Author: Unknown
Date: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Hypocricie Unmasked, part 2Hypocricie Unmasked (1646), part 2

And now that I have finished what I conceive necessary concerning Mr. Gortons scandalous and slanderous Books, let me briefly answer some objections that I often meet withal against the Country of New-England. The first that I meet with is, concerning the rise and foundation of our New England Plantations; It being alleged (though upon a great mistake by a late Writer) that division or disagreement in the Church of Leyden, was the occasion, nay cause of the first Plantation in New-England; for saith the Author, or to this effect, when they could no longer agree together, the one part went to New-England, and began the Plantation at Plymouth, which he makes the mother, as it were, of the rest of the Churches, as if the foundation of our New-England Plantations had been laid upon division or separation, then which nothing is more untrue: For I persuade my self, never people upon earth lived more lovingly together, and parted more sweetly then we the Church at Leyden did, not rashly in a distracted humor, but upon joint and serious deliberation, often seeking the mince of God by fasting and prayer, whose gracious presence we not only found with us, but his blessing upon us from that time to this instant, to the indignation of our adversaries, the admiration of strangers, and the exceeding consolation of our selves, to see such effects of our prayers and tears before our pilgrimage here be ended. And therefore briefly take notice of the true cause of it.

Tis true, that that poor persecuted flock of Christ, by the malice and power of the late Hierarchy were driven to Leyden in Holland, there to bear witness in their practice to the Kingly Office of Christ Jesus in his Church: and there lived together ten years under the United States, with much peace and liberty: But our Reverend Pastor Mr. John Robinson of late memory, and our grave Elder Mr. William Brewster, (now both at rest with the Lord) considering amongst many other inconveniences, how hard the Country was where we lived, how many spent their estate in it, and were forced to return for England; how grievous to live from under the protection of the State of England; how like we were to lose our language, and our name of English; how little good we did, or were like to do to the Dutch in reforming the Sabbath; how unable there to give such education to our children, as we our selves had received, etc.

They, I say, out of their Christian care of the flock of Christ committed to them conceived if God would be pleased to discover some place unto us (though in America) and give us so much favor with the King and State of England, as to have their protection there, where we might enjoy the like liberty, and where the Lord favorings our endeavors by his blessing, we might exemplarily show our tender Country-men by our example (no less burdened then ourselves) where they might live, and comfortably subsist and enjoy the like liberties with us, being freed from Anti-Christian bondage, keep their names and Nation, and not only be a means to enlarge the Dominions of our State, but the Church of Christ also, if the Lord have a people amongst the Natives whither he should bring us, etc.

Hereby in their grave Wisdoms they thought we might more glorify God, do more good to our Country, better provide for our posterity, and live to be more refreshed by our labors, then ever we could do in Holland where we were.

Now these their private thoughts upon mature deliberation they imparted to the Brethren of the Congregation, which after much private discussion came to public agitation, till at the length the Lord was solemnly sought in the Congregation by fasting and prayer to direct us, who moving our hearts more and more to the work, we sent some of good abilities over into England to see what favor or acceptance such a thing might find with the King. These also found God going along with them, and got Sir Edwin Sands a religious Gentleman then living, to stir in it, who procured Sir Robert Nawnton then principal Secretary of State to King James of famous memory, to move his Majesty by a private motion to give way to such a people (who could not so comfortably live under the Government of another State) to enjoy their liberty of Conscience under his gracious protection in America, where they would endeavor the advancement of his Majesties Dominions, and the enlargement of the Gospel by all due meanest This his Majesty said was a good and honest motion, and asking what profits might arise in the part we intended ( for our eye was upon the most Northern parts of Virginia) ‘twas answered, Fishing. To which he replied with his ordinary asseveration, So God have my Soule ‘tis an honest Trade, ‘twas the Apostles own calling, etc. But afterwards he told Sir Robert Nawnton, (who took all occasions to further it) that we should confer with the Bishops of Canterbury and London, etc. Whereupon we were advised to persist upon his first approbation, and not to entangle our selves with them. which caused our Agents to repair to the Virginia Company, who in the Court demanded our ends of going; which being related, they said the thing was of God, and granted a large Patent, and one of them lent us 300Ł. gratis for three years, which was repaid.

Our Agents returning, we further sought the Lord by a public and solemn Fast, for his gracious guidance. And hereupon we came to this resolution, that it was best for one part of the Church to go at first, and the other to stay, viz. the youngest and strongest part to go. Secondly, they that went should freely offer themselves. Thirdly, if the major part went, the Pastor to go with them; if not, the Elder only. Fourthly, if the Lord should frown upon our proceedings, then those that went to return, and the Brethren that remained still there, to assist and be helpful to them, but if God should be pleased to favor them that went, then they also should endeavor to help over such as were poor and ancient, and willing to come; these things being agreed, the major part stayed, and the Pastor with them for the present, but all intended (except a very few, who had rather we would have stayed) to follow after. The minor part, with Mr. Brewster their Elder, resolved to enter upon this great work (but take notice the difference of number was not great;) And when the Ship was ready to carry us away, the Brethren that stayed having again solemnly sought the Lord with us, and for us, and we further engaging our selves mutually as before; they, I say, that stayed at Leyden feasted us that were to go at our Pastors house being large, where we refreshed our selves after our tears, with singing of Psalms, making joyful melody in our hearts, as well as with the voice, there being many of the Congregation very expert in Music; and indeed it was the sweetest melody that ever mine ears heard. After this they accompanied us to Delfshaven, where we were to embark, and there feasted us again; and after prayer performed by our Pastor, where a flood of tears was poured out, they accompanied us to the Ship, but were not able to speak one to another for the abundance of sorrow to part: but we only going aboard (the Ship lying to the Key) and ready to set sail, the wind being fair) we gave them a volley of small shot, and three pieces of Ordinance, and so lifting up our hands to each other, and our hearts for each other to the Lord our God, we departed, and found his presence with us in the midst of our manifold straits he carried us through. And if any doubt this relation, the Dutch, as I hear, at Delfshaven preserve the memory of it to this day, and will inform them.

But falling with Cape Cod which is in New-England, and standing to the Southward for the place we intended, we met with many dangers, and the Mariners put back into the Harbor of the Cape, which was the 11. of November, 1620. where considering Winter was come, the Seas dangerous, the season cold, the winds high, and being well furnished for a Plantation, we entered Upon discovery, and settled at Plymouth, where God being pleased to preserve and enable us, we that went, were at a Thousand pounds charge in sending for our Brethren that were behind, and in providing there for them till they could reap a crop of their own labors. And so good Reader, I have given thee a true and faithful account, though very brief, of our proceedings, wherein thou seest how a late Writer, and those that informed him, have wronged our enterprise. And truly what I have written, is far short of what it was, omitting for brevity sake many circumstances, as the large offers the Dutch offered us, either to have removed into Zealand, and there lived with them: or if we would go on such adventures, to go under them to Hudson’s River (where they have since a great plantation, etc.) and how they would freely have transported us, and furnished every family with cattle, etc. Also the English Merchants that joined with us in this expedition, whom we since bought out, which is fitter for an History, then an answer to such an Objection, (and I trust will be accomplished in good time.) By all which the Reader may see there was no breach between us that went, and the brethren that stayed, but such love as indeed is seldom found on earth.

And for the many plantations that come over to us upon notice of Gods blessing upon Us, whereas ‘tis falsely said, they took Plymouth for their president as fast as they came. Tis true I confess that some of the chief of them advised with us (coming over to be freed from the burdensome ceremonies then imposed in England) how they should do to fall upon a right platform of worship, and desired to that end since God had honored us to lay the foundation of a Commonwealth, and to settle a Church in it, to show them whereupon our practice was grounded; and if they found upon due search it was built upon the Word, they should be willing to take up what was of God. We accordingly showed them the Primitive practice for our warrant, taken out of the Acts of the Apostles, and the Epistles written to the several Churches by the said Apostles together with the Commandments of Christ the Lord in the Gospel, and other our warrants for every particular we did from the book of God. Which being by them well weighed and considered, they also entered into Covenant with God and one with another to walk in all his ways revealed, or as they should be made known unto them, and to worship him according to his will revealed in his written word only, etc. So that here also thou maist see they set not the Church at Plymouth before them for example, but the Primitive Churches were and are their and our mutual patterns and examples, which are only worthy to be followed, having the blessed Apostles amongst them which were sent immediately by Christ himself and enabled and guided by the unerring Spirit of God. And truly this is a pattern fit to be followed of all that fear God, and no man or men to be followed further then they follow Christ and them.

Having thus briefly showed that the foundation of our New England Plantations was not laid upon Schism, division, or Separation, but upon love, peace, and holiness; yea, such love and mutual care of the Church of Leyden for the spreading of the Gospel, the welfare of each other, and their posterities to succeeding generations, as is seldom found on earth: And having showed also that the Primitive Churches are the only pattern which the Churches of Christ in New-England have in their eye, not following Luther, Calvin, Knoxe, Ainsworth, Robinson, Amies, or any other, further then they follow Christ and his Apostles; I am earnestly requested to clear up another gross mistake which caused many, and still doth, to judge the harder of New-England, and the Churches there, because (say they) The Church of Plymouth which went first from Leyden, were Schismatics, Brownists, rigid Separatists, etc. having Mr. Robinson for their Pastor, who made, and to the last professed separation from other the Churches of Christ, etc. And the rest of the Churches in New-England holding communion with that Church, are to be reputed such as they are.

For answer to this aspersion, First, he that knew Mr. Robinson, either by his Doctrine daily taught, or hath read his Apology published not long before his death, or knew the practice of that Church of Christ under his government, or was acquainted with the wholesome counsel he gave that part of the Church which went for New-England at their departure and afterward, might easily resolved the doubt, and take off the aspersion.

For his Doctrine, I living three years Under his Ministry, before we began the work of Plantation in New-England; It was always against separation from any the Churches of Christ, professing and holding communion both with the French and Dutch Churches, yea, rendering it to the Scots also, as I shall make appear more particularly anon. Ever holding forth how wary persons ought to be in separating from a Church, and that till Christ the Lord departed wholly from it, man ought not to leave it, only to bear witness against the corruption that was in it. But if any object, he separated from the Church of England, and wrote largely against it; I acknowledge he wrote largely against it, but yet let me tell you, he allowed hearing the godly Ministers preach and pray in the public Assemblies; yea, he allowed private communion not only with them, but all that were faithful in Christ Jesus in the Kingdom and elsewhere upon all occasions; yea, honored them for the power of Godliness above all other he professors of Religion in the world, nay, I may truly say, his spirit cleaved unto them, being so well acquainted with the integrity of their hearts, and care to walk blameless in their lives, which was no small motive to him to persuade us to remove from Holland, where we might probably not only continue English, but have and maintain such sweet communion with the godly of that Nation, as through Gods great mercy we enjoy this day.

‘Tis true, I confess he was more rigid in his course and way at first, then towards his latter end; for his study was peace and union so far as might agree with faith and a good conscience; and for schism and division, there was nothing in the world more hateful to him: But for the government of the Church of England, as it was in the Episcopal way, the Liturgy and stinted prayers of the Church then; yea, the constitution of it as National, and so consequently the corrupt communion of the unworthy with the worthy receivers of the Lord’s Supper, these things were never approved of him, but witnessed against to his death, and are by the Church over which he was to this day. And if the Lord would be pleased to stir UI, the hearts of those, in whom ( under him) the power of Reformation lies, to reform that abuse, that a distinction might once be put between the precious and the vile, particular Churches might be gathered by the powerful preaching of the Word, those only admitted into communion, whose hearts the Lord persuades to submit Unto the Iron rod of the Gospel; O how sweet then would the communion of the Churches be! How thorough the Reformation! How easy would the differences be reconciled between the Presbyterian and Independent way! How would the God of peace which commandeth love and good agreement smile upon this Nation! How would the subtle underminers of it be disappointed, and the faithful provoked to sing songs of praise and thanksgiving! Nay, how would the God of order be glorified in such orderly walking of the Saints! And as they have fought together for the liberties of the Kingdom, Ecclesiastical and Civil; so may they join together in the preservation of them (which otherwise, ‘tis to be feared will not long continue) and in the praises of our God who hath been so good to his poor distressed ones, whom he hath delivered, and whom he will deliver out of all their troubles. But I have made too great a digression, and must return.

In the next place I should speak of Mr. Robinson’s Apology, wherein he maketh a brief defense against many adversaries, etc. But because it is both in Latin and English, of small price, and easy to be had, I shall forbear to write of it, and only refer the Reader to it, for the differences between his congregation, and other the Reformed Churches.

The next thing I would have the Reader take notice of, is, that however the church of Leyden differed in some particulars, yet made no Schism or separation from the Reformed Churches, but held communion with them occasionally: For we ever placed a large difference between those that grounded their practice upon the Word of God (tho differing from Us in the exposition or understanding of it) and those that hated such Reformers and Reformation, and went on in Anti-Christian opposition to it, and persecution of it, as the late Lord Bishops did, who would not in deed and truth (whatever their presences were) that Christ should rule over them. But as they often stretched out their hands against the saints; so God hath withered the Arm of their power, thrown them down from their high and lofty seats, and slain the chief of their persons, as well as the Hierarchy, that he might become an example to all those that rise against God in his Sabbath, in the preaching of his Word, in his Saints, in the purity of his Ordinances. And I heartily desire that others may hear and fear withal.

As for the Dutch, it was usual for our Members that understood the language, and lived in, or occasionally came over to London, to communicate with them, as one John Jenny a Brewer long did, his wife and family, etc. and without any offense to the Church: So also for any that had occasion to travel into any other part of the Netherlands they daily did the like: And our Pastor Mr. Robinson in the time when Arminianism prevailed so much, at the request of the most Orthodox Divines, as Poliander, Festus, Homlius, etc. disputed daily against Episcopius (in the Academy at Leyden) and others the grand champions of that error, and had as good respect amongst them, as any of their own Divines; Insomuch as when God took him away from them and us by death, the University. and Ministers of the City accompanied him to his grave with all their accustomed solemnities; bewailing the great loss that not only that particular Church had, whereof he was Pastor; but some of the chief of them sadly affirmed, that all the Churches of Christ sustained a loss by the death of that worthy Instrument of the Gospel.

I could instance also divers of their members that understood the English tongue, and betook themselves to the communion of our Church, went with us to New England, as Godbert Godbertson, etc. Yea, at this very instant, another called Moses Symonson, because a child of one that was in communion with the Dutch Church at Leyden, is admitted into Church-fellowship at Plymouth in New-England, and his children also to Baptism, as well as our own, and other Dutch also in communion at Salem, etc.

And for the French Churches that we held, and do hold communion with them, take notice of our practice at Leyden, viz. that one Samuel Terry was received from the French Church there, into communion with us; also the wife of Francis Cooke being a Walloon, holds communion with the Church at Plymouth, as she came from the French, to this day, by virtue of communion of Churches; There is also one Philip Delano born of French parents, came to us from Leyden to New-Plymouth, who coming to age of discerning, demanded also communion with us, and proving himself to be come of such parents as were in full communion with the French Churches, was here upon admitted by the Church of Plymouth; and after upon his removal of habitation to Duxbury where Mr. Ralph Partridge is Pastor of the Church; and upon Letters of recommendation from the Church at Plymouth, he was also admitted into fellowship with the Church at Duxbury, being six miles distant from Plymouth; and so I dare say, if his occasions lead him, may from Church to church throughout New-England. For the truth is, the Dutch and French Churches either of them being a people distinct from the world, and gathered into an holy communion, and not National Churches, nay, so far from it, as I verily believe the sixth person is not of the Church, the difference is so small (if moderately pondered, between them and us) as we dare not for the world deny communion with them.

And for the Church of Scotland, however we have had least occasion offered to hold communion with them; yet thus much I can and do affirm, that a godly Divine coming over to Leyden in Holland, where a Book was printed, Anno. 1619. as I take it, strewing the nullity of Perth Assembled, whom we judged to be the Author of it, and hidden in Holland for a season to avoid the rage of those evil times (whose name I have forgotten ;) This man being very conversant with our Pastor Mr. Robinson, and using to come to hear him on the Sabbath, after Sermon ended, the Church being to partake in the Lords Supper, this Minister stood up and desired he might, without offense, stay and see the manner of his administration, and our participation in that Ordinance; To which our Pastor answered in these very words, or to this effect, Reverend Sir, you may not only stay to behold us, but partake with us, if you please, for we acknowledge the Churches of Scotland to be the Churches of Christ, etc. The Minister also replied to this purpose, if not also in the same words: That for his part he could comfortably partake with the Church, and willingly would, but that it is possible some of his brethren of Scotland might take offense at his act; which he desired to avoid in regard of the opinion the English Churches which they held communion withal had of us: However he rendered thanks to Mr. Robinson, and desired in that respect to be only a spectator of us. These things I was earnestly requested to publish to the world by some of the godly Presbyterian party, who apprehend the world to be ignorant of our proceedings, conceiving in charity that if they had been known, some late Writers and Preachers would never have written and spoke of Us as they did, and still do as they have occasion: But what they ignorantly judge, write, or speak of us, I trust the Lord in mercy will pass by.

In the next place, for the wholesome counsel Mr. Robinson gave that part of the Church whereof he was Pastor, at their departure from him to begin the great work of Plantation in New-England, amongst other wholesome Instructions and Exhortations, he used these expressions, or to the same purpose; We are now ere long to part asunder, and the Lord knoweth whether ever he should live to see our faces again: but whether the Lord had appointed it or not, he charged us before God and is blessed angels, to follow him no further then he followed Christ. And if God should reveal any thing to us by any other instrument of his, to be as ready to receive it, as ever we were to receive any truth by his Ministry: For he was very confident the Lord had more truth and light yet to break forth out of his holy Word. He took occasion also miserably to bewail the state and condition of the Reformed Churches, who were come to a period in Religion, and would go no further then the instruments of their Reformation: As for example, the Lutherans they could not be drawn to go beyond what Luther saw, for whatever part of Gods will he had further imparted and revealed to Calvin, they will rather die then embrace it. And so also, saith he, you see the Calvinists, they stick where he left them: A misery much to be lamented; For though they were precious shining lights in their times, yet God had not revealed his whole will to them: And were they now living, saith he, they would be as ready and willing to embrace further light, as that they had received.

Here also he put us in mind of our Church-Covenant (at least that part of it) whereby we promise and covenant with God and with one another, to receive whatsoever light or truth shall be made known to us from his written Word: but withal exhorted us to take heed what we received for truth, and well to examine and compare, and weigh it with other Scriptures of truth, before we received it; For, saith he, It is not possible the Christian world should come so lately out of such thick Anti-Christian darkness, and that full perfection of knowledge should break forth at once.

Another thing he commended to us, was, that we should use all means to avoid and shake off the name of Brownist, being a mere nick-name and brand to make Religion odious, and the professors of it to the Christian world; and to that end, said he, I should be glad if some godly Minister would go over with you, or come to you, before my coming; For, said he, there will be no difference between the uncomfortable Ministers and you, when they come to the practice of the Ordinances out of the Kingdom: And so advised us by all means to endeavor to close with the godly party of the Kingdom of England, and rather to study union then division; viz. how near we might possibly, without sin close with them, then in the least measure to affect division or separation from them. And be not loath to take another Pastor or Teacher, saith he, for that flock that hath two shepherds is not endangered, but secured by it. Many other things there were of great and weighty consequence which he commended to us, but these things I thought good to relate, at the request of some well-willers to the peace and good agreement of the godly, (so distracted at present about the settling of Church-government in the Kingdom of England) that so both sides may truly see what this poor despised Church of Christ now at New-Plymouth in New England, but formerly at Leyden in Holland, was and is; how far they were and still are from separation from the Churches of Christ, especially those that are Reformed.

‘Tis true, we profess and desire to practice a separation from the world, and the works of the world, which are works of the flesh, such as the Apostle speaketh of, Ephes. 5:19,20,22. I Cor. 6:9,10,11. and Ephes. 2: 11, 12. And as the Churches of Christ are all Saints by calling, so we desire to see the grace of God shining forth, (at least seemingly, leaving secret things to God) in all we admit into church fellowship with us, and to keep off such as openly wallow in the mire of their sins, that neither the holy things of God, nor the communion of the Saints may be leavened or polluted thereby. And if any joining to us formerly, either when we lived at Leyden in Holland, or since we came to New-England, have with the manifestation of their faith and profession of holiness held forth therewith separation from the Church of England, I have divers times, both in the one place, and the other, heard either Mr. Robinson our Pastor, or Mr. Brewster our Elder stop them forthwith, strewing them that we required no such things at their hands, but only to hold forth faith in Christ Jesus, holiness in the fear of God, and submission to every Ordinance and appointment of God, leaving the Church of England to themselves, and to the Lord before whom they should stand or fall, and to whom we ought to pray to reform what was amiss amongst them. Now this Reformation we have lived to see performed and brought about by the mighty power of God, this day in a good measure, and I hope the Lord Jesus will perfect his work of Reformation, till all be according to the good pleasure of his will. By all which I desire the Reader to take notice of our former and present practice notwithstanding all the injurious and scandalous taunting reports are passed on us. And if these things will not satisfy, but we must still suffer reproach, and others for our sakes, because they and we thus walk, our practice being for ought we know, wholly grounded on the written Word, without any addition or humane intention known to us, taking our pattern from our Primitive Churches, as they were regulated by the blessed Apostles in their own days, who were taught and instructed by the Lord Jesus Christ, and had the unerring and all-knowing Spirit of God to bring to their remembrance the things they had heard: I say, if we must still suffer such reproach, notwithstanding our charity towards them who will not be in charity with us; Gods will be done.

The next aspersion cast upon us, is, that we will not suffer any that differ from us never so little to reside or cohabit with us; no not the Presbyterian Government which differeth so little from Us, To which I answer, our practice witnesseth the contrary. For ‘tis well known that Mr. Parker and Mr. Noyce who are Ministers of the Church at Newberry are in that way and so known so far as a single Congregation can be exercised in it; yet never had the least molestation or disturbance, and have and finned as good respect from Magistrates and people as other Elders in the Congregational or Primitive way. ,Tis known also that Mr.

Hubbard the Minister at Hingham hath declared himself for that way: nay which is more than ever I heard of the other two, he refuseth to baptize no children that are tendered to him ( although this liberty standeth not upon a Presbyterian bottom) and yet the Civil State never molested him for it: only corning to a Synod held in the Country the last year, which the Magistrates called, requesting the Churches to send their Elders and such other as might be able to hold forth the light of God-from his written word in case of some doubts which did arise in the Country: I say he coming the last sitting of the Assembly which was adjourned to the eighth of June next, was in all meekness and love requested to be present and hold forth his light he went by in baptizing all that were brought to him, hereby waving the practice of the Churches; which he promising to take into consideration they rested in his answer. So also ‘tis well known, that before these unhappy troubles arose in England and Scotland, there were divers Gentlemen of Scotland that groaned under the heavy pressures of those times, wrote to New England to know whether they might be suffered to exercise their Presbyterial government among us. And it was answered affirmatively they might: and they sending over a Gentleman to take a view of some fit place; A River called Meromeck near Ipswich and Newberry aforesaid, was showed their Agent, which he well liked, and where we have since four towns settled, and more may be for ought I know, so that there they might have had a complete Presbytery and whither they intended to have come: but meeting with manifold crosses being half Seas through they gave over their intendments, and as I have heard these were many of the Gentlemen that first fell upon the late Covenant in Scotland: by all which will easily appear how we are here wronged by many; and the harder measure as we hear imposed upon our brethren for our sakes, nay pretending our example for their president. And last of all, not long before I came away certain discontented persons in open Court of the Massachusetts, demanding that liberty, it was freely an as openly tendered to them; strewing their former practices by me mentioned: but willed not to expect that We should provide them Ministers etc. for the same, but getting such themselves they might exercise the Presbyterian Government at their liberty, walking peaceably towards us as we trusted we should do towards them. So that if our brethren here shall be restrained they walking peaceably, the example must not be taken from Us, but arise from some other principle.

But it will not be objected though you deal thus with the Presbyterian way, yet you have a severe law against Anabaptists, yea one was whips at Massachusetts for his Religion ? and your law banisheth them ? Answ: Tis true, the Massachusetts Government have such a law as to banish, but not to whip in that kind. And certain men desiring some mitigation of it; It was answered in my hearing. ‘Tis true, we have a severe law, but we never did or will execute the rigor of it upon any, and have men living amongst us, nay some in other Churches of that judgment, and as long as they carry themselves peaceably as hitherto they do, we will leave them to God, our selves having performed the duty of brethren to them. And whereas there was one whips amongst us; ‘tis true we knew his judgment what it was: but had he not carried himself so contemptuously towards the Authority God hath betrusted us with in an high exemplary measure, we had never so censured him: and therefore he may thank himself who suffered as an evil doer in that respect. But the reason wherefore we are loath either to repeal or alter the law, is, Because we would have it remain in force to bear witness against their judgment and practice which we conceive them to be erroneous.

And yet nevertheless said the Governor to those preferred the request, you may tell our friends in England, whither you are Some of you going since the Motion proceedeth from such as we know move it in love to us, we will seriously take it into consideration at our next General Court. So that thou maist perceive good Reader that the worst is spoken of things in that kind.

Furthermore in the Government of Plymouth, to our great grief, not only the Pastor of a Congregation waveth the administration of baptism to Infants, but divers of his Congregation are fallen with him, and yet all the means the civil power hath taken against him and them, is to stir up our Elders to give meeting and see if by godly conference they may be able to convince and reclaim him, as in mercy once before they had done by Gods blessing Upon their labors. Only at the foresaid Synod, two were ordered to write to him in the name of the Assembly, and to request his presence at their next meeting aforesaid to hold forth his light he goeth by in waving the practice of the Churches; with promise if it be light, to walk by it: but if it appear otherwise, then they trust he will return again to the unity of practice with them. And for the other two Governments of Connecticut and New Haven, if either have any law in force against them, or so much as need of a law in that kind, tis more then I have heard on.

For our parts (I mean the Churches of New Engl.) we are confident through Gods mercy, the way of God in which we walk, and according to which we perform our Worship and service to Him, concurreth with those Rules our blessed Savior hath left upon record by the Evangelists and Apostles, and is agreeable with the practice of those Primitive Churches mentioned in the Acts, and regulated by the same Apostles, as appeareth not only in that Evangelical History, but in their Epistles to the several Churches there mentioned; yet nevertheless if any through tenderness of Conscience be otherwise minded, to such we never turn a deaf ear, nor become rigorous, though we have the stream of Authority on our sides. Nay, if in the use of all means we cannot reclaim them, knowing the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisie, and the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace, of them that make peace, according to James 3:17, 18. And if any differing from us be answerable to this Rule in their lives and conversations, we do not exercise the Civil sword against them. But for such as Gorton and his company, whose wisdom seems not to be from above, as appeareth in that it is full of envying, strife, confusion, Jam. 3:15, 16. being therein such as the Apostle Jude speaks on, v.

8. viz. earthly, sensual, devilish; who v. 16. despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. These v. 12, 13. are murmurs, complainers, walkers after their own lusts, and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, being clouds without water, carried about of winds, trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots, raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame, wandering stars, to whom (without repentance, which I much desire to see, or hear of in him, if it may stand with the will of God) is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. These I say are to be proceeded with by another rule, and not to be borne: who suffer as evil doers, and are a shame to Religion which they profess in word, but deny in their lives and conversations. These every tender conscience abhors, and will justify and assist the higher Powers God hath ordained, against such carnal Gospelers, who bear not the sword in vain, Rom. 13. but execute Gods vengeance on such; for the Civil Magistrate is the Minister of God, a Revenger to execute wrath on him that doth evil. And therefore a broad difference is to be put between such evil doers, and those tender consciences who follow the light of Gods Word in their own persuasions, (though judged erroneous by the places where they live) so long as their walking is answerable to the rules of the Gospel, by preserving peace, and holding forth holiness in their conversations amongst men.

Thus much I thought good to signify, because we of New England are said to be so often propounded for an example. And if any will take us for a president, I desire they may really know what we do, rather then what others ignorantly or maliciously report of us, assuring my self that none will ever be losers by following us so far as we follow Christ: Which that we may do, and our posterities after us, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our Father, accept in Christ what is according to him, discover, pardon, and reform what is amiss amongst us; and guide us and them by the assistance of the holy Ghost for time to come, till time shall be no more; that the Lord our God may still delight to dwell amongst his Plantations and Churches there by his gracious presence, and may go on blessing to bless them with heavenly blessings in these earthly places, that so by his blessing they may not only grow up to a Nation, but become exemplary for good unto others. And let all that wish well to Zion say Amen.

Finis.