An Answer to a Great Number of Blasphemous Cavillations

They were papists (thou wilt say) and therefore hated the religion. I answer in their defence,¹ that in mouth and external profession they were not, but always they protested, that they would never revolt to papistry again. But in few wo•ds, I will open the cause of their conspiracy. They were corrupt in manners, filthy of life, perverters of justice, and such finally, as by whom, the blessed word of God, was slandered and evil spoken by. The preachers called for reformation of manners. They boldly and sharply rebuked, even those that were in highest authority. One of the chiefest of that band was excommunicated, and so did remain mo years then one. The consistory called for justice to be executed, and for penalties ⟨p. 198⟩to be appointed. for the inobedient & open contemners. But no thing could prevail, the multitude of the wicked was so great, that in votes and voices they did prevail. And so was the iniquity of the wicked maintained for a long season. Which being considered, the godly aswell that were native borne, as also the strangers, consulted upon the next & surest remedy, and that after that not only the most part of strangers were determined to depart, but that also, that faithful servant of Christ Jesus, had in public sermon commended his flock, with the weeping eyes of many to the protection, and providence of God, and had publicly pronounced, that he would be no minister in that church where vice could not be punished, according to gods word, where the wicked should triumph and make laws at their pleasure. After this consultation it was concluded, that a reasonable number of strangers whose fidelity & honest conversation had long been tried and well known, should be made burgesses, and free to have voice in counsel, & in making▪ civil statutes. which being understand the wicked began more manifestly to utter themselves, they opponed them selves to the Magistrates, they plainly • denied that any strangers should be free, they appealed to the greater counsel, which being gathered, did justify the decree of the Syndics (so be the chief magistrates called). Shortly after did the hole venom burst out: for after feasting, and banqueting of all sorts of villains, was the conspiracy concluded and put in execution. for with one consent they invade upon the night one of the chief Magistrates, they cried victoire, and triumph.