TO CHAP. VI.

TO CHAP. VI.

Though my Letter expresseth, That it may be the Court passed that sentence against Mr. Williams, not upon that ground, (from Prov. 11.26.) but for ought I know, for his other corrupt Doctrines (suitable to his Practises) tending to the disturbance of Civill, and holy Peace: Yet I do not therefore question (as he saith I seem to ⟨p. 47⟩do) the sandiness of such a ground (as that place of Scripture) to warrant such proceedings; nor do I therein confess that my self had no distinct knowledge of the causes of his Banishment.

THough my Letter expresseth, That it may be the Court passed that sentence against Mr. Williams, not upon that ground, (from Prov. 11.26.) but for ought I know, for his other corrupt Doctrines (suitable to his Practises) tending to the disturbance of Civill, and holy Peace: Yet I doe not therefore question (as he saith I seeme to ⟨p. 47⟩doe) the sandinesse of such a ground (as that place of Seripture) to warrant such proceedings; nor doe I therein confsesse that my selfe had no distinct knowledge of the causes of his Banishment.

For I did not allege that place of Scripture, as a ground upon which the Court proceeded to his Banishment: and therefore I said in my Letter, it may be they passed Sentence not upon that ground. But I alleged it as a reason, which provoked the Lord to move the Court to proceed against Mr. Williams, for such other offensive, and disturbant Doctrines, and Practises against the Patent, and against the oath of fidelity, and against the Magistrates delay of the Petition of Salem, which he himself knoweth, I had distinct knowledge of before, which maketh me the more to marvel at his wonder, Where was my waking care in his behalf; Whereas he knoweth I spent a great part of the Summer in seeking by word and writing to satisfy his scruples in the former particulars: until he rejected both our callings, and our Churches. And even then I ceased not to follow him still, with such means of conviction, and satisfaction in that Point also, as God brought to my hand: whereof this very Letter, (which he examineth, and answereth) is a pregnant, and evident demonstration.