The blovdy tenent, of persecution, for cause of conscience, discussed, in a conference betweene trvth and peace vvho, in all tender affection, present to the high court of Parliament, as the result of their discourse, these, amongst other passages, of highest consideration.

CHAP. LIX.

VNnto those excellent and famous speeches of those Princes worthy to be written in golden letters or rows of Diamonds up∣on all the gates of all the Cities and Palaces in the World, the An∣swerer (without any particular reply) returnes two things.

Truth.

First, that Princes profession and practice is no rule of conscience: unto this as all men will subscribe, so may they also ob∣serve how the Answerer deales with Princes.

One while they are the nursing Fathers of the Church, not only to feed, but also to correct, and therefore consequently bound to

iudge what is true feeding and correcting: and consequently all men are bound to submit to their feeding and correcting.

Another while, when Princes crosse Mr. Cottons judgement and practice, then it matters not what the profession and practice of Prin∣ces is; for (saith he) their profession and practice is no Rule to Con∣science.

I aske then, unto what Magistrates or Princes will themselves or any so perswaded submit, as unto keepers of both Tables, as unto the Antitypes of the Kings of Israel and Iudah, and nursing Fathers and Mothers of the Church?

First, will it not evidently follow, that by these Tenents they ought not to submit to any Magistrates in the world in these cases, but to Magistrates just of their owne conscience: and

Secondly, that all other Consciences in the world (except their owne) must be persecuted by such their Magistrates?

And lastly, is not this to make Magistrates but steps and stirrops to ascend and mount up into their rich and honourable Seats and Sad••les; I meane great and setled maintenances, which neither the Lord Iesus, nor any of his first Messengers, the true patternes, did ever know?

Notes

• Mr. Cottons unequall dea∣ling with Princes.