breach the envious one waits to sow his tares and how rare is a stop or fixing found in such a current but like the breaking in of waters doth carry many a further length than they ever intended It is known on what grounds that sad breach by Labadie and his party began here in the Belgick Church with whom many went in the simplicity of their heart and by such a designed cure to the offence was then taken by them did but heighten the distemper and occasioned so much prejudice against the power and truth of godliness in this land PROP. II. May we on any safe ground break up Church fellowship and communion so far with those who have accepted the late indulgence as not to hear or receive the publick ordinances from them as being such I must propose this on these grounds 1. That hereby no approbation of the Indulgence can be necessarily inferred and the ground of offence can never be owned such as to pollute the ordinances or make communion with these in the least sinfull to us But it would be adverted on what side the most dangerous and destructive inconveniences are and hazard of the greatest offence hereby to the Church 2. That we must still own these as our brethren what ever be the present difference with whom we are one we hope in Christ and in the great concernes of truth and godliness in the same doctrine and principles of the Church for in these we differ not in Thesi what ever the application hereof is matter of difference yea should be tender to judge in so far as they profess whom we so assuredly know to be both serious and godly in their opposition both to the Prelatick and Erastian Adversary 3. That they are such we must own to be the undoabted Ministers of Christ cloathed with a Ministeriall power to preach and dispense the ordinances ere ever this Indulgence was on foot these being Acts of their office which flowes from no convey or grant of the Magistrat to such places and that be vertue of their office and calling the peoples tey standeth still in force to hear them with respect to that primary relation they were under as Officers of the Church universall 4. That this cannot be made practicable except we take the very Government of the Church off its hinges without a declarative sentence since upon the matter it is to draw out one of the highest censures against so considerable a party of the Ministry yea to exercea critick and juridicall power some way not only over these who are indulged but over must of the whole Non-Conformists who are still free and enforced in conscience to own such in their Ministry 5. That this should be a departing from an union once acknowledged in our fellowship and communion with them in the publick ordinances It hath been hitherto publickly owned that if the whole Church had been so far left as to some sad compliance for a time that way and thus the peoplefixt under the Ministry of such that even on an after discovery of the evil thereof there would not be allowed the same necessity or expediency of separation or for refusall to hear them as there is now in our case for a non-compliance with that party and keeping thus at a continued distance which was a ground had such weight with our worthy Ancestors in the former times of prelacy when it was not brought in at once but by degrees into the Church and thus found it not safe and easy to break up so far as not to have Chruch fellowship in receiving the publick ordinances then from such though a most vigorous opposition to the sinfulness of that way was still followed 6. Because this might quickly tend to a casting off of most if not the whole of the standing non-conforme Ministry now in the Church who have been helped to stand and withstand against Prelacy and to open such a doore for any of the people at their pleasure to quite or turn off the Ministers of the Gospel without any fixed or previous cognition in such a case And Oh! how hard or difficult will it be found to set bounds or fix new landmarks when once the old are taken up may be easily judged PROP. III. Is such a refusall to hear these Ministers who are indulged now owned because it is simpliciter unlawfull or on that ground of its expediency and for edification I would hope none yet dare come to own the first but for the second of expediency in such a present case I must humbly judge such a practice would seem very unanswerable thereunto on these grounds 1. That this sad effect hath so visibly followed thereon to break up that sweet edifying fellowship which was formerly amongst Christians in many places so as these who were wount to walk together and keep Christian converse for building up one another in the truth can now hardly joyn or pray together 2. That none seem to have gained by this late heightned breach except the publick Adversary yea 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ad a dash to these publick meetings in the fields thus given which here to fore were so eminently blessed whilst thus such open contradiction of late in preaching hath too evidently brought a stumbling to the weak and a reproach on the way of the Lord as we may fear shall not in haste be taken off 3. That thus the prelatick party seems more hardned and to have less reckoning of that heavy charge of perjury and defection from the truth when so great a part of Non-Conforme Ministers they find publickly classed with them who yet are otherwise known to be both able and godly yea which hath been sadly regrated that the edge of that wounted zeal which was against Prelacy and the common Adversary hath been thus blunted in a more hot pursute of the other party 4. The shaking and stumbling of many which I must here write with a sad remembrance of a Christian who I durst not but say but was truely serious who spake to me almost weeping when I was last in our Country of being put to that through this late breach and visible contradictions in publick preaching yea that some had openly declared there were scarce four faithfull Ministers of the Church to be found that they knew not what or whom to credit but like to be shaken in the very foundation And I must humbly judge if this breach should grow I know no gain will ever recompense the Kings dammage herein I mean of our King and head in the edification of his people Yea who are there if not fixt and established by grace that can look on these devouring heats and breakings amongst both Christians and Ministers in this day but are in hazard to take prejudice at the whole of Religion and must needs judge that these cannot be the fruits of the Spirit of Christ 5. I must yet add on this ground of expediency if it would seem to engage the multitude in these
on a small remove and secession in our Church fellowship such have made more haste than good speed nor have found it easy after to fixe untill they have been a length their heart would some time have trembled at yea thus besides the wounding the heart of the godly darkning the glory of 〈◊〉 Gospel and shaking the faith of many have been forced to run on saddest inconveniences and new principles to maintain their way What ever length the difference about the publick resolutions of late came to which was a visible presage of the stroak that after came yet was there no dashing on such a rock as this is now And we may know that what ever tends to divide amongst the godly or betwixt people and Ministers gets but too easy an hearing oft amongst many it is so sib to our corruption and one of the strongest lusts of the flesh 3. Is there not an undoubted necessity this day to essay to the farthest an union and healing in the Church when of no less import than the keeping up of the worship of God the salvation of the people the credit of the Gospel and a preventing the stumbling of many now in such visible hazard which are more than our souls are worth And can we see how these shall be safe if this breach be still widned The longer continuance will make it the more difficult to heal when on all hands we are made to mourn and see the issue which we would not formerly believe and is not this a strange rent and distemper in a day when the Lord hath cast us all down that our great work should be to bear down others with such a pronness to take offence as well as there is in giving it is one of the high provoking causes of wrath and judgment which as in greatest letters I must say hath been write before our eyes in the late providences of this time 4. Since each is concerned to prove his own heart and work herein and what may be his accession to so highly a provoking guilt and stroak as threatens no less than an utter quenching the light of the Gospel in Scotland and to be overwhelmed with Popery Atheisme and all ungodliness which so much gain ground by our breach It were well if there could be so impartiall a search herein and triall more of our selves than by rolling it over on others what may be our part therein and if these things bring not a sad involvement in such a guilt 1. When there is no tender abstaining from harsh censuring of others 2. When there is a pressing more of that which tends to divide than what there is to unite and in how far we are still one in our former principles 3. When high prejudice and alienation of affection is not closly watched against which like the predominant humour of the jaundice will quickly present all things in the same colours and make it difficult to judge of the way of others we differ from without a sad by ass 4. When contendings even for the truth are more passionat and breaking than with humble seriousness to be rationally convincing and healing which is so unlike the way of the Lord and in being defamed yet to intreat 5. When there is not some study to walk closs together in so far as we are one and mutually convinced which I am sure would help to come more neer in what is now the matter of difference I must here confess for my self it hath been heavy on my spirit that I did not with more seriousness and according to my small measure move herein when last in my own countrey and had so neer a prospect of these deplorable confusions nor have been under that suteable weight as such a time calls for when the Church there is as strugling betwixt life and death though I may say it hath oft made me covet a hiding and more abstractness from so sad a noise but O blessed they to whom it it shall be given to stand in such 〈◊〉 breach this day so as it may be convincingly evident the zeal of God and a healing spirit do most sweetly concurre 5. And what can we possibly answer to our own conscience and to all the Reformed Churches this day yea at the appearing of Jesus Christ that now the poor Church of Scotland when in the furnace and so long in a suffering condition is like to be more ruined by our selves than by other Adversaries and such a sore rent now amongst these who are still one in doctrine worship and Government and we hope have access to the Father by the same spirit as have in a sad measure broke up Church fellowship in the Gospell ordinances and in the most concerning duties of Christian society amongst many yea this to be still growing and yet no essay nor endeavour to prevent such a ruine that is like to be entailed even on the offspring and what may be the thought of the generation that succeeds when so deplorable a history shall be put on record SECTION II. IT may be strange and matter of astonishment this day what so severe a stretching of that controversy about the late Indulgence in our Church and bringing things to such ane extreme can possibly meane As though no party else were to contend with when the whole of Religion is like to be swallowed up betwixt Popery Prelacy and Atheisme and that the peace and true edification of the Church were now so low and cheap as to sacrifice them upon such ane account yea while so many are in that hazard to be shaken as they are like to lose all setted perswasion of the truth but since such stresse hath been by some layed on these grounds adduced in the late History of the Indulgence for not hearing or receaving the ordinances of the Gospell from such Ministers as have accepted thereof to a further widening thus of the breach and that I have been expresly referred thereto as a full answer to what is held forth in the forgoing Paper or whatever can be said to the contrary I was pressed to some perusall thereof so far as to know whence a conclusion so strange and of so high and universall concern to all the Churches could possibly be inferred or established by any who admit the Truth and Authrity of the Scriptures and these principles wherein we have hitherto walked But ere I touch this more particularly I must to prevent mistakes premitt some few things in the entry First That it is sure the question of Separation is one of the most difficult things and lyes more in the dark then most things that are controverted and that all acts of extremity such as this should be with greatest reluctation and on convincing and necessary grounds followed nor can we ever see such away hath in any time been blessed how favourable soever it might seem in the eyes of some which hath tended to perplex and precipitantly to break a poor Church and
same from the example of our blessed Lord nor was ever taught by his Prophets Apostles therefore ane unjust and offensive rent I hope this none dar debate that the Scripture is the alone instrument and Rule of Church Government and to this Law and Testimony we must take ourselfes under every debateable case theranent yea that any ministeriall power given to us is only executive and declarative to apply the revealed will of the Lord unto his people by a clear discovery thereof and what is not according to that rule none may admitt though under the patrociny of ane Angell but that for this practise we have no Scripture warrant is most clear 1. From the example of our blessed head himself while he was here upon the earth and that respect he did expresly own to the prescribed worship of the Jewish Church yea that such was his blessed way as no visible rent was by disciples from the publick ordinances even then when the dreadfull declinings of that Church was so great a length 2. We see what both the Prophets and Apostles taught and what was their practise in this case that as on the one hand they sought to keep the people at furthest distance from all idolatry and false worship so upon the other hand did give no warrant but expresly to the contrary as to any departure from the publick worship where it was not corrupted notwithstanding of these sad declinings of the Church otherwise and I crave any to shew ane instance to the contrary 3. Nothing can be more evident then the care the Apostle had to keep the Church of Corinth from dashing on such a rock to such as doe but seriously read and consider these Epistles nor doth our blessed Master to the seven Churches give the least ground or warrant as to any falling of or secession from the publick assemblies notwithstanding of so sad a charge as is there given against some of these Churches but we may see how concerned the Apostle was against this as one of the publick evills and scandalls then breaking up in the Church Heb. 10 25. the forsaking of the assemblies for the publick worship of God as the manner of some was then and Oh! what can it mean thus to rack the consciences of the people and impose such new terms and conditions of Church communion as neither the Scripture nor examples of the purest Reformed Churches since the Apostles time did ever warrant for which I must here humbly challenge any who are otherwise minded to let us see where the signature of one Scripture command is for what they impose or what divine precept is violated by hearing the indulged or if such a cure and remedy was ever taught by the great healer as this practise of admitting no composure and uniting in controverted duties untill there be a full onnesse of judgment among us or thus to break and disquiet a poor Church as though some had no work else almost outwearied with these sad and perpetuall contendings for making void their Ministry which hath been and I hope yet shall be owned of the Lord for his peoples edification II. Ground to demonstrate the unwarrantablenesse of this practise is this that it is expresly contrare to that established order of Christ in his Church as the proper remedy and releife for any publick offences Matt. 18 15. and which is so expresse a rule given in this case as can admit of no alteration as also to that 1 Cor. 14 40. that all things should be done in order and decency nor can there be any hesitation herein whether this practise and way which is thus taken by some does not controll the same thus to withdraw and impose upon the matter so high and publick a censure on others by their private judgment and authority except they will adventure to determine on the rule and these ancient Scripture bounds which are there set to us but as it is sure the things of Christ must be by his warrant only no latitude else given us but to observe he whatsoever commands Mat. 28 last yea that no healing or cure will ever be to the Church but by his appointed means so it is undenyable that to withdraw from Church fellowship in such a manner as this is a most high and spirituall censure Yea not to eat with a scandalous Brother must be understood as ane act of judgment and does suppose some previous tryall else there should be no fixed rule but for each to be his own judge in pulling of his Brother to shame and thus no bounds could be fixed to prevent endlesse breakings and rents in the Church It s true a publick releife is not as formerly now accessible but as there is yet through grace a faithfull Ministry in our Church who hath the authority of Jesus Christ to cognosce and judge of the matters of his house and to whom the power of the keyes both of doctrine and discipline is by his own warrant committ whatever essayes hath been and still are to make such contemptible before the people yea some way I must say no lesse thus to exauctorate them and controll their commission this day then hath been by publick Adversaries So is there also some sutable exoneration that each Christian may have in the case of publick offence when there is not such accesse by the Church to spread forth the same before the Lord to endeavour in their capacity and station how to convince gain and restore such with the spirit of meeknesse and thus use personall freedome and tendernesse in dealing with others wherein I am sure both more peace and advantage to these they deall with should be thus reached then by any such highly disorderly way and unwarrantable severity as is now adventured on by some III. Ground to clear the unwarrantablenesse of this practise is that it is so expresly contrare to that approven and commended practise in the Church Rev. 2 2. that they hath tryed such who called themselfes Apostles and were not but had found them lyars where as it is most clear that this was a judiciall tryall and in a legall and orderly way of such before any declarative sentence and for this end is adduced by the greatest interpreters to prove the necessity thereof but this as I have formerly touched can give no advantage in that case of the Conformists to Prelacy where besides other grounds mentioned the antecedent judgment of our Church hath been so full clear and harmonious there upon whilst I touch this I must cite the words and authority of blessed Mr Rutherfurd in his divine right of Church Government page 378. We grant sayes he that each should eschew false Teachers and all that walk inordinatly but that every one should shun these whom in his private judgment he conceives to be such before he rebuke and labour to gaine and in case of obstinacy then to tell the Church is forbidden Mat. 18. and
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
3. If yow stumble here and embrace no religion until yow finde no offences amongst the professours thereof then ye must have none but turne Athiest bot your conscience herein must needs tell yow silence it as yow wid that the truth and principles of godliness bindes men over with the greatest tyes and engadgments to holyness purity candor and righteousness even in all our dealing with men under the severest threatnmgs and oh must the glory and honour of the truth which is according to godliness thus come under reproach and suffer from the untender and unansuerable practice of any who profess the same 4. Can yow posibly debate this which might both silence and make men ashamed of such a challenge that under any pretences which have ever been to religion in the world it is the doctrine of Christ only which indispensibly requires truth and sincerity of the heart herein and that the conformity of our duties on the matter to the rule is not enowgh without a serious respect to the quality of the principles of our acting that it be in faith and from the love of Christ which is so essentiall a requisite therto yea that this is so framed as to correspond with the inward man to exerce an authority over the conscience and our most retired thougths al 's well as actings and to put shame and terrour on such whose glorying is in appearance bot not in heart 5. Yow know likewayes that the most select societies of such who ever yet profest the truth and since there hath been a Church on the earth did never want a sad mixture yea these feu choised difciples of our blest Master was not only with a Judas but a falling Peter and a misbeleeuing Thomas â—mong them and should this have been a ground then for prejudice at the truth of christianity in its first dauning when by such a constitution our great Master would have it known what his Church whilst here upon the earth will be even in the purest times thereof 6. Will ye not allow that measure which we finde in the primitive times the Christians did require of their heathen adversaries upon any publict offences which were then objected to them to give but that allouance which they did to their philosophers and such as profest morall vertue amongst them which was not to charge the corruption and offences of the practice of any on the rule of their profession whilst yow have these further inforcements of this that yow know upon your own conscience what a sore burthen and grief these are to such who are tender and sincere in following of the truth and how evident their discountenance of any such appearance is yea may not the establishment of Church discipline and censure with such express rules herein by our blest head convince and silence these who reproach 7. Let some who pretend most to stumble on such an accompt speak but their own heart if these be not much more their trouble and torment whose walk does most convincingly tend to adorne the profession of the Gospel whose sincere and serious embracement of the truth hes been with such visible outward dissadvantage and no privat interest to sway them herein as they ar enforced to see this for none possibly could conceive how this should be on any other ground then the known pover and certainty therof on their soul 8. Are not such whose way is thus the ground of your challenge most visibly condemned by their own avoued principles yea what ever essayes hath been to personat serious godliness by a false show yet is it not most convincing even to such as look but at a distance that native lustre self evidencing light with that sweet savour and efficacy which accompanies the same as no possible invention or art could ever reach no more then to make a dead picture live Oh! that such a day of reproach as this and that sad woe the world is so unsensible of because of offences might more suteably affect our hearts and that it is with so visible adeclining â—ow in the Church and mens grouing weary of the simplicity of the truth these sweet paths and footsteps of serious godlyness love and zeall for God self denyall and contempt of the world seems to be all most overgrown and worne out amongst many professours in this age 5. Ground that I fear some may be ready this day to break and stumble on is these high pretences of zeall and fervency for the truth in the way of so me as would seem most visibly to crosse and interfer with the most known principles of Christian prudence yea that due necessar use of mens reasone which the Scripture does so indispensibly require ANSW though the zeall of God and faithfullness for his interest even with the most convincing evidence of the truth thereof to mens conscience is that which the world cannot bear yet I hope these things when seriously considered may silence any publict reflection herein 1. That the greatest want which may be now matter of grief in all the Churches is that of pure zeal and love to Jesus Christ and his truth and of such a spirit to follow the Lord fully and oh our fall hath been too great and universall from that first love which was wont to shine and burne in these who profest the truth to be hid this day and seems one of the saddest presages of a dark night yet coming on when with a continued light the heat and power thereof is so farre gone 2. But to silence any such reflection it may be demonstrable to the furthest that the true and native tendence of the zeall of God and fervency in his work can cause no breaking or disorder nor hath any irregular violent motion or scorching heat therwith but where ever this most brightly shines there also does a humble tender condescendence to convince and gaine most evidently appear how by manifestation of the truth to mens conscience to prevent any ground may be thus taken of offence who is offended and I burne not was the temper of that blessed mans spirit when he was burning in zeall for God and thus carried him out that he might be all things to all that he might gaine some for such should be the greatest acrimony and sharpness of these who should be the salt of the earth that it may allwayes tend to season to preserve and recover and not to destroy 3. And is not Christian wisdom and prudence a peece of our sanctification and a true and native result of pure zeall and love to Christ â—…o as the more a Christian the more tender thus to keep by the rules and to walk circumspectly not as fools but as wise and is not mens folly stil a fruit of their own corruption nor can the truth of godliness be vigourously exerted botâ—o farre it will cause also snch a sweet composure and even temper of spirit as to watch with an equall advertance to extreams upon
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
of meekness and according to the rule of some putting a difference great peace should thus follow upon a tender bearing with the frowardness and revilings of any under these saddistempers upon this designe and for being thus all things to all to gaine one from the error of his way is a greater victory then to gaine a city I find in the life of blessed musculus this followed with much success in dealing with some at Ausburgh who wer then under a sad sad prevalence of the spirrit of error by seaking first to gaine on their heart affection and then to deal with their conscience which proved at last effectual 6. It is sure we are now called in this present tryal not to be secure as to what further growth so strange a contagion may have when the Apostle sheweth a litle leaven leaveneth the wholl lump 1. Cor. 5 6. Which as a destroying plague may thus quickly spread from one house to a city and thence thrugh the wholl land yea it is known how small the rise of Quakerisme was within these few years in the Churches of Britaine Nor are these light or small things hath beene now with a strange confidence owned by some of that way or what may be feared of its further prevalence if the Lord doe not graciously prevent and rebuke such a spirit which hath thus troubled the poor Church 7. There needs much advertence also on the other hand that there be a continued fear and no coolness from this sad extreme in our watching of the Churches hazard from open adversaries and to what assault may be yet made to the rights and liberties of the Kingdome of our blessed Lord the alone supreme head and King of his Church but that thus an equall fear and jealousy be keeped up so as the truth lose no ground upon either hand Reader for this present publick appearance I shall us but a few words it may be easy to judge how sad a part it is in a time when al humours are so much aloft and what may be expected this way if there be not from another airt to suport against the contradiction of men but this I must say I have beene stated under circumstances and with some surprising call hereto as I hope could obviat the most sharpe reflections of any who are this day unbayased in such a case but I forbear herein to speak more particularly only as to the occasion of my moving further upon this subject was from that which is contained in the first Section which upon some desyre and aime for a serious and sober communing upon these differences in our Church was directed to some few friends and did choise that way by writ to prevent any erruption might be of heat as too usually there is hazard of in verball reasoning upon such things and since I found it so frequently challenged how any could oppose themselve to what is owned and asserted in that History of the Indulgence as that which they judged enough to answer al in such a case I was enforced to touch it a litle tho in a very few words whicâ— I designe as far as possible and now in such ane unpleasing essay yet I humbly judge with that evidence of the truth as may shew the mistake and invalidity of these grounds on which so strange a superstructure when seriously pondered and weighed hath beene raised Nor have yet found more urged upon the mater by any on this head then what is made use of there It is sure no times past hath beene ever with so intire ane onnesse in judgment as no occasion of difference did fall out amongst the truly godly in some concerne of the truth but it is sad that so dreadfull a hazard of occasioning a breach in the Church this way is not yet credit upon tryal until some have once tryed it themselves My great unfitness to move in such a case was just ground of fear besides much aversion otherwayes to intermedle with so sad and unpleasing a subject but being pressed herein I hope I may say it was with a serious aim and inquiry after the truth and to be confirmed by Scripture-light in a matter of such great publick contest and with some desire to prevent the stumblings of many as may now be much feared on these amazing and shaking things that have since followed on this breach for what incongruity may be judged in the close anent some thing practical and the Churches hazard from Popery with such a subject I thought was so far suteable as I am sure a greater weight thereof would be found ane effectuall meane to take off these sad unedifieing debates There are some considerable mistakes at the press both in words and in the pointing but I hope are such as the discerning Reader can notice without darkning the sence and will pardon SECTION I. THough I have much aversion to move in any controversies especially where friends so truely dear on every side are thus interested when our distempers so sadly prevail as most seem not in case to bear mutually freedome in these things so as this present breach would seem almost beyond hope if some blessed touch of the great healers hand do not marvellously surprise us in this day beside the crowd and noise now may be feared is so great as to shut all access for a being heard on such a subject And for my self I may say I have been struck with that terrour of these sad imbittering animosities and heats now amongst us as to judge it no less desireable to find an hiding place from the strife of tongues than from the pride and violence of men yet since it is sure true friendship and love gaines more by freedome and openness of heart with others than to keep at a distance Besides that sad impression of this deplorable breach and rent in our Church hath pressed me to write these few lines not for debate or contending I may say in the least but for the truths sake in a sober and humble reasoning with some exoneration of my own spirit in a few proposals with the grounds thereof which without prejudice or offence I would desire yea obtest to be seriously pondered And I hope I may humbly adventure to say it hath been with some desire to prove my own heart in this matter before him who is the grear searcher thereof and under some present constraint of light have now write this as I durst not though they were my dying words with peace or quiet of spirit retreat here But before I offer these proposals I would desire to premit some few concessions which I hope on every hand what ever be the present differences will be acknowledged 1. That there must be no coolness or indifferency in any interest of the truth under the greatest hazard this being so invaluable as there cannot be too dear a purchass thereof yea that truths comparatively small may be great in their season so
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
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
towards such as are without Col. 4. 5. and with the furthest tender respect to prevent their being further alienat or hardened in their aversion from the way of the Lord which I must say should be one of the most weighty concerns of a Christians study for adorning the profession of the Gospel in sueh a day 7. I shall but add this more what advantage a christian may thus have for true peace and quiet on such a reflection of having kept guard against any hid personal prejudice or such a byasse which the preingadgment of their judgment in the present caice and that influence their interest in a divided party might have occasioned yea thus of some tender respect to the Purity al 's well as the peace of their own conscience that there may be no private interest or setting up of such a stumbling block before their eyes as to darken their judgment herein 3. Ground which I fear in these times may be much made use of by many for their own stumbling is that strange spirit and to visible eruptions of pride bitterness and passion with which these contests and differences in judgments amongst professours of the truth are so oft followed For Answer whatever sad occasion be thus given of offence yet can there be none for taking prejudice or any reflecting thus on religion except men will put out the very eyes both of their reason and conscience when it is so clear 1. How visible a contradiction any such sad appearances of pride bitternesse and wrath are to the designe and intent of the Gospel which is for the furthest self abasing to subdue and mortify such lusts and thus prevent any exorbitancy that way as that which is not only to adorne a christian walk but is a most essential part of our sanctification and is not the authority of the rule herein such on their conscience whom yow may most thus challenge as they are even inforced to seek a cover and hiding of these evills which they know to be their shame and cannot bear the light being thus judged in themselfs and so conscious of their deformity 2. Is not the reliefe also and antidote to so dreadfull a poison most clearly held forth to us how to watch against this which both hath so subtile and forcible an infection and deep rooting in mens nature 3. Or can yow challenge the least shaddow of Latitude from our blest Lawgiver and the lawes of his Kingdom herein which are so expresse not only against any open eruption of such evills but against the most secret convoy and intertainement thereof in the heart yea that on no lesse hazâ—rd then of being shut out for ever from that Land which is above we must both watch and wrestle against the same for such is the straite and narrow way and so many low entries there as none possibly can get through without a humble and subdued Spirit and as little children to receive the Kingdom of God 4. Can prejudice so farre overcome mens conscience as not to see the excellency of a Christian spirit and the undoubted reality thereof which hath so brightly shined and I hope yet doth to silence the greatest reproacher in many convincing examples of humility meeknesse and in the conquest of their passions and forgiving of injuries as a convincing witness to the world of ther being thus transformed into his blest image of whom as the great pattern set before us we are to Learne 5. And should not tenderness and compasion be more suteable then prejudice and stumbling at such a sight yow thus challenge when nothing can be more visibly contraire to the very use of reason then any such sad eruption of pride bitterness and wrath which is so sore a disease and a fever of the minde and causeth such disorder sad and tumultuous rysings there as they are made their own punishment and the very mean to frustrat that end they most follow yea in no way could more gratify and give the greatest advantage to such they contend with and to put themselfs in the pouer of every one to become their tormentor 6. Yow little know what sharp and bitter reflections such may oft have on themselfs upon any sad appearance this way or advantage their corruption hath got under some sad assault yea such as even the sense of a sealed pardon on thir soul can not sometimes blunt the sharp edge of this grief and indignation against themselves 7. And may yow not clearly see what visible detest such are even inforced to have at the appearance of these evills in others which thus hath a sad outbreaking in their own practice as convincingly showes their way must contradict both their own judgment and principles 8. I shall but further adde what great incitements and clearest discovery doth the Scripture afford of that blest way which was never known nor attaind by nature how to get such prevailing evills subdued yea how to improve injuries to the greatest advantage and thus by overcoming to gaine the most glorious and desireable victory and revenge on such who have injured them by humble and tender forbearance and what a sueet facility might be found this way when the first wave and assault is whos 's once broke and resisted but greatest strength still lyes in the first assault 4. Ground and pretence for prejudic in these times is that so little evidence seems of tenderness and a convincing serious practice even in their way who have a name repute of religion with such abounding offences as gives occasion not only to question the sincerity of their profession bot to stumble at the very forme and appearance of godliness ANSW though nothing should be more dreadfull then for any to make the truth accessory to their sin or take thus shelter under its patiociny yet since it is so great a concern to vindicâ—t pure and undefiled religion and the spotles rule and pattern thereof in a day of such reproach and when any advantage is so eagerly sought and followed for this end I would but offer some few things to plead with their conscience who thus are in more hazard to undo and break themselfes then to hurt the credit of the truth 1. If there should not be more to shake and stumble if such offences were not in the Church of Christ when so expressly fortold as the Scripture els should want a most convincing seall and witness thereto yea when thus yow may see that not only an empty show and the hypocrisy of some bot the recorded blemishes and falling of the saints their to be demonstrative and confirming of the truth al 's well as the bright est evidences and lustre of their grace 2. I confesse it were a suteable inference for none to engadge with the profession of godliness without the power and how dreadfull a part such acts who live stangers thereto but how strange and astonishing were it for such as are ungodly thus to justify their own way