shall pass upon them according to their works †whereby the righteous shall be adjudged to eternal life in heaven and the wicked to eternal death in hell * I do heartily take the Lord to be my God a and chief good b and Iesus Christ to bee my onely Saviour and Redeemer c and the Holy Ghost to bee my Sanctifier d giving my selfe up wholly to this one God to love him with all my heart with all my soule and with all my might e to obey him sincerely and faithfully f in all his Lawes contained in the Holy Scriptures g though never so cross to my desires or interest of Credit Pleasure and Profit h and all this to the death i And in particular I consent and resolve in the strength of Christ to hold constant Communion with the Church of CHRIST in the publike VVorship of GOD k and to submit unto the Discipline and Government which CHRIST hath ordained l for his own glory and his peoples good m and that I may have the opportunity of the injoyment of these priviledges for the advancement of mine obedience I resolve and promise to submit n to the Ministeriall guidance and oversight exercised according to the Rules of the VVord in this Congregation and to the brotherly advice and admonition o of fellow-Christians here TO ALL That proses the Name of the LORD JESUS IN THE COUNTIES OF Cumberland and Westmerland BOTH Magistratates and People They that shall appear against the carnal interests and corruptions of men in the confident expectation of a calm Sea and a generall acceptance do forget that they deal with men whose distempers usually are awakened to the most vigorous angry opposition by the smaâ—â— of a searching though never 〈◊〉 and necessary medicine Or that they deal with English men pardon the expression whose former contentions and dis-satisfactions make their passions the more ready to take up Armes and become quarrelsome Or that they deal with Satan who will the more best it himselfe to kindle and blow the fire because hee knowes such undertakings are principally against his interest are Kingdome Yet they who shall be affrighted from their duty by the report of Giants and walled Cities difficulties that attend it shew so much unfaithfulness in regard of their duty so much blockish regardlessness of Gods Honour and the Churches good which are of far more value then all our lives if it should cost us so much so much sordid basenese of spirit as not daring to disquiet those humours which if reuzed might hazard them in their esteem peace or maintenance so much Atheisme and unbelief as if the great JEHOVAH were not able to bear them out and to give unexpected success to contemptible beginnings or at least to reward them plentifully for their toyle and care That they declare before all the world their unworthiness of that high Trust and those honourable Titles of Overseer Guide Ambassador Steward Stars and Angells which are then most glorious to a spiritual eye when most scorned and vilified by the World Upon these and such like Considerations we have put our selves upon these Resolutions which herewith are presented unto you WE who have engaged our selves in this undertaking have we hope throughly considered what in all probability it may cost us that while we look for reproach contradiction which yet we would not willingly finde our opposers may find that undaunted courage in our prosecution of this Work which they would not readily have looked for The great distance of this from the first undertaking and Report of our Agreement doth necessarily draw forth this brief Account of its Birth and Progress About three yeers ago some of us joyned together in an Expedient much of this nature which we propounded to some of our Brethren of different perswasions in these things but it took not whereupon we resolved to prosecute it among our selves and made some Progress in it At which time VVorcestershire Association with Mr. Baxters Explication came forth Upon this we began to conceive more probability of some reconciliation at least of different judgements in matters of Church-Government then formerly because we hoped the prejudice which possibly might arise from our single attempt in a business of that nature would be much removed when they saw we were not alone and that the way was led by others of so much worth and ability we therefore resolved to take up our former design again and to propound it to the whole Ministry of the County in general To that end several Meetings were desired and at last we agreed in these following Propositions which were cheerfully subscribed by several both of the Presbyterian and Congregational Judgement During the agitation of these things some of us were much affected to observe 1. The Assent of men both able and judicious and such as had throughly studyed the Congregational Way and from whom in proprobability opposition might have been expected in case these things had been inconsistent with these Principles 2. That Prejudice which like a hateful Monster impoysons the best things seeks Fuel from its own ignorance and blindness and from the very distance which it self caused like a Fiery Oven devours all that 's cast into it and musters up all the Passions to fight against it knows not what hath the greatest hand in hindering the Unity and and Concord of Brethren 3. That the best way to cure it is friendly and brotherly debates especially after it hath tyred it self with its own Activity and evaporated something of its Fury 4. That the Churches Peace if by all parties seriously laid to heart is a very forceable medium to infer a conclusion of Unity Yet all was not done when we had proceeded thus far Action the life of all was yet behinde Satan is enraged and surely that must needs be good which he so furiously opposeth and endeavours to stiffle it in the birth to effect which he disgorgeth from his hateful stomack a swarm of Quakers these at that very time when all things were ready for practice come upon us like a furious Torrent all is on fire on the sudden many are unsetled the foundations shaken and some apostatize here we are beaten off and are forced to lay other things aside that we might more fully binde our selves to quench these flames After a while this storm abates and we begin to think of our former Work But the last Parliament was then sitting and because something of that nature was expected from them it was advised we should yet a little forbear till we might see the issue The Parliament being ended we encountered with an other Demurrer which was this The providence of God so ordered things that many Ministers in this County were unfixed supposing they should be necessitated to remove and several did remove to other Counties so that we were again forced to let all alone expecting what way
things would be cast And now all these things being over we have once more re-assumed our ancient Resolutions casting our selves upon the Lord and looking up to him for assistance That things concerning his Honor and House with so much difficulty now brought to the birth may not miscarry When these were now ready it pleased the Lord to give us this encouragement Our Brethren the Ministers of our neighbor-County of VVestmerland desired of us a Copy of our Propositions and Confession and after they had among themselves considered and debated them they signified to us their free consent to all except what concerned the County of Cumberland in particular These things we speak from the Press 1. Because we suppose it necessary that you have Copies of these Propositions and this is the readyest way to procure them 2. For prevention of mistakes and mis apprehensions which might arise either from corrupt Copies or from Report of our bare actions while men only hear what we do but are not acquainted with our Grounds and Principles 3. That this may stand upon Record as a Testimony of our desires of and endeavours for the healing of Sion We know not what success the Lord may be pleased to give to this when we look upon our selves we profess our selves unworthy of that honour of being imployed in any part of Gods Work and unable of ourselves to do any thing in it and it may be the Lords time of building Ierusalem is not yet come or who knows but he may exclude you from such a Priviledge while he grants it to others Yet when we look upon his Power his Word and his Work upon some of you we are not without hope How ever it please the Wise God to dispose of this we are sure it is our duty to do our utmost in the prosecution of concord And though our souls shall mourn in secret if our dis-union and distractions continue yet it will be no grief of heart to us especially in our dying hour to consider that we did what we could to prevent them It will not be requisite to speak much in Explanation or Vindication of what we propose because in most things it is fully done to our hands by Judicious and Learned Mr. Baxter in his Explication of the VVorceste-shire Association unto which we refer you for satisfaction whiles we give a brief touch upon something in the general 1. Know that several things as to Method Phrase and Omissions which those that are versed in the Controversies about Government will readily observe were not done altogether upon neglect or inadververtency but on design 2. That these were not calculated for every Meridian we were forced to have an eye to the general temper of our people as well as the differing Judgements of one another And therefore let it not be blamed if it be found not suitable in all things to other places 3. Let it be carryed in your minde all along That through the contexture of the whole work our Debates were what we ought to do for the Churches peace and not what each of us might do according to the latitude and utmost extent of the usual practice of different Judgements 4. In all this Agreement there are no Principles broken on either side and nothing condescended unto by any which hath not the subscription and assent of eminent men on both parties in their writings The chief Corner-stones of this Fabrick are four which present themselves in the entrance whereof the first and last Propositions neither fear opposition nor require explication if any should question them such evidence and general acception doth accompany them that they will finde advocates in every place The second we hope will not be accused by any that shall seriously consider all for entrenching too much upon the interest of truth We acknowledge every truth to be precious in it self and profess our selves unfeigned lovers of it neither are we ignorant how much those overtures of Union such as Charls his interim and Cassanders designe wherein the difference is compremised with the loss of truth are generally and justly distasted Neither can we blame those primitive Fathers for sticking so peremptory to {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} refusing Concord rather then admitting one iota more to that word where such a little litteral Addition would make so great an alteration in sense and Faith Neither do we forget how apt the best men are with Bucer haurire faeces to suck in the dreggs out of an eager thirst after peace But no such thing can be fastned on what we assert we are not engaged to deny or renounce the least Truth much less any Fundamental All that the Proposition speaks of is onely a silencing and forbearing some truths And this Condiscention is 1. Terminated only on Government 2. On the confessed lower and most questionable Points thereof And 3. This only so long and so far as the Churches peace requires it If any think that Union and Peace should be hazarded nay lost rather then so great an injury done to truth let them consider Whether they be so great friends to truth as they pretend if the Church be broken through dissention we suppose Truth will bleed and groan under its Ruines If the Pillar shake or fall Truth that hangs on it will be involved in the same fate What if Peace borrow something of truth will it not by that loane be enabled to repay all with advantage Truth indeed is the way to Peace {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Greg. Naz. Orat. 12. de Pace Yet when Truth is questioned then Peace is the way to Truth and the main thing to be looked at for the securing of its interest is union {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Greg. Naz. ibid. In so narrow a point doth Truth lye that men are not likely to have any full or certain view of it till their Spirits be calmed and their eyes be freed from that dust which their contentious bickerings have raised But have not the Guides of the Church in all ages been forced to make use of this Plaster to heal the Churches Wounds Did not the Apostles betake themselves to this expedient Acts 15. 20. to allay the difference betwixt the Christian Iews and Gentiles And were not circumcision and Mosaicall ceremonies of greater moment then our differences And were not those truths about our Freedom from that Yoke silenced for that time and the contrary practised even by themselves Act. 16. 3. 21. 24. 26. This is so clear an instance that it is frequently urged in this case and indeed so strong for us that we doubt of being acquitted by it in the judgement of understanding men Consider 1. That the Laws concerning Mosaical Observations were abrogated at the death of Christ and therefore in regard of their present state or else as some call it neither lawful nor indifferent 2. The Apostle of the Gentiles had laid them
churches and whosoever shall thus be cast out of one church wee wil repute him equally cast out of all and avoid communion with him accordingly 24. If it should so fall out that any Minister or particular church should obstinately and wilfully after many endeavours and much waiting reject the direction and counsel of the association in things apparently agreeable to the word of God then we resolve to draw the right hand of fellowship from such Minister or church 25. For the better carrying on of our intended association we resolve to observe these following rules 1. We judge it convenient to divide our selves into three associations viz. at Carlile at Penrith and Cockermouth and shall meet once a Moneth or more or less as occasion shall require and the major part of the association shall think fit yet in this we do not intend to exclude any Minister not being scandalous from any of the associations that will be pleased to take the pains to be present there nor yet the Ministers of other Counties that shall desire to joyne with any of them 2. At these meetings we shall hear and determine things of common concernment endeavour to resolve doubts compose differences consider the justness weight of the grounds and reasons of Ministers removals from any place when such cases shall fall out consult and advise about special emmergencies that may happen to our Ministry or congregations in particular 3. Because ministers being men of like passions with others can claime no exemptions from humane frailties and infirmities and in regard their miscarriages are more dishonorable to God and the Gospel more offensive and hurtful to private christians therefore we resolve impartially to hear complaints made against any Minister in association with us and to this end we do all and every one of us in case any exception or complaint against any of us shall be made freely profess our resolution to submit to the admonition reproof censure or advice of our brethren yet we would not be here mistaken as if we intended the encouragement of groundless and frivolous quarrels and exceptions either in people against ministers or in one minister against another for as we purpose the Lord assisting us not to be too backward to reprove and rebuke when there shall be just cause so shall we endeavour to be mindefull of that wariness which the Scripture enjoyneth in receiving an Accusation against an Elder 4. Though for conveniencie we divide our selves into three associations yet we resolve sometimes to meet all together especially when there shall fall out any thing of more extraordinary and publike nature or difficulty which cannot be easily satisfactorily decided in any of our particular associations 5. If any that shall offer to ioyn with us in our association lie under the common repute of scandal then we will deferr his admission till he have cleared himself or otherwise given satisfaction and for the prevention of offences we resolve not to admit any into our associations without the consent of the whole or major part of them 6. Lastly we will endeavour a closure of affection as well as judgement and practise and to that end we resolve wholly to lay aside and bury all names and terms of difference to carry our selves each to other as brethren forbearing as much as we can whatsoever might either in word or action occasion mis-reports and offences or raise up grounds of iealousie and exception one against another Omnibus hisce Consentimus c. The Ministers of Westmerland gave their Consent in these words We whose Names are here under-written do subscribe to the forementioned Propositions except what concerns the County of Cumberland in particular The Confession of Faith I Believe that there is one only a living and true God b who is a most pure spirit c infinite in being and perfection d And that in the Unity of the Godhead there are three dictinct Persons the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost and these three are one God the same in substance equal in power and glory e 2. I believe that God hath revealed his whole counsel concerning his own glory and mans salvation in the Scriptures of the Old and new Testament which were given by divine inspiration f to be the perpetual and onely rule of our faith and obedience g 3. I believe that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth h and all things in them of nothing in the space of six dayes and all very good and that he upholdeth i all things by the word of his Power and governeth k all things according to the counsel of his own will l 4. I believe that God created man after his own image in knowledge righteousness and true holiness m And that he gave him a Law n promising life upon perfect obedience and threatning disobedience with death o 5. I believe that man having broken this Law lost the image of God and communion with him p and brought himself his whole posterity into an estate of sin and misery q 6. I believe that man not being able to deliver himself from the curse r God so loved the world s that he promised t and accordingly when the fulness of time was come sent forth his Son Jesus Christ u who took to him our nature w and became man x being conceived by the Holy Ghost in the wombe of the Virgin Mary of her substance and born of her y yet without sin z who having fulfilled all righteousness a was made a curse for us b suffered death upon the cross c was buried and the third day he rose again d ascended into heaven e and sitteth at the right hand of God f making intercession for us g 7. I believe that all the fruits of Christs Mediatorship shall be effectually communicated to all h and onely i those who in him were elected unto salvation before the foundation of the world k which the Holy Ghost doth certainly apply by working faith in them l thereby uniting them in their effectual calling to Christ theirhead m and into one Church which is his body n justifying o adopting p sanctifying q and bringing them into communion with him in all spirituall blessings r 8. I believe Christ hath appointed that those who profess his name should for the begetting s and increase t of grace and knowledge exercise an holy communion together u under the administration of all his Ordinances w which they are carefully to observe till his second coming x 9. I believe that Christ shall come again at the end of the world y and that then the Bodies of all those that shall bee found dead shall bee raised and the rest z changed and all brought before him to judgement which he