Psal. 50. 18. Obe v. 11 12 13 c. Mat. 24. 48 49 50. Act. 9. 4 5 Mat. 25. 39 40 43 45. Ps 93. 5 1 Pet. 2. 12 Quest VI In case the greater number of a Church shall tolerate and allow apparent sin in some members and not deal with them for the same what is the duty of the other part howsoever the lesser knowing the walking of such members to be very scandalous and sinfull and yet born with by the greater number that they may keep themselves pure and not be partakers of others mens sin 2 Cor. 6. 17. 2 Tim. 3. 2. 3. 5. Hos. 11. 12. 1. Tim. 5. 22. Hos. 2. 2. Rev. 3. 4. Or thus If known scandalous persons are in a Church and the Church is dealt with for suffering the same whether that Church may lawfully be left and separated from by Brethren many or few yet so as the lesser number who have used all due means and wayes so far as their duty is to have the Church purged of such defilements but the Major part will not heare but rather abets the sinners and justifies the wicked Again if the greater number in such a case may be left the question is whether as a true Church or a company of Rebels and the visible Church State remain with the better part though fewer in number Rev. 2. 5. Jer. 7. 11 12. Mat. 21. 13 Eccles. 9. 18. 2 Chro. 15. 2. Prov. 17. 15. Jer. 28. 16. Quest VII Whether a Church lying under the guilt of much sin should not please God far more to execute justice and judgement that is purge out the old leaven and destroy the accursed from among them than to pray preach fast break bread c. Yea more so long as judgment is neglected and nothing done against scandalous walkers where is there any promise that the Lord will accept of their sacrifices as Prayer Preaching Fasting c. Prov. 21. 3. 1 Sam. 15. 22. c. Isa. 1. 11 Hos. 6. 6. Mic. 6. 6 7 8. Isa. 33. 5. Mic. 3. 10 11 12. Jer. 7. 21. 23. Mat. 23. 23 24. Mat. 5. 23 2â— Rev. 2. 12. Jam. 4. 8. 1 Pet. 2. 1 2. Quest VIII Seeing it is well known how the Churches have been charged with Apostacy publickly to the world and in them as it is asserted the second Apostacy is fulfilled set down in 2 Tim. 3. 1 2 c. It is queried why some thing is not published for their vindication Besides it is desired that they will declare 1. What Apostacy that is of which Paul there speaks 2. To what time it is to be applied 3. How it doth appear that such Churches as are fallen in with the present Government have not by it made that Apostacy 4. What is meant by these words in the Text from such turn a side 2 Pet. 3. 15. Josh. 22. 10 11. Tit. 1. 9. Act. 11. 2 3 4. c. Quest IX Whether such Pastors and Teachers of Churches as joyn with this present Government and have much worldly advantage by it do not by their silence shew either great ingratitude to their Lord Protector being as they say a nursing Father to them if they can justifie the Power and Government which he hath taken up or otherwise whether they give not just occasion unto People to think they cannot justifie him by Law Reason Religion c. and so it is rather of coveteousness than Conscience that they are faln in with him besides by their silence whether they deal not the more unworthily with their Nursing father if they can defend him considering they well know how the most conscientious Christians in the Nation are altogether dissatisfied about the present Government Prov. 27. 10. 22. 1. Quest X. Whereas that place Rom. 13. 1 2 c. is by our Brethren often brought against us as they know it was once the speciall objection of Royalists against them and us Let every soule be subject to the higher powers c. Here we shall propose a few things 1. If the higher powers must be submitted too because they are ordained of God and are Gods Ordnanceiv whether it be not meant so far as they are lawfully constituted do govern according to reason and just laws preserve their peoples Liberties Persons and Estates Again when they prove Traitors to the Nation and are the Devils Agents whether they may not be severely punished for it 2. Because these who resist lawfull authority and just commands receive to themselves condemnation it be not a non sequitur Ergo Usurpers must be submitted too and unjust commands obeyed 3. Rulers must be obeyed because they are not a terror to good works but to evill v. 3. Whether this be a good consequence when they are profest enemies to good works and do evill continually with both hands therefore they must be obeyed 4. Seeing the Magistrate is to be obeyed because he bears not the sword in vain he is the Minister of God a revenger to execute wrath on him that doth evill v. 4. Here the query may be if he seek to ruin spoil and enslave the people gives liberty to all manner of unrighteousnes bears the sword not onely in vain in reference to the publick good but draws it forth upon those that are good and because they are good whither it be the intendment of this text therefore he must be obeyed 5. Whither that which is not the Ordinance of God but rather of the Devill and the meer sin and presumption of men is within the compasse of this Text 6. Whether that which is no point or part of the Magistrates lawfull power ordained of God but Diametrically repugnant to it as Tyranny Oppression Violence c. is within the Verge of this Text and to be obeyed for conscience fake 7. Whether all the powers intended in the text said to be ordained of God are not circumscribed and bounded with certain rules of Law Justice and Honesty within which they must contain themselves and if they passe beyond those limits they are none of Gods Ordinances Consider of it take advise and speak your mindes Judg. 19. 30. Prov. 22. 21. Quest XI Whereas one special cause of the present differences divisions and rents in Churches is this namely That souldiers and others who have places under the present Government being Church members are not called to an account as evill doers The question is whether it be not the duty of Churches especially the Officers for the satisfaction of their offended Brethren to give some reasons that howsoever there is offence taken at Souldiers and other State Officers yet they have the word of God to warrant their practise in holding communion with them Isa. 8. 20. 2 Tim. 3. 16 17 Tit. 1. 9. 2 Tim. 2. 24 25. Acts 20 2â— 2 Cor. 1. â—4 1 Thess. 2. 7 8 c. Quest XII In like manner where as it is well known that the place of Tryers as it is commonly called hath given offence
HEALING QVERIES FOR SICK CHVRCHES That is Some seasonable thing begun whereby the Present Breaches in Churches may be Repaired Future Rents and Divisions prevented and so all the Lords People have Communion not in darknesse but LIGHT PUBLISHED By a FRIEND to the Virgin Daughter of Zion Jer. 8. 22. Is there no Balm in Gilead Is there no Physitian there Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered London Printed in the Year 1658. To all the GATHERED CHVRCHES in England Scotland and Ireland PEACE with HOLINES be wished Men Fathers and Brethren I May say in Jacobs words Why do ye look one upon another Behold I have heard that there is Corn in Aegypt Gen. 42. 12. Parents as they are deeply affected with their Childrens afflictions so they are carefull to use what means they can for their recovery It is very pious and Christian for the divisions of Reuben there be great thoughts of heart Indeed our eyes cannot weep enough for the breaches among brethren yet this is but part of our duty Get thee up saith God to Joshua wherefore lyest thou upon thy face Josh. 7. 10. Not blaming him for his mourning but telling him there was more work to be done There are three Reasons which I shall name why I have published these Queries First that they may be of some use to Pastours and Teachers of Churches who are most concerned in seeking to heale the breaches among them Now I do not see away more probable for healing than to look into the Cause of their differences As for example when some Brethren are not satisfied about the place of TRIERS cannot comfortably joyn in communion with Souldiers Nor with such as have civill Offices under the present Government think it a PUBLIKC SCANDALL to Religion that Church-members should be Jaylors and Judges of the Saints and shew no cause why they persecute them Here it is the Ministers duty in a speciall manner to appear where such offences are taken And by sound Doctrine prove if he can that these scruples and questions do arise through the ignorance and weaknes of the Brethren and that they are offences taken but not given Secondly Of some use to such Brethren as desire to keep themselves pure and not be partakers of other mens sins I hope without any further enlargment those who know what it is not to defile their garments God will inable them to make a fruitfull improvement of these Queries Thirdly Because I do intend to prosecute this subject about Churches a little further These Queries concern Churches already constituted But I have something to publish for their sakes who are not yet in Church fellowship Lift up your eyes and look on the fields for they are white already to Harvest Joh. 4. 35. Here I shall shew so far as may be hinted by Queries first what things are necessary that Saints agree upon as uniting principles secondly what things as differences may be born with thirdly what Opinions and practises are destructive to the peace and growth of Churches which hereafter shall be constituted Because of the house of Jehovah our God I will seek good for thee Psal. 122. 9. But in the queries one thing I forgot Whereas some Church Officers a while since took great liberty and boldness to write against the misdemeanour of the late King and in their Sermons had often that Text Judg. 5. 23. Curse ye Meroh c. What is the reason that Doctrine is now laid aside I move this question to the end that such who are herein concerned may vindicate themselves For it is generally said if that which they wrote and preacht against the King had been done sincerely and in the fear of God they would now by Preaching and Writing as earnestly perswade people to lcome forth to the help of the Lord against the mighty as they did then The close is thus so that I may be any way usefull for the overthrowing of Iniquity in Church and State and the advancement of righteousness in both I have my end With me it is a very small thing to be judged of mans judgment my judgment is with the Lord and my work with my God Healing Queries for sick Churches Question I. WHether in a Church rightly constituted every member is not alike under the power of Christ given to the Church that is whosoever breaks the known laws of Christ ought to be admonished and dealt with according to Mat. 18. 15 16 17 〈◊〉 16. 17. 1 Thess. 3. 14. Levit. 19. 17. Gal. 5. 12. 1 Tim. 1. 20. Quest II. Whether such Church Members as know any of their Brethren in the same fellowship with them walk disorderly to the dishonour of God the scandal of Religion and hardning wicked men in their sins do not wrap themselves in the sin and guilt of their Brethren yea and are murderers before God if they seek not to reclaim them according to the Rules of the Gospel Lev. 19. 17. with 1 Joh. 3. 15. Ezec. 3. 18. Jam. 5. 19. 20. Gal. 6. 1. Quest III. If a Brother or Brethren sin openly and the same is known to the whol Church but the Church useth not the means and way which Christ hath appointed for the humbling and recovering of such scandalous members The question is whether the whole Church be not leavened and her holy things polluted yea further it may be queried by what Gospel promise such a People can expect the presence of Christ in the midst of them so long as they remain thus rebellious against the Lord and the whol lump leavened 1 Tim. 5. 20. Hag. 2. 12 13 c. 1 Cor. 5. 6. Isa. 1. 11. to 17. Josh. 7. 12. Hab. 1. 13. Jer. 7. 8 9. Gen 35. 2 3 4. Amos 3. 3. Quest IV. Whether Churches are to take Cognizance of the Sins mentioned by Paul in 2 Tim. 3. 2 3 c. and more particularly whether it be their duty to enquire and judge who are the Traitours and Covenant breakers there foretold to be in the last dayes briefly whether Churches as Churches ought to judge the Actions of their members in civill things that is about the lawfulness of mens Callings Places Offices Administrations Maintenance suppose it be State Affairs as they call it what hath the Church to do with her members in such a case 1 Cor. 6. 2. 1 Thes. 4 6. Phil. 4. 8. 1 Cor. 10. 32. 33. 2 Tim. 4. 5. Rev. 2. 2. Heb. 10. 24. Quest V. Whether such Church members walk not scandalously and bring a publick dishonour to the Name of God who joyn and act with the open Enemies of the Gospel against the Saints that is persecute their Brethren apprehend them and cast them into prison will be their Judges and Jaylors and yet have no matter of Crime to lay to their charge If so whether then it be not a great sin and shame to that Church who keeps in her bosom any open persecutors of the Lords people
to many pretious Christians and occasioned much trouble in some Churches no lesse than division the query is whether it be not the Duty of such TRIERS as are Church-members to prove if they can what they act in that particular business to be lawfull by the Word of God 1 Cor. 10. 32 33. 1 Pet. 5. 2 3. 1 Cor. 8. 12 13. 9. 22 23. 1 Thess. 5. 22. 1 Joh. 2. 10. Isa. 57. 14. 2 Cor. 8. 21 13. 7. Quest XIII Whereas in the dayes of the late King many honest men for refusing to submit to an Arbitrary Power and Illegall Taxes and standing for the Rights and Liberties of the People suffered very much in their Liberties and Estates and were counted for it Good Patriots to their Country The question is if in Churches there are some Persons who shall promote an Arbitrary Power and seek to destroy the civill Rights and Liberties of the People whether this be not a Scandall to Religion and a matter which the Church is to take notice off and to deal with such members as offenders 1 Cor. 6. 8 9. 1 Tim. 1. 13. Job 24. 2. Psal. 50. 18. Deut. 19. 14. 27 17. Prov. 22. 28. Phil. 4 8. 1 Thess 4. 12. Quest XIV Whether in all Ages the Lord hath not had some glorious work proper to every Generation if so what is the Work now as most proper to the Saints of this Generation Acts 13. 36. 2 Tim. 3. 1. 5. Or thus whether to bear witness to and for the glorious and visible Kingdome of Jesus Christ and to hold forth a publick Testimony against the present Powers of the World that they shall be all broken to pieces and the Lord alone exalted as King of Saints and Nations be not now a Work more proper to the Churches and People of God than it was to Saints in former Ages Dan. 2. 44 7. 13 14. 12. 8 9 10. Rev. 22. 10. Act. 1. 6 7. Isa. 35. 5. Quest XV Whereas Rev. 11. 16. There is mention made of the twenty foure Elders but the foure living Creatures are left out of the Text The question is whether it may not probably be concluded from the place comparing our present experience with it that neer or about the expiration of the Fourth Monarchy when the Kingdoms of this world are to become the kingdomes of our Lord and his Christ there will be a generall declining of Church-Officers from the work of that Generation and the Brethren not in Office more faithfull than their Pastors and Teachers in holding forth a publick Testimony to the glorious Kingdom and and Reign of Christ Psal. 8. 2. Isa. 26. 2. Jer. 50. 45. 1 Cor. 1. 26 27. Isa. 29. 9. 10 11 12. 18. 43. 27. Rev. 12. 4. Joel 3. 15 16. Quest XVI Whereas the late divisions and rents in many Churches have risen from Souldiers and others who have places under the present Government It be not necessary that all Churches as yet free from the occasion of such trouble do well consider what they do before they admit Souldiers and others so much excepted against into Church Fellowship Again for others who either intend to joyn to some Church already gathered or to constitute themselves a Church Whether it do not likewise very much concern them to avoid that thing which others have been so much prejudiced by As a wise man will not run his Ship upon that rock on which he sees another Vessel is split before his eyes Prov. 22. 3. Ezra 4. 1 2 3. 1 Cor. 5. 6. Quest XVII Whether Churches in such a day as this is should not make diligent enquiry what it is that hinders their glory and growth What it is that keeps the bad in and the good out whence it is that they do not experience so much life sweetnesse and divine Presence in Church Ordinances as formerly they did Again would they be conscientious and sincere in searching for the cause then whether it would not be found First Negligence in some Officers who look more after the world than after the walking of their Flock and seek to keep up state and pompe in their own Family more than purity and holines in the house of God Secondly Arrogancy and Pride in some Members who being Statesmen are like the Sons of Zerviah too hard for the rest For through fear some dare not speak to them of their scandalous walking others by gifts and preferment have their mouths stopt though not their consciences others care not for it as if Caaâ—like they were not their brothers keeper Thus though the wickednes of some Church members be like Gehazis leprosie upon the fore head of the Church and the world cryes shame on it yet the Church hath neither an ear to hear nor an ey to see Lam. 3. 40. Josh. 7. 5 6. 2 Cor. 7. 9 10 11. Ezec. 3. 4 5 c. Mat. 18 7. Quest XVIII Whether unfaithfulness among Churches in neglecting their Christian Duty each to other that is not admonishing one another of the great corruption which they see crept into Churches especially the deceitfull walking of some Church-Officers who were winked at when they openly sought by LETTERS and other wayes to corrupt the Churches hath not by the just hand of God brought many troubles and divisions upon them Again if a Church be corrupted by suffering scandalous persons in it what is the Duty of a Sister Church knowing the same to be true And how far and how long may a Church hold communion with any Church which keeps scandalous persons in communion howsoever admonished of it Quest XIX Whether the stop that hath been put to the Lords work and the good old Cause once famous in the three Nations with what present oppression and persecution is amongst us hath not been raised and continued in a speciall manner by some Church-members And whether such Church members have not been more false to the Interest of Christ and his People then any other people and betrayed the most glorious Cause that ever was in the world Jer. 11. 15. Quest XX Whether Pride and Covetousness so much condemned in holy Scripture are sins to be born with in Churches If not what is the reason that few if any Church members though never so apparently proud and Coveteous are called to an account for such sins Besides whether for Pride and Coveteousnesse some WITHIN do not far exceed most WITHOVT Prov. 8. 13 Hos. 5. 5. 1 Joh. 2. 16. Isa. 2. 12. Mal. 3. 15. 2 Tim. 3. 2. Jam. 4. 6. Psal. 10. 3. 1 Cor. 6 10. Ephes 5. 5. Luk. 12. 15. Col 3. 5. Isa. 5â— 11. Ezec. 16. 48. 51. 1 Cor. 5. 4 Thou canst not bear them that do evill Rev. 2. 2. Quest XXI Whereas the Name of God and Religion lies under so much reproach everywhere by reason of the Apostacy Hypo â—â—â—â—hood of Professors for many hereby are hindred from joyning to Churches Others hardned in errour and sin yea many by this occasion are become Libertines Blasphemers Atheists and what not Query is How far it is the duty of Churches publickly to appear in vindicating the great name of God and wiping off that scandal and reproach which lies upon the truth them too Exo. 32. 32. Josh. 7. 9. Psa. 122. 9. 137. 5 6. Numb. 25. 13. Joh. 2. 17. Neh. 2. 3. Prov. 22. 1. Quest XXII That some Brethren at this time not holding forth a faithfull Testimony against the corruptions crept into the Churches and shewing the Churches their evill and sin so far as their light and duty is whether this be not one great cause that the abuses and corruptions now in Churches are not reformed Further the Query is In what souldanger that member is who hath made a solemn Covenant before the Lord with his Brethren to practise all known Gospel order Christian 〈◊〉 duties both to the Church and every individuall member shall notwithstanding contrary to the light of his own conscience break that Covenant so solemnly made in the principall part of it Prov. 14. 25. Ezek. 2. 7. Isa. 58. 1. Jer. 23. 22. Ephe. 17. 15 16 17 18. Rom. 1. 31. Psal. 15. 4. Rom. 21. 27. and 22. 15. 1 Joh. 3. 20. Ruth 3. 18. Isa. 30. 9. and 63. 8. Quest XXIII Our last Query shall be first Whether there be not good ground to think when the Lord shall bring forth his judgements against the Nations of the world he will begin at his own house Jer. 25. 18. 29. Eze. 9. 6. Amo. 3. 2. 1 Pet. 4. 17. Secondly Whether the Lords controversie at this time against Churches be not their neglect of judgement Isa. 59. 4. 9. 14 15. Thirdly Whether there be any way following the Word of God for Churches to escape publique judgments than to purge out unclean persons and things Josh. 7. 13. 26. 2 Sam. 21. 14. Rev. 2. 5. 16. Jâ—â—. 1. 15. FINIS Whereas Mr. William Bridge preaching lately at the Charterhouse May 23. 1658. Told his Hearers That there is now a Generation work a generation Truth and generation Sins Whether it be not the duty of all Pastors and Teachers clearly to declare unto their people when the proper Work Truth Sins are of this generation Psal. 40. 10. Jer. 23. 28. Rom. 1. 18.