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
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
this clear the spotless way of the Lord and seall our instruction from what we have seen that when no answerable fruit is to such a season of the meanes of the Gospel as hes been of late nor ane embracing the truth in its simplicity and with desyre after the sincere milk of the word as might have been hoped for but a seeking more after new and strange doctrine and to follow these things which tended not to edify that so sad and dark ane ecclipse should follow Tho I hope some blessed fruit of these times past shall be yet found and abide with many O that after this a more fervent and serious respect to the ordinances of Christ might yet revive in our Land and a keeping close by this appointed way not only to beget but to confirme feed and make the saints perfect Ephes 4 12. I hope such as under these meanes hath known a neir and sensible fellowship with Jesus Christ with that ineffably sweet and fragant savour of his name and that surely he feeds his people there cannot at so easy a rate be taken off these breasts as too many of late hath been It is sure the more true growth and livly the work of grace is on the soul the more felt need and desyre will be then after the ordinances of Christ and it may be feared besides all we have seen if so sad a falling off from those be still owned as to reject the message of truth from such known godly and eminently qualified Ministers of Christ to his Church upon that pretence of the late indulgence leist they lose even what they had once attained when thus out of the way of the Lord and from under his promise for protection and being keeped from the prevalence of that spirit of error and delusion which by the very same entry hath now got such visible power on others I nothing doubt but many hath beene ingadged herein without fear or apprension of such hazard and as judging it duty and that some whose appearance this way hath had most weight and credit with others their heart would have trembled at what hath beene now seen to follow thereupon whilst the tendencie and product of such things hath out-rune so much their intent but it should be mater of grief to all what ground we have thus lost and what the great adversary of the Church hath gained to prejudge the interest of the Gospel 2. I must premit this further to be considered that it is not so much want of light as of practice which is the greatest let to the Churches cure and I would humbly offer some few things where both unquestionable duty and the remedy of these sore distempers now amongst us are joyntly obvious as we might yet hope to see another appearance on the Church when these are in earnest followed 1. To keep closse by the scripture with a sincere humble inquiry for light there and a more intire reference to its alone decision It is sure the conscience must be no rule to us nor can alter the nature of things to make that good which is evill but must have a rule for its selve nor is it further the voice of God then it is truely inlightened yea nothing hes beene more threatning to the Church then the strong impulses of one erring conscience which seldome keeps within any bounds And tho I would desyre with the furthest tenderness to speak in this present case so far as a necessare owning of the truth can admit yet I must say it hath beene to me one of the astonishing things of this day How such violence in driving this sad rent in our Church and on these grounds as hath beene pretended could seek shelter under this patrociny of the Scriptures of truth or plead its warrant from that blessed rule of the Gospel which is so expresse plaine and full herein and what should meane this strange halting if the Lord be God let us follow him and subject wholly to his word for at that bar only I hope it is we desyre to appear and be tryed what a sweet testimony will this then be on the soul of a dying Christian that the truth was so dear to them as no preingadgment nor any interest of their supposed credit did interpose between the authority of his word and their conscience or betwixt their conscience and a declaring the same to the world both for giving glory to the truth and the advantage and edification of others yea this from some of greatest repute in the Church hath tended to transmit their memorie with a most sweet savour and credit to after times 2. A serious inquiry and tryall by all of their own way with much fear and jealousy of themselves should be a blessed ingredient in our cure and relieffe this day when snairs and hazards are so thick spread and I think it may be now further convincing that whatever be the case of our Church such a way and methode was no sutable cure as did visibly tend to inflame the wound more then to heal nor that the wrath of man worketh the righteousness of God I hope a second inquiry and tryal by any of a serious spirit will let them yet clearly see that such pretences they founded on can never justify this late rent and falling of thus from Church fellowship where not only they could continue without sinne but with much hope of a blessing 3. And doeth not here both the rule of duty and our relieffe in this sad case convincingly meet in a seeking to overcome evill and privat injuries with good It is true this is a specialy pungent tryal and will not want some conflict but I am sure is found one of the choisest opportunities of a Christians life for theirafter peace yea the more wrestling may thus be upon special provocations and with some peculiar aggravating circumstances to reach this blessed victory over themselves the more comfort and joy will be upon their after thoughts heirof and I am sure thus is greater advantage for a just vindication by Christians of themselves whilst pressed thereto as this is with least bitterness or recrimination followed 4. It is clear that the spirit of God expresly cals for keeping a distance with such things as may tend to engender striffe and debate in the Church and not to edifie as our dutie and I think it may be too seen how sad influence this hath had to break the comfort and edification of Christian fellowship where once professors of religion hath beene involved in such a way There was no such practice or custome in these first pure times of the Church whilst the Apostles lived and was specially adverted to then but if any be contentious we have no such custome in the Churches of God 1 Cor. 11. 5. It is duty also for the furthest convincing tenderness to be used by such who through grace have beene keeped fixed for restoring of others with the spirit
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
their due weight there is a rigide and severe prosecution even in things lawfull that brings much scandall on Religion and the way of the Lord so as to make many scarr and take a judgment thereof by this practise which yet is so full of a holy sweetnesse and condescendence 3. What is held forth there as it too obviously exceeds so it is a divesting of the matter of these just extenuating circumstances that it is capable of whilst no censure should extend further according to the rule then what necessarly must be inferred from the fact for that 1 Cor. 13. commanded Charity which thinketh no evill of our Brother so also reasoneth no evill so as to put ane harder construction then it can justly hear as if there were some desire to have such ane advantage to speak evill and interprete doubtfull things in the worst sense Secondly For these multiplied divisions of many arguments and a strange empeachment of ane accumulative defection from the truth and falling in with Erastianisme I confess was astonishing what such a heaping up of these should meane with so visible a coincidence upon the matter as if to repeat the very same thing though in another form twenty or thirty times over could thus have the more weight but we know arguments must be weighed and not numbered Thirtly And is there not to visible a tendency of all these high aggravations and reasonings there upon to cause a further breach and stretch this difference beyond either what was needfull or expedient for edification in making that a stumbling block for many to break themselfes on which was not so before and thus in shunning one extreme hath rushed both themselfes and others one another as is like if the Lord prevenr not to cause a further stated division in other points of truth and to what a sad extreme now are things thus come when it is so expresly declared in the preface to that History that he can pray for nothing else in behalf of the indulged Ministers but repentance and untill that may have no sute else to God in their behalf which is ane expresse denying to pray for the successe of their Ministry and edification of the people untill they be once convinced and have changed their judgment yea thus could not joine with such in prayer upon any other sute that they should put up for themselfes before the Lord. I should wish this had been so cautioned as any safe or warrantable sense could have been put on so strange ane assertion otherwise the communion of the saints and the doctrine of the Church herein must undeniably be made void Fourthly That here is a most sad and unwarrantable overstretching of this controversy in so high a charge as is thus brought of Erastianisme and ane expresse formall receiving of their Ministry from Magistrate I must humbly judge is unanswerable on these grounds 1. That thus is charged upon them and their practise for having yeelded up more to the Magistrate then is so much as once sought or required by them in that Act of Indulgence since that which is expresly shewed there is that they allow and permitt such the publick exercise of their Ministry in these respective places where they should be confyned to be without hazard of law 2. Because and I hope none will question it their Ministry and the validity thereof and that they did also exercise the same notwithstanding of any hazard from the law before any such Indulgence was is sufficiently known 3. Whatever difference hath been in the application yet their publick adherence to the same principles in the point controverted is undenyable only they judge their practise herein to be consistent therewith whilst questioned by others which is the very state of this present case 4. I hope none dare judge these our Brethren whatever difference of judgment be herein or charge them with wilfull errour or controuling their light and conscience in this matter but that they have walked accordingly and I must so judge as is meet but if any will assume ane authority both to judge and passe sentence on the conscience of such whom they know to be serious tender and judicious in the matters of truth I cannot answer this but must leave them to answer that great infallible rule of the Scriptures of truth herein but I must say the putting of so a strange a gravamen and exaggerating of this practise so far beyond all bounds hath seemd strange to mee how possibly such could be without some fear and dread how light so ever it seem now to some of being found guilty of a sad breach of the ninth command and since all should prove their own work I humbly think they should be as competent judges in the truth of their profession and of what they have so solemnly declared as any else 5. Here also is a visible opposing of them to themselfes in so far as their declaration before the Councill and set down in that History is evident and hath these very words publickly before the Magistrate We have receaved our Ministry from Jesus Christ with full prescriptions from him for regulating us therein and must be accountable to him and if these so publickly owned this and spoke the same in truth and sincerity then these strange assertions so frequently renewed there even to the readers nauseating upon such ane account of there having taken their Ministry from the Magistrate must be undenyably false besides it s known and should we deny what is just to our Brethren upon such ane account their practicall witness and counteracting of any instructions imposed on them by the Magistrate Fiftly There seems much endeavour to invalidate any declaration which was then given before the Councell upon the omission of that clause only and that though they owned their Ministry to be from Jesus Christ and to receave directions from him for the exercise thereof that yet this clause only was deliberatly left out and the Authors of that History seems the more pressed herein else their whole scope were frustrate since none could debate this to have been then a full and clear confession of their Ministry as from Christ alone and independant on the Magistrate and therefore are concerned to prove that this only was a deliberate omission which I must confesse a strange reasoning to any discerning Reader that page 130. argum 12. they with such confidence say it is apparent the indulged did deliberatly shun to say they had there Ministry only from Christ and yet page 24. when they give the reason why this was deliberatly done because it was designed by some sayes the Author if I be not misinformed and must the whole stresse of most of their arguments be layed over upon their designe and intention herein and no lesse then a judiciall for faulture of their Ministry thence inferred whilst they are yet put to confesse ane uncertainty whither they were rightly enformed anent this yea
Lev. 19 19. for if this sayes he should be allowed that I might unbrother and cast out of heart and fellowship every one whom I offend at and conceaves to walk inordinatly were first a pathway to perpetuall Schismes 2. A violation of all Laws of Christian fraternity and communion 3. A dissolving and breaking all Church communion and it is strange sayes he that some would have Christs order keeped in private offences done by one Brother to another and not the same in publick offences where one may offend a whole Church IV. Ground this is a practise which is stated against the very rule nature and end of Church communion in falling of from hearing upon that head of the indulgence which may be demonstrable to any on these grounds 1. That according to this rule the sin nor notoriely of corruption in Church offices does not corrupt or defile the ordinances because these are the ordinances of Christ otherwayes they should have a necessary dependance on and be of more or lesse value according to the dispensers but I grant that may detract from our joy and comfort in partaking thereof which yet does no way reach the validity of the ordinances 2. That it is sure sad differences both in judgment and practise in the Church may be consistent with the nature and ends of that blessed unity which Christ doth require there and with a keeping of from partaking of the sin of others 3. That Church Acts even of these who are not Pastors according to Gods heart tho externally called may be to themselfes unprofitable and yet edifying to the Hearers nor can a greiving and offensive practise make their authority or acts void since such may have authority who have not approbation from the Lord in dispensing his ordinances and will any adventure to say that Jesus Christ hath either disowned or withdrawen from the Ministry of our Brethren who are thus deserted by many which I confesse is to me both sad and astonishing to see many now withdraw and rather keep their own house then concurre in publick worship with such where Christ in the power and efficacy of his word is yet to be seen if this be the cure that some pretends for our present distemper I must say it s more sad then the disease 4. If Church fellowship be truly understood it will not be so easy to break of there as many judged since all other safe meanes must needs be first essayed nor may we fasten a publick scandall on others especially upon officers of the Church without the furthest advantage to make it evident both to themselfes and convincing even to the conscience of others 1 Tim. 5 19. it is not a privilege of order only but of office that Ministers have to speak in the name of the Lord who hath said he that despiseth you despiseth me and to reject such is a higher guilt then to reject the same word in the mouth of a private Christian for they are the Messengers of the Lord of hosts and bears his impresse 5. This is a practise as hath therewith a fixing of such terms and conditions of Church communion which hath not been nor can be found in any preceeding records since the times of the Apostles and I judge it on speciall cause of these sad breakings now among us and that so many contend as them that beat the air their mistake and ignorance of the true nature and rule of externall communion in the Church for if this should be considered upon clear Scripture evidence as it was in the first planting of the Christian Church I should not then fear any publick rent on this late difference and that which is a necessary condition of Church communion I hope must plead some Scripture warrant for its imposition I know some will plead that this is but a departure in some degree of Church-fellowship which is both a poor and unwarrantable Apology since both the rule is thus far deserted and no ground to know where they may fix after but we have to visible ane account this day where this sad course hath already landed V. Ground that is sad a and unwarrantable practise which tends to cause division in the Church contrary to the doctrine we have receaved Rom. 15. which I am sure may be to evident pretend any to the contrarie what they will upon these grounds 1. That whatever was the first rise or occasion of the offence cannot be owned as the proper cause of such a formed rent as this now is since most sad offences hath been without any such effect especially when it was more upon practise then on any principles of truth and the killing of a patient by poyson through mistake of the true medicine can never be charged on this that the body was before in a sad distemper nor a misapplication of the meanes to cure a wound when it hath caused a gangren in the body be justly charged on the first giving of the wound since this otherwayes might have been safely healed 2. We know that for severall years after that accepting of the indulgence that difference both in jugdment and practise among us yet did cause no such effect but the work of the Gospell did then must discernibly prosper untill such violent essayes these two years now past hath been for bringing things to such ane extreme And Oh! from that sad period may be too discernibly dated some further degree of the Lords departure from among us and these deplorable effects of much blood devastation reproach weakening of the interest of Religion strenthening of the hands of Adversaries beyond all that hath been in former times and which hath encreased our bonds more then all our Adversaries could ever doe 3. If so severe a stretching of this late difference and loading of the practise of others with that which it could not bear if a carnall and violent way of following this debate a high crying up of such in whom their own image more then the image of Christ did appear and peremtory imposing their judgment without the least tender condescendence to these that differed from them doe necessarily tend to engender division in the Church and have ane undoubted causality from the very nature thereof to this end then it may be known yea I dare appeall any discerning Christian in the Church at whose door this must be layed and who hath most actively moved to put the poor Church in such a flame and this not upon any principle of truth which was on either side disowned but upon contraverted deductions from a different practise and application thereof this may be no lesse amazing then it is sad that the way of some now seems more how to dispatch things by censure and revilings then by arguments and by high words and invectives to exulcerate more then rationally to convince but a sharp censurer and a self searcher does rarely meet in one though none more usually needs the tender construction of
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
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
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