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
joint acknowledging of the same principle about which some difference may be in the application thereof to some particular caice 8. I shall but adde that it 's known what sweet harmony and onenesse of heart hath sometimes been among such as did Professe the truth of all ranks in our Church and in a fixt adherence to the same cause and how it was at a sad ebb that some differences broke up amongst the most eminently godly both Ministers and professors there for some time on that head of the publick resolutions though without any formed breach or schisme but after among such who thus differed a most sweet concord and concurrence in a joint opposition against prelacy and to suffer rather then in the least to consent thereto did follow yea though since amongst the most serious Non-conformists a greater freedom hath been in the judgment and practice of some then others for hearing of Conformists to prelacie yet so farre as I know hath it been with a due and tender respect as was suteable to keep of either dividing or alienation in such a caice but oh it must be confest to what a hight have these late confusions and breaches amongst us come and what fewel this hath been to a great increase of sin yet is there one ground to hope when almost there seemes no comforting signe els that he who hath seen our wayes can he all them also by a marvellous surpriseal of grace 2. Prejudice it which is by some highly entertained in these times for their own breaking is the perplexedness and hesitation they are in what way to choice when the truth seems now involved in such a confusion of different judgments and such visible contradictions amongst professors thereof For Answer if no thing were to shake or offend there should then be no tryed establishment yet since this seems one of the saddest diseases of the time in many's being soon saken in minde with such wavering and unsettledness in the truth I must speak a few words thereto to witness what greatest advantage such as desire to walk in the light may have to hold fast the profession of their faith without wavering and for the furthest quiet and assuring of their heart therein on these grounds 1. That the Scripture is so near these living oracles of truth which do with so clear and distinct a sound speake if men had but ears to hear 2. That the Lord hath given to his people a spirit of discerning in some greater and lesser measure so as to prove all things by a serious personal tryal yea that none needs receive the truth upon trust or to lean on the authority or example of any herein but to judge their own eyes and conscience should be al 's faithfull to them as any 3. He hath given also as a special help a fixt Ministry to his Church yea for this very end Ephes 4 14. that we should henceforth be no more Children tossed to and fro with every winde of doctrine and therefor with a divine mission hath given such spiritual gifts as the necessity and service of the Church may require for interpreting and clearing up of what may be the counsel and minde of the Lord to his Church according to his own word 4. That the most weighty things of religion both as to faith and practice are not interested in most of these sad contests which are now amongst but he hath so graciously condescended that what we should most live by should not cost us so dear and that the greatest subtilties and most intricate controversies which are so oft in the Church ye most out of our way yea such as should cause no trouble or disquiet of minde herein 5. Is not also most clearly sheued us how we may know our being led and kept in the way of truth and what should qualify and make us meet for the blest conduct and teachings of the spirit by his word such as a holy fear and sincere resignation of the soul thereto meekness humility with a fixt and serious resolving to close therewith how crosse however it should be to our own private affection and credit 6. There is this advantage to know that blest and approven way wherein we may have peace as that in which the footsteps of the saints and so innunerable a company hath gone before who received the spirit this way and with greatest assurance did know the truth of that seal on their own soul so as after no new or strange light we need to inquire 7. And hath not the meanest of the saints these peculiar 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and marks whereby to discerne the way of truth in a dark and trying time by plainest Scripture light both for clearing and confirming of their minde herein 1. That we should follow these things which tend to peace and to edify Rom. 14. 19. For thus surely does the way of truth tend to build and not to cast doune and if many caices which some does now agitat with much disquiet both to themselfs and others were more brought to that great rule of solid edification I should not fear that so much time should be lost therein 2. It is sure the way of truth must be stil rationally convincing such as doth persuad by teaching and to fix and clear the judgment before the will by manifestation of the truth to mens conscience for thus we are taught and be alwayes ready to render a reason of the hope that is in yow with all meeknesse and fear 1 Pet. 3. 15. 3. Such is this blest way as it is cautious and advertant to hazard on each hand and to guard against the dephts of Satan as well as to resist his fury a way which lyeth betuixt extreams either on the right or left hand for thus we are taught 2 Cor. 6. 7. 2 Cor. 11. 14 2 Thess 2. 2. 4. It is such a way as leadeth us to regard the special varying of a caice as to some present duty with a due respect and ballancing of circumstances and to see that the same way at all times is not to be followed in our practice since what may be most requisite and edifiing some time and in one caice may be destructive in another for this hath the Holy Ghost shewed that all things are lawful but not expedient 1 Cor. 10. 23. 5. Thus we may know and discerne the truth and way thereof which is according to godliness Tit. 1. 1. when it is such as visibly tend by its power and efficacy on the heart to heal the distempers of the minde and judgment and by practical obedience to a more full assurance of understanding in themselves and may thus see its very native result and tendence is to make professours of the truth humble meek sober and temperat in their personal conversation yea tender to provoke or excite the corruption of any 6. Is ther not this necessare tendence also of the revealed way of truth to walk wisely
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
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
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
hearing and joining in the publick Ordinances knowes not where to finde themselfs or to be in one measure in such a caice I desire to speake this with a tender respect to such who I darre not question hath had a serious regard to the truth yet hath not been awarre of the subtilty of this snare and with hope that upon serious after thoughts some more fixt uniting both in judgment and heart may yet follow amongst all who are indeed lovers of the truth in our Church with some more suiteable fear to dash againe on such a rock yea to see how true and sweet a consistence may be betwixt Zeal and fervency for the Lord and that humble fear and tendernesse in our private judgment in such a difference as this where on no side the truth is denyed so as to keep of any publick rent in the Church QUEST IV. Which may be yet needful to touch on these late publick differences if it be either matter of duty or expedient and for edification to bring these in publick and engadge the people therein and if some forbearance thus by Ministers of the Gospel be not in such a time and under these circumstances we stand called for For clearing of which I hope there is no debate upon that great duty of a faithful and free wairning against publick sins and though with a suiteable prudence yet impartially to apply the rule against them and to shew both the duties and dangers of the time but I humbly judge no justleing will be found here with a tender abstinence and forbearance in such a caice as this where a different judgment and practice is now amongst the most serious godly and faithful Ministers in our Church who yet does so jointly concurre and are one in the same truth upon these grounds 1. That this can not be pleaded as a publick Testimony to the truth as it thus reflects on the practice of their Brethren with whom they differ on whom no disouning or opposing of the same Without the furthest breach of charity can be thus fixt nor is this before any such as are the known and publick adversaries thereto or upon any visible hazard Luke 21 12. When you shall be brought before Kings and rulers for my names sake this shall turne to you for a testimony but I must say the tendencie of such ordinare and publick reflections is rather like to darken the credit and beauty of so great and honourable an appearance as a Testimony indeed for the truth is and if these necessare requisites thereto according to the Scripture were this day more understood there could not be so ordinare a pretending of this 2. I would know wherein this way is usefull or expedient to most of hearers who can so little judge on these things We are indeed called to declaire the whole counsell of God Acts. 20 27. But this is most evidently qualified by the same Apostle verse 20. that he kept nothing back hereof which might be profitable for them and thus expresly showes what bounds Ministers hath sett herein by the holy Ghost in their delivering of the message of God to his Church that it be not only truth but such as may be for the edification of these they preach to 3. Since it is clear that positive duties do not binde ad semper and no cause can be now pleaded in this caice for guarding against any present snare or hazard to the Church should not the inconvenience which the contentious keeping up of these differences may occasion have more weight with us which the Apostle so sharply rebukes 1 Cor. 11 16. But if any seem to be contentious we have no such custome nor in the Church of God and oh that the losse and gaine herein were more impartially weighted what both the Lucrum cessans and Damnum emergens hath been this way 4. And is this so small a thing as may seem to some to bring in publick and before the Church so high a charge of Erastianisme and defection from the truth against these their Brethren who are thus as expressely pointed at as they were named since it is sure there can be no publick rebuke and admonition before the people as this most evidently is but as a publick Church censure and juridical act of Discipline yea which is no lesse manifest then that of excommunication and if so publick a violation of that order which our blessed head hath expressely fixt for his Church be so lightly regarded where are we Nor can this be pretended as a doctrinal reproof which is such an applying of the rule against sins of the time must as stil leave the particular application thereof to their own conscience who are thus guiltie without any expresse designing of particular persones where no judicial procedour and conviction by the Church hes gone before but here is a most publick and expresse fixing of so sad a scandal even before the Church against so many particular Ministers of the Gospel who are still labouring in the vineyard of the Lord as if they were designed by name 5. And are not these unquestionable requisites for a publick reproofe not only their calling thereto that it be orderly and upon clearest evidence but that this be not exposed to any prejudicate exception from their way who do thus reprove which may be on too just ground feared this day that some have put themselves out of the furthest capacitie to edifie by any such mean from their own unsuteable manageing hereof 6 What if these who are thus so openly reflected upon should take the same freedom for publick contradiction Wherein would this quickly resolve but a furder growing scandall to ruine the Church and make way for the endlesse debatings which as the Apostle showes does rather engender Questions then any godly edifying in the faith We know the Apostle Paul withstood Peter to the face but it is observable on what ground it was stated that when Peter knew the differences then amongst these of the Jews and Gentiles who beleeved was such as should cause no rent or dividing thereon yet to please the Jews had withdrawn and separat from fellowship with the beleeving Gentiles yea that this rent was like to grow so as Barnabas also was drawn into the same dissimulation and thus a sad and ruining breach like to follow 7. Should we not be to the furthest tender of unsettling of the spirits of the people when so much allready shaken and in that manner now racked and tossed to and fro with every winde of Doctrine as many are like to losse all persuasion of the truth yea when it is so hard and all most impossible to keep some within any bounds and whilest thus the triumph of adversaries and strengthening the hands of the ungodly upon such strainge reflections brought in publick does visibly gaine ground and what interest can be thus pretended for the Church of Christ in so publick a going to Law with their