this clear the spotless way of the Lord and seall our instruction from what we have seen that when no answerable fruit is to such a season of the meanes of the Gospel as hes been of late nor ane embracing the truth in its simplicity and with desyre after the sincere milk of the word as might have been hoped for but a seeking more after new and strange doctrine and to follow these things which tended not to edify that so sad and dark ane ecclipse should follow Tho I hope some blessed fruit of these times past shall be yet found and abide with many O that after this a more fervent and serious respect to the ordinances of Christ might yet revive in our Land and a keeping close by this appointed way not only to beget but to confirme feed and make the saints perfect Ephes 4 12. I hope such as under these meanes hath known a neir and sensible fellowship with Jesus Christ with that ineffably sweet and fragant savour of his name and that surely he feeds his people there cannot at so easy a rate be taken off these breasts as too many of late hath been It is sure the more true growth and livly the work of grace is on the soul the more felt need and desyre will be then after the ordinances of Christ and it may be feared besides all we have seen if so sad a falling off from those be still owned as to reject the message of truth from such known godly and eminently qualified Ministers of Christ to his Church upon that pretence of the late indulgence leist they lose even what they had once attained when thus out of the way of the Lord and from under his promise for protection and being keeped from the prevalence of that spirit of error and delusion which by the very same entry hath now got such visible power on others I nothing doubt but many hath beene ingadged herein without fear or apprension of such hazard and as judging it duty and that some whose appearance this way hath had most weight and credit with others their heart would have trembled at what hath beene now seen to follow thereupon whilst the tendencie and product of such things hath out-rune so much their intent but it should be mater of grief to all what ground we have thus lost and what the great adversary of the Church hath gained to prejudge the interest of the Gospel 2. I must premit this further to be considered that it is not so much want of light as of practice which is the greatest let to the Churches cure and I would humbly offer some few things where both unquestionable duty and the remedy of these sore distempers now amongst us are joyntly obvious as we might yet hope to see another appearance on the Church when these are in earnest followed 1. To keep closse by the scripture with a sincere humble inquiry for light there and a more intire reference to its alone decision It is sure the conscience must be no rule to us nor can alter the nature of things to make that good which is evill but must have a rule for its selve nor is it further the voice of God then it is truely inlightened yea nothing hes beene more threatning to the Church then the strong impulses of one erring conscience which seldome keeps within any bounds And tho I would desyre with the furthest tenderness to speak in this present case so far as a necessare owning of the truth can admit yet I must say it hath beene to me one of the astonishing things of this day How such violence in driving this sad rent in our Church and on these grounds as hath beene pretended could seek shelter under this patrociny of the Scriptures of truth or plead its warrant from that blessed rule of the Gospel which is so expresse plaine and full herein and what should meane this strange halting if the Lord be God let us follow him and subject wholly to his word for at that bar only I hope it is we desyre to appear and be tryed what a sweet testimony will this then be on the soul of a dying Christian that the truth was so dear to them as no preingadgment nor any interest of their supposed credit did interpose between the authority of his word and their conscience or betwixt their conscience and a declaring the same to the world both for giving glory to the truth and the advantage and edification of others yea this from some of greatest repute in the Church hath tended to transmit their memorie with a most sweet savour and credit to after times 2. A serious inquiry and tryall by all of their own way with much fear and jealousy of themselves should be a blessed ingredient in our cure and relieffe this day when snairs and hazards are so thick spread and I think it may be now further convincing that whatever be the case of our Church such a way and methode was no sutable cure as did visibly tend to inflame the wound more then to heal nor that the wrath of man worketh the righteousness of God I hope a second inquiry and tryal by any of a serious spirit will let them yet clearly see that such pretences they founded on can never justify this late rent and falling of thus from Church fellowship where not only they could continue without sinne but with much hope of a blessing 3. And doeth not here both the rule of duty and our relieffe in this sad case convincingly meet in a seeking to overcome evill and privat injuries with good It is true this is a specialy pungent tryal and will not want some conflict but I am sure is found one of the choisest opportunities of a Christians life for theirafter peace yea the more wrestling may thus be upon special provocations and with some peculiar aggravating circumstances to reach this blessed victory over themselves the more comfort and joy will be upon their after thoughts heirof and I am sure thus is greater advantage for a just vindication by Christians of themselves whilst pressed thereto as this is with least bitterness or recrimination followed 4. It is clear that the spirit of God expresly cals for keeping a distance with such things as may tend to engender striffe and debate in the Church and not to edifie as our dutie and I think it may be too seen how sad influence this hath had to break the comfort and edification of Christian fellowship where once professors of religion hath beene involved in such a way There was no such practice or custome in these first pure times of the Church whilst the Apostles lived and was specially adverted to then but if any be contentious we have no such custome in the Churches of God 1 Cor. 11. 5. It is duty also for the furthest convincing tenderness to be used by such who through grace have beene keeped fixed for restoring of others with the spirit
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
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
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
dealing with his people that so straite and wearysome away should be here to an eternity of glory in that life which is to come and no getting there but thorow some degrees of sore breaking and anguish and going through a state of tryall befor that of enjoyment when they consider how unconceiveably great and excellent that state which is above is and their being trained in so sharp a a school of tribulation here shall at length tend to an unexpressible joy and comfort that ever they had such an occasion to prove their love and adherence to Jesus Christ and of crediting his truth against all visible grounds and in having with patience and hope got through such a throng of temptations when they thus see the most bitter grieving and difficult part of their warfare was but to make the victory more full and triumphant 3. Thus we might have a more clear and confirming look of the holy judgment of the Lord in the product of these sad breakings in our Church that when so strange a spirit hath been aloft and a strong affection in some without a humble and deliberat judgment it should at last resolve in a fervor of error and delusion yea to come that length of breaking down what they supposed to be bulding up and to adventure with greatest confidence for engadging the Holy God to a concurrance in these wayes which his word doth expressly testify against whilst so impatient to be touched herein as they have been ready to turne again and tear such who hath with tenderness sought their recovery But tho such sad things should deeply affect us yet there is no cause for stumbling to any pure religion and undefiled is the same this day that ever it was and the redeemed of the Lord are a broken and diseased company whielst here by the way full of sores and Distempers but all under cure which will ere long be perfyted and I hope through grace there is a generation of tender solid and humble Christians yet in our land who shall be owned and accepted at the appearance of Jesus Christ as this day I know on the earth and many much hid there but what is too visible the temper and complexion of this age may cause much fear upon these peculiar hazards professors now seem to be exposed to beyond former times when a forme of knowledge and the theory of practical religion hath so farr outgone tenderness and practice and become so much a matter of art and Invention whilst Christians formerly with a smaller measure of light and in a plainer dresse walked in the love and simplicity of the truth a bold and professing age where a too easy and suddain growth to a forward appearance amongst many hath so visibly out run a solid rooting in the truth and that fear and serious exercise on their own soul about their spiritual state and the soundness of conversion as hath sometimes been an age where it may be feared that not at a common rate many are like to adventure on the furthest hazard of perishing amidst these strange distempers in our Church but with highest pretences seem to out darre all means of conviction even while with greatest tenderness and love to their souls followed yea an age when that dreadful engine of Sathan is now so discernibly on foot and in such different formes and shape by the spirit of error and delusion to turne men off all setled persuasion of the truth and give the credit and interest of the Gospel a sorer wound then the open violence and rage of others hath yet ever done and is not here one sad influencing cause of so deplorable a State of the Church this day that many professing godlinesse in this age are not more taken up with the great and weighty things thereof and in these retired exercises which hath the clossest communication with the vitals of Christianity and so indispensibly necessar to a honourable appearance for the Lord in any publict duty and service of the time 4. What a choise study in so extreme an exigence now of the Church should this be to know and bring near by some more deep reflection thereon how great these things are which a humble and serious Christian hath to converse with and to oppose all his griefs and fears this day even when they seem to presse above measure which this might not only confirme but overcome the heart with unexpressible joy when he but thus alone reasons with himself 1. What ever shaking winds now blow almost from evry airth yet hath he firme and surest principles of trust for a safe founding the rest and peace of his soul and his security here is full though not his enjoyment yea what ever want now be of the certainty of adherence in resting on the truth with such full repose and quiet of minde he is called to yet he knowes thereis no want of furthest certainty of evidence 2. That not in a dream but in the most serious composure of spirit he can retire into the Gospel of Christ and there see how unexpressiblie blessed poor lost man is made by a redeemer on whom he hath choiced to have the exceeding riches of his grace shewed forth to all eternity yea this in so marvelous a way when no possible help could be found in us that the Holy God would take satisfaction to himself by himself not only to save his people but to preserve the rights of justice inviolable yea hath thus brought us under a Law to come and be blessed in his Son to whom he bears record that in him is life and an eternall salvation made sure 3. That the clear intent of this astonishing mistery is not only to save his people from wrath but to make them meet by the spirit of holyness for that state which is above since it is not pardon alone or a heaven without us can make any blessed untill the soul once be framed for it and this first begun and wrought there and now what hath a Christian this day to converse when amidst the multitude of his saddest thoughts he can with such assurance retire into the Gospel and thence look up to an eternity of glory as that which ere long he shall know and enjoy 4. That this is so sure for his confirming that such a signature and Impress of the Gospel in the truth and reality of holiness is to be seen this day in the earth I hope yet in innumereable instances even in these declining times with so visible an assimilation and likness to a higher state herein that if men but exerce reason they might see it is Sure a marvelous transforming power could ever make such a change and that miracles if rightly considered does not this day cease in the Church whilst so great a witness to the power and truth of godliness is continued 5. He thus sees that tho no resemblance of our blessed head hath been left to the Church of his human
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
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
having been kept on a serious watch agaist the dephits and subtility of Satan on the right hand no lesse then on the left which we might have seen too evidently in this late amazeing breach 1. By an overbending to break and take of from unquestionable duty by somes exacting on the conscience of others according to their measures and dictates beyond the expresse bounds and warrand of the word 2. By such a strange coincidence of seeming extreams that what hath been intentionally followed by open adversaries should be no lesse vigourously carried on by others ex intentione operis so as to run thus cross I doubt not to their own thoughts to obstruct the spreading of the gospel and bring the truth and profession thereof under discredit and I must add a too visible tendence of this way to such a precipice of resolving their light and confidence on extraordinare motions without a humble enquiry and tryall thereof by the Scripture so as some in outrunning the revealed rule of duty hath stumbled on the dark mountaines ere they were aware and lost their feet in seeking of wings to flee as may be for a sad warning to after times 2. This were a most suteable study in such a day how to walk wisely towards such as are without and what might most tend to gaine respect to the truth to convince and prevaile with mens conscience even of known and publict adversaries now in a time of so great reproach and it is sure these should be special advantages for such ane end 1. When the truth of holiness in convincing and visible realities of a Christians practise as are present before mens eyes does appear which was the glory of the Church in the primitive times who were then the first fruits of the Gospel among the gentiles that it was said they did not speak great things but live them and which was then specially noted by adversaries see how the Christians love one another for then did the love of Christ bear rule in his peoples heart but how sad an account is recorded in some ages after that no times had been more fertile of religions than these and of great contests this way but none more barren of religion in the truth and solidity thereof whilst it seemed rather the notion of religion most conversed with in such a Day then with the thing it self 2. When this doth appear under great tribulation for it is then both religion and these who professe it are at once proved and is assuredly one of the choicest opportunities of a Christians life to convince the world but oh it seems such a prospect of Christianity is now rare as the saints have had in former times or or such a conjunction as this when they received the word under great affliction but with a greater joy and comfort of the Holy Ghost 3. When a serious and tender way is followed by christians to gaine more upon mens judgment by a humble and rational account from the Scripture of their hope and practise then by a more confident and severe imposing upon their faith since it is sure the premisses and conclusion must be still relative and the truth much more hurt then helped when it is not in a convincing way commended to the conscience even of adversaries It is not sufferings but the cause that makes the martyre that it be indeed for the truth and no just ground of offence be by any given to darken the credit thereof and here there must be no redeming of the personall repute of any at so high a rate as a publick dash and prejudice to the honour and credit of the way of the Lord in this day 4. This also were a speciall advantage for gaining respect to the truth when in the room of sore and bitter compleanings the voice of joy and thanksgiving may be heard amongst such as own the way of the Lord this day even under all their griefs and pressures other wayes I write this under some conviction how rare such a study seems now to adorne the profession of the Gospel though it is sure none ever sought to finde the comfort and mercy of their lot for an excitement to this blest excercise of praise but found cause for it and how to be faithfull in a lesser measure but they found more added and how great a want this is and hinderance to the prayers of the Church this day is more then we seem to lay to heart yea how much thus the world is tempted to judge religion only a dead forme and that Christians do not in truth beleeve what they beleeve yea that they are few if any on the earth who walk suteably to such a hope and assurance of the glory which is to come I am sure as no serious and wise observer but might finde their being under some singular engadgments from what hath been the way of the Lords dealing with them so it is sad when these are more buried almost and forgot then searchd out under present and new trouble Some would judge a suteable accesse to give in their mite to this treasure a special enlargement and to own a peculiar debt to so great a duty for putting their seal to the truth and faithfulness of God this day and to bear a honourable witness to his way amidst all the changes and remarkably searching tryals have occurred in the course of their pilgrimage He is the rock his work is perfect and all his wayes are judgment a God of truth just and true is he Deut. 23. 3. O that men would praise him and that one generation would declare his works to another and transmit the memory of his goodness yea that such a blest conformity to the doctrin of Christ in humility love meekness bowels of compassion and overcoming evill with good might this day more appear as the world thus might be both judged and condemned in their own conscience thereby 3. This also might be a suteable and edifiing study for Christians in such a time for getting a clear sight of the way of the Lord amidst all these strange and amazing things which are before us both for their own strengthening and to justifie his holy and unspotted righteousnesse and thus to consider that what ever we now see yet it is so clear 1. That the glory of the Church militant and greatest triumph which the Gospel hath had since its first dawning in the world was yet never by any outward clam or prosperous state here but under tribulation and distresse in ignominy and contempt els I must confesse I have mistaken the Scripture and that thus the most Lucide intervals and sunshine hath been most usually short and not only a dark cloud but a seen necessity thereof hath still followed 2. And how sweet and confirming might such a clear prospect be now to a shaken Christian of the singular congruity of such a providence both to the revealed truth and infinit wisdom of God in his
appearance whilst he was in the earth yet is his undoubted Image and portraiture drawne to the life to be seen here in the truth and reality of holyness and how much should this commend and indear truth in the inward parts and tender walking with God unto christians that thus not only the reflection of his image on such may be convincing to the world in whom as so many mirrours he hath choised to shine forth and appear but that in this state of distance whilst they see him not whom their soul loves they may yet still wear his blessed portrature within on their heart and thus discerinbly see him there until they be taken up to himself for ever 6. Thus he can intertaine his soul in so dismall an hower that he knowes assuredly there are comforts here which have no rise or affinity with the flesh unexpressibly above all the griefs of time and seeks no credit from any on report but to be found upon surest tryall such as no grief paine or pressure was yet ever at that hight in the lot of any of the saints which the spirit of the Lord cannot make sweet and easy to endure yea hath oft looked them out of paine with a present sensible outgate on their soul before any outward deliverance broke up 7. He knowes also that the greatest comforts within time are assuredly in the life and exercise of godliness when thus a sincere resignation is reached and a feeling of themselfs to offer freely yea with joy their Isaac and most indeared indeared interests to the Lord in having credit his truth against visible grounds of hope and their being helped to crosse some present desireable interest of sense on the alone incouragement of faith and when some remarkable sharp triall hath been thus got well through upon this sweat reflection also of having gained a season and opportunity for the Lord that may be for some fruit to his praise and of a streight and serious aime to please him when the visible displeasure of men hath come in competition therewith O what pleasure and an abundant entry to a christians peace will be then felt 8. He hath this to be confirming what unexpressible delight and pleasure is found on displeasing the flesh even in its most impetuous and violent motions in tryall of their obedience and love to Christ what ever paine may be for a little in that conflict as lets him see resistance to sin is the most gainefull and rationall act of his life whilst with any sinfull delight which in a moment is gone an imbittering sting and inward shame upon the guilt thereof does then only abide yea is so tried that the way of sin can never cease to be a way of paine and torment if the strenght and malignity of the disease did not take of all sense thereof which as a bone out of joint hath no ease nor does suffer the whol body to be at rest whilst on the other hand in closse following the rule and resisting a present temptation what sweet peace humble confidence and comfortable accesse to God with inward rejoycing is most sensibly then found and how here only is the way of his relief and a great seal thus to the truth when he sees so firme and indissoluble a tie betwixt peace and holiness as the worst of times can never break of 9. He knowes that if no searching tryal there could be no triumph and in so farre should be shut out from the overcomers joy to which the forest wrestling of a christian when sanctifiingly exercising must still make way 10. And what thoughts might these be on a more deep reflection upon the truth and reality of prayer that here is no conjecturall thing but such a passage is sure knowne and tryed betwixt heaven and a Christians soul which hath had so wonderfull effects and certain returns in the greatess exigence and strait and is not only an instituted dutie but mean of their reliefe yea not only the sweetest way of converse with God here on the earth but is the most effectual to prevaile and obtaine I shall but add a few words more now in the close and deteane the reader no further that it would have been judged the appearance of the time in this extream exigence with what may be seen of the deplorable state of the Church of Christ not only in Brittain but almost universally might ere now have allayed these high distempers hath been of late when popery is on so present and dreadfull an approach as threatens to swallow up all and when that mine which hath been so long in the dark and digging under the ground seems so near to spring yea hath got too visible advantage to enter at such a breach as hath been of late and gain ground this way It is true it may seem not easy to comprehend and is surely one of the greatest dephts of the judgment of God this day how in one and the same age where the truth hath so brightly shined both in purity and power there can be a subjecting of so many with their own consent to so visible and notour an Impostur as popery is and after all we have seen this Surprising darknesse should now-come to such a hight as men are turned thus cruel against themselves and the Posterity to deliver up all that should be dearest to them to such a party yea engadge in a way that so clearly enervats the whole intent of the Gospel and where there is no conceiveable access for seduction by any arguments to mens reason and judgment or on other termes then to shut their eyes first on the Bible But what ever length this tryal may now come and tho it should yet once provaile against all visible profession of the truth in the Church of Brittain and Ireland we should adore the spotless righteousness of God herein in delivering mens reason and judgment up to so strong delusion since as the greatest of blessings which ever came to the world is the pure light of the Gospel it needs not be strange that the greatest of judgments follow on a peoples contempt and rejecting thereof so as nothing is so absurd and irrationally grosse which these will not drink in who have once rejected the truth But since the prospect and impression of this time is like to be more fainting then to confirme or awake to duty I would but touch this a little though there can be no possible stumbling for want of light when the truth and doctrine of the reformed religion is so fully cleared and tho this might seem incongruous with the forgoeing subject yet I am sure not unsuteable to the time when such hazard is now of much stumbling and men do unsensibly weare at a distance from under these former impressions of the truth and the way of the Lord which they once had yea that a few dayes may come the Churches way more remarkable for tryal then all hath yet ever been