as a testimony thereto with greatest respect is then necessarily called for when a publick opposition is made to the same 2. That this great truth of the visible Kingdome of Jesus Christ over his Church and its independance on the Magistrat and his being the alone supreame head and Lawgiver thereto is of such high concerne and elevation as we should not count our life dear if called of the Lord to be offered up as a Sacrifice thereon yea that a publick testimony should be then more specially owned thereto with a clear and distinct sound when so visibly opposed as in this day 3. That is must on all hands be confessed a sad decay of a true publick spirit now amongst us and of that zeal integrity and watchfulness for the things of God and deep impression of the Covenant with God these nations are so solemnely engaged to as hath formerly been with too sad and unsensible a wearing out from under former impressions of duty in this long continued triall now in the Church and that success which seemes to wait on a sinful course for which all of us have cause for being deeply humbled before the Lord this day 4. I would hope also this will not be under debate that an endeavour for a safe union and without any prejudice to the truth amongst these who have been helped in this day to witness and suffer against prelacy and are one in the great concernes of truth godliness is both a commanded and indispensibly necessary duty and will be found as expresly charged upon us as any duty I know in the Scripture 5. That there may be differences in a purely Reformed Church in matters of truth consistent with mutuall edification and without any division or breach amongst such yea that such will be still here whilst we know but in part 6. This concession I hope may not come under question that it is a part of our guilt this day our not being more suteably affected with both the sin and judgment of this present rent and division as we ought when our Master hath so expresly told that a Kingdome divided against it self cannot stand and no less thus threatned than the utter dissolution of such a Church 7. That there is now need of more closs correspondence and personall freedome with greatest tenderness to be managed in this present difference with other since they may thus tear one another at a distance before they understand them and that prejudice thus entertained with personal reflections and alienating of affection must necessarily tend on every hand to widen the breach 8. That this deplorable rent now amongst the godly hath that sad gravamen therewith that it is a striving and devouring one another in the furnace whilst so sore pressed otherwise under the cross yea in the publick view of all our Adversaries who so eagerly thus watch for our halting 9. That there is a great hazard in credulity and easy entertaining reports to the prejudice of others in a time when too many seem designedly to tread in the dark this way as if it were to promot a party rather than to seek the truth and follow an interest on the ruine and fall of the repute of others who have had a most sweet savour in the Church of Christ and been much blessed for the edification of many this we may fear is one of the provoking evils in this time and as a smoak in his nostrils who hath said such as sow discord amongst brethren are an abomination unto him Pro. 6 19. and hath cursed such as smiteth his neighbour secretly Deut. 27 24. which may be no less sad and sore by smiting by the tongue than by the sword 10. I hope this also will be mutually granted that a safe managing of differences and rents amongst the godly in so breaking a time as this is one of the most difficult things in Christianity so hard it is to get our own spirits kept out to reach that tender and due regard to present circumstances for publick edification yea to be kept in an humble and spirituall frame in such a case and to have the life of grace kept in vigorous exercise so as thus to have pride wrath and bitterness of spirit made to melt down in meekness humility and love Having premitted these few Concessions which may be found of some weight in this sad case we are now in I must humbly offer these following Proposals to be considered PROP. I. Should we not with greatest fear and trembling look on a breach and rent of the Church and amongst the truely godly in this day on these grounds 1. That it so expresly controlls the authority of our great Master who hath enjoyned by such reitereated commands love and concord amongst his Disciples so as I can find no duty in the New Testament with more frequent obtestations and arguments pressed than this And though it is unquestionable that some must be more culpable in the cause of the difference than others yet doth he press thus with such vehemency and without any such reserve to sist untill there should be an intire onness in judgment amongst themselves else there were no such difficulty or neid of it to be thus pressed 2. That it was his dying charge Joh. 15 17. to love one another and to guard against any breach amongst themselves and seemes to have been the thing his heart was most fixt on when he was to leave the world as a witness of their being his Disciples and that the world might know him to be sent of God Joh. 17 21. and thus be for a testimony to the truth of the Gospel and to enforce a conviction of the excellency of Christianity and doctrine thereof on the greatest Atheists 3. And may we not see these prejudices which follow on a formed and growing breach of the Church are oft such as the cause and occasion thereof do bear no proportion thereto when brought to the Test of that great rule of Christian love in its due latitude as prescribed by our blessed Master yea that thus there is a being so sadly engaged in disputings sidings with parties with such exasperation of spirit and neglecting of these offices of love we ow to others 4. That we may see such a sad rent the more it is followed the more it becomes a labyrinth and maze and no way found thus to get out but that by which they first entered 5. That conspicuous beacon also which in all ages hath been set hereon may make us tremble hereat and how this hath resolved not only into strife debate confusion and disturbances both publick and private but to hazard the very ruine and dissolution of such a Church We find Salvian shewing that this was one of the saddest presages of that desolating stroak that came upon the Affricain Churches and we may see the very first visible degenerating of Christianity in the primitive times begin here for it is at such a
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
how sad a mark is put thereon by the holy Ghost may be read Jude vers 19. Secondly Though some seem too visibly unconcerned and in stead of being sutably affected to account this growing breach rather ane ornament and matter of boasting yet when seriously considered of such import is it and that question anent Church fellowship and communion as this may be truly called Articulus stantis cadentis Ecclesiae and upon no lesse hazard now if grace doe not marvelously prevent then the dissolution of a Nationall Church and is not that James 3. 16. written in greatest letters this day before us that where strife is there is confusion and every evill work and that thus both the work of conversion and interest of the Gospell is most visibly obstructed Thirdly We must take no measure of present duty from the event but whatever proposalls or essayes should be for any composure or healing now in the Church I hope I may say it is no sinfull tampering or with any ceding or latitude in the least in the matter of God but let truth still have the first place for I should reckon any such peace with greatest terrour which might cause a breach with God have salt in your selfes and peace one with another Fourthly It is not the case of the Indulgence or the acceptance thereof by any of our Brethren that is now the controversy amongst us nor is here touched further then a necessary opposing so strange and unjust inferences as hath been made thence to make this difference seem greater then it is and for renting the poor Church but it is known when that design of the Magistrate was set on foot what sutable and serious freedome in the opportune season was used to prevent any dividing among us and to keep of any concurrence therewith yet with that due and tender respect to there Ministry with whom we herein differed to prevent any publick rent or breach and as we judged these most sutably consistent so it is sure the thoughts of such things we now see and of such a spirit as is now aloft would have made our hearts then tremble Fiftly I doubt not that this great duty will be acknowledged by all if it had a sutable weight on us in such a day to adore the holy and spotlesse righteousnesse of God in what he hath done and ly in the dust before him against whom we have sinned and be much in humble and serious selfjudging for we should tremble either to justifie or extenuate the sad declinings which hath been in our Church in these later times from that first love tenderness and zeall for God and the great concerns of his truth yea mourn that so sad a faint hath been among us and despondency of spirit for such a sutable unite and solemne appearance as was called for in bearing testimony against these invasions made on the Kindome of our blessed Master whilst many opportunities hath been too visibly lost of this great duty by us al. Sixtly Yet upon the other hand we must not shut our eyes nor conceall such a ground of hope and token for good that the Lord will not destroy but dwell in our land that he hath accepted a testimony by the sufferings of his poor people even of all ranks now for these years past who have cheerfully endured with much long-suffering some unto death banishment imprisonment and the spoiling of their goods as I may adventure to say upon this account a greater testimony hath not been given to the way of the Lord and his truth in our Church since the first begun Reformation from Popery yea that what ever be these sad deplorable differences now amongst us yet are they not stated upon a publick disowning of any principle of truth either in doctrine worship or Government and hopes that many of these who are most severly reflected on by some would through grace if called to publick confession of the glorious headship and supremacy of our blessed Head King and Lawgiver to his Church not account their life dear unto the death to be offered up as a sacrifice thereon Wherein I judge as is meet and with more peace of minde now when I write this then to judge with that severity and peremtorinesse which have been by some against their Brethren and fellow-servants this day I shall but add that what is here touched hath been with some desire and aime to keep a distance from any personall reflections or to provoke and give a thrust at the repute of any but Oh if a delivering ourselfes up to the truth were reckoned to be the greatest Victory and however provoked or injured yet by manifestation of the truth to their consciences in a humble tender and convincing way to deall with such surely this should be matter of peace and joy in the shutting up of our dayes and not to have recompenced evill with evill but to have thus endeavoured the gaining the soul of their Brother by overcoming evill with good Having premitted these I must touch alittle some grounds layed down in that history of the Indulgence for not hearing of the indulged Ministers and such measures as seem to have been taken for a stretching this difference so far as to break of Church communion and fellowship with these whom yet they dare not but own as the Messengers of Christ to his Church which I must say upon some serious reflection hath been astonishing to see so high a charge and arguments adduced there and with such confidence followed which if fearched unto by any serious and unbyassed Reader may enforce them to see the conclusion would seem to have been established befor the premisses though in this as to the tendency thereof and these sad and deplorable consequences that are like to follow I hope was neither designed nor forseen by the Author to whose memory if such as is pretended to be I doe own great respects and to have no further reflection on what is there then the truth which must have preference to all indispensibly requires First We may see in stead of Arguments some high and confident assertions where I must say the enditement goes above the evidence and that 1. There is both ane imposing of a sense upon their Brethrens practise and a being judge also themselfes and such a sense as these who have been known most averse from any acceptance of that Indulgence yet can neither see nor admitt but how hard is it in a dividing time when all humors are so much aloft to censure without slander 2. Here is a pressing of that sense on this practise which themselves doe with a professed abhorrence disown whose candour and sincerity otherwayes in the greatest concerns of Religion I hope none dare debate and how sad is it when deductions and inferences are rather forced then found from the way of others and a designe more to defame and make things worse then they are to reclaime and to urge things beyond
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
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
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
having been kept on a serious watch agaist the dephits and subtility of Satan on the right hand no lesse then on the left which we might have seen too evidently in this late amazeing breach 1. By an overbending to break and take of from unquestionable duty by somes exacting on the conscience of others according to their measures and dictates beyond the expresse bounds and warrand of the word 2. By such a strange coincidence of seeming extreams that what hath been intentionally followed by open adversaries should be no lesse vigourously carried on by others ex intentione operis so as to run thus cross I doubt not to their own thoughts to obstruct the spreading of the gospel and bring the truth and profession thereof under discredit and I must add a too visible tendence of this way to such a precipice of resolving their light and confidence on extraordinare motions without a humble enquiry and tryall thereof by the Scripture so as some in outrunning the revealed rule of duty hath stumbled on the dark mountaines ere they were aware and lost their feet in seeking of wings to flee as may be for a sad warning to after times 2. This were a most suteable study in such a day how to walk wisely towards such as are without and what might most tend to gaine respect to the truth to convince and prevaile with mens conscience even of known and publict adversaries now in a time of so great reproach and it is sure these should be special advantages for such ane end 1. When the truth of holiness in convincing and visible realities of a Christians practise as are present before mens eyes does appear which was the glory of the Church in the primitive times who were then the first fruits of the Gospel among the gentiles that it was said they did not speak great things but live them and which was then specially noted by adversaries see how the Christians love one another for then did the love of Christ bear rule in his peoples heart but how sad an account is recorded in some ages after that no times had been more fertile of religions than these and of great contests this way but none more barren of religion in the truth and solidity thereof whilst it seemed rather the notion of religion most conversed with in such a Day then with the thing it self 2. When this doth appear under great tribulation for it is then both religion and these who professe it are at once proved and is assuredly one of the choicest opportunities of a Christians life to convince the world but oh it seems such a prospect of Christianity is now rare as the saints have had in former times or or such a conjunction as this when they received the word under great affliction but with a greater joy and comfort of the Holy Ghost 3. When a serious and tender way is followed by christians to gaine more upon mens judgment by a humble and rational account from the Scripture of their hope and practise then by a more confident and severe imposing upon their faith since it is sure the premisses and conclusion must be still relative and the truth much more hurt then helped when it is not in a convincing way commended to the conscience even of adversaries It is not sufferings but the cause that makes the martyre that it be indeed for the truth and no just ground of offence be by any given to darken the credit thereof and here there must be no redeming of the personall repute of any at so high a rate as a publick dash and prejudice to the honour and credit of the way of the Lord in this day 4. This also were a speciall advantage for gaining respect to the truth when in the room of sore and bitter compleanings the voice of joy and thanksgiving may be heard amongst such as own the way of the Lord this day even under all their griefs and pressures other wayes I write this under some conviction how rare such a study seems now to adorne the profession of the Gospel though it is sure none ever sought to finde the comfort and mercy of their lot for an excitement to this blest excercise of praise but found cause for it and how to be faithfull in a lesser measure but they found more added and how great a want this is and hinderance to the prayers of the Church this day is more then we seem to lay to heart yea how much thus the world is tempted to judge religion only a dead forme and that Christians do not in truth beleeve what they beleeve yea that they are few if any on the earth who walk suteably to such a hope and assurance of the glory which is to come I am sure as no serious and wise observer but might finde their being under some singular engadgments from what hath been the way of the Lords dealing with them so it is sad when these are more buried almost and forgot then searchd out under present and new trouble Some would judge a suteable accesse to give in their mite to this treasure a special enlargement and to own a peculiar debt to so great a duty for putting their seal to the truth and faithfulness of God this day and to bear a honourable witness to his way amidst all the changes and remarkably searching tryals have occurred in the course of their pilgrimage He is the rock his work is perfect and all his wayes are judgment a God of truth just and true is he Deut. 23. 3. O that men would praise him and that one generation would declare his works to another and transmit the memory of his goodness yea that such a blest conformity to the doctrin of Christ in humility love meekness bowels of compassion and overcoming evill with good might this day more appear as the world thus might be both judged and condemned in their own conscience thereby 3. This also might be a suteable and edifiing study for Christians in such a time for getting a clear sight of the way of the Lord amidst all these strange and amazing things which are before us both for their own strengthening and to justifie his holy and unspotted righteousnesse and thus to consider that what ever we now see yet it is so clear 1. That the glory of the Church militant and greatest triumph which the Gospel hath had since its first dawning in the world was yet never by any outward clam or prosperous state here but under tribulation and distresse in ignominy and contempt els I must confesse I have mistaken the Scripture and that thus the most Lucide intervals and sunshine hath been most usually short and not only a dark cloud but a seen necessity thereof hath still followed 2. And how sweet and confirming might such a clear prospect be now to a shaken Christian of the singular congruity of such a providence both to the revealed truth and infinit wisdom of God in his
appearance whilst he was in the earth yet is his undoubted Image and portraiture drawne to the life to be seen here in the truth and reality of holyness and how much should this commend and indear truth in the inward parts and tender walking with God unto christians that thus not only the reflection of his image on such may be convincing to the world in whom as so many mirrours he hath choised to shine forth and appear but that in this state of distance whilst they see him not whom their soul loves they may yet still wear his blessed portrature within on their heart and thus discerinbly see him there until they be taken up to himself for ever 6. Thus he can intertaine his soul in so dismall an hower that he knowes assuredly there are comforts here which have no rise or affinity with the flesh unexpressibly above all the griefs of time and seeks no credit from any on report but to be found upon surest tryall such as no grief paine or pressure was yet ever at that hight in the lot of any of the saints which the spirit of the Lord cannot make sweet and easy to endure yea hath oft looked them out of paine with a present sensible outgate on their soul before any outward deliverance broke up 7. He knowes also that the greatest comforts within time are assuredly in the life and exercise of godliness when thus a sincere resignation is reached and a feeling of themselfs to offer freely yea with joy their Isaac and most indeared indeared interests to the Lord in having credit his truth against visible grounds of hope and their being helped to crosse some present desireable interest of sense on the alone incouragement of faith and when some remarkable sharp triall hath been thus got well through upon this sweat reflection also of having gained a season and opportunity for the Lord that may be for some fruit to his praise and of a streight and serious aime to please him when the visible displeasure of men hath come in competition therewith O what pleasure and an abundant entry to a christians peace will be then felt 8. He hath this to be confirming what unexpressible delight and pleasure is found on displeasing the flesh even in its most impetuous and violent motions in tryall of their obedience and love to Christ what ever paine may be for a little in that conflict as lets him see resistance to sin is the most gainefull and rationall act of his life whilst with any sinfull delight which in a moment is gone an imbittering sting and inward shame upon the guilt thereof does then only abide yea is so tried that the way of sin can never cease to be a way of paine and torment if the strenght and malignity of the disease did not take of all sense thereof which as a bone out of joint hath no ease nor does suffer the whol body to be at rest whilst on the other hand in closse following the rule and resisting a present temptation what sweet peace humble confidence and comfortable accesse to God with inward rejoycing is most sensibly then found and how here only is the way of his relief and a great seal thus to the truth when he sees so firme and indissoluble a tie betwixt peace and holiness as the worst of times can never break of 9. He knowes that if no searching tryal there could be no triumph and in so farre should be shut out from the overcomers joy to which the forest wrestling of a christian when sanctifiingly exercising must still make way 10. And what thoughts might these be on a more deep reflection upon the truth and reality of prayer that here is no conjecturall thing but such a passage is sure knowne and tryed betwixt heaven and a Christians soul which hath had so wonderfull effects and certain returns in the greatess exigence and strait and is not only an instituted dutie but mean of their reliefe yea not only the sweetest way of converse with God here on the earth but is the most effectual to prevaile and obtaine I shall but add a few words more now in the close and deteane the reader no further that it would have been judged the appearance of the time in this extream exigence with what may be seen of the deplorable state of the Church of Christ not only in Brittain but almost universally might ere now have allayed these high distempers hath been of late when popery is on so present and dreadfull an approach as threatens to swallow up all and when that mine which hath been so long in the dark and digging under the ground seems so near to spring yea hath got too visible advantage to enter at such a breach as hath been of late and gain ground this way It is true it may seem not easy to comprehend and is surely one of the greatest dephts of the judgment of God this day how in one and the same age where the truth hath so brightly shined both in purity and power there can be a subjecting of so many with their own consent to so visible and notour an Impostur as popery is and after all we have seen this Surprising darknesse should now-come to such a hight as men are turned thus cruel against themselves and the Posterity to deliver up all that should be dearest to them to such a party yea engadge in a way that so clearly enervats the whole intent of the Gospel and where there is no conceiveable access for seduction by any arguments to mens reason and judgment or on other termes then to shut their eyes first on the Bible But what ever length this tryal may now come and tho it should yet once provaile against all visible profession of the truth in the Church of Brittain and Ireland we should adore the spotless righteousness of God herein in delivering mens reason and judgment up to so strong delusion since as the greatest of blessings which ever came to the world is the pure light of the Gospel it needs not be strange that the greatest of judgments follow on a peoples contempt and rejecting thereof so as nothing is so absurd and irrationally grosse which these will not drink in who have once rejected the truth But since the prospect and impression of this time is like to be more fainting then to confirme or awake to duty I would but touch this a little though there can be no possible stumbling for want of light when the truth and doctrine of the reformed religion is so fully cleared and tho this might seem incongruous with the forgoeing subject yet I am sure not unsuteable to the time when such hazard is now of much stumbling and men do unsensibly weare at a distance from under these former impressions of the truth and the way of the Lord which they once had yea that a few dayes may come the Churches way more remarkable for tryal then all hath yet ever been
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
breach the envious one waits to sow his tares and how rare is a stop or fixing found in such a current but like the breaking in of waters doth carry many a further length than they ever intended It is known on what grounds that sad breach by Labadie and his party began here in the Belgick Church with whom many went in the simplicity of their heart and by such a designed cure to the offence was then taken by them did but heighten the distemper and occasioned so much prejudice against the power and truth of godliness in this land PROP. II. May we on any safe ground break up Church fellowship and communion so far with those who have accepted the late indulgence as not to hear or receive the publick ordinances from them as being such I must propose this on these grounds 1. That hereby no approbation of the Indulgence can be necessarily inferred and the ground of offence can never be owned such as to pollute the ordinances or make communion with these in the least sinfull to us But it would be adverted on what side the most dangerous and destructive inconveniences are and hazard of the greatest offence hereby to the Church 2. That we must still own these as our brethren what ever be the present difference with whom we are one we hope in Christ and in the great concernes of truth and godliness in the same doctrine and principles of the Church for in these we differ not in Thesi what ever the application hereof is matter of difference yea should be tender to judge in so far as they profess whom we so assuredly know to be both serious and godly in their opposition both to the Prelatick and Erastian Adversary 3. That they are such we must own to be the undoabted Ministers of Christ cloathed with a Ministeriall power to preach and dispense the ordinances ere ever this Indulgence was on foot these being Acts of their office which flowes from no convey or grant of the Magistrat to such places and that be vertue of their office and calling the peoples tey standeth still in force to hear them with respect to that primary relation they were under as Officers of the Church universall 4. That this cannot be made practicable except we take the very Government of the Church off its hinges without a declarative sentence since upon the matter it is to draw out one of the highest censures against so considerable a party of the Ministry yea to exercea critick and juridicall power some way not only over these who are indulged but over must of the whole Non-Conformists who are still free and enforced in conscience to own such in their Ministry 5. That this should be a departing from an union once acknowledged in our fellowship and communion with them in the publick ordinances It hath been hitherto publickly owned that if the whole Church had been so far left as to some sad compliance for a time that way and thus the peoplefixt under the Ministry of such that even on an after discovery of the evil thereof there would not be allowed the same necessity or expediency of separation or for refusall to hear them as there is now in our case for a non-compliance with that party and keeping thus at a continued distance which was a ground had such weight with our worthy Ancestors in the former times of prelacy when it was not brought in at once but by degrees into the Church and thus found it not safe and easy to break up so far as not to have Chruch fellowship in receiving the publick ordinances then from such though a most vigorous opposition to the sinfulness of that way was still followed 6. Because this might quickly tend to a casting off of most if not the whole of the standing non-conforme Ministry now in the Church who have been helped to stand and withstand against Prelacy and to open such a doore for any of the people at their pleasure to quite or turn off the Ministers of the Gospel without any fixed or previous cognition in such a case And Oh! how hard or difficult will it be found to set bounds or fix new landmarks when once the old are taken up may be easily judged PROP. III. Is such a refusall to hear these Ministers who are indulged now owned because it is simpliciter unlawfull or on that ground of its expediency and for edification I would hope none yet dare come to own the first but for the second of expediency in such a present case I must humbly judge such a practice would seem very unanswerable thereunto on these grounds 1. That this sad effect hath so visibly followed thereon to break up that sweet edifying fellowship which was formerly amongst Christians in many places so as these who were wount to walk together and keep Christian converse for building up one another in the truth can now hardly joyn or pray together 2. That none seem to have gained by this late heightned breach except the publick Adversary yea 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ad a dash to these publick meetings in the fields thus given which here to fore were so eminently blessed whilst thus such open contradiction of late in preaching hath too evidently brought a stumbling to the weak and a reproach on the way of the Lord as we may fear shall not in haste be taken off 3. That thus the prelatick party seems more hardned and to have less reckoning of that heavy charge of perjury and defection from the truth when so great a part of Non-Conforme Ministers they find publickly classed with them who yet are otherwise known to be both able and godly yea which hath been sadly regrated that the edge of that wounted zeal which was against Prelacy and the common Adversary hath been thus blunted in a more hot pursute of the other party 4. The shaking and stumbling of many which I must here write with a sad remembrance of a Christian who I durst not but say but was truely serious who spake to me almost weeping when I was last in our Country of being put to that through this late breach and visible contradictions in publick preaching yea that some had openly declared there were scarce four faithfull Ministers of the Church to be found that they knew not what or whom to credit but like to be shaken in the very foundation And I must humbly judge if this breach should grow I know no gain will ever recompense the Kings dammage herein I mean of our King and head in the edification of his people Yea who are there if not fixt and established by grace that can look on these devouring heats and breakings amongst both Christians and Ministers in this day but are in hazard to take prejudice at the whole of Religion and must needs judge that these cannot be the fruits of the Spirit of Christ 5. I must yet add on this ground of expediency if it would seem to engage the multitude in these
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
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
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
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
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