joint acknowledging of the same principle about which some difference may be in the application thereof to some particular caice 8. I shall but adde that it 's known what sweet harmony and onenesse of heart hath sometimes been among such as did Professe the truth of all ranks in our Church and in a fixt adherence to the same cause and how it was at a sad ebb that some differences broke up amongst the most eminently godly both Ministers and professors there for some time on that head of the publick resolutions though without any formed breach or schisme but after among such who thus differed a most sweet concord and concurrence in a joint opposition against prelacy and to suffer rather then in the least to consent thereto did follow yea though since amongst the most serious Non-conformists a greater freedom hath been in the judgment and practice of some then others for hearing of Conformists to prelacie yet so farre as I know hath it been with a due and tender respect as was suteable to keep of either dividing or alienation in such a caice but oh it must be confest to what a hight have these late confusions and breaches amongst us come and what fewel this hath been to a great increase of sin yet is there one ground to hope when almost there seemes no comforting signe els that he who hath seen our wayes can he all them also by a marvellous surpriseal of grace 2. Prejudice it which is by some highly entertained in these times for their own breaking is the perplexedness and hesitation they are in what way to choice when the truth seems now involved in such a confusion of different judgments and such visible contradictions amongst professors thereof For Answer if no thing were to shake or offend there should then be no tryed establishment yet since this seems one of the saddest diseases of the time in many's being soon saken in minde with such wavering and unsettledness in the truth I must speak a few words thereto to witness what greatest advantage such as desire to walk in the light may have to hold fast the profession of their faith without wavering and for the furthest quiet and assuring of their heart therein on these grounds 1. That the Scripture is so near these living oracles of truth which do with so clear and distinct a sound speake if men had but ears to hear 2. That the Lord hath given to his people a spirit of discerning in some greater and lesser measure so as to prove all things by a serious personal tryal yea that none needs receive the truth upon trust or to lean on the authority or example of any herein but to judge their own eyes and conscience should be al 's faithfull to them as any 3. He hath given also as a special help a fixt Ministry to his Church yea for this very end Ephes 4 14. that we should henceforth be no more Children tossed to and fro with every winde of doctrine and therefor with a divine mission hath given such spiritual gifts as the necessity and service of the Church may require for interpreting and clearing up of what may be the counsel and minde of the Lord to his Church according to his own word 4. That the most weighty things of religion both as to faith and practice are not interested in most of these sad contests which are now amongst but he hath so graciously condescended that what we should most live by should not cost us so dear and that the greatest subtilties and most intricate controversies which are so oft in the Church ye most out of our way yea such as should cause no trouble or disquiet of minde herein 5. Is not also most clearly sheued us how we may know our being led and kept in the way of truth and what should qualify and make us meet for the blest conduct and teachings of the spirit by his word such as a holy fear and sincere resignation of the soul thereto meekness humility with a fixt and serious resolving to close therewith how crosse however it should be to our own private affection and credit 6. There is this advantage to know that blest and approven way wherein we may have peace as that in which the footsteps of the saints and so innunerable a company hath gone before who received the spirit this way and with greatest assurance did know the truth of that seal on their own soul so as after no new or strange light we need to inquire 7. And hath not the meanest of the saints these peculiar 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and marks whereby to discerne the way of truth in a dark and trying time by plainest Scripture light both for clearing and confirming of their minde herein 1. That we should follow these things which tend to peace and to edify Rom. 14. 19. For thus surely does the way of truth tend to build and not to cast doune and if many caices which some does now agitat with much disquiet both to themselfs and others were more brought to that great rule of solid edification I should not fear that so much time should be lost therein 2. It is sure the way of truth must be stil rationally convincing such as doth persuad by teaching and to fix and clear the judgment before the will by manifestation of the truth to mens conscience for thus we are taught and be alwayes ready to render a reason of the hope that is in yow with all meeknesse and fear 1 Pet. 3. 15. 3. Such is this blest way as it is cautious and advertant to hazard on each hand and to guard against the dephts of Satan as well as to resist his fury a way which lyeth betuixt extreams either on the right or left hand for thus we are taught 2 Cor. 6. 7. 2 Cor. 11. 14 2 Thess 2. 2. 4. It is such a way as leadeth us to regard the special varying of a caice as to some present duty with a due respect and ballancing of circumstances and to see that the same way at all times is not to be followed in our practice since what may be most requisite and edifiing some time and in one caice may be destructive in another for this hath the Holy Ghost shewed that all things are lawful but not expedient 1 Cor. 10. 23. 5. Thus we may know and discerne the truth and way thereof which is according to godliness Tit. 1. 1. when it is such as visibly tend by its power and efficacy on the heart to heal the distempers of the minde and judgment and by practical obedience to a more full assurance of understanding in themselves and may thus see its very native result and tendence is to make professours of the truth humble meek sober and temperat in their personal conversation yea tender to provoke or excite the corruption of any 6. Is ther not this necessare tendence also of the revealed way of truth to walk wisely
The Church wounded and rent By a Spirit of Division Held forth In a short account of some sad differences hath been of late in the Church of Scotland with the occasion grounds and too evident product therof whose wounds are bleeding to this day Togither with some vindication of the truth and principles of our Church in this present state of things from unjust revilings and reproach And a few words in the close with respect to what are the greatest concerns of Christians exercise and duty in these times Heb. 10 23. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering for he is faithfull that promised Philip. 3. 16. Nevertheless whereto we have already attained let us walk by the same rule let us mind the same thing Philip. 2. 2. Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory but in Lowliness of mind let each esteem other beter then themselves James 3. 16. For where invying and strife is there is confusion and every evil work 1 Thessal 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Now we exhort you Brethren warn them that are unruly comfort the feeble-minded support the weak be patient toward all men Printed M.DC.LXXXI THE PREFACE IT will be acknowledged by all who have any serious impression of the truth on their spirits what sore and trying times we are now fallen in and how deplorably sad the present state of religion is almost every where yea what need seems for our being awake with some deeper apprehensions of what may be coming and of so many presages that this night is not yet at the darkest but one of the sorest conflicts which the reformed Churches have hitherto mett with may be on a very near approach of which one remarkably sad and most threatning presage is now too obvious in this late astonishing rent and breach hath been in the Church of Scotland so impetuously driven and fomented by some there to the furthest scandal and reproach of the truth and giving the adversary such occasion to blasphem Thus hath there been so sore woundings of religion and the holy spirit of God greatly provoked and greived thereby I confesse such a tryal would have been litle either feared or apprehended in a time when so hot a furnace hath been set up amongst us and that the Church had smarted and been so sore brunt with the offence which followed upon former breakings yea when it is so joyntly acknowledged how much the honour of Christ the spreading of the Gospel and edificatione of the Church is concerned and in the highest measure prejugded herein this is a sad subject which should call each to that serious inquiry and tryal of their own work and frame of spirit in such a day as may lead in to peace and assurance of heart before the Lord in this mater and to be seriously affected with what we have seen following thereon yea might have been feared with the first breaking up of this strange rent of the spirit of error and delusion in the Holy righteousness of God now with such prevalence over some whose work had been to put the Church in a flame and unsetle others as they can find no ground where to fix themselves but are like to shake loose all principles and run that length as is incompatible not only with Christian but humane society Some few things with respect thereto I would premit now in the entry to be considered 1. First what light doe thus break forth out of the very bowels of such confusion both for conviction and confirming of us in the truth if we be but serious observes of the work of the Lord in this day and I would yet hope may tend to put some Deeper impression of these things on this generation when as with one audible voice from heaven so much hath occurred to seal our instruction herein 1. That none thus so easily adventure after what we have seen on such a publick rent and breach of the Church as this and to hazard on a precipice and rock on which so many hath dashed and been broke and where the losing of communion in love hath not long wanted a sad breach in the unity of faith 2. That there may be now more fear and dread of managing differences in judgment within the Church with that bitterness and passion as hath too visibly been of late to stumble and beget wrath more then conviction or to make ane offering of such strange fire the truth and cause of God can be promot only by these meanes and that spirit which he doeth himself require 3. That Professors of the truth be more deeply pressed about the ground work and for a solid founding on the great fundation-truths and principles of religion when this sad want may be so visibly now read on all our distempers and make us yet fear where some great pretences to religion may end Here is one of the sadest judgments of the time much Ignorance of the truth and rule of the Gospel with a louse and unstable mind tho with greatest confidence otherwise amongst too many under a Profession of godliness this day through which the tempter hath gotten such advantage yea on some whose affection and tenderness of spirit I dar not question but thought they could not run too far at a distance from what they judged wrong not fearing a destroying snare on the other hand and that corruption of the mind by error is no lesse mortall then in the life and practice yea which is too sadly obvious less hope of a cure where such a leprosy is once broke forth in the head 4. And have we not now seen for our furthest conviction herein that none lift up themselves above that which is meet upon the repute and credit of their profession before him who is no respecter of persons and resisteth the proud to so sever a smiting and thrusting down of their Brethren and fellow-servants as hath too obviously been in these late differences and without that suteable fear and dread leist these whom they gave so sore a thrust to under the warrant o◠some opprobrious designation be such whom Jesus Christ will own and finds his servants and messengers thus lye a bleeding under that wound 5. I would hope also that such a witness of the jealousy and displeasure of the Lord against despysers and revilers of the Ministers of the Gospel may have more weight on the conscience of many after this when with so discernable and awfull a voice this I humbly judge hath been spoke and may be applyed to all such who professe the truth and the generations yet to come to fear and dread to give thus the authority of the Son of God the supreme head of his Church so publick ane affront in the Ministry of his servants as this party hath of late done in our Church or rise up in such a conspiracy againe and no pretences when tryed at that bar of the scriptures of truth can possibly bear out 6. And should not
hope through grace shall never take place of there being no preaching Ministry els in the whole Church and thus doeth lay down a new rule and precedent buit with that disadvantage that I humbly judge its greatest weight and inforcement most be from the authority of the imposers though of such ane import as upon the matter it is noe less then to sentence yea some way unchurch all these congregations who own adhere to their Ministry I thought it a grave remark of a choise and eminent Minister of Christ in thir late times upon this head I could sayes he relate many sad stories of persons professing godliness who out of dislike begane at first to separate from our Church meetings and after many changes are turned now some Quakers some Ranters and Atheists these are his very words with this reason he did give thereof that such as fall off from the publick worship are like a Man tumbling down a hill that never leaves till he come to the bottom SECTION III. BUt that there may be upon such sad differences a right understanding of the question and a moving on clear grounds which hath been rendered so perplex dark by to visible essayes for making things seem greater then they are I must come more near to touch this present controversy and Oh! what can this meane the poor Church all in a flame yea almost to a being utterly broke and the cause so litle understood but many thus thrusting at others in the dark and I am sure when mens eyes shall be opened and these muddy waters become clear that such as shall be keept from a being swallowed up in that whirlepit of error and delusion will then wonder how their spirits should have been thus entangled in so high breakings and animosities on such a ground as this and be enforced to see that it was not so much upon the matter of any difference in light and judgment as a dividing spirit which in the holy righteousnesse of God is now too much aloft this is indeed a great and boisterous winde which is renting the poor Church but the Lord is not there except that wee may see it one of the saddest tokens of his displeasure But since on a clear stating of this controversy the issue and a right judging thereof necessarily depends and that we may understand wherein the present difference does mostly I shall offer some important questions on this account to be considered QUEST I. What the indulgence is About which so high and continued a breach is thus in our Church for I have found a strange noise and clamor by some upon this account who did not yet understand what this truly was besides that astonishment that it causeth to strangers abroad about what the Church of Scotland is this day in such a flame I shall give but this short and plain account of it It was ane order and appointment of the Magistrate to some Non-conformed Ministers who were expresly named to repaire to such places and remaine there confined permitting and allowing them to preach and exerce the others parts of their ministeriall function in the said respective places or parishes where they were thus confined This is the very substance of the last act of indulgence of date Sept. 3. 1672. and the former Act of Indulgence which preceeded some years before that being upon the matter one and the same only without any sentence of Confinement I need not further mention that about the acceptance of this there was some difference in judgment amongst the most serious both Christians and Ministers in our Church and with some free plain and tender communing among themselfes upon such ane account but I may say without any designed tendency to any such breach as some of late have made it their very work to promote QUEST II. It may be needfull to know how far there is yet ane undenyable onnesse and agreement among the true Non-conformed Ministers and Professours of our Church notwithstanding of this present difference about the accepting of the Indulgence to which I must answer in these few 1. That we are one in a joint confession and publick owning of the same doctrine worship and Government as formerly whatever by all of us should be sadly regrated as to the want of that freedome in such a publick testimoy thereto before Adversaries as these sad encroachments hath been made upon the Government of the Church established by our blessed Head and Master did in this day require 2. That whatever hath been thus wanting in practise Oh! that we could truly mourn over the same yet are we still one and agreed upon both sides in a declared and I hope serious disowning both Prelacy and Erastianisme as contrary to the Scripture 3. In this also are we one that whatever the Magistrate hath assumed yet that he hath no just right and power or is in the least proper for him to judge of the spirituall condition and state of the people as to the fittednesse of Ministers for labouring amongst them and thus to make application of persons to particular places for the exercise of their Ministry there which is alone proper and competent to the ordering and cognition of the Church this so far as I know is upon no side either owned or approven 4. Herein likewayes doe we jointly agree that to none it belongs but to our blessed Head and Lawgiver to prescribe and give rules to his servants for the exercise of their Ministry and that these rules we can only own and acknowledge which he hath given for the same to us in the Scripture QUEST III. I know it is of greatest weight now to be considered and wherein the state of this controversy much lyes if there be ground or warrant from the Scripture and doctrine of the Reformed Churches to break of Church communion with these who have accepted of this late Indulgence and refuse such as the Ministers of Christ and by his autority dispensers of the mystery of the Gospell upon this present difference now held forth I know they doe not assert in that History of the Indulgence this to be simpliciter sinfull to hear either such or the Curats but it is only in case that no preaching Ministry were else in the land otherwayes doth most expresly allow and warrant a forbearing to hear such as these who hath fallen under no lesse then a judiciall forfeiture of their Ministry in so far as they have accepted of that Indulgence and herein doth in effect impose upon the conscience of the people to rack and disquiet their minde so as many through fear and ignorance upon this account knowes not what to doe Now to this question I must give this plain and expresse answer that it seemes a most convincingly sinfull and offensive practise without any just cause or warrant followed which I here offer to demonstrate from these following grounds I. That no Scripture command or warrant is for the
the congregational judgment whose tender respect to guard against any dashing on such a rock as this they have published to the world which I forbear to set down here only to avoide prolixity But I must yet speak a few words more on this so important a caice and obtest I hope I may say with most tender respect such who in some simplicity of heart hath been carried so strainge a length in these differences and may not be aware of the hazard and on what a precipice they are thus led to consider 1. If ther be no caus to fear lest theyr resolution be fixt before their light and a serious tryall of theyr way and motion herein since the sincerity of our aime can make none approven in that where a declining is in the matter from the rule 2. And that the example and authority of none can bear weight with the conscience upon an after search of what they have done sinc each must prove his own worke yea it is sure non would take poysone upon the credit or repute of others nor can the wisdom of words add any weight to the word of truth 3. Is there not much cause to fear that without preventing grace division is at such a height as it shall at last end in dissolution Julian knew this to well when as one of the greatest means he followed for the undoing of Christianity was not only to tollerat but to foment differences among Christians 4. And what can such fore breakings as these mean for sure it is one of two that either we do not center in Christ and are unite by the same spirit with him or that we are thus under some dreadfull prevalence of temptation It is not the lines that are streight but such as are drawn crooked from the center which do justle and tread on other 5. Should it not be a strainge contradiction for a profest contending upon the Kingdom and supremacy of our blest head over his Church by a visible controlling of the authority of his Laws over our conscience and practice and can this be under debate where there is so sad an exceeding of these Scripture bounds sett to us in mutuall contendings in such differences as these now are for which I shall but offer these express commands given in such a caice to be considered which I may say could not possibly but restraine any such rupture and schisme now in our Church if some suteable weight thereof were on our spirits Phil. 2 3. Eph. 4 31. Rom. 14. 3 4. James 3. vers 6. Hath not in all times the Churches hazard been more from the right then the left hand and from such a party as lyes in ambush to enter at every breach I mean the spirit of errour and delusion than from open assaults yea is there any mean could have been essayed more sad for the opening such a door then this to divide the Church and godly among themselfs 7. 〈◊〉 whither hath this tyde carried some I am sure much beyond their own thoughts and what deplorable effects have thus been of late in so strainge a keeping this breach up with these who are partakers of the same precious faith and when much more is yet to unite then to disjoine shall there yet be further dashing on such a rock whereon so remarkable a beacon in these known sad and dismall consequences hes been set up before us yea no essay for a binding up of such wounds which are now like to bleed unto death 8. What strange pleasure must it be that is more in bitter contendings I fear then to live in the practise of these great truths we know or what true gain can be thus projected for our masters interest it is sur such a delight sould be greatest paine to any serious and tender spirit Yea have not such intemperat heats yet spent their strengh under these strange chainges which have of late gone over as might have brought some sutable cool atlast to this fever 9. Are professors of the truth in such a manner now prest to adorne the profession thereof as formerly and under such a weight how great great a thing it is for any to be eternally saved though never more cause to walk under fear of this then in the present age or where moe in a way of profession and with much of the forme of godliness hath been in hazard to perish and come short of heaven yea with lesse accesse to be convinc'd or to bear faithful dealling with their conscience then seems now and do but consider whom yow prejudge most in withdrawing from the Ministry of these who I hope shall be ouned of the Lord as his messingers to the Church and darre own no other resentment both of greife and sorrow upon the visible hazard of such as seem not to be awarre thereof themselves 10. Yow know that expresse command of watching with a godly jealousy against any strainge doctrine Heb. 13 3. and it 's but too known how eager a grasping is by many more at what seems new and strange then what may edify nor hath such oft apprehended the hazard of some plausible error untill it came to a more formed complexion as is now 11. What advantage is thus given to the Prelatick party for that charge of separation against the whole Non-conformists this day and though with clearest evidence we can evince the injustnesse thereof yet knows not how to ansuer on your behalf when we are reproved 12. Are we not both called and taught to trye the spirits whither they be of God by clearest Scripture light and that the impulse and motions of the spirit of grace must assuredly tend to compose and sanctify the whole frame of the soul with a humble tender submisnesse to the tryall of the word herein and is it not expresly shewed what the fruits of the spirit and flesh are Galat. 21. 22. 2 Tim. 1. 2. 3. vers and how farre the way of the Lord is from any irregular or impetuous courses yea such as may seem incompatible with the very use and exercise of reason These words of Luther in the second tome of his epistles ar of much weight sayes he in your tryal and decerning the spirits ye would trye whither they can prove their calling in what is strange or extraordinary either in their judgment or practice for God never sent any but they were either called by men in his appointed way or declared by signes no not his own son and in no wayes may we accept the calling of any upon such a warrant of some singular impulses or revelation I must yet beseech this further to be layd to heart that if any thing can be known by its native and visible effects we may then read in greatest Letters what a Babel of confusion and disorder with dividing both of hearts and tongues hath followed on this late astonishing rent and Schisme in our Church yea when thus taken off any certaine rule for
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
either hand 4. It needs be no strange thing or give any advantage to bring true Zeall under discredit that there may be a more impetuo us motion and making haste by some when they are out of the way then they were formerly for the truth it being too evident such as are once under the influence of delusion are also in that dreadfull hazard to be as winds carried about with a tempest but such is purezeal that tho it increas the streame it does not overflow its bankes nor wil breake the least comand for vindication of the greatest truth 5. There is such an indissoluble tye by the Holy Ghost betuixt true zeall and that Christian moderation which we should make known to all as none may divide but as the one tends to give life and intensness of Duty so is the other to resttaine all exorbitancy and keep this in its proper channell and that none be carried out beyond these just bounds measures which are so expressly set to us by the rule but so as that it be without any lukewarmness or abatement of servency in spirit for serving the Lord for where on either hand these are divided the credit of the truth and true interest of the Church must then needs suffer and get a sor wound 6. Ground of stumbling and offence which too visibly many are like to break on yea to take prejudice allmost against the whole ministry of our Church is that these who have had greatest weight and acceptance in the work of the Gospell and hath endured so much under many assaults these years past in their opposition to prelacy with some unansuerable conviction hereof I hope to the conscience of all and with a continued adherence to former principles are yet with such reproach so publictly thus followed even by professed friends ANSW Though I hope the perusall of what hath been already touched on this subject may have some weight both for clearing and in some measure to silence thes strange hightened prejudice of some this way yet since this is one of the greatest tryalls of a Minister of Christ both on the account of their work and the credit of their blest Master who accounted them worthy to put into his service and that many are thus in hazard to be shaken I must yet further speak but a few things thereto 1. That what ever may be their part who hath taken most liberty this way yet should we reckon it is our sins that is their strength and much unansuerableness to so high and holy a calling for which the holy God doth thus call to a humble and serious self judging before him and more deep tryall of our own hearts and way with that fear least our sins should finde us out if we be not concerned to finde them and lay the same to heart tho I hope such yet darre with some confidence leave their cause before the Lord to plead herein against the unjust reproach of men 2. It'should be no strange thing now what in all tymes hath been the lot of the most serious Ministers of Christ even when they have had a most sweet and sensible seall of his acceptance in their work to have no other requittall from men then contempt and hatred who yet for the truths sake have with the furthest tenderness sought to gaine such to the way of the Lord yea have had the tryall of such extreams as to be reviled by these who sometimes would have plucked out almost their eyes for them 3. But it is sure the Holy Ghost hath with no lesse expresseness put a guard about the repute and credit of a Minister of Christ then about their calling for which read 1 Tim. 5. 19. 1. Thess 5. 12. 13. yea these are so straitely conjoined as what ever tend to discredit their persones must needs tend also to weaken the weight and authority of their message on the conscience of the hearers and is this of small regard now with many and to be without any dread least in so farre the blood of souls be charged on them in the day of the Lord who by such notour reflections and without any just caus or calling thereto did thus beget such a prejudice and contempt as to have the lesse reckoning made of the word of truth delivered by them In this I must here exoner my own conscience upon so publict a sin and of such sad conseqence to the Churches hazard which seems so little to touch this day 4. Hath it been yet ever seen that where the Ministers of Christ hath had no suteable weight and acceptance of their persons for their works sake in any place bot there also was a most visible abatement of peoples respect and love to the truth and of any true grouth amongst them under the ordinances nor know I an advantage which the envyous man could more desire to sow tares in the vineyard of the Lord then this is when prejudice jealousy and disrespect comes once to any height what ever pretences it may go under against such who are in deed the messengers of truth and dispensers of his ordinances 5. And I hope there is just ground to account such the undoubted Ministers of Christ in our Church and who shall be thus owned in the day of his appearance yea who have had a convincing seall to their ministry on the hearts of many who for ministeriall abilities soundness in the faith and being made examplary to others in humility tenderness of walk love and fervent desire for gaineing of souls to Christ would have been reckoned with the highest respect in the first primitive times of the Church who yet hath been this day exposed to the furthest revilings of some And tho it is not the naked testimony or respects of men that by such would be either sought or satisfying but how to have this inforced on their conscience by a convincing witness and example of a serious Ministeriall practice yet should it not be strange that such be to the furthest concerned to manitaine the credit authority of their ministry which is not theirs but their Masters 7. Ground of prejudice against the truth which is now highly pretended is not only upon the strainge and highly irregular actings by some as may seem visibly inductive to greatest confusion and disorder bot that these have been owned and supported by such principles congruous thereto as seem in compatible both with the practice and profession hitherto of our Church ANSW Whatever advantage hath been given by any thus to reflect which I may with some confidence say in behalf of the most serious Non conformists of our Church have been as a sword in there bones even beyond their own personall sufferrings because of the voice of him who reproacheth yet since many are thus ready to stumble and knows not what a sore woe and judgment offences are to such as make so sad an use thereof yea which may be feared this day are glad
appearance whilst he was in the earth yet is his undoubted Image and portraiture drawne to the life to be seen here in the truth and reality of holyness and how much should this commend and indear truth in the inward parts and tender walking with God unto christians that thus not only the reflection of his image on such may be convincing to the world in whom as so many mirrours he hath choised to shine forth and appear but that in this state of distance whilst they see him not whom their soul loves they may yet still wear his blessed portrature within on their heart and thus discerinbly see him there until they be taken up to himself for ever 6. Thus he can intertaine his soul in so dismall an hower that he knowes assuredly there are comforts here which have no rise or affinity with the flesh unexpressibly above all the griefs of time and seeks no credit from any on report but to be found upon surest tryall such as no grief paine or pressure was yet ever at that hight in the lot of any of the saints which the spirit of the Lord cannot make sweet and easy to endure yea hath oft looked them out of paine with a present sensible outgate on their soul before any outward deliverance broke up 7. He knowes also that the greatest comforts within time are assuredly in the life and exercise of godliness when thus a sincere resignation is reached and a feeling of themselfs to offer freely yea with joy their Isaac and most indeared indeared interests to the Lord in having credit his truth against visible grounds of hope and their being helped to crosse some present desireable interest of sense on the alone incouragement of faith and when some remarkable sharp triall hath been thus got well through upon this sweat reflection also of having gained a season and opportunity for the Lord that may be for some fruit to his praise and of a streight and serious aime to please him when the visible displeasure of men hath come in competition therewith O what pleasure and an abundant entry to a christians peace will be then felt 8. He hath this to be confirming what unexpressible delight and pleasure is found on displeasing the flesh even in its most impetuous and violent motions in tryall of their obedience and love to Christ what ever paine may be for a little in that conflict as lets him see resistance to sin is the most gainefull and rationall act of his life whilst with any sinfull delight which in a moment is gone an imbittering sting and inward shame upon the guilt thereof does then only abide yea is so tried that the way of sin can never cease to be a way of paine and torment if the strenght and malignity of the disease did not take of all sense thereof which as a bone out of joint hath no ease nor does suffer the whol body to be at rest whilst on the other hand in closse following the rule and resisting a present temptation what sweet peace humble confidence and comfortable accesse to God with inward rejoycing is most sensibly then found and how here only is the way of his relief and a great seal thus to the truth when he sees so firme and indissoluble a tie betwixt peace and holiness as the worst of times can never break of 9. He knowes that if no searching tryal there could be no triumph and in so farre should be shut out from the overcomers joy to which the forest wrestling of a christian when sanctifiingly exercising must still make way 10. And what thoughts might these be on a more deep reflection upon the truth and reality of prayer that here is no conjecturall thing but such a passage is sure knowne and tryed betwixt heaven and a Christians soul which hath had so wonderfull effects and certain returns in the greatess exigence and strait and is not only an instituted dutie but mean of their reliefe yea not only the sweetest way of converse with God here on the earth but is the most effectual to prevaile and obtaine I shall but add a few words more now in the close and deteane the reader no further that it would have been judged the appearance of the time in this extream exigence with what may be seen of the deplorable state of the Church of Christ not only in Brittain but almost universally might ere now have allayed these high distempers hath been of late when popery is on so present and dreadfull an approach as threatens to swallow up all and when that mine which hath been so long in the dark and digging under the ground seems so near to spring yea hath got too visible advantage to enter at such a breach as hath been of late and gain ground this way It is true it may seem not easy to comprehend and is surely one of the greatest dephts of the judgment of God this day how in one and the same age where the truth hath so brightly shined both in purity and power there can be a subjecting of so many with their own consent to so visible and notour an Impostur as popery is and after all we have seen this Surprising darknesse should now-come to such a hight as men are turned thus cruel against themselves and the Posterity to deliver up all that should be dearest to them to such a party yea engadge in a way that so clearly enervats the whole intent of the Gospel and where there is no conceiveable access for seduction by any arguments to mens reason and judgment or on other termes then to shut their eyes first on the Bible But what ever length this tryal may now come and tho it should yet once provaile against all visible profession of the truth in the Church of Brittain and Ireland we should adore the spotless righteousness of God herein in delivering mens reason and judgment up to so strong delusion since as the greatest of blessings which ever came to the world is the pure light of the Gospel it needs not be strange that the greatest of judgments follow on a peoples contempt and rejecting thereof so as nothing is so absurd and irrationally grosse which these will not drink in who have once rejected the truth But since the prospect and impression of this time is like to be more fainting then to confirme or awake to duty I would but touch this a little though there can be no possible stumbling for want of light when the truth and doctrine of the reformed religion is so fully cleared and tho this might seem incongruous with the forgoeing subject yet I am sure not unsuteable to the time when such hazard is now of much stumbling and men do unsensibly weare at a distance from under these former impressions of the truth and the way of the Lord which they once had yea that a few dayes may come the Churches way more remarkable for tryal then all hath yet ever been
in this age I shall but offer some special reflexions now sutable to such a day and of so known publick and unquestionable evidence to the Church that when brought near to our thoughts may let us see how farre the advantage and measure of these confirmations of the truth given in to this generation does exceed that of former times and I should hop such an exercise might be of use and blessed through the Lords gracious concurrence for Christians furthest confirming thus but to reason with themself and have more deep reflectings thereon 1. What ever hight this present assault from popery may come to yet we know how solemne a triumph the Gospel hes had and that surly it is the same truth and cause of the reformed Church for which so great things hath the Lord wrought when that blest revolution once came after Antichristian darkness had overspread the face of the World for many ages so as the full stroak and down fall of that Kingdome seems not more marvelous and above all humane appearances when now at a distance then what we have already seen 2. That it is clear how extraordinare a power did attend this blest work of the Churches rising and that astonishing swift progress thereof as nations seemed to be borne at once and the earth to bring forth in one day Churches was then both planted and confirmed betwixt the Year 1521. and 70. like a new Christian World thus brought forth and setled yea how farre this was above visible means and how little interest instruments had therein as it may be still said let none fear or stager at the promise of God though difficulties in an ordinare way seem insuperable after we have now seen what the Lord hath don these last ages 3. That it is so evident how with the first shining forth of the truth and doctrine of Christ in the purity thereof the life and power of Christianity came also therewith to the world and how this blest light did lead in to greatest tenderness in the walk and practise of Christians which we might see yet as still present before us how extraordinare an effusion of the spirit of God this was which caused then so marvelous a change and lustre on the Church 4. Have we not seen to confirme us of the truth these prodigies of cruelty hath been acted by the popish party such as some immediat power and incitement of the Divell can only answer and hath so farre outgone the ordinare rate of humane cruelty as if Infernall spirits had then come and assumed human shape to act this way yea is evident that no such measures can be found under the heathenish persecution against the Christian Church and in that strange way and manner followed as the French and Irish massacre hath been 5. That such horrid practises also hath been consequentiall to their doctrine and principles so as this hath not only been dispensed with 〈◊〉 by that Church but accounted as highly meritorious that it may be now easy to judge where that spirit and way tends and what might be expected where this long 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fury should but once get a vent 6. Have we not seen also no possible mâ—â—â—… security from such whose greatest strength hath thus been to move still in the dark and by surprise to make their greatest assault yea whose very religion does so evidently subvert all truth and mutuall confidence amongst men 7. But have we not also seen amore excellent spirit and invicible power hath been to bear up against all this cruelty and rage and how great a seal thus hath been to the Protestant â—â—…se and doctrine in these late times by innumerable witnesses who even in their extreamest sufferings did so convincingly evidence a joy unspeakable and undoubted sealing of the comforts of the Holy Ghost on their soul 8. That these likewise were rare examples of the truth and reality of holyness in their day and of humility and subduedness to the flesh yea of tenderness and bowels of compassion to their persecutors whom the Lord did thus call and prepare for such a sacrifice 9. That no precipitancy or stubbornness in the least was in their way but as with great assurance of minde so with a tender humble and deliberat acting their study then was by rationall conviction to deall with the conscience of adversaries in a willing rendering the reason of their faith and suffering with all meekness from the scripture with a reference thereto before the world to be tryed and searched out in what any could object 10. Have we not seen the power and wisdom of God most brightly shine forth in that day in the weakness of means and that no speciall peice of service was then called for but a most surprising and discernible call and excitement of instruments thereto who in the same spirit by which others were helped to suffer was remarkably then carried out to act in defence of the Gospel much above themselves and their ordinare reach 11. Have we not seen also that no great thing was by the Lord then brought forth for his Church but some remarkable hight of trouble went before and how every step of her rise and prevailling over Antichrist hath been still ushered in with some sore conflict and down casting lyke the Pangs and throwes of the birth before a delivery 12. Have we not clearly seen that no humane power since the breaking forth of this blest light of the gospel could yet ever reach its end against the reformed Church though no possible way and chainge of weapons have been left untried but how most visibly the work of their own hands hath ensnared them herein and tended more to the furtherance of the gospel 13. And might it not be confirming what hath been so clear to see the reformed Church of France get so sweet a clam yea fixt in a setled state with outward peace and legal security by the Catholick league there andby such a formidable conjunction as was therein of persons and interests for her utter ruine 14. To see four Kings of France successively taken away in 30 Years all upon the same designe and in a vigorous pursuite to destroy the Protestant interest there and in them that race of the house of Valois wholy extinct of whom two were by a violent death Henry the second and third and this last so remarkably from that very airt with whom he had most concurred and joyned in counsell as particularly with the Duke of Guise for the massacre but both falling and destroyed by other in a short time 15. To see the Netherlands fixt both in a setled state and Church by that bloody engine of the Spanish inquisition set up there and severe cruelty of Philip the II. as the very mean made most subservient thereto 16. To see the Protestant doctrine more effectually promot and rooted in England by the bloody dayes of Queen Mary then the peace full calme of King Eduard who had gone before 17. To see the violence and falshood of Queen Douager and inbringing of the French to Scotland to bear down and destroy the Protestant interest there such an effectual mean and advantage for its rise and further establishment 18. To see the blood and cruelty by Ferdinand the II. in Bohemia in so very short a time most visibly returned on himself to a making Germany almost desolate and for many years to sume in its own blood by the Swedes and their confederats 19. To see that horrid late Irish massacre in a few years after resolved in an utter rooting out almost of that cruel party who had moved therein with such a discernible sunshine of the liberty of the Gospel as did follow after in that land 20. I must here add which may be clear and confirming this day how so strange a falling in with popery hath been now these 20. Years past in Brittaine and what ground that interest hath gained there hath so visibly had its strength from that airt of atheisme ignorance and the getting up of a prophane Spirit which as a prodigie and deluge hath thus broke forth in these lands once blest both with the purity and power of the Gospel beyond most of the Churches and how such hath indeed found it easy to quite the truth who yet never knew it besides the influence and suting of such a baite as this way is to the temper of so licentious a time and for some private interest when that hath been under so favourable an aspect FINIS