Mr. Cottons letter lately printed, examined and ansvvered: by Roger Williams of Providence in New·England.:

CHAP. II.

Secondly I observe his charge against me, for not hearkning to a twofold voice of Christ: first of the whole Church of Christ with me.

Unto which I answere, according to my conscience and perswasion. I was then charged by Office with the feeding of that flock: and when in the apprehension of some publike evils,* 1.1 the whole Countrey profest to humble it selfe and seek God, I endeavoured (as a faithfull Watchman on the walls to sound the Trumpet and give the Alarum: and upon a Fast day, in faithfullnes and uprightnesse (as then and still I am perswaded) I discovered 11 publike sins, for which I beleeved (and doe) it pleased God to inflict, and further to threaten publike calamities. Most of which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (if not all) that Church then seemed to assent unto: untill afterward in my troubles

the greater part of that Church, was swayed and bowed (whe∣ther for feare of persecution or otherwise) to say and practise what to my knowledge, with signes and groans many of them mourned under.

I know the Church of Colosse must say to Archippus,* 1.2 Take heed to thy Ministry,* 1.3 &c, which he may negligently and proudly refuse to hearken to: But let my case be considered, and the word of the Lord examined, and the difference of my case will shine forth, and my faithfullnes and uprightnes to God and the soules of that people will witnesse for me, when my soule comes to Hezechiahs case on his death bed, and in that great day approaching.

For my not hearkning to the second voice, the testimony of so many Elders and Brethren of other Churches (because I truely esteem and honour the persons of which the New-English Churches are constituted.)* 1.4 I will not answere the ar∣gument of numbers and multitudes against One, as we use to answere the Popish universalitie, that God somtimes stirs up one Elijah against 800. of Baals Priests, one Micaiah against 400. of Ahabs Prophets; one Athanasius against many hun∣dreth of Arrian Bishops; one Iohn Hus against the whole Councel of Constance; Luther and the 2 Witnesses against many thousands &c.* 1.5 Yet this I may truly say, that David himself and the Princes of Israel and 30 thousand Israel, carrying up the Arke, were not to be hearkned to nor followed in their (as I may say) holy rejoycings and Triumphings, the due Order of the Lord, yet being wanting to their holy intentions and affections, and the Lord at last sending in a sad stop and breach of Vzzah, amongst them (Perez Vzzah) as he hath ever yet done, and will doe in all the Reformations that have been hitherto made by his Davids, which are not after the due Order. To which purpose, it is maintained by the Papists themselves,* 1.6 and by their Councels that Scripture only must be heard: yea one Scripture in the mouth of one simple Me∣channick before the whole Councel. By that only do I desire to stand or fall in triall or judgement: For all flesh is grasse, and the beautie of flesh, (the most wisest, holiest, learnedst) is but the flowre or beautie of grasse, only the word of Jehovah standeth fast for ever.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Publike sins the cause of publike Cala∣mities, must be faithfully dis∣covered by spi∣ritual watch∣men.
• * 1.2

  Coloss▪ 4.
• * 1.3

  Faithfullnes to God and Man (though for present Censu∣red) will give rejoycing in day of Death and judgement
• * 1.4

  The Popish ar∣gument from Multitudes.
• * 1.5

  David and the Princes and 30 thousand of Israel, a type of Gods best servants refor∣ming, yet not after the due Order.
• * 1.6

  An excellent confession of ••he Papists concerning Scripture.