A Sigh for Peace, Part 3
The Third Part.
SHeweth that our Brethrens rejecting and oppoſing the fourth principle of Chriſts Doctrine, enforceth a diſtinction in Communion (at leaſt in part) between them, and th… Churches which walketh in the Religious obſervatio… of it; and that all diviſions which happen in th… Church are not properly, but accidentally again… her: as alſo that it is no abſurdity to refuſe to communicate with a people who may be allowed the appellation of a Church.
As it muſt ever be granted that a Kingdom divided againſt it ſelf is brought to deſolation: and is very true when apply'd to the Church of God, where Diviſions are as Epidemical as in …ny Societies of men whatſoever: So alſo it muſt be denyed that all manner of diviſions which happen within the pale of the Church …re property againſt her ſelf.
For ſeeing it cannot be denyed, but that ſhe may be and hath been corrupted divers ways …om her firſt integrity, both in reſpect of the …orm and power of godlineſs, even hence is en…orced, a neceſſity that …he be *Which ſeldom can be done without diviſion, by reaſon of Pride on the one hand, and Ignorance on the other.reformed. Where…pon divers worthy men in all ages have laboured … reſtore the decayed parts if Chriſtianity, as well as to …oot out ſuch things as …ave been obtruded by innovation. And ſurely …hat was the duty of ſome, was (more or leſs) …he duty of all: and conſequently the ſin of …ch as put not their ſhoulder to the work, …eh. 3. 5. But much more theirs, who not on…y would not do it themſelves, but hinder and …iſcourage them that would. Saying in effect, … the corrupt part of the Church of old did in the days of the Prophet Jer. 44. 16, 17. As for the word which thou h…ſt ſpoken unto us in the name of the Lord, we will not hearken unt… thee, but we will certainly do as we have done; … and our Fathers, &c. Putting the mark of Antiquity upon their own ways, and the note o… novelty upon the Doctrine of the Prophet o… God. Something like to which is that ſaying of the Searchers where they tell us, They ca… well remember when Laying on of Hands was no… eſteemed a Fundamental Doctrine, which yet … have reaſon to queſtion, when I conſider tha… themſelves do hold (and ſay they ever di… hold) Laying on of Hands, He…. 6. to be … part of the Foundation; And I think non… of its Aſſertors ever had leſs eſteem o… it, then they. Neither doth the Moderation of its Aſſertors in the point of communion (which it ſeems they held with thoſ… that did not receive that Doctrine, for ſom… time after themſelves had owned it) argue… that thoſe who received …he Doctrine of Layin… on of Hand, did not eſteem it the ſame whic… now they do. Sith reaſon wills that when an… part of the Church of God attains to th… knowledge of any principles of truth, which by the corruption of the times, hath been obſcured they ſhould exerciſe all long-ſuffering an… forbearance, to ſee if by any means the contrary minded may be enlightned.
But now, if after all endeavours uſed, and patience extended, ſome part of the Church remain wholly av…r…e to Reformation, and that in ſuch weighty matters as the principles of Religion, it cannot be reaſonable (nor is it Scrip…ural) *1 King. 18, 21.that thoſe whom God hath enlight…ed, ſhould be bound to continue with the …bſtinate in their by-paths; but muſt at length …eclare themſelves in manner of ſpeech like …hat of Joſhuah, If it ſeem evil to you to ſerve … Lord, in this principle of his Doctrine, chuſe … what you will do, but as for us we are reſolved …rein to ſerve the Lord: Agreeable whereunto … that direction of the …ord to the *For it cannot be thought but that Jeremiah had ſome that ſtood with him. ver. 11.Remnant …hat held to the truth with …heir whole heart, Jer. 15. …9. Let them return to thee, … return not thou to them. …hence I note four things, conſiderable to …ur preſent occaſion.
1. That the parties here ſpoken of, were …oth of the Church of God.
2. That there was a difference between …em, touching ſome neceſſary part of Religi….
3. That the Lord allows this diviſion, and …courageth the continuation of it on the part of thoſe that ſerved him perfectly, or according to his Word.
4. That the Church-ſtate of neither part is (as yet) taken wholly away or deſtroyed; And therefore hence I infer this concluſion.
That in a time of the… *It is not ſo much an errour, as the pertinacious continuance in an errour, that deſtroyeth the Church-ſtate of thoſe that are under the appellation of Chriſtians, by true Baptiſm according to Mat. 28.Churches defection in the principles, or any neceſſary part of Religion, there may lawfully be held a diſtinction in communion, between th… part defective, and that which is ſound or reformed, and ye… the Church ſtate of neither wholly deſtroyed. And b… how much the principles … points of Faith are greater or l…ſſer, by ſo much thi… diſtinction is to be maintain'd with greater or leſ… ſeverity.
This I might confirm by the conſideration of the ſtate of the Jewiſh Church, under thoſ… great diſtractions which happen'd among the… ſometimes about principles of truth, referring immediately to the Majeſty of Heaven Hoſ. 11. 12.
And otherwhiles about thoſe which being neglected, would greatly impair the power o… godlineſs among men, Iud…. 19. 20 chu…. I… which diſtractions the Faithful laboured as i… were in the very fire to reform the part diſtempered, without deſtroying their Church-ſtate, Judg. 20. and 21. Chapters, Jer. 17. 12. to 17. during which combuſtions, there muſt needs be a demur in the point of communion between the parts contending, as may …aſily be gathered from their bitter and ſangui…ry conflicts, if our very reaſon did not con…ince us.
But leaving the many and convincing Allega…ons which might be brought from the ſtate of the Jewiſh Church, who were not denyed …hat Appellation, though under ſuch defile…ents as rendred them unfit to Celebrate the …oly Rites and Myſteries of the Law, and …herefore conſequently very unfit for commu…ion with thoſe who withſtood their polluti…ns, which may ſufficiently ſatisfie reaſonable …en (and therefore the Searchers themſelves) …hat it is no abſurd thing to grant a pe…ple the Ap…ilation of a Church, and yet hold them uncapable … communion with ſuch of the Churches or Congr… …tions of Christ as are free from theſe corrup…ions. I will deſcend to thoſe grounds which …re more familiar to us, and then ſee how it …ay reach the caſe depending between the …earchers and their Brethren.
And firſt from Acts 15. 2. It appeareth that …here was not only great diſputation, but diſſention alſo in the Primitive Churches about matters of Doctrine, which word *The word foreign here uſed, is rendred by Montanus, Seditione. And ſo it is by our Tranſl…tors in Gal. 5. 20. which being conſidered, muſt needs ſupoſe (at leaſt) a demur in point of Communion.diſſention doth imply the diſcontinuance o… communion between Paul, Ba…n…bas, with thoſe which did adhere to them▪ and that part of the Church which were zealous for Circumciſion and the Law▪ And yet we do not finde that they did one unchurch another, but uſed the moſt effectual means tha… might be to put an end to the ſtrife. And very remarkable it is, that though the Aſſembly a… Jeruſalem did plainly determine the point o… Doctrine, yet did they forbear their cenſure againſt the perſons who erred in that caſe … chuſing to exerciſe all Longanimity, rather then ſeverity; knowing that their power was given Hence let the Chriſtians of this age learn Moderation. Moderation. Moderation.more for Edification… then for deſtroying any mans attainments in the paths of Chriſtianity. Howbeit, when this lenity would not effect th… Reformation of the ill manners of thoſe corrupters or depravers of the Goſpel, then di… the Apoſtle lay greater weight upon them, wh… would not ceaſe to trouble the Churches, Gal. 5. 12.
Nor is there any reaſon to doubt but that the Judaizers had (generally) been held at ſome diſtance in point of Communion, or privileges in the Churches before Paul wrote to the Gallatians. For ſeeing that Epiſtle written by Paul, Si…vanus, and Timotheus, did impower the Church at Theſſalonica to note ſuch as diſ…beyed 2 Theſ. 1. 1.it, with a note of di…inction from the reſt of the Chriſtians who conform'd themſelves to its directions; Then doubtleſs that Epiſtle, Acts 15. written in the …ame of the great Aſſembly at Jeruſalem, did every way as much impower all Churches to put …he like note of diſtinction upon all that did not …hey the ſame; which note of diſtinction, howſo…ver it might lie as a bar againſt their preſent Communion, yet did it not deſtroy their Bre…her-hood, 2 Theſ. 3. 14, 15.
So that it is further evident, that a people …ay be eſteemed Brethren in Chriſt, or a Church … Chriſt, and yet juſtly be denyed communion …th other Churches, or Brethren in Chriſt. For …he matter in ſhort lyeth thus. As a Brother is … member, in reſpect of that Congregation or …hurch to which he is immediately related. …o, a particular Congregation is but a member in reſpect of the Church univerſal. As therefore a man may be called a Chriſtian Brother, and yet juſtly (for ſome cauſe) be denyed preſent communion with his fellow Brethren; So, a Congregation may be accounted a Church of Chriſt, and yet juſtly be denyed communion by her Siſter Churches, and chiefly when ſhe is ſuch a Church as cauſes diviſions and offences, contrary to the Doctrine which the Primitive Churches received from the Apoſtles. All which being conſidered, may well ſerve to ſatisfie our Brethren, that we commit no abſurdity in refuſing to communicate with them, though we grant them the Appellation of the Church of Chriſt, and Brethren in particular as before we have ſaid.
Having ſhewed that al… manner of Diviſions which Diviſion againſt unſufferable errours, and corruptions are not againſt the Church, but for the Church.happen in the Church, are not properly againſt her they being after a ſort rather nec…ſſary for her Reformation, then to bring he… to deſolation, when corruption in Doctrin… or manners have made in vaſions upon he… (Though it muſt needs be granted that eve… thoſe diviſions are accidentally againſt th… Church, and that as for other cauſes, ſo chiefly, for that they are a ſcandal to the World and a ſtumbling to weak Chriſtians.) It behoveth that we briefly ſhew what we mean by diviſions which are properly againſt the Church, and they are ſuch as theſe.
1. When both parties contending ſtrive to ſet up ſome ſinful thing, or their own devices.
2. When they divide about that which is not neceſſary, but indifferent only.
3. When the point in queſtion is not ſo much the thing ſought for as revenge upon the perſons againſt whom the controverſie is held.
Thoſe and ſuch like tend only to the ruine of Churches, having no tendency at all to Edification.
The firſt of theſe ſhewed it ſelf among the Corinthians, when they ſtrove to ſet up men; ſome this man, and others that, and this in oppoſition one unto another, 1 Cor. 1. 12. Which folly hath been the overthrow of Congregations, where mens perſons have been admi…ed, and truth neglected.
The ſecond is rebuked, Rom. 14. But why doſt thou judge thy Brother, or ſet at nought thy Brother? (meaning for things indifferent) Therefore who art thou that judgeſt another mans Servant? to his own Maſter he ſtands or falls, yea he ſhall be holden up, for God is able to make him ſtand.
The third is detected, Gal. 5. 15. for whatſoever the queſtion was, this was their ſin, they did bite one another. Thus men may hold the truth in unrighteouſneſs, and without Charity, preach Chriſt meerely of envy to add thereby ſome affliction to the bonds of their brethren. Thoſe kind of diviſions in the ages bordering upon the Apoſtles became the Heathens ſport (and the Chriſtians ſhame) upon their …pen Theaters.
Let us therefore now return to conſider the Nature of that diſtemper which hath befallen our body about the fourth principle of Chriſt his Doctrine, Heb. 6. 2.
The Searchers have declared it to be the ſin of Schiſm; and the part diſtempered to be only the Congregations under the practice of Laying on of Hands, as is evident from the whole Contexture of their ſearch, and the directon of the Epiſtle prefixed to it, as if there were nothing amiſs in this matter on their part who (if I may ſo ſpeak) have made (and defended) a Schiſm in the principles of the Doctrine of our Lord, and there withall divided themſelves from a principle thereof.
And this word SCHISM is taken by the Searchers not in a mild ſenſe, ſuch as wherein it may be taken by propriety of Speech to ſignifie diviſion in ſome lower conſideration, as the word is tranſlated, 1 Cor. 1. 10. But they have hoyſed it in their application of it to the Congregations, profeſſing the fourth principle to the moſt extream ſignification, even that of Sedition; yea to ſuch a degree, as if we unchurched *Which how untrue that is, their own Search doth teſtifie, for there they confeſs that we own them for Churches at ſome turns, (they ſay) but ſurely, (to let go this taunt) what, we confeſs them to be at any time, we confeſs them to be at all times, and that is a Church of Chriſt, though irregular in point of Conſtitution.all Churches but our ſelves. As if it were a light matter to brand all thoſe Churches for Schiſmaticks. But they ſhould have conſidered that bare abſtaining from communion, chiefly at the Table of the Lord (which is all that hath been done generally, if ſo much have been done) and that upon ſuch immergent occaſion, as hath (at leaſt in the time of hot contention) been given for it, is far from being ſufficient to bear them out in this their raſh charge againſt their Brethren. Seeing our Saviour himſelf puts a bar for coming to the Altar, while differences between Brother and Brother, only remains undecided, which being duly conſidered, may juſtly cauſe the ſober Chriſtian to be afraid of ſuch a communion as (I perceive) the Searchers would (hand ov…r head) involve us into.
Now, what hath been done by ſome particular perſons among us in reſpect of Church-rendings, or unchurching other Churches through ignorance or prepoſterus zeal, as I do not perfectly know, ſo I will not in any wiſe go about to juſtifie. But ſure I am, it is no good ground for you to aſperſe all our Congregations with ſuch mens actions; no more then the like prepoſterous actions by ſome among you (for ſuch there hath been, both particular perſons and Congregations) will juſtifie us to faſten the like reproach upon you, which hitherto we have not done, nor intend to take the advantage of your procreation to do it now.
And what though there hath been (during the time of theſe contentions and oppoſitions) a diſtinction in communion between the Congregations aforeſaid, held to be needful, at leaſt in ſome things (wherein Chriſtians communicating one with another, cannot be very comfortable without unity in their Doctrine and practice) yet ſure this hath been done (generally) without contracting the guilt of Schiſm on either ſide, in reſpect of all ſuch as in the midſt of all theſe diſſentions, have maintain'd the great engagement of Charity towards one another. And for thoſe that have not ſo done, its juſtly feared the guilt hath been as great on the one ſide, as on the other.
This diſtinction in communion, hath been held (I preſume) by all wiſe Chriſtians, rather of neceſſity, then for any delight they have had in it, partly for that the truth in queſtion would otherwiſe have been ſlighted as a thing but at moſt indifferent; And there is no readier way to deſtroy any truth, then to let it paſs with ſuch an eſtimation. And partly, for that contention would ever have been riſing between Members of the ſame particular community, and no means remaining to pacifie thoſe diviſions. For, what pious Paſtor of the Church can juſtifie his admitting ſome to the Lords Table without imbracing (nay though oppoſing) the fourth principle of Chriſtianity, and yet with the ſame breath deny another that liberty? The truth is, this diſparity in judgment and practice muſt admit of one thing out of two (at leaſt ſo long as the Spirit of contradiction worketh,) viz. either that the parties diſſenting may ſit down in diſtinct Congreations, without the offence or grudging one againſt another, or elſe it muſt admit of diſpencing with moſt of the principles of our Religion, one by one till indeed we have none left intire; as will appear by ſingling them apart, and yielding to each opinioniſt the plea which our Brethren do uſe in the caſe depending, which in effect is this.
Why ſhould we not ſit down at the Lords Table with you; Seeing we own all the principles of Chriſts Doctrine as you do (which yet I fear, &c.) except the fourth? and as touching that, we ſay and believe, that the Laying on of Hands in Heb. 6. 2. is a principle of Chriſts doctrine, and a part of the founlation; yet we deny that Laying on of Hands, which you hold to be that principle. This plea being admitted, a ſecond comes and pleads thus,
Let us build with you, for we own all the principles of Religion, Heb. 6. 1,2. as you do, except that of Faith, and yet we ſay Faith is a principle according to Heb. 6. 1. but we deny that faith which you ſay is there meant to be that principle.
A third comes and ſays, we have right to ſit down in communion with you, for we do own all the principles, Heb. 6. only the Doctrine of Baptiſms which you ſay is there meant, we deny to be a principle of Chriſts Doctrine, and do ſay that it is your own innovation or tradition, yet we own the Doctrine of Baptiſms.
A fourth pretends they own all the principles, &c. only that Reſurrection of the dead, which we ſay is a principle of Chriſtianity, they term an Humane innovation, yet they profeſs to believe the Reſurrection.
Finally, there comes others and profeſſes that they own all the principles of Gods Oracles, He…. 6. &c. but withall they deny with Origen, that eternal judgment which we hold, and ſay that there ſhall be an univerſal Salvation; and yet they own with him a judgment which is eternal. And upon theſe pretenſions they demand the priviledges of Chriſtians among us in all things.
Now admitting laying on of Hands (as we hold) to be as undoubtedly a principle of Chriſts Doctrine, as any of the reſt (as that is our caſe.) Let our Brethren reſolve us how we ſhall diſpenſe with them in rejecting and oppoſing that principle, and yet do nothing at all to the prejudice of any other principle, or part of the Foundation?
Certain it is (as before we have hinted) there is no Artifice of Sathan ſo likely to wear out this or any other truth, as to make it ſubject to the wills of men, viz. to admit men to the ſame degree of Eſtimation and fitneſs for communion in the Church, though they deny this truth, as if they owned it. And whilſt our Brethren are labouring with all their might to bring the fourth principle of Chriſts Doctrine to this ſtate of ſubjection, others are as buſily tampering with the Doctrine of Baptiſm and have prevailed to the great reproach of thoſe Chriſtians who have ſuffered themſelves and the truth to be thus abuſed.
Open oppoſition though too bad, yet is more advantagious to the truth, then ſuch pretended friendſhip; for truth being oppoſed, hath ſtrength and Authority to withſtand its greateſt Adverſary. But if once ſubtil men creep into the Church under a ſpecious pretenſe of waiting for the knowledge of ſuch truths as they have a deſign to overthrow; theſe prove the greateſt prophaners and ſubverters of the ways of God in the world. And what devourer ſhall we be able to keep out (that hath but craft to get in) if once this door of diſpenſing with principles of Religion be opened?
Aſſuredly had thoſe perſons, Acts the 10. (the remiſſion of whoſe ſins was evidenced from Heaven very eminently) been admitted to communion, without ſubmitting to the Baptiſm of Repentance for remiſſion of ſin (as Peters queſtion, can any man forbid water, that theſe ſhould not be Baptized, which received the Holy Ghoſt? ſeems to intimate that ſome ſuch thought might poſſibly dart it ſelf into the breaſts of ſome.) It had certainly made nul… that ordinance almoſt totally, for who doth not now a-days preſently ſuppoſe himſelf to be baptized with the Spiri…?
Our Brethren demand of us, whether thoſe qualifications which gives right to B…ptiſm, do not give right to the Lords Table? The anſwer is eaſie, for Faith and Repentance (as they ſay) gives right to Baptiſm, but not ſo for the Lords Table, for though Baptiſm be no qualification for it ſelf, yet it is a very neceſſary qualification for the Lords Table. But that we may reach the utmoſt that can lie in this queſtion, we anſwer further: And firſt,
By granting that thoſe that are rightly baptized, have thereupon a general right to all the priviledges and holy Ordinances in the Church of God; and ſo to the Lords Table among the reſt: But then ſecondly, we muſt diſtinguiſh between this general right, and a regular capacity for the immediate participation of theſe priviledges. The children of Ephraim, &c. 2. Chron. 30. 18, 19, 20. had a right to the Paſſeover in general with the reſt of the Iſraelites, becauſe they were Circumciſed, &c. yet ſith they were not cleanſed according to the Puriſication of the Sanctuary, they were not in a regular capacity to eat the Paſſeover with the reſt of the Iſraelites, therefore Hezekiah made ſupplication for them, and it was permitted in that ſtrait, (for they could not do what they would becauſe of the ſhortneſs of the time) that they ſhould eat the Paſſeover otherwiſe then as it was written in the Law, but this was an extraordinary caſe as we have ſhewed before. Again, ſuppoſe I know that my Brother hath ſomething againſt me, when I am going to the Lords Table; this doth not take away my right from the Table of the Lord which I have in general with other Chriſtians, only now I am not in a regular capacity to participate. And what though thoſe that are baptized according to Chriſts command have right to the Lords Table as aforeſaid, yet may they not be prepoſterous in taking their right; for there is an orderly way to partake of our priviledges. And we ſay and have proved that the next ſtep *Let no man here object, prayer and hearing the word, which as they are of neceſſity antecedent to our Memberſhip, ſo they are of perpetual uſe in the Church.or principle in Chriſtianity to holy Baptiſm, is, that we wait upon God in prayer with the Impoſition of Hands for the holy Spirit of promiſe. This our Brethren do not only neglect, but they oppoſe it as an humane innovation. Upon this, not a brother only, but the Church hath ſomething againſt them, they refuſe to be reconciled, unleſs we allow them in their diſobedience, at leaſt ſo far as to leave undone that which is their duty to do: hence it appeareth, that whatſoever our Brethren may ſay for themſelves in reſpect of their right to the Lords Table, yet we find that in them, which …uts them into an incapacity for their imme…iate participation; at leaſt with thoſe Congregations, who religiouſly obſerve that order …herein the truths of God are propoſed to be …bſerved.
But here peradventure our Brethren will …y, they do not remember that we have ought a…ai…ſt them in this caſe; To which it may be …ſwered, that makes the caſe never the bet…r in reſpect of them that do know their er…our; no more then my Brothers juſtifying …imſelf in his treſpaſs againſt me, doth leſſen his …eſpaſs, which is ſo far from that, that in truth makes it greater, and there is now a neceſſity …at theſe two be reconciled before they ſit …wn at the Lords Table together.
If yet it ſhould be ſaid, we take for granted the …ief thing denyed, viz. That our Brethren are …fenders in the caſe depending. The anſwer firſt, this objection will help thoſe that … the Baptiſm of Repentance againſt our …ethren, for denying them communion in …eir, Congregations, as much as it will help … Brethren againſt us, for though our Bre…ren ſay they offend in omitting that part of …hriſts Doctrine, yet they deny it. 2. Though … Brethren will needs ſuppoſe the caſe to be doubtful whether what we hold in the caſe d… pending be true or no, it is out of doubt wit… us, and ſo much the more as by how much ou… Brethren labour to raiſe new doubts and ſcruples about it, according to that true ſaying
When Black is rightly poſited with White,
Then black's moſt dark, and white doth ſhi… moſt bright.
The Searchers inſiſt much upon their offer in order to the accommodating the differen… depending. To which I anſwer, had they pe… ſiſted in that candour and condeſcending temper which lately ſome of them pretende… to. It is not doubed, but the end might ha… been happy, provided that their hearts were … right according to thoſe pretenſions. But to … plain, by all that we can as yet underſtand, ſom… of them were more politick than pious in ſu… their endeavours, of which let this their Sear… be an evidence to Peſterity. For, even when … were buſily endeavouring to anſwer their co… deſcending propoſals, with the greateſt co… plyance, which with a good conſcience … could, even then comes our Brethren forth wi… a fire-brand of Schiſm and Sedition, and claps on the backs of our Congregations. … therewithall arms themſelves with the … Clandeſtine and ſubtil oppoſition againſt the principle under conſideration, wherewith they have at any time (ſo far as I know) as yet advanced themſelves againſt it, which yet will make as little for their Credit, or the Churches Comfort, as their former attempts of this kind have done (unleſs God whoſe wiſdom can bring good out of evil, turn it to our advantage) for no weap…n formed againſt the truth ſhall proſper.
And though it is true there was ſome unhappy obſtructions of our peace before they Printed their Search, ſo it is as true that the hypocriſie of ſome of the Searchers was the cauſe thereof.
Nor need they make ſo much of their permitting the Countrey Elders to preach up Laying on of Hands among them, when they conſider the hot oppoſition which ſome of them met with, as ſoon as they had done. And its known from ſome of the moſt plain-hearted among them, that though we have been deſired to preach the Doctrine of Laying on of Hands among them, yet *Ex ore judicium.it is more to pleaſe our humours (which our ſouls abhor) then that they have any expectation to ſee the truth by ſuch preaching.
Neither is the complaint of our Brethren juſt at this time, how that they, or many of them would have ſubmitted to Laying on of Hands, did we not prohibit them communion with thoſe, with whom they formerly walked▪ For they know that what ever hath been, when contention was in the higheſt about this matter; yet there hath been as much forbearance that way of late, as could reaſonably be deſired, and this condeſcention (perhaps) might ſtill have encreaſed had you as you promiſed, ſeaced your oppoſition againſt the truth by us profeſſed. But now you have revived the whole Controverſie, in moſt of the Congregations in England: And therefore as the cauſe of our diviſion at the firſt was much on their part, who divided the principles of Chriſtianity and themſelves from a principle there of, ſo the revival, and aggravation (with the prevention of our concurrance at leaſt in many things) will be found at the door of the Searcher, when he ſearcheth well his own Habitation.
When we conſider Pau…s charge to Timothy, to withdraw from ſuch as had a form of Godlineſs, denying the power thereof. And his command to the Church at Theſſalonica, to withdraw from every Brother that walketh diſorderly; we cannot but diſlike the tendency of your 19th. demand, as if it would follow, that becauſe there were ſome ſinfully ſuffered in ſome Churches of old, who taught Gods people to commit fornica…ion, and to eat meats effired to Idols, and to hold … community of Women (a thing ſo beaſtly as ſcarce fit to be named) therefore we may not withdraw from ſuch Churches as ſuffer ſuch things. Now! when yet its evident that the Lord charges thoſe ſins ſo deeply upon thoſe that ſuffered thoſe Abominations, that without ſpeedy Repentance their Church-ſtate muſt be removed. But ſurely our Brethren cannot be ignorant that the Lord commends ſuch of the Churches in Aſia, as could not bear, but uncharched thoſe that were evil, who ſaid they were Jews, and Apoſties, and were not, but were the Synagogue of Sathan: and how vehemently …he reproves thoſe that did not thus ſeparate from ſuch evil workers, whether Congregations, or particular Members, for ſure there is but one Law for few or for many in this caſe.
True it is, That God had mercy for great offenders upon repentance, and there muſt be admoniton before they be ſpewed out of the mouth. But what will this avail their caſe, who being intreated and exhorted to turn from the errour of their way, and diligently taught concerning the truth, yet perſiſt in their oppoſition.
The ſlight expoſition which the Searchers gives us of 2 John 7. 9. Verſes, is no more to be commended (as I conceive) then their Adverſaries unwary ſyllogiſm from thence: Seeing it is not all that confeſs that Jeſus Chriſt is come in the fleſh, that hath fellowſhip with the Father and the Son. For that is the ſenſe of the Searchers, or elſe they muſt tell us how many of Chriſts Doctrines or teachings muſt be owned as neceſſary to mens communion with God and Chriſt; which will puzzle the Searchers as much as any body elſe, their flouriſhes and reflexions againſt others notwithſtanding. Nor need we ſay much to our Brethrens demands, which they ground on a ſupp… ſition of the truth of our opinion, conſidering what we have ſaid already, for if that we hold b… the truth, it is ſuch a truth as may not be diſpenſed with or neglected without manifeſ… danger to the reſt of the principles of Religion as hath been ſhewed; It ſhall therefore now ſuffice for the tryal of the conſciences of ou… Brethren in this matter, that we appeal t… them touching the like ſervice in another caſe namely, the Laying on of Hands in the Ordination of Officers in the Church, which ſome o… them will have to be that principle, Heb. 6… though others of them reject that as erroneous, ſ… that our Brethren had lit…le cauſe to upbraid u… about ſome differing apprehenſions about the end of that Miniſtration, ſith themſelves are divided both about the end and the principle it ſelf. I ſay, put caſe now, that ſome among you ſhould deny the Layng on of Hands on Officers to be inſtituted of God, and tell you it is an innovation of man (to ſay no worſe) and that you have no command from God for it; and thereupon they bring all the Arguments againſt you which you deviſe againſt us. And not only ſo, but they carry on all the Affairs of the Church without any regard had to that orderly way of ordaining men to Office by prayer with the Laying on of Hands. Only, becauſe its your humour to have men ſo ordained, therefore in condeſcention to your weakneſs, and that they may the better bring you off that uſage they permit you once, twice or thrice, &c. to preach up ſuch a thing in their Congregations. Do you now make ſo little conſcience of that Laying on of Hands which you practice, and that as a part of the Foundation (ſay ſome of you) as that you could maintain a free and chearful communion with ſuch perſons? Howſoever you may ſhuffle in this caſe, conſidering the liberty which you encline to in the other, yet ſurely were you free from that temptation, you would find no ſmall difficulties to hold ſuch communion with thoſe who ſhould not only make void, but even deſpiſe (for 'tis no better) that wholſome and Divine order which God hath left for the Government of his Houſe.
As for general Aſſemblies, which are ordained for general Controverſies, and which through the bleſſing of God are the beſt expedient under the Sun, for compoſing diviſions in the Churches. Here the liberty of Chriſtians ſhould be; yea, muſt be maintain'd, though they differ right much in their opinions▪ in matters of Religion, and therefore we have (indeed) very Chriſtianly admitted the Searchers to ſuch our Aſſemblies; knowing well, that not only the Chriſtians in the ages bordering upon the Primitive, but even the Apoſtles of our Lord did allow Chriſtians of very different perſwaſions, freely to deliberate on things propounded in ſuch Aſſemblies. But yet we little thought that our Brethren would have abuſed us in the ſight of the World, for this our Chriſtian reſpect towards them, as if we were inconſiſtant with our principles in ſuch our condeſcentions, unleſs we alſo communicate with them at the Lords Table. Surely this kind of dealing is unlikely to effect the peace and concord of our too much divided Congregations.
For my part, I could heartily wiſh that all the Congregations of Chriſtians in the World that are baptized according to the appointment of Chriſt, Math. 28. 19. Mark 16. 16. Acts▪ 2. 38. would make one Conſiſtory (at leaſt ſome times) to conſider of the matters in difference among them. For, if this be not admitted, there is no means under Heaven remaining (as I conceive) to heal their diviſions, and conſequently to obtain that peace which ſhould rule in the hearts of all Gods people, becauſe they are thereunto called in one (univerſal) body.
And herein (I conceive) an union in the main may be held, though in our particular communities, for the avoiding (otherwiſe inevitable) inconveniencies, we are conſtrained to hold ſome diſtinctions. For, it is one thing to forſake the Church of Chriſt, and another to ceaſe communicating with ſuch a particular Congregation, as in the time of Reformation, will needs ſtay behind in the ſteps of irregularity. The firſt can be no other than Schiſm, ſith there can be no cauſe to forſake the Church of God, though there may be cauſe to forbear communicating with ſome particular Members or Congregations thereof. The other is ſo far from Schiſm, that it is more truly called Reformation, nor doth it follow that becauſe we efuſe to communicate with our Brethren in rheir irregular proceedings in the matters of Religion, that therefore we reject them in thoſe principles of truth which they do religiouſly obſerve, and zealouſly profeſs: neither is our diſtinguiſhing our Congregations from theirs, ſo much a ſeparation from them, as a Reformation of our ſelves, ſo that the 10. and 11. demands of the Searchers might well have been ſpared, ſith as things ſtand among us, they are not only unneceſſary, but I fear may prove very pernicious to the peace of our Churches.
Let me now conclude with a free Word to the Brethren of both perſwaſions; And that is, to beſeech you to conſider one another as Brethren, and not as Adverſaries, and as Brethren to put on Charity one towards another; and chiefly you that are zealous for the principle under debate; the more you walk in the truth, the more it concerns you to ſhew forth your works with meekneſs of wiſdom, and to abound in that gift of the Spirit which hopeth and believeth all things, which doubtleſs will teach you to believe this of your Brethren in general, that if they ſaw the truth as you do, they would be nothing leſs zealous for it then your ſelves, and conſider in the mean time as they are erroneous in our judgments (and certainly erroneous they are) ſo we ſeem to be to them. And though the conſequence of their rejecting one principle of Religion, do indeed endanger the reſt, yet let us believe, that if they were awar of this, they would abhor ſuch an opinion as doth ſo prejudice the Doctrine of Chriſt.
Our Brethren do err, it is true, but they err with a conſcience void of errour, becauſe (as may be hoped) they know not that they err. Now Charity ſuffereth long, and is kind, is not puffed up againſt any that zealouſly ſerve the Lord, though perhaps they err from many of his Precepts. Charity is not the companion of that exceſs of indiſcreet zeal which abounds in ſome men, for it knoweth that temperance is as neceſſary in our zeal, as mercy is in judgment, violent Spirits ſeldom or never doth the Church ſervice without diſſervice; And let us conſider that the truth we ſtand for, hath no need of our paſſions to defend it; no, its own authority will ſupport it againſt the ſtrongeſt oppoſition, therefore let your moderation appear to all men.
To the Brethren on the other ſide, Let me thus ſpeak, beware that you deſpiſe not your Brethren eſpecially you that are men of parts, becauſe you being taken for Brethren of high degree, muſt now if you own the truth which you have oppoſed, ſeem to be abaſed. You that have been Inſtructers of the ſimple, muſt now learn of Babes, or at leaſt ſuch things as pertains to Babes. Whereupon if you ask your conſciences, I am perſwaded you (or at leaſt ſome of you) have met with ſuch reaſonings, as once a Wiſe man met with upon an occaſion like to this, when he reaſoned with his friend after this manner. Becauſe others are gone before, is it a ſhame for us to come after? or is it not rather a great ſhame not at all to go after them. Aug. Confeſſ. l. 8. c 8.
And let it be conſidered how upon the diſcovery of the right manner of Baptizing (for men had forſaken the way of God both in the ſubject and manner of that Ordinance) there was found a kind of neceſſity for Chriſtians of ancient ſtanding, as it were to begin again. And yet ſome then, (as you now) was by no means to be prevailed with, but would (at leaſt) have the way of baptizing left to every mans liberty (as you would have the 4th principle) and now the Lord hath pleaded that cauſe, when no other endeavour could prevail, for thoſe that ſtumbled at that truth, are in a manner wholly extinct in this Nation, whilſt thoſe that imbraced it are bleſſed with great encreaſe. And what ſhall befall you if to your diſobedience you ſhall add pertinacity, a little time may determine.
By that which hath been ſaid you may perceive (Brethren) how the caſe ſtands betwen us, gladly would we have communion with you in all Chriſtian priviledges, but your willful want (as of ſome may be feared *At leaſt ſome of of you.) of one principle of Chriſtian Religion, and therewithall your endeavours to deprive our Churches of it (as is too evident to be denyed) puts a ſtop to that which is ſo much deſired, and how it ſhall be obtain'd is the buſineſs for time to determine, and O that the ſet time were come. Mean while we muſt leave the Searchers, and their ſearch; our ſelves, and our Sigh, to him that will cauſe all the Churches to know that it is he that ſearcheth the heart, and tryeth the Reins, and will give to every man according as his work ſhall be.