Eminent Friends of Bristol of both sides and Directed to several Friends of Reading also of both Meetings which contains good Christian Counsel and seasonable Advice and doth well agree with the aforesaid And is as followeth Bristol the 5th of the 1st Month 1686 7. Thomas Curtice William Lambol Leonard Key Abraham Bonnifield Robert Sandilands Robert Payne John Kent John Buy Benjamine Coale c. Dear Friends We dearly and heartily salute you in that Ancient Love of God which did at first reach unto us and gathered us to be a People and which hath often refreshed our Souls and Spirits to our great Consolation and Joy in the Lord and one in another It having pleased the Lord to take away the cruel hand of the Informers and other sufferings that have of late attended us in this City and our Meeting-Houses being again delivered up to us it came into our Hearts and we believe from the Motion of the Spirit of the Lord in us joyntly notwithstanding some misunderstandings and differences had happened amongst us to meet and continue together in the Worship of God as in former times in and through which we have found great refreshment and satisfaction for by our mutual endeavours to bury the extreams that offen'd each other we feel the antient love to arise the more which brings us nearer unto each other wherein we rejoyce and have great Consolation and from thence arises the same true and antient love unto you with prayers unto the Lord and desires unto you that the same endeavours may be amongst you that in the Grave of Oblivion all that hath been hurtful may be buried and utterly forgotten that so as one Family you may again meet together in your antient love and place as formerly then will certainly the true love more and more arise and the hope and faith that will remove Mountains and the peaceable Saviour be more rejoyced in that leads through and over all that which doth offend into Brotherly kindness and forgiveness one unto another wherein you may be one anothers joy and rejoycing in the Lord. May the Lord so tender all our Hearts and lead you and us in the same path are the Prayers and desires of your Dear Friends and Brethren Thomas Gouldney Richard Snead Charles Hartford Thomas Callowhill John Love Charles Joanes Cornelius Sarjant William Ford Thomas Jordan William Smith We send this by our Dear Friend John Osgood whom we have desired to communicate this to you A Friendly Perswasive to Peace or something by way of an Earnest and Seasonable Expostulation with Friends of Reading on both sides to be reconciled to one another and to lay aside all Heats Prejudices Animosities c. with divers Remarkable Testimonies collected to promote the same and some Objections answered which may tend to a general service SECT I. Contains several weighty Motives shewing the great need and necessity of Reconciliation c. I. AS concerning the Proposals for an Accommodation or Composure of Differences c. something already has been said in the Introduction Now as touching the aforesaid tender and healing Epistle from Bristol some Friends on both sides may remember That is was carefully delivered to them by our dear Friend John Osgood who after having imparted it to several he also used his utmost endeavours by perswading them to a Complyance with what was therein recommended and afterwards divers other Friends had the sight and perusal of it II. But alas it appears too plainly that it was not so tenderly regarded at least not Answered so as ought to have been And indeed seeing that to this very day the desired effects thereof are not yet produced must it not be concluded that there was both a great neglect and remissness somewhere and the wholesom Councel and Christian good advice therein given to Friends was neither followed nor favourably intertained so as to be practised Now Friends its left to every one both seriously to consider and also soberly to reflect upon themselves whoever they be that find they are particularly concerned herein and were really the chief cause or occasion thereof III. However it is hoped that it is not as yet too late to amend what has been amiss in this or any other respect and to take an impartial and ponderous review of the abovementioned so as to endeavour to recover whilst there is yet a time and opportunity afforded what has been lost either through carelessness or unwillingness which surely would not appear half so difficult nor uneasie as may seem to some if but once the manly part or that selfish conceited revengeful-like part where any thing of it is yet alive in any were laid aside and subdued and the holy precious Cross truly taken up to all Peevish and Stubborn Wills harsh and sower Inclinations cunning crafty Reasonings and Consultations with Flesh and Blood and to that untoward Disposition of too much justifying every one themselves and as much Judging and too severely Condemning others an Epidemical Distemper which Mankind is too generally and naturally Incident to And if that even sweet moderate Temper Peaceable Lowly and Charitable Frame of Spirit might once so prevail and appear in all so as to remove all all kind of Personal Prejudices Private Enmity Revenge or Hatred IV. Then certainly would not all be as hearty and desirous after a Reconciliation Peace and Friendship one with another again as ever formerly they might be Eager Earnest and Hot after Contention Variance Dissention and Separation from one another neither then would they be content or at quiet till the same should be brought to pass or at least they had used their utmost endeavours for a re-uniting and bringing all together again and it is but what the Lord both requires and expects of every one so to do according to their Power and Capacities V. That so the World and our Enemies on all hands may no longer reproach us and say we are become such enemies one to another that it seems impossible that we will ever agree or be Friends together again and that we are of all People the worst to be Reconciled or that there is not a wise Man amongst us to Compose our Differences or else if there be that we are very ill-natur'd and wholly averse to comply to any Christian and reasonable Terms and hear of no kind of Expedient for a Reconciliation nor yield to any equal Proposals that would tend to a better Accommodation of Matters and that it appears some do delight more in a separation and being divided asunder than to dwell and meet altogether again as Brethren of one Heavenly Father and belonging all to one Family in true Love and Friendship VI. O Friends is not the one that is the former as comely and as amiable a sight as can be seen amongst the Children of Men as it s expressed very fully and excellently in the 133 Psalm 1 2 3. vers Behold saith he How good and how pleasant it is
tho' many others were very hearty and really much inclined to it And to help to answer the second part How shall it be carried on This is proposed let all such Friends on both sides whose hearts the Lord has inclined hereunto and who are very willing to comply with the aforesaid or any other Christian reasonable Proposals they may see needful to be concluded on and added with joynt consent it s hoped that there are divers such and if they please they may signifie the same by Word or Writing to any Friend or Friends they think fit to acquaint therewith tho' its but meet that those also should know it whom they believe are like-minded with them in this Concern And likewise those who have so far proceeded in it as to publish some Proposals in order to promote the same if they please they may apply themselves to any of us herein concerned and they may be further satisfied about it Now by this Method it may bee seen plainly who are free willing and desirous after a Reconciliation and who are not who are the Obstructers and who the Incouragers of the said on both sides and so even let the fault and blame herein be laid on those to whom it belongeth and who do let and hinder such a good Work And as to the third part of the Objection viz. That both Parties plead their Innocency and neither willing to confess to be in the fault or the cause of the Difference but both shift it off from themselves and throw it upon one another little need be said of this for if there be any others beside some particular Persons that do apprehend so that one side only â—s altogether to be blamed and the other wholly blameless they must needs be certainly either very Ignorant of matters or else too deeply engaged more to a Party than the naked Truth and swayed by some more sinister self-interest or by private affection which blinds the Judgment and darkens the Understanding than by sound Reason or an impartial Examination and fair Hearing of things so take all upon meer trust believe implicity what such a one says or reports see with others eyes and not by their own and besides too much to be feared which is very bad they are likewise plunged too deeply into that dangerous and hurtful thing called Prejudice c. But besides were it needful or serviceable to any as at present it is not the contrary might be fully evinced by too plain Particulars to be much lamented and that by undeniable matters of Fact too that both sides less or more are blameable and have been in the wrong have been Imprudent and Indiscreet in managing Matters have been too Uncharitable Harsh and Sower c. one towards another This is so palpable and so well known even to the World that to mention the same in the Particulars how far some on each side have digressed from both that Golden Rule from that Royal Law of Love and Kindness and from many other Excellent and Blessed Laws also Professed equally by both would be as well too tedious and large as it might tend to exasperate each Party which all along herein from first to last of this Work is avoided as much and as carefully as possibly can be as to any personal and particular Reflections that so neither Partiality nor Uncharitableness might in the least appear However it may be safely said and without any breach of Charity reasonably and modestly concluded as being what is but impartial and according to Truth that it has been visible to all and even plain to a demonstration to all the unbyassed That neither the one nor the other side can justly plead themselves wholly clear but that both less or more have offended and given occasion to each other of Provocations and of causing a Disreconciliation and this unhappy Separation either in the first Fomenting or Raising or Heightning and keeping up the Differences and Controversies to this day amongst Friends And those who may reckon themselves clearest or least concerned herein have no cause if all things be duly and calmly considered to upbraid others saying had it not been for the too hot ungoverned heat or Zeal of one or the Impatience and Imprudence of another or the indiscreet Conduct or the Moroseness Sraitness Sullenness and Shiness of others c. it had never been so or so amongst us Now Friends were it not really more Christian like to lay aside all manner of aggravations or personal reflections and learn now to be of that excellent Charitable Temper which we find Moses and David were of that they were not provoked neither to upbraid or be revengeful against those who had so insolently affronted and abused them when they had an opportunity to do either or both towards them Moses it is said Numb 12.13 cryed unto the Lord to heal Miriam saying heal her now O God I beseech thee she appears with Aaron had murmured and reflected foolishly upon him which highly provoked the Lord and when his Hand was laid on her for it It was then that Moses intreated and interceeded for her he was so far from insulting over her or desiring the punishment to be either Continued Increased or heightned And as concerning David Sacred History gives a large account how merciful and how exceeding tender hearted he was even towards his great outward Adversary Saul and would never by any means take revenge upon him tho' he might of ten have easily done it had he been so disposed Another great instance we have of his princely Clemency and good nature after he was restored again to his Kingdom Abishai was mighty importunate that Shimei should be put to Death because saith he he cursed the Lords anointed and indeed he railed at him and that when he was under adversity 2 Sam. 19.21 22. and that was base indeed most bitterly and extravagantly saying Come out come out thou Bloody Man and thou Man of Belial c. yet for all this David that good Man was so far from revenging himself or remembring old faults so as to bear any hatred or improve them to the disadvantage of his offenders that he reproved those smartly and counted them as his adversaries that laboured to stir him up to the same What have I says he to do with you ye Sons of Zerviah that ye should this day be Adversaries to me c. therefore the King said unto Shimei thou shalt not die and he swear unto him So we may see here was no upbraiding or raking up of old Misdemeanors or faults of one another nor the least appearance of a revengeful Spirit or retaliating again and therefore it is well advised and O that all would take the good Counsel in Prov. 24.29 Say not I will do so to him as he hath done to me I will render to the Man according to his work We are to leave that to the Lord tho' it s said he giveth to all
same and though altogether Ignorant as to matters of difference and can give no reason why they yet carry it so Shy Strait Morose c. VII O how this Leaven has dâ—ffused it self among both Young and Old And even the very Children we see not to mention some others are Tinctured with it as well as those whom they imitate in their Oppositions they do not know for what nay even the nearest Relations one to another have scarcely escaped but have been and also are influenced thereby So that it hath made it being joyned with a forward blind Zeal the greatest Confusions and Distractions imaginable both in Christian Societies and Families For here is Testimony against Testimony Conscience against Conscience Zeal against Zeal c. of which we have had and would to God we had no ground to say that still we have and dayly almost see too many instances thereof in this place VIII And now as to the Paper which contains some things for an Accomodation of Differences among Friends of Reading several Years ago it was drawn up some time after a Friendly Conference was heard by three Friends of each side viz. R. P. Sen. J. W. A. B. J. K. W. S. and RS. Which was held at R. P's House the 21st of the 10th Month 1686. By which some Proposals in order to Friends meeting altogether again in the Ancient Meeting-House were concluded on But some Particulars refused their Concurrence and one thing or another there being an Averseness and Vnwillingness in them to it was unhappily suggested and as unseasonably as groundlesly objected against it by which the good Intentions sincere Labours and Endeavours of Friends on both sides were prevented and obstructed And to avoid as much as can be in this any Personal Reflections on any The chief occasions of the aforesaid Obstructions are here omitted as likewise what caused and wherein it was that the following Papers did meet with much like the same unkind Entertainment and cold Vnwelcome Reception from divers that happened either to see or hear of them is also here on purpose passed by being loath to Irritate or exasperate any Particulars However several Ancient Friends to whom they were imparted approved of the same and some said and that of no mean Note that they could set both their Hearts and Hands to what was therein Proposed as being that which was both Reasonable Christian and Necessary on all Hands to be performed being so general too and yet very comprehensive that neither the one nor the other can be justly offended or aggravated by it IX And had all complied Cordially therewith it possibly might have prevented much of what hath happened since as to those things which have widened the Breach amongst us and before ever there be a Reconciliation or Accommodation of Matters whatsoever else may be done that which is in the following Proposals and healing Letter must not be neglected but as the first and main thing observed and performed And being now they are to be made more publick than before every one that is willing may read them at their own leisure And so it is left to the faithful witness of God in every ones Conscience to search and consider thereby how farr they are inclined to close with and promote what is singly and chiefly aimed at by the same which is at least a better and more Christian like and prudent Accommodation if not such a Friendly Reconciliation of one to another as ought to be and which if the advice and Methods herein offered be followed neither the one nor the other will be Impossible nor Impracticable to be accomplished Notwithstanding by long continuance and many other unhappy circumstances and accidental or Additional Occasions of Provocations the more is the pity that differences amongst us are now come to such a sad height X. But if so be that neither the one or the other of those be obtained at present as is desired and the difficulties still remaining so great to impede and hinder the same from being effected for indeed as it s said and has proved always too true that a Brother offended is harder to be won than a strong City Prov. 18.19 and their contentions are like the Bars of a Castle Yet it is hoped that it may be serviceable to some and help to raise up a more charitable and moderate mind in them and to a more Friendly behaviour Christian like and amicable deportment one towards another if not in our religious capacities at least in our civil concerns and as loving courteous and kind Neighbours and not like Barbarians live together Friends may also see by this that there is really a disposition and desire in some towards a peace and Reconciliation again and it may be observed in time on whose side the fault lies and who are not inclined nor willing to condescend to such fair equal and Christian Proposals XI It is likewise well known how many Intricate Knotty Troublesome and Tedious differences especially upon a Religious account for these are the worst of any have been at last finally determined by the aforesaid for when all has been said and done that could be either by the parties differing and offending each other or by those to whom it has been referred as well to reconcile them together as to put an end to the same both which is the great intent and design of all references they behoved to bring it even to this Issue at last to wit to acknowledg to forgive and forget all on each Hand c. XII And this same thing was designed not long ago to have been proposed by a moderate discreet Friend in order to have composed a great difference long depending between some Friends here But he was much discouraged in it by the Averseness that appeared in one side more than in the other obstinately refusing any compliance therewith XIII We hope there can be none justly offended with the publishing of this supposing thereby that the difference among Friends will be made the more publick for that is too much already known what by many Printed Books and Papers of Controversy and what by two open distinct settled Meetings in several places and by too many other apparent Tokens of a Division and Separation among us And there are no sober judicious and impartial Persons but will esteem it well done in aâ—y to propose an expedient for Peace and to endeavour after a Reconciliation or some better Accommodation of Matters and that such do not deserve to be blamed but rather to be praised who do undertake the same however despised and slighted they may be and although at the same time may expect to meet with the Frowns and displeasures of some and also be exposed to the harsh Censures and Reslections of others yet the Matter it self and the Methods therein proposed however are consistent both with truth with the Testimonies from the Holy Scriptures and with sound Reason XIV And if any
too often has appeared and been manifested upon a Spiritual account in more secret and specious-like manner as in Envying Striving Opposing Rashly Judging and Condemning Yea and in Revening too one another XXVI Neither let us be like to those in the same Chapter above cited who were ready to grudg and complain against one whom they saw casting out Devils and tho' it was a very good work and done also in Christ's Name too yet they were so Zealously set against him that it is said they forbad him and why not that he did not do it in the name of Christ for they granted that but because said they he followeth not with us But hear what Jesus said Forbid him not for Mark he that is not against us is for us or on our part as Mark has it in Chap 9.39 Christ looked on them all that were not against his interest in the main as one party tho' others would seem to have rendered as two distinct parties XXVII But rather Friends let us all be of that generous noble and publick Spirit as Moses was of when he was told that two others viz. Eldad and Medad who were in the Camp Prophesied as well as the 70 Elders that went into the Tabernacle and said my Lord Moses forbid them But his answer was Enviest thou for my sake Here was envy upon a specious like pretence would God saith he That all the Lords People were Prophets Numb 11.27 and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them And also we find the Apostle Paul was of the same noble excellent mind who was glad that Christ was preached Philip. 1.18 tho' it is as true that some as he says preached him even of Envy and strife and some also of good will not sincerely supposing to add to his Bonds It s like some may be ready to say That surely Paul had good reason rather to be offended with such envious and contentious fort of Preachers and that tho' they preached the truth which was Christ yet he might well have opposed or withstood them but he was not of such a hot Temper though he gave them not place by subjection neither as to some other more private concerns but was kept however out of both extreams in moderation What then says he Notwithstanding every way whether in pretence or in truth Christ is preached and therein do I rejoyce yea I will rejoyce XXVIII There fore Friends pray let that compassionate Temper moderate and most excellent Christian Vertue of Charity not only be pretended to or much talkt of as too many do but really seen and practically demonstrated by its Fruits that we are indeed indued therewith and that in Forgiving Embraching and receiving one another as Brethren who do agree in the main and substantial Points and Principles of Truth and wherein we differ in our Judgment of some things which are but Externals and Circumstantials let us not however continue still falling out by the Way about the same for why should we do so being as tender-hearted Joseph who said to his Brethren and so treated them as such with great Compassion and Affection notwithstanding they had greatly abused him Gen. 45.24 See that ye fall not out by the way And seeing we are Brethren or ought so to be and accounted as such however slighted undervalued and despised by one another why should we contend and quarrel We must all conclude it s of the Enemy and his work first to scatter and divide us and to lead into Separation Division and Contention and then the more both to weaken and rule over us XXIX And we find how early the Enemy begat differences even in Abels time he raised up a Spirit of Enmity and Envy in the Heart of Cain against his Brother and in Abrahams time he endeavoured to cause a Separation and Contention between him and his Brother Lot But if we do walk in the Steps of that faithful Patriarch we would be as careful as he was to prevent our Adversary that sows Discord amongst Brethren and we have the same reason to urge in the Case as he had and the same Argument to plead against it as he did For thus he Expostulated with his Brother upon some difference that was likely to happen between them Let there be no strife saith he I pray thee between me and thee between thy Herdsmen and my Herdsmen and why for we are Brethren and so they wisely and discreetly and like two loving Brethren composed the difference themselves between themselves and good Peacable Abraham that made the first offer was the better by it afterwards in many respects as may be seen in Gen. 13. XXX And in Acts 7.26 it s said that Moses that meek Man used the very same Plea as before he seeing two Hebrews striving together the next day its said he shewed himself unto them as they strove and would have set them at one again saying Sirs ye are Brethren Why do ye wrong one to another As indeed in all sorts of quarrellings and fallings out the wrong lies not only on the one parties side but is mutual and though both are to be partly blamed in one respect or other yet the one may be more in the wrong than the other and one more wronged too than another But it s certain they are most of all in the wrong and most to be blamed who will not admit of a Reconciliation or refuse to comply with such rational and Christian like Expedients that tend to it and as one well observes from the aforesaid Scripture he that would not hear of the putting a stop to the quarrel it was he that reproached Moses with the assistance he had given the Day before to an Israelite against an Aegyptian so enraged he was at the friendly Interposition of Moses in the Matter that he seems concerned for the Egyptian that was killed a publick Enemy being less hated than a Brother when these Domestick Feuds are raised to any height even then a Reconciler becomes more odious than an Alien as is observed by many XXXI And indeed it often happens that he who goes about to part a Frey in all likelyhood will have Blows on both sides especially where the Opposites and Combatants are Fierce and Violent he that is eager in any one side shall be sure to find some fast Friend but he that endeavours to be a Reconciler and as a Mediator betwixt both bewailing and being greatly grieved at the miserable Loss Hurt and Ruin that happens to the whole and doth but set a foot forward to make up the Breach will find few to take his part and that is one reason why there are not more Moderators and Reconcilors amongst People most love their ease too much and as they use to say to sleep in a whole skin but shall be sure to have many about his Ears and therefore we may observe that after it is said blessed are the Peace-makers it is
immediately added also blessed are they that are Persecuted c. XXXII But we hope better things of many of them than to do so by such as appear in healing and re-pairing Breaches among us and that it would be far more becoming us who profess that glorious peaceable Gospel of our Lord Jesus which as it tends to bring Glory to God on high so does it no less Conduce to peace on Earth tho not to the Earthly part in any and to good will towards all Men and would be more Christian and Prudent like in us in that Meek Gentle Charitable and Submissive Condescending Mind to say one to another Come Friends let us now lay aside all our Animosities Heats and Fouds let us compare the Importance and Weight of those things in which we agree with that in which we differ and see which ought to ballance us most let us now be reconciled and made Friends together again let us lay aside all Prejudice and Pertinacy wait together in lowliness of heart and feel that ancient spring of Love and divine Life to Unite and Cement us into that blessed Fellowship Unity and Concord and in the same let us begin afresh again and what is past be remembred no more than if it never had been let us forget those things that are behind and let us press towards that great and glorious Prize we all have had in our view Has not alas the Controversie and Differences been too too long kept on foot and keept up between us both to our shame and sorrow It s now more than high time for us all to leave off contendings and strivings together and quietly submit in the Love of God one to another and lay aside on both hands all things tending to Controversies Differences and all manner of Prejudices opprobious Reflections undecent Recriminations and odious Comparisons XXXIII O let us not dispute the matter in the anger and heat of our Spirits any more but if we will strive let it be then who shall exceed most in Temperance Patience Love and Forbearance who most Charitable and Moderate and who shall most follow after those things which make for Peace and Concord and things wherewith one may edifie one another let us not any more undervalue both our selves and also which is more the very common Interest of Truth and of our Holy Religion Let us therefore be of a tractable or treatable Temper and Comply and Condescend without any more ado without Reasoning this or Consulting other things whereby Self in all would save it's own Reputation with reasonable Expedients and Christian Proposals let us freely and fully and from our Hearts forgive one another c. as the Apostle said to the Philippians Phil. 2.1 2 3. If there be therefore any Consolation in Christ if any Comfort if any Fellowship of the Spirit if any Bowels and Mercies fulfil ye my Joy that ye be like-minded having the same love being of one accord and of one mind Let nothing be done trough strife or vain-glory any more but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves look not every man on his own things but every man also on the things of others Let this mind be in you which is for a Publick and Universal good which was also in Christ Jesus SECT II. Contains a Collection of divers remarkable Testimonies suitable to the Subject treated on MAny other Convincing Motives and pacifick Arguments upon divers accounts might be used and urged to perswade you to the aforesaid Noble Resolution but it would be too tedious to insert them here However to promote and encourage the same consider further these following Testimonies in the first place and afterwards some pressing Considerations to excite all towards Peace c. I. Eusebius de vita Const 67. Constantine saith to the Bishops you are not ignorant the Philosophers all of them do agree in the profession of the same Discipline but do oftentimes differ in some part of the Opinions that they Dogmatize but tho' they do dissent about the Discipline that each †Obs As The mistus in his Oration to Valens saith there were at least 300 amongst the Gentile Philosophers c. several Sect observeth they nevertheless Reconcile themselves again for the sake of that Common Profession to which they have concurred II. J. Hooper in his Ecclesiastical Polity saith The Time will come when three words with Charity and Meekness shall receive a far more blessed Reward than 3000 Volumes written with disdainful sharpness or he might have added twice 3000 Sermons framed from Mens inventions and delivered with the greatest Eloquence or Acuteness of Wit A late Ingenuous Author says I trust in the Almighty God that Contentions with us are now at the highest float and that the day will come for what cause is there of despair when the Passions of former Enmity being allayed Men shall with ten tiems redoubled tokens of unfeigned reconciled Love shew themselves each to other the same which Joseph and the Brethren of Joseph were at the time of their enterview in Egypt III. There was a long feud between Themistocles and Aristides But being both imployed in the service of their Country Aristides bespake Themistocles thus If we be wise its high time we should now leave off this vain Envy Spite we have a long time born each other And that we should enter into another sort of Envy more honourable and profitable I mean which of us two shall do his best endeavour to save Greece To which Themistocles made this answer I am sorry Aristides that herein your Honesty appeareth greater than mine but seeing it is that you have deserved the Honour in beginning and procuring such a Commendable Strife between us I will henceforth endeavour to exceed you in continuing this your desire Oh! that Saints says the Author upon this would learn Heathens to lay aside their particular differences to mind publick advantage Shall Heathens be better at self-denial than Christians Causinus tells us of one Raymundus Lullius who was so ravished with Love that being asked any thing he would answer nothing but Love Where dwellest thou With Love To whom belongest thou to Love From whence comest thou From Love Whether goest thou To Love c. IV. It was well observed by a Learned and Judicious Person That the Unity and Peace that was then viz. in the early and indeed the best Times of Christianity amonst Christians made Religion amiable in the judgment of Impartial Heathens Christians were then known by the Benignity and Sweetness of their disposition by the Candor and Ingenuity of their Spirits by their mutual Love Forbearance and Condescention one to another These were indeed blessed Marks but either this is not the practice of Christianity viz. a Duty the Christians are now bound to observe or else it is not Calculated for our Meridian where the Spirits of men are of too high an Elevation for it for if Pride
this very day they are amongst us and O that the Lord would be pleased yet more and more both to search that out and also remove it whatever it be and whereever it is which hinders our Peace Concord and Reconciliation together both here and every where And Friends must not this at last be the Result of all and be concluded on by all the impartial and unbyassed on every Hand that the whole fault and the greatest and most principal Cause why Peace and Reconciliation is not obtained nor can be at present effected and brought to pass must be laid on some few particular persons and we wish there be not such a deep rooted and inveterate prejudice and irreconcilable Rancor and Enmity between them as some have observed and lamented Insomuch that they cannot look upon one another with a friendly Countenance nor converse together neither upon a Religious or civil account But we forbear to mention any Names So that the cunning crafty and subtile Contrivances and designs of some who carry on their own private ends and politick projects of exalting them selves and drive on under specious pretences some sinister or popular interest together with the Whisperings Backbitings and Surmisings of tatling busie Bodies whose chief business is to beget Jealousies and hard thoughts c. one against another has been none of the least of the Engins and Methods which the grand Disturber and Enemy of us all hath used both first to foment and also to keep up and heighten differences and then to divide rend and break into pieces and run into parties one after another which alas many are more zealous to maintain when once engaged therein either by affection interest or relation and are more eager and earnest by far to promote the same than purely the interest of naked Truth it self And is it not a great pity that such a substantial commodious Meeting-house as the old one is both for Situation Largeness and several other Conveniences should altogether be as useless and lie waste and desolate as already for some years and may be more a great injury both to the living and the dead and in the mean time Friends on both sides put to the charge and inconveniency of having two distinct publick Meeting-places O how will some be able to answer for this in the day of the Lord SECT IV. Some Friendly Counsel and tender advice to Professors of Truth with one or two more substantial Testimonies I. LEt us therefore Friends every one of us lay aside all manner of Peevishness of Spirit and let not a haughty kind of a sullen morose Humor prevail upon any of us neither let an impatient insolent or insulting Temper appear in us But let us all be as tender and complying as affectionate and good natured towards all as possibly we can be that so by an obliging Civility and courteous Behaviour as well as a melting kindness it may be apparent that we do sincerely desire the good and well-fair one of another And were we all but once brought to be of this excellent and truly Christian-like Temper viz. to judg charitably to bear patiently to be moderately inclined freely and fully to forgive tenderly compassionate meekly condescend and humbly submit to and prefer one another then we should soon see things grow better amongst us then there would not be such shyness distance and straitness nor such Contentions Confusions Distractions c. amongst us And had it not been for these evil hurtful and stumbling practices would not the Truth have prevailed generally in this place as much as in any And before these sad divisions happened were there many Country Meetings like to this here and that in divers respects both for freshness and largeness And certainly could it ever have come to such a loss either as to the one or the other had that Innocency Lowliness Simplicity Lamb-like nature Tenderness and Charity which first appeared been really by all kept to which alas for some time past has been too much on the decaying hand and in the place thereof too much of Human Wisdom Carnal Policy Subtile Contrivances and Cunning Projects together with Sourness Loftiness Prejudice Enmity Envy Self exaltation Obs But the Blessed Truth is still the same as ever and must not be blamed for these things c. hath alas too much prevailed as to some here and been on the increasing hand Insomuch that the one viz. the latter hath even almost overpowered the other O Friends this indeed is sad and very grievous to consider but it is really too true tho' a mournful observation And would to God that it could be proved by any to be but either a mistake or a misrepresentation or a too rash Conclusion or severe groundless Censure or what might be supposed to be but the product of dissatisfaction or prejudice as doubtless some will be ready enough to judge so But the Instances Effects of the aforesaid the greater is the pity being so publick and notoriously seen and observed as they have been and are and that too almost dayly There is neither that ground to suggest any one of these as other ways there might be nor can any rationally conclude that what is here mentioned only in general concerning the same is done either from Malice or Ill-will towards any And there are but few if any amongst us here but must confess to the Truth thereof and that it is too often manifest in one Action or other which ought indeed to be much lamented by all the sincere honest hearted Friends of Truth and surely it is cause of great grief and sorrow to all such as consider of things both seriously and impartially and are of one Universal publick Spirit and concerned for the good of all and not byassed to interests or parties c. And Friends happy would we all be that as we profess to be followers of blessed Jesus who suffer'd for us leaving us an example that we should follow his steps so we may really demonstrate that we are truly such as imitate him and that the same mind be in us which was in him who though he did no Sin neither was Guile ever found in his Mouth yet when he was reviled he reviled not again 1 Pet. 2.21 23. when he suffered he threatned not but committed himself to him that Judgeth righteously and most meekly and patiently endured the contradictions of Sinners Luke 23.25 and pray'd according to his own injunction to us for his enemies even those that Crucified him and said Father forgive them for they know not what they do And as holy the Apostle after he had with a great deal of excellent good arguments pleaded for Compassion and Condescension as in Rom. 13. In the Wisdom of God he gave forth this Conclusion and Determination in the first Verse of the next Chap. We then says he that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak and not to please our selves
in lowliness of mind therein keep but by departing therefrom as too many have done in all Ages and as in this of ours some do hath caused much trouble and exercises to the Lords People and hath been one of the chiefest occasions of the Divisions Contentions Strifes and Animosities amongst them such ought to be Cautioned and Advised and also Warned of the great Hurt and Prejudice they do in many respects both to themselves and others and if they continue stiff and obstinate and instead of receiving the tender Council and Admonition from any Friend or Friends concerned in the Love of God to give the same they rather grow higher minded and more into self Exaltation Conceitedness and spiritual Pride they are then to be zealously detected and testified against But still we say all this should be done in the Spirit of Love and Meekness and with true Christian Prudence and Discretion and nothing given away to harbour in the least any Personal Prejudice or Enmity on the one hand which is to be as carefully watched against as Partiality or Hypocrisie two great Evils and too ready on the other hand to creep in II. That so upon the Reforming growing better and mending what has been amiss in any upon any account there may be both a friendly and kind receiving and embracing one another again into true Love Friendship and Vnity and also in that sweet Christian and Charitable frame of spirit forgive what 's past and never upbraid or remember it any more against them It is said in Eccles 28.2 3. Forgive thy Neighbour the hurt that he hath done unto thee so shall thy Sins be forgiven when thou prayest One Man beareth hatred against another and doth he seek pardon from the Lord he sheweth no mercy to a Man that is like himself and doth he ask forgiveness of his own Sins III. See Charrons Book of Wisdom chap. 34. page 104. There is nothing as Charron well observes so honourable as to know how to Pardon To give Grace to Remit and Forgive belongeth to a Soveraign Prince if thou wilt be a King of Kings themselves do an act that may become a King Pardon freely be Gratious towards him that offendeth thee But indeed if God were not more merciful and favourable of greater Compassion and Pity towards us than we are often towards one another alas who then could be saved For have we not all greatly grieved and provoked him much more than any can provoke or grieve us Is it not very unbecoming for us to be Quarrelling and be Implacable one towards another when he is both willing and ready to be Reconciled to and at Peace with us after such innumerable Transgressions against him which we all have been found guilty of Come Friends seeing then he is so ready to forgive us upon a sincere Repentance all our former provocations Let us therefore also forgive one another be Reconciled unto and at Peace one with another IV. As also we desire it may be observed that we plead for no other Vnity Peace Concord or Reconciliation with any but that which we believe to be consistent with and agreeable to the Truth even that which the Holy Apostles exhorted all to endeavour after and to be found in which is the Vnity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace And that is both much more comprehensive and of greater weight than many either understand or would have it to be This blessed Vnity c. which stands in Righteousness we really desire forever to Prize and do value above and beyond all other Vnities or Vniformities whatsoever in which we are and hope ever to be in true Vnity in the Ground withall the Faithful Sincere and Vpright hearted People of God every where V. And we know that the True Spiritual Invisible Fellowship and Communion of Saints which consisteth in the Divine Light or Spirit of Christ Jesus is not Confined to any External Visible Form c. For as J. Hales of Eaton See his Golden Remains Pag. 49 50. a Worthy and Learned Man well observes that it is the Vnity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace and not the Identity or oneness of Conceit which the Holy Ghost requires of at the Hands of Christians c. Concerning which much more might be said but let this suffice for the present having enlarged already far beyond what was first intended The Reader is also desired to observe that what is expressed in the aforesaid concerning Heats Animosities Prejudices c. one against another only Relates to those amongst Friends and such places where the Vnhappy and sad Difference hath fallen out as in this and some other parts VI. So shall Conclude all as in the Beginning of the Preface 1 Cor. 16.14 and 14.1 with the Apostles advice Let all your things be done with Charity and follow after it Concerning which one of the Antients spake very excellently For unprofitably saith he hath he all who wants that one viz. Charity whereby he should use all and how great is Love for if that be wanting all other Graces lose their Grace but if present all are profitable VII And as we find the Holy Apostles did neither affect nor seek of Men Glory neither says Paul to the believing Thessalonians of you 1 Thes 2.5 6. nor yet of others neither at any time used we flattering words So likewise he tells them but we were Gentle amongst you even as a Nurse Cherisheth her Children And according to this their Practice they exhorted others as in Titus 3.2 To speak evil of no Man to be no Brawlers but gentle shewing all meekness unto all Men. And in 2 Tim. 24. It is said Observe this well the Servant of the Lord must not strive but be gentle unto all Men apt to teach Patient in Meekness instructing those that opposed themselves c. nor must be self willing nor soon angry c. These Divine Blessed Qualifications ought all that profess to be Ministers and followers of Christ Jesus to be Endowed with who should also walk worthy of the Vocation unto which they are called with all humbleness of mind and meekness and with Long-suffering and Patience c. Forbearing or as some read it Supporting one another through or in Love THE END The CONTENTS of the Book I. THE Introduction by way of Preface page 1. II. The Copy of a Letter and a Paper Containing some Christian and Reasonable Proposals for an accommodation of Differences page 8. III. A tender and healing Epistle from Friends of Bristol to Friends of Reading advising them to meet all together again page 13. A seasonable Expostulation to Peace and Reconciliation directed particularly to Friends of Reading page 15. Sect. I. Contains several weighty Motives shewing the great need and necessity of Reconcilation Ibid. Sect. II. A Collection of divers remarkable Testimonies suitable to the Subject treated on page 31. Sect. III. Some Objections fairly Stated with their Answers as also divers weighty Considerations proposed page 46. Sect. IV. Some Friendly Councel and tender Advice to Professors of Truth with one or two more substantial Testimonies page 63. The Conclusion page 69. A Postscript Containing an Advertisement with something further relating to the said Expostulation c. page 71.