The Bloody Tenant Yet more Bloody, Chapter 70
Exam: of Chap. 70. replying to Chap. 73.
Peace.
IN this Chap. (Dear Truth) lye many ſtones of offence, at which the feet of the unwary moſt eaſily many ſtumble; I hope your carefull and ſteady hand may be a bleſſed Inſtrument of their Removall: As Firſt, although Maſter Cotton ſubſcribe unto Luther that the Government of the Civill Magiſtrate doth extend no further, then over the Bodies and Goods of the ſubject, yet (ſaith he) he may and ought 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 aple of Sodom, is fair and ſpecious untill 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 leſſe then a ſeiſing upon, and plundering of the goods, the Impriſoning, whipping, Baniſhing and killing the Bodies, of theWofull 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 peice of Tapiſtry, or rich Arras, made up of the ſeverall 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, &c. and doubtleſſe they are to improve that power and Authority for the good of the ſouls of their Children, Yoak-fellows, &c. But ſhall weThe 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 to1 Cor. 7. labour to win and ſave his Wife (with no other power then the Wife alſo her Husband) whether Turke 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 finde 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 terme [for ſouls good] is no more then the old Popiſh Jeſabels The tearme [Souls-good] commonly but a paint, &c.painting, pro ſalute animae, pro redemptione animae, or as that noble St. John obſerved in a ſpeech at Guild-hall, that the Kings party made uſe of the name of Peace, as the Papiſts uſed the name of God, In nomine Domini, &c.
Peace.
It is moſt lamentable to ſee how the Kings of the Earth are groſly flattered by their Clergy, into as groſſe a belief that they are moſt Catholick 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 doe (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 pau…ches like Wolves or Lions, never pacified unleſſe the peoples bodies, goods and Souls be ſacrificed to their God-belly, and their owne Gods of profit, honour, pleaſure &c.
Peace.
But in the ſecond place Maſter Cotton affirmes, 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 Godlineſſe hath the promiſe ofThe promiſes of temporall mercies conſidered. this Life, and of a better, and alſo that ſuch as ſeek firſt the Kingdome of God, may expect outward mercies to be caſt upon them, yet theſe promiſes can never by any rule of Chriſt, be ſtretched to proue outward proſperity and flouriſhing to the followers of Chriſt Jeſus in this preſent evill world.
Peace.
He that is in a pleaſant Bed and Dreame, though he talke Idly and inſenſibly, yet is loath to be awaked.
Truth.
Thoſe ſweet promiſes ſupply Gods ſervants with what outward bleſſings his holy Wiſdome ſeeth they have need of for his ſervice: But when wil Maſter Cotton indeed witneſſe 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 Jewes as the Type of the Carnall peace and worldly▪ wealth and honour of the ſpirituall Nation and Kingdome of Chriſt Jeſus? when will he more plainely and ſimply conforme the members to the head Chriſt Jeſus in the Holineſſe, Glory of his ſpirituall 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 himſelfe obſerveth that ſuch of Gods ſervants as grow fatteſt in Godlineſſe, grow not outwardly in wealth, but God keepeth them low in outward eſtate.Worldly proſperity ever dangerous to Gods children.
Truth.
I conclude this paſſage with an obſervation of conſtant experience, ever ſince the Son of God aſcended the Heauens. The neerer Chriſts followers have approached to worldly wealth, eaſe, liberty, honour, pleaſure, &c. the neerer 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 Simplicitie, Power and Puritie of Chriſt Jeſus and true Chriſtianitie.
Peace.
In the next Paſſage Mr Cotton (though with another heart, yet) in the Language and Tongue of the Phariſees, ſeemes to take part with the Prophets againſt the perſecuting Fathers, and amongſt many things he prohibites Magiſtrates this one, to wit, that he muſt not make Lawes to binde Conſcience.
Truth.
What is a Law, but a binding Word, a Commandement? Of Lawes binding Conſcience.What is a Law to binde Conſcience, but a Commandement that calls for Obedience? And muſt wee raiſe up ſuch Tumults, ſuch Tragedies, and fill the face of the World with ſtreames of bloud, about the Chriſtian M…giſtrates reforming Religion, eſtabliſhing Religion, killing the Heretick, 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 thinke of thoſe Lawes and Statutes of Parliament, in old or New England that have bound the peoples Conſciences, at leaſt ſo farre, as to come to the Pariſh Church, improving (as Mr Cotton ſayth) the power and Authoritie over their Bodies, for their Soules good? What ſhall wee call all thoſe Lawes, Commandements, Statutes, Injunctions, Directions, and Orders, that concerne Religion and Conſcience?
Truth.
The plaine truth is, Mr Cottons former reforming zeale, cannot be ſo utterly extinguiſhed, as to forget the name and Notion of Chriſtian Libertie, although in this bloudie Diſcourſe, he hath well nigh, (if not wholly) ſold away the Thing! The Conſcience (ſayth he) muſt not be bound to a Ceremonie (to a pretended indifferent Ceremonie): And yet loe, throughout this Diſcourſe, he pleades for the binding of it from theſe and theſe Doctrines, from theſe and theſe Worſhips, and binding to this or that Worſhip, I meane, to come to the publike Towne or Countrey Worſhip! Juſt for all the world, as if a Woman ſhould not be bound to make a Curtſie, or Salutation to ſuch a Man, but yet ſhee 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 Modell, this Goodneſſe or Badnes of the Magiſtrate is Examined, and eaſily it is proved (to my underſtanding) that this Aſſertion confounding the nature of Civill and Morall goodneſſe with Religious, is as farre from Goodnes as Darknes 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 Kingdome of ſuch Princes, as doe thus build up his.]
Truth.
The promiſe of God to David concerning his Houſe and Kingdome in the Letter, is moſt true in the Myſtery and Antitype, as to the Spirituall Houſe and Kingdome of King David, King Jeſus, in ſuch Princes or Propheticall Kingly Spirits, who Spiritually, in the Word of Propheſie (the Sword of Gods Spirit) contend, for the Spirituall Kingdome of Chriſt Jeſus: God will eſtabliſh them in Spirituall Dignitie and Authoritie: But take thisPerſecution the ordinarie Portion of Chriſts Followers. literally (as Mr Cotton carries it) and as he never will finde any ſuch Dutie lying upon Princes in the Goſpell, nor any ſuch promiſe of temporall proſperitie, but holy praedictions & foretellings of the croſſe and perſecution ordinarily to all that will live Godly in Chriſt Jeſus, and the greater perſecution to the moſt zealous and faithfull Servants of Chriſt Jeſus: So neither can he give any true Inſtance (truely proper and parallell) to this purpoſe.
Peace.
Me thinks …hough ſucceſſe be no conſtant rule to walke by, yet Gods providence in ſucceſſe of Journies, Victories, &c. are with great care and feare 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 ſhewed to oppreſſed Conſciences, formerly Holland and now the State of England.
Truth.
Two inſtances of greateſt ſucceſſe and temporall proſperitie we have preſented to us on the publike ſtage of this world, before our owne Dores, crowning the Heads of ſuch States and States-men, as have attended to mercy and freedome toward oppreſſed Conſciences.
The firſt is that of the State of Holland: The ſecond of our owne Native England, whoſe renowned Parliament and victorious Armie never ſo proſpered, as ſince their Declaration and practice of pitie and mercy to Conſciences oppreſſed by Mr Cottons bloudie Tenent.
Peace.
In the next Paſſage, it being a Grievance that Mr Cotton ſhould grant with Luther the Magiſtrates power to extendBodies and Goods the Magiſtrates object. no further then the Bodies and Goods of the Subject, and yet withall maintaineth, that they muſt puniſh Chriſtians for ſinning againſt the Light of Faith and Conſcience: Mr Cotton anſwers;
Firſt; He ſuppoſeth the chiefe good to be that of Chriſtian Faith and Good Conſcience.
Secondly; Suppoſe (ſayth he) by Goods were meant outward Goods, yet the Magiſtrate may puniſh ſuch in their Bodies and Goods, as ſeduce, &c. for (ſayth he) in ſeeking Gods Kingdome and the Righteouſneſſe 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, then 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 (ſayth he) is foreign, Bene adminiſtrare Rempublicam. And he asketh if it be well with a Common-weale, enjoying bodily health and worldly wealth, without a Church, without Chriſt! And he concludes with the Inſtance of the Romane Empire, which had it not caſt away Idolatrie (ſayth 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 againe, that of the Minde, Soule, and Conſcience within, and that of the Body and Goods without, that it can be no leſſe then a Civill as well as a Spirituall Babell to confound them.
Secondly, To his Suppoſition, ſuppoſe (ſayth he) by Goods Oppreſſion in Bodies Goods and Minde.were meant outward Goods, yet the Magiſtrate may puniſh ſuch in their Bodies and Goods, as doe Seduce, &c. I ſee not how theſe Cohere any better then the grant of ſome Papiſts, that the Churches power extends no further then the matters of Faith and Conſcience: But yet (ſay they) they may puniſh ſuch in their Bodies and Goods as ſeduce, &c. Mr Cottons Suppoſitions and the Papiſts come both out of the ſame Babylonian Quiver.
But thirdly, let us minde his Reaſon from Matth. 6. In ſeeking Gods Kingdome 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 fayle to take care for his in Earthly Providences, that make it their chiefe worke to ſeeke his Kingdome, yet he maketh (as I may ſay) Chriſts Croſſe the firſt Figure in his Alphabet, taking up his Croſſe and Gallowes (in moſt ordinarie perſecution,) which with ſelfe-deniall, are the aſſured Tearmes his Servants muſt reſolve to looke for.
'Tis true, he promiſeth and makes good, an hundreth Fathers, Wealth, Honour, and Proſperitie ſeldome attending Chriſts true Followers.Mothers, Brothers, Siſters, Wives, Children, Houſes and Lands: But Mr Cotton well knowes, it is [with perſecution]. And how this outward proſperitie, agrees with Impriſonments, Baniſhments, hanging, burning, for Chriſts ſake: the Martyrs or Witnes of Jeſus in all Ages, and the cry of the Soules under the Altar, may bring againe to his Remembrance, if New Englands peace, profit, pleaſure and Honour, have lulld him into a Forgetfulneſſe 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 then the Bodies and Goods of the Subject.
Truth.
Mr Cotton hinted not his leaſt diſſent from Luther (as he otherwayes uſeth to doe if he diſowne,) &c.
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 foreign, well to adminiſter the Common-weale: Now I aske what is this Commonweale?
Peace.
The Spirit of God diſtinguiſheth in the New Teſtament What is the Cōmon weale of Iſrael.between the Common weales of the Nations of the World, and the Common-weale of Iſrael. The Common-weale of Iſrael, Mr Cotton will not affirme now to be a Church Provinciall, Nationall, O…cumenicall, but Particular and Congregationall.
Truth.
If ſo, then the finall cauſe of both theſe Common weales or States cannot be the ſame. But although the End of the Civill Magiſtrate be excellent, to wit, well to adminiſter the Common-weale, yet the end of the Spirituall Common-weale of Iſrael and the Officers thereof, is as different and tranſcendent as the Heaven is from the Earth.
Peace.
But how (ſayth Mr Cotton) can it be well with the Common-wealth that injoyes bodily health, and worldly wealth, if there be no Chriſt, no Church there? and how was it with the Romane 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 herThe Roman Empire flouriſheth in worldly glory without Chriſt riſing and Glory, laid by Romulus untill Chriſts time, it flouriſhed about 750 years in a long chaine 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, then 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 (untill the bloody Tenent of perſecution aroſe amongſt them) I ſay, not to neglect Chriſt more, nor ſoThe Citie of Rome famous for proſeſſing Chriſt Jeſus. much as other States, for there were ſo many of the Romanes, and ſo glorious profeſſors of Chriſt Jeſus, that all the world over the Faith and Chriſtian obedience of the Romanes was renowned.
2 The Roman Impire cannot be ſaid to caſt away her Idols, but to change (as the Portugals did in the Eaſt-Indies) her Idols her more groſſe and Pagan Idols, for more refined & beautified Idols, painted over with the name of Chriſt, the true God, holines, &c. and this in the glorious dayes of Conſtantine, or not long after. The Church of Chriſt Jeſus which under perſecution remainedChriſts Spouſe moſt chaſt 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 holineſſe of Chriſt Jeſus, holy Spirit▪ Truth and Saints: With what appearance then of Chriſts holineſſe, glory, &c. can Maſter Cotton advance the world (the Roman Empire) to be (as he here ſpeaks) the Advancer of the ſcepter of Chriſt Jeſus?
Peace.
If this Roman Empire be that dreadfull Beaſt, (in Daniels prophecy) more ſtrange and terrible then the reſt, yea, andThe Roman Monarchy bloody to the Saints. more terrible to Chriſt Jeſus and his ſervants, then was the former Babilonian Lion, or Perſian Beare, or Grecian Leopard, what truth of Jeſus is this, that advanceth this dreadfull bloody Beaſt to be the Advancer of the Scepter, that is, the Church and Government, the Truth and Saints of Chriſt Jeſus.
Peace.
Glorious things (Dear Truth) are recorded of Conſtan tine and other glorious Emperors.
Truth. The Beaſt was (ſweet Peace) the Beaſt ſtill, althoughConſtantine a friend and enemy to Chriſts Spouſe. it pleaſed God to give ſome refreſhing and reviving to his perſecuted ſervants, by Conſtantine and other bleſſed inſtruments yet Conſtantines favour was a bitter ſweeting, his ſuperſtiti…us zeal laying the Foundation for after Ʋſurpations and Abominations.
4 But further, for neer 1000 years together, both before and after Chriſts time, Rome grew and flouriſhed (with little alterationsThe ſtate of the Romane Empire before and after Chriſt. of her glory in compariſon) untill this very time that Maſter Cotton cals the caſting away of her Idols: For not before, but after Conſtantines advancing of Chriſtians to wealth and honour, &c. I ſay neer about 300 years together (interchangably) after his time, untill Pipinus, and Charles the Great, the City and ſtate of Rome was almoſt ruined and deſtroyed, by the often dreadfull 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 ſpeakes) and bitter and cutting curſings and cenſures to man, the poor Diſcuſſer, who (ſaith Maſter Cotton) ſeduceth himſelfe and others and delights to doe 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 Faithfulneſſe, and which the Droſſe and Stubble of Lyes and Errour.
In the meane time I dare pronounce from the Teſtimony of Chriſt Jeſus, that in all Controverſies of Religion: That Soul that moſt poſſeſſeth it ſelfe in patient ſuffering, and dependeth not on the arme of fleſh, but upon the arme 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 denyes to compell to the Truth by penalties, but onelyonly by withdrawing ſuch favours as are comely and ſafe for ſuch perſons.
Truth.
I have formerly anſwered, and doe, that a great Load may be made up by Parcels and particulars, as well as by one maſſe or bulke; and that the backs of ſome men, eſpecially Merchants may be broke, by a withdrawing from them ſome Civill priviledges 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 Gods due and Caeſars due: and therfore (with reſpect toGod will not wrong, nor have Caeſar wronged. God his cauſe and Religion) it is not lawfull 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 Civill right or Priviledge, due to him as a Man, a Subject, a Citizen, is to take from Caeſar, that which is Caeſars, which God indures not though it be given to himſelfe.
Peace.
Experience oft-times tell us, that however the ſtream of juſt Priviledges and Rights hath (out of Carnal Policy) been ſtopt by Gods people, when they▪ have got the Staffe▪ into their hands (in divers Lands and Countreys) yet hath that ſtreame ever returned, to the greater calamity and tryal of Gods 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: wee tolerate (ſaith Maſter Cotton) Indians, Presbyterians, Antinomians, and Anabaptiſts: and compell none to come to Church againſt their conſcience, and none are reſtrained from hearing even in England.
Truth.
Compelling to come to Church is apparant whetherConcerning 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 Magiſtrates duty of ſuppreſſing Idolatry, Witchcraft, Blaſphemy, &c. 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 apparant, their ſubjection is hazarded.
Tis true, this Toleration is a Duty from God, but a ſin in them becauſe they profeſſe it their Duty to ſuppreſſe Idolatry, Blaſphemy; (adde, Maſter Cotton may ſay, we not onelyonly 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, &c.
Tis true, Thoſe Indians ſubmitting to their Government (as it may be Maſter Cotton will ſay to the ten Commandements) yet living in all kind of Barbariſme, 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 tolleration of Antinomians, Presbyterians, Anabaptiſts, as is here inſinuated?
Truth.
I know of no toleration of Presbyterian, Antinomians, Witneſſe the bloody whipping of Obadiah Homes for the point of Baptiſme 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, Infidell, 1 Cor. 14.
Truth.
Communion is twofold▪ Firſt; open and profeſſed among Church-Members: Secondly, Secret and implicite in allCommunion Spirituall, two-fold. ſuch as give their preſence to ſuch Worſhips without witneſſing againſt them. For otherwiſe, how can a Church-Papiſt ſatisfie the Law, compelling him to come to Church, or a Proteſtant ſatisfie a Popiſh Law in Popiſh Countries, but by this Cloake or Covering, hiding and ſaving of themſelves by bodily preſence at Worſhip, though their Heart be farre from it.
Peace.
Whereas it was ſaid, that Conſcionable Papiſts, and allThe great Triall among Papiſts & Proteſtants concerning comming to Church. Proteſtants have ſuffered upon this ground, eſpecially of refuſing to come to each others Church or meeting. Mr Cotton replies; They have ſuffred 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 feare to be leavened.
Truth.
'Tis true, many have ſuffred upon other points, but upon due Examination it will appeare that the great and moſt univerſall Tryall hath been, amongſt both Papiſts and Proteſtants about coming to Church, and that not out of feare of being leavened (for what Religion is ordinarily ſo diſtruſtfull of its owne ſtrength?) as of Countenancing what they believe falſe, by their preſence and appearance.