others then such this hath been to known an evill in our Church VI. Ground this practise seemes ane expresse violation breach of Covenant wherein we are so solemnly engaged before the Lord which I know not how any possibly can evade when we are no lesse solemnly engaged there against Schism then either Prelacy or Erastianisme and if this be not ane unwarrantable Schism and renting of the Church I know no such charge could have been given against any since the primitive times and that on these grounds 1. That by Schisme is not to be understood a dividing from the doctrine but from the communion of the Church and that it tends to a disyointing from the body thus we finde even in the most pure times of the Church these put in a peculiar class and looked on with no lesse dread and fear as such who did oppose the doctrine of the Church and it is but to manifest that in all times the most destroying errors hath been still grafted on this stock whilst on the other hand the more near fellowship with our blessed head is keept up and where the life and power of godlinesse is much in exercise the more hath this sad rock been keept of as the more near the lines are to the center the more near are they and close to one another 2. It is clear also from the Apostles dealing with the Church of Corinth and about which he used such sharpnesse that they took a divided way of communicating and going about other duties as tending to make a breach and Schism then in that Church whatever gave the rise thereto se 1 Cor. 11 18 19. yea does thus rebuke them not only that some said they were of Paull and others of Apollos but even these that said they were of Christ so far as this upon the manner was in a contentious and divided way since of him and him alone must the whole Church be named 3. It hath not hetherto been under debate from the Scripture and doctrine of the Reformed Church thereannent to be ane unquestionable Schisme where there is a departure from that union in the publick worship and ordinances of the Gospell in which they had formerly walked and thus a dividing and designed falling off from the same without any just cause or warrant from the Scripture to a publick disturbance of that order appointed by Christ in his house yea contrary to that commanded love tenderness prudence and forbearance so expresly required of Church members towards one ane other and to his blessed authority who has so clearly warranted such a forbearing with these as in some things may be contrary minded upon different apprehensions of the truth so far as both love amongst themselfes the publick peace of the Church may not be thus disturbed it is sure the choisest of the saints doeth carry to heaven with them both errors mistakes and prophesieing in part and some overclouding must still be of the brightest stares while they shine here Oh! if that now which is the present cause of these differences were but once brought to that rule of the word should it not inforce many to be a wonder to themselfes at the strange way they have been upon and whether they have been carried in this deplorable rent of whose seriousness otherwise I doe not question VII Ground this is a practise contrary to most expresse Scripture commands for forbearance and condescendence among the godly in breaking times which we may not only see Rom. 14 3 4 5. Eph. 4 2 3 4. 1 Cor. 9 19. 20. but that it was for this end the Spirit of God doe enjoine the same that there may be no breach or rent in the Body of Christ about which he hath so tender a care and is such a forbearance as we finde expresly commanded in this very case upon a controverted practise of the Church and difference of judgment therein whatever upon the one side might be more culpable herein then upon the other as is clear in that debate about meats 1 Cor. 11. and Oh! what can it mean Whiles both our duty and remedy doth here meet at once yet this should have so litle weight with us at this day for if such a commanded forbearance can have no place among these who are one and agreed in this same principles even in the point controverted and only differ in the application yea are mutually perswaded of others sincerity I know no place then it could have ever had since there was a Christian Church which hath put me to some astonishment what the peremtory way of some can intend and to obstruct ane union in the way of the Lord only fought without ceding in any truth or being put to condemn any thing they judge lawfull or approve what they judge sinfull in the way of others and if this be denyed I would desire then to know what sinfull complyance or yeelding in any concerne of the truth can be herein challenged or if such a suteable essay hash yet been for a tender serious communeing with such they keep so great a distance with to meet and concurre in what are uncontroverted duties in such a day But oh the temper of this time seems more now in passion than argument which is so naturall and pleasing an evill as the most expresse authority of the Scripture is not like to restraine I must adde this further to be considered if such a departure from Church fellowship should be admitdon this head of the late indulgence and the discretive judgment of any which can only be pretended here stretched to such a hight as without the Church to impose this which is of so publik and universal concerne on the conscience of the people these consequences of greatest import must need follow 1. To breake up Church fellowship and communion with most all the Reformed Churches this day yea is a caice and practice under these circumstances it is now stated as will finde no precedent even from such who have formerly most pleaded for separation who did never own this on any such ground as a different practice upon various apprehensions thereof among such who are most intirely one in the same doctrine and principles 2. This also must follow to withdrauw from Fellowship in hearing of the most choice and eminent Non-conforme Ministers now in the Church of England whose liberty they had for a peaceable accesse to their publick meetings some years now past was of that same nature and in al 's expresse termes one with this indulgence Yea it must necessarily tend like wayes to fall of communion in publick with the whole Ministry of the Belgick Church which to the furthest conviction of any who will question this can be demonstrat on clearest ground 3. Nothing can be more evidently contrair then this practice is to the known judgments of the old Non-conformists yea of such who have been most eminent both in the Churches of Old and New-England of
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
as a testimony thereto with greatest respect is then necessarily called for when a publick opposition is made to the same 2. That this great truth of the visible Kingdome of Jesus Christ over his Church and its independance on the Magistrat and his being the alone supreame head and Lawgiver thereto is of such high concerne and elevation as we should not count our life dear if called of the Lord to be offered up as a Sacrifice thereon yea that a publick testimony should be then more specially owned thereto with a clear and distinct sound when so visibly opposed as in this day 3. That is must on all hands be confessed a sad decay of a true publick spirit now amongst us and of that zeal integrity and watchfulness for the things of God and deep impression of the Covenant with God these nations are so solemnely engaged to as hath formerly been with too sad and unsensible a wearing out from under former impressions of duty in this long continued triall now in the Church and that success which seemes to wait on a sinful course for which all of us have cause for being deeply humbled before the Lord this day 4. I would hope also this will not be under debate that an endeavour for a safe union and without any prejudice to the truth amongst these who have been helped in this day to witness and suffer against prelacy and are one in the great concernes of truth godliness is both a commanded and indispensibly necessary duty and will be found as expresly charged upon us as any duty I know in the Scripture 5. That there may be differences in a purely Reformed Church in matters of truth consistent with mutuall edification and without any division or breach amongst such yea that such will be still here whilst we know but in part 6. This concession I hope may not come under question that it is a part of our guilt this day our not being more suteably affected with both the sin and judgment of this present rent and division as we ought when our Master hath so expresly told that a Kingdome divided against it self cannot stand and no less thus threatned than the utter dissolution of such a Church 7. That there is now need of more closs correspondence and personall freedome with greatest tenderness to be managed in this present difference with other since they may thus tear one another at a distance before they understand them and that prejudice thus entertained with personal reflections and alienating of affection must necessarily tend on every hand to widen the breach 8. That this deplorable rent now amongst the godly hath that sad gravamen therewith that it is a striving and devouring one another in the furnace whilst so sore pressed otherwise under the cross yea in the publick view of all our Adversaries who so eagerly thus watch for our halting 9. That there is a great hazard in credulity and easy entertaining reports to the prejudice of others in a time when too many seem designedly to tread in the dark this way as if it were to promot a party rather than to seek the truth and follow an interest on the ruine and fall of the repute of others who have had a most sweet savour in the Church of Christ and been much blessed for the edification of many this we may fear is one of the provoking evils in this time and as a smoak in his nostrils who hath said such as sow discord amongst brethren are an abomination unto him Pro. 6 19. and hath cursed such as smiteth his neighbour secretly Deut. 27 24. which may be no less sad and sore by smiting by the tongue than by the sword 10. I hope this also will be mutually granted that a safe managing of differences and rents amongst the godly in so breaking a time as this is one of the most difficult things in Christianity so hard it is to get our own spirits kept out to reach that tender and due regard to present circumstances for publick edification yea to be kept in an humble and spirituall frame in such a case and to have the life of grace kept in vigorous exercise so as thus to have pride wrath and bitterness of spirit made to melt down in meekness humility and love Having premitted these few Concessions which may be found of some weight in this sad case we are now in I must humbly offer these following Proposals to be considered PROP. I. Should we not with greatest fear and trembling look on a breach and rent of the Church and amongst the truely godly in this day on these grounds 1. That it so expresly controlls the authority of our great Master who hath enjoyned by such reitereated commands love and concord amongst his Disciples so as I can find no duty in the New Testament with more frequent obtestations and arguments pressed than this And though it is unquestionable that some must be more culpable in the cause of the difference than others yet doth he press thus with such vehemency and without any such reserve to sist untill there should be an intire onness in judgment amongst themselves else there were no such difficulty or neid of it to be thus pressed 2. That it was his dying charge Joh. 15 17. to love one another and to guard against any breach amongst themselves and seemes to have been the thing his heart was most fixt on when he was to leave the world as a witness of their being his Disciples and that the world might know him to be sent of God Joh. 17 21. and thus be for a testimony to the truth of the Gospel and to enforce a conviction of the excellency of Christianity and doctrine thereof on the greatest Atheists 3. And may we not see these prejudices which follow on a formed and growing breach of the Church are oft such as the cause and occasion thereof do bear no proportion thereto when brought to the Test of that great rule of Christian love in its due latitude as prescribed by our blessed Master yea that thus there is a being so sadly engaged in disputings sidings with parties with such exasperation of spirit and neglecting of these offices of love we ow to others 4. That we may see such a sad rent the more it is followed the more it becomes a labyrinth and maze and no way found thus to get out but that by which they first entered 5. That conspicuous beacon also which in all ages hath been set hereon may make us tremble hereat and how this hath resolved not only into strife debate confusion and disturbances both publick and private but to hazard the very ruine and dissolution of such a Church We find Salvian shewing that this was one of the saddest presages of that desolating stroak that came upon the Affricain Churches and we may see the very first visible degenerating of Christianity in the primitive times begin here for it is at such a
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
hope through grace shall never take place of there being no preaching Ministry els in the whole Church and thus doeth lay down a new rule and precedent buit with that disadvantage that I humbly judge its greatest weight and inforcement most be from the authority of the imposers though of such ane import as upon the matter it is noe less then to sentence yea some way unchurch all these congregations who own adhere to their Ministry I thought it a grave remark of a choise and eminent Minister of Christ in thir late times upon this head I could sayes he relate many sad stories of persons professing godliness who out of dislike begane at first to separate from our Church meetings and after many changes are turned now some Quakers some Ranters and Atheists these are his very words with this reason he did give thereof that such as fall off from the publick worship are like a Man tumbling down a hill that never leaves till he come to the bottom SECTION III. BUt that there may be upon such sad differences a right understanding of the question and a moving on clear grounds which hath been rendered so perplex dark by to visible essayes for making things seem greater then they are I must come more near to touch this present controversy and Oh! what can this meane the poor Church all in a flame yea almost to a being utterly broke and the cause so litle understood but many thus thrusting at others in the dark and I am sure when mens eyes shall be opened and these muddy waters become clear that such as shall be keept from a being swallowed up in that whirlepit of error and delusion will then wonder how their spirits should have been thus entangled in so high breakings and animosities on such a ground as this and be enforced to see that it was not so much upon the matter of any difference in light and judgment as a dividing spirit which in the holy righteousnesse of God is now too much aloft this is indeed a great and boisterous winde which is renting the poor Church but the Lord is not there except that wee may see it one of the saddest tokens of his displeasure But since on a clear stating of this controversy the issue and a right judging thereof necessarily depends and that we may understand wherein the present difference does mostly I shall offer some important questions on this account to be considered QUEST I. What the indulgence is About which so high and continued a breach is thus in our Church for I have found a strange noise and clamor by some upon this account who did not yet understand what this truly was besides that astonishment that it causeth to strangers abroad about what the Church of Scotland is this day in such a flame I shall give but this short and plain account of it It was ane order and appointment of the Magistrate to some Non-conformed Ministers who were expresly named to repaire to such places and remaine there confined permitting and allowing them to preach and exerce the others parts of their ministeriall function in the said respective places or parishes where they were thus confined This is the very substance of the last act of indulgence of date Sept. 3. 1672. and the former Act of Indulgence which preceeded some years before that being upon the matter one and the same only without any sentence of Confinement I need not further mention that about the acceptance of this there was some difference in judgment amongst the most serious both Christians and Ministers in our Church and with some free plain and tender communing among themselfes upon such ane account but I may say without any designed tendency to any such breach as some of late have made it their very work to promote QUEST II. It may be needfull to know how far there is yet ane undenyable onnesse and agreement among the true Non-conformed Ministers and Professours of our Church notwithstanding of this present difference about the accepting of the Indulgence to which I must answer in these few 1. That we are one in a joint confession and publick owning of the same doctrine worship and Government as formerly whatever by all of us should be sadly regrated as to the want of that freedome in such a publick testimoy thereto before Adversaries as these sad encroachments hath been made upon the Government of the Church established by our blessed Head and Master did in this day require 2. That whatever hath been thus wanting in practise Oh! that we could truly mourn over the same yet are we still one and agreed upon both sides in a declared and I hope serious disowning both Prelacy and Erastianisme as contrary to the Scripture 3. In this also are we one that whatever the Magistrate hath assumed yet that he hath no just right and power or is in the least proper for him to judge of the spirituall condition and state of the people as to the fittednesse of Ministers for labouring amongst them and thus to make application of persons to particular places for the exercise of their Ministry there which is alone proper and competent to the ordering and cognition of the Church this so far as I know is upon no side either owned or approven 4. Herein likewayes doe we jointly agree that to none it belongs but to our blessed Head and Lawgiver to prescribe and give rules to his servants for the exercise of their Ministry and that these rules we can only own and acknowledge which he hath given for the same to us in the Scripture QUEST III. I know it is of greatest weight now to be considered and wherein the state of this controversy much lyes if there be ground or warrant from the Scripture and doctrine of the Reformed Churches to break of Church communion with these who have accepted of this late Indulgence and refuse such as the Ministers of Christ and by his autority dispensers of the mystery of the Gospell upon this present difference now held forth I know they doe not assert in that History of the Indulgence this to be simpliciter sinfull to hear either such or the Curats but it is only in case that no preaching Ministry were else in the land otherwayes doth most expresly allow and warrant a forbearing to hear such as these who hath fallen under no lesse then a judiciall forfeiture of their Ministry in so far as they have accepted of that Indulgence and herein doth in effect impose upon the conscience of the people to rack and disquiet their minde so as many through fear and ignorance upon this account knowes not what to doe Now to this question I must give this plain and expresse answer that it seemes a most convincingly sinfull and offensive practise without any just cause or warrant followed which I here offer to demonstrate from these following grounds I. That no Scripture command or warrant is for the
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
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