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 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
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
or no or if this omission was truly deliberate and since this is a publick fixing a most high scandall on so many Ministers of Christ it would have been expected to be with the furthest evidence to convince others and that they are in case for the full and judiciall out making thereof when required if they would give that measure they expect from others and which the Scripture indispensibly requires in such a case Sixtly It is strange so sudden a determining and publishing the private judgings of some in a matter of such weight and universall concern without so much as a previous communicating in Councill herein with the must tender of their Brethren whom they would in charity judge to be serious and have the Councill of God with them yea this without laying down any such convincing grounds as were necessary to justifie so strange a practise as the departure from fellowship in the publick ordinances with so great a part of the Church as though this had no weight in this day for the spirit of the Prophets being subject to the Prophets I must say though some should own an revelation or extraordinary impulse in this yet so far it might have been judged they might have keept of as not to vent the same in ane disorderly and unsutable way or adventure to bring in so strange a practise and of so publick concern in the Church without the Church or to exerce their private judgment over the whole of their Brethren The Apostle Paull tho immediatly called by Christ yet would goe up to Jerusalem to conferre with the Brethren nor would Paull and Barnabas together adventure to determine in that difference at Antioch untill it was brought to the Apostles the same spirit which leads unto all truth does also lead unto Humility and to the furthest tender condescendence in Brethrens dealling with other nor should it be light whatever may be the private thoughts of some in a matter of truth to doe any thing precipitantly which may disturb the Church and now when it is strugling as if between life and death was this a time to drive with such heat this present breach and in a way to defame more then to convince and gaine and with such a height of severe reflection on all that comes not to their measure this way as if to be pious and peacable at once were wholly inconsistent Sevently And what should it meane or is it sutable to that candour and tender respect which we owe to the Author of the late Apology to set down these arguments which he hath there for not hearing of the Curats for not hearing the indulged and herein to oppose him to himself and his own expresly declared sense to the countrary whilst now by his death he cannot answer But his own words there I hope will not be denyed which yow may read pag. 128. and there also see a vigorous opposition to the indulgence yet without any breach or dividing from these worthy Ministers who have accepted thereof are no wayes inconsistent Amongst the many designes aimed at said that Author in this indulgence and in part obtained we know the breakings and dividing of our party was a principall one but we hope without the fruit our Adversaries expected for whatever difference there hash been and yet is among us in our practise in relation to the indulgence we are all agreed in our preceeding exceptions against it and if there had been accesse for representing the same to the Rulers our unanimity and concord in these had been more discovered and known to the world there is no change with us of our known and professed judgment anent the Government of the Church in its distinction from and independency on the Magistrate some who take hold on all occasions to reproach us are pleased to represent their acceptance of this indulgence as contradictory to and inconsistent with our former professed principles in Church Government yet any that considers what was shortly hinted at in the Councell at the receiving of this indulgence and what was more largly declared by them to their congregations at first entry will be sufficiently convinced of our constant adherence to former principles which by this acceptance is not at all changed thus for he Eightly But if the declared judgments and authority of some may influence any to a more implicite falling in with this way I must yet further crave leave to oppose the judgment of one who I suppose may have the same weight and authority in this case it is the Author of the true Non-conformist who in his clearing the duty of forbearance to hear the Curats hath these words which I cited in the first Paper Page 196. I freely acknowledge that if God had permitted this whole Church to slide into the present evills of Prelacy and thereafter had blessed it with a discovery yet I would not admitt in that condition the same necessity and expediency of separation that I now finde to plead with for a non complyance in as much as our present non-complyance was not only a more seasonable and safe duty but also was attended with a faithfull and edifying adherence to our true and sent Teachers And page 194. hath these words that separation is a departing from ane union once acknowledged even in these things that are in themselfes not condemned and thus does most expresly determine the unwarrantableness of falling of from Church fellowship with the indulged Ministers on that head after so known and acknowledged union with these in the publick ordinances even after the acceptance of the indulgence till of late but that you may know what is the sense and declared judgment of this Author in this case I shall give you now further his own words pag. 487. opposing himself herein to these sharp reflections of G. B. But you doe not only make your Non-conformist to cede as it were to your reasonings but in a manner to own the late pretended indulgence as flowing from the supremacy as on purpose to fix on these few Ministers of ours who have been thereby restored at least a constructive approbation of this evill And there in the following page has these words But not to lose time in these triflings I differ from your Non-conformist and am so much against the supremacy that I abominate the indulgence under this name but that God has disposed the King to restore in any measure what was so sinfully taken away we account it a great blessing wishing that he may be in such manner satisfied with the fruits of this course as may more and more convince him of its righteousness and encourage him to its prosecution But if you or any think by this poor and scant restitution to bribe the Lords people to the rest of your usurpations we trust the Lord will deliver his own and that as hitherto our Ministers has looked upon themselfes as such neither of Man nor only by Man but by
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
Brethren before so watching an adversary whose strength must needs lye in our breach 8. Is not also the bringing things thus to such an extream of that visible tendencie as to bring under question the validitie of their Ministerial acts amongst the people by so publick a thrust at the credit and repute of their Ministry which is so far an exposing of many to the hazard both of atheisme and errour besides the weakening such in the publick work of the Lord who are so known able Ministers of Christ I shall adde no further but a humble and serious appeal to their own conscience who may have judged this their duty if on deeper reflection hereon a tender abstinence and forbearance this way and to keep of any dashing on such a rock as hath been allready touched untill light and conviction from the Lord yet further break up should not be their own peace and comfort as well as the publick peace of the Church in that day when their eyes shall become dim and the keepers of the house begin to tremble SECTION IV. WHen such sad use is now like to be made of these times as to give the truth and credit thereof which above all things should be dear to us a Deaths wound were it possible by reproach I hope it will not be incongruous to such a subject to speak yet a few words more for answering some high pretences for prejudice and stumbling which seem now most publickly to be owned yea not only thus to break and undo themselves but to involve others in the same ruine Not that the truth needs the witness or respects of men to commend the same which as the sun in it's strength keeps its course amidst all the dark clouds which can interveen but in a day of such blasphemy and reproach we should require justice at the barre of mens own conscience herein if there can be any cause for stumbling at the holy and unspotted wayes of the Lord but what is from themselfs and from their seeking after such a latitude in their principles as might sure that liberty which they take thus in their practice Now with some respect their to I shall offer these eight grounds which are at this day most pretented 1. These strange intestine conflicts and Differences in judgment that we are now in the Church and among professors of the truth as though they were not the Children of the same house for ANSWER I hope these things when seriously pondered may silence any such reflection on the way of truth which I shall but leave to mens conscience 1. That our blest Lord hath with clearest evidence layd down such sure and fixt grounds in his own word for the peace and concord of his Church and followers with these expresse rules and provision for the same as there can be no known ground for such sad and deploreable breakings but what mens own corruption and declining from the rule doth occasion 2. It is must clear that one of the greatest of the Lawes of God to which with the furthest reiterat inforcements our obedience is required for preventing the Churches hazard on this rock is that Law of charity and love for the Godly amongst themselves so as without this he will accept no mans service 1 Cor. 13. And is such the Apostle presses above all things to put on charity which is the bond of perfection Coloss 3 13 14. 3. I hope it is undenyable also that these principles of union and love are so firmely fixt as might be consistent both with some various apprehensions and difference in judgment amongst his people here who are unite in himself and in the great concerns of truth and godlyness so as upon such an accompt the peace and concord of his Church should not be suspended since it is here we know but in part and as all have not the same helps so not the same capacity for understanding of many things which may cause some difference in the Church Not that we should think opinions are free or errors in judgment not to be seriously watched against al 's well as corruption in practice since it is not only through sanctification of the spirit but beleef of the truth we are appointed to life 4. For this end likewayes hath our blest head set such bounds and measures to his people in the manageing of these differences which may fall in as that there should be no fear of any sad rent or breach where a due respect unto these is had and to walk according to the rule and spirit of the gospel and oh that these great commands Rom. 14 3 4. Philip. 2 3. were more seriously pondered there could not but be some more lawfull regard to keep of such bitter and offensive breakings as may be oft seen amongst us 5. Nor is there cause to fear any breach from the most serious and servent contending for the truth and closse adherence thereto which should be dearer to us then our life and can admitt no latitude or ceding there when the revealed rule of our duty herein is observed that this be managed with a humble tender condescendence and cedeing in our own things to one another for oh there hath our saddest contests and a nimosity their greatest strength this day It were well if such a blest contending and striving lawfully as the Apostle shewes were thus studied that it be in the way of the Lord and by means of his own appointment by purenesse by long suffering by the word of truth by the armour of God on the right hadn and on the left c. And where these are not mens study and practice they must live in an expresse contradiction to these principles which yet they darre not disown yea in so farre becomes not only a just matter of grief but a spot in the fellowship of the saints 6. Whatever sad differences be oft amongst these which both their darknesse of minde and contrariety of natural dispositions may influence yet does not still that blest unity of the spirit stand fixt and sure by which the whole race of the saints are unite in a new and spirituall nature In these sweet sensible communications of the spirit and do all meet in one blest center yea so near an intercourse of souls and Sympathy does result thence however the sad prevalence of corruption may for some time darken the same as no union and concord like this is in all the socities of the earth and may be such a witness to the truth of christianity as to silence even the greatest Atheist 7. Yea may we not have here a special confirming evidence of the certainty of the truth that notwithstanding of such differences both in judgment and practice with so sore prejudice and estrangement of heart and differences of naturall temper and disposition of amongst the Godly yet this hath inforced from all these an undoubted assent to the most great and weighty concerns of religion yea to a
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
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
of any advantage herein and that where such a poisenous cloud of prejudice interveens and a prejudicat impression of the truth and of serious godliness is the glasse there cannot but be very sad reflections thereon I must yet crave leave in a few words as a witness to the truth of our profession and for a just vindication offer these things to be considered by the conscience of our greatest Adversaries herein 1. That we should seek no greater favour but that upon clearest evidence from the tryall and judgment of the Scriptures of truth which we are ready to render to all that ask there might be such free access to a publict and serious reasoning herein as that the truth might be heard for it self judging it no less our concerne to convince mens judgment for commending the way of the Lord to their conscience then to engadge the affections 2. That it is in no new or strainge caice we are now stated and do own no other judgment and principles this day then what are expresly acknowledged by the most purely Reformed Churches of Christ since the Reformation and is that good and old way and the same truth for which our worthy predâ—cessours did by their wrestling prayers and sufferings so vigourously contend yea wherein so innumerable a company of most serious solid and tender Christians have been sealed and found such abounding comforts of the spirit of truth upon their suffering and testimony upon the same 3. That it is no privat interest or for our own things no temporall honour greatness or riches in this world that such sore wrestlings by the godly in our Church hath been which I hope may now have some conviction and witness on the conscience of our Adversaries and how such have not wanted an very obvious and alluring baite this way may be easy to judge if some greater interest did not preponder at of being to dear a purchase at so sad a rate of unfaithfullness to our blessed Lord and Master in his truth 4. That it hath been no matter of indifference or any small and triviall interest such have been concerned in these late tryalls to appear for bot for the lawes and interest of Christ and the rights and liberties his Kingdom which after some blest and confortable possession so long yea with the furthest concurrence of the civil lawes herein we should reckon as our birth right and inheritance whatever sad short coming have been by all in that measure of the testimony of our fathers thereto against such invasion on so great an interest as hath been in these tymes 5. We have confidence to say that we own no doctrine or principles but what tends to give all due respect and obedience to the Magistrate without detracting from his just rights and power bot to gave unto Cesar the things that are Cesars yea without the least denying to the Christian Magistrat whatever with any Scripture warrant we may allow of an externall objectively ecclesiastick power such as is cumulative for the truth not against it bot that he can have no power formaly ecclesiastick and what is purely Spirituall or any immediat power of cognition in matters simply ecclesiastick antecedent to the judgment of the Church which is so incompatible with the order and Governement established by him who is the alone head and Lawgiver to his own house whose Kingdom is not of this world 6. We may say with a humble appeal to their conscience wâ—o do most reproach that it is for no preheminence or to be Lords over Gods heritage or owning any power bot what is ministeriall to declare and execute our Masters will and such a power which hes the inward man for its proper object and the true edification of the body of Christ for its peculiar end wherein we own a speciall regard to be had in the whole exercise and application thereof and in dealing with the conscience of gainsayers that it be with greatest tenderness and Christian prudence such as may most tend to edifie and gaine upon their conscjence and therefor are privat essayes expresly appointed to go before a publict and judicial procedour And if any just ground of offence hath been given in the excess of some this way let it cause no reflection on that blest and beautiful order in the house of the Lord our God appointed by himself yea which with grief upon any convincing evident thereof we should to the furthest dissown 7. It is evident that these sacred tyes of our oath and covenant with God we are so solemnly engadged in containe no other duties or obligations then what the Scripture indispensibly obleidges to and are stated on these great concerns of truth and righteousness 8. We can also witness with some quiet and assurance that the great anne and concerne of the most serious Non-conforme Ministers of Christ in our Church in their adventuring to preach the Gospel not withstanding of any prohibitions by the present Law hath been upon no sactious or privat designe bot under constraint of duty upon so pressing a call and necessity of the people as these unto whom the dispensation of the Gospel and ordinances is commit and a necessity thus laide upon them with some serious aime and desire I hope to pursne this end and to sheu the indispensible nead of imbracing that blest offer of reconciliation by Christ as also to presse holiness and give warning of any share when it is evident the people might be in hazard thereby Nor dare our respect to the persons of any in the least ballance with the interest of truth here for a publick disowning with grief what ever in their way have given just cause of offence and stumbling in such a time 9. It is the revealed truth of the Scripture which we do expresly own as the alone formal object of our Faith and that it is there each should come to prove his work bot a that it be â—ust and warrantable on the matter according to these unchangeable rules of truth and righteousness and to know our warrand and calling herein else no security could be from the greatest confusion and irregularity among men 10. That extraordinare motions or impulses must be no rule or warrand of duty nor for any going beyond these express bounds set to us in the word by which they must be known and tryed for God hath assigned to each their station and calling and that a serious and tender regard should be against all exorbitance in the excess al 's well as any sinfull deficience or neglect therein And I hope whatever be found unauswerable this dâ—y in the practice of any to these known principles and doctrine of our Church which are confessed and most universally adhered to by the non-Conformists there as we do with grief disown so I have confidence there cannot want some testimony thereto even on the conscience of our greatest adversaries 8. I must nere yet add on strange ground of quarrell and prejudice that
a serious adherence to the Government and Kingdom of Christ over his Church for which the authority of his Lawes and institution is so unanswerably clear should be judged incompatible with the civill interest and security of the state For ANSW if men shut their own eyes where the Scripture is so clear and hath thus shewed us not only what is just but what is good and how assuredly this is the greatest concerne of a Nation to have the Kingdom of Jesus Christ and the rights thereof establisht and kept up when the veâ—y express intent and tendence thereof is to promote and transmit both the purity and power of godliness to the present and succeeding ages I confesse there can be no reasoning then in such a caice but if principles of self love to our temporall advantage and such pretended respect to the publick interest of the Land bear any weight I would but plead a little with a serious appeal to these principles which our adversaries do yet own and assent to if the truth and serious practice of godliness and these means which are necessarily directing thereto be not visibly the great interest and safety of a Nation and to have the furthest awe and reverence thereof kept up upon these grounds 1. Because thus is the greatest inforcement of civill duties by a religious tye and on principles of conscience 2. That this tends to the furthest advance and improvement of human nature both to make human society sweet and desireable and for a more vigouâ—ous and true improvement of mens naturall abilities for the publick good interest of that place 3. And can this be a publick grievance which brings the greatest inforcements to sincerity candor and truth which as it is essentially necessar for the establishment of justice and moral righteousness so tends to beget true mutuall assurance both in words and actings amongst men and how possibly can a Nation be safe or any true intercourse and security in our personall concerns where truth and godliness hath no due respect there 4. Is it not thus the duties of our severall relations are most promote yea which gives the greatest security to civill Government and sets home on mens hearts their obligations to Magistracy as the Ordinance of God not from fear but for conscience sake and it is little known what hid pledges such as are truly godly are of the peace and safty of the Land they are in 5. Can the blest tendencie of truth and godliness be under debaâ—e to subdue the diseases of the minde and restraine these exorbitances of pride envy wrath ambition c beyond the furthest reach of all humane Lawes which hath stil so deplorable effects every where and raised too visibly most of these storms and tempests which are in the world and causeth so dreadfull disorders amongst men 6. It is sure also the way of truth must needs lead men to be quiet and do their own business yea for such as are in that condition to work with their own hands 1 Thess 5 11. and to abide in that calling in which the Lord hath placed them and to painfulness and industry therein to be no busy medlers in the affaires of others and that no man go about to defraud his brother that none render evill for evill unto any which as they are most express Scripture commands must demonstratively witness this like wayes what a publick blessing truth and godliness is to the Land wherein it is kept up I shall only add this more what regard even on politick grounds should be to that which so necessarily brings therewith the love of our neighbour and to do unto others as we would be dealt with by them as also tenderness to the afflicted a compassionat spirit to relieve such as are in distresse with hospitality to strangers which must needs have a vigourous exercise there where the love of the truth is intertained as being so essentiall a part of our obedience to the Gospell SECTION V. AFter some thoughts on this sad and unpleasing subject of the late differences in our Church I would desire yet in the shutting up thereof to speak a few words on a more practicall concern that might lead in and leave the Reader on another sent and inquiry which I fear in this strange croud and noise hath been of publick debates by too many be much lost and shall touch this in thes 4. particulars O that with a blessing from him who can serve himself of the meanest things it might be made a word in season to my in such times 1. To consider what may most contribute to a Christians joy and solid peace upon an after reckoning with their own conscience as to their way in this winnowing time when such hot contendings hes been in the Church for which I would humbly offer these 1. what sweet peace will then be in having been kept closs at home with a tender and jealous eye over the frame and temper of their ovvn spirits since we cannot but see where the strength of these strange paroxismes of heat and bitterness amongst Professors of the truth does now most lye that it is from these jarring corruptions upon the heart more then from any differences of light and judgement and which no eager disputes but a tender and lively practice in being exercised to Godliness can effectually cure then we might both hope for a blest healing composure under these different measures of light amongst Christian and for a tender and humble reasoning in things wherein they differ when thus a more near conformity to the Spirit and rule of the Gospell is once reached which must needs subject the Soul to account it our greatest honour to be overcome by the truth 2. That they have been kept from any such precipitant judgment of others as usually follow on such debates and their spirit kept under some blest aw and restraint of these suddain violent commotions and truptions of passions as runs such unto most sad undecencies to discredit the profession of the truth discompose themselfs and wound their own conscience 3. That they have been tender of practising that themselves which they have condemned in others by any such aime more how to revile then reclaime and to a heightning rather then healing of this strange breach 4. That the fleeing of one extream hath still been with some regard of being kept from running on any other of there having had impartial respect to entertaine what ever is justly approveable and according to the rule upon eitheir hand yea not only with a humble ceding in personal injuries and such a tender managing of their own necessar vindication upon the revilings of others as might tend to convince more then to provoke but that they have this testimony they did in earnest pray for such and seek their mercy and reclaming from the Lord 5. That no pretences or personal respects hath shut their eyes upon any visible hazard to the truth and of
dealing with his people that so straite and wearysome away should be here to an eternity of glory in that life which is to come and no getting there but thorow some degrees of sore breaking and anguish and going through a state of tryall befor that of enjoyment when they consider how unconceiveably great and excellent that state which is above is and their being trained in so sharp a a school of tribulation here shall at length tend to an unexpressible joy and comfort that ever they had such an occasion to prove their love and adherence to Jesus Christ and of crediting his truth against all visible grounds and in having with patience and hope got through such a throng of temptations when they thus see the most bitter grieving and difficult part of their warfare was but to make the victory more full and triumphant 3. Thus we might have a more clear and confirming look of the holy judgment of the Lord in the product of these sad breakings in our Church that when so strange a spirit hath been aloft and a strong affection in some without a humble and deliberat judgment it should at last resolve in a fervor of error and delusion yea to come that length of breaking down what they supposed to be bulding up and to adventure with greatest confidence for engadging the Holy God to a concurrance in these wayes which his word doth expressly testify against whilst so impatient to be touched herein as they have been ready to turne again and tear such who hath with tenderness sought their recovery But tho such sad things should deeply affect us yet there is no cause for stumbling to any pure religion and undefiled is the same this day that ever it was and the redeemed of the Lord are a broken and diseased company whielst here by the way full of sores and Distempers but all under cure which will ere long be perfyted and I hope through grace there is a generation of tender solid and humble Christians yet in our land who shall be owned and accepted at the appearance of Jesus Christ as this day I know on the earth and many much hid there but what is too visible the temper and complexion of this age may cause much fear upon these peculiar hazards professors now seem to be exposed to beyond former times when a forme of knowledge and the theory of practical religion hath so farr outgone tenderness and practice and become so much a matter of art and Invention whilst Christians formerly with a smaller measure of light and in a plainer dresse walked in the love and simplicity of the truth a bold and professing age where a too easy and suddain growth to a forward appearance amongst many hath so visibly out run a solid rooting in the truth and that fear and serious exercise on their own soul about their spiritual state and the soundness of conversion as hath sometimes been an age where it may be feared that not at a common rate many are like to adventure on the furthest hazard of perishing amidst these strange distempers in our Church but with highest pretences seem to out darre all means of conviction even while with greatest tenderness and love to their souls followed yea an age when that dreadful engine of Sathan is now so discernibly on foot and in such different formes and shape by the spirit of error and delusion to turne men off all setled persuasion of the truth and give the credit and interest of the Gospel a sorer wound then the open violence and rage of others hath yet ever done and is not here one sad influencing cause of so deplorable a State of the Church this day that many professing godlinesse in this age are not more taken up with the great and weighty things thereof and in these retired exercises which hath the clossest communication with the vitals of Christianity and so indispensibly necessar to a honourable appearance for the Lord in any publict duty and service of the time 4. What a choise study in so extreme an exigence now of the Church should this be to know and bring near by some more deep reflection thereon how great these things are which a humble and serious Christian hath to converse with and to oppose all his griefs and fears this day even when they seem to presse above measure which this might not only confirme but overcome the heart with unexpressible joy when he but thus alone reasons with himself 1. What ever shaking winds now blow almost from evry airth yet hath he firme and surest principles of trust for a safe founding the rest and peace of his soul and his security here is full though not his enjoyment yea what ever want now be of the certainty of adherence in resting on the truth with such full repose and quiet of minde he is called to yet he knowes thereis no want of furthest certainty of evidence 2. That not in a dream but in the most serious composure of spirit he can retire into the Gospel of Christ and there see how unexpressiblie blessed poor lost man is made by a redeemer on whom he hath choiced to have the exceeding riches of his grace shewed forth to all eternity yea this in so marvelous a way when no possible help could be found in us that the Holy God would take satisfaction to himself by himself not only to save his people but to preserve the rights of justice inviolable yea hath thus brought us under a Law to come and be blessed in his Son to whom he bears record that in him is life and an eternall salvation made sure 3. That the clear intent of this astonishing mistery is not only to save his people from wrath but to make them meet by the spirit of holyness for that state which is above since it is not pardon alone or a heaven without us can make any blessed untill the soul once be framed for it and this first begun and wrought there and now what hath a Christian this day to converse when amidst the multitude of his saddest thoughts he can with such assurance retire into the Gospel and thence look up to an eternity of glory as that which ere long he shall know and enjoy 4. That this is so sure for his confirming that such a signature and Impress of the Gospel in the truth and reality of holiness is to be seen this day in the earth I hope yet in innumereable instances even in these declining times with so visible an assimilation and likness to a higher state herein that if men but exerce reason they might see it is Sure a marvelous transforming power could ever make such a change and that miracles if rightly considered does not this day cease in the Church whilst so great a witness to the power and truth of godliness is continued 5. He thus sees that tho no resemblance of our blessed head hath been left to the Church of his human
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