The Interest of England in the Matter of Religion, Essays 1 · Section 29
Section XXIX.
If these things are so, whence proceeds the present vehemence and importunity of so many of the Episcopal party, to carry things to the height of their way, without the least abatement of the ancient rigour. Some of that way, as wise and learned, and pious, as many among them, did offer terms in the time of their distraction and distress; and in those times it was a common thing among the friends of Prelacy, to condemn the violence of some of the late Prelates. Have present advantages made them of another minde? If they answer by retortion, Why did not the Presbyterians make a more early offer of agreement, and close, when time was, with the overtures of some Bishops? Truely we are willing to argue the case, and have many things to reply. And first it is freely acknowledged, that we ought to have had a more tender respect to each other, to have better considered the state of England, and to have studied moderation. Yet let not one side bear all the blame, when both are faulty. Impetuous actings on both sides suddenly brought us to extremities, and a War brake forth, and then both Prelatists and Presbyterians were ingaged with such partakers, that the more moderate on both sides must needs be overacted. And as the War was prolonged, the breach was widened, Statesmen, and Swordmen, and particular subdividing interests having their peculiar and hidden designs. Moreover, when the Regal Power, and the House of Peers were suppressed, and most of the House of Commons secluded, the Presbyterians had only an interest of liberty, but not of power, and authority, and favour. You cannot impute to them the want of unity, which was not possible for them to encompass. But they were heartily weary of those confusions, and longed for unity and order, and had much regard to Bishop Ushers reduction then reprinted, desiring to take it for a ground-work, or beginning of accommodation among all sober Protestants, that we might not be spoiled of all Religion, but what Papists and Sectaries would by their leaves allow us. So that not of constraint, but of choice and a ready mind, they pursue peace and concord. Howbeit, in those times some Prelatists of the higher strain would condescend in nothing, but gloried in calling themselves the unchangeable Sons of the Church of England, that is, in their sence, the unalterable Asserters of the Opinions and practices of the late English Hieratchy. There were also many more moderate Episcopal Divines, that were formerly reckoned half Puritans, and upon that account kept from preferment, till about the beginning of the Long Parliament, some of them were made Bishops for the support of Episcopacy. These being exasperated by the late Wars, and the issue thereof violent changes in Government, and their own sufferings, which happened beyond our first expectations, were set at a greater distance from us. Let both sides acknowledge their errour in departing unto such a distance from one another. The truth is, men ingaged in War aim at victory, and having peculiar interests, draw to extreams. But now we settle upon a common bottom; and prudence should guide us to aim at common satisfaction. It is known that some Episcopal and Presbyterian Divines have joyned hand in hand, and why should not all those of either party do the like, that are both for Christ? Indeed a calamity may befall sound and good Christians, to refuse unity in Church-order, when the terms mutually required seem to one or both parties unlawfull. But in the present case, when nothing is desired in contradiction to Divine Right, Primitive practice, order and decency, but a forbearance or indulgence in things not of themselves necessary, yet scrupled as unlawful, and it will not be accepted, surely either secular interest, or the everlasting enmity, is the root of this dissention. And certainly, with those that bear so hard upon mens consciences, conformity to Church government, Rites and Ceremonies, is not sufficient to procure their amity. We well remember how heretofore the conforming Puritanes were as great an eyesore to some Prelates as the non-conformists. But in good earnest, shall such precious things as the peace and edification of the Church, the needful service of so many able and godly Ministers, and the quiet and comfort of so many sober-minded Christians, be all sacrificed to the Hierarchy and Ceremonies? Will not Episcopal Protestant Divines regard the weakning of the Protestant Cause in Christendom, by treading the Presbyterians under foot? The more ancient Bishops in England were of another minde, as Bishop Robert Abbot by name, witness this passage of his Sermon preached, when he was Doctor of the Chair in Oxford [That men under pretence of truth, and preaching against the Puritans, strike at the heart and root of Faith and Religion now establisted amongst us; that this preaching against Puritans was but the practice of Parsons and Campians counsel when they came into England to seduce young Students: and when many of them were afraid to lose their places, if they should professedly be thus, the counsel they then gave them was, that they should speak freely against Puritans, and that should suffice.] Let our Episcopal brethren as Divines, as Protestants, as Christians, consider these things. O let it not be said of this Generation in the time to come, that the way of peace we have not known.
From the Discourse aforegoing, I inferr this pacifick and healing conclusion, That the Party called Presbyterian may be protected and incouraged, and the Episcopal not deserted nor disobliged. His Majesties wisedom and authority will draw both Sides to submit to reason.
The third Inquiry having connexion with the two former, now follows to close up the whole matter.
Quest. III. Whether the upholding of both Parties by a just and equal accommodation, be not in it self more desirable, and more agreeable to the State of England, than the absolute exalting of one Party, and the total subversion of the other?