GAWTON. 245 D. That Jesus Christ had an occupation cannot be gathered out of the text. It was only the opinion of the people of Nazareth, who said he was a carpenter. G. And who could tell better than the people of Naza- reth, among whom he lived ? I think they could best tell what was his occupation. Here the bishop pronounced the sentence of suspension upon Mr. Gawton, and the register entered it upon record. G. I now perceive, that if one had the eloquence of Chrysostom, the learning of Austin, and the divinity of St. Paul, if he did not wear the surplice, you would put him out of the ministry. B. So we would. And if St. Paul were here, he would wear a fool's coat, rather than be put to silence. G. He would then act contrary to his own doctrine. For he saith, he would eat no flesh while the world standeth, rather than offend a weak brother; and, surely, he would be equally scrupulous in offending his brethren by wearing superstitious and popish garments. Your dealing thus with us in corners, will not further your cause, but hinder it, and further ours; for all men will see you fear the light. You have now authority on your side ; but we are not above half a dozen unconformable ministers in this city; and if you will confer with us by learning, we will yield up our lives, if we are not able to prove the doctrines we hold to be consonant to the word of God. B. That is uncharitably spoken ; for no man sought your lives. G. The dean here says, that be who seeks our livings, seeks our lives. D. You are like the apothecaries, setting papers on empty boxes. G. You, indeed, may very properly be so denominated. For if you were otherwise than as empty boxes, you would not be afraid to have the cause tried.. The examination thus closed, and the good man, being suspended, was dismissed from his lordship's presence. Upon his suspension, Mr. Neal, by mistake says that he sent a bold letter to the bishop. This letter was evidently written by another person.+ We find, that after receiving the episcopal censure, Mr. 'Gawton and several of his brethren, wrote an excellent letter to Mr. Thomas Cartwright, whereinthey express, with considerable freedom, Parte of a Register, p. 393-400. f See Art, C. Harvey.--Nears Puritans, vol. i, p. ass.
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