistrates, who sees not but such Papists as ●hould that Doctrine, and Mr Cotton meet in the end? For if the Magistrate prove an Apostate, Blasphemer, Idolater, heretic, Seducer (according to Mr Cottons Doctrine, as well as the Papists) such Kings and Magistrates ought (as well as thousands of his Subjects in like case) be put to Death.  Peace. 
Again, where the Papists book argued from Matth. 10 that Christ bids his Ministers to salute an house with peace, he sends no pursuivant to ransack and spoil it: Mr Cotton answers: True, but if Seducers be there, or rebels or conspirators be there, God hath armed the Magistrate, Rom. 13.  Truth. 
Mr Cotton (too too like the bloody persecutors of Christ Jesus in all Ages) still couples the Seducer and the rebels together, as the Jews coupled Christ and Barrabbas, though Barrabbas finds more favour than the Son of God, for Christ as a seducer, a deceiver, etc. is commonly executed, & Barrabas released.  
'Tis true the Magistrate's Commission is from God, even in the time of the Gospel, but Christ Jesus never gave Commission to Magistrates to send pursuivants to ransack an house, to search for Seducers and Idolaters, who transgress only against the Spiritual kingdom of Christ Jesus, but not against civility and the Civil State.  Peace. 
This Distinction of Evils▪ I remember it pleased God to open some of the Roman Emperors eyes to see, upon the occasion of his poor servants Apologies presented unto them.  Truth. 
You seasonably remember this (dear Peace) for although 
Amoninus Pius his Edict for the Christians.  we find not Antoninus Pius or Aurelius Antoninus to have been Believers in Christ Jesus, yet they gave forth their Edicts, tha● no Christian should be punished merely for that he was a Christian, except some other crime against the Civil State were proved against him: And the later of these gave in express charge, that such as were their Accusers should be burnt alive.  Peace. 
If such an Edict or any fare more moderate should come forth in our Time, against the great troublers of all civil 
Transgression against the spiritual or civil peace.  States, to wit, Informers, Accusers and Maintainers of the bloody Doctrine of persecution: doubtless thousands and ten thousands of Men, yea not a few of the most zealous Hunters or persecutors would easily submit to the Truth of the Distinction between the crime of a Religion contrary to a State Religion, and a crime against the Civil State thereof.  
But to the Papists again, they (lastly) alleged, John 10. that the true shepherd comes not to kill the sheep, etc. Upon this Master Cotton queries. But what if the wolf, the thief come, shall the shepherd use Spiritual Censures, when they are not capable of such strokes, or shall he not seek help from the Magistrate, who is to see God's people live a quiet and peaceable Life in all godliness and honesty, 1 Tim. 2.?  Truth. 
I answer, and cry out, how long, how long Lord, 
Persecutors of Christ's sheep pretend to save them and kill none but Wolves.  before thou avenge the blood of thy holy ones, against them that dwell on the Earth, both bloody Papists and bloody Protestants? Out of their own mouths shall Papists and Protestants be condemned, for slaughtering Christ Jesus (the shepherd) in his poor sheep and Servants, and especially the bloody Papist, for alleging that Scripture, for the Pope's bloody butchery, [Arise Peter, kill and eat:] yet all pretending to save the sheep, and only to resist Wolves, thiefs, etc.  
But more punctually Master Cotton well knows, that in the 
Antichristian Ministers great thiefs.  mystery of Antichristianisme, many thousand Antichristian Wolves pretend strongly to be the harmless sheep of Christ Jesus, yea his tender and careful shepherds, yet are but Antichristian thiefs and Robbers, who cannot dig and to beg are ashamed, and therefore find it best to steal and rob●, whole Parishes and Provinces, whole Nations, etc. for live, for Benefices, for Bishoprics, Cardinalships, Popedomes, etc.  Peace. 
What kind of sheep and shepherds (Christ Jesus 
Hireling Ministers.  will find out shortly) are all those Hirelings, Papists or Protestant, who no longer penny, no longer paternoster, no longer pay, no longer pray, no● preach, no● fast, nor convert, etc.  Truth. 
These Babylonian Rivers shall at last be stopped: God and Man shall agree to stop them: The truth of that holy mystery of that great Exchange shall be opened, Revel. 10. And people's eyes shall be opened to see, how these mystical merchants of the Earth (pretending to be the great Sellers of Truth) have been the greatest Deceivers, and Cheators, the greatest thiefs and Robbers in the World.  Peace. 
But Mr Cotton will say, God's people would live at peace in godliness and honesty, 1 Tim. 2. 1. as Paul professeth, Acts 25. 8.  Truth. 
I remember when old Chaucer puts this Querie to 
Friars in Chancers time and the clergy in our time considered.  the four chief sorts of friars in his Time [which of the four sorts is the best] he finds every sort applauding itself, and concluding the other three sorts of friars to be Liars: whence in Conclusion he finds them all guilty of Lying (in a round) before God, for all professed themselves to be the only godly men.  
I may now ask, who among all the sorts of Churches and Ministers applaud not themselves (like the friars in Chaucer's days) to be Christ's only Churches, Christ's Ministers, etc. And who among the several sorts of such as are God's people indeed, believe not their own godliness (or worshipping of God) to be only right and Christian?  Peace. 
What now if each sort should enjoy Magistrates of their own profession and Way?  Truth. 
The bloody Tenent will avoidable set them altogether by the ears, to try out by the longest Sword, and strongest arm, which godliness must live in peace and quietness: But as for that Scripture, 1 Tim. 2. I have (as I believe) fully debated it, in the Examination of the model, and made it evident how fare from all godliness and honesty that holy Scripture is perverted.  Peace. 
Mr Cotton in the next passage being charged with partial dealing, and a double weight and measure, one for himself and another for others; Mr Cotton in effect answereth, that it is a true and just Complaint against persecution and persecutors, but not against them, for they are Righteous and not Apostates, Seducers, heretics, Idolaters, Blasphemers, etc.  Peace. 
What doth Master Cotton answer, but what all religions, sects▪ and several sorts of worshippers in the world▪ all religious Priests and churchmen plead, We are Righteous?  Peace. 
Yea, the very Turks and Mahometans challenge to 
The Turks themselves will be Muslemanni, or right believers. The horrible partialite of persecutors.  themselves true Faith in God, yea, whether Jews, Antichristians or Christians, they all call themselves Muselmanni that is the right believers.  Truth. 
It is not so great wonder then if the popish and protestant sects, and ministers of worship cry out (as men use to do in suits of Law and pretences to the crown) We are righteous, my title is good, and the best. We are holy, we are Orthodox and godly: You must spare us, believe us, honour us, feed us, protect and defend us in peace and quietness. Others are Heretics, Apostates, Seducers, Idolators, Blasphemers, starve them, imprison them, banish them, yea hang them, burn them with fire and sword pursue them.  Peace. 
When it was urged (by way of prevention) that persons truly professing Christ Jesus be his sheep, and they cannot persecute;  
First, Because it is against the nature of Sheep to hunt, no not the Wolves that have hunted themselves, etc. Master Cotton answers, First if the similitude be so stretched, then if a Magistrate be a sheep, he ought not to punish, robbers, adulterers, murderers, etc.  
2 Paul was a sheep, and yet he struck Elimas' with blindness, Acts 13.  
3 (Saith he) when the wolf runs upon the sheep, it is not against the nature of the true sheep to run to the true shepherd, and is it against the nature of the true shepherd to send forth his Dogs, to worry such a wolf, without incurring the reproach of a persecutor.  Truth. 
To the first, the finger of true Distinction will easily untie these seeming knots. 
Mystical sheep.   
Sheep therefore are twofold, natural and mystical.  
Again, mystical are twofold, First, civil, and so all Magistrates have rightly been called shepherds and the people sheep.  
2 spiritual, and so Christ Jesus gave pastors, that is shepherds and Teachers, and all Believers and followers of Jesus are sheep▪  
On the contrary there are natural and mystical wolves: of mystical some oppose the spiritual, and some the Civil State, and some both, who must be resisted by the proper shepherds, and proper weapons in each kind, and to confound these is to deceive and to be deceived.  Peace. 
Upon the ground of this Distinction we may easily perceive, that a shepherd in Civil state, of what Religion soever he be, as a shepherd of the people he ought to defend them by force of Civil arms, from all oppressions of body, goods, chastily, name, etc. This doth the Magistrate as a shepherd of the Civil state and people, considered in a Civil respect and capacity, and this aught all the Magistrates in the world to do, whether they be sheep or not themselves in another respect, that is in a spiritual and Christian.  Truth. 
Yea, and if a Magistrate be a sheep or a true Christian, who seethe not that he punisheth not the robber, adulterer, murderer as a spiritual shepherd with spiritual weapons, but as a Civil shepherd with a C●vill stasse, sword, & c?  
'tis true, Paul was a sheep, that is, a spiritual sheep; he also 
Paul his striking Elimas' blind considered.  was a spiritual shepherd, and Elimas' was a wolf opposing spiritually, and Paul in his opposition struck him blind. Striking is twofold, spiritual and corporal: And all the sheep of Christ as spiritual, are also lions and armed men, and so do strike spiritually.  Peace. 
It will be said that Paul struck both spiritually and corporally.  Truth. 
Corporal strokes may be considered either ordinary or mediate, by force of arms, fire and sword, etc. or extraordinary and immediate, such as it pleased God to use himself, and his holy Prophets and Apostles by his power: Now 'tis true, in this second way, (even in spiritual cases) God's sheep which have been induced with power above nature, that is of miracles, have plagued Egypt, have burnt up captains and their Fifties, yea plucked up Nations and kingdoms as Jeremy: Peter killed Ananias and his wife, Paul struck Elimas' blind, and the two witnesses consume their Enemies with fire out of their mouths. 
Of the power of miracles.   
If either of these should do this ordinarily, that is, by ordinary means (for instance, if Peter had killed Ananias with a Sword, or Paul beat out Elimas' his eyes with a Fist or stone) they ought to have been punished by the Civil state, as oppressors of the people, and transgressors against Civil peace, etc. But performing these executions, by a spiritual, divine and miraculous power, above humane reach: all that heard were to acknowledge, and fear and tremble at the holy Spirits might: of this gift of miracles, I say as the Lord Jesus spoke touching the gift of Continency, he that can receive it, let him receive it.  Peace. 
By what hath been said, I see Master Cottons last answer will be more easily satisfied: when the wolf runneth ravenously (saith he) upon the sheep, is it against the nature of the true sheep to run to their shepherds? and it is not against the nature of the true shepherd to send forth his dogs to worry such a Wolf, & c?  Truth. 
Master Cotton (doubtless) here intends mystical sheep, and shepherds, and wolfs and dogs, and presseth the similitude from the natural sheep in civil respect, he cannot here mean (for that is not the Question) whether Wolvish-men oppressing the Civil state are to be resisted and suppressed by civil weapons, etc.  
Concerning Spiritual sheep then: the first question is: If the 
Spiritual sheep and wolves considered.  wolf runs ravenously upon the Sheep, is it against the nature of the true Sheep to run to their shepherd? I answer, a spiritual wolf (a false Teacher, etc.) may be said to run ravenously upon a spiritual sheep, by spiritual assault of Argument, Dispute, Reproach, etc. The same man as a civil wolf (for so we must speak to speak properly) may also run upon a sheep of Christ by Civil arms, that is in a Civil respect, upon Body and Go●●●, &c,  
If now the wolf ravin the first way, the sheep of Christ may and aught to run, to the Lord Jesus (the great Mr. Shepheard) and to such under and in inferior shepherds as he hath appointed (if he can attain to them.)  
If the second way, the sheep (beside running to Christ Jesus by prayer, and to his Ordinances and Officers for advice and comfort) may run to the Civil Magistrate (appealing to Caesar, etc.) against such uncivil violence and oppression.  Peace. 
Mine heart joyfully acknowledgeth the Light mine eye seethe, in that true and necessary distinction: Now to the Second Question, is it against the nature of the true shepherd (saith Mr. Cotton) to send forth his dogs to worry such a wolf, etc.  Truth. 
Mr Cotton here discoursing of Christ's sheep, and Christ's shepherds, Reason would persuade, that the shepherds or pastors here intended should be the shepherds or pastors appointed by Christ Jesus, Ephes. 4.  Peace. 
If so he should intent, it well suits with the spirit of some proud and scornful (pretended) shepherds of Christ Jesus in the World, who have used to call their Clerks, summoners, Proctors, and pursuivants, their hunting Dogs, etc.  Truth. 
But such Dogs, (as yet) the Independent pastors or shepherds, keep not.  Peace. 
Yea but the Pope (to speak in Mr Cottons phrase, 
The Pope and, all proud Popish Priests and clergy use the civil Powers but as Dogs.  yet with all humble respect to Civil authority, the blessed Ordinance of God and Man) I say the Pope keeps such Dogs good store, yea Dogs of all sorts, not only of those lesser kinds, but whom he useth as his Dogs, the Emperors, Kings, and Magistrates of the World, whom he teacheth and forceth to crouch, to lie down, to creep, and kiss his foot, and from thence at his beck to fly upon such greedy Wolves, as the Waldenses, Wicklevists, Hussites, Hugonites, Lutherans, Calvinists, Protestants, Puritans, Sectaries, etc. to imprison, to whip, to banish, to hang, to head, to burn, to blow up such vile Heretics, Apostates, Seducers, Blasphemers, etc.  
But I forget, it will be said, the Protestants Grounds and practices differ from the Popes as far as Light from darkness, and how ever the Pope useth the secular power and Magistrates thereof, but as Dogs and Hangmen, yet the Reformed Churches teach and practise better.  Truth. 
'Tis true (sweet Peace) the Protestants profess greater 
The Protestant clergy their dealing with Magistrates.  honour and subjection to the Civil Magistrate: But let plain English be spoken and it will be found that the Protestant clergy (as they will be called) ride the backs and necks of Civil Magistrates, as fully and as heavily (though not so pompously) as ever the great Whore sat the backs of Popish Princes.  Peace. 
The Protestant clergy hath yielded up the temporal sword into the hand of the temporal State, Kings, governors, etc. They proclaim the Magistrates, Head of the Church, Defenders of their Faith, the Supreme Judges in all causes as well ecclesiastical as civil.  Truth. 
'Tis true, they make the Magistrate Head of the Church, but yet of what Church they please to make and fashion.  
They make him defendor of the Faith, but of what Faith, what Doctrine, what Discipline, what Members they please to admit and account of: And this under the penalty of being accounted either heretical (and so Magistrates worthy themselves to be put to Death) or ignorant, and so not fit to act (as Mr Cotton saith) but must suspend their power, until they submit to the clergies pretended Light, and so be learnt to see and read with the Clergies Spectacles.  Peace. 
To this purpose (indeed) agrees the next passage, wherein Mr Cotton affirmeth, that although all the Magistrates 
A suspending or hanging up of Magistrates  in the World, aught to punish Blasphemers, Idolaters, Seducers, yet this must they not do while their Consciences are blind and ignorant of the Truth, and yet they cease not to be Magistrates (saith he) although they cannot perform all the Duties of Magistrates.  Truth. 
Concerning this stated duty of all Magistrates, and yet suspending of all ignorant Magistrates from acting, according to this their duty I have spoken to before and often, I now add, according to Mr Cottons similitude, if the errors of others be as motes in comparison of the beams of this ignorance and blindness in Magistrates, which he calleth beams, it will be found that he renders thousands of the Magistrates of the World as uncapable to be true Magistrates, as an heap of Timber to be an House, which wants the beams and principals.  Peace. 
The sum of the Difference in the last passage is not great, nor any in words, for saith Mr Cottons Conclusion, If the Difference be only in the way and manner of the Administration of Christ, and the Difference be held forth in a peaceable and Christian way, God forbidden a staff should be shaken against such, or a Sword unsheathed.  Truth. 
Alas, where hath lain the great Difference between the Prelates and Presbyterians, the Presbyterians and Independants, but about the way and Administration of Christ's kingdom (for as for matter of Doctrine according to the 39 Articles 
The great spiritual differences of these late Times.  of the Church of England, they have little differed)? Yea wherein for matter of Doctrine, of Faith, Repentance and holiness) have the Churches which make whole separation, or such as go further to a new baptism, wherein have they differed from the former? and yet we know what laws have been and are extant in Old and New England against them, and what practices have been felt, and may justly be expected both from the Mother and the Daughter, if a jealous God and heavenly Father (for our unthankfulness) should once be pleased to finish this late and wonderful calm and moderation: Which yet may 
Of rest from persecution.  justly be feared to prove, (as seamen use to observe) but a Winter's calm, and they ray, a Winter's calm (for then storms are breeding) is as bad as a Summer's storm.   

Exam: of Chap. 72. replying to Chap. 75. Concerning the testimony of Austin.  Peace. 
MAster Cotton finds two faults in the first entrance. First, that Antichrist should be said to be too hard for Christ at voting: 2. That Augustine's testimony should be put off as a Rhetorical Evasion.  Truth. 
To the first, it will shortly appear as the Light at Noon day, what packing of Votes, and listing, and mustering up of Numbers have been in all Ages, in all counsels, in all Synods, in all Parliaments, and in all (falsely so called) Christian Countries, against the Lord, his Christ and Servants.  Peace. 
But Mr Cotton marvailes that when the case concerns toleration of heretics and Antichristians, that Antichrist should procure more Votes against Antichristians, and that Christ should procure any Vote, though fewer, for them.  Truth. 
To expound this riddle; It was never affirmed, that Christ hath any Votes for the tollerating of heretics or Antichristians in the Religious State or Church of Christ, but in the Civil State or commonweal, that is, in the common field of the world together.  
Secondly, Not only Antichrist may oppose some Antichristians, 
God's children may possibly fight each against the other. 〈…〉  but the Israel of God may oppose Israel: Ephraim may be against Manasseh, and Manasseh against Ephraim, and both against Judah in several respects. Have not the Presbyterians been against the Independents, and the Independents against the Presbyterians, and both against such a● separate from the uncleannesses of them both?  
No wonder then when one Antichristian Faction prevails to crush another, (and therein wraps up Christ Jesus himself as 
Antichristians against Antichristians, but principally against Christ.  an Antichristian,) that Christ Jesus should find some Friends and Votes against the Oppressing Faction, though the number of the oppressors do fare exceed, and cast the cause (most commonly) against Christ Jesus, as a Male factor, a Drunkard, a Glutton, a Deceiver, a madman possessed with a devil, a Seducer, a Blasphemer, etc.  Peace. 
But to the second, let us Examine the Reasons against Augustine's Argument with Mr Cottons defence of them.  
The first answer was, that soul-killing was of a large extent 
Touching spiritual murder.  in Scripture, which may reach to many sins that are not capital; Mr Cotton replies; the Answer reacheth not the point; for as every kill of the Body is not a capital crime, so neither is every kill of the soul, but such as is more voluntary and presumptuous, and joined with some gross and murderous intent.  Truth. 
Austin and Mr Cotton spoke in general, without distinction of soule-murther and killing: the Title and sound of soule-murther and soul-killing, should not be cast abroad like Thunder and Lightning, with a late excuse that we intent not every soule-murther and killing.  Peace. 
Your second Argument was from the Dissimilitude of bodily and spiritual Death: Body-killing is but once and for ever, but a soul killed may recover, etc. Mr Cotton replies, that the very attempt of soul-killing is capital, Deut. 13. 10.  Truth. 
First, than the Dissimilitude or Difference remains good, between the murdering of the body, and the kill of the soul or inner man; contrary to his Answer foregoing.  
Secondly, Concerning this attempting I have spoken elsewhere, 
Touching Seducers.  and proved that spiritually it may be made good, against a Christian Israelite, falling away from Christ, and seducing others; but literally, against such attempting against any man's present Religion or Worship, (in any Civil State all the World over) it cannot be taken, because the whole world, the Nations and peoples of it cannot parallel this State of Israel, whence this plea is taken.  Peace. 
I presume (dear Truth) you would not excuse and extenuate the punishment of a Soule-Traitour and seducer, now under the Gospel.  Truth. 
No; I aggravate the least attempt of soule-murther, 
The heinousness of spiritual stumbling blocks.  and the least prejudice or hindrance to Eternal Life, infinitely above what is temporal and corporal murder, when either Husband or Wife, Brother or Sister, King or Queen, Synod or Parliament shall lay a stumbling block in the heavenly way, or grieve or offend the least of the littles one's of Christ Jesus, and such dreadful punishment shall all even the highest and greatest find, who now seem to forget the Millstone.  Peace. 
The third argument was from the different punishment 
Punishing of Seducers.  which Christ Jesus hath appointed for soulkilling, to wit, by the two edged sword, which comes out of Christ's mouth, which is able to cut down heresy, and to slay the soul of heretics everlastingly.  
Master Cotton replies, this answer hath been removed above: Church censures are sufficient to heal the heretic, if he belong to God, and to remove the guilt of his wickedness from the Church, but not to prevent spreading, etc. nor to cle●se the commonwealth from such rebellion as hath been taught by him against the Lord.  Truth. 
Above hath also been shown the sovereign excellency 
Commonweal twofold, and Rebellion twofold.  and power of Christ's spiritual means against spiritual infection: Above hath also been shown the twofold commonwealth; First, the Civil and natural; Secondly, the spiritual, religious and Christian.  
Rebellion also against the Lord hath been proved, twofold, First, spiritual, against himself in point of his more immediate worship and service, for which he hath provided not only the vengeance of eternal fire approaching (according to the degrees and heinousness of such rebellion) but also present spiritual punishment, far exceeding all corporal punishment and torment in the world.  
2 Rebellion against God is temporal and more mediate, as it is a resistance, opposition or violation of any Civil state or order appointed by God or Men. Now to confound these together, (and to hover in general terms of Rebellion against the Lord) is to blow out the Candle or Light, and to make a noise in the dark, with a sound and cry of a guilty Land; a guilty State, soul-murtherers, soul-killers, heretics, blasphemers, seducers, rebels against the Lord, kill them, kill them, etc.  
Suppose these soul-murthering heretics, Seducers, etc. be as full of vexation and mischief as the Musketoes or Wolves in New 
Mystical Wolves and Muskeetoes.  England or other Countries; It were to be wished, (but never can be hoped in this world) that every Civil state, City and town in the world, were free from such mystical and soul-vermin: The poor Planter and Farmer is glad, if his house and chamber, if his yard and field, his family and cattle, may be tolerably clear from such annoyances, however the Woods and wilderness abound with them: They that are of such fiery pragmatical restless spirits, that they content not themselves to keep the farm and House of the Church of Christ free from such Infection & annoyance, but rage that such vermin are suffered in the world's Wood, etc. It is pity but they had their full employment and task, to catch and kill even all the swarms and herds of all the Muskeetoes and Wolves, which either the wilderness of America, or the whole World can afford them.  4. Peace. 
Accordingly the Fourth Argument was from Christ's tolerating of soule-killers to live in the field of the World, though not in the Garden of the Church: Mr Cotton replies, this hath been largely and fully refeled above.  Truth. 
It is true, the Discusser alleged, and Mr Cotton refuted the Exposition of this Parable, but whether of them according to the mind of Christ Jesus, let every reader uprightly judge with fear and trembling at the word of the Lord.  Peace. 
The Fifth Argument was from the impossibility of killing and soul by a heretic: Mr Cotton answers, this is against Paul himself, 1 Cor. 8. 11.  Truth. 
As I spoke unto the Argument of the impossibility of the perishing of any of God's Elect, so here, the using of such an 
Of soul-killing.  Argument is far from undervaluing or neglecting of any of the means or Ordinances, natural or spiritual, which God hath graciously appointed, but to condemn the over-wise and overbusy Heads and Hands of Men, adding their Inventions to God's Appointments, as if weak and insufficient: whereas God's number of living and dead are certain, and though the means which he hath appointed for life should fail, and notwithstanding all other means in the World used by men as helps and hindrances, yet his holy End shall not be disappointed, but fulfilled.  
Beside the Difference between soul-killing and body-killing, is but (as Mr Cotton here useth the word) so much as in us lieth, that is, by attempt or endeavour, which may be many ways frustrated, and disappointed by the holy hand of God, and the soul yet saved and live in the day of the Lord Jesus.  Peace. 
Whereas you said, that the imprisoning of Men in a 
Touching State Religions.  Nationall or State Religion is guilty of their Destruction, together with the monstrous sword of Civil wars, which cuts off Men from all means of Repentance.  
Mr Cotton answers; If the Religion be good, it is no Imprisonment: If it be naught, then there should be no Imprisonment.  
To the second (saith he) this fear is causeless, for if Men belong to God, he will give Repentance, and how ever (saith he) God● revealed Will is fulfiled in their just Executions.  Truth. 
I could here ask Mr Cotton where (amongst all the Religions and Worships of the sons of men) he ever met in the whole World, with above one Nation, which Nationally professed a true Religion; and where ever, since Christ Jesus, ending of the 
God's children god's city, Nation and kingdom.  shadows, any State, Religion, or Nationall Worship can be found true; notwithstanding Mr Cotton knows I grant God's people, in Kingdoms, Nations, Cities, towns, etc. to be God's kingdom, Nation, city, etc.  Peace. 
And since Mr Cotton speaks thus of Imprisonment, methinks that every peaceable man and woman may bring in here against him, at the tribunal of Christ Jesus, an Action of 
A State Religion a prison.  false Imprisonment (indeed false every way) not only of the sensible and outward man, but of the most noble and inner part, the mind, the spirit, and Conscience; for who knows not that Jerusalem itself may be a prison to falsehearted Shimei? Who hath not found a palace a prison, when forced to keep within it? yea confine a man to his own house and home, though dear and familiar, and most intimate to him, his own house during that force and restraint, is a prison to him.  Truth. 
Yea it is most woefully found evident, that the best Religion (like the fairest Whores, and the most golden and costly Images) yea the most holy and pure and only true Religion 
A forced Religion.  and Worship, appointed by God himself, is a Torment to that soul and Conscience, that is forced against its own free love, and choice, to embrace and observe it: And therefore whether the Religion be good o●●aught (as Mr Cotton here distinguisheth) there ought to be no forcing, but the soul and mind and conscience of man, that is indeed the man, aught to be left free, as in his Earthly marriage-choice, so here ten thousand times rather in his heavenly and spiritual.  Peace. 
But what say you to his unmerciful conclusion, in the bloodshed and destruction of so many thousands and millions, formerly 
Of the late wars.  and lately slain and murdered by this bloody Tenent of persecution? Yea the late and lamentable streams of English blood, and the blood of our neighbours, friends, Brethren, Parents, poured forth by these late episcopal or Bishop's wars? Mr Cottons conclusion is, The revealed will of God (saith he) is fulfiled in their just Execution, whether they belong to God or no.  Truth. 
I wish Mr Cotton more mercy from God, and a more merciful mind toward the afflicted, and I say as the Lord Jesus 
The bloody Tenent guilty of the Rivers of blood, etc.  said in the case of offence: Great offences, Nationall offences will come for Religion's sake, for Nationall Religion sake, but woe unto those that bear the guilt of so many thousand slaughters, murders, ravish, plunderings, etc. The Pope, the Bishops, the Presbyterians, the Independants, so fare as they have been authors or Actors in these horrible Calamities, out of the persuasion of the bloody Tenent of persecution for Religion and Conscience; the voice of so many Rivers of blood cry to Heaven for vengeance against them.  Peace. 
But may not (blessed Truth) the sword of Civil power 
Wars for Religion.  which is from God (Rom. 13.) be drawn and drunk with blood for Christ his sake. What say you (among the many Examples of Religion's wars) to the most famous Battles of Constantine against the bloody persecutor Maxentius? Was not Constantine Christ's Champion, as once that valiant Scanderbag called himself against the bloody Turks?  Truth. 
Sweet Peace, the sword of Civil power was God's sword 
Constantine's wars for the Christians.  committed by Gods most wise Providence into the hands of that famous Constantine: doubtless his war was righteous and pious, so fare as he broke the jaws of the oppressing persecuting lions that devoured Christ's tender lambs and sheep: And famous was his Christian Edict (wherein Licinius joined with him) when he put forth that imperial Christian Decree, that 
Constantine's Edict against forcing in Religion.  no mane Conscience should be forced, and for his Religion (whether to the Roman Gods, or the Christian) no man should be persecuted or hunted: When Constantine broke the bounds of this his own and God's Edict, and draws the sword of Civil power in the suppressing of other Consciences for the establishing of the Christian, then began the great mystery of the church's sleep, the Gardens of Christ's Churches turned into the wilderness of Nationall Religion, and the World (under Constantine's Dominion) to the most unchristian Christendom.  Peace. 
I am unquestionably satisfied, that there was never 
Never any true Nationall Religion in the World but one.  any Nationall Religion good in this world but one, and since the Desolation of that Nation, there was never, there shall be never any Nationall Religion good again: and this will be most evident to such as hold the Truth of the continuance of Christ's visible Church in the way of particular Congregations.  
6. But now to the sixth Argument, which Mr Cotton thus repeats from the possibility of a false Teacher, & a spiritual Wolves recovery from the estate of a soule-killer to become a soule-Saviour, as it was in the case of Paul: And thus he answers; If men 
Touching Paul's blasphemy before his Conversion.  be such Blasphemers, and such Wolves, as Paul was before his Conversion, neither the Law of God nor man would put such a Man to death, who sinned of Ignorance, and walked (as himself professed) in all good Conscience, even in his former evil times, Acts 23. But as for such as apostate from the known truth of Religion, and seek to subvert the foundation of it, and to draw away others from it, to plead for their toleration in hope of their Conversion, is as much as to proclaim a general pardon to all malefactors (save only such as sin against the Holy Spirit) for he that is a wilful murderer and adulterer now, may come to be converted, and die a martyr hereafter.  Truth. 
I see not why Mr Cotton should pass a more charitable censure on Paul's Conscience, then on other men's professing Conscience also and the fear of God: nor an harder censure upon other Men (to wit, that they are convinced, and sin against their own Conscience) more than upon Paul himself: herd he not that famous powerful Sermon of Stephen? Saw he not his glorious and most heavenly Death? and having so much to do with the Saints, could he otherwise choose, but hear and see many heavenly passages tending to his soul's conviction?  Peace. 
Yea why should Mr Cotton pinch upon Apostates from the truth of Religion and Seducers? he cannot choose but know 
Of Apostates.  how many thousands and millions of men and women in the world, are Heretical, Blasphemers, Seducers, that never yet made profession of that which he accounteth True Religion?  True. 
Yea and (to plead thy case dear Peace) why should 
Fallacious mixture and confusion.  Mr Cotton couple murderers and Adulterers with Apostates and Seducers? Doth not even the natural Conscience and Reason of all men put a Difference? Do not even the most bloody Popes and Cardinals, gardiner's and Bonner's, put a difference between the crimes of Murder, Treason, adultery (for which although the offendor repent, etc. yet he suffers punishment) and the crimes of Heresy, blasphemy, etc. which upon Recantation and Confession, are frequently remitted?  Peace. 
I remember it was high Treason in H. 8. his days to deny the King's spiritual supremacy, as well as to kill his person, and yet upon Confession and Recantation we find, that the very Conscience of those bloody men could distinguish between these Treasons.  Truth. 
'Tis true this bloody Tenent of persecution was lamentably 
Spiritual Treason recanted, forgiven: but not so (by way ofcourse) the civil.  drunk with blood in the days of that Henry, as well as afterwards in the days of his bloody daughter Marie, and yet in Henry his days we find John Haywood recanting his (so called) Treason against the King's supremacy in spiritual things, and is cleared. When famous and faithful Cromwell, for words pretended to be spoken by him against the King's person, must pay his noble Head. But to End this Chapter, most true it is, that 
An Instance from ●●: Haywood and the Lord Cromwell in King Henry the 8. his days.  multitudes of people in all parts of bloody Christendom, and not a few in England in Henry the 7. and Henry the 8. his days; have escaped with a Recantation and Abjuration, for spiritual Treasons, when principles of Reason and Civil Government have taught men, for their common safety, to think of other punishments for Murderers, Adulterers, traitors.   

Exam: of Chap. 73. replying to Chap. 76. Discussing the testimony of Optatus.  Peace. 
MAster Cotton having alleged Optatus, justifying Macarius his putting heretics to Death, from the Example of Moses, Phinehas, and Elijah; it was answered, that these shafts were drawn not out of Christ's, but Moses Quiver: Mr Cotton replies; did ever any Apostle or Evangelist make the Judicial laws of Moses concerning Life and Death ceremonial and typical?  Truth. 
What ever the Apostles of Christ did in this matter, 
Of Moses judicials.  yet sure it is Evident, that Mr Cotton himself makes some of Moses laws, which he calls judicial, to be but ceremonial and typical.  Peace. 
Me thinks Mr Cotton should never grant that, who lays so much weight upon Moses practices, and the moral and perpetual ground of them.  Truth. 
Well take for an Instance this very case of putting to Death, Idolaters and false Prophets, he grants this in this very Chapter to be typical in the State of the Jews; for Israel (saith he) being the Church of God, and in Convenant with God, their Example will only extend to the like Execution of all the false Prophets in the Church of God.  Peace. 
Such a Candle lighted up in the Conscience and Judgement and Confession of Mr Cotton, may (if the Father of Lights so please,) light up many Candles more, to Mr Cottons own and the eyes of others.  Truth. 
Yea if the Father of Lights so please, Mr Cotton will look back and see, that if the Example of Israel extend no further then to the Church of God, than those laws of Moses concerning Religion, cannot but be typical and ceremonial; for, what is moral and perpetual, none can deny to concern all Men in all Nations, where no Church or House of God was ever erected.  2. Peace. 
If Mr Cotton say it extends but to the Church of God, what Church of God can Mr Cotton mean, but a particular Congregation (for he professeth against Nationall, provincial, etc.) And yet how can he mean a particular Church, since he grants the Church of Christ armed with no other weapons then spiritual, like unto the Head and King thereof Christ Jesus?  3. Truth. 
If Mr Cotton will grant the Church of Christ to have 
The first three hundred years after Christ.  been extant upon Earth during the first three hundred years of her fiery trials, he must grant that then the Church of Christ was furnished by Christ Jesus with no other weapons but spiritual, for all the Civil powers of the World seemed to be against them. All which time by Mr Cottons Doctrine, the Church of Christ his 
The Primitive Church the purest, and yet without a civil Sword.  heavenly Garden must needs be overgrown with Heretics, Idolaters, false Prophets, for want of a Civil Sword, etc. Or if they were not (as sure it is, the Spouse and Garden of Christ was never fairer since): As Mr Cotton grants the Example typical, and extending only to the Church of God, so must he then also grant these false Prophets and Idolaters to be put to Death by the Church's power, which is only spiritual, and Israel's material Sword will then appear to be a type of the twoedged sword of Christ Jesus in the Gospel.  Peace. 
It is true (saith Master Cotton,) what the Discusser 
Christ no Author of civil violence for Religion.  saith, that Christ Jesus gave no Ordinance, Precept or precedent in the Gospel for kill men for Religion, and no more (saith he) for the breach of Civil Justice: civil Magistrates therefore must either walk without Rule, or fetch their Rules of righteousness from Moses and the Prophets, who have expounded him in the Old Testament.  Truth. 
If Mr Cotton please more awfully to observe & weigh the mind of Christ Jesus his New Testament in this point, he will not only hear himself subscribing to Caesar's Right in Civil matters, but also by his servant Peter establishing all other forms of Civil Government, which the peoples or Nations of the World shall invent or create for their civil being, commonweal or welfare. Yea he may remember that Christ Jesus by his Servant Paul commandeth the Magistrate, to punish Murder, Theft, adultery, etc. for he expressly nameth these Civil Transgressions together with the civil Sword the Avenger of them, Rom. 13.  Peace. 
I cannot well conceive what Mr Cotton means by saying, that Moses and the Prophets expounded Christ Jesus in the Old Testament.  Truth. 
Nor I: They did speak or prophesy of Christ, they did type or figure him to come, with his sufferings and Glory, but (as John saith) Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ, that is, the fullfilling, opening, and expounding came by Jesus Christ.  Peace. 
Hence indeed I remember that Christ Jesus (Luc. 24.) expounded to his Disciples, out of Moses and the Prophets, the things written of him. But more particularly touching Moses: Macarius did well (saith Mr Cotton) in putting heretics to Death, from the Example of Moses putting Idolaters to Death, Exod 32. and the Idolater to Death, Levit. 24.  Truth. 
These Instances (by Mr Cottons Confession) extend 
The Levites killing 3000. Exod 32. typical.  no further than the Church of God, and then I desire my abovesaid Answer may be uprightly weighed. And I add the former Instance of putting Death the three thousand Israelites about the Golden calf by the hand of the Levites, may most lively seem to typify, the zealous Execution of spiritual Justice in (the Israel of God) the Church of Christ, by the true Ministers of Christ Jesus, the true Antitype of that zealous Tribe of Levi.  Peace. 
Concerning Phineas, whereas it was said that the 
Phineas his Act.  flaying of the Israelitish Prince and Daughter of Midian, was not for spiritual but for corporal fulthinesse, Master Cotton answereth and urgeth the Israelites eating of their Sacrifices, and joining to Baal-peor: Also that single Fornication was no capital crime.  Truth. 
It is most true, the people committed both spiritual and corporal filthiness (as very often they go together) but the Justice of God reckoned with these two sinners, for and in the midst of their corporal filthiness, which although it were not capital in Israel, yet the committing of it with so high an hand of presumption (and small sins committed presumptuously in Israel were Death) was enough to make it worthy of so sharp and sudden a Destruction.  Peace. 
Concerning Phineas his act Mr Cotton acknowledgeth that it is no precedent for Ministers of the Gospel so to act, but withal saith it is praesidentiall for Magistrates.  Truth. 
Phineas his Act (whether of ordinary or extraordinary Justice) how can it be praesidentiall to the Civil Magistrate in a particular Church, where the weapons are only spiritual? And Mr Cotton grants these Examples extend no further than the Church: Such as maintain a Nationall Church (which Mr Cotton doth not) have some colour to urge this Example 
The spiritual & civil State vastly different in their frame, laws, Officers, etc.  for a precedent: for in a civil State, civil Officers, civil laws, civil Weapons, civil punishments and rewards are proper, as are also (and only) Spiritual Officers, spiritual laws, spiritual punishments and Rewards in a spiritual State.  Peace. 
Concerning Eliah, Mr Cotton excepteth against the number eight hundred and fifty, as too many by half.  Truth. 
It is true, the number of Baal's Prophets were four 
Elijah and the Baalites.  hundred and fifty (false Prophets enough to one poor true) but yet Eliah numbers Jezabells four hundred trencher chaplains with them; for, saith he, Now therefore send and gather unto me all Israel unto Mount Carmel, and the Prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the Prophets of the Grove four hundred, which eat at Jezabells' Table.  Peace. 
But how ever (saith Mr Cotton) here was no type nor Figure for Actions of moral Justice, (though sometimes extraordinary) yet they are never figurative, but with such as turn all the Scripture into an allegory.  Truth. 
To make the shadows of the old Testament and the Substance 
The types and figures of the old Testament  or Body of the New, all one, is but to confound and mingle Heaven and Earth together, for the state of the Law was ceremonial and figurative, having a worldly Tabernacle with vanishing and beggarly Rudiments: And I believe it might not only be said, that Abraham's lying with his handmaid Hagar, was an allegory, but that the whole Church of Israel, root and Branch, from first to last included figurative and Allegorical kernels, were the Husks and Shells disclosed with more humbly diligent and spiritual teeth and fingers.  Peace. 
I cannot but assent unto you, that to render the old Testament allegorical in an humble sobriety, your Instance with many more give sufficient warrant.  Truth. 
Yet I add (in answer to Mr Cottons charge of turning all Scripture into an allegory) that to deny the history of either Old or New Testament, or to render the New Testament (which expounds and fulfilleth the ancient figures) Allegoricalls are both absurd and impious.  Peace. 
But how (saith Mr Cotton) can an Act of moral righteousness be figurative?  Truth. 
There is a fallacy in this term [moral righteousness] 
Righteousness two fold.  for Mr Cotton himself hath ●●knowledged a righteousness twofold, A Spiritual righteousness of the Church, and a civil of the commonweal: Mr Cotton also acknowledgeth Israel 
The state o● Israel typical.  to be a typical people, their land a typical Land, their Ministry and Worship typical! How can Mr Cotton then deny, but that the weapons of this people, their punishments and rewards, etc. (so far as concerned this their mixed figurative and typical state) were figurative and ceremonial also? And so not parts of moral civil righteousness, or common to all other Nations and peoples in the World.  Peace. 
I cannot readily assent to Mr Cotton, that moral Actions of Civil righteousness could not be figurative with this ceremonial, typical and figurative people: for their war itself (which if lawful, is an Act of civil moral righteousness) Paul seems to make figurative of the spiritual wars of the Christian Israel and Church of God.  Truth. 
Yea and it is easy to observe that not only their 
Not only moral but natural Actions of the Israelites typical.  spiritual Worship, etc. not only Acts of moral and civil righteousness in peace and war, etc. but even their very natural Actions and Excrements (in wars against their Enemies) were figurative and typical, full of heavenly and spiritual Instruction, which the unbelieving Jews than saw not, but the believing saw, as they saw Christ Jesus in the Sacrifices, and all their observations leading to the blessed Son of God, the Messiah, the anointed, or Christ to come, and his Eternal kingdom.  Peace. 
Mr Cotton in the next place takes offence that the Fact of Elijah should be called miraculous, and asks if it be a miracle for Elijah with the aid of so many thousand Israelites to put to Death four hundred and fifty men?  Truth. 
Mr Cotton mistakes the word, for the word is not 
Whether Eliahs' procuring the slaughter of the Baalites was typical or moral.  fact but passage, which compriseth not only the slaughter of these their Priests, but the whole matter and business, as the putting of the Worship of the true God, to the trial of Fire from Heaven, the descending of Fire from Heaven, the devouring of the Sacrifice, and licking up of so much water, and upon this so great a number of their Priests (the Fathers, shepherds, and Gods of the people) so thunder-smitten as from Heaven, with so sudden and dreadful a slaughter, what can these be but an extraordinary Inspiration in the Prophet, a supernatural descent and operation of Fire, yea and an extraordinary and wonderful change in the heart of the People? And I doubt not but Mr Cotton doth sometimes give an heavenly and spiritual signification, to all these figurative and miraculous Mysteries.  Peace. 
But I wonder at the next words; Though Christ (saith he) gave no such Commission to Ministers of the Gospel to put false Prophets to Death, as Elijah did, yet the Act of duty was an ordinary duty of moral righteousness, belonging to such as bear the Sword. Anon again he writes; This Example will not extend to the Idolaters of the World.  First, Because many thousand thousand of them are exempt from the civil magistracy of Christians. Secondly, They were never in Covenant with God, to whom only the Law of Moses concerning the punishment of Idolaters extended. Thirdly, Though the Israelites were Idolaters, yet Elijah spared them, because of their simplicity and Ignorance. Truth. 
I answer, first, if Christ Jesus gave no such Commission 
No Commission from Christ for corporal punishment in religious matters.  (as is confessed) than woe to all those Popish and Protestant Priests, who have (by theft, or flattery, or other evil means) got Commissions from the Civil powers of the World, whereby (to maintain their own honours, and profits of bishoprics and Benefices, etc.) they smite with the fist and sword, of wickedness: or under a pretence of holy Orders in themselves, put over the drudgery of Execution to their enslaved Seculars!  
Secondly, If these need no Commission, because to put to Death the false Prophets and Idolaters, is an Act of moral righteousness, how agrees that Position and these three together.  
First, only Christian Magistrates (said Mr Cotton) must act in these cases.  
Secondly, They must act against such only as are Church-members.  
Thirdly, They must not act against such Church-members as commit idolatry out of simplicity or Ignorance.  Peace. 
Dear Truth, if it pass your capacity to reconcile these in point of Truth, it must needs pass mine to see how such Doctrines can stand with any civil peace or order in the world.  Truth. 
To affirm such Actions to be ordinary duties of moral 
Strange and monstrous▪ duties of moral righteousness.  righteousness, belonging to such as bear the Sword, and yet not to be practised but by such Magistrates as are most rarely found in the World, and on such a people in such an Order as is most rare in the Nations of the World, is to me all one, as to call all Fathers and Masters in the World to such ordinary Duties as belong to every Father and Master of a family: Or to call Masters and Commanders of Ships to such ordinary duties as belong to all Masters of Ships in the World: Or captains and Commanders in war to such ordinary Duties as belong to all captains and Commanders in the World, and then at last to tell them: It is true, the Duties are ordinary and common, to all Fathers, Masters, Commanders, captains, but these Duties are to be performed only by such Fathers, Masters, captains and Commanders, and in such Families, Ships, and Armies as are not ordinary to be found in the World.  Peace. 
I see not but the Similitude doth fully reach, for indeed although such a people so and so in Covenant with God, according to Mr Cotton, were true visible Churches according to Christ's Institution, and so consequently their Magistrates truly Christian, yet compare such Magistrates with the rest of the Magistrates of the World, who as lawfully bear the Sword as 
God's children are wonders and monsters accounted.  Themselves, and compare such a people so and so in Church-Covenant, with the rest of the people and Nations of the World, and we shall not find them ordinary and common, but rather as six fingers, wonders and monsters to all other parts of the World, yea even to the very Popish and Protestant parts of the World also.  
But to end this Chapter; The other fact of Elijah in slaying the captains with their fifties, Mr Cotton acknowledgeth not to be alleged by any other author in this controversy, but only by the Discusser, to make himself work in such Cobweb-Evasions.  Truth. 
Mr Cotton forgetteth, for Elijah his Act (from Luc. 9) 
Elijah his slaying the captains and their fifties.  hath been mentioned by others, and answered too by Master Cotton in this present book and controversy. And for the cobwebs, let the poor Witnesses of Christ be esteemed as Spiders, and their testimony and witness but as cobwebs, yet let them not be discouraged, but lay hold (like Solomon's Spider) with the hand of spiritual Diligence, and let all such their heavenly 
Wonderful Spiders and Cobwebs. Prov▪ 30▪  cobwebs be in King's palaces. And let them know their Cobwebs be of such a strength, that how ever the cruel Beezome of persceution may sweep them down, out of this World, yet in pomt of Truth and true Christian power and worth, neither Pope nor Prelate, neither Presbyterian, nor Independent persecutor, nor Baalzebub himself (the God of Flies) shall ever be able to sweep them down, or break through them.   

Exam: of Chap. 74. and 75. replying to Chap. 77. and 78.  Peace. 
IN Chap. 74. One passage cannot be passed by, to wit, [God hath laid this charge upon Magistrates in the Old 
Touching Seducers, and their punishments.  Testament to punish Seducers, and the Lord Jesus never took off this Charge in the New Testament: Who is this Discusser, that he should account Paul himself, or an Angel from Heaven accursed, that should leave this Charge upon Magistrates, which God laid on, and Christ never took off?]  Truth. 
This is but a Repetition of what hath formerly been examined: unto which therefore I briefly say, It will never be found true, that God hath laid this charge upon all Magistrates in the World, as he did upon the Magistrates in Israel, to punish Seducers.  
Secondly, God laying this charge upon the governors and Magistrates in Israel, the Church of God (in the type) lays it still upon Christ Jesus and his Governors spiritual under him in his spiritual Israel, which kingdom he administereth, with Laws, Punishments and Weapons spiritual. All this Mr Cotton in this controversy hath acknowledged.  
Thirdly, When he saith, Christ Jesus never took off this Charge.  
First, I answer, let that Parable which he mentioneth be the trial of it in the fear of God.  
Secondly, God having now in these last times declared his 
Christ Jesus abolished former figures, though he name not each of them in particular.  will by his son: Where hath his blessed son spoken to us, to build no more Temples, to erect no more Altars, to offer no more Sacrifices? And yet these and the whole frame of that typical State we justly abrogate, both from the words of Christ and his first Messengers, which are plain and easy enough to such whose eyes it pleaseth God to open, although (in express terms) Christ Jesus hath not given an express Catalogue of all such particulars to be abolished.  Peace. 
In the next passage Mr Cotton deeply chargeth the poor Discusser with partiality & falsehood; upon which Grounds he turns off all the Consequences, which the Discusser observed to follow upon Mr Cottons Conclusions.  Truth. 
It is true, the author of the Letter expresseth liberty of Conscience to such as fear God indeed: Mr Cotton subscribes, but presently razeth out his Subscription in these words following, which he hath again now reprinted, to wit, But the Question is whether an heretic after once or twice Admonition (and so after Conviction) and any other scandalous and heinous offendor, may be tolerated, either in the Church without Excommunication, or in the commonweal without such punishment, as may preserve others from dangerous and damnable Infection.  Peace. 
Who sees not but this bloody Tenent (I mean these 
The mystery of the bloody Tenent.  words now recited) doth not only restrain liberty of Conscience to such as fear God indeed, and speaks fire and faggot to all the world beside: But also (under the name of heretic and Seducer) throws into the Furnace (most commonly and ordinarily) all such as fear God (Christ Jesus and his Messengers and Ministers not excepted) who have always been and are accounted, the chiefest Heretics, Blasphemers, Deceivers and Seducers in this World?  Truth. 
I add the Consequences therefore remain good, that 
The bloody consequences of the bloody Tenent.  either All the Inhabitants of the World must come into the estate of men fearing God: Or else dissemble Religion, and fearing God, in hypocrisy: Or else, be driven out of the World. Then also the Civil State must judge of the spiritual, and of Magistrates fearing or not fearing God: The People must judge (I say) who fear God indeed, and are by them to be permitted, and who are the heretics, and to be punished, which who may not see to be the driving of the world out of itself, and the bloody routing up of all Societies of Men?  Peace. 
This charge of partiality and falsehood, you have (dear Truth) to my understanding shielded the poor Discusser from, Can you now help his Forehead, and his Heart, which Mr gotten in the next passage chargeth with another notorious and impudent falsehood, in relating out of a printed book an Answer of the New English Ministers to Questions sent unto them from their Brethren in old, which answer Mr Cotton saith he cannot 
The sad Effects of the bloody Tenent on Mr Cottons own Spirit.  find.  Truth. 
So much Gall and Vinegar hath Mr Cotton poured forth in this whole passage from the first to the last of it, that no sober minded man fearing God, and knowing Mr Cottons former temper of Spirit, but will confess two things:  
First, that this bloody Tenent of persecution hath infected and 
A lamentable Character of the change of Mr Cottons Spirit.  inflamed his very natural Temper and former sweet peaceable disposition.  
Secondly, his Eye (being thus bloudshot) is so weakened in its former (and otherwise excellent sight) that it now questions no Difference between the mountains and the Molehills, for at the worst, in common probability of Reason, there can be but a mistake in the Discusser concerning this passage.  Peace. 
If the Discusser have no spark of the fear of God, yet if but common crvilitie and honesty, or least respect of common credit among men, it were impossible for him to forge so grossly in matters lately printed, public and obvious to every eye.  Truth. 
The truth is, whether there be different Editions or different Copies printed, let Mr Cotton and whom it concerns take care of it, for the Discusser is confidently resolved that if this passage (for the substance of it) be not printed and to be read in print of all men, in their names, he will then willingly bear and lie under the charge of a false forehead and heart, which Mr Cotton in such heat and anger imputes unto him.   

Exam: of Chap. 76. replying to Chap. 79.  Peace. 
IN this short Chapter the Discusser is charged with Ignorance and uncharitableness, for thinking amiss of the Penmen of the Answer to the Questions, to wit, that he should conceive that the passage to New England should change the Judgement or Consciences of Men.  Truth. 
The Discusser professeth (and I know in truth) to bewail his Ignorance and uncharitableness, yet upon a second review of the words, it will be found there was not an Imputation of such a conceit, to those worthy Authors, or any man, but an Item unto all men, occasioned by the Confidence expressed, that they doubted not, but those godly brethren of old England should agree with them here in New, if they were in New England together. This Item or Caveat will appear to be given, not by way of positive Charge, nor in the least derogating from the holy and blessed use of free and humble Conference, but to take off the Edge of such Confidence of agreeing in New England, when the Differences of God's people have been and 
Differences of Gods own children in Old and New England.  are yet so great in Old and New, and so many Conferences and Disputations of Truth and Peace have not yet raised that blessed Agreement of which the Answer to the Questions would make no doubt.  Peace. 
Methinks there should be little hope of their coming to New-England when the New-English Ministers had got the Advantage of the higher ground, and Carnal Sword for their Religion to Friend, and had expressed their Judgement of their conceiving it not safe, that, (if they should not agree,) their several ways of Worshipping God, should be permitted in one commonweal.  Truth. 
Yea and I believe still the Consequence was truly gathered by the Discusser (how ever Mr Cotton hath so charged his Forehead and Heart for it) to wit, That the New English Ministers could not (as their Conscience stood) advise the Magistrates of New-England to permit that which their Consciences and Judgements taught them was not safe, etc.  Peace. 
These passages occasion me to remember a serious 
Profession of Christ Jesus in New-England, not so like to be true as that (which was persecuted) in Old.  Question which many fearing God have made, to wit, Whether the promise of God's Spirit, blessing Conferences, be so comfortably to be Expected in New-England, because of those many public sins which most of God's people in New-England lie under, and one especially, to wit, the framing a Gospel or Christ to themselves without a cross, not professing nor practising that in Old (except of late in times of liberty) which they professedly come over to enjoy with Peace and liberty from any cross of Christ in New.  Truth. 
I know those thoughts have deeply possessed, not a few, considering also the sin of the patents, wherein Christian Kings (so called) are invested with Right by virtue of their 
The great ●in of New-englands' former patents.  christianity, to take and give away the Lands and Countries of other men; As also considering, the unchristian Oaths swallowed down, at their coming forth from old England, especially in superstitious Land his time and domineering.  
And I know these thoughts so deeply afflicted the soul and Conscience of the Discusser in the time of his Walking in the Way of New England's Worship, that at last he came to a persuasion, that such sins could not be Expiated, without returning again into England: or a public acknowledgement and Confession 
The authors trials about the patents of New-England.  of the evil of so and so departing: To this purpose before his Troubles and Banishment, he drew up a Letter (not without the Approbation of some of the chief of New-England, then tender also upon this point before God) directed unto the King himself, humbly acknowledging the evil of that part of the patent which respects the Donation of Land, etc.  
This Letter and other Endeavours (tending to wash off public sins, to give warning to others, and above all, to pacify and to give Glory unto God) it may be that council from Flesh and blood suppressed, and Worldly policy at last prevailed: for this very cause (amongst others afterward reexamined) to banish the Discusser from such their Coasts and Territories.  Peace. 
But from Violence to the Discusser, or any other, Mr Cotton (in the next passage) protests his innocence, and insinuates the Discusser to be no other than (a devil) an Accuser of the Brethren, for imputing to them any such evil, etc.  Truth. 
He that reads how hard the Heart of holy David 
God's children may be guilty of bloody persecution for the hiding of their spiritual uncleannessee.  grew, in the sin of whoredom and murder, until the Lord awakened him, will less wonder, that Spiritual whoredom and murderous violence, may possess the Heart of God's david's and holiest Servants now, and that without blush, or shame, or least appearance of Relenting: Doth not all this whole Traverse of Mr Cotton maintain a persecution even unto Death, of such whom the Civil State shall judge Heretics, Blasphemers, Idolaters, Seducers, etc.  
Doth not this very Chapter expressly justify persecution upon the Subverters of the Christian Faith, obstinate after Conviction? upon Blasphemers, Idolaters, Seducers? And is Mr Cotton not 
God's mercy in stopping New-englands' persecution, by the mercy of old England, the mother to dissenting Consciences.  informed, what success his Doctrine hath had, that (if a merciful God had not prevented) not Courting, nor Fining, nor Imprisoning, nor Whipping nor Banishing had been punishment sufficient, to men and women, for cause of Conscience in New-England, but even Death itself, (according to the Principles of persecution) had been inflicted.  Peace. 
Mr Cotton will urge that god's people will not be such heretics, etc.  Truth. 
I might urge Mr Cottons own grant of such sins in Gods own people, for which they may be justly Excommunicated; but I will rather produce an Instance in our Nation of England. None fearing God will easily deny the Eminent godliness 
Holy Cranmer and Cromwell joining with persecutors of Christ Jesus out of great weakness in H. 8. his days.  of Cranmer & Cromwell in King Henry the eight his days; At that very time when King Henry himself disputed in so famous an Assembly against the blessed witness of Christ Jesus, John Lambert! Find we not also holy Cranmer disputing before the King and that Stately Assembly, against this poor Servant of God, for that horrible and monstrous idol of Transubstantiation?  Peace. 
Find we not then also holy and zealous Cromwell (at the King's command) reading that bloody Sentence of Death against that blessed lamb of Christ Jesus, who was thus worried to Death, not only by the bloody Wolves the Bishops, but even by those holy lambs of Christ, Cranmer and Cromwell also!  Truth. 
This was that blessed Lambert, a true Follower of the 
The most famous passages of Cromwell & Lambert in H. the 8. his days.  lamb of God Christ Jesus, who cried out in the midst of the Flames, None but Christ, None but Christ: and well might he so cry: Not Cranmer, not Cromwell, who after so much Light in Disputations, yet persisted in their heresy and Idolatry, and partaking with violence against this holy man, that he might well cry out, None but Christ, None but Christ.   

Exam: of Chap. 77. replying to Chap. 80.  Peace. 
AS it is (dear Truth) oftentimes in journeys, the worst way and saddest weather attends the Journeys End: So here Mr Cotton (near our close) chargeth upon the Discusser a threefold wresting of his words, and accordingly so much false-dealing.  Truth. 
It is sad on the Discussers part, if this be done by him, either by a wilful or a negligent hand.  Peace. 
Yea and it is sad on Mr Cottons part, if the Charge be not real and substantial.  Truth. 
Mr Cotton acknowledgeth his words to be these The Godly will not persist in heresy or turbulent schism, when they are convinced in Conscience of the sinfulness of their way] The first charge therefore against the Discusser is that he confoundeth Admonition with Conviction, for (saith Mr Cotton) Admonition ought not to be dispensed, until the offendor be convinced in his own Conscience of the sinfulness of his Way.  Truth. 
For answer hereunto the Discusser to my knowledge humbly appealeth to the Searcher of all Hearts, that he hath not willingly nor wittingly falsified Mr Cottons words in a term or syllable. And indeed whether he hath wronged him at all, or be not rather unjustly trampled under the feet of weak and passionate charges, the Discusser appealeth to Mr Cottons own Conscience, awaked (if God so please) out of this bloody dream.  Peace. 
Yea but (saith Mr Cotton) Admonition is one thing, 
Of Admonition and Conviction.  and Conviction in their own Conscience is another; for though saith he, Admonition ought not to be dispensed till after Conviction, yet it may fall out that the Church (through mistake) proceedeth to Admonition before the offendor be convinced in his own Conscience of the sinfulness of his Way.  Truth. 
Passing gently by the want of equity in Mr Cotton to the Discusser, in condemning him of falsehood, for taking Admonition for Conviction, when he makes it but a mistake in the Church to practise the one for, or before the other:  
I answer, I know not that suitable Distinction between Admonition and Conviction, as Mr Cotton carrieth it, saying, that how ever the Church may through mistake practice Admonition before Conviction, yet Admonition ought not to proceed, until after Conviction in a man's own Conscience, for find we not the words of reproving, Rebuking, Admonishing, Exhorting a brother, indifferently used both in the Old and New Testament? And doth not that very word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (Matth. 18. Reprove him) imply Conviction as well as reproof or Admonition, for doth it not signify Convincingly reprove him?  Peace. 
I have heard indeed, that Conviction is twofold: 
Conviction twofold.  First, Externall and legal before men in civil or Spiritual Judicature.  
Secondly, effectual and inward in the Court of a man's own Conscience before God, which internal, always follows not the Externall.  Truth. 
No, such Externall Conviction may be legal before men, but not in the fight of God, and a man's own Conscience, as we see in the case of Naboth, who was legally convict of Blasphemy, when acquitted by God and his own Conscience: As also in those Consciences (of which Paul speaks) seared with hot irons, which Consciences (notwithstanding the abundance of Light from heaven convincing, yet) are not brought from believing lies.  Peace. 
Yea, but it seems by Mr Cottons words, that the Church, 
Of Conviction of heretics.  that is, (according to his way) the Major part of the Church must judge that the heretic is convinced in his own Conscience of the sinfulness of his way before she proceedeth to Admonition.  Truth. 
For my part I cannot reconcile these three Propositions, comprised by Mr Cotton in these few lines.  
First, the Godly will not persist in heresy, or turbulent schism, when they are convinced in Conscience of the sinfulness thereof.  
Secondly, The Church is to judge of the Conviction of such a Godly man's Conscience.  
Thirdly, Although such a Godly man be convinced of the sinfulness of his way, yea although he will not persist in heresy or turbulent schism, when he is thus convinced in Conscience of the sinfulness thereof, yet then is the Church to proceed to Admonition. For thus he saith, Admonition ought not to be dispensed till after Conviction.  Peace. 
If Mr Cotton spoke of the first Conviction, to wit, the Externall, I could subscribe, but now speaking of that internal 
Conviction sufficient, external by the word, and efficient internal by God's Spirit.  in a man's own Conscience, I see it pleaseth God, most holy and only wise to permit the best and wisest of his Servants, to entrap, entangle, and bewilder themselves, that they may learn to confess him only and infinitely wise, and be more humble in themselves, as fools and liars, and less bitter in their Judgements and Censures on the poor underlings and Outcasts.  Truth. 
O that Mr Cotton, who grants the Godly may fall into such fowl sins of heresy and schism, may also be godly jealous over himself and others fearing God in old or New England, that also possibly they may fall, into the very sin of persecuting the son of God himself, especially since it is the Lot of Christ Jesus (beyond all compare) both in himself 
Christ Jesus (accounted) the greatest heretic, Blasphemer, Seducer, and Deceiver that ever was in this world.  and his Followers, to be accounted the greatest Heretic, Blasphemer, Seducer and Deceiver.  Peace. 
To the second and third Charge Mr Cotton complains of false dealing, in that the Discusser should render his words, as if he charged such to be obstinate persons, that yielded not to once or twice Admonition, and that for every error, when he speaks only of persisting in heresy, or turbulent schism.  Truth. 
For answer, let Mr Cottons Conclusions in the beginning of this book be remembered. Wherein he maintains that a Man of an erroveous and blind Conscience in fundamental and weighty points, and persisting in the error of his way, is not persecuted for cause of Conscience, but for sinning against his Conscience. Whence it follows that the Civil Courts of the World must judge: whether the matter be fundamental and weighty: whether the party have been rightly once and twice admonished: and whether he persist in the error of his Way: that is, whether he be obstinate after such Admonition, and must then be persecuted, though (as the Conclusion woefully concludeth) not for cause of Conscience, but for sinning against his Conscience.  Peace. 
Yea but the Discusser (saith Mr Cotton) dealeth falsely, in carrying my words, as if I had said, that Godly persons in whatsoever error they hold, if they yield not to once or twice Admonition, they must needs be obstinate: whereas (he saith) he speaks not of every error, but of persisting in heresy and turbulent schism.  Truth. 
The Discusser did not so say, or so carry it as Mr Cotton insinuates, but this he saith, that even in the place of righteousness and Judgement (as Solomon saith) iniquity, and such iniquity (in all civil Courts of the World, and in all Ages 
Small matters accounted Heresies.  of the World) usually hath been found, that as in multiplying glasses a Flea is made an Elephant, etc. So the poor witnesses of Christ have been proclaimed and persecuted for Heretics, Blasphemers, Seducers, etc. not only for not holding the Pope's Transubstantiation, Auricular Confession, purgatory, and those weightier points of the Beasts worship: but reading a piece of a leaf of Scripture or any good book is heresy. Eating a piece of Flesh in Lent, yea the slight breaches of the smallest Traditions of the Elders and State Worships, accounted Heresy, blasphemy, etc.  Peace. 
Hence was it I think, that the Naturalist could tell us in the Fable of the Fox and the lion, that the Fox ran not away in vain upon the Proclamation of the departure of all horned Beasts, as knowing that if the bloody persecutors of the World shall say, the plainest Ears are horns (that is, the smallest errors, yea the plainest Truths are Heresies) it is in vain for any Innocent to plead they are but ears, etc.  Truth. 
Yea hence it was that in that famous, or rather most 
The barbarous usage of John Hus in the council at Constance.  infamous council of Constance, the blessed Servant and witness of Christ Jesus, John Hus, was as it were stobd to Death (before his burning) with terms of Heresy, heretic, Heresiarck, yea though he held as the Pope and the council held, even in those points for which they condemned him, because (beside their hatred of his holiness, witnessing against their filthiness) themselves would say from his writings, that he did hold so and so against their Popish tenants, which he himself professed he never did.  Peace. 
In the next place (dear Truth) are two Passages related by the Discusser from New England. To which Mr Cotton gives no credit.  
2. He saith, If such words were spoken, they might be spoken upon such weights as might hold weight, etc.  Truth. 
For the Stories and the Discussers mistakes (willing mistakes, as Mr Cotton seems to insinuate) I know the Discusser humbly desires like a true Traveller to his heavenly country, to hear of, and see and acknowledge, and forsake every false path and step (by the help of Christ) that the poorest child, though but a naked Pagan shall hint him of: But why should the Stories seem incredible that suit so woefully fit with the Common tenants?  Peace. 
It may be Mr Cotton will not believe it, nor approve it: But there are not two, but ten witnesses, to testify such Stories, were it seasonable to relate and enlarge such particulars.  Truth. 
Let Mr Cotton then please to understand (to pass by particular names of the former Stories, which are ready to be declared to any charitable and loving Enquirie) that his bloody Tenent is a bitter root of many bitter branches, not only bitter to spiritual tastes, but even to the taste of civility and humanity it 
The bloody Tenent destroying civility and humane society out of the World.  self. But since the names of persons are so desired, I shall relate (not out of any personal disrespect to Mr street and the people of Cohannet, alias Taunton, my loving friends) what many testify, that the said (reputed) Minister Mr street, publicly and earnestly persuaded his Church-members to give Land to none but such, as might be fit for Church-members: yea not to receive such English into the town, or if in the town, yet not to Land, that if they lived in the town or place, yet they might be known to be but as Gibeonites, hewers of wood, and drawers of water for the service of them that were of the Church.  Peace. 
I know what troublesome Effects followed in the same place, and what Breaches of civil and humane society? What Departures of divers, and bars to the coming of others, to the spoil and hindrance of a most likely and growing Plantation.  
But to proceed (dear Truth) you cannot more faithfully and carefully labour to discharge the Discusser of falsehoods, than Mr Cotton endeavours to lay them on: For to the former three, behold in the next passage four more.  For, first the Discusser is charged to report Mr Cotton as expressing Confidence in this cause, which Mr Cotton saith he expressed not. Secondly, He reports Mr Cotton to say, that he (to wit, Mr Cotton) had removed the grounds of this error, whereas Mr Cotton (saith he) said not so, but that he had spoken so much for that End. 
Thirdly, He foisteth in the name of great error, which though it be so, yet Mr Cotton did not so style it.  Fourthly, That Mr Cotton should conclude, that to be a great error, that persons are not to be persecuted for cause of Conscience, when he states the Question so, that none ought to be persecuted at all for cause of Conscience, but for sinning against their Conscience. Truth. 
Sweet Peace, he that hath a mind to beat a Dog, will soon find a cudgel, etc. If Mr Cotton had not esteemed the Discusser as a Dog, and had not had as great a mind as a Dog to use him, he would never have so catcht at every line and word, to find out (such) the Discussers lies and falsehoods.  
For, first, it is apparent that the Discusser here undertook not to repeat Mr Cottons words, but upon such and such words of Mr Cottons (compared with all former Agitations) to collect according to his understanding such a Conclusion.  Peace. 
But whether he hath rightly and without breach of 
All Men are confident in their own opinions.  Truth or Love so and so collected, let it be (briefly) in the fear of God examined.  Truth. 
First then, hath not Mr Cotton through all this discourse, expressed a Confidence (some have called it imperious and insulting) against the poor Heretics, Blasphemers, Seducers? And do not these words [for avoiding the grounds of your error] import so much?  
Secondly, Doth not Mr Cottons words imply that in his opinion such a Tenent is an error, and that by speaking so much against it, he hath removed it, what ever his opponent thinks to the contrary?  
Thirdly, Why may not the Discusser, or any man say, that Mr Cotton counts that a great error, which Mr Cotton endeavours so to represent to all men?  Peace. 
But the fourth (saith Mr Cotton) is an evident falsehood in the Discusser to say, that Mr Cotton should conclude this to be the great error, that persons are not to be persecuted for cause of Conscience.  Truth. 
The Father of Lights hath of late been graciously pleased to open the eyes of not a few of his servants to see that Mr Cottons Distinction [of not persecuting a man for his Conscience, but for sinning against his Conscience] is but a figleaf to hid the nakedness of that bloody Tenent, for, the Civil Court must then judge when a man sins against his Conscience, or else he must take it from the clergy upon trust, that the poor reputed heretic doth so sin.  Peace. 
Mr Cotton adds that it is an Aggravation of sin to hold or practice evil out of Conscience. 
The persecutor of Turks, Pagans, Jews, or Antichristiane, is in a greater error than any of them.   Truth. 
True, but I also ask, Doth not that persecutor that hunts or persecuteth a Turk, a Jew, a Pagan, an Antichristian (under pretence that this Pagan, this Turk, this Jew, this Antichristian sins against his own Conscience,) doth not this persecutor, I say, hold a greater error than any of the four, because he hardens such Consciences in their errors by such his persecution, and that also to the overthrowing of the civil and humane society of the Nations of the World, in point of civil peace?  Peace. 
Well you may (dear Truth) enjoy your own holy and peaceable Thoughts, but Mr Cotton ends this Chapter with hope that the reputed bloody Tenent, appears now whiled in the blood of the lamb, and tends to save Christ's sheep from devouring, to defend Christ's truth, and to maintain and preserve peace in Church and commonweal.  Truth. 
Sweet Peace, that which hath in all Ages poured out 
The bloody Fruits of the bloody Tenent.  the precious blood of the son of God, in the blood of his poor sheep, shall never be found whited (as Mr Cotton insinuates) in the blood of this most heavenly shepherd: That which hath maintained the works of Darkness 1600 years under the bloody Roman Emperors, and more bloody Roman Popes, hath never tended to destroy, but build and fortify such hellish works. That which all Experience (since Christ's time) hath shown to be the great firebrand or incendiary of the Nations, hath poured out so many Rivers of blood about Religion, and that amongst the (so called) Christian Nations. That Tenent, I say, will never be found a preserver, but a bloody destroyer both of spiritual and civil peace.   

Exam: of Chap. 78. replying to Chap. 81.  Peace. 
WE are now (dear Truth) through the mercy of the Father of mercies, arrived, at the last Chapter of this Sorrowful Agitation: Mr Cotton finds nothing 
Touching confidence in opinions.  in this worth the while to speak to: yet thinks he it good to find time to blame the Discusser for self. Applauses, vainglorious Triumph, and confident persuasion, which before he had noted Mr Cotton for.  Truth. 
That which was noted in Mr Cotton was not merely a persuasion or confidence, but indeed an imperious and insulting confidence, over the poor and oppressed, and an adding of V●megar to the Gall of the son of God, persecuted in his poor Saints and Members.  Peace. 
But may there not seem to be too in the Discusser, too great a confidence of the converting and turning of the bloody storm of wars about Conscience, into merciful calms of peace, and of the return of Christ's dove, with Olive branches of civil peace?  Truth. 
Then let thousands and ten thousands, French, Polonians, Hungarians, Transilvanians, Bohemians, Netherlanders, 
Freedom of Conscience hath ever been a peacemaker in all nations where it hath appeared.  and others, and now at last (through God's gracious smiling upon this holy Truth of his) I say, many thousand English men set to their seal and witness, to wit, that freedom to the Consciences of men, (from all other but spiritual opposition) hath stuck many Millions of brows and Houses with Olive branches, that were before beblubbered and overwhelmed with tears and blood.  Peace. 
I cannot but confidently see and say, that doubtless, had not the prudent and zealous care of England's Parliament and army subscribed to this blessed means of peace, restored to Lands and Countries embroiled in bloody civil wars about Religion, 
And especially at this hour in England.  doubtless, the stream of war which hath run so long with blood between the Prelates and the Puritans (so called) had run as fresh and furious in all devouring flames between the Presbyterians and the Independents.  Truth. 
Oh blessed be the God of peace, who hath more pity upon the unpeaceable sons of Men, than they have on Themselves.  Peace. 
Mr Cotton in the next place addeth, that one passage he may not let pass, because the name of Christ is interessed in it, and dishonoured by it, to wit, [Christ delighteth not in the blood of men, but shed his own blood for his bloodiest enemies:] Mr Cotton answers; It is true that Christ delighteth not in the 
How Christ delights in blood.  blood of men, while they gainsay and bloodily persecute him and his, out of Ignorance: but he delights in the blood of such, who after the acknowledgement of his Truth, do tread the blood of his Covenant underfoot, and wittingly and willingly reject him from reigning over them: The contrary whereof he saith proclaims the Gospel to the seed of the Serpent: Sows pillows under all ellbowes, makes the Heart of the Righteous sad, strengthens the hand of the wicked, and proclaims peace to Jezabell, and her whoredoms and witchcrafts, and concludes with prayer against such a bewitching of the Whore's Cup, where, by open profession she is rejected, but let in by the backdoor of toleration.  Truth. 
I perceive (Sweet Peace) that in the winding up of this Discourse Mr Cotton winds up, resolveth and reduceth his former pleaded for persecuting of Heretics, Blasphemers, Idolaters, 
Of persecuting Apostates.  Seducers, into the persecuting only of Apostates, who after the acknowledging of the Truth, do tread the blood of Christ's Covenant underfoot, etc. To which I answer: If so then the discerning & judging between such as gainsay Christ, and blaspheme him out of Ignorance, (such as Mr Cotton makes the Jews, who put him to Death) and such as willingly and wittingly reject him: I say, the judging of this must then rest at the bar of the Civil Courts and Judicatures of the World, which necessarily implies a supposition of power of Judging in all the Nations of the World, and so consequently in natural men contrary to the Scriptures, which conclude all mankind (while in their natural estate,) uncapable of the things of God's Spirit.  Peace. 
Yea and also (to my understanding) it implies, a submitting and subjecting of the crown and sceptre and affairs of Christ Jesus, to the civil and humane crowns and sceptres and tribunals of the Nations of this World, and that in spiritual and heavenly things, the proper affairs of his own Spiritual kingdom, in the which, the wisest of this world are ignorant, and extremely opposite.  Truth. 
For this, you know Mr Cotton hath a broken Refuge, to wit, [the Nations of the World, & natural men must not judge until they be better informed] In which, what a wonderful and menstruous suspension doth he put upon the affairs of Christ 
A monstrous suspension or hanging up of Magistrates.  Jesus all the world over, and leaves the matters of Christ Jesus in worse case, and more poorly provided for by Christ Jesus, than the matters and affairs of any King or kingdom in the World, beyond compare and Imagination.  Peace. 
Yet, methinks those Scriptures quoted by Mr Cotton Luc. 17. Those mine Enemies, etc. and Revel. 16. Bloody vengeance upon Antichristian Emissaries, are very considerable.  Truth. 
Doubtless all Scripture seriously alleged by the most 
Allegations of Scriptures ought seriously to be mad and answered.  ignorant and unworthy (how much more from so learned and conscientious) ought seriously and awfully to be pondered in the holy presence of God: The Warrants and Authorities of civil powers (though but pretended) are not without due respect to be examined, although rejected (in the end) as insufficient, etc. But consider in the Examination of those Scriptures: Is it credible that all that resist Christ Jesus, his kingdom and Government, are Apostate and Antichristian Emissaries, against whom 
Millions of Turks, Jews, and Antichristians are far from the due charge of apostasy.  he pours out that viol? Have they first acknowledged the Covenant of Jesus, and then trod the precious blood of that High Covenant under feet?  Peace. 
The East is not so fare from the West, as those Scriptures from such a Conclusion.  Truth. 
Yea how many hundreth thousands of Jews and Turks and Antichristians perish temporally and eternally, and that for refusing Christ Jesus to be King, and for shedding his blood in his servants, who can never be brought under this guilt of apostasy, after they have once acknowledged the truth of Christ's Government and kingdom.  Peace. 
Methinks to understand the Scriptures in Mr Cottons sense, were a wonderful penning up and straightening the holy Scripture.  Truth. 
Sweet Peace, as soon may we immure the glorious Sun in a dark dungeon, as confine those bright Scriptures in the dark cells of apostasy: but I further observe, that Christ Jesus not only prayed and died for his Enemies, who bloodily persecuted him and his out of Ignorance, but gave this reason against bodily Death to be inflicted on any for his cause and sake, Luc. 9 The Son of Man is not come to destroy men's lives: and I might return the Question to Mr Cotton, not unfitly, Are not these the words o● Him that delighteth not in the blood of his bloodiest enemies and Gainsayers?  Peace. 
It will be said, What slaughters, what drinking of blood is that which Christ Jesus in these Scriptures intendeth?  Truth. 
I answer, although the Sword of Christ's kingdom, that sharp Sword with two edges is a Spiritual Sword, and is carried in his Mouth, yet all power in Heaven and Earth being given into his hands by his Father, he ruleth and over-ruleth in a way of power and providence, all the powers of the World. 
The mystery of the red Horse of War.   
There is therefore a great Sword given to him that rideth upon the white Horse, (Revel. 6.) by which, for the resisting of him that rideth upon the white Horse, (in the gainsaying and persecuting of Christ in his Members) Christ Jesus takes peace from the Earth, and suffers the Turks to plague the Antichristian World, (Papists and carnal Protestants) to plague each other, and to fill Cups of blood each to other, while they contend and fight, first against God, and then one against another, for their several false Prophets and Religions.  Peace. 
Methinks then Mr Cotton might have spared to charge the Discusser with proclaiming of peace to Jezabell, etc.  Truth. 
There is a Spiritual peace in the matters of Christ's 
A spiritual and civil peace.  kingdom and Worship, and in the particular Consciences and souls of his Servants. There is a Civil peace in the quiet enjoyment of each man's propriety, in the Combination of Towns, Cities, kingdoms, etc. But neither of these three will Mr Cotton prove the Discusser proclaimeth to such Antichristians or enemies of Christ Jesus, who persecute and oppress Jew or Gentile upon any civil or spiritual pretence.  
'Tis true, the Consciences and Worships of all men peaceable in their way, he affirms ought not to be molested, and though not approved yet permitted, and (although no spiritual, yet) a civil peace proclaimed to their outward man while peaceable in civil commerce.  
To persecutors, he not only proclaims God's Judgements spiritual and eternal, but temporal also, and affirmeth that all persecutors of all sorts (and especially the bloody Whore of Rome (who hath so long been drunk with the blood of the Saints,) ought by the Civil Sword to be restrained and punished (as the destroyer's of mankind and all civil and peaceable being in the World,) according to the height of their cruel and murderous Oppressions.  Peace. 
But toleration of her (saith Mr Cotton brings) her in at the back door, and so we may come to drink deeply of the Cup of the Lords wrath, and be filled with the Cup of her plagues.  Truth. 
There are two opinions which have bewitched the 
Two woeful opinions bewitching the Nations.  Nations professing the name of Christ.  
First, That a Nationall Church or State, is of Christ's appointing.  
Secondly, That such a Nationall Church or State must be maintained pure by the power of the Sword. While Mr Cotton prays against the bewitching of the Whore's cup, O that the Father of Lights might graciously please to show him the depth of her witchcrafts, and his own most woeful Delusions in both these.  
In vain doth Mr Cotton fear partaking of her sins and plagues by a tollerating (merely) of her Worship in a civil State, while he forgets the three great causes of her downfall and desolation, 
The 3 great Causes of the downfall of the Church of Rome.  and partakes of any of them (Revel. 18.) to wit, Her worldly pomp and pleasure: Her spiritual whoredoms and invented Worships, and her cruelty and bloodshed, more especially against the Consciences of the Saints or holy ones of Jesus.   

Exam: of Chap. 79. Touching the model of Church and civil power, Examined in the first part of the bloody Tenent, but not defended by Mr Cotton, or any, that the Discusser knows of.  Peace. 
I Had hoped (Dear Truth) that we had gained a 
Touching a New English model of Church and civil power.  peaceable and quiet harbour, after all our tempestuous toss in the boisterous Seas of this bloody Tenent, yet now behold a sharp and cutting wind of Mr Cottons continual Censures; For I was not (saith Mr Cotton) of those that composed the model: and secondly, the Ministers say it was not sent by them to Salem, and therefore the Discusser is left of God to a double falsehood.  Truth. 
Sweet Peace, till sweet Death, in and (often) for Christ, close up the Eyes of his servants, they must not expect to rest fully from their Labours, and expect their works to follow them.  
Once again therefore let us hear the Discussers plea for himself against this blustering charge of double falsehood. Master Cottons own words in the End of his Answer to the Prisoners▪ Letter, are these; I forbear adding Reasons to justify the Truth, because you may find that done to your hand in a Treatise sent to some of the Brethren, late of Salem, who doubted as 
* Writing to ●●● Mr Hall.  you do.  Truth. 
To my knowledge it was reported (according to this hint of Mr Cottons) that from the Ministers of the Churches (pretended) such a model composed by them was sent to Salem: Hereupon it was that the Discusser wrote on purpose to his worthy friend Mr Sharpe (Elder of the Church of Salem, (so called) for the sight of it, who accordingly sent it to him.  Peace. 
If this model, of such consequence, were so composed and so sent to Salem, if Mr Cotton directs others thither to repair to make use of it, if he thus approve and promote it, I see not why it might not probably be collected, that Mr Cotton (not the last in such great and public matters) was amongst, if not chief amongst the composers of it, and that he and they were not ignorant of the conveyance of it to Salem.  Truth. 
But grant Mr Cotton should have been imagined to 
Deep Censures for none or innocent mistakes.  have been left out in this so great and public a service, and that all the former probabilities fail: yet doubtless Mr Cotton will be cast at the bar of Christian Love and Moderation, for so bitter a charge upon the poor Discusser for so easy and harmless Mistakes.  Peace. 
Such fierce flashes might well issue from the bloody French Cardinals against the poor Huguenots, from the English bloody Bishops against the poor Lollards, from the bloody Popes against the heretics and Lutherans: but a gentler Breath and stile might well beseem a Protestant to a Protestant, engaged in common principles and Testimonies and sufferings of Jesus against those bloody Tyrants.  
But to the model, Mr Cotton seems highly offended, that the Discusser should say, that the model awaketh Moses from his unknown Grave, and denies Jesus yet to have seen the Earth. For, Moses his laws were of force (saith he) to the Israelites in the Land of Canaan, when Moses was dead: and again, Christ came not to destroy the Law of Moses, not the Moral Law, nor the judicials, such as are of common equity: Or else (saith he) the Conscience of the civil Magistrate could never do any act of civil Justice out of Faith, because he should have no word of God to be the Ground of his Act, if the laws of Judgement were abrogated, and none extant in the New.  Truth. 
I answer; that speech of the Discusser was neither unreasonable, nor untrue, as Mr Cotton allegeth: for grant 
Touching Moses his judicials.  Christ came not to destroy the Moral Law of the ten Commands (for the Substance of it, for all material circumstances therein Mr Cotton will not urge nor practice). Nor secondly, the judicials of Moral equity, that is, such as in deed concern Life and Manners, according to the Nature and Constitution of the several Nations and Peoples of the World.  Peace. 
Pardon me (Dear Truth) before you proceed, a word of Explication: your Addition [according to the Nature and Constitution of the people's and Nations of the World] will not he allowed of.  Truth. 
Without this I cannot allow of Moses his judicials to bind all Nations of the World, than before, or since Christ Jesus: my reason is: That people of Israel (to which those 
Israel in a kind a miraculous people.  Judicial laws and punishments were prescribed) was as I may say, a miraculous people or Nation, miraculously brought from one Nation, (the Land of Egypt) into another (the Land of Canaan) both types, a people furnished with miraculous food and clothing during their forty year's travel through the wilderness: The seven Nations of Canaan wondrously and miraculously destroyed before them; Their laws and Institutions miraculously delivered to them, etc.  
Beside (not to wade deeper into this controversy, as in the Examination of the model I have done) their Land was typically holy, and that people the Church of God, the only Church of God in the World. And therefore being a people of such miraculous considerations, means and Obligations, the breach even of Moral laws concerning Life and Manners and civil Estate, might be more transcendently heinous and odious in them, then in the other several Nations and peoples of the World, many thousands and millions whereof never so much as heard of the Name of the God of Israel.  Peace. 
If men see cause to ordain a Court of chancery, and erect a mercy-seat to moderate the rigour of laws, which cannot be justly executed, without the moderate and equal consideration of persons and other circumstances! Methinks, the Father of Mercies (though he be Justice itself, yet) cannot be justly imagined to carry all judicial or Civil laws or Sentences, by one universal strictness through all the Nations of the Earth.  Truth. 
The Lord Jesus tells us of a more tolerable Sentence, (even for the Sodomites in the day of Judgement, then for the Jews, who were the people and Church of God: and Paul his servant lays heavier load (Rom. 2.) upon such Adulterers, thiefs, as profess to be Teachers unto others, etc. of the contrary Graces and virtues.  Peace. 
Dear Truth, the Scriptures are full, and many Arguments might be drawn out this way, but please you to pitch upon an Instance, whereby we may the sooner finish this Digression.  Truth. 
Take that great case of the punishment of adultery, 
Touching punishment of adultery.  and I confidently affirm, that the Conscience of the Magistrate, may out of Faith, execute other punishments beside (stoning too) Death, which was the punishment of that sin in Israel. For although (as Mr Cotton saith) That was the Law of Judgement in the Old Testament, and there is no other particularly expressed in the New, yet the Conscience of the Magistrate may know,  
First, That the carriage of the Lord Jesus about this case, when the Question was precisely put to him, was extraordinary and strange: For (although unto other Questions, even of the Pharisees, Herodians, Sadduces, the High Priest, and Pilate, he gave more or less, first or last, punctual Resolutions, yet) here, he condemns the sin, yet he neither confirms, nor disanulls this punishment, but leaves the Question (in all probability) and leaves the several Nations of the World, to their own several laws and Agreements (as is most probable) according to their several Natures, Dispositions and Constitutions, and their common peace and welfare.  
Secondly, The Lord Jesus (1 Pet. 2.) approveth of the several 
All civil Government God's Ordinance.  humane Ordinances (or Creations) which the several peoples and Nations of the World shall agree upon for their common peace and subsistence. Hence are the several sorts of Governments in the Nations of the World, which are not framed after Israel's pattern. And hence consequently, the Laws, Rewards and Punishments of several Nations vastly differ from those of Israel, which doubtless were unlawful for God's people to submit unto, except Christ Jesus had (at least in general) approved such humane Ordinances and Creations of Men for their common peace and welfare.  Peace. 
Methinks Mr Cotton, and such as literally stick to the punishment of Adultery, Witchcraft, etc. by Death, must either deny the several Governments of the World to be lawful (according to that of Peter) and that the Nature and Constitutions of peoples and Nations, are not to be respected, but all promiscuously forced to one common Law, or else they must see cause to moderate this their Tenent, which else proves as bloody a Tenent in civil affairs, as persecution in affairs religious.  Truth. 
Yea, of what woeful consequence must this prove to 
True Republikes & commonweals without Kings.  the state of Holland and Low-Countries, to the State of Venice, to the Cantons of Switzerland, to our own dear State of England, and others who have no King, as israels last established Government had, especially not King immediately designed, as israels (in the root) was? Yea what becomes of all christianity, and of Christ's Church and kingdom in the World for ever, if it want the Government of a King: for saith Bishop 
A wonderfully saying of Bishop Hall.  Hall (in his Contemplation on Michaes idolatry) in plain and express words: No King, therefore no Church.  Peace. 
To end this passage, upon the former grounds, methinks the Conscience of a New English Magistrate (being called to be a Magistrate in Old England) may in Faith execute any other punishment (according to Law established) beside Death, upon Adulterers. And the New English Colonies may be exhorted to rectify their ways, and to moderate such their laws, which cannot possibly put on the face of moral equity from Moses, etc.  Truth. 
Your Satisfaction (dear Peace) now praesupposed 
The State of Israel.  I proceed and grant (with that Limitation forementioned) that Christ Jesus neither abrogated Moses morals, nor judicials, yet who will deny that Moses established, (beside the two former) a third, to wit, laws merely figurative, typical and ceremonial, proper and peculiar to that Land and people of Israel? Those laws necessarily wrapped up that Nation and people in a mixed constitution, of spiritual and Temporal, Religious and civil, so that their governors of Civil State were governors of the Church, and the very Land and People were by such governors to be compelled to observe a ceremonial purity and holiness. But Christ Jesus erected another commonweal, the commonweal of Israel, the Christian commonweal or Church, to wit, not whole Nations, but in every Nation (where he pleaseth) his Christian Congregation, etc.  Peace. 
Dear Truth, I cannot count him a peaceable child of mine, that rests not herewith satisfied: Mr Cottons next Exception is against your excepting against a magistrate's Membership in a Church-estate, joined with an Head-ship over it, to establish, reform, etc. (as being impossible that a Magistrate should sit Head and supreme on the spiritual Bench, 
Of Magistrates being nursing Fathers, etc.  & yet stand as a delinquent at the spiritual bar of Christ Jesus) Mr Cotton answers, that in several respects, a Magistrate may be a nursing Father and Judge in causes ecclesiastial, and yet be subject to Christ's censure in the offensive Government of himself against the Rules of the Gospel. And where it might be said, that the Church is subject to the Magistrate in civil causes, and the Magistrate is subject to the Church in spiritual cases, Mr Cotton 
Of magistrate's Power in spirituals.  answers, this easeth not the difficulty, for suppose, saith he, the Magistrate fall into Murder, adultery, etc. which are civil Abuses, shall the Church tolerate him herein? And he concludes, Let the like Power be granted to the civil Magistrate to deal faithfully with the Church in the notorious Transgression of the first Table, as is granted to the Church to deal with the Magistrate in the notorious Transgression of the second Table, and the controversy is ended.  Truth. 
This Answer and instance of Mr Cotton carries a seeming beauty with it, but bring it to the trial of the Testament of Christ Jesus, and it will appear to be, but a vanishing Colour. For, there is a vast Difference: The sins of each Church-member, 
Of the sins of Magistrates.  whether against the first or second Table, are proper to the Cognizance and Judgement of the Church, as the sin of the Incestuous person was punished by Christ's Ordinances (in the Church at Corinth) as well as the Abuse of the Lords Supper. But it is not so with the civil Magistrate, whose Office is essentially civil, one and the same, all the world over, among all Nations and people: For, having no spiritual power (as the authors of the model afterwards acknowledge) he cannot possibly act as a Civil Magistrate in spiritual matters, though as a Church-member, he may in Church-estate, as also may the rest of the Members of that spiritual Body.  Peace. 
Methinks it it clear as the Light, that if that incestuous person in the Church of Corinth had been a Magistrate of the city of Corinth, the Church might justly have proceeded against him, because all sin is directly opposite to the 
A case touching the Magistrates punishing the Sin of Church members.  holy kingdom of Christ. But in that abuse of the Lords Supper (which was merely unchristian) neither that Magistrate, nor all the Magistrates of Corinth, or the World to help him, could justly punish the Church, because that Supper (in the Institution, and spiritual use of it) was not only of the Nature of the Suppers, of the meats and drinks of the city of Corinth, but also of a divine and spiritual Institution, of a heavenly and mystical Nature and Observation. But to Conclude this piece and the whole, Mr Cotton corrects himself for putting in his Sickle into the Harvest of his Brethren, unto whom he refers the defence of their model, and for himself ends with desires that Christ Jesus would blast that peace which he saith the Examiner proclaimeth to all the ways of false Religion, to heresy in Doctrine, etc.  Truth. 
If Christ Jesus shall please (for the further manifestation of his holy Truth and Glory) to permit those able and worthy men, to proceed to fortify and defend their model: I hope he will also please to assist the Discusser, or some other of his poor servants, to batter down (with the Spiritual artillery of his Word and Testament) such weak and lose and unchristian Fortifications.  Peace. 
But with what a deep and unrighteous charge doth Mr Cotton end against the poor Discusser, as a Proclaimer of peace to all the ways of false Religion, to heresy in Doctrine, etc.  Truth. 
Grant Mr Cotton (in many excellent Truths of Jesus) a sweet sounding Silver Trumpet: Grant the Discusser as base a Rams-horne harsh and contemptible: Grant that (for the peace of the Civil State, the being of the Nations, and the World, the safety of the good wheat the Righteous, and the calling home of the Elect to God, Jews and Gentiles!) the Discusser proclaims a civil being, and civil peace to Erroneous Consciences, not sinning against humane and civil Principles: Yet what Peace hath this Rams-horne proclaimed (as Mr Cotton insinuates) when throughout this whole book, from first to last, the Proclamation soundeth ou● open war against all false Worshippers.  Peace. 
I am a joyful witness of war proclaimed from the God of Truth, from the Sun of righteousness, from the Spirit of 
The direful state of false Worshippers.  holiness, from the flames of Fire, those mighty angels, from all the Saints and Witnesses of Jesus, from all his holy Truths and Ordinances. War to their Consciences, preach, Writings, Disputations, a war present, a war perpetual, and (without Repentance) a war eternal and everlasting.  Truth. 
Dear Peace, our golden sand is out, we now must part with an holy kiss of heavenly Peace and Love: Mr Cotton speaks and writes his Conscience: Yet the Father of Lights may please to show him that what he highly esteems as a Tenent washed white in the Lamb's blood, is yet more black and abominable, in the most pure and jealous eye of God.  Peace. 
The Blackmores darkness differs not in the dark from the fairest white.  Truth. 
Christ Jesus the Sun of righteousness hath broke forth, 
The Portraiture of the Bloody Tenent.  and daily, will, to a brighter and brighter discovery of this deformed Ethiopian: And for myself I must proclaim, before the most holy God, angels and Men, that (what ever other white and heavenly tenants Mr Cotton holds) yet this is a fowl, a black, and a bloody Tenent.  
A Tenent of high blasphemy against the God of Peace, the God of Order, who hath of one blood, made all mankind, to dwell upon the face of the Earth, now, all confounded and destroyed in their Civil being's and Subsistences, by mutual flames o● war from their several respective Religions and Consciences.  
A Tenent warring against the Prince of Peace, Christ Jesus, denying his Appearance and coming in the Flesh, to put an end to, and abolish the shadows of that ceremonial and typical Land of Canaan.  
A Tenent fight against the sweet end of his coming, which was not to destroy men's Lives, for their Religions, out 
Euc. 9  to save them, by the meek and peaceable Invitations and persuasions 
Prov. 9  of his peaceable Wisdoms maiden's.  
A Tenent foully charging his Wisdom, faithfulness and 
The Portraiture of the bloody Tenent.  Love, in so poorly providing such Magistrates and Civil Powers all the World over, as might effect so great a charge pretended to be committed to them.  
A Tenent lamentably guilty of his most precious blood, shed in the blood of so many hundreth thousand of his poor servants by the civil powers of the World, pretending to suppress Blasphemies, Heresies, Idolatries, Superstition, etc.  
A Tenent fight with the Spirit of Love, holiness, and meekness, by kindling fiery Spirits of false zeal and fury, when yet such Spirits know not of what Spirit they are.  
A Tenent fight with those mighty Angels who stand up for the peace of the Saints, against Persia, Grecia, etc. and so consequently, all other Nations, who fight for their several Religions, and against the Truth, leave no room for such as fear and love the Lord on the Earth.  
A Tenent, against which the blessed souls under the Altar 
The Portraiture of the bloody Tenent.  cry loud for vengeance, this Tenent having cut their Throats, torn out their Hearts, and poured forth their blood in all Ages, as the only heretics and Blasphemers in the World.  
A Tenent which no uncleanness, no Adultery, Incest, sodomy, or bestiality can equal, this ravishing and forcing (explicitly or implicitly) the very souls and Consciences of all the Nations and Inhabitants of the World.  
A Tenent that puts out the very eye of all true Faith, which cannot but be as free and voluntary as any Virgin in the World, in refusing or embracing any spiritual offer or object.  
A Tenent loathsome and ugly (in the eyes of the God of Heaven, and serious sons of men) I say, loathsome with the palpable filihs of gross dissimulation and hypocrisy: Thousands of Peoples and whole Nations, compelled by this Tenent to put on the fowl vizard of Religious hypocrisy, for fear of Laws, losses and punishments, and for the keeping and hoping for of favour, liberty, worldly commodity, etc.  
A Tenent woefully guilty of hardening all false and deluded 
The Portraiture of the bloody Tenent.  Consciences (of whatsoever Sect, Faction, heresy, or idolatry, though never so horrid and blasphemous) by cruelties and violences practised against them: all false Teachers and their Followers (ordinarily) contracting a brawny and steely hardness from their sufferings for their Consciences.  
A Tenent that shuts and bars out the gracious prophecies and promises and discoveries of the most glorious Sun of Righteousues, Christ Jesus, that burns up the holy Scriptures, and forbids them (upon the point) to be read in English, or that any trial or search, or (truly) free disquisition be made by them: when the most able, diligent and conscionable Readers must pluck forth their own eyes, and be forced to read by the (which soever predominant) clergies Spectacles.  
A Tenent that seals up the spiritual graves of all men, Jews and Gentiles, (and consequently stands guilty of the damnation of all men) since no Preachers, nor Trumpets of Christ himself may call them out, but such as the several and respective Nations of the World themselves allow of.  
A Tenent that fights against the common principles of all civility, 
The Portraiture of the bloody Tenent.  and the very civil being and combinations of men in Nations, Cities, etc. by commixing (explicitly or implicitly) a spiritual and civil State together, and so confounding and overthrowing the purity and strength of both.  
A Tenent that kindles the devouring flames of combustions and wars in most Nations of the World, and (if God were not infinitely gracious) had almost ruind the English, French, the Scotch and Irish, and many other Nations, German, Polonian, Hungarian, Bohemian, etc.  
A Tenent that bows down the backs and necks of all civil States and Magistrates, Kings and Emperors, under the proud feet of that man and monster of sin and pride the Pope, and all Popish and proud Cleargie-men, rendering such laics and Seculars (as they call them) but slavish Executioners (upon the point) of their most imperious Synodical Decrees and Sentences.  
A Tenent that renders the highest civil Magistrates and Ministers 
The Portraiture of the bloody Tenent.  of Justice (the Fathers and Gods of their Countries) either odious or lamentably grievous unto the very best Subjects by either elapping or keeping on, the iron yokes of cruelest oppression. No yoke or bondage comparably so grievous, as that upon the souls neck of men's Religion and Consciences.  
A Tenent, all besprinkled with the bloody murders, stob●, poison, pistolling, powderplots, etc. against many famous Kings, Princes, and States, either actually performed or attempted, in France, England, Scotland, Low-Countries, and other Nations.  
A Tenent all red and bloody with those most barbarous and tiger like Massacres, of so many thousand and ten thousands formerly in France, and other parts, and so lately and so horribly in Ireland: of which, what ever causes be assigned, this chief will be found the true, and while this continues (to wit, violence against Conscience) this bloody Issue, sooner or later, must break forth again (except God wonderfully stop it) in Ireland and other places too.  
A Tenent that stunts the growth and flourishing of the most 
The Portraiture of the bloody Tenent.  likely and hopefullest Common weals and Countries, while Consciences, the best, and the best deserving Subjects are forced to fly (by enforced or voluntary Banishment) from their native Countries; The lamentable proof whereof England hath felt in the flight of so many worthy English, into the Low Countries and New-England, and from New-England into old again and other foreign parts.  
A Tenent whose gross partiality denies the Principles of common Justice, while Men weigh out to the Consciences of all others, that which they judge not fit not right to be weighed out to their own: Since the persecutors Rule is, to take and persecute all Consciences, only, himself must not be touched.  
A Tenent that is but Machevilisme, and makes a Religion, but a cloak o● stalking horse to policy and private Ends of Jeroboams crown, and the Priest's Benefice, etc.  
A Tenent that corrupts and spoils the very Civil honesty and Natural Conscience of a Nation. Since Conscience to God violated, proves (without Repentance) ever after, a very Jade, a Drug, lose and unconscionable in all converse with men.  
Lastly, a Tenent in England most unseasonable, as pouring oil upon those Flames which the high wisdom of the Parliament, (by easing the yokes on men's Consciences) had begun to quench.  
In the sad Consideration of all which (dear Peace) let 
Peace her Repose and Tabernacle.  Heaven and Earth judge of the washing and colour of this Tenent. For thee (sweet heavenly Guest) go lodge thee in the breasts of the peaceable and humble Witnesses of Jesus, that love the Truth in peace! Hid thee from the world's Tumults and Combustions, in the breasts of thy truly noble children, who profess and endeavour to break the irony and insupportable yokes upon the souls and Consciences of any of the sons of Men.  Peace. 
Methinks (dear Truth) if any of the least of these deep charges be found against this Tenent, you do not wrong it when you style it bloody: But since, in the woeful proof of all Ages past, since Nimrod (the Hunter or persecutor before the Lord) these and more are lamentably evident and undeniable: it gives me wonder that so many and so excellent eyes of God's servants should not espy so fowl a monster, especially considering the universal opposition this Tenent makes against God's Glory, and the Good of all mankind.  Truth. 
There have been many fowl opinions, with which the old Serpent hath infected and bewitched the sons of men (touching God, Christ the Spirit, the Church, against holiness, against Peace, against civil Obedience, against chastity) in so 
The Bloody Tenent of persecution compared.  much, that even sodomy itself hath been a Tenent maintained in print by some of the very pillars of the Church of Rome: But this Tenent is so universally opposite to God and man, so pernicious and destructive to both (as hath been declared) that like the Powder-plot, it threatens to blow up all Religion, all civility, all humanity, yea the very Being of the World, and the Nations thereof at once.  Peace. 
He that is the Father of Lies, and a murderer from the beginning, he knows this well, and that this ugly Blackmore needs a mask or vizard.  Truth. 
Yea the bloodiness and inhumanity of it is such, that not only Mr Cottons more tender and holy Breast, but even the most bloody Bonners and Gardiner's have been forced to arm 
The masks and vizards of the bloody Tenent.  themselves with the fair shows and glorious pretences, of the Glory of God, and zeal for that Glory, the Love of his Truth, the Gospel of Christ Jesus, love and pity to men's souls, the peace of the Church, uniformity, Order, the peace of the commonweal, the Wisdom of the State, the Kings, Queens, and Parliaments proceed, the odiousness of Sects, Heresies, Blasphemies, Novelties, Seducers, and their Infections: the obstinacy of Heretick●, after all Means, Disputations, Examinations, Synods, yea and after Conviction in the poor heretics own Conscience: Add to these the flattering sound of those glozing Titles, the Godly Magistrate, the Christian Magistrate, the Nurcing Fathers and Mothers of the Church, Christian Kings and Queens. But all other Kings and Magistrates (even all the Nations of the World over, as Mr Cotton pleads) must suspend and hold their hands, and not meddle in matters of Religion, until they be informed, etc.  Peace. 
The dreadful righteous hand of God, the eternal and avenging God, is pulling off these masks and vizards, that thousands, and the World may see this bloody tenants beauty.  Truth. 
But see (my heavenly Sister, and true stranger in this 
Truth & Peace, their meetings seldom and short in this world.  sealike restless, raging World) see here what Fires and Swords are come to part us! Well; Our meetings in the Heavens shall not thus be interrupted, our Kisses thus distracted, and our eyes and cheeks thus we●, unwiped: For me, though censured, threatened, persecuted, I must profess, while Heaven and Earth lasts, that no one Tenent that either London, England, or the World doth harbour, is so heretical, blasphemous, seditious, and dangerous to the corporal, to the spiritual, to the present, to the eternal Good of all M●n, as is the bloody Tenent (how ever washed and whited) I say, as is the bloody Tenent of persecution for cause of Conscience.   

The copy of a Letter of R. Williams of Providence in New England, to Major Endicot, governor of the Massachusets, upon occasion of the late persecution against Mr Clarke and Obadiah Holmes, and others at Boston the chief town of the Massachusets in New England.  
SIR,  
HAving done with our transitory Earthly 
* Matters touching the p●●ce of the English and Indians, about which the said governor did write to R. W.  affairs (as touching the English and the Indians) which in Comparison of heavenly and eternal you will say are but as dung and dross, etc. Let me now be humbly bold to remember that humanity and piety, which I and others have formerly observed in you, and in that hopeful Remembrance to crave your gentle audience with patience and mildness, with ingenuity, equanimity and candour, to him that ever truly and deeply loved you and yours, and as in the awful presence of his holy Eye, whose dreadful hand hath form us to the praise of his mercy or Justice to all eternity.  
Sir, I have often feared and said within my soul, Have I so 
Great love formerly between the said governor Endicot, and R. W. before his Banishment.  deeply loved and respected? Was I also so well beloved? Or was all counterfeit, and but guilded o'er with earthly Respects, Worldly ends, etc. Why am I silent? my Letters are not Banished! may be welcome, may be seen and heard, and if neither, yet will back again (together with my prayers and cries) into my bosom.  
Thus while I have sometimes mused and resolved! Objections, obstructions, and a thousand hindrances (I fear from Satan as Paul said) have pressed in, held my hand, etc.  
Sir, It hath pleased the Father of Spirits at this present to smite my heart in the very breaking up of your Letter: This 
* The seal wherewith the governors letter to R. W. was sealed.  Death's Head tells that loving Hand that sealed it, and mine that opens your Letter, that our Eyes, our Hands, our Tongues, our brains are flying hence to the hole or pit of rottenness: Why should not therefore such our Letters, such our Speeches, such our Actings be▪ as may become our last minutes, our deathbeds? etc.  
If so, how meek and humble, how plain and serious, how faithful and zealous, and yet how tender and loving should the Spirits and Speeches be of dying and departing Men?  
Sir, While something of this Nature I muse over your Death's head, I meet (in the Entrance of your Letter) with this passage [Were I as free in my spirit as formerly I have been to write unto you, you should have received another manner of Salutation then now with a good Conscience I can express; However God knoweth who are his, and what he is pleased to hid from sinful man in this life, shall in that great Day be manifested to All.]  
Sir, At the reading of this Line, (I cannot but hope I have your leave to tell you) The speech of that wise Woman of Tekoah unto David came fresh unto my Thoughts: speaks not the King this Thing as one that is guilty? For will my honoured and beloved friend not know me for fear of being disowned by his Conscience? Shall the goodness and integrity of his Conscience to God cause him to forget me? Doth he quiet his mind with this; [God knoweth who are his? God hides from sinful man, God will reveal before All?] Oh how comes it 
Persecutors conclude no Conscience in the whole World but their own.  then that I have heard so often, and heard so lately, and heard so much, that he that speaks so tenderly for his own, hath yet so little respect, mercy or pity to the like conscientious persuasions of other Men? Are all the Thousands of millions of millions of Consciences, at home and abroad, fuel only for a prison, for a whip, for a stake, for a gallows? Are no Consciences to breathe the air, but such as suit and sample his? May not the most High be pleased to hid from his as well as from the eyes of his fellow- Servants, fellow- mankind, fellow- English? And if God hid from his, from any, who can discover? Who can shut when he will open? and who can open, when he that hath the key of David will shut? All this and more (honoured Sir) your words will warrant me to say, without any just offence or straining.  
Object. But what makes this to Heretics, Blasphemers, Seducers, to them that sin against their Conscience (as Mr Cotton saith) after Conviction? What makes this to stobbers of Kings and Princes, to blowers up of Parliaments out of Conscience?  
First, I answer, He was a Tyrant that put an Innocent Man into a Beares-skin, and so caused him as a wild Beast to be baited to Death.  
Secondly, I say, this is the common cry of Hunters or persecutors 
All persecutors render the most innocent most odious.  [Heretics, heretics, Blasphemers, etc.] and why, but for crossing the persecutors Consciences, (it may be but their superstitions, etc.) whether Turkish, Popish, Protestant, etc.  
This is the Outcry of the Pope and Prelates, and of the Scotch Presbyterians, who would fire all the world, to be avenged on the Sectarian heretics, the blasphemous heretics, the seducing heretics, etc. had it not pleased the God of Heaven who bounds the insolent Rage of the furious Ocean, to raise up a second Cromwell (like a mighty and merciful Wall or 
Cromwell the second, a Refuge of the oppressed.  bulwark) to stay the fury of the oppressor, whether English, Scottish, Popish, Presbyterian, Independent, etc.  
Lastly, I have said much and lately, and given particular Answers to all such pleas, in my Second Reply or Answer to 
This rejoinder was sent to England long since, and hoped to have been published.  Mr Cottons washing of the Bloody Tenent in the lamb's blood, which it may be is not yet come to your sight and Hand.  
'Tis true, I have to say elsewhere about the Causes of my Banishment: As to the calling of natural Men to the exercise of those holy Ordinances of Prayers, oaths, etc. As to the frequenting of Parish Churches, under the pretence of hearing some Ministers: As to the matter of the Patent, and King James his christianity and Title to these parts, and bestowing it on his Subjects by virtue of his being a Christian King, etc.  
At present, let it not be offensive in your eyes, that I single out another, a fourth point, a cause of my Banishment also, wherein I greatly fear one or two sad evils, which have befallen your soul and Conscience.  
The point is that of the Civil Magistrates dealing in matters of Conscience and Religion, as also of persecuting and hunting any for any matter merely spiritual and Religious.  
The two evils intimated are these; First, I fear you cannot after so much Light, and so much profession to the contrary (not only to myself, and so often in private, but) before so many Witnesses; I say, I fear you cannot say and act so much, against so many several Consciences, former and later, but with great Checks, great threaten, great blows and throws of inward Conscience.  
Secondly, If you shall thank God, that it is not so with 
Abuse of light most dangerous.  you, but that you do what Conscience bids you in God's presence, upon God's warrant, I must then be humbly faithful to tell you, that I fear your underprizing of holy Light, hath put out the Candle, and the Eye of Conscience in these particulars, and that Delusions, strong Delusions, and that from God (by Satan's subtlety) hath seized upon your very souls belief, because you prized not loved not the endangered persecuted Son of God in his despised Truths and Servants.  
Sir, With Man (as the Lord Jesus said of the Rich man) I know it is impossible for the (otherwise piercing) eye of your understanding to see into these things, for it is discoloured, as in some Diseases and Glasses; It is impossible for your Will to be willing to see, for that's in a thousand chains resolved (as once you spoke heroically and heavenly in a better way) to spend your dearest Heart blood in your way, etc. Yet with God all things are possible, and they that laughed the Lord Jesus to scorn when he said, the damsel is not dead but sleepeth, were afterwards confounded, when they saw her raised by his heavenly voice.  
His holy pleasure I know not, nor do I know which way the Glory of his great Name will more appear, either in finally suffering so great a fall and ruin of so strong a pillar, that Flesh may not Glory, but that his strength and Glory only may be seen in weakness. Or else in your holy Rising and Reviving from the Bed of so much spiritual filthiness, and from so bloody a mind, and lip, and hand, against all withstanders or Disturbers in it. That so the short Remainder of your Candle may hold out to the World, the Riches of his Mercy, at whose words the holiest of his Servants ought to tremble, and to work out their Salvation with fear and trembling: I say (I desire to say it; tremblingly and mournfully) I know not which way he will please to raise his Glory) only I know my duty, my Constience, my Love, all which enforce me to knock, to call to cry at the Gate of Heaven, and at Yours, and to present you with this loving, though loud and faithful noise and sound of a few Grounds of deeper Examination of both our souls and Consciences uprightly and impartially at the holy and dreadful tribunal of Him that is appointed the Judge of all the Living and the Dead.  
Be pleased then (honoured Sir) to remember that that thing which we call Conscience is of such a Nature (especially in Englishmen) as once a Pope of Rome at the suffering of an Englishman in Rome, himself observed) that although it be groundless, false, and deluded, yet is it not by any Arguments or Torments easily removed.  
I speak not of the stream of the multitude of all Nations, 
The power of Conscience though Erroneous.  which have their ebbings and flow in Religion, (as the longest Sword, and strongest arm of Flesh carries it) But I speak of Conscience, a persuasion fixed in the mind and heart of a man, which enforceth him to judge (as Paul said of himself a persecutor) and to do so and so, with respect to God, his worship, etc.  
This Conscience is found in all mankind, more or less, in Jews, Turks, Papists, Protestants, Pagans, etc. And to this purpose let me freely without offence remember you (as I did Mr Clarke newly come up from his sufferings amongst you) I say, remember you of the same Story I did him, 'twas that of William Hartly in Queen Elizabeth her days, who receiving the Sentence of hanging, drawing, etc. spoke confidently (as afterward he suffered) what tell you me of hanging, etc. If I had ten thousand millions of lives, I would spend them all for the Faith of Rome, etc.  
Sir, I am far from glancing the least Countenance on the Consciences of Papists, yea or on some Scotch and English Protestants too, who turn up all roots, and lay all level and in blood, for exaltation of their own way and Conscience. All that I observe is, that boldness and Confidence, zeal and Resolution, as it is commendable in a kind when it seriously respects a deity, so also, the greatest Confidence hath sometimes need of the greatest Search and Examination.  
I confess, that for Confidence no Romish Priest hath ever exceeded 
True & false Witnesses both Confident.  the holy Martyrs or Witnesses of Jesus: witness (amongst so many) that holy English Woman, who cried out, that if every hair of her head were a life or man, they should burn for the Name of the Lord Jesus: But Sir, your Principles and Conscience bind you, not to respect Romish or English, Saints or Sinners: William heart'ly, and that Woman, with all their lives, you are bound by your Conscience to punish (and it may be) to hang or burn, if they transgress against your Conscience, and that because (according to Mr Cottons monstrous Distinction (as some of his chief Brethren to my knowledge have called it) not because they sin in matters of Conscience, (which he denies the Magistrate to deal in) but because they sin against their Conscience.  
Secondly, It is so notoriously known, that the Consciences of the most holy men, zealous for God & his Christ to Death and Admiration, yea even in our own country, and in Queen Mary's days especially, have been so grossly misled by mistaken Consciences in matters concerning the worship of God, the coming out of the Antichristian Babel, and the Rebuilding of the spiritual Jerusalem, that I need but hint who were they 
The Common Prayers & the Composers of it.  that penned the Common prayer (in its Time, as glorious an idol, and as much adored by Godly persons, as any Invention now extant) I say, who they were that lived and died (five in the flames) zealous for their bishoprics, yea and some too too zealous for their Popish Ceremonies, against the doubting Consciences of their Brethren: At which and more, we that now have risen in our father's stead, wonder and admire how such piercing eyes could be deceived, such Watchmen blinded and deluded. But  
Thirdly, We shall not so much wonder when we lift up our trembling eyes to Heaven, and remember ourselves (poor 
What's sweet with man, stinks (often) in God's nostrils.  dust) that our Thoughts are not as the Thoughts of our Maker, that, that which in the eyes of man (as the Lord Jesus tells us, Luc. 16.) is of high and sweet esteem, it stinks and is abomination with God: Hence such Worships, such Churches, such glorious professions & practices may be, as may ravish themselves and the behoulders, when with the piercing eyes of the most High, they may look counterfeit and ugly, and be found but (spiritually) Whores, and Abominations.  
Fourthly, Wise men use to inquire, what Motives, what Occasions, what Snares, what Temptations were there, which moved, which drew, which alured, etc. This is the apology which the five Apologists (Mr Goodwin, Mr Nye, etc.) made to the Parliament, to wit, That they were not tempted with the moulding of New commonwealths, after which they might be moved to frame their Religion, etc.  
Surely Sir, the Baits, the Temptations, the Snares laid to catch 
Satan's policy in proposing Motives and Baits to wise and excellent Saints.  you, were not few, nor common, nor laid to every foot. Saul pretended zeal to the Name of God, and love to Israel in persecuting the poor Gibeonites to death, but Honour me before the people, was the main Engine that turned the wheels of all his Actions and Devotions. What set Jeroboams brains to consult and plot the Invention of a new Religion, Worship, Priests, etc. but Honour, & the fear of the loss of his gained honour? What moved Jehu to be false and halting with God after so much glorious zeal in Reformation? Yea I had almost said, what moved David to stob Vriah (the fire of God) with his pen, but the fear of dishonour in the Discovery of his sin, though doubtless there was some mixtures of the fear of his god's displeasure and dishonour also?  
Sir, it is no small offer, the choice and applause and Rule over so many towns, so many holy, so many wise, in such a holy way as you believe you are in: To say nothing of strong drinks and wines, the fat and sweet of this and other Lands: These and others are snares which without abundant strength from God will catch and hold the strongest feet: Sir, I have known you strong, in repelling strong Temptations, but I cannot but fear and lament, that some of these and others have been too strong and potent with you.  
Fifthly, We not only use to say proverbially, but the Spirit of God expressly tells us, that there is a minde-bewitching, a 
Spiritual Witchcraft.  betwitching of the very Consciences and spirits of men. That as in Witchcraft, a stronger and supernatural power lays hold upon the powers of Nature, with a suppressing or elevating of those powers beneath or above themselves: So is it with the very Spirits and Consciences of the most Intelligent and Conscientious, when the Father of Spirits is pleased in his righteous displeasure and jealousy, so to suffer it to be with ours.  
Sir, I from my soul honour and love the persons of such, whom I, you, and themselves may see have been instrumental in your bewitching▪ Why should it be thought inconsistent with the holy wisdom of God to permit wise and holy and learned persons to wander themselves and misled others; when the holy Scripture and Experience tells us of the dangerous counsels and ways of as wife and learned and holy as now breath in either Old or New English air?  
Sir, I had thought to have named one or two, who may justly be suspected (though otherwise worthily beloved) but I have chose rather to present an hint, for that's enough to so intelligent a Breast, if but willing to make an impartial Review and Examination of Passages between the most High and your in most soul in secret.  
Therefore sixthly, for a sixth ground of suspecting your soul and Spirit and Conscience in this particular of persecution, which I now instance in, may you please, Sir, without offence to remember, that as it is in such as have exceeded in Wine, their 
Mystical drunkenness and the drunken Language of it.  speech will bewray them: So it is in spiritual Cups and Intoxications.  
The Maker and Searcher of our hearts knows with what bitterness I writ, as with bitterness of soul I have heard such Language as this to proceed from yourself and others, who 
The language of persecutors.  formerly have fled from (with crying out against) persecutors! [you will say, this is your Conscience: You will say, you are persecuted, and you are persecuted for your Conscience: No, you are Conventiclers, heretics, Blasphemers, Seducers: You deserve to be hanged, rather than one shall be wanting to hang him I will hang him myself: I am resolved not to leave an heretic in the country; I had rather so many Whores and whoremongers and thiefs came amongst us:] Oh Sir, you cannot forget what Language and Dialect this is, whether not the same unsavoury, and ungodly, blasphemous and bloody, which the gardiner's and Bonner's both former and later used to all that bowed not to the State golden Image of what Conscience soever they were. And indetd, Sir, if the most High be pleased to awaken you to render unto his holy majesty his due praises, in your truly brokenhearted Confessions and Supplications, you will then proclaim to all the world, that what profession soever you made of the lamb, yet these Expressions could not proceed but from the dragon's mouth.  
Oh remember, and the most holy Lord bring it to your Remembrance, that you have now a great price in your hand, to 
A price and a Heart blessed Companions.  bring great Glory to his holy Name, great rejoicing to so gracious a Redeemer (in whom you profess is all your Healing and Salvation) great rejoicing to the holy Spirit of all true Consolation, whom yet so long you have grieved and sadded, great rejoicing to those blessed Spirits (attending upon the lamb, and all his, and terrible to his persecutors) great rejoicing and Instruction to all that love, the true Lord Jesus (notwithstanding their wander among so many false Christ's) mourning and lamenting after him in all parts of the World where his Name is sounded: Your talents are great, your Fall hath been so: Your eminency is great, the Glory of the most High in Mercy or Justice toward you will be great also.  
Oh remember it is a dangerous Combat for the potsherds of 
The horrible & dangerous path which all persecutors or Hunters walk in.  the Earth to fight with their dreadful Potter: It is a dismal Battle for poor naked feet to kick against the Pricks; It is a dreadful voice from the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, Endicot, Endicot, why huntest thou me? why imprisonest thou me? why finest, why so bloodily whippest, why wouldst thou (did not I hold thy bloody hands) hang and burn me? Yea Sir, I beseech you remember that it is a dangerous thing to put this to the may be, to the venture or hazard, to the possibility: Is it possible (may you well say) that since I hunt, I hunt not the life of my Saviour, and the blood of the lamb of God: I have fought against many several sorts of Consciences, is it beyond all possibility and hazard, that I have not fought against God, that I have not persecuted Jesus in some of them?  
Sir, I must be humbly bold to say, that 'tis impossible for any Man or Men to maintain their Christ by the Sword, and to worship a true Christ! to fight against all Consciences opposite to theirs, and not to fight against God in some of them, and to hunt after the precious life of the true Lord Jesus Christ. Oh remember whether your Principles and Consciences must in 
The least 〈…〉 spark of persecution tends to blood, and will proceed, except God mightlly stop it.  time and opportunity force you. 'Tis but worldly policy and Compliance with Men and Times (God's mercy overruling) that holds your hands from murdering of thousands and ten thousands were your Power and Command as great as once the bloody Roman Emperors was.  
The truth is (and yourself and others have said it) by your Principles such whom you count Heretics, Blasphemers, Seducers, aught to be put to Death; You cannot be faithful to your Principles and Consciences, if you satisfy them with but imprisoning, fining, whipping and banishing the heretics, and by saying that banishing is a kind of Death, as some chief with you (in my case formerly) have said it.  
Sir, 'Tis like you knew or have heard of the man that said he would never conform publicly, although he did subscribe in private for his liberty sake of Preaching: That, although he did conform in some things, yet in all he never would: That, although he did himself yield, yet he would not molest and enforce others: That although he yielded, that others did molest them, yet himself would never persecute, and yet did all.  
But oh poor dust and Ashes, like stones once rolling down the Alps, like the Indian Canoes or English Boats lose and adrist, where stop we until infinite mercy stop us, especially when a false fire of zeal and Conscience drives us, (though against the most holy and eternal themselves?)  
Oh remember the black Catalogues it hath pleased the most 
God's most dreadful Judgements against persecutors.  jealous and righteous God to make of his fiery Judgements and most dreadful stoakes on Eminent and remarkable persecutors even in this life. It hath been his way and course in all Countries, in Germany, France and England, (especially) what ever their pretences have been against Heretics, rebels, schismatics, Blasphemers, Seducers, etc. How hath he left them to be their own Accusers, Judges, Executioners, some by hanging, some by stobbing, some by drowning and poisoning themselves, some by running mad, and some by drinking in the very same Cup which they had filled to others?  
Some may say, Such persecutors hunted God and Christ, but I, but we, etc. I answer, the Lord Jesus Christ foretold how wonderfully the wisest of the World, should be mistaken in the things of Christ, and a true visible Christ Jesus! When did we see thee naked, hungry, thirsty, sick, inprison, &. How easy, how common, how dreadful these mistakes?  
Oh remember once again (as I began) and I humbly desire to remember with you, that every grey hair now on both our 
Death is a Boanerges.  heads, is a Boanerges, a son of Thunder, and a warning piece to prepare us, for the weighing of our last Anchors, and to be gone from hence, as if we had never been.  
'Twas mercy infinite, that stopped provoked Justice from blowing 
Grey hairs are Gods alarms.  out our Candles in our youths, but now the feeding Substance of the Candle's gone, and 'tis impossible (without repentance,) to recall our Actions! nay, with repentance, to recall our minutes past us.  
Sir, I know I have much presumed upon your many weighty affairs and thoughts, I end with an humble cry to the Father of mercies, that you may take David's counsel, and silently commune with your own heart upon your Bed, reflect upon your own spirit, and believe Him that said it to his overzealous Disciples, You know not what spirit you are of: That, no sleep may seize upon your eyes, nor slumber upon your eyelids, until your serious thoughts have seriously, calmly, and unchangeably (through help from Christ Jesus) fixed.  
First, On a Moderation toward the Spirits and Consciences of all mankind, merely differing from or opposing yours with only Religious and spiritual opposition.  
Secondly, A deep and cordial Resolution (in these wonderful searching, disputing, and dissenting times) to search, to listen, to pray, to fast, and more fearfully, more tremblingly to inquire what the holy pleasure, and the holy mysteries of the most Holy are; In whom I humbly desire to be  
Your poor fellow-Servant, unfeignedly, respective and faithful, R. William's.   

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

   

An APPENDIX: To the clergy of the four great Parties (professing the Name of Christ Jesus) in England, Scotland, and Ireland, viz. The Popish, prelatical, Presbyterian, and Independent.  
WORTHY SIRS;  
I Have pleaded the Cause of your several and respective Consciences (against the bloody Doctrine of Persecution) in my former Labours, and in this my present rejoinder to Mr Cotton:  
And yet I must pray leave without offence to say, I have impartially opposed and charged your Consciences also, so fare as guilty of that bloody Doctrine of persecuting each other for your Consciences.  
You four have torn the seameles coat of the Son of God 
The seameles Coat of Christ Jesus torn into four pieces, and the three Nations torn into Thousands.  into four pieces, and (to say nothing of former Times and Tearings) you four have torn the three Nations into thousands of pieces and Distractions.  
The two former of you, the Popish and (Protestant) prelatical, are Brethren: So are the latter, the Presbyterian and Independent: But, oh, how Rara est, & c? What Concord, what Love, what pity hath ever yet appeared amongst you, when the providence of the most High and only wise hath granted you your patents of mutual and successive Dominion and precedency?  
Just like two men, whom I have known break out to blows and wrestling, so have the Protestant Bishops fought and 
The battles of the clergy.  wrestled with the Popish, and the Popish with the Protestant! The Presbyterian▪ with the Independent, and the Independent with the Presbyterian! And our Chronicles and Experiences have told this Nation, and the World, how he whose turn it is to be brought under, hath ever felt an heavy wrathful hand of an unbrotherly and unchristian persecutor:  
Mean while, what outcries for a Sword, a Sword at any price, 
All Court the Magistrate for his Sword, & his Money.  on any terms, wherewith to take final Revenges, on such their Blasphemous and heretical Adversaries and corrivals?  
Hence is it, that the Magistrate hath been so courted, his person adored and Deified, and his Religion magnified and Exalted.  
Amongst the People, some have thought and said, How hath the shining of the Magistrates Money and Sword, outshined the nobility of his person, or the christianity of his Conscience? For when the person changes and Religion too, how grossly notorious have been the clergies Changes also? For Instance, how 
For which, any person and Religion hath served the turn.  have they Pernified, tacked and turned about (as the wind hath blown) from popery to Protestanisme, from Protestanisme to popery, and from popery to Protestanisme again, and this within the compass of about a dozen years; as the Purse and Sword-Bearers were changed, what ever the persons of those Princes (male or female, Men or Children, or their Consciences, Popish or Protestant) were.  
Yea, how justly in the late King's book (if his) are the clergy 
The late K. charging his clergy, etc.  of England charged with horrible breach of Vows and Oaths of canonical obedience to their Fathers the Bishops, against whom (in the turn of the Times and the Sword-Bearers) they turned to the Scotch Presbyters, their father's dreadful Enemies and persecutors?  
Now as to the persecuting each of other, I confess the wolf (the persecutor,) devours the goat, the Swine, yea the very 
The wolf in plea with the lamb, will be always Judge.  Fox, and other Creatures, as well as the inoffensive sheep and lamb? Yet (as the Lord Jesus made use of that excellent Fable or Similitude of a wolf getting on a Sheepes-skin, so) may I not unseasonably make use of that of the wolf and the poor lamb coming down to drink, upon the same brook and stream together: The Wolf cruel and strong drinks above and aloft: The Lamb innocent and weak, drinks upon the stream below: The wolf questions and quarrels the lamb for corrupting and defiling the Waters: The lamb (not daring to plead how easily the wolf drinking higher might transfer Defilement downward, but) pleads improbability and impossibility, that the waters descending could convey defilement upwards: This is the controversy, This the plea: But who shall judge? Be the lamb never so innocent, his plea never so just, his Adversary the wolf will be his Judge, and being so cruel and so strong soon tears the lamb in pieces.  
Thus the cruel Beast armed with the power of the Kings (Revel. 17.) sits Judge in his own Quarrels against the lamb, about the drinking at the Waters. And thus (saith Mr Cotton) the Judgement ought to pass upon the heretic, not for matter of Conscience, but for sinning against his Conscience.  
Object. M●▪ thinks I hear, the great charge against the Independent party to be the great pleaders for liberty of Conscience, etc.  
Answ. Oh the horrible deceit of the hearts of the sons of Men! And, what Excellent physic can we prescribe to others, till our soul (as Job said) come to be in their soul's cases? What need have we to be more vile (with Job) before God, to walk in holy sense of self▪ insufficiency, to cry for the blessed Leadings of the holy Spirit of God, to guide and lead our Heads and Hearts uprightly?  
For (to draw the curtain, and let in the Light alittle) do 
The wonderful mystery of liberty of Conscience.  not all persecutors themselves zealously plead for freedom, for liberty, for mercy to men's Consciences, when themselves are in the Grates, and Pits, and under Hatches?  
Doth not Ges●er tell us of a Gentleman in Germany, who fitting his Pitfall for Wild Beasts, found in the morning a Woman, a wolf, and a Fox in three several Corners, as full of 
Which all persecutors themselves (in their turns) plead for.  fear, and as quiet, and as desirous of liberty one as well as another?  
Thus bloody gardener and Bonner (prisoners, during King Edward's days) yea and that bloody Queen Mary herself, all plead the freedom of their Consciences. What most humble Supplications, and indeed unanswerable Arguments for liberty 
K. Charles and his Chaplains forced to subscribe to liberty of Conscience.  of Conscience have the Papists (when in Restraint) presented, (and especially) in King James his time? Yea what excellent Subscriptions to this Soule-Freedome, are interwoven in many passages of the late King's book (if his)? Yea and one of his chaplains (so called) Doctor Jer. Taylour, what an Everlasting monumental Testimony did he publish to this Truth, in that his excellent Discourse, of the liberty of Prophesying? Yea the (formerly) nonconforming Presbyterian and Independent, Scotch and English, Old and New, what most humble and pious Addresses have they made before the whole World, to Princes and Parliaments, for just mercy (in true Petitions of Right) to their Consciences? But, let this present Discourse, and Mr Cottons 
About Twenty years' persecution in New England.  Fig-leave Evasions and Distinctions: Let the practices (of the Massachusets) in New England, in twenty year's persecution: and this last of Mr Clarke, Obadiah Holmes, and others be Examined: Yea let the Independent Ministers late proposals be weighed, with the double weight of God's Sanctuary, and it will appear what Mercy the poor souls of all Men, and Jesus Christ in any of them, may expect from the very Independents clergy themselves.  
Object. But doth not their proposals provide a liberty to such as fear God, viz. that they may freely preach without an Ordination! and that such as are not free to the public Assemblies may have liberty to meet in private.  
Answ. It may so please the Father of Lights to show them that their Lines and models, and New-englands' copy also (after 
The persecution of the New and Old English Independent clergy.  which they writ and pencil,) are but more and more refined Images, whereby to worship the Invisible God: and that still (as before) the wolf (the persecutor) must judge of the lambs drinking!  
For instance; New England's laws (lately published in Mr Clarks Narrative) tell us how free it shall be for people to gather themselves into Church-estate? how free to choose their own Ministers? how free to enjoy all the Ordinances of Christ Jesus, & c? But yet, provided, so- and so (upon the point) that the Civil State must judge of the spiritual, to wit, Whether persons be▪ fit for Church-estate, Whether the Gathering be right, Whether the people's choice be right, Doctrines right, and what is this in truth, but to swear that blasphemous Oath of supremacy again, to the Kings and Queens and Magistrates of this and other Nations in stead of the Pope, & c?  
Into these Prisons, and Cages, do those (otherwise worthy and excellent Men, the) Independents, put all the Children of God, and all the Children of Men in the whole World, and then bid them fly and walk at liberty (to wit, within the Conjured Circle) so far as they please.  
To particularise briefly: When they have in their six several Circuits ejected (according to their proposals) it may be 
A brief touch upon the 15 proposals of the (so called) Independent Ministers.  hundreths, it may be thousands (if impartial) of episcopal and Presbyterian Ministers, and that without & against their People's consent, to the present Distressing of thousands, and enraging (through such Soul-oppressions) the whole Nation! Then, say they, it shallbe free for all that be able, etc. to be Preachers, though not ordained, etc. But, provided, that two Ministers hands (at least, 
The Independents implicitly and silently challenge the power of Ordination.  which upon the point, is instead of an Ordination) be to their Approbation, etc. Upon this lock any shall be free to preach Christ Jesus, upon this point of the compass (as I may in humble reverence, and with sorrow speak it) the Spirit of God shall be free to breath and operate in the souls of Men! By this Plummet and Line, Rule and Square, and (seeming) Golden reed and Meetewand, the Sanctuary must be built and measured, etc.  
But further, if any shall be of tender Consciences, and that the common size will not serve their foot, if they shall think the Independents Foundations too weak, or it may be too strong for their weak belief, if they cannot bow down to their golden Image, though of the finest and latest Edition and Fashion: Why God forbidden they should be forced to Church 
The Danger of pawning spiritual Liberties to civil powers.  as others, they shall enjoy their liberty, and meeteapart in private: But, provided, they acquaint the civil Magistrate, that is, as it may fall out (who knows how soon?) and too too often hath fallen out, the poor sheep and deer of Christ must take Licence of and betray themselves unto the paws and jaws of their lion-like persecutors.  
Hear Oh Heavens, give ear O Earth! What is this but like 
The Dutch Attempts, and the Independents, on their Friends, compared.  the Treacherous Dutchmen, who Capitulate of Leagues of Peace and amity, with their Neighbour English, and in the midst of State compliments (some say, out of malicious wrath, others say 'twas out of drunken Intoxications at the best) thunder out broadsides of Fire and smoke of persecution?  
Object. Some possibly may say, Your just suffering from the Independents in New England makes you speak Revenges against them in Old.  
Answ. What I have suffered in my Estate, Body, Name, Spirit, I hope through help from Christ, and for his sake I have desired to bear with a Spirit of patience and of respect and love, even to my persecutors. As to particulars, I have, and must (if God so will) further debate them with my truly honoured and beloved adversary Mr Cotton.  
But as to you, worthy Sirs, (men of Learning, and men of personal holiness many of you) I truly desire to be far from envying your Honours, pleasures, and Revenues, from whence the two former Popish & prelatical are ejected, unto which the two later Presbyterian and Independent are advanced: Nor would I 
The authors desire as to the ministry of the Land now possessed.  move a Tongue or pen that any of you now possessed, should be removed or disturbed, until your Consciences by the holy Spirit of God, or the Consciences of the people, to whom you serve or minister, shall be otherways (then as you are yet) persuaded.  
Much rather would I make another humble plea (and that I believe with all the Reason and Justice in the World) that such 
And as to that Ejected.  who are ejected, undone, impoverished, might some way from the State or you receive relief and succour: Considering, that the very Nations Constitution hath occasioned parents to train up, & persons to give themselves to studies (though in truth, but in a way of Trade & Bargaining, before God) yet, 'tis according to the custom of the Nation, who ought therefore to share also, in the fault of such Priests and Ministers who in all changes are ejected.  
I end with humble begging to the Father of Spirits, to persuade 
The author begs three things of God for the clergy of England.  and possess yours with a true sense of three particulars.  
First, of the yokes of Soule-oppression, which lie upon the necks of most of the Inhabitants of the 3 Nations, & of the whole world: as if Chams Curse from Noah were upon them, Servants of Servants are they, and that in the matters of the souls Affection unto God, which call for the purest liberty: I confess the World lies in wickedness, and loveth darkness more than 
Soul Bondage the greatest.  light: but why should you help on those yokes, and force them to receive a Doctrine, to pray, to give thanks, etc. without an Heart? yea and (in the many changes and cases incident) against their Heart and souls Consent?  
Secondly, of the bloodiness of that most bloody Doctrine of persecution for cause of Conscience, with all the Winding stairs and back doors of it, etc. Some professors true and false, sheep and Goats, are daily found to differ in their Apprehensions, persuasions, professions, and that to Bonds and Death.  
What now, shall these be wracked, their souls, their Bodies, their purses, & c? Yea if they refuse, deny, oppose the Doctrine of Christ Jesus, whether Jew's or Gentiles, why should you call for Fire from Heaven, which suits not with Christ Jesus his Spirit 
The bloodiness of the Bloody Tenent.  or Ends? Why should you compel them to come in, with any other Sword, but that of the Spirit of God, who alone persuaded Japhet to come into the Tents of Shem, and can in his holy season prevail with Shem to come into the Tents of Japhet?  
Thirdly, Of that bias of self-love which hales and sways our minds to hold so fast this bloody Tenent: You know it is the Spirit of Love from Christ Jesus, that turns our feet from the Tradition of Fathers, etc. That sets the Heart and Tongue and Pen and Hands too (as Paul's) day and night to work, rather 
Little of the Spirit of Love from Christ Jesus yet extant, and our self-love biasseth us to Inventions, Traditions, and Doctrines of persecutions.  than the progress and purity and simplicity of the crown of Christ Jesus should be debased or hindered.  
This Spirit will cause you leave (with joy) Benefices, and Bishoprics, Worlds and Lives for his sake: the Heights and Depths, Lengths and Breadths, of whose Love you know doth infinitely pass your most knowing Comprehensions and Imaginations. There is but little of this Spirit extant, I fear will not be, until we see Christ Jesus slain in the slaughter of the Witnesses: Then Joseph will go boldly unto Pilate for the slaughtered body of most precious Saviour: and Nicodemus, will go by day, to buy and bestow his sweetest spices, on his infinitely sweeter souls beloved. The full breathe of that heavenly Spirit, unfeignedly and hearty wisheth you,  
Your most unworthy countryman, R. Williams.  
FINIS.   

The Principal CONTENTS.  

TRuth and peace rarely meet page 1  
Many excellent men plead for persecution p. 2  
New England's persecution guilty of the persecution in Old p. 3  
The first occasion of publishing the bloody tenant p 4  
Master Cotton complains of being persecuted, and yet writes so much for persecution p. 5  
The word persecution (in plain English) what it is ibi.  
Master Cotton would change the word persecuting into punishing. p. 6  
State worships the ordinary occasion of persecution p. 7  
Ordination of Ministers and Coronation of Kings unfitly compared p. 11  
Master Cotton pleading for Common Prayer p. 11, 12  
Three causes for which Master Cotton pleads for persecution p. 13  
Christ's church may be gathered and dissolved with no disturbance of civil peace p. 14  
Persecution breaks all civil peace p. 15  
Civil peace may be kept long and flourish even where Christ is not heard of, yea disowned, etc. p. 16  
Christianity lost most under reforming Emperors ibid.  
The societies or Churches of Saints are merely voluntary in combining or dissolving p. 17  
Christ's Spouse is chosen out of this world p. 18  
No civil state can judge the spiritual p. 19  
The difference of spiritual and civil peace p. 20  
When Gods people flourish most in godliness, then most persecuted; and, when most persecuted, then flourish most in godliness p. 21  
A monstrous mingling of spiritual and civil disturbance p. 22  
Six instances of zeal in Scripture (charged with, yet) free from breach of civil peace p. 23  
The Indians (subjected to the English) permitted, while English fearing God in New England persecuted p. 25  
Jonah's casting over board, pleaded by Master Cotton as a ground for persecution, examined p. 26  
The kill of the false prophet, Zech. 13. 6. p. 27  
Conviction of conscience p. 28  
The violation of civil peace, though out of conscience, to be punished. p. 29  
Gamaliells' council considered p. 30  
Christ Jesus never persecuted as Christ, but as a deceiver, blasphemer, seducer, etc. p. 31  
Gods people fast asleep, and yet awake ibid.  
A deep mystery in persecution p. 32  
Wolves complaining of being persecuted by the sheep p. 33  
The blood of the souls under the Altar is a sealed Mystery p. 34  
A challenge to the Devil himself, touching the persecution of heretics p. 34  
All Antichristian hunters make Titus the third their Den or Fortress p. 35  
The horrible abusing and profaning of that word heretic p. 36  
A child of God may possible be an heretic p. 37  
The straits in which the bloody tenant (and this rejoinder also) were composed p. 38  
Th●se Preachers who will not Preach without money, must beg or steal ibid.  
Christ Jesus his distinction of Diggers, beggars, stealers p. 39  
Persecution usually taken for a corporal, not a spiritual punishment ibid.  
Very severe, but not Christian, and more than Judaical punishment of thiefs in England p. 41  
The civil and spiritual life confounded p. 42  
Gods right and Caesar's p. 43  
The great peace breakers ibid.  
English Diana's p. 44.  
Gross partiality to private interests ibid.  
England in all ages guilty of much persecution p. 45  
Two seasonable Petitions of any persecuted ibid.  
The Parable of the Tares grossly abused p. 46  
Hypocrisy both open and secret p. 47  
Spiritual whoredom against God in his worship, may be in the midst of pure civil relations. p. 48  
The parable of the wise and foolish Virgins p. 50.  
A true church or society of Christ cannot consist of visible Hypocrites p. 51  
The Field of the World ibid.  
The Mystery of christians and antichriastians p. 52  
The first rise of Antichristians argued p. 54  
Touching the judgement of the great whore p. 55  
Christ's church by institution properly consisting of good ground p. 57  
The nature of the Jewish church ibid.  
The nature of Christ's true Apostles or Messengers p. 58  
Antichristians, monsters in Religion p. 59  
Two sorts of sinners p. 60  
Two sorts of Hypocrites ibid.  
Two sorts of opposites to Christ Jesus p. 61  
The Rivers and fountains of Blood, Rev. 16. p. 63  
Of hypocrites in the profession of Christianity p. 64  
Corrupt consciences distinguished p. 66  
Toleration of idolaters considered ibid.  
Civil weapons in spirituals blur and slight the spiritual p. 67  
The toleration of Jezabel in Thyatria p. 68  
The difference between spiritual and civil slander p. 69  
The dreadful nature of Christ's spiritual punishments ibi.  
The punishments in the national Church of Israel were material and corporeal p. 70  
Touching Prayer against present destruction of the Tares p. 71  
Pastors and teachers are not Apostles or messengers ib.  
Elijah stirring up Ahab to slay the Baalites p. 72  
Touching the state of Israel in the apostasy of Jeroboam, and more of the Baalites p. 72  
Touching Apostles or Messengers p. 74  
Touching fundamentals p. 75  
Persecuting of Christ Jesus by a Law p. 76  
The greatest blasphemy against Christ Jesus that ever was, yet not punished but spiritually ibid.  
Paul's appeal to Caesar more examined p. 78  
Few Magistrates in the world that bear the very name of of Christ Jesus. p. 79  
Fewer truly Christians ibid.  
Mystical and most cruel Surgery ibid.  
To serve God with all our might, literally taken, horribly abused p. 80  
The title of defender of the Faith in England p. 81  
A bold, but true Word touching defend or of the faith p. 83  
The title of supreme head of the church examined p. 84  
The plague of the Turks upon the antichristian world p. 84  
Whether Saul was a type of Christ, and the Kings of Israel, etc. p. 85  
The Priests and Clergy in all nations the greatest peace-breakers p. 88  
Touching the seducer and seducing p. 89  
Bishop longland's subtle and bloody oaths of inquisition against seducing (christians) ibid.  
Causes of destruction to a nation p. 90  
All nations, Cities, and Towns of the world, parts of the world etc. p. 91  
Changes of state Religions ibid.  
The state of Israel unparallelled p. 92  
The punishments of Christ sorer than the punishments of Moses ibi.  
That of Judas, twice dead, examined p. 93  
Of spiritual infection p. 94  
The sword of typical Israel a type of Christ's spiritual sword p. 95  
Magistrates cannot receive from the people a spiritual power p. 69  
The proper charge of the civil Magistrate p. 97  
The plague of the Turk upon the Antichristian world p. 98  
A twofoldcare and charge of souls ibid.  
Christ the true King of Israel ibid.  
Christ's threefold sending of Preachers p. 99  
No true office of ministry, since the apostasy, but that of prophecy ibid.  
Great neglects charged on Christ Jesus. p. 100  
Pretended order, monstrous disorder p. 101  
The Parliaments high justice against oppressors p. 102  
The title head of the church p. 103  
The civil Magistrate no spiritual officer now, as in Israel p. 104  
All commonweals that ever have been, are, or shall be in the world (excepting that of typical Israel) merely civil p. 105  
The decrees of Pagan kings for Israel and the God of it, considered ibid.  
The Ministers lay heavy load upon the Magistrates back ibid.  
The great desolation of the visible order of Christ's Saints and servants p. 107  
The Wolves at Ephesus considered, Act. 20 p. 108  
The duty of the civil Magistrate in spirituals ibid.  
The changing of Persecutors is one thing, the abolishing of persecution another ibid.  
The persecuting clergy no cordial friends to Magistracy ibid.  
Master Cotton and Bellarmine all one for the deposing heretical princes p 109  
The Lord Cobham his troubles in Henry the fifth's day's p 110  
Civil society pluck up by the roots ibid.  
A turncoat in Religion more faithless than a resolved Jew, Turk or Papist 111  
Doctor Pearnes turning and returning, and turning again in Religion p. 111  
Consciences yielding to be forced lose all conscience ibid.  
Two strange Paradoxes about force in spirituals p. 112  
How the kings of Israel and Judah were Types ●f Jesus Christ to come p. 113  
Cyrus called Christ, a figure of Christ p. 114  
The fire from Heaven, Revel. 13. p. 115  
All truth, not only heavenly, but moral, civil, etc. precious p. 116  
Many excellent Prophets in eminency and power, and yet may not use a civil but a spiritual sword in spirituals p. 117  
More confidence commonly put in the civil sword then the spiritual p. 118  
England's changes in Religion compared with those of Judah ibid.  
Whether England may not possibly receive the Pope again 119  
The Religions of the world, politic inventions to maintain a civil state p. 120  
The absolute necessity of some order of Government all the world over ibid.  
The Emperor Antoninus Pius his distinction and Edict against persecution p. 120, 123  
The degeneracy of Christianity now professed p. 121  
The horrible dissembling of some persecutors ibid.  
Too short a time set for repentance in New England p. 122  
False Teachers commonly hardened by persecution ibid.  
The great sufferings of Master gotten and his friends in England p. 123  
The difference between spiritual and corporal murder p. 124  
Civil Justice ought impartially to permit one conscience as well as another p. 124  
The difference of the persecution of the Roman Emperors and Roman Popes p. 125  
The difference between the persecuted for conscience, and punished for civil crimes p. 127  
Every true Moses will make a difference between Israelites and Egyptians p. 128  
Whether a Commonweal may prosper in the permission of divers Religions p. 129  
Cups of blood given into the hand of persecuting nations p. 129  
Scripture perverted from the spiritual to the civil state p. 131  
The Magistrate usually but the Clergies Cane and Trumpet ibid.  
Rom. 16. 17. grossly abused by a Governor in New England ibid.  
The bloody Tenent plucks up the Nations and all civil being p. 132  
Rome's glory and downfall p. 133  
The civil state and officers thereof cannot be spiritual Judges ibid.  
The case of Gallio p. 134  
The sufficiency of Christ's spiritual weapons p. 135  
A vain fear of false teacher's p 136  
Christ Jesus nor Paul addressed themselves to the civil state ibid.  
Turk and Pope and the generality of all Protestants against free conference p. 137  
David and Goliath Types ibid.  
Difference between spiritual and civil Ministers p. 138  
Israel's corporcal killing, types of spiritual ibid.  
The duty of the civil state in spirituals p. 139  
The kingdoms of the world becoming Christ's ibid.  
Touching forcing men to Church p. 140  
A Spanish inquisition all the world over p. 141  
Master Cotton kindling a twofold fire ibid.  
Mathias the second Emperor, granting liberty of conscience p. 142  
Christian weapons considered ibid.  
A fallacious distinction of using the civil sword, not in, but about spiritual matters p. 143  
Wonderful strange Carpenters p. 144  
Master Cotton slights stocks and whips, etc. and provokes to banish and kill heretics etc. ibid.  
All civil violence in spirituals, is for an interest p. 145  
The civil sword esteemed more powerful than the spiritual p. 146  
That great fort of Rom. 13. considered p. 147  
The civil Magistrate not charged with the keeping of two tables ibid.  
Calvin and Beza's judgement on Rom. 13. p. 148  
unrighteousness civil and spiritual ibid.  
Spiritual wars without civil disturbance p. 149  
Of the Roman Emperor's power in spirituals p. 150  
Foul imputation against Christ Jesus, and yet his wise provision for his kingdom p. 151  
The Clergies evil dealing with the civil magistrate p. 152  
The nature of the Church, and of Christ's true order, but lately discovered since the apostasy ibid.  
Spiritual Courts and Judges p. 153  
Touching Paul's appeal to Caesar p. 154, 155.  
Spiritual rights and civil p. 156  
The true and only Christendom p. 157  
Christ Jesus rob of his crown p. 158  
Of custom tribute, etc. p. 159  
Of praying for Magistrates p. 160  
Civil Ministers and spiritual ibid.  
The God of heaven hath many sorts of Ministers p. 161  
Ordinarily the truth is persecuted ibid.  
Touching the term evil, Rom. 13. p. 162  
The civil Magistrate rob of his civil power ibid.  
Of toleration, which Master Cotton in cases makes large enough p. 163  
The land of Israel a type p. 164  
Touching false and seducing teachers p. 165  
The great difference of sin against the civil or spiritual estate p. 166  
The gross partiality of the bloody doctrine of persecution ibid.  
God's children much labour to shift off the cross of Christ p. 167  
Christ Jesus between two thiefs p. 168  
The horrible hyp●c●isie of all persecutors ibid.  
Christ's charge to Pergamus and Thyatira against toleration, examined p. 169  
The word persecution how ordinarily taken ibid.  
Famous speeches of some kings against persecution p. 170  
No civil state or country can be truly called Christian, although true Christians be in it p. 171  
Nursing father's dealt with all as children p. 172  
Persecutors, if it were in their power would and are bound to persecute all consciences and Religions in the world p. 173  
All persecutors hold the Pope's traitorous doctrine of deposing heretics, etc. p. 174  
The Popish and Protestant clergy, set the Popish and Protestant world on fire for their maintenance ibid.  
The Dutch device to win their Clergy to toleration of other Religions p. 175  
All that profess to be Christ's Ministers, must resolve to dig or beg, or steal ibid.  
All Antichristians are fundamentally opposite to Christ Jesus p. 176  
Of letting the Tares alone p. 177  
A speech of King James considered p. 178  
Touching compelling to come to Church to hear p. 179  
A second speech of King James proving it possible that a Papist may yield civil obedience ibid.  
The Parliament at Paris, although Popish, yet condemned books against civil obedience p. 180  
All England was Catholic, and yet the Pope renounced ibid.  
A twofold holding the Pope as head ibid.  
The two English sisters Laws concerning conscience p. 181  
Cautions for preventing disturbance by Papists ibid.  
Other Nations well provide against distractions and tumults from opposite consciences p. 182  
Nearer competitors to the truth among ourselves, than the Papist ibid.  
The admired prudence of the Parliament in preserving civil peace p. 183.  
Increase of Papists unlikely (as things stand) in England ibid.  
Master Jo. Robinson from Holland as touching permission of Papists, his testimony p. 184  
A third speech of King James considered ibid.  
Persecution (ordinarily) the mark of a false Church ibid.  
Stephen King of Poland his speech ibid.  
The spiritual power of Christ entrusted, not with civil but spiritual Ministers p. 185  
An excellent argument used in Parliament against the persecuting Bishops ibid.  
Two ways of disturbing and destroying Religion p. 186  
The Bishops as Tyrants justly suppressed, and the Parliament therein prospered from heaven ibid.  
daniel's council to Belshazzar, preserveth Parliaments and nations ibid.  
Israel a miraculous nation p. 187  
Two sorts of nations in the world ibid.  
Touching the true Christ, and the false p. 188  
The King of Bohemia his speech p. 189  
Spiritual Rapts and violence upon conscience p. 189  
Amnon his ravishing of Tamat a Type p. 190  
The Judge of conviction of conscience ibid.  
Wars for Religion p. 191  
The bloody tenant guilty of all the blood of Papists and Protestants formerly and lately spilt p. 192  
Touching national Churches ibid.  
Practical denying of Christ Jesus the greatest p. 193  
Two high transgressions objected against Master Cotton p. 194  
Touching Julian his toleration p. 199  
Touching the infection of false doctrine ibid.  
King James and Queen Elizabeth their persecutions compared p. 200  
Fit qualification of Princes p. 201  
Master Cotton suspends most part of the Magistrates in the world from acting in matters of Religion ib.  
Constantine's Edict as to Religion p. 202  
Fowl imputations cast on Christ Jesus ibid.  
unchristian Tribunals and proceed p. 203  
Touching excommunication in Israel p. 204  
Spiritual blessings and curse the Antitypes of Corporal in Israel p. 205  
Holy and spiritual Constables, prisons, stocks, posts, gibbets, Tyburnes, etc. ibid.  
A true Christ, a true sword; a false Christ, a false sword p. 206  
Queen Elizabeth her wars against the Papists ibid.  
The Wars of the Waldenses p. 207  
Christian weapons, wars and victories p. 208  
gideon's army typical ibid.  
The Christian Church doth not persecute, but is persecuted p. 209  
Poverty and persecution, the most common companions of God's Church. p. 210  
The sins of God's children ibid.  
Christ's witnesses in all Ages. p. 211  
A true wife of Christ no persecuter ibid.  
The difference between excommunication and persecution ibid.  
Difference between a spiritual and civil state p. 212  
The civil powers made the Clergies executioners p. 213  
Spiritual judgements more terrible since Christ, then corporal before his coming p. 214  
A twofold way of constraint p. 215  
What it is to walk according to man's light ibid.  
Conviction twofold p. 216  
The maintenance of the New English Ministers ibid.  
Of propagating Religion by the sword p. 217  
Touching the Indians of New England p. 218, 219  
Propriety of Language necessary to all Preachers p. 220▪  
Conscience a close prisoner in New England, etc. p. 221  
Public Marriage of a soul to Christ ibid.  
Spream Authority in spirituals p. 222  
Mysteries of false Christ's p. 225  
The true Christ despised for his poverty ibid.  
A base esteem of the spiritual sword ibid.  
Earthly Christ's need earthly supports p. 226  
The state of Christianity during the reign of Antichrist ibid.  
Satan's two ways of quenching the candle of Christianity p. 227  
A note of the French Massacre ibid.  
The pretended disputes in Queen Mary's days p. 228  
The late Synodical disputes ibid.  
A bloody and most unchristian speech ibid.  
The rash madness of persecutors against themselves p. 229  
Pleasantness of wit sanctified, etc. ibid.  
The Churches of New England proved an implicit national Church ibid.  
A civil state maintenance proveth a state Church p. 231  
Synods assembled by civil power, cannot be but civil also p. 231  
The holy Land and Country of Canaan a None-such p. 232  
The weapons of the Jews and Christians compared p. 233  
New English loath to be accounted persecutors p. 234  
Laws concerning God's worship p. 234, 240  
Touching the Magistrates keeping of both Tables p. 235  
Of Magistrates suspending in matters of Religion p. 237  
Woeful soulsaving ibid.  
The term [souls Good] commonly but a paint p. 238  
Worldly prosperity ever dangerous to God's children p. 239  
Holland and England wonderfully prospered upon mercy shown to consciences p. 241  
Bodies and goods (not conscience) subject to civil powers p. 242  
What is the Commonweal of Isreal p. 243  
The Roman Emperor flourished long, though without Christ p. 244  
Christ's spouse most chaste under persecution ibid.  
Constantine a friend and an enemy to Christ's spouse p. 245  
Concerning toleration in New England p. 247  
Papists and Protestants both force to Church p. 248  
Prayers for vengeance upon persecutors p. 249  
The bloody Tenent of persecution is a King-killing and Sure kill p. 250  
Persecutors pretend to save but kill p. 251  
Hireling Ministers. ibid.  
Friars in Chaucer's time, and the Clergy in our time considered The Turks will be Muselmanni, that is, true believers p. 253  
Mystical sheep and wolves p. 253, 254  
Paul's striking Elimas' blind considered p. 254  
The Clergy using the Magistrate as dogs p. 256  
The great spiritual differences of these times p. 257  
Gods children may possibly fight each against other p. 258  
Spiritual murderers and seducers p. 259, 261  
Commonweal and Common-woe twofold p. 259  
Mystical wolves and muskeetoes p. 261  
A state and forced Religion a prison p. 262  
Of Constantine's wars for the Christians p. 263  
Never any true Religion in the world, but one p. 264  
Touching Paul's blasphemy before his conversion ibid.  
An instance from John Haywood and the Lord Cromwell in K. Henry the eighth his days p. 265  
Of Moses Judicials p. 266  
The first Christians the purest and yet the civil sword was against them p. 267  
The Levites killing 3000, Exod. 32, typical. p. 268  
Phineas● his act considered ibid.  
Elijah and the Baalites, and other figurative passages of the Old Testament p. 269, 270  
Strange and monstrous duties of Moral righteousness p. 271  
Gods children are monsters accounted, etc. p. 272  
Elijah his slaying the Captains and their Fifties ibid.  
Wonderful Spiders and Cobwebs ibid.  
Touching Seducers and their punishments p. 273  
The sad effects of the Bloody Tenent on M. Cotton's own spirit p. 274, 275  
The differences of God's people in Old and New England p. 276  
The great sin of New England's former Patents p. 276, 277  
Old England curbing New England's persecutions ibid.  
Holy Cranmer, and Cromwell, joining with bloody persecutors in Hen. 8. his days p. 278  
The famous passages of Cromwell and Lambert in Hen. 8. his days p. 278  
Conviction twofold p. 279, 280  
Christ Jesus accounted the greatest heretic, Blasphemer, and Seducer in the world p. 381  
Small matters accounted Heresies ibid.  
The barbarous usage of John Hus in the council at Constance p. 282  
The Bloody Tenent destroys civility out of the world p. 282, 285  
All men confident in their own way p. 284  
He that persecutes Jews, Turks Pagans, or Antichristians, is in a greater error than any of them ibid.  
Freedom of conscience a great peacemaker p. 286, 287  
Of persecuting Apostates p. 287▪ 288  
Two woeful opinions bewitching the Nations p. 289  
Three great causes of the downfall of the Church of Rome p. 290  
Touching the New English model of Church and Civil power p. 290  
M. Cotton' s too deep censuring p. 291  
Israel a miraculous people p. 292  
Touching the punishment of adultery among the Jews p. 293  
All civil Government God's Ordinance ibid.  
True Commonweals many without Kings p. 294  
A wonderful saying of Bishop Hall ibid.  
Magistrates nursing fathers and their sins p. 295, 296  
The Pourtraicture of the Bloody Tenent p. 297, etc.  
Compared with other Opinions and Practices p, 301.  
The masks and Vizards of the Bloody Tenent p. 302.  
Truth and Peace their meeting seldom, and short in this World ibid.  
The Letter of R. W. to Major Endico● Governor of the Massachuset (in N. E.) upon occasion of the late Persecution at Boston p. 303  
Persecutors approve no persecution in the World but their own p. 304  
All Persecutors render the innocent most odious p. 305  
Cromwell the 2d a Refuge for the oppessed p. 306  
This rejoinder formerly sent out of N. Eng. but not till now published ibid.  
Abuse of Light most dangerous ibid.  
The power of Conscience though erroneous p. 307  
The Common Prayer and the Composers of it p. 308  
Perfumes with man, stinks with God ibid.  
Of Spiritual baits and Snares p. 309  
Spiritual Witchcraft ibid.  
Spiritual Drunkenness and the persecuting Language of it p. 310  
The horrible Path which Persecutors walk in p. 311  
The least beginning of Persecution tends to Blood.  
God's dreadful judgement against Persecutors p. 312  
Grey hairs are Gods alarms p. 313  
An appendix to the clergy of (old and New) England Scotland and Ireland p. 314  
The clergy Court the Magistrate for his Sword and his money 315  
The late King's charge against his clergy ibid.  
The wolf pleading with the Lamb will be judge ibid.  
All prosecutors (in their turns) plead for liberty of conscience p. 316  
King Charles and his Chaplaias' subscribe to liberty of Conscience ibid.  
About twenty years' persecution in New England p. 317  
The persecution of the New and old English independent clergy p. 317  
A brief touch upon the fifteen proposals of the (so called) Independent Ministers p. 318  
They silently challenge the power of ordination in all England, etc. ibid.  
They sell the Spiritual liberty of Christ ibid.   
FINIS.