The Church Wounded and Rent by a Spirit of Division, Section 4
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 als 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 als 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 foreign, 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 towards ſuch as are without Col. 4. 5. and with the furtheſt tender reſpect to prevent their being further alienat or hardened in their averſion from the way of the Lord, which I muſt ſay ſhould be one of the moſt weighty concerns of a Chriſtians ſtudy, for adorning the profeſſion of the Goſpel in ſueh a day. 7. I ſhall but add this more, what advantage a chriſtian may thus have for true peace and quiet on ſuch a reflection of having kept guard againſt any hid perſonal prejudice or ſuch a byaſſe which the preingadgment of their judgment in the preſent caice, and that influence their intereſt in a divided party might have occaſioned, yea thus of ſome tender reſpect to the Purity als well as the peace of their own conſcience that there may be no private intereſt or ſetting up of ſuch a ſtumbling block before their eyes as to darken their judgment herein.
3. Ground which I fear in theſe times may be much made uſe of by many for their own ſtumbling is that ſtrange ſpirit and to viſible eruptions of pride, bitterneſs and paſsion with which theſe conteſts and differences in judgments amongſt profeſſours of the truth are ſo oft followed. For Anſwer whatever ſad occaſion be thus given of offence, yet can there be none for taking prejudice or any reflecting thus on religion except men will put out the very eyes both of their reaſon and conſcience, when it is ſo clear 1. How viſible a contradiction any ſuch ſad appearances of pride, bitterneſſe and wrath are to the deſigne and intent of the Goſpel, which is for the furtheſt ſelf abaſing, to ſubdue and mortify ſuch luſts and thus prevent any exorbitancy that way: as that which is not only to adorne a chriſtian walk but is a moſt eſſential part of our ſanctification: and is not the authority of the rule herein ſuch on their conſcience, whom yow may moſt thus challenge, as they are even inforced to ſeek a cover and hiding of theſe evills, which they know to be their shame, and cannot bear the light being thus judged in themſelfs and ſo conſcious of their deformity. 2. Is not the reliefe alſo and antidote to ſo dreadfull a poiſon moſt clearly held forth to us, how to watch againſt this which both hath ſo ſubtile and forcible an infection, and deep rooting in mens nature. 3. Or can yow challenge the leaſt ſhaddow of Latitude, from our bleſt Lawgiver, and the lawes of his Kingdom, herein, which are ſo expreſſe not only againſt any open eruption of ſuch evills, but againſt the moſt ſecret convoy, and intertainement thereof in the heart, yea that, on no leſſe haz…rd then of being ſhut out for ever from that Land, which is above, we muſt both watch and wreſtle againſt the ſame; for ſuch is the ſtraite and narrow way, and ſo many low entries there, as none poſſibly can get through without a humble, and ſubdued Spirit, and as little children to receive the Kingdom of God. 4. Can prejudice ſo farre overcome mens conſcience, as not to ſee the excellency of a Chriſtian ſpirit, and the undoubted reality thereof, which hath ſo brightly ſhined and I hope yet doth (to ſilence the greateſt reproacher) in many convincing examples of humility, meekneſſe and in the conqueſt of their paſſions and forgiving of injuries, as a convincing witneſs to the world of ther being thus transformed into his bleſt image of whom as the great pattern ſet before us we are to Learne. 5. And ſhould not tenderneſs and compaſion be more ſuteable then prejudice and ſtumbling at ſuch a ſight yow thus challenge, when nothing can be more viſibly contraire to the very uſe of reaſon then any ſuch ſad eruption of pride, bitterneſs, and wrath, which is ſo ſore a diſeaſe and a fever of the minde, and cauſeth ſuch diſorder, ſad, and tumultuous ryſings there, as they are made their own puniſhment and the very mean to fruſtrat that end they moſt follow, yea in no way could more gratify and give the greateſt advantage to ſuch they contend with and to put themſelfs in the pouer of every one to become their tormentor. 6. Yow little know what ſharp and bitter reflections ſuch may oft have on themſelfs upon any ſad appearance this way or advantage, their corruption hath got under ſome ſad aſſault, yea ſuch, as even the ſenſe of a ſealed pardon on thir ſoul can not ſometimes blunt the ſharp edge of this grief and indignation againſt themſelves. 7. And may yow not clearly ſee what viſible deteſt ſuch are even inforced to have at the appearance of theſe evills in others; which thus hath a ſad outbreaking in their own practice; as convincingly ſhowes their way muſt contradict both their own judgment and principles. 8. I ſhall but further adde, what great incitements and cleareſt diſcovery doth the Scripture afford, of that bleſt way, which was never known, nor attaind by nature, how to get ſuch prevailing evills ſubdued; yea how to improve injuries to the greateſt advantage, and thus by overcoming, to gaine the moſt glorious and deſireable victory and revenge, on ſuch who have injured them, by humble and tender forbearance, and what a ſueet facility might be found this way, when the firſt wave, and aſſault is whoſe once broke and reſiſted but greateſt ſtrength ſtill lyes in the firſt aſſault.
4. Ground and pretence for prejudic in theſe times, is that ſo little evidence ſeems of tenderneſs and a convincing ſerious practice even in their way who have a name & repute of religion with ſuch abounding offences, as gives occaſion not only to queſtion the ſincerity of their profeſsion, bot to ſtumble at the very forme and appearance of godlineſs. ANSW: though nothing ſhould be more dreadfull then for any to make the truth acceſſory to their ſin, or take thus ſhelter under its patiociny, yet ſince it is ſo great a concern to vindic…t pure, and undefiled religion, and the ſpotles rule, and pattern thereof in a day of ſuch reproach, and when any advantage is ſo eagerly ſought and followed for this end, I would but offer ſome few things, to plead with their conſcience who thus, are in more hazard to undo and break themſelfes, then to hurt the credit of the truth. 1. If there ſhould not be more to ſhake and ſtumble if ſuch offences were not in the Church of Chriſt when ſo expreſſly fortold as the Scripture els ſhould want a moſt convincing ſeall and witneſs thereto, yea when, thus yow may ſee that not only an empty ſhow and the hypocriſy of ſome bot the recorded blemishes and falling of the ſaints their, to be demonſtrative and confirming of the truth, als well as the bright eſt evidences, and luſtre of their grace. 2. I confeſſe it were a ſuteable inference, for none to engadge with the profeſſion of godlineſs without the power and how dreadfull a part ſuch acts, who live ſtangers thereto but how ſtrange, and aſtoniſhing were it for ſuch, as are ungodly thus to juſtify their own way. 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, als 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 …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 …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; …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, bot…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 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 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 pred…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 w…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 …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 als well as any ſinfull deficience or neglect therein. And I hope whatever be found unauſwerable this d…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 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 ve…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 vigou…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 deba…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.