of any advantage herein and that where such a poisenous cloud of prejudice interveens and a prejudicat impression of the truth and of serious godliness is the glasse there cannot but be very sad reflections thereon I must yet crave leave in a few words as a witness to the truth of our profession and for a just vindication offer these things to be considered by the conscience of our greatest Adversaries herein 1. That we should seek no greater favour but that upon clearest evidence from the tryall and judgment of the Scriptures of truth which we are ready to render to all that ask there might be such free access to a publict and serious reasoning herein as that the truth might be heard for it self judging it no less our concerne to convince mens judgment for commending the way of the Lord to their conscience then to engadge the affections 2. That it is in no new or strainge caice we are now stated and do own no other judgment and principles this day then what are expresly acknowledged by the most purely Reformed Churches of Christ since the Reformation and is that good and old way and the same truth for which our worthy predâ—cessours did by their wrestling prayers and sufferings so vigourously contend yea wherein so innumerable a company of most serious solid and tender Christians have been sealed and found such abounding comforts of the spirit of truth upon their suffering and testimony upon the same 3. That it is no privat interest or for our own things no temporall honour greatness or riches in this world that such sore wrestlings by the godly in our Church hath been which I hope may now have some conviction and witness on the conscience of our Adversaries and how such have not wanted an very obvious and alluring baite this way may be easy to judge if some greater interest did not preponder at of being to dear a purchase at so sad a rate of unfaithfullness to our blessed Lord and Master in his truth 4. That it hath been no matter of indifference or any small and triviall interest such have been concerned in these late tryalls to appear for bot for the lawes and interest of Christ and the rights and liberties his Kingdom which after some blest and confortable possession so long yea with the furthest concurrence of the civil lawes herein we should reckon as our birth right and inheritance whatever sad short coming have been by all in that measure of the testimony of our fathers thereto against such invasion on so great an interest as hath been in these tymes 5. We have confidence to say that we own no doctrine or principles but what tends to give all due respect and obedience to the Magistrate without detracting from his just rights and power bot to gave unto Cesar the things that are Cesars yea without the least denying to the Christian Magistrat whatever with any Scripture warrant we may allow of an externall objectively ecclesiastick power such as is cumulative for the truth not against it bot that he can have no power formaly ecclesiastick and what is purely Spirituall or any immediat power of cognition in matters simply ecclesiastick antecedent to the judgment of the Church which is so incompatible with the order and Governement established by him who is the alone head and Lawgiver to his own house whose Kingdom is not of this world 6. We may say with a humble appeal to their conscience wâ—o do most reproach that it is for no preheminence or to be Lords over Gods heritage or owning any power bot what is ministeriall to declare and execute our Masters will and such a power which hes the inward man for its proper object and the true edification of the body of Christ for its peculiar end wherein we own a speciall regard to be had in the whole exercise and application thereof and in dealing with the conscience of gainsayers that it be with greatest tenderness and Christian prudence such as may most tend to edifie and gaine upon their conscjence and therefor are privat essayes expresly appointed to go before a publict and judicial procedour And if any just ground of offence hath been given in the excess of some this way let it cause no reflection on that blest and beautiful order in the house of the Lord our God appointed by himself yea which with grief upon any convincing evident thereof we should to the furthest dissown 7. It is evident that these sacred tyes of our oath and covenant with God we are so solemnly engadged in containe no other duties or obligations then what the Scripture indispensibly obleidges to and are stated on these great concerns of truth and righteousness 8. We can also witness with some quiet and assurance that the great anne and concerne of the most serious Non-conforme Ministers of Christ in our Church in their adventuring to preach the Gospel not withstanding of any prohibitions by the present Law hath been upon no sactious or privat designe bot under constraint of duty upon so pressing a call and necessity of the people as these unto whom the dispensation of the Gospel and ordinances is commit and a necessity thus laide upon them with some serious aime and desire I hope to pursne this end and to sheu the indispensible nead of imbracing that blest offer of reconciliation by Christ as also to presse holiness and give warning of any share when it is evident the people might be in hazard thereby Nor dare our respect to the persons of any in the least ballance with the interest of truth here for a publick disowning with grief what ever in their way have given just cause of offence and stumbling in such a time 9. It is the revealed truth of the Scripture which we do expresly own as the alone formal object of our Faith and that it is there each should come to prove his work bot a that it be â—ust and warrantable on the matter according to these unchangeable rules of truth and righteousness and to know our warrand and calling herein else no security could be from the greatest confusion and irregularity among men 10. That extraordinare motions or impulses must be no rule or warrand of duty nor for any going beyond these express bounds set to us in the word by which they must be known and tryed for God hath assigned to each their station and calling and that a serious and tender regard should be against all exorbitance in the excess al 's well as any sinfull deficience or neglect therein And I hope whatever be found unauswerable this dâ—y in the practice of any to these known principles and doctrine of our Church which are confessed and most universally adhered to by the non-Conformists there as we do with grief disown so I have confidence there cannot want some testimony thereto even on the conscience of our greatest adversaries 8. I must nere yet add on strange ground of quarrell and prejudice that
The Church wounded and rent By a Spirit of Division Held forth In a short account of some sad differences hath been of late in the Church of Scotland with the occasion grounds and too evident product therof whose wounds are bleeding to this day Togither with some vindication of the truth and principles of our Church in this present state of things from unjust revilings and reproach And a few words in the close with respect to what are the greatest concerns of Christians exercise and duty in these times Heb. 10 23. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering for he is faithfull that promised Philip. 3. 16. Nevertheless whereto we have already attained let us walk by the same rule let us mind the same thing Philip. 2. 2. Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory but in Lowliness of mind let each esteem other beter then themselves James 3. 16. For where invying and strife is there is confusion and every evil work 1 Thessal 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Now we exhort you Brethren warn them that are unruly comfort the feeble-minded support the weak be patient toward all men Printed M.DC.LXXXI THE PREFACE IT will be acknowledged by all who have any serious impression of the truth on their spirits what sore and trying times we are now fallen in and how deplorably sad the present state of religion is almost every where yea what need seems for our being awake with some deeper apprehensions of what may be coming and of so many presages that this night is not yet at the darkest but one of the sorest conflicts which the reformed Churches have hitherto mett with may be on a very near approach of which one remarkably sad and most threatning presage is now too obvious in this late astonishing rent and breach hath been in the Church of Scotland so impetuously driven and fomented by some there to the furthest scandal and reproach of the truth and giving the adversary such occasion to blasphem Thus hath there been so sore woundings of religion and the holy spirit of God greatly provoked and greived thereby I confesse such a tryal would have been litle either feared or apprehended in a time when so hot a furnace hath been set up amongst us and that the Church had smarted and been so sore brunt with the offence which followed upon former breakings yea when it is so joyntly acknowledged how much the honour of Christ the spreading of the Gospel and edificatione of the Church is concerned and in the highest measure prejugded herein this is a sad subject which should call each to that serious inquiry and tryal of their own work and frame of spirit in such a day as may lead in to peace and assurance of heart before the Lord in this mater and to be seriously affected with what we have seen following thereon yea might have been feared with the first breaking up of this strange rent of the spirit of error and delusion in the Holy righteousness of God now with such prevalence over some whose work had been to put the Church in a flame and unsetle others as they can find no ground where to fix themselves but are like to shake loose all principles and run that length as is incompatible not only with Christian but humane society Some few things with respect thereto I would premit now in the entry to be considered 1. First what light doe thus break forth out of the very bowels of such confusion both for conviction and confirming of us in the truth if we be but serious observes of the work of the Lord in this day and I would yet hope may tend to put some Deeper impression of these things on this generation when as with one audible voice from heaven so much hath occurred to seal our instruction herein 1. That none thus so easily adventure after what we have seen on such a publick rent and breach of the Church as this and to hazard on a precipice and rock on which so many hath dashed and been broke and where the losing of communion in love hath not long wanted a sad breach in the unity of faith 2. That there may be now more fear and dread of managing differences in judgment within the Church with that bitterness and passion as hath too visibly been of late to stumble and beget wrath more then conviction or to make ane offering of such strange fire the truth and cause of God can be promot only by these meanes and that spirit which he doeth himself require 3. That Professors of the truth be more deeply pressed about the ground work and for a solid founding on the great fundation-truths and principles of religion when this sad want may be so visibly now read on all our distempers and make us yet fear where some great pretences to religion may end Here is one of the sadest judgments of the time much Ignorance of the truth and rule of the Gospel with a louse and unstable mind tho with greatest confidence otherwise amongst too many under a Profession of godliness this day through which the tempter hath gotten such advantage yea on some whose affection and tenderness of spirit I dar not question but thought they could not run too far at a distance from what they judged wrong not fearing a destroying snare on the other hand and that corruption of the mind by error is no lesse mortall then in the life and practice yea which is too sadly obvious less hope of a cure where such a leprosy is once broke forth in the head 4. And have we not now seen for our furthest conviction herein that none lift up themselves above that which is meet upon the repute and credit of their profession before him who is no respecter of persons and resisteth the proud to so sever a smiting and thrusting down of their Brethren and fellow-servants as hath too obviously been in these late differences and without that suteable fear and dread leist these whom they gave so sore a thrust to under the warrant o◠some opprobrious designation be such whom Jesus Christ will own and finds his servants and messengers thus lye a bleeding under that wound 5. I would hope also that such a witness of the jealousy and displeasure of the Lord against despysers and revilers of the Ministers of the Gospel may have more weight on the conscience of many after this when with so discernable and awfull a voice this I humbly judge hath been spoke and may be applyed to all such who professe the truth and the generations yet to come to fear and dread to give thus the authority of the Son of God the supreme head of his Church so publick ane affront in the Ministry of his servants as this party hath of late done in our Church or rise up in such a conspiracy againe and no pretences when tryed at that bar of the scriptures of truth can possibly bear out 6. And should not
controversies and make this their business ere many such know what the solide work and exercise of godliness is or what either the principles and power of Religion means and why is that so expresly commanded Rom. 14 1. Him that is weak in the faith receive but not to doubtfull disputations It is sure that it much concernes all who preach the Gospel to know the message they deliver be suted for solide edification and in bearing testimony to the truth in this day which is so unquestionably a duty that yet it be with such a grave ministerial seriousness and Christian wisdome as it may commend the truth to the conscience of the people so as this duty be neither neglected nor unsuteably managed otherwise a light and too ordinary a way in speaking on so grave a concerne or on publick differences without some convincing and suteable weight herein and when it is with personal reflections we may fear would stumble much more then convince as would seem a thrust rather at the persons of some than at their way and to gain an interest to a party more than for the truth PROP. IV. Are not such expresly called yea with an intense study to unite so far for the truths sake and in following clear uncontroverted duties who are otherwise like minded in things of the Lord what ever now may be in difference amongst us so as that union should not nor ought to sist untill a through onness of judgment be attained in this present controversy which were so much to be desired upon these grounds 1. That the Scripture clearly determines this so far as we have attained to walk by the same rule and mind the same things however even in some matters of truth not one Phil. 3 15. 16. and with hope that the Lord in due time may graciously convince such who are in the present difference most culpable And I should hope that more tender and affectionat condescendence in the way of dealing with such might tend more to reclaime and recover than any violent and peremptory way 2. Because if such an uniting in unquestionable duties should cease untill there be a full union in judgment amongst the truely godly what times of the Church have been favourable that we could then ever hope or essay any concord in duty 3. That it is sure the most eminent Instruments in the work of the Gospel both in the primitive times and since the Reformation have been oft at a very sad difference amongst themselves in the matters of truth whose concurrence otherwise in carrying on the work of the Lord hath been most remarkeably sealed with a blessing 4. That a bearing and forbearing in many differences of judgment amongst the godly for the Churches peace and without any involvement in the sin of others hath not been hitherto questioned by the greatest lights and witnesses to the truth in these late times especially where both the doctrine and Government of the Church hath been in the great and weighty concernes thereof adhered to Thus blessed Calvin doth so pressingly obtest the English Congregation at Francfort for a tender bearing and mutuall forbearing amongst themselves in that present difference was then with respect to the circumstances they stood under and for the truths sake though he was far from owning that party in that wherein the rest of their brethren had been sohighly grieved PROP. V. Is it not one of the great concernes and trials of Christian wisdome in the Church how to apply the rule in things lawful and commanded with a due regard to edification in such a case I propose this on these grounds 1. The express warrant of the Scripture 1 Cor. 10 23. all things are lawfull but not expedient all things are lawfull but edify not 2. That this hath been one of the greatest depths of Satan to turn men over in the managing of a duty on another sad extreame as the very way to break it but he that handleth a matter wisely shall find good The way of the Lord and a closs adhering to his truth doth never of it self occasion a breach in the Church but what our corruption and unsuteable following of duty doth on either hand occasion nor is there any jarre except what is from our selves betwixt zeal and Christian prudence since these are both expresly enjoyned and equally obliging by the holy Ghost nor can they ever part but with a sad prejudice to the truth There is a holy contemperature of zeal meekness and love all which being from one and the same spirit do with a sweet onness necessarily concurre for the same end Nor can I possibly reconcile a being professedly hot in the one with being cold and unconcerned in the other except I should quite the revealed rule of our duty for both 3. Because the truth may get a very sore thrust by the manner of our contending for it the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace and both should be seriously adverted to that the cause of God be neither neglected nor yet prejuged through a non-suteable following thereof A wound needs both a tender and skilfull hand to handle it else it were easy to destroy where the case and present constitution of the patient is not considered a right O! if that Scripture were more practically owned for a humble tender condescendence in our dealing with others for the truths sake I was all things to all that I might gain some Our bitter hot and unadvised expressions may some times wrong the interest of our blessed Master more than we may find easy with our furthest work to recover PROP. VI. Is there not ground both to fear and watch against a giving any thrust at the credit and repute of the Ministers of Christin our Church who in this hour of tentation and after many sore wrestlings and differences have yet obtained mercy to stand and suffer against prelacy what ever cause they may have to weep before the Lord over themselves for saddest failings and unanswerableness to the work of their day I most propose this on these grounds 1. Though I would be far from judging it to be designed yet ex intentione operis is it not too visibly inductive concurring with the same end and interest both of the Prelatick party and Quakers and thus may give a sadder thrust than is apprehended at the propheticall as well as the kingly office of our blessed head 2. That this upon the matter is some way all one as to silence them and cast them out of the Church since it must needs tend to disable and render them useless in their Masters work what ever tends to break their credit as Ministers of the Gospel And should it not be deeply considered if the charge be such and of that necessity to follow for making them in a manner contemptible to the people as the labour and fervice of such this day in the vineyard of the Lord may amount to 3. What help thus can the poor
on a small remove and secession in our Church fellowship such have made more haste than good speed nor have found it easy after to fixe untill they have been a length their heart would some time have trembled at yea thus besides the wounding the heart of the godly darkning the glory of 〈◊〉 Gospel and shaking the faith of many have been forced to run on saddest inconveniences and new principles to maintain their way What ever length the difference about the publick resolutions of late came to which was a visible presage of the stroak that after came yet was there no dashing on such a rock as this is now And we may know that what ever tends to divide amongst the godly or betwixt people and Ministers gets but too easy an hearing oft amongst many it is so sib to our corruption and one of the strongest lusts of the flesh 3. Is there not an undoubted necessity this day to essay to the farthest an union and healing in the Church when of no less import than the keeping up of the worship of God the salvation of the people the credit of the Gospel and a preventing the stumbling of many now in such visible hazard which are more than our souls are worth And can we see how these shall be safe if this breach be still widned The longer continuance will make it the more difficult to heal when on all hands we are made to mourn and see the issue which we would not formerly believe and is not this a strange rent and distemper in a day when the Lord hath cast us all down that our great work should be to bear down others with such a pronness to take offence as well as there is in giving it is one of the high provoking causes of wrath and judgment which as in greatest letters I must say hath been write before our eyes in the late providences of this time 4. Since each is concerned to prove his own heart and work herein and what may be his accession to so highly a provoking guilt and stroak as threatens no less than an utter quenching the light of the Gospel in Scotland and to be overwhelmed with Popery Atheisme and all ungodliness which so much gain ground by our breach It were well if there could be so impartiall a search herein and triall more of our selves than by rolling it over on others what may be our part therein and if these things bring not a sad involvement in such a guilt 1. When there is no tender abstaining from harsh censuring of others 2. When there is a pressing more of that which tends to divide than what there is to unite and in how far we are still one in our former principles 3. When high prejudice and alienation of affection is not closly watched against which like the predominant humour of the jaundice will quickly present all things in the same colours and make it difficult to judge of the way of others we differ from without a sad by ass 4. When contendings even for the truth are more passionat and breaking than with humble seriousness to be rationally convincing and healing which is so unlike the way of the Lord and in being defamed yet to intreat 5. When there is not some study to walk closs together in so far as we are one and mutually convinced which I am sure would help to come more neer in what is now the matter of difference I must here confess for my self it hath been heavy on my spirit that I did not with more seriousness and according to my small measure move herein when last in my own countrey and had so neer a prospect of these deplorable confusions nor have been under that suteable weight as such a time calls for when the Church there is as strugling betwixt life and death though I may say it hath oft made me covet a hiding and more abstractness from so sad a noise but O blessed they to whom it it shall be given to stand in such 〈◊〉 breach this day so as it may be convincingly evident the zeal of God and a healing spirit do most sweetly concurre 5. And what can we possibly answer to our own conscience and to all the Reformed Churches this day yea at the appearing of Jesus Christ that now the poor Church of Scotland when in the furnace and so long in a suffering condition is like to be more ruined by our selves than by other Adversaries and such a sore rent now amongst these who are still one in doctrine worship and Government and we hope have access to the Father by the same spirit as have in a sad measure broke up Church fellowship in the Gospell ordinances and in the most concerning duties of Christian society amongst many yea this to be still growing and yet no essay nor endeavour to prevent such a ruine that is like to be entailed even on the offspring and what may be the thought of the generation that succeeds when so deplorable a history shall be put on record SECTION II. IT may be strange and matter of astonishment this day what so severe a stretching of that controversy about the late Indulgence in our Church and bringing things to such ane extreme can possibly meane As though no party else were to contend with when the whole of Religion is like to be swallowed up betwixt Popery Prelacy and Atheisme and that the peace and true edification of the Church were now so low and cheap as to sacrifice them upon such ane account yea while so many are in that hazard to be shaken as they are like to lose all setted perswasion of the truth but since such stresse hath been by some layed on these grounds adduced in the late History of the Indulgence for not hearing or receaving the ordinances of the Gospell from such Ministers as have accepted thereof to a further widening thus of the breach and that I have been expresly referred thereto as a full answer to what is held forth in the forgoing Paper or whatever can be said to the contrary I was pressed to some perusall thereof so far as to know whence a conclusion so strange and of so high and universall concern to all the Churches could possibly be inferred or established by any who admit the Truth and Authrity of the Scriptures and these principles wherein we have hitherto walked But ere I touch this more particularly I must to prevent mistakes premitt some few things in the entry First That it is sure the question of Separation is one of the most difficult things and lyes more in the dark then most things that are controverted and that all acts of extremity such as this should be with greatest reluctation and on convincing and necessary grounds followed nor can we ever see such away hath in any time been blessed how favourable soever it might seem in the eyes of some which hath tended to perplex and precipitantly to break a poor Church and
Lev. 19 19. for if this sayes he should be allowed that I might unbrother and cast out of heart and fellowship every one whom I offend at and conceaves to walk inordinatly were first a pathway to perpetuall Schismes 2. A violation of all Laws of Christian fraternity and communion 3. A dissolving and breaking all Church communion and it is strange sayes he that some would have Christs order keeped in private offences done by one Brother to another and not the same in publick offences where one may offend a whole Church IV. Ground this is a practise which is stated against the very rule nature and end of Church communion in falling of from hearing upon that head of the indulgence which may be demonstrable to any on these grounds 1. That according to this rule the sin nor notoriely of corruption in Church offices does not corrupt or defile the ordinances because these are the ordinances of Christ otherwayes they should have a necessary dependance on and be of more or lesse value according to the dispensers but I grant that may detract from our joy and comfort in partaking thereof which yet does no way reach the validity of the ordinances 2. That it is sure sad differences both in judgment and practise in the Church may be consistent with the nature and ends of that blessed unity which Christ doth require there and with a keeping of from partaking of the sin of others 3. That Church Acts even of these who are not Pastors according to Gods heart tho externally called may be to themselfes unprofitable and yet edifying to the Hearers nor can a greiving and offensive practise make their authority or acts void since such may have authority who have not approbation from the Lord in dispensing his ordinances and will any adventure to say that Jesus Christ hath either disowned or withdrawen from the Ministry of our Brethren who are thus deserted by many which I confesse is to me both sad and astonishing to see many now withdraw and rather keep their own house then concurre in publick worship with such where Christ in the power and efficacy of his word is yet to be seen if this be the cure that some pretends for our present distemper I must say it s more sad then the disease 4. If Church fellowship be truly understood it will not be so easy to break of there as many judged since all other safe meanes must needs be first essayed nor may we fasten a publick scandall on others especially upon officers of the Church without the furthest advantage to make it evident both to themselfes and convincing even to the conscience of others 1 Tim. 5 19. it is not a privilege of order only but of office that Ministers have to speak in the name of the Lord who hath said he that despiseth you despiseth me and to reject such is a higher guilt then to reject the same word in the mouth of a private Christian for they are the Messengers of the Lord of hosts and bears his impresse 5. This is a practise as hath therewith a fixing of such terms and conditions of Church communion which hath not been nor can be found in any preceeding records since the times of the Apostles and I judge it on speciall cause of these sad breakings now among us and that so many contend as them that beat the air their mistake and ignorance of the true nature and rule of externall communion in the Church for if this should be considered upon clear Scripture evidence as it was in the first planting of the Christian Church I should not then fear any publick rent on this late difference and that which is a necessary condition of Church communion I hope must plead some Scripture warrant for its imposition I know some will plead that this is but a departure in some degree of Church-fellowship which is both a poor and unwarrantable Apology since both the rule is thus far deserted and no ground to know where they may fix after but we have to visible ane account this day where this sad course hath already landed V. Ground that is sad a and unwarrantable practise which tends to cause division in the Church contrary to the doctrine we have receaved Rom. 15. which I am sure may be to evident pretend any to the contrarie what they will upon these grounds 1. That whatever was the first rise or occasion of the offence cannot be owned as the proper cause of such a formed rent as this now is since most sad offences hath been without any such effect especially when it was more upon practise then on any principles of truth and the killing of a patient by poyson through mistake of the true medicine can never be charged on this that the body was before in a sad distemper nor a misapplication of the meanes to cure a wound when it hath caused a gangren in the body be justly charged on the first giving of the wound since this otherwayes might have been safely healed 2. We know that for severall years after that accepting of the indulgence that difference both in jugdment and practise among us yet did cause no such effect but the work of the Gospell did then must discernibly prosper untill such violent essayes these two years now past hath been for bringing things to such ane extreme And Oh! from that sad period may be too discernibly dated some further degree of the Lords departure from among us and these deplorable effects of much blood devastation reproach weakening of the interest of Religion strenthening of the hands of Adversaries beyond all that hath been in former times and which hath encreased our bonds more then all our Adversaries could ever doe 3. If so severe a stretching of this late difference and loading of the practise of others with that which it could not bear if a carnall and violent way of following this debate a high crying up of such in whom their own image more then the image of Christ did appear and peremtory imposing their judgment without the least tender condescendence to these that differed from them doe necessarily tend to engender division in the Church and have ane undoubted causality from the very nature thereof to this end then it may be known yea I dare appeall any discerning Christian in the Church at whose door this must be layed and who hath most actively moved to put the poor Church in such a flame and this not upon any principle of truth which was on either side disowned but upon contraverted deductions from a different practise and application thereof this may be no lesse amazing then it is sad that the way of some now seems more how to dispatch things by censure and revilings then by arguments and by high words and invectives to exulcerate more then rationally to convince but a sharp censurer and a self searcher does rarely meet in one though none more usually needs the tender construction of
either hand 4. It needs be no strange thing or give any advantage to bring true Zeall under discredit that there may be a more impetuo us motion and making haste by some when they are out of the way then they were formerly for the truth it being too evident such as are once under the influence of delusion are also in that dreadfull hazard to be as winds carried about with a tempest but such is purezeal that tho it increas the streame it does not overflow its bankes nor wil breake the least comand for vindication of the greatest truth 5. There is such an indissoluble tye by the Holy Ghost betuixt true zeall and that Christian moderation which we should make known to all as none may divide but as the one tends to give life and intensness of Duty so is the other to resttaine all exorbitancy and keep this in its proper channell and that none be carried out beyond these just bounds measures which are so expressly set to us by the rule but so as that it be without any lukewarmness or abatement of servency in spirit for serving the Lord for where on either hand these are divided the credit of the truth and true interest of the Church must then needs suffer and get a sor wound 6. Ground of stumbling and offence which too visibly many are like to break on yea to take prejudice allmost against the whole ministry of our Church is that these who have had greatest weight and acceptance in the work of the Gospell and hath endured so much under many assaults these years past in their opposition to prelacy with some unansuerable conviction hereof I hope to the conscience of all and with a continued adherence to former principles are yet with such reproach so publictly thus followed even by professed friends ANSW Though I hope the perusall of what hath been already touched on this subject may have some weight both for clearing and in some measure to silence thes strange hightened prejudice of some this way yet since this is one of the greatest tryalls of a Minister of Christ both on the account of their work and the credit of their blest Master who accounted them worthy to put into his service and that many are thus in hazard to be shaken I must yet further speak but a few things thereto 1. That what ever may be their part who hath taken most liberty this way yet should we reckon it is our sins that is their strength and much unansuerableness to so high and holy a calling for which the holy God doth thus call to a humble and serious self judging before him and more deep tryall of our own hearts and way with that fear least our sins should finde us out if we be not concerned to finde them and lay the same to heart tho I hope such yet darre with some confidence leave their cause before the Lord to plead herein against the unjust reproach of men 2. It'should be no strange thing now what in all tymes hath been the lot of the most serious Ministers of Christ even when they have had a most sweet and sensible seall of his acceptance in their work to have no other requittall from men then contempt and hatred who yet for the truths sake have with the furthest tenderness sought to gaine such to the way of the Lord yea have had the tryall of such extreams as to be reviled by these who sometimes would have plucked out almost their eyes for them 3. But it is sure the Holy Ghost hath with no lesse expresseness put a guard about the repute and credit of a Minister of Christ then about their calling for which read 1 Tim. 5. 19. 1. Thess 5. 12. 13. yea these are so straitely conjoined as what ever tend to discredit their persones must needs tend also to weaken the weight and authority of their message on the conscience of the hearers and is this of small regard now with many and to be without any dread least in so farre the blood of souls be charged on them in the day of the Lord who by such notour reflections and without any just caus or calling thereto did thus beget such a prejudice and contempt as to have the lesse reckoning made of the word of truth delivered by them In this I must here exoner my own conscience upon so publict a sin and of such sad conseqence to the Churches hazard which seems so little to touch this day 4. Hath it been yet ever seen that where the Ministers of Christ hath had no suteable weight and acceptance of their persons for their works sake in any place bot there also was a most visible abatement of peoples respect and love to the truth and of any true grouth amongst them under the ordinances nor know I an advantage which the envyous man could more desire to sow tares in the vineyard of the Lord then this is when prejudice jealousy and disrespect comes once to any height what ever pretences it may go under against such who are in deed the messengers of truth and dispensers of his ordinances 5. And I hope there is just ground to account such the undoubted Ministers of Christ in our Church and who shall be thus owned in the day of his appearance yea who have had a convincing seall to their ministry on the hearts of many who for ministeriall abilities soundness in the faith and being made examplary to others in humility tenderness of walk love and fervent desire for gaineing of souls to Christ would have been reckoned with the highest respect in the first primitive times of the Church who yet hath been this day exposed to the furthest revilings of some And tho it is not the naked testimony or respects of men that by such would be either sought or satisfying but how to have this inforced on their conscience by a convincing witness and example of a serious Ministeriall practice yet should it not be strange that such be to the furthest concerned to manitaine the credit authority of their ministry which is not theirs but their Masters 7. Ground of prejudice against the truth which is now highly pretended is not only upon the strainge and highly irregular actings by some as may seem visibly inductive to greatest confusion and disorder bot that these have been owned and supported by such principles congruous thereto as seem in compatible both with the practice and profession hitherto of our Church ANSW Whatever advantage hath been given by any thus to reflect which I may with some confidence say in behalf of the most serious Non conformists of our Church have been as a sword in there bones even beyond their own personall sufferrings because of the voice of him who reproacheth yet since many are thus ready to stumble and knows not what a sore woe and judgment offences are to such as make so sad an use thereof yea which may be feared this day are glad