A dissuasive from the errours of the time wherein the tenets of the principall sects, especially of the Independents, are drawn together in one map, for the most part in the words of their own authours, and their maine principles are examined by the touch-stone of the Holy Scriptures / by Robert Baylie ...

The Testimonies.

(A) Master Cottons Letter to Skelton, p. 3. Your other Errour that our Congregations in England, are none of them particular Re∣formed Churches, requireth rather a Book then a Letter to answer it. You went hence of another judgement, and I am afraid, your change hath sprung from New-Plymouth men, whom though I much esteem as godly loving Christians; yet their Grounds, which for this Tenent they received from Master Robinson, do not satisfie me, though the man I reverence as godly and learned.

Rathbones Narration, p. 1. The Church at New-Plymouth was as I am informed, one of the first Churches that was settled in New-England, having been a part of Master Robinsons Church in Holland, that famous Brownist, from whence they brought with their Church Opinions and Practises; and which they there still

hold without any alteration, so far as ever I could learn. Master W. an eminent man of the Church at Plimouth, told W. R. that the rest of the Churches of New-England came at first to them at Plimouth, to crave their direction in Church courses, and made them their patern.

(B) Vide Purchase Pilgrims in his discourses of America, in divers Letters from New-England.

(C) Cottons Letter to the Reader before Hildershams Com∣mentary upon John, 1632. That one Letter of his to a Gentle∣woman against the Separation, which without his consent a Separatist Printed, and Refuted, hath so strongly and cleerly con∣vinced the Iniquity of that way, that I could not but acknow∣ledge in it, both the wisedom of God, and the weaknesse of the Separatists: His wisedom in bringing to light such a beam of his Truth by the hand of an adversary, against the minde of the Au∣thor; and the weaknesse of the other, to advance the hand of this Adversary, to give himself and his cause such a deadly wound in open view, as neither himself nor all his associates can be able to heal; in which respect, I conceive it was that the industrious Doctor Willet stileth this our Author, Schismaticorum qui vulgo Brownistae vocantur Malleus: The Hammer of Schismaticks whom they commonly call Brownists.

(D) Vide supra. A.

(E) Edwards Antapology, p. 17. Knowing something of the story of Master Goodwins first coming to fall off from the Cere∣monies, having seen and perused the Arguments that past betwixt him and Master Cotton, and some others: Master Goodwin assured me some moneths after his going off, that he had nothing to say, but against the Ceremonies the Liturgy offended him not, much lesse dreamed he of this Church-way he since fell into.

(F) Cottons Letter from New-England to his friends at Bo∣ston, October 5. 1635. Some other things there be, which were I again with you, I durst not take that liberty which some times I have taken: I durst not joyn in your Book-Prayers.

(G) Ibidem. I durst not now partake in the Sacraments with you, though the Ceremonies were removed. I know not how you can be excused from Fellowship of their sins, if you continue in your place. While you and some of my other friends continue with them, I fear the rest will settle upon their Lees with more security. The wise-hearted

that left their Stations in Israel, I doubt not, were some of them, if not all, useful and serviceable men in their places; yet they did them∣selves and their Brethren more good service in going before their Brethren, as the Goats before the Flocks, Jere. 50.8. then if they had tarried with them to the corrupting of their own wayes. 2 Chro. 11.14, 16.

Antap. p. 32. After his going into New-England, and falling into the Church-way there, and sending over Letters into England about the new way, presently after these Letters began the falling off and questioning Communion in our Churches.

(H) Antap. p. 32. One of you, to wit, Master Goodwin was so ingaged in his thoughts of one of the Ministers of New-England, to wit, Master Cotton, by whom I am sure, he was first taken off, that he hath said, there was not such another man in the world again.

Ibidem, p. 22. One of you told some friends, that he had found out a Form of Church-Government, as far beyond Master Cart∣wrights, as his was beyond that of the Bishops.

Master Williams Examination of Master Cottons Letter, p. 47. Some of the most eminent amongst them have affirmed, that even the Apostles Churches were not so pure, as the new English Churches.

(I) Vide supra. F.

(K) Antap. p. 40. He hath had his Errours, and I refer you for proof to his discourse about cleering the Doctrine of Reprobation. See the Preface of Doctor Twisse his Answer.

(L) The short Story in the Preface, par. 10. What men they saw Eminent in the Countrey, and of most esteem in the hearts of the peo∣ple, they would be sure still to father their opinions upon them, and say, I hold nothing but what I had from such and such a man.

Ibid. p. 65. She pretended she was of Master Cottons judge∣ment in all things.

(M) Williams Examination, p. 12. Some few yeers since he was upon the point to separate from the Churches there, as legal.

Ibidem, p. 33. How could I possibly be ignorant as he seems to charge me, of their estate, when being from first to last in Fellow∣ship with them, an Officer amongst them, had private and publike agitations concerning their estate with all or most of their Ministers.

(N) Short story, Preface, p. 7. By this time they had to patro∣nise them, some of the Magistrates, and some men eminent for Religion, Parts, and Wit.

Ibidem, p. 25. Master Wheelwright had taught them, that the former Governour and some of the Magistrates then were friends of Christ and Free-grace, but the present were enemies. The former Governour never stirred out but attended by the Serjeants with Hal∣berts or Carrabines, but the present Governour was neglected.

Ibid. p. 35. After that she had drawn some of eminent place, and parts, to her party, whereof some profited so well as in a few moneths they out-went their Teacher.

Ibidem, p. 33. Ʋpon the countenance which it took from some eminent persons, her opinions began to hold up their heads in the Court of Justice.

(N 2.) Ibidem, p. 32. It was a wonder, upon what a sudden the whole Church of Boston, some few excepted were become her new converts, and infected with her opinions.

Ibid. Preface, p. 7. In the Church of Boston most of these Seducers lived.

Ibid. p. 36. The Court laid to her charge, the reproach she had cast upon the Ministery in this Countrey, saying That none of them did preach the Covenant of Free-grace but Master Cotton. She told them that there was a wide difference between Master Cottons Ministery and theirs; and that they could not hold forth a Covenant of Free-grace, because they had not the Seal of the Spirit.

Ibidem. p. 50. All the Ministers consented to this, except their Brother the Teacher of Boston. Ibid. p. 52. Master Wheelwright being present, spoke nothing, though he well discerned that the judge∣ment of the most of the Magistrates, and near all the Ministers closed with the affirmative. Ibidem, p. 21. Albeit, the Assembly of the Churches had confuted and condemned most of these new opinions, and Master Cotton had in publike view consented with the rest; yet the Leaders in these Erroneous wayes, stood still to maintain their new Light; Master Wheelwright also continued his preaching after his former manner; and Mistresse Hutchinson her wonted meetings and exercises; and much offence was still given by her, and others, in going out of the ordinary Assemblies. When (Mr. Wilson) the Pastor of Boston began any exercise, it was conceived by the Magistrate that the case was now desperate, and it was determined to suppresse them by Civil Authority.

(O) Apologetical Narration, p. 5. We had likewise the fatal miscarriages and shipwracks of the Separation, whom you call

Brownists, as Land-marks to forewarn us of these Rocks and Shelves they run upon.

Cottons Letter to Williams, pag. 12. I said that God had not prospered the way of Separation, because he hath not blessed it either with peace among themselves or with growth of grace. The Lord Jesus never delivered that way of Separation to which they bear wit∣nesse, nor any of his Apostles after him, nor of his Prophets before him. We do not come forth to help them against Jehovah; this were not to help Jehovah, but Satan against him. We cannot pray in Faith for a blessing upon their Separation, which we see not to be of God, nor to lead to him: It is little comfort to the true Servants of Christ that such inventions of men are multiplied.

(P) Answer to the thirty two Questions, p. 7. Whether is the greater number, these that are admitted to Church-Communion, or these that are not, we cannot certainly tell.

(Q 1.) Plain dealing, p. 73. Here such confessions and professi∣ons are required, both in private and publike, both by men and women, before they be admitted, that three parts of the people of the Countrey remain out of the Church, so that in short time, most of the people will remain unbaptised.

(Q 2. Williams of the name Heathen, p. 6. Nations protest∣ing against the Beast, no Papists, but Protestants, may we say of them that they or any of them may be called in true Scripture sence, Heathens, that is, the Nations or Gentiles, in opposition to the people of God, which is the onely Holy Nation? Such a departure from the Beast in a false constitution of National Churches, if the bodies of Protestant Nations remain in an unregenerate estate, Christ hath said they are but as Heathens and Publicans.

(Q 3.) Plain dealing, p. 21. There hath not been any sent forth by any Church, to learn the Natives language, or to instruct them in our Religion first, because they say they have not to do with them be∣ing without, except they come to hear, and learn English.

(R) Williams of the name Heathen, p. 10. For our New-England parts, I can speak it confidently, I know it to have been easie for my self, long ere this, to have brought many thousands of these Natives, yea, the whole Countrey to a far greater Antichristian conversion, then ever was heard of in America. I could have brought the whole Countrey to have observed one day in seven: I adde, to have received Baptism, to have come to a stated Church meeting, to have

maintained Priests, and Forms of Prayer, and a whole form of An∣tichristian worship in life and death.

(S) Ibid. p. 11. Wo be to me, if I call that conversion to God, which is indeed the subversion of the souls of millons in Christendom, from one false worship to another.

Williams Key unto the language of America, p. 9. To which I could easily have brought the Countrey, but that I was perswaded, and am, that Gods way is first to turn a soul from its idols, both of heart, worship, and conversation, before it is capable of worship to the true God.

(T) Short story, p. 32. Many good souls were brought to waite for this immediate revelation; then sprung up also that opinion of the indwelling of the person of the Holy Ghost.

Ibidem, Preface, p. 13. That their own revelations of parti∣cular events, were as infallible as the Scripture.

(V) Short story, Preface, pag. 2. Sin in a childe of God must never trouble him. Trouble in conscience for sins of Commission, or for neglect of duties, sheweth a man to be under a Covenant of Works.

(X) Short story Preface, p. 2. A Christian is not bound to the Law as the rule of his conversation.

(Y) Ibid. p. 3. No Christian must be pressed to duties of Holi∣nesse.

(Z) Short story Preface, p. 13. Their Leaders fell into more hideous delusions, as that the souls of men are mortal like the Beasts.

(AA) Short story, p. 59. These who are united to Christ, have in this life new bodies, and two bodies.

(BB) Ibid. She knoweth not how Jesus Christ should be united to this our fleshly body; these who have union with Christ, shall not rise with the same fleshly body; and that the Resurrection mentioned in 1 Cor. 15.44. is not meant of the Resurrection of the body, but of our union here in this life.

(CC) Ibid. p. 60. We are united to Christ with the same union that his humanity on earth was with his Deity. That she had no Scri∣pture to warrant that Christs manhood is now is Heaven; but the body of Christ is his Church.

(DD) Ibid. Preface, p. 1. You shall see a Litter of ninty one of their brats hung up against the Sun, besides many new ones of Mistresse Hutchinsons.

(EE) Ibid. Multitudes of men and women were infected be∣fore they were aware.

(FF) Ibid. Preface, p. 7. They had some of all sorts and qua∣lities in all places, to defend and patronise them: Almost in every fa∣mily, some were ready to defend them as the Apple of their own eye.

(GG) Vide supra. N 2.

(HH) Short story Preface, pag. 4. They would appear very humble, holy, and spiritual Christians, and full of Christ.

(II) Ibid. They would deny themselves far, and speak excel∣lently.

(KK) Ibid. They would pray with such soul ravishing affecti∣ons and expressions, that a stranger could not but love and admire them.

(LL) Ibid. They lifted up their opinions by guilding them over with the specious termes of Free-grace, Glorious-Light, Gospel-Truths, holding out naked Christ.

(MM) Vide supra. LL.

(NN) Preface, p. 7. O their boldnesse, pride, insolency, the disturbances, divisions, contentions they raised among us, both in Church and State, and Families, setting division betwixt Husband and Wife!

Ibid. p. 9. And seeing a spirit of pride, subtilty, malice and con∣tempt of all men that were not of their minde breathing in them, our hearts were sadded, and our spirits tyred.

(OO) Ibid. p. 4. Their followers in admiration of them, would tell others, that since the Apostles times, they were perswaded none ever received so much light from God, as such and such had done, naming their Leaders. See also before H.

(PP) Short story, pag. 39. She said it was revealed to her long since in England, That all the pack of the Ministers there were An∣tichristian, so that she durst hear none of them, after Master Cotton and Master Wheelwright were once gone; for they could not preach Christ, and the new Covenant.

(QQ) Preface, pag. 8. The faithful Ministers of Christ must have dung cast in their faces, and be no better then legal Preach∣ers, Baals Priests, Popish Factors, Scribes, Pharisees, and Opposers of Christ himself.

(RR) Vide supra. N 1.

(SS) Preface, p. 9. The Magistrates were Achabs, Amazia's, enemies to Christ, led by Satan.

(TT) Ibid. These were enemies to Christ; Herods, Pilates, Scribes and Pharisees, yea, Antichrists; and advised all under a Cove∣nant of Grace, to look upon them as such: And with great zeal did stimulate them to deal with them as such, and alleadged the story of Moses that killed the Egyptian, and left it barely so.

(VV) Ibid. It was a wonder of mercy, that they had not set our Common-wealth and Churches on a fire, and consumed us all therein.

(XX) Preface, pag. 7. They had some of all quality to defend them, some of the Magistrates, some Gentlemen, some Schollers, some of our Captains and Souldiers, some in Military Trainings.

(YY) Short story, p. 33. They made full accompt the day had been theirs.

(ZZ) Master Williams in his Discourse to me, assured me hereof.

(AAA) Short story, p. 43. Ʋnder their conduct, the old Ser∣pent had prepared such an Ambushment, as in all reason would soon have driven Christ and the Gospel out of New-England, (though to the ruine of the instruments themselves, as well as of others) and to the repossessing of Satan in his ancient Kingdom.

(BBB) Preface, p. 12. Mistresse Hutchinson being big with childe, and growing towards the time of her Labour, brought out not one, but thirty monstrous births or thereabouts at once, none at all of them of humane shape.

(CCC) Ibid. Mistresse Dyer brought forth her birth of a Woman childe, a Beast, a Fish, and a Foul, all woven together in one, and without an head.

(DDD) Ibid. Though he that runs may read their sin in these judgements, yet, behold the desperate hardnesse of heart in these per∣sons, and all their followers; they turned all from themselves upon the faithful servants of God that laboured to reclaim them, saying, This is for you ye Legalists, that your eyes might be further blinded by Gods hand upon us in your legal wayes, that you may stumble and fall, and in the end break your necks in Hell, if ye imbrace not the Truth.

(EEE) Ibid. p. 5. These persons with many others infected by them, went altogether out of our Jurisdiction into an Iland, and there they live to this day most of them, hatching and multiplying new opinions, and cannot agree, but are miserably divided into sundry Sects and Factions.

(FFF) Mistresse Hutchinson being weary of the Iland, went from thence with all her family, to live under the Dutch, neer a place in the Map called Hell-gate.

(GGG) There the Indians set upon them, and slew her and all her family; her daughter, and her daughters husband; and all their children, save one that escaped. Some write that the Indians did burn her to death, withall that belonged to her. I never heard that the Indians in these parts did commit the like outrage upon any other.

(HHH) Vide KKK 1.

(III) Ibid. p. 13. They grew also many of them very loose in their practises; for these opinions will certainly produce a filthy life by degrees: As no Prayer in their Familes, no Sabbath, insufferable pride, frequent and hideous lying; and some of them became guilty of fouler sins then all these, which I here name not.

Cottons third Sermon, 6. Vial, pag. 9. The calamities of the Countrey are from God; he takes away all; whether by our pride, that we must have every new fashion, and be like the men of the world, in houses, apparel, and the like; or daintinesse, that we must have our varieties, though it cost never so much, and no matter what followeth, though it eat up our estates. The Lord hath made use of our folly, and pride, and daintinesse, our idlenesse, and covetousnesse.

Idem. 2. Vial, pag. 26. We know that in England there is no such unfaithful dealing, and hollow heartednesse? no such bitternesse between Christians. What will befal your posterity, they will degene∣rate out of measure, by the unfaithfulnesse of your lives, and the un∣righteousnesse of your promises.

(KKK 1.) Short story, p. 44. The Midwife, one Hawkins, was notorious for familiarity with the divel, and now a prime Familist: The most of the Women who were present at Mistresse Dyers travel, were suddenly taken with such a violent vomiting, and purging, without eating or drinking of any thing, as they were forced to go home; others had their children taken with Convulsions, which they had not before, nor since, and so were sent for home: So that none were left at the birth, but the Midwife and two other; whereof one fell asleep at such time as the childe died, which was about two hours be∣fore the birth: The Bed wherein the mother lay, shook so violently, that all who were in the Room perceived it.

(KKK 2.) Ibid. p. 63, 64. Then Master Cotton told the Assem∣bly, That whereas she had been formerly dealt with for matter of

Doctrine, he had according to the duty of his place, being the Teacher of the Church, proceeded against her unto admonition: But now the case bring altered, and she being questioned for maintaining of untruth, which is matter of Manners, he must leave the businesse to the Pastor Master Wilson to go on with her; but withal declared his judgement in the case from that in the Revelation, ch. 22. That such as make and maintain a lie, ought to be cast out of the Church; and whereas two or three pleaded that she might first have a second Ad∣monition, according to that in Titus 3.10. He answered, That that was onely for such as erred in point of Doctrine; but such as shall no∣toriously offend in matter of conversation, ought to be presently cast out, as he proved by Ananias and Saphira, and the incestuous Corin∣thian.

Ibid. p. 65. It was observed that she should now come under Admonition for many foul and fundamental Errours, and after he cast out for notorious lying.