The Church Wounded and Rent by a Spirit of Division, Section 1
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 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 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 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 ignorant and impenitent ſinners have for their cure, if thus impreſſed and taught to turn their back on ſo many ſerious and godly Miniſters, whoſe work hath had a convincing ſeal on many? And I hope with greateſt deſire would ſeek the ſaving of ſouls, yea when the prophane, drunkards, ſwearers and worldlings ſhall thus flee under ſuch a patrociny, that many if not moſt of the non-conforme Miniſters of the Church are neither to be heard, nor owned, how ſad ſhould this be? Or if they go that length, as to hear, yet with having them in ſuch contempt, as without any dread or fear to ſlight their miniſteriall exhortations. And Oh! the ſouls of many thus in hazard to be undone, and to run to their own deſtruction, and take ſuch advantage, when ſo much is given to revile Miniſters known to be unqueſtionably godly, and fixed in the Government of the Church, when they would ſeek to draw them to repentance. This is no perſonall intereſt, nor will it be found a light or ſmall matter, pretend who will to the contrary, to give a publick thruſt at the credit of a Miniſter of Jeſus Chriſt, who may yet have ſome ſervice for his Maſter under his hand, and whoſe ſin being blotted out ſhall be for ever hid in the day of their appearance before the great judge. Or thus rake up what we may hope he hath covered. I remember what I heard preſſed in the time of the late difference about the publick reſolutions after a communion before a moſt ſolemne auditory, and by one of the greateſt Miniſters of Chriſt I know then; yea when to the conviction of all he was owned with greateſt evidence of the preſence of God. I think, ſaith he, as to the ſad differences now in the Church, we ſhould with Shem and Japhet take the mantle, and with our eyes ſhut go backward, and lay it upon Noah, yet was he in his judgment fixt againſt the reſolution. 4. Hath not the greateſt ſtrength which error and ſeduction have got in the Church of Brittain, moſt viſibly followed on the reproach and ſubtile breaking of the credit of the Miniſters of Chriſt? And what doth the Popiſh Adverſary more viſibly deſigne than this? As Conzen a Jeſuite Polit. 2. cap. 18. writes,that the ſureſt way to reduce the Church to Popery, was to have their great aim againſt the Miniſters of the Reformed Churches, by blaſting of their reputation, as well as perſecuting of their perſons. 5. And how ſad may this be judged for ſuch, after many years toſſings, and being expoſed to many ſore difficulties, to be made to ſuffer at laſt more from friends, than publick Adverſaries, and thus be under both theſe rods at once. I write this, I hope I may ſay, without the leaſt countenancing of whatever hath been matter of grief or offence in the practice of any; but that I am preſſed from that due reſpect I ow both to the perſons and Miniſtry of known able and godly Miniſters, and ſtraiching the principles of the Church. 6. I muſt further add, that I fear it be found a guilt lying heavy on Scotland, and on many Profeſſors there, beyond moſt of the Reformed Churches this day, a high and daring contempt of the Miniſters of Chriſt there, without reſpect to their former ſufferings, integrity and weight in the Church, with a deſigned ſpreading and agreaging their infirmities, becauſe of the differences from them: for which we may yet fear this ſin be write in our judgment by the Lord his recalling further his deſpiſed Meſſingers. And now whilſt it ſeemes the plague of the time for many to hate and revile the Miniſtry of Chriſt, need they be thus further killed and hardned with prejudice againſt ſuch a remedy, and that theſe even by their friends ſhould be thus put to do their work with grief and not with joy?
I ſhall but further add, that it would be deeply pondered, how far the credit of the truth, which is of more concerne than our ſouls are worth, hath been expoſed to ſaddeſt reproach; how much reall exerciſe of ſoul in the ſerious and internall work of Religion hath been made of late to reſolve in imbittering debates, and as it were a drawing into parties. Oh! how muſt our care be yet further write in letters of blood? That Rabies Theologorum, as it was tearmed in the German Church, was ſuch as made ſome eminent Miniſters of Chriſt then to long for death, to get out of ſuch a flame into that land of peace. We may not quite the leaſt of truth for the peace and concord of the Church, nor can theſe be ever in oppoſite tearmes, but as we make them, and I may with ſome confidence ſay, that what is now here writen, hath been with a ſerious deſire in reſpect to both; but I hope ſome may ſpeak in the words of Bucer, that for a ſafe healing, and to have it made effectuall to a broken and rent Church now, they would judge it of that concerne, as if called and helped of the Lord herein, to lay down their life for the ſame, and thus for their brethren.
I have been in ſome meaſure preſſed to write this, if I could with that ſingle regard to the intereſt of the Lord thus deal with my own conſcience, and others. And though I deſigned in as few words as poſſible, to ſpeak my heart herein, yet muſt add a few things more on a ſubject, though very ſad, yet of much weight and import.
1. That it may be too viſibly the great want which is this day in the ſerious work of Chriſtianity, and gives the ſaddeſt riſe to theſe high diſtempers now amongſt us, that if theſe graces of the ſpirit were in more lively exerciſe, the love of Chriſt, humility, patience and meekneſs, a putting on of bowells of mercy, tenderneſs and compaſſion, as the Elect of God towards theſe we differ from, with more ſevere ſelf judging, and ſuteable fear in judging, and condemning others, we are commanded to have; this preſent difference ſhould never have come to a formed breach in the Church; yea thus more advantage to the truth, and a more clear teſtimony kept up thereto by a ſpirit of love. It hath been aſtoniſhing to ſee imbittering heats and animoſity, with ſuch ſore thruſts at a diſtance to break the credit of others, which are ſo viſible corruptions of corruption, yet plead a patrociny for the ſame. O my friends, why is it ſo? The zeal of God muſt be for the Churches edification, and alſo bring us thus under a conſtraint for union: the wiſdom that is from above, and is pure, is peaceable, gentle and eaſy to be intreated, without hypocriſy and without partiality. And do any feele the comforts and ſealings of the ſpirit with a dividing and imbittered temper? It was a ſad rebuke the Diſciples of Chriſt got, though on a juſt reſentment they had of the wrong done their Maſter, but that tended more to deſtroy, than to gain, you know not of what ſpirit you are.
2. Have we not hitherto ſeen, that on a ſmall remove and ſeceſſion in our Church fellowſhip, ſuch have made more haſte than good ſpeed, nor have found it eaſy after to fixe, untill they have been a length their heart would ſome time have trembled at; yea thus beſides the wounding the heart of the godly, darkning the glory of … Goſpel, and ſhaking the faith of many, have been forced to run on ſaddeſt inconveniences and new principles to maintain their way. What ever length the difference about the publick reſolutions of late came to (which was a viſible preſage of the ſtroak that after came) yet was there no daſhing on ſuch a rock as this is now. And we may know, that what ever tends to divide amongſt the godly, or betwixt people and Miniſters, gets but too eaſy an hearing oft amongſt many, it is ſo ſib to our corruption, and one of the ſtrongeſt luſts of the flesh.
3. Is there not an undoubted neceſſity this day to eſſay to the fartheſt an union and healing in the Church, when of no leſs import, than the keeping up of the worſhip of God, the ſalvation of the people, the credit of the Goſpel, and a preventing the ſtumbling of many now in ſuch viſible hazard, which are more than our ſouls are worth? And can we ſee how theſe ſhall be ſafe, if this breach be ſtill widned? The longer continuance will make it the more difficult to heal, when on all hands we are made to mourn, and ſee the iſſue, which we would not formerly believe; and is not this a ſtrange rent and diſtemper in a day, when the Lord hath caſt us all down, that our great work ſhould be to bear down others, with ſuch a pronneſs to take offence, as well as there is in giving it, is one of the high provoking cauſes of wrath and judgment, which as in greateſt letters, I muſt ſay, hath been write before our eyes in the late providences of this time.
4. Since each is concerned to prove his own heart and work herein, and what may be his acceſſion to ſo highly a provoking guilt and ſtroak as threatens no leſs than an utter quenching the light of the Goſpel in Scotland, and to be overwhelmed with Popery, Atheiſme, and all ungodlineſs, which ſo much gain ground by our breach. It were well, if there could be ſo impartiall a ſearch herein, and triall more of our ſelves, than by rolling it over on others, what may be our part therein; and if theſe things bring not a ſad involvement in ſuch a guilt. 1. When there is no tender abſtaining from harſh cenſuring of others. 2. When there is a preſſing more of that which tends to divide, than what there is to unite, and in how far we are ſtill one in our former principles. 3. When high prejudice, and alienation of affection is not cloſly watched againſt, which like the predominant humour of the jaundice, will quickly preſent all things in the ſame colours, and make it difficult to judge of the way of others we differ from, without a ſad by aſs. 4. When contendings even for the truth are more paſſionat and breaking, than with humble ſeriouſneſs to be rationally convincing and healing, which is ſo unlike the way of the Lord, and in being defamed, yet to intreat. 5. When there is not ſome ſtudy to walk cloſs together in ſo far as we are one, and mutually convinced, which I am ſure would help to come more neer in what is now the matter of difference, I muſt here confeſs for my ſelf, it hath been heavy on my ſpirit, that I did not with more ſeriouſneſs, and according to my ſmall meaſure move herein, when laſt in my own countrey, and had ſo neer a proſpect of theſe deplorable confuſions, nor have been under that ſuteable weight, as ſuch a time calls for, when the Church there is as ſtrugling betwixt life and death, though I may ſay, it hath oft made me covet a hiding and more abſtractneſs from ſo ſad a noiſe: but O bleſſed they, to whom it it ſhall be given to ſtand in ſuch … breach this day, ſo as it may be convincingly evident the zeal of God, and a healing ſpirit do moſt ſweetly concurre.
5. And what can we poſſibly anſwer to our own conſcience, and to all the Reformed Churches this day, yea at the appearing of Jeſus Chriſt, that now the poor Church of Scotland, when in the furnace, and ſo long in a ſuffering condition, is like to be more ruined by our ſelves, than by other Adverſaries; and ſuch a ſore rent now amongſt theſe, who are ſtill one in doctrine, worship and Government, and we hope have acceſs to the Father by the ſame ſpirit, as have in a ſad meaſure broke up Church fellowſhip in the Goſpell ordinances, and in the moſt concerning duties of Chriſtian ſociety amongſt many; yea this to be ſtill growing, and yet no eſſay nor endeavour to prevent ſuch a ruine, that is like to be entailed even on the offſpring, and what may be the thought of the generation that ſucceeds, when ſo deplorable a hiſtory ſhall be put on record.